The next path (O2A)

[Kayn]

*After a match finished in the ring, the cameras go to the backstage interview area where Fabiola was standing by.*

"Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcoming my guest at this time, Kayn."

*The crowd exploded as the first ever Combatant Xtraordinaire entered the screen.*

"Kayn, your return to Ring Rage was a victorious one, how did it feel to be back in the ring after being away for five months?"

"I'll be honest Fabs, it felt like I was gone for a life time. Everyday the one thing that kept me working was all the great XWA fans, not only in the states, but the ones all over the world, like our fans right here in London England."

*cheap pop*

"How did it feel to get retribution against Devin Damian?"

"It felt good. I mean I would have liked to have done something to him to put him out for a few months, you know an eye for an eye, but I'm sure that with the announcement that Ms. Blackheart made I'll either have another chance at him or he and the rest of his little group will be standing in the unemployment line. Either way, it suits me fine."

"So what are your plans going forward?"

"Well just about the same as everyone else, go out there and do my best to give the fans a great show while maybe walking out with some gold on my shoulder."

"Are you saying you're on a title hunt?"

"By no means, I'm just saying that if a title shot comes my way, I'll make the best out of it and hopefully have myself another nice run."

*Just then Kayn looks up and notices someone off camera who is making his way into the frame.*

[drazen]

The man in question was the man known the world over as "The Russian Beast". He walks into the frame clad in his full Russian Military suit, clapping his hand antagonistically as he does. With his thick Russian accent, he speaks.

Yes. Congratulations on a successful return, Tovarish. A return which saw you gain retribution against a man with no honor, no dignity, and above all else, no skill. Something I myself would not be in the least proud of. And you call yourself an "Xtraordinare". You're supposed to be one of the competitors that represent the essence of what this company is, yet you allow yourself to be ambushed and taken out by someone as menial and insignificant as that white haired puppet. The level of weakness this countries so called "athletes" have astounds me to no end. So while congratulations are in order for ridding XWA of the XCW stench, now comes the time where you must prove you are worthy of your praise.

Tonight, I intend on testing that praise. You're widely regarded and respected by all. But respect and regard are often misplaced. Often given in the face of when a man has not been tested. I know all to well of your legacy here in XWA. Your wars against Keith Wyle & Scott O'Dell. Your lengthy and historic reign as Pure Champion. It is a lot to live up to, Tovarish. You'll get your chance. Because of all the foes you've encountered in your career, never before have you faced a man like me. Yes, I know it's a saying that has been raped by your countrymen years over. But I am not your countryman.

The Russian waits for Kayn's response to his apparent challenge.

[Kayn]

*Kayn stood and listened to Drazen and smirked a little as he reminded Kayn of his previous accolades, it was like a short trip down memory lane. As Drazen finished, Kayn began to speak.*

"Well I'm glad to know my reputation proceeds me."

*Kayn then starts stroking his beard as he continues.*

"So let me get this straight. Because I got blindsided by a punk like Damian, I should no longer be considered 'Xtraordinaire'."

*Kayn then paused and looked away from Drazen for a moment to think then turned back to him.*

"Sorry there comrade, but I'm going to have to disagree with you. Because while I have faced some of the biggest and baddest that the XWA has to offer in the likes of guys such as Vikram and Nigel Sledge, Devin was able to do something that no one else has been able to do and that's make me leave the arena on stretcher. Hell, it could have happened to anyone, even you."

*Kayn then smiles as he looks at Drazen for a moment, but then his smile becomes a more serious look.*

"But that's the past. Let's talk about right now. Right now, you are standing here basically telling me that I haven't been tested and that the respect I've earned, and yes I've earned it, is misplaced. Once again, I have to disagree, because every fan in those seats out there *cheap pop* and every man and woman in the back here know damn well I have earned the respect of everyone. Now they may not all like me, but they do all respect me. They know I will go out there and give every last drop of blood, sweat and tears in my body to do what I do best, and because of that I have become one the measuring sticks in the company. So you can stand there and say that I've never faced an opponent like you, well I can promise you that you've never faced an opponent like me and tonight, you'll learn why I was the longest running Pure champion in the short history of this company."

*Kayn looks at Drazen and waits for a reply.*

[drazen]

Drazen responds with an interesting and unexpected reply.

Oh, but I'm counting on the fact that I've yet to face an opponent like you. Because a man regarded as a "measuring stick" should naturally give his best in every match, on any night, against any opponent. So if your best isn't at the least what I see this night, it all but proves my point...perfectly. You're regarded as one of XWA's best. I only challenge the best. So tonight, we'll see face to face, in the middle of the ring...if my challenge was wise, or if it was for not.

Drazen gives the slightest of bows of his head. After shooting a piercing look in the direction of Fabiola, he gives Kayn one final glance before leaving the interview area.

[Kayn]

*Kayn watched Drazen leave the area as the commentators commented.*

Matt: "Kayn vs Drazen Petrovovic. Tonight. This one is going to be a barn buster Buzz."

Buzz: "You said it, this one is going to be huge."

*Kayn continued to look towards where Drazen left the scene as the camera faded to commercial.*