Nothing Cliche About Winning

[D.J]

It came once a year, and in what seemingly felt like a blink of an eye, the EBWF was on the verge of another Wrestlemania. The show in name alone was a spectacle in itself, superstars really seemed to step their game up, on what what has always been affectionately known as the grandest stage of all. The Grandaddy of Wrestling Pay Per Views, and it was here once again. The Miz and Wrestlemania had not always gotten along with regards to wins and losses, but he had had some of his more memorable matches when the lights came on for Wrestlemania. This year he hoped would only be different in the sense that he would walk out of the Big Easy a winner. He had a chance to capture his second Intercontinental Title in the past year, and to do it he'd have to oust Matt Sydal, a hot newcomer who was gaining confidence with every passing show, as well as a familiar foe Ted DiBiase, in a triple threat ladder match that had the EBWF Universe buzzing. Time would tell if Miz could not only put on a good show, but end a Wrestlemania with his hand raised in victory.

The scene opened up in a room at the Hyatt Regency. The scene was dark, as the door slowly crept open. The sound of an alarm quickly filled the room as the camera zoomed in on a clock that said 5:52. An arm arose from the bed trying to find the clock to shut it up. After a few failed swipes. The arm went down on the table and swiped the whole clock, all the magazines, and empty glasses that were on the table right off. This unplugged the clock and the beeping stopped. Like a monster rising from the abyss, a man emerged from the bed. He was shirtless and donned a pair of black basketball shorts, his hair was a mess. He rubbed the morning out of his eyes, as he set his clock back up, and plugged it back in, and flipped on the light switch. The clock now read 5:58. As the man turned to the camera it was revealed that it was none other than The Miz. He threw a black Nike t-shirt on and sat at the edge of his bed, giving a big stretch. He still looked extremely tired, until he took his phone out of his pocket. He gave a half smile, as he took the palm of his hand and rose it to the top of his forehead. He had a very fatigued look on his face, but as he moved the palm of his hand down over his face, and then back up, he now had a complete cocky, Miz like smirk on his face, as if he had transformed from Mike to Miz with a wave of a hand. He then dialed a number, and put it on speaker.

The Miz: Showtime!

The scene cut to Howard Stern's studio Howard was in his booth, as were his loyal cohorts that have shared the station with him for more years than anyone would care to know. Howard's voice quickly filled the scene.

Howard Stern: Well Sirius Radio as we continue to take you through the morning, our next guest has been on the show before, and we always enjoy having him. EBWF Wrestlemania is in the Big Easy this weekend, and the man about to join us, will be competing for the Intercontinental Title. Ladies and Genetlemen, please welcome The Miz. Miz how we doing?

The Miz' voice was heard throughout the studio.

The Miz: I'm fantastic Howard, not even hungover at all. Went to bed early so I could be sharp for you.

Howard smiled.

Howard Stern: Really?

The Miz: No.

Everyone in Howard's studio had a slight laugh.

Howard Stern: Should have known I was walking right into that one.

A chuckle from the Miz was heard over the line.

The Miz: Yeah, you're better than that.

Howard Stern: So anyways, Miz, EBWF Wrestlemania this weekend, can you believe it's back again?

The Miz: The year really does fly by, but the excitement is still the same. Especially this year Howie. Last year I was teaming up with AJ Styles and we beat Rated RKO. Which was cute, but it didn't really get the people buzzing like I was put on earth to do. This year I have a match that is sure to get them gabbing about The Miz, perhaps more than ever before.. and Howie THAT is a lot of gabbing.

Howard Stern: Well I think the obvious thing for me to say next, is tell us a little bit about the match.

The Miz: Nice.

Howard Stern: Thanks, I'm a veteran myself.

The Miz: It shows.

Again laughter for Stern's Camp.

The Miz: But yeah, the match is a Triple Threat Ladder Match between me, Matt Sydal, and Ted DiBiase for the Intercontinental Title. I'm really looking forward to it, because it's two guys that really need to be brought down a peg or two.. or ten. Unfortunately for Sydal if we bring him down too many pegs, he won't be able to climb into the ring.

Howard smiled.

Howard Stern: A diminutive fella is he?

The Miz: Howard, who taught you the word diminutive?

Howard Stern: Why does everyone think I'm stupid? What have I ever done?

Howard looked up as if he was picturing a montage of things in his head. Which caused his radio partners and The Miz over the line to start laughing.

The Miz: Sorry to point that out, but the point is Howard I'm facing two guys that are just oozing with confidence. I honestly think that they think, that this match is going to be won by either one of them, and that I'm kind of the least of their concerns. ME, Howard, the least of THEIR concerns. It's like REALLY? I'm the least of Matt Sydal's concerns, REALLLLLY? Ted DiBiase is working out right now thinking about beating Matt Sydal and not even worried about The Miz, really? I mean yeah, I kind of snaked my way into their little playground beef, but that is because I just couldn't stand to watch two absolute jamoaks fight over one of the most prestigious titles in the entire EBWF. I had to get involved, I saved this match Howard, I saved this match from irrelevance, from countless bathroom breaks from spectators, I saved it, and rest assured, I'm also going to win it.

Howard nodded.

Howard Stern: Forgive me Miz, I have been a wrestling fan for sometime, but who exactly is Matt Sydal? I have missed the past couple months.

The Miz: Matt Sydal is the artist formerly known as Evan Bourne.

Howard Stern: Evan Bourne, the guy with the pilot gimmick?

The Miz: The same.

Howard Stern: Oh I love him! Always smiling.

The Miz chuckled.

The Miz: Oh no Howard, not anymore. As soon as Evan Bourne became Matt Sydal things have changed. He walks around mad, all the time! You've heard of the Napoleon Complex right? Well this guy redefines it, he's got this new found brashness about him. He's become your favorite high flyer happy guy, to other side of the tracks I'm going to smash you over the head from behind with chairs and scowl while I do it guy. It's really frightening.

Howard seemed interested.

Howard Stern: Really?

The Miz: No, not really, jeez man come on.

Howard Stern: Sorry again, go on.

The Miz: I mean that's what he's trying to come off as, but he really just constantly reminds me of a toddler throwing a tantrum. Every time I see Matt Sydal on TV, it reminds me that I don't want kids anytime soon. I've been double bagging it since I've started feuding with this guy.

Howard's camp erupted in laughter.

Howard Stern: You probably should be anyway.

The Miz: That's true, I am RICH and extremely handsome.

Howard Stern: It's nice isn't it?

The Miz laughed.

The Miz: It sure is.

Howard Stern: But this guy Matt, the toddler, is the champion correct?

The Miz: Yeah he is, he took the belt from John Cena who had held it previously for like 3 decades in a row. Didn't pin Cena, but since it's happened we've all had to hear about it every single Monday Night, and many other nights in between. He's also the breakout champion, but who cares about that. I'd rather breakout in hives than be the Breakout Champion, what I'm after is the Intercontinental Championship. He's got it and I want it, which is about the only thing he's got that I want, but all the same I'm going to take great pleasure in climbing that ladder this Sunday and taking it from him. He may cry, he may kick, he may scream, but there's nothing he's going to truly be able to do, except watch and be jealous.

Howard Stern: Well what about DiBiase? What's he going to bring to the table?

You could almost hear the Miz smirking.

The Miz: The same thing he always brings to the table.

The Miz mocked Ted, but he purposely made himself sound like kind of a whiny buffoon.

The Miz: "Miz I know your game. I know what you're going to say. You're going to say that I'll never live up to my father. You're going to say that I'm a big disappointment to him. You're going to say that I was the weak link of the Trilogy, you're going to say that nobody cares that I'm the longest reigning Path To Glory Champion of all time. You're going to say I have a 6th grade boy haircut. But none of that is going to help you in the ring, because though the only time I've ever beat you is because of a distraction from Matt Sydal, though you are way out of my league in every way, somehow this time is going to be different. This time I will kick your ass, and the other 98 times you've beaten me mean nothing. I'm Ted DiBiase.. I'm important.. look at me.. listen to me.. look at me.. listen to me... I'm talking... I'm on TV.. I'm important! I'm important!"

Howard Stern: Is he important?

The Miz: NO! NO! HE'S NOT! I just don't know why or how this song and dance continues. Who is Ted DiBiase sleeping with to continue to be put in matches that people actually care about? Well I've had it, I mean I really have. There's a reason why I've said those things about Ted in the past.. it's because they are THE TRUTH. If the shoe fits, you gotta wear it, and if he doesn't want to wear it, I'll beat the living hell out of him and then put the shoe on him myself like he was Cinderella. Except he will NOT be a Cinderella in this match even though it IS March Madness time, this match on Sunday Night may have some of the most hype going into it, but it is going to be anti climatic, and there will be no surprises as far as I'm concerned. The best man WILL win on Sunday Night, and no matter how many times Ted DiBiase tries to convince himself that it's him, he will learn once again that if The Miz is involved, he's NOT.. GOING.. TO... WIN. Hash tag... fact.

Howard smiled.

Howard Stern: Nice twitter speak there Miz.

The Miz could be heard laughing over the phone.

The Miz: Yeah you know Howard, I like to stay hip, stay down. Listen to what those kids listen to with their skateboards, boom boxes, and their baggy pants.

Howard started laughing again.

Howard Stern: So Miz before we let you go, last time you were here you were dating Maria Menounos. What happened with that, you shoulda' held on to that!

There was silence for a second.

The Miz: Yeah well you know, there's just so Miz to go around, couldn't have all of THIS be locked down by one gal.

Howard Stern: Whoaaa I like it!

The Miz: But no in all seriousness, Maria is a great girl, if I was smarter I would have held on to her, but life goes on. At the end of the day I still get to look in the mirror and see The Miz, which is more than people like Matt Sydal or Ted DiBiase can say, so it's ALLLL gooood!

There was more laughter from Howard's camp.

Howard Stern: Well Miz thanks so much for getting up early with us, and thanks for taking the time man, always fun.

The Miz: My pleasure, thanks guys.

The phone hung up and the scene cut back to Miz' room. He was hanging up the phone as the camera returned to him. He then looked in the mirror, his hair still a mangled mess, and bags were under his eyes.

The Miz: Ooof, "The Miz" isn't exactly a sight I want to look at right now.

Miz laughed to himself. As he took his shirt off and entered the bathroom of his hotel room, for a much needed shower, as the scene faded to black.

The scene reopened at WGNO studios we were on the set of "Good Morning New Orleans" Where Anne Cutler and Jon Huffman were wrapping up a segment.

Anne Cutler: Well continuing with our Wrestling theme this morning on Good Morning New Orleans, our next guest will ALSO be competing at this weekend's Wrestlemania.. and he's asked me to mention that he is MUCH better looking than previous guest, John Cena, ladies and gentleman, THE MIZ!

There was a round of applause as The Miz came out dressed to the 9's. His hair was slicked around and he wore an all grey suit. He waved to the crowd as he shook both Anne and Jon's hands, before taking his seat.

Anne Cutler: How was that intro?

The Miz gave the A-OK hand signal.

The Miz: Perfect! You hear that John!? Huh?! You may have won all the Slammy's I was nominated for, you may have more T-Shirts, but you heard it hear on Good Morning New Orleans that I'm AT LEAST better looking, I guess that settles that debate huh?

The Miz sat back in his chair with playful satisfaction as the crowd and the two anchors all had a laugh. Miz sat back up with a smile on his face indicating that he was ready to begin the interview.

Anne Cutler: So this weekend, Wrestlemania, excited?

The Miz: Very excited Anne, Wrestlemania is the biggest event in our company it's what we're all here for. A spot on the Wrestlemania card, is only for the best of the best. I'm not sure how my two opponents got on there, but generally, generally it is for the best of the best.

A little bit of laughter from the crowd.

Jon Huffman: Those opponents for those of you that don't know are Matt Sydal and Ted DiBiase for the Intercontinental Title, in a ladder match, right Miz?

The Miz: That's right. There's been a lot of back and forth over the past couple weeks. It's been a bit of a.. piss..

The Miz stopped himself.

The Miz: Sorry I was on Howard Stern this morning.. peeing contest between the 3 of us.

Jon Huffman: You can say pissing, Miz, we're in the Big Easy!

The crowd cheered.

The Miz: Okay, well it has definitely been a bit of a pissing contest between the 3 of us in the weeks leading up to Sunday Night. I attack you, you attack me, two of us attack the other, one of us attacks the other two. It's your typical one ups man ship that is to be expected going into a huge match like Sunday Night will be. Usually in that type of a situation though, there's at least a point, even if it's just one small moment of time, that doubt creeps in. That just a little bit of anxiety creeps into your mind about what the outcome of that match is going to be. I mean if someone gets the better of you, costs you a match, or even attacks you. You would think there would be that moment where you're like "hm maybe these guys can beat me, maybe they aren't messing around." I just have to be honest, because honesty is one of my many wonderful qualities. I just HAVEN'T had that moment. Matt Sydal and Ted DiBiase aren't beating the Miz, guys. They just aren't. You are more likely to see guys giving Bray Wyatt beads to flash them on Bourbon Street, then you are to see either Ted or Matt walk out of Wrestlemania with the Intercontinental Championship.

The crowd laughed as a picture of Bray Wyatt was shown on the screen. There was even a couple of grossed out moans from the crowd.

Anne Cutler: Miz, talk to us a little bit about the Wrestlemania week leading up to the match on Sunday Night.

The Miz: It's a lot of fun. A lot of appearances, interacting with all my Mizfits, it's one of the times during the course of the year that we get to have fun socially together. I mean all the superstars in the EBWF are together so much, always on the road, always performing. Don't get me wrong it's the best job in the world, living my dream, but it's just a lot of fun to be able to hang out together and enjoy each others company for a week before we all head out there for one of the biggest nights in our careers, and then you throw in how much the fans are involved in the week, it's an absolute blast.

Jon Huffman: Any added butterflies going into a match that is a ladder match? I mean that is one of the most high risk matches there is? I Know you mentioned, that your opponents didn't scare you too much, but how about the match itself. Any fear of getting injured in such a contest?

The Miz thought for a second.

The Miz: Jon, in our business you really just can't be afraid to get hurt. There's always risks, we put our bodies through a lot of punishment, night in and night out.. but you just can't think about the risks your taking and succeed to the best of your ability. We've all signed up for one reason, and that is to no pun intended climb the ladder and be thought of as the best. Though a ladder match is a match where you put your body at stake perhaps more than other matches, the right to be the Intercontinental Champion ABSOLUTELY super-secedes any doubt or worry I might have about competing in such a grueling match. Then like I said, you throw in the fact that I'm facing just two fluffballs like Sydal and DiBiase and then I REALLY don't worry. It'd be like going punch for punch with someone for a million dollars. Sure the money would lead you to do it, you might be a little nervous at first, because getting punched in the face.. well sucks.. but then you find out that your opponent is like Justin Bieber or someone like that.

The crowd laughed. Miz smiled.

The Miz: So then any thoughts of the dangers of punch for punch go away, and you start thinking about how great is going to be to count your money. Now for me, I don't really NEED the money, but what I NEED is the Intercontinental Title. So for me Ted and Sydal are my Biebers, and that title is my million dollars. I just can't wait for Sunday to get here so I can get my hands on that belt. ALL the motivation I need, guys.

Anne Cutler: Well Miz, we really just admire what you guys do, and this is obviously a fun week for the fans, and for the whole city of New Orleans. Thanks so much for being here this morning. Ladies and Gentlemen give it up for the Miz!

The crowd cheered as The Miz raised his hand thanking them, before shaking hands with the two anchors. The show cut to a commercial, and the scene faded to black.

We reopened the scene in an empty arena. The caption "Thursday" appeared on the screen. There was a ladder in the middle of the ring and standing next to it was The Miz. He was in his ring gear. He had his hand on the ladder.

The Miz: My name is Mike Mizanin, I am the most MUST SEE, the most CAPTIVATING, the cream of the CROP, the best of the best, YOUR FAVORITE WRESTLER'S FAVORITE WRESTLER. I am The Miz. Now, I know sitting in this ring with a ladder, before a ladder match is a bit of a cliche, but I don't care. I wanted to get in to this ring, and see this ladder set up in the middle of the ring just like this, to get a feel for what I'm going to see Sunday Night. This Sunday Night, this arena will be full with crazy EBWF fans. Wanting, hoping, waiting to see something spectacular. They are going to be dying for a performance that they will never forget. I can't speak for any other superstar in any match, but I know, no I GUARANTEE that I will give them just that. Sunday Night in front of literally millions, I'm going to make somethings abundantly clear. I'm going to make it abundantly clear, that a guy like Matt Sydal, is simply put, a flash in the pan. Someone that 6 months from now, we'll all be saying "Hey remember when Matt Sydal was here and he had two championships." As we fly on to the next destination, and Matt is back in developmental or working for another promotion, because the saying is true, only the strong survive in the EBWF.. and you may think that means you're strong Matt, you may think you're surviving because you got those two belts around your waist, but there have been so many like you man. So many that have come before you with the same story, the same instant success, who have met the same demise. This is a fickle business Matt, so even if you experience a little bit of success for a little bit of time.. only the STRONGEST, Matt, survive and CONTINUE TO SURVIVE in this company.

The Miz circled the ladder as he continued.

The Miz: Right now Matt, you are a boxer who is in the ring, thinking he's doing pretty well. You're punching, you're bobbing, you're weaving, but then when you least expect it, WHAM!

The Miz paused for effect.

The Miz: You get knocked out with a left HOOK that hits you so hard you think your name is Evan Bourne again. These past couple of months Matt have been nothing but a false sense of security. You're not really tough, you're not really ruthless, you're that same guy you've always been. No name change, no title, no anything is going to change who you are.. and who you are is someone who isn't good enough to lace up my boots. Who you are, is someone who may think he's doing just fine right now, only to be CAUGHT by that left hook of reality that WILL come on Sunday Night. We all go through this Matt, we all go through times where we look in the mirror throughout the course of our career, and we say who I am, just isn't cutting it anymore. Yeah Matt, when you called yourself Evan Bourne they loved you. Kids wanted to be you, they all flashed that little fruity peace sign thing that you'd do. They wanted to fly off the top rope.. but what did that do for you Matt? Hm? What did that do for your career, all the hugging of the babies and pre-teen girls, didn't really do much for your status or your bank account. So you looked in the mirror one day, and decided that

Miz did his best Owen Hart.

The Miz: That ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH AND IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE! So you became Matt Sydal, and things changed a little. The kids didn't love you anymore, pre-teen girls still wanted to hug you but only the ones that were messed up and had issues. The ones with good upbringings cried at your change of heart as if One Direction broke up. You broke hearts Matt, but you're now too much of a bad ass to care, and hey you're the Intercontinental Champion, so who needs them right? Wrong. What happens when you're not Matt? Hm? What happens when you're not the Intercontinental Champion anymore? THEN you will be back down to the same level you were at, when you called yourself Bourne. They say it's lonely at the top Matt, well, it's even lonelier at the bottom. At least before you had fans, you had admirers, now all you're going to have is a group of people that laugh as you struggle to prove to them that you'll still be relevant. A group of people that will laugh as you try and bend the rules, or sneak attack your way back to mattering.. only to continue time and time again to fail miserably. Matt, the second I climb this ladder, and unhook what will soon be MY TITLE. I'm not only ending your reign as champ, I'll be ending life as you know it right now. The Slammy's, the suites, the pancake breakfasts, will be gone.. and all that will be left is a 5 foot 4 loser who is going to wish that he at least still had a person or two that would clap for him as he tried to not be forgotten by a business that he was never really cut out for to begin with.

The Miz sat on the edge of the ring now, with his feet hanging off the apron. He looked out into the empty arena.

The Miz: Then there's Ted. I feel like I've said that a lot in my career. I'm in this big match with this kid who is all the rage right now, and I'm determined to prove that he's nothing to write home about... and then there's also Ted. Ted you are like the Wile E. Coyote to my Road Runner.. you just aren't ever going to get the better of me. I know, I know, you pinned me the other night in a match filled with controversy. Bravo my good sir, this is as enjoyable as it is going to get for you when it comes to facing me. Eventually Ted, when you cheat, you get caught.. and for you consider those aces that your hiding in your lap, fallen to the floor. Consider me the pit boss from 21 who beats the shit out of the kid for counting cards. There will be no more victories for you that you don't deserve. Every step of the way Ted you've had a security blanket, crutches, to help you along. Whether it was me and AJ, or Paul Heyman, or whoever, you just aren't enough by yourself. Ted DiBiase you are David Lee Roth.

The Miz smirked to himself.

The Miz: You're David Lee Roth without Van Halen, the only people that like you by yourself are insane morons with extremely poor taste in music. Well once again Ted, it is THE MIZ to the rescue. I'm here to be your Van Halen, to make people not mind that you are in this ring. The only difference is, that I won't be helping you win a match, I won't be helping you achieve anymore success, because god knows you've already had too much of it as it is. I will, however, be helping you have people watch you with some interest. They will watch you Ted, I can promise you that, but they will, unfortunately for you, be watching you get absolutely brutalized by me.. again.. en route to you NOT winning the Intercontinental Title on Sunday Night.

The Miz paused for a moment before continuing.

The Miz: I bet you wish I'd just leave, don't you Ted? I mean why do I have to constantly be here, reminding you that you just aren't all that important. Reminding you that you just aren't all that good. I feel like every time I bring you all the way down, you pick yourself back up, and just when you're to the point where you start to walk with your chest out a little bit again, you find yourself across from me, and it's right back to walking on depression street with your head down, no jacket, while it's pouring rain. So Ted, we've just had this talk so many times, but I'm going to say something to you tonight that I've never said to you before... I'm sorry.

The Miz paused to let those words sink in.

The Miz: I'm sorry that you're you, and I am me. I'm sorry that even the best version of you, isn't as good as the worst version of me. I'm sorry that I will always be an obstacle that you can't cross when it matters the most. I'm sorry Ted.. but most of all.. I'm sorry that I'm NOT SORRY at all. Pull your chest back in man, put your head down, and just resign yourself to the fact that any illusions of grandeur that you may have in mind for Wrestlemania, just AREN'T GOING TO HAPPEN.

The Miz stood back up and climbed the ladder, he now sat on the top with his feet dangling off the edge.

The Miz: Matt Sydal and Ted DiBiase, two names that going into Sunday Night, are on the lips of the EBWF Universe right now. People are talking, they are excited for this match, they can't wait to see three superstars put it all on the line for the EBWF Intercontinental Championship. However, when the dust settles on Sunday Night, when the smoke clears and this match is over, the only one that is going to be on the lips of the EBWF Universe, the ONLY ONE who people will be talking about is me. My name is Mike Mizanin, I am the most MUST SEE, the most CAPTIVATING, the cream of the crop, YOUR FAVORITE WRESTLER'S FAVORITE WRESTLER...the next Intercontinental Champion.. I am the Miz.. and I'm..

The Miz paused a final time.

Awesome.

The Miz winked into the camera as it zoomed in on him for that last word of confidence. The scene faded to black with him sitting atop the ladder. A sight all the Mizfits hope to see on Sunday Night at Wrestlemania.

[Kyle]

Damn DJ, one hell of a RP right there.

Awesome job.

[D.J]

Thanks Kyle!

[Nick]

Damn bro. This was quality work.

[Ashlee]

Twice a year you write an RP that says...

...When I get home, that woman gonna feel my pain.

This was that RP. Love it. Love the Miz. Think you're awesome. You should do this all the time.

[D.J]

Hahahaha! Thanks Ashlee! I'll Try!