Just an hour has passed since the contentious conclusion of HWA’s latest pay-per-view event, Road To Ruin, which took place live at the Spectrum Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. The scene shifts to the conference room within the venue, now buzzing with activity. Dozens of sports, wrestling, and combat sports journalists have filled the room, equipped with phones and notepads, ready to report. At the front, a large table is set up, lined with numerous microphones, bottles of water, and empty chairs awaiting their occupants. Behind it, a massive backdrop prominently displays the HWA logo alongside a promotional poster for Road to Ruin. The poster features World Champion Stu-E Price, Sean Parker, and Hans von Richtoven locked in an intense three-way face-off.

The room quiets as the side door opens, and HWA Co-CEOs Butch Parker and Wisdom Parker step into view. A ripple of murmurs runs through the gathered media, accompanied by the rapid clicking of camera shutters.

Butch leans heavily on a crutch to support his weight, limping slightly as he enters the room. His injured knee, clearly still bothering him after his match earlier in the evening with Red Dragon, doesn’t stop him from offering a determined nod to the crowd. Having swapped his ring gear for a casual outfit of jeans and a black HWA-branded t-shirt, Butchlooks visibly fatigued but resolute, the toll of the night, both his match and everything before and after, etched into his movements. Beside him, Wisdom walks with purpose, as usual exuding calm authority. She surveys the room with her sharp eyes, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in attendance.

The couple approaches the table at the front of the room, with Wisdom pulling out a chair for Butch before taking her own seat beside him. Butch lowers himself carefully, leaning the crutch against the table before rubbing the back of his neck briefly. They share a quick glance, a familiar, unspoken communication between them, having already navigated countless challenges together over the years.

Wisdom clears her throat, her voice cutting through the silence.

(Wisdom): Good evening, everyone. Thank you for staying late to join us. Tonight has been nothing short of monumental for HWA, both in terms of what we saw in the ring and what it means for our future. We know you have questions, and we’re here to answer them.

Butch, still catching his breath, interjects with a wry smile.

(Butch): Yeah, monumental is certainly one word for it. So, without further ado, let’s hear what you’ve got.

Hands shoot up across the room as journalists clamor to be the first to speak, the tension in the air thick with anticipation. Wisdom raises a hand to calm the commotion, nodding toward the front row, a recognising smile crossing her face.

(Wisdom): Alright, let’s start with you, Dave.

As Wisdom gestures to the front row, a wiry man in a crisp blue shirt rises to his feet. The man’s voice cuts through the room with a sharp professionalism.

(Dave Meltzer): Hi Wisdom. Butch, first off, how’s the knee? And second, after what went down in the main event tonight, can you give us any clarity on what the next steps are for the World Championship picture? Will Sean Parker be given a one-on-one championship match given what went down tonight?

Butch leans forward, slightly grimacing as he does so, adjusting the microphone.

(Butch): The knee’s seen better days, Dave, thank you for asking, but it’ll hold up. As for the World Championship…

He pauses, glancing at Wisdom, who gives a small nod.

(Butch): I think we all knew this would be a bone of contention. At the moment, Wisdom and I haven’t discussed anything to do with who Stu-E Price’s next challenger is, whether that’s Sean or anyone else on the roster. Regarding what happened during the main event, things like this happen in pro wrestling. This is live, unscripted sports where anything can happen. It just so happened that tonight, that something potentially influenced who would go on to leave Charlotte tonight with the HWA World Championship.

The next question comes from another familiar face who leans forward, pen in hand.

(Ariel Helwani): Ariel Helwani here. Wisdom, Butch, what’s your response to critics saying that tonight’s chaotic ending was a stunt to boost ratings, especially considering HWA’s recent TV deal negotiations with CBS?

Wisdom’s gaze sharpens.

(Wisdom): Ariel, you’ve known us long enough to know we don’t do ‘stunts.’ What happened tonight was, as it always has been and always will be in HWA, unscripted and unpredictable. Obviously, it’s not ideally how we would’ve wanted the ending of the match to play out in terms of the incident with Starlight Kid, but like Butch says this. This is live, unscripted television. But let me be clear: if people think this was in any way some form of publicity stunt, then they’re either ignorant, stupid or both.

Butch nods, a dry smirk on his face.

(Butch): If we were trying to stage something for ratings, I’d like to think we’d pick a finish where I didn’t blow out my knee.

A few chuckles ripple through the room, breaking some of the tension. A third journalist rises.

(Sean Ross Sapp): Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful. Given the volatility tonight and in the lead up to Road to Ruin, are you concerned about keeping order in the locker room, especially with egos like Stu-E Price, Sean Parker, and Hans von Richtoven all jockeying for the top spot? Travis Levitt now making his first official HWA appearance as well; Rob Sharpe made an appearance at the end of the night too. Maniac obviously gave up his own opportunity so he could deal with his own personal problems elsewhere and Jeremy Branson also staked his own claim with a huge win over Lunatik.

Butch exchanges a quick look with Wisdom before diverting his attention back to the question.

(Butch): It’s pro wrestling, Sean, volatility’s part of the deal. But yeah, this roster is full of big personalities and even bigger ambitions. That’s what makes HWA the best. But it’s mine and Wisdom’s job to channel that energy into something productive. As much as we have tried our very best to channel the vision we had from the start, nobody wants to see every match where everyone is all smiles, hugging afterwards and shaking hands. This is combat sports and whilst our vision is clear, it’s certainly not tunnelled. We understand that people want friction, they want to see things become personal, they want to see scores settled the hard way, like what we saw between Lunatik and Jeremy. Whether that’s also the likes of Sean and Stu, Hans, Maniac, Wolfy, Tobias… there’s always going to be volatility.

Wisdom then picks up seamlessly.

(Wisdom): Everyone knows the size of this company and the size of the egos it accommodated in years past under different regimes. HWA is no stranger to managing strong personalities before, and Butch and I are certainly capable of doing it ourselves. The key is clear leadership, and that’s what we’re here to provide. The locker room knows where we stand, and after tonight, we’ll make sure everyone’s on the same page with our vision and our expectations one way or another.

Another familiar voice breaks through the din. It’s Brandon Thurston from Wrestlenomics, rising from his seat near the center. He adjusts his glasses and speaks with measured seriousness.

(Brandon Thurston): Brandon Thurston, Wrestlenomics. Butch, Wisdom, shifting gears a bit, there’s obviously been significant concern online about the, uh, exorcism we saw involving DreamMaster following Maniac’s victory over Erica Martinez. Fans are particularly worried about Erica’s condition, given how she seemed unresponsive afterward. Can you provide any updates on her condition or, frankly, what exactly happened out there?

The room falls silent, the gravity of the question cutting through the lingering tension. Wisdom takes a deep breath, her expression grave.

(Wisdom): Thank you for bringing that up, Brandon. First, I want to assure everyone that Erica Martinez is receiving the best medical care available. She was evaluated by our on-site medical team and life-saving measures were put in place in an attempt to stabilise her before she was transported to a nearby hospital for further, more advanced care. As of now, she’s in critical condition and under close observation. We’re staying in close contact with her doctors though and her family are receiving all the support we can provide them.

Butch shifts in his seat, his weariness giving way to a more somber demeanor.

(Butch): What happened out there with DreamMaster… It was disturbing, to say the least. It’s no secret that Maniac has battled this… demon… for a very long time. I myself battled him in the ring during a time where it dominated his personality. And, as we all know, professional wrestling has always been about spectacle, but this went way beyond a spectacle. HWA has always been different from any other wrestling organisation, whether that’s WWE, TNA, Ring of Honor, New Japan, and more recently, AEW. We’re not Sports Entertainment, or puroresu. We’re as real as it gets and anyone who’s familiar with HWA before Wisdom and I took over knows that…

Butch stops for the briefest of moments, feeling every set of eyes in the room on him, even his wife’s, which he can see out of his peripheral vision.

(Butch): …There’s no blurred lines, there’s no kayfabe. When you see our superstars on your TV screens not liking each other, it’s not some storyline concocted in a WhatsApp group or in a room somewhere in Stamford. So, what you saw tonight, I’m afraid to say, was as genuine as you’re going to get. And yes, irrespective of that, whilst it’s been well-documented about Erica’s issues with the von Richtovens, her alliance with Maniac and DreamMaster being added to the equation, tonight was something I don’t think any of us expected to see.

Wisdom nods in agreement, her tone growing firmer.

(Wisdom): We’ve always prided ourselves on pushing boundaries and allowing the realities and the unexplained to seep into the sports side of things, but there’s a line between pushing boundaries and crossing them. Yes, we’ve had violent matches, barbaric matches in the last year since our return to the public eye. But whilst she and I will likely never see eye to eye, Erica’s safety, and the safety of everyone in HWA, is always our top priority. If any protocols were ignored or compromised tonight, we’ll address it swiftly and thoroughly. We’re taking this seriously, and we’ll make sure our fans get answers regarding Erica’s well-being. But, with the greatest of respects, Erica’s health is our first and only priority in this situation. We won’t speculate beyond that until we have the full picture.

More murmurs ripple through the room until Butch clears his throat and adjusts his mic.

(Butch): But now, I think it’s time we got some of our incredible roster out to speak to you all. After all, Road to Ruin was an incredible commercial success and that is all thanks to the skill, the determination and talents of our amazing roster. And I think it’s only apt that we start with the man that stands on the top of the mountain. Still, the reigning HWA World Heavyweight Champion, Stu-E Price.

A moment later Stu-E walks into view, adorned in casual gear, looking somewhat rested after his match, the HWA World Championship over his shoulder and a bottle of beer in-hand. He smiles and acknowledges the smattering of applause from the gathered media as Butch tries his best to stand up, reaching for his crutch. However Stu graciously motions for Butch to remain seated and shakes his hand, giving him an acknowledging pat on the shoulder before reaching over and giving Wisdom a hug and a polite peck on the cheek. He props the HWA World Championship belt up in front of him as he takes a seat next Butch and takes a swig from his beer.

(Stu-E): Evening, folks! How are we all doing?

(Butch): Thanks for joining us this evening, Stu.

Butch motions to the room with a gestured wave of his hand.

(Butch): If anyone has any questions for Stu, now’s your time to ask the World Champion.

In the front row, Dave Meltzer leans forward.

(Dave Meltzer) Stu, first of all, congratulations on your first title defence, how are you feeling after that match?

Stu-E leans back, draping an arm casually over the empty chair beside him.

(Stu-E): I'm not feeling as banged up as I thought I would be, to be honest. Although, I've still got the adrenaline pumping! It will be a different feeling in the morning!

Right now though, I feel great. I have tremendous respect for both Sean and Hans, so to come out with a successful defense of the title against those two is terribly humbling and I thank them both from the heart for the match we were able to give the fans.

Ariel Helwani speaks up next.

(Ariel Helwani): Stu, what does it mean to have a legend like Ric Flair personally endorse you as World Champion?

Stu-E’s expression softens, a moment of genuine sincerity flickering across the World Champion’s face.

(Stu-E): It means a lot, first with Austin at Ring Master now Flair at my first title defence... These were guys I drew inspiration from, for years. So, for the wrestling fan in me, it blows my mind that they even know who I am and want to be around me. But the professional I am, it's the encouragement I need to hopefully keep doing the right thing for this title, and this business.

As the cameras capture his words, Sean Ross Sapp jumps in with the next question.

(SRS): Your daughter, Laney, got in on the action tonight, helping out some of the female superstars like Michelle Learner, Sarah Callahan, and Starlight Kid. There’s been some clamoring about you allowing a young girl to be exposed to such a cutthroat business. What do you say to those calling your actions as a parent irresponsible?

Stu-E’s easy-going demeanor hardens slightly, his protective instincts evident.

(Stu-E): Nothing I haven't heard before, but she's learning much more about life than she would be being told everything in life is rainbows and unicorns. If I ever have a bad feeling about an event, she doesn't attend, no matter how much she stomps her feet.

That's how we've operated from day one, she knows her place, she knows what to look for and she knows what to avoid and she knows she can't be there all the time. I'm proud of how she's taking everything in, you heard the fans tonight. They cheer for her more than they cheer for me!

A brief chuckle ripples through the room before Brandon Thurston stands.

(Brandon Thurston): There was obviously some controversy in tonight’s main event when Starlight Kid accidentally rang the bell too early at a moment when Sean Parker looked to be on his way to getting the win. Do you feel your victory tonight is somewhat tarnished by that?

Stu-E straightens, his smirk returning as he shakes his head.

(Stu-E): Depends which way you look at it, I'm not going to sit here and make a joke about it because it's not fair on Starlight. As a sixteen year old, I broke arms and choked people out all up and down England in judo competitions because the only sound that mattered was the referee's voice saying it was over.
After the last few weeks of having certain things questioned about me, I would have died bleeding until that referee said it was over. That's what this title means to me, and thankfully, tonight I get to take it home.

Kenny McIntosh from British wrestling outlet, Inside The Ropes then stands up.

(Kenny McIntosh): Stu, it’s also no secret that the tension between you and Sean Parker escalated in the lead-up to tonight’s match. Do you think that will be put to rest with the result tonight?

Stu-E laughs, shaking his head.

(Stu-E): I wouldn't call it tension, more like a big brother trying to rile up his kid brother. We're both competitors, it's just normal, especially when this title is at stake. He's one of the very best in this business, I'd be a silly bastard if I thought I'd seen the back of him! But I know you're listening, Sean. Listen to this... Thank you.... I love ya, man, and you'll be back as the number one contender in no time.

A question then comes from Pro Wrestling Torch’s Wade Keller.

(Wade Keller): Stu, there was an interesting exchange between you and Travis Levitt, the newest member of the HWA roster. Do you think he could be a challenger for the World Championship in the near future?

Stu-E rubs his chin thoughtfully before answering.

(Stu-E): I've watched Travis wrestle a ton of times through the years, he knows his shit and he knows his beer. To be honest, I think it’s a little disrespectful of you to think he's not a challenger now because if he can keep his head right, he's already on the level of a fair few of the top guys here. Right now, I'm just looking forward to having a beer with him, and I hope these young guns give him the respect he deserves.

As the questions taper off, Stu-E rises, lifting the HWA World Championship belt, placing it back on his shoulder.

(Stu-E): Alright, folks, that’s enough for me tonight. It’s been fun, but this champ needs some rest… and maybe a pint or two.

He winks and gestures his bottle of beer towards the media before placing an acknowledging hand on Butch’s shoulder.

(Stu-E): Butch, Wisdom, always a pleasure, see you guys back in Cali.

(Butch): Stu-E Price, everyone, the reigning HWA World Heavyweight Champion. Thanks, Stu.

As Stu-E takes his leave, Butch and Wisdom exchange a knowing glance before Butch leans forward to the microphone.
(Butch): Well…

He taps his fingers against the table rhythmically.

(Butch): …Why don’t we keep the ball rolling? Seeing as you’ve already heard from the champion. Now, let’s hear from one of the men who shared the ring with him tonight. A man I’ve called my friend, my rival, and one of the most enduring athletes in this business. Ladies and gentlemen, Hans von Richtoven.

The room erupts in murmurs as Hans von Richtoven steps through the side curtain. Hans looks tired, his face weary, like he’d rather be anywhere but here. As he sits, the cameras flash, and the air buzzes with anticipation. Hans adjusts the microphone in front of him whilst Butch and Wisdom both exchange looks again, knowing the positive and negative tolls the night has probably taken on him. Having the weight of Erica and DreamMaster taken off his shoulders but also coming up short for the World Championship, Hans looks like a stiff breeze might knock him over. Before anyone can ask a question, Hans gestures with a raised hand.

(Hans): Look, before we go any further…

Hans takes a deep breath, his hands resting lightly on the table.

(Hans): I would like to send meine Grüße to Herr Price. Congratulations on your victory tonight, it was well-earned.

He pauses for a moment, his expression growing somber.

(Hans): I am hopeful that tonight’s events will bring some peace to my life and to my family. That Vanessa, mein schatz, our expected child, and I can move forward without the shadow of Erica’s actions looming over us. She and her family… they have suffered greatly, as we all have. It is my deepest wish that they can heal and find their own path to peace.

Hans’s gaze shifts to Butch and Wisdom.

(Hans): Butch, Wisdom, mein freunds, I offer my apologies. I cannot stay here tonight. My place is with Vanessa right now. She has endured enough, and I must be by her side.

Standing, Hans adjusts his jacket and gives the room a respectful nod before turning back to Butch and Wisdom. Butch reaches up and grips Hans’ forearm, gently but firmly, giving his old friend a knowing look, his other hand covering his mic.

(Butch): Go be with your family, mate.

With that, Hans exits the room, the cameras lingering on the door as it swings shut behind him. Butch then clears his throat.

(Butch): I’m sure you can all appreciate, given everything that’s happened tonight, that Hans is keen to get back home to his wife and enjoy some time together before their little sprog arrives.

Butch shifts in his seat, visibly weighing how to steer the energy back on track. Wisdom leans toward him, offering a subtle nod of encouragement. Butch clears his throat, the microphone amplifying the sound and drawing everyone's attention.

(Butch): Alright…we’ve heard from the champ and from one of the toughest veterans in this business. Now, let’s bring out a man who I know gave it everything he had tonight. A man I’m proud to call my nephew. Ladies and gentlemen, “The Sky Assassin” Sean Parker.

The room stirs as Sean Parker steps out from the curtain. Dressed in a simple black shirt and jeans, Sean, like Hans before him, looks really conflicted and bearing the emotional weight the main event left on him.

As he takes his seat, the flashes of cameras intensify. Sean offers a quick nod to Butch and Wisdom, avoiding eye contact with the reporters for a moment as he adjusts his microphone. Butch places a reassuring hand on Sean’s shoulder before leaning back, giving him his space to speak to the media. Sean is hunched forward, his hands clasped together, his chin resting upon them.

The first question comes from Wade Keller at Pro Wrestling Torch.

(Wade Kller): Sean, tonight was obviously a tough one to take, understandably given how things played out in the main event. It’s clear you were on the verge of victory when the bell was rang prematurely by Starlight Kid. Have you had the chance to speak to her at all and how are you processing what happened, and do you feel the match’s outcome was unfair?

Sean exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair before mopping his face with it. He glances at the ceiling briefly, as if searching for the right words.

(Sean): Look, I’m not going to sit here and say I didn’t feel robbed at that moment…But Starlight Kid’s mistake was just that…a mistake. This wasn’t some premeditated attempt to screw me over and I’ve now been in this business long enough to know that everyone screws up at some point. What matters is how you move forward. Do I wish it hadn’t happened? Of course, because I would be sitting in front of you all right now, on top of the world with the HWA World Championship belt in front of me. But what’s done is done, and, as Stu-E said, the match is only over when the referee says it's over. The records will show Stu-E retained and I have to respect that.

The next question comes from Kenny McIntosh, with Inside The Ropes.

(Kenny McIntosh): Sean, it was asked earlier and it was well-documented that your relationship with Stu-E Price grew extremely heated in the lead up to Road to Ruin. He himself said earlier he has nothing but respect for you and that there was never any malice in any of what was said or done prior to the match. How do you feel towards him now that it’s over?

Sean leans forward slightly and almost allows himself a wry smile as he punches the inside of his cheek with his tongue.

(Sean): I heard what he had to say. It’s very easy to cast aside any apparent ill-feeling after you’ve retained a championship you were practically milliseconds away from losing. Have my feelings towards him personally changed? Not one bit. At the end of the day, mud sticks and I have a very long memory. Do I respect him as a professional? As a World Champion? I dunno, ask me again in a week’s time.

Another question from Fightful is then asked, this time by Denise Salcedo.

(Denise Salcedo): Sean, with how things played out, do you feel you’ll be in line for another shot at the HWA World Championship soon?

Sean hesitates, glancing ever so swiftly towards his aunt and uncle next to him. His jaw tightens momentarily before he speaks.

(Sean): Look, I don’t expect handouts. I’ll earn my shot, just like I earned my place in tonight’s match. If that means I have to go through hell and back, then so be it. But let me make one thing explicitly clear… I WILL be HWA World Champion. Stu-E… in the words of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, I’m not through with you yet, not by a long shot.

The tension in the room is palpable, and Wisdom interjects gently, her voice cutting through the thick air.

(Wisdom): Sean, you showed the world tonight what you’re capable of, and I know I speak for everyone here when I say your time will come again. We’re all very proud of you.

Sean looks to Wisdom, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint, grateful smile.

(Sean): Thank you, Aunt Wisdom. That means a lot.

As the questions wind down, Sean stands, adjusting the microphone one last time.

(Sean): I’ll just say this—tonight didn’t go the way I hoped, but it’s far from the end for me. I’ll be back, and next time, the outcome will be different. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a few days off I want to spend with my beautiful girlfriend.

Sean stands, exchanging a firm handshake with Butch, offering a nod to Wisdom before stepping away from the table. As Sean makes his exit, Butch leans into the microphone, his voice cutting through the hum of the room.

(Butch): Alright, folks, I’ve got one more thing before we continue.

Tonight, we introduced someone very special to the HWA family. He’s someone I’ve been working on bringing here for a long time. Ladies and gentlemen, the newest signee to HWA, the Dragon himself, Travis Levitt!

A smattering of chatter and applause ripples through the room bursts as Travis Levitt makes his way to the table. The seasoned veteran cuts an imposing yet approachable figure in his leather jacket and jeans, his confident smile lighting up the room. He shakes Butch’s hand firmly, nodding in greeting to Wisdom before taking his seat. He adjusts the microphone with a grin.

(Travis): Well, I guess that’s my cue! Thanks for the intro, Butch. Who’s up first?

The first journalist to speak is Mike Johnson from PWInsider.

(Mike Johnson): Travis, tonight was your first experience of an HWA show as part of the company. What were your thoughts?

Travis chuckles, leaning back slightly.

(Travis): Well, for one thing, I really hope Sean got permission from Ubisoft before that entrance or Butch and Wisdom might need to bust out their checkbooks again.

The room erupts in laughter, Butch shaking his head with a wry smile.

(Travis): No, but honestly, the matches were incredible tonight. I saw a roster full of talented and passionate wrestlers going out there and giving it their all for this business and a fanbase that’s as rabid and dedicated as I’ve ever seen. I’ve got a sense of what some of the roster can do, and I’m impressed by what they brought to the table tonight. I’m looking forward to stepping into that ring myself and seeing what I can accomplish.

The next question comes from Dave Meltzer.

(Dave Meltzer): Do you have a favorite moment from the show tonight?

Travis flashes a grin, leaning into the microphone.

(Travis): Hey, I got a selfie with Ric Flair. That’s a life goal right there! WOOOOOO!

As more laughter erupts and then dies down, Ariel Helwani chimes in with the next question.

(Ariel Helwani): What about the craziest moment of the night? Anything stand out there?

Travis pauses for effect, scanning the room theatrically.

(Travis): I mean… we all saw that exorcism, right? I almost dread asking if that’s a regular thing…oh?

He stops, catching Butch and Wisdom both nodding knowingly before he even finishes.

(Travis): It is? Wow. Okay. Well…

He strokes his chin as the room chuckles.

(Travis): I’ve got a bit of a history with the supernatural, so it’s not completely surprising. Just means I might need to break out Baby from the garage.

The room bursts into laughter again, the mood lifted by Travis’s easygoing humor. The next and final question comes from Sean Ross Sapp.

(SRS): Do you have any final messages for HWA or its roster as you prepare for your debut?

Travis leans forward, his tone turning serious.

(Travis): Not for HWA as a whole, but for one particular member of the roster. Starlight, I don’t know where you are, but I’m gonna say this right now, while I’ve got a microphone and people are listening. Listen up, kid. Mistakes happen. You made a mistake. It was a big one. But it was a mistake. You can either curl up in a ball, beg forgiveness, and hate yourself forever… or you can dust yourself off, apologize, and learn from it. I love seeing someone with so much enthusiasm for this business enjoying her moment, so I don’t want you walking away crying and heartbroken. You’ve got a future here, so don’t let one bad night define it.

Travis glances at Butch and Wisdom, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.

(Travis): And my commiserations to Parker. I thought he had it tonight, but sometimes luck just isn’t on your side. That’s wrestling, folks.

(Butch): Thanks for joining us, Travis, I’m sure you’re going to have a great career here in HWA. Travis Levitt, ladies and gentlemen.

Another light applause emanates throughout the room as Travis offers a wave before departing.

(Butch): Next, allow me to introduce another couple of veteran superstars who have made their marks in HWA over the past twenty years. Please welcome, Maniac and Lunatik, the New Age Psychos.

Moments later, Maniac and Lunatik make their way through the curtain and to the table. Both look a little banged up and worse for wear. Their facepaint hasn’t been fully washed away, creating an interesting image of them both. Lunatik acknowledges both Butch and Wisdom with handshakes, meanwhile Maniac just gives them both mere subtle nods of acknowledgement before taking his seat. Both men take the time to adjust their respective microphones and taking the bottles of water that have been provided for them too.

(Maniac): Evening, everyone.

(Lunatik): Good to see you all.

The diminutive Denise Salcedo from Fightful stands up to get this next round of questioning going.

(Denise Salcedo): Maniac, firstly for you, it’s obviously been an emotional night for you and I imagine the result of your actual match with Erica Martinez must seem inconsequential after what took place in the aftermath. Do you feel any sort of vindication after what took place here tonight and where do you go from here?

Maniac chuckles as he unscrews the lid from his bottle of water, taking a long drink from it before he answers.

(Maniac): I feel a lot of things, but vindication is definitely NOT one of them.

After draining the bottle of water of its contents, Maniac tosses the bottle aside nonchalantly.

(Maniac): What I do feel is a mix of sorrow, regret, and self-hatred. This entire nightmare that's been going on has been my fault, and after tonight, I'm proud to say it's over. As for where do I go from here, well, to be honest, it's the HWA World Championship of course. Now that I've taken out the demon, I’m free of any burden that was previously looming over me.

It's time I reset my sights on what I should have taken at Road To Ruin. It's not going to be an easy task, I know, but I think everyone knows that I've never been one to shy away from a fight so, yeah, it’s high-time that championship found its way back around my waist for a third time.

Denise directs her gaze towards Lunatik.

(Denise Salcedo): Lunatik, obviously the same for yourself, a mixed night for you coming up short against Jeremy Branson in a very competitive and hard-hitting match. You’re now oh for two in your last two matches, losing out to Sean Parker last month and now Jeremy Branson tonight. Do you feel like your long absence away from professional wrestling and the HWA as a whole has caused you to miss a step or two? And what does the future hold for you and the New Age Psychos as a team.

Lunatik glances over to Maniac who gives a wry smile and nod. Lunatik returns it in kind before turning his attention back to the question asked of him.

(Lunatik): The short answer is “no”. No, I haven’t lost a step. During my last stint with HWA, I shared a ring with some of the best this business has ever produced; I won some and lost some but I was always moved onto the next challenge. And that’s precisely what I’ll be doing next. Sean and Jeremy are two very impressive competitors and so losing to them doesn’t mean I’m on my way out or I’ve, as you say, missed a step. I’ll do what I always do and bounce back. As for what’s next, like my good friend here, it’s the HWA World Championship of course. If you’re in the business of professional wrestling and don’t see yourself going for the biggest prize in the game, you’ve got the wrong mindset. I know every other person on the roster is gunning for Stu-E Price but you can bet your ass that both Maniac and I will be doing our damnedest to prove we both deserve our shots at the title. And who knows, maybe the two of us will even share the ring together for the chance.

Maniac nods approvingly, holding up a fist to Lunatik who bumps his own against it.

(Maniac): That would be incredible. At the end of the day, Stu-E needs a new challenger or challengers. Hans took the pin tonight and therefore should be bottom of the pile and Parker proved that maybe the World Title is a step too far for him right now so I don’t see why he should get a third shot. Let the others on the roster have their shot.

To be continued…