The Last Survivor pre-show was underway, and the fans inside the arena were buzzing with anticipation as the cameras cut to a dimly lit backstage area. The camera zoomed in on Chris Jericho, who was dressed in his signature leather jacket. Grinning, Jericho took a moment, letting the energy settle before speaking.
Chris Jericho: Hi guys! It’s my favourite time of the year… Last Survivor. This time last year, I made EBWF history once again. I did something that no one else has ever done, when I won the Last Survivor match for the third time. Three times, baby! That ain’t luck, it’s not politics, and it sure as hell isn’t because I’m a “gatekeeper”, despite what Adam Cole would have you believe. It’s not gatekeeping, Adam… it’s called being the best in the world at what I do. I didn’t outlast 29 other men because of some backstage favour, or because Wes Ikeda has been secretly passing me notes on how to win. Not that his notes would be much good! I won because I am Chris Jericho, and there is no one – NO ONE – who knows this business better than me.
Jericho chuckled, shaking his head as if he had heard the same tired complaints before.
Chris Jericho: And instead of acknowledging greatness, instead of looking at all the things I’ve accomplished over the past 34 plus years and thinking “gee, I could learn a thing or two from this guy”… we’ve got Adam Cole whining, bitching, crying and complaining that he’s being “held down”. He thinks there’s a glass ceiling, and that he’s being held back because of guys like me. Newsflash, junior! If you were as great as you think you are, you wouldn’t have to blame other people for your shortcomings. The reason you haven’t won the EBWF World Championship yet isn’t because of me, or Wes Ikeda, or some imaginary conspiracy against you. It’s because every single time you’ve had the chance to rise to the top, you’ve choked. Fallen flat at the final hurdle. And now, with your little buddy Roderick Strong by your side, you think things will be different? Don’t make me laugh. If I had a nickel for every guy who thought an alliance could help them take me out, I’d have a private jet with my face on it. Oh wait, I already do.
Jericho smirked and winked.
Chris Jericho: You see, Adam, you think you’re playing some big game. You think being part of The Unleashed, having Roderick Strong and Marina Shafir watching your back, makes you dangerous. But all it does is makes you predictable. You’re so desperate to prove you’re being “held down” that you’re walking straight into the same mistakes you always make. You want to be the guy? Then shut up and BE the guy! Because talking big doesn’t mean a damn thing if you can’t back it up when it counts. And in the Last Survivor match, when you and I cross paths, you’re going to learn the same lesson so many before you have learned: Chris Jericho is not the past. Chris Jericho is the present. And Chris Jericho is STILL the future.
Jericho leaned into the camera, his eyes full of intensity.
Chris Jericho: So bring Roderick Strong, bring your mystery man, bring back the entire Bullet Club if you like… and I’ll still throw your ass over the top rope, just like I did to 29 other men last year. Because you may be “Adam Cole, bay-bay”, but I’m Chris Jericho, and this… this is still my company. I’ll see you in the ring.
Jericho waved, turning away from the camera and exiting the frame as the screen faded to black.
