It Ends Tonight
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 10:52 pm
Todd Grisham: Are you sure you want to do this?
The scene opened in a dark room backstage at the Kansas Expocentre, where Friday's King of the Ring special was being held. Todd Grisham was wearing a black pinstripe suit with a yellow shirt, and he was sat on a steel chair. Sitting across from him was Chris Jericho, who looked more casual in a pair of designer jeans, red t-shirt and grey waistcoat. Behind them was a cameraman who had yet to start recording. It wasn't clear what Grisham was concerned about, but Jericho didn't seem to share his concerns. He smiled confidently and nodded.
Chris Jericho: I'm sure, Todd. I've been in this business a long time, there isn't much I'm not sure about anymore.
Todd Grisham: But--
Chris Jericho: But what, Todd? You're worried because Wes and Joanie haven't approved it?
Grisham's silence confirmed what he was worried about.
Chris Jericho: You know it wasn't all that long ago I was in charge, Todd. And I've had creative control written into my contract for as long as I can remember. I don't need Wes' approval, he trusts me. He wouldn't have let me run this place for over two years if he didn't.
Todd Grisham: I know he trusts you, Chris. You're one of his best friends - everyone knows how much he trusts you. But wouldn't you normal run something like this by him?
Jericho smirked.
Chris Jericho: Where would the fun in that be?
Grisham continued to look concerned, and Jericho's tone softened.
Chris Jericho: Listen to me, Todd. There's a saying I'm sure you're familiar with - strike while the iron is hot. I'm not trying to go behind Wes or Joanie's back by doing this in secret; I haven't seen Wes and I don't think Joanie is even here yet. I had an idea and I wanted to run with it while the idea was still fresh. You were the first person I saw, and here we are.
Todd Grisham: But aren't you worried about how people will react? You didn't give me all the details, but from what you told me, you're going to offend somebody.
Jericho couldn't help but laugh.
Chris Jericho: If I tried to do an interview without offending anyone, it would be as boring as a Brock Lesnar promo without Paul Heyman there to be his mouthpiece. Wes won't be offended, he's one of my best friends. He knows what a shoot is. Hell, I think he'll enjoy it too much to take offence to anything I might say.
Todd Grisham: What about the EBWF superstars?
Chris Jericho: Anyone who is dumb enough to be offended by something I say on camera isn't worth my time, Todd, because they don't know how this business works. Or at least, they don't understand what I'm trying to do. This is the first time Brock Lesnar and I have ever wrestled each other. It's a pay-per-view quality match and we're giving it away on what's basically a glorified house show. I'm trying to create a bit of buzz about it, and the best way I can think to do that is to get people talking. If that means blurring the lines and pushing the envelope, then that's how I'll do it. I'm not trying to offend anyone, I just don't care if I do. I'm taking a couple of minor irritations and embellishing them so that people start to wonder just how much of what I'm saying is what I really think. That's how a shoot works; the less sure people are about how much of what I'm saying is true, the more effective it will be. That's another reason I'm glad I haven't run it by Wes and Joanie... people talk. If someone leaks it to one of the dirtsheets that I pulled you into a hidden corner of the arena, filmed an unscheduled interview and leaked it straight to EBWF.net, then social media will love arguing about whether or not it was a "work". You know how much I love working people, Todd. And I know where the line is, even if I risk coming close to crossing it.
Todd Grisham: I don't know, Chris. I'm not sure I feel comfortable doing this.
Chris Jericho: Then let me find someone who is. But if this goes as well as I hope it does, you'll be sorry you weren't the guy that interviewed me.
Grisham was aware how far behind the pecking order he was compared to some of the other EBWF announcers, and the thought of being part of something "big" was enough to get him to brush his concerns aside.
Todd Grisham: Okay. Let's do it.
Chris Jericho: Like I said?
Grisham nodded. He and Jericho exited the room and the cameraman started filming. A few seconds later, Jericho re-entered the room, dragging Grisham in by the scruff of the neck. As he entered the room, Jericho pushed Grisham onto the steel chair he had been sat on moments earlier. The chair almost fell backwards as Grisham fell into it, and there was a genuine look of terror on his face before the chair fell back into place. As Jericho took a seat, he snarled at Grisham.
Chris Jericho: Let's get this over with.
Grisham gulped, then looked towards the camera and began speaking.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, with me at this time is the EBWF Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho, who requested an interview prior to his match with the former EBWF World Champion, Brock Lesnar.
Chris Jericho: I didn't request an interview, Todd... I demanded one. But thank you for reminding everyone that I'm the Intercontinental Champion. I didn't even bring the title with me tonight; I didn't see the point. Why pay the extra baggage charges for a belt that doesn't even matter? I said I wanted to be Intercontinental Champion to restore some prestige to the title, but here we are almost two months later and not only have I not defended the title, I haven't appeared on TV. I want to be a fighting champion, but I can't be. And I wish I could say it's because no one has been man enough to challenge me, but the truth is, no one has had the chance to challenge me. I've become the forgotten man because right now in EBWF, championships don't seem to matter.
Todd Grisham: You told me before this interview that you wanted to address some of your concerns and frustrations. Would you say that's your biggest frustration right now - feeling like EBWF titles have lost their importance?
Chris Jericho: It's infuriating. I beat Sami Zayn for a thrilling cage match, and the only time it's been mentioned since then is when Zayn said he didn't want a rematch because he was focusing on King of the Ring. I've showed up each and every week, ready to defend the Intercontinental Title that wants a shot, and every week I get told the same story - "Sorry Chris, we don't need you this week." At first, I took it personally, but then I realised it's not just me. All the EBWF champions seem to be treated the same way. I think the only match Dolph Ziggler has wrestled since he won the World Title was his match against Solomon Crowe at Death Before Dishonor.
Todd Grisham: Actually, he wrestled Wade Barrett on Warfare last month and he also competed on the Warfare Wild Card the week after WrestleMania...
Chris Jericho: Okay, I exaggerated slightly. But he's wrestled three times in two and a half months, that's hardly what you'd expect from the World Champion. You mentioned Wade Barrett who is one half of the Tag Team Champions, along with Ryback. Barrett and Ryback won the Tag Titles at Mania, the same night Eva Marie and Summer Rae won the Women's Tag Titles. Have either of those championships been defended since WrestleMania?
Todd Grisham: I don't think so...
Chris Jericho: Exactly. The champions don't seem to matter, we're getting forgotten about. And I don't think it's because of the champions themselves, Todd; I think it's because of the powers that be. And I know why we're getting ignored and overlooked. It's so more time can be devoted to Wes Ikeda, John Cena, Paul Heyman and my opponent tonight... Brock Lesnar.
Todd Grisham: Is that something else that frustrates you - being overlooked because of how much attention is being given to Wes Ikeda's ongoing feud with John Cena, Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar?
Chris Jericho: You're damn right it is. And before any of those assclowns can accuse me of being jealous, there's nothing for me to be jealous of. Wes Ikeda is jealous of me because he wishes he could be as good in the ring as I am. I couldn't care less what John Cena thinks of me. And if you want to know what Brock Lesnar thinks of me, you'd have to ask his advocate Paul Heyman. Why would I be jealous of a man who can't speak or think for himself? I am the best in the world at what I do, I'm not jealous of anybody. Lesnar might be the beast incarnate, but I'm a sexy beast. He might have had success in UFC, but his first love was football, and look how well that worked out. When I was growing up I wanted to be a wrestler and a rock-star, and I've managed to do both. So let me ask you again, why would I be jealous of Brock Lesnar? I wouldn't be, plain and simple. It's frustation, nothing more. I have put my body on the line for this company for 14 years, I have given them my blood, my sweat and my tears, and I show up each and every night ready to do whatever it is I'm asked to do. Right now, all they're asking me to do is show up and collect my paycheque, but I'm better than that. I've worked too damn hard to be forgotten about. I'm not losing my spot because John Cena and Brock "Part Time" Lesnar have pissed off the EBWF Chairman.
Todd Grisham: Is that what tonight is about for you, Chris? Taking back your spot?
Chris Jericho: That's part of it; I'm also avenging my brother Trent, who and everyone else that's been brushed aside for the Brock Lesnar story. Do you know what the most frustrating part of it is? Lesnar used to dominate, literally dominate, and that's why there was such a huge focus on him. I could understand that, even if I didn't always agree with it... but why is the focus on him now? He's not dominating anything anymore, in fact he barely shows up. The only reason Brock is still relevant is because of the politicking that goes on backstage thanks to Paul Heyman. But mark my words, Todd, it ends tonight. The Intercontinental Title might not be on the line, and I might not have my championship with me, but I will fight like a champion the way I always do. People make out that Brock is unstoppable, but he lost to Wes Ikeda at Death Before Dishonor didn't he? Lesnar might still be a force to be reckoned with, but I can beat him. I can beat anyone. I have my sights set on the King of the Ring throne, and no one is going to stop me from getting there. Especially not Brock Lesnar.
Grisham was about to ask another question, but Jericho got to his feet and walked away, leaving Grisham dumb-founded as the scene faded.
The scene opened in a dark room backstage at the Kansas Expocentre, where Friday's King of the Ring special was being held. Todd Grisham was wearing a black pinstripe suit with a yellow shirt, and he was sat on a steel chair. Sitting across from him was Chris Jericho, who looked more casual in a pair of designer jeans, red t-shirt and grey waistcoat. Behind them was a cameraman who had yet to start recording. It wasn't clear what Grisham was concerned about, but Jericho didn't seem to share his concerns. He smiled confidently and nodded.
Chris Jericho: I'm sure, Todd. I've been in this business a long time, there isn't much I'm not sure about anymore.
Todd Grisham: But--
Chris Jericho: But what, Todd? You're worried because Wes and Joanie haven't approved it?
Grisham's silence confirmed what he was worried about.
Chris Jericho: You know it wasn't all that long ago I was in charge, Todd. And I've had creative control written into my contract for as long as I can remember. I don't need Wes' approval, he trusts me. He wouldn't have let me run this place for over two years if he didn't.
Todd Grisham: I know he trusts you, Chris. You're one of his best friends - everyone knows how much he trusts you. But wouldn't you normal run something like this by him?
Jericho smirked.
Chris Jericho: Where would the fun in that be?
Grisham continued to look concerned, and Jericho's tone softened.
Chris Jericho: Listen to me, Todd. There's a saying I'm sure you're familiar with - strike while the iron is hot. I'm not trying to go behind Wes or Joanie's back by doing this in secret; I haven't seen Wes and I don't think Joanie is even here yet. I had an idea and I wanted to run with it while the idea was still fresh. You were the first person I saw, and here we are.
Todd Grisham: But aren't you worried about how people will react? You didn't give me all the details, but from what you told me, you're going to offend somebody.
Jericho couldn't help but laugh.
Chris Jericho: If I tried to do an interview without offending anyone, it would be as boring as a Brock Lesnar promo without Paul Heyman there to be his mouthpiece. Wes won't be offended, he's one of my best friends. He knows what a shoot is. Hell, I think he'll enjoy it too much to take offence to anything I might say.
Todd Grisham: What about the EBWF superstars?
Chris Jericho: Anyone who is dumb enough to be offended by something I say on camera isn't worth my time, Todd, because they don't know how this business works. Or at least, they don't understand what I'm trying to do. This is the first time Brock Lesnar and I have ever wrestled each other. It's a pay-per-view quality match and we're giving it away on what's basically a glorified house show. I'm trying to create a bit of buzz about it, and the best way I can think to do that is to get people talking. If that means blurring the lines and pushing the envelope, then that's how I'll do it. I'm not trying to offend anyone, I just don't care if I do. I'm taking a couple of minor irritations and embellishing them so that people start to wonder just how much of what I'm saying is what I really think. That's how a shoot works; the less sure people are about how much of what I'm saying is true, the more effective it will be. That's another reason I'm glad I haven't run it by Wes and Joanie... people talk. If someone leaks it to one of the dirtsheets that I pulled you into a hidden corner of the arena, filmed an unscheduled interview and leaked it straight to EBWF.net, then social media will love arguing about whether or not it was a "work". You know how much I love working people, Todd. And I know where the line is, even if I risk coming close to crossing it.
Todd Grisham: I don't know, Chris. I'm not sure I feel comfortable doing this.
Chris Jericho: Then let me find someone who is. But if this goes as well as I hope it does, you'll be sorry you weren't the guy that interviewed me.
Grisham was aware how far behind the pecking order he was compared to some of the other EBWF announcers, and the thought of being part of something "big" was enough to get him to brush his concerns aside.
Todd Grisham: Okay. Let's do it.
Chris Jericho: Like I said?
Grisham nodded. He and Jericho exited the room and the cameraman started filming. A few seconds later, Jericho re-entered the room, dragging Grisham in by the scruff of the neck. As he entered the room, Jericho pushed Grisham onto the steel chair he had been sat on moments earlier. The chair almost fell backwards as Grisham fell into it, and there was a genuine look of terror on his face before the chair fell back into place. As Jericho took a seat, he snarled at Grisham.
Chris Jericho: Let's get this over with.
Grisham gulped, then looked towards the camera and began speaking.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, with me at this time is the EBWF Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho, who requested an interview prior to his match with the former EBWF World Champion, Brock Lesnar.
Chris Jericho: I didn't request an interview, Todd... I demanded one. But thank you for reminding everyone that I'm the Intercontinental Champion. I didn't even bring the title with me tonight; I didn't see the point. Why pay the extra baggage charges for a belt that doesn't even matter? I said I wanted to be Intercontinental Champion to restore some prestige to the title, but here we are almost two months later and not only have I not defended the title, I haven't appeared on TV. I want to be a fighting champion, but I can't be. And I wish I could say it's because no one has been man enough to challenge me, but the truth is, no one has had the chance to challenge me. I've become the forgotten man because right now in EBWF, championships don't seem to matter.
Todd Grisham: You told me before this interview that you wanted to address some of your concerns and frustrations. Would you say that's your biggest frustration right now - feeling like EBWF titles have lost their importance?
Chris Jericho: It's infuriating. I beat Sami Zayn for a thrilling cage match, and the only time it's been mentioned since then is when Zayn said he didn't want a rematch because he was focusing on King of the Ring. I've showed up each and every week, ready to defend the Intercontinental Title that wants a shot, and every week I get told the same story - "Sorry Chris, we don't need you this week." At first, I took it personally, but then I realised it's not just me. All the EBWF champions seem to be treated the same way. I think the only match Dolph Ziggler has wrestled since he won the World Title was his match against Solomon Crowe at Death Before Dishonor.
Todd Grisham: Actually, he wrestled Wade Barrett on Warfare last month and he also competed on the Warfare Wild Card the week after WrestleMania...
Chris Jericho: Okay, I exaggerated slightly. But he's wrestled three times in two and a half months, that's hardly what you'd expect from the World Champion. You mentioned Wade Barrett who is one half of the Tag Team Champions, along with Ryback. Barrett and Ryback won the Tag Titles at Mania, the same night Eva Marie and Summer Rae won the Women's Tag Titles. Have either of those championships been defended since WrestleMania?
Todd Grisham: I don't think so...
Chris Jericho: Exactly. The champions don't seem to matter, we're getting forgotten about. And I don't think it's because of the champions themselves, Todd; I think it's because of the powers that be. And I know why we're getting ignored and overlooked. It's so more time can be devoted to Wes Ikeda, John Cena, Paul Heyman and my opponent tonight... Brock Lesnar.
Todd Grisham: Is that something else that frustrates you - being overlooked because of how much attention is being given to Wes Ikeda's ongoing feud with John Cena, Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar?
Chris Jericho: You're damn right it is. And before any of those assclowns can accuse me of being jealous, there's nothing for me to be jealous of. Wes Ikeda is jealous of me because he wishes he could be as good in the ring as I am. I couldn't care less what John Cena thinks of me. And if you want to know what Brock Lesnar thinks of me, you'd have to ask his advocate Paul Heyman. Why would I be jealous of a man who can't speak or think for himself? I am the best in the world at what I do, I'm not jealous of anybody. Lesnar might be the beast incarnate, but I'm a sexy beast. He might have had success in UFC, but his first love was football, and look how well that worked out. When I was growing up I wanted to be a wrestler and a rock-star, and I've managed to do both. So let me ask you again, why would I be jealous of Brock Lesnar? I wouldn't be, plain and simple. It's frustation, nothing more. I have put my body on the line for this company for 14 years, I have given them my blood, my sweat and my tears, and I show up each and every night ready to do whatever it is I'm asked to do. Right now, all they're asking me to do is show up and collect my paycheque, but I'm better than that. I've worked too damn hard to be forgotten about. I'm not losing my spot because John Cena and Brock "Part Time" Lesnar have pissed off the EBWF Chairman.
Todd Grisham: Is that what tonight is about for you, Chris? Taking back your spot?
Chris Jericho: That's part of it; I'm also avenging my brother Trent, who and everyone else that's been brushed aside for the Brock Lesnar story. Do you know what the most frustrating part of it is? Lesnar used to dominate, literally dominate, and that's why there was such a huge focus on him. I could understand that, even if I didn't always agree with it... but why is the focus on him now? He's not dominating anything anymore, in fact he barely shows up. The only reason Brock is still relevant is because of the politicking that goes on backstage thanks to Paul Heyman. But mark my words, Todd, it ends tonight. The Intercontinental Title might not be on the line, and I might not have my championship with me, but I will fight like a champion the way I always do. People make out that Brock is unstoppable, but he lost to Wes Ikeda at Death Before Dishonor didn't he? Lesnar might still be a force to be reckoned with, but I can beat him. I can beat anyone. I have my sights set on the King of the Ring throne, and no one is going to stop me from getting there. Especially not Brock Lesnar.
Grisham was about to ask another question, but Jericho got to his feet and walked away, leaving Grisham dumb-founded as the scene faded.