"Hi, this is AJ. I am probably at the batcave and Alfred can't pick up either. Sing your song at the beep!"
Trent?: Shit.
Those have been the only words Greg has heard from his fiancé for the past weeks. Over and over again, every time he has tried to reach her, he has been greeted by the voicemail. It was as if she had been erased off the face of Earth. His facial expression said it all. He sat across his friend Brian Miers on a café in New York City. It was January 3rd, the first day of MAGfest in New York City, a big Music and Gaming festival he was attending. Trent? had spend the rest of the Holidays with his family back home, given the recent circumstances, everyone has been extremely supportive.
Curt Hawkins: Nothing?
Greg shook his head.
Curt Hawkins: Have you tried her home?
Trent?: Yeah, same result. I'm afraid…
Curt Hawkins: You think she…
Awkward silence. Greg wasn't much of a ladies man and his relationship with AJ was surely the most meaningful relationship he has ever had. Greg didn't feel like talking about how her fiancé poofed and left him hanging any longer… And his friend Brian could see that. In a moment where words weren't needed, his warm arm wrapped around his childhood friend was better than the wisest of advices.
Curt Hawkins: You do know you can't let this ruin everything you've worked for, right?
The fact his career was undoubtedly at it's highest peak at the very same moment he felt weakest and worst than ever before. Greg looked at his friend.
Trent?: Try it.
What an atypical moment Greg was going through… On one hand, everything he ever dreamed came true a couple of weeks ago. On the other hand, the love of his life just walked through the door without even saying why, without even saying good bye. However, Brian did have a point. He ran his hands along his head and let out a sigh.
Curt Hawkins: I know it wasn't the way you wanted things to turn out… But you gotta make most of it.
Trent?: You are right. The World Tour is just around the corner and despite what it's being said, I'm the main attraction.
Curt Hawkins: What is being said?
Trent?: That I'm a five foot-nothing one hundred pounder who isn't worthy of the belt.
Curt Hawkins: Well, another reason to knock the ball out of the park instead of sobbing for your losses. It know it sounds harsh but…
She was going to freaking marry him and yet she wouldn't answer her phone and every e-mail he wrote to her address bounced back. Any normal human being would freak out… But the show must go on.
Curt Hawkins: Listen, you have to stop listening to dirt sheet and hall gossip. People can talk, people can yap their mouths, write books on how you aren't worth it. But reality is… You have the belt. You are the champion, the man to beat! It is your duty to rock every show you are in. Defeat every opponent thrown your way and show the world a face of Trent that proves to be deserving for the status of World Champion.
Again, he was right.
Trent?: Yeah, I gotta start working on that even before the World Tour.
Brian smiled, it was reassuring to see Greg having something to look forward to.
Curt Hawkins: Excellent! I haven't had the chance to tell you, that stuff you did with Matt was extremely intense!
Last week's work with Matt (Zack Ryder) was acclaimed backstage, for it's intensity amongst other things.
Trent?: Yeah, I'll let you in on a little secret. Next week there's more coming!
The AllState Arena in Chicago had announced Zack Ryder Vs. Trent? for the EBWF World Title. With Zack Ryder being a fan favorite and getting a shot at the coveted World Title, it would most likely end in a sold out arena of Ryder fans. He and Matt would get the shot to narrate the last chapter, the epilogue of their story.
Curt Hawkins: Let me guess, you aren't going to tell me much?
Trent?: You're getting good at this.
Curt Hawkins: You piece of S…
Waitress: Do you need anything else, gentlemen?
The café's waitress had barged into the scene just in time for Brian's profanity to be held behind his lips. Greg signalled for the check and the girl nodded before walking towards the counter.
Trent?: You're free to come and watch if you want… You get to say hello to other guys backstage…
Brian rubbed his chin.
Trent?: Want me to let you in on a little detail?
Curt Hawkins: What is it?
Trent?: Matt would really appreciate if you were there on Monday night.
Curt Hawkins: Why?
Trent?: Oh, you'll see!
Curt Hawkins: You love being a D…
The Waitress walked towards the table and handed Greg the check.
Waitress: Here you go!
Greg skimmed through the check and nodded.
Trent?: So, wanna split the check?
Curt Hawkins: Why would I want to split the check with a guy who just earned 150 grand over the weekend for a PPV Bonus?
Curt stood up and stared at his friend with a smirk.
Trent?: Dick move, bro.
Both men walked out of the café and onto the cold streets of the big Apple. The words Brian pronounced as they walked through the doors and onto the street would resonate on his head for quite a while.
Curt Hawkins: Stay strong. Life goes on! And on top of everything… World Champions don't cry.