**On a stage from an undisclosed location, a podium adorned with the gaudy lime colored seal of the XWF's Secretary of Defense stands vacant. Press personnel have filled the room. The XWF banner hangs behind, vincent Lane's face over the center.

A woman walks from behind the curtain. Sly, Paul Heyman's personal assistant steps to the podium.**

Distinguished members of the press, the Secretary of Defense.

Paulie's Theme plays bc Paulie

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman

I've decided to come to you all tonight for a couple of reasons, but first, with Lethal Lottery on the horizon I just want to make very clear to all of those involved that this is perhaps the most intense series of events that the XWF brings forth.

It is not for the feint of heart, I assure you. There are a lot of new faces that have graced our squared circle and I promise you they have not been a part of something this rigorous in their respective careers.

It will test your resolve.

It will test your spirit.

It will test your determination.

It has the tendency to break even some of the strongest willed people that have ever graced the ring.

That said, it brings me to a grander point. Over the last several weeks the standings have remained a bit stagnant with very little movement up or down except for a few individuals that have really impressed me. Thomas Nixon, Jim Caedus and Thaddeus Duke among them, just to name a few. I can assure you that will necessarily change moving forward. With the Lottery, some perhaps unsung heroes, will have the opportunity to team with and face some of our more established veterans.

With that, comes great reward. If one defeats an established veteran or a bona fide star, their stock rises immediately. So this serves as a reminder to those involved in the Lottery and perhaps an urging to those who have yet to throw their hat into the ring: the Lottery is huge. Coming out full throttle in an event such as this and having great outings can turn a relative newcomer into a sensation.

It is big folks, I can not stress that enough.

The last thing I want to address before taking a few questions is that I've had private closed door meetings with Vincent Lane several times concerning the only thing that matters to me more than being your Secretary of Defense.

That subject is Paul Heyman.

Since my election to this post I have remained relatively quiet and I've stayed off television. After discussing this matter with Vincent, we've determined that the fans of the XWF need more of me.

With that in mind I'm taking this opportunity to announce to the entire roster that yours truly will be taking a more active role in front of the cameras. What exactly that means, I don't yet know, but I can tell you why...

Through all the years I've been here, through the years that I made Madness the number one watched wrestling show on the planet, one thing was abundantly clear...

**Paul can't help but grin as he leans closer to the podium. The camera necessarily zooms in.**

Through my time here, the one thing that is abundantly clear, is that I love fucking with reigning champions.

Now I'll take questions.

Jim!

Mr. Secretary you recently had words with Cadryn Tiberius over his exclusion from your rankings. Can you comment?

I'll tell you what I told him. Cadryn Tiberious does not impress me. Until he does, he'll continue to be left out.

You. Jim.

You recently slandered Scully, the Xtreme Champion, on Savage. Do you think its wise to rile up those you're supposed to be working for?

Firstly, I don't work for the roster. I work for Vincent Lane by way of the XWF fans. Secondly, yes. It gives me great pleasure to kick these egomaniacs back down the ladder until they impress me.

Are all you guys named JIm?

Jim go ahead.

You had a rather heated argument with Robbie Bourbon, do you expect that conversation to keep going?

I think Mr. Bourbon and I have reached an understanding. Robbie is a man that the rest of the roster should look up to. He had issues and voiced them, and he and I talked it out and Mr. Bourbon now knows where he stands.

Some would say you offered to cut a deal with him, and right out in the open. What's your response?

That's all the time I have, thank you and good night!

**Paulie is quickly ushered backstage.**


The Bubble Players: Aldo Nardozzi, Reeve Gordon, Glisten, Shandel Jones, Bear Braddock, John Black, Guppy Parsh, Dawud Tha Bully, Barney Green, Shelby Cobra, Michael McAsshat