Being the EBWF Heavyweight Champion had been far from an easy ride for Sami Zayn. There was very little time to rest or celebrate, and a new challenger had already emerged who was hell-bent on snatching the championship title from him, The Miz. He’d already faced a number of challengers when he was the Intercontinental Champion. One by one he would get past them before moving on, but this time it was a little bit different. It wasn’t exactly personal, not as personal as his feud with Dolph anyway. But there was something in the feud, something that continued to fire Sami up, something that wanted him to go out there and entertain like never before. Whatever it was, he wanted to make sure he had it heading into Destiny, one lapse in concentration would mean his championship dreams would be over quicker than he expected or hoped for.
Nevertheless, part of being a champion meant he had to deal with challengers coming at him from all angles. Over the last month or so though, Sami had one too many run-ins with The Miz and Vertex, dating back to before Sami had even become the EBWF Heavyweight Champion. For too long now, Sami had found himself in a familiar situation, he always found himself on his back looking up at the arena lights in different cities. Right after Vertex had left him a heap almost every single week. It obviously took a toll on his body, but it was all a part of advancing the storyline, to make Sami enter a situation where it looked almost impossible for him to walk out with his title, especially with so many superstars involved in Vertex.
The last time the EBWF Universe saw their champion, he was – as usual – getting his ass kicked by Vertex. Last week, he took on and failed to overcome Stardust before a vicious assault by Vertex saw Sami being left a bloody mess. Shots from a steel chair, a Skull Crushing Finale, shots to the face using brass knucks as well as a huge Pop-Up Powerbomb courtesy of Kevin Owens. Not one of Sami’s finest evenings, but great entertainment for the fans. That all occurred because Sami saved Justin Gabriel earlier on in the evening, chasing Vertex away after laying some of them out with the steel chair, and he definitely paid the price for trying to take them down on his own.
A week had now passed since those bloody events. It still wasn’t clear whether Sami was 100% after the attack that took place, he wasn’t booked in the go-home edition of Warfare for obvious reasons, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to appear on the show. During the show, the focus was on the titan-tron as it was clear the fans were going to be shown something.
JIM ROSS
Well ladies and gentlemen, up next we have an update on the title situation. Last week here on Warfare, we witnessed a vicious attack by the despicable group going by the name ‘Vertex’, led by the even more despicable Miz. Attacking and leaving our World Champion for dead inside of the ring, a bloody mess, really horrible scenes. Well, I am happy to say Sami Zayn is now at home recovering, and the EBWF sent Todd Grisham to Montreal earlier this week. He caught up with Sami Zayn, take a look.
Fans’ attention turned towards the titan-tron as a video started to play, with a cameraman following Todd Grisham walking up a short driveway, and knocking on the door.
TODD GRISHAM
We’ve arrived here in Montreal, at the home of our current EBWF Heavyweight Champion Sami Zayn. As you’re all aware he suffered a disturbing beat-down at the hands of The Miz and Vertex. The EBWF granted him some time off, he’s here recovering and we asked to come down and pay a visit, he was more than happy to accommodate us so let’s see what updates the champ has for us.
Todd was about to knock on the door again before it suddenly opened and Sami Zayn appeared on the screen. He was wearing black shorts and a plain, grey t-shirt. He looked quite happy, but all focus turned to the crutches he was using as he answered the door, hobbling over to Todd.
SAMI ZAYN
Ah you guys made it, come on in.
TODD GRISHAM
Good to see you, Sami.
Todd and the cameramen followed Todd into the house, as Sami continued to hobble into his living room. The cameras picked up on things he had hung up on the walls. There were old newspaper articles framed, old pictures of him competing in other promotions. Sami finally took a seat and placed the crutches next to him, the cameras then looked over near his head, and inside of a cabinet was his EBWF Heavyweight Championship. Todd took a seat opposite of Sami who grew comfortable on his sofa, relaxing as Todd asked what he needed to.
TODD GRISHAM
The first thing I have to ask is, how are you feeling both physically and emotionally?
SAMI ZAYN
Um…physically I’m not where I want to be. Emotionally I’m a lot better than I was last week, thankfully. But it’s still going to take a lot to get over that, there’s a lot of pain and anger and frustration right now so I’m taking it a day at a time.
TODD GRISHAM
Well, we do appreciate the fact that you’re hurt, but we need to know as a company and as fans, WILL you be defending the championship on Sunday against The Miz?
SAMI ZAYN
I really don’t know what to say. I feel like competing in this state is useless, I can’t do anything, I feel like I should just hand the championship to him or vacate it because it may only get worse at Destiny. Am I willing to put my life at risk again with those guys? I really don’t know. I feel like I need to defend the title, though, win or lose I owe it to the fans for sticking by me to capture this so it’s only right if I try to go out there and defend it.
The cameras and Todd noticed Sami looking at a picture of Sami and Kevin Owens in their younger days on a table.
TODD GRISHAM
It’s interesting to see you still have photos of a friend you probably still care about, does his part in all of this have an effect on you?
SAMI ZAYN
Oh…this picture isn’t as a friend or anything like that. This is just a constant reminder of how much hell guys like him have put me through and tried to keep me down. If anything, one of the reasons I’m going out to Destiny to compete is because of a scumbag like Kevin. He only lives a couple of miles down that way, but there’s no friendship anymore, nothing. He’s dead to me, just like The Miz’ title hopes. Only the thing is, he doesn’t know it yet. He’s still parading around as if he’s already defeated me, which does make me laugh in honest, helps me get through recovery. But come Destiny, I’m going to be the one that’s laughing because while I’m walking up that ramp with my championship, he’s going to be on his knees inside of that ring starting to realise he’s lost every single thing. Everything he put on the line to get me into a match, he’s lost it so he’s already waved bye-bye to his Path to Glory Championship, and he can wave bye-bye to MY EBWF Heavyweight Championship.
TODD GRISHAM
So what’s next for you, how long are you going to be on those crutches? Is the next time we see you going to be at Destiny itself? What happens if you’re not cleared or not 100%?
SAMI ZAYN
I think we both know if I’m not cleared then I’m taking that risk upon myself. I can’t let somebody like The Miz take the championship without putting up a fair fight if he knows what one of those is. If I’m not 100% then I guess it’ll be a tougher job for me to go out there and not only contain The Miz, but to bring down the threat of Vertex also because we all know it’s a fact…this is the biggest night in The Miz’ life whether he wants to admit it or not. You really think he’s coming out to the ring on his own? I mean, I know I don’t look too good and everything but what I do know is that even somebody as stupid as The Miz understands how much this means to me.
The lengths I’d go to – fairly – to keep hold of my championship. He knows…how even though I’m not at my best I could still out-wrestle him and still out-perform him on his best day. That’s why he needs Vertex. He can’t go it alone, so he stands a slightly better chance with them. The sad news is they’re all wasting their time and money coming to the event, at the end of the day the guy they’re working blindly for is going to be just like them, a nobody. No championship, no relevancy, no important. Vertex will implode. As for my next appearance, well it’s clear I can’t compete in this condition just yet, but I’ll be there. This ends at Destiny.
TODD GRISHAM
Well, thank you, Sami, we wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you in action on Sunday, at Destiny.
SAMI ZAYN
Thanks for coming out guys, see you Sunday.
And with that, the cameras stopped rolling and the EBWF crew started to pack up their equipment, allowing Sami to recover in his home for a couple more days before he had to fly back out to the US. He had media appearances lined up and it was unknown whether he would appear at a live event or not, depending on his condition. Todd and Sami continued to talk for a short while before they had to leave as he went back inside of his house. The cameras then returned to the AmericanAirlines Arena with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.
JIM ROSS
It’s great to hear that Sami WILL be at Destiny on Sunday to defend the EBWF Heavyweight Championship against The Miz.
JERRY LAWLER
You’re right, JR! We could see that passion inside of him and The Miz will get what’s coming to him.
JIM ROSS
We’ll have to see about that, King. The Miz is a crafty individual and we have to take into consideration just what Sami is going up against here. Inside of that ring, he’s got The Miz but the likelihood is…OUTSIDE of the ring he’ll have a number of fired-up men just waiting to tear him to shreds.
JERRY LAWLER
Oh, I don’t know JR! They will be there but will they risk getting The Miz disqualified? Maybe they’ll appear just to intimidate the champ!
JIM ROSS
Will he be intimidated, though? We know what Sami is capable of, if he’s focused then we’re in for a fantastic match but if he loses focus then, well…I hate to say it, but we might just have a new champion being crowned.
JERRY LAWLER
I’d hate to see what this company would become if The Miz dethrones Sami Zayn, JR. I mean…he’s a jerk now, imagine The Miz with his usual arrogance topped off by being the champion!
JIM ROSS
Only time will tell, King.
Warfare then continued in usual fashion, but Sami’s focus was solely on Destiny and what was going to take place in his match. No decision had been just yet, so it was definitely a nervy week heading into the event, but one thing he did know was that the fans would enjoy the match. The two have been at each other’s throats for weeks now, and the fans seemed to have enjoyed the back and forth battle which will finally culminate at Destiny.
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Saturday, September 26 2015 – The Sam Roberts’ Show – Amalie Arena – Tampa; Florida
The arena was pretty much set-up for the Destiny pay-per-view which was going to take place the following night. Most of the EBWF superstars and divas were already hanging around, practicing and other stuff in preparation for the big night ahead. In the backstage area, Sam Roberts of The Sam Roberts’ Show was sitting behind a table with his radio equipment all set-up, and one of the many guests he was going to have a chat with was Sami Zayn. An EBWF producer guided Sami to the location, shaking Sam’s hand as he took a seat. He then placed his shiny championship title on the desk as well, letting him know he finally did it.
SAM ROBERTS
Well, well, well we have Mr. Sami Zayn sitting opposite me and the first thing he does is puts his EBWF Heavyweight Championship in front of me. Congratulations, man. The last time we spoke I think it was a day or two before SummerSlam, I’d like to think I played a part in you getting that championship.
SAMI ZAYN
I’m willing to give you like 10% of the credit for it. Nah, it’s still surreal. I know I talked a lot the last time I was here so it’s definitely a relief to be sitting here with you again with the gold rather than without it.
SAM ROBERTS
That’s great to hear, you definitely put on a great show and hopefully you can do the same tomorrow night, Destiny…big night. First defence.
SAMI ZAYN
You’re right, it’s definitely a big night. I’m looking forward to it, though, it’s been a fun ride to get to the top and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to stay here. It’s a good feeling, one I feel I deserved more than Dolph and I feel I deserve more than The Miz, but…we’ll see what happens won’t we?
SAM ROBERTS
There is one thing we do notice about champions in the EBWF though. On the odd, rare occasion we find a guy who manages to keep hold of a title for so long, months and months and months. On the other hand, there are PLENTY of guys who capture it, lose it the next month, then he loses it the month after then the month after and so on. Which category do you think you’d be in?
SAMI ZAYN
I mean I’d like to think I belong in the first category! I had a decent run as Intercontinental Champion the first time, a solid couple of months with some good defences under my belt. The second title reign…not so much. I had it what, a month?
That feeling definitely sucks I mean on one hand you can argue that the EBWF is the most competitive wrestling promotion in the world, that anyone can beat anybody at any time. I mean we saw it last week when I lost to Stardust, how many companies will we see that it? But on the other hand, maybe it just shows that the hierarchy don’t have as much faith in you as you thought. At the minute, I genuinely have no idea which one it is, whenever that decision is made I guess I’ll now that a little bit better. Although, I do feel like I can be somebody who can defend the title for a good number of months, there are a ton of heels in the company compared to the good guys and I think…there are a number of interesting feuds I can get involved in with the title.
SAM ROBERTS
So what will go through your head then? Let’s say tomorrow morning you have your meeting, they decide you’re not leaving with the title, what happens from there? Square one?
SAMI ZAYN
It’s difficult to understand that situation without it happening, yet anyway. I honestly don’t mind if I’m booked to lose to The Miz.
SAM ROBERTS
So this is a completely different situation to the Dolph situation?
SAMI ZAYN
Oh, of course, opposite ends of the scale. I mean of course it would suck to lose the title so soon after winning it. I took the fans on this long, emotional rollercoaster and after so many downs, the end result was this title sitting in front of us. So to go through all of that to lose wouldn’t be the best feeling in the world, but we need to do what the company feels is the right decision to do. If it happens then square one isn’t really a bad place to be, it could be worse.
SAM ROBERTS
You’re sure you wouldn’t mind starting from scratch again? From what we see not everyone gets to the level you’re at again.
SAMI ZAYN
Look I mean this championship win is a lifelong ambition, one which I’ve accomplished. That’s my way of thinking anyway. I’d hate to be the champion that doesn’t defend the title like the last champion. I’d hate to be out with injury and not defend it. I’d hate to be the guy that refuses to work with everyone else. If I can get better without the title, I’d be happy to lose it to somebody who can add more value than I can.
I don’t want to be the guy that has the title in his clutches and refuses to let it go. If I’m going to be a champion then I want my reign to be fun, and enjoyable. And thanks to Mike and our actions I think we’ve done a pretty good job of getting fans invested into the feud and the match. If they turn up in the thousands and talk about it, then I’m happy.
So if the decision is made to give Mike the title, nothing will change. We’ll go on to put on a hell of a show and I can look back at this point in my life very fondly. I can actually look back and say that at one stage; Sami Zayn was the EBWF Heavyweight Champion. Be it a day, a month of a year. My name will forever go down in history and you know…I’m content with that.
SAM ROBERTS
So do you think The Miz offers more to the championship title than you do?
SAMI ZAYN
I wouldn’t necessarily say more. I’d say we offer different things. So there are things I can add that he can’t and vice-versa. I wanted to take the title from Dolph because I thought we desperately needed a change and I did that. But here’s the difference, The Miz is somebody that can definitely help take the title in the right direction. Selfishly I’d be disappointed I lost, that’s a fact. But for the sake of the company and the prestige of the title, I wouldn’t be too worried about it because he’s proven and he knows what to do.
It would be in good, safe hands if it happens. Although, it’ll stay in even better hands if it’s decided that I’m the best man to take the title forward and in all honesty I believe I am the man to do it. Without any insults or hard feelings, I feel that right now I am the worthy champion, not him.
SAM ROBERTS
So let’s assume you defeat Miz, what’s next? The ultimate ambition?
SAMI ZAYN
I think beating Mike would be a good start for me, for sure. Umm, the ultimate ambition as of today would be to probably hold the title for a while and being a bona fide World Champion. Along with that…maybe defend the title in a pay-per-view main event against Kevin. That’d be something special for us. But I’m happy working with Mike too, we have good chemistry, I’m that underdog the fans just can’t help but love and Mike plays the biggest asshole on television. So it’s a good mix to have.
He continues to stoop to new lows which makes for good TV, and it helps me too. The build-up to the event has been good, so I’m pretty sure two of us will do our best to leave the fans talking. In fact, I don’t even think it’ll be the last time we face off either. There’s a lot more that can be done. As long as we don’t milk it for months to make it seem irrelevant and pointless, we should be fine.
SAM ROBERTS
I know you’re busy and everything so I won’t keep you for much longer, why do you think you deserve to be the champion, and not him?
SAMI ZAYN
I’d say I deserve it more than he does. I think the consistency, the passion and the desire has definitely been proven on my part, and I know for a fact nobody in the wrestling industry can match that. I think I bring some form of legitimacy to the championship, that anybody can get it through the hard work and whatnot, you don’t need to be huge or ripped and stuff and a genuine wrestler is holding the title. You can’t say that about everyone else in this company, only a handful of guys can claim that and at the minute the number one guy is me. If I win then I’ll continue to prove that I’m the best, and if I lose then it’s pretty much a guarantee I’ll turn up to Warfare, put the effort in and be back at this stage. It’s that simple.
SAM ROBERTS
You think they’ll let you hold on to it then?
SAMI ZAYN
I hope so, I really do. I mean there’s a limit to how many times someone like The Miz can kick your ass and get the upper hand before you start doubting yourself. Right now it could go either way. Taking everything else out of the equation, he may talk better than I do but talking doesn’t win you titles, competing inside of that ring does and I’m confident the company knows I’m one of the best around, better than The Miz and contenders two, three and four. Whether that’s enough remains to be seen I guess. Can’t always have it your way.
SAM ROBERTS
Thanks for your time, man. Good luck tomorrow night with the title defence and who knows, maybe next time we meet, you may still have that title.
SAMI ZAYN
I hope so, thanks for having me.
Sami picked up his championship and left the table. Taking a bottle of water with him as he walked away, going to scout the arena and try and soak in what the following night would bring.
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Sunday October 27 2015 – EBWF Destiny - Amalie Arena – Tampa; Florida
The Destiny event was here. After so much back and forth action between The Miz and Sami Zayn, the two would finally clash inside of the ring in the main event. Sami had a quiet few weeks building up to the event, quieter than usual anyway, but he would have a final few moments to address the EBWF Universe before getting into his match with The Miz.
The evening was already in full swing with only the main event to go. The lights then turned to shades of red and yellow as “World’s Apart” by CFO$ blasted the PA system and the fans inside of the arena suddenly erupted into cheers. The crowd didn’t want much time in triggering the loud ‘Ole!’ chants as the remainder of the fans started to sing and dance along to Sami’s theme song. Eventually, he emerged from the curtains and on to the stage in his usual perky fashion. He had a huge smile on his face as he slapped the centre plate a few times with is left hand before shouting “Let’s Go!” into the camera in sync with his theme song before dancing his way down the ramp in typical Sami Zayn fashion. He slapped the fans’ hands on his way down the ramp and jumped on to the steel steps, pumping up the fans some more.
He got into the ring and picked up a microphone, unbuttoning his title and draping it over his right shoulder, scanning the arena at the fans who cheered for him. His music then stopped as he tried to speak over the loud ‘Ole!’ chants, laughing to himself before finally speaking.
SAMI ZAYN
It’s been one long, painful journey to get to where I am today. I’ve been here a little over a year and I’ve already achieved so much. More than I thought I would anyway, and it’s been worth every second. And now…we have somebody who is ready to try and snatch it all away from me tonight, The Miz. In fact, my journey to this stage has been more painful than having to listen to certain guys talk their way through matches over the last few months. The fact is, I’m just not ready for some asshole to step in and try to rip away all of my hard work and my dedication, simply because he’s trying to take the easy option out.
For weeks now, I’ve found myself laying on this canvas not knowing what day it is because you have set Vertex on me like a pack of dogs. In the hope that one day I’ll stay down and I won’t be able to get back up, sadly for you that day is not today. No matter how much pain you sons of bitches have put me through, tonight you’re going to see a Sami Zayn you’ve never seen before, and quite frankly you’ll wish you never provoked me.
What did you get out of all of this anyway? Huh? Self-satisfaction that you managed to kick the ass of a guy smaller than you? Did that make you feel good? It made you feel in control? That you actually accomplished something and people would sit up and finally take notice of you? I hope it was worth it, though, because after tonight you’re going back down that gutter you climbed up from because after tonight, nobody will remember who you are, what you accomplished and what you tried to do tonight. Do you think it makes you a champion in these fans’ eyes? Not a chance, it makes you an even bigger scumbag that you couldn’t do what I did, and fight for your opportunity and fight fair. THAT’S how you decide who the real champion is, not when you continue to attack someone from behind. It’s okay though, it’ll be embarrassing for you tonight Miz, because after all that time and effort you put into getting me out of the picture, it’ll be you who’s eating my boot and being carried out by your little choir group.
Fans cheered as Sami wasn’t holding back. For so long now he had continued to be attacked by The Miz and Vertex, and it was clear he had enough of it all.
SAMI ZAYN
You know what, I don’t even care about looking over my shoulder anymore for your dog’s anymore. I’ve taken too many beatings in this company to even give a damn about any of you anymore, it’s nothing new. How about you switch it up and bring something different to me so that I REALLY start to notice you guys are going last or make a serious impact in the company. Enough of the playground games, enough of the bullying tactics. Fight me like a man and stop hiding behind Owens’ fat so I can show everybody that The Miz is just as useless as he was before the 12 other groups he was a part of.
I’m here, aren’t I? Why don’t you all come down to the ring now so we can all get it on, or do you need to go and recruit three of four nobodies at the back who don’t realise that you need to work to get to this stage, and not side with the scumbag who promises you rewards. You just want me to drop this title I hold so dearly, so you can be crowned the World Champion without even lifting a finger, without even putting any sort of effort in. I think you should realise by now that if I rolled down that ramp in a wheelchair I’d still probably kick your ass.
That’s all you guys seem to be doing though lately, talk and talk and talk and talk. I know I speak for everyone here when I say we’re all sick and tired of hearing you all bitching and moaning about anything and everything. We’re ALL sick of talking, what we want is for The Miz, and only The Miz, to step into this ring so he can get what’s been coming to him for months. I don’t know if you’re aware of this little secret or not, but there are plenty of guys at the back who are practically begging to swap places with me so they can come down to this ring and finish you off for good, by themselves. I mean I was tempted and everything, I guess it would be fun to sit with those guys on the front row and watch you all suffer for the ridiculously heinous acts you’ve committed. But…I feel like I need to do this one myself, because I’m the champion and all, which means I’m the number one guy here, which means…ha…it means it must be killing you guys inside that you’re actually inferior to me. How does that affect your ego, Miz? How do you answer those questions when people ask you why Sami Zayn is better than you? Eats you up inside, doesn’t it? I can’t blame you, though, when people try to explain to me how you’re a better wrestler than I am, it kinda pisses me off too.
The fans continued to cheer for Sami as he confidently walked around the ring in confident fashion. Looking over at his championship over and over, reiterating the fact that he’s the champion, not Miz.
SAMI ZAYN
I think we both know why you decided to cash in your Path to Glory Championship at Destiny, Miz and not later on in the year. There’s two options, either deep down you know and understand that somebody else could be standing here as champion and not me, and you know that you wouldn’t be able to beat them. Guys like Brock, Randy and Chris…guys you KNOW you can’t beat. So…you choose to cash-in now because in your eyes you see me as the easier option.
You don’t see me as the big challenge, you think I’m just a way to get this championship title in the easiest possible way. I hate to burst your little bubble, though, it’s not happening. I don’t think you’ve understood this just yet. But me holding this championship high above my head means I am the best. Now I don’t mean that in a cocky way, but in a confident, legitimate way, that I am the best wrestler around. So I say you start taking me and things a little more seriously because I’d hate to say I told you so once you’re crying in just under an hour’s time.
Then we move on to the second option, option b. Now, you may have chosen to cash in now because for me this is defence number one. That means the pressure is on me. You didn’t want to wait because you know that in this entire company if there’s one man that knows how to build momentum, it’s me. That means when I win and win, and win then nobody wold believe you even stand a chance against me and you’d hate that wouldn’t you? Being the underdog. But again, I hate to spoil the party but the fact is you’re going to be losing in every single match I’m standing opposite you in. I would love more than the record books to say that the over confident and arrogant Miz, cashed in his Path to Glory Championship and failed in his attempt, THAT’S what I want the record books to say, that’s what’s driving me because denting your ego is the only way to truly break you down. Vertex may be able to protect you in this ring tonight, make sure you don’t get hurt, but they can’t protect your ego.
Sami continued to walk around the ring. Wiping the sweat from his forehead with his forearm as he wasn’t backing down just yet, managing to speak before the reactions got even louder, so he couldn’t speak.
SAMI ZAYN
That’s just the thing, though. You’ll do anything to make sure you get an advantage heading into our match. You desperately need Vertex to feel important and wanted, all I need is myself and my talent and I’ll KNOW I’ll be superior. You and your poxy little group are nothing, I’m actually ashamed that I thought I’d be worried about you guys. And Miz, if you REALLY thought your group was actually causing any damage and could actually make a lasting impact here, you’d leave this until Survivor Series and we could’ve sorted it out then. I know there are plenty of guys at the back who would do anything to get those asshole in the ring, but, unfortunately, our date with Destiny is tonight. By Survivor Series, you and Vertex will be a forgotten memory anyway.
In this whole situation, the only thing we’re even looking forward to in the slightest is your trump card, and that trump card is Kevin Owens. Miz, he’s the one people want to see unleashed, not you, and the funny thing is only I know exactly what that scumbag is capable of and if he’s still as cold and as calculated as I remember, then he’s going to jump into our match and powerbomb your ass through this ring. He’ll take your opportunity from you and set his sights on me, all for himself. Vertex will implode sooner rather than later, maybe tonight is the night?
Fans cheered at the idea that Vertex might actually implode, but whether it could happen or it was wishful thinking remained to be seen. Sami smiled as he stared at the stage, still waiting for The Miz to make his way to the ring.
SAMI ZAYN
The only thing all of this shows me is that you don’t believe in yourself. You know, just as much as I know that deep inside you understand that by yourself; you simply cannot beat me, you cannot live with me inside of this ring. You hate that. So what’s running through your mind right now? That you’re relying on those chumps to get you this win? Because the way it looks from here is that you don’t have what it takes to take this championship from me. I already know that. You’re not capable of doing it on your own, you’re not good enough and you never have been, and there’s no way I’m letting you walk away with my championship tonight, trust me.
It’s fine for you, though, Miz. You don’t need this as much as I do. What happens when I eventually lose this championship? I try to fight to stay relevant and make sure these fans still know exactly who I am and what I’m capable of, I need this. You don’t. Because while I’m fighting, you’ll just hide behind more guys, you’ll just bring in another group who will carry you right to the top like they’re doing right now. You’re protected, you’ll somehow find a way to get here again. I can’t do that, I can’t rely on somebody else getting me to this stage. Although tonight I’m relying on you Miz, I’m relying on you to prove to everybody just how much a joke you are so I don’t have to beat it out of you. You’ve forgotten what it’s like to compete and fend for yourself, and that’ll be your downfall tonight, that’ll be the reason you come up short and you’re left with no Path to Glory Championship…and absolutely no chance of becoming the EBWF Heavyweight Champion while I’m around.
I do wonder, though, do you still think I’m a placeholder? Do you still think I’m the tumbleweed passing by? The flavour of the month? Hey, if I’m all of that then you should look in the mirror and ask yourself just what in the hell YOU are, considering you’re below me. YOU are the one chasing me. All of this talk of flavour of the month, flash in the pan, it’s all bullshit now, it doesn’t even exist. If there’s anybody who needs to prove themselves now, it’s you. YOU need to prove to everyone that you were the worthy Path to Glory Champion. YOU need to prove to everyone – including yourself – that you believe you’re a legitimate challenge and a legitimate threat to my championship. Right now? You look the furthest thing from that. You don’t look like the number one guy in this company, you certainly don’t act like it. So I’m doing everybody a favour by ending this little fantasy of yours and knocking you down a peg or two.
Sami started to circle the ring again, clearly a little bit agitated at the whole situation and irritated by the fact that The Miz genuinely believed he was better than him. A short while later, a smile then grew on Sami’s face as he started to laugh to himself a little.
SAMI ZAYN
You know what I just remembered? I just remembered the time when I was fixated on trying to defeat AJ Styles, and you know the two guys that were riding his coattails? It was you and your buddy Ted. And I remember…how you guys took me out or tried to anyway back then and it just reminds me of all this, everything you’re doing. Seems like some things never change. It looks like you finally graduated and got idiots to play the same roles you and Ted did. But let’s just think about it, where is AJ now? I can’t find him anywhere. Nowhere to be seen, or heard from. You’ve followed in his footsteps before, I imagine the same could happen again when I kick your ass, and in six months’ time people will forget you were even employed by this company.
Then again, it might not be so bad for you. You do have something company wants. From what we all can see you’re all far better on that announcer’s desk than you are inside of this ring. So maybe after tonight there’s a future for you next to JR and Jerry, so you can call however many matches you want and continue to tell the fans at home just how awesome you really think you are. The only thing that’s going to be awesome tonight is sending these fans home happy when they see your sorry ass crawling up that ramp with my music playing. You can’t live with me, not tonight, not ever. I’m not ready to give this up just yet.
Sami dropped the microphone to the canvas and kicked it out of the ring with his foot. He placed his championship in front of him on the ground as he took off his shirt and the ‘Ole!’ chants kicked off once more. He picked his championship up and placed it over his shoulder again and jumped on the spot a couple of times before walking around, waiting for The Miz and potentially Vertex to make their way down to the ring in Sami’s first ever defence of his EBWF Heavyweight Championship.