NXT has come right around the corner once again and with just a few days after Takeover Portland, the WWE Universe was ready for a new wave of feuds and title matches. With Triple H actually being in control of WWE thus far, things were definitly going really well and the backstage moral got better again as well. Y/N for example was smiling more as he prepared for his segment for the night. First he had some really great days with Tegan which pushed the young man in a positive direction and now he was getting into his first real feud since the accident.
Yes, Y/N took inspiration from Hunter as he made his way to the ring. It was one of the best returns from an injury and the young man thought why not to do something just like that? Of course he and Hunter talked it over before setting everything up and by the looks of things, the crowd was loving it already. They cheered for Y/N as he walked down the ramp and around the ring. He didn't do the water spit though, because that would've been too much of a gimmick infringement. But he did a crotch chop to just tease the fans and viewers until entering the ring and grabbing a microphone. However loud 'Welcome Back' chants kept Y/N from even saying anything for a good while. When the crowd eventually got quiet again, he could finally get to it.
Y/N:" Man, did I miss this. NXT, how have you been?"
More cheers echoed through the arena, making Y/N smile brightly.
Y/N:" That's what I wanted to hear! Y'know, the path I had to take to even get back to this condition was hard. When that bullet tore through me, I knew I would be out for a while. Luckily, it wasn't a life threatening wound, but it did more than enough damage nonetheless...But that's now behind me! I'm back in full control of myself and ready to make NXT mine again!"
Another smile flashed at the camera and Y/N ran a hand through his hair, but his return was to be spoiled by an interruption. And who was the one to interrupt him? Well...
Grayson Waller, the australian who agonized many people on the roster already. He heard everything, but had enough of this mess as he would call it. Getting a mic for himself, Grayson took a stand just a few feet away from Y/N.
Grayson:" Ladies and Gentlemen, look who it is! The unsung hero has returned! Y/N, old pal, how are you?"
Y/N:" Aaaand you are?"
Grayson:" Oh, my bad. I'm Grayson Waller, the guy who's taking NXT as his ever since you've been gone."
Y/N:" You?...You wanna make this brand yours? Buddy, it's time to wake up and face reality. Sure, I acknowledge your accomplishments, but you're not exactly on the level needed to be a leader."
Grayson:" Big words from someone who got shot. I usually wouldn't say something like that, but the guy should've aimed at your head!"
Oh's and boo's now echoed through the arena as Grayson wore a smug smirk on his face. He knew he struck a nerve and Y/N took that personal as he paced from side to side right now. Obviously this didn't sit well with him right now because this event was as real as it got. But Y/N didn't let this stop him.
Y/N:" You think you're real funny, mate. If you think you can get in my head that easily, you're dead wrong. I stand here at 100% and if you run your mouth again, I won't hesitate to put you on the sidelines. You wanna talk about death and injuries? Grayson, I don't know, if you've seen my matches, but I'll leave you so mangled that even your own mother couldn't love you anymore!"
Now there was the fighting spirit coming through again as Y/N cornered Grayson. He didn't take it lightly at all and as soon as Y/N got the chance to actually fight the cocky aussie, he would show him what exactly he was about. The commentators also knew what Y/N could be like, but with the new generation of superstars kicking in, things would definitly get more interesting sooner rather than later. For good measure and to get his point across, Y/N hit Grayson with a series of slaps and Clotheslines.
Grayson crumbled to the ground, sitting against the lowest turnbuckle while Y/N took a few steps back. He knew he was going to enjoy this feud, eventhough he still needed a few matches to shake off ring rust. He then got out of the ring, but had one last thing to say.
Y/N:" Hey Grayson. You're lucky I didn't put you down completely. I'm saving that emberrassment for a bigger stage, so...make sure to not get your panties in a twist."
Dropping the mic, Y/N chuckled to himself and waved goodbye to Grayson as he walked backstage while the australian gritted his teeth in anger. There was fire in this already and with the coming weeks, it would go from embers to an inferno.
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Having made it backstage with a smile on his face, Y/N decided to go check in on Tegan, who was present as well. Her return was next week, but she wanted to see how the landscape of NXT shifted so far.
Tegan:" Okay, there's a different direction present right now. Many aspiring stars who fight for the same thing I want. I will make a mark, that's for sure."
Y/N:" Hey Tegan, motivating yourself already?"
Tegan:" Oh hey Y/N, Yeah it's good preparation, you know?"
Y/N:" Good to hear. With so many new people, it's a lot to take in for sure. But I assure you that you still belong here, just like anyone else."
Tegan:" Thank you. I already heard who my opponent will be. It's Wendy Choo."
Y/N:" I heard of her. She can be quite fierce."
Tegan:" So can I and I will show that next week. Trust me, you're going to love it."
Y/N:" I'm definitly going to watch. After all, the Shiniest Wizard deserves the support."
This made Tegan giggle and hide her face, because she held Y/N in high regards and didn't want to disappoint him. She blushed, but Y/N always meant it in a positive way. Maybe there was something bigger developing sooner rather than later.