He leans back into his seat.
(Hans): You’d have to ask him yourself though Mike.
A smirk flashes across his face.
(Hans): But I’d make sure you had thick gloves on before prodding him for a response though!
(Mike Anderson): I’ll bear that in mind!
Mike shuffles his notes, before continuing.
(Mike Anderson): So, moving on then. How hard was it for you to rebuff Senester?
(Hans): I didn’t have to put too much thought into it. I look back to 2005, and all I see is some spiteful individual, jealous of his best friend’s success despite not being exactly short of it himself, and too easily manipulated into situations and actions that ultimately lead to the exact opposite of what he’d wanted in the first place. In contrast, here I am in 2010, with my family at one side, and…
He dithers briefly on whether to continue, before caving in.
(Hans): The love of my life at the other. I’ve been there, and done it, and spent four years of my life coming to terms with the consequences. I’m happy and content, and have no wish to repeat it.
(Mike Anderson): Are you prepared for the consequences of not joining him?
(Hans): I’ve been prepared for consequences since rejoining the HWA Mike. It had to happen sooner or later, if not for what I did previously, then something else.
He crosses his left leg over his right.
(Hans): I’m not going to get worked up over the ‘what’ or ‘when’ questions that come attached to Senester’s threats and warnings. Fact is, I’ll be as civil to him as I’ve been the last eighteen months; because all I’m here to do is wrestle. Power plays and what not are not my concern, so if we both don’t overstep our respective marks there, and he leaves Vanessa and my brother out of things, then I’m content to leave it at that.
(Mike Anderson): And we’ll move on at that.
Mike again shuffles his notes, scanning the bullet points he’s made previously.
(Mike Anderson): Now then, to you first match as HWA World champion. You’re up against Buff Bridges, who of course, holds the record for World title reigns, and who’s seemingly rediscovered his form as of late.
(Hans): Indeed. And I’d like to take the chance to say, congratulations to Buff on the title win; very well deserved.
(Mike Anderson): The last three encounters’ you’ve had with Buff have been close and tense affairs. Why was that?
(Hans): I’d say it’s down to neither of us having a true advantage over the other. I’ve got a mild advantage in weight, while he’s got a bit of height on me. That’s really about it, and so it comes to experience and a willingness to fight and react on the fly, all of which we have plenty of. He’s not an easy man to face, I’ll be honest.
He laughs as memories come flooding back.
(Hans): I remember what I thought of when I returned to the HWA, and had to face him in my first match back. My memories of him were of this conquering tyrant from my days in the Horde, and even then, with four years between, I still was a little bit overawed knowing that I’d finally get to face him. Nevertheless, we fought to a draw. The second time we had Ronnie McNeil to thank for not allowing a clean end, and of course, I took the pinfall in the Triple Threat we all had.
He pauses, thinking on what’s been said, before pointing at Mike as he continues.
(Hans): I feel that there’s a little bit of a loose end though, and I’d like to tie that up neatly by taking a win over him in singles competition… cleanly and fairly. Yes, there’s also the fact that I want to begin to put this title back on the pedestal it’s be so cruelly allowed to fall from, but that’s professional, this is more of a personal thing.
(Mike Anderson): Personal? Hopefully you’re not meaning anything like a vendetta, are you?
(Hans): Of course not. Something I can tick off my wrestling ‘to do’ list and mention to the kids in later years. That’s what I mean.
(Mike Anderson): So you’re looking forward to this one then?
(Hans): Of course. I know I can beat him; I’ve got it in me. Yes, it’ll be tough and I know well how slippery he is to nail down, but I’m not going to be denied.
(Mike Anderson): And to finish, we’ll move onto a lighter topic. Have you noticed any changes since becoming World champion? Work load increase for example?
(Hans): Yeah, the PR department have really sunk their teeth into me this past week. I’ve got TV and radio slots all of today and tomorrow, then they’re wanting me to fly out home for some photo shoots for some magazines and articles. All on top of the usual stuff I do anyway.
He sighs quietly, running his hands through his hair.
(Hans): It’ll be good to be home, even if only for a few hours, but yeah, the workload’s gone up.
(Mike Anderson): Something you could do without?
(Hans): Yeah, but I understand their reasons for it. Eddie was non-existent title holder most of the time, so they’ve a lot of groundwork to catch up with. I’ve put my foot down over some of the things they’ve asked, but it’s not their fault. They’re doing their job, and I’m doing mine… we’ll find a balance. I’m sure of it.
(Mike Anderson): And what of the many congratulations you’ve received from your fellow wrestlers?
(Hans): I was quite taken aback by how many I received if I’m honest Mike. A lot of people seemed very happy to see me take the title.
(Mike Anderson): Anything to say to them?
(Hans): Well thanks, firstly, and erm… I hope many of you will be able to challenge me for this title in due course. I’m going to be a fighting champion, so the more the merrier!
Mike shuffles the last of his notes, before swivelling in his seat so as to face the camera.
(Mike Anderson): Well that’s all we’ve time for tonight folks. Once again, thank you to my guest; Hans von Richtoven. I’m Mike Anderson, and this has been another interview for the HWA Round-up. Thank you, and good night.
The scene fades to black.
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