Doctor: Looks like you're going to need stitches again Tomasso.
Ciampa: You shoulda seen the other guy.
Doctor: I did. I examined Braun while you were still flat out in the ring. After that running powerslam. Correction, those two running powerslams.
The doctor threw Ciampa an unimpressed look. She put a couple if bloodied cotton wool balls into a medical waste bag and applied a cream to the cut on Tomasso Ciampa's head.
Ciampa: That match was bull. Utter bull.
The Doctor shook her head.
Doctor: Really? You were in a chain match, you used bolt cutters - here's an ice pack for your knee - You used bolt cutters in an attempt to escape Braun. In my opinion, you made yourself look like a coward.
Ciampa: Is that what happened? Is that the narrative you're going with? Your spin is not even close to the truth. I, did, not, run away. That is an untruth! I was simply taking a moment, a time out, deciding just how to punish Strowman next. I outsmarted him, I out smarted everyone. Everyone, it seems besides our beloved Gateway champion. How was I supposed to know Castle wanted to rain on my parade?
Doctor: He suggested it at the beginning of the show. Maybe you weren't around the monitors at that point?
Ciampa: Urgh.
The doctor stepped out of shot for a moment. Ciampa took the opportunity to run his hand over his face. His hand came away bloody. The doctor moved back.
Doctor: Could you not touch that? You still have Braun's blood on your hands
Ciampa smirked.
Ciampa: Damn right I do.
Doctor: Are you pleased with yourself? Bloodying a man up and then cheating. Breaking the rules. Running away, failing and then losing the match.
Ciampa: I'm sorry? Last time I checked anything goes in a chain match. No rules to break. Only chains
Doctor: Okay, technically you didn't break the rules but you broke the code.
Ciampa: Code? Am I missing something? Have I become delirious with blood loss? What happened to anything goes? If you want to talk breaking the code maybe you should be pointing those rubber gloves at Dalton Castle and Braun Strowman - they collaborated on my downfall it's obvious to me now. In a way, I can't blame either of them, not really. I would do the same to either of them, if there was anybody in this locker room I could tolerate. Still, I'll have my retribution.
Doctor: You really didn't hear a world Dalton said did you honey?
The doctor gave Ciampa a smirk of her own.
Doctor: He said he was returning to in ring action at Warfare. Maybe you'll get your chance. Oh, I'd pay to see that, maybe I'll volunteer to be on staff for that night.
Ciampa: Interesting. That might work.
The doctor looks at Ciampa's head again.
Doctor: I've made a decision. I'm going to staple you up. Hold still.
=========
Tomasso Ciampa is sat in the locker room at Warfare. He is dressed for action
Ciampa: Not going to lie. I'm in a fair amount of pain right now. Head stapled.
Ciampa points at the small gash on his head which had been stapled up but has now partly healed.
Ciampa: I underestimated these too.
Ciampa holds his wrist up to show the camera the bruises where the chain had been. He tapes his fist which causes him to wince a little.
Ciampa: I have to give it up to Braun Strowman. You beat me. Underhanded tactics to have Dalton blind side me but whatever. We still have unfinished business Braun but for one week only you get a pass. This week, rather than focusing on you. A self proclaimed monster among men I'm gonna make life difficult for another. Not a monster. Not even a man. A peacock. Dalton Castle you have made an error. Maybe while you were goofing around defending your title against Billy Nobody and Johnny...
Ciampa laughs maniacally
Ciampa: ... Grappler in backwater shows you stopped paying attention to what was happening in the big boy sports entertainment company. You've made a mistake Dalton but I will be extremely happy to.. assist you in course correction. You don't want to get involved in my affairs, surely?
Ciampa strokes his beard thinking for a moment.
Ciampa: It's too late for you though, the match is happening. Your triumphant return is going to leave you feeling more let down than your father must feel at having offspring like you. I'm going to break your arm and your heart. I'm going to embarrass you, just like you embarrassed me at Summerslam. Try to halt my momentum? You're going to get trampled all over? I'm going to run you down peacock. You won't be shaking your tail feather to get that shot at Havoc. You're not to going to earn anything aside from a beating. In fact Dalton, I doubt you're going to hold on to the Gateway title long enough to get your opportunity to cash in. Wait.
Ciampa shakes his head.
Ciampa: I've just worked it out. I know your game Dalton. You are clever. I know what you're going to do. Misdirection. You're going to avoid putting the title on the line against anyone worthy. Am I right? If you don't defend it you can't lose it. Smart. After our match at Warefare you'll, what? Take a month or two to recover. Let Havoc defend his belt in all sort of crazy death matches. Let him run himself into the ground. Then after a few months he'll be burned out, you'll be well rested, partially recovered from a Ciampa ass kicking. Your bones will have fused back together and into something resembling an arm or a wing, then you will call him out. They say I'm a devious bastard but you are truly a sick son of a bitch. Won't work though. Sorry Dalton, there is a flaw in your plan. Havoc bounces back. He might be a prick but he is a resilient prick. Also, you're going to be on the shelf for longer you realize. Because... I'll let you into a little secret Dalton - I am considering snapping both of your arms. Dally two slammies will be no more. Dally no arms, how does that sound?
Ciampa takes a drink of water and swills it around his mouth before swallow it.
Ciampa: I'm not impressed with what you've done Dalton, but it is not a mistake you will be repeating. I almost feel sorry for you. Almost. Dalton, you are partially responsible for the embarrassment that happened to me at Summerslam. In exchange I intend to be wholly responsible for your downfall.