Debut of "The Cowboy"

[Kevin]

OOC: I had written part of this as my first RP, but realized I could tie it in to my debut match. Hope you all enjoy!

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Warfare had just wrapped up in Wichita, Kansas. Outside of the arena “The Cowboy” James Storm is walking to his truck. Given how late in the week he had signed with the company, there was no spot for him on the card. All he got was just a pre-show introduction where he addressed the crowd. He thanked the fans for their ovation, and spent the rest of the night in the back meeting the people in the locker room. Other wrestlers, referees, administrators all came up to him and welcomed him. One name that did not say anything to him was the current EBWF Champion CM Punk.

He knew that nationwide, he was not yet the name that CM Punk was. But he knew that in the South, his name did mean something. He knew down there, he had some recognition. He was very analytical of the timing of his signing with EBWF. What if they were in Philadelphia when he signed? What if they were in New York? Or Los Angeles? What about Chicago? Yes, he still would have been signed, but he would not have had the emotional journey that has been on the last 4 days. He can’t promote a country concert in New York. He can’t do a VIP Meet and Greet with a CMA winning band in Los Angeles. He can’t put his face on billboards in Philadelphia. And he certainly could not walk the streets of Chicago and be recognized.

At least not yet.

But the fact was they were in Wichita, Kansas. It was a smaller, much simpler area of the country. And in that area, wrestling fans of all professional wrestling promotions know who “The Cowboy” is. So for his first 4 days as an EBWF wrestler, he was able to walk around in his flannel shirts, his jeans, his cowboy hats, his wrestling boots. But it’s only a matter of time now until the jeans are replaced with tights. Until the cowboy hat comes off. Until the flannel is replaced with his entrance coat. Until the boots he wears now are replaced with boots that go halfway up his leg and need to be properly laced.

It’s only a matter of time until when he’s speaking in a microphone; it’s not going to be on a radio station promoting a concert. Until he walks into a locker room to get ready for a show with other wrestlers, not his good friends’ band. Until he has to have a physical altercation and impose his will and desire on to another competitor.

But that time is at least one more week away. Right now, he is just soaking everything in. He didn’t know where he was gonna be next week. What if they went to Nashville? Where he is a hometown hero. What if they went to Philadelphia? Where he has only been a handful of times in his life. The uncertainty of everything was both the challenge and the excitement in this new endeavor though.

Again though, he remembered he was in Wichita, KS. He remembered this when he saw a reporter walk up to him with a TV camera. In Wichita, KS a wrestling company can use James Storm to promote. So he braced for the local NBC affiliate as they walked up.

Reporter: Mr. Storm, we’re here with NBC and we just wanted to know if we could ask you a couple of questions.

James Storm knew this was a part of being in the EBWF, as this was the biggest wrestling promotion out there. He knew if he wanted to provide the best opportunity for himself to succeed, that being available to the media would go a long way in that regard.

James Storm: Go ahead, ask away?

Reporter: Alright, then. Let’s get the camera set up..

The crew real quick turned the camera on and set it up on a tripod. The reporter, a young woman dressed in a business suit, took a seat next to James Storm.

Reporter: We will be recording once you see the red light on.

James Storm looked up at the camera. He knew this was just a casual interview. There was no fancy studio, no fancy lighting, just him in the back of an arena right after a show. He was okay with this though. He knew if he wanted what he ultimately came here to get, the media frenzy would be much crazier than this.

As he left his latest thought, he saw the light on the camera go on. It was interview time.

Reporter: We are here at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, and we are here with the newest EBWF acquisition, “The Cowboy” James Storm. Now James, how have your first few days in the EBWF been?

He knew the answer: chaotic, but uneventful. At the end of the day, you wrestle to be in the ring. And he had been doing media tours, signings, and other promotions. So to say it was easy and relaxing would be a complete lie. However, to say that anything that was really substantial, minus signing his contract, happened would also be a lie. However, he knew he was dealing with media, and gave the traditional answer you would expect.

James Storm: It’s been fun so far. Definitely a change from what I’m used to. But I’m enjoying it. I’m just anxious to get in the ring and get that first match under my belt and go from there.

At least that last part was true. He really wanted that first match to conquer his jitters and his nerves and to get some momentum on this new chapter in his career. He was hoping there were questions like this for the duration of the interview. Questions he could give good, solid answers to.

Reporter: So you’re new to the EBWF, but far from new in professional wrestling. You’ve had a pretty long career, so at this point why are you choosing to join the EBWF?

He knew the answer. His time at his other company was great. However, they were never the company. There were so many parallels in other sports to compare it to. You could be a 10-time Arena Football League MVP and 10-time Arena-Bowl Champion, and 10-times be the MVP of that Arena-Bowl game. You could hold every major record. What will it get you?

Nothing. At least nothing guaranteed. If you want to be the best in football, you have to do it in the NFL. If you play at an all-world level in the AFL, it might get you a shot. But for every 1 Kurt Warner, there are hundreds of Bruce Gradkowskis. Guys that got their shot, and did okay. They were career backup or third-string starters. Had one big game that got them their contract, and then they couldn’t last. They faded into obscurity, and when all was said and done, they just made it.

Just making it is good enough for some people. Not for James Storm. He had chosen many years ago to be a professional wrestler. His other goal was to be the best at whatever profession or career he embarked upon. This meant he had to become the best wrestler. And while he makes a case for being just that in his last stop, his last stop was the AFL. Being the best in the AFL got him a shot. Nothing more, he controlled his own fate at this point.

He wanted to sit down one day with his son, and his grandkids, and tell them the story about how he became a World Champion in the biggest promotion in the world. When you reach that level, you’re forever in the history books. You’re forever engraved in the EBWF records. That can never be taken away from you. And, when you’re at that level, you’re no longer the AFL champion. You are the Superbowl winner. That was what he wanted. To go down as an all-time great.

However, he wasn’t going to go on that huge emotional tangent as the new guy on the show, so he gave a more traditional answer.

James Storm: The answer is quite simple really. You spend 10 years or so at a place, and you do everything there is to do there, you can close that chapter. My last company was great to me, and I will be forever thankful for all the time I spent there. But this is a big industry, and there’s so much more that I can achieve that could not be done there. It was time to close one chapter, and start another.

Reporter: That sounds like you put some thought in to it. Now being in EBWF, I’m sure you’ve had some time to think. If you could pick your first match, who would it be against?

Now this question, he knew the answer, and there was no way to simplify it or anything. You don’t sign a contract with EBWF and dream of being the best Path to Glory Champion ever. If you do, you’re in the wrong business and you won’t make it. Who he wanted wasn’t about the person though. It was about what that person had. He is very clear that he wants to be a champion, and right now, that means he wants CM Punk. He has never met Punk before. Or had a run in with him. Or anything. Anything he knew was from TV. But that’s all he needed to know what is around Punk’s waist.

James Storm: In a perfect world, at this time. I’d want CM Punk. Is that gonna happen? No. The new guy doesn’t get to come in and demand a World Title Shot, or even a match with the champion, and get it. But I did come here to become a champion. So if I could pick, that would be my answer. That should be everybody’s answer. Will it be Punk 4 weeks from now? Who knows? It’s not about a specific person, it’s about being the best.

Reporter: Well you sound like you came here with a mission. Tell me, if that could happen, would you win?

Really? She had to ask the loaded question, thought Storm. He realized that he did kinda open the door for that question. But what do you do now? You say yes, and you cause a riff all around being the new guy demanding a title shot. Coming out and calling out the champion. He didn’t want any more than the minimum number of distractions. He knew he had to make his appearances and all, but he didn’t need this. If he comes out and says Yes he would, he’s going to have a meeting with Stephanie less than a week after being signed. If he says no, he’s going against everything he truly believes.

But after sighing and taking a deep breath, he manages to smile, give a little laugh, and answer the question.

James Storm: There really is only one way to find out, and that time will come. It won’t be next week. It probably won’t even be anytime soon. But that time is coming. And we’ll find out then.

He knew that was the best way to answer the question. He appears confident that he will not be given, but will earn his title shot. And when it does happen, he didn’t guarantee a win. Nothing controversial said, which means no unnecessary meetings, no follow-up interviews defending or retracting his comments, and in turn no more distractions.

Reporter: Well I know you have a lot of fans waiting for that day to come. Are there any other goals you have besides being champion here?

He knew he did. So many different chances open up when you join a new company. But there was one looming January night he had already circled on the calendar. Yes, it’s over a month and a half away, and yes, it’s no guarantee he’ll be in the big match, but one of his other goals is to win the Royal Rumble. That is his fast track to that title shot he craves. That also puts him in elite company if he can do it, but for now, he figured he was better staying level headed. He already opened one can of worms, so he was going to work around this question.

James Storm: You see, I’ve never been involved in a Royal Rumble match. But that concept, that is something different and I would like to one day say I outlasted everybody. But that is awhile away. Right now my current goal is to get my first match and be 1-0 in EBWF.

Reporter: And I know you have a lot of support down here to do that, but tell me real quick, do you have any idea who you’re facing next week?

He knew he had none. It was written somewhere, but he didn’t remember, the media circuit had taken its toll on his mind and he figured he was going to rest for a couple days to focus back on the wrestling part of the business.

James Storm: To tell you the truth, I don’t even remember where we are next week. I had my agent make the travel arrangements earlier this week, and I was pretty much just focused on my promotional work this week, serving as an ambassador to the company. I think that management is going to look over the results from tonight though, as well as go over any new contracts signed in the last week. Taking all that in to account, they’ll put together the card that’s best for business. If that was already done, then I’ll find out soon who I’m facing next week.

Reporter: That’s interesting. Do you want to tell us more about your life behind the scenes? You mention the promotional work and all, what is the life of a wrestler when he’s not wrestling?

This was an interesting question. It was going to be different now, with a bigger company comes more media attention. He’s made a months worth of appearances in 4 days, comparing to his old company. He didn’t mind doing it, but he wasn’t exactly a fan of it either. He liked being simple, and in all honesty, these media appearances have been taking away a lot of his extra beer drinking time. It’s been stressful, but he still knows the travel schedule is similar. He won’t be going to the same place every Thursday night anymore, but Monday nights would be his one night of the week. The occasional house show tour, he figured once the debut hype was over it would become a little less hectic.

James Storm: Well the thing a lot of people don’t see is who we are when we’re not doing company work. Behind the scenes is still a lot of company work. Whether it’s hitting the gym to stay in shape, whether it’s going to local radio stations the day of a show to promote it, whether it’s visiting local hospitals to see children or veterans, whether it’s doing make-a-wish or other charity work, whether, with the holiday season coming up, it’s a toy drive or food drive, there’s always something to help spread the company image. The time we’re on the road, it is pretty much constant appearances or visits or something.

But when we’re not doing anything company related, a lot of us are just regular guys. I have a pickup truck I love driving, I got a tractor, I have a son, I have a beautiful wife, I have a nice house – It’s just a simple lifestyle. I like to sit at home and watch sports with my son, when I have to put him to bed I crack open a beer, or 2, or, well, yea, I crack open some beers. I plant and harvest stuff, I cut my lawn, I paint my fence…nothing crazy. I love the day’s home because even though I’m still “The Cowboy,” I’m in a much more peaceful environment.

Reporter: So are you saying you’re different onscreen than in your home life?

That question was kinda tricky. When it came time to fight, in the ring, at a bar, on camera, off camera, wherever. James Storm was ready to go. Just whenever you’re in a ring, you know you’re going to fight so you bring an aggression with you. Out of the ring, he is much more passive. He never looks to start a fight, but you can bet he looks to finish them when they come his way. He figured there was a way to answer this question without sounding too cocky.

James Storm: I’d say at home I’m more relaxed. People can relate, whenever you have a big thing to do for work, your tension level goes up, but so does the effort. You bring certain intensity to what you do. It’s not that it’s necessarily different; it’s just a more enhanced version of me. I still drink beer before and after my matches. Hell, sometimes during because you never know when an empty bottle comes in handy. But no, I’m the same guy, just in a fight.

Reporter: Well I guess it can’t be that bad if you get to drink on the job, right?

Storm and the reporter both let out a chuckle, even the camera guy found it funny and laughed. When he thought about it that way, he knew he was very fortunate to live the kind of life he did. Even if he did have to sit through so many media appearances and sign autographs and all, it was still a very good life.

Reporter: Well, James, thank you for your time. And best of luck to you in the future.

James Storm: Thank you very much!

The camera light went off, the interview was done. It was quick and ended up being pretty painless.

Reporter: So James…

So much for that thought, he thought he would be able to walk away.

Reporter: Off the record, no cameras, no recordings, just us sitting here, could you beat Punk?

So that question wasn’t water under the bridge. And he didn’t buy the off the record comment for a second, she may not have the evidence of what he says, but she would report it. And though he could deny whatever his answer was, lying just was not in the moral code of “The Cowboy.” So he went with a consistent answer.

James Storm: Look, if I face him, I face him. We find out then. I have to earn my way to a title shot. When that day does come, he might not still be champion. I haven’t had match one yet. We could go on to be rivals, we could never ever face each other. You asked me a question about picking a match, and I just told you I want to be champion. Right now, he is champion so he is who I would choose to face if I could. I can’t, because I have to go through and fight my way to the top. And I will do that. If he’s still there when I get there, then we’ll get the match. If he’s not, then someone else will be. It’s about the belt, not him. I’m here to succeed and be champion. I have nothing against CM Punk, he just has something I want. That’s all there is to it.

Reporter: Alright James, thank you again for your time. Have a good night.

The reporter and her cameraman walked away with their equipment. James Storm got up from the chair and walked around to the locker room. He pulled a Budweiser out of the fridge and took a seat. He stared around the bare locker room, now that most of the wrestlers were gone. The only people in the arena were mostly arena workers, administrative officials, and the EBWF production crew breaking down the set. The event had been over for about 45 minutes.

Storm came into tonight knowing he was not going to have a match. Having just recently signed, and the card already being made up, it just wasn’t going to happen tonight. Yet he had been holding out hope that something would have been thrown together. A dark match. Replacing someone injured. Someone needing an enforcer or manager for the night. Something, anything would have been okay. He is used to being in the main event, or at least a constant staple on the card. He was a premier tag-team competitor, and a former World Heavyweight Champion. The thought of if he’s not even given the fair chance crept through his head. He gets a match next week, what if his nerves get the best of him and he blows it?

Being 0-1 in his career, and the verdict is out that he’s nothing more than a minor-league all-star. What if he will never overcome that? Internally, he had to live with his decision to leave a safe, comfortable, secure environment. But he knew what it meant. To be an all-time great, you have to do it at the highest level.

He finished drinking his beer. He walked outside empty-handed. He didn’t have to bring his gear with him tonight. But he knew next time he showed up to an arena for Warfare, he’d have his bags in tow. He walked to his pickup truck, in what was a mostly empty lot. He was driving off to his hotel, knowing he would wake up in the morning and know where Warfare was next week, and most importantly, who he would be facing.

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James Storm woke up, with 4 missed calls from his agent, Jerry Robbins. There was also a voicemail. Storm stood up, in his boxers and undershirt and walked towards the bathroom. While walking he listened to the voicemail.

Jerry Robbins: James, it’s Jerry. Give me a call back. This is huge; I need to speak with you soon.

James could tell by the tone something big happened. He didn’t know whether to be alarmed or excited, but he did know it better have been worth calling at 6:30 for.

He went into the bathroom and took care of the typical morning routine: washing his face and brushing his teeth. He was saving the clean shave for Monday morning, and his Warfare debut. Then he realized that Jerry probably had word of who the match was with, and would be able to remind him where he was going.

He ran back to his phone, toothbrush still in his mouth, with the intent of calling Jerry. Then he saw a text from his wife, Dani.

Dani (in text message): James, is it true? Did they really pick him for the first match?

Now Jerry had been more than just an agent for Storm. The 2 have both been invited to significant family events, and before Storm got married he actually spent the holidays with Jerry one year. So the relationship was very close. He knew that Jerry probably called Dani because he had slept through 4 phone calls.

He ran back to the bathroom, spit out his toothpaste, rinsed his mouth out, and then went back to his phone. He ran there and he called Jerry right away.

Ring ring ring….ring ring ring…..ring ring ring….ring ring ring…

Jerry Robbins: Hi, you have reached Jerry Robbins, from….

Storm hung up the phone. It was not until doing this that he realized he had en e-mail. He tapped the little e-mail button on his iPhone, and saw he had an e-mail in his 1 inbox (the one he uses for all things work related). So he clicked it.

The subject read: Warfare Card, Monday – 12/17. So he opened the message. It was right there at the top of the list. James Storm would be going one on one with the one man who he would be forever linked to in his career. A man who was his partner and best friend who then turned rival and worst nemesis. A man who he once shared a beer with who was now the man whose head he cracked a beer bottle over.

Storm sat there numb. He knew he made it to the big leagues, and he knew he earned it. But like all the thoughts of the weekend, what if he couldn’t make a true impact? He was excited for the match, but this match was at the top of the card. Where he came from, this match was a main event. He was hoping for the chance to fight a match that never happened before, but instead EBWF was building off a huge rivalry from his last company.

His phone starting vibrating, he looked down and it was Jerry calling him. He answered.

James Storm: Jerry, how’s it going?

Jerry Robbins: James, some big news came across this morning. It involves your…

James Storm: I saw the e-mail. I know I got Bobby.

Jerry Robbins: On a plus, the match is in Little Rock, Arkansas.

That was a little bit of a relief to Storm. He knew what a match with Bobby Roode meant. He needed to bring all of his focus. Anything short of winning this week would only be a setback in his ultimate goal. But he knew that this match could be bloody and would be brutal. So being in Little Rock as opposed to any big city was a huge relief. Less media, less autographs, but he still got his national TV match in front of millions of viewers. He needed a coming out party that blew the roof off the joint.

James Storm: And we are leading off the show. Gives us a chance to set the tone for the show, and me for my career here.

Jerry Robbins: Exactly. Now I’m going to get running, a couple of my other guys need some bookings. I gotta finalize them, and then I will be back in touch. Your flight home is booked for 2 PM today, and then Saturday at 11 AM you’re flying to Arkansas. You’ll be at the Marriott, about 2 miles from the arena. You have a pickup already reserved for you.

James Storm: Thanks Jerry, you coming next week?

Jerry Robbins: You know I am. Now take it easy today, but get at it tomorrow, huge match next week!

James Storm: Take it easy, Jerry.

James then texted Dani back, confirming that it was Roode as his first opponent. He realized he had hours to kill, and decided he could go hit the gym, and get out of media mode for a little bit. He threw on a pair of black gym shorts, a white t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers. He grabbed his phone, wallet, and keys, and then left the room. He walked across the hallway to the elevator and pushed the down button. After the elevator getting to him, and him hitting the 1st floor button he walked out the door. He was going to drive to the gym, but then saw it only a couple of blocks down the road. So he decided to walk. He walked in, checked in, and started his workout.

As he hit the treadmill he thought about his encounters in the past with Roode. He knew he would have to be able to last for awhile. So he hit the treadmill a half mile per hour faster than is normal for him, but he didn’t cut the time. Towards the end it hurt, it ached, but Storm pushed himself through it. He was entering a new level of competition, so he had to become a whole new level of wrestler.

He knew today was his lower rep day in his match training program, which meant more weight when it came to his lifts. He needed to build that power, but give his muscles the time to rest from the amount of weight that was lifted. He had 6 days from now, and that’s always been how he’s done it. He went through the benching, squatting, cleaning, curls, tricep extension, military press and a series of ab work. It all took around an hour after his run.

He walked back to the hotel but had gotten a phone call on the way.

James Storm: Hello.

Stephanie McMahon: Hey James, it’s Stephanie. How are you doing today?

James Storm: I’m alright, and yourself?

Stephanie McMahon: I’m good. Listen, obviously we scheduled a pretty big match for you on Warfare, and we wanted to know if we could fly you in an extra day early to do an interview about it?

Remember when he had that thought of the event being in Arkansas meaning less distractions? Yea, we can scratch that now. He was a little reluctant because he wanted to spend the extra day with his family, wanted to focus more on Roode, and just wanted to be able to get into a routine. He knew he had to say yes though. It’s his first week, who is he to turn down interviews at this point? But then he also realized, maybe this match is leading off to set a tone. I mean, most low card guys aren’t being brought in for interviews days before an event. So even though he was still a little reluctant, he accepted the fact that some good could come from this.

James Storm: Absolutely.

Stephanie McMahon: Sounds good. The interview will be with Jim Ross. You’ll get your flight arrangements in an e-mail later this week. Have a good one.

She hung up. He said 6 words and had an interview with the legendary Jim Ross. This was big league. He was excited. Very excited for the interview and anxious for his match.

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With the match only a couple of days away now, Storm was in luxury box at the Verizon Center. There was nothing going on at the arena, so the EBWF took advantage of autograph signings and interviews and special appearances. Anything they could do with an empty venue to promote the show.

In the luxury box, Storm was wearing his black jeans, black cowboy boots, black cowboy hat, and a black “Beer Hunter” t-shirt. He also had sunglasses on, but they would be off for the interview. The production crew was already there and set-up. It was just a matter of waiting on Jim Ross.

Storm looked down at the bare floor of the arena. He started running the thoughts through his head about a few nights from then. The arena would be full of people. There would be a set and video screen on stage, there would be an entrance ramp, and there would be a ring. He’d be a part of all of it.

Jim Ross: Mr. Storm, pleasure to meet you, sir!

James Storm turned around, and saw one of the legends of professional wrestling. He was very excited, and even seemed a little stunned by the presence of good ol’ JR. Nonetheless he held his composure together, barely, and talked with the legend.

James Storm: Mr. Ross, pleasure to meet you as well.

The 2 shook hands and then walked over towards the seats.

Jim Ross: Now the lights will be on in a couple of minutes, I’m going to ask you a range of questions, let me know how you’re feeling. Don’t be scared to say anything, we’re not live so we can cut anything the board might not like out of the video. When the light goes on, we’re starting. Sound good?

James Storm: Sounds good to me.

James Storm, in that instant, felt a breath of fresh air. Every emotion he had been channeling in could be let out. He was excited to introduce himself to the EBWF and the following it had. He was excited for the fans to notice him, the administrators and officials and corporate officers to notice him, and you can be damn sure he wanted the superstars to take notice of him. He wasn’t here to mess around. Only one chance to make a first impression, and this was his. He had to make it count.

The light on the camera turned on.

Jim Ross: Ladies and gentleman, this is Jim Ross from EBWF, and I am speaking here with “The Cowboy” James Storm. Now James, how are you enjoying the EBWF so far?

James knew he was kind of still in that honeymoon phase. It’s like any big name acquisition in any sport, movie, or show. They’re great until they suck. So of course, since he hasn’t had the opportunity to suck yet, things have been great for him. His paycheck was more, he had a new following, he had his old following follow him, and he was about to become a much bigger name in his industry. To this point he has done nothing except media. So he knew this question was an easy answer.

James Storm: You know, Jim, it’s been great so far. Getting to meet some new people and be a part of new things. It’s been a long journey to get here, and I’ve enjoyed the time so far. That being said, I did come here to fight, so I’m getting excited for my official EBWF debut.

Jim Ross: Understandably so. Now you’re coming from another less known company that, even with it’s national following, does not have the following EBWF does. What do you think the change will be like?

This was the million-dollar question for Storm: Would he be a minor-leaguer that flopped in the majors, or is he the low-key prospect that took his shot and ran with it? He was confident he would run with it, but he had no way of knowing until he got started. In a way, starting with Roode was in his comfort zone, because he has beaten him before. In another way, he’s wrestling someone that came from the same place he did. Will he be looked at as another champion joining the roster, or will he be looked at as someone who could only compete on that lower-level, and with other guys from that lower-level? He still had no idea if this match was made to wean him in, or if EBWF really wanted to capitalize on him and Roode.

Then he thought and remembered this was Jim Ross interviewing him. Not Matt Striker. He was on to something. He decided to answer the question the way he really felt. Honest, but with confidence.

James Storm: You know, I have no idea. It’s a whole new ballgame here, you know. When you’re here, you’ve made it. I’ve made it, but I don’t wanna be a guy who just made it. I want to accomplish things here. And I think I will. It’s all just a matter of how I adapt, but I’ve had to adapt my whole career, so that’s nothing new. I think the change will be a good one.

Jim Ross: What exactly do you hope to accomplish here?

No thought needed, he knew this answer.

James Storm: I want to be an all-time great. In order to do that, you need to be champion at some point. That is what I overall hope to accomplish. There’s other things I’ve never even been involved in, like the Royal Rumble. I mean, right now, I want to accomplish being 1-0. Then take it from there.

Jim Ross: Logical way to look at it, but to be 1-0 you have to win your first match. Your first match is against a man you have a long history with. What are your thoughts on Bobby Roode, and facing him here?

Storm bit his lip and was ready to say something diplomatic, but he remembered Ross giving him the freedom to say it all. There was nothing to be held back now. Storm, who had a calm look on his face all interview, all of a sudden looked aggressive. His eyes had a stare that could cut a wall, his fists clenched, his whole body shaking in anger.

James Storm: Let me tell you about Bobby Roode (His voice was low now, but as he spoke, it crescendoed to an intense volume). Bobby Roode is the kinda guy who you think will fight with you. Bobby Roode is the kinda guy you THINK will have your back through it all. After years as a successful tag-team, years as FRIENDS, you think nothing could come between you two. And I mean NOTHING!

Yet one thing could. We both knew what competing primarily in a tag-team meant. You were paired; you had an image that wasn’t your own. You had a reputation that you couldn’t do anything without the other. That ate at both of us. All the time on the road together, we both wanted to prove that wrong.

I became a champion and broke that mold. I was honored to give him a shot, and he had to cheat to win. He couldn’t do it the way I thought he would. So when nothing was supposed to come between us, a world title did.

This is a man I introduced to my FAMILY! We spent holidays together, we were on the road 40 weeks of the year together, and we shut down every bar in the south together. The picture of an empty beer bottle and Bobby Roode next to me used to mean a great night. Now, it is something that I smash over his head!

James Storm was loud at this point. The intensity could be seen throughout his whole figure. He was so overcome with emotion, he was so boiled, he was ready to fight right then and there. He then stood up before continued talking.

James Storm (now pacing the room): And that’s the old Bobby Roode. Let me tell you about the one you’re going to see on Monday! Roode is going to be the arrogant, no-good, mud-filled piece of scum we all know he is. He is going to show up and tell everyone with ears how great he is, and how much he deserves in this business. His accomplishments, his achievements, and everything that is so great about Bobby Roode.

Then he’s going to have to back it up. That’s where he starts to realize. When he sees me across the ring that seed of doubt will creep in. When we lock up and I throw him down and start pummeling him, that seed will sprout. But after I pummel him that won’t be enough. He will have to answer to my wrath, my fury, my justice! The wrong’s he has done are not forgotten and are sure as hell not forgiven. Bobby Roode will bleed on Monday. And when he looks down and sees his own blood, that seed of doubt will be a full grown bush. And as I continue to beat him, he will try to crawl away.

Because that’s what he is. He is a quitter. When things aren’t going how he wants, and he can’t manipulate them to do that, he leaves. He runs away. The only problem is when I’m done with him on Monday, he won’t even be able to walk, let alone run.

Then when I grab his limp body, and throw him into the Eye of the Storm, that seed of doubt will be a full grown oak tree. Then he will hit the mat. And more blood will leave that body, as it slowly pumps from that cold rock he calls a heart. He doesn’t know what it means to have heart. What it means to really fight, but god damnit he’s going to learn.

Then when the mangled pile that is his body manages to stand, he’s going to get his last call. That split second right before my foot connects with his jaw and knocks him out cold, that seed of doubt will be Jack’s god damn beanstalk. And whenever he comes to, he will be hurt. He will be bloody. He will be bruised.

How do I know this? Because I’ve done it before. I’ve left him a broken, beat up, fraction of a man.

Now he will still make his excuses, he will put on his tough front, he will tell everyone how good he still is. But he will know, from that beanstalk of doubt that is now kicked into his head, that he is not even a real man. That when justice is served, the wrong are always convicted for their sins. He has a heavy penance to pay, but god damnit I will make him pay. He will be physically, mentally, and spiritually broken when I am done.

Then, AND ONLY THEN, will he really realize what he is up against this time. Everytime we’ve faced off, we’ve had to bring it to another level. Being here for my debut matct, it’s another level there. This whole damn company doesn’t realize the level I am at right now. But they will. I am at a level right now that only a real man can match. Bobby Roode, you’re no real man.

Jim Ross look stunned. The camera crew looked scared. There were even people outside of the box who heard the conviction with which Storm spoke, and got chills. At that moment, Storm sat back down. There was a long pause, you could have heard a pin drop in this room.

After the momentary shock and awe, Ross, being the true professional he is, went back to conducting the interview, still a little shooken up.

Jim Ross: So, uh, very strong words from you there. We’re, um, running close on time here. If you could say one thing to Bobby Roode’s face right now, what would it be?

James Storm: Sorry….about your damn luck!

The camera crew quickly broke down, Jim Ross thanked James Storm and left. The room was dark again, like it was before the lights were set up for the interview. Storm sat there, motionless. Just stared forward with a look on his face that could kill.

He knew what he said would be heard. He knew he made a statement. He knew his name was now on the radar. There was one thing left to do, and that was a performance to back it up. Nothing long-term mattered in that moment. Being champion, rumble, all-time great – All of that was irrelevant. When Storm really thought about Bobby Roode, one thing mattered. That was kicking his ass on Monday. For him, winning was no longer an option, it was vital to his own being.