One minute, you're the Intercontinental champion, trying to convince the crowd of your deserved accolades... and the next you're in a fatal four way for #1 contendership of the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
Mike wants it. He wants it so badly he can taste it, but the thought of facing Harper when his memories of the Wyatts have already been reawakened... well. It doesn't help that Bray and Orton have the tag titles, Heath suffering from the loss and issues that it had stirred up between he and Rhyno, which makes Maryse sad and barely aware of what's going on with Mike even when she stands at ring side and tries to assist him.
Because of this, they're all distracted, all watchful for the wrong things. Mike loses to Ziggler and he grits his teeth, feeling his opportunity at the heavyweight slipping through his fingers. "Dammit!" he hisses, hitting the mat and rolling out in anger. Maryse looks sympathetic, guilty, and a whole list of other emotions as they walk side by side up the ramp. Heath is waiting for them, head in his hands, and she murmurs something to Mike before joining him, hugging him and whispering to him.
They all stay in the same room, Heath deciding he needs to give Rhyno time before trying to talk to him again, and Mike turns his back on the couple, trying to give them privacy as he struggles to sort through his own feelings. It's no lie, he loves being Intercontinental champion, the belt had become a deep, important part of him, but he'd hungered for the heavyweight title since lost in the shuffle between Cena and the Rock. He wants it back so bad... but it's hard to see an easy way to make it happen with so many others targetting AJ Styles. Even that loser, James Ellsworth. He scoffs and presses his face into the pillow, struggling to fall asleep.
Giving up, he rolls back over and watches as Maryse brushes her fingers through Heath's hair, his eyes locked on the ceiling. "Is he alright?"
"He will be," she says quietly. "Just needs some time." Sitting up, she presses a kiss to Heath's forehead. "So what's your story?" She stares at Mike curiously while rubbing Heath's knuckles.
"I just miss being WWE champion, I guess. I mean I love the Intercontinental title, but... I thought tonight might be my opportunity to get it back. Be dual champion or something." He exhales.
"Don't give up," Maryse tells him. "This business moves so fast, you could easily get another chance soon. When it comes, don't let it slip through your fingers. Trust me, it'll come for you, I have no doubt." She smiles down at Heath and whispers, "You too, Heath."
"You give good advice," Mike mumbles. "I forgot that." He lays down and closes his eyes. "Thanks, Maryse."
Sleep comes just a little bit easier then.