Jay Briscoe vs. Sami Zayn
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2014 2:49 pm
He continues walking through the backstage area whilst rubbing his hands through his hair out of worry, confusion and anger as to who tried to pull such a stunt. He walks over towards the interview area where HD monitors are set up with the EBWF logo on them as he walks over towards Renee Young very slowly.
RENEE YOUNG
Sami; once again another impressive performance out there against a determined CJ Parker who looked to have you beaten until you pulled through and did what you promised you were going to do, plant the Helluva Kick on to CJ Parker for the win, how does it feel?
SAMI ZAYN
Well, Renee as I said earlier I was coming into Warfare tonight with one thing and one thing only on my mind and that’s to pick up a win; because last night when I lost to Syxx, that wasn’t me. I needed to make sure I don’t go on a bad run from here and I have done that by defeating CJ; someone I know very well which is why that match out there was enjoyable to be in and by the sounds of it, great for the fans as well.
RENEE YOUNG
Talking of your loss to Syxx, many outlets have started to say you’re becoming a ‘nearly man’ in the EBWF, when the big opportunities come by you just don’t capitalise…not my words but is that the case?
SAMI ZAYN
Well even if I say no, that’s not going to change anyone’s opinion on me really is it, Renee? I go out into the ring in every single match expecting to win whether it’s against CJ Parker or if I ever do get the big boys of the EBWF inside the ring. I might’ve come off second best against Syxx for one night, but for the remaining 364 days I walk out the winner. Y’know there’s only so much the company can do to keep the top stars away from the rest of us inferior guys but when one opportunity arises Renee you can bet that I’ll capitalise on the situation and grab the opportunity with both hands and walk out as the winner. I was nearly the champion that one night but next time that won’t happen; I don’t even care which top star they put me in the ring with, I am definitely not a nearly man.
RENEE YOUNG
Sami there was a lot of tension backstage when you pulled a stunt by overlooking the personnel and the technical staff when you decided to forcefully play a video package that wasn’t officially signed off, can you tell us what that video was all about if it was so important?
SAMI ZAYN
Are you kidding me, Renee? I was hoping you guys could enlighten me as to who decided to pull a stunt like that and clearly try distracting me from my match with CJ Parker? I haven’t pulled any stunt and I haven’t overstepped my mark on anything or abused the technical staff or stop them from doing their job, if I want something do it, I’d do it by the rules so whoever decided to do that should step up to the plate like a man or a woman and tell me why and whatever the hell that video was all about because I’m not taking the fall for this one.
RENEE YOUNG
Uh, I see…well it was good talking to you Sami, enjoy the rest of your evening.
The cameras shut off as Sami was standing there looking very confused as to whatever Renee was accusing him of after hearing what she had to say about that confusing video package.
SAMI ZAYN
What the hell was that Renee?
RENEE YOUNG
I’m just telling you what was going on backstage, the computers stopped working and the lights switched off back here also, on the paper it said you signed off on it; and I heard Stephanie McMahon is looking for you as well; we all genuinely thought it was you.
SAMI ZAYN
Stephanie McMahon? Well, this ought to be fun. And no, it definitely wasn’t me, I’m not that full of myself to put images of myself and stare at them, that’s for sure.
Sami Zayn walked off looking visibly disappointed that the blame is falling on his shoulders whilst still maintaining his innocence on the matter. He walked into the locker room and went to have a shower, before getting changed, putting on his blazer and his flat cap but he didn’t leave the locker room with his luggage. Instead he shut the door behind him and proceeded to walk through the backstage area clearly looking for somebody. He walked through with EBWF personnel still looking at him not happy with what has happened, but he held his head high and walked through the administration office area; and eventually stopped at the door of the office Stephanie McMahon was using for the evening.
He sorted his t-shirt out as well as his blazer before scratching his beard and sighing heavily, eventually knocking on the door and waiting for a second for an answer.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
Come in!
Sami slowly opened the door, and popped his head through the gap in comic fashion to test Stephanie’s mood, as expected she wasn’t too pleased and Sami acknowledged that and opened the door and walked in like a grumpy child about to get into trouble in school.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
Sami, take a seat please.
SAMI ZAYN
Look Stephanie I didn’t…
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
…Sit Sami; shut the door behind you.
Sami shut the door and like a child walked over to the chair on the opposite side of the desk and pulled it up, sitting down and resting his arms on the desk; crossed over.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
Sami, I don’t if you know this but I am the Vice President of Talent Relations here in the EBWF so I liaise between our superstars and divas and the EBWF board. That means let’s say, over half an hour ago I was in a meeting with the board watching the show; live. Live is the key word here Sami because it means everything goes on air and yes, you guessed it your stunt earlier on went live on air. It wasn’t in the script; yet they’re still accusing you of going behind managements back and signed off on a certain video, which I think we should watch together, don’t you?
SAMI ZAYN
Well you’re not going to let me have a say in this or believe me for that matter so sure, let’s watch it again and maybe YOU can shed some light on this matter for ME.
Stephanie looked at Sami and smirked at the confidence before pressing play on her laptop and turning it around for them both to watch.
After watching the video together she shut the laptop and crossed her arms sitting on the laptop as Sami didn’t shift from his position, with his arms resting on the desk.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
So Sami, is there anything, anything at all that you feel the need you have to tell me, any issues I am the woman you come to and we iron out any issues.
SAMI ZAYN
Ma’am the only thing I need to tell you is that somebody is out there gunning for me because I personally feel he is afraid that I quickly rising up the ranks here in the EBWF and wanted to scare me out of the picture, whoever it is I have no idea; but it was not me.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
Sami, what did you mean by the EBWF is not safe; is that a threat?
SAMI ZAYN
Your continued interrogation will get you nowhere ma’am and I believe you’re wasting your own time because I told Renee on live television in front of thousands in attendance and millions at home and I am telling you now – I did nothing. I didn’t shut off any lights like I pretend to be The Undertaker and I didn’t move any objects like a Poltergeist, the EBWF isn’t haunted either but for your own satisfaction perhaps we should have an exorcism here so we can really see if there is something here playing with all of your minds.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
Sami, is this all one big joke to you? Don’t you realise the issue at hand? You went behind managements back and abused your position here by playing a CD for the world to watch and you signed off on it. You messed around with the lights and you shut down the EBWF computers, our important social media account were inaccessible and security systems were all jammedso we couldn’t track that it was you, but it was enough because we saw the form you signed off on Sami, and it shows that it was you. What we…I and the board decided is that you won’t be suspended because you’re too valuable an asset, the go-to-guy every week and you perform your socks off for the fans and I understand money isn’t important to you but competing is, so after pulling some strings you won’t be suspended but you won’t be paid for the next two weeks; I have signed off on it and I hope you understand the decision that was taken. Saying that, you will be in action next week at Warfare in Portland, another surprise for you, another newcomer to the EBWF and another superstar you probably know very well; Jay Briscoe so I hope you prepare well for that.
SAMI ZAYN
Well ma’am, you are right. Money makes no difference to me, I will work my ass off in that ring for free if I need to and I’ll be the happiest man on the planet. What matters to me is honesty, integrity and trust and it’s obvious you and the board won’t believe me at all so it’ll be useless even trying to fight this. But ma’am the flaws I picked up in your little rant at me is that one, it makes me wonder just how these people end up on the EBWF board, are they too stupid to realise I just cannot be at two places at once to do something as childish as turning off lights to spook the little kids and I’m the last person who is familiar with technology so there’s that. Ask anyone on the roster and every single one of them will tell you I have nothing to do with it and they have no knowledge whatsoever. Secondly, you were there when I sign on the dotted line for the EBWF, why don’t you look in your little folders over there and pull out my contract and see what my signature looks like; and then show me the infamous paper you’re suggesting I signed off on.
Stephanie looked at him for a second before doing as he said, she pulled out a copy of the paper as well as Sami Zayn’s contract and placing them on the desk for Sami to examine, as he looked over; he burst out laughing as Stephanie looked on in anger and confusion.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
What’s so funny?
SAMI ZAYN
What’s funny is that you’re all either blind, stupid or both I mean...Ha…I mean wow it’s right here in front of you, my contract in print and signed on the line Rami Sebei; now correct me if I am wrong but on this so called paper…my own name is spelt wrong. Don’t you think I know how to spell my own name Stephanie? But like I said, I’ll take your punishment on the chin and I will walk into Warfare, but I hope you’ll do the right thing and make sure the people and everyone in this company realises that THIS wasn’t me, and I’d like it if you can do me a favour this time and find out just who did this. Oh, and you’ll make a really bad investigator.
Sami smiled as Stephanie acknowledged ‘defeat’ in this back and forth verbal battle between them both and smiled back as Sami walked out but walked back in one more time.
SAMI ZAYN
Oh, and Jay Briscoe is a fantastic start on making it up to me; I won’t let you down.
She smiled again and went to sit behind her desk as Sami Zayn whistled his way backstage, dancing as nobody was watching him on his way back to the locker room.
- - - - - - -
It’s Friday September 12; the cameras are at the EBWF Performance Center where Sami Zayn is training before heading off to Portland, Oregon for Warfare which takes place on Monday. Sami finishes up his workout and walks towards the area where the cameramen have set up to hype the Monday Night Warfare where Sami Zayn will be going one on one with Jay Briscoe. This interview piece is focusing on Sami Zayn and how the independent stars are taking over the wrestling industry and his journey to the big stage in the EBWF.
He hasn’t had a change of clothes as the cameramen want to convey the hard work and dedication Sami Zayn goes through in the build up to every single match he competes in; with the sweat patches visible on his ‘InZayn’ t-shirt and the sweat still shining off his forehead; he quickly wiped it off with a towel before clipping a microphone on to his t-shirt and start talking about his experiences so far.
SAMI ZAYN
Most of you know me by know, I’m you’re every day, normal guy who just loves to wrestle; plain and simple. There are no gimmicks, I am what and who I am and that is someone who wants to be the best and I think my time in the EBWF has shown and proven a lot of people wrong. I’m not here to be a jobber and I’m not here to lie flat on my back and get squashed by the bigger names here in the EBWF. I think I am just one of a rare breed here in the EBWF; the biggest wrestling promotion in the world and I am proud to be one of the few independent stars that proved the world wrong and made it to the big time. That’s why management can’t handle it, that’s why the big names who didn’t come through independent ranks and some fans can’t handle it, they can’t handle it when I walk out as a winner and make a name for myself, they can’t handle it when CM Punk does the unthinkable and an independent star becomes the champion of the world. They refuse to acknowledge Chris Sabin as a true star, they won’t believe you if you tell them Austin Aries is perhaps one of – if not the finest talents not only here, but in the world. And let’s not even get into Daniel Bryan, the guy who wasn’t supposed to make it? The compote opposite of what a superstar should be? Hey, don’t just take my word for it, I know it won’t matter to anybody what the generic Sami Zayn says; but we show it and we have proven it that independent stars are taking over the business whether the big names in the company like it or not and of course I won’t mention any names in case management decide to punish again but I’m pretty sure you’re all know who I’m talking about; nobody has heart like I do and nobody has the determination and how difficult it is to make it to the big time like we independent stars do.
I love it, I really do, I am only satisfied when I do one better than the next independent superstar, I am happy when they succeed because only I know how tough that can be. To see all the guys again from the days in Ring of Honor and to see how far we have all come is refreshing and the EBWF only took it to a whole new level when they acquired a new talent. A talent that probably wouldn’t need an introduction to the two thousand or so fans that pack out smaller arenas on a cold night but I’m guessing the majority of the EBWF would need to know who the hell Jay Briscoe is. Jay Briscoe is another independent star like me, like Punk, like Austin, like Daniel who deserves to be here probably more than 80% of the roster because I know first-hand he loves this business and I know he’d love nothing more than to kick my ass on Monday Night on Warfare and you know what, that’s perfectly fine by me because he’s kicked my ass before and I’ve beaten him as well but for guys like me and him it doesn’t get bigger than this. Okay, I know I probably won’t ever headline a WrestleMania or any other event for that matter until I really make the management notice me but what I can do is do what I do best, put on the match that you people will be talking about for weeks, and who better to do that with someone I know so well in Jay Briscoe? He’s ruthless, he’s won gold in promotions before and I wouldn’t put it past him to do it again here but I’d tell Jay to his face to get in line buddy because there’s no way I’m being Mr. nice guy inside of that ring and he certainly shouldn’t mistake me being a good sport as someone who is running scared because I’ve defeated guys he can only dream of stepping into the ring with. I know, my only achievements here in the EBWF include losing to Syxx in the one chance I had at capturing a prestigious championship and I failed miserably but I think the positives outweigh the negatives, I genuinely believe a win, an impressive win against Jay Briscoe will propel me back into championship contention, and Jay needs to do everything in his power he can to stop me because I don’t want it the easy way either, I want to make sure Jay realises that I’m not the same old El Generico with the mask that didn’t care if he won or lost; of course I care. I care that that the fans go home thinking about Sami Zayn, I care that management don’t think I am good enough to hold this company and it’s my job to defeat you in your first match and prove that I am. The mask may be off but I’m still the same old Sami Zayn deep down and if Jay blinks, it’s game over my friend, I say it every single week but nobody has seemed to take my warnings seriously; I may be a small guy compared to your Cena’s and your Ryback’s but if you take a look at my wins, you’d better believe the sole of my boot causes enough damage that you have no idea where you are; come Monday that will be Jay Briscoe…just like the good old days.
Sami smiled as the cameras faded to black after some strong words from Sami Zayn as he continues to prepare for his big match against Jay Briscoe on Monday Night Warfare.
- - - - - - -
It’s now Monday September 15 and we’re in The Moda Center in Portland, Oregon as the arena staff are busy setting up the ring and the remainder of the set for Warfare which takes place in only a couple of hours. Sami Zayn is backstage with his ring gear on but wearing a t-shirt and with earphones in as he walks through the backstage area to pump himself up for his match with Jay Briscoe a little later on. As he continues to walk and nod his head along to the music he is listening to. He is approached by a member of EBWF personnel and he takes out his earphones before being told he needs to speak to Stephanie McMahon and he jogs towards her office to see what all the commotion is about before finally seeing her pacing in her office.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
Okay, now I believe you.
SAMI ZAYN
Okaaaay? And what changed your mind now?
Stephanie glares at him before slamming down a rough, brown piece of paper with scribbles writing over it.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON
This was found on the inside of a car of a poor, scared young lady working for the EBWF in the media department, how it got there, who put it there and what it means; we don’t know. But she is scared and again, no record of where this was sent from and whether she was targeted on purpose but Sami that could have been anyone’s car, mine, yours and even someone from the board and that wouldn’t have sat down well with them.
Sami Zayn picks it up and decides to read it out loud; quoting it word for word but looking confused throughout the letter.
SAMI ZAYN
“HAHAHA! Well, well, aren’t you all giving Mr. Sami Zayn more credit than he deserves? I must say I did find it quite amusing how a number of intelligent minds couldn’t put 1+1 together and realise that somebody like Mr. Zayn isn’t capable of anything remotely intelligent. He focuses on things that do not matter to people like me and that is the reason he will never be the champion he is oh so desperate to become in your company. I’m just here to make it easier for him and for you. Treat it however you want as advice from a friend or a warning from an enemy because Sami Zayn isn’t the only target, he is one of many on the list. It’s only a matter of time before you feel my presence in the EBWF and I expose every little detail of your petty little lives. I don’t care if I am exposing the dirty little secrets of your champions or I delve into Ikeda’s resources that they’ve works so hard to build up and spread joy across this dark, dark world by giving out their fortune to people that need it the most. Your secrets will be exposed in good time but for now I suggest you simply play a simple game with me, all I ask for you is to be patient. Because I am coming and secrets WILL be getting exposed, now it is up to YOU and the fans that cheer for you if you are with me or you are against me. Secrets will be exposed, whether you like it or not.”
Well I can see why he sticks to computers his penmanship, wow. Anyway; I have no clue what to make of this or is this is someone just playing a game; I say do it. It’s for me, clearly and I’ll play the waiting game, it won’t distract me so I’ll just go out there and do what I do the best and that is perform to win, starting with Jay Briscoe tonight. If anything happens, I can deal with it but I think this is just bullshit that will disappear by this time next week; this doesn’t go out, and it will be dealt with.
Sami Zayn scrunched up the piece of paper again and threw it into the garbage can on the opposite side of the room before celebrating like a child that he got it in; sticking his earphones back in and jogging out of the office.
- - - - - - -
A couple of hours later and the first match of Monday Night Warfare is already in the books. The cameras go backstage where Sami Zayn is standing alone, smiling into the camera; no interview, just words to Jay Briscoe before his debut against Sami Zayn.
SAMI ZAYN
Judging by my imaginary watch in less than ten minutes for the first time in EBWF history we will be hearing the music of Jay Briscoe blast the PA system and we will hear…well I don’t quite know what we will hear. Will it be thousands of cheers by the people who have either seen him or have no idea what a Jay Briscoe is? Maybe it will be a chorus of boo’s because they just cannot stand the sight of you? Or maybe we won’t hear anything at all? Silence by the fans because they just don’t know what to make of you but don’t worry Jay, I know you like to shuck and jive in your spare time too, so please feel free to dance along to my music with the fans when it hits the PA system; we don’t want you to feel left out here because everyone knows we are all just one big happy, dysfunctional family in the EBWF.
I know, the fans don’t know what to expect and perhaps five years ago I would know what to expect. I would know what mood Jay would be in, I would know his next five manoeuvers before he could even figure out what they were called, our bouts were competitive; our tag team matches anyway. Today? Not so much. I’ve not seen Jay Briscoe in years, he might look the same, he could be bigger, smaller, tattoos, piercings or whatever; but I don’t know what to expect apart from the fact that I am going to defeat him, and I’ll make sure he goes through the greatest of initiations in the EBWF because even though I know him, I won’t make it easy. He’s never been on a stage like this and I won’t allow him to take my spot in the EBWF, a spot I am working ever so hard for, I won’t let some jackass try distracting me by making videos sat at home and writing letters for me to read, if anything that inspires me, inspires me to kick you in your skull that little bit harder.
Jay this is a whole new ball game, this is new territory for you, and I’m no El Generico you think you can still push about and bully because this is a bigger stage, more camera, more spotlights, more fans, and more pressure for you because I’ve dealt with it so far. I’ve had big matches and for you this is just the beginning, in fact you’re probably still running around in your life thinking Adam Cole is right around the corner ready to kick your ass…again. You’re probably afraid, afraid of him, afraid of losing, afraid of losing to me for sure that won’t sit well with you I already know that, so I suggest you prepare yourself for the situation when you walk out of your EBWF debut with a loss to your name, much like I did but I fought back; do you still have that determination that we independent stars are famous for? Prove it to me tonight, I urge you, bring it tonight; leave your body on the line for these people so you make sure they remember you as the man that did anything for a reaction.
I don’t know if it was just me, or perhaps all of the indie guys backstage think the same thing, damn why didn’t the EBWF try to sign your brother Mark instead? I mean we all know he’s the better of the Briscoes, the real star attraction that indie fans came to see, but I guess you’ll do; defeating any Briscoe is better than defeating no Briscoe at all. I’ll see you in the ring Jay, just like old times.
Sami Zayn smiled as the fans cheered loud for Sami Zayn before starting the ‘Ole’ chants as Warfare cameras faded out into a commercial break.