XY>XX
The sounds of the crowd reverberate through the backstage area of the Mexico City Arena as the crowd continues to buzz after the last match. In the corner, tucked away in the shadows of the backstage hallway, Solex is shown seated on a worn bench. Bent over with the type of focus that only a hardened combat veteran can have, he methodically laces his black combat boots, each pull and knot executed with sniper-like precision. With his boots tightly fastened, Solex slowly stands up and cracks his neck. The dim lighting from across the long corridor cast a series of dramatic shadows across his face that highlight the years of combat and pro-wrestling that have been etched into his face. His eyes lock onto the camera in the distance as a smug grin pulls on the corner of his mouth. With a deliberate slowness the camera zooms in, the lens fixed and centered on the HOTv Champion’s face.
Steve Solex: It’s funny that I’m back here in Mexico City. It’s actually kinda fitting, because in this very arena, only two weeks ago I became the greatest War Games Captain that has ever competed in professional wrestling when not only did my team win, but when my friend and protegé, STRONK!, became the HOW World Heavyweight Champion.
Solex rubs the sandpaper-like scruff on his chin where his glorious beard used to be as he continues to stare into the camera with a smirk.
Steve Solex: And tonight, I get to become the greatest professional wrestler who has ever competed in a PWA event when I absolutely fucking destroy that curly headed, no talent, light weight of a … woman … Lindsay Troy in the center of that ring in front of the tens of thousands of people in this arena, and in front of the millions of people watching around the world. Tonight I get to prove that the wrestling ring is no place for a woman and that the only thing that Lindsay Troy needs to concern herself with is what the back of a man’s hand tastes like every time she gets a little brave and wants to step out of line.
A ferocious chorus of boos erupt from the Mexican crowd as Solex’s voice booms from the sound system into the arena. Much to the dismay of the live audience, the boos only makes the sarcastic and arrogant smile on Solex’s face widen as he stands tall and soaks in the hatred from the crowd.
Steve Solex: Soft as baby shit, just like those PRIME fucks! I FUCKING LOVE IT!
The crowd continues to roar with boos, but again Solex smiles wide.
Steve Solex: LT, don’t let these people’s false confidence inspire you in any way. Don’t be fooled. You are what you are…and I am what I am. And there’s nothing you can do to change what that means. THE SCIENCE HAS BEEN SETTLED! I am stronger than you. I am smarter than you. And to be brutally fucking honest, I am better than you in every way imaginable!
The crowd’s boos continue to reverberate throughout the arena and backstage area, only adding fuel to Solex’s fire.
Steve Solex: Oh, come on. It’s true and every single one of you knows it! But, I can’t let my guard down, just because she’s a weak and pathetic woman. This isn’t a wrestling match, afterall, and I know that around any corner of this building is the possibility of ending up face to face with Ivan Stanislav.
The crowd unexpectedly cheers at Solex’s mention of the Russian.
Steve Solex: The irony isn’t lost on me y’all.
Solex laughs and rolls his eyes.
Solex: If I was you … Ivan … I’d mind my own business and stay the hell out of the way, you COMMIE-FUCK. I’ve got no problem putting you in a sealed box, shoulder to shoulder, with that dumb bitch the minute this little game of capture-the-flag is over. And the same goes for any of you other … PRIMEates … who might feel a little froggy tonight.
The crowd boos.
Steve Solex: Times up, LT. The only decision worse than calling yourself The Scarlet Sickle was signing up to face me tonight. The harsh reality of male exceptionalism is about to hit you right in the fucking face…and sweetheart, I’m here for it.
As the crowd’s boos continue to rock the arena, the camera begins to slowly pan back, giving the crowd one more look at the impressive stature and incredibly muscular frame of Solex. Solex holds his arms out to his sides, tilts his head back, shuts his eyes and takes in the enormity of the night in one deep breath. The boos of the crowd reaches new heights as the scene cuts back to the arena.