The Message

[Will]

Sitting in front of a plate stacked high with pancakes was AJ Styles. He was at a table in a mildly full diner he decided to stop at on his drive to St.Louis. Dressed casually with a cap on, he didn't draw attention to himself. That was until a kid who couldn’t be any older than 15 went to the bathroom. On his return to his table he could only help but notice that he was in the presence of a celebrity eating pancakes. Starstruck, the preppy dressed teen walked expeditiously towards his table where his father was waiting for him. 2 minutes. That's all it took AJ to finishes the very large plate of pancakes. After washing it all down with a tall glass of orange juice, he was approached with a warm smiles from the father and son.

The Teenager: Hey, you're AJ Styles, right?

AJ Styles: I sure am.

The boy’s eyes light up and he could only help to jitter in joy. His father stepped forward and extended his hand.

The Dad: Sergeant Jack Bishop, Sr. of the US Army.

Styles stood from fhis booth and shook the soldiers hand. His son interrupted in a moment of excitement.

The Teenager: You are one of my favorite wrestlers! I’m so glad you came back to the EBWF! My friends and I were so stoked when you returned at the Royal Rumble.You could've won if it wasn't for The Rock. But I know you're gonna win the Elimination Chamber! Then you'll face my other favorite wrestler at WrestleMania!

Jack Sr: You'll have to excuse my son. I think he left his manners at home with his mother.

He put his arm around his son.
Upon further inspection, the hand resting on the boy's shoulder was noticeably prosthetic. A casualty of war Styles assumed without questioning.

The Teenager: Sorry, my name is Jack Bishop, Jr. It's nice to meet you.

Styles smiled at the kid.

AJ Styles: No worries, I’m always happy to meet a fan. So you wanna see me face Dolph Ziggler at WrestleMania?

Jack Jr: Yeah! You guys would have the best match ever! I really wanted to see it happen last year, but you lost the belt to Brock Lesnar. That's why it had to happen this year! All you have to do is win the Elimination Chamber.

AJ Styles: Great, I’m glad that you've been following EBWF. If you really want to see that match then you should check out Warfare this Monday. I'm gonna be facing Dolph Ziggler.

Jack Jr: Seriously? Cool, I can’t wait to see it!

AJ Styles: You think I can take him?

Jack Jr: Dude, you're AJ Styles. I know you can!

Motivation. He had lots of it and a little bit more didn't hurt. Styles thanked the teenager and allowed his dad to get a quick picture of the two.

Jack Jr: Hey, I hope you stay a good guy. Somebody's gotta stand up to all the bad guys in EBWF. You're a real hero.

AJ Styles: I'll try my best. But let me let you in on a little secret.

The teen was intrigued and leaned in closer.

AJ Styles: You're dad is a real hero. Never forget that.

The son looked at his dad with a new sense of appreciation.

AJ Styles: How would you two like to come to Warfare this Monday? I can arrange transportation, tickets, and a place to stay. You can even get a close up of when I beat Dolph Ziggler. What do you think?

Jack Jr: Oh yes! Can we dad? Can we?

The father accepted the gracious offer and exchanged contact information with AJ before they went back to finish their breakfast. Styles was glad to meet a real fan again. During his time in Japan he was rarely ever approached by anyone that knew of him, so this unexpected fanfare was refreshing. Styles signaled his waiter and paid for his meal and everyone else's in the diner before making his exit. On his way to his car he thought back to a time when he was piss poor. He had come a long way from poverty over the past few years and he wouldn't miss a chance to share his wealth whenever he could.
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AJ Styles was completely fine with driving to St.Louis, Missouri. It had been a while since he had been on the road. While working in Japan he had become accustom to depending on other means of transportation. Sitting in the back of expensive cars, flying first class, arriving to places in helicopters, those things were fun, but it wasn't who he really was. He's a good ole country boy with a heart of gold. Just being honest, he could pretty much do anything and be with any woman he wanted to. But he was all alone, doing nothing. Passing through traffic in a 2010 Nissan Titan, his old muddy truck still drove like it was new. The long trip gave him time to think. He was a little nervous because he would be at the EBWF Headquarters in another few hours for the first time in a long time. A promo was set up for him to hype his upcoming match with Dolph Ziggler in New Orleans. The exact place they were suppose to main event WrestleMania together before the heads at EBWF Headquarters decided to go another way. AJ had just been awarded a Slammy for 2014 Heel of the Year and Dolph Ziggler just wasn't drawing the amount of heat he should've been and that's when the ultimate baby face Wes Ikeda was inserted to sell the biggest event of the year. Some people would say Dolph Ziggler got the short end of the stick last year. Styles never knew the story behind, but he knew Dolph was the winner of the Royal Rumble for a second time. That meant Dolph would be coming into this match with a ton of momentum being his first match since his big win. That meant bad news for AJ Styles. He didn't expect to be putting people over just three weeks into his return. Not wanting to think negative because you never knew with the EBWF, stranger things have definitely happened. A win over Dolph would give him the momentum he needed going into the World Championship Elimination Chamber match. He actually looked forward to working this upcoming match. The two were no strangers to one another. After all, Dolph Ziggler is allegedly dating his ex-girlfriend Trish Stratus these days. Styles had been with his fair share of divas but when he had been dating Trish, that had been his last serious relationship. Styles had a lot of good times with Trish and he hated the way he did her because she is a really good woman. She deserved a lot better than him and for a long time he couldn't see it. If Dolph is good to her, AJ is happy for her. Noticing the miles to his destination he continued to drive. Thinking back to his last encounter with a woman.

He had teased his blonde date all night with a little dirty dancing. Something he was really good at. The blond bombshell couldn't help but follow him into the men's restroom. She couldn’t hold back any more, as she followed him into the no woman zone. The room was empty and it was obvious she wanted him, even if it was wrong. She was pushing him against the wall, madly kissing him like she had never kissed a man before. Her hands traveled all over his body even going as far to completely rip his black shirt off. She jumped on him and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. The two were up against the bathroom door and she locked it to make sure they wouldn't be interrupted. She had to have more of him, she was infatuated with him as her lips continued to kiss his naked skin. She carried on kissing his body now digging her hands into his waist band. She stopped for a moment and dropped down to her knees. Quickly removing his belt from his slacks. She began to undo his pants with a savage look in her eye, that's when he stopped her. He buckled up his pants and he left her alone in that bathroom. He couldn't do it. That was the night he decided he was done with meaningless sex. Meaningless sex was the reason he lost so many good women in the past. That was now 115 days ago. Yeah, he kept count. Raindrops began hitting his windshield as he pulled into the parking lot of the EBWF Headquarter. He sighed and got out of his truck. 4 hours of sleep and a long night on the road and he wasn't even cranky. You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. He finished a bottle of Tropicana orange juice on his walk from the parking lot to the entry, disposing of the bottle at the nearest trash bin. He walked through the lobby to the receptionist desk with a smile. It was time to get down to business.
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“The Wall of Champions". The hallway in EBWF Headquarters where all the current EBWF champions portraits are displayed. This is where AJ Styles decided to cut his promo against Dolph Ziggler. He’d quickly changed into one of his new shirts and now stood waiting for the crew to begin filming. He leaned against the wall blocking the image of current World Champion Solomon Crowe. The lucky guy who happened to fill in for Styles while he was gone. Styles hadn’t seen him around backstage yet. He hadn't met the guy. He didn't care because he is more than ready to take his spot back. He didn’t have any more time to contemplate Solomon Crowe because it was at that moment that the cameraman let him know they were ready. Now it was time to focus on Dolph Ziggler. Styles immediately took position in front of the camera as they began recording.

AJ Styles: You're probably asking yourself why am I standing here. Was I trying to figure out who was hotter AJ Lee or Trish Stratus? Maybe who's the bigger wierdo, Stardust or Solomon Crowe?

He pointed to Crowe's picture and mouthed the words "he is”.

AJ Styles: I’m here because I've been away for a while so I just wanted to see who represents our company.

The camera got a close up on Styles examining the female champions.

AJ Styles: Where was I? Oh yeah, the people who represent this company. For starters, our World Champion shouldn't be walking around looking like a raccoon used his face to wipe its ass. When you think EBWF World Champion several names immediately come to mind. Michaels, Jericho, Cena, or Orton just to name a few. You can even toss my name into that cap. Solomon Crowe, not a chance in hell. That's why, I'm sure my picture will be back on this walk in no time.

Styles looked at the frames. He glanced back into the camera.

AJ Styles: You know who hasn’t been on this wall, ever, maybe never and I know will never be on that list of great World Champions? The guy I'm facing this Monday night on Warfare the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, Dolph Ziggler. Now, I know many of you are probably watching this and thinking back to last year. That was the year everything happened for Dolph Ziggler. He debut with the company and within weeks his first big win was in the 2014 Royal Rumble. The guy practically came out of nowhere. The same night I won my second EBWF Championship I was shocked at who I'd be riding with on the road to WrestleMania. Dolph went on to get his shot and failed, since then, he hasn't made it on anyone’s radar of relativity. Fast forward to this year, Dolph does it again. You came out the blue and won the Royal Rumble again. Whoop-dee-fucking-doo. You can't brag about winning a Royal Rumble if you fail to win the gold. You got your second chance. I'll give you that, but come Monday night you're gonna get a good preview of what you have to go through to put your picture on this wall. Don't make any mistake about it, you're looking at the next EBWF World Heavyweight Champion.
If you think you can always crack jokes and this is just a game, you're not gonna make it. I've always let it be known that only the strong survive. Come Warfare you're just gonna have to learn the hard way. This isn't gonna be about who can throw who over the top rope, this is gonna be about who can go the distance. Pretty boy. Big Bad Wolf. You do the math.

Styles was serious. He might even be a little stiff when he gets his chance. Dolph could sell ice to an Eskimo, so a few good knees to the face shouldn't hurt.

AJ Styles: Dolph, I'm sure you're probably gonna trash me because I'm the franchise player in the EBWF. Sure, I've did a few drugs, I ride first class, and sleep in all the best hotels money can buy. I have this multi-million dollar house in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm known to party harder than Adam Rose. And don't even get me started on the ladies. The thing is, I'm big time, and Dolph Ziggler hates that shit. He can't stand it. It's just mind boggling that that little punk Ziggler even gets another shot at WrestleMania. Dolph, you and I both know that you're IC title level at best. You're a pretty boy. More style than substance, you get on camera and you ACT tough. But everybody knows how soft you really are. You like to try and fit in with guys like John Cena and Wes Ikeda, but trust me when I tell you, shoving your head up those guys asses wont make you the next-big-thing. Congrats on creating a slight buzz, Dolph. Once I beat you this Monday night you're gonna go on to WrestleMania and you're gonna choke again. Then the buzz is gone. Don't believe me, just watch.

Styles inhaled and exhaled before continuing.

AJ Styles: The worst part is this guy acts like he's the greatest thing since Nutella. He walks around, nose in the air, arrogant as can be, showing no respect to anyone, like he is god's gift to this business. Well here's some real bad news for you, Dolph. You're not. Let's be serious, I too may be arrogant, I may show no respect for anyone around me, I may walk around like I'm god's gift to this business, but that's only because I AM. As crazy as it sound. That's only because my arrogance is coupled with superior talent to back it up. Dolph Ziggler on the other hand, you're a fraud. This business that I gave everything to. This business I love more than anything. Dolph, you're nothing more than a cookie cutter contender competing outside your territory.

Styles went through the pictures on the wall showing the champions once again.

AJ Styles: Ziggler, you're on my hit-list, and make no doubt about it, this is going to be personal. There isn't a person alive who will be able to deter me from my World Championship. You'd be better off hanging it up and retiring if you can't beat the best this industry has to offer. And make no mistake, you're looking at the very best. And when I'm done knocking your teeth out now and at WrestleMania I hope you do take those boots and hang 'em up. But before you do, I'm gonna be the one to spit on every single last accomplishment you boast about. If I hadn't made my intentions any more clear before now, I hope you get the picture. I'm AJ Styles. Don't take me for a joke.

Styles began making his way to the door at the end of the hallway, the camera was still on him.

AJ Styles: Ever since I stepped foot in the EBWF, I have been the best that people have ever seen. I've main evented every PPV event that I laid my eyes on. If I wanted it, it was mine. And I didn't even break a sweat doing it. I've beaten some of the best in this business. I'm battle tested. There is no one in this company that comes close to me. Defiantly not Dolph Ziggler. Is he supposed to impress me? How many big name superstars have you beaten, Dolph? None! How many have I beaten? Each and every one of them. You seem to think that because you got lucky and lightning struck twice, you’ve got this match with me in the bag. That just goes to show how little you know. I’m far more experienced than you, and that’s more important than your momentum. There’s nothing you can throw at me that I haven’t dealt with before. Me, on the other hand... you’re not even close to being prepared for me. In your naivety and arrogance, you’ve probably assume I’ll be an easy opponent. Not only am I going to beat you Monday, Dolph, I’m going to beat some respect into you. I earned my place in this business, I wasn’t fast-tracked into it like you were. When I was trying to make it big in this company, I didn't have any shortcuts like you. I had to make myself known. I busted my ass and that's why now I’m reaping the rewards. I’m one of the biggest names on the EBWF roster. I am an international superstar. While Dolph, in reality you’re a lower card wrestler in the EBWF, who has a chance to make a name for himself. Clearly, you don’t appreciate what you’ve got. And that’s what will be your downfall. When I beat you Monday then what’s next Dolph? Are you going to go into WrestleMania realizing that you're not good enough to become a champion, not even at the Breakout level. When you step foot in that ring with me I guarantee your momentum will be completely derailed, and in a few years you’ll be doing comedy for a living. I on the other hand am hell bent on becoming World Champion... does it matter to you, Dolph? If so, prove it.

Styles stepped foot through the threshold of the door and looked back at the camera once more. It zoomed in to catch the sparkle in his blue eyes.

AJ Styles: Until I can get my hands on the EBWF Championship, I’m going to enjoy sending this message. My name... is AJ Styles. I'm the measuring stick in this business. And come Monday night, Dolph, if you wanna be the man, you have to beat the man.

After quoting one of the all time greats, Styles gave a confident smirk directly into the camera, waiting for the small red light go out. He relaxed and began thanking the crew. Now that the talking was over, it was time to show everyone just what he was really about, starting with Dolph Ziggler.
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