So close

[Ethan]

Malik walks along an empty ring. A cage lowers down as his fingers run along the chain links. His eyes stare off into the empty seats. He then grips the chain links and looks directly into the camera.

Malik: To win. To become champion, that's the goal. Every step I make is marred with blood and pain. My body aches, my joints are stiff. I get disoriented and yet I continue. I crave the gold. I crave the belt and this week I have to prove it.

Lights slowly go out as a mist fills the arena. Malik slowly begins to climb the fence, wincing with every movement. His face etched with pain the sound of his grunts grow louder as he nears the top of the cage.

Malik: I have to prove that I can outlast, outsmart, and out wrestle... Three other men. Two of which give most  fans concern, and that's Duxen and that freak bloodman, Duxen, I can't say I like you and I don't really care that you're a former champion. You're in a ring with the sickest man in HPW. No matter what you think you can do. I promise you my body can take more punishment than you can dish out.

Malik makes it to the top of the  cage, sitting on it stradelling. the middle. He looks out into the crowd and closes his eyes.

Malik: As for the freak... Bloodman. We rip and tear at one another, week after week. Blood spills and muscle's tear, Bone's break. Until one of us has had enough and takes it to another level. Until one of us decides to end a career. I'm not there yet Bloodman, but you're pushing it. Ask anyone around... when I snap it won't be pretty.

Malik stands along  the edge of the cell looking down upon a table conspicuously left at ring side. He looks at the table and then looks back at the camera.

Malik: One thing is for certain, come the cage match I'll be waiting. Come the cage match I'll be ready and come the cage match. I'll be willingly to make sure that you don't walk away, with just a chair shot. You Bloodman will have the pleasure of pain.

The lights go out completely as  Malik Begins to jump. The picture goes black and splintering wood can be heard in the background. Nothing else is heard for a bit, then Malik's laughter echoes throughout the arena.