November 14 2002
Columbus, Ohio.
The Nationwide arena was buzzing with the electricity of an imminent pay-per-view, but backstage, a more subdued atmosphere reigned. Zlatan, still in his wrestling gear adorned with his signature black and gold, was engaged in a casual conversation about soccer with Joseph, a well-liked crew member known for his love of the sport.
"So you really think that team has a shot at the title this year?" Joseph asked skeptically, handing Zlatan a bottle of water.
Zlatan grinned, his eyes lighting up with the passion of a true fan. "Absolutely, if they play their cards right in the transfer window, they're golden," he replied, unaware of the lurking danger nearby.
In the dimly lit corridors of the arena, Eddie and Chavo Guerrero hid in the shadows, their faces set in grim determination. They watched Zlatan, their eyes tracking every movement with predatory focus. The Guerreros, fueled by a burning desire for revenge, were not just spectators tonight; they were hunters waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Stephanie McMahon, aware of the palpable tension between the wrestlers, had preemptively given Kurt Angle and Zlatan the night off, hoping to avoid any backstage confrontations before Survivor Series. She had underestimated the Guerreros' resolve to confront their rivals, regardless of the consequences.
As Zlatan laughed at a joke Joseph just cracked, the Guerreros saw their moment. With a swift motion honed by years in the ring, they burst from their cover and charged. Zlatan's back was turned, and he didn't see the attack coming.
Eddie and Chavo, with coordinated precision, blindsided him. Zlatan fell to the ground, the impact echoing off the concrete walls. Before he could recover, Eddie grabbed a nearby cooler and poured its contents over him. The smell of beer filled the air, a bitter reminder of past personal struggles Zlatan had once shared privately with the crew.
Eddie laughed, a harsh sound that cut through the backstage area. "How does it feel, Zlatan? Not so tough now, are you?" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.
Chavo, standing over Zlatan with a smirk, added, "You mess with the Guerreros, you pay the price!"
Their message delivered, Eddie and Chavo didn't linger. They quickly retreated into the maze of corridors, leaving behind a scene of chaos and a seething Zlatan, his clothes soaked and his pride wounded. Joseph rushed to Zlatan's side, offering a hand to help him up.
As Zlatan regained his footing, his eyes blazed with a fire that could only be quenched in the ring. "This isn't over," he muttered under his breath, his mind already racing with thoughts of Survivor Series.
In the aftermath of the attack, the air backstage was thick with tension. News of the incident spread quickly, and the entire roster was on edge. The lines were drawn, and it was clear that the war between these two teams was far from over. With Survivor Series just around the corner, the WWE Universe was on the brink of witnessing one of the most heated confrontations in wrestling history.
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Later on in the show, Zlatan stormed out of his locker room, soaked in the bitter scent of beer, his mood was dark, his expression fierce. Every step he took through the backstage area was purposeful, his jaw set, eyes ablaze with a vengeful fire that left no doubt about his intentions. The SmackDown superstars and crew members parted ways for him, their expressions a mix of concern and anticipation, aware that the normally charismatic wrestler was now a force of fury.
Michael Cole noted the look of rage in one half of WWE Tag Team Champions at the announce table. "Folks, it looks like Zlatan is not taking that attack by the Guerreros lightly. He's on the warpath tonight!"
Tazz occurred with his co commentator's assessment. "You got that right, Cole. The Lion of Rosengård is a force to be reckoned with, and you don't want to be on his bad side. The mood has changed."
The buzz backstage was palpable, everyone whispering and glancing nervously as Zlatan marched past. His presence commanded attention, his determination clear to everyone who saw him. There was no mistaking his goal: to confront Eddie and Chavo Guerrero.
As he approached the curtain that led to the main arena, the energy shifted. Zlatan pushed through, stepping into the view of thousands of fans who immediately sensed the intensity of the moment. The arena filled with a mix of cheers and tension as he made his way down the ramp, his eyes locked forward, unseeing the signs and faces blurring past him.
Michael Cole briefed the viewers on the tension that has magnified by a thousand. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the Zlatan we're used to seeing. He's walking down that ramp with a purpose tonight. Remember, this Sunday at Survivor Series, he's set to defend the tag team titles with Kurt Angle against Edge and Rey Mysterio, but right now, I don't think he's in the mood to talk about it."
Tazz added to the inevitable clash that is about clash. "You're absolutely right, Cole. The Lion of Rosengård usually has that trademark grin on his face, but tonight, he means business. And when Zlatan means business, that's bad news for anyone who gets in his way."
Reaching the ring, Zlatan climbed the steps and entered, his every move watched by a rapt audience. He paced briefly, then seized a microphone from the ringside, his voice booming through the arena, cutting through the noise with razor-sharp precision. "Tonight, this is not about business; this is strictly personal. Guerreros, I'm calling your asses out right here, right now in Columbus! If you don't come out here, I'll head back there and find you two!"
"He ain't joking, man. The look in the eyes of Bosnian Croat of Malmö, man! Ibra is hot! Dead serious!" Tazz commented over the cheers
Zlatan takes a moment to calm the fury he had brewing inside. "You know, I'm not happy about how you mocked my dad's past problems with alcohol tonight, and I won't stand for it. You see, there are some things you don't do when you face Zlatan, and bringing my family into it is one of them. You're about to learn a lesson in respect and that payback...is a bitch."
The crowd erupted in cheers, rallying behind Zlatan as he dropped the microphone with a thud that echoed in the sudden silence. He stood ready, fists clenched, waiting for the Guerreros.
Moments later, Eddie and Chavo Guerrero appeared, their faces set, their strides confident as they made their way down the ramp. Stephanie McMahon was close on their heels, her expression fraught with worry as she attempted to intervene.
As they entered the ring, Stephanie tried to stand between them, her hands raised in a futile attempt to prevent the inevitable confrontation. Eddie and Chavo, however, gently but firmly pushed her aside, their eyes locked on Zlatan. The tension in the arena was palpable, every spectator holding their breath as the three men stood mere feet apart in the center of the ring, the air thick with anticipation and the promise of an explosive confrontation.
Michael Cole's voice echoed through the arena, amplifying the palpable tension that filled the air. "The Guerreros have crossed a line tonight, they have shown no respect to the Lion of Rosengård and now they're about to come face to face with a man who is an emotional freight train."
Tazz added gravely, "You said it, Cole. Zlatan is not here to play games. This is personal, and it's about to get real ugly in that ring."
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as Eddie and Chavo Guerrero slid into the ring, their faces etched with a mix of defiance and caution. The confrontation was reaching its boiling point as the Guerreros tried to seize the upper hand by cornering Zlatan and unleashing a flurry of punches.
However, Zlatan's response was nothing short of titanic. With a primal roar, he clamped his massive hands around their throats, the shock of his grip visible in their widened eyes. Stepping forward with fury, Zlatan pushed out of the corner, his voice thundering through the arena as he hurled both Guerreros into the opposite corner with explosive force.
Michael Cole's voice rose with the action, "Zlatan is set to defend the tag team titles with Kurt Angle at Survivor Series, but tonight, it's personal, and there will be no forgiveness for the Guerreros!"
Zlatan's assault was relentless. He rained down a barrage of strikes—rights and lefts, knees, and kicks—trapping the Guerreros in the corner, their attempts to defend themselves feeble against his onslaught. The Columbus crowd roared, their cheers fueling Zlatan's fury further.
Tazz was almost shouting over the noise, "The Bosnian Croat of Malmö is gonna bust up Eddie and Chavo!"
Emerging from the corner, Chavo was visibly dazed, only to be hoisted onto Zlatan's broad shoulders. With a swift movement, Zlatan executed a devastating snake eyes, driving Chavo's face into the turnbuckle. The impact was brutal, leaving Chavo staggering back in agony.
Zlatan wasn't done yet. He charged from the ropes, delivering a thunderous spear that flattened Chavo to the mat, his pain evident as he writhed. Michael Cole and Tazz were beside themselves at ringside.
"What an explosive spear by Zlatan! He's punishing Chavo Guerrero!" Michael Cole exclaimed.
Tazz chimed in, "Chavo's gotta regret crossing paths with the Lion of Rosengård tonight!"
As Eddie rushed to his cousin's aid, he too was caught by Zlatan's iron grip. With a display of raw power, Zlatan executed a perfect belly-to-belly suplex, launching Eddie across the ring. The impact of Eddie hitting the canvas reverberated through the arena, Zlatan's dominance unmistakable.
"Zlatan is an absolute powerhouse tonight! Eddie Guerrero just found himself on the receiving end of a devastating belly-to-belly suplex!" Cole shouted into his microphone.
"This is personal for Zlatan, and he's showing the Guerreros no mercy!" Tazz added, his voice full of admiration for the wrestler's ferocity.
Regaining his footing, Eddie was far from ready to surrender, but Zlatan was relentless. He lined up Eddie and delivered his signature Arn Anderson Spinebuster with lethal precision. The force of the move sent a shudder through the ring, Eddie crumpling under the impact.
"What a spinebuster! Zlatan is a force to be reckoned with tonight! Eddie Guerrero is feeling the full brunt of the Lion of Rosengård's wrath!" Michael Cole couldn't contain his excitement.
Tazz responded with equal enthusiasm, "Eddie and Chavo bit off more than they could chew tonight. Ibra is a one-man wrecking crew!"
The Guerreros, beaten and battered, struggled to their feet, their expressions a mix of pain and disbelief. Zlatan, not missing a beat, signaled for the Lion's Roar, his finishing move. The crowd, sensing the climax, roared in anticipation as Zlatan delivered the decisive blow to both Guerreros simultaneously.
"The Lion's Roar! Zlatan just decimated Eddie and Chavo Guerrero! This is payback, pure and simple!" Michael Cole's voice boomed through the arena.
"Eddie and Chavo might want to reconsider their actions after this beatdown. Zlatan is sending a clear message tonight!" Tazz's comment summed up the night's events.
As the Guerreros lay defeated, Zlatan, fueled by righteous anger, dragged both to the outside. Positioning Chavo on the announce table, he then turned to Eddie. With the crowd at a fever pitch, Zlatan powerbombed Eddie through the announce table, the impact echoing like thunder.
"My God! Zlatan just powerbombed Eddie Guerrero right through the announce table! This is absolute chaos!" Cole shouted, his voice nearly lost in the cacophony.
"The Guerreros picked the wrong fight tonight, Cole. Zlatan is unleashing hell!" Tazz added, as they watched Zlatan stand tall, his message of retribution clear and unequivocal.
As the scene closed, Zlatan's dominance was undeniable, leaving the Guerreros—and the entire WWE Universe—with a stark reminder of what happens when you cross the Lion of Rosengård.
XXX
As Zlatan's plane descended toward the sprawling metropolis of New York City, the anticipation inside him swelled. Survivor Series, held at the historic Madison Square Garden, was just on the horizon. He had come a long way since his WWE debut in Montreal, and this event was another milestone in his remarkable journey.
The city's iconic skyline came into view, a forest of towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the heavens. Zlatan couldn't help but marvel at the sheer grandeur of it all. It was a stark contrast to the arenas and stadiums he had wrestled in across the world.
The plane touched down at JFK International Airport, and as Zlatan stepped onto the tarmac, the chilly November air hit him. He could feel the energy of the city pulsating around him. New York was like no other place he had ever been – a vibrant, living organism that never slept.
With his gear bag slung over his shoulder, Zlatan made his way through the bustling airport, greeted by fans who recognized him. Their cheers and chants filled the air, a reminder of the passion that fueled his journey.
Outside, a black SUV awaited him. It was a symbol of the WWE's commitment to their superstars' comfort. Zlatan climbed into the vehicle, the leather seats enveloping him in luxury. He looked out of the tinted windows at the city rushing by, neon signs flashing, and the frenetic pace of life in the Big Apple.
The drive to Madison Square Garden was a short one, but every moment was precious. As he approached the arena, the iconic marquee came into view, proudly displaying "Survivor Series – Sold Out!" Zlatan couldn't help but smile. This was it – the stage where he would defend his WWE Tag Team Championship with Kurt Angle against Edge and Rey Mysterio.
As the SUV pulled up to the arena's entrance, Zlatan felt a surge of excitement. He knew that the road to Survivor Series had been long and challenging, but he was ready. With determination burning in his eyes, he stepped out of the vehicle and into the heart of New York, ready to make history in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden.
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After his arrival at Madison Square Garden, Zlatan found himself with some free time before the Survivor Series event. Eager to explore the city that never sleeps, he decided to make the most of his visit to New York.
With a map of the city in hand and his gear bag securely stowed away, Zlatan set out on his adventure. His first destination was the heart of Manhattan, Times Square. As he walked through the bustling streets, the massive LED billboards and bright neon signs illuminated the area with a dazzling display of colors and advertisements. The sheer energy of the place was infectious, and Zlatan couldn't help but take in the sights and sounds of this iconic location.
Zlatan's next stop was Central Park, a peaceful oasis amidst the urban jungle. He marveled at the vastness of the park, with its winding paths, serene lakes, and lush greenery. The contrast between the tranquil park and the city's chaos was striking, and Zlatan found a moment of solitude to reflect on his journey and the challenges ahead.
From there, Zlatan ventured to the Empire State Building, an architectural marvel that offered breathtaking views of the city from its towering observation deck. As he looked out over the sprawling cityscape, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. It was a reminder that, like the city itself, his career had reached great heights, and there were even greater challenges on the horizon.
The day continued with a stroll through the historic streets of Greenwich Village, known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. Zlatan enjoyed the eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street performances, and he even stopped to chat with a few fans who recognized him.
As evening approached, Zlatan decided to experience another quintessential New York activity: dining at a classic pizzeria. He ordered a slice of New York-style pizza and savored every bite as he watched the city's hustle and bustle through the restaurant's window.
With the Survivor Series event drawing nearer, Zlatan knew he had to return to Madison Square Garden. The city had left a lasting impression on him, a reminder of the energy and diversity of the world outside the wrestling ring. As he made his way back to the arena, he carried with him the spirit of New York – a place where dreams were pursued relentlessly, just like his own pursuit of greatness in WWE.
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The WWE press conference, held two days before Survivor Series, was a momentous occasion for Zlatan. Dressed in his signature wrestling gear and championship belt proudly slung over his shoulder, he stood at the podium, ready to address the gathered reporters from various sports channels.
Zlatan began with a confident smile, acknowledging the significance of the event. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to be here today. Two years ago, when I started my wrestling career, I had a dream. A dream to rise above challenges, to prove myself in the ring, and to make history. And that's what I've been doing ever since. I became the first ever swedish champion by winning Intercontinental title and then along with my partner and rival Kurt Angle I made history by winning the WWE Tag Team Titles."
The room erupted in applause as Zlatan continued, his voice filled with determination. "Survivor Series holds a special place in my heart because it's where we'll defend these titles, and it's a testament to the hard work and dedication we've put into this journey."
The reporters from ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and TSN eagerly raised their hands, eager to ask questions.
The ESPN reporter inquired, "Zlatan, you've had an incredible journey in WWE. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced on your path to becoming a champion?"
Zlatan nodded thoughtfully. "Certainly. It hasn't been an easy road. I've faced some of the best in the business, legends like Kurt Angle himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Rey Mysterio. Each match, each opponent, has been a learning experience. But I thrive on challenges, and it's those challenges that have brought me here today."
A reporter from Fox Sports chimed in, "You mentioned Kurt Angle, your partner and rival. How do you manage that dynamic, especially when defending your titles?"
Zlatan grinned, acknowledging the complexity of their relationship. "Kurt and I, we have a unique partnership. We push each other to our limits. Sometimes it leads to disagreements, but in the end, it's that drive and competition that has made us champions. We know when to put our differences aside and work together as a team."
The CBS Sports reporter asked, "What can the WWE Universe expect from your title defense at Survivor Series against Edge and Rey Mysterio?"
Zlatan's expression turned serious. "Edge and Rey Mysterio are formidable opponents, and they've earned their shot. But come Survivor Series, Kurt and I will give everything we have to retain these titles. It's going to be a battle, a spectacle, and a match that the WWE Universe won't soon forget."
Finally, a reporter from TSN asked, "Zlatan, what message do you have for your fans, especially those back in Sweden who are watching your journey closely?"
Zlatan's eyes gleamed with pride. "To my fans, not just in Sweden but around the world, I want to say thank you. Your support means everything to me. This journey has been about breaking barriers and showing that dreams can come true. I carry the flag of Sweden with pride, and I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams relentlessly, just as I have."
With those words, Zlatan concluded the press conference, leaving the reporters and the WWE Universe excited for the upcoming Survivor Series and the historic title defense that awaited him and Kurt Angle.
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As Zlatan stepped outside the hotel, he was met with the excitement of fans who had gathered in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the WWE Tag team champion. Among the crowd was 20-year-old Beth Phoenix, a talented wrestler herself who had yet to join WWE but was making waves in the independent wrestling circuit.
Beth, along with her friends, had come to New York for Survivor Series and had heard about Zlatan's visit to the hotel. She approached him with a friendly smile and a pen and paper in hand.
"Hi, Zlatan," Beth said, her enthusiasm evident. "I'm a huge fan of yours, and it's amazing to see you here. Could I please have your autograph?"
Zlatan, always gracious with his fans, took the pen and paper, signing his name with a flourish. "Of course," he replied, handing back the autograph. "It's great to meet you, Beth."
Beth's friends, equally excited, asked if they could take a photo of her with Zlatan. Zlatan agreed, and they posed for the picture, capturing the moment with smiles all around.
"Thank you so much, Zlatan," Beth said, genuinely appreciative. "I hope to make it to WWE one day, just like you."
Zlatan offered some words of encouragement. "Keep following your dreams, Beth. You've got the talent and determination. Who knows, maybe one day we'll share the ring together."
Beth and her friends left the encounter with cherished memories and a newfound motivation to pursue their wrestling aspirations. It was a brief but inspiring moment outside the hotel, a testament to the positive impact that Zlatan had on his fans, even those who aspired to follow in his footsteps in the world of professional wrestling.