READY, AIM, FIRE
From our first match of the night, we cut to Simon Tillier who is joined by Eddie Cross and Dave Gibson. Simon looks understandably nervous as the last time these two interacted, Simon was left puzzled and a bit ridiculed. Eddie wastes no time in alleviating the nerves.
Eddie Cross: Simon, you’re looking good tonight bruh. Did you get a new suit?
Simon smiles.
Simon Tillier: It was my fathers.
Dave Gibson: The man had taste. Is that tweed?
Simon shrugs.
Simon Tillier: I don’t know, I just like the way it’s cut.
Dave and Eddie look at one another and give him a thumbs up.
Simon Tillier: Anyhow, Eddie you must be excited for the opportunity on your plate tonight?
Eddie Cross: I have to admit I am a little nervous. My first title shot in PRIME, it’s a big deal!
Simon nods.
Simon Tillier: Maybe the first of many? Though that does bring up Mortimer’s stipulation that if you lose, you cannot get another shot. Does that worry you?
Eddie Cross: No, not really. I’ll either get it done or not. We all know why he put that stipulation in place anyhow and it has nothing to do with me. He’s afraid to confront Kohime Mori.
Dave Gibson: TGB, Simon.
Simon looks confused.
Simon Tillier: TGB?
Dave Gibson: Typical G.A.S. Behavior.
Eddie turns back to Simon and flashes a smile.
Eddie Cross: The reality is that my opponent is dangerous and he has a group of flunkies to help him.
Simon Tillier: Don’t you think Anna Daniels or Kohime would come to help you?
Eddie Cross: I do, but I am a better wrestler than he is and I am going to go out there to win on my own. I don’t want Tony Gamble to have any excuses and backpedal after I take the belt, rename it, and remove that stupid stipulation so Kohime can have another shot if the bookers deem it so. See, I don’t run from people, I just use strategy.
Simon Tillier: Dave, have you given Eddie any words of wisdom for this match?
Dave flashes some of his Carolina charm and nods.
Dave Gibson: Sure have. I told him to go out there and have fun. He’s never going to have his first title match ever again. No need to get too deep in the weeds. If he does what he has been taught, he will stretch Mort and get the sub.
Simon Tillier: I feel like I have to ask, what if he loses?
Eddie cuts in.
Eddie Cross: Someone I respect once told me “it’s always raining in PRIME.” But you know what happens after the rain? The sun comes out all the brighter. Grass grows, flowers bloom, and the world starts over. I am no different.
Simon Tillier: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that your father won his first shot at a major title in his first attempt. Will history repeat itself?
Eddie Cross: None of that matters, Simon. Last time I checked nobody has seen Rent – a – Hero in twenty years and the only person who even knows what that belt looks like anymore is my Dad because he has a replica in his den.
He pauses and thinks about his next words.
Eddie Cross: The past is in the past. I believe it is important to learn from, but I am the present and the future. Just like other major sports, this isn’t the same game that they played in the past. This is PRIME. We’re built different.
With that, Eddie and Dave turn and stride away confidently. Simon looks back to the camera and smiles.
Simon Tillier: There you have it, folks. Eddie looks like he is ready for a battle! We’ll find out soon if he can make good on his words.