Jim Ross was the Executive Vice President of Talent relations, and while he sat on the creative team, it did kind of feel like lately Jim was responsible for delivering whatever news was coming fromon high. Wes always had the final say, and if the rumors were to be believed, it sounded like Wes was making more and more decisions without full buy in from the producers. Paul Heyman seemed to have Wes’ ear, and though Chris Jericho wasn’t officially on the creative team, Adam knew Wes would be a fool not to at least consider his opinions. Randy stayed out of the family politics wherever possible, to varying degrees of success, but Adam knew Randy well enough to know that when he said he had no idea what the current creative plan was, he meant it.
Adam Copeland: Jim! How are you? Don’t get too many visits from you anymore.
He stepped aside so Jim could come into the room.
Adam Copeland: Lookin’ for me or Randy?
Jim Ross: I was hoping I hadn’t missed you actually.
Adam had known Jim for 25 years. In fact, Jim had signed him to his first development deal way back in 1997. But Jim didn’t really deal much with the company’s biggest names anymore. The marquee guys rarely needed correction or direction. Wes usually took it upon himself to come talk about big news, good or bad, and it was usually up to a producer to talk about the flow of a show. It had been so long since Adam spoke to Jim in a professional capacity, he almost wondered if it was something else for a moment.
Adam Copeland: Is this a business visit?
Jim Ross: It is.
Adam took Jim’s lead, lowering himself to the couch as Jim sat in the opposite chair. Adam leaned forward a little bit, and his brow furrowed.
Jim Ross: Just hear me out.
Adam Copeland: Sorry. I’m just… trying to figure out why he sent you.
Jim Ross: He’s been booked most of the day, and wanted to make sure we got to you shortly after you got here.
Adam Copeland: I see.
Jim Ross: I won’t sugar coat it, kid. The match is off.
JR was one of the only men left in this business who could still call Adam “kid” without a hint of sarcasm.
Adam Copeland: What do you mean the match is off?
Jim Ross: Reigns is out.
Adam Copeland: Oh. Well, that shit happens I guess. When will he be back?
Jim shook his head.
Jim Ross: No, Reigns walked.
Adam Copeland: Wes let him walk? What the hell? So what now? I go out there and talk about…
Jim Ross: Boss wants to move on. He wants to act like the guy was never here.
Adam Copeland: That’s stupid! He knows that’s stupid.
Jim Ross: Just give him a week to cool off.
Adam Copeland: A week?! The damn show is tonight. What am I… Jim, are you here to tell me I’m in the Last Survivor match?
Jim Ross: You’re coming out toward the end if that helps.
Adam Copeland: Fuck this. Where’s Randy?
Jim Ross: I haven’t seen Randy since a little earlier. He was with Karlee and Nicole. Natalie found them and…
Adam stood up.
Adam Copeland: He’s in there with Wes, isn’t he?
Jim Ross: I had the impression that Mr. Ikeda had a short break between conference calls and the visit wasn’t business. Just family stuff.
Adam Copeland: Don’t give me that Mr. Ikeda bullshit.
Adam went for the door.
Jim Ross: Adam, you can’t change it. If you want to be on the show tonight this is how we get it done. It was all last minute.
Adam Copeland: I got some questions, and he’s gonna answer them.
Before JR could say anything else, Adam left the room and stomped up the hallway leaving JR behind. There were signs in the hallway that pointed toward catering, toward production, toward editing and interview rooms. None of the signs pointed to Wes’ makeshift office specifically, but it was common for Wes to be set up near the production area. Adam followed the arrows until he saw where the tables were set up, and then spied a door with “Wes Ikeda” printed on an 8x11 sheet of paper. The door was closed, so Adam tapped on it with his closed fist before trying to the doorknob. When he walked in, everyone looked up, and then relaxed a little. Adam and Nicole were standing to the side of the desk. Wes was standing behind it, and Natalie was seated. Karlee had been leaning against Randy’s leg, and she popped forward toward Adam, bounding at him with her arms open. Adam’s face relaxed into an easy grin as he took a knee and wrapped her in a hug.
Karlee Orton: Hiiiiiiiiiii Uncle Adam.
Adam Copeland: Hi sweetheart. Did Dad spring you out of school?
She nodded slyly.
Karlee Orton: Mama says just tomorrow though.
Adam Copeland: Probably a good idea.
He grinned.
Adam Copeland: Have you been to catering yet?
She grinned back at him, one tooth on the bottom missing. She shook her head.
Adam Copeland: I gotta talk to your Uncle Wes. Maybe Aunt Nattie would take you over to catering and see if there’s any of those donuts we like?
Adam raised an eyebrow toward Natalie who stood up.
Natalie Neidhart: That sounds yummy. Let’s go look.
Adam saw Randy put his hand on Nicole’s lower back, a slight, quiet movement that was actually a blaring, clear communication. Nicole popped on her tip toes to lightly brush Randy’s lips with her own and then smiled brightly.
Nicole Orton: I think I’ll come too. Maybe they’ll have the chocolate ones.
Together, Natalie and Nicole ushered Karlee to the door, the little girl chattering the entire time about which donuts were her favorites. Adam took a seat in the chair Nattie had vacated, making himself quite comfortable. Wes looked at him, but didn’t sit down. He didn’t talk either. After a few beats of silence, Adam watched Wes begin to raise his arms to cross them over his chest, but he must have noticed at the last moment because he relaxed his posture instead and broke the silence.
Wes Ikeda: You told my niece you needed to talk to me, and here I am.
Adam Copeland: Actually, I told our niece that I needed to talk to you.
Randy Orton: Hey, hey, hey, hey…. I don’t know what this is, but whatever it is isn’t going to go anywhere if you two turn it into a pissing contest.
Wes squeezed the bridge of his nose.
Wes Ikeda: Adam, I take it you’ve spoken with Jim.
Adam Copeland: Yeah, and I think you’re a coward for not talking to me yourself.
Adam felt, rather than saw, Randy take a step back.
Wes Ikeda: Adam, I had a free 45-minutes and we came in here to talk about CJ’s birthday party next month.
Adam’s voice was dripping with sarcasm as he responded.
Adam Copeland: You couldn’t do that on your fancy jet tonight on the way home?
Wes put his tongue to the inside of his cheek.
Wes Ikeda: Fuck you, Adam. You don’t know a God damn thing about my time or what I do all fuckin’ day.
Randy Orton: WHOA! What the hell? It’s just business. Adam, what’s the problem?
Adam Copeland: His ego. He knows.
Randy Orton: Okay, but I don’t. So let’s talk it out, and since you can’t act like adults, I’ll translate for the two of you.
Adam Copeland: He let Reigns walk.
Randy’s head jerked toward Wes.
Randy Orton: How’d that happen?
Wes chuckled bitterly and gestured wildly toward Adam.
Wes Ikeda: My ego apparently.
Randy Orton: Adam, please just start at the beginning.
So Adam did. He told them all about Jim’s visit. Reigns was out. His match was off and his consolation prize was likely losing the Royal Rumble. Edge pointed at Wes.
Edge: Reigns looked at him sideways, and I’m out a match and money.
Wes Ikeda: I’ll pay you, Adam. You want headliner appearance money because the match is off, then fine. But we both know you’re not motivated by money. You want to hear what really happened?
Adam stood up, and Randy took a step closer to both of them.
Edge: Doubt I’d believe it.
Randy Orton: I do. I want to hear it.
Wes Ikeda: After you cut the promo telling him he’d have to face Xavier and Devitt he went to Jim and said he wouldn’t do it.
Adam Copeland: It’s not like it was my idea. Paulie handed me a post it note with two handwritten notes on it, and I turned it into an minute promo.
Wes Ikeda: Jim told me, and I went to talk to Roman. I told him I booked what I booked, and I expected him to follow through. He told me he wouldn’t have the match. He told me if I wanted Devitt and Xavier in it I should make it a fatal four-way, and he told me he’d quit before he lost a match to you.
The left side of Adam’s mouth twitched with a grin.
Adam Copeland: And then what?
Wes Ikeda: I said “okay”. And he asked if he was going over. And I told him that he’d just quit. He of course tried to walk it back, but I told him to get out. Ego maybe.
Randy Orton: He just got here. Who does he think he is?
Wes Ikeda: Exactly. He doesn’t get to dictate to me. I know better than to bite the hands that feed me, Adam. Do you?
Adam was still standing, and his eyes narrowed. He took two steps toward Wes. The desk between them.
Adam Copeland: Throwing me Randy Orton’s scraps ain’t feedin’ me, Wes. You only try to keep me happy to keep him happy. Don’t bullshit me.
Wes went to his right, and came around the desk to face Adam. Adam had to partially turn his back to Randy to keep Wes fully in view. Adam and Randy had been fighting together, both in and out of the ring, for so long that Adam could feel his best friend’s hackles raised slightly, hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. Two heartbeats, and Adam watched Wes’ eyes follow Randy as he came to stand immediately on Adam’s left. Adam shifted his eyes down and saw the middle and index fingers of Randy’s right hand tapping lightly against the outside of his thigh. If Adam could read Randy’s mind, he imagined hewas wondering why Adam was goading Wes. Wes put his hands up about chest high, in silent surrender.
Wes Ikeda: I think the legend of my scheming is more renowned than my actual ability. Adam, I try to keep you happy because you’re a huge draw. You do know that? T-shirts, clicks, ratings… you must.
Adam felt Randy’s shoulder raise in a chuckle that died in his throat.
Adam Copeland: What was the headline recently? If Jericho is the GOAT, why does Wes Ikeda book Orton like he is?
Wes Ikeda: Oh, we give a shit what Meltzer says now? Come on. We all want to be in the GOAT conversation, Adam.
Adam Copeland: What I want is the respect I deserve, Mr. Ikeda.
Adam thought Wes flinched, but he recovered quickly, so Adam continued.
Adam Copeland: I brought him here. Your pockets have been lined for the last 13 years, because I brought him here. He should have been dead in 2007. The phoenix didn’t rise from the ashes on his own. And now, no singles match. We’re breaking the damn tag title record without even defending them. What are you doing? The Last Survivor match? What the fuck is that? This roster is stacked. That match doesn’t need us! You’ve lost your touch.
Wes put his tongue back in his cheek, but managed not spit whatever venom was building. Adam continued.
Adam Copeland: What I want is for you to act like you at least remember that by choosing to come here I legitimized this company.
Wes Ikeda: Oh, is that it? Well, I also seem to remember that eleven years ago you got my sister beaten, sexually assaulted and nearly raped. Think real hard about the respect you deserve from me, and realize I don’t owe you a God damn thing but a paycheck.
Adam Copeland: You motherfu-.
Wes didn’t move, but Adam charged toward him fast. He was only step away when he felt Randy’s long arm grab him around his waist, and then his large frame pressed into Adam’s chest and began pushing him toward the door.
Randy Orton: Let’s go. Let’s go.
Adam Copeland: Don’t protect him! I should punch him in the fuckin’ mouth!
Randy Orton: I swear. I am not protecting him, but you moved. He didn’t. Door. Now.
Adam Copeland: I want my match! Figure it out!
Adam jerked away from Randy and they both went out the door together and into the hallway. People nearby quickly pretended to be working. The yelling had gotten loud.
Randy Orton: Come with me.
Adam Copeland: I…
Randy Orton: Not here. Come on.
Adam followed Randy back to their locker room amongst some whispers and a couple stares. They got into their assigned space, and Randy closed the door, leaving them alone in the empty room.
Randy Orton: You deserve the singles match. You stood back for a lot of the last year. I heard you. I understood what you were saying.
Randy wasn’t at all offended. Adam should be seen as an equal star. Randy didn’t always think that had to happen at his own expense, but he knew why Adam had said what he said.
Randy Orton: You can’t do that though. You can’t walk in there and do that.
Adam Copeland: I’ll do what I have to do to get what I deserve.
Randy Orton: You’re counting on Wes being static, and we both know he isn’t. Roman Reigns bluffed about quitting, and he basically fired him. Over you! You think if Reigns had said he wasn’t doing the job to Adam Cole the result would have been the same? He’d have tried to work it out. Wes’ plans for us are non-negotiable.
Adam Copeland: I didn’t even care about winning!
Randy Orton: This isn’t about that. I’m telling him. You can’t bluff with him right now.
Adam Copeland: I don’t know what the hell his problem is.
Randy Orton: No one does!
Adam opened his mouth and quickly closed it.
Randy Orton: This isn’t business, Adam. I’m…
Randy tried really hard to separate the family stuff from the professional. He didn’t gossip about what was going on in Wes’ house. In fact, Adam heard more about that from Trish, who got it via Nattie, then he heard it from Randy.
Randy Orton: Whatever’s happening is personal stuff. Family stuff. I’m telling you. Right now, let’s take what they give us. Trust it will come back around. We can’t poke this bear right now. Adam, I don’t know a lot of the details, but I do know that something in Wes is hanging by a thread.
Adam seemed to consider that for a moment, and then sighed.
Adam Copeland: Randy, you know I want to have your back on this, but I can’t… We’ve talked about this…
Adam was getting older. It had come up a lot lately. He wanted what he wanted on his terms. Randy had one card and he played.
Randy Orton: Not for me then. Don’t do it for me. For Karlee? Please. She loves you both. This tension gets obvious. For the kid, please?
Adam shook his head. Randy had said please, twice.
Adam Copeland: You son of a bitch.
Randy Orton: I know. I know. I’m sorry.
Adam Copeland: Okay, I’ll give him some time.
Randy sighed, relieved.
Randy Orton: Thank you. We’ll both just do the best job with this Last Survivor appearance we can do alright? Go try to win the damn thing, if that’s the spot you want.
Adam Copeland: Yeah, thanks. Good luck, buddy. Thanks for… saving my ass back there.
Randy Orton: Hey, it’s what we do. Want to watch some tape on this new guys?
Randy gestured toward the couch and Adam nodded. They both took a seat while Randy reached for the remote and a laptop to set up the TV.
EBWF went live on across several social media platforms and YouTube. Viewers saw the Rated R Superstar Edge wearing a vintage “Sex and Violence” t-shirt. His hair was down and he ware a pair of dark aviators. He was alone inside the arena and peered into the camera.
Edge: Imagine coming to work thinking your dad is gonna go one way, but finding out it’s going another. I was supposed to to defend my Gateway Championship tonight, but instead I find myself in the Last Survivor match, entering at number 26. Now, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how I was going to discuss Roman Reigns and the Gateway Championship, but I think I’m going to save that for next week on Warfare. Tonight is about my newfound opportunity in the Last Survivor match for a title opportunity in March. Have we named that show? No one knows.
He laughed.
Edge: There’s 29 others entering the ring tonight, and a ton of them are new to the scene. That always makes things interesting. More wild than ever, when I look at this list of names no Chris Jericho, no Miz, no Rock… Rey Mysterio even removed himself from the mix. Guess I got to do my homework. I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least give my thoughts on a few of these guys. Thought most of the ones coming out toward the top of the match will be long gone before I get in the ring. Chief among them of course is Xavier Woods. Who I guess wanted to submit himself to some type of martyrdom by naming himself the #1 entrant into the match. Interesting take from a man who calls himself the King. King of what, exactly? King Nothing is more like it. We both know that men can’t just crown themselves, that isn’t how anything works. And it’s only going to take a few more losses, another embarrassment or two, before the whole world sees you for what you are, Xavier, a man in a costume shop crown with fake jewels and a plastic scepter. You haven’t proven the consistency to call yourself a king.
Chavo Guerrero still works here to prop up Aiden English for whatever reason. I guess the Guerrero names supposed to give Kingdom some legitimacy. Is the name worth anything anymore? Your own niece… cousin? Who is Raquel to you again? She doesn’t even use the name. What does that tell you about the name Guerrero and it’s wrestling equity these days, Chavo?
Paul London is coming in third, and I have to wonder if this is even legal anymore. The guy clearly has CTE or chronic concussion syndrome. I’m going to have to listen to how he knows who wins because of the future. It’s a lot.
Edge was shaking his head in disbelief.
Then of course there’s MJF. Coming in fourth? I have to tell you Max, I kind of wish there was someone half good coming out in the first three spots because you’re going to be pretty vulnerable in there by yourself for 90 seconds if there was some kind of threat, but there isn’t. And then it all just sort of comes together for you doesn’t it? KC Navarro. Then Ace Austin. Evens up the numbers and gives you a golden opportunity because it’s not like you could do it on your own.
Breaking up Dynasty’s party is Christian Cage who has had a run of bad luck recently, hasn’t he? I never thought I’d see the day Jay, but just like the goofballs you hang out with, you’re a non-threat.
Back to help out the Dynasty is Richard Holliday. Let me let you in on a little secret, Rich. The reason Max was so eager to get you in his little group was because you’re more talented than him. Anyone can see it. Just watch your back man. If I’ve seen it once I’ve seen it a million times. A mediocre guy holding down someone with so much promise. You think about that. Ninth on our list is the always entertaining “Surprise Entrant”. I hope it’s some entrance music we recognize, because if I’m being honest to this point it’s just been a lot of B+ players.
But no you, Aiden. My how the mighty have fallen. Your wife is more well known these days than you are. Maybe that’s by design, who knows? We all deserve a break from time to time, but unless you’re ready to slide into a life of anonymity, I suggest you get back on the horse. After all, you’re out here 10th, and so far you’re the most likely to win it all.
Nick Jackson is nothing without Matt. Tama Tonga is nothing without Tonga Loa. And then Maven will come out, and his nothing without the Coalition so it’s all just a bunch of supporting cast without their stars isn’t it? I guess Maven has the benefit of coming out right before Kane, but Kane isn’t the monster he used to be. There was a time that the very mention of Kane struck fear into the hearts of all of us, and now his name just brings eye rolls and uncomfortable chuckles.
Then we’re halfway. I’m still 15 minutes from showing up, but stay with me here. Fifteenth is Adam Cole. And so far Adam’s entire run has left me wondering what’s gotten into him. I mean, I just on Twitter following the #NotMyAdamCole movement. You’ve lost the edge you had before you got here. Kinda disappointing to be honest. I don’t even want to crack a BAY-BAY joke.
Honestly forgot Samoa Joe still worked here. Tama will already be eliminated, and I don’t think Tonga knows how to wrestle on his own, so that should be quick. Luchasaurus will be out at 18, and he’s a big son of a bitch to be sure. He could be one to watch in this one. Plus a win would be a nice rub for his friend, Jungle Boy. I like that kid.
Randy can handle himself, and will undoubtedly make Kevin Steen wish he hadn’t come out at number 20. After all, the RKO is better than the Stunner. Colten Gunn’s daddy isn’t in this match. So, not sure what he’s doing here. Come to think of it, there’s an awful lot of tag teams around here, and not a one of them has challenged Rated RKO. I find that somewhat suspicious. Separating the brothers Gunn is Elias, who I guess is still roaming around here helping Aiden carry his massive ego around. Tough gig.
Our second Austin makes his appearance when Austin Gunn enters the ring, and oddly enough, this kids has something special. I can see it in his eyes. Better than his dad. Better than his brother. I see you kid. Up next is another Austin. Stone Cold.
Edge faked a yawn.
Edge: Sorry, sorry. My old nemesis D-Von Dudley.
Edge yawned again.
Edge: Sorry, I just suddenly felt so bored. I might owe Paul London an apology. This time travel back to the year 2000 is exhausting. I’ll make the most exciting debut of the night at #26 and then that will be followed up by… God damnit. Bubba Ray Dudley. Who is signing these guys? Wes, are you that hard up for cash. I know ten of these guys cost as much as one Roman Reigns, but you got enough money to license Eminem songs, so things can’t be that bad!
He grinned.
Edge: Devitt, Jungle Boy, and at number 30, Matt Jackson who is gonna have a pretty hard time with a Super Kick party considering his brother will have been eliminated a half an hour before.
He shrugged.
Edge: Here’s the way I see it. I’ve just rattled off 30 names, and to be honest it kind of seems like the most likely guy to win this match is… me. Sure I’ve been around as long as most of these guys, but I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m a better wrestler than I’ve ever been. Far more talented than a lot of these younger guys. I got to work this afternoon and heard I wasn’t getting my single’s match, and to be honest, I was pretty disappointed. But why beat one egomaniac when I can beat 29?
He wiggled his eyebrows in typical Edge fashion.
Edge: Make no mistake about it. The whole locker room is on notice. The EBWF World Championship will return around the waist of the Rated R Superstar this year. The question is when. And the answer is whenever the hell I decide.
Edge reached out and pushed the camera away, as the camera went to static and the EBWF logo flashed on the screen.
