How To Spoil A Return

[Jack]

Power 97 was Winnipeg's leading rock station and a welcoming place for wrestling companies to plug their upcoming show's. They did manage to snatch a rather large guest in the returning Cody Rhodes. His first interview was going to take place in their studio as opposed to an episode of Warfare. Cody looked more of less than same, sans the transparent mask he had been wearing, obviously. The host had introduced himself but Cody didn't care to remember his name. That was an irrelevant detail. He was merely there to ride to wave of his return and carry along any momentum a candid interview would bring him.

| Host | Alright folks, tonight EBWF brings a VERY special edition of it's Total Recall program to MTS Centre. It's going to be streamed on their website and they're looking for some record breaking traffic. I don't think that's going to be any trouble with the line-up that's part of the King and Queen of the ring tournaments. John Cena, The Shield's Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Trish Stratus, The Miz and many others will be competing. On top of that they have big returns from none other than Bret Hart, the always controversial Syxx and the man joining me right now: Cody Rhodes.

| Cody Rhodes | The pleasure is all yours.

The son of the American Dream took a quick drink from the bottle of water he had on hand.

| Host | Cody we have a lot to get into. Before we talk about your match with Syxx we HAVE to talk about the events leading to your departure from EBWF and your return.

| Cody Rhodes | Lets.

| Host | Now, before you left your career was on a pretty big upswing, wasn't it?

| Cody Rhodes | I was having the biggest run of my career. I was the World Champion. Headlining shows and pay per views. So, yes, you could say I was on an upswing.

| Host | And how did that all come about?

| Cody Rhodes | I was making alright money in the spot I was in. But I just eventually got tired of just having a spot on the roster. I went to everyone who would listen and asked for an opportunity to do something more. Eventually, I got that opportunity and that's what the whole disfigurement and mask gimmick started. It all went up from there and it didn't take very long before I got to that top spot.

| Host | But it wasn't completely smooth sailing, was it?

| Cody Rhodes | No. It certainly wasn't.

There was a slightly bitter tone in his voice as he shook his head.

| Host | Within two months of winning the World Title you were completely gone from the company. We all know this wasn't a spur of the moment decision.

| Cody Rhodes | Not at all. I was the World Champion and I felt the company wasn't giving me the respect I deserved. It's not as if I lucked into that spot. It took a lot of hard work. In the ring, making the character, crafting a storyline. But, like..

That bitter pitch was now of the disgusted variety and he even had to roll his eyes before completing his thoughts.

| Cody Rhodes | I have certain people, nobodies honestly, complaining that I'm mentioning them in promo's. Wrestler's girlfriends. Trying to tell ME what I should and shouldn't say in MY promo's. I was literally born into the wrestling business. Everyone knows who my father is. So someone who has never cut a promo or been inside of a ring is trying to dictate to me what to say in my promo's? If you put your personal life all over twitter, and the internet, and it's being used on our programming, you are fodder for me. If you don't like it, don't date a wrestler. In the grand scheme of things it's small but things like that ticked away at me.

| Host | And who exactly are you talking about here?

| Cody Rhodes | Oh, it could be anyone, right? They do or did have a position in the company at the time, I believe. They should have been told to shut up and and, frankly, I would have gotten rid of them. Everyone on the roster dishes about their dirty laundry over the internet, who is dating who, who is having sex with who and they get upset when someone brings it up in a promo? I don't get it. I figure they must want the attention.

| Host | But there was one person we've heard you never got along with.

| Cody Rhodes | Yes, and, unfortunately, that person held a lot of power.

| Host | Well, let's not mince words here.

| Cody Rhodes | I'm not mincing words. We all know I'm talking about Wes Ikeda.

Cody was practically sneering when that name hissed it's way out of his mouth.

| Host | So where did the animosity begin?

| Cody Rhodes | I'm honestly not sure. I guess I'm not one to "mince words" as you said. This all led to him deciding that his main event angle, that I was a part of, wasn't as important as putting himself over so he could come out on television and bury me. While cutting my microphone off so I couldn't be heard, mind you. I mean, what did that accomplish? It took away a main event that had been promoted for weeks. Did it bring in any more fans to fill the arena's? No. It was just a way for him to boost his already massive ego. I was done after that. It was an uphill climb that didn't seem like it was worth it anymore. I think anyone else in my position would have felt wronged as well.

| Host | Have you spoke to him since?

| Cody Rhodes | No. Obviously, I have sympathy for what happened to his family. And he was man enough to let me out of my contract on the spot. But I don't think he has a clue half of the time.

| Host | So what brings you back?

| Cody Rhodes | He isn't around any more, is he?

That brought a genuine smile to Cody's face.

| Cody Rhodes | It's not as if I had to come back. I easily could have gone to Vince or TNA or Japan. But I think I have unfinished business here.

| Host | And you might pick up right where you left off with this tournament. But you have a first round match against Syxx. And, you know, he has quite a name in the EBWF. Ever met him?

| Cody Rhodes | No. Well, my father introduced me to him when I was a kid bu that's it and I don't consider that very much. I do have a certain degree of respect for him. He was far and beyond the best worker in the nWo. That's not saying very much, I realize. He was able to adjust his style after breaking his neck and I imagine that's not a very easy thing to do. But the fact of the matter is that his prime in this company was..how many years ago? Can he still be relevant? And more importantly, can he still go? I've appointed myself to decide this. He has a fanbase, sure, but if he isn't capable of having a good match with ME? Then he should go. Immediately. I'll decide whether or not he has a place here. If he can't hang with me, he doesn't deserve a spot and that's the way I see it. I'm very fair. If he proves me otherwise I'll even shake his hand.

| Host | And it's a pretty big roster right now, isn't it?

| Cody Rhodes | It's huge. I know guys are going to be worried about their spots. I'm not. But I know that their is some resentment in bringing back people like Syxx and Bret Hart. Like I said..if they still have it in the ring, fine. If they don't? It's a waste of time and money. I won't be able to speak for Hart, yet, but if Syxx makes me look bad in my return, well..the whole world is going to know about it.

Although a small chuckle followed his sentence Cody he was deathly serious about Waltman holding up his end of their match. It wouldn't make a difference to him if his grand return to the EBWF after so many years only lasted one night.

| Host | Who on the roster are you impressed with?

| Cody Rhodes | Obviously, I think Ambrose and Rollins are very interesting. Haven't seen enough of the third guy yet. They must see a lot in Ambrose to give him so much so soon. But I like Rollins as well and think he deserves just as much exposure and he certainly deserves better than to be fodder for guys like Cena or Del Rio. ..Uh..Trent..whatever he goes by now..I think he's talented. Damien Sandow. I'm amused by Tensai. You should actually ask me who I'm NOT impressed with.

| Host | Who are you not impressed with?

| Cody Rhodes | Syxx? No, honestly, I hope he proves me wrong. I hope he's as good as he seems to think he is. Especially if he moves past me because I guarantee you that there are a couple of names on those brackets I could have classic's with. He's uncertain in that regard, isn't he?

| Host | Cody we're about out of time but we appreciate you stopping by today. Everyone check out the EBWF website for more details on the Total Recall episode!

| Cody Rhodes | Thanks for having me.

The usual pleasantries were exchanged and Cody departed. His afternoon was long from over.

---

A dark, nightmarish lair of a room. Heavy and slow breathing was coming from a hunched over man clad in a leather hood. The camera inched hesitantly closer. A hand reached on top of the hood and pulled it downwards. The figure spun around to reveal the smiling, exuberant face of Cody Rhodes. His frightful mask he had been wearing during his last stint was gone and replaced by his perfect, straight pearly whites. He held up his palms and began to slowly look about.

| Cody Rhodes | Before I begin..are there any members of the Ikeda family hiding around in here? Any of them ready to jump out and put themselves over at my expense? Wes?! Are you in here?

He explored the darkness for any sign of the companies creator and gave a mock sigh of relief upon realizing that he would not come springing out on his occasion. Cody turned back to the camera and trailed a finger along his cheek bone to call attention his youthful features.

| Cody Rhodes | As you can tell I've gotten better. I'm 100% stable. Mentally, physically and spiritually. Can we get some light in here please?

The room was illuminated at his command and revealed the brother of Goldust to be standing in front of a display case with a replica of the EBWF World Title resting comfortably in the center. It may have been his own home and it was far from a lair but kept in immaculate c condition. He gave a smile that made you just want to dive through the television and punch him.

| Cody Rhodes | That's better. I'm ready to pick up where I left off. As EBWF World Champion.

Cody traced a finger along the display case where the copy of that sought after gold prize was just beyond his reach. Having it close was nice but the real thing would be infinitely better.

| Cody Rhodes | Except for some reason I've been entered into this tournament alongside all of these other peons. Why exactly am I not receiving an automatic title opportunity? I was never beaten for my title. Instead I'm being forced into the ring with the likes of Syxx?

Rhodes looks as though saying that moniker had caused him a certain degree of discomfort.

| Cody Rhodes | Listen, I'm just going to call him Sean Waltman. He's a grown man for God's sake. Syxx sounds so..mid-nineties. In any event, I've never met the man other than a brief interaction on the twitter verse or a brief "hello" in my youth. As many of you may or may not know, my father was a part of the nWo, the heralded group that Waltman was such an instrumental part of. He may be a fat, disgusting blob but he certainly knows how to cling onto what's hot at the moment. And, yes, as a teenager I may have had the opinion that the New World Order was just about the coolest thing around.

Cody gave an "OK" sign with his fingers before his expression became significantly dismal.

| Cody Rhodes | ..But then I grew up. Spray painting people? I mean, c'mon, how bland is that? Sure, they may have caused a ruckus in their time but that was an eternity ago. When you see things from a child's eyes they often look grander and more impressive than they really are. Then you look at it from the perspective of a man and..it's just..incredibly dull and lackluster. You have to evolve with the times and I believe that train shot past Waltman eons ago. I am what a World Champion should look like in 2013.

He opened up the leather hood that he often wore during his darker period and he was shirtless underneath. Much better to show off his impressive and trim physique.

| Cody Rhodes | Not someone who looks like crawled out from behind a dumpster after getting there last, fleeting hit. Not like Sean Waltman.

His manner of speech shifted. As if he were talking to a complete and total imbecile.

| Cody Rhodes | There is an invention called a razor. I would suggest that Sean find one and use it to dismantle that rat's nest growing on his face. And has he ever had a haircut and his entire existence? I'm assuming thoughts like that enter his mind about as often as "try walking out into the daylight without wearing a bandana." The man has had the exact same look since 1997. And no matter of tongue wagging, or crotch chops, or regrettable catch phrases is ever going to change that. "Fuck everyone"? Honestly.

The way he spoke made it seem as if Cody was actually offended that someone would try and pass that off as a catch phrase.

| Cody Rhodes | Not exactly marketable is it? But I would suppose that isn't what a "rebel" like Sean is going for, now is it? You might think that getting a win over name like Waltman could be a feather in my cap but..no..not really. I can't say I've ever found him terribly impressive. And another thing? Do you know how difficult it is to explain the "Bronco Buster" to someone who isn't familiar with wrestling? It's a "move", using the term in it's loosest sense, that I would remove from my arsenal. Because there is a very real possibility that someone could evade that "technique" and Mr. Waltman would be met with a very harsh landing! In fact, I suspect that there could be an instant where missing that move could very well rupture his anus!

Cody laughed at his own prediction and it brought him a great deal of amusement.

| Cody Rhodes | And no one wants that, now do they? Just like their isn't a living being who wants SEAN WALTMAN'S genitalia bouncing around in there face.

He quickly and audibly shuddered.

| Cody Rhodes | That is far more nightmarish of a scenario than when I was packing around spiders in paper bags. Alright, let's wrap this up. I do have an entire bracket worth of wrestlers to destroy. I've given Waltman some advice on his appearance and his career and I have one last parting bit of wisdom to pass onto him. Don't show up at Total Recall. Don't embarrass yourself. I'm stronger, faster, smarter and younger than you. No one cares about what you accomplished a century ago. Keep whatever legacy you think you still have in tact and don't get into a ring with me you filthy, unwashed rat of a human being. I'm getting my title back and trash like you can't even dream of stopping me.

Cody began to laugh. And laugh. For an uncomfortable amount of time. Before finally relenting with an "ahh" of relief before his smile vanished and an absolutely murderous look appeared on his face. He wasn't walking around in a Halloween mask anymore but there was something very off about his personality. The scene faded.