THE DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
Let’s go!
Here we are backstage, where there’s a designated interview area. In that designated interview area, there’s a designated interviewer. It’s Matt Mills, looking sharp as always with his suit and fancy microphone.
There’s also a designated interviewee, in his little shorts and a PRIME T-shirt. His name is Nate Colton, and you might be wondering where the little pig that lives on his shoulder is. Well, he’s not telling, and neither is the pig.
Matt Mills: Good evening, fans! Matt Mills here, backstage with the Next Diamond, Nate Colton.
Nate Colton: Hi, everyone.
Matt Mills: Nate, in your last match you lost to Cancer Jiles, which both eliminated you from the Almasy and cost you a guaranteed shot at the Universal Title. How are you handling the embarrassment of that loss?
Nate Colton: Are you kidding? The year I’ve had, that’s nowhere near the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to me lately. Hell, it’s not even top five.
Expect to see The Top Five Embarrassing Things That Have Happened to Nate Colton Lately on the Scandal Sheet tomorrow.
Nate Colton: I’m not happy at the way that turned out, but it ain’t like I’m the first guy he’s done that to. I just have to learn from the experience, then move on to the next challenge.
Matt Mills: That “next challenge” is coming up in just a few minutes, in the form of Paxton Ray. You and your family were among the most outspoken critics of Ray last year after his actions at UltraViolence, yet recently you’ve openly considered absolving Ray of those actions. Why the change of heart?
Nate Colton: First of all, I never said anything about absolution. There’s still a price he needs to pay for what he did. I’m just not the one he needs to pay it to. But more than that…I want to believe people can change for the better. And if Paxton is honest about that change, then I should encourage that. But…
He trails off, shaking his head. Then he turns toward the camera, because we’ve reached the “address the opponent directly” part of the interview.
Nate Colton: I know what the right answer is. I heard it every Sunday when I was growing up, every time we’d say the Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” It’s so easy to say. But to actually do it…Jesus, that’s hard.
Apparently so is not taking the Lord’s name in vain, Nathan.
Nate Colton: I still got a lot of hate in my heart for you, Paxton. Maybe a stronger man, a better man, could let go of that…but I can’t. Not yet. So instead, I’m gonna bring that all to bear the moment the bell rings. Probably not much of a threat, after what you went through with Jared or Tom, but the fact remains. I’m gonna hurt you tonight, and I can’t promise I won’t enjoy it. And when the match is over…I’m leaving it behind. Ring crew can sweep it up and throw it out with the rest of the trash. ‘Cause I don’t need it anymore.
Somewhere, the ring crew is grumbling about getting another assignment. As if they don’t have enough shit to do.
Nate Colton: After that…we’ll see. If you’re on the level, then I can accept your apology and we can all move on with our lives.
Matt Mills: And if he’s not?
The Next Diamond turns back to Mills with a look far more world-weary than a man of his age should be able to muster.
Nate Colton: Cross that bridge when we get there.
With a quick nod, Colton leaves the scene and heads for the Argyle position.
Matt Mills: Nate Colton, about to step into the fight of his life. Let’s take it back to Nick and Richard at ringside.
Yes, let’s do that.