What can I say? I flat out lost the match. No interference, just Vincent capitalizing on the first mistake I made. He got the job done and I didn’t.

(Subdued stands up with an angry fake smile on his face. He walks slowly around to the back of the chair.)

He’s been on a bit of a tear since joining the single’s ranks.

(Subdued abruptly grabs the chair and whips it somewhere off camera.)

F**K!! I’m supposed to be the number-one contender for the North American title! Then I go and do something like this! What the hell is the matter with me?! I didn’t go out there at Resurrection and earn that title shot just so I could show that I might not be worthy of it a few weeks later!

(He puts his hands on his hips and looks to the floor. He proceeds to take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down. After one final exhale he proceeds much more tranquil.)

I have to say I’m a pretty lucky guy. I have received the opportunity to redeem myself and prove I am the right man to face Jin at Discord. I get the man who just defeated me. I get to face off against Par… Keith Summers for the first time since I took him to a time limit draw, and I also have the privilege to work with Jin Akujin for the first time.

Jin, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I’m ready to take that NA title from you, but as of right now that can wait. We have a task at hand that might just be a little more important than that title or even us for that matter. We are taking on EEI. They’ve been together for much longer than we have, which is obviously never. They have about three aces up their collective sleeve. We have nothing but ourselves to rely on. However, I have seen how you are, Jin, and I know how I am, and I really don’t think we need anything else. This last week was a mistake, it will NOT happen again. There will be no let downs on my side. I have everything to gain and everything to lose in this match. I also know you are as competitive as me, and take the same type of pride into all your matches. I know I have nothing to worry about from your side.

(He looks off to the side with slightly disappointed look.)

I’m sure you’re wondering, as well as every other Merc fan, myself included, as to why Picasso held off a seemingly inevitable attack. All I can tell you is that I’m not in cahoots with EEI. Other than that, I really have no idea. I do know this match is going to be a war, and I’m sure this week off helped you heal so you’ll be your normal, dominating self, Jin. Let’s get the job done.

(Subdued walks away the same way he came in. The camera zooms into the logo and fades out.)