OOC: GOOD LUCK RAZA! YOU'RE THE BOMB BRAH!


"I need to give my life a new meaning. You know I got your back... Please don't turn me down, you are my savior!"

Being the Messiah of Straightedge was not an easy task, not a daunting one either. CM Punk usually stayed true to himself, speaking his mind with no strings attached. Of course, being outspoken and crude had led Punk to some hiccups with coworkers, bosses and whatnot. Being the household name he was, not only for the fine craft of Wrestling but for the EBWF. Punk might be unwanted, but when it came to drawing, selling merchandise and putting asses on seats, CM Punk was a man you always wanted to be on your same terms. It seemed like CM Punk was riding high waves once again, the original, inaugural Path To Glory Champion, had the belt around his waist yet again. Tired of the abuse and misuse the prestigious belt had been subject of, Punk's short term goal was to restore credibility and prestige to the title. He had announced last week that he would be defending against the Rock at Aftermath, the first of many opponents to come. Most of them looking for an easy ticket to get to the World Title. Not on Punk's watch.

Footsteps echoed around what looked like the backstage area of an arena, presumably the US Airways center in Phoenix Arizona. A hallway which was usually filled up with noise, busy staff running left and right, doing their uttermost to make EBWF's Monday night show perfect. The camera caught a blurry image of a man clad in a black hoodie, black pants, a familiar looking golden belt with a big leather strap clinging from his shoulder. A much larger man, clad in black pants and a gray wife beater seemed to be following the Straightedge Superstar.

???: You're not going to answer me?

Punks stopped in his tracks, he turned around to face the big man, the camera was unable to make the man's face.

CM Punk: I don't think I have a reply right now.

???: You are not going to turn your back on me are you? You know I seek nothing but enlightment and guidance...

CM Punk: You know, I got important things to do right now...

???: I could take care of Sami Zayn if you want! It would be piece of...

Punk's index poked the man's chest.

CM Punk: Do I look like I need someone to take care of Sami Zayn? To fight MY fights?

???: No, not really... But it's always better to make sure!

CM Punk: One of the many cool things about being CM Punk is... You always get to be sure.

???: You never know when the Rock or those guys who helped AJ Styles might show up and ruin your match! I could watch your back, you know I am good for it!

Punk rubbed a hand along his bearded chin, looking at the big man.

CM Punk: You are...

???: I would take a bullet for you. I would lay across the floor for you if you needed a mat... You know I would do anything for you, Savior.

CM Punk: What do you have in mind for Sami?

???: We go to the airport and buy two tickets to Israel, where he hails from, then...

CM Punk: Who do I look like, Trent Barretta?

???: Sorry.

CM Punk: Sorry... What?

???: Sorry, savior.

CM Punk: Much better... Now, carry my belt, we have a lot of work to do.

Punk reached out to extend the belt to the man who had offered his devotion to Punk. As if he were presented with the Holy Grail, the man knelt before the Second City Saint and allowed him to lay the belt over one of his shoulders.

???: I feel honored.

Punk didn't reply, turning around and walking away from the camera, followed by the large man... Both men walked through the hallway until they silhouettes became too blurry for the camera to follow. The scene slowly faded to black as the man's voice could be heard over and over again repeating the following prayers:

"CM Punk, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."

"Nkosi CM Punk, iNdodana kaNkulunkulu, ngihawukele mina, isoni."

XXX

Phoenix Arizona's US Aiways center was filled to the rafters with EBWF fans waiting for their favorite superstars to perform in another edition of EBWF Warfare. Signs held up in the air, chants and camera flashes could be seen all around, the crowd settled down as the EBWFtron lit up to display what looked like an interview set. TV monitors clinging from the ceiling, displaying EBWF skull logos, Renee Young clad in a red dress came into display, the camera panned out further to show the current PTG champion CM Punk, already clad in his ring gear: Knee pads, bandaged forearms with big 'Xs' scribbled on the back of his hands, black trunks with six pointed stars... Punk rested both of his hands at his sides, his brown hair dragged back as he smiled confidently at Renee Young.

Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, CM Punk.

The crowd in attendance had a positive reaction for the straightedge savior.

Renee Young: Punk, tonight you will be facing Sami Zayn in the main event, what are your thoughts?

CM Punk: Renee, It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize talent when it is right before your nose. It would be redundant, dull and unnecessary to remind you and the EBWF universe how successful has Sami Zayn been since he arrived to the EBWF. We all have witnessed how capable he is in the ring, how well can he take a beating, how resilient he truly is. Just take a look at the guy, and if you aren't sold, take a look at his big Intercontinental championship belt. Still not convinced? I'm not surprised... After all, people need to see things with their own eyes before they deposit their trust in you... Tonight I have the opportunity to share a revelation with the EBWF universe... I get to show them how much of a great wrestler Sami Zayn is.

An "Olé" chant broke out throughout the arena, Punk nodded and smiled.

Renee Young: Well, it seems like the EBWF universe is in for a treat tonight, two prolific wrestlers, lots of respect for each other, equally successful, and....

CM Punk: Woah, woah, hold on just a second Renee... You are right. Tonight the EBWF fans are going to get something they haven't had in a while, their money's worth for a great wrestling match. You are also right when you say I respect Sami Zayn, as I said before I value resiliency greatly... I guess, if you measure us by our current position in the company as champions... You could call us "equals"... However, owning a big golden belt is not enough... And when you are CM Punk, the straightedge savior, it's just a bonus. Renee, let's go back to November, to survivor series. Team Punk versus Team Barrett. Need I say more? I led a team... I was brought to this earth to purge it from filth and impurity, I was put on this place to be the voice of the voiceless, the brawn of the innocent, the lighthouse of the lost ones... I am a natural born leader... Sure, Sami was more than happy to be part of MY Survivor Series team... So, when you say Sami Zayn and I are equals, you are inferring he and I have the same convening power, which is not the case.

Renee Young: Do you think that convening power gives you the upper hand against Zayn tonight?

CM Punk: Being the Best Wrestler in the World gives me the upper hand against Sami Zayn, Renee. Being a natural born leader, a role model makes it a must, for me to defeat Sami Zayn tonight. Because you see, all these people chanting in the crowd "Olé" are looking forward to a great match match, in the main event champion versus champion. But it is much, much deeper than that. Sure, Sami Zayn has been busy getting his ass handed to himself lately by Trent and his friends, and he managed to get a little revenge at WrestleMania... However, and I can't stretch this enough: Sami Zayn has absolutely no idea what facing CM Punk means. CM Punk cult followers all around the world will be glued to the Television throughout the match, looking for answer, looking for a north, looking for enlightenment, and I don't believe Sami is enough of an impasse to keep me, their savior, their saint from delivering what they so desperately need. After all, they only get to see me every other week. Renee, you call it a blockbuster, call it a Champion versus Champion match, call it however you want... Just remember, I am more than a champion. I am more than a wrestler holding a belt around his waist... Everytime I go out there I redefine the business, I change lifes, I gain adepts... Sure, you can say Sami Zayn has made a name for himself in the EBWF... I'm sorry to pop that little bubble, but Sami: You were not he first red hot prospect to make an impact and make the fans go wild with your skills, certainly you will not be the last. The EBWF has seen great athletes have memorable streaks and then fade into oblivion...

Renee Young: Are you saying Sami Zayn hasn't still cemented his place in EBWF history?

CM Punk: Not only he has not cemented his place in EBWF history, he has been running his mouth as of late... And I haven't heard him once thanking me for being the one who endorsed him. I reached out to him and allowed him into team Punk, I was the one who seduced him into teaming up with me, which I have to confess was not hard at all... The gift of the silver tongue that was bestowed upon me is undeniable, Renne... Sami is on the right path to glory... I will give him that... However, I AM THE PATH OF GLORY.

Punk's prophetic words invoked the Path to Glory title, which has been absent from the scene this whole time. Pacing slowly, menacingly, yet proudly; a tall, buff man clad in a skin tight black wifebeater and a black skully hat, black leather biker gloves and pants walked right between CM Punk and Renee Young. The man held the PTG title on his hands, looking proudly at the golden belt. Punk reached out to caress that big plate, making sure the plaque which read CM PUNK was in plain sight.

CM Punk: This is my legacy... And everyone knows I worked my ass off the make this idea in my mind something tangible, something real, something that will perdure for eons after I am gone. People say Path to Glory, people think about CM Punk... Renee, what do you think people think when they hear the words "Sami Zayn?". What I am trying to say is: there is still a long way before we could talk about Sami's Legacy in EBWF.

Punk smirked and looked at Renee, who couldn't seem to take her eyes off the man holding his belt.

CM Punk: Oh, where are my manners? Renee, I was talking about having the power to convoke sheep into my herd, my church of discipline and cleanness of mind and soul... I was trying to explain to you and Sami if he's listening that there is an abysmal difference between you and I. Sure, Sami can put up a good match, he can get the fans to sing and dance with him, he is quite energetic and a happy individual... But how many people could Sami Zayn lead? How many people could Sami Zayn make do his bidding without question? Standing before me is my disciple, someone who has been following my teachings for years, someone who has found massive success between the ropes after my guidance... I don't think Sami Zayn can say he has accomplished such feats, can he? Without further ado... The man who begged me to be here tonight, the man who joys and prides in walking besides me... Doc Gallows.

Doc stood firmly, holding Punk's belt on his hands.

CM Punk: Tell them a little about yourself, Doc.

Doc Gallows: I am not important, for I would not be here if it weren't for the saving grace CM Punk has in his miraculous hands, I was taken out of the darkest black hole your could imagine... I was meaningless, purposeless until this man found me and gave me something to believe in. I owe everything I have to this man, I would do anything for him, I even begged him to let me take his place tonight... But being the honorable man he is, he reminded me he fights his own battles. He has allowed me to watch him from his corner, something not anyone can do, and for that I thank him.

Punk smiled, satisfied with his disciple's intervention.

CM Punk: I'd like to see someone as devoted, disciplined and faithful to the Straightedge lifestyle... Devoting himself to whatever Sami Zayn stands for. I hope I have been illustrative enough Renee, I hope I have managed to make you notice that Sami Zayn and CM Punk are still lightyears apart from each other. That I am not only superior in the ring, but outside of it too... That I have the power to make the world disciplined, clean, pure, sanctified, christened under the power of StraightEdge. Today, Gallows has proved his loyalty to me... As can anyone in the EBWF who is willing to straighten up their path, and walk, once and for all, the path of glory... Sami, you are more than welcome to walk this path of Glory with me... You've been by my side in the past and you know damn well there is nothing but good things, crops to harvest and peace of mind by my side. I am confident you witness a revelation after our match takes place... And choose to be on my side, to be part of his Society.

Punk crossed his arms in the trademark 'X' sign while Gallows raised the Path to Glory title above Punk's head for everyone to see. The lighting from the ceiling made the belt sparkle right above the Second City Saint as Warfare went for a commercial break.