We Meet Again

[Ben M]

The scene opened backstage at the Wells Fargo Arena, where Warfare was taking place. The camera panned to a dimly lit area, where Hook was sitting on a bench, his trademark stoic demeanor intact. Hook’s hoodie was pulled low over his face, and in his hands, he rolled his wrist tape, methodically wrapping it as if every turn of the tape brought him closer to the battle ahead. Hook then brushed his hair away from his face and looked up, his gaze piercing the lens. His voice was calm and measured… but there was an undeniable edge to his tone.

Hook: Tonight, I go one on one with Damian Priest again. Last time we met, Priest proved what a worthy Gateway Champion he is. He showed me - and everyone else - exactly what he's capable of. Damian, before our match at Fanniversary, you said you respect me… and trust me, the feeling’s mutual man. You’re one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been in the ring with. You pushed me to my limit at Fanniversary, and I came up short. That’s on me. I wasn’t ready. But tonight? Tonight’s a different story.

Hook paused, and as he did so he clenched his fists; not in anger, but in determination.

Hook: There’s no doubt about it, Priest… you were the better man that night. There haven’t been many times in my career thus far that that’s been the case, and I don’t forget lessons like that. Every match, every opponent; it all goes into my arsenal. And our match at Fanniversary, Damian, it taught me more than you realise. You gave me a taste of what it takes to stand at the top, and I have spent every moment since then preparing to climb back up. I’m constantly learning, constantly evolving, and tonight, I raise my game.

As Hook stood up, he squared his shoulders. There was an aura of quiet confidence surrounding him that was almost tangible.

Hook: I know what you bring to the table, Priest. You’re one of the top guys in the business right now. I know that; I’ve felt it firsthand. But you know me too man. You know that I don’t break, and I don’t back down. Every time someone knocks be down, I get right back up; that’s the way my father raised me. And when that bell rings tonight, I’m not just walking in to compete… I’m walking in to win. I want another title opportunity, Damian. Tonight is my chance to prove to myself, to you, and to everyone watching that I deserve that opportunity. That I’m ready to take that next step.

Hook leaned closer to the camera, his intensity cutting through the screen.

Hook: You’re standing in my way, Damian. And as much as I respect you, I ain’t going to settle for second best. Tonight, I’m coming out on top.

With that, Hook turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway as the scene drew to a close.