PlaceMarker The Forest - Printable Version

The scene cuts to a different clip, showing Ned sitting across from a reporter wearing a navy blue suit, holding a small notepad in one hand as she addresses the camera.

"Welcome to Professional Wrestling Insider! I'm Ruth Calloway and tonight we have a very special guest. You might know him from his rise to prominence in the XWF or his many matches a free agent, but now he has the opportunity of a lifetime. "Notorious" Ned Kaye is here with us-"

The camera cuts back to show Ned's face as he smiles.

"-and let me just say, it is a pleasure to have you here tonight."

"I'm always gracious when people decide I have something worth hearing."

They both laugh slightly.

"So, how's your training for the match been?"

"Oh damn, what hasn't it?"

"It's been one of the most trying times of my life. I mean, just past training for the match, I've had to come to terms with so much going on that I don't have a hand in influencing. Just- changes. Changes I can and can't control all converging at once. So, I've been very nervous and, as usual, I'm likely pushing myself far too hard. But the work you put in is a reward in of itself."

"And what kind of changes have been going on in your life?"

Ned sighs, taking a moment to think.

"Well..."

"My father is going to be passing soon after a long battle with cancer, so I'm having to prepare for the day when my biggest fan and motivator is just... not going to be here anymore. My career has really developed past what I think anyone expected apart from a core few. And I recently open a business of a sort, mostly to give access to an affordable gym to my hometown. A lot of those folks have the desire but not the cash. I think it's only fair I give back because I wouldn't be where I am without people believing in me, so I believe in my neighborhood."

"Ah! So, you've entered business much like your opponent Robbie Bourbon?"

Ned laughs, shaking his head.

"No, not like Robbie. Very many key differences."

"Like what?"

Ned tilts his head in slight confusion.

"I didn't start my business to profit or exploit my customers. I'm breaking even or losing money on this gym, it doesn't matter to me. The cost is worth keeping it accessible to those who need it. Bourbon's not like that. Not one bit. Robbie is looking out for himself. I heard rumors he was gonna skip this rafter match like he had skipped his X-Treme title shot and I don't doubt it for a second."

"Why's that?"

"Because he cares about his own personal brand and nothing else. He's only ever been kind towards the XWF Galaxy because he knows he can get money from them. It's despicable. He knows he has a chance of losing this match just like he knew Tommy Wish could beat him so he'll likely not show up. That's the kind of man Bourbon is."

"Alright then. What about one of your other competitors: Mastermind?"

A wide smile covers Ned's face.

"I'm excited to see what he has in store for me. Our last match took a toll on both of us physically and while I may have won my last match, MM had a rough time at Wrestlestock. He's going to be more than ready to do whatever it takes to grab victory, but that desperate hunger doesn't win multi-man matches like these."

"Well, on the subject of your last match, many are saying you had an unfair win over Raphael Blackwater. How do you feel about that?

"They're saying it because it's true. I didn't achieve a proper victory over Raphael. And I think Donovan's carrying that with him more than he'd like to admit. Donovan isn't the kind to smile and nod at undue treatment of his kin. If he's staying quiet on me, it's deliberate. The Blackwaters don't plan on the same level as myself or MM, but they aren't naive. If Donovan is developing a plan for me, he'll keep it close to his chest."

"Since we're on the subject, do you have any words on the other combatants: Big D and Brian Storm?"

Ned takes a second to collect his thoughts, inhaling deeply before he speaks.