Rumble
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 8:54 pm
OOC: Roleplay for Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler and the 30-man Royal Rumble match
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Monday 12th January 2015 – Monday Night Warfare – Pepsi Center – Denver; Colorado
JERRY LAWLER
It’s over! Sami Zayn wins!
‘Worlds Apart’ by CFO$ blasted the PA system as Sami Zayn released Stardust’s leg after the pin-fall victory over the Breakout Champion. The referee helped Sami to his feet after the gruelling match and handed him the Intercontinental Championship as he embraced it before hobbling to the corner and wincing in pain, holding his abdomen. The ‘Ole’ chants started to echo around the arena which spurred Sami to deal with the pain and get outside of the ring, meeting the fans closer to the barricade who continued to support him on a weekly basis. He danced along to his music as he slowly walked up the ramp and saluted the fans once he was on the stage before quickly disappearing though the curtains. He walked through the gorilla position and shook hands with several of the EBWF superstars and divas as they gave him a pat on the back for putting on a good performance. Before heading to his locker room he knew he had to head to the interview area, waiting for him was Michael Cole who wanted to catch a few words with the Intercontinental Champion. Sami picked up a bottle of water and downed half of the bottle in one big gulp before approaching Michael and shaking his hand as he shuffled through papers with a microphone in his hand. Sami wiped his mouth with his left forearm as his breathing returned to normal.
MICHAEL COLE
Hi Sami, good match out there, are you booked next week?
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks Mike, nah I’m not booked in a match next week, I’m still here though keeping an eye on the number one contenders match between Nick, Mike and Dwayne; should be good fun.
Michael started to fiddle with his earpiece and looked to the ground as he was still being wired up, still creating small talk with Sami.
MICHAEL COLE
Yeah that should be a good match, any idea on who you’re booked against at the Rumble?
SAMI ZAYN
No idea yet, probably have a meeting next week to find out and start going through some spots, I’m cool with whoever though.
MICHAEL COLE
I hear you got an early spot in the Royal Rumble match too, nervous?
SAMI ZAYN
Not really nervous, excited though, first Rumble match for me so I’m looking forward to it, any ideas on who the lucky guy is?
MICHAEL COLE
I probably know less than you.
PRODUCER
Okay guys, we’re ready go on any second now.
Sami took a step back to stay out of shot as the producer ran through some last minute information with Michael Cole regarding some of the questions that will be asked and how Sami will need to respond. Eventually the cameras started to roll and Cole’s face emerged on the titan-tron in the Pepsi Center as he introduced his guest to the fans who started cheering as soon as they heard his name.
MICHAEL COLE
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the Intercontinental Champion…Sami Zayn. Sami…a great performance out there against the Breakout Champion, Stardust. Your thoughts?
SAMI ZAYN
My thoughts Michael? I’m now satisfied, this is the second time I’ve stepped inside of that ring with Stardust and the match was great just like it was the last time the two of us battled it out. Only this time the match ended in the way it should have ended the first time too, with the Helluva Kick and a victory for the Intercontinental Champion.
MICHAEL COLE
That’s now three singles victories since your last loss which was actually against Stardust. You’ve gone on to defeat Justin Gabriel, you retained your championship against the former Champion, Syxx and now you managed to exact your revenge against Stardust, how satisfying is that for you?
SAMI ZAYN
Look I speak for every single superstar and diva on the entire roster when I say nobody likes to lose. It’s the worst feeling ever, you feel sick inside and you think of the worst possible outcome especially when you’re a champion losing in a non-title match, you begin to doubt yourself, ponder whether you’re even worthy of holding the championship. But that’s when the champion’s mentality kicks in, you can’t let a loss affect you too much and I’d like to think I haven’t done too badly. I know, I’ve picked up some losses here, Batista, Justin Gabriel, Syxx, Stardust and even Dolph Ziggler. And most of the time I’ve come back to defeat them, and I don’t plan on losing to anybody any time soon. Like you said, I’m on a good roll, I have momentum heading towards Rumble and WrestleMania season and I’d like that to continue. The only blips I’ve had recently include my Survivor Series elimination where my team lost and my loss to Dolph Ziggler, but when I faced him I wasn’t the Intercontinental Champion, things have changed, I have changed so who knows what the future will hold in the coming weeks and months.
MICHAEL COLE
Talking of Dolph Ziggler, he’s involved in a big match next week which will have an impact on your future, Dolph Ziggler, Justin Gabriel, The Rock, number one contenders match, the winners gets you and an Intercontinental Championship match at the Royal Rumble, is there anyone in particular you’d like to face at the Royal Rumble?
SAMI ZAYN
I was in that position too not too long ago, I know all three of them will be pumped up so I’ll be keeping a close eye on that. As for the winner…I’m a fighting champion so I’d be ready to take on all three of them if it came down to it. Justin, I like Justin, he’s a great person and probably one of the best workers we have so it would be great to give him a shot at my championship after some of the battles we have had. Dolph Ziggler and I had a great match the last time we were in the ring, I still have unfinished business with him so I would take that too. And who could turn down the chance to compete against The Great One? As a kid I’d pick The Rock without even batting an eyelid, but as a superstar and as a champion, I have unfinished business with Dolph Ziggler and I need to right the wrong that took place last time we competed.
MICHAEL COLE
Well it’s a guarantee that you will be pulling double duty at the Royal Rumble, not only will you be defending the Intercontinental Championship, but you’re also in the Royal Rumble match as well, how much would it mean to you if you were able to retain your Intercontinental Championship and become the number one contender to the EBWF World Championship and headline WrestleMania?
SAMI ZAYN
I’ve not really thought about that, holding this historic championship and defending it whenever I am asked to is a huge honour in itself. But I don’t want to say I’m going in with the aim of holding both. Sure, it’d be great to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania, it’s what we’re all aiming for, it’s the reason 30 of us are going to throw each other over the top rope, all allegiances will be broken, it’s every man for himself and I have no intention of being a platform for somebody else to get that spot. I want it just as much, if not more than the rest of the guys at the back and I’ll stop at nothing to get there.
MICHAEL COLE
Sami, just before you go; if you did have a priority, or you had to make that tough choice, would you rather keep hold of the Intercontinental Championship? Or would you rather win the Royal Rumble?
Sami looked down at the ground and started to think about the important question Michael Cole had asked him. It wasn’t easy, everyone would have loved to hold the Intercontinental Championship and at the same time winning the Royal Rumble could be the platform to super stardom in the wresting industry.
SAMI ZAYN
That’s a tough question Michael, but I love this championship more than anything, it’s one of the greatest achievements of my entire career so I would take that sacrifice. After all, we know winning the Royal Rumble doesn’t always lead to great success, because there’s one particular Royal Rumble winner who is chasing me right now.
MICHAEL COLE
Thank you for your time, Sami and good luck at the Royal Rumble.
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks Michael.
Sami walked away from the interview area as Cole turned his head back into the camera with a smile on his face. It was simply a waiting game for Sami, he’d have to wait until next week to find out whether he’d be defending his championship against The Rock, Dolph Ziggler or Justin Gabriel, but as always he’d be up for the challenge and do everything he can to retain the gold. Like every superstar, deep down he wanted to impress the hierarchy and stand out as a potential World Championship contender, with his friend holding the gold he’d love to get a shot at him, but there were plenty of hurdles already in the way, hurdles which he knew he could overcome. Next stop for him was to find out who he would be defending his title against at the Royal Rumble, and whether he was trusted enough and there was enough belief in him to continue holding the gold or it was time for him to relinquish the gold, only time would tell.
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Monday 19th January 2015 – Monday Night Warfare – US Airways Center – Phoenix; Arizona
JIM ROSS
Zig Zag outta nowhere! Dolph goes for the cover!
The triple threat match between Dolph Ziggler, The Rock and Justin Gabriel was now at an end. A back and forth encounter where all three superstar looked close to snatching the victory, but it came when Dolph managed to hit the Zig Zag on The Rock, taking the victory and becoming the number one contender to Sami Zayn’s Intercontinental Championship and that highly anticipated rematch would take place at the Royal Rumble. Sami was at the US Airways Center, he wasn’t involved in a match but only to find out who his challenger would be. The cameras cut from the in-ring celebrations to the backstage, where Sami Zayn was standing as the fans in attendance erupted in cheers. He had a motivated and serious look on his face as he stared into the monitor, wearing a brown flat cap and a dark blue blazer over a Dean Ambrose t-shirt. He watched the celebrations as he looked over to his right shoulder to his Intercontinental Championship and nodded his head before looking back at the monitor. As he did, the cameras picked up a familiar female voice who was chasing Sami, as she spoke his gaze was still at the monitor before the camera picked up Renee Young.
RENEE YOUNG
Sami, as you just saw out there we now know the number one contender to your Intercontinental Championship, Dolph Ziggler. What are your thoughts?
Sami Zayn continued to stare at the monitor for a short while before snapping out of it and turning to Renee to answer her question. He quickly forced a smile on his face before exhaling and answering her question.
SAMI ZAYN
It was a good match that’s for sure, I had no idea who would win, but a great win for Dolph…I’m happy for him, it’s a big win.
RENEE YOUNG
Well the exciting thing about this now-confirmed match is that there’s a lot on the line. The EBWF Universe love an appreciate what the two of you do in the ring every single week, the Intercontinental Championship is on the line as well…but you two have already had one match in the EBWF since you arrived and Dolph Ziggler managed to walk out the victor in that match. Do you feel any pressure because of that? Are you at any psychological disadvantage?
Sami chuckled to himself a little before reshuffling his championship title on his shoulder as he could still hear the loud ‘Ole’ chants blast around the US Airways Center.
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks for that reminder, Renee. You and I and thousands of fans can hear those chants so I know that they appreciate what I do and I know they like Dolph too, so we should put on a good match at the Royal Rumble. But psychological disadvantage? Absolutely not. I’ve lost many matches, and I’ve come back around to kick them in the face and defeat them, I KNOW I can do the same to Dolph Ziggler. I am not under any pressure, Renee. I’m going out there to do what a champion does and that is to defend the gold. I think you should ask Dolph the same question and after many lies he might just admit that he’s feeling the pressure, don’t let the exterior fool you. He needs this victory over me at the Royal Rumble to prove he isn’t a fluke. Yeah, I was impressed the first time round but not anymore. There is no pressure on me, it’s all on Dolph and I think he will crack under that pressure when the gold is on the line.
RENEE YOUNG
So Sami, with this bound to be a highly competitive match, are you pleased that Dolph Ziggler is the number one contender? Would you have liked somebody like The Rock, a legend who you haven’t faced?
SAMI ZAYN
I know the match will be competitive, no champion wants an easy defence because it doesn’t mean anything, so I am happy Dolph won as now I get to pick up the win and scratch that last loss off the record. The championship is on the line now and I am more motivated than ever. It would have been great to face The Rock, I’ve been in the ring with Justin, I’ve been in the ring with Dolph and who knows how long Dwayne plans to stick around for? It would have been an honour but I guess once I get past MY roadblock, maybe that match can go ahead with my championship on the line.
RENEE YOUNG
You and Dolph have very distinctive styles, they flow well together in that ring and switching it up could be a huge risk too, so what will be your game plan heading into the Royal Rumble?
SAMI ZAYN
His style works well for me and my style works well for him. It’s an even battle and at the Royal Rumble I will turn that show…right off.
RENEE YOUNG
And how about…
Renee Young was startled by something for a second, stopping mid-sentence and walking backwards out of the show to Sami Zayn’s confusion who watched Renee walk away, until the fans started booing as a figure appeared behind him as Sami slowly turned around and breathed heavily before speaking.
SAMI ZAYN
And what can I do for you?
It was finally revealed as none other than the EBWF World Champion, Solomon Crowe who was standing opposite him who had his own problems to deal with. He looked at Sami Zayn in the eyes before his attention diverted to the Intercontinental Championship. He then looked back at his own EBWF World Championship title before shining up the Intercontinental Championship and smiled.
SOLOMON CROWE
So Sami Zayn is all fired up and ready to defend the Intercontinental Championship…good. You know something, Sami? I want to know how it feels, how it feels to have someone you hate so much leapfrog you and this thing you call a career. You could do nothing but watch me take you out, and go on to become the World Champion. You have no reason to stand here and be confident, you should be upset, disappointed.
Sami stepped forward to look at Crowe right in the eyes and not flinching, showing his mean streak as he refused to back down.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m definitely not upset or disappointed, sure you got that Championship I want and everyone wants, but have you ever thought about this, would you ever be champion if it wasn’t for me? I mean, you thought you were so big and mean when you debuted here and knocked me unconscious, if it wasn’t for me then you’d not be the centre of attention, you’re welcome.
SOLOMON CROWE
Oh…YOU are going to take credit for this? YOU? What have you ever done so special in your life? You walk around with a smile on your face and do what you are told, I will not be surprised to see Dolph Ziggler take that championship from you, one weak little man will drop the championship to another weak little man. I just thought I would come here to say I would love nothing more than for you to defeat Dolph Ziggler, I am being honest. You defeat Dolph Ziggler, for me, an old friend. And then, I will do whatever I can, anything in my power to help you win that Royal Rumble, so then soon…I can take THAT championship away from you too, and erase you from this company.
SAMI ZAYN
Well, as great as that offer sounds, I’ll think I’ll pass. You enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame, because I KNOW I’ll defeat Dolph Ziggler but think of it this way, there are thirty superstars here who want nothing more than to get you inside of the ring with your championship on the line, I’m one of them, Dolph Ziggler is one of them, and if I was you I’d run along now before somebody else see’s you.
SOLOMON CROWE
Hmm…very, very confident. I hope that confidence alone is enough to defeat Dolph Ziggler, if you cannot turn that show off, I will be forced to take you both out.
Solomon Crowe turned around to walk away as Sami Zayn breathed a sigh of relief, but it wasn’t long before Solomon Crowe was back. He looked at Sami and his blazer, running his finger on it before opening it and looked up and down at the Dean Ambrose shirt he was wearing and smiled to himself as he grabbed it in his fist.
SOLOMON CROWE
I would suggest you get rid of this shirt as soon as possible, this company will not be selling these shirts and other merchandise for much longer. Perhaps there is a Dolph Ziggler shirt seeing as though you admire the fool so much.
Crowe then walked off as Sami Zayn was left staring at his shirt before looking up angrily at the monitor which showed replays of Dolph Ziggler celebrating his win, talking to himself to conclude the scene.
SAMI ZAYN
You got lucky the first time, as I said, this time I will make sure I turn that show right off. You’re not getting anywhere near my championship, not while I still have it over my shoulder.
Sami continued to stare at the monitor and Dolph Ziggler before the screen faded to black heading into a commercial break, with not long left until Sami would finally get Dolph Ziggler inside the ring and try to pick up the victory to prove to himself, the fans and to Dolph himself that he is indeed the better superstar.
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Friday 23rd January 2015 – EBWF House Show – Tampa Bay Times Forum – Tampa Bay; Florida
The final house show before the Royal Rumble was taking place at the Tampa Bay Times Forum with some lucky fans getting to witness the finest EBWF has to offer. ‘Worlds Apart’ by CFO$ blasted the PA system as fans got out of their seats and erupted into cheers as a smiling Sami Zayn emerged on the stage with the Intercontinental Championship around his waist, running and dancing down the ramp, slapping the hands of fans who reached out to him before quickly exploding on to the steel steps to pump up the fans. He reached out of the ring for a microphone which he received before circling the ring and goading the fans to cheer for him more. As his music stopped playing he started talking, confident that he’d walk out of the Royal Rumble with his championship still around his waist.
SAMI ZAYN
Here were are then, the final stop before the Royal Rumble and I can tell you’re all quite excited. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, the Royal Rumble event is always exciting because of the main event but I’m excited for two things. One, the opportunity in the Royal Rumble, the chance to headline WrestleMania is fantastic and two…defending my championship against Dolph Ziggler. You all already know that myself and Dolph have been inside of this ring before, it was a great match, I was still a relative unknown to the majority of the EBWF and Dolph Ziggler…well he’s Dolph Ziggler right? I didn’t know looking good could keep you in the good books of the company but it’s clear he’s kissing the right asses every single week, so good for him. For some of us, talent gets us to the top, for others, brown-nosing seems to work but each to our own right?
The fans started to applaud Sami and laugh as he tried to lighten the mood before his big championship defence, he smiled at the fans in the front and shared a few words with them before circling the ring again and talking.
SAMI ZAYN
No but in all honesty however he keeps his name in the spotlight is none of my business, what IS my business is the man the EBWF decide to put in front of me and what do we know, it’s Dolph Ziggler everybody! I’ll be the first to admit, he beat me the last time out and I hold my head high that on the night, the better man won, but the best is holding the championship. Last time out I think I made a big mistake, I didn’t underestimate Dolph, I never have and I never will but if there’s one thing I have somehow learnt from Dolph, is that being nice won’t get you anywhere. So before this whole verbal exchange between the two of us, before the two of us go out to the Rumble and put on a heck of a match you’re going to be the one person I hate the most on this planet.
A more aggressive Sami delivered a message to Dolph Ziggler, knowing deep down that he’d need to put on an epic performance to turn the fans who still didn’t really believe in him.
SAMI ZAYN
Look, I know I’ve not been the greatest Intercontinental Champion since I won this title from Syxx, but trust me when I say this I am more frustrated than each and every single one of you when I can’t defend the gold, I said from the day I stepped into the EBWF, I want to be a fighting champion and I intend to stick to that promise. It’s unlucky for Dolph that he’s not taking on the same Sami Zayn, but one thing I have noticed about the so-called ‘top’ talents in this company is that they think jokes and looking down on your opponent not only win the fans but they’ll win the matches and the titles. Not all of us were blessed with looks, charisma and we’re not born into the business, we’re not spoon-fed talent, we don’t go out there and read off a script and we aren’t forced down the throats of every single fan, we’re not all Dolph Ziggler. Dolph is actually a great example of that, to me he seems like an insecure guy, sure he shows the confidence, that cool, calm and collected attitude on the exterior but I think he seeks the approval of the women and guys like John Cena; they make him feel like something, make him feel important, make him feel like a man. Guys like you look down at US? Well, allow me to be the first to remind you that these same smaller, talentless, ugly, uncharismatic, opponents-that-you-need-to-Google are doing better…than you. I mean the indie guys are already holding the World and Intercontinental Championship, so by my logic…you’re riiiiight at the bottom of the pile exactly where you belong and all of this talent and show stealing you go on about, they’re nothing but words, nothing but lies that you spew on a weekly basis to make you feel like you actually mean something. The first time you may have had no idea who I am, you may have competed in main event after main event after main event, hell…you even defeated me in our last match but this time even you know you’ll have to open your eyes and stay awake because if you thought I was close to beating you last time, this time I’m finishing the job.
Fans cheered as this time he threw out all of the respect he held for Dolph Ziggler and was intent on taking Dolph Ziggler out of the title picture.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m sure you’re sat at home right now, writing up fresh material, fresh jokes because that’s exactly what you are, from what I’ve seen your entire career has been a joke, you’re chasing the big time but you just can’t finish the job can you? You can call me Sheamus Lite all you want, you can me ginger, you can call me albino, you can call me small or you can poke fun at my own career but one thing that separates me from you is that I have the Intercontinental Champion. A ginger is holding the gold, someone uglier than you is higher up than you in the rankings, you’re chasing Sheamus Lite…yeah buddy you must be feeling like a great contender right now especially when you need to explain a pretty lame joke to force a reaction out of the fans. Yeah…wooo…great joke buddy.
He smiled at the camera and sarcastically applauded Dolph Ziggler jokes as the fans started to joke around with Sami, splitting between the ‘Ole’ chants and then chants varying from ‘ginger’ to ‘Sheamus Lite’ as he laughed with them.
SAMI ZAYN
This time I don’t think I’d need to bore you, I think that would’ve been a great tactic when I took YOU seriously but you really didn’t impress me one bit, so this time I won’t bore you to sleep, this time that pretty face will eat a Helluva Kick and I’ll cover your lifeless body and I’ll shove this title in your face which tell you – if you can get it inside of that thick skull of yours – that this championship means I am better than you in every single way. You can stand there all day and tell these people I’m a nobody, go ahead, you’ll repeat yourself again and try to pass that message on, you can think I’m a nobody but your opinions means very little to me and a lot of guys and girls at the back, the opinions that matter are THESE fans and by the sounds of things…those chants sound like they know exactly who I am.
The fans took the hint and started to chant ‘Ole’ again, getting more and more excited for the eventual clash between Ziggler and Zayn. Last time Zayn did look out of his depth on the big stage, but he has made big leaps into becoming the champion Dolph Ziggler is chasing.
SAMI ZAYN
This Sunday, you’re sharing the spotlight with me, and I don’t appreciate that because I think the champions, the top dogs deserve to hog the limelight more than you contenders who think they can walk in with nothing and walk out with the gold, not on my watch, Dolph. But you were right, maybe it will take more than words to carry this company, I have the belief I can do it, and one day I will whether you like it nor, but the difference is you’re scared of disappointed Daddy Cena if you wanted to carry this company, what, are you worried he won’t be your friend? He won’t get you those VIP tickets to big events? He’ll invest in a new lapdog? He lost his title, and he isn’t here, take THAT as a hint that in an instant it could ALL be over. You sure as hell do a lot of talking Dolph, a hell of a lot to divert the attention. You call me a failure, but you were here a long time before I was, the only thing I have noticed that sits on your EBWF resume is a Royal Rumble win, am I right? And…where exactly did that get you? Are YOU the face of the company? Are YOU holding a title right now? Or are YOU chasing the man you ridiculed in the ring? That sounds more like it, YOU are chasing ME and it’s eating you up inside, you’re angry, frustrated but most of all…Dolph Ziggler is embarrassed. How can you explain this? How can you talk your way out of this one? Oh, I got several opportunities, well guess what sunshine I capitalised on ONE and I walked out with the Intercontinental Championship. You’ve had opportunities, but time and time again all you have proven to me and these fans is that you’re simply not good enough, a champion’s attitude and all that. There is one thing I’d like to ask Dolph though, one thing I need an honest, or as honest as possible answer for. How does it feel? How does it feel that in the build up to this match people will continue to remind you that you are second to a generic Intercontinental Champion? Hey, you can’t change anything there, it’s a fact, I am generic…AND I am number one. You…well you are whatever it is you are….AND you are number two…to Sami Zayn.
The fans reacted positively to Zayn’s criticism of Dolph Ziggler, and didn’t let him forget the fact that regardless of what Dolph has to say last time out, Sami still managed to gain success.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m obviously a little disappointed though, I’ve always been and always will be a fighting champion but just like you, I want a challenge too. I thought the next time our paths would cross you’d be the superstar whose level I’d try to reach but nothing like that has happened. I went out with a loss, I turned it all around, became the number one contender, captured the Intercontinental Championship, picked up wins, defended the championship and now I’m back and you’re still…the same old Dolph Ziggler who think he’s relevant. It still amuses me though, how all of the things you say about me and the majority of hard working guys here has literally come back to bite you on the ass, and I’ll never let you forget the day you were chasing Sami Zayn. You might think I don’t look like a champion, I might be boring, generic, an annoying reminder, but the last thing I seek is approval. Everybody knows that YOU are the one who seeks approval, I’ll never tell these fans to boo me, or cheer me and I won’t try to get those cheap pops like you do either, because this isn’t a popularity contest, your million followers on Twitter won’t make a different, the fact you buy your own shirts to increase sales won’t make a difference, friends in high places won’t make a difference, rejections from women won’t make a difference either at the end of the day…I’m going to kick your ass.
Sami looked straight into a camera as he made his feelings clear, genuinely believing he will kick Ziggler’s ass and the fans showed they supported him by applauding him.
SAMI ZAYN
I’ll admit, John Cena, Orton, Brock, Edge and Jericho have never been generic, but that’s what differentiates me from them, I don’t want to be like any of them, sure having the same level of success would be awesome but I’m more than happy being the greatest generic champion of all time. But the fact YOU put yourself in that category was practically laughable. What have you ever done that would make me take a step back and applaud you? What, you won the Royal Rumble? Great, congratulations, so have many other superstars who actually capitalised on that win, next! You’re probably worse off than I am, I might be generic but you’re not known for anything but slicked hair, a ripped shirt and how you try to tell us you steal the show, all you steal is our time because NOBODY hear wants to see or hear whatever bullshit comes out of your mouth every single night. Every superstar has a dream, to be the best, some of us actually do something about it and set new targets for themselves. One week my target will be to outperform Justin Gabriel, the next it will be to become a contender and the week after to become the champion…I’ve set my targets and dreams and I’m accomplishing then, what are you doing? You’re so content on sitting around the middle of it all and you like to think you’re this big star people pay to see, but the truth is you’re just like everyone else here, like me, like Justin Gabriel, like The Miz, like Austin Aries…you’re one of us. You’re not special, you never have been and you probably never will be. You don’t have the ambition, there’s no drive, people like you make me sick who think they can get an easy ride to the top, it doesn’t work like that. You were so mad because I was one of the ‘fresh guys out of the gate’ trying to make a name in a huge company like this, but at least I was TRYING, you haven’t don’t anything whatsoever to make me feel like my reign is coming to an end. Hey, I would’ve loved to be the guy who dethroned John Cena, you laughed at the statement last time didn’t you? Are you laughing now? Another nobody came in, caused chaos, took the belt, and took John out and now what, not laughing now? No excuses how it was luck or a fluke? You make me laugh Dolph Ziggler, you’re a joke, and you always will be. Based on the match and our positions, I think people would laugh if YOU said you could dethrone the World Champion, not me. Man, I don’t even know how long it’s been since our last outing but your words, they latched on to me and every day I hoped that I would get another shot at you, and now I do, with MY title on the line and I remember every single thing you had to say to me and now knowing you, you’ll deny you said any of it. You said I had to go through you to get to my dreams? Nope. I just leapfrogged you through hard work, you stayed where you are because you’re a lazy good for nothing average joe. I’m closer to the top than you are, I’m the favourite heading into this match, and I’m bringing every single disappointment in my life to this match and using it as motivation to make your stupid face eat the sole of my boot because there’s no way I’m going easy on you because some of the fans like you, it doesn’t work like that. Miracles do indeed happen, you did manage to defeat me when I didn’t have anything that made me stand out apart from my fiery ginger hair and my devilish good looks but now you notice me for some reason because you want my gold, well you’re going to need more than one match try try and take this from my grasp, THIS is the closest you’ll ever get to it.
The fans laughed as Sami joked about his looks and his hair whilst maintaining his seriousness about Dolph being nothing special.
SAMI ZAYN
This Sunday we really will see whether that average face of yours really is indestructible, we’ve all noticed how that silly jaw is always sticking out so maybe I will kick that son of a bitch back into its place and do you a favour. Dolph, you asked for a new Sami Zayn and this Sunday you’ll get your wish, but at the same time you’ll wish that it never happened. Because this Sami Zayn is going to expose your averageness for the world to see, and this whole joke about you stealing the show will get thrown out of the window as well, because I plan on stealing the show especially against you. You don’t belong in any main event like you said you do, you may have had YOUR fifteen minutes of fame and now you’re latching on to anyone and anything you can, but my time in the spotlight isn’t over and you can’t share it with me, I refuse to be your platform to make you relevant again, it’s not happening and you only have a few days left to realise that. The time to show you belong here is running out, the time to prove to me and everyone else that you indeed are the future of this company is running out, because to me if you were let go tomorrow I probably wouldn’t even realise because I’ve learnt to block out that annoying sound that comes out of your mouth and so have many of the fans here and the guys and girls at the back too. Okay…okay…I won’t lie, maybe some people might notice it, one because it’ll be a lot quieter here unless The Miz decides to make up for the lack of noise but seriously, you’re a recognisable face. A recognisable face that will eat kick after kick until that one, perfect Helluva Kick that will make your face unrecognisable, and you’ll forget where you are, you’ll collapse, you’ll fall flat on your back and you’ll lose all of the strength you had and all you’ll see is a blur, a blur of ginger and gold going over your body celebrating the win.
Sami walked around the ring and wiped the sweat off of his forehead as the fans continued to chant for him. He stopped and smiled, looking around as more and more fans now showed more belief in him.
SAMI ZAYN
Do you see that Dolph? Can you hear it? People had no idea who I was, hey years ago before I became a professional wrestler I had no idea what I was. But now the fans know exactly who I am. This pyramid of who belongs where only shows how lower down you are to me, I’m nowhere near the top, yeah that sucks but it sucks for you even more because you’ve got a heck of a job on your hands Dolph. These fans know who I am, but more importantly…YOU know who I am…and I’m going to dispose of you like an ordinary challenger who didn’t even BELIEVE he could become champion. Do you want to know something? As great as it would be to defeat Dolph, and pin him in the middle of the ring at the Royal Rumble, I would’ve liked a different competitor. Give me Austin Aries, Justin Gabriel, Chris Sabin or even Syxx ANY DAY. Because I know these guys WANT a victory, they want to earn a victory, they don’t walk in expecting it to be a walkover like you do, they don’t make me laugh like you do, I don’t think they’re jokes, they work hard for where they are, you haven’t and you never will, and you’ve not learnt how to change your ways so I guess it’s up to the champ to sort all of that out. It’s time to take you off of this wave you’re riding, it’s time take your fake, plastic throne from underneath you and throw YOU into the real world, into the deep end where you’re confused and lonely and you show us that you’re worse than you make yourself out to be. You won’t be rising in the EBWF while I’m around, you’re never going to be better than me, you won’t take this championship from me and there’s no way you’re succeeding in ANY match this Sunday. Because if and when it comes down to it, I’ll throw your sorry ass out of the Royal Rumble too. Fans might know who Dolph Ziggler is right now, they knew who he was years and years ago, but they won’t have a clue once that final bell sounds on Sunday and I’m standing over you with my Intercontinental Championship still around my waist. You can already add that failure to your long list of failures, just like always Dolph Ziggler will fall short but he’ll bounce back, he always does, not in the ring but with his mouth, excuse after excuse, but I can’t help but think the excuses are running out, especially when he loses…to me. The man these fans will be talking about? I’ll let these chants speak for themselves, these same chats will echo around the arena on Sunday when my theme music plays and you crawl up that ramp, a broken man. You’re entire career has been a Zig Zag Dolph, not just when you’re hitting the move, but you zig zag from getting a glimpse of success then failure, success then failure, it’s the same cycle with you and it’s why nobody including yourself actually believes you can defeat me, dethrone me in this match. You haven’t and never will make me famous, I’ll make you well-known though I think, going down as the guy who talked the talk, but couldn’t back up his words and failed…yet again. Every dog does have its day Dolph, it’s a shame yours special day was years ago, and mine is still yet to come. You’re finished before this even started.
Sami dropped the microphone in frustration as his face turned as red as his hair and he unhooked his championship from around his waist and screamed whilst lifting it high above his head. Refusing to back down, he went to all four turnbuckles as his music blasted the arena, and he soaked in the positivity and the cheers as his confidence was at an all-time high, he now looked like a champion and the fans let him know. Perhaps he wasn’t ready for Dolph the first time, but this time with his championship on the line, he knew Dolph was beatable and knew he could be the one to end his impressive run.
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Sunday 25th January 2015 – Royal Rumble – Toyota Center – Houston; Texas
Sami’s big title defence had finally arrived, the Royal Rumble was taking place at the Toyota Center and the big title defence was almost upon us. Before the match, the cameras were backstage and Sami Zayn was standing there with his Intercontinental Championship still over his shoulder, and looking as confident as ever. He smiled into the camera as the fans realised he was on the titan-tron before he finally spoke to the fans in attendance and those at home.
SAMI ZAYN
In just a moment I’ll be making my way down to the curtains, my music will hit, I’ll sing and dance my way down the ramp, having a good time just like I hope all of you are tonight. I’ll look at my Intercontinental Championship right in the middle plate and I’ll tell him that I’ll see him later. The bell will ring, I will outperform Dolph Ziggler in every single department, I will let him feel for half a second that he stands a chance before I run, and I hit his jaw with the Helluva Kick and go for the cover. One…two…three. I will celebrate with my championship, I will walk up that ramp, through this curtain and pack my championship away because then the Dolph Ziggler chapter will officially be closed, once and for all. So right now, my attention turns to the Royal Rumble.
The fans cheered as Sami Zayn smiled, hyping up the Royal Rumble match and telling the fans why he stands the best chance of walking out the victor.
SAMI ZAYN
I know, you’re cheering because you’re excited and I’m equally as excited as you. Thirty of us inside one ring, throwing anyone and everyone in sight over the top rope and out of that ring. It’s fun, it’s fast-paced, it’s exciting, it’s a nervy, nervy atmosphere, tense, but fun. I plan on making this the night that Sami Zayn is the name on every single fans’ lips. I will defeat Dolph Ziggler, and I WILL outlast 29 other men inside that ring and I will be the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, it is that simple. We’ve got some massive names in that Royal Rumble, Chris Jericho is lacing up his boots again after he gave himself the #30 spot. Trent and Lance Storm will work together unless one stabs the other in the back which is quite likely to happen because you can’t trust anyone when a WrestleMania main event spot is on the line, whether you’re enemies, friends, tag team partners or brother, it’s every man for himself. This Royal Rumble has gotten a little more special though, we’ve got Wes Ikeda trying his luck as well, imagine throwing out the boss of this company? That’s something worth talking about for sure, regardless of the result.
Sami stopped for a second and thought about the prospect of actually main eventing WrestleMania, and how he planned on making that a reality.
SAMI ZAYN
A lot of people have doubted me since I arrived here, most of all Dolph Ziggler and now he’s playing second fiddle to me, and he’s in the Royal Rumble match, and I will have great pleasure is getting rid of him and making his night the most miserable in his entire EBWF career. Everyone has doubted me, and you know what? The doubters probably were right, I lost some matches at the beginning but now those same doubters are Sami Zayn fans because I fought through all the obstacles to become the Intercontinental Champion and I’m going to fight through 29 other obstacles to be the last man standing and have the title of the winners of the Royal Rumble. I work hard for everything, you won’t see me standing in the corner, hiding from stars, I’ll be in the mix for everything, I’ll eliminate anyone and anyone in my way and in this kind of match, the smaller guys are the most dangerous, the bigger guys…well they’re the bigger targets.
The fans continued to chant for Sami Zayn as the excitement around the Toyota Center continued to grow, where in only a moment both Dolph Ziggler and Sami Zayn would tear each other apart, but Sami Zayn knew he was capable of winning both and he intended to do so.
SAMI ZAYN
There are some huge names to look out for, you know CM Punk will probably be a favourite, there’s a reason why he’s referred to as the best in the world, I think it’s time for him to show it. Bad News Barrett, he’s brutal. Brock Lesnar…let’s not even get into that. Ryback, The Rock…so many top guys, dangerous guys, hungry guys too like Tyler Breeze….then again could he handle being in the ring with so many ugly people? I expect him to jump over himself. But seriously, it’s a tough match, big names, big targets too, but I believe in myself more than a regular guy should. You see guys like Ryback, they’re big, they’re brutal, they’ll snap you in half but do you think he’ll be avoided in this match? Hell no. I can assure you that everyone will pile on the big guys and get rid of them, I’ll be one of those smaller guys eliminating the big dogs, and the bug guys have bigger targets on their back. Who am I to the guys at the back? Nobody, just a wrestler who caught a lucky break and captured the Intercontinental Championship. Everyone will look around the ring, “oh, Sami Zayn? He’s small, weak, I’ll save him to the end”, hey that attitude is fine by me, keep me to the end and I’ll surprise you, kick your head out of the ring and celebrate the win. I’m a small guy, I have a small target, but the biggest heart, THAT will get me to my victory.
He exhaled, stopping for a moment before looking up and continuing to talk to the fans in attendance, urging them to support him in his attempt to main event WrestleMania.
SAMI ZAYN
Everybody loves an underdog, I’ve been an underdog my entire career, I still am which is stupid because I’m a champion but that’s how this business works. I know I’d love to see an underdog WrestleMania, and I’m pretty sure you fans will love for the same to happen. I believe I have the skills to do it, the heart, everything can go in my favour and that all comes down to my match which is next. I will defeat Dolph Ziggler, and I’m the only one who has a singles match on the night – well the only one who will WIN – before entering the Royal Rumble. I won’t be tired, I’ll be more enthusiastic than ever, I’ll be energised and I’ll be carrying my momentum, with the help of the fans, to victory. It’s only a matter of time, I will defeat Dolph Ziggler, I will win the Royal Rumble and I WILL main event WrestleMania. Tonight is Sami Zayn’s night.
Sami Zayn stared into the camera with a serious look on his face before the camera faded out and Sami went off for quick, final preparations before his big title defence. The talk was now over, it was time for Sami to actually step up like a champion and prove to himself, the superstars, divas, fans and hierarchy that doubted him, that he is that good to believe in.
Monday 12th January 2015 – Monday Night Warfare – Pepsi Center – Denver; Colorado
JERRY LAWLER
It’s over! Sami Zayn wins!
‘Worlds Apart’ by CFO$ blasted the PA system as Sami Zayn released Stardust’s leg after the pin-fall victory over the Breakout Champion. The referee helped Sami to his feet after the gruelling match and handed him the Intercontinental Championship as he embraced it before hobbling to the corner and wincing in pain, holding his abdomen. The ‘Ole’ chants started to echo around the arena which spurred Sami to deal with the pain and get outside of the ring, meeting the fans closer to the barricade who continued to support him on a weekly basis. He danced along to his music as he slowly walked up the ramp and saluted the fans once he was on the stage before quickly disappearing though the curtains. He walked through the gorilla position and shook hands with several of the EBWF superstars and divas as they gave him a pat on the back for putting on a good performance. Before heading to his locker room he knew he had to head to the interview area, waiting for him was Michael Cole who wanted to catch a few words with the Intercontinental Champion. Sami picked up a bottle of water and downed half of the bottle in one big gulp before approaching Michael and shaking his hand as he shuffled through papers with a microphone in his hand. Sami wiped his mouth with his left forearm as his breathing returned to normal.
MICHAEL COLE
Hi Sami, good match out there, are you booked next week?
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks Mike, nah I’m not booked in a match next week, I’m still here though keeping an eye on the number one contenders match between Nick, Mike and Dwayne; should be good fun.
Michael started to fiddle with his earpiece and looked to the ground as he was still being wired up, still creating small talk with Sami.
MICHAEL COLE
Yeah that should be a good match, any idea on who you’re booked against at the Rumble?
SAMI ZAYN
No idea yet, probably have a meeting next week to find out and start going through some spots, I’m cool with whoever though.
MICHAEL COLE
I hear you got an early spot in the Royal Rumble match too, nervous?
SAMI ZAYN
Not really nervous, excited though, first Rumble match for me so I’m looking forward to it, any ideas on who the lucky guy is?
MICHAEL COLE
I probably know less than you.
PRODUCER
Okay guys, we’re ready go on any second now.
Sami took a step back to stay out of shot as the producer ran through some last minute information with Michael Cole regarding some of the questions that will be asked and how Sami will need to respond. Eventually the cameras started to roll and Cole’s face emerged on the titan-tron in the Pepsi Center as he introduced his guest to the fans who started cheering as soon as they heard his name.
MICHAEL COLE
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the Intercontinental Champion…Sami Zayn. Sami…a great performance out there against the Breakout Champion, Stardust. Your thoughts?
SAMI ZAYN
My thoughts Michael? I’m now satisfied, this is the second time I’ve stepped inside of that ring with Stardust and the match was great just like it was the last time the two of us battled it out. Only this time the match ended in the way it should have ended the first time too, with the Helluva Kick and a victory for the Intercontinental Champion.
MICHAEL COLE
That’s now three singles victories since your last loss which was actually against Stardust. You’ve gone on to defeat Justin Gabriel, you retained your championship against the former Champion, Syxx and now you managed to exact your revenge against Stardust, how satisfying is that for you?
SAMI ZAYN
Look I speak for every single superstar and diva on the entire roster when I say nobody likes to lose. It’s the worst feeling ever, you feel sick inside and you think of the worst possible outcome especially when you’re a champion losing in a non-title match, you begin to doubt yourself, ponder whether you’re even worthy of holding the championship. But that’s when the champion’s mentality kicks in, you can’t let a loss affect you too much and I’d like to think I haven’t done too badly. I know, I’ve picked up some losses here, Batista, Justin Gabriel, Syxx, Stardust and even Dolph Ziggler. And most of the time I’ve come back to defeat them, and I don’t plan on losing to anybody any time soon. Like you said, I’m on a good roll, I have momentum heading towards Rumble and WrestleMania season and I’d like that to continue. The only blips I’ve had recently include my Survivor Series elimination where my team lost and my loss to Dolph Ziggler, but when I faced him I wasn’t the Intercontinental Champion, things have changed, I have changed so who knows what the future will hold in the coming weeks and months.
MICHAEL COLE
Talking of Dolph Ziggler, he’s involved in a big match next week which will have an impact on your future, Dolph Ziggler, Justin Gabriel, The Rock, number one contenders match, the winners gets you and an Intercontinental Championship match at the Royal Rumble, is there anyone in particular you’d like to face at the Royal Rumble?
SAMI ZAYN
I was in that position too not too long ago, I know all three of them will be pumped up so I’ll be keeping a close eye on that. As for the winner…I’m a fighting champion so I’d be ready to take on all three of them if it came down to it. Justin, I like Justin, he’s a great person and probably one of the best workers we have so it would be great to give him a shot at my championship after some of the battles we have had. Dolph Ziggler and I had a great match the last time we were in the ring, I still have unfinished business with him so I would take that too. And who could turn down the chance to compete against The Great One? As a kid I’d pick The Rock without even batting an eyelid, but as a superstar and as a champion, I have unfinished business with Dolph Ziggler and I need to right the wrong that took place last time we competed.
MICHAEL COLE
Well it’s a guarantee that you will be pulling double duty at the Royal Rumble, not only will you be defending the Intercontinental Championship, but you’re also in the Royal Rumble match as well, how much would it mean to you if you were able to retain your Intercontinental Championship and become the number one contender to the EBWF World Championship and headline WrestleMania?
SAMI ZAYN
I’ve not really thought about that, holding this historic championship and defending it whenever I am asked to is a huge honour in itself. But I don’t want to say I’m going in with the aim of holding both. Sure, it’d be great to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania, it’s what we’re all aiming for, it’s the reason 30 of us are going to throw each other over the top rope, all allegiances will be broken, it’s every man for himself and I have no intention of being a platform for somebody else to get that spot. I want it just as much, if not more than the rest of the guys at the back and I’ll stop at nothing to get there.
MICHAEL COLE
Sami, just before you go; if you did have a priority, or you had to make that tough choice, would you rather keep hold of the Intercontinental Championship? Or would you rather win the Royal Rumble?
Sami looked down at the ground and started to think about the important question Michael Cole had asked him. It wasn’t easy, everyone would have loved to hold the Intercontinental Championship and at the same time winning the Royal Rumble could be the platform to super stardom in the wresting industry.
SAMI ZAYN
That’s a tough question Michael, but I love this championship more than anything, it’s one of the greatest achievements of my entire career so I would take that sacrifice. After all, we know winning the Royal Rumble doesn’t always lead to great success, because there’s one particular Royal Rumble winner who is chasing me right now.
MICHAEL COLE
Thank you for your time, Sami and good luck at the Royal Rumble.
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks Michael.
Sami walked away from the interview area as Cole turned his head back into the camera with a smile on his face. It was simply a waiting game for Sami, he’d have to wait until next week to find out whether he’d be defending his championship against The Rock, Dolph Ziggler or Justin Gabriel, but as always he’d be up for the challenge and do everything he can to retain the gold. Like every superstar, deep down he wanted to impress the hierarchy and stand out as a potential World Championship contender, with his friend holding the gold he’d love to get a shot at him, but there were plenty of hurdles already in the way, hurdles which he knew he could overcome. Next stop for him was to find out who he would be defending his title against at the Royal Rumble, and whether he was trusted enough and there was enough belief in him to continue holding the gold or it was time for him to relinquish the gold, only time would tell.
- - - - - - -
Monday 19th January 2015 – Monday Night Warfare – US Airways Center – Phoenix; Arizona
JIM ROSS
Zig Zag outta nowhere! Dolph goes for the cover!
The triple threat match between Dolph Ziggler, The Rock and Justin Gabriel was now at an end. A back and forth encounter where all three superstar looked close to snatching the victory, but it came when Dolph managed to hit the Zig Zag on The Rock, taking the victory and becoming the number one contender to Sami Zayn’s Intercontinental Championship and that highly anticipated rematch would take place at the Royal Rumble. Sami was at the US Airways Center, he wasn’t involved in a match but only to find out who his challenger would be. The cameras cut from the in-ring celebrations to the backstage, where Sami Zayn was standing as the fans in attendance erupted in cheers. He had a motivated and serious look on his face as he stared into the monitor, wearing a brown flat cap and a dark blue blazer over a Dean Ambrose t-shirt. He watched the celebrations as he looked over to his right shoulder to his Intercontinental Championship and nodded his head before looking back at the monitor. As he did, the cameras picked up a familiar female voice who was chasing Sami, as she spoke his gaze was still at the monitor before the camera picked up Renee Young.
RENEE YOUNG
Sami, as you just saw out there we now know the number one contender to your Intercontinental Championship, Dolph Ziggler. What are your thoughts?
Sami Zayn continued to stare at the monitor for a short while before snapping out of it and turning to Renee to answer her question. He quickly forced a smile on his face before exhaling and answering her question.
SAMI ZAYN
It was a good match that’s for sure, I had no idea who would win, but a great win for Dolph…I’m happy for him, it’s a big win.
RENEE YOUNG
Well the exciting thing about this now-confirmed match is that there’s a lot on the line. The EBWF Universe love an appreciate what the two of you do in the ring every single week, the Intercontinental Championship is on the line as well…but you two have already had one match in the EBWF since you arrived and Dolph Ziggler managed to walk out the victor in that match. Do you feel any pressure because of that? Are you at any psychological disadvantage?
Sami chuckled to himself a little before reshuffling his championship title on his shoulder as he could still hear the loud ‘Ole’ chants blast around the US Airways Center.
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks for that reminder, Renee. You and I and thousands of fans can hear those chants so I know that they appreciate what I do and I know they like Dolph too, so we should put on a good match at the Royal Rumble. But psychological disadvantage? Absolutely not. I’ve lost many matches, and I’ve come back around to kick them in the face and defeat them, I KNOW I can do the same to Dolph Ziggler. I am not under any pressure, Renee. I’m going out there to do what a champion does and that is to defend the gold. I think you should ask Dolph the same question and after many lies he might just admit that he’s feeling the pressure, don’t let the exterior fool you. He needs this victory over me at the Royal Rumble to prove he isn’t a fluke. Yeah, I was impressed the first time round but not anymore. There is no pressure on me, it’s all on Dolph and I think he will crack under that pressure when the gold is on the line.
RENEE YOUNG
So Sami, with this bound to be a highly competitive match, are you pleased that Dolph Ziggler is the number one contender? Would you have liked somebody like The Rock, a legend who you haven’t faced?
SAMI ZAYN
I know the match will be competitive, no champion wants an easy defence because it doesn’t mean anything, so I am happy Dolph won as now I get to pick up the win and scratch that last loss off the record. The championship is on the line now and I am more motivated than ever. It would have been great to face The Rock, I’ve been in the ring with Justin, I’ve been in the ring with Dolph and who knows how long Dwayne plans to stick around for? It would have been an honour but I guess once I get past MY roadblock, maybe that match can go ahead with my championship on the line.
RENEE YOUNG
You and Dolph have very distinctive styles, they flow well together in that ring and switching it up could be a huge risk too, so what will be your game plan heading into the Royal Rumble?
SAMI ZAYN
His style works well for me and my style works well for him. It’s an even battle and at the Royal Rumble I will turn that show…right off.
RENEE YOUNG
And how about…
Renee Young was startled by something for a second, stopping mid-sentence and walking backwards out of the show to Sami Zayn’s confusion who watched Renee walk away, until the fans started booing as a figure appeared behind him as Sami slowly turned around and breathed heavily before speaking.
SAMI ZAYN
And what can I do for you?
It was finally revealed as none other than the EBWF World Champion, Solomon Crowe who was standing opposite him who had his own problems to deal with. He looked at Sami Zayn in the eyes before his attention diverted to the Intercontinental Championship. He then looked back at his own EBWF World Championship title before shining up the Intercontinental Championship and smiled.
SOLOMON CROWE
So Sami Zayn is all fired up and ready to defend the Intercontinental Championship…good. You know something, Sami? I want to know how it feels, how it feels to have someone you hate so much leapfrog you and this thing you call a career. You could do nothing but watch me take you out, and go on to become the World Champion. You have no reason to stand here and be confident, you should be upset, disappointed.
Sami stepped forward to look at Crowe right in the eyes and not flinching, showing his mean streak as he refused to back down.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m definitely not upset or disappointed, sure you got that Championship I want and everyone wants, but have you ever thought about this, would you ever be champion if it wasn’t for me? I mean, you thought you were so big and mean when you debuted here and knocked me unconscious, if it wasn’t for me then you’d not be the centre of attention, you’re welcome.
SOLOMON CROWE
Oh…YOU are going to take credit for this? YOU? What have you ever done so special in your life? You walk around with a smile on your face and do what you are told, I will not be surprised to see Dolph Ziggler take that championship from you, one weak little man will drop the championship to another weak little man. I just thought I would come here to say I would love nothing more than for you to defeat Dolph Ziggler, I am being honest. You defeat Dolph Ziggler, for me, an old friend. And then, I will do whatever I can, anything in my power to help you win that Royal Rumble, so then soon…I can take THAT championship away from you too, and erase you from this company.
SAMI ZAYN
Well, as great as that offer sounds, I’ll think I’ll pass. You enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame, because I KNOW I’ll defeat Dolph Ziggler but think of it this way, there are thirty superstars here who want nothing more than to get you inside of the ring with your championship on the line, I’m one of them, Dolph Ziggler is one of them, and if I was you I’d run along now before somebody else see’s you.
SOLOMON CROWE
Hmm…very, very confident. I hope that confidence alone is enough to defeat Dolph Ziggler, if you cannot turn that show off, I will be forced to take you both out.
Solomon Crowe turned around to walk away as Sami Zayn breathed a sigh of relief, but it wasn’t long before Solomon Crowe was back. He looked at Sami and his blazer, running his finger on it before opening it and looked up and down at the Dean Ambrose shirt he was wearing and smiled to himself as he grabbed it in his fist.
SOLOMON CROWE
I would suggest you get rid of this shirt as soon as possible, this company will not be selling these shirts and other merchandise for much longer. Perhaps there is a Dolph Ziggler shirt seeing as though you admire the fool so much.
Crowe then walked off as Sami Zayn was left staring at his shirt before looking up angrily at the monitor which showed replays of Dolph Ziggler celebrating his win, talking to himself to conclude the scene.
SAMI ZAYN
You got lucky the first time, as I said, this time I will make sure I turn that show right off. You’re not getting anywhere near my championship, not while I still have it over my shoulder.
Sami continued to stare at the monitor and Dolph Ziggler before the screen faded to black heading into a commercial break, with not long left until Sami would finally get Dolph Ziggler inside the ring and try to pick up the victory to prove to himself, the fans and to Dolph himself that he is indeed the better superstar.
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Friday 23rd January 2015 – EBWF House Show – Tampa Bay Times Forum – Tampa Bay; Florida
The final house show before the Royal Rumble was taking place at the Tampa Bay Times Forum with some lucky fans getting to witness the finest EBWF has to offer. ‘Worlds Apart’ by CFO$ blasted the PA system as fans got out of their seats and erupted into cheers as a smiling Sami Zayn emerged on the stage with the Intercontinental Championship around his waist, running and dancing down the ramp, slapping the hands of fans who reached out to him before quickly exploding on to the steel steps to pump up the fans. He reached out of the ring for a microphone which he received before circling the ring and goading the fans to cheer for him more. As his music stopped playing he started talking, confident that he’d walk out of the Royal Rumble with his championship still around his waist.
SAMI ZAYN
Here were are then, the final stop before the Royal Rumble and I can tell you’re all quite excited. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, the Royal Rumble event is always exciting because of the main event but I’m excited for two things. One, the opportunity in the Royal Rumble, the chance to headline WrestleMania is fantastic and two…defending my championship against Dolph Ziggler. You all already know that myself and Dolph have been inside of this ring before, it was a great match, I was still a relative unknown to the majority of the EBWF and Dolph Ziggler…well he’s Dolph Ziggler right? I didn’t know looking good could keep you in the good books of the company but it’s clear he’s kissing the right asses every single week, so good for him. For some of us, talent gets us to the top, for others, brown-nosing seems to work but each to our own right?
The fans started to applaud Sami and laugh as he tried to lighten the mood before his big championship defence, he smiled at the fans in the front and shared a few words with them before circling the ring again and talking.
SAMI ZAYN
No but in all honesty however he keeps his name in the spotlight is none of my business, what IS my business is the man the EBWF decide to put in front of me and what do we know, it’s Dolph Ziggler everybody! I’ll be the first to admit, he beat me the last time out and I hold my head high that on the night, the better man won, but the best is holding the championship. Last time out I think I made a big mistake, I didn’t underestimate Dolph, I never have and I never will but if there’s one thing I have somehow learnt from Dolph, is that being nice won’t get you anywhere. So before this whole verbal exchange between the two of us, before the two of us go out to the Rumble and put on a heck of a match you’re going to be the one person I hate the most on this planet.
A more aggressive Sami delivered a message to Dolph Ziggler, knowing deep down that he’d need to put on an epic performance to turn the fans who still didn’t really believe in him.
SAMI ZAYN
Look, I know I’ve not been the greatest Intercontinental Champion since I won this title from Syxx, but trust me when I say this I am more frustrated than each and every single one of you when I can’t defend the gold, I said from the day I stepped into the EBWF, I want to be a fighting champion and I intend to stick to that promise. It’s unlucky for Dolph that he’s not taking on the same Sami Zayn, but one thing I have noticed about the so-called ‘top’ talents in this company is that they think jokes and looking down on your opponent not only win the fans but they’ll win the matches and the titles. Not all of us were blessed with looks, charisma and we’re not born into the business, we’re not spoon-fed talent, we don’t go out there and read off a script and we aren’t forced down the throats of every single fan, we’re not all Dolph Ziggler. Dolph is actually a great example of that, to me he seems like an insecure guy, sure he shows the confidence, that cool, calm and collected attitude on the exterior but I think he seeks the approval of the women and guys like John Cena; they make him feel like something, make him feel important, make him feel like a man. Guys like you look down at US? Well, allow me to be the first to remind you that these same smaller, talentless, ugly, uncharismatic, opponents-that-you-need-to-Google are doing better…than you. I mean the indie guys are already holding the World and Intercontinental Championship, so by my logic…you’re riiiiight at the bottom of the pile exactly where you belong and all of this talent and show stealing you go on about, they’re nothing but words, nothing but lies that you spew on a weekly basis to make you feel like you actually mean something. The first time you may have had no idea who I am, you may have competed in main event after main event after main event, hell…you even defeated me in our last match but this time even you know you’ll have to open your eyes and stay awake because if you thought I was close to beating you last time, this time I’m finishing the job.
Fans cheered as this time he threw out all of the respect he held for Dolph Ziggler and was intent on taking Dolph Ziggler out of the title picture.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m sure you’re sat at home right now, writing up fresh material, fresh jokes because that’s exactly what you are, from what I’ve seen your entire career has been a joke, you’re chasing the big time but you just can’t finish the job can you? You can call me Sheamus Lite all you want, you can me ginger, you can call me albino, you can call me small or you can poke fun at my own career but one thing that separates me from you is that I have the Intercontinental Champion. A ginger is holding the gold, someone uglier than you is higher up than you in the rankings, you’re chasing Sheamus Lite…yeah buddy you must be feeling like a great contender right now especially when you need to explain a pretty lame joke to force a reaction out of the fans. Yeah…wooo…great joke buddy.
He smiled at the camera and sarcastically applauded Dolph Ziggler jokes as the fans started to joke around with Sami, splitting between the ‘Ole’ chants and then chants varying from ‘ginger’ to ‘Sheamus Lite’ as he laughed with them.
SAMI ZAYN
This time I don’t think I’d need to bore you, I think that would’ve been a great tactic when I took YOU seriously but you really didn’t impress me one bit, so this time I won’t bore you to sleep, this time that pretty face will eat a Helluva Kick and I’ll cover your lifeless body and I’ll shove this title in your face which tell you – if you can get it inside of that thick skull of yours – that this championship means I am better than you in every single way. You can stand there all day and tell these people I’m a nobody, go ahead, you’ll repeat yourself again and try to pass that message on, you can think I’m a nobody but your opinions means very little to me and a lot of guys and girls at the back, the opinions that matter are THESE fans and by the sounds of things…those chants sound like they know exactly who I am.
The fans took the hint and started to chant ‘Ole’ again, getting more and more excited for the eventual clash between Ziggler and Zayn. Last time Zayn did look out of his depth on the big stage, but he has made big leaps into becoming the champion Dolph Ziggler is chasing.
SAMI ZAYN
This Sunday, you’re sharing the spotlight with me, and I don’t appreciate that because I think the champions, the top dogs deserve to hog the limelight more than you contenders who think they can walk in with nothing and walk out with the gold, not on my watch, Dolph. But you were right, maybe it will take more than words to carry this company, I have the belief I can do it, and one day I will whether you like it nor, but the difference is you’re scared of disappointed Daddy Cena if you wanted to carry this company, what, are you worried he won’t be your friend? He won’t get you those VIP tickets to big events? He’ll invest in a new lapdog? He lost his title, and he isn’t here, take THAT as a hint that in an instant it could ALL be over. You sure as hell do a lot of talking Dolph, a hell of a lot to divert the attention. You call me a failure, but you were here a long time before I was, the only thing I have noticed that sits on your EBWF resume is a Royal Rumble win, am I right? And…where exactly did that get you? Are YOU the face of the company? Are YOU holding a title right now? Or are YOU chasing the man you ridiculed in the ring? That sounds more like it, YOU are chasing ME and it’s eating you up inside, you’re angry, frustrated but most of all…Dolph Ziggler is embarrassed. How can you explain this? How can you talk your way out of this one? Oh, I got several opportunities, well guess what sunshine I capitalised on ONE and I walked out with the Intercontinental Championship. You’ve had opportunities, but time and time again all you have proven to me and these fans is that you’re simply not good enough, a champion’s attitude and all that. There is one thing I’d like to ask Dolph though, one thing I need an honest, or as honest as possible answer for. How does it feel? How does it feel that in the build up to this match people will continue to remind you that you are second to a generic Intercontinental Champion? Hey, you can’t change anything there, it’s a fact, I am generic…AND I am number one. You…well you are whatever it is you are….AND you are number two…to Sami Zayn.
The fans reacted positively to Zayn’s criticism of Dolph Ziggler, and didn’t let him forget the fact that regardless of what Dolph has to say last time out, Sami still managed to gain success.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m obviously a little disappointed though, I’ve always been and always will be a fighting champion but just like you, I want a challenge too. I thought the next time our paths would cross you’d be the superstar whose level I’d try to reach but nothing like that has happened. I went out with a loss, I turned it all around, became the number one contender, captured the Intercontinental Championship, picked up wins, defended the championship and now I’m back and you’re still…the same old Dolph Ziggler who think he’s relevant. It still amuses me though, how all of the things you say about me and the majority of hard working guys here has literally come back to bite you on the ass, and I’ll never let you forget the day you were chasing Sami Zayn. You might think I don’t look like a champion, I might be boring, generic, an annoying reminder, but the last thing I seek is approval. Everybody knows that YOU are the one who seeks approval, I’ll never tell these fans to boo me, or cheer me and I won’t try to get those cheap pops like you do either, because this isn’t a popularity contest, your million followers on Twitter won’t make a different, the fact you buy your own shirts to increase sales won’t make a difference, friends in high places won’t make a difference, rejections from women won’t make a difference either at the end of the day…I’m going to kick your ass.
Sami looked straight into a camera as he made his feelings clear, genuinely believing he will kick Ziggler’s ass and the fans showed they supported him by applauding him.
SAMI ZAYN
I’ll admit, John Cena, Orton, Brock, Edge and Jericho have never been generic, but that’s what differentiates me from them, I don’t want to be like any of them, sure having the same level of success would be awesome but I’m more than happy being the greatest generic champion of all time. But the fact YOU put yourself in that category was practically laughable. What have you ever done that would make me take a step back and applaud you? What, you won the Royal Rumble? Great, congratulations, so have many other superstars who actually capitalised on that win, next! You’re probably worse off than I am, I might be generic but you’re not known for anything but slicked hair, a ripped shirt and how you try to tell us you steal the show, all you steal is our time because NOBODY hear wants to see or hear whatever bullshit comes out of your mouth every single night. Every superstar has a dream, to be the best, some of us actually do something about it and set new targets for themselves. One week my target will be to outperform Justin Gabriel, the next it will be to become a contender and the week after to become the champion…I’ve set my targets and dreams and I’m accomplishing then, what are you doing? You’re so content on sitting around the middle of it all and you like to think you’re this big star people pay to see, but the truth is you’re just like everyone else here, like me, like Justin Gabriel, like The Miz, like Austin Aries…you’re one of us. You’re not special, you never have been and you probably never will be. You don’t have the ambition, there’s no drive, people like you make me sick who think they can get an easy ride to the top, it doesn’t work like that. You were so mad because I was one of the ‘fresh guys out of the gate’ trying to make a name in a huge company like this, but at least I was TRYING, you haven’t don’t anything whatsoever to make me feel like my reign is coming to an end. Hey, I would’ve loved to be the guy who dethroned John Cena, you laughed at the statement last time didn’t you? Are you laughing now? Another nobody came in, caused chaos, took the belt, and took John out and now what, not laughing now? No excuses how it was luck or a fluke? You make me laugh Dolph Ziggler, you’re a joke, and you always will be. Based on the match and our positions, I think people would laugh if YOU said you could dethrone the World Champion, not me. Man, I don’t even know how long it’s been since our last outing but your words, they latched on to me and every day I hoped that I would get another shot at you, and now I do, with MY title on the line and I remember every single thing you had to say to me and now knowing you, you’ll deny you said any of it. You said I had to go through you to get to my dreams? Nope. I just leapfrogged you through hard work, you stayed where you are because you’re a lazy good for nothing average joe. I’m closer to the top than you are, I’m the favourite heading into this match, and I’m bringing every single disappointment in my life to this match and using it as motivation to make your stupid face eat the sole of my boot because there’s no way I’m going easy on you because some of the fans like you, it doesn’t work like that. Miracles do indeed happen, you did manage to defeat me when I didn’t have anything that made me stand out apart from my fiery ginger hair and my devilish good looks but now you notice me for some reason because you want my gold, well you’re going to need more than one match try try and take this from my grasp, THIS is the closest you’ll ever get to it.
The fans laughed as Sami joked about his looks and his hair whilst maintaining his seriousness about Dolph being nothing special.
SAMI ZAYN
This Sunday we really will see whether that average face of yours really is indestructible, we’ve all noticed how that silly jaw is always sticking out so maybe I will kick that son of a bitch back into its place and do you a favour. Dolph, you asked for a new Sami Zayn and this Sunday you’ll get your wish, but at the same time you’ll wish that it never happened. Because this Sami Zayn is going to expose your averageness for the world to see, and this whole joke about you stealing the show will get thrown out of the window as well, because I plan on stealing the show especially against you. You don’t belong in any main event like you said you do, you may have had YOUR fifteen minutes of fame and now you’re latching on to anyone and anything you can, but my time in the spotlight isn’t over and you can’t share it with me, I refuse to be your platform to make you relevant again, it’s not happening and you only have a few days left to realise that. The time to show you belong here is running out, the time to prove to me and everyone else that you indeed are the future of this company is running out, because to me if you were let go tomorrow I probably wouldn’t even realise because I’ve learnt to block out that annoying sound that comes out of your mouth and so have many of the fans here and the guys and girls at the back too. Okay…okay…I won’t lie, maybe some people might notice it, one because it’ll be a lot quieter here unless The Miz decides to make up for the lack of noise but seriously, you’re a recognisable face. A recognisable face that will eat kick after kick until that one, perfect Helluva Kick that will make your face unrecognisable, and you’ll forget where you are, you’ll collapse, you’ll fall flat on your back and you’ll lose all of the strength you had and all you’ll see is a blur, a blur of ginger and gold going over your body celebrating the win.
Sami walked around the ring and wiped the sweat off of his forehead as the fans continued to chant for him. He stopped and smiled, looking around as more and more fans now showed more belief in him.
SAMI ZAYN
Do you see that Dolph? Can you hear it? People had no idea who I was, hey years ago before I became a professional wrestler I had no idea what I was. But now the fans know exactly who I am. This pyramid of who belongs where only shows how lower down you are to me, I’m nowhere near the top, yeah that sucks but it sucks for you even more because you’ve got a heck of a job on your hands Dolph. These fans know who I am, but more importantly…YOU know who I am…and I’m going to dispose of you like an ordinary challenger who didn’t even BELIEVE he could become champion. Do you want to know something? As great as it would be to defeat Dolph, and pin him in the middle of the ring at the Royal Rumble, I would’ve liked a different competitor. Give me Austin Aries, Justin Gabriel, Chris Sabin or even Syxx ANY DAY. Because I know these guys WANT a victory, they want to earn a victory, they don’t walk in expecting it to be a walkover like you do, they don’t make me laugh like you do, I don’t think they’re jokes, they work hard for where they are, you haven’t and you never will, and you’ve not learnt how to change your ways so I guess it’s up to the champ to sort all of that out. It’s time to take you off of this wave you’re riding, it’s time take your fake, plastic throne from underneath you and throw YOU into the real world, into the deep end where you’re confused and lonely and you show us that you’re worse than you make yourself out to be. You won’t be rising in the EBWF while I’m around, you’re never going to be better than me, you won’t take this championship from me and there’s no way you’re succeeding in ANY match this Sunday. Because if and when it comes down to it, I’ll throw your sorry ass out of the Royal Rumble too. Fans might know who Dolph Ziggler is right now, they knew who he was years and years ago, but they won’t have a clue once that final bell sounds on Sunday and I’m standing over you with my Intercontinental Championship still around my waist. You can already add that failure to your long list of failures, just like always Dolph Ziggler will fall short but he’ll bounce back, he always does, not in the ring but with his mouth, excuse after excuse, but I can’t help but think the excuses are running out, especially when he loses…to me. The man these fans will be talking about? I’ll let these chants speak for themselves, these same chats will echo around the arena on Sunday when my theme music plays and you crawl up that ramp, a broken man. You’re entire career has been a Zig Zag Dolph, not just when you’re hitting the move, but you zig zag from getting a glimpse of success then failure, success then failure, it’s the same cycle with you and it’s why nobody including yourself actually believes you can defeat me, dethrone me in this match. You haven’t and never will make me famous, I’ll make you well-known though I think, going down as the guy who talked the talk, but couldn’t back up his words and failed…yet again. Every dog does have its day Dolph, it’s a shame yours special day was years ago, and mine is still yet to come. You’re finished before this even started.
Sami dropped the microphone in frustration as his face turned as red as his hair and he unhooked his championship from around his waist and screamed whilst lifting it high above his head. Refusing to back down, he went to all four turnbuckles as his music blasted the arena, and he soaked in the positivity and the cheers as his confidence was at an all-time high, he now looked like a champion and the fans let him know. Perhaps he wasn’t ready for Dolph the first time, but this time with his championship on the line, he knew Dolph was beatable and knew he could be the one to end his impressive run.
- - - - - - -
Sunday 25th January 2015 – Royal Rumble – Toyota Center – Houston; Texas
Sami’s big title defence had finally arrived, the Royal Rumble was taking place at the Toyota Center and the big title defence was almost upon us. Before the match, the cameras were backstage and Sami Zayn was standing there with his Intercontinental Championship still over his shoulder, and looking as confident as ever. He smiled into the camera as the fans realised he was on the titan-tron before he finally spoke to the fans in attendance and those at home.
SAMI ZAYN
In just a moment I’ll be making my way down to the curtains, my music will hit, I’ll sing and dance my way down the ramp, having a good time just like I hope all of you are tonight. I’ll look at my Intercontinental Championship right in the middle plate and I’ll tell him that I’ll see him later. The bell will ring, I will outperform Dolph Ziggler in every single department, I will let him feel for half a second that he stands a chance before I run, and I hit his jaw with the Helluva Kick and go for the cover. One…two…three. I will celebrate with my championship, I will walk up that ramp, through this curtain and pack my championship away because then the Dolph Ziggler chapter will officially be closed, once and for all. So right now, my attention turns to the Royal Rumble.
The fans cheered as Sami Zayn smiled, hyping up the Royal Rumble match and telling the fans why he stands the best chance of walking out the victor.
SAMI ZAYN
I know, you’re cheering because you’re excited and I’m equally as excited as you. Thirty of us inside one ring, throwing anyone and everyone in sight over the top rope and out of that ring. It’s fun, it’s fast-paced, it’s exciting, it’s a nervy, nervy atmosphere, tense, but fun. I plan on making this the night that Sami Zayn is the name on every single fans’ lips. I will defeat Dolph Ziggler, and I WILL outlast 29 other men inside that ring and I will be the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, it is that simple. We’ve got some massive names in that Royal Rumble, Chris Jericho is lacing up his boots again after he gave himself the #30 spot. Trent and Lance Storm will work together unless one stabs the other in the back which is quite likely to happen because you can’t trust anyone when a WrestleMania main event spot is on the line, whether you’re enemies, friends, tag team partners or brother, it’s every man for himself. This Royal Rumble has gotten a little more special though, we’ve got Wes Ikeda trying his luck as well, imagine throwing out the boss of this company? That’s something worth talking about for sure, regardless of the result.
Sami stopped for a second and thought about the prospect of actually main eventing WrestleMania, and how he planned on making that a reality.
SAMI ZAYN
A lot of people have doubted me since I arrived here, most of all Dolph Ziggler and now he’s playing second fiddle to me, and he’s in the Royal Rumble match, and I will have great pleasure is getting rid of him and making his night the most miserable in his entire EBWF career. Everyone has doubted me, and you know what? The doubters probably were right, I lost some matches at the beginning but now those same doubters are Sami Zayn fans because I fought through all the obstacles to become the Intercontinental Champion and I’m going to fight through 29 other obstacles to be the last man standing and have the title of the winners of the Royal Rumble. I work hard for everything, you won’t see me standing in the corner, hiding from stars, I’ll be in the mix for everything, I’ll eliminate anyone and anyone in my way and in this kind of match, the smaller guys are the most dangerous, the bigger guys…well they’re the bigger targets.
The fans continued to chant for Sami Zayn as the excitement around the Toyota Center continued to grow, where in only a moment both Dolph Ziggler and Sami Zayn would tear each other apart, but Sami Zayn knew he was capable of winning both and he intended to do so.
SAMI ZAYN
There are some huge names to look out for, you know CM Punk will probably be a favourite, there’s a reason why he’s referred to as the best in the world, I think it’s time for him to show it. Bad News Barrett, he’s brutal. Brock Lesnar…let’s not even get into that. Ryback, The Rock…so many top guys, dangerous guys, hungry guys too like Tyler Breeze….then again could he handle being in the ring with so many ugly people? I expect him to jump over himself. But seriously, it’s a tough match, big names, big targets too, but I believe in myself more than a regular guy should. You see guys like Ryback, they’re big, they’re brutal, they’ll snap you in half but do you think he’ll be avoided in this match? Hell no. I can assure you that everyone will pile on the big guys and get rid of them, I’ll be one of those smaller guys eliminating the big dogs, and the bug guys have bigger targets on their back. Who am I to the guys at the back? Nobody, just a wrestler who caught a lucky break and captured the Intercontinental Championship. Everyone will look around the ring, “oh, Sami Zayn? He’s small, weak, I’ll save him to the end”, hey that attitude is fine by me, keep me to the end and I’ll surprise you, kick your head out of the ring and celebrate the win. I’m a small guy, I have a small target, but the biggest heart, THAT will get me to my victory.
He exhaled, stopping for a moment before looking up and continuing to talk to the fans in attendance, urging them to support him in his attempt to main event WrestleMania.
SAMI ZAYN
Everybody loves an underdog, I’ve been an underdog my entire career, I still am which is stupid because I’m a champion but that’s how this business works. I know I’d love to see an underdog WrestleMania, and I’m pretty sure you fans will love for the same to happen. I believe I have the skills to do it, the heart, everything can go in my favour and that all comes down to my match which is next. I will defeat Dolph Ziggler, and I’m the only one who has a singles match on the night – well the only one who will WIN – before entering the Royal Rumble. I won’t be tired, I’ll be more enthusiastic than ever, I’ll be energised and I’ll be carrying my momentum, with the help of the fans, to victory. It’s only a matter of time, I will defeat Dolph Ziggler, I will win the Royal Rumble and I WILL main event WrestleMania. Tonight is Sami Zayn’s night.
Sami Zayn stared into the camera with a serious look on his face before the camera faded out and Sami went off for quick, final preparations before his big title defence. The talk was now over, it was time for Sami to actually step up like a champion and prove to himself, the superstars, divas, fans and hierarchy that doubted him, that he is that good to believe in.