After sacrificing so much to the business for over 20 years, it's always amazing to Mike when younger wrestlers completely disregard him and his impact on their world. Yes, he might not have been the strongest wrestler, nor a fan favorite often, but he was consistent, and he gave his all at all times, so to look Gunther in the eye while he dismisses Mike and his accomplishments is a bizarre moment, muffled and hard to take seriously while they stand at the interview area, Gunther's smug expression growing the longer things go on.
But Gunther, as strong and vicious as he is, may come to regret underestimating Mike. You don't make it 20+ years in a cutthroat life like wrestling without having some tricks up your own sleeve, and Mike thinks it might be time to revisit some of them.
He's rewatching their segment, Gunther's words once more burrowing under his skin, when he turns to look at Morrison. "Thoughts?" he asks, the screen fading to black once he shuts the video off.
"I think he's too comfortable in his own winning streak to overlook all that you can do," John says with a shrug. "Could leave him vulnerable, and let you get in there and win against him."
"Pretty much what I was thinking," Mike says, tapping his fingers against his chin. "Any suggestions on what I should do exactly?"
John hums. "I only know a little about Gunther's style, but you'll also have to keep an eye out for Imperium, right?"
"I don't think so," Mike says, lips twitching a little. "Might have some help with that area."
John quirks an eyebrow at him. "Oh yeah?" When Mike doesn't offer anything else, John rolls his eyes. "Alright, man, keep your secrets."
"Not a secret," he says with a shrug. "Just a natural conclusion to what's been going on lately."
John searches him, exhaling slowly. "Well, alright," he says. "If you're sure. I'm always a phone call away, I can't help in the match itself but advice, or training, whatever you want."
Mike smiles and claps him on the shoulder. "Yeah, I know. Thanks, man." They stand in comfortable silence for a moment, and then Mike glances over. "You and Taya are coming around for Thanksgiving next week, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it," John says. "Who else is going to be around?"
"Heath, Maryse, the kids, Ricardo and Alicia are looking into flights. The usual crew."
"Cool, I'm looking forward to it," John says with a smile. "Been awhile since we've all been together."
"Yes, it has been," Mike agrees. "Too long."
He turns his gaze back onto the blank screen, once more thinking about Gunther. About potential strategies, and other ideas he's had to help sway things in his favor when the time comes.
He thinks all in all, his chances to once more be Intercontinental champion are pretty good.
