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Monday February 28 2017 – EBWF Fallout – Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix; Arizona
Corey Graves: PJ Black! PJ Black is the new EBWF World Champion. He’s going to WrestleMania!
Joey Styles: Joe versus PJ Black at ‘Mania!
Corey Graves: It’s the dawning of a new era in EBWF!
Joey Styles: Join us next week when the Road to WrestleMania continues!
As the celebrations continued in the ring, the cameras went backstage before Fallout went off air and saw a smirking Samoa Joe staring into a television monitor with producers around him. He nodded his head as he watched PJ Black point to the WrestleMania sign after a gruelling Elimination Chamber match. He was still in his wrestling gear with a towel around his neck after his short piece of action earlier in the evening against Kevin Owens, and as he turned around to exit he was about to squash Renee Young to the floor, but stopped just in time as he knew he was about to get interviews for his immediate reaction to the match.
Renee Young: Um, Samoa Joe you just watch PJ Black become the new EBWF World Champion, a shock many would say, what are your thoughts now that you know it’s not AJ Styles you’ll be challenging at WrestleMania, but the Dare Wolf himself?
Joe exhaled. He looked at the ground and then back at the monitor with the camera still fixed on him staring at PJ with his new championship title. He laughed to himself a little before letting out a snarl and looking back down at Renee.
Samoa Joe: I guess I can say he surprised me. Did I think he’d stand a chance in the match? Nope. Let alone thinking he’s going to leave as World Champion. I get it, the confetti, making it a big deal, overcoming the so called odds. But even though I haven’t been here that long, I know my fair share of the history and who has held that title. There’s two groups, you’re either an AJ Styles. A Chris Jericho. A John Cena. An Alex Shelley and a Randy Orton. Or, you’re a Sami Zayn. A Trent. A Christian. A Lance Storm. I know which group I belong in, and I think PJ and the world knows which group he belongs in. I could easily go out there and make sure he realises he’s the loser tonight and not the winner. But I didn’t think the higher-ups would take too kindly at me not letting the mouse enjoy himself for a little while. So, my reaction to tonight is get the celebration ready, the promotional material, the t-shirts, line up the interviews that I won’t turn up to because it was confirmed tonight that Samoa Joe is your next EBWF World Champion.
Joe didn’t give Renee a chance to ask her next question as he barged past her smirking to himself, clearly confident that he was going to dethrone PJ Black in the main event of WrestleMania, something not many would have ever imagined at the start of the year.
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Monday March 6 2017 – EBWF Monday Night Warfare – Tingley Coliseum – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Monday Night Warfare went off air just moment earlier, following the World Champion celebration of PJ Black, which was perhaps slightly overshadowed by the fact that he was forced to hand over the Path to Glory Championship. The arena in Albuquerque was pretty much empty now, but a few cameras were still set-up as the ESPN cameras were going to get exclusive access to a handful of EBWF superstars in the build-up to WrestleMania, and this week they had Jonathan Coachman from ESPN talking to Samoa Joe. Joe wasn’t part of the show tonight, but was already standing in and amongst the empty seats with the production crew making sure everything would go without any problems. Joe composed himself as he straightened his suit and was prepared to look over at the monitor where Coach was in the studios, and was ready to begin his short interview with Samoa Joe. Eventually, Joe was given the signal that he was through to Coach, with everybody eager to hear what he had to ask and say.
Jonathan Coachman: Talking of WrestleMania, I’m pleased to say we’re joined by none other than the number one contender for the EBWF World Championship, and he battles PJ Black at the event, Samoa Joe, my friend, how’s it going?
Samoa Joe: Hey Coach, all good on my end, feeling good.
Jonathan Coachman: Well, you weren’t in action tonight at Warfare but I’m assuming you watched from the back the whole celebration for PJ, what was that like?
Samoa Joe: I didn’t really catch all of it, to be honest. I think, with PJ, you’re getting the same thing over and over anyway so I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss anything exclusive or ground breaking, but yeah from what I sure he looked pleased, he looked overwhelmed and he looked out of his depth because personally, I don’t think he’s on that level, but that’s just my opinion, take it or leave it.
Jonathan Coachman: What makes you say that? He had the biggest prize in the company around his waist and you’re gunning for him in Orlando, surely it’s a threat that needs to be taken seriously?
Samoa Joe: Oh, I’m taking him seriously, I’m not taking him lightly, but threat? Come on, now. Let’s just say, Sami Zayn has held that world title and he’s not even on the card this year, that’s how quickly things can change and I feel this few-week PJ Black phase will pass by quickly as well, and I’m sure he realises that and he’s soaking it all in while it lasts.
Jonathan Coachman: Well, one of the biggest talking points that’s already taking over social media is what Stone Cold Steve Austin did tonight, he um, he took the Path to Glory Championship from him, what are your thoughts towards that because, I mean, you do have a role in that whole situation too.
Samoa Joe: Yeah, I think that’s something that’s been overlooked a little. I’ve heard the rumours now for a little while about the title situation, but hey, I came and I played my role in finally getting that title off of him [laughs]. Look, I mean, as I said I know how the PJ Black game plan works, the repetitive game plan. I don’t think anyone will really fall for the sympathy act that they took the title from him, and I think they’re all glad, really. Nobody is going to feel sorry for him regardless of how many times he claims it was unfair and at the same time, nobody is going to be shocked at this “record” because record-breaking champions are household names, and PJ Black, in my opinion, is not a household name. Not that I need your sympathy votes or anything like that, but I think people are overlooking the fact that I too have been taken out of a guaranteed title match, because I earned my way – quickly – to a Path to Glory championship match and I’m having to step aside and allow somebody else to go for it. I did it, I’m not like PJ I wouldn’t have scratched or clawed on to that one thing that keeps me relevant or noticed. But yeah, for me, it’s just motivation Coach, it’s shown me that I know I belong here, I willingly stepped out of a title match and let somebody else have that shot at it, I didn’t complain or anything, and that shows me that not only do I belong here, but I deserve to be at the top and PJ Black is the final one in my way. I guess it’s another ordinary day, but just on a much bigger platform.
Jonathan Coachman: What’s that feeling like? Your first WrestleMania, and you’re in the main event, that’s a little unheard of in any company.
Samoa Joe: Yeah, that’s unheard of until I arrive on the scene, everything changes then. I’m not so much concentrating on WrestleMania, I know that’ll sink in on the night, right now my focus is on PJ and doing what I can in preparation to make sure I’m in the best state of mind when that bell finally rings.
Jonathan Coachman: I know this match is a little…different. Not what many would have predicted but is this good for you, is this what you wanted?
Samoa Joe: [Laughs] I’m in the main event of WrestleMania for the World Champion, so I’ve fulfilled one aim for myself and for my kids that’ll get to see me there. Opponent-wise, I’d say I’m content, I’m sure other fans are content as well, but I’m positive it’ll be a great match with only one outcome. PJ wouldn’t have been my first option, but I guess when I’m destroying everyone in front of me, it doesn’t really make a huge difference, does it? Seriously, now, Coach. Look me in the eye from where you’re sitting in that studio. You and I spoke like this back in January, and I didn’t tell you, I promised you that I’m going to win the Royal Rumble, despite all the odds and all the doubts even you had, I won that Rumble. So, I’m exclusively telling you now, that come WrestleMania, I promise that I am leaving Orlando as the new world champion, I told you before, and I made good on my promise. I’m going two for two, count on that.
Jonathan Coachman: Just a final one from me, before we have to leave you. You weren’t on Warfare this week as I’ve said, but I can reveal that you will be in that ring behind you next week to get some things off your chest and address the whole situation. But this is an ESPN exclusive, so is there anything you want to tell us now about this match that you may not be able to touch on next week, perhaps?
Samoa Joe: Ah, you’re just trying to get me into trouble. I…I have heard things PJ has said, he hasn’t said anything about me that infuriates me yet, but I’m sure he will or we’ll throw hands sooner or later but one thing that did strike me as quite amusing was his claims that he’s the best this company has to offer. Whether we like it or not, it’s a fact sadly, he’s the champion, so he’s the best that’s just how it works in the wrestling business. It’s a sad state, I’d say, because we have three options ahead of us if he’s the best this company has to offer. Either, we’re all doomed. We all need to jump ship while we can, find a different promotion and salvage what we have left of our careers because he drags us down with him, or…somebody steps up and changes that. I’m picking the third option. I’m that man, Coach. I’m that monster. I’m that destroyer that destroys PJ Black at WrestleMania where the “unbeatened” finds out the true meaning of losing, and where he gets beat to within an inch of his life and stares up at that Orlando sky, thankful that he got to experience one final thrill inside of the ring where he met his destroyer.
Jonathan Coachman: Wow…that was a defiant Samoa Joe, ladies and gentlemen he’s in action on March 26 in the main event of WrestleMania where he takes on PJ Black – we’ll be back shortly, thank you, Joe.
Samoa Joe: Thanks for having me, Coach.
Joe confidently looked into the camera after delivering multiple emphatic statements, and clearly uber-confident that WrestleMania is his night, and nobody, not even PJ Black could stop him from achieving his ambitions. The camera eventually faded out into a commercial break, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the rest of their story would unfold.
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Monday March 20 2017 – Post-EBWF Monday Night Warfare – Bring it to the Table with Peter Rosenberg
Peter Rosenberg: Welcome back ladies and gentlemen to Bring it to the Table, I’m Peter Rosenberg and still here with me is Corey Graves as well as former EBWF World Champion, Sami Zayn.
The cameras panned over to Corey and Sami who were smiling into the camera, as the latest episode of Bring it to the Table was focusing on WrestleMania, and the format was something fans enjoyed with the edgier/less scripted content where those featured could speak their mind without the fear of crossing a line. After a number of topics already being discussed, the sidebar showed that an entire section was dedication to Samoa Joe, and that’s who the trio were going to talk about next.
Peter Rosenberg: What do we have next, Samoa Joe. Interesting topic, interesting premise, interesting guy, to say the least. It’s a little strange, isn’t it? He’s someone who, verbally at least is flying under the radar, the limelight hasn’t been on him as you’d expect from a number one contender heading into the WrestleMania…yet here he is in the main event.
Corey Graves: We know Joe, both Sami and I, we know what he’s about, he’s one that keeps himself to himself inside and outside of the ring. Super cool guy…until you cross him and I feel that’s what PJ Black did earlier tonight when he attacked him and I feel that it could come back to haunt him.
Sami Zayn: I agree, I mean I’ve wrestled him all over the world and I can still feel the effects of that and I had nothing against him! I think PJ has now given him a reason to hurt him, and I feel he’ll hurt him bad in Orlando. But as you said, he’s always flying under the radar, I think he actually hates the lavish lifestyle that the wrestling industry brings but it’s a format that works because look how far he’s come and it’s well-deserved.
Peter Rosenberg: One thing that has been said, though, throughout his career is that Joe is an unsafe slash reckless worker inside of the ring. You guys probably know better than me, is that a fair reputation to give him and is it right to give him these opportunities if he is really hurting people?
Corey Graves: I mean in character, that’s the aim, that’s the gimmick, he’s known to hurt people and he does it well, that’s just how it works and if you don’t like it then you’re just not cut out for this business. I do think he’s rough in that ring, but I do also think the reckless label is seriously unfair, only because….
Peter Rosenberg: He ended Tyson Kidd’s career! He’s hurt people with that Muscle Buster and…
Corey Graves: Hear me out, yeah those accidents happen and that’s super unfortunate and it’s just such a freak accident to happen to such a great guy but look, he’s the destroyer inside of that ring but he’s a human being. He’s a family man, do you honestly, honestly believe he went in there with the intention to damage his neck or end his career? I mean, come on. Accidents happen, he’s rough, Brock Lesnar is the same, you step into that ring with them and if you aren’t hurt then Joe didn’t do his job right. It’s that simple, we may even see some damage at WrestleMania against PJ and I think PJ is experienced enough to know that’s in his destiny as well. But no, that reputation is unfair and I feel for him and I hope he can change that in the EBWF.
Sami Zayn: I agree with Corey. Not every wrestler is the same, not every is a high-flier, or a technician, or a submission specialist or a brawler. Joe hurts people, and he does it really well. If you’re okay with that then do your job, if not then you need to find a different 9-5 job because if people were actually bothered by him and his style then he wouldn’t be as successful as he is and Wes certainly wouldn’t have brought him here. That’s stupid, he’s not unsafe, and I bet people will be eating their words when they’re out there in Orlando putting on a clinic, I can say that confidently.
Peter Rosenberg: I don’t know if it’s just you guys, but I’m speaking from a fan point of view and I know a lot of people look at this main event and think…eh…could have been better. I mean this roster is absolutely stacked and you have guys like AJ Styles lower down the card then these guys, and a better main event popularity wise could have been put on, but I am still excited for it. Is this the best possible main event the company could have put on?
Sami Zayn: I don’t think so, I think it shows the landscape is changing and we’re not getting the same repetitive matches over and over, especially in the main event of WrestleMania. I think it’s better than having the same old guys in there, it’s new, it’s fresh, it’s two contrasting styles and it’s a worthy main event.
Corey Graves: I can’t believe I’m agreeing so much with him, but he’s right. Sometimes, you just can’t win with the fans, obviously they’re the reason all of this is possible, but you just can’t win with them. Give them AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho and they’d eat that up and people like Dave Meltzer would write rave reviews and fans treat is as gospel. But give that to them at every pay-per-view, at every event and eventually they become sick of it. Flip it around, give it something different and then you have something underwhelming, a match they believe doesn’t belong in the main event. It’s tough, but I know the two can do it and prove them wrong, they deserve it.
Peter Rosenberg: Okay, maybe you can make a case for PJ Black because he’s been here for so long and it’s overdue, but surely not Samoa Joe?! Right? He’s hardly been here a few months and he’s thrown into this main event spot and you could probably say he’s taken the spot of somebody who’s worked harder than he has to warrant that position and he’s swooped in and taken it.
Corey Graves: Who are these people you’ve been speaking to?! I’ll take you back to my last point, people will complain about the same old guys in the main event and when somebody new comes in there’s an outcry. What do they want? It’s fantastic! It’s fresh! It’s new, I’d rather see a four-month Samoa Joe in the EBWF in the main event of WrestleMania than a part-timer who comes in and out when he feels like it.
Sami Zayn: I think people easily overlook the fact that Joe is a veteran, he’s been around for a long time, he just hasn’t had the chances. I know he’s not somebody who is content with floating around the mid-card, he works harder than anybody and I think that’s what makes him different compared to PJ. I agree with Corey, as someone who knows Joe we know what he’s been through to get here, he deserves this more than half of the guys at the back because he’s paid his dues all over the world. The same applies to every guy like us, Jimmy, Seth, other indie guys because everyone thinks we come here and take spots but they don’t see what we’ve gone through before this to get here. It’s taken him a while, he’s here and I know he’s going to make good of his chance.
Peter Rosenberg: What did you mean by different compared to PJ?
Sami Zayn: That’s just an observation of mine, since I’ve been here PJ hasn’t been in the position where he’s in now but that’s all down to himself, nobody held him down. He was in the mid-card scene for a while and for some reason, he was super happy with that and I think if you put Joe in that situation, he’d have either fought his way to the top, or told management I’m out of here because I’m better than this. This isn’t a place where I can showcase my real talents, I don’t have the opportunities I’ve worked for and I’m out. PJ, I don’t think he did either of those, but he’s here now and he made good on his chance, but I believe he’ll be back in that position after WrestleMania.
Peter Rosenberg: Can I get a prediction out of either of you for this match before we move on?
Corey Graves: I don’t think it’d be fair for me to pick one, especially on this show, I just hope it’s a great match.
Peter Rosenberg: How about you, Sami?
Sami Zayn: I see Corey took the easy way out, I’m a big advocate for change. This match is heading in the right direction, and I have to think of it from a competitor’s point of view. If I’m given a shot after WrestleMania, I feel I’d stand a better chance against PJ especially with all of our history. So, I’d probably selfishly want PJ to win, but I’ve seen what Joe can do, it’s not pretty, I’d actually hate to be PJ right now and I can’t see anything other than a new champion being crowned.
Peter Rosenberg: I’m disagreeing with that, I’m afraid. PJ overcame five guys in side of an Elimination Chamber, I mean, come on, really.
Corey Graves: Well you clearly don’t know what it’s like to be inside of a ring with Samoa Joe.
On that note, the trio moved on to their next topic after discussing at great length what we could expect from Samoa Joe when he heads to WrestleMania in his World Championship match.
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Friday March 24 2017 – EBWF Access – Orange County Convention Center
WrestleMania week was in full swing and there were only two days remaining until the Grandest Stage of the Them All. The fans were packed out inside of EBWF Access at the Orange County Convention Center as they walked around and met some of the stars of EBWF, got involved in meet and greets, signings and all of the other fun stuff that came with the week. Amongst the festivities, there was a ring set up in the middle where local talents were competing, as well as some EBWF stars who didn’t make it to the WrestleMania card, but were still entertaining to watch and the fans in attendance loved it.
There was a match going on with little attention drawn to it, but eventually loud cheers roared through the convention centre as Samoa Joe’s music was heard blaring through the area, and a mean-looking Joe appeared on the little stage with a steel chair in his hand. Instantly, the wrestlers inside of the ring froze and tried to hide behind each other as Joe menacingly walked up the steel steps and into the ring. He stared at them both and unfolded the steel chair as he said down, right in the middle of the ring and they two knew that they had no choice but to leave. Joe picked up the microphone and tapped on it a few times and waited for the EBWF cameras to come towards him, and they caught hundreds of fans rushing towards the ring to get a glimpse of Joe and hear what he had to say. He looked calm, confident, cocky and you would never have guessed he was going to be in the main event of WrestleMania just two nights later. He started to look around at the flock of fans who came around just to hear him, even though he was the bad guy in this situation. On the inside, he absolutely loved, but he was skilled enough to show it on his face that he hated them and wished he could have just left. Instead, it was his time to finally talk, something he hasn’t had much of and he wasn’t going to waste this chance knowing it would be used in the final promotional footage for his WrestleMania match.
Samoa Joe: Now it’s my time to speak, and for you all and PJ Black to listen. I’ve been quiet for too long, I didn’t even get much time to get much off of my chest in that little segment on Warfare whereas much more time was given to PJ in his little celebration with his redneck buddy. But now, I’m in this ring, this microphone is in my hand and I have…a lot… to talk about so I’d advise you to sit. Shut up, listen and I hope PJ, you’re somewhere hiding like the little bitch that you are and understand that game time is over, and you’re two days away from your downfall.
Joe got comfortable in his chair as he snarled, looking around again as he looked for the perfect moment to speak.
Samoa Joe: Nobody really thought this was going to be the WrestleMania main event, did they? Let’s be honest, this time last year did you ever think PJ Black would be defending and losing his World Championship at WrestleMania against Samoa Joe? Does that show you how far Black has come, from the mid-card for the his entire career and finally moving up now, or how I went from an entirely different company and came here to reach this stage? A lot of people have been coming up to me since the Royal Rumble and asking me how it feels. That excitement, that rush knowing I’m going up against PJ Black for the EBWF World Championship in the main event of my first WrestleMania. I’m not going to lie, just because you’re all here I’m not going to tell you what you want to hear. I’m not overly excited, I’m a little disappointed, to tell you the truth. I’m disappointed because I wanted a genuine challenge. WrestleMania is a historic event, it’s about the best taking on the best and in this match, the best isn’t taking on the best, because I’m going up against PJ Black, really. Whether I like it or not, my first world championship here…the records books will say that I had to beat PJ Black for the gold. When I stand at the back and watch them screw in my custom plates and etch my name on that belt, I’m going to look down pleased, but disappointed. It’s probably not how I wanted to do it, but you have to make sacrifices, and I’m making the ultimate sacrifice by being inside of the ring in our biggest stage, with him. You want to know what the funny thing is, though? That he parades around with that gold acting as if it took years of hard work to get there. He doesn’t know effort if it slapped him in his face. It took that man YEARS to do what I’m about to do in a couple of months, just let that sink in. What does tell you about us? About how I stormed through the doors and got to the stage he’s been trying and failing to get at for so long? It’s laughable, if you ask me. Not at him, it’s laughable at the rest of the roster who somehow let him reach this stage, all of you in the back should take a look in the mirror and be ashamed of yourselves for letting this happen.
Fans couldn’t help but laugh a little as it finally hit them that Joe was right, PJ had been attempting for years and only managed it by the skin of his teeth.
Samoa Joe: What is it people call it nowadays? Flavour of the month, right? That’s what PJ is, he’s not somebody that can compete at dominate at this level, a level I’ve been at my whole life in every organisation I’ve competed in. I’m the proven one, PJ, not you. Your month-long reign as champion might have been an enjoyable feeling to you to finally feels like what the real champions feel like every week, but the quicker you snap out of that fantasy, the better it’ll be for your career. I was always watching, I saw you as the Path to Glory Champion, but I think you had a free pass because that’s a title not many people care about and the man holding it was also somebody not a lot of people care about. Now, stick that title on somebody else, and the value increases tenfold. That’s why you had a free pass, that’s why you held it for so long, because your worthlessness rubbed off on it, and nobody cared but now you’re with the big boys in the major leagues. Now, the whole world has eyes on you and there’s no escaping when that bell rings. No feigning injuries, no talking your way out of title shots, no complaining, ‘Oh look the management are holding me down because I’ve appeared three times in six months,’ none of that. No excuses. Nothing. Just you and me. Look, at the end of the day I like kicking ass equally, it doesn’t matter of I beat the best or the worst any company has to offer as the long as the title is around my waist and the money keeps rolling in, I destroy for a living. But I’m sure all of you people understand my disappointment here, because there’s a big difference in beating up Roman Reigns and beating up Matt Sydal. Think about it, which one would you pick? Within months you got to the main event of WrestleMania with the world title on the line and you wanted to go down in history. Do you want AJ Styles standing opposite you? Or do you want PJ Black? So, I’m sure you’ve all seen that interview with ESPN now, and when I was asked about my choice of opponent, here it is. I’d never choose PJ Black in a million years because he’s not worthy of my time, my energy, my breath and he’s not worthy of being at this event with the title, let alone in the final match against me.
It didn’t take long for the crowd to side with him to get his approval, but he ignored the chanting and spoke over their reactions.
Samoa Joe: I think PJ is suffering from short-term memory loss, though. I think he’s forgetting what happened the last time he and I shared a ring at a pay-per-view, at the Royal Rumble I threw his ass over the top rope to win the match. That already shows me you can’t live with me, you never have been able to and you never will. I’ll do it again this time, throwing you from pillar to post before I throw you over my shoulders and drive you into the ring with the biggest Muscle Buster I can put together, only this time there’ll be no coming back for you. Hey, I’ll just be doing you a favour, first take you out of your misery and prove that you’re a phoney champion, and I know you love living life on the edge, so I’ll personally make sure that’s what we do in our match. When I get my hands around your neck and you can’t jump in a car and get away, I’m going to throw you about like you’re jumping out of a plane without a damn parachute and when your family come and visit you in the hospital because you can’t ever move your body, you can all get together and tell stories of how the greatest thrill you experienced was your final wrestling match – against Samoa Joe at WrestleMania. None of this cliff diving, horse flying, somersaulting of Mount Everest flip shit, nothing matches up to me in that ring and ask anyone and they’ll all give you the same answer, that I am the destroyer. This isn’t a cute nickname given to me by three guys that watched me compete in a church basement early on in my career. This isn’t something I’m calling myself like you call yourself a Dare Wold, they call me the destroyer because even though I can’t help it…I destroy them, their ambitions, their dreams, their livelihood, their careers and their bodies. I’m seeing red because of what you did at Warfare, and even though my conscious will tell me stop Joe, this kid has had enough, I’m scared that I won’t be able to control myself and these hands will continue pummelling your face until you’re unrecognisable and then choke out whatever is left of you.
Joe sat in silence for a little while, letting in sink in and telling the world that he may not be able to stop himself from crossing that line, even if he tried his best. He then leaned forward, but still took his time to address the fans.
Samoa Joe: During my time competing, I’ve realised something, we are what we believe we are. Throughout my career I’ve always thought I’m the man, that I’m the destroyer and so far, it’s worked out pretty darn well for me and I’m going to continue to say I’m the destroyer? You say you’re the Dare Wolf. You say you’ve been held down, and you say you’re an underdog. You believe that, that’s why you’re actually not the best this company has to offer because when you had the opportunities to believe it when you were stuck in the middle doing next to nothing, you were happy with that. You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for and I’ve worked too damn hard to let somebody like YOU defeat me on the biggest night of my career. That’s the difference between you and me, if in some crazy world you fluke it and beat me, I’ll be the one stuck in the shuffle but you can bet your ass that the very next pay-per-view I’ll be in the world title match because I steamrolled through everyone to get there. You? Once you’re stuck there, you refuse to move. That’ll be your downfall, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself otherwise, no matter how many times you’ll tell yourself you can do it, you just can’t and it’s going to eat you up inside come Sunday. The thing I’m looking forward to just as much as taking that title is the aftermath, the excuses, and what the fallout of it all will be – especially when you finally stop talking and can go back to irrelevance. Think about it, who actually wakes u and wants to pursue wrestling and decides I want to be a PJ Black? Nobody, they overlook you because that’s just the sort of guy you are. You’re overlooked because that’s the role you created for yourself and you’re happy with it and nothing can change that. Nobody wants to be a PJ Black, because everybody has a mean streak and deep down everybody would prefer to be the guy that destroys the wolf and skins him alive than be the wolf itself.
Joe exhaled. Looked around as the chants continued, but again, he didn’t let it bother him as he continued looking angry as he stared at a WrestleMania sign.
Samoa Joe: It hit me this week that I actually have a lot more to lose at WrestleMania than PJ does, even though he is the World Champion. Think about it, when the headlines read PJ Black loses at WrestleMania to Samoa Joe… ‘Meh, that was expected, who actually thought PJ would somehow defeat Joe, let’s look forward to next year.’ Then, PJ disappears back into the crowd, lost in the shuffle because that’s where he's been most of his career. That’s a fact, he’s used to being just another body, that’s where he finds comfort because he’s simply another body in the company but has that feeling of being secure and is afraid to burst out of his shell inside of the ring when it matters. He doesn’t like it when the limelight is on him because nine times out of 10, he fails to deliver just like he will on Sunday. Me? I’m the complete opposite. I have a lot more to lose at WrestleMania because IF it happens, people will question where I go next because I am always at the top where I belong, rightfully. People will be gobsmacked. There will be silence inside of that stadium, and nobody expects him to do it, you see where I’m going with this? I’m not going to keep you much longer, I’m sure he’s in the back now and the realisation is finally sinking in that I’m right. It’s a scary time when somebody like PJ Black tells you that YOU’RE not good enough, and I’m sure that’s what PJ will say about me like he has to everyone else, but look what this company has come to. The company is on its knees with PJ Black at the helm sitting on the throne and not having any idea why he’s there, and what he’s done to deserve then but I see that crown slipping, PJ. Very soon it’ll be on my head, and you’ll be flat on your back staring at me leave WrestleMania with my World Champion. Two days. Enjoy it.
Joe threw the microphone down and got up off of the chair and left it there, and the security team gathered to safely escort Joe away from the flock of fans so he could head to the back. He delivered another confident message to PJ Black and looked more confident than ever that he was going to leave Orlando as the new champion, and had only one more obligation to fulfil on a podcast before all of his focus would turn to his match, and he was adamant that he wasn’t going to let his one chance go to waste.
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Friday March 24 2017 – EBWF Access – Orange County Convention Center
There was only one day remaining until WrestleMania, and the final day of any major obligations that needed to be filled, and for Samoa Joe, he was going to be sitting down with Sam Roberts to discuss his upcoming match and discuss everything that had been going on with him up until that point. There lots of scrambling inside of the Orange County Convention Center with the final signings taking place, while there was the Slammy Awards to prepare for as well. The media were granted special access were they were able to talk with the stars, and the main event stars were just a few that were in demand. Tucked away in a corner somewhere was Sam Roberts, who had all of his equipment ready and was sat alongside Samoa Joe, who was quietly avoiding all of the racket and sipped on his coffee as he enjoyed a quiet conversation with Sam. Eventually, he got a little more comfortable as his short interview was about to begin.
Sam Roberts: Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, we are still here at EBWF Access with plenty going on behind us and we’re just hours away from the Slammy Awards and tomorrow night, it’s the big one, WrestleMania and I am honoured to say that joining me at this time is the man gunning for the world title in the main event, Samoa Joe! Joe, what’s the haps?
Joe grinned a little as he knew he could be more laid back compared to his microphone activity the previous night, but wasn’t going to let it be a pointless interview either.
Samoa Joe: Hey man, that haps, the haps, you can see how busy it is here. Just finished up my signing earlier on, pretty cool to meet people from all over the world that made the journey. So yeah, it’s been a tiring week so far, then the Slammy Awards tonight and as you said, the final stop tomorrow, the big one.
Sam Roberts: What’s this been like for you? I know you’ve been everywhere, but this is just…different magnitude.
Samoa Joe: Yeah it’s pretty crazy, isn’t it? So much goes into making it perfect for the fans, it often goes unnoticed. We all appreciate the efforts, honestly, but I think I’ve settled in well. I’ve not been here too long but I think I’ve gelled well enough to consider myself as one of the guys and I think that was important heading into WrestleMania.
Sam Roberts: I know that you already know some of the guys here, guys like AJ, Sami, Bobby, what are your thoughts on them because two of them aren’t even on the card.
Samoa Joe: Yeah, it’s tough to see. I know Bobby arrived here a little before I did, I think the adjustment period has taken a little longer with him, but he’ll be okay. The night after WrestleMania is usually a new season, I’m sure he’ll be there and have a good 2017. As will Sami, I think everyone has learnt their lesson from doubting him. He had a tough year, there’s no denying that, but again he’ll bounce back and I can give you my word next WrestleMania he’ll, both guys will be in a big match, I’m sure of that. AJ is AJ, you know, part of me wishes it was me and him in the main event but plans do change in this business everyday, wasn’t meant to be this year but who knows, maybe some point down the line he and I will meet but I know he’s excited and ready for his match with Randy.
Sam Roberts: What’s the week been like for you in terms of getting ready for your match tomorrow?
Samoa Joe: It’s been fun, you know, I’ve not had much microphone time to really introduce myself but I did a piece at Access yesterday which felt good. I feel like I got a lot off my chest and I think it puts me in a good position for Sunday against PJ.
Sam Roberts: Decent relationship with PJ then?
Samoa Joe: I guess so, we’ve had a few conversations about the match, nothing special but it should be a good match anyway, we’re both experienced enough to do that anyway.
Sam Roberts: There’s been a lot of talk about you two being in this title match, PJ having been a Path to Glory Champion for so long, there’s doubt whether he can make it at the top and in your case it’s like you’ve been fast tracked to the top. Is that a big risk for the company to take?
Samoa Joe: I’ve been fast tracked? You think so? I wouldn’t say that, I’ve been around for a very long time, it’s about taking your opportunities and it just so happens I came to the EBWF now rather than five years ago, that’s just how it works. I can safely say my time away from this company is the reason I’m in this position, so I think I’ve had a slow build to the top, not fast. Risk…I’m not so sure. I think the company putting the title on Solomon Crowe was a risk, did it pay off, that’s not for me to say. I think this is kind of in the same brackets. Personally, PJ Black is the risk, Samoa Joe isn’t a risk. I say that because just look at the reputation of the Path to Glory Championship now. Those two poor guys are in that ladder match and to make it relevant, they’re throwing the Intercontinental Title in there to make it mean something. Those two guys are going to have a bigger fight after the match because the winner has to restore the reputation of that title and that’s because it was tarnished by PH and the lack of work he did with it. I don’t think one defence a month means your champion when you’re up against a guy working all week. I get the fear that the world title will suffer the same fate the longer it’s with him, and people laugh at our company when they find out who our champion is and what he’s all about. I’d say I’m not a risk because I’m a no nonsense guy. You put me in a ring seven days a week and I’ll defend my title on every given night, because it’s what I enjoy doing, that’s how you stay important, relevant, that’s how you keep the championship meaning something. I’ve done that in every single company I’ve been in, I’ve won gold everywhere and as far as I’m aware, nobody has said Samoa Joe was a failure of a champion.
Sam Roberts: Is that your opinion of PJ Black then? Failed champion, irrelevant etc.
Samoa Joe: Honestly, yeah. In fact, he bores me, a lot. How many times can you hear the same thing? I mean doubt. He mentioned doubt a lot that we always doubt him, that we overlook him and he overcomes it. Well…yeah when you’re on attempt number five thousand you’re bound to overcome the odds at some point. It’s just sad and predictable at this point I feel. You can only use that card so many times and I can guarantee you that he’ll pull that same stunt the next night. That he lost the title because of management, because they didn’t trust him, it’s NEVER that the other guy was better. And quite frankly, it does annoy me but you have to overlook it. I guess. He talks about doubt, people doubting him and he’s sick of it. But what do you expect? That’s the career he’s carved out for himself, he’s turned himself into somebody that’s put in this ring to be doubted because he’s not good enough, world title or not. Nobody doubts me, that’s why you never catch me claiming I’m being held down or I’ve been doubted because I don’t give them the opportunity to say that. I always deliver, always. How about this? How about PJ delivers for once, and maybe the doubts will end. Simple solution.
Sam Roberts: Do you mean predictable verbally or inside of the ring so you know what the game plan is?
Samoa Joe: Definitely on the microphone. It’s the same old story, I can tell you what he might’ve said about me. He’ll be poking fun at how long it took me to get here but I’ll be the first to admit yeah, it took me a damn long time, and what? Bash me all you want, it took longer for me to get here than most people’s career lasts. But the fact remains, it took me a matter of months to get here and I’ve made a bigger impact than PJ has in a MUCH shorter space of time, that tells me he’s nothing. That tells me I’m good, that I’m better and that I can have a much longer time at the top than he can. He;s known as the serial choker for a reason, the Rumble and King of the Ring records speak for themselves. The serial choker just got lucky one time, but he’s going to choke when it matters the most and unfortunately for him, people are going to remember his first, disastrous, failed championship defence in the main event of WrestleMania than they remembered his title win, that’s a fact because it’ll never be the year of the wolf, when I’m around…it’s the ERA of the destroyer.
Sam Roberts: Mhmm, there’s something you said not long ago which I found interesting. You’re focus on PJ Black being stuck in the mid-card, stuck in the shuffle, being another body and how he’s happy with it. What’s your thought process behind all of that?
Samoa Joe: Yeah, and I stand by those statements too. I don’t think I said anything wrong, or below the belt. I feel he’s content with his average life and career here whereas others in his position wouldn’t be, I know I wouldn’t. The reason I believe that is because I believe PJ Black knows his worth, knows his pull, and he knows it’s not a lot. He knows that without this company, he’s zero, he’s nothing and then the wrestling career is over because nobody else wants him. I mean, look at Cody who left WWE, huge name in the mid card scene and he took the ballsy step to leave and now he’s a wanted man. New Japan want him, Ring of Honor wants him, those across the point want him. That’s a star. We can look a little closer to home too, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, myself, Bobby, Finn, Jimmy. If any of us packed it up, called it a day in the EBWF and went on our way, our phones would blow up with offers from every corner of the world. You can already picture the promotional material, a show featuring a special appearance by such and such. Personally, I don’t see companies ringing PJ to bring him in because they can’t afford to bring in an average joe who’s stuck in the shuffle and refused to budge. They can’t afford that, he’s not on the promotional material, he’s not big enough to be flown over or be ‘special’ enough to be there. That’s my thought process and I honestly feel that’s why he’s happy being average is because this is all he has, nothing else and he has nowhere to go without the EBWF and he’s probably dreading the day he speaks up strongly against management. The second he crosses that line and they kick him out he can wave goodbye to his thrill-seeking days and put on an apron and clean tables at a McDonald’s near you.
Sam Roberts: [Laughs] Sounds like he’s gotten under your skin a little bit there.
Samoa Joe: I wouldn’t say that necessarily, I think all the guys in the back would say the same thing and it’s a shame that we have to talk about the world champion in that way but when you’ve built yourself up like that, what can you do? I’m just sick of it all, the unwarranted hype, him, him being champion. I’m sick of hearing 429 days, sick of him throwing that figure around as if it actually means something because his matches as Path to Glory Champion are more your bathroom break. An odd title defence doesn’t impress anybody and neither does that figure so I don’t understand the logic behind that and why he’s so happy with it. He just wasted time, his own and everyone else’s when he could have used that title to elevate himself, he just…the only figure that will matter and the only figure people will throw around forever is the number 93. They’ll remember that one day one I walked into Christmas Eve of Destruction and announced my intentions and on day 93 they’ll remember the time Samoa Joe walked into Orlando and left with the World Championship. Now, I guess the listeners can tell us which is the more impressive feat.
Sam Roberts: I think they’re both impressive, if yours happen we’ll have to wait and see. Anything else you want to get off your chest I mean it feels like you didn’t get much time yesterday clearly.
Samoa Joe: [Laughs] You asked! I guess it’s just the anger and the drive to not waste this chance. I just think, he’s fake. I’m me, I’m the same person inside of this ring as I am out of it because I do what needs to be done to get the titles and put food on the table when I get home, I’m always Samoa Joe. I don’t need to change myself, the way I talk, the way I dress, my personailty to get what I want like he has. I mean, I can just slap him so hard when I see him that he’ll wake up on Monday thinking he’s Justin Gabriel and he’s back in 2011 being led by an Englishman. He did what many expected me to do, attack him when he didn’t expect it in the parking lot and that gives me the impression that the bitch will try and run circles around me in the ring tomorrow, but when I grab him there’s no way he can escape. No shortcuts in our match, no advantages, nothing, the only thing he did earlier this week was poke the beast and I’m going to make sure he pays for it all come tomorrow night in the main event and I’m excited to see that frightened look on his face when he realises that he not only made a mistake, but he should have personally handed me that title weeks ago. Now he has to endure the pain, I’ll enjoy it, I’m sure the fans will enjoy seeing the real PJ Black too, I look forward to introducing him to the world.
Sam Roberts: I mean come on, surely the poor guy gets some credit, he’s the world champion!
Samoa Joe: I won’t take that away from him, he got into the match in the Elimination Chamber and managed to outlast five other guys. But the last time he was inside of the ring with me, I choked him out and the time before that I threw him over the top rope to eliminate him from the Royal Rumble. Why do I need to be overly concerned? Yeah, he beat five guys inside of the chamber, but none of those guys were Samoa Joe and that changes everything. I mean, his two biggest achievements this week are that one he’s stepping toe to toe with me, and that he was finally upgraded by the company to sleep in the Waldorf Suite.
Sam Roberts: [Laughs] Well I wish you luck tomorrow night, this big guy behind is telling me that’s all the time I have with you. It’s been a pleasure having you, and good luck.
Joe shook hands with Sam as he took his coffee and was guided away by the large security guard and away from all of the hectic-ness backstage as he was finally done for the weekend. Now he could go and meet his family, spend time with them before taking them to the annual Slammy Awards before shifting his focus to tomorrow night, WrestleMania.
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Sunday March 26 2017 – EBWF WrestleMania – Camping World Stadium – Orlando; Florida
Finally, the event was upon us. WrestleMania inside of the Camping World Stadium with a sell-out crowd packed to its rafter all hoping for an incredible night of in-ring action, all topped off by the EBWF World Championship match between PJ Black and Samoa Joe. It wasn’t the most intense of rivalries, but the duo tried their best in the weeks prior to the event to turn things up a notch, while Joe spend most of his weeks doing his best to play down PJ Black’s achievement and be the ultimate heel in the company. Tonight was his chance to shine, and he wasn’t planning on blowing that, especially when he was ridiculously close to the gold.
A number of matches had already taken place and the fans were clearly in the mood as they chanted for just about everything. Randy Orton and AJ Styles were going to be out next for the match, but the cameras went backstage after Corey Graves and Joey Styles introduced the fans to Renee Young.
Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, WrestleMania is in full swing already and we have some huge matches to come our way, one of those is the main event match for the EBWF World Championship between Samoa Joe and PJ Black and I’m here outside of Samoa Joe’s locker room and hopefully we can catch a few words with him.
Renee nervously knocked on the door, and anxiously waited for an answer for an awkward amount of time. She nervously looked in the camera once more and was close to knocking again until the door slowly opened, and there was a massive 50/50 split reaction inside of the stadium when Samoa Joe – in his full wrestling gear with his towel – slowly walked out and looked and Renee, shutting the door behind him. He stood next to her, looking focused yet calm as he awaited her questions.
Renee Young: Sorry to disturb you as you prepare for your match, I was just hoping we can get some final thoughts from you with the event finally here.
Joe exhaled, he looked at Renee numerous times knowing she was forced to ask these questions so he wasn’t going to take it out on her.
Samoa Joe: It’s been an intense week, but I’m already thinking who I’ll be defending that title against next month. PJ Black proved to me earlier this week that he’s a coward, and there’s no way in hell that I’m letting a coward beat me, especially at WrestleMania. You know, Renee, the last time I saw you last month I told you that the champions in this company are seemingly split into two groups, the lengthy champions who prove they belong at that level, the Cena’s and the Shelley’s, whereas the other group feature’s the Sami Zayn’s and the Trent’s. I was wrong, well, at least I will be after tonight because once this stadium clears out and everyone is talking on the way home, I’ll personally be creating a third group. Group A was the fool proof plan, the champions the company knew would do well, whereas Group B was the experimental plan, let’s see how they do when they’re thrown in at the deep end. Tonight, Group C is created and it’ll forever be known as the mistake group, and the first and probably only inclusion in that said group will be PJ Black. I’ll walk through the backstage area with my title, into this locker room and then I’ll leave. The higher-ups in this company will be arranging transport to a medical facility to see who can tend to PJ Black the quickest. When they see that sick smile on my face after I finish him, they’re going to realise they made two big mistakes. It was a mistake to even consider making PJ Black the World Champion. Their second mistake was that they thought I’d go easy on him, and that they decided to put him in the ring with me, so when the dust settles and we all wake up tomorrow, if PJ does, then the only ones to blame are the ones that put him in that situation, not me.
Renee Young:…And…if he wins?
Joe looked down at Renee again, this time with a grin on his face as he knew that she’d ask that, and deep down it was a genuine possibility that it could happen, even if he didn’t show it.
Samoa Joe: The hesitation in your voice tells me enough, that not even you believe PJ Black can survive tonight. You don’t believe it, I don’t, the office don’t, these people don’t but most importantly, PJ doesn’t believe it either. Tonight, you’re all going to witness two chokes taking place. The serial choker will choke in his first title defence, and then the destroyer chokes him out in the middle of that ring and becomes the new EBWF World Champion.
Joe stared at Renee as he backed away into his locker room with one final message, that PJ Black is meeting his destroyer tonight and he plans on living up to that name.