act three: remnant of the past

I have nothing but the utmost respect for you, Alex. Though we've never faced each other one-on-one before, the few times that we have stood across from each other in the ring have been some of the most grueling experiences I've had to endure out there. You're called the Prince for a reason, and you're a former World Champion and Sultan because you're one of the proud few of the NLCW who knows not to underestimate the strength of your opponents, no matter who they are. It's just not something you allow yourself to do.

You and I are so much alike and yet so incredibly different all the same.

In many ways, I wish things didn't have to be like this. I wish there was a way you and I didn't have to face off in the first round of this tournament, I wish there was a way we'd be able to hold out until the very end and give this thing a finale fitting of the history that it has, that you could make it to the end to face me same as you made it to the end in 2006 to win that year.

As I said, I wish things could be that way. I wish you had a chance to become a two-time Sultan, Alex, but I'm sorry.

I won't let you.

Don't get me wrong, old friend, I expect nothing but the best from you and I know that, in the end, you will put me through hell and back just to make it to that next round... but I'm just going to let you know here and now, I will use every last ounce of power I have to make sure your efforts will bring about nothing more than the hardest challenge I'll have faced since my return, but still another challenge I'll inevitably overcome.

I have a purpose, Alex. For the first time in ages, I've found myself walking into matches that would normally be nothing all-too special and realizing the potential for something amazing in them, the potential there to make it into a contest I'd missed out on while I was in the NLCW to begin with.

I'm realizing little by little that every match I'm in has the chance to be important to me and the journey I'm on around here, and I'm realizing exactly how to make it so it is.

You're a great wrestler, Alex. More than that, from what I remember of you, you're a great friend and a great person.

But on Sunday, you won't be great enough.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for you, Alex... I honestly do. You're a person I can trust not to use underhanded tactics, or to fight dirty, or to break the rules for a win in some tournament you've conquered before... but that trust and respect will not stop me from giving you absolutely everything I have and, if you don't have enough to handle it, I will not hesitate to tear you to shreds.

I'll fight out there with all my strength, all my heart, and all my experience. Just as I did with Tyler Scott. Just as I did with Mask of William. I will throw everything I have at you in order to find my victory out there in that ring, and I will not stop coming until I reach that destination.

This is going to be hell, Alex, and the fans are going to love every last minute of it. I just hope you're ready for what's to come.

Again, I respect you Alex... but when we're in that ring, I will hurt you.

And I will beat you.

See you Sunday, kiddo.