Zack requests a rematch against Rusev in an attempt to regain some pride after the Memorial Day defeat. Dolph had wanted to argue with him, but Zack seems so determined that he merely rubs Zack's shoulders, kisses him before he goes, and hopes he's not making a mistake by not even trying to talk the broski out of the match. Except that things go badly early when the ring announcer introduces Zack as being at "214 pounds."
Dolph grimaces, aware of how sensitive Zack's been about his weight lately. He'd been bulking up, trying to build muscle, and for it to not even be noticed in his introduction, well... Dolph knows that won't end well, but for now, the match is still before them so he sits and watches as Zack circles Rusev, gets some offense in... just for it to end how the Memorial Day match had, with Zack trapped in the Accolade.
As bad as the match had gone, he knows that that's only going to be the tip of the iceberg in the list of things eating at Zack right now, so he runs a hand through his hair, takes a deep breath, and goes out in the halls to find the broski. Trainer's office is an easy guess but he's not there, the people inside all shrugging when Dolph asks where Zack's at. "Great, kid, what the hell?" he mumbles, shutitng the door behind him before continuing to walk around. He's close to the exit of the building when he hears something crash against the wall, clattering to the ground.
Frowning, he turns the corner and stops short, watching as Zack throws another steel pipe against the wall, breathing heavily. Another pipe goes flying, flying past not far from where Dolph is standing and he takes that as his cue to do something before Zack hurts someone, or gets into trouble for destroying the arena they'd rented out tonight. Pushing away from the wall, he walks forward and rests a hand on Zack's arm. "Kid. Stop, kid." His words aren't getting through to him so he reaches out and hugs Zack tight, pinning his arms to his sides. "Kid."
They stand there quietly, the only sounds in the area Zack's rough, loud breathing as he presses against Dolph's arms, not really fighting him. "What do I have to do, bro?" he finally asks, voice shaking a bit. "I try so hard, the internet shows, the muscle gains, everything, and it's just... like I'm invisible..."
"I know," Dolph mutters, rubbing over his ribs briskly. His breaths are calming slowly, and it's a relief. "I know. It's not the same, kid, but it doesn't go unnoticed. Guys in the locker room notice, and fans will too, you just need to be patient." Zack turns to face him, his eyes downcast, and Dolph's heart aches for him. "I know it's not what you want, and it sucks to wait, especially in this business, but sometimes that's all you can do. Just don't give up, alright?" He squeezes Zack's arms, smirk growing mischevious. "I like you like this."
Zack's brow furrows for a moment before he barks out a laugh. "Right, ok. I wasn't going to give up... I just guess I needed to vent a little, bro."
"I get it." Dolph presses his forehead to Zack's and smiles, kissing him quickly. "C'mon, let's go get you checked out by the trainer, and then we'll get something to eat, and go back to the hotel. Sound alright?"
"Sounds perfect," Zack nods, rubbing his shoulder briefly, still sore from the last couple of times spent in the Accolade. Dolph's eyes flicker towards it for a moment, doubt filling his blue gaze, before he wraps an arm around Zack and leads him back towards the trainer's office.