Fuck...

A word that was very empathic and carried a wide variety of uses. But on this occasion, it was one of despair and doubt. AJ Styles sat on the balcony of his Phoenix hotel and watched as the sun slowly began to sink, giving way to night. He gave a glance to his World Title, which lay draped across a nearby chair beside his bed. A title he had only won just a few months back. A title that could precariously slip from his grasp just as quickly as he had regained it. Such a moment of euphoria was now being mixed with crushing anxiety.

"..."

The side of his fist met with a wall. Was he worried? Of course he was. He would be an emotionless robot if he wasn't. In his heart, he truly believed he fought for a purpose. A purpose greater than himself and certainly greater than anything his five contender's could sputter out. Five contender's. That rang in his mind. Five different way's he could lose his Championship.

Ronda Rousey: Times like this... they test your resolve, don't they?

His girlfriend had slipped her way outside, undetected. But this didn't startle AJ who still kept his gaze locked forward. Of course, it was in the best interest of them both if the gold remained around the Georgia native's waist for as long as possible.

Ronda Rousey: Almost makes you want to... have a joint, doesn't it? Something to get rid of any doubt...

She slipped her way closer, hands resting on his back. She leaned in closely, so that her mouth was at level with his ear. Every word was important and each one needed to be heard clearly.

Ronda Rousey: No doubt you're nervous. So are the others. They'll do just about anything to get an advantage. Anything to make them perceive themselves as stronger or better. Anything so their hands won't shake and their heart's won't pound and they won't be afraid of you. But you can't do that. You won't. And that is precisely what makes you better than them.

Although his expression had not changed, the word's were beginning to have an impact on him.

Ronda Rousey: You cannot think just of the potential downfall. You have to think of the benefits you can reap. You have the opportunity to solidify yourself. Forever. Chris Jericho. Jimmy Havoc. PJ Black. Alex Riley. Cesaro. If you defeat all of them in an Elimination Chamber... no one will ever be able to doubt you. No one will ever be able to doubt US. Don't think of yourself as damned and condemned. Think of this as the greatest opportunity that could have possibly been handed to you...

He rose to his feet. The risk was high but the rewards were even greater, that much he agreed with. His hands curled up so tightly that they had begun to shake. Turning to face his girlfriend, the look on his face remained cold and un-moving. Strands of hair dangled in front of his face and he kept his head lowered downwards.

Ronda Rousey: Let's go inside. I'll give you some head. That'll make you feel better.

This seemed to catch the champion's attention he lifted his head and lightly quirked a brow. At sly smirk formed on his face as he led her inside...

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We found ourselves on a desolated street in Phoenix, as dawn approached. A massive float sat lifelessly in the center of the camera's vision. Or the remains of it. In it's current condition, it was rotting and torn apart. Discarded festive masks and colorful beads were strung across it, as if they could possibly improve it's ruined shape. After taking a good long look at the once festive remains behind him, AJ Styles shook his head.

AJ Styles: The party is over. But for five others, it's just begun. They all have nothing to lose. That isn't really something I can relate to because, you see, I have a LOT to lose. Going into an Elimination Chamber as a World Champion is far from an ideal situation. Everyone else? They've got everything to gain. If they happen to lose... well... they tried their best. They came up a little short but they got a main event out of it. I don't have that kind of luxury. Everything is on the line for me. NO ONE is going to have to fight harder than me. NO ONE is going to have to endure more punishment than me. If I'm battered, bruised and beaten, I have to continue. There is no easy way out of this match for me. If I have to be carried out on a stretcher, than so be it, but not yet. I will make my stand here. I will overcome all of these odds, remain a champion, and main event WrestleMania. Samoa Joe, look toward to seeing me next month.

Styles glanced up to the heavens while the corner of his mouth curled into a wicked smile. One that faded rather quickly as the thought of his foes slipped into his mind.

AJ Styles: While speaking of nothing to lose, let's talk about PJ Black. PJ Black has a guaranteed title match after WrestleMania, despite how he performs in the Elimination Chamber. He could be the last one eliminated, he could be the first. Regardless, no matter what happens, he has his golden ticket. And yet he complains and moans and bitches about not being treated fairly. Yeah, it sounds like you have it real rough, Justin. Cry me a river why don't you. Do you know what your problem is? You've been resting on your laurels and getting by with this ridiculous title reign only because nobody is gunning for you, because everyone is too busy gunning for me, The Man. PJ Black, this is a guy that says the same thing each time...

"I'm underestimated, under appreciated, and the future of this company."

"I''ll show the world."

"I'm the best. I've had this title a really long time. Nobody can beat me."

"I''ll show the world."

Let me clue you in on something, PJ. You're not going to show the world a GOD DAMN thing. You've grown complacent. You don't have that killer instinct. You don't have the drive or determination to truly be the best in the world. The more and more I think about it, your record title reign, your cherished accomplishment... it's really a fluke. Pure. Dumb. Luck. Like the saying goes, "Luck is for losers" and you most certainly are a loser. I mean, look at you. Where is Velvet, does she even exist anymore? Why do you think she got out when he could and vanished? You're old news and completely in denial about it. You can't come to grips that your best days passed you by a LONG, LONG time ago.

It would appear as though the World Champion had stored up some of his most potent venom for his more despised enemy.

AJ Styles: I hope we get the chance to meet up in the Chamber. So you can take a good, hard, up close look at someone who truly does have the focus and purpose that you so truly lack. And I don't think I'm going to be the only one who doesn't want to see you make it to Wrestle Mania. You have a lot enemies and old grudges surrounding you. And if it isn't me, I hope someone else cripples you, you lazy, arrogant, son of a bitch...

Styles looked as though he were ready to spit directly onto the camera's lenses, he didn't. Doing it to PJ Black in person will be much more gratifying.

AJ Styles: And if we're talking about worthless champions, I guess we also have to mention Alex Riley. And I say that because about the only thing Alex is good for these days is riding on Miz's coat tails. And that might actually be sad if it wasn't so pathetic. A lot of people say Alex Riley really got to shine once he was able to display his true personality and character. But let's be honest, Miz was a top notch wrestler and not the complete clown and joke he is today. Alex Riley, still the complete clown and joke he has always been. Maybe they'll call me a "junkie" or something and get a few chuckles from the audience. Everything need's a little comic relief, right? Well I'm not laughing.

Beginning to pace slightly, Styles began collecting his thoughts for his next target. One he had a considerable amount of anger built up for.

AJ Styles: Chris Jericho. Someone who has held every accolade you could possibly imagine in this company. The best in the world. No. I don't think so. Do you want to know why that is? Because, despite all of the foes and enemies Chris was able to vanquish and conquer... there was one that got the best of him. Me. Jericho had everything you could ever want if you are a apart of our business. Respect from everyone. Men, women and children. Young and old. A title history most people would KILL for. But all that is gone now. I sure as hell don't respect Chris Jericho and why should I? He achieved a god-like status and HE DROPPED THE BALL AND LET ME TAKE IT ALL AWAY! And for what?! Fozzy?! You're family?! Was the crown to heavy for you to carry, Chris? Was all that admiration too much for you?! Am I'm supposed to bow down and act like you mean something? No. You're an old man who's prime was eight years ago! Things have changed, Chris! And you may be able to waltz back in here and get a shot at my title but you don't deserve it! So, believe me when I tell you that I am going to love, absolutely LOVE, sending you back to where ever the hell it is you came from! And when you go back you can tell your grand kids about AJ Styles and how they should model their lives after me and do everything in their power to never end up like YOU!

Fuming, he closed his eyes to catch his breath and try to calm, even slightly.

AJ Styles: ..And..Jimmy Havoc. Apparently, I can never be rid of you. You've gotten yourself another title shot. What more can I say about you? What more can I do to you? That heart of yours just keeps ticking. And I guess you want to try to be your own man now, huh? You got rid of that loser Baron Corbin and probably ended up sending him into the grave a few years early. But it wasn't Corbin's fault you couldn't beat me. It's because I'm better than you. And, as I see things, the wall's are beginning to crumble for you. Your world is beginning to fall apart. Well, don't worry. I feel some shred of pity for you. Maybe you should consider a new lifestyle? Maybe, just maybe, you have some potential to be my lackey. I could use you and your sicko mind to run rough shot over this company even more. Or maybe, you can keep on being the waste of air you've always been. Either way, you have a place in this world. And it's right underneath my foot.

His rivalry with Jimmy Havoc had to take a back seat for the moment. He couldn't focus on one adversary more than the other, despite having the most current history with the EBWF's breakout superstar. .

AJ Styles: And last, but certainly not least, Cesaro. When Cesaro won a place in this match, nobody was excited. Am I supposed to care? Is he supposed to scare me? I don't get what is so special about you. I don't have any history with Cesaro. But in an Elimination Chamber, it's kinda easy to make some history. Cesaro has a chance to main event WrestleMania. He is the only one in this match who's never had a PPV match. Kind of going out of your league, huh? Some advice. Take yourself out early so you can concentrate on your future endeavors. Because you've got no future at my level.

With the last participant named he exhaled something of a sigh of relief.

AJ Styles: I'm ready to suffer. I'm ready to absorb these wounds for my championship. And I'm ready to flip the middle finger at everyone who doubted me on my way to main event WrestleMania.

Styles flipped the bird. It was blurred out for those watching from home as the scenes faded to black.

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Renee Young: Hello EBWF Universe! I'm Renee Young, and welcome to this EBWF.net exclusive. I am joined now by one of the participants in Sunday's Elimination Chamber, The EBWF World Champion AJ Styles. AJ, thank you for your time. Now, you're just one win away from main eventing WrestleMania for a forth time. AJ, tell me, what would it mean to you to headline WrestleMania again?

AJ Styles: Renee, It means everything to me. It means that I am the absolute best in this business. From day one, I've always believed I was the best. I haven't been shy about admitting it either. What some would call arrogance, I call self assurance, self assurance that I have done nothing but be the very best every day of my career. I have won the Elimination Chamber before, I've won a Royal Rumble, I've been a Path To Glory Champion, a Tag Team Champion, an Intercontinental Champion, and even the World Heavyweight Champion. I have entertained, I have captivated, I have held millions of people in the palm of my hand, I have reached and touched the EBWF fans in a way that only a small handful of people can truly say they have. I can honestly say I'm proud of my career. And I'll be proud to be EBWF World Champion come WrestleMania.

Renee Young: The entire EBWF Universe heard your thoughts on your opponents earlier, who do you think your biggest threat is going Ito this match?

AJ Styles: I'm going to be honest. PJ Black is but he is NOT capable of winning. As much as I dislike the guy, and I still think I'm going to go out there and wipe the floor with him. I'm not underestimating him at all. I'm just acknowledging him as a credible threat.

Renee Young: So, tomorrow night when you step inside the Elimination Chamber you will have no allies. If you remember, You just faced off against three of your opponents on this past weeks Warfare. Maybe they will end up working together inside the Elimination Chamber. How will you handle that situation?

Styles smirked.

AJ Styles: Jericho and Havoc worked together. Yeah right. If I learned anything from watching Jimmy Havoc I know he won't be teaming up with anybody in this match. Jimmy Havoc is the type of guy who sits in his moms basement doing drugs with a bunch of underage high school girls. Jericho, is the type of guy who'd probably be trying to fit in with a bunch of high school students. And I'm pretty sure, they both will take each other out first chance they get.

Styles looked down at the floor for a moment before looking back into the camera.

AJ Styles: Im going to hurt you, all. Yes, I am. You probably wonder why I'm called the Big Bad Wolf. Its not because I like to read fairy tales. They call me that because I let my actions do the talking. I hurt people. I prey on my victims. That's been established a long time ago. I'm not just some highflying cruiserweight. I'm the real damn deal.

Renee Young: Here I just thought they called you that because you wanted to sound cool.

AJ Styles: That too.

Styles flashed a smile at Renee and she smiled back.

Renee Young: PJ Black is a man in this match that feels he needs this victory the most. It’s been years since you two have battled and there is just one accolade that he hasn't been able to achieve in his impressive career in the EBWF.

AJ Styles: And what’s that?

Renee Young: PJ Black has never been World Champion.

There was a silent pause as he looked at Renee. He narrowed his eyes.

AJ Styles: Say that again.

Renee Young: PJ Black has never been World Champion.

AJ Styles: Why do I feel like I'm forgetting someone?

Renee Young: Alex Riley?

AJ Styles: I forgot about him in 2011.

Renee Young: Umm... Cesaro?

AJ Styles: Yes! That's the guy. I kinda forgot all about him. Kinda like how everyone forgot about Chris Jericho when he lost the World Championship. Cesaro should take a good look at Jimmy Havoc because that's the exact path he is going to follow in. A breakout star who had to be knocked down a peg. But I digress. Cesaro is a great wrestler. The fact that I’ve never wrestled him means nothing. I have lost matches to guys in the EBWF that I know are a lot better than Cesaro. We all know one thing when it comes to Chris Jericho. When he gets in the ring and he wants to be a champion, he will be a champion. I can't say the say for PJ Black. He’ll do the same thing he always does. Fail. PJ Black the man who works as hard as he can to get himself into the position of winning the big one, then he embarrasses himself in front of millions of people. Impressive? I certainly think not. I call him a FAILURE. I've always called him a failure. This isn’t gonna be the first time he’s failed, and it certainly wont be the last.

Styles slowly closed his eyes, inhaling deeply before continuing.

AJ Styles: Failure. I've been there. There's no other feeling like it. PJ Black will always know that feeling as long as I'm around. So will the other four men.

Renee Young: Do you have anything else you'd like to say to your opponents?

AJ Styles: Alex Riley, it seems like you believe you've made a name for yourself. Let me be the first to tell you, you ain't did shit yet, boy. Perhaps you think I shouldn't be giving you some respect. Wrong. I'm going to make the beating I lay on you personal. Riley, Cesaro, Havoc, Jericho, Black, be prepared to step inside the Elimination Chamber. Be prepared to face a AJ Styles that's a lot more dangerous than he has ever been. One with everything to lose and his back against the wall.

Renee Young: One final question, AJ. Do you have any words for Samoa Joe?

AJ Styles: Yeah, Joe you've made a quick impact around here and don't think it's gone unnoticed. I look forward to facing you at WrestleMania. So I'm going to go out there in the elimination chamber tomorrow night and do everything in my power to make it happen.

Renee Young: AJ, thanks so much for your time here today. Good luck inside the Elimination Chamber, AJ. EBWF fans you don't wanna miss Fallout. Go ahead and order it right now!

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