Forgotten Man

[Ben M]

The scene opened in darkness. Moments later, a number of LED lights began to flash and it quickly became apparent that Chris Jericho was stood in the darkness, wearing his infamous leather jacket. Jericho stepped forwards, just enough so that you could see his face, then began to speak.

Chris Jericho: I've become something of a forgotten man in the EBWF. As everyone else cries out for attention, desperately hoping to get noticed, I've been watching them in the background. I don't need to constantly seek attention because the moment I step out of the darkness, I get noticed.

As if to prove a point, the lights came on and a far more visible Jericho continued to speak.

Chris Jericho: AJ Styles, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, The Miz and Trent Barreta have something in common... none of them are as recognisable as me. Punk and Bryan might have the support of indy wrestling fans, AJ might still have the TNA loyalist in his corner, The Miz has his Hollywood darlings and Trent has his comic book nerds. But I'm world famous - people recognise me everywhere I go. I'm the longest serving EBWF superstar and I've been wrestling for almost 22 years. People have heard of Fozzy, if only to make them the butt of their jokes. Like me or hate me, love me or loathe me, you know who I am. That's why I can wrestle a handful of times a year and still get handed a World Title shot, no questions asked. And still, the five other superstars I enter the Elimination Chamber with don't see me as a threat. They forget that I'm a seven-time EBWF World Champion, instead they focus on how much they'd like to be the World Champion. They underestimate me and their complacency is what's going to lead me to glory. What is it they say? Eighth time's a charm.

Jericho paused for a moment to laugh.

Chris Jericho: AJ, Punk, Miz. You've all beaten me, you all think you're better than me. You're mistaken. AJ, beating me was nothing more than a fluke victory in your fluke World Title reign. I hope you remember your time as champion fondly because it won't come again. You were a one-hit wonder. Punk, you and I have traded victories more times than either of us care to remember. You might be the king but tonight, it's my turn to ascend the throne. And Miz, I hope one of these days you can get it through your dumb skull that the only reason you beat me is because you had Wes Ikeda's help. Without Wes' interference I would have squashed you like a bug and you wouldn't even have been able to compete in this match. Bryan and Trent, you're new to me. Bryan, of course I've followed your career with interest. Like me, you worked your way to the top and you've established yourself as a tremendous technical wrestler. But I can match you technically and I can make you tap. I will make you tap. Yes, yes, yes. Trent, last and least I'm afraid. I still remember my first World Title shot fondly - tonight will be an unforgettable night for you. You might think you've made it because you got your spot in the chamber, but you won't have made it unless you win. That isn't going to happen, trust me. The five of you might not have seen much of me in recent months, but I'm still the best in the world. And tonight, I'm going to prove it.