A Royal Return
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 11:55 pm
01/04/2015
There was a knock at the door. AJ Styles looked at his clock; it was 10:15 pm – fifteen minutes after the recent NJPW WrestleKingdom event had ended. He had an idea who was at the door. He had actually forgot he was coming. There were two more knocks against the door accompanied by a familiar voice? Styles pulled his body from the couch he was resting on.
"AJ? It's Mike..."
AJ Styles: Just a minute.
No, it wasn't Miz. It wasn't a drug dealer named Mike either. The leader of the notorious Bullet Club walked across his presidential suite to the nearest mirror. After running a brush through his greasy black hair he awkwardly smiled at himself. He nonchalantly opened the door to see his old friend Mike Tenay in the hallway with a couple bags of gear.
Mike Tenay: It's good to see you kid. It's been a few years.
AJ Styles: Yeah, yeah. You too man. How've you been?
Mike Tenay: Not too bad I guess. I should be asking you that.
AJ Styles: Well, save your questions for now. Come in and lets get set up. Want a beer?
Mike Tenay: Um.. sure..
Styles helped bring the gear inside before noticing how particularly impressed Tenay was with the size and grandeur of the room.
Mike Tenay: Wow, this place is amazing.
AJ Styles: It's okay.
Mike Tenay: Okay. It's bigger than my house. If you don’t mind me asking, is this you or NJPW setting you up here?
AJ Styles: Let's just say between my time in the EBWF and the few months I've been apart of NJPW, I'm basically set up pretty good for the rest of my life.
Mike Tenay: I guess it's safe to say your not jumping back to the EBWF for the money then?
AJ Styles: Allegedly jumping ship. Hey, if you don’t mind, you can just set up here in the living room area. There's beer in the fridge. I’m gonna go take a shower and listen to some Taylor Swift...
Mike Tenay: You go for it. I guess I'll be ready when you get back.
Styles headed towards the bathroom while Tenay seemed excited to be alone – he wasnt lying about how impressive the suite was. Top to bottom, exquisite décor, top of the line furniture, and a simple understated elegance. He was very impressed, AJ hardly seemed to notice, but someone went through a lot of work to insure he was living lavishly. Tenay was excited that this might end up being one of the best interviews ever.
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The camera was rolling with AJ Styles sitting alone on a couch. He was dressed in a simple black button up shirt, his slacks were tailored to fit his frame perfectly. His black hair seems groomed perfectly. This was a classy, refined AJ Styles, very different from the jeans and t-shirt wearing man that fans were use to. He smirks as though he's alone on a joke that’s about to get even better or perhaps he’s simply relishing being in front of an American audience again. Tenay was seated to the side of the camera to conduct his interview.
Mike Tenay: Hello and welcome. My name is Mike Tenay and today I’m joined by one of the greatest professional wrestlers of this generation. A man who needs no introduction...
AJ Styles: They might need a reminder as to who I am.
Mike Tenay: He's a multi-time World Champion, and one of the most controversial figures in recent years, AJ Styles.
AJ Styles: Thanks.
Mike Tenay: Usually, we’d begin these interviews with a little laughter, but if you don’t mind, since it’s been so long since we’ve seen you on TV in the states, maybe we could just jump right in with what happened when you suddenly disappeared from TV last time. You were coming off a big storyline with the EBWF. Trilogy had returned and you appeared to be in prime position as the top heel of the company. Then you vanished. The company didn't acknowledge your release. They simply removed you from their active roster. Can you tell us what happened?
AJ Styles: Basically, everything started going into King of the Ring. I pretty much knew from the beginning that I would be going to the finals. The bracket had me against a few guys who had no kind of real momentum. I thought Rodimer was a fun guy, but his run in EBWF was pretty horrendous. Then there was Waltman who I've always had good matches with, but after I went over in our match I thought I had a real shot at being King of the Ring... I mean nothing was planned out. They still had me booked to face Orton in the finals. I had this meeting with Shane McMahon where he basically told me how the company had lost faith in me. Next thing you know I was on the phone with Stephanie McMahon pitching the idea of a Trilogy returning. I wanted to make them believe in me. I wanted to convince them that I could make a SummerSlam match with Cena one of the biggest draws in years. I was already doing the dark comedy shtick with Maria Kanellis. It was pretty controversial at the time. I figured everyone hated my fucking guts anyway, why not add on Miz and DiBiase to feud with Cena during the summer.
Mike Tenay: So where did things go wrong?
AJ Styles: So I’m on TV, doing my thing, and for whatever reason it starts getting over big. And suddenly the fans, they want to see me win the tournament. During the finals with Randy the entire arena was split, even though I was portraying this mega heel. When I first made it to EBWF back in 2010 Brian Kendrick was over big. Then there was Dean Ambrose in 2013, he was over... In my eyes I wasn't as good as they were with the gimmick, but at least I could make it my own. People always labeled me as a nice guy who could fly around the ring and sell bumps. So, believe it or not, I was pretty excited about shattering that status quo. So now here comes the word from Wes... Randy's going to be King again. Fuck me, you know, I had barely gotten over and now they’re having me lose another pay-per-view match. So I pushed myself and I mean genuinely worked harder than ever. Randy and I had an amazing match and although I didn't win, we ended the night with Trilogy reforming. Two weeks later we were taking over an entire episode of Warfare.
Mike Tenay: There has always been a bit of confusion about what happened that night, how much of that was a work, how much of it was a shoot?
AJ Styles: I can admit, I was pretty disgruntle at the time. I had sat down with Shane again and this time was told how we were scheduled to win the Tag strap. Which, to be honest, I was kind of iffy about. I mean it’s one thing to be a champion nobody cared about, it’s another thing to be main eventing with a guy like Cena and Orton. Then to be told they want me to have the tag belt... It really pissed me off. They wanted to hold off on a program with Cena and I felt like they were dropping the ball. Someone proposed a program with Chris Jericho instead and that's when I had become vocal with management. I began lashing out. I put down the entire staff and locker room as if they were beneath me. I was really disrespectful towards Chris for no reason and before you know it I was challenging Cena to a fist fight. That's when Wes made the decision to send me home.
Mike Tenay: Are you two getting along these days?
AJ Styles: I'd say we’re fine by this point. I think Wes understood why I was upset but didn't appreciate the fact that I was being a dick about it. We really weren’t talking much since he sent me home, but at least we could have a sit down meeting without it ending in someone threatening the other one. Which for me was good because he didn't stop me from coming over here and preforming for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Mike Tenay: So you're sent home. A month later you're debuting for New Japan Pro Wrestling and you win the IWGP World Championship along with taking over the ranks as the leader of the Bullet Club.
AJ Styles: Oh that? I thought it would be good to come over here and clear my head. I just left everything behind and made the move. New Japan put the World Title on me and threw me into the main event scene. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I’ve actually had a lot of fun working with guys like Karl Anderson and Bad Luck Fale. Blah-blah-blah, I won’t get all sentimental, I had a good run. Now, I'm ready to come home.
Mike Tenay: What's next for you then?
AJ Styles: I’m going back to Georgia. Gonna have a cookout. You can bring the family.
Mike Tenay: Thanks for the invitation. We’ll be sure to come. So, what’s your personal life looking like these days?
AJ Styles: It’s good. I’ve been really good. I’m single at the moment. My ex-wife Wendy are I are on good terms these days, I’m able to spend a lot of time with my boys, I don’t walk around with feeling angry or bitter anymore.
Mike Tenay: that's good to hear. I might as well go ahead and ask. Have you signed with EBWF?
AJ Styles: Not exactly. We’ve been discussing a possible return at the Royal Rumble. That’s a few weeks from now so hopefully things fall in place. The company has been doing great things.
Mike Tenay: What about WWE? Or perhaps a return to TNA?
AJ Styles: Well, I haven’t heard from anyone in WWE since I turned down Vince personally. As for TNA, it’s not going to happen.
Mike Tenay: What has the EBWF done to win your commitment when earlier you admitted that six months ago you were a disgruntle employee?
AJ Styles: Well, look at the way the company is run now compared to how it was six months ago. I mean honestly, it was a god damn mess. You’ve got Solomon Crowe as the World Champion. Sami Zayn has been putting on great matches. Trent is in really cementing himself as a top guy by working with Storm and Jericho. Wes got rid of Stephanie. Thank god. Things are better. It’s about time he did something. Have you ever noticed how no one ever stuck around there for long? That’s because it was a fucking circus show. How many times has Dwayne Johnson come and gone from there? 20 times? You have Jericho, he’s been around for years. There’s Orton and Cena who attached themselves to the company, but now, honestly, who’s there? Who draws in the fans week in and week out? The young guys in the back have to step up and I believe Wes is giving them all a chance to do so.
Mike Tenay: So, if you were to return to the company, what would be your plans?
AJ Styles: Win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania.
Mike Tenay: So that’s why you’re doing this interview with me today?
AJ Styles: Exactly, I don’t have to clear anything with anyone. I am free to do whatever I want outside of New Japan. I’m looking forward to making a comeback with EBWF and would like to put the entire roster on notice. I’m not coming back to be another face in the crowd, I’m coming back to be the face of the company.
Mike Tenay: Those are some strong words. If you were to return in the Royal Rumble match who would be your biggest threat.
AJ Styles: Trent. He’s hungry and wants it more than the rest of the guys. Just not more than me. I’ve already told you how I’m happy he’s finally in the spotlight. He’s an amazing athlete. I know the guy, I’ve talked with the guy. We’re not strangers. I beat him for the World Championship just a year ago. The bottom line is, he wants to be the World Champion of one of the largest promotions in the world, and he looks out of place. And it’s not because he doesn’t have impressive wins, or he isn’t booked right. I mean he’s been on a roll lately, but he’s not “there” yet. You know? He just never got to the point of being a franchise guy. I mean if I said myself, Cena, Orton, Jericho, Punk, Kendrick. Why isn’t Trent on that list? It’s because he hasn’t had his big moment yet. To me, Trent is like a video game character come to life - flat character development, cool move set, and interchangeable with the next guy exactly like him. If he wants to step out of the shadow of Storm and Jericho then winning the Royal Rumble will be the defining moment for him as a wrestler, but if I have anything to say about that, he’ll have to go through me to do it.
Mike Tenay: Going to play a bit of word association with you?
AJ Styles: Go for it...
Mike Tenay: Wes Ikeda?
AJ Styles: Great dad.
Mike Tenay: Ric Flair?
AJ Styles: Great wrestler.
Mike Tenay: Hulk Hogan?
AJ Styles: Greedy bastard.
Mike Tenay: EBWF?
AJ Styles: Home.
Mike Tenay: AJ Styles?
AJ Styles: Best in the business.
Mike Tenay: The Miz?
AJ Styles: Traitor.
Mike Tenay: Trent?
AJ Styles: The future.
Mike Tenay: Solomon Crowe?
AJ Styles: WrestleMania opponent.
Mike Tenay: Well AJ, I would like to thank you for this time, it’s been a real pleasure talking with you and clearing up a few things about the last couple of months. It was good to find out your plans for the future and I look forward to seeing you make that return at the EBWF Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles: Thanks for giving me a chance to finally clear the air. I look forward to what’s to come. Stay tuned.
The camera cut, ending the interview.
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01/25/15
“Get Ready to Fly” by GRITS blared through the arena. The fans rushed to their feet. The energy in the air was suddenly lit on fire. The lights swirled around the arena, there were flashes of cameras and strobe lights pointing to the entrance ramp. The black curtains remain still. The audience in attendance knew this song, and were in anticipation to find out if it was a hoax or not. The curtains were pulled back and the crowd popped for the one and only, AJ Styles.
Jim Ross: My goodness King! It’s AJ Styles! It’s AJ Styles!
Jerry Lawler: I know JR! And have you ever heard a crowd like this before?!
Jim Ross: We haven’t seen Styles in months!
Dressed for competition his hood flew back to the admiration of the audience. Styles stood on the top of the ramp, he looked around the arena, and smiled. Not a cocky smile, not a fake smile, but a genuine smile of satisfaction. He looked down at the ring noticing the EBWF logo and thought back, it’s been almost six months since he last stood on this ramp. Joyful – simply joyful to be back home. The phenomenal one began walking down the ramp, being sure to high five the audience members who are dog piling around the guardrails to reach out.
Jim Ross: King, what is he doing here?
Jerry Lawler: I don’t know JR, but I think he’s heading to the ring.
Jim Ross: Maybe we’ll get an explanation there.
Styles reached the bottom of the ramp. Looked at the ring for a moment. With a swift hop he was back in his ring, his territory, his domain. The audience’s reaction simmered down as he reached for the mic from one of the crew members around the ring. He pulled his black hair back and shot a fake bullet at the camera, which actually got a little pop out of the crowd.
AJ Styles: I’m standing in the middle of this ring. Me. AJ Styles, standing in an EBWF ring.
Styles threw his jacket into the crowd. They were loving it.
AJ Styles: Now, there’s one big question on everyone’s mind. Why am I here? Easy, I’m back and I’m here to win the 2015 Royal Rumble!
The crowd popped at the thought of Styles winning.
Jim Ross: Is Styles going to be in the Rumble match later tonight?
Jerry Lawler: I have no idea!
Styles walked around the ring looking at each side of ropes before speaking again.
AJ Styles: I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news. If you came here to see Wade Barrett or his buddy Ryback win then you might as head home now. I noticed how those two “teamed” up and thought they were making some waves. I’m afraid the only thing they’ve made while they’ve been together is some very bad matches. These people paid to see excitement, not a hungry bald guy and his British butler. Speaking of “teamed” up. Edge. Miz. I’m gonna kick both your asses!
The fans cheered at the mention of his rivals.
AJ Styles: Once a traitor, always a traitor. Miz, you’re pathetic. Tonight, I’m gonna show you how pathetic you are when I toss your ass over the top rope right along with Edge. It doesn’t matter when I enter the rumble and who is in the ring, I’m going to go through each and every soul stand in front of me and make my way to Wrestlemania once again. I hope Brock Lesnar is in the ring when I enter. Brock, we got some unfinished business. Just know I plan to settle that score tonight. Guys like MVP, Gabriel, Sabin, Aries, Wyatt, Dallas, Rose, Stardust, just to name a few, you don’t stand a chance. I’m more anxious than I’ve ever been to go for it all. Tonight, I’m going to right a few wrongs. Solomon Crowe, EBWF Champion. The only reason you are champion is because I wasn’t around. I hope you pay very good attention to what happens tonight. Well, that’s if you get past Dean Ambrose. That’s gonna be a blood bath for sure. Anyway, which ever one of you crazy bastards make it out as World Champion, this is your spoiler. You’re gonna be facing AJ Styles at Wrestlemania. If you thought you were facing CM Punk. It’s not happening. The Straight Edge Superstar isn’t the man he was a few years ago. Punk, you’re pretty washed up right now. You’re a shell of the man you use to be. I’ve always enjoyed wrestling you but tonight if you get in my way, I want you to know, it’s nothing personal. Don’t plan on facing Brian Kendrick at Wrestlemania.
The crowd went crazy at the mention of Kendrick.
AJ Styles: I believe in ghosts so what the hell, he might decide to pop up. If so, I welcome him with open arms. Kendrick, we’ve gone to hell and back and tonight I don’t mind doing that once again. I don’t mind going to hell with Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, or Ted DiBiase. We’ve been there before. If Cena plans to join us then we’re gonna have us a good ole’ time. But that doesn’t change the fact that tonight neither one of those men can stop me. I’m not back to reunite the Trilogy. I’m not back to play games with the divas. I’m back to wrestle. I’m back to win. I’m AJ Styles and just in case you forgot I’m still the man and tonight like a wise man once said if you want to be the man you have to beat the man. Dolph Ziggler, your fairytale win last year was great. Just don’t expect that to happen again. I know you’re going to come into this match with a head full of steam. You may even be the new Intercontinental Champion. Even then I’m still going to be waiting on you, expecting you, stalking you. Just like I eliminated you in 2012 I look forward to doing it again. Maybe I’m missing somebody. Somebody that’s going to be a big serious threat. Do you guys think Daniel Bryan will be a threat?
The crowd began to chant “no” in unison.
AJ Styles: What about Enzo Amore?
The answer didn’t change.
AJ Styles: What about Tyler Breeze?
The chants continued.
AJ Styles: CJ Parker?
The chants intensified and now the crowd was completely behind AJ Styles.
AJ Styles: What about Wes Ikeda?
Suddenly, the crowd shifted and a huge “Yes” reaction began.
AJ Styles: Ikeda is definitely a threat. No doubt about it. I haven’t forgot the war we had last year at WrestleMania. I respect the fact that Ikeda is a warrior and I know if I’m going to win the rumble tonight I have to go through you. You’re entering at number twenty-seven. You’re gonna be fresh and by the time you warm up I’m gonna be on fire. After you we have the little threesome of Trent, Storm, and Jericho taking the final three spots. After the blatant abuse of power Jericho weaseled his way into the final spot. It’s hilarious to me. Because the whole time, I knew how big of a jack ass Jericho really was. I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. Now he’s walking around here with the harry potter fan club, Storm and Trent, talking about headlining Wrestlemania. Sorry to ruin the party boys, but it’s not gonna happen tonight. Trent, you know what kind of animal I can be when I really want something. I did bury you alive last year. Lance Storm, I’ve never taken you serious. You’re a joke. And I’m not laughing. I’ve showed you in the past just like I’ve showed Jericho countless times that I’m one of the absolute best wrestlers to ever compete in the EBWF. It comes down to this fellas. Now that you know I’m the wild card in this thing, what are you gonna do? You have about two hours to figure it out. I’m AJ Styles. I’m standing in the middle of this ring. Me. AJ Styles, standing in an EBWF ring. Later on tonight, I don’t plan on leaving this ring until my hand is raised and I have a one way ticket to WrestleMania!
Styles dropped the mic and on que “Get Ready to Fly” played over the sound system. The fans were behind Styles all the way and he acknowledge them by exiting the ring and celebrating his return with the nearest fans at ringside. Styles was back and he didn’t save the surprise for later, because he didn’t want it to be a surprise to anyone when he won the Royal Rumble.
Jim Ross: AJ Styles has returned to the EBWF and has just made his intentions clear. We will find out if he can go the distance for the second time in his career here tonight! I frankly can’t wait for the Royal Rumble match!
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