(May 10, 2024)

The camera cuts to the backstage area where Adrian Rhodes is walking down a hallway, the newly won United States Championship draped proudly over his shoulder. He's greeted with congratulations from various crew members and fellow wrestlers. As he rounds a corner, he spots Tiffany Stratton, who is celebrating her controversial victory over Michin in the first round of the Queen of the Ring tournament.

Tiffany is surrounded by a small group of sycophantic admirers, basking in the glow of her win. Adrian's demeanor shifts as he approaches her, his expression a mix of disappointment and determination.

Adrian Rhodes: Tiffany.

Tiffany turns around, a smug smile on her face as she sees Adrian.

Tiffany Stratton: Adrian! Congrats on your big win last week! Isn't it great when everything goes your way?

Adrian Rhodes: (serious) Yeah, it is. But I didn't come here to gloat about my victory. I came to talk about what you did out there tonight.

Tiffany rolls her eyes, clearly uninterested in a lecture.

Tiffany Stratton: Oh my god, Adrian. Spare me the hero speech. I did what I had to do to win. That's all that matters in this business.

Adrian Rhodes: (shaking his head) Winning is important, but how you win matters too. You're one of the most talented women in the division, Tiffany. You don't need to cheat to prove that.

Tiffany crosses her arms, looking unimpressed.

Tiffany Stratton: Maybe I don't, but it's a lot easier and quicker, don't you think? Look, Adrian, not all of us are trying to be the perfect little Rhodes. Some of us just want to get to the top by any means necessary.

Adrian Rhodes: (stepping closer) Being a Rhodes isn't about being perfect. It's about respect, honor, and earning your victories. You might think shortcuts are the easy way, but they'll catch up to you. And when they do, you'll realize the cost is much, much greater than the prize.

Tiffany scoffs, but there's a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

Tiffany Stratton: (defensive) Well, maybe that's easy for you to say with that shiny new title on your shoulder. We'll see who's right when I'm wearing a crown.

Adrian Rhodes: (softening) I hope you get to wear that crown, Tiffany. But I hope you do it the right way. You're better than this, and deep down, you know it.

Adrian turns to leave, pausing to look back at Tiffany one last time.

Adrian Rhodes: Look, just think about it.

As Adrian walks away, Tiffany stands there, the confidence in her smirk fading slightly as she watches him go. The camera lingers on her contemplative expression, hinting at the possibility that Adrian's words might have struck a chord. The scene fades out, leaving the viewers wondering if Tiffany will change her ways in the upcoming rounds of the Queen of the Ring tournament.