As the smoke of the Lightheavyweight Showcase battle clears, the victor remains sat on the mat, propped up against the ropes as the referee checks on the prone Blackbeard.
Pugh has his back to the announce table - and to the current Lightheavyweight Champion of the World H2O.
Kid Ego is favouring his jaw as he stumbles to his feet, using the ropes for leverage as he calls for a microphone.
A huge smile cuts across H2O’s face as Pugh receives the microphone from a member of the production team.
The former champion is holding his neck, and seems to be in a bad way - backing into the corner before addressing H2O directly.
Pugh: Hey… Harvey…
He’s gasping for breath after the epic match he’s just been through, so he stops as the crowd cheer.
Pugh: ...over here you worm….
H2O stands absolutely still from his seat and a smirk cuts across his face slowly like a Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Meanwhile, more heavy breathing from the Former Multi Time World Champion of the World. He begins to regain his composure.
Pugh: ...did you enjoy that?
H2O sarcastically claps at Pugh, shrugging his shoulders as the veteran continues.
Pugh: ...I ******* bet you did. You know what else I ******** bet? I bet you’re glad that you’re facing this schmuck on Sunday right?
Again H2O nods and claps sarcastically, mouthing “you bet”. Pugh nods along with him, edging closer to the ropes as he grins.
Pugh: ...Harvey let me tell you something. You’re only carrying that title because you haven’t had to face me for it.
Pugh:
I see you walking round here, acting like you’re King dookieshoe … but lemme remind you of something… Kid.
Pugh: I’m not Jookie… I’m not Dupree… I’m not Blackbeard… I am your Blue Shell… do you get that reference Harvey?
H2O shrugs again “Sure”.
Pugh: ...let me clue in the people who don’t know… If I may borrow something from AC Cobra’s catalogue - the Blue Shell is a weapon in the Mario Kart video game… and what does it do Harvey?
H2O:(Yawns) You’re on borrowed time, Pepe. We’re only waiting for your funeral.
Pugh: Well… It seeks out the dude who’s in first place. The pretender.
Pugh:
The guy who would be the winner… if it weren’t for That Blue Shell… and why is that relevant here Harvey?
He smiles, propping himself up against the ropes, having regained his energy.
Pugh:...every time you get in this ring against somebody who isn’t me, you’ll kid yourself.
Pugh:
You’ll think that you’re the best - you’ll allow yourself that little fantasy, and you’ll be content with that.
Pugh:
You’ll be content with that but in your heart of hearts... you know that you’re only keeping my title warm until the day I decide to fire that Blue Shell at you...
The crowd pops as H2O shakes his head and continues to grin.
Pugh:...now we don’t know when it’s going to happen - that’s for the gods to decide… but I’ll be DAMNED if I’m going to watch you turn the division I built into another Ex Division.
Pugh:
Into a swathe of mediocrity… Harvey - LOOK ME IN THE EYE A SECOND KID.
H2O laughs at the former World Champion.
Pugh: ...oh ok.
Pugh jumps through the ropes and approaches the Champion
Pugh: ...watch out for me yeah? You never know when I might show up…
Pugh drags his hair out of the ponytail he wrestled in and pings the hair tie into H2O’s direction - smiling as he does so.
The Champion remains unmoved.
H2O: When you’re done playing video games you know where to find H2O….
H2O: ...In that very ring making this belt more wanted than you could make it. Is this why you still hang on?
H2O: You know, in whatever heart you have left, that you haven’t reigned supreme with this title...like yours truly is about to do.
H2O: Welcome!.....to The New Country...Paul. No one is scared of you in this era. And I mean….no one.
H2O steps closer to Pugh with a huge smile on his face as we cut to commercial.
