The Cure for Poison

[Daniel Bryan]

[Daniel Bryan stood off to the side of the screens stationed on top of the of walkway that lead to the ring. He could see parts of the crowd, chatting amongst themselves creating a buzz in the stadium. When his music hit, he knew those murmurings would turn into screams of excitement and repetitive chants of his Yes Movement. The first note hit and he was not disappointed. The screen lit up with his name, another with a match in his past, the Flight of Valkyries filled the stadium and he stepped out from his hiding spot.]

[He stood with a smile, taking everything in. He never ceased to be in awe of the admiration the EBWF gave to him. Fueled by the pure energy of the crowd, he sprinted down the ramp to gain the speed he needed to be able to jump around, chanting along to the Yes Movement, turning from each side of the ramp to look in the faces of the people who were overjoyed at being in the same room as him. Eventually it had to end. He had made it to the ring. He climbed up the steel steps and on to the apron. Gripping the top rope, he put his foot on the second one to make an opening just large enough for him to enter. The only two things in the ring were him and a microphone. He didn’t waste anymore time.]

Daniel: “I’ve stepped in this ring hundred of times. I’ve been the underdog sometimes.Other times I’ve been the only thing that makes sense. But each and every time, I’m still amazed at where I’ve made it and how many of you stuck behind me after all these years.”

[He took a moment so the crowd could applaud for themselves.]

Daniel: “In a sense, I feel like my return is a breath of relief for me but for you. You see, I feel a moral obligation to make sure everything is fair for the underdogs and sure bets. Because everybody can bring something to the table, right? We’re all talented with enough hard work and dedication, right? Well I thought so too. Until I heard of a guy named Jon Moxley.

[At the sound of his name, Daniel dropped his smile. His face etched in seriousness.]

Daniel: “You see, I’ve put my body on the line to give the best performance I’m capable of. I’m not the biggest guy. I’m not a powerhouse. But what I am is dedicated to this life with you guys. My entire life’s work was to make it to. This. Point!

[Daniel started pacing the more he got worked up.]

Daniel: “Every single night I been called out to this ring to prove myself! And I’ve done it over and over again. My actions only show that can back up my talk...so I’m calling out Jon Moxley!”

[He quieted down and gathered his thoughts.]

Daniel: “He hasn’t proved anything in the ring. Sure, he’s won a few matches here and there. Not because he’s talented by any stretch of the imagination. Because he plays mind games. He poisons the mind so whoever he’s facing is so off their game with fear. He makes them feel like prey. And what’s more terrifying than being hunted?”

[He looked around, holding his breath waiting for the audience to silence themselves completely.]

Daniel: “Nothing. So I’m challenging him before he can poison my mind, before he can try to make me afraid. So MOXLEY! Come out and face me, you coward!”

Daniel dropped the mic and waited

[The lights dim and the familiar Led Zeppelin riff to start the “Immigrant Song” blares over the PA system as the fans erupt and to their feet once again.]