Jeremy is seen inside the Lane Stadium. He’s dressed in a black hooded puffer jacket and layered underneath in the 20 degree weather looking up at the night sky that awaits the coming snow. He smiles as the cameras follow him down towards the ring already setup ahead of the event.

(Jeremy): I thought I’d revive a tradition Matt and I had of going to cities ahead of he show, check out the local art, food, and other culture.

Jeremy smiles just a little reminiscing. He takes his time walking down between a large gap between chairs on the floor where the barricades have not yet been setup knowing this will be the way they take to the ring. His breath is frost as he speaks, a plume of white air bursts out before his face.

(Jeremy): Look at you Maniac…rumor has it that you went for a training session at the Academy. While most people probably think you’re doing the responsible thing and getting ready for our match…I’m smarter than that, and some of us know you a little better. I mean, come on…since when do you grace the Academy with your presence and actually train?

I heard you put on quite the show, trying to recapture the energy you had 20 years ago, and you might have fooled the spectators, but you can’t fool me. Rumor also has it that you haven’t been seen in any of the local bars or nightclubs after shows recently. I know why you’re training hard. I know why you want to be in the best shape of your career.

Jeremy wags his finger then turns to the camera with a smile.

(Jeremy): …because when you lose we’ll never see you again and you want everyone to remember you they way you were. The desire you have to wrestle, hold gold and stay relevant until you’re ready to slide on some Depends is going to be squashed at Art of War, and deep down you know it. I’m glad you went. I’m glad the recruits and staff got to see you one last time because as bitter a word as it is in my mouth next to your name, you are a veteran and a “legend.”

Jeremy walks to the ring steps and heads up to the ring.

(Jeremy): 20 Years….how many times have you taken these steps? How many times have you stepped through these ropes? How many times have you touched this canvas? The number may be practically incalculable but what’s important is that you need only concern yourself with doing it one more time. When your stupid circus music hits and you come out dressed like a deranged freak you know it will be for the last time.

Jeremy hits the ropes and crisscrosses the ring a few times, his body nearly a blur as he speeds from one side to the other and back before stopping taking in a few deep breaths…the bitter cold air stinging his lungs.

(Jeremy): If you think I’m not ready, you’re a bigger fool than you look. If you think I can’t beat you, you’re only lying to yourself even more. I think about all the old wrestling matches I’ve seen. When it came to the main event and title matches, the commentators would always say that the “champion has the advantage.”

He shakes his head in disagreement.

(Jeremy): Not you. Not this time. You sealed your fate when you put Matt through hell and cut his career short. When you tried to run over him and Sarah down in that parking lot. When you unleashed your goddamn demon on everyone. When you took that bitch Erica under your wing and fed into her insanity. Everything you’ve done to us, to this business, every knot you’ve tied…I’m going to unwind at Art of War.

No one is talking about the Superbowl. They’re talking about Art of War. About the Room of Thumbtacks Match where your career comes to an end, and I usher in a new era of the prosperity we would have had if you hadn’t dragged your ass back in the door. Matt deserved better! The people in the Academy deserve better. The staff in the back deserve better. Every talent on the roster, past present and future deserve better than “Maniac” and I’m going to give it to them. “The problem with my generation…” you say….the problem is you, and I’m about to solve that problem once and for all.

Jeremy leans into the ropes, looking out into the dark arena seats. He looks up at the twinkling stars millions of miles away.

(Jeremy): I admit, I lost myself for a while…somewhere out there amidst the stars, but it’s you who can’t let go of the past. You’re clinging to the old Jeremy Branson you thought he and his friends needed your guidance. The same Maniac who thinks because he never lost the title 20 years ago that he deserves it now. I’m the new Jeremy Branson, and you don’t know me, but you’ll be well introduced at the ppv when I take your career, and I take the title.

And unlike what we’ve seen of others in the past, your career will truly end. No future guest appearances, no awards, no backstage pass…you won’t even be allowed to buy a ticket. You can watch from the exile that I put you in never to be seen or heard from again. You may have brought the war, but I’m going to win it…I promise you that!

With a sterner look on his face Jeremy exits the ring, and makes his way back inside to leave as the scene fades to black.