OOC: Put a lot of work into this one, so I hope you enjoy it! Thank you to Ashlee, Jay and Juan for writing with me. Best of luck Raza! Sorry to hear about the family situation, but it's been a pleasure working with you and I'm sure this won't be the end of our feud!

Saturday April 4: San Jose, California

The 13th Annual Slammy Awards were almost over, and it had been a successful night for Chris Jericho. He'd won Hottie of the Year, and this time he didn't have to share it with Wes Ikeda. He'd also won the Alliance of the Year Slammy with Trent and Lance Storm, and with the Wrestler of the Year about to be announced, Chris was hoping for a third Slammy. Given that he was up against the current World Champion, AJ Styles, the two men that had held the World Title before AJ - Solomon Crowe and John Cena - and the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, Dolph Ziggler, Chris didn't rate his chances. Still, he was pleased just to have made the final ballot. Chris had zoned out slightly as Wes was making his speech, so he was genuinely surprised when he heard his name being read out as the 2015 Wrestler of the Year. Chris kissed his wife Jessica, then got up and walked past Lance Storm and Trent. The two men stopped him, getting to their feet, and the three of them shared a celebratory hug before Chris headed to the stage. As Chris took the Wrestler of the Year Slammy from Wes, the two of them embraced, and Wes could be seen mouthing the words "about damn time". Chris couldn't stop grinning as he stepped up to the podium.

Chris Jericho: Wow. I mean seriously... wow. You know every year I joke that the Hottie of the Year Award is the Slammy that means the most to me, but I've got to say, winning this Slammy is a million times better. I'm genuinely humbled, because as happy as I am to be standing here giving this speech, I'm not even sure I deserve this Slammy. I mean look at the people I was nominated with, and what great years they've had. There's AJ Styles, who - well, he might be an ass, but he's very good at what he does. He had a great match with Wes at WrestleMania last year, his match against Randy Orton at King of the Ring was superb, and he put in a tremendous performance in the Elimination Chamber match at Fallout. Dolph Ziggler made EBWF history - as I'm sure he'll never get tired of telling you, he's the first guy to ever win two Royal Rumbles outright. Although I'm sure Bret Hart will argue with you about that record next time he sees you. John Cena - for a guy that only has five moves, you sure know how to deliver when you step into that ring. I think you're up to seven moves now, aren't you? You had a fantastic run as World Champion, and while you won't thank me for reminding you of this, you came close to breaking Randy Orton's record as the longest reigning World Champion in EBWF history. Last but not least, there's the guy that stopped you from breaking that record, Solomon Crowe. Crowe, you haven't even been here a full year, but what an impact you've made. Your match with John Cena at Survivor Series will go down as one of the watershed moments in EBWF history, and I can't wait to step into the ring with you tomorrow night.

Chris paused for a moment, looking across at Wes, then continued speaking.

Chris Jericho: You know I actually talked to Wes when I saw my name on the final Slammy ballot, and when I told him how surprised I was to be nominated, he insisted that I deserved to be. His argument was that while I might not have wrestled as many matches as some of the other guys nominated, when I have stepped into the ring, I've always delivered. I'd like to thank the people who helped me make those matches great - in particular the two men whose matches with me made it onto the final ballot, Lance Storm and Trent. Lance, everyone knows how much history we have, and to this day I still believe that neither of us would have made it through the Hart Brothers School of Wrestling if we didn't have each other. We've wrestled each other hundreds of times over the last 25 years, and our match at Survivor Series is my favourite. Trent, our Stairway to Hell match was brutal. I hated you Christmas morning! But you know what, that match was your chance to show everyone how good you are, and you delivered.

Chris looked across at Wes once more, who was jokingly pointing at his watch.

Chris Jericho: Anyway, I think I better stop talking... otherwise it really will be past Blaine's bedtime when this is finished! From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have no idea how much this Award means to me. And I just want to say one more thing - if you think I deserved this Slammy this year, then I guarantee you'll be voting me again next year... because I'm going to make sure 2015 is my best year yet.

As Chris stepped back from the podium, the crowd got to their feet and gave him a standing ovation. Chris smiled, and as he exited the stage, it was obvious how much the award meant to him.

A short while later, Chris was back at the Fairmont hotel. After he and Jessica had tucked Ash and the twins into bed, they moved to the parlour of their presidential suite and sat together on the couch. Chris put his arm around Jessica and turned on the TV. 15 minutes or so passed, then there was a knock at the door. Chris got to his feet and opened the door, finding Wes Ikeda and an expensive looking bottle of scotch outside his hotel room. Before Chris could say anything, Wes held up the scotch, showing Chris the label.

Wes Ikeda: Isle of Jura 1984. I've been saving this for a special occasion... I think this counts.

Chris Jericho: You know I never turn down a good scotch. Come in.

Chris grinned and stepped to one side, allowing Wes to enter. As Wes entered the parlour, Jessica got to her feet and smiled at him.

Jessica Jericho: Hey Wes, how are you?

Wes Ikeda: I'm good. I didn't get a chance to tell you how great you looked tonight.

Jessica Jericho: You're sweet. Thank you.

Jessica looked down at the bottle of scotch and smiled knowingly. She'd seen Chris and Wes finish off many bottles of scotch.

Wes Ikeda: I hope I'm not intruding?

Jessica Jericho: Of course not! I was just about to go to bed actually.

Jessica walked over to Chris and kissed him goodnight, then gave Wes a hug.

Jessica Jericho: Don't keep him up too late.

Wes smirked.

Wes Ikeda: I can't promise anything.

Chris Jericho: Good night beautiful.

Jessica flashed him a sweet smile, and turned off toward the master bedroom. Chris watched her go, and then crossed to the mini bar to grab two glasses. He returned to Wes, placing the glasses on the table. Wes opened the scotch, and poured it.

Wes Ikeda: One hell of a night. Tomorrow will probably be just as good.

Chris Jericho: Yeah... we’ve got a strong card this year. I can't wait.

Chris picked up his glass and raised it to Wes. The two of them tapped their glasses together, and drank the scotch.

Chris Jericho: This is good! I don't feel like I earned it though.

Wes Ikeda: There's not much either of us really have to do to deserve a good scotch.

Wes took another drink.

Wes Ikeda: Something else on your mind though?

Chris Jericho: I'm finally the Wrestler of the Year, and that means a lot to me. You said it yourself, about damn time. But I look at the year I've had, and I compare it to previous years I've had in EBWF... there have been so many years where I accomplished more than I have this year, and when the Slammies came around, I walked away empty handed. And that never really bothered me all that much. I love the Slammies, they're an EBWF tradition; but I don't need an award to validate myself. This year I've won three Slammies, and I know I deserved two of them. Wrestler of the Year though? I’m not so sure. Have I really had a better year than Styles, Crowe, Cena and Ziggler?

Wes Ikeda: The fans say you have. You dare question them?

Wes raised an eyebrow, and smirked a little.

Wes Ikeda: The internet wrestling community loves you. They rallied around you. You're the wrestler of a lifetime in this company. Don't ruin my night with doubt. I wanted this as much as you did.

Chris Jericho: You brought me an expensive bottle of scotch to celebrate. I don't think either of us are going to have our night ruined. I'm happy to be Wrestler of the Year, I just feel like I have to live up to that title now. But that was my plan when we talked in St Louis back in December anyway... this is just something else to motivate me.

Chris grinned, then took another drink of his scotch.

Wes Ikeda: I think if anything this award just goes to show that you can absolutely do both. You shouldn't feel like you haven’t earned this. Chris, you've had match, after good match this year. Everyone who was nominated deserved it. Well, four of you anyway, but you've hung with everyone this year, and sat on the board. That's not easy to do.

Chris Jericho: You're right. I guess I should just enjoy the moment rather than overthinking things.

Wes poured himself another glass of scotch.

Wes Ikeda: There's nothing to overthink. You’re the best wrestler in EBWF. And now you have the award that says the fans think so too.

Chris Jericho: I should give the fans credit; after all, they finally voted me Hottie of the Year. No tie this time either.

Chris smirked, then poured himself another scotch.

Wes Ikeda: The near death sympathy votes have finally stopped, thank goodness.

Chris couldn't help but laugh.

Chris Jericho: So is everything set for tomorrow night? I'm guessing there won't be any last minute swerves now Steph's no longer around...

Wes Ikeda: After the wins tonight, we've decided to put Crowe over.

Chris nodded. That's what he had been expecting, and he was fine with it.

Chris Jericho: Makes sense. What about the triple threat match? Are you still planning on putting the IC Title back on Zayn?

Wes Ikeda: Yeah, I think that's the best way right now.

Chris Jericho: He's a big talent. I bet he gave Crowe a run for his money in the Newcomer votes.

Wes Ikeda: For sure. Fun guy too. Did you have some ideas about the match or something?

Chris Jericho: Not so much about the match... I was thinking about where to go with things after Mania. If you're putting Crowe and Zayn over, I'd like to work with Zayn. Trent and Lance have told me a lot of good things about working with him. I think I could take him to another level.

Wes nodded, seeming to think about that for a moment.

Wes Ikeda: Okay, I think that could be great actually. One condition though.

Chris cocked his eyebrow.

Chris Jericho: What?

Wes finished off his second glass before chuckling a little, looking over at his friend as he spoke with a joking tone.

Wes Ikeda: Do not, ever again, stand in front of any camera and say that fucking Trent is the future of wrestling.

Chris laughed, then keeping pace with Wes, finished off his second glass of scotch. He poured them both a third glass before responding.

Chris Jericho: Did I say that? I thought Lance said it.

Chris shrugged.

Chris Jericho: He's fun to work with though... the storyline me, him and Lance put together went a long way towards making me Wrestler of the Year. And I still think he's got a lot of promise. Between him, Crowe, Ziggler and Zayn, the future's looking bright for EBWF right now.

Wes Ikeda: I'm not questioning his talent. He's a great kid. What I am doing, is giving you a hard time. We're in a good place right now. I think big things are about to happen.

Chris Jericho: I'll drink to that.

Chris held up his glass and smiled. Wes picked up his glass, and they continued to make their way through the bottle of scotch.

********************

Tuesday April 28: Hillsboro, Oregon

A little over three weeks had passed since Jericho had that conversation with Wes, and with only three shows between WrestleMania and Aftermath, Jericho had worked hard to maximise the interest in his feud with Sami Zayn. After their initial confrontation on the post-Mania Warfare, Jericho had attacked Zayn and stolen the Intercontinental Title, and then Zayn attacked Jericho in retaliation on the last show before the pay-per-view, jumping onto Jericho from the top of the cage and taking back the title. The following day, EBWF was holding a house show in Oregon. Jericho had been invited to appear on Roddy Piper's podcast, Piper's Pit, a couple of weeks earlier, and with Piper's house just a 35 minute drive away from Portland, where the house show was being held, the timing was perfect for Jericho. After catching up briefly, Jericho and Piper moved to Piper's study, and Piper began recording.

Roddy Piper: Welcome to another edition of Piper's Pit, with me today is EBWF superstar and wrestling legend Chris Jericho.

Chris Jericho: Thank you Roddy, but we both know out of the two of us, you're the legend.

Roddy Piper: You're too kind... but you're right! (Piper laughed.) First of all Chris, I'd like to congratulate you for being named the 2015 EBWF Wrestler of the Year. What a great honour.

Chris Jericho: Absolutely, it is an honour. And one that I didn't expect to win, at least not this year.

Roddy Piper: Yeah I watched the show... it was obvious how surprised you were when Wes read out your name, and during your speech, I could tell it meant a lot to you. You seemed to be getting quite emotional about it!

Chris Jericho: I was, and I don't get emotional about a lot of things... just ask my wife!

Jericho and Piper laughed, then Jericho continued speaking.

Chris Jericho: Seriously though, it meant a lot to me. I hadn't really prepared a speech, because I didn't think I was going to win that Slammy - that's why I spent my speech putting over the other guys who were nominated, because I honestly believed one of those guys would win it. Winning that award, and being recognised by the fans as Wrestler of the Year after 14 years of competing in EBWF... it reminded me how much I love this business, and it made all the hard work worth it. Obviously it's not the same as winning the World Title, but getting that sort of recognition from the fans? It's pretty amazing.

Roddy Piper: You actually spent two years acting as the CEO of EBWF... a position you only stepped down from at the end of last year. You still wrestled during those two years, but you've competed a lot more in the last six months or so, since Lance Storm and Trent returned to EBWF last year. How did you feel about running the EBWF in Wes' absence after the tragic events that occurred before Fanniversary 2012?

Chris Jericho: I think I've said this before, Roddy, and I'll say it every time I'm asked about Fanniversary 2012... I wish I'd never had to step in as CEO, because I wish those tragic events had never happened. Having said that, I actually really enjoyed taking on a role behind the scenes, and running things. It was challenging, no doubt about that, but it was also very rewarding. I learned a lot about myself acting as CEO, and you know what? I think it showed me that when I'm done in the ring, I can still be part of the wrestling business and take on another executive role in EBWF. I think Wes always knew that would happen when I retire - that's why he had me act as CEO in his absence - but I didn't know it myself until I had the opportunity to see that side of the EBWF.

Roddy Piper: Do you miss it at all, or are you just glad to be focusing on wrestling again?

Chris Jericho: I'm glad to be focusing on wrestling again, being CEO is a lot harder! Seriously though, I said to Wes when he was ready to take the reins again that I know I can't be a wrestler forever, so I want to make the most of being in the ring while I still can. The last six or seven months have been a lot of fun - Aftermath will be the sixth consecutive pay-per-view I've wrestled on. I can't remember the last time that happened!

Roddy Piper: I need to ask you about your match at Aftermath - you'll be taking on Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Title in a Steel Cage match. Since I announced that you were gonna be on Piper's Pit, my Twitter's been blowing up with people tweeting questions they want me to ask you. And it seems the thing most "Jerichoholics" want to know is this - why is Chris Jericho going after the Intercontinental Title? You were in the Elimination Chamber for the World Title at Fallout, and at WrestleMania you had Solomon Crowe put his World Title rematch on the line against you. With that in mind, does the Intercontinental Title feel like a step down to you?

Chris Jericho: I've had a lot of tweets asking me that same question Roddy, and my answer is absolutely not. I know since the PTG Title was created four years ago, a lot of people see that belt as the second most important EBWF championship... PTG does stand for Path to Glory after all, and since we brought in the stipulation that you can cash the title in for a shot at the World Title in 2013, it does seem like the PTG Title is the last step on the EBWF ladder before the World Title. But to me... maybe it's because I've been in the EBWF since day one, but I still see the Intercontinental Title as the second-most prestigious championship. It's got such a great history. So many EBWF legends have been Intercontinental Champion - Triple H, Bret Hart, Jeff Hardy, Sting. And look at the guys who have held the Intercontinental Title more recently - AJ Styles, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, The Miz. All of those guys went on to become World Champion after being Intercontinental Title, so why should I see it as a step down? I haven't been the World Champion since 2011... in fact, I haven't held a single championship in EBWF since I lost the World Title at Fanniversary '11. The World Title is still my main goal - it always will be - but if I win on Sunday and become the new Intercontinental Title, I'll be delighted.

Roddy Piper: I'd like to ask you about your opponent, Sami Zayn. A lot has happened between the two of you since WrestleMania, and there's a buzz about your match at Aftermath. I'll be honest, that's the match I'm looking forward to seeing the most! What it's been like working with a young up-and-comer like Zayn?

Chris Jericho: It's been great. I'm going to let you in on a secret, Roddy... consider it a gift. A Piper's Pit exclusive, if you will! I actually asked to work with Sami Zayn, because I knew if Sami and I worked together, we could do something special. And I think we've already achieved that. You said it yourself, there's a buzz about our match at Aftermath. We've only had three weeks to build it, which isn't a lot of time in wrestling. But we've pulled it off by putting our heads together and giving it our all. Let me ask you a question, Hot Rod. Have you ever seen a professional wrestler come down to the ring on top of a steel cage, the way Zayn did on Warfare?

Roddy Piper: Hey wait a second, this isn't Talk is Jericho! I ask the questions! But no, I don't think I have.

Chris Jericho: Me neither. Sami and I wanted to do something different, so we talked about it, and that's what we came up with. The fans loved it, and I'm sure they'll love seeing us inside that steel cage this Sunday.

Roddy Piper: Zayn joined the EBWF in June last year, and since then I'd say he's been one of the most consistent performers in the EBWF. He always seems to have a great match, and I'm sure he'll have another great match against you on Sunday.

Chris Jericho: Of course he will, he's wrestling me! Seriously though, you're right - he always has a great match, because he's a great wrestler. I don't want to come on your podcast and bash the WWE, Roddy, but they've got a lot of guys down in NXT who were signed to developmental deals with little or no wrestling experience. Don't get me wrong, I think the WWE Performance Center is a fantastic facility, and the wrestlers who get to train there every day are very lucky. But the problem WWE will have when they train these guys who've gone to NXT without wrestling anywhere else is that those superstars are going to end up looking like carbon copies of one another. The standout guys in NXT right now are Kevin Owens and Hideo Itami, both of whom had a wealth or wrestling experience before WWE signed them. That makes them distinctive, and Sami is in the same mould. When I signed for EBWF, I'd been wrestling for 12 years. I spent time in Mexico, Japan and Germany, and I learned a lot from those experiences. Zayn has been wrestling for 13 years, and like me he's wrestled all around the world. It makes a difference, and you can see that from Zayn's performances.

Roddy Piper: You mentioned earlier that a lot of EBWF superstars go on to win the World Title after a run as Intercontinental Champion. Zayn is a two-time Intercontinental Champion, and before WrestleMania he beat the then World Champion, AJ Styles, in a non-title match. Do you see Sami Zayn as a future EBWF World Champion? Is that why you wanted to work with him?

Chris Jericho: There are a lot of reasons I wanted to work with Sami, but yeah his potential is definitely one of them. The short answer to your question is yes - I do see Sami as a future World Champion. I don't know when it will happen, but if he keeps performing as well as he has since he signed for EBWF, I think sooner or later he'll end up at the top. To be honest, I hope I can help him elevate him further in our match at Aftermath.

Roddy Piper: Is that the sort of wrestler you see yourself as now? A guy to elevate younger superstars?

Chris Jericho: Yes and no. I've always tried to elevate my opponent... every match I wrestle, whether I win or lose, I want both me and my opponent to come out of that match with our reputations enhanced. I feel like I accomplished that with Trent in our match at Christmas Eve of Destruction, and that's why I was pleased to see that match nominated for the Match of the Year Slammy. I'm also really pleased with how my WrestleMania match with Solomon Crowe went. But when people talk about "veteran" wrestlers elevating younger guys, they always seem to associate that with the older guys losing those matches. There are plenty of ways you can elevate your opponent without losing, and that's the way I try to elevate younger superstars. I don't mind losing a match, but obviously I'd rather win, because still have ambitions of my own. I didn't ask Wes if I could work with Sami so I could take another loss and elevate Sami in that sense... I want to work with him, but I also want to be the Intercontinental Champion.

Roddy Piper: Is that what we're going to see on Sunday? Chris Jericho as the new Intercontinental Champion?

Chris Jericho: You'll have to watch it to find out.

Roddy Piper: You've been well trained, Chris. I guess we won't be getting any spoilers from you!

Chris Jericho: I couldn't even if I wanted to... I don't even know myself yet!

Jericho and Piper both laughed.

Roddy Piper: I just have one more question. You said you're glad to have wrestling as your main focus again, and you talked about how challenging acting as the CEO was. It goes without saying that running a company as big as EBWF would be time-consuming, so I'm guessing as busy as your schedule is as a wrestler, it's less hectic than being the CEO. But what has always amazed me about you Chris is how you've never just been about wrestling. You're doing some Fozzy shows next month, you have your bi-weekly podcast and you recently starred in a web series for Comedy Central, Nothing to Report. How do you find time to fit it all in?

Chris Jericho: You forgot to mention my cameo appearance in Sharknado 3, which will air on Syfy July 23rd! To be honest Roddy, I don't really think about finding the time to fit everything in... I just do it. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pro wrestler or a rock star; I get to be both. I don't mind being busy, because whether I'm wrestling, singing or acting, I have a blast doing it.

Roddy Piper: Would you say wrestling is your priority right now though?

Chris Jericho: Well technically, my priority is my family - they always will be. But apart from that, wrestling is definitely; you're going to see a lot of me in the ring this year, and hopefully you'll get to see me as a champion too.

Roddy Piper: I sure hope so! Well Chris, it's been great having you on the show. Thank you for your time, and good luck in your match on Sunday. Thanks for listening to Piper's Pit on Podcast One, join me next week when my guests will be Chavo Guerrero Jr. and John Morrison!

When Piper had finished recording the podcast, Jericho thanked Piper for having him and made his way to the Moda Center, where EBWF's house show was taking place.

********************

Sunday May 3: Boston, Massachusetts

After the house show in Oregon, Jericho had returned to St. Louis for a few days before flying out to Boston for Aftermath. Working with Zayn had been a lot of fun, and whatever happened in their steel cage match, Jericho hoped it wouldn't be the last time they wrestled each other. Jericho arrived at TD Garden a few hours before Aftermath, and as he arrived, an EBWF cameraman began to follow him. Jericho headed straight to his locker room and as he entered, Lance Storm and Trent were sat on the couch, talking to one another. Trent seemed focused on his Nintendo 3DS, the buttons of his handheld console mashed in the background of their chatter. As Jericho entered the locker room, Lance looked up, but Trent's focus was not broken.

Lance Storm: May we help you?

Trent's focus broke and he looked at the intruder.

Trent: Is this Balloon Jericho? Or the real Jericho?

Lance pondered Chris for a moment. Trent went back to playing his game.

Lance Storm: Nah. This looks like a lost man going through a midlife crisis. Excellent tattoos, sir.

Trent: BURN!

Trent looked up at both men.

Trent: Sorry, I was using my Charizard's flamethrower. Yeah.

Lance shrugged and looked back to the floor. He and Trent continued their conversation.

Lance Storm: I am absolutely not going to a Legend of Zelda themed brothel, Trent.

Jericho looked at them both, hurt.

Chris Jericho: Come on, guys! Why are you being so... cold?

Lance rubbed his arms for a moment. He looked at Trent.

Lance Storm: It is a bit cold in here. Should we go to catering?

Trent: You mean to fill up the hole left out by our best friend? Sounds good.

Lance stared into the distance.

Lance Storm: ...I remember him...

Chris Jericho: Oh, I see what this is about. You’re both pissed because I’ve been doing my own thing, is that it?

Trent looked over at Jericho and shook his head.

Trent: Hey Lance, do you remember I am playing Pokemon Y? Does it prevent me from being your friend? Does it make me forget about you?

Lance Storm: I'm re-reading book 6 of the Harry Potter series, as I refuse to believe the ending. We've all got lives, Chris. If that IS your real name.

Lance started mumbling to himself.

Lance Storm: Bet he’s had time for that stupid wife of his...

Trent: Or maybe he signed a deal for a reality show or podcast.

Chris Jericho: Okay, you're right. I should have been around more. I'm sorry. But it’s not like I forgot about either of you! Did you not see me confront Sami Zayn the other week? I called him out for disrespecting you both!

Lance looked perplexed.

Lance Storm: Did you see that, Trent?

Trent had continued playing his game.

Lance Storm: Like I said - we have lives too! We toyed with replacing you. Ed Leslie deserves one more run, right?

Chris Jericho: Okay now you’re taking it too far. You can’t replace me... I'm irreplaceable! We're the Alliance of the Year, guys! We have to work together. I might have gone out on my own recently, but like I said, I went after Zayn because he disrespected the two of you. He stole the Intercontinental Title from you, so I’m taking it back.

Lance Storm: And then what - fingerpoke of doom? You've gone into business for yourself just a little bit. Not a lot! But we're a team, Chris. We shouldn’t be bumping into each other in arenas and flying solo all of the time. We’re not your Brutus Beefcakes!

Lance pulled out a small book from his pocket.

Lance Storm: Surely I have Ed Leslie's phone number...

Trent: Hey Lance, have you ever heard of Chuck Taylor? I wonder what he's doing these days.

Lance Storm: I'd name more people but I'm pretty certain I've ran out of friends. So what's the big plan?

Chris Jericho: The plan is that I beat some manners into Sami Zayn, and bring the Intercontinental Title back to... we really need a name.

Lance Storm: Stormbledore's Army.

Trent: World Wrestling Trentertainment.

Chris Jericho: I was thinking we could call ourselves the Jericholics...

Trent: Best friends for... A long period of time?

Trent tapped his chin with an index finger for a few moments.

Trent: Compound names is where it is at! Strentericho?

Chris Jericho: I'm going to be honest with you, Trent. That sounds terrible. Anyway... going back to my plan. The reason I’ve been acting alone is because I need to prove a point. Zayn accused me of being a coward - he taunted me because I lost to Solomon Crowe, and insinuated that I wouldn't be able to beat him without your help. That’s why I suggested the Steel Cage match - I need to prove to Zayn and everyone else that I can beat him without you two helping me. It's been too long since I was a champion, and that needs to change. But once I've taken care of Zayn, I want the three of us to do what we set out to do - dominate this company together. I want all three of us to be champions, damn it! I want us to be the EBWF’s top dogs.

Trent looked over at Jericho.

Trent: We need a name to do that...

Lance Storm: TRENT. Focus on the gym leader for a while.

Trent instantly went back into game mode.

Lance Storm: I've learnt a few key words. So let us talk - don't tell me you're worried about Sami Zayn? YOU of all people?

Chris Jericho: No, of course not! It’s just… I need to beat him, Lance. And I need to do it on my own. I just won Wrestler of the Year, and Zayn had the audacity to challenge me and saying we needed all three of us to take care of him. I thought I proved a point to him when I stole the Intercontinental Title, but then on Warfare, he caught me off guard... I'm not worried, but he's got my attention.

Lance Storm: Yes, Chris - he has my attention too. And Trent's, although it may seem like his attention is easily won. You are Wrestler of the Year. Hell, you're probably wrestler of the decade. But we are also the prime alliance here in the EBWF. Have we deserved that title? Only on a technicality - as we don’t have many rivals. But this isn't about you. We formed to dominate on a united front. He's got into your head and made you think you have something to prove. Chris - you have nothing to prove. You can beat Sami Zayn and walk around as Intercontinental Champion with that champion's smile on your face, but you’ve been there and done that. Strength in numbers Chris - you can conquer the continents, but me, you and Trent can conquer the world.

Jericho nodded. Lance talked a lot of sense.

Chris Jericho: This is the start though. You or Trent should have walked out of Mania with the Intercontinental Title, but Zayn outsmarted you. I won’t let him do the same to me. We are going to dominate on a united front - and to do that, we need to be champions. When I win tonight, I'll be bringing gold back to the Untitled Alliance, and we can use that as the first step towards conquering the world. Look at the guys who are champions right now, Lance - Dolph Ziggler is the World Champion, CM Punk is the PTG Champion, Wade Barrett and Skip Sheffield are the Tag Champions. We're better than all of those guys. I know this isn’t about me... okay, maybe it’s a little about me, but I'm still thinking about the bigger picture. This is about all of us, I know that.

Lance Storm: Hmm... Perhaps you’re right. I’m not used to not being the completely right one. I know that no matter what you do, it’ll always be at least a TINY bit about Chris Jericho. That’s why I'm always able to lure you back to the dark side.

Lance let out a rare but short laugh.

Lance Storm: My heart wasn’t in it at Wrestlemania. I wasn't thinking of the bigger picture. You're always on the ball though. You know what to do, and you know you can do it.

Chris Jericho: That's why we work so well together - between us, we always make sure we end up on the right path.

Jericho looked over at Trent, who appeared to be in a world of his own.

Chris Jericho: And when Trent forgets about his damn games, he’s a worthy ally. He has helped us become the "prime alliance" as you called it, and despite us not having many rivals for that title, we didn't win it on a technicality. We earned that accolade by showing the world just how good we are. And that’s what I’m going to do tonight. I’m going to remind everyone how good Chris Jericho is... but I'll be doing it for all three of us. And I promise you, once I've taken care of Sami Zayn, I'll make sure my focus is on working with you and Trent rather than going out on my own.

Lance Storm: I have your word?

Chris Jericho: Of course. You and Trent are a big part of why I won Wrestler of the Year... I haven’t forgotten what we set out to do.

Lance Storm: Good. Besides...

Lance nodded towards Trent.

Lance Storm: It's tough when they're in their teenage years. Now I know how single Dads feel.

Trent slammed his 3DS down on the couch.

Trent: FUCKING SLOWKING.

Chris Jericho: Language, Trent!

Trent frowned at Chris.

Lance Storm: Do us proud, Chris.

Chris Jericho: I will.

Jericho patted Lance on the shoulder and exited the locker room as Trent picked his 3DS back up, and Lance returned to his seat, picking up a book entitled 'The Half Blood Prince'.

As had become customary for EBWF, Aftermath was preceded by a pre-show, and the first of two pre-show matches, AJ Lee vs. LuFisto, had just taken place. After the match, the camera cut back to the pre-show host, Renee Young, who was joined by Jonathan Coachman and Todd Grisham on the pre-show panel.

Renee Young: What a great match we've just seen, and we'll have more divas action later on tonight! Sasha Banks defends the Women's Title against Mighty Molly, and we'll also see a triple threat divas match between Becky Lynch, Torrie Wilson and Velvet Sky to determine the new number one contender for the Women's Title.

Todd Grisham: Yes Renee, Torrie Wilson is competing for the first time since she was attacked by Brock Lesnar before WrestleMania... it will be great to see her return to the squared circle!

Jonathan Coachman: That's not the only triple threat match we'll see, Todd. We've also got Justin Gabriel versus Ted DiBiase versus Syxx, and the winner of that match will become the number one contender for the Path To Glory Championship. DiBiase has shown a lot of determination in recent weeks, and I'm really looking forward to seeing if he can continue his momentum and pick up another win here tonight.

Renee Young: Speaking of matches I'm looking forward to, Coach... you can see the steel cage above the ring, and inside that steel cage tonight we'll see Sami Zayn defend the Intercontinental Title against the 2015 Wrestler of the Year, Chris Jericho. There's been a lot of animosity between Jericho and Zayn in recent weeks; two weeks ago, Jericho attacked Zayn after his match with CM Punk, and stole the Intercontinental Championship. Let's take you back to this past week on Warfare, when Zayn enacted his revenge.

A replay of the Jericho/Zayn segment from Warfare was shown before the camera cut back to the pre-show panel.

Renee Young: Zayn won the Intercontinental Title for the second time last month at WrestleMania, beating Lance Storm and the former champion Trent in a thrilling match. I interviewed Sami after that match, and when Chris Jericho confronted him, Zayn made it clear that he wasn't going to let anyone take the title from him. Jericho's response was to steal the title, but as we've just seen, Zayn was able to seize the advantage going into Aftermath. So Coach, Todd, my question for you is this - who do you think is going to walk out of TD Garden the Intercontinental Champion tonight? Can Zayn pick up another impressive victory, or will Jericho win the Intercontinental Title for the first time in eight years?

Jonathan Coachman: My money's on Jericho, Renee, one hundred percent. He's been at the top of his game recently, and as good as Sami Zayn is, I can't see him beating Jericho.

Todd Grisham: I disagree with you, Coach. Jericho is a legend, and one of the best in the business, but if Sami Zayn has shown us anything since he joined the EBWF, it's that you can't count him out. He lost the Intercontinental Title to Trent at Fallout, but look how he responded to that setback. He was able to regain the title against Lance Storm and Trent in what was essentially a handicap match. And then when Jericho attacked him and took the title, Zayn responded by doing something we've never seen before... I don't even know how he got on top of that cage, but you could tell from Jericho's reaction he wasn't expecting it! Sami Zayn is full of surprises, and I'm confident he can retain...

Grisham stopped talking as he was suddenly being confronted by Chris Jericho, who had walked onto the stage and was now in Grisham's face. Jericho was glaring at Grisham, who was visibly intimidated. Jericho had brought a microphone with him, and he brought the microphone up to his lips, then began to speak.

Chris Jericho: You talk about your surprises, Todd... but do you want to know what surprised me? I didn't expect to see the day where Jonathan Coachman talked more sense than you. Don't count Sami Zayn out? I'm the 2015 Wrestler of the Year, Todd - don't count me out. If I were you, I'd leave right now, because if you don't leave, I'll make sure you regret it.

Grisham could be seen gulping, before he made a swift exit. Jericho then walked past Coachman and approached Renee.

Chris Jericho: Renee Young. The Aftermath Kickoff host and EBWF's most popular interviewer... you must have a modicum of intelligence. Who do you think if going to win tonight - me, or Sami Zayn?

Renee hesitated for a moment. Jericho shook his head, disappointed.

Chris Jericho: Forget it. I saw the way you were looking at Zayn when you interviewed him the other week... your judgement is clouded by your feelings for him. I think he's backstage if you want to find him and give him another "interview". Dean Ambrose will be heartbroken.

Jericho pointed away from the stage, ordering Renee to leave. Reluctantly, Renee walked off the stage. Jericho then turned to Coach, who grinned at him. Jericho sighed.

Chris Jericho: You might have made the right call, Coach, but you're still an assclown. Get the hell out of here!

Looking hurt by Jericho's rejection, Coachman bowed his head and exited the stage. Jericho then looked into the camera and began to speak.

Chris Jericho: That's more like it. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm your new and improved Aftermath Kickoff host... Chris Jericho!

Jericho was now on the big screen, and could be heard throughout the arena. The crowd booed his takeover of the pre-show. Jericho responded with a cocky grin, then continued to speak.

Chris Jericho: As you've just seen, this past Monday on Warfare, Sami Zayn attacked me and took back his Intercontinental Title. And now everyone seems to think that Zayn has the upper hand on me. In case you've forgotten, I just won the Slammy for Wrestler of the Year... is that all it takes for you hypocrites and sycophants to write me off? A crossbody off the top of the cage, and the Helluva Kick? If that's the best Sami Zayn can do, then he's in trouble tonight. I'm not saying your retaliation attack wasn't impressive, Sami - it was. And you certainly made an impact. But where do you go from here? What else have you got left in the tank? You surprised me by coming down with the cage, I'll admit that; but it won't happen again. I won't let it happen, because I'm ready for you. Are you ready for me, Sami? I'm sure you think so. No doubt you're pleased with yourself. You probably think that, because of what you did on Warfare, you've bested me. But that's where you made a mistake, junior. You're going to be complacent tonight, and I'm going to use that to my advantage.

Jericho grinned, looking confident.

Chris Jericho: When I confronted you the week after WrestleMania, Sami, you talked a good game. You made out that you were a threat to me, Lance Storm and Trent, and that we needed to put you down. You taunted me for losing to Solomon Crowe, and reminded me that you'd walked out of WrestleMania a champion. Considering everyone always talks about what a nice guy you are, Sami, I was surprised by how cocky you were. I'm not gonna lie, you pissed me off. That's why I wanted you inside a steel cage. I wanted to teach you some manners. When I called you out, it was obvious you didn't think of me as a threat. You called me the great Chris Jericho, but I felt like you were mocking me by saying that. Are you really that full of yourself, Sami? Do you believe your own hype that much? Are you that naive? I'm the 2015 Wrestler of the Year, and I haven't earned your respect? I'll earn it tonight, even if I have to beat it out of you.

As the crowd booed, Jericho paused for a moment. He remembered what Lance and Wes had told him; that he didn't need to prove anything. So why did he still feel like he needed to?

Chris Jericho: Do you know why I went after Solomon Crowe, Sami? Because he won the World Title in only his second match here. I've been in EBWF for 14 years, I've been World Champion seven times, but I haven't been World Champion for almost four years now. I can count the World Title shots I've had since then on my fingers, but not only did Crowe walk straight into the World Title scene, he went and won the damn thing. That frustrated me. So when he lost it, and demanded his rematch on the eve of WrestleMania, I wasn't prepared to wait at the back of the line. I wanted to prove that I should be World Champion again. So I goaded him into putting his rematch up for grabs against me, and you know what? I thought I was going to beat him. I expected to be wrestling Dolph Ziggler tonight, finally getting that long overdue eighth World Title reign. But I underestimated him, and I lost. And suddenly Solomon Crowe became the latest newcomer in EBWF to get a win over Chris Jericho. I'm the Wrestler of the Year, but of the four guys I went up against for that award, three of them have beaten me. The fourth is the guy I wanted to be wrestling tonight, and he hasn't had a match against me yet. I challenged you Sami, and you made out as though you were going to beat me too. You didn't seem intimidated by me. And maybe that's because you've beaten so many of the EBWF's top guys since you arrived here. But I used to be the EBWF's top guy, and being named as the Wrestler of the Year should be a sign that I still am the EBWF's top guy... but I look at you and the guys I'm competing against, and it doesn't seem like anyone thinks of me as the man to beat. You all just see me as a guy to step on as you make their way to the top of the ladder. But I'm done being a stepping stone, Sami. I'm done being disrespected by guys like you - the guys I paved the way for. If it wasn't for me, the EBWF wouldn't be here... I made it what it is today. So it's time you and everyone else in that locker room gives me the respect I deserve. I'm going to make an example of you tonight, Sami, and I'm going to teach you a lesson. If you don't think I'm a threat, I'm going to prove to you that I am. When you step inside that cage with me tonight... when the door is locked, and the bell sounds... there'll be no escape for you. I'll make sure of it. I'm going to give you the beating of a lifetime, I'm going to take the Intercontinental Title that means so much to you. And this time, I'll make sure you don't take it back.

Jericho snarled, and threw the microphone into the camera, causing the screen to crack as the pre-show went to static.