The Worst

[Will]

A commercial brought us backstage.

Renee Young: Joining me at this time is AJ Styles...

In past interaction with Renee Young, AJ Styles found himself flirting to the point of a sexual harassment claim. This time Styles gave her a bit of distance to where she didn't look entirely uncomfortable. A large EBWF banner hung between her and Styles.

Renee Young: Tonight, you are set to face off against hardcore legend and Breakout Champion, Mankind. But first le-

AJ Styles: Hardcore? Where were you on Christmas Eve? Did you miss the barbaric match I had with Sami Zayn? If there is anyone who can lay the claim to Hardcore Legend around this place, you're looking at him.

Renee Young: Let's watch the footage from Christmas Eve of Destruction...

A clip was rolled of Solomon Crowe's run-in and how the night didn't end so well for the King of the Ring winner, Sami Zayn. He left the night unconscious, in a puddle of his own blood. The striking images lingered for a few moments before cutting back to Young and Styles.

Renee Young: I believe the part was left out where you lost by going through a glas-

Styles stopped her.

AJ Styles: The referee awarded the victory to me. What can I say? I earned it. I told the world if I got a hold of Sami Zayn I would try to kill him. And I just about did, didn't I? He had it coming. Don't act like he didn't. He cheated me out of my title rematch. He had to insert himself in the title picture which led to us having to face off in a match. But I get the feeling he isn't going to be poking his nose where it doesn't belong again. I think he is going to play if safe and stick with facing Syxx or one of those Briscoe bastards. Or if he has any common sense, he will hang up his boots and never show his face again.

Renee Young: Speaking of playing it safe, I don't think that is going to be the case when you take on Mankind tonight.

AJ Styles: I understand exactly what is going on here. Whomever is in charge is hoping and praying that Mick Foley can take me out. Steve Austin. Joanie Helmsley. Wes Ikeda. They're all hoping that he can do something to stop me. Mankind can take some punishment, that's for sure. He knows how to use a chair. He can take a bunch of chair shots... But he can't... stop... me...

The last few words were spoken in a lower, methodical tone of voice.

AJ Styles: Mankind is a wiredo, sure, but here is a man that wears his heart on his sleeve. I know that he looks at me and is jealous. I'm the wrestler he always wished he could be. He never got the big matches. He never got the big money. He never even got the girls. All he ever got was beating after beating after beating. And now look at him. He's an ugly, hunchback, one ear troll. A freak. Just like all the people at home cheering him on. He is what you might refer to as a lovable loser. Those people don't actually love him. They just love watching him get hurt. And he has to. Not a single person would care about the man if he hadn't spent his entire career mutilating himself. It's sick in a way, isn't it? That he had to do this to himself to gain their acceptance. He's battered himself beyond belief and his body must be in a constant, agonizing pain. Now look at me...

Styles opened up his jacket and flashed his chiseled chest.

AJ Styles: I'm a pretty handsome guy. You know, in Japan, they wanted me to be an underwear model just because I'm so damn sexy.

Taking Renee's hand, he forced a few of her fingers to glide across his abdomen. She jerked away instantly and he seemed to enjoy this resistance.

AJ Styles: Seriously darling, who would you rather wake up with? Me or that fat son of a bitch Mankind? Tell me.

Renee remained silent and now you could tell that she was hating this situation she had becoming uncomfortable.

AJ Styles: Always the professional, aren't we? You should teach Mankind to be more professional. Dream bigger. Don't just set your sights on the pathetic joke of a belt they call Breakout Champion. That just means he doesn't have anything to prove anymore. He doesn't want much. I on the other hand, still have a lot to prove. So much... I want everything... When I beat Sami Zayn, I proved I should be fighting for the World Title. This week I'm going to prove that "The Hardcore Icon", is an outdated relic and I'm what hardcore really is. I deal in REALITY and that is something that Mankind clearly struggles with. Do you want to know what the REALITY of the situation is, Renee? Of all the horrible beatings Mick Foley has endured in his life... this one... is going to be his worst...

Styles was practically breathing down her neck at this point. But just when she felt as though she's was going to scream he walked away from her. Leaving her shaking in fear as the camera cut the feed.

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