JIM ROSS
It looks like Sami Zayn is setting it up! Can he get it this time? Yes he can! Sami Zayn finally hits Dolph Ziggler with the Helluva Kick! … And it’s over! Sami Zayn retains his Intercontinental Championship!
World’s Apart by CFO$ blasted the PA system as Sami Zayn sat in the corner of the ring, leaning on the turnbuckle and breathing heavily as he stared at Dolph Ziggler who was still on the canvas. Sami Zayn couldn’t believe it, the look of disbelief on his face suggested he knew this was a massive victory considering just how much people had written him off before this match especially after their last outing where Dolph Ziggler defeated Zayn, who at the time was the number one contender for the title he retained against Ziggler this time round. He celebrated with his championship as his eyes were still locked on Dolph Ziggler for a while as he slowly walked back up the ramp facing the ring, staggering on his two legs after the tough match, but his night wasn’t over as the Royal Rumble match was still yet to take place. He stopped on the stage and looked at his championship and then lifting it above his head as the fans cheered for him as the ‘Ole’ chants continued even after Zayn disappeared through the curtains. He walked through the backstage area and was still tired but dropped the act as much as he could before quickly approaching Renee Young, trying to finish one interview as quick as possible before going through final preparations for later in the evening. He and Renee quickly ran over some things before the cameras started rolling and Sami stood over her ready to talk.
RENEE YOUNG
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the Intercontinental Champion…Sami Zayn. Sami, a lot was said between yourself and Dolph Ziggler before this match; how does it feel to be standing here with the gold still over your shoulder?
SAMI ZAYN
It feels like I actually deserve this championship, at last. That…that win out there is probably the biggest win of my career here in the EBWF, y’know I’ve taken on some big-name stars and you probably won’t mind many more talented guys than Dolph, we both said a lot of things, whether it was to get into each other’s heads or because we genuinely dislike one another, who knows? What I do know is that I did what I said I was going to do and I hit the Helluva Kick on Dolph Ziggler and I walked out STILL…the Intercontinental Champion.
RENEE YOUNG
Well judging by the reaction the fans are on your side and happy you kept the gold, you’re on kind of a roll here now, some big wins against some tough opponents, Stardust, Dolph Ziggler, Justin Gabriel and Syxx as well, that must feel good? And which other superstars are there YOU would like to defend your title against?
SAMI ZAYN
Every win feels great, it’s even better when you pick up a string of wins against tough competition, I’ve always wanted to be champion who puts the gold on the line whenever I’m told to do it and my win means whether it’s next week, the week after or even at Fallout I’ll be ready to defend the gold. Who I’d like to face? There are a few stand out names in the EBWF I’d like to defend the gold against. One of those is Chris Jericho, he’s decided he wants back in the competing side of things and being a legend in this industry I’d love a shot at him. I’d like to take on Trent and see what all of the fuss is about, seeing as though he was being groomed for the big time and I’ve yet to see that for myself. You know what? Most of all I think I’d pick someone many people would raise their eyebrow on, I’d want Lance Storm. The man see’s talent, he’s a pioneer and a lot of people have looked up to him in the past, regardless of what he’s done here in the EBWF I would happily compete against him…and if that chance came I’d be confident of defeating him, legend or not.
RENEE YOUNG
Well just before we let you leave, your night isn’t over just yet, you’re coming in at number five in the Royal Rumble match, quite early but do you think you stand a chance of winning especially since you and Dolph are the only ones entering the match who have competed earlier on in the night?
SAMI ZAYN
Well you’re right, the pressure is definitely on myself and Dolph, but he’s in at number three so it’ll be interesting to see what his game plan is, but I have my own, I’m not going to hide in the corner, I’m going to take out everyone and anyone standing in my way and I WILL headline WrestleMania.
Sami walked off confidently, preparing for the Rumble match, but it wasn’t to be. Later on in the evening Sami Zayn entered the Royal Rumble the six participant, and lasted longer than many predicted, making the final five until The Rock eliminated him. Sami’s dream of headlining WrestleMania was over and his sole focus was to defend and retain his Intercontinental Championship and with Fallout approaching another title defence for Sami was also on the horizon as a handful of EBWF superstars were fighting for a shot at getting Sami in the ring and now he was more focused than ever to successfully retain his championship.
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Monday 9th February 2015 – Monday Night Warfare – Frank Erwin Center – Austin; Texas
World’s Apart blasted the PA system midway through the Warfare episode and Sami Zayn danced on to the stage, and not in his wrestling gear. He smiled at the fans before shouting Lets Go into the camera and dancing down the ramp and jumped on to the steel steps and nodded his head, acknowledging the great support he was receiving from the crowd in Austin. He made his way into the ring and walked around, receiving a microphone from the outside before taking off his flat cap to scratch his head before placing it back on. He was about to speak but stopped thanks to the loud ‘Ole’ chants which broke out and he lifted his gold in the air to another loud reaction before finally speaking.
SAMI ZAYN
And that’s why the EBWF loves coming to Austin, what a crowd here tonight! I bet most of you expected Dolph Ziggler to be standing in the ring with the belt but instead he came out here earlier in the evening and he’s going to headline WrestleMania, so this anaemic boy wonder tips his cap to you on what was not only a great win in the Royal Rumble to defy the odds but also on a great match for this championship and you can bet your ass our paths will cross again soon and I’d love nothing more to meet him in this ring in the near future.
The fans cheered at the classy Zayn who congratulated his rival on what was a great performance in both their match and his win on the Royal Rumble, but his attention soon turned away from Dolph with that chapter closed, for now.
SAMI ZAYN
Now all of my focus is on this Intercontinental Championship which I think looks great on my shoulder, and all of my focus is ensuring this stays over my shoulder, regardless of who my opponent will be at Fallout. As I’ve said in the past, I’ll defend the championship against anyone, whether the hierarchy decide a one on one match is enough, whether they want it a triple threat or whether they stack all of the odds against me in a ridiculous gauntlet match, I don’t really care because I promised you all I’ll be standing here as the Intercontinental Champion and I stayed true to my word and I assure you I will head into WrestleMania as your Intercontinental Champion. Being the Intercontinental Champion I thought it’d be fitting for me to come out here tonight to tell you which three lucky superstars will battle it out next week to see who is going to walk into Fallout as the contender. Adam Rose…I’ve never faced him here in the EBWF but he’s one of the many crazy guys here in the EBWF, but we already have plenty of those, we have the crazy Stardust, the crazier Solomon Crowe and the craziest in Dean Ambrose, it seems like Adam Rose is at the bottom of the pile, but good luck to him because up against him are two former World Champions, two guys who HAVE been successful in the EBWF but ever since I arrived here I’m yet to see anything which will genuinely make me shake in my boots. I’ve been in the ring with Ted DiBiase before and I’ve pinned him, and if he does walk out the winner then I’ll have no problem in putting on an incredible performance and doing it again. But the one I’d like to defend the gold against most, is Trent. Because the world was at his feet at one stage and he was the one to carry this company, and at Fallout IF he can make it that far, I will prove it was all talk. But from now until Fallout, I’m not going to be sitting on my ass and watch the world go by, because I’m keeping busy, I have a match next week, a big match.
The fans cheered as Sami teased a big match next week and the fans were growing restless to find out who his opponent will be.
SAMI ZAYN
It looks as if the hierarchy listened to what I had to say after my title win and I’ve only gone and got myself a match against Lance Storm. Now for me THIS is the kind of dream match I want to be in, something that will be a wrestling clinic, back and forth action, a match which will leave YOU people speechless and leave you talking for weeks and weeks. Now obviously I’d have loved to take on a Lance Storm in his prime, but I guess an older, wiser Lance Storm is better than nothing, right? It’s a shame for Lance though, he’s going up against an in-form Sami Zayn, he’s going up against someone who picked up a massive victory over Dolph Ziggler not long ago, he’s going up against somebody who is faster than him, more agile, has more heart, more honest and most of all somebody who is now better; hell he’s going up against someone who came out fifth in the Royal Rumble and outlasted someone who came in at number 29! Next week not even help from your beloved Chris Jericho can help make you look inside of a wrestling ring with me, and then…when I’m done with you and after you help your Trent win his match, I’m going to take him out in front of your eyes as well and prove that when somebody steps up and rips you guys apart one by one, individually you are nothing, see you next week Lance.
Sami Zayn dropped the microphone over his shoulder as he shuffled his Intercontinental Championship on his shoulder before walking out confidently, he shook hands with some of the fans at the front of the barricade as his music hit the PA system and he walked up the ramp, with one eye on the #1 contenders match for his championship, and one eye on Lance Storm as he wanted to continue his impressive run of wins with another against a big opponent in the form of Lance Storm.
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Monday 16th February 2015 – Monday Night Warfare – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans; Louisiana
Fallout was now only six days away and in just a short while Sami Zayn would find out who he will be defending his Intercontinental Championship against, Trent, Ted DiBiase and Adam Rose would battle it out for the opportunity before WrestleMania. But before that, the champion was in action and his opponent was no slouch either, the perfect opponent for Sami Zayn to test just how far he had come in the EBWF in a short space of time, and a match against Lance Storm was something Sami was definitely looking forward to. Before his match he was standing backstage with Michael Cole who wanted to catch a few words with Sami before he made his way out to the ring. He was wearing his wrestling gear with his Sami Zayn shirt on and the light reflected off of the centerplate of his Intercontinental Championship which was resting on his right shoulder as he stood tall over Michael Cole.
MICHAEL COLE
Ladies and gentlemen joining me at this time is the Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn. Sami, thanks for joining me before your big match.
SAMI ZAYN
No problem, Michael. Any time.
MICHAEL COLE
Sami, you have a big match in just a few moments time against Lance Storm but you also need to focus on who will be crowned the number one contender to go your gold, and then you only have six days to prepare for your title defence, how can you balance all of this?
SAMI ZAYN
Michael, I’ve always managed to balance everything out and this time nothing changes. In fact I’m not focusing on anything else but my match against Lance next, he’s said a lot and now it’s time to go out there and put him in his place. Let’s be honest, Trent is the favourite to win so I’m already prepared for whatever he, Lance or Chris have to bring my way at Fallout this Sunday.
MICHAEL COLE
Well Lance is a decorated superstar in the wrestling industry, you haven’t disrespected him yet and that’s clear but do you think his superior wrestling ability will work in his favour? Or do you have something up your sleeve?
SAMI ZAYN
I haven’t disrespect him, and I probably won’t because he’s a big name in the business. But yes he HAD the superior wrestling ability, he’s taking on Sami Zayn who is in his prime and THAT is what’s up my sleeve. Psychologically I’m already at an advantage because of my championship and he knows he needs to step it up, I’m not one dimensional, I will bring things he has probably never seen or taught before, there’s no way I’m going easy on Lance Storm because I’m on a roll and I intend on checking another big name off the list.
MICHAEL COLE
Well thanks for joining us Sami, good…
SAMI ZAYN
Actually I’m not done Michael.
Sami snatched the microphone from Michael Cole as he exited the frame and Sami stood in the center, talking into the microphone and venting his frustrations into the camera.
SAMI ZAYN
Lance you have done a hell of a lot in this industry, and I appreciate that you have an eye for talent and even though some people may misunderstand you, I see you’re helping the younger talent get what they deserve, you’re proving it’s not about how good you look, but about who is the best wrestler just like you’ve proven before. But I’m sorry, even though you may have started off on the right path the fact that you’re joint at the hip with Trent, which has taken its toll on the both of you. You’ve done little to impress and so has Trent, while we have guys tonight competing in the Elimination Chamber going for the World Title, your guidance has resulted in you trying to defeat me and trying to get your protégé to fight me this Sunday. I have no problem in defeating him this Sunday and defeating you tonight, if anything you’re looking at the superstar who you probably should take under your wing but it’s too late for that now. I’ve already defeated one of your former student in Dolph and you can pass on all the knowledge you have to anyone else, but it won’t make a single bit of difference to me, in the end it will be MY music that’s playing as you lie there in the ring looking up at the lights, tired. You may have your own wrestling academy and pass on so much skill and see so many stars graduate but I can assure you that you’ve never seen anyone like me come through that academy, you’ve taught a lot and you’ve seen a lot but nothing quite like me. Time’s almost up, I’m looking forward to standing opposite you Lance, Canada vs Canada, Montreal vs Calgary, wrestler vs wrestler and the Helluva Kick vs The Superkick, and only one will remain victorious and I can assure you, it will be the champion who is standing tall.
Sami threw the microphone on the ground as he exited the frame, moments later his music blasted the PA system and the fans erupted into cheers as their Intercontinental Champion was in action against the tough Lance Storm.
However, it wasn’t to be as simple as that. Sami already anticipated that Trent and Jericho could have an impact on this match and they did, but there wasn’t to be a match after Lance Storm told Sami Zayn to turn around into a vicious ambush as the three men took out the Intercontinental Champion before the match could even start, Jericho and Storm has even locked in the double Canadian Mapleleaf and there was nobody on hand to help Sami Zayn from the beat down. The match was waved off as the referee’s tended to the champion with no match going ahead. In the end it was revealed that Trent had won the number one contenders match and on paper, he was scheduled to challenge Sami Zayn for the gold in under a week. Whether the match was going ahead or not remained to be seen
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Friday 17th February 2015 – EBWF Headquarters & Austin State Hospital
A number of days had now passed since Monday Night Warfare and that vicious attack from Trent, Lance Storm and Chris Jericho and it was revealed that Sami Zayn had been admitted to hospital for the injuries he had sustained. The EBWF needed to know if he could defend the championship at Fallout otherwise Sami would face the risk of having to vacate his championship, and the likelihood is it could fall on Trent’s lap and Sami wasn’t having any of that. The EBWF would be talking to Sami in the headquarters though, Renee Young was handed the task of conducting this interview via satellite in the hope of getting more information from Sami Zayn. She was already set up in the headquarters and ready to talk to Sami Zayn who being set up in his hospital room.
RENEE YOUNG
Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time live via satellite from the Austin State Hospital, is the Intercontinental Champion…Sami Zayn. Sami, how are you feeling today?
Sami’s head was bandaged up as he breathed heavily, still shaken up by what had occurred on Monday. He finally pulled himself together and responded to Renee’s questions.
SAMI ZAYN
Hi Renee, I’m feeling better, feeling stronger than I was on Monday that’s for sure.
RENEE YOUNG
That’s great to hear, Sami. It really is. If you’re feeling up to it, what can you tell us about what you remember about Monday Night on Warfare?
SAMI ZAYN
I remember a whole lot, Renee. And if I didn’t I’m sure the thousands of fans in attendance who were still chanting my name when I was stretchered out could tell you what happened as well. I know I was supposed to go up against Lance Storm which for me was a huge match, I prepared for that match like it was a title defence and I was ready, unfortunately Lance had other plans and thought he needed to make an impact.
RENEE YOUNG
I see, any reason why you think Lance would feel the need to do that?
SAMI ZAYN
You’re probably better off asking him, Renee. Lance has done a lot and Chris Jericho has done a lot also so the last thing they would need to do is take out Sami Zayn who probably isn’t in their league yet. To me it seems like it all comes down to Trent, I think – somehow – he was the mastermind behind it all.
RENEE YOUNG
Why Trent?
SAMI ZAYN
Why Trent? Maybe because he had a big Intercontinental Championship contenders match right after my match. He knew that in order to get my title he needs me out of the equation because when it comes down to competing fair and square, he knows he cannot defeat me inside of the ring so he decided to have Daddy sort the business for him, but even then he knew it would look bad if I…when I beat Lance Storm so they decided the match shouldn’t go ahead. Instead they’d hope to take me out of the equation in the hope that I can’t compete and somehow the management would decide to give the championship to Trent. It was a plan, and they’ve almost completed their plan.
RENEE YOUNG
Well what IS going to happen then? It doesn’t look like you’re ready to defend the gold, so what is in store for Sami Zayn?
SAMI ZAYN
It sucks especially since WrestleMania is almost upon us and I want to walk into WrestleMania with my Intercontinental Championship. I shouldn’t be defending my gold in two days…but Trent, Chris and Lance didn’t do too great a job to keep me down. I will kick Trent’s ass this Sunday and I will rub this gold in his face and prove to him that regardless of who he has in his corner, Sami Zayn will ALWAYS be better than him in every single way.
RENEE YOUNG
In your current state do you think it’s wise to fight Sami? Especially an opponent like Trent who is a former World Champion, plus the title is on the line and Lance Storm might even play a factor so the odds probably aren’t in your favour.
SAMI ZAYN
Is it wise? Nope. It really isn’t but most of the guys in the EBWF would give an arm and a leg to be where I am today, holding the Intercontinental Championship. It would be stupid of me to say I’m not feeling up to it and drop the gold to someone who doesn’t deserve to stand with me inside of that ring. An opponent like Trent? You mean a weasel who can’t fight fair? Yeah I know what I’m heading into, a match where I want to kick his ass and kick his ass like I’ve never done before. The title is on the line and that’s just the way I want it, I always want to defend the gold and even though it’s not the ideal situation I simply cannot wait to get my hands on Trent and kick his head so hard that it has an impact on Chris Jericho in the main event. I want him to feel the same pain I felt on Monday. Lance Storm can do whatever he likes – he’s already called me a bright talent and that’s probably the only praise I’ll ever get from him…that’s until he realises that his protégé Trent is in a losing situation, in a fight he just can’t win and when he tries to step into the ring I’m going to kick his head off his body too and he’ll be laying on the mat outside, then I’ll run to Trent and knock some sense into his head as well, and it’s going to be one Helluva night this Sunday where I retain my Intercontinental Championship. Whether this entire situation is in my favour or not, the fact remains that come Sunday, and Lance, Trent and Jericho only have a couple of days to realise it, I’m keeping my Intercontinental Championship.
Sami unclipped the microphone and threw the wires away before ripping his bandage off and getting off of his seat as the cameras turned off. Sami was now more determined than ever to go out into the ring at Fallout on Sunday and retain the Championship against the man who decided to take him out before he could even compete.
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Sunday 22nd February 2015 – Fallout – Phillips Arena – Atlanta; Georgia
The night had finally arrived, the highly anticipated Fallout event with plenty of big matches taking place and one of those was the Intercontinental Championship match between Sami Zayn as he defended the gold against latest challenger, Trent. The crowd were already very lively from the matches that had taken place and when they least expected it, Worlds Apart blasted the PA system and the crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers, Sami Zayn chants and loud ‘Ole’ chants as Zayn emerged on the stage. There was minimal dancing and even fewer smiles from Sami Zayn as he walked down the ramp. He was obviously happy to be there as he high-fived some of the fans on his way to the ring before walking on to the steels steps and getting into the ring and picking the microphone up from the corner. After listening to his name being chanted for a while he had to interrupt them to continue with the evening
SAMI ZAYN
You guys all know I appreciate all of the support more than anyone backstage but tonight I just need to get a couple of things off my chest. As you can probably tell, I’m hurt but even more so…I’m pissed off. I’m more pissed off than I have ever been since I signed a contract with the EBWF because that scumbag Trent decided it would be a great idea to take out the champion less than a week before his defence. Well guess what you stupid son of a bitch I’m still standing here and I’m angry which is bad news…for you. I heard everything you’ve had to say about this championship and how you were once a World Champion, forget about the World Championship because the only way you’re EVER going to reach that level again is once the two of us finish our business here tonight, and I’ll do everything it takes to make sure I stop you from taking my championship from my hands and ever moving on to the World Championship again.
Sami’s face turned red as he was very angry at Trent and the fans were completely on his side as he stormed around the ring, wanting to get this match underway as quick as possible.
SAMI ZAYN
I don’t care who you bring to this ring with you tonight, whether it’s Jericho himself or Lance Storm is holding your hand, at the end of the day the two of you are going to feel embarrassed when you couldn’t even get one simple job done, take the ginger dude out of the picture and take the championship, and YOU are aiming for the World Championship? You all proved at the Royal Rumble that individually you’re good for nothing and once I knock Lance Storm unconscious I’m going to focus on Trent and have fun in the ring because while he’s too busy wiping away his tears at the fact that Lance is nowhere to be seen, nowhere to help him, Trent will be exposed for the silly fraud that he is. Everything seems to have slipped through your fingers Trent, the World Championship, the World Championship opportunities, the Royal Rumble victory, and tonight the Intercontinental Championship, the victory and any respect anyone had for you will all slip through your fingers when I kick you in your skull and get the cover in the middle of this ring and celebrate over your body with my Intercontinental Championship. You want to know what the best part is? Trent was already planning on being a bigger Intercontinental Champion than the Macho Man and The Ultimate Warrior combined, well it’s great to see you’ve set yourself some lofty ambitions but the first hurdle is where you fall Trent, those ambitions of ever being a better champion than the greats will remain just that, ambitions. And who knows, five years from now we might see a changed Trent when Lance Storm isn’t around to do the dirty work for him. The only thing that matters tonight is I shut Trent up once and for all and take my championship home with me. Let’s do this, get your ass down here you son of a bitch!
Sami dropped the microphone on the outside of the ring and pulled off his shirt in anger, taking off his Intercontinental Championship from around his waist and placing it over his shoulder and pacing around the ring, waiting for Trent, and possibly Lance Storm, to make their way down to the ring so Sami Zayn could finally gain his revenge for the attack on Monday and then go on to retain his Intercontinental Championship heading towards WrestleMania.