Open Season

Stephanie McMahon: You know, you have been with the main roster for almost a year now… You even became the Breakout champion after just two matches, and held the belt for most of 2013. I just want to let you know that despite you didn't retain at Christmas Eve of Destruction, the EBWF board of directors and Staff are really looking forward to work with you in 2014… We just want you to take a step up the ladder and we want you to work with some of our bigger draws…

Shane McMahon: I know you had a program with Maryse, Saraya and Ryan… But they're all gone. There was noting we could do, everything might seem downhill from here… But we got your back. If there is any idea you want to pitch at us, anything you'd like to work out… Please feel free to reach out. We didn't want it to end this way, and we are sorry you were one of those affected by our layoffs… We'll make everything work out.

And work it out they did. It seemed that Leo Kruger was done for… Apparently he didn't cause enough of a bang, which meant he would either be released or sent back to developmental to iron some deficiencies out and get repackaged. Honestly, Leo was packing his bags for OVW… At least mentally. But something changed. Apparently, what he was told right after losing his breakout title was true… They were giving him a chance to prove himself with the 'bigger draws'. But Randy Orton was no bigger draw… Randy was undoubtedly the BIGGEST DRAW in the business today. 

The moment Renee Young stepped into Leo Kruger's locker room she understood why Michael Cole didn't seem too poised about interviewing him. Renee stood in front of the doorway and looked at the camera man.

Camera Man: So?

Renee Shrugged.

Renee Young: I told him I'd meet him by the door of his locker room…

The letters written a signs pasted on the door read "LEO KRUGER" indicated she was at the right place. Now, don't get the wrong picture. Leo Kruger doesn't have a private locker room because he is a huge star or because he demanded one… The truth was he was a bit of an eccentric, other superstars had a hard time trying to coexist with him. Renee sighed and turned the doorknob, pushing it open… Nothing could be made out from the dark insides of the locker room… Renee looked at the camera, as if hesitant about going in. A voice from within the room invited her in.

Leo Kruger: Ahhh… Just in time! Come on in.

Renee seemed doubtful, but she and the camera man ended up walking into the dark room. The camera switched to night vision to explore the surroundings. Other EBWF superstars prided themselves on having top of the line decoration and luxury. Big televisions, stereos, videogames, expensive furnishing… You name it, they have it. However, Kruger's locker room had none of that. In fact, it didn't even look like a locker room… The amount of crates, props and items familiar to hardcore wrestling enthusiasts made it look more like a janitor's closet than a locker room. Renee gulped as she walked around the trash… Little had she noticed Leo was pacing behind her, slowly, steadily… She turned around and was faced with the South African hunter, she took a step back and let out a loud gasp.

Leo Kruger: Did I startle you there?

Renee Young: What is wrong with you!?!?!

Leo Kruger: What is wrong with me? What is wrong with you? Did you expect to come into my domains and have me roll down the red carpet for you? Listen little lady…

Leo reached out to wrap a couple of fingers around her locks of platinum blonde hair.

Leo Kruger: You better be grateful you are not the prey I'm after… You see… I've found myself lately with no one to play with. All by myself… In these dusty, dark rooms… You know… A mouse is a mouse at the end of the day… But boy it is fun to toy… Even with a little mouse like you!

Renee took a couple of steps back. Leo flashed a rather creepy smiled at the blonde, overly popular announcer… She cleared her throat.

Renee Young: Leo… I'm here to ask you about your upcoming match.

Leo Kruger: Ah… I am glad you mentioned it! Now, you and I haven't talked much… But last time I as telling your good friend and colleague Michael Cole how much of a burden that Breakout Title was. How much it was preventing me from facing bigger challenges… How much I wanted to move on to bigger things… Better things… It took a couple of weeks, for me to get what I deserve… I have a golden opportunity, Renee… 

Renee Young: You do! Not only you will be taking part in your first Main Event, but you will be facing Three former world champions… Randy Orton, The Miz and Christian for the chance of being the last entrant on this year's Royal Rumble!

Leo Kruger: Now I won't lie to you… I felt renewed when I learned about the Rumble. I am a man looking constantly for new thrills and challenges… New ways to prove I am the Alpha Male in this place… And the idea of winning the Royal Rumble and going to WrestleMania sounds like the ultimate hunting trophy. Sounds like the thrill I have been looking for ever since I stepped foot in this place… every single EBWF superstar, going all out for themselves… It's survival of the fittest! Where the strongest, most vicious, most dominant man will end up being the king of the hill!

Renee Young: So, are you feeling prepared for the Royal Rumble? Regardless of the outcome of tonight's match?

Leo Kruger: I am always prepared, little Renee… The EBWF Universe knows by now than I always end up getting what I want… In the end I always get my prey… Wether it is the Breakout Title… Or the lovely Paige… I always lay hands on my prey.

Renee Young: Paige? You actually never got to…

Leo Kruger: She ran for the hills when both of her lackeys were taken care of, sweetheart… The point is… Putting me in a match like the Royal Rumble is like putting a fish in water… But putting me in the Royal Rumble as the last entrant is like putting a shark in water and then adding blood to the water…

Leo looked rather pleased with his analogy… His lips were curved in a smirk as his feline eyes pierced a hole through the uncomfortable looking Renee Young.

Renee Young: What do you mean by that?

Leo Kruger: Well… If you put me… Hypothetically as the first entrant of the rumble… Given my brawn, dexterity and cleverness you could assume there is a high chance I end being the winner… Now… If you put me as the last entrance of the rumble… You can rest assured I will be the winner.

Renee Young: Even despite the fact you are facing not one, not two but three former world champions?

Leo smiled.

Leo Kruger: Facing three world champions makes it even better for me… Are you familiar with behavioural patterns of African Lions? The Alpha male of a horde of lions usually stays as the leader of the horde until a younger, stronger lion forces him out of the horde and into exile… Now, do you see where I'm going with this?

Renee wasn't sure if she should reply.

Leo Kruger: Why would a younger, stronger Lion have trouble fending off three older Lions who have been already doomed to exile but refuse to accept such fate? Do you know how many matches I have lost ever since my arrival?

He raised his index finger to show Renee the number.

Leo Kruger: Not only I am the future… I am hungrier than any of those 'over the hill' lions you were talking about! And the fact I am able to get their heads and hang them on my wall makes this match even more important than it was before! I am tired Renee… I am tired of being handed mice and possums to have fun with… I want to fight Randy Orton… I want to show him who is the boss! I want to prove him I am superior than him on ever single aspect! I want to erase that confident smile off The Miz's face… I want to show him he is not half the man I am… I want to show him I can shred his existence to pieces with my bare hands…  I want Christian's realization of how old and weak he has become to come by my hand… These three former world champions as you call them… I want them to open their eyes… Renee, why won't they open their eyes?

Renee looked at him. Leo leaned in, speaking softly...

Leo Kruger: The time has come… They have to understand… There is absolutely no future for them… At least not as leaders of a hungry horde of Lions… It is time for a new dawn… It is time for a new Alpha male to rise above the rest and lead the way… To teach the EBWF universe everything that needs to be learned about survival, about being strong and resilient… Think you can take a wild guess on who that man is, beautiful Renee?

Renee pondered for a moment… Her nervousness quite evident as she pointed her index finger at him. Leo smiled, seeming very pleased.

Leo Kruger: You are as smart as they say… Don't worry Renee… I won't make you a liar… I will go out there and back up every single word I just said. I will expose the weaknesses of those former World Champions… I will show the world those broken, useless teeth and nails they once used to defend the World Championship with… After all, it's just evolution; That is what happens when you put them against someone hungry for success, someone desperate to make a point… My point being… I am the one and only Alpha male of the EBWF. I declare an open season… Anything goes… I will NOT stop until I have the hunting trophies I rightfully deserve… And Three former world champions' heads hanging above my fireplace.

Renee Young: Aren't you taking this too lightly, Leo?

Leo Kruger: Hey, the fact I have evolution by my side doesn't mean it is going to be easy… I have observed my opponents quite carefully. They're quite a bunch of interesting creatures. First we have this creature who is full of himself for no apparent reason… He's dumb enough to befriend a rhinoceros and turn his back on it, but he definitely has got guts. He has been on top of the world because he seized the day and even if it was for a short amount of time… Christian showed the world he still has the desire to be on top… Unluckily for him he has been pitted against me. Then we have a creature who has spent his entire career trying to convince us he is a peacock… He flaunts majesties colors and struts to the ring with his mating partners in an effort to demonstrate he's an alpha male… But at the end of the day The Miz is no Peacock… He is nothing but a chicken, who runs around in panic whenever there's a threat. Not once I have seen The Miz stand up to face his problems… He usually runs away or solves them behind his opponent's back… I am well aware of his tactics and I will not turn my back on him… Last, but definitely not least we have Randy Orton… The Viper… The Snake… Lonely… Vicious… Poisonous… Untrustworthy… From memorial times, it seems like the Snake's only purpose in live is to deceive mankind… If his personal space is ever invaded, the Snake coils and assumes it's attack position… Randy can coil and hiss all he want… He can go out there and declare he is going to break every single bone of my body… But I am well aware he is a wounded Snake right now… There's not much to worry about when you are facing a snake that is not only out of venom but also mortally wounded… I've carefully studied these creatures… Both their virtues and their weaknesses… I will not expose myself to their virtues, and I will exploit their weaknesses… I'm not sure either of them has had the pleasure of being hunted before… But there's a first time for everything… For example, a first time to win 

Leo chuckled and walked away from Renee as the scene faded to black.

Exterminator.

It took apparently too long... But the so called "Queen" has sent her newest hound after me.

Revenge on her mind, apparently I crossed a line when I invited her to play... But I don't regret it one bit. Being in proximity of such sweet scent, the exhilarating sensation of her pheromones, her feminine silhouette... She is the trophy every single alpha male would want.

Ryback, by far the biggest opponent I have matched up against... He's strong, he's vicious, but I believe the element of surprise is still on my side. Paige... A Feeble, materialist Queen hasn't really taken the time to see the full picture.

...

What do you mean: What am I talking about?

Oh... This just keeps getting better and better...

 You'll see what I'm talking about. For in the end, I will finally lay hands on my precious...




Catering. EBWF superstars looooooved Catering. They usually gathered there chat about the events that unfolded throughout the night and to applaud those who had excelled in their performances; everything while getting a bite to eat. Catering was awfully popular, but tonight... Not even Zack Ryder was there. Call it fear, intimidation or disgust... Only EBWF's prime hunter, Leo Kruger could be seen in the place. Kruger inspected the contents of the buffet pots... A look of disgust on his face... He was approached by a Catering member. Kruger had the pot's cover on his hand, the scent and steam of hot beef stroganoff fumed towards the ceiling.

EBWF Catering: Would you fancy some beef stroganoff?

Leo Kruger: I like my beef blue rare...

EBWF Catering: Don't get mad or something... But you've spent the past half hour or so, just gazing at the food... And you don't want anything?

Leo Kruger: Sadly, you don't understand... How better food tastes when you work hard for it, instead of having someone serve it to you...

EBWF Catering: Ehh... Alright... I just wonder why nobody has come tonight to Catering... They usually like our food.

Leo Kruger: Simple. An alpha male knows how to mark his territory... They simply don't dare to come because they know I am here. And since they're not coming... I think all this food...

Leo turned and tumbled the catering tables down with a front kick... hot pots and hot water splashed on the floor, along with the various contents of the pots. The Catering member silently walked away from Kruger, who snickered. Leo took a moment to look around the food on the floor... Until he heard a voice coming from the door.

Michael Cole: Oh God! I want some Bee...

Michael looked at the scene and took a step back towards the door...

Leo Kruger: Ahh... Come on in, Michael! You're just in time.

Leo paced slowly towards Michael Cole... Cole was petrified. Leo leaned in and bluntly sniffed Cole a couple of times.

Leo Kruger: Have you seen Christy Hemme?

Michael Cole: N-no... Not in a while... No.

Leo Kruger: Odd, you reek of pheromones and her perfume... I'll ask again.

Leo's hand landed on the door, shutting it behind them.

Leo Kruger: Have you seen her?

Michael Cole: I saw her a few moments ago...

Leo Kruger: I need to have a word with her... She might be quite useful...

Leo snickered. Michael gulped and looked behind Leo Kruger... Food, water, steam and pots all over the place

Michael Cole: What's all this mess?

Leo Kruger: Apparently is what "civilized" people do to feed themselves... No wonder why you're a bunch of pathetic weaklings. How does this work?

Michael Cole: People line up, get what they want...

Leo Kruger: No effort, no sweat on the forehead... Nothing.

Michael Cole: Please don't tell me you did this because of Ryback...

Leo Kruger: Ryback's hyperphagia has me unfazed. But affecting his supplies might sure be a step in the right direction to weaken him. You know... If everything turns out right, after tonight I might even claim a trophy I actually have desire for.

Michael Cole: What do you mean... You don't want the Breakout title?

Leo Kruger: The Breakout title just fell into my lap after I took Tensai down with ease... Don't get me wrong, who doesn't love a hunting Trophy? But sometimes I think that The same Breakout Title that sparkles around my waist is some sort of cord... Holding me back. Keeping me at the same level with guys who got beaten so bad that aren't even around anymore... Or are considering to throw the towel.
Sure, Ryback gave the finishing blow to Tensai... But I was the one who exposed his weak points, I was the one who exploited his infatuation with Paige... I was the one who deathly wounded him. Let's see... So far I have exterminated guys like Tensai, Dolph Ziggler, Corey Graves who don't walk among us anymore... While others have been seriously retorted and twisted after having to meet up with me... Drew McIntyre and Carlito... Speak of the devil! Carlito is also someone I will be facing tonight. No matter how big his mouth is... No matter how much he has worked on his physique... He is still no match for me and my vast hunting knowledge... Carlito's chances of walking out tonight on his two feet are very, very slim. For he can't do a thing with big pectorals and buff arms, when fighting someone who has taken down bare beasts with his bare hands...

Michael Cole: I don't get it... You're telling me the Breakout Title isn't as valuable to you as it used to be... But that you're still going to win?

Leo Kruger: I was a prideful, skilled and aggressive hunter before I even came to this concrete jungle... I will still be a prideful, skilled and aggressive hunter when the title is no longer around my waist. I made this title... For over 5 months I have held the title proudly, I have shown complete and utter dominance... I have become the longest reigning Breakout champion... And believe me, Michael... If it all comes down to me having to choose between taking Carlito and Ryback permanently out of commission and keeping the belt... I think you know what road I would choose... If I had to choose between getting the prey I have longed for and a belt whose greatness and prestige I have managed to surpass...

Natural Selection.

I don't usually concede these interviews. The thought of having to meddle with inferior creatures makes me... Don't get me started. Still, this must be done... If I am to continue with this incursion into the so called "Society", which has rendered several interesting results so far... It turns out the concrete jungle isn't as deadly as foretold by the stories... Sure, men seem to be slowly killing themselves from the very first highly caffeinated meal of the day until the last cholesterol laden cookie they eat before going to bed; but the funniest part is: They don't even realize they are killing themselves with their lifestyle...

Puny men are happy and content with being on top of the mountain, not realizing they could even go higher. Men are blinded by their ego, blinded by their emotions and materialistic needs... My opponent tonight is no different than the ones I have previously encountered. Cocky, careless, loud... Weak. 
The quest for that opponent that makes me feel the thrill of the hunt suffers a sidetrack every time I have to compete with some incompetent buffoon. Nevertheless... I will wait for that worthy opponent.

Michael Cole: Leo?

Kruger looked at the obnoxious interviewer and nodded his head.

Leo Kruger: What.

The look on the Breakout champion's face was one of disdain towards Michael. Leo was wearing olive cargo pants and black boots, a black wife beater, the usual fang shaped pendants clung around his neck. His prided possession wrapped around his waist.

Michael Cole: I asked you if I could get your thoughts on your title defense tonight...

Leo smirked.

As if you could even grasp any of my ideas... You're nothing but a mere puppet, a mere transmitter of information to people whose intelligence is even more impaired.

Leo Kruger: There's not much to say about it. I guess it will happen what happens all the time... It happened back home as well. Some new lion comes into the pride... Boasting he's stronger, faster, tougher than any of the other lions... He is eager to show what he's made of... Sadly, he falls short when compared to the pride's alpha male. The metaphor requires no explanation... Remind me who am I facing tonight?

Michael Cole: Carlito.

Leo ran a hand along his chin lock beard. Being the cautious man he is... Leo had already studied his prey before hand. Carlito was one of those creatures who took pride on his origin, who thought he was destined for greatness for the fact some sort of "Royal blood" runs along his veins. What a foolish determination it was: Giving so much power to something as feeble as genetics.

Leo Kruger: I'll confide in you, Cole. Carlito is yet another poor casualty that happened to run into my hunting path. I don't know if I have stretched this enough... But I am looking for a prey worthy of my hunting ability, and to this day... My searches have been less than successful... Sure, I was entertained by the likes of Tensai and the beautiful Paige... But in the end they proved no match for me. Do you know why I can freely tell you this?

Michael Cole: It's a free country Leo, you can...

Leo Kruger: Because I have proven time and time again that I am NOT to be toyed around with. I've noticed a lot of the people I have faced have severe and cognitive impairing delusions of greatness. Michael, when I tell you I will break every single bone in my opponent's body... Do you know why you should believe every word that comes out of my mouth?

Leo's lips curved into a crooked smile.

Leo Kruger: Because being the wise man I am, I know every single one of my opponent's 206 bones and how to break them. Not because I suffer of delusions, or because I feel the pitiful attention of those you call "fans". When I do my bidding, it is done with utter precision and calculation. I don't base my chances around brute strength, dexterity or intelligence... There's a downside to every single one of the preys that have fell into my lap, and I've been meticulous enough to identify and exploit it to my advantage.

Michael Cole: So, basically what you are saying is that you know everything you need to know about Carlito?

Leo scoffed.

Leo Kruger: Not that there is a lot to know. I know for a fact that Genetics don't play a part as strong as Carlito thinks, at least when it comes to competing in these kind of events. While he relies on his ancestors' stories and genes doing the work for him... I strengthen myself everyday, learning something new after each encounter... I adapt and survive. Tonight, you will all get a good biology lesson about natural selection. So, if I were Carlito; After tonight I would choose my words a lot more carefully, as well as the direction in which I will be spitting my apples... I am not John Cena. Michael Cole, why don't you tell him who I really am?

Michael looked at Leo and nodded.

Michael Cole: You are Leo Kruger... EBWF Breakout Ch...

Puny little bastard... I knew you'd reply something like that.

Leo Kruger: NO! WHO AM I, REALLY?

Michael Cole: I'm not sure I know what you want me to say...

Leo nodded to himself a couple of times before suddenly pinning Michael Cole against a nearby wall... Leo's toned forearm pressing tightly against Cole's trachea.

Leo Kruger: Do you think I am stupid? Why don't you tell him EXACTLY, what you inferior creatures tell about me?

Michael Cole: What? I don't...

Leo pressed him tighter against the wall, his hand cutting off Michael's air supply.

Leo Kruger: Say. It.

Michael Cole: They say... They say you are a savage... They say you eat raw meat... They say you're an animal... Women won't come near you...

Michael's voice sounded raspy, and he coughed for air in between words. Leo's smile was drawn again on his face as he let Michael go... Cole slid down the wall, ending up on the floor, his hands wrapped around his neck as he gasped for air. His pale, blue face slowly turned to it's normal color. Leo knelt besides Cole and patted him a couple of times.

Leo Kruger: There... Was that too hard?

Leo smiled and walked away.

I hate you.

"I hate you. I hate your kind."

The lights in the Sprint Center dimmed until the arena was engulfed by utter darkness. The crowd got a mixed reaction as the lights went completely off...

"You claim to come in peace, you claim to come with the power of enlightenment, you claim to bring wealth... You dare wield the sword in the name of truth and righteousness... You've done it for ages now. "

Not an image was shown in the EBWFtron, a voice spoke calmly, almost cryptically, echoing around the arena.

"But the truth is... Behind all the fanfares... Behind the waving flags... Behind the heartwarming speeches about brotherhoods and equality amongst men... Behind this facade... You are just looking to quench that thirst for gold, land and cheap, gullible manpower."

The sides of the ramp suddenly lit on fire, marking the path down the ring as "Superbeast" by Rob Zombie blasted over the PA System... Kruger, the Hunter paced from behind the curtain, wearing black cargo pants, black boots and what looked like a leopard skin clinging over his broad shoulders, the feline's head rested above his head, two pointy fangs from the dead animal's snout, just above Kruger's forehead. With his Breakout Championship belt over his waist, he wasted no time getting into the ring, the fire dozing off from the ramp. Leo Kruger got a microphone handed to him, bringing it closer to his lips.

Leo Kruger: Antonio Cesaro... I know your kind. I have been dealing with conquerors like you for far too long... My eyes have witnessed how you deflower your way towards wealth, how you torch creeds on your way to self satisfaction. You wave the flag of "Cesaro's America" and prompt everyone to coward behind you, to be sheltered by you... Do I look like I need a shelter?

Leo chuckled to himself, running a hand along his skin to pull it off his head, black raven locks knotted up in a ponytail came in plain sight.

Leo Kruger: You might have shown superiority against your previous opponents... But you DEFINITELY haven't been warned about what I do... They should've warned you... To stay away from me... To never cross my path... For I am a Hunter looking for that grandiose prey what will make me feel alive... But in the mean time... I can always use a diversion... To keep myself in shape for that prey that will make adrenaline flow through my blood vessels. I'm afraid your crusade for "Cesaro's America ends tonight".

Leo took a couple of steps along the canvas.

Leo Kruger: What your ancestors did to mine... Fool them... Enslaving men, killing the elder, abusing the women and taking the children? A man who doesn't learn from his history is a fool doomed to repeat it. Hence why tonight I am going to do what my ancestors should have done to yours... I am going to crush you... I am going to end your legacy... I am going to retain the honor and the wealth.

Kruger unstrapped his belt and raised the Breakout title over his head.

Leo Kruger: Tonight is not the night to wonder why I haven't been fed that fool Tensai... Nor to demand to have Daniel Bryan in this ring... I rather send them a message by making an example out of you tonight... By bringing you to your knees like you brought my people to theirs... By stealing your honor like you stole my people's honor... And by retaining the gold your ancestors stole from us. This time you have no cheap tricks or scrap to fool a man who has surpassed his ancestors both physically and intellectually. You have no army to coward behind... You're in this ring... On your own... Against a manbeast... Tonight I will expose what you really are... A weak man who weasels behind the colors of a flag and fake patriotism...

Kruger's music hit as Warfare went to a commercial break.

A weak spot...

When a hunter's pride is badly wounded, he tends to regroup, lick his wounds, go back to the drawing board, figure out his mistakes and plan a new strategy to overcome the odds this time. Tat is the basic scheme, but EBWF turned out to be quite different and rather complex; hog and beast hunting was much more methodic... So, after being humiliated at the King of the Ring qualifiers, EBWF's prime hunter decided to take a step back and perform an observational study of his surroundings. The study drew some pretty interesting conclusions.

Essentially,  EBWF is no different than a herd of lions. Their behavior is exactly the same... Tightly knotted, often starting confrontations with other hers of lions. If an outsider (like him) were to come, he would have to jump through hoops of fire to prove his worth... However, there was no established figure of authority within the herd. This meant there was a constant power struggle within the herd... There was always a fight to stay 'King of the mountain'. 

What does it take to make it in the EBWF? As easy as the questions is to answer, there have been only but a handful of people to achieve such a thing. How did they managed to take EBWF as their hunting trophy? People who have gone down in EBWF history have done so by being relentless, ruthless, savage. But at the same time... Logic, clinical and pragmatic... Of course Leo had found out about EBWF's weak spots, but by going further I would do nothing but spoil the fun on how Leo plans to make it to the top. 

In the mean time... Defending his Breakout Championship was the task he had at hand. His opponent? The man he beat for it two months ago, Tensai... He and Tensai had locked horns in the past, with Leo getting the advantage and his first ever hunting trophy in EBWF... Leo was not interested in having to face a man who he had beaten before, no matter how big, powerful and menacing he looked. While doing his homework on Tensai, he had not only found the japanese warrior's true weakness, he bumped into a small motivation that would help him in this match.

***
"Ahhh yes... Tensai is a big opponent, bigger than average... He has a lot of power in his upper limbs... But can also gracefully dance across the ring during matches. He was quite a formidable foe toe to toe. To take him for granted would be a dire mistake... The offensive strategy should of course target the lower limbs, given the excess weight he carries... But the offensive goes far... beyond the human anatomy. Proper offensive begins in the soul..."

Leo wore a brown hooded jacket and olive military cut pants with black hi-top leather combat boots... He walked along the backstage halls, his pace was slow, clinical, insightful. The house show was already over and everyone was heading out, putting things in the truck before calling it a night. Leo's hazel colored eyes examined the surroundings before he dragged the hood of his jacket backwards. He had found what he was looking for... An EBWF crew guy dragged a very familiar black, goth looking throne along the backstage halls. Leo walked right in front of the throne.

EBWF Crew member: Excuse me... Sir... Can I help you?

Leo's lips curved up in a smirk, his smirk turned into a slow cackle.

Leo Kruger: I think it is you who needs help.

Leo slowly placed both hands on the throne, helping the Crew member drag it into the back of the truck with the rest of the stuff. The man went out of the truck to continue on with his job... Leo slid his fingers along the arms of the chair... Soon, between his fingers he gathered a couple of long, raven silky hairs... Which he brought closer to his nose... Rubbing the hand that contained them slowly along his nose trills... Sniffing aloud like a wolverine. He closed his eyes and tried to mentally revive the moment he crossed the owner of the throne... He bullied her... He tried to scare her... He tried to make it seem as if she was in peril... Causing Tensai to snap and become really, really angry... The thought caused him to chuckle a bit. Leo sat on the throne and just smirked... Knowing that enraging the humongous Tensai again was not the way to go this time... Leo truly wanted to break him, for good.

***

EBWF.net Exclusive content.

"I have a confession to make."

The voice was heard amidst darkness.

"I... Have come across something..."

The scene faded from black as a camera guided us through the backstage area.

"Someone..."

The camera continued to stroll, the voice went on speaking.

"Someone who escaped me the first time I met..."

The camera stopped at a closed door. The camera panned up slowly, steadily...

"Someone who fits quite well in the 'Prey' category..."

The camera shot a hand turning the doorknob open, by now it was clear it was Leo Kruger who held the door, given the tanned skin and leopard skin armbands he wore.

"Someone who I would adore to corner... And toy with... "

The camera focused on the plaque of the door which read "PAIGE".

"Like a lion does with a mouse..."

The hunter stepped into the room, which had dim lightings provided by a few candles.

"Aww... It looks like nobody's home! Guess I'll just hang out... Have fun here and... I'd love to see you at the ring later."

The camera paced across the room... Finding the throne of the Queen of the ring finalist. Upon the Throne sat a familiar looking plush doll... Which was grasped by his brute hand and brought across his nose.

"Hmmm... Gotta love the scent of your prey... Paige... I know exactly how you smell... And I can't wait to saturate my nose with your sweet, sweet scent."

Once through with the odor sleuth, Leo set the camera down and sat on her throne, the skelecat plush resting on his right thigh... His hazel colored eyes shooting straight into the camera... Leo couldn't contain that smirk that was drawn upon his face. The Breakout title gold wrapped around his waist, Leo was clad completely in black, he could be mistaken by a Shield member.

Leo Kruger: Paige... Only one thing stands between me and my prey... And that thing is Tensai. A man I have no interest in facing, because we all know that after tonight I will end up proving my obvious superiority yet again. But nevertheless a man who I am slated to defeat... You see... I am no longer interested in proving my superiority... This belt that I took from you is no longer a worthy... Trophy.

Leo patted his belt.

Leo Kruger: Instead... I have laid eyes on your Paige.


Leo leaned into the camera.

Leo Kruger: Are you angry? Is your blood boiling? I truly don't mind...

A broken smile filled Kruger's face.

Leo Kruger:  You see, I have found out that all of this is irrelevant to you... You don't want to prove you are the most dominant monster in the EBWF... You lost your original drive... And now your only motivation is... my prey.

Leo nodded.

Leo Kruger: She is what makes you open your eyes everyday... She is what made you come back and attempt to defeat me... What is going to happen when I take her?

Leo looked menacingly, picturing he'd stare into Tensai's eyes.

Leo Kruger: No matter how angry you get, you aren't going to be able to stop me from doing my bidding. Let's see... What are the odds that you defeat me tonight? With you being the only obstacle between me and my lovely, lovely, ravishing prey... I think I might once again come on top and add another delicious looking, ravishing, edible trophy to my collection... For I am the only alpha male in the EBWF. See you later... And Paige... Please don't make me look for you...

Leo smirked into the camera one last time as the scene faded to black.

Bait Parade...

"You see professionals... You see heroes... Villains... You see people telling you stories... Putting their bodies on the line just to get a reaction from you... But do you know what I see? I see nothing but feasible preys..."

The scene? One of the multiple EBWF training facilities in the country. The place where dreams are made and broken, where young athletes were submitted to thorough examinations to see if they were fit or not. This place was often full of athletes and trainers, putting their bodies to the limit... Now it was desolated and bathed in darkness... Utter silence, except for the heavy footsteps that slowly paced from the shadows onto the only place where a small window shed a little moonlight into the room... A tall, well built figure walked into the light, his hazel, feline eyes stared a hole into the camera. EBWF's resident hunter, Leo Kruger stood under the moonlight. He wore black combat boots, black combat pants and a white wife beater. As usual, teeth and claws belonging to wild animals dangled along his pectorals.

Leo Kruger: I didn't know hunting trophies were meant to be passed around... And I refuse to let go off my Breakout Title... So if my opponents at Death Before Dishonor are even imagining themselves with the Breakout championship around their waist... They better think again, because the only way they well EVER be able to strip me off my hunting trophy is by taking it from my cold, spastic, dead grasp.

Leo ran a hand along his chin and shook his head.

Leo Kruger: I have been in the concrete jungle for over a month, and I haven't been impressed by the so called homo sapiens sapiens, the supposed pinnacle of human evolution... Not one bit. I am still to find that match, that prey that stands above them all, that person who will make me feel alive again!

Leo spread his arms and looked up, behind him a darkened ring where wrestling trainees performed mat work...

Leo Kruger: Instead... I continue to get inferior species thrown my way! I spent the whole day in this training facility, just sitting down, watching, observing, submerging in the culture of these so called "stars of the future". Let me tell you, our future is doomed if it is resting on these kids hands... All they can think about is feeble things like money, fame, women, partying, ingesting alcohol and any other substances you could think of... Instead of waking up with the sole purpose of nurturing their mind and body, of growing as men... They long for self-destructive tendencies. They engage in practices that break their body and spirit... How could they ever be even remotely desirable preys for a prime hunter like me?

Leo turned his head over his shoulder and smiled at the empty ring.

Leo Kruger: They spend months here trying to come up with ways to tell themselves apart from the rest... They want to be permanently tattooed on the fans' memory... Don't they realize all of their efforts to make themselves different are in vain? They are just all part of the same herd... 

The camera followed Leo into the shadows, turning the night vision mode on. Kruger slid in between the second and third rope, heading onto a turnbuckle while the camera followed.

Leo Kruger: What brought me here? Well, the simple fact that my opponents for Sunday night's match had to go through this process... They are also weak, obsession-driven individuals that can't think of nothing but fame and fortune... First we have Dolph Ziggler... Who is no different than a Peacock... Always wanting to look good, always wanting to "Steal the show", his tan, his fake hair color, it is all that matters! He wants the breakout title, of course... He'd love another accessory to add to his arsenal of eye-catching colors and clothes... But not to have it as a valuable hunting trophy. Dolph Ziggler doesn't stand a chance... Because he's obsessed, not with success but with people around him noticing and worshipping such success.

Leo leaned against the turnbuckle and looked straight into the camera lens.

Leo Kruger: Same goes to my other opponent... Corey Graves. He hasn't been in EBWF for two weeks, yet he has made clear that he wants to have his cake and eat it. He wants it all... Apparently he thinks the fact he has struggled to get where he is, automatically gives him the right to earn whatever he wants... Trust me, there is a reason why I didn't boot the door of this place down and began chopping heads off to add to my trophy wall. Success in hunting does not come without patience... That's the reason why I am still waiting for my prey... The reason why Corey and Dolph are nothing but happenings in my path to find the thrill of the hunt.

Leo slowly knelt against the turnbuckle, his hands held the ropes tightly.

Leo Kruger: The fact two helpless preys have been pit against me on Sunday night gives me the slight idea the EBWF universe doesn't believe there is a single individual around able to go toe to toe with me... Amidst their desperation, they are hoping I am overthrown if the number of opponents increase... I am well aware the two inferior preys might feel threatened and resolve to align themselves... But I am smart and strong enough to deal with that... As I am smart and strong enough to resist any temptation and obsession other than the adrenaline rush I get whenever I am hunting down a prey... No matter how inferior or worthless it is... It keeps me alive, it keeps me well trained and sharp for when the right prey comes... In the mean time... I will enjoy every chance I get, savor every moment and take the most of every learning opportunity... You know, Corey Graves might think he wants the world to be a huge filth parade... But you know the only thing I see everywhere I look? I see bait... A bait parade where I am the alpha male, the top notch hunter... The lone predator in this food chain.

Leo smirked and looked up as the scene faded to black.

Confinement.

Pain. But not your usual pain... The type of pain you actually enjoy... That stinging, burning sensation you get when you are squeezing your muscles and pushing them to the very limit.

"... 5... 6...7..."

Unlike the rest of the EBWF locker room, he was used to a very different workout method. Of course he occasionally went to the a gym, used all the machines... But for Leo Kruger, nothing was better than sprinting outside, smelling fresh air instead of sweaty, humid, enclosed air. His fists held the bar firmly as he hanged from it, elevating his body so that his chin went up and above the bar.

"...8...9...10..."

Leo had already added two heads and a trophy to his collection in a mere couple of weeks... And he wanted more. Leo continued to do his pull ups, crossing his feet for an extra kick.

"...11...12...13...14...15..."

Around him, dozens of men did the same. Curled big dumbbells with their tattooed arms. Bench pressed under the Missouri Sun. 

"...16...17...18...19...20..."

The inmates of the Potosi Correctional center were out in the yard, working out. It was the only time of the day they got exposure to the sunlight and the wind... These men were deprived from their captivity... Like animals in a zoo.

"21...22...23...24...25..."

Letting out a grunt, Leo Kruger released the bar and landed on his feet, panting. A few dropplets of sweat landed on the sandy floor of the yard a place where the only greens were probably served in dinner trays. He cranked his neck and knuckles, before turning his head to the camera, Kruger was shirtless, wearing black boots and olive military pants.

Leo Kruger: Ah... Glad you could join me. I heard Michael Cole isn't very fond of coming to this place... And you know something? It didn't surprise me one bit. After all he's been wearing one of those leashes you call "ties" for far too long... Now, the question you might all be asking is... Why am I here?

Leo was approached by an inmate, a man with a brown scruffy beard and brown long hair, tattoos adorned his upper torso, exposed from the unzipped orange jumpsuit he wore, with the torso and sleeves knotted around his waist.

Inmate: Hey man... Can I have your autograph?

Leo turned to the man and tilted his head to the side.

Leo Kruger: I'm no celebrity... Sorry.

Leo walked away from the man, who furrowed his brows and walked the opposite way.

Leo Kruger: It turns out that I am facing an inmate from this facility in my next match... If you look around, you'll see one thing all of these men have in common. They are beasts... Inmates here are locked up and treated like animals, because they're harmful for defenseless people out there.

Leo approached the tall fence with barbed wire at the top, the gruesome metal structure which separated inmates from freedom... He held the fence against his fingers and gazed at the horizon before turning back to the camera.

Leo Kruger: In a way... These men are wild beasts... People who are better off in here than out there... I was happy... For the fraction of a second. Allow me to elaborate...

Leo spread his arms out.

Leo Kruger: These walls, built to contain the beasts that are a danger for society sadly also tame them. These men would do ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING to be on the other side of these walls. They are ruthless beasts, twisted and deranged human beings... But they have a weakness... They are easily controlled and manipulated. Where's the fun in that? I thought I might just come over and see it for myself... This is worst than watching Lions at the zoo... These so called "beasts" are just as sad as jailed african lions. If I tell any inmate here to kill another inmate in exchange for freedom, guess what will happen?

Leo walked away from the fence and into the facility's door.

Leo Kruger: But what if I tell an inmate to lose a match on purpose in exchange for freedom? I hope you catch my drift.

A loud buzzer was heard upon Kruger's entrance into the building, the place was dark, hermetically sealed for no fresh air  or sunlight to to enter... An environment to tame any wild beast. A man dressed in a security uniform waited for Kruger at the end of the hall.

Braden Madison: Mr. Kruger... I am terribly sorry but Warden Steele is in the middle of a meeting and can't have you... I am Sgt Braden Madison, and I am here to conduct your visit to the Potosi Correctional Center... You are to roam through the facility with my company, but you cannot visit Mr. McIntyre's cell.

Leo Kruger: Why would I spoil the fun... Meeting him before Monday night?

Braden Madison: Then what is your business here, if you don't mind me asking?

Leo Kruger: I am here because I wanted to have a word with Warden Steele... But given he is not available, you will have to do. I have spent my morning out there with those men, I've seen the faces full of pain, regret, sadness, sorrow... But behind them I see... Revenge, angriness, aggressiveness, resentment... Now, as you might be informed... I am facing an inmate of this prison come Monday night... I am a man who enjoys even contests... You know, a lion isn't a lion if you lock him up and treat him like garbage... I know freeing McIntyre is out of the question... But I won't be pleased if I have to face a sad, depressed man... What's the fun in that?

Braden Madison: Mr. Kruger, what do you want us to do?

Leo Kruger: I want Drew McIntyre to be on top form. I want him to be happy... Motivated... Ready to give me the best night I've had in EBWF. I want every single match to be an even bigger thrill than the one before... And going against a man who has nothing to win, but nothing to lose... Doesn't sound too thrilling.

Braden Madison: Again, where do we come there?

Leo Kruger: You tell me... What can you do to raise his spirit? How about serving him good food, hooking him up with some gym equipment... You spend more time with him than I do... I'm sure you know what he enjoys...

The Sgt. looked at Kruger in disbelief.

Braden Madison: Inmate McIntyre is here to pay his dues with society, at Potosi Correctional Center we are NOT to pamper and treat inmates well, no matter who asks.

Leo Kruger: Then LIE to him. LIE! Tell him he could get benefits from winning on Monday night. I don't care if you have to tell him he will walk out of Warfare a free man if he beats me... I don't care if you have to tell him he will be EXECUTED if he loses... As I said before, you know him better than I do, I trust you will motivate him the right way.

Braden Madison: What if we refuse?

Leo Kruger leaned in and smirked into the man's face.

Leo Kruger: If you refuse, you will have one less inmate that was supposed to end up at Bona Terre... to the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center... In the electric chair. We'll give him the Kruger End, instead. Then again I'll be doing you a favor...

Leo chuckled.

Braden Madison: I... I'll talk to the warden...

Leo Kruger: And one more thing... Should Drew McIntyre know I set foot in this place... You tell him I came here to mock him, to laugh in his face through the other side of the fence, to spit on the thick, bulletproof glass that separates us while he stares at me. You tell him I wanted to come here and witness his miserable life style, the one he is NEVER, EVER going to escape from... I came here to remind him he will feel even more miserable once he faces me, because being in a ring with me is even worse than a week in solitary confinement... That after our match he is going to wish for life Imprisonment... He is going to BEG for a death sentence... You tell him that.

Leo patted Braden Madison on the shoulder firmly, menacingly, before he walked away from the him.