As far as his EBWF career was concerned, things were looking up for Zack Ryder. He had wrestled in the opening match at WrestleMania, main evented Warfare twice in April and was booked in a huge TLC match at Aftermath. After months of barely being used, suddenly EBWF seemed to consider Zack an important part of their programming. There was only one thing that bugged him; an ungrateful, nagging concern at the back of his mind that the only way he was ever going to get a push in the EBWF was as a tag team wrestler.
Zack felt ungrateful because he truly was happy to be appearing on EBWF programming and working with one of his best friends, Trent Barreta, was an added bonus. He was excited by the prospect of competing in his first ever TLC match, especially given that the match would present him with a chance to win the Tag Team Titles with Trent. But there was a part of him wondering if teaming with Trent was a step backwards. Not because Trent wasn't a great worker but because Zack had come to the EBWF as a singles wrestler. His days of teaming with Curt Hawkins were long behind him and as much as Zack believed he and Trent were capable of becoming the EBWF's best tag team, there was still a voice inside Zack's head asking when he would have another chance to win an EBWF singles title. The voice wasn't going away and it was affecting Zack's focus for his match at Aftermath.
Zack didn't dare tell Trent how he felt, because he was scared of hurting his friend's feelings. Trent seemed thrilled about getting the chance to team with Zack on a regular basis, but of course Trent was also getting a singles push. In Zack's eyes, Trent's victory of WrestleMania was a sign of how much faith EBWF had in the former Dudebuster... The Breakout Title existed to take guys like Trent to the next level. And while Zack didn't resent his friend in the slightest, he needed to know if EBWF were planning to take him "to the next level" or if all they had in mind for Zack was keeping him in a tag team with Trent.
It was for this reason that he had set up a meeting with EBWF's EVP of Talent Relations, Stephanie McMahon. The meeting had been scheduled for Thursday, three days before Fallout. As Zack stood outside Steph's office at EBWF headquarters, he paused for a moment before knocking. He hoped the meeting would be a positive one but was nervous about the prospect of Stephanie telling him things he didn't want to hear. He tried to get those thoughts out of his head and after a deep breath, he knocked on the door. Seconds later, Stephanie opened it and greeted him with a smile.
Stephanie McMahon: Hello Matthew, please come in.
Matthew Cardona Jr. spent so much time being Zack Ryder that it still surprised him sometimes when people that weren't his family or close friends called him Matthew. He tried not to let this show as he followed Steph into the office and sat at her desk. Steph moved some paperwork she'd had on the desk to one side, then looked up at Matthew.
Stephanie McMahon: So what would you like to discuss?
Matthew Cardona Jr.: Well Stephanie, I'm really grateful for how much exposure the EBWF has given me recently, but I feel like I'm getting mixed signals about my future in the company. As much as I love working with Trent, I thought I was brought in to work as a singles superstar and I wanted to make sure you still have faith in me as a performer.
Steph frowned slightly, but she seemed sympathetic rather than annoyed.
Stephanie McMahon: Of course we have faith in you, Matthew. That's why you were on the WrestleMania card and why you've been in the main event on Warfare twice this month. If you remember, you and Trent asked us if you could work together. Given the history the two of you have with Curt Hawkins, we thought that was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Matthew Cardona Jr.: I understand that but maybe Trent and I had different ideas when we asked if we could work together. During the feud with Hawkins, we were allies rather than a tag team. Now we're in a Tag Title match at Fallout and as much as I'd love it if Trent and I become the Tag Champs this Sunday, I'd be happier if I was being given another chance to win a singles title.
Stephanie sighed. Now she seemed annoyed.
Stephanie McMahon: Matthew, do you know how many EBWF superstars would jump at the chance to take your place this Sunday? There are people like Carlito and Dolph Ziggler that haven't even been booked, Eddie Edwards is working a dark match and I'm sure both Jimmy Jacobs and James Storm would prefer to be getting a Tag Team Title shot than opening the show in a match where nothing but pride is at stake. In case you haven't noticed, EBWF's tag team division still hasn't recovered from John Laurinaitis and NBC trying to wipe it out completely. We're trying really hard to revive the tag division but we don't have many teams to work with. Hawkins and Reks indicated that they wanted a Tag Title shot, as did R-Truth and JTG. We assumed you and Trent would be grateful too... not to mention we know the two of you can give the TLC match something extra. We want it to be a great match to make sure that the fans know EBWF cares about its tag team division. You and Trent can help make the match great, but if you'd prefer not to be a part of it I'm sure Wade Barrett and Sheamus would be happy to "take you out" before the match. Is that what you want?
There seemed to be a hint of a threat in Stephanie's question and Matthew made sure he worded his response carefully. He didn't want to get bumped from the pay-per-view and he knew Trent would be pissed off if that happened.
Matthew Cardona Jr.: Of course not... I didn't arrange this meeting to request a different match at Fallout. I can't wait to work the TLC match and you have my word that I'll do everything I can to make it a great match. I don't want to speak for Trent but I know he's excited too. And if you decide to put the titles on us, I can guarantee we'll make those belts matter. I was just wondering if you had a long term plan for me and whether or not that plan involves me sticking with Trent.
Stephanie's expression softened and Matthew breathed a silent sigh of relief.
Stephanie McMahon: I don't know what the long term plan is for you, Matthew, but I can assure you your days of working as a singles wrestler are not over. We think you and Trent can be a draw both individually and as a team, but right now we need you more as a tag team. Trent is doing a great job as the Breakout Champion and I haven't forgotten that you had a Slammy-winning run as the X-Division Champion the last time you were with us. Whether it's the Breakout Title, Path To Glory or even the Intercontinental Title, I'd be surprised if you haven't had a reign as a singles champion by the end of the year. But you know better than anyone that you don't get a damn thing in this business without working for it. So prove to me that you deserve to be a Tag Team Champion, that you can help us put the Tag Titles back on the radar... and then when the tag team division is looking healthier we can discuss a singles run for you. Does that sound fair?
It sounded more than fair... Matthew felt reassured but also made a mental note of the warning that he still had to prove himself.
Matthew Cardona Jr.: Absolutely. Thank you, Stephanie... I promise I won't let you down.
Resisting the urge to fistpump, Matthew shook Steph's hand before leaving her office. As he stepped outside of EBWF headquarters, he put his sunglasses on and muttered one word three times.
Matthew Cardona Jr.: Woo woo woo...
