Opportunity Knocks

[Ben M]

After months of inactivity, Zack Ryder felt like his luck was beginning to change again. Zack had barely featured on EBWF programming since his early exit from the King of the Ring tournament back in June; but one week ago he had been booked in the main event against the legendary Bret Hart, and now he and Trent were being booked against Rated RKO for the Tag Titles. On the 500th episode of Warfare, no less. As excited as Zack was about the prospect of becoming a champion again, he had grown wary of the inconsistencies that had riddled his EBWF career, so he was trying to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.

The 500th episode of Warfare was already underway, and Zack was in the locker room area preparing mentally for his match. Trent had gone for a walk with AJ, so when Trent heard the locker room door open, he assumed it was his tag team partner returning. When he looked up, however, he saw Renee Young entering the room, microphone in hand.

Renee Young: Hey, Zack. I was just wondering if I could ask you a few questions about your match tonight?

Zack smiled and got to his feet.

Zack Ryder: Sure, Renee.

Renee smiled back, then turned to face the cameraman stood behind her.

Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm joined now by Zack Ryder, who will team up with Trent later on tonight to challenge Rated RKO for the Tag Team Titles. Zack, how do you feel about going up against two of the EBWF's biggest stars just seven days after wrestling one of the all-time greats, Bret "The Hitman" Hart?

Zack Ryder: I feel great, Renee. It was an honour to wrestle Bret last week as he was one of the guys I looked up to as a kid, and to take on Edge and Randy Orton just one week later is very exciting. Trent and I have been determined to win the Tag Titles back ever since we lost them last October... I know it's going to be tough for us to defeat two former World Champions, but I'm confident we can do it and I know Trent is too.

Renee Young: We haven't seen much of you in recent months, Zack... meanwhile, your tag team partner Trent pulled off what was arguably the biggest win of his career at Sacrifice when he won the Money in the Bank ladder match, earning the opportunity for a World Title shot at a future date. Does it bother you that Trent has been more successful than you in 2013?

There was no malice in the way Renee asked the question, but Zack couldn't help but frown. He responded by shaking his head.

Zack Ryder: No way... Trent is my broski, and I couldn't be happier for him. I saw how jealousy destroyed mine and Trent's friendship with Curt Hawkins, and I'm determined not to let the same thing happen to Trent and I. When Trent cashes in his Money in the Bank contract and wins the EBWF World Title, I'll be first in line to give him a hug and congratulate him. Do I wish I'd had as much success as Trent has this year? Of course, but I don't resent Trent for that. Tonight, I can help him beat the guy he might one day have to beat for the World Title, and that's something that means a lot to me. But it means more to me that I'll be teaming up with one of my best friends. As hungry as I am for success, I'll always put friendship first.

Renee Young: You and Trent have been friends for a long time. So have your opponents tonight, Edge and Randy Orton. Do you think the fact that you and Trent are such good friends makes you a more effective team?

Zack Ryder: You know it! I've had experience of being thrown in a tag team with a guy I don't know very well, and when you're in that situation it takes time to reach an understanding with your partner. Trent and I have never had that problem... we understand each other perfectly, and when we team together, it's like we're the same person. That's why we call ourselves "BarRyder". The understanding we have in the ring is what made us the EBWF Tag Team champions last April, and it's what's going to make us champions again tonight.

Renee Young: Zack, thank you for your time and good luck in your match.

Renee exited the locker room, smiling at Zack before leaving. Zack followed Renee out of the room and decided to look for Kaitlyn.