One step forward, three steps back.

[Paul Sant]

One step forward, three steps back.

Paul Sant paces back and forth. Where to start? Apologies? Rage against the bike? Whose up next...Callaway? Excellent! Thoughts of these are running through his head as he organizes his thoughts. Marley giggles nervously as this isn't the first time her husband's held up the camera crew from having the camera crew be productive. "All they want is a few words Paul, this isn't anything new" she thinks to herself as she sways her head side to side. To Paul's right is Jacob Rogers. His arms crossed with a look of disgust on his face. "Don't tell me he's really thinking of apologizing. Last week wasn't your fault" he clinches his fist harder as he thinks this. Finally Paul stops while facing his wife and turns his head towards the camera.

Paul: First and foremost, Adam...I'm sorry for last week. The two of us together can beat any duo. I won't say it's because my head was focusing on other issues at hand. Hell, I won't spit out any excuses because you deserve better bro. Our families have gotten close and all I'm going to say is we'll get them next time. I guarantee it.

Jacob: OH FOR FUCKS SAKE!

The Sants look in awe at Jacob, who just finished throwing his hands in the air.

Jacob: Are you fucking kidding me Paul? You're apologizing and you weren't even the one who took the fall. If anything Adam should be spoiling you with apologies and gifts to get you back in his good graces. Not the other way around.

Paul looks at Marley and shrugs his shoulders.

Paul: Did you get Adam anything, because I didn't. All I'm doing is being a good friend.

Jacob: You're going soft. And this week of all weeks is not the time to turn soft. I'm out of here.

Jacob walks off screen and heads back to the locker room.

Marley: What was that all about?

Paul looks off at his best friend, from the expression you know Paul didn't hear a word Marley just said. She tugs on his arm in attempt to gain his attention.

Marley: Honey? Paul...

Paul: He's right.

Marley: He's not babe. You're only trying to be a good friend.

Paul: *looking back at the camera* I meant my apology but I'm closing the book of last week and looking onward towards the future. Now the higher ups saw my performance and felt I could hack it in the main event. They figured I would provide another great performance and I flopped. For that, I'm back at square one. Could be worse, don't you think?

Marley: The only way I see this getting worse is if you didn't get a match at all!

Paul: I need to make a statement this week. How so? By defeating Stephen Callaway. The one that got away. He may have been the winner the last time we were involved in the same match but the shit just got real this time Stephen.

Marley: Not to say of course that Paul took the last encounter lightly.

Paul: Right. The difference is this...anyone whose followed me knows how often I'm labeled as "the underdog". The one who has to consistently overcome some wacky odds. I can't just be successful based on my talent alone. It needs to be done because people start speaking garbage and I come to take it out. No different this week Stephen. I'm having to prove myself worthy to be against the bigger names in KOP. This case, I don't mind it. It's been a thorn on my side ever since the last match anyways. How in the world did Stephen Callaway win? I asked Jacob, I asked Marley. They both cried fluke as did I. Anyone can get lucky on any given day. *points to self* MY job this week is to make sure that this luck of yours ran it's course. You know, I wish no ill will to you...after the match. In the middle of the ring, I can't make any promises. An example will be made out of you Stephen. You'll be nothing more than an after thought. Fans will talk about the show and say "Man that opening match was fantastic! Paul Sant took that guy to the school of hard knocks!" *smiles*

Marley: You will be known as "that guy" and yes, fans will use the term school of hard knocks. I have no idea but it makes perfect sense to me.

Paul: It should, because it's going to happen. Stephen, I'll see you out there bro.

He makes the "cut" sign, grabs Marley by the hand, and makes his way back to his locker room. What the fuck was Jacob's problem? Let's find out! But first, let's hear Marley make fun of him.

Marley: I'll see you out there bro? That was the best way you could have finished it?

Paul: We'll come up with a better closer next time.

Marley: *smiling from ear to ear* Promise?

Paul: *rolls his eyes* Yes.

Marley enjoys brainstorming ideas with Paul on any subject. He tends to throw out ridiculous ideas that makes her day. Entering the locker room, they find Jacob doing push ups.

Paul: What the fuck was that out there?

Jacob stands up after doing two more and gets in Paul's face.

Jacob: I'm tired of hearing you two groaning and moaning about last's week match. Fucking man up Sant. Adam dropped the ball and that's it. You have a huge opportunity ahead of you. To avenge a loss is so important right now. But all I hear is, tag match this and Silence that and The Voice is garbage. Enough!

Marley gets in between the two.

Marley: Come on you guys. Enough already.

Paul: The hell is wrong with you? You've been pissed all week and I DOUBT it's because of me.

Jacob: *sighs* Let's go over some wrestling bro.

Paul: Alright, but holds only and easy on the submissions.

Jacob gets into a wrestling stance and grins.

Jacob: Want me to go easy? Learn to escape them quicker.

The two lock up and the training begins!