The scene switches to backstage where the lovely Serena Reyes is with the Real World’s Champion, Vito “Metro” Valentino. The audience pop-pops for a moment before Serena speaks into her microphone.
Serena Reyes: Ladies and gentlemen, we are mere moments away from the main event championship match and I’m here with one of the competitors. The Real World’s Champion himself!
Metro looks to be in prime condition for his match with Bobby Dean. The veins protruding from his arms almost pulsate as the camera catches a glimpse of a smile behind those trademark shades.
Serena turns toward Vito.
Serena Reyes: Vito, what are your thoughts heading into the main event tonight? With it happening on the doorstep to Classic Wrestling’s biggest show of the year, is there any added pressure to retain your title against The Beautiful One, or is this another day at the office for you?
Vito chuckles as a “ME-TRO!” chant breaks out.
Vito Valentino: I’d be lyin’ if I said there wasn’t added pressure, Serena. Of course there’s added pressure. I’m in a match that not only puts my Real World’s Championship on the line, but puts my spot against Shujin Yama at CLASSICMANIA on the line. Uneasy is the head that wears the crown, y’know?
Serena nods, but remains silent as Vito continues with that train of thought.
Vito Valentino: Now, I know what you’re thinkin’. The champion doesn’t ‘get to face’ the number one contender in the main event. The number one contender ’gets to face’ the champion in the main event. Because there’s a difference, see. It’s an honor and a privilege for the number one contender to finally get that chance to stand on top of the mountain. It’s a dream come true for the number one contender to be in that spot on the main event of the biggest show of the year. For the champion? It’s another defense to prepare for, only on a grander stage. Because the champion is already there, and the number one contender is in the enviable position of tryin’ to beat the champ and take that title home to Mama Yama.
Vito sighs before continuing, allowing a moment or two to pass in between.
Vito Valentino: But for me? The situation is different. It’s not because of anything resemblin’ honor or respect for Shujin Yama. Shujin Yama doesn’t get to have that in his position with the way he conducts himself around here. Shujin Yama simply wants to take for the sake of takin’ because he believes in things like fear-mongering and bullying. Now, if I manage to beat Bobby Dean— a big if considerin’ he’s the number two wrestler in the whole wide world according to one of the most respected radio shows and magazines in the world of professional wrestlin’ — I get to go on to deal with the fear-monger and bully that is Shujin Yama. To me? To the WORLD?! That’s the real story going into CLASSICMANIA. That’s a far more important story than Shujin Yama finally getting the chance to become the Real World’s Champion.
Serena nods and pulls the microphone toward her.
Serena Reyes: So what will you do if you lose the title here tonight?
Vito Valentino: So it’s like this, ladies and gents. Someone needs to go on to face Shujin Yama and conquer him on the biggest stage in Classic Wrestlin’. Classic needs to go on to face Shujin Yama. And I’m going to find a way to beat one of the best competitors in all of Classic Wrestlin’ to go on to face Shujin Yama. Bobby Dean. The Beautiful One. It’s not his night, unfortunately, and I do not accept any other alternative than me defeating him. But with that in mind? Don’t think for one hot New York minute that I’m looking through Bobby or past him. ‘Cause I’m not. I know exactly what I’m in for when we lock horns in about 5 minutes and there’s no way I can succeed in slaying Classic’s resident dragon if I can’t beat him. So I know what I have to do here.
I have to pound him.
I have to slam him.
And when the world finds him flat on your big, beautiful, back?
I have to beat him.
Vito pauses one last time, closes his eyes, and tilts his head up with the microphone aimed downwards at his mouth.
Vito Valentino: so to answer your question, Serena?
WELCOME… TO… THE… METROPOLIS!
Handing the microphone back to Serena, Vito adjusts the big gold belt across his big muscular shoulder and heads off for what could be a turning point in his career.
Serena Reyes: Well there you have it. Back to you, fellas!