Mike had hope. Briefly, but bright. Hope that when he'd moved to Smackdown that it'd be a fresh start. That he could use a few moves he's rarely if ever used and impress the crowd, the commentary, someone who would be paying attention to what he's doing, and it'd lead to great things. But he loses. And R-Truth for whatever reason is here and he realizes that some things are just never going to change.
He'll always be the outcast, losing whatever possible friends he could have. DIY is around, but Ciampa is angry and Gargano is distrusting, and he knows there's no place there for him either. He is at the same crossroads he was at on Raw, but this time he doesn't even have Karrion Kross to at least somewhat be there when he needs another person on his side.
He doesn't know what to do. How to feel. Fiddles with his phone, considers calling AJ, but ultimately doesn't. She's probably busy with the kids, or the LA charities they've both been involved in since the wildfires ate through so many lives.
"The Rumble is tomorrow," he tells his reflection in the full length mirror in the hotel room. "You'll get another chance then. It'll be ok."
It has to be.