Black Plague

[Will]

The EBWF Royal Rumble was an event that AJ Styles seemed to hold close to heart. In 2011 he debuted for the very first time on EBWF PPV in the Royal Rumble match. In 2012 he was a dark horse who went on to win the Royal Rumble match. In 2014 he won the World Championship at the event and in 2015 he returned to the company and almost won his second Royal Rumble match. Nevertheless he was focused on winning the big one as usual in 2016. During Styles tenure in the EBWF he had seen some great highs and some miserable lows and with the Royal Rumble closing in on him, he wanted to be a well oiled machine going into the match. Some people would say Styles had paid his dues in the business and earned his spot in the company as the top dog. Others felt like Styles was the last person they wanted to see at the top only because he didn't live up to societies standard of what he should be.

AJ Styles was jogging at a constant pace away from the sunlight that appeared behind him. It was a very chilly morning in Detroit, Michigan and he wanted to stay warm by sporting a black Nike sweat suit with a black skullcap and solid black shoes. There weren’t many cars out while Styles ran along the side of the road. His face was red from the icy wind that was blowing strongly. The weather didn’t matter to him as it was nothing compared to what he was in store for later tonight. He would have to make his way through an entire roster of hungry men wanting the exact same thing he did. Styles felt as though he was still a very prominent superstar of the company and deserved to be World Championship. Why else was he the only guy in recent years to feud with Wes Ikeda, the owner of the company? After cautiously crossing a big road Styles continued his run on the sidewalk thinking more to himself about the upcoming match. The Royal Rumble was all about survival and there was really no way to actually prepare for this kind of match, but Styles wanted to be in great condition going into this because he knew it was going to be in the ring possibly over an hour. After coming to a bench at the end of the street Styles had decided to have a seat and catch his breath. As he did his iPhone began to ring and he curiously took it out of his pocket looking at the incoming call. He was surprised to see his ex-wife calling so he decided to answer.

AJ Styles: Hello? Wendy?

Ajay Jones: Hi Dad…

AJ Styles: Son, are you okay?

Ajay Jones: I’m okay. It’s been a while since we heard from you. I had to sneak mom's phone to see if you were okay.

AJ Styles: I’m great. Thanks for checking up on me. How are your brothers?

Before Styles could get a response he was untutored with another incoming call and when he looked at the screen the name said Ronda with a picture of her blowing him a kiss. He hit the red button, rejecting her call to continue his conversation with his son.

AJ Styles: Now what were you saying baby boy?

Ajay Jones: You were asking about my brothers, they are good, we were wondering when we were going to see you again?

Before Styles could respond he had another incoming call from the same person.

AJ Styles: Hold that thought, son.

After hearing a slight grunt come from the other end of the phone Styles clicked over to answer his girlfriend’s phone call.

Ronda Rousey: Hey babe!

AJ Styles: Hey, what’s up?

Ronda Rousey: Oh nothing. Just wondering when you were coming home? I've got to fly out this weekend and was hoping we could spend some time with each other before I leave.

AJ Styles: I’ll be home soon. I've just been very busy on the road training for this Royal Rumble match. I told you that babe.

Ronda Rousey: I know. I want you to win your match, but don't you think you're maybe taking it a bit too serious? It's not like they haven't already decided who is going to win.

AJ Styles: Haven't we disused this enough. There is a huge fucking difference between fighting and wrestling. You know what, I have to call you back, you're throwing me off my game.

Ronda Rousey: Wait, I wan-

He hung up the phone and began to make his way down the road back towards his destination. His phone began to ring and he realized he had left his son on hold the entire time.

AJ Styles: Hello?

Ajay Jones: I’m still here… It took you long enough, Dad.

AJ Styles: Sorry about that. What were we talking about?

Ajay Jones: When are you coming to see us?

AJ Styles: Oh yeah. You know what son, I'm sorry I haven't been around. I work hard and I don't want you or your brothers to think I don't love you. Everything I do, I do for you. I want you to know that. But to be honest, I don't know when I'll be able to come visit...

Styles could hear the depression in his son's voice and it almost broke him.

Ajay Jones: We miss you Dad.

AJ Styles: I miss you guys too. Tell your brothers I love them.

Ajay Jones: We love you Dad.

Without saying another word or waiting to hear a response, he had already pressed the end button and put the phone back into his pocket. After taking a few seconds to take in everything that was just said, Styles decided to call the airport and book a early flight to Georgia to spend some time with kids. He was going to surprise his boys and done as much time as he possibly could. After booking the flight he continued with his morning jog. He had a interview scheduled in an hour and he looked to only be a few miles away from his destination, the Joe Louis Arena.

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EBWF's very own Jim Ross was known as one of the most respected voices in the world of announcing and there he stood outside of the Joe Louis Arena with a microphone in hand. He tipped his familiar black cowboy hat before he greet the audience watching at home.

Jim Ross: Hello EBWF Universe, right now I'm standing outside of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, the location of the 2016 Royal Rumble where thirty men will fight for the opportunity to headline WrestleMania XV in March. Last year the winner was Dolph Ziggler who will also be competing this year, looking for a third consecutive victory, but I'm joined by one of those thirty men who are looking to stop that from happening. In fact, I'm joined at this time by the number one entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble, the 2012 winner and former three time World Champion, AJ Styles!

Styles was propped up against a wall with his arms folded over his black "I Am Phenomenal" t-shirt. He appeared to be both agitated and anxious, as if he could barely wait for the chance to fight.

Jim Ross: AJ, you look primed and ready to compete tonight. Care to share with us what's on your mind going into this huge match and enlighten us on just why you decided to volunteer yourself as the number one entrant?

AJ Styles: Well Jim, it's simple. The same thing is on my mind as the 29 other men. Winning. Main-Eventing. See, last year I surprised the world when I came back to the EBWF after six months away and entered the Royal Rumble. Every soul in the building thought I was well on my way to main eventing WrestleMania until I was thrown over the top rope. I lost the match, no excuses, but I went on to win the World Championship and still headline WrestleMania. That's the last time I was champion. WrestleMania. Since then, I've went on to align myself with the most despicable guys in the locker room and manage to take out almost anybody that got in my way, yet here I stand, without the World Championship I deserve. Why is that? That's because Wes Ikeda has found a way to screw me over every time! Sure, I know what you're gonna say, Wes has no power, blah blah blah, but believe me, the son of a bitch damn sure has a ton of influence around the place. At Fanniversary, he stuck his nose where it didn't belong and stopped me from becoming Intercontinental Champion, then when I was fucked over at Survivor Series, he found a way to stop me from getting a rematch and awarded Miz with a "Christmas Present" for his actions against me. But that's not where it ends, two weeks ago Wes Ikeda used his powerful influence to have our general manager Stone Cold make him number thirty in the Royal Rumble. Does that seem fair? I don't think so. But you want me to tell you one thing I've learned while competing in this company? This shit ain't fair. You have to do what you have to do to get where you wanna be in this company. How do you think I've become a three time World Champion? Do you know how many of my friends I've had to stab in the back? Do you know how many people I've fucked over? Plenty. That's exactly why I decided to volunteer as number one. Because I knew Wes Ikeda would find away to get as far away from me as possible. But that's fine. Everyone is doubting me and I actually love it. See, when someone doubts me all that does is motivate me more. It drives me and I always rise to the occasion. I'm like an unstoppable, blood thirsty, zombie, who just won't go down. And I'm ready to go on a blood spilling rampage at the Royal Rumble. Back when I joined this company Wes Ikeda told the world I would never be a World Champion, I proved him wrong. Come the Royal Rumble, Wes Ikeda is going to have to watch as I run through every single wrestler on the active roster and anyone of his old friends he dug up from the grave, one by one, until I get my hands on him... I don't forget and I don't forgive. I don't care if I'm loved or hated, one way or the other, I'm going to do what I have to do to. Answer me a question, JR. Who's my biggest threat in the Royal Rumble match? Go ahead. Wrack your brain.

Jim Ross: Well there is Broc-

AJ Styles: Right. Nobody. Dolph Ziggler is a shell of the man he was a year ago. I gave Trent such a beating last time I seen him that he was carried out of a stretcher, and hasn't been seen since. Lance Storm THOUGHT I was a joke and I took his ass out. Now everybody wants a piece of AJ Styles. Everybody wants to beat my ass. Have you heard the fans lately? They've been cheering for me, chanting my name. I'm someone the people want to get behind. The fans are BEGGING for me to take the number one spot in this company because they are sick and tired of people like Miz sucking the life out of this place. And if you think that twenty nine guys are going to be able to stop me you're stupid. Do you think for one second that I won't leave every one of them broken? It's gonna take a fucking army to stop me from winning the Rumble. So tell me, JR, do I sound determined enough to you?

The intensity never left his face.

Jim Ross: By god, I've never seen you look more determined.

AJ Styles: That's right. You haven't. So, I don't care who it is. Randy Orton, Edge, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, whoever gets in my way is going sailing over the top rope and straight into the fifth row. Former champions, current champions, I don't discriminate. I don't care what they've accomplished or how amazing they think they are. All of them are my enemies and I'm not looking to make any friends. I'm pretty sure CM Punk, Solomon Crowe, and Brock Lesnar feel the exact same way. A lot of people are going to be afraid because they know what I'm capable of. The point is JR, I am UNTOUCHABLE, I am INVINCIBLE, I AM THE MAN, and after Sunday I WILL BE the number one contender for the EBWF World Championship.

The Georgia native departed into the arena after those last parting words.

Jim Ross: There you have it people. Don't miss the EBWF Royal Rumble. It's live and its tonight! Contact your cable provider and order it now! I promise you don't want to miss a thing!

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The Royal Rumble pay per view pre-show was well underway as "Phenomenal" by CFO$ played over the PA System, AJ Styles emerged from the back wearing a orange Peyton Manning jersey. At first, they were cheering for him but as soon as they came to realize what he was wearing the boos began coming. He confidently walked the aisle, and ignore any of the fans around the ring. Styles entered the ring, and crowd was really letting him have it. A "AJ Sucks" chant quickly broke out. Styles took a microphone and wasted no time speaking.

AJ Styles: Just like the Denver Broncos are going to the Super Bowl, I'm going to WrestleMania. And just like the pathetic Detroit Lions are going to be sitting at home watching, so is Wes Ikeda after I eliminate his ass here tonight.

The crowd booed even louder. He laughed and smiled, but his expression quickly changed to serious.

AJ Styles: The things I have to do to become World Champion. Last time it was five men and this time it's thirty men. And every last person is going to swear, "I'm going to go through twenty nine other men"...but they're liars. I actually have to do just that. I am the very first entrant in this years Royal Rumble. I must truly go through twenty nine other men. I not the man the people in charge wants to see as a World Champion. I don't look the right way, I don't act the right away and I don't give the right kind of promo. I am the most overlooked wrestler on this entire roster. I've defeated three of the company's biggest stars in the past month. Sami Zayn, Mankind, and Syxx. I don't even know if they are in this match and it doesn't matter, because I will beat them all again. When I look at this match card I only see two names. Number one and number thirty. AJ Styles and Wes Ikeda.

His clenched fists together while the fans continued to pour on the boos.

AJ Styles: I don't care if I have to be hauled out of the ring on a stretcher, I am going to win this match. I don't care. As long as I'm the last man standing in this ring. It is time for the balance of power to shift and the game to change. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Tonight, I'm going to go through EVERYONE to take back EVERYTHING!

The people didn't react well to his declaration.

AJ Styles: You don't seem to believe me? Hmm.. Well if not me, then who? Who's going to win the Royal Rumble match?

Various different chants began around the arena from the fans but some names like Randy Orton, Wes Ikeda, and Lance Storm were overwhelmingly noticeable.

AJ Styles: You guys are hilarious! Lance Storm? Let's be serious for a minute. Lance Storm needs to retire and go invest in ComicCon convention or something, just go. I'm so sick of seeing you're ugly mug. Speaking of guys who judge other guys, Tyler Breeze. I heard a few fans chanting your name. Don't get excited, they weren't women. I don't know if I can even take you seriously. It's one thing for Shawn Michaels, one of the greatest of all times, to think he was cute, but dude, you think you're pretty? Oh so pretty?

The crowd sung the rest.

AJ Styles: I'm gonna beat some sense into you with that selfie stick before I throw your ass over the top rope just like I did last year. Who else is there? Randy Orton and his best buddy Edge?

The crowd cheered for Rated RKO.

AJ Styles: The comedians. Those really funny guys. Maybe they will do something "edgy" like eat cookies and play playstation instead of actually fighting. Oh, I'm sure you all love to see those two goof off. But I don't really care if they are able to reunite their nostalgia comedy tour. I care about winning this match. And neither one of them can stop me from doing that.

The fans booed him more for his arrogance.

AJ Styles: Don't let me forget about the dark horses. I was once one. There's a few returning stars like Bret Hart and Shane Helms who are looking for one more run. Then there are guys like PJ Black and Roman Reigns who are looking to make a name for themselves at my expense. Too bad that's not happening. I've broken Bret Hart physically once before and I know I've broken Helms mentally so you should think again before putting your money on those two. As far as PJ Black, Justin Skydiver or whatever the hell he wants to call himself, I've outclassed him so many times I've lost count. I don't really see why he was even in this match. Yet, people call me stupid. He could've cashed in his chance to wrestle for the World Championship here tonight and if he is as good as he thinks he is he would've won. But it's too bad, now you have to wait until after WrestleMania because there is no way in hell I'm letting you win the Rumble. Then there's Roman Reigns. You've been getting a lot if hype lately kid, but that's about all that is. Hype. You've been waltzing around this company for years and haven't did a damn thing to get yourself noticed. Nobody gives a fuck about you being related to The Rock. I'm going to show you how weak he is when I take him out in front of you. Then if you're still in the ring, in going to make it my mission to eliminate you personally. I've heard about you kissing Ikeda's ass. Yeah, I spilled the beans. One thing I don't like is Wes Ikeda and the second thing I don't like is a person who kisses his ass. So Roman, no offense, but I'm coming for you kid. Believe that.

Styles paused for a brief moment as he looked around at the capacity crowd.

AJ Styles: I know what it is. You idiots actually think the home town boy Wes Ikeda is going to win. Well, just like another loser in this match likes to say, I'm afraid I've got some bad news. Wes hasn't been in the ring lately, he's not even in shape, in fact, I think I see a beer gut starting to form. That's what happens when you spend most of your time sitting in front of a tv being a lazy bastard and not doing a damn thing for the business you claim you love. Give these people what they want for once in your miserable life. FIGHT ME!

The crowd exploded in cheers at the idea of that Match of the Year rematch.

AJ Styles: It doesn't really matter if you want to, you have to, it's only a matter of when. You better hope and pray to every god and deity you can think of that I'm eliminated before you enter because tonight you are coming in contact with the Black Plague itself. I plan on bringing oblivion to this company and resurrecting it in my own image. Tonight is just the beginning. Tonight, I get to right every wrong that has been done to me over the last year and take out two birds with one stone. I FINALLY get to give Ikeda what's coming to him and I also get to cement my place in the Main-Event of WrestleMania... Where. I. Belong!

Styles dropped the mic and exited the ring once his music hit. The fans were still giving him a hard time but you better believe AJ Styles didn't give a damn. He only cared about one thing and one thing only. Winning.
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[Ben M]

Great RP! Nice work, Will :)