The Gift of Jericho
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:57 pm
Quiet...
That was the response inside the Nationwide Arena when Chris Jericho turned on Sami Zayn – quiet. The crowd watched on in stunned silence, shocked to see Jericho attack Zayn out of the blue. No one had seen it coming, and that was the way Jericho wanted it to be. The boos would soon follow, and Jericho would welcome them. But right now, this was what he wanted. Quiet. Because it meant the audience was surprised, and if there was one thing Jericho enjoyed, it was catching the EBWF fans off guard in an era where so many people seemed to think they always knew what was going to happen.
Jericho grinned to himself as he made his way up the ramp, and as he walked through the curtain into the gorilla position, an EBWF camera filmed him walking through the backstage area. Renee Young approached Jericho, no doubt trying to get an exclusive interview for EBWF.net.
Renee Young: Excuse me, Chris... what just happened out there?
Jericho looked down at Renee with disdain.
Chris Jericho: What just happened out there, Renee? What just happened?!
There was a monitor just behind Jericho, and Jericho pointed at it.
Chris Jericho: Weren't you watching, Renee? I attacked Sami Zayn, that's what happened. You stupid idiot.
There was an aggression and abruptness in Jericho's tone that Renee wasn't used to, and she was clearly taken aback by it.
Renee Young: That's not what I meant, Chris. We all saw what happened. What I'm trying to ask you is... why?
Jericho laughed.
Chris Jericho: That's a question Sami Zayn is going to be asking himself for the rest of the week... do you think I'm going to spoil the fun by telling you? I don't have to answer to you. I don't have to answer to anyone. I'm the EBWF World Champion, damn it, and I do what I want, when I want. The only answer you're getting tonight is this, Renee. I told Michael Cole I would do what needed to be done, and that's what I did. What needed to be done. Sami Zayn got what he deserved. And what I deserve is to be on the first flight out of Cleveland, so I can get home and rest. I have an important World Title match at Summerslam, and I wouldn't want to be anything less than a hundred percent.
As Jericho mentioned not wanting to be less than a hundred percent, he looked back at the monitor behind him. The cameras were still filming what was happening at ringside, and Zayn was now back on his feet after being attacked by Jericho. With a devious smirk on his face, Jericho brushed past Renee Young, bringing another interview to an abrupt end.
********************
Six days later at Summerslam, EBWF held its customary one hour pre-show prior to the pay-per-view. Renee recapped what had happened with Jericho and Zayn, then discussed it with the pre-show panel – Matt Striker, Michael Cole and Corey Graves.
Renee Young: So no answer yet from the EBWF World Champion, Chris Jericho, as to why he turned his back on Sami Zayn this past Monday on Warfare. Matt, Michael, Corey, what are your thoughts?
Michael Cole: Well Renee, I interviewed Chris before Warfare as you know, and there did seem to be something off about him. I couldn't put my finger on what it was. I thought maybe he was just frustrated about what seemed to be a lack of respect shown to him by Seth Rollins and Jimmy Havoc, but now in hindsight, I'm wondering if he was actually frustrated with Sami Zayn...
Matt Striker: But why would he be frustrated with Sami Zayn, Michael? That's the part I don't understand. I thought they were on the same page. It's not like Sami did anything to provoke Jericho...
Corey Graves: Michael, Matt, with all due respect, you've both been here in EBWF a lot longer than I have... you know Jericho's history! How many times has he done something like this, something that's shocked the EBWF Universe? He doesn't need a reason to turn on Sami Zayn, because he already has a reason – psychological warfare. Jericho even said it himself to you, Renee. Sami Zayn has spent the last six days wondering why Chris Jericho attacked him. It's going to be affecting him mentally, maybe even emotionally. So even before the match has started, Jericho has the upper hand.
Renee Young: No doubt Sami Zayn will be angry about what happened, but isn't that something that could work in his favour? It gives him more motivation going into this match.
Corey Graves: He already had the biggest motivator there is – the EBWF World Title. That's the ultimate prize, and Sami Zayn knows that. He won the World Title at Summerslam last year, and he wants another taste of that glory. Sami Zayn is one of the most determined superstars I've ever met, so motivation isn’t a problem for him. But if Jericho has gotten into his head, that could be a problem. Emotion doesn't always work in your favour when you're in that ring, Renee – it can cause you to make a mistake. And given that Sami Zayn is up against a 25 year veteran in Chris Jericho, even a single mistake could prove to be extremely costly.
Michael Cole: I agree, Corey. Chris Jericho has so much experience... he started wrestling when Sami Zayn was just six years old. He's been all around the world, wrestled so many different styles, and he's a very clever superstar. I've seen him capitalise on his opponents' mistakes so many times, so Sami needs to watch his step.
Matt Striker: That's a good point, Michael. And if Warfare taught us one thing, it's that Jericho doesn't have a problem hurting Sami Zayn. He'll do whatever it takes to win tonight, because he'll want to walk out of Louisville still the EBWF World Champion.
Renee Young: Well given that he's going against a two-time King of the Ring winner, I'm sure Chris Jericho will have a fight on his hands. Now...
Before Renee could continue, the arena lights went out, and the camera cut to the stage. A five second countdown appeared on the tron, and as the countdown clock hit zero, fireworks blasted from the top of the stage. "Break the Walls Down" by Adam Morenoff hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Chris Jericho walked through the curtain.
Corey Graves: It looks like we're finally about to get some answers! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to head down to the announce table.
It was obvious as soon as Jericho stepped out onto the stage that things were different now; for starters, Jericho was wearing a silk scarf. He had the EBWF World Title draped over his right shoulder, and with his left hand he was stroking his scarf, as if to stress how valuable it was. Jericho was also wearing a dark grey waistcoat, black skinny jeans and a pair of leather boots. As Jericho walked down the ramp, he did so with an aura which seemed to suggest that he thought he was better than everyone else in the arena. He walked down the ramp with a sense of self-importance, and upon entering the ring he simply stopped, holding out his hand for a microphone. One of the staff members from ringside grabbed a microphone from the timekeeper's table and tried to pass it through the ropes; Jericho looked at the staff member assertively, as if ordering him to bring the microphone. The staff member obliged, and once Jericho's music was cut, the EBWF World Champion began to speak.
Chris Jericho: All week long, I've had people tweeting me, stopping me in the street, wanting to know why I attacked Sami Zayn and what he'd done to deserve it. But like I told Renee Young on Warfare, I'm the EBWF World Champion. I do what I want, when I want. And this past Monday, I decided Sami Zayn needed to be taught a lesson. Sami didn't have my back, so I made it clear that I didn't have his either. Whatever respect I'd built up for Sami over the last couple of years, I lost it when I teamed with him on Warfare.
Jericho paced around the ring as he talked, flicking his scarf over his shoulder.
Chris Jericho: Go back and watch that tag match if you can... see how selfish Sami Zayn was. When Seth Rollins and Jimmy Havoc were working together to try and wear me down, Sami stood back and let them. When he was in trouble, I came to his aid, but he didn't return the favour. What kind of crappy partner does that make him? And then at the end of the match, when Rollins and Havoc had worn him down... I offered him a chance to tag out, to rest and recuperate. But he refused. Because he wanted the glory for himself. He knew if I tagged myself in, I'd win the match, and he couldn't bear to watch me have my hand raised as the winner. It would have left a sour taste in his mouth going into our match tonight. So even though he was struggling, he fought on to try and be the hero. That's the problem with Sami Zayn, you see. He has to be the hero. So I decided if Zayn was so desperate to be the hero... then I should be the villain.
Jericho stopped and grinned, the continued speaking.
Chris Jericho: The thing about Sami Zayn is, the reason he has a hero complex is because he wants to prove that he's the best. He needs that validation, he needs you people to cheer and clap and say "Well done, Sami! You're the greatest!" I don't need that. I already know that I'm the best in the world at what I do, so I don't need anyone else to tell me. And you know what? That's why I haven't been around much lately. I don't need to prove myself anymore, because I've already proved that I'm the greatest of all time. So if I decide that I need the night off, I've earned that right.
Jericho was beginning to sound arrogant, which increased the level of boos from the crowd. This caused Jericho's arrogance to turn to anger.
Chris Jericho: Shut up! Be quiet! Listen to me, listen to what I have to say. In case you stupid idiots haven't noticed by now, I am a gift. So when I show up, I should be cherished. If you complain because you didn't get the Gift of Jericho sooner, that just makes you seem ungrateful. Christmas only comes around once a year, and the only people that say it should come more often are spoiled children. So all of you hear tonight, I'm begging you, don't be a spoiled child. Be good, loyal fans. Appreciate me. Appreciate the Gift of Jericho. Drink it in...
Jericho held out his arms, giving the crowd a chance to appreciate the Gift of Jericho. This only caused another increase in boos from the crowd. Jericho shook his head in disgust.
Chris Jericho: You know it's people like you that feed the egos of people like Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins and Jimmy Havoc. They're the sort of people who think that just because they're here every week, they "carry" the EBWF. But they don't. I'm the EBWF World Champion, I'm still the one carrying this company. Sami Zayn is nothing more than a wannabe. It's been almost a year to the day since he won the EBWF World Title, and still he talks about what a bad champion Dolph Ziggler was. I mean for crying out loud, Sami, get over it! Stop living in the past. Or at least, if you're going to dwell on the past, cast your mind back to Aftermath 2015. The last time we met on pay-per-view, when I beat you for the Intercontinental Title. Do you remember that, or is that one of the things from your past you've blocked out? I can't say I blame you, no one likes to me reminded that someone else is better than you. But that's why I attacked you on Monday, Sami. I wanted – no, needed to remind you that no matter how good you think you are, I'm better. I can both outsmart and outwrestle you; I already have. Tonight will be no different... don't say I didn't warn you.
Jericho smirked, then dropped the microphone in the ring. His music hit, and he made his way to the back.
That was the response inside the Nationwide Arena when Chris Jericho turned on Sami Zayn – quiet. The crowd watched on in stunned silence, shocked to see Jericho attack Zayn out of the blue. No one had seen it coming, and that was the way Jericho wanted it to be. The boos would soon follow, and Jericho would welcome them. But right now, this was what he wanted. Quiet. Because it meant the audience was surprised, and if there was one thing Jericho enjoyed, it was catching the EBWF fans off guard in an era where so many people seemed to think they always knew what was going to happen.
Jericho grinned to himself as he made his way up the ramp, and as he walked through the curtain into the gorilla position, an EBWF camera filmed him walking through the backstage area. Renee Young approached Jericho, no doubt trying to get an exclusive interview for EBWF.net.
Renee Young: Excuse me, Chris... what just happened out there?
Jericho looked down at Renee with disdain.
Chris Jericho: What just happened out there, Renee? What just happened?!
There was a monitor just behind Jericho, and Jericho pointed at it.
Chris Jericho: Weren't you watching, Renee? I attacked Sami Zayn, that's what happened. You stupid idiot.
There was an aggression and abruptness in Jericho's tone that Renee wasn't used to, and she was clearly taken aback by it.
Renee Young: That's not what I meant, Chris. We all saw what happened. What I'm trying to ask you is... why?
Jericho laughed.
Chris Jericho: That's a question Sami Zayn is going to be asking himself for the rest of the week... do you think I'm going to spoil the fun by telling you? I don't have to answer to you. I don't have to answer to anyone. I'm the EBWF World Champion, damn it, and I do what I want, when I want. The only answer you're getting tonight is this, Renee. I told Michael Cole I would do what needed to be done, and that's what I did. What needed to be done. Sami Zayn got what he deserved. And what I deserve is to be on the first flight out of Cleveland, so I can get home and rest. I have an important World Title match at Summerslam, and I wouldn't want to be anything less than a hundred percent.
As Jericho mentioned not wanting to be less than a hundred percent, he looked back at the monitor behind him. The cameras were still filming what was happening at ringside, and Zayn was now back on his feet after being attacked by Jericho. With a devious smirk on his face, Jericho brushed past Renee Young, bringing another interview to an abrupt end.
********************
Six days later at Summerslam, EBWF held its customary one hour pre-show prior to the pay-per-view. Renee recapped what had happened with Jericho and Zayn, then discussed it with the pre-show panel – Matt Striker, Michael Cole and Corey Graves.
Renee Young: So no answer yet from the EBWF World Champion, Chris Jericho, as to why he turned his back on Sami Zayn this past Monday on Warfare. Matt, Michael, Corey, what are your thoughts?
Michael Cole: Well Renee, I interviewed Chris before Warfare as you know, and there did seem to be something off about him. I couldn't put my finger on what it was. I thought maybe he was just frustrated about what seemed to be a lack of respect shown to him by Seth Rollins and Jimmy Havoc, but now in hindsight, I'm wondering if he was actually frustrated with Sami Zayn...
Matt Striker: But why would he be frustrated with Sami Zayn, Michael? That's the part I don't understand. I thought they were on the same page. It's not like Sami did anything to provoke Jericho...
Corey Graves: Michael, Matt, with all due respect, you've both been here in EBWF a lot longer than I have... you know Jericho's history! How many times has he done something like this, something that's shocked the EBWF Universe? He doesn't need a reason to turn on Sami Zayn, because he already has a reason – psychological warfare. Jericho even said it himself to you, Renee. Sami Zayn has spent the last six days wondering why Chris Jericho attacked him. It's going to be affecting him mentally, maybe even emotionally. So even before the match has started, Jericho has the upper hand.
Renee Young: No doubt Sami Zayn will be angry about what happened, but isn't that something that could work in his favour? It gives him more motivation going into this match.
Corey Graves: He already had the biggest motivator there is – the EBWF World Title. That's the ultimate prize, and Sami Zayn knows that. He won the World Title at Summerslam last year, and he wants another taste of that glory. Sami Zayn is one of the most determined superstars I've ever met, so motivation isn’t a problem for him. But if Jericho has gotten into his head, that could be a problem. Emotion doesn't always work in your favour when you're in that ring, Renee – it can cause you to make a mistake. And given that Sami Zayn is up against a 25 year veteran in Chris Jericho, even a single mistake could prove to be extremely costly.
Michael Cole: I agree, Corey. Chris Jericho has so much experience... he started wrestling when Sami Zayn was just six years old. He's been all around the world, wrestled so many different styles, and he's a very clever superstar. I've seen him capitalise on his opponents' mistakes so many times, so Sami needs to watch his step.
Matt Striker: That's a good point, Michael. And if Warfare taught us one thing, it's that Jericho doesn't have a problem hurting Sami Zayn. He'll do whatever it takes to win tonight, because he'll want to walk out of Louisville still the EBWF World Champion.
Renee Young: Well given that he's going against a two-time King of the Ring winner, I'm sure Chris Jericho will have a fight on his hands. Now...
Before Renee could continue, the arena lights went out, and the camera cut to the stage. A five second countdown appeared on the tron, and as the countdown clock hit zero, fireworks blasted from the top of the stage. "Break the Walls Down" by Adam Morenoff hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Chris Jericho walked through the curtain.
Corey Graves: It looks like we're finally about to get some answers! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to head down to the announce table.
It was obvious as soon as Jericho stepped out onto the stage that things were different now; for starters, Jericho was wearing a silk scarf. He had the EBWF World Title draped over his right shoulder, and with his left hand he was stroking his scarf, as if to stress how valuable it was. Jericho was also wearing a dark grey waistcoat, black skinny jeans and a pair of leather boots. As Jericho walked down the ramp, he did so with an aura which seemed to suggest that he thought he was better than everyone else in the arena. He walked down the ramp with a sense of self-importance, and upon entering the ring he simply stopped, holding out his hand for a microphone. One of the staff members from ringside grabbed a microphone from the timekeeper's table and tried to pass it through the ropes; Jericho looked at the staff member assertively, as if ordering him to bring the microphone. The staff member obliged, and once Jericho's music was cut, the EBWF World Champion began to speak.
Chris Jericho: All week long, I've had people tweeting me, stopping me in the street, wanting to know why I attacked Sami Zayn and what he'd done to deserve it. But like I told Renee Young on Warfare, I'm the EBWF World Champion. I do what I want, when I want. And this past Monday, I decided Sami Zayn needed to be taught a lesson. Sami didn't have my back, so I made it clear that I didn't have his either. Whatever respect I'd built up for Sami over the last couple of years, I lost it when I teamed with him on Warfare.
Jericho paced around the ring as he talked, flicking his scarf over his shoulder.
Chris Jericho: Go back and watch that tag match if you can... see how selfish Sami Zayn was. When Seth Rollins and Jimmy Havoc were working together to try and wear me down, Sami stood back and let them. When he was in trouble, I came to his aid, but he didn't return the favour. What kind of crappy partner does that make him? And then at the end of the match, when Rollins and Havoc had worn him down... I offered him a chance to tag out, to rest and recuperate. But he refused. Because he wanted the glory for himself. He knew if I tagged myself in, I'd win the match, and he couldn't bear to watch me have my hand raised as the winner. It would have left a sour taste in his mouth going into our match tonight. So even though he was struggling, he fought on to try and be the hero. That's the problem with Sami Zayn, you see. He has to be the hero. So I decided if Zayn was so desperate to be the hero... then I should be the villain.
Jericho stopped and grinned, the continued speaking.
Chris Jericho: The thing about Sami Zayn is, the reason he has a hero complex is because he wants to prove that he's the best. He needs that validation, he needs you people to cheer and clap and say "Well done, Sami! You're the greatest!" I don't need that. I already know that I'm the best in the world at what I do, so I don't need anyone else to tell me. And you know what? That's why I haven't been around much lately. I don't need to prove myself anymore, because I've already proved that I'm the greatest of all time. So if I decide that I need the night off, I've earned that right.
Jericho was beginning to sound arrogant, which increased the level of boos from the crowd. This caused Jericho's arrogance to turn to anger.
Chris Jericho: Shut up! Be quiet! Listen to me, listen to what I have to say. In case you stupid idiots haven't noticed by now, I am a gift. So when I show up, I should be cherished. If you complain because you didn't get the Gift of Jericho sooner, that just makes you seem ungrateful. Christmas only comes around once a year, and the only people that say it should come more often are spoiled children. So all of you hear tonight, I'm begging you, don't be a spoiled child. Be good, loyal fans. Appreciate me. Appreciate the Gift of Jericho. Drink it in...
Jericho held out his arms, giving the crowd a chance to appreciate the Gift of Jericho. This only caused another increase in boos from the crowd. Jericho shook his head in disgust.
Chris Jericho: You know it's people like you that feed the egos of people like Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins and Jimmy Havoc. They're the sort of people who think that just because they're here every week, they "carry" the EBWF. But they don't. I'm the EBWF World Champion, I'm still the one carrying this company. Sami Zayn is nothing more than a wannabe. It's been almost a year to the day since he won the EBWF World Title, and still he talks about what a bad champion Dolph Ziggler was. I mean for crying out loud, Sami, get over it! Stop living in the past. Or at least, if you're going to dwell on the past, cast your mind back to Aftermath 2015. The last time we met on pay-per-view, when I beat you for the Intercontinental Title. Do you remember that, or is that one of the things from your past you've blocked out? I can't say I blame you, no one likes to me reminded that someone else is better than you. But that's why I attacked you on Monday, Sami. I wanted – no, needed to remind you that no matter how good you think you are, I'm better. I can both outsmart and outwrestle you; I already have. Tonight will be no different... don't say I didn't warn you.
Jericho smirked, then dropped the microphone in the ring. His music hit, and he made his way to the back.