Coward

[Ben M]

The scene opened backstage at Warfare. Hook was standing outside his locker room with his father, Taz. As the camera started rolling, Taz began to speak.

Taz: Christian Cage... you’re one bitter son of a bitch, aren’t you? Over the course of a career that’s lasted almost thirty years, you’ve accomplished so much. You’re an eight-time EBWF World Champion, not to mention all your accomplishments when wrestling as part of a tag team. But like anyone who’s been wrestling for as long as you have, old father time is catching up with you. But rather than adapting, or deciding to call it a day so you can go out on top, instead you seem to have decided that the world is out to get you. That, and you’ve decided it’s okay to start beating on women... seriously man, what the hell?

Hook: I always knew he was a creepy little bastard, but I didn’t realise until recently that he was a total piece of shit.

Taz chuckled, then continued speaking.

Taz: When you formed The Coalition, Christian, it seemed like you were surrounding yourself with a group of people who would work with you for collective success. I mean that’s what a coalition is, isn’t it? But you seemed to choose the most bizarre group to surround you with. You recruited Maven, who hasn’t been relevant in about 20 years. You joined forces with superstars who were long past their peak – Kane and the Dudleys. I felt like we were back in the attitude era! The one person who was in The Coalition that stood out was Alexa Bliss. Not only did Alexa stand out, she shone... and that pissed you off, didn’t it? I think part of it was jealousy, but I also think you realised that her success wasn’t down to you at all. It was all her. And that’s the part that really got to you. That’s why you betrayed her. Any other excuse you give is bullshit... I see right through you, Cage!

Hook: Hey Lexi, are you single? If so, call me.

Hook smirked, then looked right towards the camera and winked. Taz looked across at his son and shook his head.

Taz: Remember to keep your head in the game, Hook. You don’t want to let your guard down... Christian might not be quite the talent he was in his prime, but he’s smart and he’s sneaky. You don’t want a repeat of what happened with MJF, do you?

The smile on Hook’s face faded as he turned to face his father.

Hook: I’m focused, Dad, trust me. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the way Christian has treated Alexa Bliss, I wouldn’t give a damn about him. But I respect Alexa, and I can’t stand the fact that when things weren’t going Christian’s way, his response was to take it on a woman... not only that, a woman who was supposed to be one of his best friends. Those are the actions of a coward. So tonight, I’m going to give Christian’s ass a beating, and choke that MFer out.

Taz nodded.

Taz: That’s what I want to hear. Watch out, Christian... tonight in that ring, there will be nowhere to hide. Beat Hook if you can... survive if he lets you!

Hook and Taz went back into Hook’s locker room, bringing the scene to a close.