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Monday June 20th 2016 – EBWF Monday Night Warfare – T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas; Nevada
COREY GRAVES: Aaaaaand THERE IT IS! Helluva Kick! He’s going for the cover!...
JOEY STYLES: Sami Zayn did it! He’s in the Final Four! He takes on Edge next week!
COREY GRAVES:And if his lucky streak continues, he just might go on to take the crown!
Sami unhooked the leg of Chuck Taylor after picking up the pinfall victory and fell to his side, breathing heavily on his back as he looked up to the ceiling, knowing how close his dream came to ending. As soon as he heard Christy Hemme announce him as the winner, he slowly got to his knees and looked over at Chuck, nodding his head and acknowledging that it was a close contest, but it didn’t take long for him to get to his feet as the referee held up his arm in victory. Sami continued to hold the back of his neck in pain, but as the show headed for another commercial break, Sami wasn’t leaving the ring and leaned through the ropes to take a microphone, ready to address the crowd before Warfare would resume.
The fans didn’t allow him to speak at first, with the loud ‘Ole!’ chants echoing throughout the arena, but Sami had no choice but to settle them down as he stood in the middle of the ring and laughed.
SAMI ZAYN: C’mon guys, we gotta get this done before we return from commercial!
This only triggered more chanting from the fans and more laughs from Sami, who then had to interrupt and speak over them in the hope they’d settle down after his music faded out.
SAMI ZAYN: First off, I gotta give it up to Chuck, he left it all out there tonight, and any one of us could have been standing in this ring as the winner.
The fans started to applaud Chuck Taylor, helping to put on a fantastic match as Sami looked over at him before focusing on the fans again.
SAMI ZAYN: But this is all done now, it’s over. Now, we look ahead, we look ahead to Los Angeles, we look ahead to the Staples Center because one again, at the second time of asking, I’m in the King of the Ring semi-finals. This time, though, it’s a whole different ball game because there’s no psychotic, borderline schizophrenic in Brian Kendrick in my way. This time, there’s no PJ Black standing in my way, spewing that there’s a conspiracy against him that the guys at the top simply don’t want him to win because this time, it’s much, much tougher.
The fans continued cheering, as they realised who Sami was going up against, and if he was to win, who he could be facing up against in the final and it was an exciting yet nervy prospect.
SAMI ZAYN: I’m sure you all know it by now, in the first semi-final its Edge and I trying to get into the finals, where we can meet either The Miz…or Randy Orton. I can’t think of a more competitive final four, but I’m cherishing every single second of this. Look how far I’ve come, not only since the day I arrived but since I lost that World Championship I’m working so hard to get back, and now Kev is close to getting his hands on it and that drives me on even more to go on and win this whole thing.
Fans booed when they heard Sami mention Kevin Owens was getting close to the World Championship. They could tell by looking at his face that it was eating him up inside, but he still looked determined to take the long route to the championship and as a small smile emerged on his face, they knew this is exactly how he wanted things to go.
SAMI ZAYN: There’s nothing different I have to say, I’ve said it since the tournament started, and I’ll say it again. I’m in this to win it, not to take part, and so far that’s gone according to plan, I have no issues with Edge, he’s someone I look up to and look forward to competing against. But there’s no way I’m letting him have his 15 minutes of fame and disappear, I’ve worked my ass off this past year to get to this place again, so I’m not having Edge come from nowhere, again, and take an opportunity that I’ve worked hard for. Hey, the same applies to Randy, I’ve not seen or heard from him for a while up until the tournament bracket was released, and I’m pretty sure the Houdini-like disappearing act is something they’ve both mastered pretty damn well. And well…I’m sure I speak for everyone in this arena and for everyone watching at home when I say there’s no way in hell I’ve worked my entire career to get to this point and let somebody like The Miz walk away the winner…not happening. I’ve worked too hard for this to let any of the three to take this from me; I said it last year when people thought I couldn’t do it when guys like Wade Barrett and Brock Lesnar were in my way…look which one of us three is still here…and I went on to win that whole thing and with experience under my belt; I know what to expect, and I KNOW that this year, victory is only going to taste that much sweeter. If there’s any chance Kevin Owens walks out the World Champion on the same night, I can assure you it’s going to be me walking out of Los Angeles as the happier man. So… I promise to each and every single one of you that come out and support me every single week; I’ll do my damned best to make sure this time next week, I’m standing in this very ring at Warfare as your REIGNING King… of the Ring.
Sami dropped the microphone over his shoulder as he proceeded to exit the ring with his theme music playing once more. He confidently walked up the ramp after delivering his statement, that he was too close to fail now as he high-fived some of the fans towards the front of the barricade, before hastily disappearing through the curtains so the show could continue.
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Friday July 1st 2016 – EBWF Headquarters
It was a busy week heading into the King of the Ring pay-per-view, there was plenty of media attention and hype surrounding the event, which was expected. The stars of the EBWF were kept busy, with public appearances as well as going through their own preparations for the event so expectations were set high for everybody appearing on the show. For Sami Zayn, it was the latest in a long line of opportunities, he was in the same position last year and managed to pick up two key wins to go on to become the King of the Ring, and he faced the tough task of repeating the entire process again. Sami was at the EBWF Headquarters on Friday; he’d be shooting a face-to-camera feature piece which would air during the King of the Ring pay-per-view, doing his part to gauge even more excitement for the event.
Sami had been enjoying a great run in recent months; some would call it luck, but others would say it’s the hard work he had put in which made him deserving of the spot he’s in. He was guaranteed one match on Sunday, his match with Edge was going ahead no matter what, however, he needs the win to get to the final with The Miz or Randy Orton waiting, and during a commercial break during Warfare, he made his feelings pretty clear. The scene opens up inside of a dark room, but there are plenty of lights set up behind the camera, making it quite a bright scene. A lot of shuffling can be heard before Sami enters the picture, taking a seat wearing a plain black t-shirt, and awkwardly smiling into the camera. He looked around and exhaled heavily a few times, preparing himself for his piece. He ran his hands through his hair, and scratched his beard nervously, squinting as he looked directly into the lights as he took it all in, knowing he was days away from the event in person, but in the video package, it’d be a matter of minutes. He shuffled in his seat, adjusting his clip-on microphone before he looked up, looking over at the person behind the camera that spoke up.
RENEE YOUNG: You nervous?
Sami scratched his neck and laughed nervously, sitting back and crossing his arms, trying to play it cool which didn’t look so convincing.
SAMI ZAYN: You could say that, nervous, excited, agitated…eager to get out to that ring soon and give it my all. A lot of mixed emotions right now, as you can probably tell. But…the most important thing from this all is that I feel ready, I feel I’ve done everything I had to do to get here the right way, down this long path and that I deserve it. So yeah…I’m ready for whatever is coming my way next.
RENEE YOUNG: What does that mean? Ready? What makes you feel that you’re ready?
Sami exhaled again, trying to keep all of his emotions intact.
SAMI ZAYN: Well, I just think there’s not much more I could have done to deserve this spot here. I’ve been consistent; I’ve managed to overcome opponent after opponent, yeah…even when CM Punk and Kevin Owens decided to attack me from behind. I’m just more focused on my goal; it might be boring to some, but I haven’t needed to act outside of the box or have some outlandish gimmick to get the fans on my side. They’re with me 100% of the way, if I’m not ready now, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for a chance like this. It’s just my time, and I know I can do it; I have to do it.
Sami started to move his leg, nervously shaking the right from side to side. He wasn’t necessarily nervous about the match, or matches themselves, but he did a good job of making it look like he was eager to get the show on the road.
RENEE YOUNG: So, what was Monday all about? It wasn’t aired live on television, but the videos have been doing the rounds online and on social media, just something to get off your chest?
SAMI ZAYN: Monday was just…a platform for me to go out there and say what was on my mind. I asked beforehand if it was okay, I got given the green light so I didn’t break any rules. I’m sure if the other guys took this as seriously as I do then they would have gone out there and done the same thing as me. That’s all it was, no underhanded tactics, no games, nothing like that. My intentions were clear, and they always will be, I just felt it was something I had to do, address those people that have supported me and not be that guy who takes a back seat in everything and somehow ends up at the top, that’s not me.
There was a bit of an awkward silence, and it gave off the brilliant effect that it wasn’t all pre-planned, as it felt more like a conversation despite Renee not being on camera, with Sami answering all of her questions while looking into the camera. Sami quickly glanced off camera, looking at somebody behind the camera before looking into the camera again, shuffling in his chair.
RENEE YOUNG: Well, let’s talk King of the Ring, the pay-per-view. Other than your match, or matches if things go your way, we all know your attention will be on the main event, more so than anybody. Every is aware of your intentions to get the World Championship match you believe you’ve earned; Chris Jericho is the champion you’ve faced off against in the past, and the challenger is somebody you know quite well in Kevin Owens. How are you feeling? Here’s you…working away, grinding away in the King of the Ring and plenty of matches before this tournament, racking up the wins and you’re still working…and in swoops Kevin Owens from nowhere, and he can be the World Champion by the end of the night.
Sami sniggered under his breath, realising the reality of the situation as Renee explained it all to him as he leaned back again before speaking.
SAMI ZAYN: That’s just it, you hit the nail on the head. That’s the sort of guy Kevin is, somehow, someway he’s managed to get this match by arguing on social media and I guess he’s done enough to generate a buzz and fans want to see it. I can’t lie; I’m 100% interested in this match, and it should be fantastic, especially because I plan on being the first in line to challenge whoever walks out with the EBWF World Championship. The only positive I get from that is that it’s great that Canadians are taking over, right?
Sami nervously laughed before coughing, and thinking about her question a little more, before giving his feelings about the upcoming main event.
SAMI ZAYN: I feel a little angry at it all, I mean there’s nobody to be angry with but just to see it unfold before my eyes kind of, works me up a little bit, y’know? I know I can beat the both of them, do I think it should be me in that match? Absolutely. But it’s not me, and I can’t do anything about that other than my match with Edge, and then the final. So right now, I feel motivated more than anything, motivated to go out there and impress, motivated to get that title shot, motivated to retain my crown but first things first…motivated to beat Edge. That’s all that matters to me right now.
RENEE YOUNG: Okay then, let’s focus on Edge. One of the greatest that has stepped foot in this company, still as popular and as entertaining as ever and I know…YOU look up to him as well, don’t you? How does it feel that you’ll be facing him in the semi-final?
Sami sighed, he smiled to himself as the child inside of him was doing somersaults knowing he was close to working opposite someone to esteemed in the sports entertainment world.
SAMI ZAYN: Everything you’ve said is 100% correct. I do look up to someone like him, I understand what he’s done for himself, this business and he’s opened the doors for guys like me, Kev and a couple of others so just like anyone else, I’m excited to get this show on the road. But…in this business you can’t let these emotions get the better of you, if you’re going out there just to impress somebody then you’re in the wrong business and chances are you’re going to lose that match. This isn’t a stage I can afford to do that, if I think, “Oh, this is Edge, maybe a good performance will keep my name on his mind for a while,” then I know somebody with his experience will make me pay for that. So, as excited as I am, I have to take all of the emotions out of this, and focus on doing what I have to do to get past him, just like I expect him to do.
RENEE YOUNG: What happens if he wins then? What next for you?
SAMI ZAYN: That’s just it, he can’t, and he won’t win. I can’t let him win. If he wins then I don’t fall a place below him, I fall to the back of the line and trust me, over the past year I know how much I’ve had to work to get back to this position. For him, it’s different, if he wins he goes, if he loses he goes. That’s becoming the worrying trend around here that WHEN you lose one important match, you disappear and come and please as you go. Go and find AJ, find out when he did something of note. Go and find Brock, go and find John Cena and this time next year when we’re sat here I’ll say the same thing and ask you to go and find Edge. There’s the difference, no matter how much he says it or tries to make us all believe, he doesn’t care about this anymore. He doesn’t care about the crown or what it means, he cares that we don’t forget him, that’s what eats him up inside that if he’s not around, then these people will move on from Edge pretty damn quickly, just like they did with a certain old friend of his.
RENEE YOUNG: Sounds like a bit of resentment on your part there.
SAMI ZAYN: Not at all, I don’t know him personally to resent him, that wouldn’t be fair on my part. I’m speaking from a professional standpoint, that in 2016 Sami Zayn has more passion than Edge, more drive and more determination to win this entire thing. It’s as simple as that.
RENEE YOUNG: Is Edge the opponent you wanted at the semi-final stage?
SAMI ZAYN: Yes, and no. Yes, part of me is a fan of his and that’s something to tick off ‘the list’. No, because it’s like he came in from nowhere, again, and he’s in the final four. Of course, he won his match to get here and well done to him and everything but perhaps there are more deserving men that belong in that spot, either way, it doesn’t worry me. He’s probably forgotten what it feels like to have this sort of pressure on your shoulders by now, so he’s in for a rude awakening as soon as our music plays. I admit, he’s a legend, and he’ll go down as one of the best but this tournament doesn’t mean legends get a free pass, it doesn’t mean you can hand a legend a favour and give them another hurrah.
Sami looked a little worked up, a little agitated as he shifted in his seat and leaned forward as he continued to address the camera.
SAMI ZAYN: Of course, I’m happy for him. I mean, I’d definitely rather have him here in a match in the semi-final against me than somebody like…AJ Styles, for example. But tell me, what does he bring to the table now that makes me seriously consider my spot in the final? Yeah, I doubted myself last year when I had freakin’ Brock Lesnar standing in my way, but this year? I’m not as worried. So what does he bring? Past glories? A friendship with somebody who has enjoyed great King of the Ring success and is hoping it’ll rub off on him? One victory over AJ Styles? I think right now if you can’t beat AJ Styles, then you probably don’t belong in this company in the first place. There is nothing that makes me think twice about my place in the tournament, I belong there, sit Edge down and ask him the same question and see if he can say the same thing without hesitating. Y’see, he’s on this wave, he’s enjoying life, he’s counting his lucky stars that he even got this far because it doesn’t matter if I met him in round one, he’d exit at that stage too. He just doesn’t know where he’s going; he doesn’t know what’s going to follow and the further he gets, the longer they remember his name. I’m going to remember Edge forever; that’s a fact, but with newer stars breaking through every single week, it won’t surprise me to see him fade into the background.
Again, there was a bit of silence as Sami grew in confidence, adamant that Edge couldn’t beat him as he looked into the camera, awaiting anything else Renee wanted to throw his way.
RENEE YOUNG: Let’s just regardless of how you think this match will go, if…IF Edge springs a surprise and picks up the victory and advances to the final…what then?
There was another awkward silence between the pair, as Sami squinted for a brief second as the bright lights that were set up hit him, before shaking his head and answering her question.
SAMI ZAYN: If…he wins then…I’d wish him good luck for the final. But anyone that’s been a fan of this company for a while then they’d all know what’ll happen, as do I. If in this little fantasy, Edge advances into the final then there’s no way in hell he leaves the King of the Ring.
RENEE YOUNG: What makes you say that?
SAMI ZAYN: The King of the Ring is a gruelling night, one match takes a lot out of you and then when you head into your second you’re far off from being 100%, let me tell you that. No disrespect to anybody involved, but I think it’s obvious that I can probably take a lot more now than what Edge can, I can probably fare better in two matches than he can, and STILL appear on Warfare the next night and put on a hell of a show. Now, let's say me and Edge put on an all-time classic for the best part of 30 minutes, he won’t be 100%, he’ll make it to the final a broken version of The Rated R Superstar. He won’t be able to give it his all and even if he does, it won’t be enough for what the other finalist has to bring.
RENEE YOUNG: But the same can apply the other side, can’t it? Perhaps Randy Orton and The Miz take each other to their limit and are unable to give it their all in the final?
SAMI ZAYN: That’s always a possibility, but what I know is that A, The Miz is the most annoying on of a bitch in this company, and B, there’s no way Randy will want to lose to someone like him. So I’m saying Randy gets to the final because of the experience he brings. Now, let me ask you a question, if you were Edge and you were in this situation, who’d you rather lose again? A ginger kid nobody that people laughed at and thought wouldn’t make it to the top? Or would you rather lose to a friend, a good friend, best friend, whatever he is with Randy? Would you let me have a chance at becoming the two-time King of the Ring winner? Or would you guarantee your friend a record-breaking third King of the Ring crown?
This time, Renee hesitated as Sami looked to the left of the camera, making it clear he was looking at her this time.
RENEE YOUNG: Um…I’d go with my best friend, I guess.
SAMI ZAYN: Exactly. I’m stopping that from happening, there won’t be any surprises in that match, I win. The only way I think I lose this match is if another scumbag like Kevin realises what’s about to happen and decided to take me out. If not, the match is mine.
RENEE YOUNG: Okay, who would you say is the favourite now, not only in this match but in the tournament?
SAMI ZAYN: I think the way people would see it at the beginning was probably guys like Shinsuke, Randy and maybe even The Rock or Kevin Owens. Only one of them is left so I guess it’s safe to say the favourite to win the whole thing is probably Randy, the experience he has is usually invaluable, but that doesn’t matter in these stages. Between myself and Edge, I’d like to think that I’m the favourite because I feel like I’ve been on a great run to get here whereas Edge has come from nowhere, picked up the win he needed and got to the semi-finals. But I wouldn’t be surprised if everybody else has him as the favourite, the veteran with a point to prove. It doesn’t really bother me who the favourites are not, it won’t even matter in the end.
Renee paused, waiting to see if Sami wanted to elaborate further but Sami sat quietly, awaiting her next question.
RENEE YOUNG: I don’t know if you caught what Edge and PJ Black had to say about each other before their match a couple of weeks ago.
SAMI ZAYN: It was a fun match.
RENEE YOUNG: It was, but I want to draw your attention to something Edge had to say. Regarding yourself Chris Jericho, The Miz and how you’re playing catch with the World Championship titles, and that you’re letting Kevin Owens get away with getting a championship match, but he did maintain that you’d beat PJ for the Path to Glory Championship, any thoughts on that?
Sami took it all in, thinking about what was said in more detail before smiling as Renee highlighted what Edge said about the Path to Glory Championship.
SAMI ZAYN: Let’s just say he isn’t the only one that thinks I’ll be dethroning PJ, I think based on the amount of times I’ve beaten him I should already be the champion but we’ll cross that bridge when we need to. As for the rest, all I can say is that at least I’m in the championship picture and in this business, if you’re not in the title picture, any title, then you need to get your head out of your ass and make sure you do whatever you can to get there. Not all of us can be happy sitting in diners and self-loathing about how his career should be different, about how he’s been forgotten, about how he was great in his glory days. That’s just the different between him and I, he’ll go there, and self-loathe, and Randy will help him make him feel better about himself by telling him what he wants to hear, but me? I’ll get into that ring, and I’ll lose 50 matches if I have to just to pick up one key win to get to this stage, I don’t self-loathe, I work hard, and I’ll keep doing it. The second I think I’m forgotten about and how I deserve better, but I know I don’t want to put that work in, I’m out of here, and I’ll let the next big thing walk in and work his way to the top and not hog the limelight away from somebody that deserves it. Where else do you want to be if you’re not in the title picture, Renee? I mean just like he’d rather face his friend in the final, that’s how I’d like to win a championship, not by beating somebody who hasn’t defended the championship for a while like the situation with Dolph last year. I’d want to beat the man that dethroned the champion and right now, whether I like it or not, is Kevin Owens, so be it, yeah things get personal between us, but I’d take great pleasure in dethroning him very soon. He can say what he wants about me, about the title, but I can assure you nobody will be calling Edge the King in 2016, he won’t even stick around long enough for any here to remember he was even a part of the tournament, he’s had his fun but now the intensity rises and he can’t cope with that, not anymore.
Renee thought for a second, but decided against focusing on Edge, having to move on but still wanted his thoughts on the Path to Glory Championship.
RENEE YOUNG: Well all feelings and competition aside, that’s a pretty sweet deal right there, having Edge say you’ll beat PJ Black for the title. Let’s say you do beat him, does Sami Zayn cash in this year?
Sami laughed at what Renee was getting at, but did respond.
SAMI ZAYN: I think if that opportunity came this year, I’d like to think I’ll cash-in pretty soon, I’ve waited long enough, Renee! Come on!
The two shared a laugh as Sami adjusted his shirt, and was more relaxed compared to earlier, but Renee decided to move on and focus on the other two potential targets standing in his way.
RENEE YOUNG: Well let’s move away from Edge for now, and good luck in your match with him and may the best man win. But we have to focus on what’s left, assuming you win, or in your mind, you will win, standing in your way are two guys. One you know very well; one you are yet to share the ring with despite being in the company for just over two years. Let’s start with…Randy Orton. How’s your relationship with him?
SAMI ZAYN: Ah…I wouldn’t say there is a relationship really. I mean professionalism aside we’re not exactly two people who would choose to hang out, y’know, and that’s fine. He’s been doing his thing; I’ve been doing my thing, and if our paths cross in the final then it’ll be a great time to face him for the first time, it should be fun. Actually there probably is one similarity between us, the motivation, Myself, Edge and Randy probably share the same motivation and I can promise you this. If all four of the finalists were in the ring right now, I’m sure the three of us would make sure The Miz comes nowhere near to winning that crown!
Renee and Sami shared another laugh, as Sami composed himself, settling down again as he let Renee continue with her questions.
RENEE YOUNG: So what makes you more deserving of this win than Randy? We know he’s also a veteran, he’s someone that’s enjoyed great success in this tournament as well.
SAMI ZAYN: I’d say it’s almost similar to Edge. Again, it motivates me to make sure the two friends don’t reach that final, I don’t want to watch a Rated RKborefest as the final this year like we’re back in 2007 when guys have worked hard in the tournament. The only difference between Edge and Randy in this tournament is that they’re on the opposite sides of the bracket. Neither man competes nearly enough to make me feel worried about being knocked out. He can be a veteran, he can be a Hall of Famer, he can own the company, whatever, inside of the ring it means nothing to me but it sure as hell motivates me to go out and kick his ass. At the end of the day, I’m just a fan of this business like everyone else and as a fan, I’d be disappointed if I not only saw that as a final, but seeing Randy win it again, and for what? So he can run off again claiming he’s the best around when he doesn’t have the balls to step in the ring with the best this company has to offer on a weekly basis?
RENEE YOUNG: But you could argue that this is the benchmark that has been set? By somebody who has pretty much done it all in this company, perhaps to be the best in the company, you need to beat the best that’s been established over the years?
Sami looked at Renee and chuckled a little after listening to her statement.
SAMI ZAYN: I think you know I’m quite stubborn Renee, there’s not anything that can be said about anyone that’ll make me change my mind. I’m more passionate about this than anybody here; I think that’s clear and I make it clear every single week. What, because Randy comes back for one event three times a year and has a successful night, people like me are meant to be afraid of him? That’s probably how it used to work around here, maybe guys over the years moved to the side to let somebody like Randy get what he wants but not me, if that causes problems or tension then we can sort it out inside of the ring.
RENEE YOUNG: So you’re not afraid of Randy Orton?
SAMI ZAYN: Not one bit, I don’t think anybody here is anymore, there’s nothing to be afraid of either, other than being known as the guy that Randy beat after being inactive for so long.
Sami’s confident demeanour was then tested by Renee, bringing up a topic close to Sami, which she knew would gauge a reaction.
RENEE YOUNG: I know you’re very proud of where you come from, not only where you originate from but also how the man, Sami Zayn was created on the independent scene. Honing your skills worldwide for years on end before getting that all-important phone call to join this company. An amazing story, but it’s common knowledge that Randy Orton doesn’t necessarily care about that, what do you have to…
SAMI ZAYN: No, let’s not sugar coat that. I know what he does, he looks down on people like me and everyone else that had to fight through the indies before making it here, I’m not ashamed of that. What, does that make me less of a man than Randy? Or not as great of a competitor? I actually think it’s the complete opposite, I’m more of a man than he is because hasn’t faced a day of adversity in his life and listening to the crowd, they seem to be a lot more entertained by my in-ring abilities than his. So yeah, I’m aware he talks a lot of smack about independent guys, but I just think his statements are laughable, if it weren't for guys like us changing the business, rivals would overtake this company. It probably kills him on the inside too, even though he got the free pass to compete five times a year and now he’ll probably be facing off against me when two years ago I wouldn’t have made it on the card. He probably would laugh at that but I’d love to see his face when the bell rings. What was the term he used? When he was trying to play down the talents of Dalton Castle?
RENEE YOUNG: I believe it was…bingo halls.
Renee hesitated, not wanting to kick anything off but as she mentioned it, Sami couldn’t help but smile.
SAMI ZAYN: That was a good one, a new one usually they’re saying it’s farms or field with six or seven people in attendance. So it’s good to see he’s taking us a little more serious now that people like me have graduated to bingo halls. What excuses can he possibly come out with when this bingo hall graduate will kick his ass all over the Staples Center? What will he blame? He needed more time to prepare before the King of the Ring? Or will he mask his failures by talking about what he’s done in the company for himself, he didn’t make the company a better place, though. The fact that he goes on and on about what he’s accomplished just proves to me that those voices inside of his head need new batteries to wake the hell up and tell him that maybe everyone has stopped listening to a word he says, and that nobody gives a shit just who you are anymore. If a bingo hall veteran like me can capture the World Championship in the last year while you’ve accomplished jack, it shows that this business isn’t the same as it was when he was given the chance to be on top. Nobody in this entire company, other than maybe his family or his so-called friends give a damn about his furniture, or where he lives, or his house, or what his bank balance reads, or why his orange juice has pulp in it in the morning. What I give a damn about is what he can still do inside of the ring and based on what I have…or haven’t seen I the ring from him in the last few months, Randy Orton is all talk and decides to come out of hibernation once a year, before disappearing again when he gets his ass handed to him and decides it’s the best time to play happy families for the rest of the year.
Sami exhaled, having a short breather before carrying on before Renee could jump in.
SAMI ZAYN: It just doesn’t work like that anymore. People like you need to stop thinking it’s your right to have these opportunities and finals and championships given to you because you are born into a family of Orton’s. And because your Dad and his Dad have put in effort to make a mark in the wrestling world, so you’re here born with a silver spoon in your mouth, and you waltz around here acting like you built this machine and that you’re better than me. YOU did nothing; YOU took what was handed to you, and you still manage to end up as an underwhelming version of what you should have been despite the number of championships and opportunities that were given to you. D’you want to know what the funny thing about this all is? Even someone like The Miz has had to fight through getting laughed at and being told he wouldn’t make it to get to this stage. And here you are in the final four one way or another as a Disney version of the Randy Orton we should have known, that Randy can’t come back, that ship sailed a long time ago. So he can bash the bingo halls and my career all he wants, just like I and what I’ve done don’t matter to him, he and his long list of accomplishments don’t make a damn difference to me.
RENEE YOUNG: It’ll be interesting to see what Randy has to say about that when the time is right, but we do know he enjoys this tournament, and he’ll do whatever it takes, stoop to any level to become the King for the third time, how do you cope with that?
Sami put on a confused look.
SAMI ZAYN: The King of what? The King of part-timers? The King of…whatever, he’s not going to be the King of the Ring, I’m the reigning King, and I’m going to defend my crown just like he has but I’m going to make it mean something. He can talk smack about me, it doesn’t bother me, nothing will distract me from the goal But it’ll be egg on his face when indie guys are dominating the shows and are achieving a lot more than he is right now when nobody even cares what he brings to the table because it’s the same old story. I’m not Dalton; I’m not Chuck or Carlito or Jimmy, and I don’t intend on being a Randy Orton either. I don’t need a second-rate gimmick to let the people know that I’m larger than life and that I mean something here. You’re the one that’s had to force it all, that you kill legends to get where you are. You don’t kill legends, man. You just kill opportunities, the only thing you’ve been killing for the past few years is the legacy you had built for yourself. While you may think you’re a guaranteed Hall of Famer, and I should be counting my lucky stars to share the ring with you, I just can’t wait to kick your ass and showing the world that for so many years, they feared a snake that had no bite, that had no venom. Who falsely had people investing into the bullshit he’s been spewing for over a decade.
RENEE YOUNG: Would this be a good final, though? All feelings aside, is it something you’d enjoy?
Sami thought about the question for a second, wanting to be as honest as possible before looking back into the camera to give his answer.
SAMI ZAYN: Honestly? I’ve no idea. I think based on the things he says and his character; I’d love nothing more than to finally shut his damn mouth once and for all, knock him down a peg or two as they say. But people like him don’t learn; it’d be a case of selective memory, and he’d probably choose to forget that I managed to beat him. But on the other hand, after saying so much about him not warranting a serious place in the final, it’d be quite amusing to see The Miz beat him, plus Mike and I have some history of our that I’d love to set that straight in the final as well. If it happens where me and Randy somehow meet in the final, not only would I think I can win, I’d enjoy every second of that match and especially when I see him flat on his back.
RENEE YOUNG: You’re really not fazed by the task at hand, are you?
Sami laughed at Renee’s blunt approach.
SAMI ZAYN: I’m really not, what do I possibly have to lose in this situation? He’s the one with the pressure on his shoulders, being one of the most decorated King of the Ring competitors since the inception. I don’t feel the need to be fazed or intimidated by anything that’s going to come now; I’ve enjoyed the run so far, and I hope it continues. He can say or do what he wants to play down my chances, to make all of you believe that I don’t belong in this company, let alone in the semi-finals of the tournament. But at the end of the day, this tournament doesn’t matter to him, the only similarity between The Miz and I is that we’re two guys that want to win this tournament, we really want this. Do I hate him for wanting to win this tournament and the title? Of course not, this is what we’re competing for. To Miz and I this is an honour which leads on to another, to Randy, it’ll be a pointless win which means nothing, just like his wrestling career.
RENEE YOUNG: What makes you so confident about beating him? I, personally have never seen you with such confidence, especially with so much on the line.
SAMI ZAYN: I think I’ve always been confident, more so now I admit. I think it’s him as a person which drives me to beat him, y’know he’s always the first to point out what we think of him, and I know why he does it. To plant that seed of doubt in our minds that he’s one step ahead, but it’s not the case at all because Randy is just as stale as the next guy.
RENEE YOUNG: How do you mean?
SAMI ZAYN: Um…okay, how do I do this? Let’s pretend I’m Randy for a second, minus the baby oil. “Look at my body, Renee, having a body like this smothered in tattoos obviously means I’m a great wrestler. Look at the millions in my bank account, look at all these zero’s, I can’t actually pronounce that number. Look how long I’ve been doing this, Renee, I know I’ve got nothing more to give, but I’ll stick around and pretend I scare these new kids that I’m afraid will take my place. Oh, nobody can counter the RKO because it’s taken me years to master this one, creative manoeuvre, oh but people have countered it but let’s just pretend nobody has, and it’s just impossible to get out of. I mean, if I lose to Sami Zayn the little bingo hall legend, I’ll just go back home and disappear and use my state of the art gym at home to get this amazing body back into shape the next time I feel like having a crack and doing anything of note in the company. And then I’ll repeat this whole thing again just because I can get away with it and start off at the top, then I'll lose to Sami Zayn, then I'll leave, then I'll return, lose to Sami, and leave”, you get the idea, Renee. THAT is what I’m supposed to respect and be afraid of? THAT is what is going to intimidate me and book his place in the final?
There was another little pause as Sami licked his lips with Renee holding in her laughter, having talked for so long but there wasn’t an end in sight for this lengthy feature piece.
RENEE YOUNG: Any final words for Randy? Before we focus on the fourth member involved in the King of the Ring?
SAMI ZAYN: I just think he needs to focus on himself, and not worry too much about me, what I bring and what I think of him. His usual antics may work on everyone else. But. Talking. Like. This. Doesn’t. Intimidate. Me. You. Son. Of. A. Bitch. You need to realise that I made me, I created Sami Zayn and nobody else, I kept my name out there, and it was I who made sure Sami Zayn hit the big time. That’s not the case with you, Randy Orton’s Dad, made Randy Orton. Evolution kept Randy Orton afloat, and the Ikeda’s are keeping Randy Orton relevant.
There was a lengthy pause as Sami confidently looked into the camera, having made his feelings towards and Edge and Randy Orton perfectly clear.
RENEE YOUNG: Strong words, and if it happens, good luck in a potential match with Randy Orton. Now, finally, let’s move on to somebody you do know quite well, unlike Randy, and that’s The Miz. What are your thoughts on him reaching the final four?
Sami breathed a sigh of relief, shifting his focus to somebody that had been a thorn in his side for a couple of months.
SAMI ZAYN: I can’t believe I’m going to say this. But The Miz probably does deserve his spot in the final a little more because somehow, some way, he’s managed to reach this stage without having any cronies by his side helping him along the way. I mean, there is Alex Riley but since when has he ever mattered or been an integral part of anyone’s success? You know, heading into this weekend there a part of me inside that made me think it’d be better if The Miz won this whole thing because then at least the tournament would mean something. Then…I snapped out of it and realised there’s no way anybody can allow The Miz to leave the building as the King of the Ring, if you thought he’s a pompous, arrogant asshole now…well, we can’t feed him anymore and let his head get any bigger. That’ll be the worst case scenario from this whole thing, but as I’ve said from the moment I clipped this microphone on my t-shirt, I’m not worried about losing.
RENEE YOUNG: Not even against The Miz? The two of you have history…
SAMI ZAYN: That we do, but as far as I remember the last time The Miz and I shared a ring, it wasn’t when he dethroned me for my World Championship, in fact, the last time we met…he lost. Just like I said he would because when there’s no external threat, The Miz can never get the job done, and he knows that. Why do you think he has somebody alongside him 24/7? When he wakes up in bed he probably has Alex asking if he was satisfied the night earlier, The Miz probably answers no just so the two can go at it again. They’re just inseparable, sharing showers, feeding each other, Alex drying down The Miz, “no you hang up first”, it’s a little disturbing if I’m being honest. But despite how big of a role Alex plays in the life of The Miz, no matter how much The Miz relies on him, he won’t be able to have any effect on the outcome. The only thing Alex will be good for is making sure he picks up the groceries when The Miz asks him to; he no longer has an advantage.
Renee couldn’t help but let out a short laugh, before moving on.
RENEE YOUNG: Perhaps the advantage The Miz has, against Randy and potentially against you is that there’s always the risk of a numbers game being the key to how the match ends. Is it something you’re worried about?
SAMI ZAYN: Well you’re right, you’re asking the right person this question because I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve been taken out from behind and I’ve lost count how many boybands The Miz has formed. I guess it just tells you a lot about the sort of guy The Miz is. The fact that he ALWAYS needs somebody by his side just shows that he doesn’t have the confidence in himself that he can go out and experience things for himself, see whether he has what it takes to achieve the great accolades all on his own. He needs someone to feed that ego of his, somebody to stroke his hair and tells him that he’s the best wrestler in the business and that he matters, and that people still want to see him, and that he’s the most important person in the room. He’s probably just afraid of being alone for the rest of his life, and Alex amongst many other grown men have helped make him feel important over the years, most of all Ted DiBiase in recent times. Before that you had AJ Styles, then you had Finn Balor, and Kyle O’Reilly, now it’s Alex again, tomorrow he might decide he needs someone rougher to put him into place, and he’ll try getting under Raven, or Bray Wyatt, and it won’t come as a surprise to anybody. Vertex…that group that made me lose my Word Championship…they made him feel important. That’s when The Miz was on top of the world, but when you strip all of that away, on the interior you just have this small, shell of a man that’s left wondering how he actually managed to get so far in the company and how everybody was stupid enough to let it happen.
RENEE YOUNG: Do you think there’s any threat of that happening again?
SAMI ZAYN: I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if The Miz managed to find three or four guys at the back, fed them these stupid lies so they can help him get that crown. But I still don’t think it’ll be enough so if anybody on the entire EBWF roster is listening, I’d tell you all to wake up and not follow this lying, scheming son of a bitch because his promises mean nothing. He’s in this for himself, just like I am, just like every other individual in this company is in it for himself, he’ll get you to do the dirty work and throw you to the side. It’s like a kid refusing to leave his Mum’s basement. He knows it’s time to grow a pair and move on from hiding behind failed boybands, but he’ll refuse to do it because it makes him feel safe, Miz isn’t safe in this tournament and once it’s over, I hope, it’ll be enough to keep him out of the championship picture.
RENEE YOUNG: How important is it that he’s out of the championship picture, for you? Edge also said something similar about it too.
SAMI ZAYN: So it’s not just me who thinks it’s a bad idea to let him near the championship picture again? That’s one thing me, Edge and probably even Randy can agree on. At the end of the day, I don’t think the crown is what we fight for, sure it’s fantastic to be known as the King of the Ring, but the prize is a World Championship match. When you break it down to four competitors, you need to think which one of the four not only deserves, but would be better off in the championship picture, or with the title around his waist. Yeah, Edge knows The Miz is useless, Randy knows The Miz is useless, and I hope I’ve made myself crystal clear on how useless I think he is. So there you have it, The Miz shouldn’t end up as our World Champion again, because we’ve gone through it before and he killed the division until he was dethroned, but things didn’t change. So now, you think Randy Orton is the one to change that? No, he’s probably a little worse, and then Edge is worse than that so with them we’d be stuck in a rut. Now, I’m not saying I’d be the best champion this company has seen, but the fans that chant my name every single night, ask them and who they’d want as their champion, that’s who I’m fighting for, to be the champion they deserve. It’s time that we had a King who goes on to make that World Championship mean something…I genuinely believe the last person to make it mean something was Solomon Crowe.
There was a bit of a silence as Renee wanted him to expand further.
RENEE YOUNG: Why’s that? He hasn’t been around for some time.
SAMI ZAYN: That doesn’t matter, he dethroned a stale champion and created a buzz never seen before. He dropped the championship to AJ Styles. He dropped it to Dolph Ziggler, he dropped it to me, I lost it to The Miz and then Chris Jericho and Wes Ikeda played pass the parcel with it so the question has to be asked, who’s the one name from that list that really shook things up? That’s what we need, that’s what I know I can bring, and that’s what’s motivating me to beat The Miz and avoid having to go through all of that again, it’s difficult. We’ve seen what this company is like with Miz as the champion, and I dread to think what would happen if you not only give him a championship match, but the title of King. I can’t let this happen; I won’t.
RENEE YOUNG: Some might even say, however, that The Miz has been on quite the run to get here, even though he did lose the champion, like you did almost a year ago.
SAMI ZAYN: I’m not knocking him for that. He’s picked the wins he’s needed just like I have, the only difference is I’ve been on this run for quite some time, and The Miz isn’t going to stop me in my tracks. Personally, I don’t see anything in The Miz that screams progress, I thought the point of forming stables and creating groups is because each and every single one of them is going to take over and achieve great things, The Miz included. The only person from their latest attempt at world domination that is close to achieving success is Kevin, because even though he did The Miz’ dirty word, he’s managed to get a championship match and The Miz is still sitting back, and he’ll probably act like it was all his doing. That’s the issue with The Miz; he can only talk for so long before his act is over, no more joking around, no more poking fun at appearances or where we all come from, no more groups or attacks. It’s the final four, and one way or another I’m keeping hold of the crown and deep down, all three of them know it.
RENEE YOUNG: Any final words on The Miz before we finish up?
Sami thought about it for a second, looking more relaxed than he previously was.
SAMI ZAYN: Miz, you and I have met in the ring numerous times now, you’ve beaten me. I’ve beaten you, and the one thing I’ve learnt from my experience with you is that one on one, you’ve never had what it takes to beat me. That won’t change anytime soon either, if we happen to meet on Sunday then even your best won’t be good enough because if I’ve come this far…I’ll go to any extent to make sure I see this through. If that means putting my body on the line, so be it, there’s no way you can do the same, and that’s what separates you from me. Every time you have beaten me, you’ve struggled to do it all alone, this is my time, and you’re just some jackass from my past standing in the way. It was a year ago I broke through to the big time because of this very tournament, I know what I need to do to win, and I won't stop until my name is announced at the end of the show. But…good luck too all three of them. Edge, Randy and The Miz. It should be a fun, fun night.
Sami smiled into the camera as Renee spoke up.
RENEE YOUNG: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today, Sami. Good luck in your match, or matches at King of the Ring and may the best man win.
Sami nodded in Renee’s direction having spent quite a while talking to her for the feature on him, as he looked more prepared than ever to head into the event and take crown he believed he deserved. Only time would tell whether he had done enough to be given the go ahead to retain his crown.