The camera fades in. It's the War Room, the floodlights are on, but it's completely devoid of fans. Seas of red fold-up chairs cover the hills leading up to the walls at the edge of the arena. The camera is positioned at the top of fan access stairways at the corner of the arena, looking down onto the ring, the X-Tron is off, and the ring is empty. The camera slowly turns right, until it sees a man sitting on a seat a couple of steps up, three seats from the aisle.

It's Smoke Man, wearing a polo-shirt and a pair of jeans. His UFO Championship is slung over his shoulder closest to the camera. He's looking around the arena, more specifically around the ring. His eyes move all around however, occasionally glancing at the X-Tron, scanning the seats and what not.

The angle shifts to behind Smoke, a row up. It's turning around his head anti-clockwise, starting from the rear left his his head. It's turning very slowly, yet surely. As it pans around to the right side of the back of his head, he suddenly glances upwards and to the left, toward the vomitorium. Another man sits and joins him, the camera continues panning, but slower.

SMOKE MAN: I didn't think you were going to show up.

???: Didn't know if I should. Thought I'd better, perhaps I could talk you out of this.

As the camera moves around Smoke's head we see what the other person is wearing. A faded purple hoodie with the logo for the University of Notre Damme in white over the zipper, and the hood is up. He too is wearing jeans. He looks somewhat similar to Smoke. As it goes to the front view of the two, the camera zooms out a little before coming to a stop.

Smoke isn't looking at him, instead around the arena. The man is looking right at him, however.

You're not seriously considering doing this, are you!?

Smoke turns his head fully.

Look, I told everyone, especially you, that I'm dead set on doing this, alright?

He turns back.

This is what I want.

Oh, okay, so you want to go into a cage and get yourself killed against men who have fought more than you. Is that really what you want?

A pause. The man's voice is strikingly similar to Smoke's. Smoke looks back at him.

...Yes. Yes it is. You know as much as I do the risks of this match, in fact I know more because I had to sign a contract to be put into it.

The man looks away in disbelief, yet Smoke keeps his hold. He looks back.

Dan, I understand why you're doing this, really, I do, but I just don't think it's necessary. Is there any other way?

No. If I back down now, after all I've said... What do you think they'll think of me? As some kind of joke?

Haven't you said before that if you could, then you would? Well this is my chance, and I'm taking it.

Smoke slowly turns his head back toward the arena. He's clearly not having any of it.

That was a long time ago. That part of my life is behind me now. As I said I understand why you want this but you're just chasing a deluded fantasy. Let it end now before you get hurt or even killed.

His head snaps back with a look of surprise.

You're beginning to sound like her. Have you been talking to her recently?

More than you have. See, I may have moved into Europe, but at least I know where my roots are, at least I can keep in touch.

You're not getting me to change my mind by guilt tripping me.

Once again Smoke turns away. He does it also.

Ed... You don't have to completely deny that part of your life. You lived it and you love it, and I know you'll do well here. Just give it a chan-

Ed turns back quickly.

No. I'm not moving here to chase a fantasy long-gone. I have my own life now, and this is no part of it.

He looks at the belt in disgust.

It's that isn't it? You think you're some big shot because you win a belt with a fucking television on it? Why, so you can watch your own ass get kicked on Live TV? I don't know why I even bother.

Ed gets up to leave. The camera starts to once again slowly pan anti-clockwise. Smoke quickly grabs his arm.

You say things like 'you know your roots', but you don't. You're forgetting yourself. Remember when we were children? We'd play fight with, or without or brothers? The HWF, the storylines, the championships we held?

The injuries, the crazy returns... the fun we had?

Ed is just standing there, looking back over his right shoulder. He's not budging an inch, but Daniel does not let go.

I hadn't forgotten. And now it's my chance to do it for real. In front of thousands of real fans, and for real championships. It'll hurt, but it's wrestling. It's not a fucking bouncy castle at the fun fair, is it!?

Ed yanks his arm away and turns around slowly. The camera just about hides Daniel behind Ed before cutting to a shot on a floor, behind Daniel, looking up at Ed.

It's clear you've not forgotten, 'Smoke Man', considering you're still using that name from those days. Do you see me parading down to the ring in tights and elbow pads, making a mockery of myself, pretending I'm something I'm not? Sure I enjoy watching wrestling, but get real, Dan. This is not you.

Ed completely turns and starts walking off, and the camera cuts to across the aisle, the same height as Ed's face, but angled to still see Daniel.

Then you do not know me at all, bro.

He freezes.

Or should I say...

Daniel places his belt flat on the next seat, and stands up. He turns his body to face Ed completely, almost mimicking his stance, sans Ed's clenched fists...

TJ Staner-

Ed quickly turns and takes a couple steps to come close to Daniel, the camera cuts to be right next to the two, with the wall behind them. Ed's right arm is slightly raised in the air... but stops himself. He brings his fist up to Dan's face and waggles his finger at him.

Nice try.

He turns and starts to depart again, quickly. Daniel lets him go. There was no point bickering.

The camera follows Daniel as he sits back down and runs his face through his hands, and then his hand through his hair, sitting back and turning his attention to his belt on the other seat. He looks up to the ceiling and lets out a big breath.

Bad idea, Dan.

He tells himself.

All those years ago it was just playing. I've never beat him in a real fight.

He quickly shakes his head, picks up his belt, stands and walks off. The camera rises with him, and watches him go, all the while remaining stationary.

The film fades.