It was all starting to get a bit more real now. The phone was constantly ringing. The e-mail inbox was clogging up. Sami Zayn was now a wanted man. Not in the sense that he had a target on his back, but his rise from being the happy-go-lucky guy who wanted nothing more than an opportunity, and to put a smile on the fans’ faces was changing ever so slightly. That part was still true, he still wanted that. But now he was a wanted man because one tournament win resulted in Sami earning himself a World Championship match, and now his name was being thrown around with some of the finest in the company. He definitely earned his way to that stage, and he was loving every second of it.
But none of it would matter if he couldn’t get the job done at SummerSlam. He was now only one match away from being a World Champion, still sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? Media outlets wanted to sit with him, understand him, and see what drives him to succeed. Some of those outlets succeeded in talking to him, the majority failed. It wasn’t arrogance, it’s just something he’s not used to. However, it’s something he would need to get used to if he was eventually given the nod to hold the coveted EBWF World Championship. The event was drawing nearer and nearer, the last the EBWF Universe saw Sami Zayn on television was just over a week ago, when he took on Brian Kendrick in the main event which impressed the fans in attendance. That was a happy memory, the one before that wasn’t. A match with The Miz didn’t exactly go the way it planned, but absolutely nobody or nothing was going to stop Sami from competing at SummerSlam and on this Tuesday afternoon at the EBWF Headquarters, Sami was going to fulfil one of his final contracted media obligations. After that, it was 100% focus. Focus on the match, the task at hand as he aimed to put on one of the greatest performances in SummerSlam history.
It was planned to be a more ‘emotional’ video package for Sami Zayn. The EBWF crew were trying to make Sami go over as the underdog, somebody you never in a million years would expect to main event SummerSlam, let alone compete for the EBWF World Championship. It was to pull on the heartstrings of the EBWF Universe, to continue the super good guy image that was going so well for him, nothing different from his real-life persona. But it would also showcase his drive, his determination, and desire to break away from the pack and actually give it a good go of trying to become one of the most unlikely EBWF World Champions in history. A massive task, but what fun would it be to try and win the title in an easy situation? Tough is fun, Sami has realised that the hard way.
Sami was sitting on a chair, inside of a darkish room. The lights were set up and reflected on to Sami, just enough to show his head and what he was wearing from his waist-up. There was no flat cap this time, he was wearing a plain black t-shirt and all smiles as the microphone was being clipped on to his t-shirt. He leaned back and started to tap his knees with the palms of his hands, watching all of the commotion as the crew walked around hastily to get things sorted. He sat back and took it all in, how everyone was working hard to make sure he looked strong and relevant, and didn’t make a fool of himself; something quite different for him. It didn’t come naturally to him, but he was going to give it a good go anyway, continue playing the role of the underdog even though deep down he felt he was better, and the roles should be reversed. Eventually, everything was set up and the scene was set. Sami Zayn inside the dark room, with nobody else but a camera to talk into for a while, before it went on to the EBWF website for fans all over the world to see. The camera started to roll and Sami was sitting back on the chair, looking into the lens thinking how he should begin.
SAMI ZAYN
It’s still surreal, you know? To think we’re what, four or five days away from SummerSlam? The biggest party of the summer, one of the biggest events on the EBWF calendar. To be on it is one thing, trust me you should’ve seen me last year, I was a nervous wreck behind the smiles. This year though, it’s a strange feeling because now, for the first time, I feel like I genuinely belong here.
That this is my place, that it’s all up to me to go out there and do what I know I can do, become the EBWF World Champion. I know, I know, even when I’m done with wrestling I’ll have the doubters. That I shouldn’t have been in the company, let alone a champion but to be honest, I don’t think I’ve done so bad. I’ve already achieved more than what I thought I ever would here, look at some of the names in this company, nobody expected ME, Sami Zayn to become the Intercontinental Champion. I defended that title every time I was asked or told to, no excuses, nothing. I lost it to Trent, and…well…I kicked his ass and I got it back.
Sami leaned forward a little bit, rubbing his hands together nervously and looking down on to the ground for a short while, nodding his head as he took a big gulp and continued.
SAMI ZAYN
Then…I lost it to Chris Jericho but seriously, that’s fine by me. I just like to think I was an Intercontinental Champion my fans were proud of, and a champion who gained many more fans who had no idea who this ginger kid was when he was being interviewed by Renee Young the first day he arrived and everyone went on a bathroom break. June 28, not too long ago. One of, if not THE best night in my career. Yeah, I’ve won championships elsewhere, and I’m proud of that.
But…walking down the ramp and into the ring, knowing I’ve pinned Wade Barrett and Brock Lesnar to get to that position, and THEN go on to defeat Brian Kendrick and Justin Gabriel to become the King of the Ring…unbelievable. Some people are still surprised I did that, I can’t say I blame them, how many people actually defeat Brock Lesnar? Winning that was amazing. I couldn’t care less about the theatrics. I don’t care about parading around in a crown, sitting on a throne, looking down on everyone. What mattered to me is getting that guarantee, that at SummerSlam…I get my World Championship match. That’s one more than I thought I’d realistically ever get in this company. It’s time to make it count. That’s what I wanted, more than anything…and now I have it. It’s all in my hands.
He laughed to himself a little, nervously but a hint of anger was also clear as he looked back into the lens and continued.
SAMI ZAYN
And then we fast forward almost a month, and it’s clear that my success can’t be swallowed by anyone else here. Me getting a World Championship match clearly didn’t sit well with The Miz and Vertex. So…they tried to take me out of the equation and almost took me out of this match…almost. Guys who I thought were friends in Kevin and Finn tried their level best to take my one chance away from me, and that hurt. But that hurt built up into anger, it turned into determination, and if anything I should find The Miz and thank him for finding that fire inside of me that I knew existed, but could never find it.
Luckily for me, I’ve managed to find that fire a week or so before SummerSlam so whilst that may be good news for me, there’s a certain someone who that doesn’t bode so well for. Where do I even begin? Am I afraid of Dolph? Am I certain that he’ll beat me? No, honestly I’m just…waiting for my chance, and put him out of his misery. It’s no secret, he and I don’t get along, and quite frankly I don’t want to. I don’t need that sort of negativity in my life, I’m content. I don’t need the lavish lifestyle or the cameras in my face. Hell if it was up to me you wouldn’t be sat there listening to me ramble on because this doesn’t matter to me like it matters to Dolph, he doesn’t have his priorities straight. Sure, right now it’s all talk and he won’t agree with me, but it’s all facts, I’ll bring them out and he’ll understand that he should have held that championship a little closer and a little tighter, because his underwhelming reign is coming to an end on Sunday.
It became clear that Sami grew to be a little more agitated, he even unclipped his microphone and signalled for the producers to cut it off. As he stood up, he was about to walk away, but at the last moment he stopped and looked back into the camera for a final few words.
SAMI ZAYN
We don’t like each other. We don’t want to know each other. We don’t want to talk to each other, and quite frankly that sounds like the perfect deal to me, because I hope you don’t start chirping when I take that title from you. Let’s hope that animosity still exists the next night at Warfare, when you don’t have the championship. The funny thing is…all of a sudden you’ll know exactly who Sami Zayn is…funny timing though. You’ll realise who I am and what I am capable of inside that ring once you have no championship title, then it’ll be you begging me, and trying to make yourself stand out to me.
I know what you’ll say though, in an attempt to try and woo the few fans you might have left after proving to be a woeful champion. It’s nothing new to me. Everybody tries to play me and my career down, they all poke fun at the way I look, the way I talk and my achievements…the one thing nobody dares to poke fun at is my ability in the ring. Everyone knows I’m far superior to you. If you even dare to go out there and say you’re better, even those fans will turn on your delusional self. Then maybe when you realise your fans are slowly slipping away, that nobody, not anyone at home or your fans believe in you anymore…then you’ll try and hit a low blow.
Sami took a seat again, he looked down, a little nervous as he started rubbing his hands together.
SAMI ZAYN
You’ll bring up a certain mask, about how I will end up wearing that if you somehow defeat me. That won’t happen. If anything, you can borrow one of mine because nobody will want to see your overrated face around here ever again. And you won’t be able to live with the criticism. When you do these things, poke fun at things nobody gives a damn about, let’s be honest, it’s boring. But when you bring these things up, it’s clear that all you’re doing is shying away from the fact that you’re actually worse than me in almost every single department.
You can’t swallow the fact that I may actually be the man to dethrone you. I may actually be the one who exposes Dolph Ziggler for what he truly is. So you use jokes as a defence mechanism, but I see right through it. Everyone sees right through it. The only things you’re actually better than me at is one…you can talk your way out of unfavourable situations with ease. At the click of a finger. And everyone will ensure no danger ever comes your way. Two…you talk your way into success. You make them believe that you actually mean something, and they’re all stupid enough to fall for it. Three? You’re very close to knocking The Rock and John Cena from the top spot of kissing ass. Actually, it might not even be kissing. You just dive right in there don’t you? Everything else, you can’t even touch me. You’re not even close, regardless of how good YOU think you are. Nobody else does.
Sami started to move forward again, almost standing up out of his seat as he continued to talk.
SAMI ZAYN
I don’t want to meet you backstage before our match. I don’t want to discuss anything with you. I don’t want to sit opposite each other and promote the match. I don’t want anything to do with you, at all. The only thing I do want, is one…to get into the ring at SummerSlam and not bring my standards down and two…I’ll be at the Wildwoods Convention Center in New Jersey, at the EBWF house show in two days. In front of my fans, and we’ll get EVERYTHING off our chests. Everything. We won’t be promoting our match, hell it won’t even be on television, just me and you man to man…if you’re kind enough to grace us with your presence. I’ll be there. I hope you will too, if not that’ll just give me more than enough time to prove why you’re absolutely nothing.
Sami looked into the camera, clearly frustrated but determined to show the world that he was better than Ziggler. But he wasn’t going to let it all out in one night, he made it clear that he’d be at the house show in two days. He then looked around at the producers before putting the microphone down and straightening his t-shirt.
SAMI ZAYN
That’s it, I’m done for the day. Stop while we’re ahead.
PRODUCER
We still have four minutes of space to fill though, Sami.
SAMI ZAYN
It’s okay, just show a Dolph Ziggler all-time classic match, you’ll be fine.
Sami put the microphone down on to the seat, and managed to shuffle his way through the crew and picked up his coffee and his jacket before shaking their hands and leaving the room. He made it crystal clear in his video package though, the dislike the two had was clear and he would love nothing more than to say it to his face. Whether it would actually happen was a different story, but fans would find out in two days. There was a lot he wanted to say, and he couldn’t think of a better time than days before his first ever World Championship opportunity at SummerSlam.
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Thursday August 27 2015 – EBWF House Show – Wildwoods Convention Center – New Jersey
Two days later, one of the final house shows before the SummerSlam pay-per-view was taking place at the Wildwoods Convention Center in New Jersey and usually, there isn’t massive interest from the outside. This time, fans knew what to expect because Sami Zayn made it clear earlier in the week that he’d use this particular house show to get a couple of things off of his chest, so the New Jersey crowd continued to wait in anticipation. A number of matches had already taken place, and there was already a different feel in the air, as the fans knew Sami Zayn was going to be inside of the ring but it was definitely a different Sami Zayn. A more determined and focused Sami Zayn. One that would stop at nothing to walk out with the thing he’s worked so hard to achieve. The fans in attendance were definitely discussing what Sami had to say earlier in the week, most of them continued to support whilst a small minority still weren’t sold.
That didn’t stop them from cheering though, they didn’t want to be left out. Out of nowhere “World’s Apart” by CFO$ blasted the PA system and the fans erupted into cheers as the lights started to flash from red to yellow to blue. Eventually, Sami emerged on the stage a little calmer than usual. He was still all smiles as he waved at the fans, donning his usual questionable attire, from his flat cap to his brown blazer, jeans and an ‘InZayn’ t-shirt and he couldn’t help but smile as he noticed that some of the fans also had his shirt on. He then shouted “Let’s Go” in sync with his theme music to pump himself and the crowd up, dancing his way down the ramp and greeting the fans who were desperately leaning forward to receive a high-five. He slowly walked up the steel steps as he was introduced to the EBWF Universe in attendance. He then received a microphone which he started to throw from hand to hand. Walking around the ring as his music faded out but that only signalled the thunderous ‘Ole!’ chants to begin, something he became accustomed to everywhere he went. Eventually he found a quieter moment to jump in and start talking, right before the wild New Jersey crowd would go off cheering again.
SAMI ZAYN
Improvement. Consistency. Desire. That’s what I wholeheartedly believe I have brought to the EBWF since signing on the dotted line a little over one year ago. Now…we’re almost at SummerSlam, and it’s because of all of you people that I’ve got myself a match for the EBWF World Championship, and on Sunday just a couple of hours down the road from here…I’ll be inside of the ring and taking that championship title from Dolph Ziggler.
The fans cheered as Sami Zayn hyped up his main event match at SummerSlam against Ziggler, and it didn’t take long for the ‘Ole!’ chants to kick off again, but Sami was forced to cut them short.
SAMI ZAYN
I know what everybody is thinking though. Even my friends, they’re just too polite to actually come up to me and say it. I don’t look like your everyday champion. I don’t look like the number one star of this company, I don’t look like the best this company has to offer, or the best in the world. But we all know looks can deceive, if you dig deep enough everyone will see that nobody, nobody on this planet wants this on Sunday more than I do. Usually, you could even say I don’t look like the potential face of this company.
Then again, you could honestly argue that the standards really haven’t been set that high, have they? Especially by our current so-called champion. So you really can’t blame me for actually believing that I stand a chance of winning in this near-impossible situation, and that I have one tiny chance to actually make a change around here for me, for the guys at the back and for all of your fans. You guys come here in the hope of seeing the best, and unfortunately our champion isn’t really the best so we pick up on his slack. Here’s hoping that on Sunday, the best really does walk away with the championship title, because I’ll be out here the very next night doing it over again.
I’ve beaten the best. I’ve beaten some of the best this company has to offer. I’ve been on a fantastic run and I don’t plan on stopping ANYTIME soon. I’ve beaten guys better than our so-called champion. I’ve beaten guys stronger than our so-called champion. I’ve beaten guys faster than our so-called champion, I’ve beaten guys who talk better than our so-called champion and I’ve beaten guys who are simply better wrestlers than our so-called champion. So no, I’m not worried. There’s no doubt about it. I’m ready for this. If anything, I’m excited. I’m excited and more determined than EVER before to give the people what they want, give them the champion they deserve!
Fans cheered as Sami continued to show that they mattered to him, and that they were vital to the company as well as his own success, trying to make them understand that Dolph Ziggler is only in it for himself, and even in that department he failed miserably, falling flat on his face.
SAMI ZAYN
We all know why I’m out here though. I said it earlier this week, and it’s exactly why I’m out here tonight. I stand here, as your number one contender to the EBWF World Championship, I stand here inside of the ring and I call out the BEST champion this company has to offer. I’m calling out the best the company has to offer, period; champion or not. I’m calling out the one person that has been proving themselves over and over and over again, overcoming every single obstacle put in their way. The one who continues to prove that they are better than the rest. So right now, if I call out the best world champion, the best in the EBWF today, the best in the world today…I expect to see Sasha Banks to come down that ramp and stand in this ring.
I’m not talking about our so-called world champion. I knew he wouldn’t be here. You’ll never find Dolph here, he simply thinks he’s too good for us, to grace us with his presence. He’s not the best champion, he’s not any kind of champion. He’s the best at talking his way out of things that’s for sure, but even then he’s forced to share that crown with The Miz. It’s true though, the best champion we have today probably is Sasha Banks because it’s the only damn title we see defended, and she manages to keep hold of it over and over again. Maybe that’s the reason why I prefer watching our hugely talented divas over our paper champion.
I just can’t help but feel that this is some sort of déjà vu though. I just feel like we’ve seen this entire situation before. We had one man, who believed he was better than anyone else, the company ran the way he wanted it to run. Yet he couldn’t do anything but talk his way out of things. People did what he said, things ran the way he wanted them to run, and this entire company was a bunch of yes-men who were afraid to challenge ‘the man’. That was until one day a loud-mouthed, arrogant son of a bitch arrived on the scene and ended his legacy, and thus his life spiralled out of control, and his legacy ended soon after his fall from grace.
I just feel…like it’s happening all over again. We have ‘the man’, who believes he is better than everyone else, and deep down he knows himself that it’s not true, not one bit. The company revolves around him. We do everything to accommodate him and make sure he’s comfortable, and make sure he’s happy. And now…we have another eager wrestler, with one opportunity to put an end to all of this farce, all of this nonsense. He has the chance to expose the champion and end a legacy before it even begins, which stars another fall from grace. We saw it with John Cena, I promise you we will see it all over again with Dolph Ziggler.
Fans cheered as Sami become a lot more confident, and he didn’t have a care in the world about what he was saying and who it would affect. The truth hurts, Sami knew that. The chants continued, whether it was his name or the Ole chants, the New Jersey crowd were still on his side.
SAMI ZAYN
If there’s any piece of advice I’d absolutely urge Dolph to heed, you need to stop focusing on everyone else, man. It’s been a while since I won the King of the Ring tournament and it’s definitely been a while since you did…well…anything but that’s not the point. You’ve known for a long time that I’m your challenger, one of the two you’ve had. Instead…you’ve opted to focus elsewhere. You’ve chosen to keep the boss of this company happy, you’ve been trying your damn hardest on focusing on the boss and making sure he still knows the name of the paper champion parading around here with a title he claims deserves to hold. You’re too busy focusing on John Cena, using his status in this industry to make a name for yourself because let’s be honest, capturing the title did nothing for your already-low stock, did it?
Well one, Cena probably isn’t the best person to use when he himself is becoming irrelevant as the weeks pass by and two…focus on me, Dolph. Focus on me because we both know what happened the last time you and I were standing opposite one another inside of the ring. I’ve kicked your ass before and I’m kicking your ass again, it’s as simple as that. You’re continuing to overlook me, and that’s going to come back and haunt you, as early as Sunday.
It’s not just that. You completely ignore me and focus on the material things. To me it seems like being the champion doesn’t seem to be that important to you. It looks like you’re just a weasel who enjoys reaping the rewards being the champion brings. The media attention. The billboards, the shows…that’s just not for me. I’m a simple man, with simple tasted and I’m sure many of you guys here will understand. I wake up, I watch the tapes I need to watch and study them, I do my homework, I train my ass off and I come out to this ring every single night. Whether it’s Warfare or whether it’s a house show, I’m in the ring. I’m here for the likeminded wrestling fans who want a fighting champion, a wrestling champion. Not a supermodel wannabe who became the champion on a damn technicality in the first place.
Sami walked around the ring, looking around at the fans who continued to cheer for him as he was adamant that Dolph was the wrong choice as champion. He nodded his head with the fans very slowly, before leaning on the ropes and talking once more.
SAMI ZAYN
At the end of the day, it’s the politics that make this business go round, it’s what makes this company the well-oiled machine that it is today. Some of us keep our heads down and do what we love and are content with the small levels of success we have and some of us are…Dolph Ziggler. Dolph needs to surround himself with success. THAT makes him feel like he’s relevant, because he’s like that lonely kid who tries to fit in who has no personality and becomes something he doesn’t want to me, THAT’S Dolph Ziggler.
Just look at who he surrounds himself with. The likes of Cena, Trish and Wes and of course, he needs to feel like he needs their approval to fit in, to sit at the cool kids’ table. He’s not his own person, he’s a puppet, a pawn in this game and it’s why he’ll never be remembered as a great because he never makes a move by himself. He kisses ass far too often, kisses ass more than he competed and I’m don’t want to know how it tastes. He NEEDS somebody with him, and that’s what makes him weak and it’s what makes him average. Harsh, but true. But me? You can’t say the same about me even if you wanted to, for a joke. I surround myself with people who are just as hungry as I am, with guys and girls who are in the same boat as me, TRYING their damn hardest to be the best. Just who have I surrounded myself with, be it the past or the present. Kevin Owens? Finn Balor? They both kicked my ass a few weeks ago. Seth Rollins? A certain someone called Cesaro? One of the most underrated and underappreciated in AJ Styles? Guys, who might hate me on television but I know for a fact that backstage they’ll be cheering for me, not Dolph.
They WANT me to defeat you, Dolph because they know that one of their own has the chance to do it, because for people like me this opportunity doesn’t really come along every day. Yeah, maybe they’d kick me ass to take my spot if they could, but the fact is they’ll be at the monitors or at gorilla on Sunday watching me and hoping I win. Just like I’d be the very first one to watch them and congratulate them if they were in my shoes.
Ask anybody, Dolph. We need a change, a change from you before this entire situation grows worse and worse. I’m sure there are guys at the back who aren’t afraid to speak their mind. We’re all thinking it, I’ll say it. Dolph Ziggler is no champion. Dolph Ziggler is a farce. Dolph Ziggler is a fake. Dolph Ziggler is a nobody who has a valuable piece of gold strapped around him and he doesn’t deserve it, and quite frankly I’m sick of that son of a bitch acting as if he genuinely adds an ounce of talent to this company and that we need him.
I would genuinely take a loss to any person on this roster, anybody in this company, than losing to Dolph Ziggler. Hell, I wouldn’t mind as much if a high AJ Styles pinned me for the title, because now it’s not an option for me. I lost the Intercontinental Championship to Chris Jericho but that was for the best, I mean that. I’m happy that I dropped it to somebody who is proven, someone valuable, someone talented and someone who isn’t stale or boring. I dropped it to somebody who has done a lot and has defended gold over and over again in his career and played a huge part in me bring here. Losing to you? No chance. After Sunday you’re just going to tell everyone you lost the title to somebody who is simply better than you in every single department, and that’s the truth.
The determined Sami Zayn circled the ring and wiped his mouth. Getting too carried away as he tried to calm himself down. Taking off his flat cap and scratching the top of his head, cracking his neck as he continued.
SAMI ZAYN
I know Dolph Ziggler though. We don’t like each other but I know him far, far better than he knows me or will ever know me. It’s just jokes with you. You come out and deliver five different punchlines in the hope that one catches on and fourteen people in the crowd laugh and you count that as an achievement. You’ve grown to be stale. You’re boring. You’re irritating, because these old Dad jokes simply don’t work with me or anyone else anymore. It’s funny, every time you’re here you play down what your opponent has done, you aim a number of jokes at them, but in reality there’s no genuine laughter because it’s just tumbleweed. We need excitement inside of that ring and I KNOW I am the one man in the company right now who can offer that, and perform like a champion. THAT’S something you have absolutely no idea about.
It’s always the same old story with you. You bring absolutely nothing fresh. I can tell you right now, you’ll walk out. You’ll poke fun at my hair and my skin and my tights and the fact you’re the champion and I’m not. You’ll make maybe…eight jokes – none of which are funny by the way so PLEASE don’t go into stand-up – then you’ll say I use old things. That I look back at what you said and I counter that. To me Dolph, that’s called doing your homework. Working out what your opponent is capable of. I watch you, I watch all of my opponents, how they walk, how they compete, their strategies, I watch all of the tapes. It’s called doing your homework. But hey, you really don’t know much about putting actual effort or any kind of work into a task anyway, do you? If anything it’s YOU who decides to nit-pick on things that don’t freaking matter or make zero sense at all. At the end of the day, it’s YOU who is laughing at your own lame jokes, when YOU think you’re bring funny whilst WE are all laughing AT you, not WITH you. You stupid, stupid son of a bitch.
It’s just one big cycle in the career of Dolph Ziggler anyway. How does the saying go? I’m sure Paul could help me out if I’m wrong. Eat, sleep, crack a thousand lame jokes and laugh at them by yourself and think you’re super cool…repeat? No, no. That’s not it. Eat, sleep…compete in one match a month and act like you’re the greatest athlete on the planet…repeat? No! That’s not it. Maybe…eat, sleep…you suck at absolutely everything you try to do, repeat? That’s sounds more like it. My point is, your entire career is a cycle, it never changes. It’s why now YOU’RE bland, it’s now why YOU’RE the generic one, not me. You just like to throw these insults at us when in reality you’re describing yourself! You’re just, insecure. The way you go about things are so, so simple. This cycle of yours is basic. One, surround yourself with established success.
Two, be mediocre. Nobody will notice because somehow their success rubs off on you and you seem relevant. Three, talk your way to the top when you barely even compete in the ring. Four, come out to the ring make jokes which is funny, that’s what most of us at the back think your career is. Five, make fun of your opponent and his style. Six, book yourself to win because a genie in a suit at the top grants you these kinds of wishes when you have power like you. Seven, make excuses for not competing or not performing up to scratch as a champion and finally…go home and repeat the entire cycle the very next week…or…whenever you’re next in action which doesn’t really seem to be a lot. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if right now Dolph is on the phone to a suit and trying to talk his way out of this one. Yeah, he pulled a muscle or has an appointment for his hair, or an urgent manicure is needed. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me.
Fans started to laugh along with Sami, as he continued to highlight the facts surrounding Dolph and his über underwhelming reign as a champion, and he definitely wasn’t finished as he took his blazer off due to the heat and hung it on the ropes, allowing him to grow more comfortable to continue.
SAMI ZAYN
Overrated. Another key word associated with Dolph Ziggler. Along with average, mediocre, boring, stale, unoriginal…you get where I’m going with this. Since the day Dolph Ziggler stepped into this company he’s been overrated, and rightfully so. There’s nothing he’s actually done that shows me he’s a threat, or that he’s actually anything special. He’s an ordinary man who just so happens to be holding the one thing I want, the EBWF World Championship title. We’re always discussing who the most underrated star is, some of us say Stardust is the most underrated, some of us say Brian Kendrick or even Justin Gabriel. Some just happen to say my name too. You see, that one is very difficult to call, there are so many guys at the back who can say they truly are underrated, and it creates a debate because there’s no one guy who can truly stand up and say ‘I am the most underrated star of this company’.
On the other hand…when you take a look at the overrated stars of this company. Well, quite frankly…you’re the undisputed champion when it comes to that. You’re leaps and bounds more overrated than ANYBODY in this company, and for what? What is it you actually have to offer? You can’t seriously come out to the ring and tell me or these fans that you have earned your way to the top, and that you actually have something serious to offer us. There’s nothing there, whatever this ‘it’ factor is, it doesn’t exist. So what, you can sell a move? Is that what your bunch of fans love? The fact that you get hit with a punch and act like you took a bullet to the head? Great, you’re a fantastic actor in that case, but I don’t act like you do.
The fact is you can’t adapt like we can, those independent guys at the back have had it far tougher than you have. We are forced to adapt to fit in, that’s why I’m a dangerous opponent, that’s why I’m a dangerous challenger. Because I can adapt, I can change how I compete to something nobody has ever seen before because I want this. At the end of the day you’re still going to be the same old, overrated and predictable Dolph Ziggler who himself is questioning why on earth he is holding the EBWF World Championship when you KNOW you add no value to the title or the company whatsoever!
Sami was still fired up, being brutally honest and giving his opinion on Ziggler however he wanted to. He started to scratch his neck as he grew more agitated about the whole situation, there was still so much he wanted to say. The fans were still listening, agreeing with him and chanting for him as he shook his head and continued.
SAMI ZAYN
It has actually hit me that there’s only one glaring similarity between us, and for me that’s one too many. The internet is a big part of our business now, and they know what they want. They don’t hide their feelings, whether they love somebody or whether they hate them. I know what that’s like. For two months I was the name on everyone’s lips online. They talked about how I deserved so much more, how much I impressed them, how they couldn’t wait to see me hit the big time. Then…it was Kevin Owens. The focus switched so quickly from me to him. Then it went to Finn Balor, then it went to Bray Wyatt, and so on.
But while we lasted in the limelight for a couple of months. YOU occupied that position for years. They were talking about you the most. They were practically begging for you to step up to the plate to make them feel like they were right all along for believing in you…but you let them down as well. You’re more like me than you care to admit, because at one stage nobody thought you’d achieve anything either but look at you now, man. Parading around backstage with that championship, acting as if you own the place and we must bow down to you, when in reality you’re absolutely nothing. You walk around thinking people envy you backstage, you think you drive them to jealousy, but we look at you and just simply can’t wait to bring that title back and give it so somebody who will step up to the plate and actually make it mean something.
You’re lower than I am in the non-existent rankings. Because for me, this match means absolutely everything to me because I’ve genuinely worked my entire life, living and breathing wrestling to get to THIS moment to capture the EBWF World Championship. Other than that, we’re nothing alike. Although, I’d like to think I stepped up to the plate when the fans wanted, whilst they’re still waiting for you to actually work. This isn’t me being bitter, oh no. Go backstage and ask anybody, whether they know me or they don’t, they’d agree with me 100%. That Dolph Ziggler, took an easy ride to the top, and if it’s up to you…you’re not planning on changing your lazy ways any time soon.
Sami laughed as he knew the fans understood where he was coming from, that Dolph genuinely failed to live up to expectation as a champion, and the chants in the arena suggested it.
SAMI ZAYN
I know, it must sound like it’s all talk whereas even I’m not booked for every single Warfare, but I’m here aren’t I? I mean if you really want to, we can run down it all and showcase the FACTS, of how I work for my rewards, and Dolph does absolutely nothing.
Improvement. Consistency. Desire. Again, three words I believe I’ve lived by since I arrived. Starting on August 31st, 2014…at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We all know what that event was…SummerSlam. How fitting. I was up against Syxx for the Intercontinental Championship in my first ever SummerSlam, my second full month in the EBWF. Granted…I lost that match and learnt from the mistakes and that has helped me to get to this stage today. That helped me because in the second opportunity I had, I pinned him for the title. But that night, at SummerSlam at The Pit…I was busy putting my body on the line and showing these fans things they’ve NEVER seen before. That same night…Dolph Ziggler was there. Was he on the care? Nope. While I was in that ring putting on a great performance, trying my damn hardest to perform better than everybody else, Dolph was backstage, playing the goodie-two shoes and lurking around the divas locker room looking for AJ Lee, and even she was more relevant than he was last year. We fast forward a year, and it’s me challenging HIM for the top honour in this company, how does that work out? You guys probably have a better idea than I do.
In fact, as far as I can remember…Dolph, you’ve had the easiest road to the title, ever, and the easiest run to the title ever. Yeah, you might say Solomon Crowe came in from nowhere and got a shot, but at least that crazy son of a bitch put the title on the line when he was told to. Sure, I mean you have had the odd match here and there on Warfare, but honestly for me, you’re no different to any of those guys who signed up to this gig thinking they had what it took, then they realised they didn’t really want it and walked away, never looking back within weeks. That’s what you are as the champion, those are the kinds of people you remind me of.
But yeah…a few episodes of Warfare here and there where you actually exert some sort of energy and compete. Otherwise you’re busy focusing on John Cena or Wes Ikeda or Brock Lesnar, just wanting and seeking their approval. This fixation you have of being with them is kinda disturbing in all honesty, but you’re deciding to focus on everybody else…but me. I was there at SummerSlam last year when Dolph Ziggler wasn’t. I was there at Destiny, busting my ass off for another title shot which I EARNED, and I won. Again, Dolph Ziggler was nowhere to be seen. Fanniversary! What a night that was. I defeated Syxx and Ted DiBiase to capture the Intercontinental Championship…Dolph Ziggler was nowhere to be seen. But then finally…FINALLY…at Survivor Series we saw him in action against Bray Wyatt. Another guy who couldn’t hack it and left when he had the chance. You were busy being average while I was busy rubbing shoulders with CM Punk, Dean Ambrose and Sting. Again, you didn’t leave anybody impressed.
Then…Christmas Eve of Destruction. I was busy getting my ass electrocuted against Syxx when I retained my Intercontinental Championship. But Dolph Ziggler? … You weren’t there. Then we arrive at the Royal Rumble, which you won after coming out number three, congratulations on that by the way. You won that. But…why don’t we rewind a couple of hours, rewind to something that happened earlier on in the evening, Dolph.
Earlier that night, YOU challenged ME for my Intercontinental Championship. It was I who hit my boot right into your face and pinned your shoulders on the mat, 1, 2 and 3.
The fans erupted into cheers as Sami mentioned his Royal Rumble victory over Ziggler, and he himself couldn’t help but laugh at the reaction before settling them down.
SAMI ZAYN
Yeah, I had a feeling you’d like that one. And don’t worry, I know you’ve beaten me as well, I haven’t forgot that, but in this rubber match the ball is in my court and I’m taking advantage of it. But then…your drought continued. The great Dolph Ziggler continued to show what a farce he really is by not competing again. I lost the title to Trent and you were…well…I’m sure you were backstage doing something. Somebody probably needed their papers filing or something.
Then of course…we reach WrestleMania! I pick up my first WrestleMania win in my first WrestleMania match to recapture my championship, and you defeated AJ Styles. But all of the focus was on this supposed ‘long journey’ you had to the top. What journey? I can’t even recall ten of your matches, where’s the hard fought journey? When did you put your body on the line? When did you show ANYTHING to force us to believe you DESERVE a World Championship match and that you DESERVE to be the champion?!
Let’s get back on track though, it doesn’t end there. You – the champion – were absent at Aftermath, so that means there’s one event you didn’t defend your title. After two months you finally came out of your cave and edged out Solomon Crowe in an underwhelming performance at Death Before Dishonor. Then for the first time in a very long time, you compete on two pay-per-view events in a row, because you were booked for Sacrifice…but noooooo we can’t have your title on the line, can we? Instead the suits will just play it safe and tally up your days as champion to make your sad, pathetic self, look like a solid champion, and they did that by having you in a stupid tag team match between guys the EBWF Universe either hates or guys that can’t even move, and we’ll have that as our main event whilst the talented guys don’t even get looked at!!!
You’re just hogging the limelight, while guys are overlooked, while Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins stay in the tag team title picture, why is it that guys like Chris Jericho and CM Punk were going on BEFORE you? Going before a main event match that nobody wanted to see in the first place! I think it’s clear…we need a change around here, I’m sick of it. And if I can’t change it myself then at least I can collapse on my way up that ramp at SummerSlam saying I tried and that it was one step in the right direction. I really don’t care what you achieved here before I arrived, if you did achieve anything. What I do know is that you had once chance to become a champion at WrestleMania after winning the Royal Rumble, and you blew it against Brock Lesnar…another guy I beat to get to this spot.
You fans deserve a real champion, whatever he looks like is completely irrelevant. As long as he performs consistently, he deserves to hold the championship title. Dolph might like to think he is the most important man in the company, but’s completely false. Thinking you’re the most important thing and actually proving it on a consistent basis are two completely different things, the mistake he has made is he can’t differentiate the two. In fact, I believe some of you intelligent fans could actually count how many times you’ve seen Dolph Ziggler in action this past year, maybe it won’t take you more than two hands. There’s your champion.
Sami leaned on the ropes and smiled, knowing that the fans understood where he was coming from, it was all true. Nothing he said was false, they were all facts and he wasn’t done yet, he wanted the championship more than anything.
SAMI ZAYN
So…before coming out here I was sitting down. And I still can’t connect the dots…where is it where you leapfrogged me? I mean if anything, I was leaps and bounds ahead of you because for the past year, people were talking about me, because I was competing every single week, every pay-per-view, every house show, yet…YOU are the World Champion? What am I missing here? Or is that how things are usually run in this company? I mean if you at least started acting like a champion, and put the work in, and defended the title then maybe, just maybe…people wouldn’t have a problem with you.
It does make me laugh though. It’s like we all arrive to sign our contracts and they’re all the same. But then it seems like Dolph Ziggler had a whole new contract created just for him, because as far as I’m aware…the champion must defend the title every 30 days. Or something like that. I guess that applies to us, we must defend the championship every 30 days…unless your name is Dolph Ziggler then these rules don’t apply to you. Come SummerSlam, Dolph Ziggler will have ONE title defence to his name…in 147 days of holding that championship title. Fighting champion? I think not. 147 days. Let that figure sink in.
I know what you’re going for though. You’re already overlooking me. This weird fascination you have of sharing the ring with John Cena and trying to make an even bigger name for yourself. But there’s no way in hell I’m going to let you simply defend that championship title against a parody of wrestling. I am NOT going to be the lamb that this company sacrifices at SummerSlam, just so somebody inferior to me can look strong! Just so he can show his smile the next day and say he was better than me, because he isn’t! It’s that simple. He knows it, everybody knows it. You think one potential victory over me will mean we all will start to take Dolph more seriously? Never. You can never look stronger than me, I simply won’t let you because I’m used to effort and hard work, I simply won’t let you look better than me.
These fantasies you guys all have about getting THAT match made, I’m going to be the one that throws a spanner in the works, and do everything in my power to make sure Dolph doesn’t get him in the ring with the championship. I’ll defeat Dolph, and I’m taking that title, and I embarrass him inside of that ring and expose him for the fraud that he really is and whatever happens to him after that, he can deal with it. He won’t be my problem. I’m not going to be the stepping stone, I’m not going to be another name ticked off the list for his sake and his fake legacy. The only thing I plan on doing is becoming the EBWF World Champion.
Sami exhaled after delivering a long speech about why he was so much better than Dolph, catching his breath and looking around the arena before raising the microphone towards his mouth again.
SAMI ZAYN
I think we all know this though, Dolph Ziggler is a handpicked champion. Handpicked so he can be the face of this company, but they didn’t take into account just how much of a failure he would actually be. I mean, if your World Champion is in a tag team main event with star-studded names…I think that just shows the company that Dolph doesn’t have everything he claims he has. There’s no star power to attract an audience, he couldn’t sell out the arena with a title match so he needed help, because he fails inside of the ring as well. He simple doesn’t have what it takes to compete in a one on one match and back his words up, luckily for him he’s up against a wrestler who will make sure the fans are talking about my victory for years to come.
Are you the kind of champion we need to aspire to be like? I mean if we take a look at other champions else, who knows…Jay Lethal? Now he’s a champion, a true champion. Chris Jericho is a champion. Tyler Breeze is a champion. Sasha Banks is a champion. Dolph Ziggler is a superstar who was given everything on a plate, entered the company with a silver spoon in his mouth and STILL failed to make any sort of impact when it was in front of his goddamn eyes.
How much more can I emphasise this though before it really hits home though, Dolph? What is it, selective hearing? You just know we’re all screaming at you that you’re not the champion we need, that you’re not the champion we want but it’s like you just choose to block us out and in your own fantasy world…you think you actually matter. You’re an embarrassment. I am genuinely, genuinely ashamed to be seen as inferior to you. That YOU of all people are the standard bearer. That YOU are the best this company has to offer.
And you know, at times I ask myself if it’s even worth it? Is it even worth trying to fight a losing battle? Then I understand and I realise that I’ve earned my way towards a World Championship match, and that it’s up to me to bring even a tiny bit of legitimacy to that championship. Because even though I’m not your giant or your bodybuilder or your chiselled Greek God…I sure as hell act like a champion better than ANYONE else in this company, including your lousy ass!
The ‘Ole!’ chants continued to echo throughout the arena, and Sami acknowledged them. He then picked up his blazer before putting it on, signalling that his time on the microphone was coming to an end. The fans sarcastically booed, but he picked the microphone up against whilst straightening his blazer out.
SAMI ZAYN
Oh don’t worry, we’re almost done here. Dolph, the pressure isn’t on me though, buddy. Not at all. Either way, the following night I’ll be at Warfare, competing and fighting my way to the top again. I’ll still be seen as the same up and coming Sami Zayn that excites fans and puts asses in seats, brings excitement and energy, who never gives up and always has a smile on his face. But if I win? Well…I’m all of that then, aren’t I? An exciting star, up and comer, putting asses in seats, brings excitement but I’ll have a shiny gold belt around my waist to show for my efforts!
But…what if we reverse the roles here a little? If you win, Dolph? What happens? You’re still the same old, lousy, good for nothing, overrated, boring Dolph Ziggler who isn’t showing off. You don’t show off, there’s nothing to show off, you don’t steal the show either, and the only thing you’re doing is stealing a living and living off others’ success. But all that happens if you WIN! Let’s take a look at what happens if and when you lose. What will you do? John Cena wouldn’t be targeting a loser like you. Mr. Ikeda won’t even know you exist, and maybe, just maybe…a certain someone a little closer to home will realise how mediocre you really are too.
The fans understood the sly dig Sami aimed at Dolph, but he didn’t really care what anybody in the company made of it.
SAMI ZAYN
Maybe that’s just it. Maybe all of that is what NEEDS to happen at SummerSlam so maybe, just maybe you’ll start to pull your weight around here and put a tiny bit more work in like the rest of us. Then you can take it a notch and earn your way to the top rather than talk your way to the top and in all honesty, that right there really, REALLY pisses me off when you THINK that YOU are the man to beat.
Sami was clearly a little angry at this point, and was close to leaving the ring. He still had the microphone in his hands as he put one leg through the ropes. The chanting continued but he froze between the ropes. The fans cheered as he stepped back into the ring and spoke to the fans once again.
SAMI ZAYN
Let’s make one thing clear before I leave tonight. I’m not cocky, I never have been in my entire life or wrestling career. I’m not arrogant either. All I’m doing is speaking the stone cold facts, they’re concrete. They’re crystal clear for the world to see that one person has earned an opportunity to compete for the title. But sadly, it’s against somebody who cannot say the same. I know for a fact that the guys at the back have started to take me a little more seriously, some of them still maintain that I stand no chance, some of them are with me in the ring every single day helping me out. Helping me improve in areas I lack in, supporting me, and they think the same. I know I can beat you, Dolph, I KNOW I will beat you…there’s not way in hell I’m letting a pathetic, overrated superstar like you outperform or defeat a bona fide wrestler like me. Maybe, just maybe if you walk out with that title one way or another, be it clean or a dirty finish… then maybe I’m just not cut out for this business any more like I thought I was.
Fans were surprised at what Sami said to close his defiant statement of intent. He put the microphone down on the mat and exited the ring as “World’s Apart” blasted the PA system once more. The ‘Ole!’ chants didn’t die down as Sami high-fived the fans on his way up the ramp. He stopped on the stage and slowly turned around, nodding his head as he scouted the arena, knowing the next time he’ll have fans chanting his name will be at SummerSlam.
- - - - - - -
Saturday August 29 2015 – The Sam Roberts Show – Izod Center – East Rutherford; New Jersey
SAM ROBERTS
The SummerSlam weekend is in full swing, great vibes here at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. We’re backstage with all of the EBWF crew as they prepare to put on another great show, tomorrow night. Who do we have here? Ah, ladies and gentlemen, approaching me now, nervously sitting down on the seat opposite me is the main who is in the main event tomorrow! Former Intercontinental Champion, soon to be World Champion? Only time will tell. Mr. Sami Zayn! What’s the haps?
Sami sat down backstage opposite Sam Roberts who had his equipment set up, interviewing a number of superstars, divas and EBWF personnel. Sami wasn’t in his casual attire, it was clear he had been working out as he emptied a bottle of water within seconds. He leaned closer to the microphone and adjusted himself in his seat as he replied to Sam in the short interview.
SAMI ZAYN
Ah the haps, the haps…exciting times ahead, my man. Huge event, huge night tomorrow, I think the fans will enjoy themselves, for sure.
SAM ROBERTS
That’s good, we’re all hoping for a great event after all of the build-up. I gotta ask you man, King of the Ring, massive honour, how did it feel?
SAMI ZAYN
Yeah that one finally sunk in a little while ago. I think it took me a while to understand what it all meant, but once I realised it’s a road to the World Championship, I understood it and I’m rolling with it, it’s good. I like it.
SAM ROBERTS
You’ve got your World Title match now, how much does it mean to you after coming so far in your wrestling career, to get a World Title match?
SAMI ZAYN
Yeah…finally. I think I deserve this chance. Obviously it means a lot, it’s what wrestlers work their entire lives for to hold a credible World Championship. I…do think it’s the right time. Some people might say it’s too soon but I know that I started at the bottom of the EBWF. That’s how it should be. Nobody knew me, nobody really wanted to work with me.
I clawed my way up those rankings, man. Every single week. Every house show. Trying my best and I believe I completed the whole process. I went from the bottom. Picking up the wins, before moving on to the Intercontinental Championship, twice. Then on to the King of the Ring and winning that, and then finally getting to this stage. So it feels like I completed the whole, lengthy process to get here. I wasn’t fast-tracked or handpicked to get here. I did it all from the bottom and honestly, I think it’s the right way to do it and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
SAM ROBERTS
We have an interesting situation here. Dolph Ziggler, the EBWF World Champion. He won the Royal Rumble to get here. Sami Zayn, number one contender to the EBWF World Championship, you won the King of the Ring tournament to get here. Who had it tougher?
SAMI ZAYN
Obviously they’re two different things. Dolph would say he had it tougher, but I’m going to say this road was tougher. I know, 30 men trying to throw one another over the top rope is tough but so is a gruelling King of the Ring tournament. You can face literally anyone, and within minutes you have to adjust.
In the Rumble, it’s all guns blazing. There’s no real technique. King of the Ring it’s a one on one match after another, after another. All your focus is on your one opponent and then at the event, you have two matches if you win, which is what I had. It takes a lot out of you. So yeah, I think I’ve had it a lot tougher getting to this stage. Everything in general I have achieved here has been tougher to what Dolph has done, he doesn’t know the meaning of the word tough, or effort.
SAM ROBERTS
Well I gotta address that elephant in the room man, earlier this week. The house show not far away from here, you called out your opponent Dolph Ziggler and you had some…interesting words for him. What was all of that about?
SAMI ZAYN
I’d say that was me in my comfort zone. Y’know for so long I’ve been competing in front of hundreds or a few thousand fans and I used that experience as a platform this past week. I wanted to connect with the fans who turned up to watch some great action, and well…I just wanted to get a few things off of my chest and I believe I did that the right way.
SAM ROBERTS
You didn’t hold back, did you? I mean I heard all about it, tuned in and you were, you were adamant that you’re better than Dolph.
SAMI ZAYN
Oh, I know I am. I’m not doubting myself or my abilities. I know I’m better than him, he knows it but he’ll never admit it. The thing with him is he’s incredibly insecure, he knows he isn’t capable of carrying the EBWF which is why he obviously has friends in high places and all of that. But as I said earlier this week, it’s those jokes, the same old garbage that he spews just gets under your skin after a while, you know? I know him though. I called him out on the facts, and that he doesn’t compete. That he doesn’t defend the title as a champion and I can already tell you what he’ll say because he really is that predictable and that one dimensional.
SAM ROBERTS
What should we be looking out from him then?
SAMI ZAYN
Well I mean you can obviously wait until he says John Cena attacked him, so he was injured and he couldn’t compete. Just go back and watch how many times I’ve had my ass kicked, man. Lance Storm. Chris Jericho. Trent. Vertex. You name them, I’ve had my run-ins with them. But why is it that I’m there the next week, but Dolph isn’t? Injuries? I mean in my world if you can walk, you can compete, especially if you’re the champion. Why don’t those rules apply to him? I can’t even remember the last time I was 100% but that’s part of this business. You’re going to get hurt, that’s a guarantee. But that’s no reason to not compete because you’re hurt, I wouldn’t have a problem if he vacated the title, but he isn’t and he’s swallowing up all of the opportunities, and to be honest that doesn’t sit well with me.
SAM ROBERTS
Sounds personal.
SAMI ZAYN
Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I think it just shows passion, I think it just shows who wants this more, and I think I’ve made it obvious that this is my time to finally, finally capture the title Dolph thought I never would.
SAM ROBERTS
I think this issue runs a little deeper, don’t you?
SAMI ZAYN
Oh you’ve done your homework. Don’t let Dolph hear you, he’ll think you’re a bad interviewer who isn’t allowed to do research. Well…I remember the first time we faced off. I don’t remember all of the details but there are things he said that certainly fired me up, with or without him in the picture. I remember that I was a roadblock for him, but it’s funny how he didn’t mention that when I kicked his ass at the Royal Rumble. Apparently in his eyes I’m one dimensional, that I never do anything different. I mean there’s only so much one man can do when we competed 300 times a year compared to a man competing one every other week, y’know? He’s fake. It’s as simple as that. The one that hit me, which still makes me laugh…is that he called me delusional for assuming I’d be the World Champion. Am I dreaming, Sam? Is this real? Am I actually sat here talking to you about my World Championship match? It’s funny how things work out, huh? He talks a big game, it’s a shame he hasn’t backed up one single thing since becoming champion. I can tell by the look in your eyes even you’re hating the fact he’s the champion, product is boring, right?
SAM ROBERTS
Well…things can or could be different I agree ha-ha. So what would you say if I included Dolph Ziggler in the same bracket as Chris Jericho, Brock Lesnar, Edge etc.
SAMI ZAYN
I’d ask if you stole my delusional juice I stole from Dolph’s locker room! No I mean…that’d be a laughable statement I guess. He likes to think he can hang with the legends and the big boys of the wrestling industry. I don’t know, at one side I feel like just ending that little fantasy of his when he thinks he’s actually important or that they actually think anything of him. But at the same time it’s like telling a kid Santa isn’t real, so maybe I’ll let him believe he is in that bracket for a little while longer.
SAM ROBERTS
What do you really think then?
SAMI ZAYN
I’ve said what I think. He means nothing to me, but an opponent who is holding the championship title he doesn’t deserve to hold.
SAM ROBERTS
He’s that bad?
SAMI ZAYN
Oh in my eyes he’s nothing. That’s what irritates me. There are guys that bust their asses off in the middle of the ring every single night and yet they miss out on these chances. Can you explain it to me, Sam? How does somebody who never competes earn a title shot?
SAM ROBERTS
He doesn’t…
SAMI ZAYN
He doesn’t! Correct. It’s quite annoying but that’s the wrestling business in a nutshell. When we finish this, please go and ask everyone who you think the better wrestler is. I can promise you they all say Sami Zayn. Ask who they want to win, they’ll say Sami Zayn. Ask them who they think has actually made an improvement since they first battled in the ring, you guessed it…they’ll say Sami Zayn.
SAM ROBERTS
So you’re maintaining that you’re the better wrestler/performer than the World Champion…of the same company you’re working for…the one that pays you…
SAMI ZAYN
That’s exactly what I’m saying. I don’t think anyone will say anything to me about speaking my mind, because deep down everybody in the company knows I’m correct. Sooner or later somebody was going to speak up about it, why not do it now? But yeah, I can outwrestle Dolph Ziggler, the supposed champion, on any given night. He knows that. No jokes from him can divert the topic any more, people will call him out on it. They’ll ask why is it he isn’t defending the title or performing as often as us. And now, he’s no star attraction worth waiting for, I can assure you that. He won’t have an answer, sooner or later he’ll succumb and admit that he didn’t deserve the title win at WrestleMania, and that he’s not deserved anything in the company, and he also doesn’t deserve to be classed as a better wrestler than me, it’s just not true. There’s the key difference there, Sam. When I say I’m a better wrestler, I mean it because I show it every time I am in the ring. Dolph Ziggler says it but has nothing to back it up but one fluke win at WrestleMania and one title defence. I’ve always been better, tomorrow night just happens to be the first time I’ve earned the opportunity to prove it and shut his second-rate ass up.
SAM ROBERTS
So then, why do you think the company handed him the title? And not anybody else?
SAMI ZAYN
This company revolves around Dolph Ziggler, for all of the wrong reasons. A bad performance from him equals all eyes on Ziggler, that’s the way the company is run. He is the only person on this roster who could go on to lose 50 matches in a row, but still earn a championship match. He’s the only person here who could use 5 moves and sell like a son of a bitch and it’d be the match of the night. It’s strange to see when we have so many talented guys here. Dolph, I believe, was a risk as well. It was a risk putting the championship on him, and it’s a decision that’s backfired like crazy. I mean it was the same with Solomon Crowe. He got it as it was something new, fresh and exciting; so the company believed ‘why not do the same again?’ but it hasn’t worked out one bit. But at least with Solomon, we had a great title defence against Dwayne. We saw epic battles between him and Dean Ambrose and he put the title on the line in the Elimination Chamber too. He held the title for less than 90 days and he already had more title defences than Ziggler. You see where I’m going with this don’t you?
There’s a problem here. I’m the solution. If the company want new, fresh and exciting then they’re looking right at him. Plus, I’m a better wrestler and two, I’m somebody who will actually turn up to compete and not talk and talk and talk, which is all he’s proven to be good at.
SAM ROBERTS
Well it’s clear you know that you need the win at SummerSlam!
SAMI ZAYN
I need to beat him. There’s no second option, there’s no fall-back plan. I’ve put everything on the line for the chance tomorrow night. If I lose the grip on that championship then Dolph’s grip on the title gets tighter and tighter. The tighter it gets, the fewer opportunities the rest of the roster will receive.
SAM ROBERTS
Let’s say…you become the new champion. What shall we expect from you?
SAMI ZAYN
The complete opposite of Dolph Ziggler. I’ll want to defend the title, injured or not. I want the deserving guys to be given opportunities, bring them on and we can go out there and put on a show of a lifetime. Dolph is locking everybody out. We’re getting no opportunities, if things don’t change then we can probably expect a statue of him very soon in the Headquarters. We can expect a place on the board for Dolph Ziggler. Dolph Ziggler may even book his own matches, make that schedule even lighter than it already is and who knows, maybe every single title will be pinned on his shoulders too. It’s pathetic. He’s pathetic. He’s not genuine. He talks his way into opportunities. We bust out asses for ONE and we still get turned away because we’re not allowed to outshine or outperform him. It’s frustrating.
I’m working harder than ever to make this the greatest SummerSlam main event, ever. This means I need to work even harder so Dolph doesn’t drag me down and make me look bad. This is a backstabbing business. Dolph makes me look bad in front of everyone means the board think I don’t have what it takes, and neither do the fans. That’s the kind of individual he is. Slimy. Backstabbing. Average. Boring. But I’m not like that. While I’ll go out there to steal the show, I’ll make sure he pulls his weight so fans talk about our match more than any other.
The sad reality is though, when a superstar or diva loses the championship, the opportunity to fight for the gold again is a long, tough journey. It isn’t easy, and it’s like you start from square one again. I can guarantee you that’s what the rest of the champions are thinking at the back, the Tag Team Champions, the Path to Glory Champion, Women’s Champion and the Breakout Champion too. They will all be feeling that if they drop the title, it won’t be easy to recapture it. It’s like starting out in this company again and you join the back of the queue and hope, that soon you’ll get the chance again. For me, I’m at the front of the queue now. I’m here competing for the championship and IF I lose, I know that my next World Championship shot probably won’t be in 2015. That’s how tough this business is. Even though I may deserve it more so than someone else, I won’t get that chance. That’s the different. Dolph is in a league of his own for some reason. Rules don’t apply to him. I can assure you, if Dolph loses the title, everyone will be rushing to try and give him a rematch, or even worse…put the title back on him somehow. So if he loses, he doesn’t join the back of the queue. Dolph stays at the front, and he’ll continue to stay there and that’s what sucks and that’s what frustrates everybody in this company and rightfully so.
SAM ROBERTS
There’s one thing that has been well documented on EBWF television. Obviously we don’t know where it’s all headed, but John Cena and Dolph Ziggler…anyone with a brain cell can understand that the two of them are heading for a collision course sooner or later. Do you think that could have any impact on the outcome of your match? The result, or even an interference or something?
SAMI ZAYN
I mean, all I know is that it’s not something I’m looking forward to, especially if the championship is involved. That would suck. But in all honesty, I couldn’t care about what happens there. If there is an inconclusive finish with an outside factor involved…it would suck that’s for sure, it’d ruin a huge moment for me. But would I actually be surprised to see it happen? Probably not. That’s just the way things are. You need to know your place.
SAM ROBERTS
Earlier this week though, there was a lot of emphasis on his title run, you even had the number of days…can you explain a little more?
SAMI ZAYN
Sure. Tomorrow night will be his 147th day as champion, I believe. I may be a day over or under, I don’t know. But the point is I will be his second defence in 147 days. Is that acceptable? Would I get away with that? Would anyone else get away with that? Maybe someone like Brie Bella, or John Cena but nobody else in this company would get away with it. It’s unacceptable. The championship should be demanding challengers, not enjoying the rewards for absolutely nothing. His whole run has been lacklustre. It’s a shame for him that the one night he has a chance to look like a champion, I’ll be there to take that title away from him.
SAM ROBERTS
Wow, it really has been that long hasn’t it?
SAMI ZAYN
Yup. I don’t know whether to laugh or get angry. But the comforting thing is that we won’t be having this discussion any time soon.
SAM ROBERTS
Fair enough. Well, I’m going to have to leave it there we’ve got more superstars to talk to, any last words?
SAMI ZAYN
Well, I think most of the talking is done. Dolph will definitely be chirping the same thing over and over about how he’s the main event and whatnot. Plus, a man who calls his fans…’Dolphans’…he probably put more work into thinking of that name for his fans than he has inside of the ring. I can just urge you all to enjoy SummerSlam, and that finally…finally the people will get a legitimate champion they can be proud of, and not a walking Ken doll living in a fantasy land.
SAM ROBERTS
Thank you Sami, and good luck tomorrow night.
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks for having me, buddy. Enjoy the show.
Sami took off the headphones and moved away from the table, picking up his bottle and walking away. His media duties were now complete. All of his focus was on tomorrow night at SummerSlam; and he was going to settle for nothing less than being crowned the new EBWF World Champion.
- - - - - - -
Sunday August 30 2015 – SummerSlam – Izod Center – East Rutherford; New Jersey
The event was finally here. SummerSlam, the night Sami Zayn was waiting in anticipation for. It was still a whirlwind journey for him though. One year ago he was booked to lose to Syxx for the Intercontinental Championship, and this year he had the opportunity to take the EBWF World Championship from Dolph Ziggler. Sami believed he had done enough in the past few months to be at this stage, not only to be here but to actually take the championship from Dolph Ziggler, whether the hierarchy saw it that way was another question.
The scene opened up backstage inside the Izod Center. Some of the matches had already taken the place and the night was in full swing. There was still some time left until the main event and it was Renee Young who was standing backstage, the cameras weren’t rolling just yet as a match was taking place in the ring. Beside her was Sami Zayn who was drinking from a bottle of water, preparing for the interview. As there was still time remaining, Renee struck up conversation with Sami who was still nervous before his big night.
RENEE YOUNG
Nervous?
SAMI ZAYN
Nervous, excited, a mix of both I’d say. It’s just all still surreal, y’know? Seeing my face on the posters and all, it’s good. I like this feeling, I’d like it a lot more later tonight if I win.
RENEE YOUNG
I think everyone backstage saw you at the house show, really got people talking. What was all that about? Sounds like it came from nowhere.
SAMI ZAYN
Nah, I don’t think it came from nowhere. I think it was gradually building up. It was either saying it then, or not saying it at all and there’s no way I could sit back and let him have an easy ride…again.
RENEE YOUNG
He’s irritated you that much huh?
SAMI ZAYN
I wouldn’t say it’s just me though. Put yourself in my shoes. You’d be frustrated and angry that people call him the biggest deal in the company, when it’s false. Just pisses me off that he’s eating up our opportunities, and it may only get worse after tonight. I don’t even understand it though, the most inactive and useless champion in the company’s history is somehow the biggest deal. I guess we’ll never figure out WHY that is though. It’s cool though, I’m sure if not me then there’s somebody back there who’ll take it off him. Let’s just hope he defends it a lot more by the time it happens.
PRODUCER
We’re ready for you now, guys.
Renee and Sami got into position. Sami stepped out of the frame as Renee was standing in the centre, smiling into the camera as she waited for the nod to begin whatever it is she had to say.[/color][/b]
RENEE YOUNG
Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time, the number one contender to the EBWF World Championship…Sami Zayn.
Sami entered the frame with a determined look on his face. There wasn’t a clear smile, but he didn’t look angry or frustrated either. He was in his ‘InZayn’ t-shirt over his tights as he nodded his head Renee, clearly focus on the match ahead.
RENEE YOUNG
Sami, what a night it is for you. Your second SummerSlam in the EBWF, and your very first opportunity at the EBWF World Championship, how are you feeling?
Sami looked down and gulped, thinking about the task at hand as Renee continued to remind him of the importance.
SAMI ZAYN
It may very well be my only opportunity at the big one, Renee. Tonight is the night to make it all count. All of that hard work those sacrifices, those insults from the guys like Dolph who thought I wouldn’t be here…it all comes down to tonight when I prove everybody wrong.
RENEE YOUNG
Well all week, people have been talking about this match and the focus has been on everything you had to say about the champion, how do you think that has gone down?
SAMI ZAYN
That’s the problem. This match should have been the talking point since the King of the Ring, but it hasn’t. All of that is down to the incompetence of the fake champion, in Dolph. Look, he capitalised on the Royal Rumble win and he defeated AJ Styles, so yeah he took advantage of a situation that was in front of him. But does that make him better than me? I’ve defeated AJ, I’ve even defeated Dolph…if anything…he’s made no strides whatsoever since we last met back in January. I don’t regret saying a single thing, why would I regret speaking about facts? I’ve been out there performing. He’s been talking. He’s like an annoying grater on the brain, I genuinely can’t wait to see the look on his face when I walk up the ramp with my title, looking right down at him. He’s inferior to me.
RENEE YOUNG
Fair point…although you could argue that Dolph’s win-loss record trumps yours? So perhaps he is deserving of that number one spot?
Sami looked down to the ground, laughing in genuine confusion at Renee’s question.
SAMI ZAYN
Maybe…but the thing is Renee; you actually need to compete in matches to lose. You can’t seriously stand here and tell me and the fans here that ONE Warfare match here and there and a pay-per-view match every two goddamn months is supposed to prove to us that he’s deserving of the title? That he’s the man we look up to and aspire to be like?
RENEE YOUNG
Any words before your final preparations?
SAMI ZAYN
I just think the fans here in New Jersey know it’s time to crown a new champion. A worthy champion. A champion who actually competes. A champion that adds value to the company and the championship title. No more time for excuses. No more time for jokes. Everything else will be said inside of that ring, and at the end of the night when I either pin his shoulders to the mat to assert my dominance or make him pass out…even Dolph will realise that his loss is what’s best for the company. Dolph likes to talk about how he makes people feel relevant, and how he forgets about them. I can guarantee you, tonight Dolph will never feel more irrelevant, and by the end of the night he will be forgotten when I defeat him.
Tonight marks 147 days of Dolph’s World Championship reign. If that was anybody else that title would have been vacated. After tonight, Dolph won’t be special. He’ll be a regular guy who shares a locker room with the rest of the guys. 147 days of doing absolutely nothing. One night out of those 147 you made a defence which you scraped one successful title defence. 147 of dragging this company down. 147 days of being the most mediocre champion this company has ever had. 147 days of living in a fantasy world where you believe you are the best thing going. Tonight, that all ends. Tonight, the 147 days of hell we’ve all been living through ends with me raising the EBWF World Championship for the very first time. You’re done.
Sami stared into the camera with his determined look, and the fans cheering in the arena for him could be heard. He walked away with Renee looking on as the ‘Ole!’ chants continuing to echo throughout the Izod Center. There wasn’t much time remaining now, his one World Championship match was edging closer and he felt he had done enough to prove to everyone that he was worthy of being the World Champion. Now all that was left for him was to go and focus in the locker room, visualise the match and make sure the fans leave the arena happy.