PRE-MATCH SPORTSMANSHIP
Matt Mills: All right, we’re backstage here at PRIME’s ReVival 37…
The camera pans to reveal Matt Mills, his face bright with enthusiasm despite the years of jaded experience behind him. He stood tall and well-dressed, ready for another interview as he gestured towards his guests, Adam Ellis and Ginny Van Lear.
Matt Mills: …I’m here with Adam Ellis and his manager, Ginny Van Lear!
Adam nods politely, his 6-foot-4 frame towering over Matt. Beside him, Ginny, the red-haired firecracker from Kentucky, stood protectively – her loyalty to Adam evident in her fierce gaze.
Adam Ellis: Good to be here, Matt.
Ginny Van Lear: Thanks, y’all.
Ginny’s Appalachian twang was a stark contrast to her husband’s midwestern style of voice.
Mills’s eyes zero in on the slight discoloration on the side of Adam’s face.
Matt Mills: Adam, I couldn’t help but notice your bruise there. Care to comment on the attack you faced last Sunday at High Octane Wrestling?
Adam’s expression darkens and stops Matt mid-sentence with a raised hand.
Adam Ellis: I ain’t gonna dignify that other place by talkin’ ’bout what happened, Matt. I work for a real wrestling company, and after next week, I’ll never set foot in that third-rate, garbage match hell hole ever again.
Mills senses the tension and quickly changes the subject.
Matt Mills: Alright, let’s move on to tonight’s match against Eddie Cross. What are your thoughts, Adam?
Adam Ellis: Cross is a classy fella, and a dang good technical wrestler. I know all about him. Technical, Catch wrestling – trained by Dave Gibson. He’s a classic grappler who likes to wear his opponents down, pinpointing injuries and prefers a submission finish.
Ginny Van Lear: Uses pressure points and joint attacks too. Precision strikes to set up finishes.
Adam Ellis: Exactly. Eddie Cross is a tough competitor, and I’m lookin’ forward to goin’ toe-to-toe with him tonight.
Matt Mills: Adam, can you give us any insight into how you plan on countering Eddie’s technical style?
Adam Ellis: Well…
Adam pauses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Adam Ellis: …I reckon we’ll put on a wrestling spectacular this Friday night. I’ve been trainin’ hard and studyin’ Eddie’s moves, but I know it won’t be easy. I hope to come out on top, but I have to work real hard to defeat someone like Eddie Cross. It’s gonna be one heck of a match.”
Suddenly, footsteps echo down the hallway and Eddie Cross himself appears, walking into the shot with a confident stride.
Matt Mills: Speak of the devil. Eddie Cross, joining us now… What brings you here?
Eddie Cross: Did I lose her? Oh hey guys. Adam? What’s going on man!?
Matt waits patiently for an answer.
Eddie Cross: Well Matt, I was just having a chat with the weirdly attractive lady that is hanging out with Max, and then I saw Mr. Ellis and Ms. Van Lear and decided to say sup’ before the match. So, sup’?
Matt Mills: Eddie, you are scheduled to go toe to toe next with Mr. Ellis. What are your thoughts going into the match?
Eddie rubs his chin contemplatively.
Eddie Cross: I have to tell you bruh, the way you shoot for a double leg is a thing of beauty. I’ve been watching a lot of tape myself and I have some great ideas, but like, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, right?
Eddie sees Adam sizing him up, not necessarily for intimidation, but more because he is excited for the challenge, and the young Samoan steps forward.
Eddie Cross: Adam, with all due respect, I only have one thing to say to you before we do this thing…
He holds out his hand.
Eddie Cross: Good luck and may the best wrestler win.
Adam grips Eddie’s hand firmly in a display of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
Adam Ellis: Agreed.
We then cut to ringside.