After having a few weeks off, it feels weird returning to WWE. The travel, the hotel rooms, the locker room dramas, all of it. Mike hasn't necessarily missed it, but it's still such a pivotal part of his life that it's like putting on an old, familiar coat and immediately sinking into its warmth. The only thing he misses is being around the kids, around AJ.
Even so, he breathes easier when his music hits and it's his turn to make his way to the ring for the battle royal. His good mood evaporates when Omos makes his way to the ring, but it's not enough to completely diminish Mike's mood, or his will to fight. After being all but ignored the last few weeks, it's good to be back to doing something, and he does all he can to make the most of it, even when his chances at actually winning are slim.
It's with no lack of surprise or bitterness that Mike eventually finds himself eliminated, forced to watch as LA Knight is ultimately the victor. He grouses to himself as he goes through the motions post-match, trainer's office to shower, to changing into his street clothes, to leaving the arena. Once back at his hotel room, he sits by the desk and stares out of the window.
He thinks it's time he and LA Knight have a little face-to-face.
The very next night, Mike gets his chance. And ok, yeah, LA Knight can talk, but it's all so vapid and superficial. The Yeah Movement? Really? Really? Daniel Bryan, this guy is not. As much as Mike had disliked Daniel, the guy could at least bring something out of him when they interacted. LA Knight just leaves Mike cold, disinterested in what he has to say next.
He also has no respect for those who paved the way for him to have the power to say what little he does, and it eats at Mike. He thinks it's about time someone who can talk just as much, just as fast, take the guy down a notch or two. When in doubt, he thinks grimly, standing outside of Adam Pearce's office, turn to The Miz. Every time.