HWA Message Board: The Press Conference

Continued from previous…

(Reporter 3): And Maniac?

(Hans): I'm still in shock over seeing him and his wife together. Pity no air-time was given to her feelings over her husbands numerous examples of infidelity…

He smirks, before draining the glass of water in front of him. His brother settles back into his chair, arms crossing over his chest, content to listen for now.

(Hans): It wouldn't be fair to comment on his chances though, given that the booking is out of his hands until this Australian tour is over, but I'm not losing any sleep over him announcing he's still in contention.

(Reporter 1): So you'd give him a rematch?

(Hans): Oh yes, of course. Just like I'd give Buff another shot if he wants it. As for when it would happen? Well we’ll wait and see.

(Reporter 2): Seeing as how both Maniac and Buff Bridges have been brought up. Was it their altercation last week that prompted you to place them together?

(Hans): Primarily yes. And I’m sure they’ll deliver going by what their history together has taught us. I guess you could also bring up that I regard Buff as the number one challenger for the All-Star belt as he won the tournament, so we’ll see how Maniac can fare. Being left out last week will mean Buff will surely be champing at the bit to get going, while tagging with Deas week in and week out this last while is hardly adequate preparation for stepping up to the All-Star title, something that I feel Maniac should pay heed to going by his performance in our Triple Threat match…

The scene fades out once more, fading back in on the crowd of reporters after a brief respite.

(Reporter 1): What prompted you to place Bryan Deas against Ricky Evans?

(Hans): Time filling…? *Chuckles* No, seriously, it's more for the benefit of my brother here. Those will be the competitors he'll be up against on a regular basis when he becomes Spotlight champion.

Heinrich's cheeks glow slightly from his brother's words, and he quickly snatches up his own glass of water, taking a sip from it to draw attention from them, eyes darting in his brother's direction all the while.

(Hans): Always helps to get a look at the competition afterall.

Hans leans back, gesturing with his left hand at his brother to speak up, a knowing smile forming as he see's his brother's slight discomfort. Heinrich clutches the back of his head with both hands for a moment, before leaning forward, crossing his arms and resting them on the table in front of him.

(Heinrich): Well, my brother… he's certainly got faith in my abilities… that's for sure… erm, I can see where he's coming from, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

He smiles.

(Heinrich): Speaking of people who have faith in themselves, however misplaced; Bryan Deas. I’m glad he’s seeing this as a stepping stone to greater things, but to see himself as the next Ringmaster? Focus on the one thing he’s never won? Sorry Bryan, but haven’t you not won any gold, at all, in the HWA since coming here?

Hans laughs, gesturing out over the assembled reporters, whilst glancing in his brother’s direction.

(Hans): You’re preaching to the converted Heinrich…

Laughter sounds out as once more the scene fades out briefly and then back onto the brothers, mid-way through part of another interview segment.

(Hans): Yes, I could see why placing Eddie and AC in another title defence might be seen as tweaking their noses a little bit, but frankly, I don’t care. They’ve certainly not raised any issue with it, so either they don’t mind that they’re placing their belts on the line, or they’re thankful that they’re not pulling double duty for the third event in a row.

He pauses, to accept a refill for his glass from a member of the HWA staff, nodding his thanks to the young man.

Taking an appreciative sip of the chilled water, he then continues.

(Hans): And as for Talon being the referee. Well, the man’s had a torrid time of late, so I felt it would be far more prudent to allow him time to rest and recuperate, and get his house in order before throwing him in once more.

(Reporter 1): Do you think he’ll take his exclusion from actually competing in the manner it was meant?

(Hans): I do hope so. I’ll have a quiet word backstage with him when he arrives at the Center, but I don’t think it’s truly necessary. He’s got the continued shadow of Senester over his life, Ally and Logan, Eddie turning on him, and of course, still trying to put it across that he was in the right to do what he did. I’m sure we’ll see him back to his best come ‘The Other Side’ though.

(Reporter 3): Speaking of Senester…

Hans holds up a hand to stall her, cutting across her. Heinrich’s eyes dart to the side, leaning slightly towards his brother to give him his full attention.

(Hans): Will this be about either his upcoming or previous match? Or on what he’s saying to me recently?

(Reporter 3): Well I was hoping you could shed some light on both…

(Hans): Yes to the former, no to the latter. Not yet.

He pauses for a moment, shoulders slumping somewhat.

(Hans): I still need to… process everything.

Seeing his brother begin to falter, Heinrich reaches out with his right hand, placing it on his brother’s shoulder and answering in his stead.

(Heinrich): From what he’s told me, he’s not taken a liking to these two faux terrorists. Who could blame him?

A grateful expression on his face, Hans recommences.

(Hans): I’d be happy to see the back of both of them, but for now, I’ll settle for seeing if they learn anything from facing their ‘god’ in the ring.

A silence fills the room, until one reporter pipes up.

(Reporter 1): Is that all you have to say on the matter?

(Hans): That’s all I have to say. I’m sure more elaboration on this will spill from me at some point, but until then, that’s it.

(Reporter 3): Well would either of you like to comment on Butch Parker then? Has either of you heard from him this week?

(Heinrich): Nothing at all. I’m sure he’ll have a list of missed calls as long as his arm by now from just myself, let alone anyone else, but no response.

Hans sits in silence, eyes staring blankly ahead, as his fingers drum slowly on the table, going over the immediate aftermath of his match with Senester, and Butch’s spirited demolition of DNA.

He gets to his feet without warning, taking off his mic clip, and placing it on the table, the feedback from it sounding out across the room briefly with a wash of static. Throwing an apologetic glance at his brother, he makes his way out of the room.

Heinrich settles back into his chair, eyes tilting upwards to the ceiling, shaking his head in frustration as the noise from the assorted reporter and journalists grows louder.

The scene fades to black.