- - - - - - -
Monday July 18 2016 – EBWF Monday Night Warfare – Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary, Alberta; Canada
Just over two weeks ago, Sami Zayn did what he set out to do. He entered the King of the Ring tournament aiming to retain his crown, and after a gruelling night where he defeated Edge and eventually, The Miz, Sami walked out of the Staples Center with his crown and his status as a two-time King of the Ring winner intact. The following week, he wasn’t in action. Instead, fans saw him run down to the ring and cost Shinsuke Nakamura the win over PJ Black, by accident. This week, he was scheduled to be in action for the first time since the King of the Ring event, as the excitement and intrigue built towards the EBWF Tag Team Classic. Although he was pencilled in for the main event slot, he would appear midway through the show, as advertised, to finally address the crowd following his King of the Ring win mainly because this was the closest to ‘home’ he’d be with the company.
The fans inside of the Scotiabank Saddledome continued to settle back into their seats during a lengthy commercial break following the Velvet Sky and Torrie Wilson match. From nowhere, the bright lights started circling the set as the fans erupted into cheers as “World’s Apart” by CFO$ blasted the PA system. It didn’t take them long to start singing along to his theme music, as he danced his way onto the stage looking happier than usual, he screamed ‘Let’s Go’ into the camera in usual fashion before dancing down the ramp again. He was in his usual get-up, his wrestling attire, the latest t-shirt available on the EBWF website along with the flat cap. Before he could grab a microphone as he leaned out of the ring, Christy Hemme stood up and introduced Sami to the world to his surprise.
CHRISTY HEMME: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your 2016 King of the Ring…SAMI ZAYN!
Sami laughed in her direction as she handed him a microphone before thanking her. He got bac into the centre of the ring, circling it as the ‘Ole!’ chants broke out as he swirled the microphone in his hand. He raised his hand in an attempt to speak, but they didn’t let him.
SAMI ZAYN: I know I stopped you the last time I was out here, but not tonight. You guys deserve this just as much as I do.
They cheered for him as he praised them for their support, but eventually he had to speak up as he continued to look around the arena before speaking up.
SAMI ZAYN: I uh…I can see a few familiar, noticeable faces, some from Montreal, some from a lot closer to this arena, and it’s great to see you all here, it really is. Well…where do we begin? We did it.
Another loud cheer was let out, as they knew exactly what he was hinting at before laughing again.
SAMI ZAYN: I’m not one to gloat, and a big well done to every single one of the guys involved in that King of the Ring tournament. Although it was a collective effort to make it a success, I can’t begin to tell you how happy and proud I am to stand here with MY King of the Ring crown intact. I said I’d do it, and I did and just like last year, the goal remains the same, but more on that a little later. I just have so much on my mind, so much I need to get off my chest that I had to go and ask for permission last week to get a slot to come out and talk to you guys about it all. Where to even start, I guess I can only step up like a man where I need to and publicly apologise to Shinsuke about what happened last Monday.
The fans cheered, and it didn’t take long for the Nakamura chants started before Sami continued.
SAMI ZAYN: Last week, I tried…and failed…to help Shinsuke when I thought he’d need it against PJ, and that obviously backfired, and I cost him the match. So…I’m sorry for my actions, to his fans, to you all who wanted this match to go down the middle. I know things haven’t been going your way lately, and I know how much these fans wanted to see you, and I get into the ring at WrestleMania but other things came up, so if you ever feel the need to ‘make me pay’ or anything like that, just know that I’d be ready for any match at any pay-per-view whenever you want it. If that day ever comes, where we get into the ring, just know that you’re going to be fighting for a championship title, because as much as I’d love to do this tonight, there are other things I need to deal with…which brings me to PJ Black.
The cheers quickly turned to boos as Sami laughed at their reaction, with Sami trying to speed through things.
SAMI ZAYN: PJ Black…where do I even start with him? We’ve fought in this ring so much I don’t even know who won our last match, but I do know this, Sacrifice is approaching. Sacrifice is one hell of an important night for you, and I personally think this is a make or break night for you, either PJ Black does the unthinkable or he fails…again. Although it may be a make or break night, you don’t win in the EBWF, not in 2016; this isn’t the year for you. I need an answer PJ, am I going to fight for the Path to Glory Championship at Sacrifice? Or are you going to avoid me and cash that title in, because if I'm honest, it’s what everyone wants you to do. I’m okay with either decision, though, either you defend it against me…and lost. Either you cash-in…and lose to Chris Jericho. Well, even if you do somehow win, my King of the Ring win gives me an opportunity to end your potential reign, so I’m not too worried, so just give me an answer, soon. Now…Kevin Owens.
The fans cheered when Sami brought up Kevin, and he didn’t waste time in getting into him either.
SAMI ZAYN: There’s no shutting Kevin up, and I know he thinks I’m fixated on him, truth is the two of us will probably never sort things out between us and that’s fine by me. But to blame me for his failures is a new low even for him. Chris Jericho beat him after he talked his way into a title match, you need to deal with it like a man and not a crying little bitch like he always has been. I’m done with him, whether we fight again or not, I really couldn’t care less. You lost, I won, you can talk about being a league above me all you want, but I’m closer to a championship than you’ll EVER be. Now, the excitement, something that’s already started tonight…the Tag Team Championship classic.
Sami circled the ring as he looked around the arena, before walking to the ropes and leaning over the top rope as he addressed the crowd.
SAMI ZAYN: I agree, I like the idea it’s different, it’s the right direction we should be going in right now, switching things up a little bit. I’m sure you all know by know who my partner is, I have to say I’m a little surprised though, and a little…wary? I mean, PJ Black as my partners, I’m sure I could handle that, sure we wouldn’t see eye to eye but the competition between us could take us far. I could’ve handled Shinsuke, I’m sure us two teaming up, everyone would love that. Hey, maybe even Dolph, even with all of our history, I’d be pretty confident of getting to the finals and winning the championship titles with him. There are so many guys, guys I’m on the road with, I talk to, I get on with, guys like Enzo or Cesaro or even Will, I’d know I’d go out there and have fun and have a great match. But…there’s a curveball that’s been thrown my way and my partner in this whole tournament is…Baron Corbin.
There was a mixed reaction when Sami announced his partner, but he still had a smile on his face regardless of Corbin not being his top choice for a partner.
SAMI ZAYN: I’m still looking forward to it, I know, me and Baron don’t exactly see eye-to-eye considering we haven’t interacted much in this company, but I’m sure some of you know he and I have some history back in our NXT days. But that’s all in the past, we need to look forward to tonight and somehow forge a plan to overcome Rated RKO in what should be a competitive match, I hope. You know I don’t do things the easy way, I like a challenge and what’s more challenging than going up against Randy Orton and Edge with a partner you’ve barely spoken to for five minutes? It won’t be easy, but I know that he has his motivations in this tournament, and I have mine, somehow, some way I can promise you we’ll find a way to go all the way. Baron, I know you’re back there listening, sat next to a guy I actually look up to in Robbie Brookside, and I need you to know that despite this Lone Wolf act and this desire to get to the top, it won’t come easy, I’ll be the first to tell you that. I know I’m not your first choice and believe me I have other things on my mind, but we have to stick together, you’ve gotta have my back and you know I’ll have yours as long as we’re stuck together. If we can get past this first hurdle then I’m sure you’ll get the championship gold you want, and you think you deserve, and there’s a huge hurdle for us both a little later on tonight.
Sami was obviously referring to the threat that was Edge and Randy Orton of Rated RKO, one of the great teams that has ever competed in the business, but Sami didn’t make it seem like he was too worried about the task at hand.
SAMI ZAYN: I know, on paper we probably don’t stand a chance, I mean Baron alone would do a better job that I could, you could say I’d drag him down but whether he knows it or not, he needs me. The fact is, we’re going up against a real tag team, these aren’t two guys thrown together for the sake of it, they know how the other works, they’re always a step ahead because of the chemistry, because of how well they understand each other inside and outside of this ring. You could say they’ve set the standard for other teams to follow, all while having legendary careers back in the day. Then you have Baron and I, who are the complete opposite, but that’s okay, I’m fine with all of that because the last time somebody was overlooked in a tournament…he went on to win the King of the Ring tournament.
Sami smiled as his comment managed to get a loud reaction, before quickly continuing.
SAMI ZAYN: I know what you’re thinking, I haven’t lost in a while, and there’s a risk of us losing tonight in a tag team match and then this amazing run of mine ends. No, tonight is just another hurdle to jump over, and you want to know why I’m not too worried? Because Rated RKO mean absolutely nothing to me anymore, nor do they add anything to this tournament, they’re just a big name that’ll look great on a resume for when the eventual winners hold up the EBWF Tag Team Championships. The fact is, I seem to have a pretty good record in tournaments and based on your guys’ record…I know which team I’d rather be on. I’ve already beaten Edge, what’s going to change now? I’m still surprised that he’s even booked to appear two weeks after having a match…I also beat the guy that beat Randy on the same night, so what does that tell you? That if I came down to it, I would pin Randy’s shoulders to this mat as well and his best friend slash boyfriend knows that very well so anything you’ve said or will say about me being lucky is just to mask your own failures as two legendary EBWF stars who simply can’t get it done any longer.
As usual, Sami became more fired up as he wiped his mouth while his cheeks turned red, before he walked back into the centre of the ring.
SAMI ZAYN: It’s up to me, and Baron depending on how much he wants this, to make sure that neither Edge or Randy get a championship match in this tournament, let alone a championship. The top guys have been sat at the top for far too long doing absolutely nothing, thinking that there won’t be anybody that comes along that has the balls to stand up to them and nudge them off the top, we’re going to do just that tonight. Why should they get another shot at glory…for doing absolutely nothing for so long? They lost last time, and they’ll lose tonight and each and every time either of them share a ring with me, I’m going to do what’s necessary to win, and they’re going to learn to understand the fact that Rated RKO can’t be the same force they once were. I have, to be honest, though, since I’ve arrived the tag team scene hasn’t had much of my attention, I need the singles glory, and that’ll all come in good time, so why not stay busy? Why not play my part in shaking up this division and blowing the tournament wide open by beating the favourites on paper, and having an odd-combination go all the way and see how things unfold? Some of you may or may not know this, but before I even became Sami Zayn, I was a pretty god tag team competitor. So it isn’t new to me, I’ve teamed up with people I now despise so teaming with Baron will be nothing new to me and the end result will still see Rated RKO fail in a tournament.
Sami stopped and leaned over the ropes again.
SAMI ZAYN: Y’know, sometimes I surprise myself. I think about this whole situation, and how I’d approach it if it was my first day in this company today and if I’m being honest with you…I’d be standing here kissing ass. Talking about how much Edge and Randy have inspired me, how they’ve paved the way and how they were my motivation for pursuing this dream and how much I respect them. That part is not lie, regardless of what’s said and done, I do respect them, but there’s a fine line between respecting two first-ballot Hall of Famers still competing in the business, and being fed to somebody to boost their ego’s because they think they deserve it for their status in the company. Not anymore. Having them advancer in the tournament and having them as champions again is a step backwards and doesn’t help anyone, not even Edge or Randy. I know…Randy wants to kick my skull in, Edge wants to Spear me in half and maybe that’s the motivation they’ll need to bring everything they have in this tournament. But as I’ve said over and over, I’ve beaten Edge, I’ve beaten them both because I achieved what they were both chasing. The same thing will happen again because while I advance in the tournament, Randy can go back to wiping Adam’s ass like he does every single week. We’re all used to it by now anyway, Edge is determined to succeed and is adamant that he still has what it takes to give his best in the ring, fighting so hard not to be forgotten by the fans and will step into any match against any opponent to do that…but fails to get the job done every single time, just like you’ll fail tonight. The you have Randy, who just loves to show off everything he’s built with his success from wrestling and thinks that’s what it’ll take to win any match he steps in. Having all of the luxuries mean absolutely nothing to me, you can take my house or my car if you wanted because I’d be happier than you at the end of the day in a one-bedroom flat with a championship around my waist, showing I’m the best singles or tag team competitor around. I’d happily be the generic one as long as it means I can be ME, with a title, and not having to force myself to be somebody I not, or kiss ass as much as the two of you do, to each other, and the necessary asses you had to kiss to get to the top. You’ll lose, you’ll go back home to your mansion or your hot tub or your statue of yourself at home and feel satisfied because it fills that empty feeling inside of you of no longer being needed, or no longer being important in any division in this company. And for you, that’s a reality you never want to come across but sooner or later either me or Baron are going to kick it into you. Then when it’s all over, and we stand in this ring with our arms raised, moving on to the next round, Edge will be back into the next bar he can find drinking his sorrows away, crying that people don’t care for him anymore, feeling sorry for himself because he seems to invisible. Then Randy will come along, cheer him up, make him feel important and tell him what he wants to hear. But the one thing Edge won’t hear is his name being announced as the winner tonight because Edge drags down Rated RKO, and everybody knows that.
Fans sat and listened as Sami spoke what he believed was the truth, calming down as he finished up his segment.
SAMI ZAYN: I actually see a lot of Randy in Baron, a young, hungry star at one point wanting to make an impact in the best, most explosive way possible. I know Baron just wants to punch a hole through anybody standing in front of him, and usually I’d say that’s a little reckless and despite pleas, I’m not going to stop him or advise him not to. Baron, he’s going to be huge here, and we all know that, what good with it do me if I stop him from doing what he does best? Me stopping him from taking down Edge and Randy in the only way he can not only affects his own career, it affects mine because I want the gold no matter what. The only difference is, there’s no Baron Corbin senior, he isn’t a third or fourth or seventeenth generation superstar, he’s starting from scratch and I’m confident that despite all of the bullshit that comes out of Randy’s mouth whenever he’s booked in a match, he’s meeting his end of days, end of days at the top of business for no reason, end of days as being intimidating to other and the end of your days in this tournament. I don’t care how many women Edge takes home or to the single bed hotel room you guys share, or how many viral diseases the two of you have accumulated over the years. What matters is that as the past few years have progressed, our paths have crossed, and while I’ve gone on the up, while Baron is on his way up, the two of you continue to fall. You guys have become THAT duo that just talks and talks and talks and brushes it off when you lose, whereas I’m the guy busting my ass off in the ring every single week. You were both adamant you’d beat me at King of the Ring, you both failed while Randy didn’t even get to meet me in the ring despite all the nonsense he spoke, as usual. Whether I come across as a nice guy or not doesn’t matter, I know why I’m here, I’m here to win this tournament. Baron is here to make an impact and win championship gold. Now you have to ask Edge and Randy Orton, what are they fighting for? Relevance? More zero’s in their bank balances? Blocking TV time for the guys that work their asses off? Or just another opportunity to try and prove you’ve still got in when in reality, you guys aren’t the same Rated RKO that we once knew. Your short stay in the tournament ends by the end of the night; that’s just how it has to go. Win or lose; I’m going to have fun tonight and give you guys a good match. I guess tonight we’ll just find out which team wants it more, and which team will implode.
Sami threw the microphone to the ground with a stern look on his face, as his theme music hit once more, prompting in more cheers. Sami quickly exited the ring having said more than enough regarding Rated RKO, and the tag team tournament itself. He slowly walked up the ramp, looking fired up as he high-fived some of the fans despite being in a world of his own, before disappearing through the curtain.
