UNNECESSARY SUITS

Backstage, where the hard-working PRIME camera crew is ready for action (and deserving of a raise, hint hint.)

The action that they find–and show to you, our beloved viewers–is a man walking through the halls. The man in question is Nate Colton, back in his street clothes after his match earlier in the evening. Is that the same PRIME polo he wore at Rev11, or did he just stock up on them? We may never know.

Normally, Colton would find a quiet spot to watch the rest of the show after he’d finished his own match. But he’s just coming off a hotly-contested fight against Dusk, and right now all he wants is to get back to his suite, kick his feet up, and relax.

All he doesn’t want to do is talk to this man.

Phil Atken: Calm yourself young man, I’m simply passing through to check on the BOOMING business. No need to put up your defenses.

A rather arrogant and self satisfied smirk sits up the face of the man due to challenge Brandon Youngblood for the Universal Championship on the next ReVival. Atken continues to be decked out in the finest mid-brand three piece suits you can find. Colton looks at Atken as if he’s about to join the conversation but is immediately spoken over by the Glue Factory’s Humble Proprietor. 

Phil Atken: A lot of the hungry young talent have the exact same look as you. I know the expression. You’re wondering if the offer was real at Great American Nightmare. You’re also wondering if I may actually have something to offer after you witnessed me battering the hell out of a sentient fog machine. 

Once again Colton is about to interject and is immediately cut off. 

Phil Atken: …a corridor is not a place to make any rash decisions. I think it would do you better to take some time and think about the wealth of rich knowledge that could be imparted to you. Take some time. Not too long though. Offer ends at the next ReVival. 

Atken gives Colton a cheeky lil nod and a wink of an old man’s eye as he starts to walk away. 

Now, Nate Colton knows that the smart thing to do right now is to bite his tongue. After all, the Humble Proprietor will have his plate full by ReV13, and there’s decent odds that he’ll have forgotten all about this meeting by then. Besides, after the match he just had with Dusk, Nate probably doesn’t have another fight in him tonight.

But maybe he’s still riding high off the adrenaline from that match, just a little bit. Or maybe he’s still riled up from his run-in with FLAMBERGE earlier in the night. Hell, maybe he just doesn’t care for people who wear suits when they don’t have to. For whatever reason, instead of the smart thing, Nate does…this.

Nate Colton: Actually, Mr. Atken, I can give you my answer right now. The answer is “no.”

You may expect Atken to be a man outraged by such a flash speed retort, but his step remains unbroken. As Atken disappears out of sight, Colton can hear him shouting out as his voice reverbs around the narrow hallway.

Phil Atken: For now. Just remember when the offer ends.

Atken’s irritating chuckle is the last thing the man says to Colton. Nate shakes his head before continuing toward his own destination.

Nate Colton: I’m sure that’ll turn out fine.