[BACKSTAGE – EARLIER TODAY]

The camera pans down a quiet hallway. From the left, Trent steps into frame, his signature energy already apparent as he knocks confidently on a locker room door. A moment passes before it swings open—and there he is: his closest ally, his tag team partner, his brother in battle—Ares Alexander.

Before Ares can say a word, Trent slaps him playfully on the side and grins ear to ear.

"Guess what?"

Ares smirks knowingly, not missing a beat.

"You got us a match, right?"

Trent’s smile stays—but now he starts shaking his head slowly from side to side.

"Why are you smiling if we don’t have a match?"

Trent throws a hand up, signaling him to relax.

"Hey, hey, hey. You really think I’d be this hyped if we had nothing lined up?"
“We’re not teaming up tonight… but we both got matches.”

Ares raises an eyebrow, unsure if Trent’s serious or sarcastic. Trent leans in, lowering his voice a bit.

"I’ve got White Tiger. But you, my friend... you hit the jackpot."

Now Ares is curious.

"Wait—what’d you do?"

"Tonight, you're stepping in the ring with one of the top names in the company. A former number one contender for the World Heavyweight Title. You, my friend, are going one-on-one… with Jay Blue Lightning."

Trent pauses dramatically.

"In a No Disqualification match."

Ares freezes, his eyes widening just slightly.

"Wait, wait—the Jay Blue Lightning? The same guy who's been tearing through everyone since that loss to... Omen?"

"That very one."

Ares exhales. You can see the gears turning. It’s a tall mountain to climb—but there’s also a glint in his eye now. That Chicago fire. He’s still unsure, but the challenge is starting to appeal to him.

Trent clocks the hesitation and steps forward.

"Look, man. I wouldn’t drop this on you if I didn’t believe in you. You’re one of the toughest hardcore specialists I’ve ever met. You were built for No-DQ."
"You’re from Chicago, Illinois, bro—this is in your blood. If anyone can put a dent in GBL's armor, it’s you. You win tonight? You're on the fast track. Straight to the top. So don’t sweat the climb..."
"Just have a little faith in yourself."

Ares takes a breath, nodding slowly. Then, finally, he smiles.

"You know what? You're right."
"Thank you—for the opportunity, and for bringing me back."
"After we both get the W tonight, we’re celebrating big."
(grins)
"After all… we are in Paradise."

Trent gives him a proud pat on the back, turns, and walks off down the hallway, leaving Ares to soak it all in. He steps back into the locker room and closes the door behind him as the camera slowly fades to black.

[END SEGMENT]