The Result
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 10:40 pm
The Miz. A name in professional wrestling that incites many different reactions. Be it hate, laughter, love, or complete utter disdain. The fact of the matter is, there may not be another man in this business whom at the mere mention of his name ignites such strong emotion. He was a man that had been at every level of the company from the bottom all the way up to a 2 month World Championship reign as a member of the group, The Trilogy. Miz was a multi time Intercontinental Champion, a multi time Path To Glory Champion, a former Tag Champion, he'd experienced more in ring success than anyone ever gave him the slightest fighting chance to achieve. People may not always agree with the way he reached the top, or the way he reached success, but there wasn't much about Miz that indicated he gave a shred of a shit what anyone else thought of him. He was brash, arrogant, but also intelligent in a way that not many gave him credit for. He always seemed to find a way to get himself back in people's face. A way to get himself back into the limelight. He was cunning, conniving, and manipulative in a way that not many others were. He also seemed to know how to get under people's skin, how to poke the bear JUST enough to get them to let their guard down to get them off their game so that he could swoop in and pick up the victory. He was aggravatingly effective at getting wins you'd never expect him or want to see him get. He was infuriatingly talented at disappointing avid fans of his opponents by pulling out W's, by weaseling his way to victories just when you want to write him off. He was an ARTIST at climbing back into relevance when you think he may fade off into obscurity. He'd made a career of it. He'd been out of EBWF, let go in 2011, only to return and quickly impose his will on the company that seemed to be done with him. Over the past 4 years there are few men with the longevity with the perseverance that he'd displayed. The question was would he be able to get over the hump? Would he FINALLY after 3 failed attempts at regaining the games top prize, be able to reclaim the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship? The Vertex was a group that has gotten in front of people and have refused to leave. Week in and week out, their hand prints have been all over EBWF telecasts, and they have shown absolutely positively no signs of slowing down. They have left people helpless, bloody, and beaten by gang attacks. The numbers game has overwhelmed many a super star. Common enemy to the Vertex was not a place anyone wanted to be over the past couple of months. Solomon Crowe's run and success had come to a screeching halt the second he became the number one contender to Miz' Path To Glory Championship. The second Sami Zayn became champ, and Miz announced he'd be challenging him at Destiny, he too became a marked man. This was something that was new to Zayn, the "it" superstar of 2015. One the fastest rises to the top in the companies history. He'd won the IC Title, he'd won King of the Ring, and more recently he'd dethroned Dolph Ziggler to become the EBWF Heavyweight Champion. It is not without a price, especially when you have a man like The Miz who was completely obsessed, deranged, and willing to go to great lengths to once again be able to hoist the games top belt. Sami Zayn would have to be more than just the "it" man, he'd have to show just what the buzz was all about if he wanted to have a second month as this companies champion. The Vertex had made waves, but if Destiny were to go the way they expect it to, it may only be the beginning of their dominance.
The scene opened up on the Wednesday before Destiny. The camera panned in on The Miz, The Vertex were right behind him. They were outdoors in front of a large brick building. All 5 men wore nice button up shirts with dress pants. The Miz was in the front of the shot, his hair was slicked with gel and he had a little bit of scruff growing on his usually clean shaven face. He went from standing up to squatting down in a catchers squat. He looked pained, as if something was troubling him. He put his hands on top of his head seemingly deep in thought. Finally he began to speak.
The Miz: Family. Family. Family is being a part of something that is bigger than yourself. It's being willing to sacrifice, to suffer, so that somebody else that you care about can succeed. It's about putting other's before yourself. It's about knowing that the other people standing next to you would do the EXACT same thing for you. A lot of groups say they are a family. Whether it's a sports team, a club, or even a group of close friends. Few ACTUALLY are. Hell there are even some families connected by blood, that don't share the characteristics, that don't have the traits that I just laid out. The Vertex.. is a family.
Kevin Owens: Fucking right.
The Miz: It's something bigger than all of us, its 5 guys willing to sacrifice, to suffer, so that the other can succeed. It's 5 guys willing to put other people before themselves. Believe it or not, I would do it for them.. and I KNOW.. I've SEEN them do it for me. My name is Mike Mizanin, I'm the Miz.. I'm the most must see, the most captivating, the most eye popping star on the face of planet earth. I'm the greatest of the great, the cream of the crop, your favorite wrestler's favorite wrestler. More importantly than that.. I am the next EBWF World Heavyweight Champion.
Ted DiBiase came and stood behind The Miz. He put his hand on his shoulder. Miz turned to him and nodded. The rest of the Vertex came and stood next to him as well. They all gave Miz a knowing look. This group believed in their leader. They knew that he would become the champion at Destiny.
The Miz: That's not a brash statement, and it's not an arrogant claim. It is a hard, stone cold fact. I'm not guessing here, I'm not hoping, I'm telling you earn and every damn one of you out there listening.. whether you are fan, a fellow competitor, whether you are my opponent Sami Zayn, or whether you are someone who doesn't follow our business at all. You now KNOW that in just 3 days time on Sunday Night.. I will once again reach the pinnacle, the VERTEX, of our industry. You may not tune in to warfare every week, but once again as it should be.. when you hear EBWF.. when you think sports entertainment.. the face you are going to see in your mind, whether you are a fan or a stranger is going to be this one.. and my god what a face it is.
For the first time the Miz cracked a smile. A couple of the other guys in Vertex followed suit.
The Miz: You'll think of me.. as you should.. because the fact of the matter is that I am THE BEST at this. I am the BEST pro wrestler of the planet. The haters will always be there, the doubters will never stop doubting, they've been there throughout my entire career. They've questioned the way I've done things, the way I've reached success, the way I've won.. but it's a very cut and dry thing in our sport. You either win.. or you freaking lose.. and it's a lot more fun to win.. so that's why I've made a career of it. Have I lost? Sure. But right now you'd be hard pressed to find someone with more confidence.. you'd be hard pressed to find someone with more self belief.. and the reason is because of the 4 guys that are standing with me right now.
The Miz looked at the other members of Vertex who nodded in agreement.
The Miz: Not because I always need them to do my dirty work, I mean do they sometimes kick the shit out of people I hate.. they do.. but sometimes they just do that because they enjoy it.
Finn Balor: It is fun.
A soft chuckle was heard from the rest of the group.
The Miz: But the main reason why they make me confident, why I know I can't lose at Destiny, is they push me. They hold me accountable, they bring out the best in me. Every group has a leader or leaders to help guide them. The captains of the team so to speak. That's what Ted and I are.. but we know that this group represents excellence. We know that we are just as responsible for being successful, for maintaining a standard as anybody else standing in front of you.. if NOT MORE so. At Destiny, I won't let my family down.. I won't let my brother's down.. I CAN'T.. and I WON'T. At Destiny, it won't be The Vertex interfering, it won't be them helping me to get a win physically, it will be them helping me.. guiding me mentally. Say what you want about me, hate.. doubt.. whatever.. the only opinion.. the only people I care about are the ones standing with me right now. My family.. the Vertex. You can criticize us all you want, you can boo us, you can scoff at us.. but the fact is at Destiny we are going to have the last laugh as we've already had on numerous occasions.. except this time we won't just be laughing as we leave your hero's in the ring staring up into the lights. We'll be laughing as I hoist the games top prize in the center of the ring. As I put my foot on Sami Zayn's hairy, bloody chest, holding up the championship belt that signifies what I've always known.. and that is though there are some guys that are fast, I'm faster. Though there are guys that are smart, I'm smarter.. though are guys that are mean.. I'm meaner.. and though there are some guys that are good.. I. AM. BETTER. Which brings me to you Sami.
Kevin Owens: Fucking punk bitch.
Miz held a hand to Kevin calming his anger towards his former friend. Ted patted Kevin on the shoulder. Miz was strangely calm given the situation that was at hand.
The Miz: Sami, Sami, Sami. There are so many stories just like yours. So many guys that you count out, and then they surprise yah. They prove you wrong, they succeed when it seems like failure is unavoidable. That's you Sami. The odds were stacked against you from day 1. Are you big? No. Do you have the look? No. Are you talented?..
The Miz nodded like he was gonna say yes.
The Miz: No. So what are you? What do you bring to the table? I'll tell you what... heart. You have heart. You wouldn't take no for an answer.. you fought, you scratched, you clawed your way to the top of this company. Just because people didn't see it coming, doesn't mean it didn't deserve to happen.. you did all of that. We aren't so different you and I. Once upon a time there was another kid who was told no.. there was another kid who many thought the odds were stacked against. A kid that others thought would never amount to anything. A kid that took that challenge.. fought, scratched, and clawed their way to the top of the EBWF. A kid.. named Mike Mizanin. A kid that would later become The Miz.. except unlike you Zayn.. I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not a naive delusional moron like you who thinks that if he just gives it his all.. everything is going to work out for me.. because tonight Sami.. it's not going to work out for you. Give it your all.. go ahead.. I'm NOT leaving Tampa without the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship.. and unlike all of the naysayers that you've come up against over the years Sami.. I'm one person you will NOT PROVE WRONG.
Ted nodded and added to Miz' previous statement.
Ted DiBiase: Sami- the world is rooting for you. You've captivated the nation with the run you've been on. It's great.. it's cute.. it's endearing. We are all just so proud of you.. you've been able to do what not many in this business can do- but all good things must come to an end. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and no matter how much you smile and act like "aw shucks" "gee wilikers" "I'm just so thankful this is happening to me..." We know that your FUCKING HEAD.. has NEVER felt HEAVIER than it does right now, isn't that right champ? You know that you've stepped into quick sand here when it comes to the current situation you're in. Did you ask for it? You may say no.. but the answer is YES. You did ask for it.. the second you became the EBWF World Heavyweight Champion you asked for this. You asked for people that are FLAT OUT DANGEROUS.. coming for your GOLD.. and for your HEAD.. and Sunday make no mistake about it punk.. The MIZ.. is going to take both right OFF of you.. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
The Miz nodded.
The Miz: Sami- going through an entire EBWF career.. or a career in our business period that you don't reach any type of success. That you don't garner any momentum may be the biggest toughest struggle that one who laces up their boots for a living can endure. However, something that is ALMOST JUST AS BAD, is when you taste that success. When you taste what it's like to have people talking about you, to have people reacting to you, to have people looking at you like you matter. To have the other guys in the back jealous of you because you know you are where they want to be, to have all that ONE MOMENT and then
The Miz clapped his hands together loudly.
The Miz: Just like that it's all gone. Taken away in the blink of an eye. It does things to you Sami. It changes you. 3 years ago when I was the EBWF Champion, I didn't have a care in the world. Not one. I thought, what I think now.. and that I was the best thing since sliced bread. That I was unrivaled in the squared circle.. the difference is.. then.. it wasn't true. It wasn't true. I was flawed.. over confident.. and I didn't put the work that you need to put in to be able to BE the things I thought I was. That was then..
Kevin Owens: And this is now motherfucker.
The Miz: Now.. I have put the work in..I'm confident.. but it's deserved.. not to mention I've surrounded myself with guys that MAKE ME a more volatile individual.. guys that MAKE ME more vicious.. guys that MAKE ME.. UN..BEATABLE. I'm not going to settle for second anymore Sami, you are me 3 years ago. You are the champ, and you think you've got it made.. you think you've done it.. but what's going to happen when..
The Miz clapped his hands together again.
The Miz: It all goes away. What's going to happen when you tell yourself "ahh it's no big deal" "I'll be back.. I'll get the strap back." What's going to happen when time after time you think it's your day.. and you once again fall short? What's going to happen when for the first time it's not other people.. but it's yourself that's doing all the hating and doubting of Sami Zayn. Because I'm telling you Sami.. for as sure as I'm sitting here.. that is EXACTLY what's going to happen. Sunday Night.. no matter how pumped up you get.. no matter how much you smile.. or go in confident.. you are GOING to lose.. then you're going to try and get it back.. you're going to puff up your chest and try to get that belt back.. and guess what.. you are GOING to lose again. I've been where you are Sami.. and after Sunday you're going to be headed to where I've also been. The difference is.. WHEN I WIN on Sunday.. I'm never EVER going back. I'm never going back down the ladder.. I'm... The Vertex we are going to sit up on the cloud.. and look down laughing as you and all the others try and climb up to us only to be knocked the hell back down each time. Remember buddy, it hurts like a bitch when you fall from grace... you might want to wear a few extra knee pads.
The Miz for the first time came out of the catchers squat. He walked toward the brick building and Vertex followed suit as the scene faded.
The scene reopened on the set of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It was the Thursday before Destiny. It was coming back from commercial, the band was playing the scene in. Jimmy was playing it up to the crowd, waving his arms for them to get louder. They did. He began to talk as the crowd quieted down.
Jimmy Fallon: Ladies and gentlemen, I am super excited.. because my next guest.. comes to us from the EBWF. On Sunday he will face Sami Zayn for the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship.. ladies and gentlemen.. I give you.. the one.. the only.. The Miz!
The band began to break into a rendition of "I Came To Play" as The Miz came out. He was dressed to the nines full 3 piece suit. His hair once again slicked around with gel. He looked like a million bucks. He wore a shit eating grin on his face as half the crowd cheered and the other half- the wrestling fans- gave him a little heat. He sat down on the couch next to Jimmy's desk.
Jimmy Fallon: The Miz.. ladies and gentlemen this is great.. how are you man? What an honor!
The Miz: It is an honor isn't it? I mean the pleasure is certainly all yours.
The Miz laughed as did Jimmy.
Jimmy Fallon: Absolutely! So what's going on man? How's life?
The Miz smiled and shook his head.
The Miz: Lifeee.. is good. It's rarely bad when you're me Jim Jim.. and it's about to be better.
Jimmy Fallon: That's right! For those of you that don't know.. as I just mentioned The Miz will be going one on one with Sami Zayn on Sunday on EBWF's Pay Per View Event Destiny for the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship. Would be a big win for you!
The Miz: Correction Jimmy.. will.
Jimmy Fallon: I'm sorry?
The Miz: It will be a big win. It's not "if" it's going to happen.. it's when. Sami Zayn is the EBWF World Heavyweight Champion right now, but that is going to come to an end.. some would say it's my DESTINY to become the EBWF Champion for a second time.
Jimmy Fallon: I see what you did there!
The Miz: I'm really a wordsmith Jimmy.
Jimmy Fallon: I'd have to agree. So this guy Sami, he's had some success in the EBWF.. could be a formidable opponent, no?
The Miz: You know what Jimmy? He has. He's actually been on fire.. I got to hand it to him. You see Jimmy.. people think I have such a big ego that I can't admit when other people succeed. The kid has succeeded.. he has.. he's that underdog turned champion. The story everyone loves. The sad thing is though, is that's just going to have to come to an abrupt end. At some point every fire has to go out. The EBWF isn't a movie.. there's not always a happy ending.. and this Sunday for everyone that's a fan of that hungry upstart rising to the top of the company story.. they are going to be sadly disappointed. Sometimes Jimmy, the bad guy wins.. and this Sunday is DEFINITELY going to be one of those times.
Jimmy Fallon: It's just hard to believe you're the bad guy! I mean you seem pretty great to me man.
The Miz laughed and nodded.
The Miz: Thanks man.. you're great too.
Jimmy Fallon: Really you think so?
The Miz: I do, I do.
There was an awkward silence.
Jimmy Fallon: I mean should we hug or something?
There was loud laughter from the crowd.
The Miz: I mean sure.
Jimmy and The Miz shared a bro hug. The crowd cheered.
Jimmy Fallon: I mean seriously though, you get this bad rap, because you really do come off as one of the biggest jerks around. I mean look at this.
A clip of The Miz beating Sami Zayn to a pulp with brass knocks on the recent Warfare was seen. Zayn was seen bloody and beaten, while Miz and Vertex were seen laughing up the ramp looking extremely pleased with what they had done. The crowd was booing now, Miz had a smile on his face and he shrugged.
The Miz: Well you know, the kid was getting a little too big for his bridges. Sometimes us crafty veterans have to remind them who's running the show still.
Jimmy Fallon: But I mean he's the champion right? Doesn't that mean.. technically he.. is running the show?
The crowd Ohhh'd and Jimmy quickly put his hands up as if to say "don't hurt me I'm just asking" Miz looked at him cross.. but still had a wry smile on his face.
The Miz: I mean does that look like a face of someone who's running anything?
The camera zoomed into Zayn's bloody face then back to Jimmy and Miz.
Jimmy Fallon: I guess not.. so what.. you and your group Vertex think that you are going just use your numbers to overwhelm his is that it?
The Miz: That's the common misconception Jimmy.. I'm more than capable of handling this kid myself.. and that's what I'll do at Destiny.. It's just really busy being The Miz, you know? I mean if it's not magazine shoots, it's dealing with movie offers, and endorsement deals.. talk show appearances...
There was an awkward silence again.. Jimmy laughed made the crowd laugh as well.
The Miz: You know? It's things coming at me from all angles.. so by the time I get to Warfare.. I'm tired. So sometimes my buddies are like.. "Miz we know you're tired.. so like instead of you just beating the hell out of Sami tonight.. do you want us to do it? "... and sometimes Jimmy I'm just like "sure."
The crowd laughed as Miz smiled and so did Jimmy. Fallon didn't really know what to make of this, he kept playing along with a laugh and smile.
Jimmy Fallon: So selfless of you.. so that's what's happening here?
The Miz: Yeah it's me basically sharing the wealth of hurting people with my friends. I mean if THAT makes me a guy who needs my friends to do everything.. then I guess that's what I mean.. You know Jimmy it's just SO hurtful.. when you try to do something nice for your buddies and it gets turned around on you.. I'm sorry I can't go on..
The Miz was faking emotion. Jimmy reached out to him.
Jimmy Fallon: Miz.. are you ok? Can we get him a tissue?
A producer brought over a tissue. The Miz took one and kept the act going.
The Miz: Thank you.. I mean it's just I get no credit.. Taylor Swift was right when she said the haters gonna hate hate hate Jimmy.. no matter what I do. You know I keep my friends in the forefront of my mind. Like my one buddy Kevin.. Kevin Owens.. sweetest guy you'll ever meet.
A picture of Kevin Owens laughing over a lifeless Solomon Crowe was seen.
Jimmy Fallon: Oh yeah he looks like a.. like a teddy bear.
The crowd laughed at the sarcasm. Miz acted like he didn't pick up on it.
The Miz: Totally.. I mean he just lost one of his best friends..
Jimmy Fallon: Oh my gosh I'm sorry.. they passed away?
The Miz: No.. but his friend told him that he didn't want to be friends anymore.. it was this heartbreaker right here.
Another picture of Sami Zayn was seen this time with Kevin Owens in one of their happier days together.
Jimmy Fallon: But that..
The Miz: That's right Jimmy.. Sami Zayn. So I mean.. let's say I let Kevin Owens take his anger out on Zayn.. does that make me a bad guy? I think it makes me a great friend. This will of course be AFTER I've already won.. of course.
Jimmy Fallon: Of course! I mean you wouldn't want to cheat.
The Miz: That's right.. I mean who do I look like The Patriots? If I've learned anything from them it's that you can't win a championship by cheating Jimmy..
The Miz smiled and winked at Jimmy. Jimmy laughed back uncomfortably.
Jimmy Fallon: I honestly feel like I'm about to be attacked by your whole group right now. I'm.. I'm very uncomfortable. Try not to be a good friend until after you are off my set huh?
The crowd laughed. Miz did too.
The Miz: You got it buddy.
Jimmy Fallon: So what I'd like to do right now is I want to play a little word association game. Does that sound.. I mean does that sound ok or?
The Miz: Jimmy relax.. it sounds fine.
The crowd laughed as Jimmy did as well.. he sensed in himself that he was getting a little up tight.
Jimmy Fallon: I just.. I don't know.. I feel like you're killing me with kindness here.. you're kind of scary like I feel like you got something up your sleeve at all times.
The Miz laughed and shook his head as if to facetiously say "not me."
The Miz: Some imagination Jimmy..
An awkward silence. Miz held a grin while looking at Jimmy.
Jimmy Fallon: I'm just petrified right now.. I can't... I don't know.. I mean my god.
The crowd laughed some more.
The Miz: Are we going to play this game or what?
The crowd laughed as Jimmy seemed to gather himself.
Jimmy Fallon: Yes.. yes I'm sorry. Let's play so I'm going to give you some words, and I just want you to say the first thing that pops into your mind. First one is "legacy."
The Miz: Legacy- what will my legacy be? How will people remember The Miz? You know Jimmy it's funny.. I don't think about what my legacy will be very much, because I really don't care what any of the idiots that watch our show think.
Jimmy Fallon: Why don't we go to the ne..
The Miz: No Jimmy really.. I mean I know this is a little off the cusp here, but really people are going to say oh The Miz he doesn't have a legacy.. he's always been the guy that's needed people doing all the work for him to be successful..when the fact is NOBODY works harder than me. NOTHING makes this Sami Zayn kid more special than me. He wants to get on his high horse and keep riding solo.. that's fine.. it's going to be a lonely night in the hospital for him.. I mean am I the leader of Vertex- I am- and I'm damn proud of it. People who cry about me having my brothers behind me.. and me needing my brothers behind me.. are usually doing so because they are the ones that I'm about to hurt.. and the case is no different here. Sami Zayn.. and everyone else who wants to question me.. who want to label me as the guy who can't win on his own.. they can continue to knock their socks off. They do it out of two things Jimmy.. jealousy.. and more importantly fear. Jealous that they don't have any friends.. and scared because they know what mine are capable of. Them calling me out for being a cheater or being reliant on those around me.. is just them dealing with their own insecurities.. it's them creating a built in excuse.. because they know with or without the help of Vertex that THEY ARE GOING TO LOSE TO ME. So you see Jimmy.. I win every time before the match even starts.. these people like Sami Zayn who say things like that about me.. are just resigning themselves to the fact that they've already lost before the bell even rings. Sami Zayn knew the second I announced I was cashing in my PTG Title and going after his World Title, that his days as champion were over. Because the key word in "can't win on his own" is win.. people who say this are acknowledging that I WIN.. and this Sunday when I WIN.. it means I become the EBWF Champion once again. Whatever that means for my 'legacy' I don't care. I don't care what people are saying about me when I'm too old to even wrestle anymore. This is my life right now.. today.. I'm living in the present.. and the only thing I want to do in the present is be the EBWF Champion.. and I'm going to be the EBWF Champion Jimmy.. one way or another.
Jimmy Fallon: Miz I'm sorry- I definitely didn't mean to upset you.
The Miz quickly went from intense back to laid back.
The Miz: Na it's cool man no worries.. let's keep playing..
Jimmy looked very hesitant- he cracked a half smile.
Jimmy Fallon: I mean are you sure? It's cool?
The Miz smiled and nodded.
The Miz: Yeah man of course! Fire away!
Jimmy Fallon: "Destiny"
The Miz smiled.
The Miz: Nice.
Jimmy Fallon: Now I'm the wordsmith.
The Miz: Destiny- I mean it'd be pretty cliche right now to say that it was my DESTINY to become EBWF Champion again on Sunday. It's my DESTINY.. it was written in the stars.. that I would regain the games top prize against a man who took a break from being the University of Notre Dame's mascot to become a wrestler.. at a Pay Per View that was also called Destiny..
Jimmy Fallon: That would be cliche.. I'm glad you didn't say that.
The crowd laughed.
The Miz: Another crisis averted.. but again Jimmy.. Destiny is a term that gets played out. I've heard people saying that this kid Zayn is fulfilling HIS Destiny. That he's the chosen one, that his Destiny was to show all the dreamers out there that if they work hard enough, and they want it bad enough that they too can be in the EBWF.. and they can be successful. As you know I've traveled a similar road, and I am a big believer that you can live your dreams if you want to.. and that you can do anything you set your mind to..
Jimmy Fallon: Well that's go..
The Miz interrupted and got much darker in his tone.
The Miz: ALMOST ANYTHING. You see Jimmy, I don't know if Sami Zayn is living his Destiny right now.. but I'll tell you what I do know.. and what I DO know is that Sami Zayn is not DESTINED to beat The Miz. He's not DESTINED to be the EBWF Champion for another DAY after this Sunday. This company only has room for one man who started at the bottom and rose to the top.. and it's not this freaking kid. It's me. So everyone that wants to throw the Sami Zayn is inspirational, he's uplifting, he's this hero or saint or whatever they think, can just save it. Sami Zayn is a fraud, a fake, a phony, Sami Zayn decided his own fate his own destiny when he accepted this match with me.. he sealed his own fate and his own destiny when he tried to step up to Vertex and gain momentum. He sealed his own fate and his own destiny when he tried to PROVE TO US that he wasn't afraid.. when we can all see RIGHT THROUGH THAT. His destiny is now set and the only thing it's going to inspire people to do.. when they see it fulfilled.. is THINK before they make a STUPID decision.. like Sami SHOULD HAVE... but DID NOT DO.
Jimmy Fallon looked at Miz out of the corner of his eye. The crowd laughed. Their laughter seem to break The Miz back into 'happy mode'
The Miz: How am I doing?
Jimmy Fallon: Good man really great.
The Miz: Thanks bro.
Jimmy looked at The Miz again uncomfortable. He ripped up his cards it was clear he had a few more words.
Jimmy Fallon: Forget the game.. anything else you wanna say before we let you go.
The Miz: Watch EBWF Destiny.. it's going to be awesome.... for me.
The Miz looked right into the camera and winked sending a direct message to Sami Zayn.
Jimmy Fallon: There you have it.. The Miz everybody!
The crowd cheered as The Tonight Show went to a commercial. Jimmy and Miz fist bumped and did some inaudible to the camera talking. The scene faded to black.
The scene reopened a third time in EBWF Headquarters. It was the morning of EBWF Destiny and Jim Ross was seen being mic'd up. He had a long sleeved red EBWF polo on and his black cowboy hat. There was directors chair type seat that was left vacant at the moment. An attractive brunette dabbed some last minute make up on Jim. A hand behind the camera was seen counting down 3.. 2.. 1
Jim Ross: Good morning folks I'm Jim Ross and EBWF.NET is proud to bring you another addition of EBWF All Access. This morning- I'm sitting down with the man who will challenge Sami Zayn for the EBWF Championship. I'm talking of course about one of the leaders of Vertex- The Miz.
Miz walked into the frame. A man put a mic on him. He was wearing a black shirt that read "VERTEX" on the front with red letters and "You Wish You Were Us" on the back also in red letters. He also wore a pair of black jeans. He shook Jim Ross hand quickly, like when two NFL coaches who hate each other shake hands at mid field. Jim noticed it somewhat, but didn't let it break his flow.
Jim Ross: Good morning Miz, how are you doing on the morning of perhaps your biggest match in at least a couple of years?
The Miz looked at JR with disdain.
The Miz: How am I doing? Really? How do you think I'm doing Ross.. huh? How do you think I'm feeling? I'm feeling like I wish we were getting in the ring right now. I'm feeling like I wish this match wasn't still over 12 hours away. If Sami Zayn thought what we did to him a couple of weeks ago was bad.. just wait till he gets in the ring with me tonight at Destiny.. and you're right Jim.. this is my biggest match in awhile. It's enormous.. like Sami Zayn's nose..but maybe even bigger. Tonight is the night that The Vertex goes from kicking around in the shallow end of dominating this company to diving into the freaking DEEP END of domination. Tonight when my hand is raised as the new champion of the EBWF.. it's going to be like a lethal injection being surringed into the veins of this company. No more will the EBWF be the land of opportunity where jam oaks like Dolph Ziggler, Solomon Crowe, or Sami Zayn can be the champion. No more will the EBWF celebrate mediocrity like it does right now. The EBWF as we all know it now.. will be about to die a very slow, painful, but MUCH NEEDED death. Because with me as it's champion.. with Vertex running the show.. we will turn every single night into our own ass kicking party. We will turn every night into a reminder that there's NOBODY that belongs in the ring with us.. and anyone that wants to try and be a hero.. well I think we've already seen how that goes.. I will remind people just what the standard SHOULD be, when it comes to being the EBWF Champion. Myself along with the Vertex Jim, are planning to exert a level of dominance, to implement a level of destruction that's NEVER been seen in this business before.. I'm going to be a champion that won't run into ambition.. and if I do run into ambition.. I'll run it the hell over. Because mark my words Ross.. no freaking wide eyed bushy tailed young kid.. will take MY title from me once I get my hands on it again.. and no freaking wide eyed bushy tailed young kid.. is going to stop me from doing just that at Destiny. Hash tag.. fact.
Jim Ross: Well Miz there's certainly no doubt that you and your group have made their presence known since hitting the scene here. You've eliminated Solomon Crowe, and you've really done a number on the current champion. Sources say there's no way he'll be 100 percent for Destiny, your thoughts on the impact that may have on the match?
The Miz: Were you not listening JR? I don't care if he's 200 percent tonight.. hell 300 percent. Him having a couple of little boo boo's because he got caught playing in the junkyard dog's backyard is going to have absolutely no impact on this match, because he wasn't winning it anyway. I'll bring him some bandaids for his face and wherever else if you think that'd be a nice gesture before the match starts.. but he's going to need a HELL of a lot more than bandaids by the time the match is over. I've been waiting for this day Jim.. sometimes at night I wake up and I just start pacing.. thinking about this match.. a match that leads to me becoming the EBWF Champion once again. I don't care what it takes, what I have to do, who's feelings and a lot more I have to hurt, it's HAPPENING. Sami Zayn resisting this is like someone trying to run away from a tornado on foot.. it's a battle he just can't win. It's an annihilation he just can't avoid. We're called the Vertex Jim because we are the pinnacle of this business.. there's nobody better.. and there's also nobody that cares LESS about little runts like Sami Zayn trying to make us believe he actually can win tonight. We know who we are, I know who I am.. and I know who he is and I also know what he is not.. Who we are Jim.. are The Vertex- the group to end all groups- 5 of the most talented most cold hearted individuals in this entire company.. who I am.. is the Miz.. and you know my accolades and what I've done here.. and who he is..is a delusional little leprechaun who is in deep shit.. and who he is not.. is someone who's going to be holding the EBWF Championship come tonight. In fact I don't see him leaving tonight with enough strength to hold much of anything.
Jim Ross: Miz you've talked earlier this week both on EBWF programming and on the Tonight Show about Sami Zayn and you having similar stories. What in your mind is going to set you apart from him tonight?
The Miz: Jim- this kid is still green. He doesn't get what it takes to be the man in this business. He just thinks it's all smiles and "I'm going to try my best out there guys!" garbage that he spews week in and week out. He's generic- he's vanilla- and the only reason people give three flying you know what's about him.. is because he's winning.. unless of course he goes head to head with the incomparable Stardust.. then he really struggles. His face and back musta heard weeeeewwy weewwy bad... poor baby...
The Miz smirked to himself.
The Miz: Soon though Jim he won't be winning.. like tonight soon.. but it goes a lot further than that.. because tonight's loss will be the first of many losses in the near future for him. This business isn't up being cheerful.. it doesn't care what mood your in.. it cares about what you do when the lights are on. I haven't made a ton of friends.. and I've made a hell of a lot of enemies.. but I get results. So one difference between Sami Zayn and The Miz.. is going to be just that Jim.. the result. The result is all I'm concerned about, I don't care if the fans enjoy the match. I don't care if it's 50 minutes or 50 seconds, shit I don't care if I have to hit Sami with a car as long as the ref isn't looking. I'm going to get the result I want. Whereas, Sami wants the fans to cheer, jump up and down, give him high fives.. where as I wouldn't even touch a fans hand here.. do you know how many germs are on the hands of the scum of the earth that lives here in Tampa.. absolutely disgusting. Just like it's disgusting that Sami Zayn is the champion of the EBWF- thankfully one of those things is going to change very soon. Earlier in the week I acknowledged that Sami Zayn has heart.. he does.. but guess what so do I. The biggest difference though JR, the thing that's going to set ME apart from him tonight, is that if to win the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship, to get my result, I have to rip his RIGHT FROM HIS CHEST.. then that is exactly what I'm GOING... TO... DO.
BECAUSE I'M THE MIZ AND SOON I'LL BE...
The Miz paused and said his last word packed with intensity.
CHAMPION.
The Miz unhooked his mic and the scene faded to static.
The scene opened up on the Wednesday before Destiny. The camera panned in on The Miz, The Vertex were right behind him. They were outdoors in front of a large brick building. All 5 men wore nice button up shirts with dress pants. The Miz was in the front of the shot, his hair was slicked with gel and he had a little bit of scruff growing on his usually clean shaven face. He went from standing up to squatting down in a catchers squat. He looked pained, as if something was troubling him. He put his hands on top of his head seemingly deep in thought. Finally he began to speak.
The Miz: Family. Family. Family is being a part of something that is bigger than yourself. It's being willing to sacrifice, to suffer, so that somebody else that you care about can succeed. It's about putting other's before yourself. It's about knowing that the other people standing next to you would do the EXACT same thing for you. A lot of groups say they are a family. Whether it's a sports team, a club, or even a group of close friends. Few ACTUALLY are. Hell there are even some families connected by blood, that don't share the characteristics, that don't have the traits that I just laid out. The Vertex.. is a family.
Kevin Owens: Fucking right.
The Miz: It's something bigger than all of us, its 5 guys willing to sacrifice, to suffer, so that the other can succeed. It's 5 guys willing to put other people before themselves. Believe it or not, I would do it for them.. and I KNOW.. I've SEEN them do it for me. My name is Mike Mizanin, I'm the Miz.. I'm the most must see, the most captivating, the most eye popping star on the face of planet earth. I'm the greatest of the great, the cream of the crop, your favorite wrestler's favorite wrestler. More importantly than that.. I am the next EBWF World Heavyweight Champion.
Ted DiBiase came and stood behind The Miz. He put his hand on his shoulder. Miz turned to him and nodded. The rest of the Vertex came and stood next to him as well. They all gave Miz a knowing look. This group believed in their leader. They knew that he would become the champion at Destiny.
The Miz: That's not a brash statement, and it's not an arrogant claim. It is a hard, stone cold fact. I'm not guessing here, I'm not hoping, I'm telling you earn and every damn one of you out there listening.. whether you are fan, a fellow competitor, whether you are my opponent Sami Zayn, or whether you are someone who doesn't follow our business at all. You now KNOW that in just 3 days time on Sunday Night.. I will once again reach the pinnacle, the VERTEX, of our industry. You may not tune in to warfare every week, but once again as it should be.. when you hear EBWF.. when you think sports entertainment.. the face you are going to see in your mind, whether you are a fan or a stranger is going to be this one.. and my god what a face it is.
For the first time the Miz cracked a smile. A couple of the other guys in Vertex followed suit.
The Miz: You'll think of me.. as you should.. because the fact of the matter is that I am THE BEST at this. I am the BEST pro wrestler of the planet. The haters will always be there, the doubters will never stop doubting, they've been there throughout my entire career. They've questioned the way I've done things, the way I've reached success, the way I've won.. but it's a very cut and dry thing in our sport. You either win.. or you freaking lose.. and it's a lot more fun to win.. so that's why I've made a career of it. Have I lost? Sure. But right now you'd be hard pressed to find someone with more confidence.. you'd be hard pressed to find someone with more self belief.. and the reason is because of the 4 guys that are standing with me right now.
The Miz looked at the other members of Vertex who nodded in agreement.
The Miz: Not because I always need them to do my dirty work, I mean do they sometimes kick the shit out of people I hate.. they do.. but sometimes they just do that because they enjoy it.
Finn Balor: It is fun.
A soft chuckle was heard from the rest of the group.
The Miz: But the main reason why they make me confident, why I know I can't lose at Destiny, is they push me. They hold me accountable, they bring out the best in me. Every group has a leader or leaders to help guide them. The captains of the team so to speak. That's what Ted and I are.. but we know that this group represents excellence. We know that we are just as responsible for being successful, for maintaining a standard as anybody else standing in front of you.. if NOT MORE so. At Destiny, I won't let my family down.. I won't let my brother's down.. I CAN'T.. and I WON'T. At Destiny, it won't be The Vertex interfering, it won't be them helping me to get a win physically, it will be them helping me.. guiding me mentally. Say what you want about me, hate.. doubt.. whatever.. the only opinion.. the only people I care about are the ones standing with me right now. My family.. the Vertex. You can criticize us all you want, you can boo us, you can scoff at us.. but the fact is at Destiny we are going to have the last laugh as we've already had on numerous occasions.. except this time we won't just be laughing as we leave your hero's in the ring staring up into the lights. We'll be laughing as I hoist the games top prize in the center of the ring. As I put my foot on Sami Zayn's hairy, bloody chest, holding up the championship belt that signifies what I've always known.. and that is though there are some guys that are fast, I'm faster. Though there are guys that are smart, I'm smarter.. though are guys that are mean.. I'm meaner.. and though there are some guys that are good.. I. AM. BETTER. Which brings me to you Sami.
Kevin Owens: Fucking punk bitch.
Miz held a hand to Kevin calming his anger towards his former friend. Ted patted Kevin on the shoulder. Miz was strangely calm given the situation that was at hand.
The Miz: Sami, Sami, Sami. There are so many stories just like yours. So many guys that you count out, and then they surprise yah. They prove you wrong, they succeed when it seems like failure is unavoidable. That's you Sami. The odds were stacked against you from day 1. Are you big? No. Do you have the look? No. Are you talented?..
The Miz nodded like he was gonna say yes.
The Miz: No. So what are you? What do you bring to the table? I'll tell you what... heart. You have heart. You wouldn't take no for an answer.. you fought, you scratched, you clawed your way to the top of this company. Just because people didn't see it coming, doesn't mean it didn't deserve to happen.. you did all of that. We aren't so different you and I. Once upon a time there was another kid who was told no.. there was another kid who many thought the odds were stacked against. A kid that others thought would never amount to anything. A kid that took that challenge.. fought, scratched, and clawed their way to the top of the EBWF. A kid.. named Mike Mizanin. A kid that would later become The Miz.. except unlike you Zayn.. I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not a naive delusional moron like you who thinks that if he just gives it his all.. everything is going to work out for me.. because tonight Sami.. it's not going to work out for you. Give it your all.. go ahead.. I'm NOT leaving Tampa without the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship.. and unlike all of the naysayers that you've come up against over the years Sami.. I'm one person you will NOT PROVE WRONG.
Ted nodded and added to Miz' previous statement.
Ted DiBiase: Sami- the world is rooting for you. You've captivated the nation with the run you've been on. It's great.. it's cute.. it's endearing. We are all just so proud of you.. you've been able to do what not many in this business can do- but all good things must come to an end. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and no matter how much you smile and act like "aw shucks" "gee wilikers" "I'm just so thankful this is happening to me..." We know that your FUCKING HEAD.. has NEVER felt HEAVIER than it does right now, isn't that right champ? You know that you've stepped into quick sand here when it comes to the current situation you're in. Did you ask for it? You may say no.. but the answer is YES. You did ask for it.. the second you became the EBWF World Heavyweight Champion you asked for this. You asked for people that are FLAT OUT DANGEROUS.. coming for your GOLD.. and for your HEAD.. and Sunday make no mistake about it punk.. The MIZ.. is going to take both right OFF of you.. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
The Miz nodded.
The Miz: Sami- going through an entire EBWF career.. or a career in our business period that you don't reach any type of success. That you don't garner any momentum may be the biggest toughest struggle that one who laces up their boots for a living can endure. However, something that is ALMOST JUST AS BAD, is when you taste that success. When you taste what it's like to have people talking about you, to have people reacting to you, to have people looking at you like you matter. To have the other guys in the back jealous of you because you know you are where they want to be, to have all that ONE MOMENT and then
The Miz clapped his hands together loudly.
The Miz: Just like that it's all gone. Taken away in the blink of an eye. It does things to you Sami. It changes you. 3 years ago when I was the EBWF Champion, I didn't have a care in the world. Not one. I thought, what I think now.. and that I was the best thing since sliced bread. That I was unrivaled in the squared circle.. the difference is.. then.. it wasn't true. It wasn't true. I was flawed.. over confident.. and I didn't put the work that you need to put in to be able to BE the things I thought I was. That was then..
Kevin Owens: And this is now motherfucker.
The Miz: Now.. I have put the work in..I'm confident.. but it's deserved.. not to mention I've surrounded myself with guys that MAKE ME a more volatile individual.. guys that MAKE ME more vicious.. guys that MAKE ME.. UN..BEATABLE. I'm not going to settle for second anymore Sami, you are me 3 years ago. You are the champ, and you think you've got it made.. you think you've done it.. but what's going to happen when..
The Miz clapped his hands together again.
The Miz: It all goes away. What's going to happen when you tell yourself "ahh it's no big deal" "I'll be back.. I'll get the strap back." What's going to happen when time after time you think it's your day.. and you once again fall short? What's going to happen when for the first time it's not other people.. but it's yourself that's doing all the hating and doubting of Sami Zayn. Because I'm telling you Sami.. for as sure as I'm sitting here.. that is EXACTLY what's going to happen. Sunday Night.. no matter how pumped up you get.. no matter how much you smile.. or go in confident.. you are GOING to lose.. then you're going to try and get it back.. you're going to puff up your chest and try to get that belt back.. and guess what.. you are GOING to lose again. I've been where you are Sami.. and after Sunday you're going to be headed to where I've also been. The difference is.. WHEN I WIN on Sunday.. I'm never EVER going back. I'm never going back down the ladder.. I'm... The Vertex we are going to sit up on the cloud.. and look down laughing as you and all the others try and climb up to us only to be knocked the hell back down each time. Remember buddy, it hurts like a bitch when you fall from grace... you might want to wear a few extra knee pads.
The Miz for the first time came out of the catchers squat. He walked toward the brick building and Vertex followed suit as the scene faded.
The scene reopened on the set of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It was the Thursday before Destiny. It was coming back from commercial, the band was playing the scene in. Jimmy was playing it up to the crowd, waving his arms for them to get louder. They did. He began to talk as the crowd quieted down.
Jimmy Fallon: Ladies and gentlemen, I am super excited.. because my next guest.. comes to us from the EBWF. On Sunday he will face Sami Zayn for the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship.. ladies and gentlemen.. I give you.. the one.. the only.. The Miz!
The band began to break into a rendition of "I Came To Play" as The Miz came out. He was dressed to the nines full 3 piece suit. His hair once again slicked around with gel. He looked like a million bucks. He wore a shit eating grin on his face as half the crowd cheered and the other half- the wrestling fans- gave him a little heat. He sat down on the couch next to Jimmy's desk.
Jimmy Fallon: The Miz.. ladies and gentlemen this is great.. how are you man? What an honor!
The Miz: It is an honor isn't it? I mean the pleasure is certainly all yours.
The Miz laughed as did Jimmy.
Jimmy Fallon: Absolutely! So what's going on man? How's life?
The Miz smiled and shook his head.
The Miz: Lifeee.. is good. It's rarely bad when you're me Jim Jim.. and it's about to be better.
Jimmy Fallon: That's right! For those of you that don't know.. as I just mentioned The Miz will be going one on one with Sami Zayn on Sunday on EBWF's Pay Per View Event Destiny for the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship. Would be a big win for you!
The Miz: Correction Jimmy.. will.
Jimmy Fallon: I'm sorry?
The Miz: It will be a big win. It's not "if" it's going to happen.. it's when. Sami Zayn is the EBWF World Heavyweight Champion right now, but that is going to come to an end.. some would say it's my DESTINY to become the EBWF Champion for a second time.
Jimmy Fallon: I see what you did there!
The Miz: I'm really a wordsmith Jimmy.
Jimmy Fallon: I'd have to agree. So this guy Sami, he's had some success in the EBWF.. could be a formidable opponent, no?
The Miz: You know what Jimmy? He has. He's actually been on fire.. I got to hand it to him. You see Jimmy.. people think I have such a big ego that I can't admit when other people succeed. The kid has succeeded.. he has.. he's that underdog turned champion. The story everyone loves. The sad thing is though, is that's just going to have to come to an abrupt end. At some point every fire has to go out. The EBWF isn't a movie.. there's not always a happy ending.. and this Sunday for everyone that's a fan of that hungry upstart rising to the top of the company story.. they are going to be sadly disappointed. Sometimes Jimmy, the bad guy wins.. and this Sunday is DEFINITELY going to be one of those times.
Jimmy Fallon: It's just hard to believe you're the bad guy! I mean you seem pretty great to me man.
The Miz laughed and nodded.
The Miz: Thanks man.. you're great too.
Jimmy Fallon: Really you think so?
The Miz: I do, I do.
There was an awkward silence.
Jimmy Fallon: I mean should we hug or something?
There was loud laughter from the crowd.
The Miz: I mean sure.
Jimmy and The Miz shared a bro hug. The crowd cheered.
Jimmy Fallon: I mean seriously though, you get this bad rap, because you really do come off as one of the biggest jerks around. I mean look at this.
A clip of The Miz beating Sami Zayn to a pulp with brass knocks on the recent Warfare was seen. Zayn was seen bloody and beaten, while Miz and Vertex were seen laughing up the ramp looking extremely pleased with what they had done. The crowd was booing now, Miz had a smile on his face and he shrugged.
The Miz: Well you know, the kid was getting a little too big for his bridges. Sometimes us crafty veterans have to remind them who's running the show still.
Jimmy Fallon: But I mean he's the champion right? Doesn't that mean.. technically he.. is running the show?
The crowd Ohhh'd and Jimmy quickly put his hands up as if to say "don't hurt me I'm just asking" Miz looked at him cross.. but still had a wry smile on his face.
The Miz: I mean does that look like a face of someone who's running anything?
The camera zoomed into Zayn's bloody face then back to Jimmy and Miz.
Jimmy Fallon: I guess not.. so what.. you and your group Vertex think that you are going just use your numbers to overwhelm his is that it?
The Miz: That's the common misconception Jimmy.. I'm more than capable of handling this kid myself.. and that's what I'll do at Destiny.. It's just really busy being The Miz, you know? I mean if it's not magazine shoots, it's dealing with movie offers, and endorsement deals.. talk show appearances...
There was an awkward silence again.. Jimmy laughed made the crowd laugh as well.
The Miz: You know? It's things coming at me from all angles.. so by the time I get to Warfare.. I'm tired. So sometimes my buddies are like.. "Miz we know you're tired.. so like instead of you just beating the hell out of Sami tonight.. do you want us to do it? "... and sometimes Jimmy I'm just like "sure."
The crowd laughed as Miz smiled and so did Jimmy. Fallon didn't really know what to make of this, he kept playing along with a laugh and smile.
Jimmy Fallon: So selfless of you.. so that's what's happening here?
The Miz: Yeah it's me basically sharing the wealth of hurting people with my friends. I mean if THAT makes me a guy who needs my friends to do everything.. then I guess that's what I mean.. You know Jimmy it's just SO hurtful.. when you try to do something nice for your buddies and it gets turned around on you.. I'm sorry I can't go on..
The Miz was faking emotion. Jimmy reached out to him.
Jimmy Fallon: Miz.. are you ok? Can we get him a tissue?
A producer brought over a tissue. The Miz took one and kept the act going.
The Miz: Thank you.. I mean it's just I get no credit.. Taylor Swift was right when she said the haters gonna hate hate hate Jimmy.. no matter what I do. You know I keep my friends in the forefront of my mind. Like my one buddy Kevin.. Kevin Owens.. sweetest guy you'll ever meet.
A picture of Kevin Owens laughing over a lifeless Solomon Crowe was seen.
Jimmy Fallon: Oh yeah he looks like a.. like a teddy bear.
The crowd laughed at the sarcasm. Miz acted like he didn't pick up on it.
The Miz: Totally.. I mean he just lost one of his best friends..
Jimmy Fallon: Oh my gosh I'm sorry.. they passed away?
The Miz: No.. but his friend told him that he didn't want to be friends anymore.. it was this heartbreaker right here.
Another picture of Sami Zayn was seen this time with Kevin Owens in one of their happier days together.
Jimmy Fallon: But that..
The Miz: That's right Jimmy.. Sami Zayn. So I mean.. let's say I let Kevin Owens take his anger out on Zayn.. does that make me a bad guy? I think it makes me a great friend. This will of course be AFTER I've already won.. of course.
Jimmy Fallon: Of course! I mean you wouldn't want to cheat.
The Miz: That's right.. I mean who do I look like The Patriots? If I've learned anything from them it's that you can't win a championship by cheating Jimmy..
The Miz smiled and winked at Jimmy. Jimmy laughed back uncomfortably.
Jimmy Fallon: I honestly feel like I'm about to be attacked by your whole group right now. I'm.. I'm very uncomfortable. Try not to be a good friend until after you are off my set huh?
The crowd laughed. Miz did too.
The Miz: You got it buddy.
Jimmy Fallon: So what I'd like to do right now is I want to play a little word association game. Does that sound.. I mean does that sound ok or?
The Miz: Jimmy relax.. it sounds fine.
The crowd laughed as Jimmy did as well.. he sensed in himself that he was getting a little up tight.
Jimmy Fallon: I just.. I don't know.. I feel like you're killing me with kindness here.. you're kind of scary like I feel like you got something up your sleeve at all times.
The Miz laughed and shook his head as if to facetiously say "not me."
The Miz: Some imagination Jimmy..
An awkward silence. Miz held a grin while looking at Jimmy.
Jimmy Fallon: I'm just petrified right now.. I can't... I don't know.. I mean my god.
The crowd laughed some more.
The Miz: Are we going to play this game or what?
The crowd laughed as Jimmy seemed to gather himself.
Jimmy Fallon: Yes.. yes I'm sorry. Let's play so I'm going to give you some words, and I just want you to say the first thing that pops into your mind. First one is "legacy."
The Miz: Legacy- what will my legacy be? How will people remember The Miz? You know Jimmy it's funny.. I don't think about what my legacy will be very much, because I really don't care what any of the idiots that watch our show think.
Jimmy Fallon: Why don't we go to the ne..
The Miz: No Jimmy really.. I mean I know this is a little off the cusp here, but really people are going to say oh The Miz he doesn't have a legacy.. he's always been the guy that's needed people doing all the work for him to be successful..when the fact is NOBODY works harder than me. NOTHING makes this Sami Zayn kid more special than me. He wants to get on his high horse and keep riding solo.. that's fine.. it's going to be a lonely night in the hospital for him.. I mean am I the leader of Vertex- I am- and I'm damn proud of it. People who cry about me having my brothers behind me.. and me needing my brothers behind me.. are usually doing so because they are the ones that I'm about to hurt.. and the case is no different here. Sami Zayn.. and everyone else who wants to question me.. who want to label me as the guy who can't win on his own.. they can continue to knock their socks off. They do it out of two things Jimmy.. jealousy.. and more importantly fear. Jealous that they don't have any friends.. and scared because they know what mine are capable of. Them calling me out for being a cheater or being reliant on those around me.. is just them dealing with their own insecurities.. it's them creating a built in excuse.. because they know with or without the help of Vertex that THEY ARE GOING TO LOSE TO ME. So you see Jimmy.. I win every time before the match even starts.. these people like Sami Zayn who say things like that about me.. are just resigning themselves to the fact that they've already lost before the bell even rings. Sami Zayn knew the second I announced I was cashing in my PTG Title and going after his World Title, that his days as champion were over. Because the key word in "can't win on his own" is win.. people who say this are acknowledging that I WIN.. and this Sunday when I WIN.. it means I become the EBWF Champion once again. Whatever that means for my 'legacy' I don't care. I don't care what people are saying about me when I'm too old to even wrestle anymore. This is my life right now.. today.. I'm living in the present.. and the only thing I want to do in the present is be the EBWF Champion.. and I'm going to be the EBWF Champion Jimmy.. one way or another.
Jimmy Fallon: Miz I'm sorry- I definitely didn't mean to upset you.
The Miz quickly went from intense back to laid back.
The Miz: Na it's cool man no worries.. let's keep playing..
Jimmy looked very hesitant- he cracked a half smile.
Jimmy Fallon: I mean are you sure? It's cool?
The Miz smiled and nodded.
The Miz: Yeah man of course! Fire away!
Jimmy Fallon: "Destiny"
The Miz smiled.
The Miz: Nice.
Jimmy Fallon: Now I'm the wordsmith.
The Miz: Destiny- I mean it'd be pretty cliche right now to say that it was my DESTINY to become EBWF Champion again on Sunday. It's my DESTINY.. it was written in the stars.. that I would regain the games top prize against a man who took a break from being the University of Notre Dame's mascot to become a wrestler.. at a Pay Per View that was also called Destiny..
Jimmy Fallon: That would be cliche.. I'm glad you didn't say that.
The crowd laughed.
The Miz: Another crisis averted.. but again Jimmy.. Destiny is a term that gets played out. I've heard people saying that this kid Zayn is fulfilling HIS Destiny. That he's the chosen one, that his Destiny was to show all the dreamers out there that if they work hard enough, and they want it bad enough that they too can be in the EBWF.. and they can be successful. As you know I've traveled a similar road, and I am a big believer that you can live your dreams if you want to.. and that you can do anything you set your mind to..
Jimmy Fallon: Well that's go..
The Miz interrupted and got much darker in his tone.
The Miz: ALMOST ANYTHING. You see Jimmy, I don't know if Sami Zayn is living his Destiny right now.. but I'll tell you what I do know.. and what I DO know is that Sami Zayn is not DESTINED to beat The Miz. He's not DESTINED to be the EBWF Champion for another DAY after this Sunday. This company only has room for one man who started at the bottom and rose to the top.. and it's not this freaking kid. It's me. So everyone that wants to throw the Sami Zayn is inspirational, he's uplifting, he's this hero or saint or whatever they think, can just save it. Sami Zayn is a fraud, a fake, a phony, Sami Zayn decided his own fate his own destiny when he accepted this match with me.. he sealed his own fate and his own destiny when he tried to step up to Vertex and gain momentum. He sealed his own fate and his own destiny when he tried to PROVE TO US that he wasn't afraid.. when we can all see RIGHT THROUGH THAT. His destiny is now set and the only thing it's going to inspire people to do.. when they see it fulfilled.. is THINK before they make a STUPID decision.. like Sami SHOULD HAVE... but DID NOT DO.
Jimmy Fallon looked at Miz out of the corner of his eye. The crowd laughed. Their laughter seem to break The Miz back into 'happy mode'
The Miz: How am I doing?
Jimmy Fallon: Good man really great.
The Miz: Thanks bro.
Jimmy looked at The Miz again uncomfortable. He ripped up his cards it was clear he had a few more words.
Jimmy Fallon: Forget the game.. anything else you wanna say before we let you go.
The Miz: Watch EBWF Destiny.. it's going to be awesome.... for me.
The Miz looked right into the camera and winked sending a direct message to Sami Zayn.
Jimmy Fallon: There you have it.. The Miz everybody!
The crowd cheered as The Tonight Show went to a commercial. Jimmy and Miz fist bumped and did some inaudible to the camera talking. The scene faded to black.
The scene reopened a third time in EBWF Headquarters. It was the morning of EBWF Destiny and Jim Ross was seen being mic'd up. He had a long sleeved red EBWF polo on and his black cowboy hat. There was directors chair type seat that was left vacant at the moment. An attractive brunette dabbed some last minute make up on Jim. A hand behind the camera was seen counting down 3.. 2.. 1
Jim Ross: Good morning folks I'm Jim Ross and EBWF.NET is proud to bring you another addition of EBWF All Access. This morning- I'm sitting down with the man who will challenge Sami Zayn for the EBWF Championship. I'm talking of course about one of the leaders of Vertex- The Miz.
Miz walked into the frame. A man put a mic on him. He was wearing a black shirt that read "VERTEX" on the front with red letters and "You Wish You Were Us" on the back also in red letters. He also wore a pair of black jeans. He shook Jim Ross hand quickly, like when two NFL coaches who hate each other shake hands at mid field. Jim noticed it somewhat, but didn't let it break his flow.
Jim Ross: Good morning Miz, how are you doing on the morning of perhaps your biggest match in at least a couple of years?
The Miz looked at JR with disdain.
The Miz: How am I doing? Really? How do you think I'm doing Ross.. huh? How do you think I'm feeling? I'm feeling like I wish we were getting in the ring right now. I'm feeling like I wish this match wasn't still over 12 hours away. If Sami Zayn thought what we did to him a couple of weeks ago was bad.. just wait till he gets in the ring with me tonight at Destiny.. and you're right Jim.. this is my biggest match in awhile. It's enormous.. like Sami Zayn's nose..but maybe even bigger. Tonight is the night that The Vertex goes from kicking around in the shallow end of dominating this company to diving into the freaking DEEP END of domination. Tonight when my hand is raised as the new champion of the EBWF.. it's going to be like a lethal injection being surringed into the veins of this company. No more will the EBWF be the land of opportunity where jam oaks like Dolph Ziggler, Solomon Crowe, or Sami Zayn can be the champion. No more will the EBWF celebrate mediocrity like it does right now. The EBWF as we all know it now.. will be about to die a very slow, painful, but MUCH NEEDED death. Because with me as it's champion.. with Vertex running the show.. we will turn every single night into our own ass kicking party. We will turn every night into a reminder that there's NOBODY that belongs in the ring with us.. and anyone that wants to try and be a hero.. well I think we've already seen how that goes.. I will remind people just what the standard SHOULD be, when it comes to being the EBWF Champion. Myself along with the Vertex Jim, are planning to exert a level of dominance, to implement a level of destruction that's NEVER been seen in this business before.. I'm going to be a champion that won't run into ambition.. and if I do run into ambition.. I'll run it the hell over. Because mark my words Ross.. no freaking wide eyed bushy tailed young kid.. will take MY title from me once I get my hands on it again.. and no freaking wide eyed bushy tailed young kid.. is going to stop me from doing just that at Destiny. Hash tag.. fact.
Jim Ross: Well Miz there's certainly no doubt that you and your group have made their presence known since hitting the scene here. You've eliminated Solomon Crowe, and you've really done a number on the current champion. Sources say there's no way he'll be 100 percent for Destiny, your thoughts on the impact that may have on the match?
The Miz: Were you not listening JR? I don't care if he's 200 percent tonight.. hell 300 percent. Him having a couple of little boo boo's because he got caught playing in the junkyard dog's backyard is going to have absolutely no impact on this match, because he wasn't winning it anyway. I'll bring him some bandaids for his face and wherever else if you think that'd be a nice gesture before the match starts.. but he's going to need a HELL of a lot more than bandaids by the time the match is over. I've been waiting for this day Jim.. sometimes at night I wake up and I just start pacing.. thinking about this match.. a match that leads to me becoming the EBWF Champion once again. I don't care what it takes, what I have to do, who's feelings and a lot more I have to hurt, it's HAPPENING. Sami Zayn resisting this is like someone trying to run away from a tornado on foot.. it's a battle he just can't win. It's an annihilation he just can't avoid. We're called the Vertex Jim because we are the pinnacle of this business.. there's nobody better.. and there's also nobody that cares LESS about little runts like Sami Zayn trying to make us believe he actually can win tonight. We know who we are, I know who I am.. and I know who he is and I also know what he is not.. Who we are Jim.. are The Vertex- the group to end all groups- 5 of the most talented most cold hearted individuals in this entire company.. who I am.. is the Miz.. and you know my accolades and what I've done here.. and who he is..is a delusional little leprechaun who is in deep shit.. and who he is not.. is someone who's going to be holding the EBWF Championship come tonight. In fact I don't see him leaving tonight with enough strength to hold much of anything.
Jim Ross: Miz you've talked earlier this week both on EBWF programming and on the Tonight Show about Sami Zayn and you having similar stories. What in your mind is going to set you apart from him tonight?
The Miz: Jim- this kid is still green. He doesn't get what it takes to be the man in this business. He just thinks it's all smiles and "I'm going to try my best out there guys!" garbage that he spews week in and week out. He's generic- he's vanilla- and the only reason people give three flying you know what's about him.. is because he's winning.. unless of course he goes head to head with the incomparable Stardust.. then he really struggles. His face and back musta heard weeeeewwy weewwy bad... poor baby...
The Miz smirked to himself.
The Miz: Soon though Jim he won't be winning.. like tonight soon.. but it goes a lot further than that.. because tonight's loss will be the first of many losses in the near future for him. This business isn't up being cheerful.. it doesn't care what mood your in.. it cares about what you do when the lights are on. I haven't made a ton of friends.. and I've made a hell of a lot of enemies.. but I get results. So one difference between Sami Zayn and The Miz.. is going to be just that Jim.. the result. The result is all I'm concerned about, I don't care if the fans enjoy the match. I don't care if it's 50 minutes or 50 seconds, shit I don't care if I have to hit Sami with a car as long as the ref isn't looking. I'm going to get the result I want. Whereas, Sami wants the fans to cheer, jump up and down, give him high fives.. where as I wouldn't even touch a fans hand here.. do you know how many germs are on the hands of the scum of the earth that lives here in Tampa.. absolutely disgusting. Just like it's disgusting that Sami Zayn is the champion of the EBWF- thankfully one of those things is going to change very soon. Earlier in the week I acknowledged that Sami Zayn has heart.. he does.. but guess what so do I. The biggest difference though JR, the thing that's going to set ME apart from him tonight, is that if to win the EBWF World Heavyweight Championship, to get my result, I have to rip his RIGHT FROM HIS CHEST.. then that is exactly what I'm GOING... TO... DO.
BECAUSE I'M THE MIZ AND SOON I'LL BE...
The Miz paused and said his last word packed with intensity.
CHAMPION.
The Miz unhooked his mic and the scene faded to static.