RENEE YOUNG
Sami! Very unlucky out there tonight in a fantastic match against Justin Gabriel and you came up short, what are your thoughts on this match?
SAMI ZAYN
This is probably the first time I’m genuinely lost for words, you have no idea how it feels to come up short in your dream, I was THIS close to knocking his head off his shoulders and taking the win, but now. But let’s not beat around the bush here Renee, let’s not follow any scripts we’re supposed to be following let’s just get down to what everyone around here is really thinking. What, a week after being so vocal about some of the top stars sleeping their way to victories, Justin Gabriel gets one too? That doesn’t sit well with me but Renee what do people like you and me have to do? We sit back on this rollercoaster and go on this journey of ups and downs and we watch the top guys do what they have to even though they’re not good. They’re not as good as me, they’re not as good as Seth Rollins, they’re not as good as the Austin Aries or even the AJ Styles of this world but yet we all have to sit back and watch these superstars go out there and making a mockery out of this trade we call wrestling. Is it fair? Nope. Should it be that way? Nope. But…ha…but it’s okay in their eyes, the top guys they don’t care, because all Gabriel and Cena and Orton all they enjoy is the lavish lifestyle, they don’t care about this company or this trade because at the end of the day as long as an Ikeda signature is on the cheque they live every single day with a smile on their face thinking they deserve this, not me. Guys like me aren’t happy with cheques we’re happy with recognition…something I’m not getting. I don’t go out there, get my ass kicked for twenty minutes and come back with three moves to pick up a win. My body takes damage and I’m asking myself right now Renee, is it worth it? I seriously don’t think it is, as much as I love the fans do I really want to put my body through so much more for damn wrestling politics to judge which direction my career is going in? It’s not worth it when I believe I am one of the best here yet I can’t get past Justin Gabriel when I have done far better all over the world and very soon you…
Sami Zayn is then approached by a staff member who tells Sami he has to stop now.
CREW MEMBER
Sami that’s all, that’s all we can take it’s just not what you should be saying and you need to go and cool your head before someone higher up decides to have a word with you.
SAMI ZAYN
Oh so now I can’t talk without permission from your higher up authoritative figures now either? The problems continue to grow over here but as always, Sami Zayn will continue to keep schtum because that’s the only things he’s damn good at around here…
Sami then storms off on camera as Renee Young looks a little taken aback by Sami’s aggressive reaction compared to his calm demeanour he is famous for; it’s obvious the losses here at EBWF are taking a toll on him. He continues to walk through the backstage area and into his locker room, where he slams the door shut and startles some of the EBWF workers backstage.
Moments later Sami Zayn emerges from the locker room with his bags packed and in his normal attire, of jeans, his ‘InZayn’ t-shirt, the blazer with the flat cap; and now he seems to be in a much better mood, obviously the time to cool off did him some good; he slowly shuts the locker room door and rolls his suitcase along the ground as he walks, he then smiles as he sees the booking agent approach him as Sami hopes he still gets another opportunity to showcase his skills.
BOOKING AGENT
Sami, nice to see you have calmed down now, ha-ha.
SAMI ZAYN
Yeah…how much of that actually went on air?
BOOKING AGENT
Well, I could lie to make you feel better but considering you’ll probably watch the re-run later this week, your…attack on the top guys went on the air a little and I can tell you that this sort of behaviour doesn’t usually sit well with the board…I know…before you interrupt me it has happened before with other guys and they’re let off the hook, but you’re still new here, know your role Sami, keep your head down and let your wrestling do the talking. I know how good you are, it’s one of the reasons I recommended the board to sign you up, and I am glad you accepted. However…they were impressed. They’re impressed you spoke out and got that load off your chest…so, I am pleased to tell you that I expect you to train harder this week because next week you ARE in action against Seth Rollins…
SAMI ZAYN
You’re kidding me right? You ACTUALLY pulled through and got me Seth Rollins in a one on one match? On a Warfare card? That match is pay-per-view standard! That is awesome! How did you…
BOOKING AGENT
Hold your horses Sami, I’m loving the passion and you will get Rollins one day, you’re both excellent superstars and two of our finest…let’s keep the fans interested, let’s not give them what they want straight away, let it build up a little and hit them when they least expect it. Which is why it’s not only Seth Rollins, but also Mr. Kennedy in a triple threat match next week on Warfare.
SAMI ZAYN
Ah, so there is a catch. Erm…yeah that’s fine I guess a match is better than no match, I’ll see you next week; do I still have my TV time next week before the match?
BOOKING AGENT
I believe you do so prepare well for that, and you have the radio interview this week as well so make sure you represent the EBWF at a high standard, no more outbursts and try promoting the match between you, Kennedy and Seth as much as possible, okay?
SAMI ZAYN
You got it dude, I’ll catch you next week.
Sami Zayn shakes the booking agent’s hand as continues to walk, he then suddenly stops and stares at the wall; and he smiles even more when he sees a poster of Seth Rollins hung up on the wall. He stares for a second and smiles to himself, tapping on the poster before he exits.
SAMI ZAYN
One day buddy...one day.
- - - - - - -
We’re at the radio station now as Sami Zayn is already sitting inside the booth with his headset on, leaning into the microphone, opposite him are the host and one of the regular panellists the show has for extra insight; and this week they are focusing on the EBWF, Sami Zayn and Warfare. They are currently on a break as the host is guiding Sami Zayn through what they might discuss as Zayn co-operates as they all share a laugh, before Zayn leans forward even more and we are on air once again.
RADIO HOST
Well ladies and gentlemen welcome back to the show, just before the commercial we were reviewing last week’s EBWF Warfare card with some great matches, a new champion in CM Punk as well; the new Path to Glory champion so congratulations to CM Punk on his big win. But we do have a special treat for you listeners this week, taking time out of his training for our entertainment is a well-travelled wrestler, who sadly lost last week to Justin Gabriel, Sami Zayn is in the studio this week ladies and gentlemen.
SAMI ZAYN
Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure being here!
RADIO HOST
Not a problem Sami, erm there is a lot to get through, a lot of questions popping up in my head, a lot questions on our Facebook page, fans are Tweeting, calling in and everyone is expecting answers, one of the more popular questions is that fans want to know the context and reasoning behind the infamous outburst earlier this week; we know some of it went on air some of it didn’t, erm what…what was all that about?
SAMI ZAYN
Ha, yeah I expected this to come up. Look I mean everyone gets frustrated, some people get frustrated at the lives they’re living, some get frustrated because their careers aren’t going the way they planes, I get frustrated too and I get frustrated by losses, when I probably don’t deserve the losses. I’m not a big-headed superstar, I don’t expect fans to fall at my feet, I don’t expect championships to fall at my feet but I just got frustrated at losing to Justin and as good as the match was I thought I had his number, obviously not. But I’m not going to get into all of that again, it’s history I said what I said out of anger and out of frustration and I can only apologise to the board or anyone else who might have been offended by any of the comments which were aired; and I hope to right that wrong next week at Warfare.
RADIO HOST
One of the more popular topics which comes up is surrounding you, and your obsession with a certain Seth Rollins, I mean since you stepped foot in the EBWF from your first promo up until this past Monday even, it seems as if you are fixated on the idea of Seth Rollins, what is this all about or are we looking too deep into this matter?
SAMI ZAYN
Obsession is a strong word, do I want to defeat him? Of course I do. Why do we superstars and divas compete every week? Because we’re obsessed with wrestling and being than the next guy. Why do you guys bring in us superstars for your radio specials? Because you’re obsessed with having higher ratings than your competitors. Seth Rollins, everybody knows his name, everybody knows who he is but what the fans and what you don’t know is the history I have with him. The independent scene is where we both made our names and look where he is and look where I am, we’re the exact same whether he wants to believe it or not. The only reason he refuses to believe in me because of the success he had with his buddies in The Shield, look at the heights they reached, I have never had anything like that. Now for years – yes years – I have been sick and tired of people believing Seth Rollins is this incredible performer, the first of his kind, the best the independent scene or Ring of Honor has ever produced yet we’re cut from the same cloth, we’re almost identical except people refuse to acknowledge me as a serious threat, always the underdog whilst they refer to Seth Rollins as a future World Champion. So if you think that’s me obsessing then so be it, Seth knows this and I know this, we’re the same, it’s not clear who the better man was and who will be, and this match at Warfare actually won’t prove it either becausr they decided to throw Ken Kennedy into the mix, but I agree with the decision. A one on one match between Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins on a stage like the EBWF is every independent fans dream, it will happen. Until then I need to try picking up wins and changing people’s mind about me and trying to make them stop thinking Rollins is leaps and bounds greater than me, that definitely isn’t the case and it won’t be when it comes down to it.
RADIO HOST
I understand, now another big topic is that there is a lot of talk in the EBWF about personal lives and issues cropping up, we heard Justin Gabriel talk about it last week, a sensitive issue to say the least, comments about sleeping your way to the top, what are your thoughts on this?
SAMI ZAYN
It is a sensitive issue and although I am here to talk about my match against Rollins and Kennedy, this is something which should be addressed but somebody who isn’t about that life. I’m not the only one that’s for sure and I am certain there are guys at the back who are sick and tired of having to see certain partners and wives pop up, I mean they’re more important than us at times! But no, and I am sure Seth Rollins would even agree, this business is about wrestling to the top, and it’s true sometimes that is not the case, with social media taking over it’s difficult to avoid, I don’t even use it and I’m sure the top guys are aiming jokes at me every single day but all you have to do as superstars and fans is to avoid it and look forward. That’s what separates those guys in Gabriel, Orton, and Cena whoever; their personal lives are under the microscope, sometimes intentionally sometimes not. This is why I respect the likes of Ken and Seth, we keep our professional lives professional, and our personal lives are never mentioned; which is why we’re better; that is all I can say right now.
RADIO HOST
And I respect your opinion on that matter, so yeah let’s look to next week where you take on Mr. Kennedy and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match; why should we tune in to this match?
SAMI ZAYN
If you’re a fan of no-nonsense wrestling, technical wrestling at its finest and you want to see a loudmouth get his butt whooped then I suggest you tune in on Monday! We all have some great chemistry together, especially me and Seth since our independent days so that is an important factor as well heading into it, it’ll be interesting with Ken but I am positive we will go out there and steal the show like we always plan on doing and I’m positive I can walk out the winner this week. It’s not only us, we have some beautiful, talented divas competing, the Breakout Championship as well so yeah, do tune in if you want first class entertainment.
RADIO HOST
Ha-ha…I like you Sami, I like your style.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m a little lost, I…what?
RADIO HOST
You, you’re style, this swagger, this whole nice-guy persona and the fact you don’t talk too much about your opponents, that is respect and I like that Sami.
SAMI ZAYN
Oh, yeah that’s something I am used to doing, be humble and stay humble and let the fists do the talking on the night, and you beat whoever is standing in front of you to a pulp until they tell you they respect you.
RADIO HOST
Respect, that’s not something the John Cena’s or the Randy Orton’s have for you is it?
SAMI ZAYN
Now you’re putting words in my mouth Mark! Ha, I don’t care if they respect me, if anything the bookers are keeping them away from me because imagine the tabloid, imagine the websites, imagine your radio show when the headline reads Sami Zayn defeats John Cena or Sami Zayn defeats whoever…they’ve done what they needed to get where they are and I’ll do things my way. I don’t need to talk about them, or my opponents to show I am better, I already know that.
RADIO HOST
Okay, so in your ‘humble’ opinion Sami, who are the best superstars in the EBWF, forget popularity, forget who has achieved what, you’re well-travelled, you’re a worldwide phenomenon, tell us, tell the listeners.
SAMI ZAYN
I won’t say me if that’s what you’re after, the best superstars in the EBWF? You can press record and quote me for your websites, AJ Styles and Seth Rollins are the best; period. And on Monday when I step into that ring and I defeat who I believe is the best, then you can judge me on that.
RADIO PANELIST
Bullshit.
SAMI ZAYN
Excuse me?
RADIO PANELIST
You heard me man, bullshit. It’s all bullshit, everyone that comes out of your goddamn mouth is false, this isn’t you; you talk all that garbage about people changing but you’re the one changing, this is clearly a script you’ve been fed. You’re telling us that after your outburst on Monday there is absolutely nothing you want to say about Seth Rollins and Mr. Kennedy? Nothing at all? You’re a fake Sami, you always were and you always will be, the best thing YOU can do is go put on that mask so nobody has to see you again.
Sami Zayn takes off his headset in anger and stands up as the crew try to calm them both down, Sami is having none of it and picks up the microphone so he can talk into it for all the listeners to hear.
SAMI ZAYN
You want to hear it? You really want to hear it? Mr. Kennedy, old, irritating, loudmouth, sly, sneaky, mediocre…has-been. Seth Rollins this person who wants us all to believe in the evolution of Seth Rollins, the architect…cocky…and he’s not better than Sami Zayn and you’ll see why on Monday. You really want to hear me talk, then I guess me promoting Warfare ends here, tune in and listen to it all yourself; what I really think of my opponents.
Sami Zayn slams the microphone down and clearly frustrated once more, cutting his interview short and leaving the studio with tensions now running high, the listeners are eager to hear what he really has to say about Seth Rollins and Mr. Kennedy on Monday.
- - - - - - -
It is now Monday and we are already into the Warfare card with the triple threat match between Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins still yet to come. Before the match does go ahead we hear Worlds Apart by CFO$ blasts the PA system and the fans begin clapping their hands in sync with his music as he appears on stage with a smile on his, nodding his head to the beat and smiling as well. He makes his way down the ramp, high fiving the fans as he quickly gets up the steel steps and into the ring, walking around the ring before being handed a microphone so he can speak before the match.
SAMI ZAYN
What’s going on Phoenix?! You all enjoying yourselves so far? Good, that’s great. But don’t worry plenty more excitement is yet to come your way because in a few moments time two men are going to walk through those curtains, make their way down that ramp and proceed to kick my ass and tell me I don’t belong here, but judging by the noise I am hearing right now, I think it’s safe to say you believe in me and the fact that I belong here, right?! Ha. Let’s forget about last week, let’s forget about that loss to Justin Gabriel and look forward, look forward to tonight. There’s an issue, an issue that people don’t think I speak my mind so tonight the reason this microphone is in my hand is because I am telling you what I think of this match, first off I am happy I am even competing; every superstar wants that and I’m fortunate to be on every card since I have joined. I have defeated the legendary Undertaker and R-Truth as well but this match right here is where I think I have the most left to prove. Mr. Kennedy….what are you still doing here? I mean the last I thought I saw of you was when the WWE realised you’re not a useful asset and they threw you out with the rest of the garbage because all you do is yap, you just talk and talk and talk and you feed us with YOUR garbage every single week and I don’t know if it’s just me but right now it sounds like these fans are sick and tired of you too! Look, it’ll be an honour to defeat you, it’s always nice to pick up a win – especially against a former Money in the Bank holder but we all know how that went down - but in your case I think I’ll make an exception because when the referee’s hand hits the mat for the three count, you will keep your mouth shut and silence will have never sounded so good! I appreciate you still believe you still have it, you were great at one stage but granddad I just don’t think you can hang with the younger, more agile talent any more.
I mean, when you actually go to The Undertaker, this dark entity and you befriend him and use him as your muscle, that kind of gives off the vibe that you need all the help you can get and let me tell you buddy I’ve beaten The Deadman before so if he decides to show his face around here again then next time I’ll make sure he’s kicked so hard back into the casket that he can’t sit up again. Without The Undertaker Ken, you’re just another washed-up wannabe superstar who still thinks he can be the big name the EBWF so desperately needs; I’m here to hit you with the steel chair of reality that it won’t be happening, certainly not against a determined Sami Zayn who wants this win more than anybody here can imagine. Y’know we’re all lucky I don’t have the gift of being a loudmouth or being as irritating as you Ken because I’d be sat here repeating my own name multiple times, listing my personal achievements and trying to make sure these fans remember who the hell I am, I admire you for that it must take a lot of effort to make sure people still recognise you. Actually, you could say I envy you in some way, you’re almost 40-years-old; your career is winding down, you can no longer do more than five moves before you’re out of breath and probably need an inhaler, but if you were to walk down the street full of wrestling fans you would get noticed and people would shout your name back at you; with me…not so much. If it was me I’d just be some normal ginger guy who should probably never become a World Champion in a wrestling company; tonight it’s my job to change that and it’s just unfortunate that you’re going to feel the brunt of my frustrations and determination, the desire to win.
Fans then begin to cheer as Sami Zayn lets his feelings be known about Mr. Kennedy who should be making his way out to the ring soon for their match, but Sami Zayn hasn’t finished yet as he still has more on his mind he wants to talk about.
SAMI ZAYN
That brings us to…Seth Rollins.
Fans cheer as he mentions Rollins’ name, seeing the smile on Zayn’s face when he said his name also triggered the cheers as fans knew he is someone Zayn wants to compete again in the future.
SAMI ZAYN
Seth Rollins…there’s a reaction. I don’t even know where to begin with you Seth it just seems pointless trying to make my feelings be known when this company probably will always value you higher than they will ever value me when they don’t realise that you and I aren’t so different anyway. You can fly, I can probably fly higher. You put your body on the line, I do the exact same seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you’re a technician – the so am I but you need to tell me Seth because I don’t understand, why doesn’t anyone else see it that way? I know deep down you have the same respect for me that I have for you, I’ve been in your shoes, shared your sorrows, the happiness when you made it to the big time, I know how tough it is living life on the independent scene so I thought you’d be generous enough to return that favour, those feelings as two close superstars but I guess I was wrong. The big spotlights in the EBWF probably changed you and you stopped competing for these fans and started competing for yourself. I get it, it’s important, it’s so important to make a name for yourself and do things yourself because at the end of the day we do have to look out for number one, I’d do the same…but then again I didn’t have a Roman Reigns or a Dean Ambrose carrying me for a couple of years. I do everything I do for these fans, these fans turn against me then I have nothing to compete for, it’s their reaction, the amazed look on the children’s faces when we do things nobody else can, that’s not you any more is it? The last time I heard from you Seth, you called me ‘a disease to professional wrestling’, I was only one of ‘a bunch of guys competing to get YOUR title’, where’s that title Seth? Not coming here to rub it in my face after so many accusations, so much confidence that you were the better man, okay you last a mere minute longer than I did but the end result was the same. Am I still irrelevant in your eyes?
You certainly think so, so imagine what your reaction will be when I defeat you tonight, possibly a breakdown considering you believe I am at a low point in my career. I won’t even disagree Seth – I probably am at a low point because I expected to get more, I think I deserve more here…but if you’re so much better than me as you say, why are you STILL in a match with ME tonight? You think you should be facing the Cena’s and the Punk’s of this wrestling? I KNOW I should be facing them, the only difference is you model yourself off CM Punk, recycling his old theme music from back in the day and using it as your own because you want to be like him, not me. I want to be Sami Zayn, the guy who leapfrogged the Cena’s and Punk’s of this company and became the best superstar this business has ever seen compete in this ring.
Fans start chanting his name as he speaks some truths about Seth Rollins, something the media and superstars have been wanting to hear since his debut.
SAMI ZAYN
A disease to professional wrestling, ha, Seth that one was pretty good, even for you somebody who hates to have a laugh. I don’t ruin these fans experience, you do. They’re here to see the real Seth Rollins something you’re not giving them any night. THIS is what I live for, this is the best night of my life and next week will be greater, and the following Monday will top that and so on and so forth. You just love bringing up the mask as well don’t you Seth? Good ol’ El Generico, maybe I was generic, maybe that was the gimmick that was made for me but that same generic masked wrestler was the one the fans paid to see, not a CM Punk rip off.
Fans cheered at that sly dig at Seth Rollins before Zayn continued to let his feelings be known.
SAMI ZAYN
You said everyone respects me? NOBODY respects me here because I learnt the hard way by eating a Batista Bomb and a Beauty Shot to the jaw, that I’ll have to earn it, YOU don’t respect me Seth but you will, that is my purpose. I don’t need a mask, I don’t need a CM Punk to replicate, I don’t need a Roman Reigns, I don’t need a Dean Ambrose and I certainly don’t need you to tell me I have no purpose and that I am nothing special. You saying that won’t make a difference, the fact that I’ll defeat you and Ken tonight, and go on to better you in every single way and hold the World Championship before you do, THAT will prove you wrong, it’ll prove you shouldn’t have doubted me in the first place and that even though I may be generic in your eyes, I am still better than you and that says a lot about the person and superstar you’ve become, you haven’t impressed me either. I was better than you, with the mask. I am still better than you, without the mask. In the words of your old buddy…believe that.
Fans cheered as he finally got round to talking about Seth Rollins as he dropped the microphone on the canvas, his music playing on the PA system once more as we head into a commercial break, Sami Zayn gets back on to the top turnbuckle and poses; once we’re back from commercial the triple threat match between Sami Zayn, Mr. Kennedy and Seth Rollins will be underway.[/center]