SD Segment: Christian/Mikhail

Christian Cage is shown on the titantron, wrapping athletic tape around his wrists. He tears off the last strip and looks up at the man standing opposite him.

"So," Captain Charisma says seriously. "I want to thank you for accompanying me to the ring tonight. We may not know each other really well, but I respected you before you left and respect you still now that you're back. I just hope the feeling is mutual."

Mikhail shrugs nonchalantly at Christian, before giving him a friendly smile. "Hey man, I have nothing against you. I respect everything you've accomplished during your kick-ass career. And you seriously kicked ass, I have to say."

"Thanks." Christian smiled at the compliment. "I plan to kick Orton's ass tonight, that's for sure."

"I think EVERYONE wants to see that," Mikhail said, laughing. "Won't be easy with Hunter standing ringside like some sort of creepy, satanic vulture ready to peck your eyes out...but I'm more than happy to make sure he can't interfere! You deserve a fair shot at the gold, if nothing else."

"I appreciate that, really." Christian told him.

"However," Mikhail went on, "I need to make one thing crystal clear to you and everyone else in the company. I may like you and respect you, and I may think you're more deserving of the title than Randy Orton, which is why I'm helping you out tonight. But I came back to the WWE for one reason, and one reason only. I have a lifelong dream of becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. Now that I'm back, I'm not going to put that dream aside again, not for you, not for anyone.

"Should you win tonight...well, I'll be happy for you. I'll congratulate you. Hell, I'll even buy you a drink! ...but don't expect us to be on the same team any longer."

"I can respect that." Christian nodded. "Besides, I'd rather face a man I respect, like you, with the title on the line, than someone as unworthy as Randy Orton."

"Well, we need to get the title away from him first." Mikhail grinned, and slapped him good-naturedly on the back. "I'm pulling for you, alright?"

"Thanks man, it's appreciated."