In recent weeks, Braun Strowman had been picking off the Bullet Club one by one. Tonight though, Finn Balor and his cronies were to be forgotten. Braun had a new focus - King of the Ring - and an opponent in Cesaro who was worth taking notice of. Although Cesaro had accomplished little in EBWF, his reputation as one of the toughest wrestlers in the business was known to Braun Strowman. So, although Braun knew he was stronger and tougher, he was wary of Cesaro. He was yet to be pinned in his EBWF career, and with the stakes high in the King of the Ring tournament, Braun was determined to keep his unbeaten record a little longer.

Given his size, it was only natural for people to think Strowman was all brawn and no brains - pun intended. But the monster among men was deep in thought as he stood backstage at the Keybank Center. So when Jimmy Havoc slapped him on the shoulder, he caught Braun unawares.

Jimmy Havoc: Are you ready for this, big boy?

Braun Strowman: Haven't I warned you about sneaking up on me, Jimmy? I could kill you with my thumbs you know...

Havoc laughed.

Jimmy Havoc: I'm sure you could. But if you're going to kill someone, make sure it's Cesaro. You're not nervous are you? Cesaro might be the Swiss Superman, but you're the meanest motherfucker I've ever seen. You can be his kryptonite... his General Zod, if you will.

Strowman frowned, but he couldn't suppress a smirk.

Braun Strowman: Sometimes I forget how much of a nerd you are. Remind me why we're friends?

Jimmy Havoc: Because together we're an unstoppable force. The Bastard and the Beast. For the next few weeks though, it's every man for himself. And as determined as I am to become King of the Ring, if by some fluke I don't win it, there's no one I'd rather see with that crown than you. And not just because I think you'd look fucking ridiculous wearing a crown and a robe.

Braun and Jimmy both laughed.

Braun Strowman: It's not about the crown though, is it? It's about the prize. You're no longer the Gateway Champion, so winning this tournament is the quickest way for one of us to become the next number one contender for the World Title. You know we could end up facing each other in the final, don't you?

Jimmy nodded.

Jimmy Havoc: And what a final that would be. But let's cross that bridge when we come to it. One step at a time. Take care of Cesaro, and worry about the final later.

Braun Strowman: I don't worry about anything.

Jimmy Havoc: You know what I mean. Stop taking things so literally, Drax.

Braun Strowman: Another comic book reference? Seriously? Get out of here before I put my Wonder Woman costume on and give you nightmares for a week.

Havoc laughed hard.

Jimmy Havoc: Oh man. I would pay good money to see you wrestle in that costume. Maybe they'll let you compete in the Queen of the Ring tournament!

Before Braun could reply, Michael Cole entered the room, accompanied by a cameraman.

Michael Cole: Excuse me, Braun? Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your match tonight.

Havoc looked to Braun for approval. Braun shrugged, and Jimmy nodded.

Jimmy Havoc: I'll catch up with you later. Be gentle... he scares easily.

Havoc laughed, then exited the locker room, patting Michael Cole on the shoulder as he passed him. The camera started rolling, and Cole began to speak.

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, Braun Strowman. Braun...

Before Cole could ask his first question, Braun snatched the microphone from him. Not that he needed a microphone - his voice was loud and imposing without it.

Braun Strowman: Let me guess, Michael. You want to know what my thoughts are about facing Cesaro in the King of the Ring tournament?

Cole was too sheepish to respond. Braun continued.

Braun Strowman: The faces always change in EBWF, but the questions never do. Here's what I think, Cole. I think that for too long, people have seen me as nothing more than Jimmy Havoc's bodyguard. I have obliterated everyone who crosses me path, and people still don't give me the respect I deserve. But now King of the Ring is underway, it's not about the team of Jimmy Havoc and Braun Strowman. It's about the two of us as singles competitors. Jimmy is the first ever Gateway Champion, and one of the favourites to win the tournament. I have a question mark over my head, because people think I'm in Havoc's shadow. I'm not in anyone's shadow, Cole. I'm the biggest, strongest, toughest man in the EBWF.

Michael Cole: That may be true, but some would argue that Cesaro is the toughest opponent you've faced in EBWF, and that this is the biggest match of your EBWF career thus far.

Braun Strowman: They may be right. But do you think that intimidates me, Michael? Nothing intimidates me. Take a look at the bracket for this tournament. Look at some of the superstars I might have to defeat in order to become King. I might have to face the new Gateway Champion, the Destroyer Samoa Joe. I might have to beat the longest reigning World Champion in EBWF history, the Viper Randy Orton. I could face my own tag team partner in the final. But none of that bothers me, because every time I step into that ring, no matter who my opponent is, I have the same goal. I fight to hurt people, and I aim to win.

Michael Cole: Cesaro has a reputation as something of a brawler. With that in mind, do you think your match with him will be more of a fight than a traditional wrestling match?

Braun smirked.

Braun Strowman: Look at me, Michael. Nothing about me is traditional. I'm the sort of guy who stands out from the crowd. So yes, this will be a fight. But with my fists of fury, and my boots of brutality, there's only going to be one winner. I might even swing Cesaro around the ring to show everyone how much stronger I am.

Michael Cole: Okay Braun. Thank you for your time and good luck in your match tonight.