We see AWOL, together as the champions, working their way backstage from a Goldberg/Crash Bandicoot frontal view. They nod as wrestlers pass by, and a few congratulate them on their win.
They turn a corner and head through gorilla position, same angle all the while, and emerge onto the entrance ramp to a nice big pop.
The shot changes to show a wider, more regular view of the entrance, as AWOL makes their way to the ring, all business. They enter simultaneously and stand side-by-side, brandishing the tag titles.
Cort: It’s been a loooong road.
The crowd cheer.
Shep: But we did it!
They cheer again, and the two men in the ring nod with them.
Cort: With a tear, in my eye! This is the greatest night in my life!
The camera zooms in to show that he is, in fact, misty -eyed.
Cort: All the losses. All the embarrassments. I pulled through, brother. I wondered why I was here. I wondered if the broken bones and broken pride was worth it.
Cort: Well!
Cort: Was it worth it!?
He holds the mic up and the crowd cheers for them again.
Cort brings the mic back down and the camera zooms in again.
Cort: But at Summercide, we have to put these on the line. We gotta face C-Q-C.
Cort: So must come face-to-face with the reality that this may be the last time I hold these belts. That I hold any gold at all.
Cort laughs, choking up a little.
Cort: So I figured I better get my moment in the sun, my time in the ring with these at least once.
Cort turns to Shepherd.
Cort: What about your moment!
Shepherd smiles and looks into the hard cam.
Shepherd: I think we all know my moment came last week. Kinshasa! For the one.
Shepherd counts, holding up a finger each time. The crowd counts with him.
Crowd: One!
Shep: Two.
Crowd: Two!
Shep: THREE!
They cheer.
Shep: I know I haven’t been the most outspoken wrestler on the roster. I haven’t been the most visible. The most unique.
He pauses.
Shep: But I sure as hell know how to get it done in the squared circle. CQC, you’re some dirty little bastards for sure. You attacked Liger like cowards. You’ve disrespected us many a time. And yeah, you beat us. But that’s just fuel to the rocket strapped to my right leg! Rust, Quartz, you better learn that respect. You better respect the kinshasaaa! And win or lose, when it’s all said and done… you’ll find that just like many things in life, you never had a goddamn choice in the matter.
Shepherd drops the mic and turns to celebrate with Cort. They circle the ring, climbing up the turnbuckles and showing off the belts, before finally heading backstage.
