[It's madness in the press room of the Lakefront Arena immediately following the closing events of Defiance 36.]

[The room is flooded with dozens of photographers and cameramen jockeying for the best angle, journalists shoving their way through the crowd shouting questions and waving their pads high, sports news anchors chattering fervently into their microphones, and the lucky few fans who managed to get their hands on VIP passes for the night. The din is deafening and altogether indecipherable, but the chaos is not unfocused. It is, in fact, all channeled toward one weary figure standing alone at the front of the room.]

[Though the very image of exhaustion, Python stands defiantly at the press podium, squinting out into the lights and attempting to pick out specific questions amidst the pandemonium.  His usual good natured grin is hardened into a serious grimace. He is drenched in sweat and there are several fresh bruises forming on his face and arms, not the least of which being a particularly nasty shiner around his left eye. He wears them proudly like badges of honor, for they tell the story of an incredibly epic evening.]

Reporter 1:

Why did you and Tom Sawyer run in to help Dan Ryan?

Python:

I did it because it was the right thing to do. I can't speak for Tom, but I'm sure that's why he did it, too. I don't know what Box and his buddies used to get away with here, but that three on one bull**** isn't going down with me around. You can take that promise to the bank.

[The night's final happenings have whipped the press into an excited frenzy and the security team has their hands full preventing further reporters from gaining entrance to the already overcrowded room. Python is alone up at the podium, but the crowd makes no move to reach him or pressure him. Though he is a world renowned superstar, Python has always belonged to the people. He is one of them, and they take care of him. They just want answers. And despite having pushed his body to the limit tonight, he is standing before them voluntarily to give them what he can.]  

Reporter 3:

Do you have any updates on the condition of Tom Sawyer? Did he suffer any injuries from his fall off the stage?

Python:

I don't know. I wish I did. I'm sorry.

Reporter 6:

After the show went off the air, you were one of the first to jump down from the stage to help dig him out. You didn't get a good look at what kind of shape he was in?

Python:

No, it was really just a mess of broken tables and sound equipment and cables down there. I was exhausted and running on adrenaline and just trying to help clear shit out of the way as best as I could. Tom is as tough as anyone I've ever met, but that was a hell of a fall. I hope he's doing ok.

Reporter 6:

Did you see it happen?

Python:

No, Dan Ryan and I were beating the hell out of Bronson outside the ring at the time. But I heard the crash, and I heard the fans' reaction, and my stomach just dropped. I figured it was Edward White's doing, though. I just found out a few minutes ago what really went down.  

[A moment of silence as the train of thought in the room shifts before everyone explodes into rapid-fire questions about Heidi]

Reporter 2:

You and Heidi were friends back in OLW.

Reporter 1:

What are your thoughts on her behavior as of late?

Python:

I haven't seen or spoken to Heidi since I've been back, but it's painfully clear she's not the person I revered and respected once upon a time. Her actions tonight were not only completely uncalled for, but also an uncharacteristic and flagrant display of cowardice. So no, I won't be calling her anytime soon to grab a drink and catch up. And if I happen to have the misfortune of bumping into her, I'll be sure to repay the favor she so kindly paid Tom tonight.

Reporter 4:

Are you disappointed your match with Tom went to a double draw?

Python:

No. No, I'm very proud of the match he and I fought tonight. There were a few times where I almost had him, few times where he almost had me, that was a match that was going to come down to who made the first mistake. Just happened to be of those nights where neither of us made any. Tom deserves to be out celebrating right now, not laid up in the medical wing getting treated for god knows what injuries and getting table splinters plucked out of his skin.  

[The young high-flyer's brow lowers and his hands curl instinctively into fists. He is clearly deeply upset by the situation.]

Python:

I've said all I can say on what's happened to Tom. Any chance we could change the subject?

Reporter 6:

Are you still dating Gemma Lockhart?

[Python breaks into a broad grin despite himself and a tide of laughter ripples through the room.]

Python:

Haha! Ah, not to that.

[Back in his OLW days, the media had somehow gotten it into their heads that he was secretly seeing co-superstar Gemma Lockhart. In fact, they had hounded him so persistently on this topic that it became something of an ongoing joke between him and the press. Interestingly enough, just before OLW tanked and Python went off the radar, he did successfully ask Gemma out to a date live on the air.]

[Despite Python deftly sidestepping the question, it has brought about a notable positive shift in the mood of the room.]   

Reporter 2:

What's your reaction to the announcement of the ladder war and its qualifier matches? Do you think you can beat Box?

Python:

Hell yeah, I can beat Box. You gonna freestyle over it?

[Another round of laughter mixed with some groans.]

Python:

Ah, don't be fooled when I say things like that. Sometimes my sense of humor comes out to play when it's not welcome. I take every opponent seriously, and I prepare for every match like it's a title shot. As much as I don't necessarily respect Bronson Box as a person, the dude can ****ing fight. Woops!

[Python winces and claps a hand over his mouth.]

Python:

So sorry. Can I say ****?  I don't even know what channel we're on. Where's the "bleep" guy? You taking care of me, dude?
 

[A technician in a backwards black baseball cap pokes his head out of the audio booth in the back of the room and gives Python a smile and a wave.]

Python:

My man!

[Python points back his way.]

Python:

Anyway, yeah, you know... Bronson Box and I obviously come from two completely opposite worlds. We're very different people and we're very different wrestlers. My instinct is that it's going to come down to who prepares more effectively and who can stay focused for the duration of the match. Knowing Box, I think my odds are pretty good in that department. I figure the longer the match goes, the more likely he is to lose his shiny head and do something stupid.

Reporter 3:

Aren't you concerned that by announcing that strategy out loud, Bronson Box will make a conscious effort to avoid it during your match?

Python:

Nope. Box knows he's a crazy ****. If he's gonna blow a gasket, he's gonna blow it whether he's trying to avoid it or not.

[Python's familiar grin returns]

Python:

Besides... that's not my only strategy, and his temper is not his only flaw. He's not invincible. He's not a Wargod. He's human. I can take him.

Reporter 4:

Do you think you deserve to be the World Champion of Defiance?

Python:

Let me put it this way. I may be young, but I've been in this business for a long time. I've accomplished a lot, and it hasn't been by accident. I haven't been here the longest, but I know I'm among those who work the hardest. If anyone else deserves it more than I do, I'm going to make it difficult as **** for them to prove it.  

Reporter 5:

Is your upcoming match against Bronson Box at all personal?

Python:

No. I mean, not yet. But I know Box likes to make things personal, so... you know, give it a few days.

Reporter 1:

Bronson Box is infamous for his brutal temper and merciless cruelty. Combined with the wealth and resources of Edward White, are you afraid of the steps they may take to make it personal?

[The room falls completely silent for the first time. Python turns to face the reporter. Though there is fire in his eyes, he answers quietly.]

Python:

I'm not afraid of anybody.

[The tense silence is broken when one of the reporters thrusts his smart phone in the air and makes an announcement.]

Reporter 2:

The lineup for the next card has just been announced! Main event has you and Dan Ryan in a Tornado Tag against Bronson Box and Edward White!

[...]

Python:

Excellent.

[The room EXPLODES into another frenzy of questions, phone calls, and text messages as Python grins silently at the podium, seemingly oblivious to the noise.]

Reporters:

How do you feel about teaming up with Dan Ryan?
What's your strategy for teaming with someone you barely know against two guys you've never wrestled?
Do you think Edward White will be 100% following the events of tonight?
Will the champ get involved?
 

[Python finally holds up a hand and speaks quickly into the microphone, his amplified voice carrying over the cluster of sounds and questions filling the tiny room.]

Python:

I'm sorry guys, it's been a hell of a long night and clearly ****'s gonna get super real this week. I've got to get some rest now. Feel free to direct any further questions to my email! Python@defiance.com , I'll answer everything I get! Goodnight!

[With that, he strolls away from the podium, shakes a few more hands on the way out, and disappears through the room's double doors into the restricted backstage area, leaving the crowded press room in an even more chaotic state of excitement than he found it in.]  

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