Honoring the Common Man

[Ashlee]

Cameras were waiting near the back entrance to the Pinnacle Bank Arena when Wes Ikeda stepped inside, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. Renee Young stepped into the frame and called to him.

Renee Young: Excuse me, Wes!

Wes met her halfway and took his sunglasses off.

Renee Young: Mr. Ikeda, the EBWF Universe can't wait to hear what you have to say about your opponent Stardust here tonight.

Wes nodded somberly.

Wes Ikeda: I do have a match tonight against Stardust as we continue the King of the Ring tournament. The fans make it clear, week after week, from the way they chant "Cody" that they know that the man behind Stardust is a very talented young man by the name of Cody Rhodes. Cody Rhodes and I have had our differences, and we've definitely had some very unique interactions in the last couple of years. But I want to go on record right now as saying that I respect Cody Rhodes for the wrestler that he is, and the talent that he bring to professional wrestling. Last Thursday, the professional wrestling community lost an icon in this business. We lost Dusty Rhodes, a man who innovated the way we speak into microphones and defined what it means to be charismatic in this business. We lost a man who was a champion for professional wrestling, and wanted nothing more than to see it succeed in its mission to truly entertain without forgetting its purpose and why we love it so much in the first place. That's what we lost, Renee. But Cody? Cody lost his father. Now isn't the time for me to stand up here and talk trash on Cody Rhodes. It's not the time for me to inflate my sense of importance with a one liner or a cheap pop. Right now is just a time to thank Cody for stepping into that ring with me tonight. I hope we can honor your father's memory together, and may the best of us win. Thanks Renee.

With that, Wes adjusted the duffle bag on his shoulder and continued down the hallway as the scene faded to black.