Violence

[Cory]

The “Firefly Funhouse” logo was emblazoned on the door of a room in the backstage area of the Legacy Arena. Approaching the door was Renee Young, who pensively knocked on the door. The door opened and outstepped Paul Heyman, who breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Renee with a microphone.

Paul Heyman: Thank God you’re here.

Renee Young: I’m--I'm sorry?

Paul Heyman: Look, I'm really excited about Bray Wyatt's prospects in this King of the Ring tournament and beyond, okay? But I never thought I would need to spend so much time with... Kids Show Bray.

Heyman shuttered.

Renee Young: What did you expect?

Paul Heyman: I don't know! I took Bray Wyatt on as a client because I knew I would be able to point The Fiend in the direction I wanted him to go. And right now? The direction is right at Edge and Randy Orton. I figured he would just show up when I needed him. Like...Batman.

Renee cocked her head incredulously.

Renee Young: Batman?

Paul Heyman: Y-you know what I mean. I didn't think I would be spending THIS much time with our Funhouse friend.

Renee Young: He has been successful in his King of the Ring tournament aspirations, so far.

Paul Heyman: Yes Renee... I'm aware. He's done a fantastic job. Due in no small part to my help and guidance, of course. But the man practically lives in pastels. I can't take it anymore. Not to mention that he talks like he's in front of an audience All. The. Time. It's exhausting!

Renee Young: He's also a little...unnerving.

Paul Heyman: That part I don't mind. I can channel that kind of thing towards someone like Tama Tonga, who he faces tonight.

Renee Young: Well to be honest Paul, that was my reason for being here.

Paul Heyman: Of course. Maybe you can talk to him yourself and give me a break.

Renee's eyes widened as Paul opened the door back up.

Renee Young: No, wait! You can just talk for me--

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: MISSUS YOUNG!

Renee sighed as "Funhouse" Bray Wyatt practically hopped out of the locker room and stood in front of Renee, massively excited.

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: I cannot tell you how HAPPY I am to see you! Especially now that I'm in the Quarter finals of the King of the Ring tournament!

Renee Young: I, um...appreciate you taking the time to talk to me, Bray.

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: Are you kidding me?! I would jump at the opportunity to talk with you Renee! You're an inspiration to so many people!

Renee Young: Um, wait. Really?

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: For sure! You're successful, you're smart, you're a go-getter! Just the kind of woman that kids should aspire to be like!

Renee didn't really quite know how to handle this, given the typical abuse by wrestlers in EBWF.

Renee Young: I, well... thank you Bray.

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: My pleasure Renee! I just wish I could extend the same courtesies for Tama Tonga. Don't get me wrong, I also wrote goth poetry in my freshman year in high school, so I definitely know where he's coming from. I can really appreciate the dark, brooding type. Heck Renee, I have one living in my head!

Renee Young: Do you think that might be a factor in tonight's match?

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: Oh, trying to get the scoop, aren't you Renee? Truth is, you never know when he is going to show up. And I have to tell you, that's what makes it exciting!

He leaned in with a grin.

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: And a little terrifying.

Renee Young: What's your strategy going into this match?

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: You are just DELIGHTFUL! My strategy is to go into the ring and defeat Tama Tonga, you silly goose! I know that this stick in the mud...

He gestured not-so-subtly at Paul Heyman.

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: ...is going to tell you about his grand vision of EBWF's future without Rated RKO! I don't really care about that stuff. I care about out wrestling my opponent, and putting the smiles on faces of kids everywhere! Tama Tonga seems to just want to revel in violence.

Bray smiled wryly.

"Funhouse" Bray Wyatt: And I think I know someone who could accommodate that. Ta-ta!

Wyatt skipped off as Renee looked on. Paul shrugged and walked off after him as the scene faded.