The final stop before the annual Fanniversary event was taking place in Portland, Oregon. Enzo Amore picked up a victory over The Miz on his EBWF debut, Adam Rose and Justin Gabriel picked up victories meaning the two would compete next week to determine who the Path To Glory Champion will be. Main event time, the second main event for Sami Zayn in the EBWF since his arrival whilst Dolph Ziggler continued to impress, just like he always does, wherever he goes. After a passionate and engaging discussion with the fans surrounding his need for victory and how he admires Ziggler’s success in wrestling; the time for talking was over as the two men went at it, giving the fans something to remember on their way out. In a back and forth match, the fans could see the frustrations of coming close to victory was getting to Zayn and his head, resulting in Zayn doing something out of the ordinary and trying to reach for a metal bar to attack Dolph Ziggler with – a side that the fan-favourite has never shown before. Although the referee stopped him, thankfully, Dolph Ziggler capitalised by hitting a Zig Zag from out of nowhere, stunning the audience as the Show Off took the victory out of Zayn’s hands.
As the referee called for the bell, Ziggler’s music blasted the PA system as he showed off in front of the crowd, cheering for Ziggler and his win but sharing their disappointment with Sami Zayn who came up short, once again. Zayn rolled out of the ring, wincing in pain as he held his lower back, but sitting on the bottom of the ramp and looking up into the ring, shaking his head in disappointment as he breathed heavily and then stared at Dolph, acknowledging that the match was great and the better man won. He stood up on to his feet and applauded Dolph and the fans before turning away, not meeting the fans as he usually does and allowing Ziggler to close out the show and have his moment, disappearing through the curtains. Walking backstage, still holding his back he managed to reach his locker room and take a seat, wiping away the sweat with a white towel and leaning forward, pouring a bottle of water over the back of his head before placing the towel over his head once more. He put his head in his hands as an EBWF camera was waiting for him in the corner, capturing his reactions to his defeat. Noticing the camera, he looked into the lens and stared into it for a moment or two before sighing heavily and deciding it was time to speak up.
SAMI ZAYN
And just like that, everything I didn’t want to happen, happens. I…I genuinely thought I could defeat Dolph tonight, no, I needed to defeat Dolph tonight and carry my form on into Fanniversary, but the better – not the best – man won on the night and I congratulate him on his win as bad as it looks on me, the number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship, I’ll be back much, much stronger. I heard what Dolph had to say about me, generic, boring, can’t insult properly; all of that which…I have heard time and time again in my own career, that was nothing new to my ears either. But he took my respect for him and his career as a deep, disturbing fandom and that’s okay somebody has to be a Dolph Ziggler fan, it may as well be Sami Zayn. You beat me tonight, congratulations but that won’t stop me from believing I will be at the top of this business one day, I can do it and when I do it I hope you’re there watching every single minute of it and realising you were wrong all along. You could make me famous, the difference is I don’t care about fame, I care about recognition, something I believe I am beginning to get, that’s what drives me to perform for the fans and when I am in that ring next, whether it be next week on Warfare or at Fanniversary itself, they know I’ll do everything to pull out with a win, everything but reach for a stupid metal bar which I had no intentions to actually beat you over the head with. You said you didn’t know me, and you didn’t care. But I felt the energy after the match, you’ve noticed me and that makes me a threat to you. We’ll meet inside that ring again for sure, hopefully when one of us has gold around his waist; and on that occasion, I will turn the show right off.
The cameras moved away from Zayn who continued to cool down from his match as the EBWF crew began to pack the equipment for the show next week. Sami already knew he wouldn’t be competing next week, he had a week off to get to grips with the gruelling Fanniversary schedule, it being his first Fanniversary event in the EBWF and hopefully not his last as his attention turned towards Syxx and the gold he would try to capture on the second time of asking. A week off was exactly what Sami needed, catching a flight back to Montreal to spend time with his family and friends before flying out to Philadelphia for the Fanniversary festivities he would be involved in. After catching a well-needed shower and a fresh change of clothes, he packed his suitcase in the locker room so he could leave for the airport right from the arena, rather than having to go back to his hotel. He waited in the parking lot, browsing the web on his cell phone as he met some of the EBWF superstars on their way out – well the ones that recognised him anyway. Eventually he heard the horn as his cab pulled up, placing his suitcase in the trunk of the cab as he took a seat inside, making his way to the airport to head home.
He finally reached the airport and after going through all of the security checks and the regular routine, he had a short while to wait before he could board his plane to Montreal, deciding to sit down at a coffee shop inside of the airport, he took a few sips of his coffee as he pulled down his flat cap and looked down so he wouldn’t be recognised at all. Eventually his cell phone vibrated as he pulled it out of his pocket. He started to touch the screen a couple of times before smiling to himself and started to reply back; obviously knowing who the person on the other end is. Sami’s final message was arranging to meet back in Montreal the next day as he put his phone away and took his coffee with him, getting on to the flight he needed to catch.
On the plane, Sami managed to finds his seat amongst the ruckus and the other passengers trying to barge past one another to get their luggage in place and make their way to their seats. Sami took one look at his ticket and tried to squeeze his way through some larger ladies blocking his way as he straightened his blazer up before taking a seat. As he took his seat next to the window he rested his head on a headrest and sighed heavily, relieved that this would all be over soon. He opened his eyes for a second before putting his headphone over his ears and closing his eyes again. Moments later, the headphone fell off and he opened his eyes, nobody caught his eye so he assumed they did slip off. He closed his eyes again and the exact same happened, so he looked around to see who was doing it, again; nobody. The third time, he managed to grab the arm of a teenager who was sitting in the seat in front of him, a heckler who clearly wasn’t a fan of Sami Zayn and actually recognised who he was; the fact he was wearing a Dolph Ziggler shirt didn’t help his chances of trying to talk the kid into stop messing around.
PASSENGER
You’re Sami Zayn, aren’t you?
Sami smiled to himself and looked back up amongst the ruckus; before responding to the kid.
SAMI ZAYN
I am indeed, you know if you wanted my attention you didn’t have to do all of that, you could have called my name.
PASSENGER
I know, I just thought I’d piss you off instead.
SAMI ZAYN
Excuse me?
PASSENGER
Can I tell you something, Sami?
SAMI ZAYN
Uh…sure, go ahead…
PASSENGER
You suck, by far the worst superstar in the EBWF but it was totally worth watching Dolph kick your ass tonight.
SAMI ZAYN
And, why do you hate me?
Sami sat up, knowing he could make the kid’s night by staying in character decided to respond, realising the kid took this very, very seriously.
PASSENGER
Y’know you just suck, every Monday me, my Dad and my brother laugh at you because you’re just desperate to make us all love you but instead me and my friends are laughing at you during class the next day.
SAMI ZAYN
I suck, c’mon let me hear something new kid. Since the day I walked through the EBWF door everyone told me I suck and to this very day everyone still tells me I suck, cut me some slack here kid.
PASSENGER
I’ll be honest, I thought you were okay when you came here something new, something fresh but nah, I just don’t like you, you waste my time and I hate it when you’re stupid face is on my TV every week, tonight it was worth it though and I can’t wait until Fanniversary to watch Syxx kick your ass again.
SAMI ZAYN
I can’t wait until Fanniversary either, because this time things are going to go to plan and this time when I take the flight home I’ll have a championship title sitting next to me, I’m telling you this so you can prepare yourself well in time, Syxx is good, he’s really good. But now I know what he’s capable of, I think, I know I am better.
PASSENGER
You’re really not, I’ve watched wrestling my entire life and that included you before you showed your face. Before you were a smelly, masked ginger asshole, and now you’re the same smelly, ginger asshole but now you’ve decided to show your face, you’re boring. You’re one-dimensional, you say the same things, you do the same things and that’s why I don’t like you because as Dolph Ziggler said, you put people to sleep when they look at you, that pisses me off so at Fanniversary I hope the fans turn on you and then I hope the tables turn and Syxx puts you to sleep instead.
SAMI ZAYN
Well, first off I’m glad you’ve watched some of my old work, most fans haven’t yet they still love me – THAT is why I go out every week, even for you, to give you guys your money’s worth, and because I love it. I can tell you now, 90% of the roster, 90% of the guys I work with week in, week out don’t love wrestling, they love everything that comes with it, that’s who you’re cheering for, they’re the guys you hope kick my ass, not wrestlers, but superstars; there’s a difference and hopefully one day you’ll grasp that, and understand that it’s guys like me that keep wrestling alive, whether you think I am boring or not, I don’t need a gimmick any more to do what I love, mask or no mask. You can love Dolph Ziggler, Syxx, John Cena or whoever you want; in my mind everything I am doing, I am doing right and that can make me very dangerous, dangerous for Syxx and anyone else who stand sin my way as I aim to reach the pinnacle of this business, and deep down you’re just worried, worried that this boring person could actually, somehow one day be the man of the company, and you hate it don’t you? Your opinion matters to me kid, and if you think Syxx will kick my ass then that’s your opinion but I don’t like upsetting anybody that hasn’t done anything wrong so you go to your brother or your Dad or your friends in class and you tell them all that you were wrong, because once Fanniversary is over you’ll be the first to admit you got me all wrong, and now you love the new Intercontinental Champion.
The kid nodded his head a little, acknowledging the fact that Sami fought his case well as he slumped back into his heat, admitting defeat in the small battle before the flight could take off. Eventually Sami rested his head back once more and put on his headphones for the remainder of the long flight back to Montreal.
- - - - - - -
Tuesday October 14th 2014 – 2:00PM – Family Home – Montreal
After a long flight, Sami Zayn decided to spend the first night at his home to catch up on sleep before meeting with his family the next day for dinner at 2PM. He had a busy week or so ahead of him, spending time in Montreal before flying back out to Philadelphia for another full week of media duties for Fanniversary, little things he loved to do to put smiles on fans faces.
At his family home, he and his parents had finished dinner as Sami’s Mom started to clear the table.
DAD
Aren’t you competing next week, son?
RAMI SEBEI
Not next week, no. I’ve got Monday off but I am still flying out this Sunday anyway as we have a busy schedule, a lot of media work I need to do and then it’s Fanniversary next Sunday so busy times ahead Dad.
DAD
Good, that’s good. You know me and your Mom are proud of you, we don’t see you a lot in person since you started wrestling on smaller shows and now that you’re in the EBWF we’re seeing even less of you. That’s not me complaining, son, me and your Mom and your cousins and Uncle’s and the rest of the family always watch you in action and I sit in my chair and I think that guy is my son, that guy on TV, the guy thousands and thousands of people are cheering for, THAT guy is my son.
RAMI SEBEI
Well, you and Mom have supported me in this dream, and now I am living it on the biggest stage in the industry and without you guys I’d probably be stacking boxes in a supermarket somewhere. To think in two weeks I could be the Intercontinental Champion, not many guys get this chance twice, Dad. I know the writers and creative has faith in me, I need to make sure I put on the greatest performance I can, but I don’t know; something just feels missing to me. Like, Syxx will win and I could be back at the bottom and forgotten, I don’t want that.
DAD
What’s troubling you, son?
RAMI SEBEI
Nothing out of the ordinary, we’re always living in a little bit of fear and a little bit of excitement. Excitement because you don’t know where this journey could take you next, you could be on your way to the World Championship or you could be a jobber who hardly gets TV time, it was a big decision to sign with the EBWF and continue without the mask.
DAD
Ah, the mask that made you the man you are today. I watch you every week, son. Even if you’re not competing, I’m a big wrestling fan too, you know that. As a fan I can say those fans love you, but there will always be guys who tell you you’re not good, those generic cheap shots aimed at you will follow you every place you go but that is what makes you, you. Syxx will do everything he can to make sure he makes you look like a fool in front of everyone, you can’t succumb under the pressure to become something you’re not, just like your antics with Dolph Ziggler, that can’t happen. You are good in the head Rami, and you have a big heart and a determination to succeed like I’ve never seen before. A good heart and a good head are a formidable combination, you have both in abundance more than you’re opponents, so I expect you that your next visit home, that seat next to you won’t be empty because that belt will be sitting there. We know you can do it, you know you can do it but most of all, Syxx knows you can do it as well and you need to make sure he doesn’t think otherwise.
RAMI SEBEI
Oh I believe in myself, everyone in the EBWF knows that, whether I won or lost my opponents know I won’t stay down. My last match with Syxx wasn’t exactly how I wanted it to go, he did rule me out first but I get it that was my own mistake. I ruled him out and he made me pay the ultimate price by embarrassing me in front of thousands and thousands of people at Destiny, and since that day people have seen me in a different light and that tag, ‘nearly man’; I need to make sure I erase that next Sunday, Dad.
DAD
I get it son, just go out there and do what you do best. If you go in with the right mind set, and you don’t do the same as you did last time in regards to getting under his skin in front of the camera; I believe you’ll walk out as the new champion.
Sami just smiled at his Dad to ease his mind as the two continued chatting, Sami knew he had a massive task ahead of him. Not only to defeat Syxx, but to make sure he doesn’t repeat the same mistakes, make sure he drops that ‘nearly man’ tag that had been following him sicne his WWE days. It was time to right those wrongs and show the EBWF that the future really is now. There was respect for Syxx, since day one in fact; Sami Zayn never really disliked anyone but he knew if he was too nice it could backfire, in this case he was too aggressive and it backfired anyway. He lost to the experienced veteran, a man with a glittering career that had achieved everything possible in any promotion; Syxx proved to Sami Zayn that he may be older, but he is still as intelligent in that ring as he was in his glory days; you could say Syxx’ glory days are occurring right now, it was up to Sami Zayn to do everything in his power to make sure he gets the fans on his side and make it clear to Syxx that the Sami Zayn he faced weeks ago wasn’t as determined as the one that will step into the ring with him.
- - - - - - -
Tuesday October 14th 2014 – 9:45PM – Moe’s Diner – Downtown, Montreal
Spending the day with his parents was needed for Sami, he doesn’t see them a lot in the first place and he knew he would make them proud by simply competing on an EBWF pay-per-view. The same night, Sami paid a visit to a Diner he was familiar with, Moe’s. He was sitting at a booth in the far corner, sitting and reading a newspaper as sipped on coffee which was still steaming, in front of him a half-eaten sandwich as he took off his flat cap for a second to scratch the top of his head before putting it back on, not looking up. As he did that, he heard a noise in front of him, heavy breathing as someone had taken a seat in front of him, Sami looked up and smiled, and the person he arranged to meet in the Diner had arrived. Sam Johnston, some may know him as Sami Callihan who had performed alongside Sami Zayn during his El Generico days, but now some fans may simply know him as Solomon Crowe.
SAM JOHNSTON
Ah, I see you ordered the half-eaten sandwich I wanted, how’s it going, man?
RAMI SEBEI
Ha-ha, great to see you, what are you doing up here in Canada anyway?
SAM JOHNSTON
I have a few media things to do, radio shows and stuff so thought I’d catch up; a week off my man, what’ve you got planned?
RAMI SEBEI
Well, I’m spending a few days at home, I’m heading to the Ring of Honor show on Friday so that should be fun and then I’m flying back out to Philadelphia on Sunday and meeting up with the rest of the guys and girls.
SAM JOHNSON
Sounds good, I’m shooting off in two days so I’ll probably see you next week some time. So then, El Generico finally gets a shot at a big championship…again.
RAMI SEBEI
Yup, again. I’m not complaining though, I could have been sitting at home to watch it, I have a good feeling about this though.
SAM JOHNSTON
Well here’s hoping one of the indie guys can do it, any updates on what’s going to happen?
RAMI SEBEI
Not yet, possibly in the next few days I hope. But I just found out that even though I am the number one contender for the Intercontinental Champion, I have to share my championship match with Ted; even though I beat him to get here so there’s that, but I guess it should be okay, Ted’s a good worker and a good dude so it shouldn’t be too much of a worry, what’s going on with you Mr. Solomon Crowe; hardly seen you around.
SAM JOHNSTON
Well, put it this way this will be a bigger achievement than defeating Syxx in a one on one match so just enjoy every second of it. As for me, my schedule is pretty empty; oh apart from making your and everyone else’s life an absolute misery, I’m not scheduled for a match yet, but it’s cool; more time to build up the mystery behind Crowe, I had an interview with Michael Cole which is airing next week and that was fun, but yeah I hope I can get something I can really bite my teeth into.
RAMI SEBEI
I look forward to it, as long as I’m the champion and you don’t cost me the match, it’s all good. Listen, d’you think they trust me enough to win this match? Or will they go with Ted or keep the gold on Syxx?
SAM JOHNSON
It’s tough to call, the fans love you and I know that’s important to you so that’s one down. The fans still love Syxx so you have competition there. Look, both guys are incredible in the ring and so are you, you just need to make sure you’re that little bit better and I feel that right now I am sitting opposite our future Intercontinental Champion. Yeah, Syxx defeated you before, so what? Everyone loses to everyone, I’m going to lose, you’re going to lose, Cena will lose matches, Punk will lose matches and everyone bounces back, you lost to Syxx so maybe this is your match to bounce back and take what you know you are capable of holding. I think the company values you, you’re an asset not only worth holding on to but giving a push, give them a reason to push you Rami, show them how good you are and who knows? You might be aiming even higher.
RAMI SEBEI
One step at a time buddy, one step at a time. It’s difficult, all I can think of is how will Syxx be preparing? Y’know what did he do last time to make it seem so easy, or maybe it’s because he’s been in this situation more than I have, maybe I can get used to it by defeating him? Just thoughts popping into my head and I hope the thoughts don’t get the better of me, I know I can defeat Syxx, and he knows it too after our last encounter. I’ve beaten Ted, but no more mistakes, I’m not overlooking him either; this has to happen the way I want it, I need to win and if it means I have to pin or make Ted submit, then I’ll still be pleased, let’s just hope I walk out the winner one way or another.
The two men continued to talk and discuss their individual careers; how they made it from the bottom of the independent scene to the elite promotion in the wrestling business, that itself was a huge achievement in itself for Sami Zayn, a dream come true and he doesn’t know how will it end, not wanting to open his eyes until he hears the fans chant his name, and hear the voice of Christy Hemme shout his name, announcing him as the new Intercontinental Champion.
- - - - - - -
Friday February 17th 2014 – Ring Of Honor Event – Ted Reeve Arena, Toronto
Ring of Honor was paying a visit to Canada, as the fan base for the independent promotion continued to grow as some of the biggest stars in the wrestling industry competed here, guys like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro and many more who have gone on to bigger and better things. The show was packed out, a rare treat for the Canadian audience who were chanting for every single thing. As the night itself came to a close with some big independent stars competing, such as Michael Elgin and Adam Cole; fans already realised that alumni Sami Zayn – El Generico to them – was in attendance and watching the event as a fan, but that wouldn’t stop the company from talking to him.
RING ANNOUNCER
Toronto, you were a great crowd tonight and I can safely say on behalf of the entire roster, we can’t wait to come back here again. But before you all leave I think we all know that we have a very special guest in attendance tonight, a Ring of Honor alumni that has gone on to bigger and better things, after competing in front of you all for years and all over the world, he has found a place where he is on the brink of stardom. Give a huge, warm welcome to your former Tag Team and Television Champion, El Generico!
The cameras focused on Sami Zayn who was sitting on the front row, and smiling at the ring announcer who was inviting him into the ring. Wearing his regular attire of a blazer flat cap and a generic t-shirt; he stood up and pumped up the crowd – starting a huge ‘Ole!’ chant which was getting to Sami Zayn. He made his way into the ring and hugged the ring announcer before sharing a few words with him and taking a microphone, allowing Sami Zayn to speak in front of the fans that helped him to get where he is today.
SAMI ZAYN
Wow, that…this truly humbling for me. I came here as a regular wrestling fan and to be welcomed back like this, even for a couple of minutes, it reminds me why I love wrestling and how I have made it into the EBWF – and it is all because of every single one of you. The regular faces I saw over so many years to watch me inside this ring. The same fans that loved me being the masked generic dude who flew from one side of the ring to the other, putting my body on the line for you guys because I just love to do it and I still do. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss this place, sometimes I think what it would be like if I stayed here with all of you, perhaps I would have captured the one thing that eluded me here, the World Championship but you guys have a real talent on your hands here, so support him as much as you can. Next Sunday, I will be in action, not as your El Generico but as Sami Zayn as I take on Syxx…and Ted DiBiase for the Intercontinental Championship, a championship you all know and I know, I can win. Now I don’t know how many of you watched me the last time out against Syxx but, but yeah, he kicked my ass. He’s not the first and he certainly won’t be the last so he isn’t anything special to me, he’s just a man with a target on his back, I’m the man on a mission and my mission is to do all of you proud and bring home that Intercontinental Championship.
The fans cheered and chanted ‘Ole!’ even louder as their support for Sami grew and grew, he smiled and then continued to address his old company.
SAMI ZAYN
The guys I’m competing against on a weekly basis, they don’t know us, they don’t know what we’ve been through, they’d take one look at this place and they’d want a career change, that is what makes this place so special and that’s why I love it. They wouldn’t be able to handle it here, this is hell, this is the place you hone your skills and craft this beautiful art, Syxx wouldn’t know where to start if he stepped through that curtain now, Ted DiBiase would probably try to buy the company to shut us down but that won’t be happening any time soon. I’m better than I was the last time I faced Syxx and he’s in for a rude awakening, I have his number this time round and I hope he’s been keeping the championship belt clean for me because I don’t want his dirty little paws soiling the championship WE will take from him at Fanniversary. I know that with all of you there, every single one of you, will drive me to the aim, will drive me to get what I want, what I need; and what I need is that Intercontinental Championship around my waist, and that will let you know that I have made it, and I have made every single one of you proud.
RING ANNOUNCER
Very emotional and kind words from…Sami Zayn. I’m afraid that’s all we have time for but it has been a real pleasure for you to come back even for one night, and on everyone’s behalf I say good luck, and go and bring that belt home like we know you can do. Before you go, we had no idea you were coming but we managed to dig up a little present for you as a thank you for coming, and as a good luck present for your next match.
Sami and the ring announcer waited inside of the ring as a member of the Ring of Honor crew rushed down the ramp as he held a briefcase, he slid it into the ring as the ring announcer picked it up as the ‘Ole!’ chants continued to echo throughout the arena. He opened it up as Sami put his hands over his mouth as he was surprised.
RING ANNOUNCER
This right here, the very same mask you wore when you captured the Television Championship, we know you don’t wear the mask anymore but on behalf of all of us here, fans and staff of Ring of Honor, good luck in your championship match, bring the belt home and do us, your family, proud.
Sami Zayn looked around the arena as the fans cheered for him to put it on, he teased them for a little while before eventually putting it on and playing with the crowd as they chanted his El Generico name, topping off a very emotional night for Sami Zayn. He realised the match, the victory wouldn’t just be for him. It’d be for his parents who had supported him since he decided to become a wrestler, his friends, and most of all one of the companies that made him the star he is today, to make them proud, just like a loss for Sami Zayn would mean a loss for Ring of Honor, a lot of responsibility was resting on his shoulders already and now he understood it meant so much more, but he wouldn’t let the weight of it all get to him, he was going in to win for himself and everyone around him, the EBWF needed him as their Intercontinental Champion, for years. The time had come to leave Canada, and head back to the US, and prepare for the very busy week ahead.
- - - - - - -
Monday October 20th 2014 – Barclay’s Center – Brooklyn, New York
Sami Zayn wasn’t booked for the show this week, but he still made his way to the Barclay’s Center to watch the show. The night was a huge success, the final show before Fanniversary with Syxx having the opportunity to pick up a win over Jay Briscoe and head into the pay-per-view with momentum, something Sami Zayn didn’t have on his side. As the night progressed, the time for the main event arrived with the Intercontinental Champion looking for the victory, eventually he got it by hitting the X-Factor on Briscoe to pick up the win. After the match Symphony and Syxx celebrated inside the ring over Briscoe’s lifeless body, but the cameras cut to the backstage area where the monitors were showing what was happening inside the ring, fans then started to cheer as Sami Zayn was seen staring at Syxx and Symphony who were celebrating with his championship. Zayn was stood in one place, scratching his chin as he looked at Syxx and squinted his eyes, he then laughed to himself as Monday Night Warfare went off air, next stop; Fanniversary.
- - - - - - -
Thursday October 23rd 2014 – 7:15PM – Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia, PA
Hotel Monaco, the closest Sami Zayn was going to get to feeling first class during the week; but that didn’t matter because the only thing that mattered was what happens inside that ring on Sunday. It didn’t matter if he was staying at Hotel Monaco or the Holiday Inn, once Sunday comes around first class is a forgotten luxury. Sami Zayn is outside the Hotel Monaco with a number of other EBWF superstars and divas, where the ‘superstars for a night’ is taking place which the World Champion, John Cena is hosting. As the limousines pulled up the superstars prepared themselves to interview the youngsters, a charity event all for a great cause; the cameras then started to roll on Sami Zayn who wasn’t too formal but formal enough to look like he actually belonged in an event like this.
SAMI ZAYN
Ladies and gentlemen, we’re standing outside of Hotel Monaco where the annual superstars for a night is being presented by the EBWF, for the kids of the Make-A-Wish foundation who for one night at least, get to be treated like superstars. It’s a great event, for a truly great cause and as an EBWF Superstar, this being my first event it is a great experience and to see the smile on those kids faces who are walking on the red carpet behind me, let’s try to get a word with some of the kids…look at you guys, you look great! What’s your name?
GEMMA
I’m Gemma, I am 11 years old and I can’t wait for Fanniversary!
SAMI ZAYN
That is great to hear Gemma, how does it feel to be here amongst some of your favourite superstars divas of the EBWF?
GEMMA
Oh it feels amazing, to see my favourite divas like Paige and Michelle McCool and seeing John Cena and CM Punk is good, it’s like I am dreaming right now.
SAMI ZAYN
Well, tonight you get to feel like a superstar, if there was anyone you could face inside the ring, who would it be?
GEMMA
Ummm, I would pick…Bray Wyatt!
SAMI ZAYN
Wow a very bold choice, he’s taking on John Cena on Sunday for the World Championship, who do you think will win that?
GEMMA
Bray Wyatt is a mean bully and I think John Cena will beat him so he doesn’t bully anybody else.
SAMI ZAYN
Ha-ha well let’s hope you’re right and go and enjoy the rest of your night, thank you. And what’s your name?
CHRIS
I’m Chris
SAMI ZAYN
And how do are you feeling tonight meeting your favourite superstars?
CHRIS
It feels good everyone is really nice and I am excited for Sunday
SAMI ZAYN
Who do you think will win the main event, John Cena or Bray Wyatt?
CHRIS
I think John Cena because John Cena is the best and Bray Wyatt stole his belt so John Cena will keep it and beat Bray Wyatt
SAMI ZAYN
I see, and do you know who I am?
CHRIS
You’re Sami Zayn!
SAMI ZAYN
Am I in a match at Fanniversary?
CHRIS
Yes, yes, you are fighting Ted DiBiase and Syxx for the Inter…Inter…for the belt
SAMI ZAYN
Ha-ha and who do you want to win that match?
CHRIS
I don’t know I think you are all good but The Miz could cost Ted DiBiase the win so I think Syxx could keep his belt
SAMI ZAYN
Well we’ll have to wait and see, you go and enjoy the rest of your evening, Chris. Great talking to you. Well, they’re just some of the children who are enjoying themselves tonight, it’s going to be a blast for them, for some of them it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity so let’s hope we raise a lot of money to benefit these kids and so that we EBWF Superstars can continue granting them wishes and continue putting smiles on their faces. Gemma think John Cena will win on Sunday and Chris thinks Syxx will win, let’s hope little Chris is wrong on that last one but its sure going to be a great event regardless.
Sami laughed as he looked into the camera which stopped rolling as the event continued with other superstars and divas taking the carpet to interview the kids who were appearing at the event.
- - - - - - -
Friday October 24th 2014 – 1:15PM – Pennsylvania Convention Center – EBWF Access
There wasn’t long left until the event on Sunday, and only a few more media duties remaining until it begins. Sami Zayn was a part of this access, placed in group B alongside the likes of AJ Lee, Bray Wyatt and one of his opponents, Ted DiBiase. A handful of them had already taken to the stage to talk after signing some autographs, and as Sami Zayn continued to sign autographs it was his turn to take the stage and the microphone, where he can share his thoughts on his match on Sunday as the fans chanted his name and ‘Ole!’
SAMI ZAYN
A great turnout here for our group, thank you for turning up and I hope you all are enjoying yourself this week, and on Sunday as well I hope to see every single one of you in attendance. I woke up this morning at the Holiday Inn we’re staying at and on the drive here, we drove past Hotel Monaco, a beautiful building where all of the elite stars are staying, our champions, because they deserve to be treated like royalty, and one of those champions is the one I will try to dethrone, again, on Sunday. I want to be the champion, there’s no other way around it, I think I deserve to hold the gold but I know I can defeat Syxx, and no Hotel Monaco isn’t the reason I believe that. In fact that lifestyle doesn’t drive me at all, my entire life I’ve done things the hard way, and I believe that is the right way. I don’t care for your majestic suite, your corner suite or if you’re sleeping in the lobby just for the sake of saying you stayed at this fancy hotel, you can take your rooms and your champagne and your room service and stick them where the sun doesn’t shine because this week of living life like Kings doesn’t matter, what matters is what the results are when the final bells ring. Now I hope all my friends win their matches, but right now my focus is on me, and only me. I made all of my fans promises for Destiny, promising to fulfil my destiny by defeating Syxx and I couldn’t come true on those promises because Syxx retained the championship but I stand here, thanking the EBWF for allowing me a second crack at Syxx and the gold, but it was never going to be easy as they just decided to throw Ted DiBiase into MY championship match but as I said, the more difficult the better and a victory over two stars would be much sweeter than one. Now, the pressure is off me. Of course, I need to stay true to my promises and when I say I will walk out as the Champion; I genuinely mean that I am standing here as your new champion, whether it’s by defeating Syxx at last or whether Ted is the one that has to suffer because this time there’s no room for complacency, no misjudging any situation, no taking Syxx lightly and trust me – this time I couldn’t care less how old he is because the old man taught me a lesson last time out, it may only have been a couple of wees since the last bout but already I can feel I am better, more ready, more agile, stronger, faster and a lot more determined to take that Championship from him and come Sunday, Syxx won’t know what’s hit him; this time things will pan out a lot differently than they did last time and I hope all of you are there to see the future being crowned in front of your very own eyes.
The fans cheered for Sami Zayn who looked more determined than ever to defeat Syxx and Ted DiBiase, but clearly annoyed at the fact that Ted was inserted into the match from out of nowhere, but a victory was still on the cards; Sami wouldn’t settle for anything less this time, the pressure was now on Syxx as he had two stars gunning for him and his title. He needs to be better than he was against Sami Zayn at Destiny, as Zayn already assured he’s much better than his loss to him showed.
- - - - - - -
Saturday October 25th 2014 – 3:30PM – Pennsylvania Convention Center – EBWF Access
The following afternoon, more of the same as the previous day, more signing at the Access event but Sami Zayn was on the microphone later than he was yesterday. This time Sami Zayn wasn’t wearing his own t-shirt, he was wearing a Syxx t-shirt as he made his way to the microphone to address the fans in attendance today who perhaps didn’t make it to the event the day before.
SAMI ZAYN
Great to see you guys here today, tomorrow is the night that will define my career so far. It won’t be the end if I lose but it will certainly be something that will make me sit back and evaluate what I’ve achieved here and what I can do to change that. I did that the last time I lost to Syxx and since then I’ve only lost the one match, against Dolph Ziggler. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling ready and I’m feeling excited, I’m more excited now than I was for the last time I faced Syxx because this time there’s somebody else in this equation, this time we have Ted DiBiase; from out of nowhere because I certainly didn’t get the memo that I’d be sharing my title match with somebody else but it’s all good, the outcome will probably still be the same. I looked at Ted and the situation he’s in…and I feel the same. No, he has the wealth so he;s probably wondering why the hell he wasn’t sleeping comfortably in that fancy hotel rather than keeping our hotel awake all night complaining about the service, but I cannot rule Ted out of the match, right now we’re in the same boat. He has a threat over his head and I have one too, Ted’s focus will be split, on me, on Syxx, on the Intercontinental Championship and on the arena because he knows The Miz won’t let him capture the championship this easily. With me, my focus is split on Ted, on Syxx, on the championship, on the fans…and on that mysterious Solomon Crowe who I have yet to stand in this ring with but he did say he is targeting everyone, who knows he might be bored of me just like all of the superstars seem to get bored of me. For Syxx, he has no worries, he has a beautiful woman in his corner, a more beautiful championship; what could go wrong? Everything. Everything can go wrong because even though we have things on our minds, that makes us even more dangerous, it makes you even more vulnerable, and I’m ready to pounce on that and strip that gold from you and leave you wondering what the hell just happened. You guys can say anything you want, how I am ugly, boring, the same, generic, anything you want because at the end of the day you’ll go home and you’ll look in your mirrors and you’ll take a long, hard look at yourself and realise you were, are, and have never been anything special if a generic, boring moron can become the Intercontinental Champion. Yeah, I’m not like Syxx or Ted, but I’m better inside that ring and Sunday everyone will see that. Like I’ve said, I don’t hate them, Ted is a former World Champion, he knows what to do to get there. Syxx is a legend and for some people, they won’t even get the chance to step into the ring with him, I’ve done it twice. And on my resume, if I can say I dethrones Syxx, a man who walked with the greats, I’ll be a pretty happy individual. Syxx, probably sitting in his King Spa room and enjoying every minute of it, please do because as comfortable as your room is, the ring will be the most uncomfortable surrounding you’ve stepped foot in, and I’ll make sure of that. A loss to me would be embarrassing for the both of you, in your eyes anyway because if you passed me in the street, you wouldn’t recognise me, but with the gold over my shoulder you’ll certainly look twice. I want to leave you both in the middle of this ring in the puddles of your own failures, but at the same time regardless of the result, if you people are happy – I am happy. I will still, stand up on my own two feet and shake the champions hand, and congratulate him, and then the road to redemption stars again, because I will be the man, it’s only a matter of time. This is Fanniversary, my first Fanniversary and I’m loving every second of it. Everyone knows my love for my fans, and it’s only fitting that I win my first championship at this event, in front of my fans. Syxx and Ted DiBiase will see a Sami Zayn they’ve never seen before, and this time they’ll acknowledge me as a serious player in the EBWF.
The fans applauded the determined Sami Zayn, who was hell-bent on taking the Intercontinental Championship on the second time of asking. It isn’t going to be easy, but who likes to do things the easy way?
- - - - - - -
Sunday October 26th 2014 – Fanniversary – Wells Fargo Center: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
It’s finally here. The annual Fanniversary pay-per-view with some epic encounters set to take place on the night. One of those matches being the Intercontinental Championship match where Syxx defends his gold against Ted DiBiase and Sami Zayn. The event hadn’t started yet, and Sami Zayn was in his locker room, his own; for the very first time. He sat opposite the mirror and just stared at it, turning his head and looking at himself from different angles. This time he was wearing his own ‘InZayn’ t-shirt and his wrestling tights were already on. He stood up and leaned forward into the mirror and slapped himself to pump himself up, knowing this could very well be his final chance, because there is always going to be somebody ready to take his spot, he couldn’t afford to do that tonight, not at an event of this magnitude. This time there was minimal mocking, minimal ridiculing and a show of respect, because the man he insulted last time out taught him a lesson he needed to be taught, not to underestimate anyone, and never be underestimated yourself, he’s done half by not underestimating his opponents and now it was time to prove why nobody should underestimate him. He continued to breathe heavily as he looked into the mirror. He then picked up a bag from the chair, and unzipped it and pulled something out, staring at it in great detail, feeling it with both hands and raising it in front of his face. It was his mask, the El Generico mask, he stared at it before putting it on his head and looking into the mirror, and he shook his head in denial and took it off in ager before wiping his face. He stuffed it back into his bag and threw it across the room, hopefully ready for his big match in a short while.
A few hours later, the night is already under way and before the next match can begin, fan’s attentions are turned towards the titan-tron as Sami Zayn’s face is seen, wanting to share a few words before his big match.
SAMI ZAYN
There’s not long left out until three men step into that ring, with only one stepping out as champion. Now I don’t know if it will be a successful defence or whether we will have a new champion but one thing I know is, this isn’t going to be easy for anyone. We’re all dangerous to each other, but in my mind, I know I’m ready to hold the gold. I might’ve failed the first time. But this time I showed the guys the respect they deserve and I hope I got the same in return, but everything will be forgotten in that ring. I am willing to do anything to take that gold home, put my body on the line like I do every single week, now you guys have to ask yourselves, are you ready to do the same? Are you ready to leave it all in that ring to prove you’re worthy of holding that prestigious championship? Are you ready to bleed and break bones? Because I am, ready and raring to go, hell-bent on taking that championship and getting what I know I am capable of holding. I don’t care if you toss a ladder in there and make it a ladder match, throw in some tables, put a cell over our heads and light it on fire and it’s raining thumbtacks; I am ready. Ready to become the new, Intercontinental Champion, I hope you’re ready Philadelphia.
Fans began to cheer as massive ‘Ole’ chants broke out around the Wells Fargo Center, all the preparation was over, the training was done, the talking was finished and the time to compete had begun.