TICK-TOCK

From the commercial we head to the dressing room, a very -Russian- dressing room. We’re talking banners of the Russian Federation and former Soviet Union hanging on the walls. We’re talking Russian war songs playing from a small radio in the corner. We’re talking Lenin and Stalin propped up in 8×10 frames. 

Most people would run out of this room screaming. But oh, you know who wouldn’t, and we know it’s that time. 

Because there’s not much time left. 

We don’t know why Ivan Stanislav has his own room. Maybe it’s because most of the roster can’t stand to be near him? Maybe it’s because he’s the challenger in the main event of this evening? Maybe it’s because he’s ranted and raved enough to have his own people bring in the comically large (yet personally well proportioned) furniture to suit a man who is as big and heavy as Stanislav. 

The reasoning is as murky as what goes on in President Putin’s office. And really, do we want to know? 

But whatever the reason, Stanislav is there, and Ruslan is at his side. The Russian Bear stares at the camera and he smiles, wide. 

Ivan Stanislav: I am sure each and every one of you expect big, triumphant speech from The Russian Bear, eh?

Ivan looks over at Ruslan and he smirks, before looking back at the camera.

Ivan Stanislav: Well so do I! DYAAHAAHAA!!

The sound wave that blasts from his massive maw is palpable, as Ruslan nods his head and laughs into a red handkerchief, before dabbing his eyes. But Stanislav’s signature laugh cuts off, almost immediately, and he shakes his head. 

Ivan Stanislav: Not much time left, PRIME. Doomsday counter has been tick-tocking for past year. Yes, you have tried to stop me. Yes, you have celebrated small victories here and there, but oh, this has been year of the Bear, has it not?

Stanislav smiles, and he tilts his head to the side and cups his ear. His grizzled gray and black beard crinkles as he grins even wider. 

Ivan Stanislav: I hear you out there, PRIME. I hear fans. I hear roster. The fever bitch, yearning for bloodshed and destruction. I hear your hunger for something, no, someone greater to ascend to top of PRIME. You need not admit it. Ivan Stanislav is best thing to happen to PRIME in long, long time.  

Ivan nods his head thoughtfully at the camera. His smiling expression melts away into a scowl. 

Ivan Stanislav: Not much time left, PRIME. Tick-tock. Let us go out with bang. 

Ivan walks with Alexei, who immediately locks the door behind him, in tow. The two Russians make their way to the ring as we fade to a video.