Not Out Yet

[Alex Cross]

Sitting quietly on a steel folding chair with his elbows resting on his knees and his head lowered still dressed in his wrestling attire is the now former GZW IC Champion Alex Cross. His hair is tussled and as he looks up for a moment you can tell from the look in his eyes that he's still shaking off the effects of the soccer kick to the head he received at the end of the night. The door to the room opens up as Caramel Sanders slowly steps inside keeping her eyes open for flying debris of any sort that might come her way.

Mr. Cross? Any chance I can get a few words from you about what happened tonight?

Alex turns his head in the opposite direction refusing to look at the young interviewer.

Why? So you can twist my words to fit whatever asinine story you're pushing? Get lost!

No sir, no twist just your words as they are. Unfiltered.

Unfiltered?

Alex finally turns his head to look at the young lady who hasn't left the doorway.

I suggest you rethink your whole unfiltered approach because you may grow to regret that decision in the long run my dear.

Alex I...

No..no..no..no..no..no..no..no you don't get to speak right now Caramel, I do. It's me that gets the chance to address what happened tonight not you. If you want to ask questions I suggest you go somewhere else because if you're going to stand in here then you will listen and only listen. You follow?

Caramel nods her head in agreement as she steps into the room closing the door behind her.

These bruises that litter my body right now are nothing more than badges of honor. The bruises are proof that our illustrious champion is rattled. You don't think I'm getting under his skin? You don't think my actions are causing him to slip? My body is proof that he's losing control. These aren't the bruises from a man in control of his actions, no Caramel these are the actions of a man who is losing touch with reality. That reality being that sooner rather than later it'll be me standing over him gloating as I hold what he cherishes so dear over my head. Leon you think you've gotten to me? You think I'm rattled because of a little beating?

Alex gets to his feet as he points at the scar on his forehead.

You think these staples in my head are enough to cause me to rethink my path? Think again cupcake because all this did is prove that you aren't the same vicious. You aren't the same Neon Leon. It proved that I'm right where I want to be and that's inside your head. You think you're winning? Leon this is nothing more than a game of chess and all I did was sacrifice my bishop, nothing more.

Alex lets out a small laugh before smirking.

The sad part about this whole thing Leon is I'm a step ahead of you and you're too stupid to see it even though it's looking you right in the face. You're so worried about getting me back for what happened at Aftermath that you're ignoring everything that's going on around you. Good for you Leon, you gave me a good ole fashion beating on live television. You happy now? I hope so because I'm honestly thrilled about it.

I know that I should be bothered right now and usually I would be. Two straight loses, both being title matches and both being to a Corbin. Yeah, I should be bothered but I'm not and you know why? Because now I can focus on you and no one else. I don't have to wonder who will be standing across the ring from me trying to take my IC Title or wondering who will be coming after me looking for a leg up. I'm no longer the hunted, I'm the hunter and you my friend are my prey.

You think I want your approval? You think my actions in that ring were all so I could get some kind of approval from you like you were a father figure to me? My actions, my moves, my choices inside that ring tonight were not me looking for approval but me showing you that anything you can do I can and will do better. That title you hold so close to you doesn't make you the greatest to step foot in that ring. That title doesn't justify you as the "new" glass ceiling of the GZW. So you can take all the nicknames and monikers you want but at the end of the day their is only one man who can go like no other and do what no other can do in that ring and you're looking at him.

Leon you think you're a God walking amongst immortals? That you're untouchable from your perch up top? Well allow me to knock you off your perch and prove to you and everyone else that you're far from a God. Allow me to prove to you and the whole world that you're nothing more than a mortal with an inflated ego. My wounds will heel and these scars will soon scab over. But what I plan on doing to you will last a very, very long time.

You see Leon, this isn't me acting. This isn't me playing pretend or putting on a front. This right here is what a man does when he has no options left in front of him. This is what a man does when his back is against the wall and he will do anything to get ahead. I won't have my back stay against the wall and I refuse to have the likes of you towering over me and trying to keep me down. I will climb to the top of that proverbial ladder, grab that title, and send you crashing down to the bottom where you belong. I may be down Leon but I'm far from out.

Alex pushes past Caramel and opens the door to the room. He steps out into the hallway but stops for a moment and turns back to face Caramel.

By the way Leon, do give your wife my best.

He smiles once more before exiting the room.

[James Strong]

"So good to see you again Mr. Cross. Might I have a word with you?" The words spoken came from behind the former IC Champion as he headed towards one of the exits inside the hallowed halls of the GZW Coliseum. Alex slowed his pace and turned around to see who's voice was behind him.

"I'm sorry?" Puzzle filled his voice as he looked at the older man standing behind him dressed in blue jeans and a black polo shirt, unsure just who the man was.

"James Strong, we met a few months ago at a gym. I work with the GZW Women's Champion Amanda Taylor. Remember now? I believe you called me a pencil pusher? And then went on to have your bodyguard throw me out because you didn't like my presence." His voice was calm though it was obvious bringing up that moment wasn't one he was fond of. Few things got under his skin but being underestimated was definitely towards the top whether he liked it or not.

The former champion smirked as he tried to stiffle a laugh. "Now I remember you. What do you want? Can't you see I'm a little busy right now? I don't have time to talk with underlings." With those words the former champion turned and headed back towards the door.

"No Mr. Cross I'm afraid you're too busy losing matches and titles to talk with underlings." He knew he was treading on thin ice but he had to get his attention some how. Alex stopped and spun around once more letting the older man know he finally had the young man's attention.

"I suggest you turn and walk away before I do something you'll regret. You know, I like Amanda and that's the only thing keeping me from separating your head from your shoulders right now. Though if you keep pushing I'll just have to do it regardless." It was obvious from the tone of his voice how serious he was and that it was more than just an empty threat.

James nodded his head before taking a few steps closer to the young man. "I just want a few minutes to talk with you about an opportunity. One you'd be a fool to overlook. Allow me to say my peace and then you can go about your business and pretend I never approached you. How does that sound?"

"What do you want James?" He leaned against the nearby wall and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"I want to help you out with your little problem Mr. Cross. You have this me against the World attitude and I'd like to expound upon that. A mutual friend of ours reached out to me earlier this week and she seems to think I can do you some good." Alex's eyes narrowed in as he weighed the statement. "I'm not asking you to allow me to manage you Mr. Cross."

Alex was quick to cut in. "Then what are you offering James because that's exactly what it sounded like to me. And who is this mutual friend of ours? Last time I looked I only had one friend and I seriously doubt Munin reached out to you."

"Ms. Nicole Jennings thinks that I, or should I saw we could help you out. As for what I'm offering it's a little insurance policy."

Alex seemed confused at the last statement though was it the mention of the young Nicole Jennings or the thought of needed an insurance policy. "What do you mean insurance policy?"

A smile came across James face. "I myself would help you and a select few get what you rightfully deserve in this company. An alliance if you will."

Alex nodded before lifting his right and give James the middle finger. "Keep your insurance, I'll get what I want on my own. I don't need you or your little alliance."

James pursed his lips and frowned before shrugging his shoulders. "Have it your way Mr. Cross. Though do give it some thought please? It truly would be what's best for business." He extends his hand towards Alex holding what seemed to be a card. "My card. Call me if you change your mind. I have others I need to contact but I hope you'll reach out to me after you've thought on it. Maybe even talk to your girlfriend Munin or Ms. Jennings about it. Maybe they can help you. Until then have a nice day."

He turned and walked down the hall leaving Alex alone who stood looking at the card in his right hand. He looked back up as James disappeared around a corner.