Tension

[Ben M]

The scene opened backstage, where the EBWF World Champion Chris Jericho was making his way through the arena. Jericho seemed to have just arrived at the Nationwide Arena; he was wearing street clothes, and had a duffel bag draped over his shoulder. As Jericho headed towards his locker room, he was stopped by Michael Cole.

Michael Cole: Excuse me, Chris... do you mind if I get a few words from you about your match tonight?

Jericho nodded, reluctantly.

Chris Jericho: Sure, Michael. Go ahead.

Michael Cole: First of all, you're competing tonight for the first time in several weeks. A number of EBWF superstars, including your opponents tonight – Jimmy Havoc and Seth Rollins – have criticised you for your lack of appearances since winning the EBWF World Title for the ninth time at Aftermath. What do you have to say in response to your critics?

Jericho looked irritated by the question.

Chris Jericho: My critics? You mean Havoc and Rollins? Just because Havoc is the Breakout Champion and they've won a handful of tag matches, that doesn't mean I value their opinion. No matter what I do, Michael, I always have critics. It's the nature of this business. I have neither the time nor the energy to listen to my critics, because I know that I'm the best in the world at what I do. That's why I'm a nine time EBWF World Champion. That's nine times more than Rollins and Havoc have been EBWF World Champion. Do you know what I've been doing these past few weeks, Michael? I'm the World Champion; I've been travelling the world representing the EBWF. I've been to China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. But I still show up when it counts. That's why I'm here tonight.

Michael Cole: Your partner tonight is Sami Zayn, the man who you'll be defending your World Title against this Sunday at Summerslam. Surely there's going to be tension between the two of you? How will that affect you against Rollins and Havoc?

Chris Jericho: Of course there's going to be tension between us, Michael. Sami and I are both going to be thinking about Sunday going into this match. But we're both professionals, and while I can't speak for Sami... I know that I'll do what needs to be done. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my locker room and get ready for my match.

Jericho pushed past Cole, bringing the interview to an abrupt end.