CHANGE IS COMING

Nick Stuart: Well…that, umm…

Richard Parker: …happened.

Nick Stuart: Indeed. We’ve got Angelica Brooks standing by; she’ll be talking to Nate Colton.

Richard Parker: And I’ll be taking a nap.

The feed switches to a camera backstage, where Angelica Brooks stands in a designated interview era. She’s looking very professional, as always. Next to her is Nate Colton, who is still in his street clothes for some reason. Even more curious is the sheen of sweat on his face. The ear-to-ear grin is also weird, but probably not the most weird.

Angelica Brooks: Angelica Brooks here, speaking with PRIME rookie standout, Nate Colton.

Nate Colton: My pleasure.

Angelica Brooks: The last time you were in the ring was ReV12, where you scored a win over a wrestling legend in Dusk. Tonight, you’ll be facing another man with an impressive resume in “The Grin” Tony Gamble. What are your thoughts heading into tonight’s contest?

Nate Colton: For starters…I noticed Tony’s a bit of a talker. He had plenty to say about me, my family, my accomplishments and what goes on in my head. Wasn’t right about most of it, but I don’t think that bothers him a whole lot. He’s made a career out of getting under people’s skin…and it’s worked really well for him, too. PRIME Hall of Famer and everything.

He shrugs. Watch it, kid. Overconfidence will get you every time.

Nate Colton: Now, I may not be a slick talker like him, and I may not have all the accolades he has. But as soon as I hear that bell, Tony’s going to learn just what I’m about. And in that ring–where it counts, when it counts–you can bet your last dollar on Nate Colton getting the job done.

Angelica Brooks: One person who might argue with that is FLAMBERGE, another promising standout who you’ve had some issues with. We finally saw those issues boil over at ReV13 with a brawl in the parking lot. Do you care to comment on that?

Nate Colton: Damn, you don’t throw softballs, do you?

Angelica Brooks: Never.

Nate Colton: All right, I’ll talk about FLAMBO. Y’know, right after it happened, I felt pretty bad…I never should have lost my temper like that. But then I saw what he did in the Universal Title match, and I didn’t feel bad anymore.

Angelica Brooks: Of course you’re referring to how FLAMBERGE pulled on a ring rope, preventing Brandon Youngblood from reaching it.

Nate Colton: Yeah. That stunt he pulled…no reason for it. And the nerve of that kid, to say what happened was my fault. No. No, I can’t let that stand.

Angelica Brooks: Does that mean you’re not going to pay for the damages done to his car?

Nate chuckles softly, which draws a brief look of confusion from the intrepid reporter. Normally, getting slapped with a bill of more than two grand isn’t a laughing matter.

Nate Colton: Already taken care of. The payment has been…delivered, let’s say. I’m just as responsible for that fight as he is; it’s only right that I cover some of the damages. See, I was raised to own up to my mistakes. Take responsibility for my actions. Try and fix it when I screw up, or come back and do better next time. It’s a shame nobody ever taught him that. Well…maybe someone should.

Angelica Brooks: Sounds like you’re issuing a challenge.

Nate Colton: That’s exactly right. FLAMBO…I’m callin’ you out.

YEAAAAHHHH!

…comes the cheer from the arena, but it’s loud enough that it can still be heard backstage.

Nate Colton: You and me. Ultraviolence. With all the people who tell us that we’re the future of PRIME…I figure, no sense in waiting. Let’s start the future right now.

Angelica Brooks: Have you considered the presence of the Glue Factory? They’ll almost certainly have a presence, since FLAMBERGE has aligned himself with Phil Atken.

Nate Colton: I’m sure they will. But I can’t let that stop me from doing what needs to be done. Sure, they’re all riding high right now. Atken’s got the title, FLAMBO has some powerful new friends. But that kid needs to know this…both tonight, and at UltraViolence…change is coming.

There’s that grin again.

Angelica Brooks: Strong words and a strong challenge from Nate Colton! We’ll have to see how FLAMBERGE reacts. Nick, Richard…back to you!