Inferno

[Miles]

The camera opened on the locker room of Curt Hawkins. He stood with his back pressed against a wall and his steel cane resting along his shoulder blades. His eyes were covered with dark sunglasses and his murky, long hair dangled downwards as he gave an unimpressed look to the interviewer standing beside him. Todd Grisham. Hawkins glanced away and shook his head as Grisham began to introduce him.

Todd Grisham: "With me presently is Curt Hawkins. Curt, you have the opportunity to become the PTG Champion this week. That is, if you can defeat a returning Wade Barrett."

Curt Hawkins: "Can I ask a question? Why is it that every time some new guy debuts or somebody returns, I have to wrestle them? I'm a former Breakout Champion. I'm not here to make anyone look good. Except for myself."

Todd Grisham: "On that subject, you and your partner Tyler Reks attacked newcomer Christian during your match with him one week ago.."

Hawkins flashed a grin.

Curt Hawkins: "Oh you saw that? And I'm sure your next question is going to be 'Well, why did you do that, Curt'? Because we felt like it. And, hey, if the mood strikes me, Wade Barrett might get the same treatment. If I have to keep wrestling these newbs then I'm going to ordain myself as the welcoming committee. You show up, you debut, you get a beating from Hawkins and Reks. That's how this is going to work."

Todd Grisham: "But if you get disqualified this week you are going to lose your chance to become a champion.."

Hawkins tilted his head a few times as if he was mulling over this fact. His shoulders shrugged.

Curt Hawkins: "I like being a champion but I think I kind of like beating people up too. They both have their little perks."

Todd Grisham: "We've seen quite a transformation from you since you got involved with The Big Red Monster Kane.."

Curt Hawkins: "Here's the deal. I know Kane doesn't have my soul. I'm not stupid. I know that isn't something you can possess.."

Hawkins removed his sunglasses and looked extremely proud of himself.

Curt Hawkins: "But I like the new me that Kane's brought out. The old Curt Hawkins was a door mat. But the new me doesn't lay down for anybody. Especially people like Christian and Barrett."

After sliding his cane down from his shoulders, Hawkins planted it firmly on the floor and allowed his hands to rest on top of it.

Curt Hawkins: "And, oh yeah, that Tag Team Invitational? Reks and I entering. Because I hate Trent and Zack I want to want another shot at them.."

Typically, Hawkins looked a little more unnerved whenever the Tag Team Champions were brought up.

Curt Hawkins:" And we're not coming alone."

The room suddenly had a much more ominous feeling as Kane was now standing behind Hawkins. Todd's expression was a nervous one. Just the sight of the seven footer alone was jarring enough. But he was also unnerved at how swiftly he seemed to appear in the room. The masked giant, in a black suit with a blood red tie, was handed the microphone up to him by Hawkins.

Kane: "I only have one question. How can anyone possibly eliminate me?"

Todd had no answer for that question. He silently nodded and backed out of the room while the camera closed in on the grin that was slowly appearing on Kane's face.