INT. THE UNIVERSAL CROWN - THEATER – DAY

Fingers shred an electric guitar, amp way up, to the steady rhythm of head pounding drums. Shiny tights. Shredded shirt. Bedazzled vest. This is DOLPH ZIGGLER, and he's in the zone. He's singing at the top of his rock star lungs to a house count of...

Zero. But even at rehearsal, he gives it his all.

DOLPH

(singing)

THINGS ARE EXACTLY WHAT THEY SEEM.

I WILL DEFINE THE THINGS YOU DREAM--

FEEDBACK SHRIEKS as roadies unplug Dolph and his band.

DOLPH

Hey! What are you doing?

The roadies start filling the stage with Y2J's instruments, carrying Dolph's equipment away.

CHRIS JERICHO saunters onto the stage, fancy scarf and all. He glares at roadie HEATH SLATER as he's setting up his guitar.

JERICHO

Careful with the merchandise. That thing costs more than your mortgage.

DOLPH

I was still rehearsing.

JERICHO

And you sounded great—Hey, I said watch it, Stan.

HEATH

It's Heath, man.

JERICHO

Well, you know what happens when you manhandle Jericho's equipment, Dave? Do you? You just made the list.

He takes out The List of Jericho, clicks his pen emphatically, and writes down his name. Heath just shakes his head and keeps unpacking.

DOLPH

All I need is five more minutes and I'll be out of your way. This is a huge night for me.

Jericho laughs in his face.

JERICHO

You think people paid to see you? This is about me. The Tour of Jericho, baby! You're just the opening act. The snack break before the main event. Your name isn't even on the poster. You want to know what a real star looks like? You're looking at him. So take a seat, rookie.

Dolph looks him in the eyes, burning to give him a piece of his mind, but he bites his tongue. It's not worth it. He snatches off his guitar and walks off the stage.

JERICHO

Amateurs.

He notices everyone watching.

JERICHO (CON'T)

What are you doing standing around? Start my music. (Beat) Stupid idiots.

INT. HART DYNASTY – DAY

Dolph climbs the spiraling stairs of what used to be one of the most prestigious apartment buildings in the city. It could use a bit of touching up, but it's vintage architecture and décor make it charming.

Dolph slows when he reaches his floor.

His luggage, one rolling suitcase, sits outside his apartment with a notice taped to the door. He walks up and reads the notice. "Evicted." He snatches it off.

INT. HART DYNASTY - MAIN OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER

Dolph barges in holding up the crumbled notice.

DOLPH

You're kicking me out?

Natalya sits at her elegant desk petting her cat. One of many. The others pad around the room or nap on the sofa. Framed photos of them sit on her desk and adorn her walls. They're not just pets. They're family.

NATALYA

You were late on your rent again.

DOLPH

I just need one more day.

NATALYA

And how many more days after that, Dolph? It's bad enough I'm renting out apartments like cheap hotel rooms just to keep the lights on in this place. You rent by the day, I'm going to need daily payment. No more exceptions.

DOLPH

So much for heart.

He dumps the eviction notice in her trash bin and walks out into --

INT. HART DYNASTY - LOBBY – CONTINUOUS

Dolph grabs his luggage left by the door and takes out his phone. He stares at it, regretting it's come to this, but it's his last option. He dials. Waits for the line to pick up.

DOLPH

Hey. I'm going to need that favor.