time: monday, late night

day: july fourteenth

place: bailey's bay, bermuda; engel residence

(Back home. My daughter, Alexia, has fallen asleep on the couch, her legs laying across my lap. Mia is barely awake on the loveseat across the room. We were watching a Lord of the Rings movie, and I think I was the only one interested. I grab the videocamera off the table, 'cause I had planned to do an interview earlier before we watched the movie. I sneak off the couch without disturbing Alexia too much, and I give Mia a kiss. I slip outside on the patio, a few lights are turned on. I hit record on the camera.)

Matthew Engel: "No, I won't list reasons as to why I lost last week. I won't sit here and say Jamie Flynn is a fluke champion and doesn't deserve it. I won't pout, throw a tantrum, or anything of the sort. No, not this time. There are more important things on the horizon, fortunately. But hey -- congratulations, kid. And compliments on getting booked this week to face the punchline of the PWA. Cheers."

(A smirk.)

Matthew Engel: "The more important things don't really concern this United Forces Tournament that has been created by the front office. Sure, it's a fine idea and I'll represent myself and the Masters the best way that I can. Darren would be pleased if we brought home the tag titles. But, before we move on to that, I'd like to talk about a certain individual. A man whose life was thought to be lost and forgotten until last Friday. Duff Côte d'iVoire, the man who hospitalized my brother, the man who lied about dying in a fire, and the man who would have probably made a fine husband if his mistakes weren't willing to catch up with him.

I know what you're up to, Duff. You've escaped our grasp for this split second, but do you honestly think you can crawl your way back into Pioneer Wrestling? I'm not going to allow you to slime your way back here. You don't deserve to step into the same ring with me anymore. You don't deserve to step into the same ring with anybody. You're pathetic. Do everyone a favor and go back into hiding and never show your face again. You're not welcome, and you'd be a fool to think otherwise.

You can't possibly think you have one ally in this business, even if your only similarity with someone is a shared hatred of me and what I represent.

The rumors can stop, the gossip can end; Duff was in our control for about a week and due to some... insubordination, he was able to escape for the time being. I was going to do away with him and make him disappear. I was going to do what you all wanted to do, but don't have the willpower to follow through with. Yes, he is a human being; yes, he made a mistake. But, it's quite an unforgivable mistake, considering the icing on the cake was putting my kid brother in a hospital for months. This would have been over with quickly, and none of you would have had to deal with him again. However, Duff has chosen to make this difficult, and I'm sure he'll be sticking his broken face in front of a camera sometime soon.

So, I'm sure he'll make this interesting and our little war will drag out, but don't think for a second I'll even grant you the chance to step into the ring against me. You don't deserve it.

If you even manage to get another contract with the PWA, I'll be impressed, but they're probably as pissed about the situation as I am. Yeah, it's hard to understand that me and the front office could possibly be on the same page, but concerning you, Duff, I think this is one of those rare times. You don't want to start a war against me, against us.

Because I'll end you. For real."

(This is where it starts. This is where it will end.)

Matthew Engel: "Speaking of things being ended, how about my opponents' chances of making it to the finals of this United Forces tournament? I gotta tell ya, they've got pretty slim chances. You've got Fire, a woman who's managed to be nothing more than a puppet and Television Champion here in Pioneer Wrestling. Her partner is something straight out of the History channel's Gangland. This is what I have to look forward to next week after such a high profile match. But hey, for once, the front office can't be blamed. The word on the grapevine is that it was random pairing for this tournament, and you've gotta agree. Just look at my partner; Circa. We have absolutely nothing in common, except a double-digit number in the win column. I would say we have experience as a tag team, but essentially we don't.

How long did you last in that six-man tag match three months ago? Two minutes? I hope you can do better this time.

Actually, you need to do better this time. I won't tolerate losing in the first round again, because this isn't the Who's The Man?! tournament and I don't have a grudge against anyone in this match. We're going to win, Circa, even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming through the finish. We're going to win, and you need to show up and bring your A game. My back is still in a little pain from the last partner I had to carry."

(I let out a chuckle.)

Matthew Engel: "King of Hearts, Fire. There's good news and there's bad news. After this week, you won't have to worry about teaming with each other and you can move on from this tournament, for better or for worse. The bad news is that you won't be making it to the second round and lose any chance at a shot for the tag titles. I hate to go around the bend again and explain myself as a veteran tag partner with an impressive history in the division, but I'll repeat myself for those that missed it the first time.

I've spent quite a fair amount of my career in tag matches and I've won my fair share of titles. I'm well-versed in this environment, and I'll have no problems handling both of you. Even if my partner doesn't show up one hundred percent, or at all, I'm fairly confident that I will be able to come out victorious. It's not about being cocky or ignorant; it's about confidence and having the skill to back it up.

But, I don't have to prove myself to you. I'm the leader of the Masters, and one of the best wrestlers here today. I'm quicker, smarter, and simply better than you and you're going to experience all of that firsthand this Friday."

(Here comes the moon again.)

Matthew Engel: "I can only hope my partner decides to show up so we can make a proper run at this thing. As much as I'd rather have one of my own tagging with me, I have to play the cards that have been dealt to me.

And fortunately my partner is the only one with a statistical advantage, getting a win over Fire and her partner Sabine last week. With my extensive and impressive tag team experience, we should have a good shot at getting to the finals and winning this thing. Maybe we'll be a dark horse, and that's fine with me. I like surprises. The obvious favorite in this tournament is Mark McNasty and Flynn; the World and Intercontinental Champions teamed up in this tournament. How coincidental is that? Really.

Boy, I hope they can stick it out to the finals. If they do, and we do... it'd be a hell of a finals match at Summer Sizzler. We'll just have to wait and see, but until then.

I do not forgive.

I do not forget.

The hole is where the heart is."

(fade.)