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[Ben M]

The more Zack Ryder thought about the Destiny card, the more he realised that things had changed. Zack was competing in a title match - his first singles title match since WrestleMania. This was something which, ordinarily, Zack would have been thrilled with; but celebrating a shot at the Breakout Title seemed hollow when his tag team partner, Trent Barreta, was competing in a World Title match. Zack couldn't stop himself from being jealous, but he was trying damn hard to make sure he didn't show it. However the biggest problem for Zack was the feeling - a knowing, really - that Trent was in a World Title match because he deserved that opportunity, whereas Zack was competing for the Breakout Title for no reason other than Muhammad Hassan needed an opponent. The Breakout Title was intended for EBWF newcomers, something which Zack most certainly was not. In Zack's eyes, he should have been competing for the PTG Title, but this was an opportunity that had been offered to Christian, Evan Bourne and Kurt Angle. The only thing stopping Zack from feeling bitter was an understanding that he only had himself to blame for his lack of opportunities in the EBWF. While Trent had been making a name for himself and earning recognition for himself as a singles star, Zack had simply been the guy tagging alongside him. It was time for a change, but the only person that could change Zack's position in the EBWF was Zack himself. For this reason, Zack was taking a break from filming Z! True Long Island Story. The show was fun and it had opened a lot of doors for Zack, but Zack knew he needed to do something bigger than that now. He needed to win the Breakout Title and to do so, he needed a gym, not a camera.

Zack was spending a few days in Long Island and while at home, Zack was visiting the Gold's Gym of Islip every day. This was the gym Zack, Trent and Curt Hawkins had trained in when they worked for the New York Wrestling Connection; it was also where he had met The Big O. And although Zack no longer visited the gym regularly due to his schedule, the people at the gym knew him well enough not to bother him. This was a rarity for Zack and he became so comfortable not being bothered by anyone, he lost focus on what was happening around him and focused solely on his workout. He was so oblivious to everything and everyone that when someone did speak to Zack, it startled him slightly. Zack heard someone say his name when he was on the treadmill, but didn't hear the rest of what the person had said to him. Zack halted the treadmill speed and turned to face the person who had spoken to him. Zack didn't know who the guy was, but he looked like someone that had never been out of New York.

Zack Ryder: Sorry, what did you say?

New Yorker: I asked if you're Zack Ryder. The wrestler.

Zack Ryder: Oh, yeah I am. Hey.

New Yorker: I knew I recognised you! Nice to meet you. Stan.

After stating his name, Stan offered Zack his hand. Zack took it and the two men shook hands. An awkward silence followed and since Stan didn't seem to be going anywhere, Zack tried to make small talk.

Zack Ryder: Are you a big wrestling fan, Stan?

Stan: I used to be. I still watch it occasionally, I pay attention to you more than most wrestlers because you're one of us! I heard you're facing Muhammad Hassan on Sunday, is that right?

Zack Ryder: Yeah it is, I'm wrestling him for the Breakout Title.

Stan: I hope you kick his ass! I still haven't forgiven that bastard for the whole terrorist thing...

Zack looked at Stan, stunned. He didn't know what to say.

Zack Ryder: Stan, that was a gimmick bro. Hassan's an Arab-American... he lives in New York, like you and me! He's an ass and I plan on beating him, but he's not a terrorist.

Stan shook his head.

Stan: He might live in New York but he ain't like me... you can speak for yourself. Good luck on Sunday.

Stan made an abrupt departure. Still somewhat stunned, Zack continued with his workout.

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Meeting Stan had done one good thing for Zack - it had inspired him to take the high road for his Breakout Title promo. It was all too easy to knock Hassan for being an Arab; Zack wanted to do what Hassan himself had done after the "terrorism controversy" and point out that Hassan was an American too. Zack wanted to attack Hassan from other angles rather than play the race card. So, when he was backstage at the Philips Arena waiting for his match, Zack went and found a cameraman. Zack had the cameraman film him than began to speak.

Zack Ryder: Welcome everyone to D! True Long Island Destiny. I am your host, the next Breakout Champion... the Long Island Iced Z, Zack Ryder! Later on tonight, I'm challenging Muhammad Hassan for the Breakout Title and when I beat him, I'll be the holder of the title Trent Barreta put on the map! Woo woo woo, you know it! Hassan, you might think my catchphrases are annoying, but I think you're boring! I watched your interview about our match and it almost put me to sleep. Are you serious bro? If you and Daivari think I don't stand a chance of beating you tonight, you're crazier than I thought. Trent was a great Breakout Champion, he's one hell of a tag team partner and he's an even better friend, but make no mistake about it - he does not carry Team BarRyder! We're broskis and when we're in the ring together, we share the workload equally. It's what makes us such a good team. I can handle myself without Trent and if you want to prove you're better than me bro, you should leave Daivari backstage tonight. You can list the names of the guys you've beaten but with Daivari in your corner, there's no real accomplishment in winning! Any time you come close to losing, Daivari gets involved in the match! So if you really want to be recognised as a great Breakout Champion, you need to start winning on your own. If you bring Daivari to ringside and he tries to get involved in our match, Trent has assured me that he'll come out to even the odds. So your days of having a handicap match every time you compete are over, at least for one night. So whether you bring Daivari to ringside or not, I'm prepared for you Hassan. It's gonna be a great night for me and a lousy night for you, I'll make sure of it. Woo woo woo!

The scene faded.