(interlude)

(scene: backstage at NXT Takeover: Rivals. An hour previous, Kevin Owens won the NXT Championship from Sami Zayn by referee stoppage, after Kevin viciously attacked and beat down Sami.)

Kevin Owens' head still buzzed with adrenaline. As he walked, he gripped the title belt that was now his tightly to his shoulder. This was his title, his championship, and no one would take it from him.

He made it back to the locker room, seeing the medical staff still checking over his opponent for that night, the now-former NXT Champion, Sami Zayn. He watched from a distance, until Sami sat on the bench alone, a momentary pause from the medical attention.

Kevin walked over, towering over Sami. Sami's gaze, still slightly glazed over from the repeated powerbombs and blows to his head., looked up and saw Kevin with a satisfied sneer on his face, holding the NXT champion belt.

Kevin's hand went out to Sami's face, momentarily petting Sami's beard before being slapped away.

Kevin sighed. "I told you, lover." He adjusted the belt's position so that it was higher on his shoulder. "I told you that I was going to destroy you. You let your emotions get the best of you. You always have."

Sami scowled at the new champion. "So that night here in the locker room. What was that? Was that just to throw me off my game?"

Kevin's face betrayed a slight smile. "Sort of. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't still have feelings for you...but if that night resulted in this?" He patted the belt on his shoulder. "Then it was worth revisiting the past."

"I hate you, Kevin." A single tear rolled down Sami's cheek. "I never thought I could, but I hate you." Sami looked down. "I hate you because I still love you. I hate you because you used that against me. What kind of man are you to use someone's love against them?"

Kevin's smile faded and he looked down. He was cocky and confident walking over here, but now he felt slightly ashamed. The only man he had ever loved now hated him. His insides revolted, but he dare not let Sami see that, though. "I told you that I was going to do whatever it took to get this championship." Kevin's voice lowered. "I wish I didn't have to wreck you to do it, but I'm not going to apologize."

Sami looked up right into Kevin's eyes, as the medical staff walked back. "I will get that title back, and I will get revenge on you, Kevin. It won't be any time soon, but just know that I'll be coming for you." Sami looked past Kevin and smiled. "In the meantime, I hope Finn kicks your sorry ass."

A flash of confusion rushed across Kevin's face. He turned, and saw, leaning up against a wall 20 feet away, was the winner of the Number One Contender Tournament, Finn Balor. He was watching, and smiled, white teeth and insane, shining eyes piercing through his smeared black and red face paint. Kevin watched as Finn turned and sauntered off to the shower area.

Kevin willed his face to stay still, but inside, he was suddenly chilled to the bone with the revelation that he had a lot more to worry about than his former lover.