Takes place immediately after the April 22, 2015 edition of NXT. Kevin Owens defeated Alex Riley for a second time, and after the bell had rung, went to powerbomb Riley on the ring apron from the arena floor. He was stopped by Sami Zayn, who attacked Kevin Owens and made quite the statement, requiring several men to separate the two brawlers and sent NXT Champion Owens in full retreat.
"WHERE IS HE? WHERE THE HELL IS KEVIN OWENS?!" Sami Zayn bellowed through the locker room, shattering the peace and jovial mood of his fellow competitors, winding down from another successful edition of NXT.
"Sami, calm down." Finn Balor walked up and put his hands on Sami's shoulders. "He left immediately after running back here. He grabbed his bag and ran out the door." Finn intentionally kept his Irish brogue calm and collected, to ease Sami down to reality again. "Look at me."
Sami focused his wild eyes on Finn, and found some peace. His panting was returning to a normal breath. "Finn, he attacked Alex because of me. He wanted to send a message to me."
Finn nodded. It had only been a few days ago after an intense sparring session that Sami had bared his soul to Finn, confessing everything that happened, with Kevin, with Alex...and Finn understood. He hated it when he had to compete against his newfound love, Hideo Itami. Kevin and Sami were different, though. It seemed like they were too head-strong for each other. Hideo and Finn were more easy going, both preferring quiet nights together. Sometimes Finn would continue Hideo's english education. Sometimes Hideo would help Finn with his discipline by showing him the mysteries of Tai Chi. Maybe he'd have Sami come over and he and Hideo would show Sami some calming poses.
Finn looked at Sami, the man he had started such a close friendship with just over the past few weeks, and drew him into a hug. Sami was handsome, he was fun, he was kind...why was he so hung up on an asshole like Kevin Owens? Kevin only cared about himself. Sami deserved better.
"Hey, there's my favorite Canadian..." Finn turned and saw Alex Riley, midsection taped tightly and looking very rough. Sami raised his head and immediately a look of sadness and grief washed over his face.
"Alex! Are you okay?" Sami slipped out of Finn's arms and rushed to Alex. He slung Alex's arm over his shoulders and helped his hunched over body over to a bench. "Here, sit down. Are you hurt bad?"
Alex let Sami lower him to sit on the bench and gave Sami a weak smile. "I've never been better, kid."
"Alex, I'll make him pay." Sami gave Alex a grave whisper. "I promise." Sami stood and looked around. "I'm gonna go get some water for you. You need to hydrate."
Sami walked off and Finn Balor turned and looked down at Alex. "You really gave him hell, Riley. Both last time and this time. I'm just mad that I fumbled my title shot. Owens kicked my arse good."
"Thank, Finn. Ya think I still got it in me?"
Finn let out a low chuckle. "You're not washed up, just because you've been behind a desk. You're no older than me. You never know. You'll probably be called up to the Main Roster, just like Neville. Sami will probably be going soon too."
"I dunno." Alex grinned. "I don't think he's going anywhere for a long time. Believe me, you'll get called up long before he does, and Owens for that matter."
Finn narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Alex, suddenly aware of what he just said, darted his eyes away, looking around. "Where's Sami with that water? I'm parched."
As if upon command, Sami walked up and handed Alex a cold bottle of water. Alex's eyes met Sami's and they smiled gentle smiles to each other.
Finn stepped back, a look of worry furrowed his brow. "Hey, Sami, text me if you still want to do cardio tomorrow."
Sami looked up and smiled. "Thanks Finn. I will."
Finn turned and walked to get his bag out of his locker. He turned one last time, and saw Sami still sitting with Alex, and now they were holding hands. He didn't know for sure, but there was something funny going on there, and he was going to find out what it was.
