Albany, New York

Royal Rumble - 2 weeks away

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony hit and Hunter Hearst Helmsley came out walking out with the Intercontinental Championship that he had held since October. He entered the ring and snatched a microphone from Ring Announcer Tony Chimel.

"Tonight is the first Raw of the year," he said as the crowd booed him. "And what better way to celebrate that than with a championship match." That gained a few cheers. "But… I don't want anyone backstage because… well, they're not natural born Superstars like myself. No, instead I would like someone in this audience." Hunter paced around the ring eyeing several members of the crowd. "Who thinks they can go one on one with Hunter Hearst Helmsley? Who thinks they have what it takes to beat Hunter Hearst Helmsley? Who thinks they can be Intercontinental Champion?"

Hunter turned his attention to a kid sitting in the front row. He had dreadlocks that went down to his lower back. "How about you?"

The kid looked up as if he wasn't paying attention. He pointed at himself in confusion. "Yes, you," Hunter said. "Come in here."

The kid seemed reluctant. The crowd kept chanting "Do It" and two other boys kept trying to talk him into it. Eventually the kid jumped over the rail and ran into the ring as the crowd cheered.

"Get a referee in here," Helmsley said.

The bell rang as a ref entered the ring.

Hunter immediately jumped the young man, threw him into a corner and started to pound him. The crowd booed him as he pulled the kid out and hit him with a clothesline.

Hunter grinned at his handiwork. The kid wasn't moving. He was out cold.

The Intercontinental Champion slowly picked the kid up and placed his head between his legs. The crowd continued to boo him as he hooked one arm looking to hit the Pedigree.

But just as he was about to hook the other arm, the kid suddenly rolled him up. Hunter tried kicking out but couldn't as the ref completed the three count.

The crowd went nuts as the kid rolled out the ring in shock. Chimel handed him the Intercontinental Title and asked him his name.

"Seth. Seth Hardy."

"Here is your winner and new Intercontinental Champion… Seth Hardy!"

Hunter looked at Seth in disbelief. And as Hardy climbed over the barricade, he pounded his fist into the mat. But he did know that the kid wouldn't be champion for long.