"So how is Logan Paul doing? Making any progress in succeeding to muckrake the Mysterios before Mania?" John asks, lounigng back against the sand, enjoying the wind billowing over his bare skin.

Mike blinks, glancing over at him. "Muckrake?" he echoes, incredulous. "What language are you speaking to me right now?"

John laughs. "It just means to expose bad things someone's done. Just curious, unless you don't wanna tell me."

Mike huffs. "He's going fine. I mean, he's doing what I would've needed him to do. Everything's fine, John."

"I can tell," John chuckles. "You really look it."

Mike shrugs. "I guess I'm just feeling a little off with this whole unification announcement. Raw's already a struggle to get many opportunities with. Now if we lose another belt, then we lose even more chances, you know?"

"Yeah," John muses. "Well, one slight comfort is that whenever that happened in the past, it only happened for a short time before the title was won back by someone at Raw, or a new belt was made. Hopefully it won't last for long, right?"

"True," Mike sighs. "It just feels weird whenever Raw doesn't have a heavyweight title."

"Well, you do have the NXT title belt," John says with a chuckle. "Just start feuding Ziggler for that one if you really get the urge."

Mike laughs. "Imagine. Fans hated it enough when he won it, imagine if I did."

"Burn it all to the ground," John chuckles, sitting up and stretching. "They think they have rating issues now."

"Excuse you!" Mike huffs, swatting halfheartedly at him. "Fans would love me as NXT champion."

Morrison smirks. "Of course they will, buddy."

"Sometimes I wonder why we're still best friends," Mike huffs.

"You love me," John chuckles. "So other than the title belt grumpiness, you looking forward to the rest of the road to Wrestlemania?"

"I guess," he says. "Things feel really scattered this year. I'm trying. It's just weird. There's this vibe backstage, I'm not even sure how to describe it. I've never felt it this bad before."

Morrison hums. "Well, there has been a lot of changes in a short period of time. That could affect it."

"Yeah," Mike sighs. "I wish you were still there. I think that's part of the problem. I don't really have anyone to talk to in the momentw hen things are weird."

"You know I'm always just a phone call away," John offers with a faint smile.

"Yeah, I know," Mike sighs. "Sorry, don't mean to dump this all on you. How are things going with you and Taya?"

"Not bad," John shrugs. "You know us, we always find ways to keep busy. Still getting bookings for Wrestlemania weekend. I have no complaints."

"I heard you're doing bloodsport," Mike says. "That sounds a little concerning."

John chuckles. "I'll be fine. Don't worry. I'm touigher than I look."

"Well, there's no doubt there," Mike sighs. "Maybe we'll be able to hang out that weekend at some point."

"Well, geez, I hope so," John tells him, shifting a little.

Mike's staring off into the distance when he gets splashed with what feels like a wave of water. "HEY!"

"You're too glum to be my best friend," John tells him with a smirk. "Cheer up. Everything'll get better. And if not, let's go for a swim. That'll wake you up."

"This water? At this hour? Are you insane?" Mike demands.

"I've been told in the past, yes." John sneers at him, standing up. "Now do I need to pick you up and throw you in there, or are you coming with?"

Mike huffs. "Fine, fine, I'll come with," he says, standing too and kicking his shoes off. "Come on, I'll go show you how to really swim in chilly weather."

"You've lived here too long, if this was Ohio you'd say it was pleasantly warm," John calls after him.

Mike knows it's true. He chooses to ignore him and dives into the water.