Post by Mav. on Apr 29, 2020 21:32:46 GMT -5
October 27th // Mexico City, Mexico.
As the hours draw ever so close to Devil's Dance, we see an Audi R8 pull up into the parking lot of the Estadio Azteca as it takes a spot near the backstage door. The door to the car opens up on both sides, stepping out is Hannah Kehoe and Maverick. Maverick opens the boot and takes out some gear bags as they both prepare for a night they might not forget.
Hannah Kehoe: So what's the deal with tonight? What's going to happen?
Maverick: Same thing we always do every night, try to win. [ Pulling the last bag out of the boot. ] Wouldn't change for any reason now, would it?
Hannah Kehoe: But this is a night you've been dreading all week about, you've non-stopped talked about it since it was announced, so that's why I've been a bit worried about tonight.
Maverick: I know what I've said... But this is new grounds to walk on for me. This is basically new territory for me to discover. I've never stepped into the Chamber before whilst most of the men in this match have done this about three or four times, so in basic terminology, I have every right to be worried or scared.
Hannah Kehoe: I'm not disputing that...
Maverick: ...And I'm just saying. [ Closing the boot to the car. ] Come on, let's head in.
They both head inside, with multiple bags in their hands as they enter their locker room. They open the door to find a man, dressed in their finest and highly-expensive suit sitting on the couch. Although his back are turned to both of them, Maverick is quick to know who it exactly is.
Maverick: Always waiting, Shawn? [ He says as he drops his bags near the door. ] You know I never arrive on time.
??: I've come to terms with it...
As expected when the man stands and turns to the couple, it's Shawn Hughes. Greeting Hannah with a kiss to her hand, he lets Maverick take a seat on the couch as Hannah opens up her bags and Shawn stands opposite of where Maverick sits.
Shawn Hughes: So, are you ready for tonight? [ Nudging at his shoulder. ] This is a big match, and you're going to have one big moment tonight...
He waves his hand towards Shawn, stopping him half way through what he said.
Maverick: I wouldn't count on it, Shawn. [ He says, slowly shaking his head side to side as he's disagreeing with him. ] It's been in my head for a long time, I don't know what to expect tonight and that's just me being honest with you.
Hannah steps into the conversation.
Hannah Kehoe: He's been a bit worried over what's going to happen in the Chamber.
Shawn Hughes: Well, I can see why... The Chamber is no joke, remember, you're in there too. [ Pointing to Hannah. ] So I expect the same fear in you.
Hannah Kehoe: I don't show fear, but I do have my doubts on me being there as well.
Shawn Hughes: The only bit of advice I'd give both of you is to watch your backs, focus on what happens in the corner of your eyes.
Maverick intercepts.
Maverick: So what you're saying is...
Shawn intercepts back.
Shawn Hughes: Don't take your eyes off of anyone, no matter what happens. [ Pointing to both Hannah and Maverick. ] If you take your eyes off of someone, they'll do serious damage. That Chamber is a weapon. The pods are a weapon. This isn't your normal day in the park, you two. This is the Chamber and it will fuck you two up, no matter if you do or don't walk out with the prize you entered for. Now tell me, are you two ready for what's to come?
Both Maverick and Hannah look at each other. Hannah giving off a blanked expression whilst the fear screams in Maverick's eyes but he keeps quiet about it.
Shawn Hughes: You need to trust me with everything you've got. I'm going to support you two as much as I physically can, Hannah... Jason... you know this.
Hannah Kehoe: We know.
Maverick: We're ready.
Shawn Hughes: Good. Jason, can I speak to you privately?
Maverick: Sure thing.
Both of them head out of the room, closing the door behind him. Shawn checks his surroundings, before turning to Maverick.
Maverick: What is it, Shawn?
Shawn Hughes: I haven't heard from Brendan in a while, and I've no idea where he is. If he turns up late to the show, I will let you know. I've only said this privately because he wants to rip yours and mine's heads off, I know how much of a hot head Hannah is and if she hears... She'll find Alexis and kick the crap out of her for answers.
Maverick: Yeah, that's Hannah for you.
Shawn Hughes: That's why I said keep your eyes open in that Chamber. You may be facing Eddie Kovacs and David Arnold, but he's The Reoccurring Nightmare for a reason.
Maverick: I've seen what he can do. I've watched what he's done to Alex... I know how dangerous he can get when he puts his mind down to it.
Shawn Hughes: Good... Now I won't be out there for that match, so no underhand tactics with me involved, okay?
Maverick: What do you take me for? I didn't use underhand tactics to beat Leon Washington now, did I?
Shawn Hughes: No... But you won't be able to use me as a human shield against anyone. You're locked in there, not me.
Maverick: I understand that.
Shawn Hughes: Great. [ He pauses for a moment as he looks around once again. ] I've heard Mark was looking to interview you before they went live. Should I go tell him you're here?
Maverick sighs, pausing for a moment before nodding his head.
Shawn Hughes: I'll go tell him then.
Maverick: Tell him to meet me in the crowd. East side of the stadium.
Shawn Hughes: Will do.
With that said, Shawn walks off to go and find Mark Matthews. Maverick watches him walk away before heading back into the locker room, finding Hannah laying on the couch in the room. He grabs a chair and pulls it closer to Hannah before taking a seat. Hannah sits up on the couch and looks at Maverick, his head dug deep into his hands, before pulling his head back up and seeing Hannah looking at him.
Maverick: Can I help you?
Hannah Kehoe: What did Shawn say?
Maverick: He was talking about Howell not showing up apparently. I doubt it, that man never misses a show.
Hannah Kehoe: Does it matter if he does?
Maverick: [ He sighs. ] Yes, it does. He costed me our match on Riot, I still haven't forgiven him on walking out on me and Shawn. He's been acting weird, and I want to know why.
Hannah Kehoe: Have you said anything to him?
Maverick: No. [ Maverick looks up at the clock. ] I may go, Mark wants to interview me, talk to you later?
Hannah Kehoe: Sure thing, baby.
They kiss before Maverick walks out of the room as the scene fades out.
We open to no less than forty-five minutes later, the stage is set for Devil's Dance as we can see Production Crew working hard on getting the finishing touches done on time, we pan around and see Mark Matthews sitting ever so wholesome in his seat. He looks over to his right and sees Maverick walking along the aisle of seats and towards Mark.
Maverick: I heard you were looking for me.
Mark Matthews: A quick interview before we go live on the air, Maverick, that's all I ask for.
Maverick: Fire away.
Maverick takes his seat right beside Mark Matthews as he raises a microphone between them and presses record.
Mark Matthews: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an XHW Exclusive as we're here with one of the men who's ready to go to war in the Elimination Chamber... the XHW United States Champion, Maverick! Thank you for joining me here today, Maverick.
Maverick: The pleasure is all mine, Mark. Today is a good day in Mexico City and I am feeling extra lucky about tonight.
Mark Matthews: I'm liking the confidence already. Well, one question on everyone's mind is about what happened on Riot. Howell walked out on both you and Shawn Hughes, what are your thoughts on that happening?
Maverick: Howell... He seems to have changed a lot and after what happened at Riot, I cannot explain why he did exactly that. Tonight, it'll be the first time we've been on the opposite ends of the ring. Although he thinks he has every advantage in the world, he's very mistaken. This is the Howell that went through hell with Alex Withers, so what do I do with a man that has no limits? I fight with no limits, I fight with the honor and pride of a man and I will make sure Howell pays for what he done.
Mark Matthews: There's also David Arnold, a man you've got great history with in this match. How will this affect this match with both of you knowing each other very well?
Maverick: There's that difference, Mark. I've adapted many times and have changed my style into a more brutal striker whilst David has stayed the same. See, the times are ticking for old David. He's been trying too hard about being this new and improved man, a more possessed man if you want to call it that. But David... is still the David I've beaten numerous times before, David is still the same man I've had my early wars with. Nothing's changed about him, he's still the same weak minded David Arnold I know dearly. He could tell you different but we've known the truth for a long time.
Mark Matthews: Another man who's talked about you is Frankie Harkins...
Maverick: Oh, Frankie... Oh poor Frankie...
Mark Matthews: What are your thoughts on what he said about you lately?
Maverick: Frankie Harkins thinks that because he's in this match, he's still as good as he once was and he's still as relevant as he once was but with an injury... You lose all of that, Frankie. Without a doubt you've got experience in this structure, that's no secret, but you've yet to come one on one... face to face... mono e mono with someone that's faster, tougher, more aerobatic, someone with quicker reflexes than you. Frankie, I don't think you see what everyone else sees... They all see a man who's got fucking talent whereas you... You see me as some egotistic man who cares for nothing more than myself and that's fine but you have to realize that I have an ego for a reason, and it's because people struggle to keep up with me. People struggle to beat me. There's a reason as to why I'm the current United States Champion and a former Pride Champion. It's because I'm fucking good at what I do. But I don't see you doing the same as me, because you will never be like me.
Mark Matthews: And finally, there's the Undisputed Champion... Eddie Kovacs. Your thoughts?
Maverick: Eddie is on the same boat as Frankie, think's he knows better when he doesn't and thinks because I'm in this match, he shouldn't care about me and more about someone like Alex Withers... Alex, more than likely, won't be showing up but you know who will? Me, Maverick, the guy that's been chasing the thing you hold dearly near you. The guy who's going to become Undisputed Champion and the guy who'll lay you on your fucking back within seconds if you cross my path in any way because Eddie, I'm not taking any prisoners, I'm on the fucking hunt and I will lay you out along with everyone else... And I will become Undisputed Champion, because I fear no man and I fear no Chamber... But you, Eddie, will fear The Prince of Immortality.
Mark Matthews: Thank you for joining me, Maverick, and good luck.
End Transmission.
As the hours draw ever so close to Devil's Dance, we see an Audi R8 pull up into the parking lot of the Estadio Azteca as it takes a spot near the backstage door. The door to the car opens up on both sides, stepping out is Hannah Kehoe and Maverick. Maverick opens the boot and takes out some gear bags as they both prepare for a night they might not forget.
Hannah Kehoe: So what's the deal with tonight? What's going to happen?
Maverick: Same thing we always do every night, try to win. [ Pulling the last bag out of the boot. ] Wouldn't change for any reason now, would it?
Hannah Kehoe: But this is a night you've been dreading all week about, you've non-stopped talked about it since it was announced, so that's why I've been a bit worried about tonight.
Maverick: I know what I've said... But this is new grounds to walk on for me. This is basically new territory for me to discover. I've never stepped into the Chamber before whilst most of the men in this match have done this about three or four times, so in basic terminology, I have every right to be worried or scared.
Hannah Kehoe: I'm not disputing that...
Maverick: ...And I'm just saying. [ Closing the boot to the car. ] Come on, let's head in.
They both head inside, with multiple bags in their hands as they enter their locker room. They open the door to find a man, dressed in their finest and highly-expensive suit sitting on the couch. Although his back are turned to both of them, Maverick is quick to know who it exactly is.
Maverick: Always waiting, Shawn? [ He says as he drops his bags near the door. ] You know I never arrive on time.
??: I've come to terms with it...
As expected when the man stands and turns to the couple, it's Shawn Hughes. Greeting Hannah with a kiss to her hand, he lets Maverick take a seat on the couch as Hannah opens up her bags and Shawn stands opposite of where Maverick sits.
Shawn Hughes: So, are you ready for tonight? [ Nudging at his shoulder. ] This is a big match, and you're going to have one big moment tonight...
He waves his hand towards Shawn, stopping him half way through what he said.
Maverick: I wouldn't count on it, Shawn. [ He says, slowly shaking his head side to side as he's disagreeing with him. ] It's been in my head for a long time, I don't know what to expect tonight and that's just me being honest with you.
Hannah steps into the conversation.
Hannah Kehoe: He's been a bit worried over what's going to happen in the Chamber.
Shawn Hughes: Well, I can see why... The Chamber is no joke, remember, you're in there too. [ Pointing to Hannah. ] So I expect the same fear in you.
Hannah Kehoe: I don't show fear, but I do have my doubts on me being there as well.
Shawn Hughes: The only bit of advice I'd give both of you is to watch your backs, focus on what happens in the corner of your eyes.
Maverick intercepts.
Maverick: So what you're saying is...
Shawn intercepts back.
Shawn Hughes: Don't take your eyes off of anyone, no matter what happens. [ Pointing to both Hannah and Maverick. ] If you take your eyes off of someone, they'll do serious damage. That Chamber is a weapon. The pods are a weapon. This isn't your normal day in the park, you two. This is the Chamber and it will fuck you two up, no matter if you do or don't walk out with the prize you entered for. Now tell me, are you two ready for what's to come?
Both Maverick and Hannah look at each other. Hannah giving off a blanked expression whilst the fear screams in Maverick's eyes but he keeps quiet about it.
Shawn Hughes: You need to trust me with everything you've got. I'm going to support you two as much as I physically can, Hannah... Jason... you know this.
Hannah Kehoe: We know.
Maverick: We're ready.
Shawn Hughes: Good. Jason, can I speak to you privately?
Maverick: Sure thing.
Both of them head out of the room, closing the door behind him. Shawn checks his surroundings, before turning to Maverick.
Maverick: What is it, Shawn?
Shawn Hughes: I haven't heard from Brendan in a while, and I've no idea where he is. If he turns up late to the show, I will let you know. I've only said this privately because he wants to rip yours and mine's heads off, I know how much of a hot head Hannah is and if she hears... She'll find Alexis and kick the crap out of her for answers.
Maverick: Yeah, that's Hannah for you.
Shawn Hughes: That's why I said keep your eyes open in that Chamber. You may be facing Eddie Kovacs and David Arnold, but he's The Reoccurring Nightmare for a reason.
Maverick: I've seen what he can do. I've watched what he's done to Alex... I know how dangerous he can get when he puts his mind down to it.
Shawn Hughes: Good... Now I won't be out there for that match, so no underhand tactics with me involved, okay?
Maverick: What do you take me for? I didn't use underhand tactics to beat Leon Washington now, did I?
Shawn Hughes: No... But you won't be able to use me as a human shield against anyone. You're locked in there, not me.
Maverick: I understand that.
Shawn Hughes: Great. [ He pauses for a moment as he looks around once again. ] I've heard Mark was looking to interview you before they went live. Should I go tell him you're here?
Maverick sighs, pausing for a moment before nodding his head.
Shawn Hughes: I'll go tell him then.
Maverick: Tell him to meet me in the crowd. East side of the stadium.
Shawn Hughes: Will do.
With that said, Shawn walks off to go and find Mark Matthews. Maverick watches him walk away before heading back into the locker room, finding Hannah laying on the couch in the room. He grabs a chair and pulls it closer to Hannah before taking a seat. Hannah sits up on the couch and looks at Maverick, his head dug deep into his hands, before pulling his head back up and seeing Hannah looking at him.
Maverick: Can I help you?
Hannah Kehoe: What did Shawn say?
Maverick: He was talking about Howell not showing up apparently. I doubt it, that man never misses a show.
Hannah Kehoe: Does it matter if he does?
Maverick: [ He sighs. ] Yes, it does. He costed me our match on Riot, I still haven't forgiven him on walking out on me and Shawn. He's been acting weird, and I want to know why.
Hannah Kehoe: Have you said anything to him?
Maverick: No. [ Maverick looks up at the clock. ] I may go, Mark wants to interview me, talk to you later?
Hannah Kehoe: Sure thing, baby.
They kiss before Maverick walks out of the room as the scene fades out.
We open to no less than forty-five minutes later, the stage is set for Devil's Dance as we can see Production Crew working hard on getting the finishing touches done on time, we pan around and see Mark Matthews sitting ever so wholesome in his seat. He looks over to his right and sees Maverick walking along the aisle of seats and towards Mark.
Maverick: I heard you were looking for me.
Mark Matthews: A quick interview before we go live on the air, Maverick, that's all I ask for.
Maverick: Fire away.
Maverick takes his seat right beside Mark Matthews as he raises a microphone between them and presses record.
Mark Matthews: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an XHW Exclusive as we're here with one of the men who's ready to go to war in the Elimination Chamber... the XHW United States Champion, Maverick! Thank you for joining me here today, Maverick.
Maverick: The pleasure is all mine, Mark. Today is a good day in Mexico City and I am feeling extra lucky about tonight.
Mark Matthews: I'm liking the confidence already. Well, one question on everyone's mind is about what happened on Riot. Howell walked out on both you and Shawn Hughes, what are your thoughts on that happening?
Maverick: Howell... He seems to have changed a lot and after what happened at Riot, I cannot explain why he did exactly that. Tonight, it'll be the first time we've been on the opposite ends of the ring. Although he thinks he has every advantage in the world, he's very mistaken. This is the Howell that went through hell with Alex Withers, so what do I do with a man that has no limits? I fight with no limits, I fight with the honor and pride of a man and I will make sure Howell pays for what he done.
Mark Matthews: There's also David Arnold, a man you've got great history with in this match. How will this affect this match with both of you knowing each other very well?
Maverick: There's that difference, Mark. I've adapted many times and have changed my style into a more brutal striker whilst David has stayed the same. See, the times are ticking for old David. He's been trying too hard about being this new and improved man, a more possessed man if you want to call it that. But David... is still the David I've beaten numerous times before, David is still the same man I've had my early wars with. Nothing's changed about him, he's still the same weak minded David Arnold I know dearly. He could tell you different but we've known the truth for a long time.
Mark Matthews: Another man who's talked about you is Frankie Harkins...
Maverick: Oh, Frankie... Oh poor Frankie...
Mark Matthews: What are your thoughts on what he said about you lately?
Maverick: Frankie Harkins thinks that because he's in this match, he's still as good as he once was and he's still as relevant as he once was but with an injury... You lose all of that, Frankie. Without a doubt you've got experience in this structure, that's no secret, but you've yet to come one on one... face to face... mono e mono with someone that's faster, tougher, more aerobatic, someone with quicker reflexes than you. Frankie, I don't think you see what everyone else sees... They all see a man who's got fucking talent whereas you... You see me as some egotistic man who cares for nothing more than myself and that's fine but you have to realize that I have an ego for a reason, and it's because people struggle to keep up with me. People struggle to beat me. There's a reason as to why I'm the current United States Champion and a former Pride Champion. It's because I'm fucking good at what I do. But I don't see you doing the same as me, because you will never be like me.
Mark Matthews: And finally, there's the Undisputed Champion... Eddie Kovacs. Your thoughts?
Maverick: Eddie is on the same boat as Frankie, think's he knows better when he doesn't and thinks because I'm in this match, he shouldn't care about me and more about someone like Alex Withers... Alex, more than likely, won't be showing up but you know who will? Me, Maverick, the guy that's been chasing the thing you hold dearly near you. The guy who's going to become Undisputed Champion and the guy who'll lay you on your fucking back within seconds if you cross my path in any way because Eddie, I'm not taking any prisoners, I'm on the fucking hunt and I will lay you out along with everyone else... And I will become Undisputed Champion, because I fear no man and I fear no Chamber... But you, Eddie, will fear The Prince of Immortality.
Mark Matthews: Thank you for joining me, Maverick, and good luck.
End Transmission.