Get a Dentist

[CURE-E]

:: The scene fades in. The backstage interviewer, Kelly Ross, is seen smiling. ::

Ross: Welcome back, NLW! This is Kelly Ross here again to give you the inside scoop. We are here with the winner of last Ascendancy’s opener, CURE-E!

:: That’s when CURE-E walks into view. Kelly extends for a handshake. CURE-E pretends not to see. She drops her hand and continues smiling, not wanting to make an awkward moment on screen. ::

Ross: You must feel confident with your recent victory. It seems like your return to wre-

:: CURE-E puts his hand on Kelly’s shoulder. She stops talking. ::

“Let’s set the record straight. I didn’t meet a goal. I righted a wrong. I erased a stray mark, a chicken scratch. Let’s not act like there’s a cause for celebration. It seems like my time from the ring has allowed for careless mistakes and cheap knock offs to pour right in. That’s why I’m here.”

Ross: You mentioned before that you have previously wrestled here, right before you fought Razor Blade. Just who are you exactly?

:: CURE-E keeps himself from breaking down to a grin. ::

“Tell me, who’s the best wrestler in the world?”

Ross: Today?

“Ever.”

Ross: Oh gosh. I don’t know. There’s Reeshi, Dylan Black, Gravedigger, Jackson Steele, MG-

“See, the fact that you didn’t know, that you didn’t just come right out and say my name is exactly why I’m here. I’m here to remind all of you exactly who I am so when I unmask, you’ll kick yourself in the ass because you couldn't see something so obvious. I’m not going to tell you I’m the only good wrestler. The wrestlers you just named are all decent, but they’re not the best. See, the word best indicates that there can only be one, but "the best" has a style so iconically unique that if you can’t just name it on the spot, then they haven’t done their job well enough. That’s why I’m here, and that’s why I wear a mask. My face doesn’t need to tell you who I am. My abilities should do that for me.”

Ross: You certainly don't mince words, do you? How do you feel about your opponent, Chris Marks?

“I can’t say I had the pleasure of meeting him. All I’ve seen from him was his… unwelcome interference into my match. Other than that, all I know is from reputation. And what do you expect from someone who calls himself Filth? Should my glass be half-empty, and see it as a reflection of his wrestling? Or should it be half-full and think of him as honest? Perhaps I should just be realistic and look at his win/loss record and see that it’s perfectly balanced. Balance is great if you’re working with scales. Not so much if you’re trying to get respect, but I don’t think that’s his schtick. What, with his moniker and all.”

Ross: Well morals are one thing, but wrestling skills are another. Are you concerned about actually getting in the ring with him?

“I’m admittedly rusty from this multi-year hiatus. To just deny the fact that there are other talented wrestlers would be foolish and I didn’t get to be where I was by being a fool. But if we are on the topic of foolishness, then let’s not last Ascendancy. A few weeks ago, I announced just who I was. I didn’t just say I was the best, I showed the accolade that backed up the claim. And instead of just letting that be, he had to wedge himself in the middle of MY match with Razor Blade. Did he do that intentionally to get himself a match with me? I don’t know. I’m not a mind reader. But if he wasn’t malicious, he sure was negligent. Regardless of if this fool intentionally tried to stir the pot or not, this match happening and I'm going to have to hurt him.”

:: CURE-E soberly looks at the camera. ::

"Chris, get a dentist. I'm going to knock your fucking teeth down your throat."

:: Kelly actually steps back and remains silent for a moment. ::

Ross: That’s quite the statement. NLW fans, this was CURE-E! Who’s going to have to win? Find out at Ascendancy!

:: The scene fades out. ::