My Time To Shine

[Ben M]

OOC: Apologies for the poor showing, haven't been feeling well. Best of luck DJ and Benjamin.

Wade Barrett was walking through the backstage area when Michael Cole approached him.

Michael Cole: Excuse me, Wade? I was wondering if you have time to answer a few questions about your match tonight?

Wade Barrett: It's Mr. Barrett, Michael. Didn't you get the memo?

Unlike Renee Young a couple of weeks ago, who'd at least had enough of a backbone to glare at Wade and call him "Mr. Barrett" begrudgingly, Cole was instantly apologetic.

Michael Cole: Mr. Barrett, I'm so sorry. Anyway, if you could-

Wade Barrett: Of course. Make it quick though, I've got things to do.

Michael Cole: Okay. Firstly, this is the first time we've spoken to you since you were eliminated from the King of the Ring tournament. How do you feel about your loss in the second round?

Wade Barrett: Well, obviously I'm disappointed... it was always going to be difficult for me to win the tournament, but to lose to a nobody like Daniel Rodimer really hurt. However, here we are just two weeks after that loss, and where is Daniel Rodimer? He had his arse handed to him by AJ Styles in the quarter finals, and his only appearance at King of the Ring will be as Damien Sandow's valet. Then there's me, competing in one of the biggest matches on the card - a ladder match for the Intercontinental Title. I should never have lost to Rodimer - and if I hadn't, I'm certain I would have beaten AJ Styles and taken my place in the final four - but as far as consolation prizes go, getting a shot at such a prestigious title is fine by me.

Michael Cole: Your match for the Intercontinental Title is a ladder match, as you said, and it's also a triple threat match - alongside you and the defending champion, The Miz, there's also one of EBWF's veteran superstars, Syxx. Which of your opponents would you say you're more concerned about?

Wade Barrett: I wouldn't say I'm particularly concerned about either one of them, Michael. In his prime, I'm sure Syxx was a formidable opponent, but these days he's nothing more than a special attraction, a bit of nostalgia to keep EBWF's long-time fans happy. In a way, Syxx reminds me of our esteemed interim CEO, Chris Jericho. He's always there for the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring, but the rest of the year, you hardly see him. The difference is that when you do see Syxx, more often than not it seems to be in a title match. A few months ago he was getting a shot at the PTG Title, and now it's the Intercontinental Title. If my memory serves me correctly, when Syxx first re-signed for the EBWF, a few superstars were complaining that the EBWF was becoming an old boys' club. Those complaints have long been forgotten, but if people like Syxx keep getting booked in title matches, there could be a revolt. Syxx hasn't done anything to earn this opportunity, and as Miz pointed out, he has no change of winning. He's up against two younger, more talented, superstars... he's just there to make up the numbers really.

Michael Cole: Mr. Barrett, if you don't mind me saying so, based on those comments it sounds as though you're more concerned about The Miz than Syxx.

Wade Barrett: You didn't let me finish, Michael. As I said, I'm not concerned about either opponent... saying that Miz is more talented than Syxx doesn't mean I'm concerned, I was simply stating a fact. I don't respect many of my fellow EBWF superstars, but I do respect The Miz. Who would have thought that cocky young kid from The Real World whose only talent seemed to be his ability to piss people off would go so far in the wrestling business? But let's be realistic... this is a match where anything goes, which means I have the advantage. I'm bigger than Miz and I'm stronger than Miz, so it will be easy for me to wear him down. He might be quicker than me, but tonight, that won't matter - I'll make sure of it.

Michael Cole: How do you feel about competing in a ladder match rather than a regular match up?

Wade Barrett: I'm looking forward to it, Michael. At my very core, I'm still a fighter by nature, and the fact that this is a ladder match means it will feel like a fight. The only rule in a ladder match is that you have to reach that title above the ring - it doesn't matter what you do in the match, as long as you get that title. I'll do whatever it takes to win, and I'm confident that tonight is my time to shine.

Michael Cole: Mr. Barrett, thank you for your time, and good luck in your match tonight.