WHY DOESN’T ANYONE SMILE ANYMORE?

“What, you guys aren’t happy to see me?”

The unwelcome guest in the Intense Title match, Tony “The Grin” Gamble, finds himself being hauled through the backstage area by all five Enemigos, presumably on his way to be tossed out of the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The entirety of the Enemigos squad really isn’t necessary for dealing with Gamble, since he barely cracked two bills and was shorter than Mike Best the last time anyone saw him, but in these circumstances it’s important to have a show of force.

We’re lying about Tony’s height, by the way. You can thank EmoChris for deleting his bio on the old site, so now we gotta make shit up.

Anyway.

Enemigos 1 and 6 have Gamble by the arms. 4 and 5 walk out in front while 3 follows a step behind. Tony takes a look around as he’s carted along, seeing if he notices anyone from the good ol’ days.

Tony Gamble: You should be praising me right now, not throwing me out. What’s a big event without a surprise or two, am I right? 

His chatter goes unanswered. 

Tony Gamble: You’d think a Hall of Famer would be shown a little more respect. You should have me hoisted on your shoulders; celebrating my grand return, instead of dragging me like a dog through the streets. Seriously amigos, I can walk on my own two feet, y’know.

“Can you?”

The contingent stops suddenly and Enemigos 3 and 4, the two largest security bois, step aside.

Lindsay Troy: (frowning) Would be a shame if something were to happen where you couldn’t.

The Queen of the Ring is flanked on either side by both Dametreyus and Wade Elliott. None of them look particularly pleased to see the Grin, least of all his old nemesis the ‘Bama Bruiser. Might have something to do with Chet Fleetwood, who’s to say, really? Still, Tony beams up at them as he finds his arms released by his captors.

Tony Gamble: Queenie. You look good.

Lindsay Troy: Scarface. You don’t.

Gamble’s smile falters for a split-second before he musters up a laugh.

Tony Gamble: Too bad your personality didn’t age as gracefully…

The scowl on Elliott’s face deepens, but before he can open his mouth, Troy steps forward.

Lindsay Troy: You’re not in a position to make jokes here, dipshit. Hall of Famer or not, you don’t currently work here, so that little stunt you pulled constitutes trespassing. And while I’m sure Las Vegas’ finest would love to deal with you, I’ve got a feeling the man you screwed out of the Intense Title’s gonna want a piece of you for himself.

Troy gives The Grin a grin of her own.

Lindsay Troy: And to me, that’s a lot more satisfying.

The former 5 Star champion brushes his hands along his sleeves, shrugging slightly as he shakes his head.

Tony Gamble: Well, technically, that would be assault… With me not currently working here and all. If anything, he should be glad I saved him some face. You’re telling me you believe he actually had a chance out there?

Lindsay Troy: I believe he had a better chance than you would in his position. Want to prove me wrong?

With a slight chuckle, Tony runs a finger along his scar before rubbing his chin.

Tony Gamble: I don’t know, I have a lot of things on my plate right now. 

Lindsay Troy: We caught Cirque du Soleil the other night and didn’t see you performing, and I know the regular circus isn’t in town. I think you’ve got a free and clear schedule…otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.

The Queen opens up a door and beckons Gamble inside.

Lindsay Troy: I know you, Tony. You’re just like the rest of the old guard that came back…the itch never left. So why don’t you step into my office and we can talk brass tacks.

Tony Gamble: Not really interested in tacks, but if you can get me one of those cool zebra striped shirts like Timo, maybe we can work something out.

Lindsay Troy: I’m sure I can rustle one up for you somewhere. Shall we?

Gamble looks at the Enemigo on either side of him, then to Wade and Dametreyus, then adjusts his shirt, looking pretty pleased with himself. He saunters over to the office door and walks in…but stops short.

Tony Gamble: Hey wait a min…

Before he knows it, he’s being shoved inside a broom closet, with the door slammed shut behind him. Dametreyus and Wade both chuckle, although the Bad Dog’s is a little less mirthful than his co-Head of Security’s.

Lindsay Troy: Friggin idiot. Works every time.

Dametreyus: You really gonna hire him back, Boss?

Lindsay Troy: I dunno yet. I’ve got the main event to think it over. But Mort deserves to give him a little come-uppance, don’t you think?

Wade Elliott: More’n just a little.

Banging can be heard from inside the broom closet as the scene fades away.