act twelve: observing the heavens
This is your last chance, Paul... this is your last chance to prove to me that you're ready for this title strapped around my waist. I don't doubt for a second that you have the skills required to carry the belt, but carrying it and deserving it are two entirely different things. To be honest, I hate to say it... but I don't believe you're ready, Paul, and I don't see you pulling off the upset you're likely desperately hoping will come for you on Sunday.
No, you see... instead of you doing what is basically the impossible, I see you falling to what's more or less the most probable: you will give me everything you have, and you will not succeed despite your efforts. You'll think you have a chance, you'll think that with just that little bit of extra effort, even you can halt this rolling stone I've become on a downhill sprint to the finish. You'll be dreadfully wrong, but you'll believe it nonetheless... and you'll never see the ending coming until it's far too late.
When it's all said and done, Paul... you'll have lost against the champion, and the champion will respectfully hand his belt back over to the company it belongs to. I'm unfortunately done with this division, Paul... after Sunday, I've no choice but to discontinue my efforts to revive it, and focus on much larger things. Win, or lose-- and, don't get your hopes up, Paul... I don't plan to lose.
Passing the torch won't be something I'm incapable of, either... so don't call me greedy for these actions of mine. I'm planning a very special tournament, hopefully one that can generate activity in what's otherwise a dying division within an apparently dying federation. I still don't know exactly what I'll do with the tag team situation... Lord knows I can't pull double duty and go for what I've got my sights on. With Isaac gone... I hate to say it, but that division may start to falter because of this.
Still, the NLCW needs someone to take the helm and put it back on the right path, just as I myself had happen for me all those years ago. Whether or not I'm the person to do that... I'm not certain. Still, it's worth the effort if nothing else, and I would hate to see the place I love crumble so soon after my return.
After Retribution, Paul... I'm done with the Hardcore Title. I'm probably going to be done with the Tag Team Title, too. The board was worried this entire time that I might try to conquer the world title with two belts strapped 'round my waist, as if I might do as Dazz did before me and simply walk with all three belts, leaving the place to recover without me. They were reasonably concerned... but terribly naive, because, it seems, they underestimated my loyalty. I know this place needs a strong, active champion, and I know right now that our "best of the best" is unfortunately lacking. I know what it's going to take to get interest generating one more time.
I'm going to do my best to do just that, even though I know there's a chance my efforts will be in vain.
Yes, after Retribution... all bets are finally off.
After Retribution... I'm coming for the World Title.
And there's nothing you, or anyone else, can do to stop me.
See you Sunday, kiddo.