Toy Story

[Will]

The EBWF World Heavyweight Championship. A leather strap with large pieces of gold attached; it is alluring enough to drive any man in this industry insane. A man can go to any length or depth to get a chance at the EBWF Championship. There are those of us who earn the prestige of this belt, through honor, hard work, dedication and through most of all enduring all the turmoil to see the light at the end of the tunnel to earn that achievement. There are also those who prefer the shortcuts. They want something so badly, but they're not willing to work for it, they want to use their power, their wealth, or their status to manipulate themselves into a prosperous situation. Some call it fate, but Chris Jericho surely calls it something else.

Warfare was over and the EBWF World Champion was truly conflicted. AJ Styles who was still in Los Angeles sat alone in his lavish hotel room watching the Warfare replay. He felt so disrespected during his segment with Wes Ikeda, but it was something he had come to expect from his boss whenever the cameras were rolling. Off screen the two were cool, not best buddies, but cool enough to fraternize with one another. Certain moments of the segment would be re-winded and played again over and over.

“Chris Jericho is better than you on his worst day.”

AJ Styles: “Bullshit.”

“It's your funeral.”

By this time Styles had so many different thoughts running through his head. Did Wes plan on taking the title of him and putting it on Jericho for the eight time? Was this his way of saying he didn’t appreciate him as his World Champion? Jericho and Ikeda were always very close, but this program between them was blurring the lines of reality. Jericho had seemed to alienate those close to him and now he was solo, on his own, without a friend in the world.

AJ Styles: “No.”

Yes, he just realized that he had done the very same thing. He was all alone. Finally, he had earned all he had been aspiring for since joining the company, but at what price? His bed was empty, no one there to comfort him. Lauren was gone and he couldn’t deny that he missed her. His best friend was currently a bottle of Jack Daniels that sat next to him. Mike Mizanin hadn’t spoken two words to AJ outside of a promo since he told him he had started seeing Layla, AJ’s ex-girlfriend. He couldn’t help but to think he was wrong for the way he reacted to the entire situation by trying to stand in the way of two people he cared about being happy. Styles couldn’t stand the quilt and decided to go to sleep. Tomorrow he would be on long ride to Anaheim and he needed all the rest he could get. So after curling into his sheets he thought it would be easy to go to sleep, but the thought of loneliness was eating him alive and he tossed and turned for the next few hours. Eventually he drifted away from consciousness into a deep sleep.
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Sounds of weeping filled the room; his vision was blurry although he appeared to be in a church. A small crowd of maybe thirty sat and they were all dressed in black. The organ played a very gloomy melody while an unidentified minister took the stage. AJ Styles sat in the front row of the sanctuary and he was dressed in his own black 3-piece suit. He didn’t know how he got where he was and what was going on. His attention was grasped once the minister began to speak.

Minister: “We are gathered here this morning in the memory of one Allen Neal Jones.”

Styles’ heart sank, he looked to the person next to him and touched them, but they didn’t notice a thing. It was as if he wasn’t even there.

Minister: “He was a father, son, brother, and a true champion. He died on Sunday May 27, 2012. As we remember him, our sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends that he left behind, especially his former wife Wendy, their three sons, Ajay, Avery, and Albey, along with the rest of the family.”

He looked behind him to see his ex-wife sitting with their three boy’s right beside her. They were all dressed in black, but only the children seemed to weep over their lost one, while their mother looked on with a cold heartless expression. He tried to get their attention to let them know he was there, but he failed yet again.

Minister: ”They, along with their families, grieve in a special way today before the loving God of Heaven. And they are joined by extended family, friends-

The rest of the minister’s statement was blocked out and now Styles was looking around for some of his friends. Nobody was there to mourn him. None of his old co-workers from TNA, Joe, Frankie, Daniels, nowhere to be found. None of the friends he made in EBWF, Paul, Jamie, Heath, Lauren, Mike, Layla, Ted, not even Trent Baretta. By this time the minister had finished and the casket was opened to reveal the corpse of the Phenomenal One. Styles was drawn to his body and as he stood above himself looking at total death he came to realize how he failed to leave a memorable mark during his life.

AJ Styles: “Jesus Christ!”

Sweating profusely he had finally waken up. Sitting up in his bed and turning on the light he was trying to come to grips with reality. He was alive, yet still alone, nothing changed. If he died tonight then nobody would care. That made him sick to his stomach. Sure being a champion was something special, even accomplishing it seven times ala Jericho is a feat on it’s on, but to be forgotten by the ones you thought were close to you, it hurt deeply. He had to make amends with those he had pushed away. He didn’t want to be anything like Chris Jericho. He wanted his friends, his fans, and the people that cared about him. He didn’t want to lose any more than he already had. He didn’t even want to be EBWF Champion seven times, simply because he didn’t plan on losing his first one for a long, long time.

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Before leaving Los Angeles AJ Styles was set to have an interview with Rob McNichol, wrestling reporter for English newspaper The Sun. This was the first time this year McNichol had been to the states, his last time being in December to promote Christmas Eve of Destruction. He had done an exclusive interview with Chris Jericho at the time and AJ Styles felt it was only right and fly him back out for another EBWF exclusive. Upon arrival the World Champion greeted his guest before preparing for the interview.

Rob McNichol: “First I want to say thank you. I’m a big fan the wrestling industry and I’m so excited to be attending Death before Dishonor this Sunday. I can’t wait to see you go one on one with Chris Jericho as I’m sure it will be a classic for all of the diehard wrestling fans like myself. To top it off it will be inside of a fifteen foot high steel cage. You’re pretty familiar with these types of matches so would you like to express your game plan going into this match?“

Styles had a slight smirk on his face and responded without hesitation.

AJ Styles: “I have to be honest with you, Rob. I have no sort of game plan going into this thing. I’ve been inside a Steel Cage with both Brian Kendrick and Mr. Anderson and each time I had no game plan going in. This is no type of match that you can prepare yourself for. I can tell you one thing though; you can almost guarantee that you’re going to get hurt. That steel is unforgiving and one simple mistake and you can find yourself bleeding like a stuffed pig. You can only win the thing by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage over the top or through the door. My opponent Chris Jericho hasn’t been in that many cage matches over the past few years, so I have an experience edge on that front.”

Rob McNichol: “Excuse me, but Chris Jericho has been in two Hell in a Cell and a Elimination Chamber matches over the past year. I believe that plays into the experience factor of this match.”

AJ Styles: “I would have to disagree with you there, Rob. Steel Cage Matches are very different from the others. Sure, Jericho has been in various ones, but has he actually won any of them? Not that I can remember. He probably knows how the pain feels of the steel against his skin and in this match, with this cage, he is almost guaranteed to feel a little bit more. See, the cage surrounds the ring in a very in closed space, not like Hell in a Cell or the Elimination Chamber. You don’t have the space to breath and there is no where to run. That is perfect for me because I have been waiting on the chance to get my hands on Chris Jericho and this Sunday I promise you, he is going to pay.”

Rob McNichol: “I see. All of this came started when Chris Jericho attacked you from behind with a lead pipe after the Aftermath pay per view and left you out of action for almost a month. During the time we saw Chris Jericho also sneak attack the EBWF CEO Wes Ikeda. Now surely Chris Jericho has to have various motives, one being the World Championship. I’m intrigued to see how he deals with this, seeing as one of the only guys I’ve seen that is greater than AJ Styles is Wes Ikeda.”

Styles looked confused after the last statement.

AJ Styles: “What?”

The interview cracked a big smile and nudged the shoulder of the Phenomenal One.

Rob McNichol: “Well, the Coast-to-coast is the greatest move eve-

Styles abruptly cut him off and began to rant.

AJ Styles: “Wow! You love your old school don’t you? I could go Coast-to-coast and do about four or five backflips in the air. Doesn’t that say anything? Look, let me put this in a simpler way so you can understand it. Wes Ikeda couldn’t beat me in his prime… You know what, I’m done talking about it, I’m trying to be a nice guy. Let’s continue…”

Rob McNichol: “Mr… Mr. Styles, I’m sorry if I offended you. Uh, let’s talk about what’s going on right now within the EBWF. The tag team division seems to be back alive and prospering and there are a ton of new faces emerging on the scene as of late. The main event scene is looking up with the return of John Cena and Randy Orton who are in their own respective rivalries at this moment. How do you feel being on your own finally without the helping hand of the Miz and Ted DiBiase?”

AJ Styles: “I actually don’t need their help. I never did. Proved that when I won this championship and when I defended it. I didn’t need any help then and I definitely won’t need any help this Sunday night.”

Rob McNichol: “I did not mean you need the Trilogy at all. Who knows, maybe Wes Ikeda can help you out, but certainly not Trilogy.”

Now Styles was beginning to look annoyed.

AJ Styles: “What is wrong with you?”

The foreigner looked confused.

Rob McNichol: “What? I’m a big fan of Wes Ikeda. I was a part of his fan club last year before it closed down and I’m even thinking about starting it up again. Think about it for a second. I still love-

Sudden rage in his eyes, Styles stepped a bit closer to the interviewer and made his statement loud and clear.

AJ Styles: “Don’t you say it, don’t you dare say it!”

Intimidated the reporter quickly changed the subject.

Rob McNichol: “Anyway, we're here to discuss the pay per view, Death before Dishonor. Tell me champ, is there any match on the card that you’re looking forwarded to other than your own?”

AJ Styles: “The entire card is solid from top to bottom. If you come out to see us live or you order it on pay per view then I can almost guarantee you will be getting your money’s worth.”

Rob McNichol: “I’m sure it will be action packed, just like The Avengers, which is currently in theaters. I read on Twitter that Wes Ikeda loved The Avengers movie.”

Now Styles was obviously pissed and looked at the reporter as if he wanted to choke him.

AJ Styles: ”You know, Avengers was a damn good movie until you brought up Ikeda. Now I don’t even like the movie. I’m not going to get it on DVD when it comes out, because you keep bringing up Ikeda! It ruins my day when you talk about this guy. God, get off his nuts. Let’s talk about the pay per view for crying out loud.”

Rob McNichol: “Okay, Death before Dishonor. This will be your first one on one match with Chris Jericho since joining the EBWF. Upon making your challenge for this match you were threw under the bus by Wes Ikeda. How did that make you feel?”

Silence took over for an awkward moment before Styles finally spoke.

AJ Styles: “Livid. Just like I am now. This interview is over. I’m leaving.”

Without any farewell Styles left the room immediately leaving the foreign reporter alone to himself.
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Still in Los Angeles, AJ decide to make one final stop before heading to Anaheim. After a few failed phone call attempts to Lauren, he pulled up to a house located within a quiet suburban area and got out of his car. While approaching the front door he began to contemplate on what he was doing. Not second guessing himself he continued towards the door. After a few knocks Styles appeared nervous before someone finally came. The door opened and AJ Styles was face to face with his former girlfriend Layla El.

Layla El: “Um, greetings Allen. What a surprise.”

Allen Jones: “I know right, I surprise myself sometimes.”

Layla El: “Well, what brings you here so unexpectedly?”

He looked into his ex-girlfriends eyes and responded hesitantly.

Allen Jones: “Actually, I’m here to apologize to you.”

Almost flabbergasted Layla opened the door a little more to hear what he had to say.

Layla El: “Go on.”

Allen Jones: “I want to apologize to both you and Mike. Is he around?”

Layla El: “Yes, I’ll go get him.”

Allen Jones: “Wait, before you go I wanna say something to you. Layla, I’m so sorry. Sorry for the way I treated you when we were together. I know I told you I loved you, but the fact is I only used you for my own selfish reasons. Then, I even got angry when you and Mike began dating. Being selfish. I always wanted to see you happy and for the first time in a long time I can see that happiness back on your face when you are with Mike. I was wrong for trying to stand in your way of happiness. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Layla looked at him for a moment before finally responding.

Layla El: “I forgave you a long time ago, Allen. Let me get Mikey, be right back.”

She stepped inside and the door closed behind her. A small smile came across the face of AJ while he waited. A few seconds passed and the door opened again, this time it was only Mike Mizanin standing at the door. He didn’t look pleased to see his former best friend. After stepping outside and closing the door behind himself Mizanin folded his arms while he continued to stare a hole through AJ.

Mike Mizanin: “Jones.”

Allen Jones: “Mizanin.”

Mike Mizanin: “I’m not one for nostalgias, so cut the shit. What’s up?”

Allen Jones: “I’ve come to bury the hatchet between us. I’ve had a lot of time to think and with everything going on in my life, the pressures of being the World Champion, I lost sight of something that has always been important to me. Friendship… If possible I would like for us to have that once again.”

Mike Mizanin: “Let me get this straight, you came all the way here to ask me to be your friend again?”

Allen Jones: “Yes. I should have never let storylines cloud my judgment. It was wrong for me to oppose you being with Layla in real life. I should have been focusing on what I had going on in my own life. Maybe if I did, Lauren would have never acted the way she did.”

Mike Mizanin: “Listen man, I have no grudge against you. But if we are going to be friends, then I have a few questions I need to ask you.”

Allen Jones: “Shoot.”

Mike Mizanin: “Name the current; Superbowl Champions, World Series Champions, and Playmate of the year.”

Allen Jones: “New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Jaclyn Swedberg. Duh.”

Both men smiled and embraced each other in a hug,

Mike Mizanin: “I missed you, bro. I’m glad you stopped by. Come inside, let’s catch up. You can tell me about your big match with Chris Jericho this Sunday. Maybe I can give you a few pointers.”

Allen Jones: “Sure, you can even tell me all about that injury of yours.”

Mizanin laughed out loud while opening the door and inviting AJ inside. The two entered the house while joking with one another about random things. The feeling of loneliness AJ was experiencing was gone. He was nothing like Chris Jericho. He had friends and this time he didn’t plan on losing them.
___________________________________________________

The Honda Center was empty. The only thing in the arena was a Steel Cage that surrounded the ring. Inside stood the current EBWF World Champion, AJ Styles. With the belt draped over his shoulder and dressed for competition the Phenomenal One wasted no time speaking his mind.

AJ Styles: “I remember when this steel structure that surrounds me was used only if a rivalry grew so intense that there was no other way to settle it. Nowadays it seems that I am continued to be tested with this type of brutality. See there are a lot of people out there that don’t think I deserve to hold this strap. Men like Chris Jericho, hell I wouldn’t be surprised if Wes Ikeda didn’t like the fact that I’m the man. Let me take you back to the end of last year. There were a few heated remarks thrown between myself and the man who owns this company. I didn’t think anything of it, but now I’m beginning to see a pattern. “

A sadistic looking smirk arose.

AJ Styles: “First, he placed me in a Glass Table Match at his own personal pay per view which was designed for me to fail. It didn’t work, because I came out victorious. Then I came into this New Year and against all odds I went on to defeat twenty nine other men including Chris Jericho to win the 2012 Royal Rumble. While the critics continued to doubt me I went on to have a barbaric series of matches with the very talented Mr. Anderson, Biker Chain Matches, Steel Cage Matches.”

He took the chance to point at the cage that currently surrounded him.

AJ Styles: “If that wasn’t enough, I wrestled in a No Limits Match against The Miz at WrestleMania, where I earned the right to call myself the World Champion. A few weeks later I fought Ted DiBiase in a No Holds Barred Match and then to top it off I walked into Aftermath last month and wrestled my ass off for an entire sixty minutes to RETAIN my World Championship. Where has Chris Jericho been during all this? The hell if I know. When I do see him around he’s complaining more than me and that’s saying a lot. If my memory serves me correct and I’m pretty sure it does, Chris Jericho has only been in not one, but two matches this year. Two. Did he win either one? No way. He walked out of one and was thrown out of the other. What does that say about my challenger? The best in the world at what he does? Not a chance. Jericho, while you’ve been off doing whatever it is that you do, I’ve been here climbing the ranks, solidifying myself as the top dog, bringing legitimacy back to this World Heavyweight Championship.”

He held the belt up for the camera to get a good glimpse before draping it back over his shoulder.

AJ Styles: “Newsflash Y2J, this is 2012. I’m not the best in the world, no. I’m the greatest in the galaxy! All of the brutal matches I’ve been a part of over the past year I’ve begun to build somewhat of a tolerance for pain. While I’m pretty sure I will be hurting after this match, I’m even more positive that you will be in more pain. Not wrestling, touring foreigner countries, collecting all sorts of dust up your ass will in fact be a large factor in this match. One year ago at this event I was in the ring with you Jericho. We were inside the Elimination Chamber together vying over this here World Championship. It’s ironic I tell you. You said that I would tire myself out and be the first one eliminated. What did I do? I went out there and proved you wrong. I showed you that I too am able to adapt to my environment and change the pace at any time. Now I want you to prove me wrong. Prove to me that you aren’t just an old man tooting his own horn. Prove to me that you are still the best in the world at what you do. Prove to me that your desire to be World Champion is deeper than my own. Hell, prove to Wes Ikeda that you are better than ME on my worse day. That’s just it, that’s just the thing, I don’t think you can.”

After a few breaths Styles continued.

AJ Styles: “EBWF is still the place where the very best are the World Champion. You have to earn this World Championship. 2012 has seen three different champions within Brian Kendrick, The Miz, and myself. Each one of us EARNED the right to carry this gold. Brian Kendrick defeated Chris Jericho twice to win and retain this belt. The Miz beat Brian Kendrick twice to win and retain and I was the one to beat Miz twice to win and retain this belts. So, the way I see it, I’m already better that Chris Jericho by default. Chris Jericho, you say you don’t have a problem with me. You say it’s not personal. Well, I’m sorry to tell you this, but I have a problem with you and it is personal. I sick of the disrespect you’ve shown me, the fans, and everyone else in the locker room. Jericho, you think I’m nothing more than a glorified mid-carder who was just at the right place at the right time. Well, I say tonight is the right place and the right time and if you have the balls that you sure as hell overcompensate for with those fancy jackets and all that false bravado, then you will take this championship from me and knock my ass back to the mid-card.”

Styles paused for a moment, starring into the camera with an intense glare.

AJ Styles: “Now I’m sure you will be seeing red when we enter this cage tonight. You will be hitting me as if I was Wes Ikeda himself. Thing is, I’m not Ikeda. I’m The Phenomenal AJ Styles, the EBWF World Heavyweight Champion and tonight I’m going give you a rude taste of reality. Trust me, you won’t see any Kaientai out here tonight, hell I don’t want those two buffoons anywhere near me. The fact that you justify your premeditated attack on me at Aftermath on those two making an appearance is total nonsense. I don’t like those two, just as I don’t like you, and if they take it upon themselves to stick their nose in my business again there will be no saving their asses. No, that’s not the reason for your assault on me. I think I know why you did it. You see the martyr you once were within me. The desire within me to be the best, the courage, and commitment I show each and every night. Even the commemorations I receive from the people. It has to eat at you up on the inside, being Woody, the old toy that’s stuck in the toy box, while you watch me, Buzz Lightyear get all the attention.”

A smile appeared and he continued.

AJ Styles: “After tonight you can go on to deal with Ikeda and there will be nothing more between the two of us. Because tonight I plan on defending my World Championship and moving on to another challenger, so you won’t have any other choice. You will just have to live with the fact that on this night, at Death before Dishonor, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The scene faded black with Styles starring intensely into the camera.

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(OOC: Not completely satisfied with this RP, seeing as I could have put forward a lot more effort. All in all I think it’s solid. I hope it’s an enjoyable read for you all and feedback is always welcomed. I wanna wish good luck to everyone who participated tonight. Good luck to Ben as well. Hope we get a chance to do this again in the future. )

[Ashlee]

Solid indeed.

And for the record: off-screen, Wes is very pleased with Mr. Jones. :D