It had always apparently been clear... Sith vs. Jedi, Autobots Vs. Decepticons, Nintendo vs. Sega, EBWF vs. WWE... Everywhere you turned your head, a struggle between Good vs. Evil was taking place .For the first time in a very long while, young Trenton found himself right in the middle of the line between black and white... Was he slowly turning into what he sworn to vanish from the face of earth (at least on his video games). He stared at his reflection on the mirror, a week long beard, his hair held up in a ponytail (more like a raggy bun), pinkeye from having played too much games and slight shady bags under his eyes... Trent’s week has been anything but swell... He stood in front of the full body mirror inside his locker room, just gazing at what has become of him. Once again it was time to show what he was made of, only this time he had to put himself together if he wanted his team to win. Despite hearing the doorknob of his locker room being open, he didn’t move an inch. Zack Ryder looked across at his good friend and tag team partner, and eyed him with concern. Trent didn’t seem to be himself.
Zack Ryder: ...Trent? Are you okay, bro?
He closed his eyes for a moment, that exact same question was banging inside his mind like a drum... He turned towards Zack, his breathing got heavier as he locked eyes with him. Dark brown eyes full of sorrow and desperation fixed upon the ultimate broski.
Trent Barreta: ...I’d like to think I am. These past couple of months have been crazy...
Zack looked confused. He knew Trent and AJ had been having problems recently, and he was sure losing the Tag Titles had hurt Trent as much as it had hurt him... but Trent seemed broken.
Zack Ryder: What do you mean? Is this because of AJ?
Trent sighed.
Trent Barreta: I think I lost the grip of things way before... I lost at the chamber, we lost our titles... AJ, she wouldn’t pick up the phone, she won’t return my messages. Curt... I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I saw him and AJ a couple of weeks ago...
Zack nodded. He was trying to be understanding, but he trusted Curt and sure Trent had nothing to worry about.
Zack Ryder: I heard about that. But Trent... Curt is our friend! After everything we’ve been through, I don’t think for a second that he would go behind your back with AJ. And I know AJ wouldn’t go behind your back with anyone... she loves you, bro! That’s why she was so hurt when she saw you with Maryse - and I know that was a misunderstanding too. As for the Elimination Chamber, how many guys win the World Title at the first attempt? Very few, if any, especially in such a tough match. And you can’t blame losing the Tag Titles on yourself, we were both off our game at Fanniversary. I’m as disappointed as you are, but we need to use that disappointment! Why do we fall, Trent?
Zack hoped to get through to his partner by quoting Batman Begins. It was a long shot, but he figured it was worth a try.Trent looked down. He gave a long and hard thought at all the recent events... His hand reached back to undo the ponytail that held his hair. For the first time in the past couple of weeks, Trent shared a smile with his broski.
Trent Barreta: I’m afraid “So we might learn to pick ourselves up” won’t do... So we’ll have to add: To fist pump Ambrose and Rollins in their face and reclaim what is ours?
Trent seemed calmer and happier now... It was time to look at the glass half full.
Trent Barreta: I competed for the World Title, not many people get to do that! I teamed up with CM Punk! and it was straightedge cool! Tonight we are teaming up with the biggest stars of EBWF! And we’re going to teach Team Heyman who the bosses are!
Trent held up his fist for his friend, offering him a smile. Zack held up his fist in response, and the broskis fistpumped.
Zack Ryder: You know it! Tonight, not only to we get the chance to avenge our defeat at the hands of Rollins and Ambrose... we get to beat up Bully Ray too! We’ll get the chance to test ourselves against Mr. Anderson and Daniel Bryan, two very talented guys - and we’ll be teaming with three former World Champions, one being our boss! It’s gonna be SSSIIICCCKKK!
Trent Barreta: I had completely forgotten we’re teaming up with AJ Styles and The Miz! It’s gonna be AWESOME! And if we manage to win, we will get a shot back at our tag team titles! So not only the victory is psychological but you could say it is like a warp pipe back to our titles!
Zack Ryder: A what-now?
Before Trent could explain what a warp-pipe was, Chris Jericho entered the locker room. Trent and Zack looked up, but neither of them seemed to know what to say to their team captain and interim CEO. Jericho grinned as he looked across at two of his four teammates.
Chris Jericho: Trent, Zack! How are you?
Trent smiled at Chris Jericho, then at Zack Ryder. He reached out to shake his hand rapidly.
Trent Barreta: Oh boy! Oh boy! You’re like the coolest cap since Captain America! It’s going to be an honor to be led by you against that team of losers commanded by that fatso Lawrence Limburger Heyman!
Before either of them asked who the hell was Lawrence Limburger, he complimented his statement.
Trent Barreta: You know, that bad guy from “Biker Mice From Mars”?
Chris and Zack both shook their head.
Chris Jericho: If they haven’t made it into a movie, I don’t know it. Sorry, Trent.
Zack Ryder: You have way too much time on your hands, bro.
Trent Barreta: Long story short... That ASSCLOWN Heyman! Oh God, I always wanted to say that!
Jericho couldn’t help but laugh.
Chris Jericho: Glad to hear you’re so enthusiastic about being on Team Jericho! Listen guys, I just came to tell you that I’m really looking forward to our match tonight. And as for the stipulation - I’m a man of my word. If you two are still standing when the referee calls for the bell and announces us as the victors, you’ll get the title shot I promised you. Whether that’s the Tag Titles or a singles title, that’s entirely up to you. But I would hate to give a title shot to anyone on Team Heyman, so I need you two to be on top of your game tonight.
Trent Barreta: We have a lot of business pending with the Coalition! We also want to get back at Rollins and Ambrose! I hate their good cop/bad cop act... And after we beat them tonight they will have no other choice but to put the titles on the line at Christmas Eve of Destruction! I got a question though... Jericho. When you invented the CodeBreaker, were you thinking about games? I gotta admit that when I came up with The Gameshark -which resembles your Codebreaker a lot- I used your move as an inspiration. But the ultimate tribute would definitely be giving team Jericho the victory after a good few Gamesharks!
Zack Ryder: Are you serious, bro?
Zack looked across at Trent, clearly thinking his question was absurd. Jericho laughed once more.
Chris Jericho: Sorry to disappoint you but it has nothing to do with gaming. I just thought, given the cryptic promotion of my return at the time, that the Codebreaker was a fitting name. As for getting the victory, I don’t mind whether we win with a Codebreaker, a Gameshark or a Rough Ryder... as long as we get the win, I’ll be a happy man.
Trent Barreta: And Team Heyman would... Nnnnnn...
Trent chuckled, tongue in cheek, longing for Jericho’s catchphrase. Jericho rolled his eyes before indulging Trent.
Chris Jericho: Never...
He looked at both Trent and Zack, encouraging them to join in. The former Tag Team Champions were all too happy to oblige.
Chris, Trent and Zack: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEERRRRRRRRR!
Chris Jericho: Be the same, again!
Trent put his fist up again for the second time in the night... Thinking the best way to seal the deal would be a triple fistbump. Ryder put his fist up too and Jericho followed suit, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
Zack Ryder: Woo woo woo!
Chris, Trent and Zack: YOU KNOW IT!
All three men were grinning and Jericho shook his head.
Chris Jericho: I better get out of here before you have me playing Pokémon. I’ll see you two in the ring.
Trent Barreta: Don’t go! I’ll give you all of my shinies!!!!
The CEO walked through the doorway as the scene faded to black.
