The following interview took place immediately following tonight's episode of NXT. The interviewer is Renee Young, talking with NXT Champion Sami Zayn and his challenger at NXT Takeover: Unstoppable, AJ Styles.
YOUNG: Thank you gentlemen for agreeing to conduct this interview. I'll start with you, AJ. You're on an absolute tear lately, defeating Samoa Joe twice, and cementing yourself as number one contender, defeating Finn Balor earlier tonight. How are you feeling heading into your title match?
STYLES: Pleasure to be here, Renee. I'm in the best shape of my life, and it's showing in the ring. I've really enjoyed my time here on NXT, and I look forward to my opportunity to become the new NXT Champion.
YOUNG: Let's move on to you, Sami. For months you've been embroiled in a feud with Finn Balor and the Balor Club. How glad are you that that chapter of your career is over?
ZAYN: Very happy, Renee. Those guys were an absolute pain to deal with. AJ, you know I have the utmost respect for you, and I'm very thankful you managed to keep Finn Balor out of our title match.
STYLES: It's funny you mention that, Sami, because if I recall correctly, it was you who was pinned in our tag match a few weeks ago. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have been forced to wrestle him at all.
ZAYN: Hilarious, AJ.
YOUNG: Guys, let's get back on track. Sami, you mentioned your respect for AJ Styles, can you further elaborate on that point?
ZAYN: I certainly can, Renee. I remember when I began getting into the business in 2004, and all I heard about was AJ Styles. His style, no pun intended, was completely unique, and every guy I trained with wanted to be like him. I can remember thinking that this AJ Styles guy must be one hell of a wrestler, and I began to emulate a lot of his mannerisms. As we both began to rise through the ranks, I found that AJ was still all anyone would talk about. I realized that no matter how well I did, I would always be in the shadow of AJ Styles.
STYLES: While that may hold some truth, I don't believe that's how you really think, Sami. You want to portray this image of a victim, someone to be overlooked, to lure those you face into a false sense of security. I'm not falling for it, Sami. I can read through your BS; you were never in my shadow, Sami, it is I that am following you. When I traveled to Japan, I discovered that you had been there first. When I came to NXT, you were all (NXT GM William) Regal would talk about. When I set my sights on the NXT Title, I watched you beat Finn Balor well before I got a shot.
ZAYN: AJ, I'm not going to try to argue with you. The simple truth it that I do have a lot of respect for you; I hope it's reciprocated, but to be honest, I don't care if you like me or not.
YOUNG: AJ, what are your thoughts on your title match at Takeover: Unstoppable?
STYLES: When I arrived at NXT, walking through the doors of William Regal's office, I vowed that I would win the NXT Title. No matter the cost or the sacrifice, I will give anything to become champion. I want that belt more than any other one of my career.
ZAYN: You may want this belt, AJ, but in this business, I've discovered that wanting something isn't enough. You have to need it, you have to live being champion. This belt has changed my life; it's provided me with the validation I need to get up every morning and keep doing this, keep going out there and fighting. I have no intention of letting anyone take what's mine.
STYLES: It's yours, huh Sami? The way I see it, you're keeping the spot warm for a real wrestler to come in and take control. Let there be no mistake: I will be NXT Champion next Wednesday, and no bearded, hat-wearing idiot is going to stop me.
(Both men get in each other's face, accusations flying. It's clear the interview is over, as Renee Young tries to regain control of the situation. Both men agree to leave peacefully, but when Sami turns his back, Styles strikes, flooring the NXT Champion with a big right hand. AJ stares down at the NXT Title while Renee Young and several security guards try to escort him out of the room, Sami knocked out on the floor).
YOUNG: Thank you gentlemen for agreeing to conduct this interview. I'll start with you, AJ. You're on an absolute tear lately, defeating Samoa Joe twice, and cementing yourself as number one contender, defeating Finn Balor earlier tonight. How are you feeling heading into your title match?
STYLES: Pleasure to be here, Renee. I'm in the best shape of my life, and it's showing in the ring. I've really enjoyed my time here on NXT, and I look forward to my opportunity to become the new NXT Champion.
YOUNG: Let's move on to you, Sami. For months you've been embroiled in a feud with Finn Balor and the Balor Club. How glad are you that that chapter of your career is over?
ZAYN: Very happy, Renee. Those guys were an absolute pain to deal with. AJ, you know I have the utmost respect for you, and I'm very thankful you managed to keep Finn Balor out of our title match.
STYLES: It's funny you mention that, Sami, because if I recall correctly, it was you who was pinned in our tag match a few weeks ago. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have been forced to wrestle him at all.
ZAYN: Hilarious, AJ.
YOUNG: Guys, let's get back on track. Sami, you mentioned your respect for AJ Styles, can you further elaborate on that point?
ZAYN: I certainly can, Renee. I remember when I began getting into the business in 2004, and all I heard about was AJ Styles. His style, no pun intended, was completely unique, and every guy I trained with wanted to be like him. I can remember thinking that this AJ Styles guy must be one hell of a wrestler, and I began to emulate a lot of his mannerisms. As we both began to rise through the ranks, I found that AJ was still all anyone would talk about. I realized that no matter how well I did, I would always be in the shadow of AJ Styles.
STYLES: While that may hold some truth, I don't believe that's how you really think, Sami. You want to portray this image of a victim, someone to be overlooked, to lure those you face into a false sense of security. I'm not falling for it, Sami. I can read through your BS; you were never in my shadow, Sami, it is I that am following you. When I traveled to Japan, I discovered that you had been there first. When I came to NXT, you were all (NXT GM William) Regal would talk about. When I set my sights on the NXT Title, I watched you beat Finn Balor well before I got a shot.
ZAYN: AJ, I'm not going to try to argue with you. The simple truth it that I do have a lot of respect for you; I hope it's reciprocated, but to be honest, I don't care if you like me or not.
YOUNG: AJ, what are your thoughts on your title match at Takeover: Unstoppable?
STYLES: When I arrived at NXT, walking through the doors of William Regal's office, I vowed that I would win the NXT Title. No matter the cost or the sacrifice, I will give anything to become champion. I want that belt more than any other one of my career.
ZAYN: You may want this belt, AJ, but in this business, I've discovered that wanting something isn't enough. You have to need it, you have to live being champion. This belt has changed my life; it's provided me with the validation I need to get up every morning and keep doing this, keep going out there and fighting. I have no intention of letting anyone take what's mine.
STYLES: It's yours, huh Sami? The way I see it, you're keeping the spot warm for a real wrestler to come in and take control. Let there be no mistake: I will be NXT Champion next Wednesday, and no bearded, hat-wearing idiot is going to stop me.
(Both men get in each other's face, accusations flying. It's clear the interview is over, as Renee Young tries to regain control of the situation. Both men agree to leave peacefully, but when Sami turns his back, Styles strikes, flooring the NXT Champion with a big right hand. AJ stares down at the NXT Title while Renee Young and several security guards try to escort him out of the room, Sami knocked out on the floor).
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