Swimming with Sharks

[Will]

AJ Styles was pretty familiar with promoting big matches. Over the years he had grown to promote his matches at the level the EBWF expects of it's main event stars. Major media attention was something that came along with the gig. That meant he had a large number of fans supporting him. He had made all types of fans. Families, kids, elders, ladies, marks, smarks, even obsessed fans who'd chase him down the road screaming for his autograph. His entire career had been a roller coaster ride. His return to the EBWF had created a slight buzz, but at the same time it was overshadowed by the push Dolph Ziggler was receiving. AJ Styles just hadn't done anything recently that jumped off the page. There were guys like Dean Ambrose and Solomon Crowe violently emerging into the forefront, while guys like CM Punk and Randy Orton, top tier guys, were seeming to slowly but surely fade out of the spotlight. Since his spectacular return at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles picked up a big victory over the current Breakout Champion, Stardust. However, it just didn't seem big enough. Then he had a pretty competitive grudge match with Dolph Ziggler, which didn't seem buzz-worthy enough. All he needed was an opportunity to make himself standout. As luck would have it, that is exactly what he was going to get at Fallout, where the World Championship would be defended in the Elimination Chamber. A hardcore gantlet featuring 6 men. Current Champion Solomon Crowe. 3 former EBWF World Champions, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, and of course AJ Styles himself. Then there was Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Sabin, two men itching to have the gold in their possession for the first time. It was a chance of a lifetime for each man involved, a chance at main eventing the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. For AJ Styles, it was a chance to define his career. A chance to cement his legacy.

Today AJ Styles found himself sitting in a state of the art radio studio waiting to be interviewed about the upcoming match. When he'd arrived, the host introduced himself and his producer. Styles sat on the opposite side of the table from the host, anxious to begin. It wasn't long before the show went live on air.

Stack3: It's eight o'clock and you're listening to Power 92.3 Jams, the people's station! I am DJ Stack3 in the place to be. This morning, I've got a pretty cool announcement to make. In the next hour I'm gonna be giving away tickets to the EBWF Fallout pay-per-view that’s going to be live at the Pepsi Center this Sunday night. Tickets are already sold out for the show, but we’ve got our own set of tickets to give away, and we’ll be giving you the details on how to get your hands on them later on in the show. But right now, I’m pretty excited because we have a special guest in the studio. EBWF wrestling's very own AJ Styles, ladies and gentlemen!

AJ Styles: Thanks, man. It's good to be here. I actually listen to this station when I'm in town or on the road.

Stack3: Yeah? You're into hip hop and R&B?

AJ Styles: Well, I have to be honest. I enjoy all music, as long as it's good music.

Stack3: Yeah, that's a nice jam. Well, I happen to be a big wrestling fan and you probably already know that if you tune into this station. I sit down with my little boy Stack4 and we tune into Warfare every week. I'm gonna be taking him to Fallout this Sunday where AJ you’ve got a really high profile match against five other men inside the Elimination Chamber. You're going to be going up against some of the biggest names in wrestling today.

AJ Styles: That's right.

Stack3: It’s a pretty exciting matchup when you have six of the top guys battling it out for the belt. You've competed against four of those guys in the past, but this will be your first time crossing paths with the current World Champion, right?

AJ Styles: Solomon Crowe, yeah, he was on his way through the door around the time I was leaving through it last year. We never really crossed paths. He's really made a name for himself in a short amount of time. It's cool to see a fresh face emerge on the scene like he has. It gives guys like Jericho and myself, established stars, a good kick in the ass.

Stack3: That's understandable. Could you tell me if there is any credibility to some of the rumors about Jericho? That he's all about politics and uses his friendship with Wes Ikeda to get ahead?

Styles laughed at the question.

AJ Styles: Listen, if you had Chris Jericho sitting here, he'd probably talk to you about how everyone has an opportunity to become the next big star in this company, if they are willing to work for it, it can happen. And that's true, to an extent. Look at Solomon Crowe. Everyone in the back knows it's hard work climbing the ladder and becoming the top dog in this business. What people don't talk about is how much harder it is to stay at the top. It is so much harder to stay at the top when there's always going to be an endless locker room full of people coming for you, wanting to make a name for themselves, or win championships, whatever the goal may be. And guys that have been at the top for as long as Chris Jericho, myself, we're modern-day gladiators. We've been fighting off wave after wave of new, hungry talents for years, just to secure our spots at the top. And yeah, that means sometimes guys will use their relationships with authority figures in the best interest of their own career. That's reality. It's been happening since the beginning if time.

Stack3: Personally, I'm a huge Chris Jericho fan. Love the guy, think he's an awesome performer. I'm a big fan of you too AJ, so don't take it personally.

AJ Styles: No offense taken. It's pretty hard to deny Chris Jericho. The guy is one of the best there is and he has really turned the crowd against him lately. It takes a lot of talent being the bad guy.

Stack3: This coming from the man who won an award for Heel of the Year. If you're listening out there and don't know what a heel is, it's the "bad guy". So, AJ, since your return the fans have been strongly behind you, I assume that makes you a "good guy" now. Tell me, do you prefer being a "bad guy"?

AJ Styles: It's funny you ask that. Lately, there has been a bit of fuss about me proclaiming to be a "changed man". The thing is, I'm the same man I've always been, I've just made a conscious attempt at bettering myself. That doesn't mean I'm the good guy now. Not saying I'm gonna be a bad guy either. When I returned at the Rumble I was excepting the cheers. Then, in my last match it felt natural for me to go in there against Dolph Ziggler and be the bad guy. Because let's face it, anybody in the ring against Dolph Ziggler looks like a bad guy, because he's such a good, good guy, even though he thinks he's edgy. Yeah, the fans are cheering me now. Tomorrow, who knows? As long as I have their attention. That's what matters.

Stack3: Now, I couldn't help to notice the southern accent. How was it competing over in Japan compared to here in the states?

AJ Styles: I've been all over the country. I've been all over the world. Being in Japan was fun, the competition was great, but competing in the EBWF is different because you're competing against the very best competitors from all over the world. Plus, it gives me a chance to be closer to home.

Stack3: You're from Georgia, right?

AJ Styles: Yeah, I was raised on a farm in Gainesville. Now, I have a rather nice home in Atlanta.

Stack3: That's going to give you the hometown advantage this Sunday night.

AJ Styles: Fucking right.

A loud "bleep" was heard over his cursing. Styles was surprised for a moment.

Stack3: Thank god for our six second delay. The FCC is going to have my job with today's show. Just joking. Now, I've already said how I'm a pretty big wrestling fan. I'll admit it, I even keep tabs on the dirt sheets, because I can't get enough of wrestling and when the show is over, I want to hear about all the backstage stuff that's going on. I haven't seen anything about you in a while. So, I'm going to ask you a simple question. Why haven't you been on Twitter? I'm sure you've read some of the comments made about you online. For someone who was known to lash out and become vocal on social media in the past, why haven't we heard from you lately?

AJ Styles: Well, for one I don't have internet.

Stack3: Really?

AJ Styles: I'm kidding. You should've seen your face. Seriously, I think I was just making it home the other day when a buddy of mine called and said "They talking all type of shit about you on the Twitter." So, I got on there and have a look. I could've responded, but I've decide I'm going to let my actions inside the ring speak for me. I haven't responded to Twitter because, quite frankly, I don't care what people think about my success or how I've earned it. Wes Ikeda is smart enough to know that the people that are at the top, or hover around it, do so because they have earned the respect through hard work, great wrestling, and the ability to entertain the crowd at a high level. And they can try and downplay my accomplishments all they want but the facts still remain. Some people wrestle for more reasons than making money, dating divas, or buddying up with the CEO. I've made million, I've been with my fair share of divas, and I don't give a damn what Wes Ikeda thinks of me. I'm in this business because I love it. Simple as that.

Stack3: Okay, let's go ahead and talk about this Sunday. Like we said before, you are going to be in an Elimination Chamber match for the World Championship at Fallout. Chris Jericho is the experienced veteran, The Rock is an icon, Chris Sabin is a wildcard, Dean Ambrose is unpredictable, and Solomon Crowe is undefeated. How do you feel about your chances going into this match?

AJ Styles: I feel pretty good. Ya know, this whole thing is meant to have the odds stacked against me. I'll have to go through Jericho, who's a former World Champion and can easily stake claim as being "The Best In The World" when he is actually in the ring and not at a desk. Then Dean Ambrose, who is also a former World Champion and as tough as they come. The Rock, the guy who eliminated me from the Royal Rumble. Chris Sabin, who I've known since I was a rookie. And finally the Champion himself, Solomon Crowe, the man who dethroned John Cena. It's definitely gonna be a uphill battle but I think I can come out with the win.

Stack3: You think, or you know?

AJ Styles: No, I know I can do it. I've been underestimated my whole career and I've been able to play it to my advantage before.

Stack3: Both you and Jericho are both well known for your singles success. Jericho has been with the EBWF much longer than you, how do you think your career stacks up against his?

AJ Styles: I don't want to take anything away from Chris because he's been a hell of competitor over the years like I said before. He has been involved in some of the biggest storylines and events in both WWE and EBWF history. He's won Slammy's and other awards and titles and he's credited as being one of the reason's The EBWF is the biggest wrestling business in the world. But, I don't think he has ever lived up to his full potential as a wrestler. He has always been too distracted with other activities other than wrestling. I've been apart of the EBWF for few years. Before I joined I was wrestling in TNA. When I left I was wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling. The point is, I'm not a dancer, a rockstar, a writer, or interim authority figure, I'm a wrestler. That's how my career stacks up against his. That's how my career stacks up against each and every man in this match.

Stack3: We've heard your thoughts on Chris Jericho. What are your thoughts on Chris Sabin.

AJ Styles: No offense to Sabin, I was looking forward to sending Randy Orton home to his wife on his back. I didn't expect Sabin to be in this match. I don't think anybody did. But he's in it now, so I guess I'm gonna be sending him home to his girlfriend on his back.

Stack3: Now, wait a minute, is Sabin still with Velvet Sky. It's been rumored that she's with Justin Gabriel now.

AJ Styles: I'm gonna get me in trouble with this. She may have went from Sabin to Gabriel and now I don't know who she's dating. But, she's never been one of those girls to hitch her wagon to the brightest star. She's one of the good gals. One you could take home to meet your momma.

Stack3: Or maybe you would like to take home?

AJ Styles: Oh, of course. Who wouldn't. Velvet, if you're listening to this, I'd love to take you out sometime. And not just cause I think we'd make really pretty babies.

Stack3: Sorry, let's get back to the subject, what do you think of The Rock's success?

AJ Styles: I don't think about it.

Stack3: What do you mean?

AJ Styles: Because I honestly don't care. I don't. The Rock can go out and do as many movies or tv shows as he wants to. It doesn't effect me. If your asking me for my opinion, I tend to think his best role was Walking Tall. It was just The Rock walking around and hitting people with a stick. As far as wrestling is concerned, he hasn't done anything in over a decade to make me think of him as a wrestler.

Stack3: Now your downplaying his accomplishments. You don't think The Rock is a great wrestler?

AJ Styles: Don't put words in my mouth. I'm just saying he should take a long hard look at himself before he critisizes someone else. After all the time he has been away from this business he think he can waltz back in and rest on his mic skills to get him into the main event of WrestleMania. It's not gonna happen. Sure, he is probably going to have a lot to joke about this Sunday, but what's that saying? People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Well, we know that boy Rocky Mavia lives in a big ass glass house on the south-side of Candy Ass Drive.

Stack3: Now, we can say all we want about The Rock, but truth be told he's a great entertainer.

AJ Styles: Helluva entertainer. But it's like this. Rock? Thank you for what you did. Your always going to be a part of wrestling history. Always. You helped mold and shape something that I love. But the truth is, your time is done. I don't wanna be the one to end it for you, but I will. When you enter the Elimination Chamber you're going to see the real difference between a wrestler and an actor. I'm going to knock you out. And when you wake up, maybe if you're lucky, you will be back on the set of whatever god awful movie you're going to be in next. Stay in your world, Dwayne, and I'll stay in mine. That's your life. MY LIFE is EBWF. So, that's where our problem comes in. There is absolutely no chance in hell that I'm letting you leave Fallout with that title. That would be a disgrace. I'm not sure I could look myself in the mirror if I failed, after all of this hard work, to someone who's passion for this business died a long time ago. The Rock may have credit for making the WWE what it is, while I am credited for making ROH and TNA what it is today. They may not be the biggest business in the wrestling industry, but I think other promotions help create wrestling fans just like the EBWF does. I make sure that every time I go into that ring I do the absolute best I can do. Rock, on the other hand, he's a big company guy. He plays the storyline and does all the glamor work to promote EBWF as a brand and as entertainment. That's sports entertainment, that ain't wrestling. I wrestle. And yeah, I cut promos and entertain people because that's what we do. Now, I'm not taking away from The Rock in the ring. He's a helluva competitor. He's always going to look way more stylish than me on a red carpet. That much is fact. But The Rock is never going to be half of the WRESTLER that I am and the only way I would ever allow myself to be eliminated by Dwayne Johnson is if every drop of blood is drained from my broken body.

Stack3: What about a guy like Dean Ambrose who is all about the wrestling business?

AJ Styles: Dean Ambrose came up through the Indies and I'm sure he's gonna talk about it. I'm not sure exactly what he's gonna say but it might sound something like "All my career I've been wrestling in smelly buildings for 50 people at a time for free while AJ Styles was making 50,000 per appearance to hang out with The Miz and Ted DiBiase. My life sucks and I'm gonna jump off the Phillips Arena if I don't win." Give me a break! I did my time in thise same hell holes. I climbed the mountain. I became EBWF World Champion! Dean Ambrose did the same thing. He spent a few years paying his dues and he came here to the EBWF. I remember when Dean Ambrose formed The Shield and burned down that damn WrestleMania set. That was clever then, it had never been done. Since then, what has he been doing? Making a fool out of himself.

Stack3: I mean, it's kinda his persona. But like you said earlier, it's harder to stay at the top than it is to make it there.

AJ Styles: Exactly. Dean Ambrose hasn't really position himself to be a serious threat. He's like an egotistical coach who's team is on a losing streak. The cocky guy who thinks he can barbeque, but always burns the hot dogs. There's NO reason Dean Ambrose should be walking around here the way that he does. It's why I hate then, it's why I hate him now. When he won that World Championship, it made him feel like he mattered, people wanted to talk to him, they wanted to talk about him, they wanted to take his picture, girls wanted to give him their numbers. The EBWF built him up... just to let him down... because the second he was no longer standing next to Rollings and Reigns, he didn't matter, nobody wanted to talk to him or about him, nobody wanted his picture, and girls sure as hell didn't want to give him their numbers. Dean Ambrose has become irrelevant again and unfortunately nobody has seemed to filled him in on that fact. Ambrose is very aware of what I'm capable of doing to him. I pinned him inside the Elimination Chamber in 2012 to win my very first one. And at Fallout when his pod opens up, I hope I'm in that ring. Because I'm going to leave him laying at my feet where he's always belonged.

Stack3: You seem very confident. Do you have anything to say about the current EBWF Champion, Solomon Crowe?

AJ Styles: I'm actually going to tape a promo tomorrow that's gonna be put up on EBWF's Youtube page. Watch that, and you'll find out how exactly what I think of our champ.

Stack3: You can't give us a little taste?

AJ Styles: Nope. You're gonna have to watch the promo.

Stack3: Okay, then I guess that brings me to my final question. I gotta ask. Come Monday morning, you wake up knowing you are not the EBWF Champion, what are you going to do next?

AJ Styles: Well, that's obviously not going to happen.

Stack3: Humor me.

AJ Styles: Okay, fine. If I don't win the World Championship, I'm gonna do the same thing I did last year. Go on Twitter and blame it all on Wes Ikeda.

Stack3: That's Perfect! Well listen, I want to thank you for coming. The EBWF is gonna be live from the Phillips Arena on Sunday night! Stay tuned to the show for your chance to win tickets!
_____________________

AJ Styles hardly ever broke from his routine and even though the next event would be held in his hometown he still wanted to check out the arena and maybe cut a promo. Driving his modest 2010 Nissan Titan across town, he didn’t need music, so he continued drove in silence. At one point, he felt his phone vibrating, he took a glance and seen that his ex-wife had been calling. He assumed it was her wanting money, or hopefully she just wanted to confirm he was still taking his boys to lunch later. He didn't want to take the call while driving so he let her cal go to voicemail. When Styles arrived to the arena, there was already a bit of a crowd set up behind a barricade. Styles flashed his ID at the security guard and made his way through the gate. It was only 9:00 in the morning when Styles parked his truck. Before getting out, he decided to check the voicemail on his phone.

ONE NEW MESSAGE
"Hey Allen, it's Wendy. I thought I'd give you a call since you're in town. I hope your doing okay. We haven't talked much lately, so I want you to know the boys are doing fine. Maybe we’ll have time to chat when you pick them up later. They've been really excited to see you, Allen. I know you probably would've taken care of it but I went ahead and got us all tickets to see you wrestle tomorrow night. I hope you don't mind me bringing Liam along. The boys have really grown fond of him and we're thinking about taking things to the next level. I would like for you to meet him. Anyways, we'll all be rooting for you in the main event. I have a feeling tomorrow night is your lucky night. I'll talk to you soon, Allen.

Styles listened to the entire message before taking the phone away from his ear and pressing the lock button. It was a message he expected, a small part of him couldn't help but feel jealous about another man being with his family. All he knew was that he was looking forward to spending an afternoon with his boys and he hoped that this "introduction" wouldn't cause him any distractions tomorrow night. Styles got out his truck, bringing his bag with him. He was wearing a plain black hoodie and a pair of blue jeans. He slid his iPhone into the pocket of his Levi's and shut the door behind him. He made his way into the Phillips Arena and followed the EBWF signs to the area that they had set up for post and pre-match interviews, where he was scheduled to do an interview of his own. He was almost immediately approached by a member of staff.

Staff Member: You're going to have to take off the hoodie, sir. Can somebody please get him a AJ Styles t-shirt?

Another staff member quickly scrambled to find a merchandise booth. He stood there for a moment before a blonde female enter the room. She looked a bit apprehensive before she was greeted with a smile.

AJ Styles: Hey, Renee. Looking good.

She smiled and stepped forward.

Renee Young: Thanks.

Renee appeared to be caught somewhat off guard. She wasn't use to AJ Styles being nice. She returned a smile.

Renee: Uh, about the last time we talked...

Renee was cut off by two female staff member who surrounded AJ. They teamed up to take off his hoodie, followed by his shirt. His muscular chest was now hit with a breeze of cool air and he could notice Renee catching a peak.

AJ Styles: Thanks ladies, I think I can handle it.

They nodded and handed him the "AJ Styles - Big Bad Wolf" T-shirt. He put his arms through it and pulled it over his head. He winked at Renee who was still unintentionally checking him out. She quickly turned away and he could tell she was blushing as her cheeks became rosy red. She couldn't help but return a mischievous smile which she tried to hide.

AJ Styles: So, you were saying something?

He was curious to what she was going to say. The last time she interviewed him he made an effort to apologize to her for his past action. She didn't give him a response then, so now he was somewhat eager.

Renee Young: Don't worry about it. Ready to get things started?

She decided to remain professional, again.

AJ Styles: Yeah, I'm guess so.

She walked them over to their mark, and the cameraman took his position. He noticed that she seemed a bit nervous, something he never noticed before. It soon faded away when that red light came on.

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, AJ Styles. AJ, thank you for your time. Now, you're just one win away from becoming EBWF Champion for a third time. AJ, tell me, what would it mean to you to become World Champion 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 Champion all over again.

Renee Young: The entire EBWF Universe heard your thoughts on your opponents earlier this week, and the truth is, you didn't mention much of the current champion, Solomon Crowe. Do you foresee Solomon Crowe retaining his championship, if you're unable to win?

AJ Styles: I'm not going to bullshit about how the stars need to align and he might get lucky. I'm going to be honest. Solomon Crowe is fully capable of doing just that. As much as I dislike the guy, I don't think I'm going to just go out there and wipe the floor with him. The kid is legit. I'm not underestimating him at all. That's something John Cena did and you see what happened. So yes, I could foresee that happening. But let me tell you what else I foresee. Solomon Crowe going back to the "Crowe's Nest" extremely disappointed.

Renee Young: Styles, if you don't mind, some are saying that this whole "changed man" thing is a fraud. That you are only trying to weasel your way into another WrestleMania main event. Is there any truth to that?

AJ Styles: Nope. If I wanted to be an asshole, I'd be an asshole. I actually plan on earning a spot in the main event. I'm still the same focused, vicious, motivated competitor I've always been.

Renee Young: I hope that's true. So, tomorrow night when you step inside the Elimination Chamber you will have no allies. If you remember, Solomon Crowe stated that the he and Dean Ambrose have history and many believe that after their brutal confrontation at the Royal Rumble the two now have a mutual respect. Maybe they end up working together inside the Elimination Chamber. How will you handle that situation?

Styles smirked.

AJ Styles: Yeah, Ambrose and Crowe worked their way up together. I had to sit through that horrible ninety minute movie to find that out. Although it was better than some of the movies The Rock has been in, it still sucked. If I learned anything from watching Solomon Crowe, I know he won't be teaming up with Dean. Solomon Crowe is the type of guy who sits in his moms basement playing World of Warcraft with a bunch of underage high school students. Ambrose, is the type of guy who'd probably be in a dark alley with a bunch of underage high school students. And I'm pretty sure, either man will hesitate to put the other down for good.

Renee Young: You say you're still the same competitor you've been. Solomon Crowe has proved to be a very ruthless competitor. If you can manage to get through the other four men in the match what do you think it will take for you to dethrone Crowe?

Styles looked down at the floor for a moment before looking back into the camera. He was clearly contemplating this question.

AJ Styles: An ambulance.

Renee didn't expect that for an answer, but Styles quickly explained himself.

AJ Styles: Solomon Crowe beat John Cena so bad we haven't seen him since. He put The Rock through a glass table. He and Ambrose have been bring hardcore back to the company lately. Solomon Crowe is a tremendous threat and I know exactly what it's gonna take to beat him. Probably two Styles Clashes on the steel and a hundred knees to the face. Solomon Crowe is a machine. He's shown it since he stepped foot in this company. He shown any sign of weaknesses, yet. But that's why I'm unlike anybody he has faced before. Im going to hurt you, Mr. Crowe. 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 cruiser weight. I'm the real damn deal. Solomon Crowe may have a defeated a few guys in the back, but I've defeated majority of them. That's why they call me the Big Bad Wolf.

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: Chris Jericho is a man in this match that feels he needs this victory. It’s been almost three and a half years since he was the EBWF World Champion. It’s been a little over a year since you were, AJ. To say you’re both starving for an EBWF World Championship opportunity might be putting it mildly at best. The two of you have even battled for the belt in the past. 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: Chris Jericho has never been able to defeat you.

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

AJ Styles: Say that again.

Renee Young: Chris Jericho has never been able to defeat you.

AJ Styles: Brains and beauty. Damien Sandow should've teamed up with you, instead of... that other guy.

Renee Young: Daniel Rodmier?

AJ Styles: That's the guy. I kinda forgot all about him. Kinda like how everyone forgot about Dean Ambrose when he lost the World Championship. Solomon Crowe should take a good look at his buddy, because that's the exact path he is going to follow in. He wants to talk about how The Rock is predictable. Solomon Crowe isn't as "different" as he thinks. I think Trent would've been so much better for the gimmick, but I digress. Solomon Crowe is the champion because he is a great wrestler. Not because he is a mysterious guy with a ponytail and a great porn stash on all his devices. The fact that I’ve never been pinned by Chris Jericho means nothing. I have lost matches to guys in the EBWF that I knew I was better than. 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 my old pal Chris Sabin. He’ll do the same thing this year, he did last year against. Fail. Chris Sabin 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 thousands 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. I will say this. The EBWF World Championship is the reason we are all here. If you're not in the EBWF to win that championship, then you need to go home. The EBWF World Championship means you're the best.

Styles slowly closed his eyes, inhaling deeply before continuing.

AJ Styles: There's no other feeling like it. Chris Sabin will never know that feeling as long as I'm around. Try the Intercontinental title.

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

AJ Styles: Solomon Crowe, 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 him personal. Crowe, Ambrose, Sabin, Jericho, Rocky, 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 nothing to lose, and everything to take back.

Renee Young: One final question, AJ. If you do win the Elimination Chamber tomorrow night, do you plan to bide your time until WrestleMania or do you intend on going after Dolph Ziggler right away?

AJ Styles: Right. Away.

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!

The camera stopped recording and Renee began to relax.

AJ Styles: Thanks.

She gave him a nod and proceeded to the door. Before she walked out he decided to stop her.

AJ Styles: Renee. Hey, you wanna grab a bite to eat?

She began to blush from his request.

Renee Young: Are you asking me out on a date?

AJ Styles: Aw shucks, I just thought... You need to eat right?

She laughed at him. He didn't know how to take it.

Renee Young: Sorry, I gotta finish a bunch of work before the show tomorrow.

Styles nodded.

AJ Styles: That's cool. Thanks again, Renee.

He had faced rejection before. It didn't bother him much. He took his leave of the room, grabbing his duffle bag and taking his hoodie back from the staff. He knew that he didn't need to be distracted right now. Especially by a girl as hot as Renee. For now it was time to focus on becoming World Champion again.
___________________

The scene opened up on a shaky, handheld camera that was focused in dark room. It was a small light illuminating from a monitor in the background. Silence. There was dead silence when suddenly the camera jerked and all AJ Styles appeared. He stood there in his hoodie and jeans. A faint smile appeared on his features.

AJ Styles: As you might have noticed, I'm using my iPhone because I'm apparently not dangerous enough to take one of the cameras from a camera guy. Been there, done that. As you might of noticed, I'm in a dark room. Just trying to see what makes our World Champion tick.

Styles walked over to the wall and flicked the light switch.

AJ Styles: Personally, I can't see a damn thing. Solomon Crowe, you think your something new, huh? Mr. Hacker, oh you have become such the star over night. You respect this company and it's championship so much. After all, You've worked so hard to be where you are right now.

Styles walked into the center of the empty room where only a single laptop sat on a desk in the background. The camera was shaky until he made a stop.

AJ Styles: You've been in, maybe five matches and you think you're good enough to even be mentioned in the same sentence as guys who built this company. Kid, you're in denial. You have the ability to be great, but do you really think you know how to deal with pressure of building a legacy? I do, that's why I am considered one of the all-time greats. You're not like your other challengers in this match and neither am I. If you think you have what it takes to be a champion, I'm gonna make sure I show you. If you don't think you're normal, you are. If you don't think your young, dumb, and immature, you are. I'm the guy that's gonna slap some respect into you. I'm gonna take back that championship and give you something to cry about in your next "video diary".

He did the air quotes with his free hand.

AJ Styles: Sunday night, you're gonna be swimming with the sharks and if you think you're going to WrestleMania, I got news for you, pal. Its not GONNA HAPPEN. I’m too damn good to let some generic jackass with a tablet try and prove something at my expense. I’ve spent seventeen years in this business. I've torn through everyone put in front of me to be the man I am today. I main evented last year’s Wrestlemania in a match against Wes Ikeda. We put on a better match than ANYONE ELSE that night. So, this World Championship is coming home with me. It's been a long time coming. I earned this chance at the World Title, it wasn’t handed to me. I didn’t fight some transitional champions and a bunch of nobodies in a Battle Royal to get a shot at the title. I am going on to yet again be in the Main Event of yet another Wrestlemania and defend the belt against one of the few men in the EBWF that I hate more than Edge. Dolph Ziggler.

Styles finally showed the screen of the laptop which was on a image of him holding the EBWF Championship.

AJ Styles: If I was a hacker, I'd spam that picture to you and the dorks you call apprentices. But I'm not a hackers. Hackers are like thieves. I hate thieves. I hate hackers. Solomon Crowe, you're just a pussy behind a keyboard. I'm a man. I'm the man. Get on my level, bitch!

His face was close to the camera on his last statement. He showed another glimpse of the picture before he closed the screen on the laptop.

AJ Styles: I don't have to even show you that anymore, because that's gonna be a very vivid image once that bell ring and Christy Hemme announces me as the new World Champion. I once remember you saying you respect the belt more everyone in this business. That's good for you, because come Sunday night I'm going to make you respect me.

Styles took a seat on the table.

AJ Styles: I can't forget about the other four men in this match. I know that I'm gonna have to go through The Rock. God damn I hate him. I seriously do. I've tried to convince myself that since he's "The Rock" that maybe I should give him some shred of respect, but I just can't do it. Rocky, Dwayne, allow me to speak for everyone on this roster... NONE OF US are intimidated by you. You are probably a lot of guys favorite and your name will be on the list of greats. While Chris Sabin will probably fall on the list somewhere between Dean Ambrose and Braden Walker.

He begins to shake his head while rubbing a few fingers along one of his temples.

AJ Styles: My point is, what in the hell is so interesting about The Rock in the EBWF in 2015? Nothing. No matter how many catchphrase he uses, and jokes he makes. I hope he's just trying to work off all that "juice". Oh, I hope so, because The Rock is just living in the past and if Solomon Crowe showed you what the future looks like, Rocky, allow me to introduce you to the present.

Styles lowered slightly to open the small drawer on the desk. There were some assorted wrestling memorabilia including an old poster of Chris Jericho.

AJ Styles: Y2J is easily one of the best wrestlers on the planet. He, like myself, had a ton of detractors who told him he would never make it in the big leagues. But we're both here and we're both facing off against each other again. I'm happy for his success because the wrestling world needs more guys that can actually WRESTLE. Well, I was happy for him until he won a spot in the Elimination Chamber. Now, I just gonna knock his teeth down his throat.

After tossing the poster over his shoulder like common trash, he went through the contents of the desks. He began to shuffle his way through through a deck of collector cards before he found the one he was looking for.

AJ Styles: Which brings me to my next victim. Dean Ambrose.

He showed the card to his camera.

AJ Styles: Coincidentally, I was strolling through these cards looking for Chris Sabin. But I guess he's not even good enough to get a card.

The card is frisbee tossed where it lands without a sound.

AJ Styles: Everyone seems to think that Dean Ambrose is the real dark horse in this match. I don't see it that way. I'm aware that he is gigantic loser. Painfully so. But that doesn't take away from the ability he has. I'm not underestimating him and anyone who does is an idiot. The kid has all the tools you need and I don't think there's anyone on the roster he couldn't beat. He's proven it before. I don't like Dean Ambrose. Hell, I don't like anyone in this match.

Styles stood from the desk and looked aggressively intones camera.

AJ Styles: That brings me back to Solomon Crowe. His future is defiantly bright. Because his future at Fallout is me smashing my way through his pod, like a "hacker" would do, break his face, and beat him until he's laying in a BRIGHT pool of his own fucking blood. That's ONLY because I view him as a threat. Everyone else is going to say "Solomon, who?" but I know exactly who he is and what he can do. And for that reason I'm not going to allow him to get a full head of steam. I'm going to send him packing as quickly as I can and do it so violently that he has nightmares about me.

Styles pressed the red button on his iPhone and went to his YouTube app. He wanted to upload the video so the entire world knew he was ready for Fallout.
____________________


The Wrestlemania craze was underway. There were promotions, interviews, photo shoots, meet and greets, dinners, signings, and enough social events to keep anyone preoccupied and WrestleMania was still a month away. AJ Styles had been up since 5:00 in the morning, the time any normal human being would have been asleep or waking up, preparing for a day at work. He couldn't sleep. Even though he had been in tons of big matches in the past, he always seemed to get butterflies when he knew he was wrestling for the World Championship.

It was go time. EBWF Fallout had been a great show so far and AJ Styles was in the gorilla position waiting for his music to play so he could make his arrival in front of his hometown fans. In his new ring gear, he warmed up and did a few stretches to prepare. Usually, he left his cell phone in the locker room, but for whatever reason, he carried it along tonight. He had been texting his older boy to see if they were enjoying the show. Now it began to buzz with a new text message. He figured it was his son, maybe wishing him "luck", but it was from someone else entirely. A number he didn't know. The text read:

"AJ, I going to accept your apology only because I do need to eat. Maybe we can catch up after the show. Good luck out there. I'll be watching..."

He was suddenly filled with excitement. He didn't wanna be a dick and ask "who is this" so he thought about what to write back. Before he could even type a word the beat of his theme halted his thoughts and he placed the phone down. There wasn't any time for distractions, now there was only time to be the very best wrestler in the world.

____________________