Opportunity and Unity

[Ben M]

OOC: Sorry for the poor showing, I've had a rough day. Best of luck to everyone!

The scene opened backstage, where Chris Jericho, was stood with Michael Cole. Jericho was dressed in his ring gear, the Intercontinental Title draped proudly over his shoulder. (Let's be honest, no one really cares what Michael Cole is wearing. Use your imagination.) As the camera started rolling, Cole began to speak.

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, with me at this time is the Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho. Chris, later on tonight you'll be competing in a Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team match against your long-time rival CM Punk. How do you feel about once again going up against the man who has caused you so much misery over these past few months?

Chris Jericho: Michael, before I answer your question, let me make a point in the interest of balance. I'm not going to stand here and say that Punk hasn't caused me a problem or two since he returned to the EBWF earlier this year, because that wouldn't be true. But you know as well as I do that I've caused him just as much trouble, if not more. Despite Chipmunk's best efforts, I'm still stood here before you the Intercontinental Champion. Lance Storm is now the Path to Glory Champion. If Lance and I are at war with CM Punk and AJ Styles, it's a war we're clearly winning. So how do I feel about taking on Punk once again? I feel great. Because it gives me another opportunity to beat him.

Michael Cole: AJ Styles was originally supposed to be in this match, but he won the Six Pack Challenge to become the new number one contender for the World Title, and the EBWF General Manager has decided not to double-book him in order to protect the integrity of the World Title match. You say you feel great, but surely there's at least a part of you that feels bitter, knowing that after you've faced off with CM Punk, AJ Styles will get the chance to become the new EBWF World Champion?

Before Jericho even opened his mouth, the frown that appeared on his face answered the question for him.

Chris Jericho: Of course it bothers me, Michael. Every time I miss an opportunity to get a World Title shot, the wait goes on for me to become World Champion. I'm proud to be the Intercontinental Champion, but everybody knows this is just a stepping stone. I could at least accept not winning the six pack challenge if I'd lost fairly, but you saw what happened – CM Punk cost me that match. So if I do win tonight... sorry, when I win... I think I've earned another chance at that title. Let's just hope our esteemed General Manager agrees.

Michael Cole: We'll talk about the rest of your opponents in a moment, but first I'd like to ask you about your tag team partners for this match. You'll be teaming up with two of your best friends, Lance Storm and Wes Ikeda, but Lance and Wes have famously never gotten along. You'll also be working with Edge and Randy Orton, two men who you and Lance have had a fierce rivalry over the years. Aren't you concerned that your team will be a little... volatile?

Chris Jericho: Are you trying to get a job for TMZ, Michael? Because it seems like you're bring up a lot of things that happened in the past to suit your agenda. Lance and Wes used to hate each other, that much is true. Anyone who has followed EBWF for a long time knows that. And I'll be honest, I still don't think they like each other all that much... they're different people. Wes likes to drink whisky and work on cars, Lance likes to re-read the Harry Potter books while enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed juice. But they don't hate each other – hell, they respect one another. They'll have no problem being on the same page tonight, and it's the same with Edge and Randy Orton. You're right, Lance and I have had a lot of run-ins with Rated RKO, but we've all moved on from that. Edge and I have known each other a long time, and you know us Canadians like to stick together. As for Randy Orton... well, I still think I'd struggle to hold a conversation with him if we went for a beer together, but I'd much rather have him as a tag partner than an opponent. That Voldemort-like aggression of his could come in handy. In case you haven't realised, Michael, this is a team of former World Champions. There's no tension or ill feeling between any of us, we're united by a common cause. And I can guarantee that the five of us will be a lethal combination.

Michael Cole: Okay, let's move onto your opponents. CM Punk will be teaming with two of his closest allies, Brock Lesnar and Solomon Crowe, both of whom are former World Champions. He'll also be working with the EBWF Tag Team Champions, Wade Barrett and Ryback. Given that all five of those superstars are highly talented individuals, are you concerned at all about the strength of your opponents?

Jericho paused for a moment before responding, considering his words.

Chris Jericho: I don't think you can say I'm concerned or intimidated, because I'm not. Very little concerns or intimidates me. But that doesn't mean I'm not wary of my opponents, Michael... I know not to take them for granted. Punk, love him or hate him, always brings out the best in me, because that's what it takes to beat him. He may be an asshole, but he can deliver in that ring. Lesnar, he's a beast – there's no other way I can describe him. He has experience in amateur wrestling and MMA, not to mention he has muscles on muscles. There's no way I'm dumb enough to underestimate him. Solomon Crowe and I have history and he's beaten me before, so I know what he's capable of. But I also know that he seems to have lost his way since he lost the World Title, so while he still has the potential to be a threat, I know how to handle him. Barrett, Ryback, they've been inconsistent since joining EBWF, but lately they've been on a roll. And like Lesnar, they're both tough. I see them both as fighters rather than technical wrestlers, and there's no doubt that makes them a challenge... but I know how to fight, and for every punch they throw at me, I'll throw one back. I respect "Team Punk" or whatever you want to call it, but I know "Team Jericho" are better. We'll prove that tonight.

Michael Cole: One last question, Chris... don't you think Wes will object to you calling it "Team Jericho"?

Jericho couldn't suppress a smirk.

Chris Jericho: Not if he knows what's good for him.

Michael Cole: Chris, thank you for your time and good luck in your match tonight.

Jericho thanked Cole, then walked away as the scene faded.