Post by Ryan Shane on Aug 28, 2017 0:47:45 GMT
The Heir to the Throne…
For the past couple of months that’s all anyone’s been talking about. Who can blame them? Once it was opened up to anyone that hasn’t held the Imperial title, all bets were off. The level of competition in the IWF is second to none. Everyone knows that. That’s why it’s the top wrestling promotion in the world today.
That’s why I know the guys in the back were foaming at the mouth to win it. A guaranteed shot at the Imperial title isn’t something you come across everyday. The opportunity is there, you just have to go out and take it. The Roulette, The Joker in the Pack, and Heir to the Throne, those are our chances. That’s when guys that aren’t looked at as the top dogs get to prove themselves.
This is their time to shine.
Do you know what it’s like to be overshadowed by Spike Kane, Mike Laszlo, Jake Conway, and other guys just like them? Members of the roster who get by on name alone. Do you know what it’s like to have a guy like Roberto Verona more concerned about his spot than letting others blossom?
It sucks.
Despite all that’s been working against me, I continue to thrive, to fight my way up the ladder. On the outside you might not see me as any different than the other eight men trying to seize their shot at Legacy.
That’s where you're wrong…
I’ve seen those guys scratching and clawing, and doing whatever they can to make it to the Heir to the Throne finals. They beg and plead for matches. They’ll do whatever they can to get those all important points. To prove they belong.
Not Ryan Shane…
I haven’t asked for anything. I haven’t had to. When the Heir to the Throne was announced I shrugged it off. My long term success isn’t tied to winning the Heir to the Throne. I’m not a flash in the pan. Look how well that turned out for a guy like Devlin Raine, a big splash and then nothing. He’s been chasing after me ever since I proved he was a fraud.
All I did was go out and take care of business. It’s all I needed to do.
I defended my title at Lineage and two weeks later I knocked Jayson Matthews down a couple rungs when I became King of Detroit.
None of this was done with the intention of getting into the Heir to the Throne finals.
In the end I finished in first when the points were tallied. What did I get for a reward? I get to face Ulf Hednir in the first match. A guy who if he didn’t beat his buddies in The Council wouldn’t even be in the match. I’m not bitching and complaining about it, because I don’t care.
If I want an advantage all I have to do is look in the mirror.
I know that being Ryan Shane is enough…
After Legacy, everyone else is going to be a believer as well.
For the past couple of months that’s all anyone’s been talking about. Who can blame them? Once it was opened up to anyone that hasn’t held the Imperial title, all bets were off. The level of competition in the IWF is second to none. Everyone knows that. That’s why it’s the top wrestling promotion in the world today.
That’s why I know the guys in the back were foaming at the mouth to win it. A guaranteed shot at the Imperial title isn’t something you come across everyday. The opportunity is there, you just have to go out and take it. The Roulette, The Joker in the Pack, and Heir to the Throne, those are our chances. That’s when guys that aren’t looked at as the top dogs get to prove themselves.
This is their time to shine.
Do you know what it’s like to be overshadowed by Spike Kane, Mike Laszlo, Jake Conway, and other guys just like them? Members of the roster who get by on name alone. Do you know what it’s like to have a guy like Roberto Verona more concerned about his spot than letting others blossom?
It sucks.
Despite all that’s been working against me, I continue to thrive, to fight my way up the ladder. On the outside you might not see me as any different than the other eight men trying to seize their shot at Legacy.
That’s where you're wrong…
I’ve seen those guys scratching and clawing, and doing whatever they can to make it to the Heir to the Throne finals. They beg and plead for matches. They’ll do whatever they can to get those all important points. To prove they belong.
Not Ryan Shane…
I haven’t asked for anything. I haven’t had to. When the Heir to the Throne was announced I shrugged it off. My long term success isn’t tied to winning the Heir to the Throne. I’m not a flash in the pan. Look how well that turned out for a guy like Devlin Raine, a big splash and then nothing. He’s been chasing after me ever since I proved he was a fraud.
All I did was go out and take care of business. It’s all I needed to do.
I defended my title at Lineage and two weeks later I knocked Jayson Matthews down a couple rungs when I became King of Detroit.
None of this was done with the intention of getting into the Heir to the Throne finals.
In the end I finished in first when the points were tallied. What did I get for a reward? I get to face Ulf Hednir in the first match. A guy who if he didn’t beat his buddies in The Council wouldn’t even be in the match. I’m not bitching and complaining about it, because I don’t care.
If I want an advantage all I have to do is look in the mirror.
I know that being Ryan Shane is enough…
After Legacy, everyone else is going to be a believer as well.
August 29th, 2017
It’s the day after Sacrifice and like most weeks on this trip overseas, he’s packing up and getting ready to head off to the next city. This week it’s Yokohama, Japan. It’s Legacy week, and the last stop on what’s been a grueling one. It’s also the culmination of a lot of hard work and sacrifice for Ryan Shane. This trip is also where he made a huge change in direction career wise. Choosing to be the foundation of the new House of Howlett is not a choice he took lightly.
For the past couple of days Laura has been very short with him. He doesn’t know what he did wrong, he just knows that he did something. Normally he would just ask, and get it over with. Laura isn’t like other women he’s known. She’s strong and independent, and at times, more than a little frightening.
It’s early in the morning, but not too early. Ryan decides to skip the room service and head to the hotel’s restaurant for coffee and a little breakfast. It’s no surprise that Laura is there occasionally sipping at her coffee but more interested in the computer screen in front of her. In truth Ryan was hoping he would see her here.
Ryan Shane: Can we talk?
Laura Howlett: I don’t know what there is to talk about Ryan. Legacy isn’t until Sunday.
Ryan Shane: I know, but obviously I’ve done something to piss you off.
Laura Howlett: I’m not pissed. I’m disappointed. It’s not the same thing.
He takes a seat across from her. This isn’t going to be the simple conversation he hoped it could be.
Ryan Shane: Disappointed?
Laura Howlett: Do you remember the other night when I invited you out? I was trying to get you out of your funk, trying to get you to release some of that pent up anger.
Ryan Shane: Anger works for me…
Laura Howlett: Too much anger isn’t good Ryan, but that’s not the point. I came back that night and saw you drinking in the bar with some whore, you even brought her flowers.
Ryan Shane: That isn’t what it looked like.
Laura Howlett: What it is, and isn’t doesn’t matter. What matters is that you lied to me. All you had to do is tell me you had plans. Instead you lied to me and treated me with disrespect.
Ryan Shane: I…
She closes her laptop and drops a couple of bills on the table to cover her tab. As she gets up to she walks past Ryan.
Ryan Shane: You’re just going to walk away, and not allow me to explain myself?
Laura Howlett: I know you think you’re the center of my world Ryan, but you’re not. Our relationship is a business one, and I want you to remember there needs to be a certain level of trust. I have nothing but your best interest in mind.
Ryan Shane: So I’ll see you later for our flight?
Without even looking at him she walks away.
Laura Howlett: You'll be flying solo. Don't worry I’ll be in time for Legacy Ryan. Do yourself a favor and be ready. You’re going to have eight other men wanting the same thing you do.
Ryan Shane: What I want is you by my side.
Laura Howlett: If you want a girlfriend I suggest you find an application on your phone for that.
Those words sting.
Ryan Shane: Can you at least tell me where you’re going?
Laura Howlett: Houston…
She walks away and all that Ryan can do is watch her leave. Every moment spent with her he gains a stronger attachment. Every day he feels his old life slipping away.
Everyone in the Heir to the Throne finals has a list of reasons why they will win, or more importantly, why their competition won’t. The truth is, a lot of that is just empty words. Tactics used to convince the fans and themselves that they’re more suited for victory than they really are.
If you want truth, I’ll give it to you.
Most of these guys haven’t even been in the IWF long enough to make an impact. Look at Chris Card, he came in and beat a couple of low level guys and eked out enough points to just get in. Am I supposed to believe he’s a threat? The same goes for Seth Evans and Dean Harper. Since when has this business been about being a hero? Or being the most loyal?
It’s not..
It’s about being a wrestler. It’s about overcoming adversity and earning your place. It’s what I’ve been doing this past year. When injuries held me down, I got up. When a fucking maniac tried to end my career for good? I came back stronger than ever.
This is what I’ve accomplished.
Do you know how many people have told me that I’m not worth a damn? I’ve always been told I will never be more than second rate, a nice addition to the midcard of any company I’ve been in. For the longest time I believed them. Then my eyes were opened.
I saw things with a lot more clarity…
When I signed on to the IWF I was a shell, a guy barely making it. Now? After hard work and rededicating myself to the business I love, even as great personal loss. I’m on the verge of greatness.
I’m the first ever two time Man of Steel champion…
I’m the greatest Man of Steel champion this company has seen.
This is my resume.
I know that their will be people who debate it, but inside that cage, there is no one better. Inside that cage it’s just me and my opponent. Most of you guys wouldn’t survive in their with me. None of you have even tried. I have no problem facing each and every one of you...and I do it....
Alone…
I don’t have a group of friends fighting on my behalf.
I don’t have someone issuing me orders....
Monsters like Jason Sandman and Kole Kaos taking orders from a puppet master.
I don’t live in a world of myths and legends…
I live in the real world Ulf.
The Imperial title is a prize that should be sought after by everyone. If you’re here and it’s not your ultimate goal then you're doing something wrong.
When it comes to the next challenger for the task, Ryan Shane is the only one who’s worthy.
If you want truth, I’ll give it to you.
Most of these guys haven’t even been in the IWF long enough to make an impact. Look at Chris Card, he came in and beat a couple of low level guys and eked out enough points to just get in. Am I supposed to believe he’s a threat? The same goes for Seth Evans and Dean Harper. Since when has this business been about being a hero? Or being the most loyal?
It’s not..
It’s about being a wrestler. It’s about overcoming adversity and earning your place. It’s what I’ve been doing this past year. When injuries held me down, I got up. When a fucking maniac tried to end my career for good? I came back stronger than ever.
This is what I’ve accomplished.
Do you know how many people have told me that I’m not worth a damn? I’ve always been told I will never be more than second rate, a nice addition to the midcard of any company I’ve been in. For the longest time I believed them. Then my eyes were opened.
I saw things with a lot more clarity…
When I signed on to the IWF I was a shell, a guy barely making it. Now? After hard work and rededicating myself to the business I love, even as great personal loss. I’m on the verge of greatness.
I’m the first ever two time Man of Steel champion…
I’m the greatest Man of Steel champion this company has seen.
This is my resume.
I know that their will be people who debate it, but inside that cage, there is no one better. Inside that cage it’s just me and my opponent. Most of you guys wouldn’t survive in their with me. None of you have even tried. I have no problem facing each and every one of you...and I do it....
Alone…
I don’t have a group of friends fighting on my behalf.
I don’t have someone issuing me orders....
Monsters like Jason Sandman and Kole Kaos taking orders from a puppet master.
I don’t live in a world of myths and legends…
I live in the real world Ulf.
The Imperial title is a prize that should be sought after by everyone. If you’re here and it’s not your ultimate goal then you're doing something wrong.
When it comes to the next challenger for the task, Ryan Shane is the only one who’s worthy.
August 25th, 2017
In just a couple of days Legacy will take place. The Heir to the Throne is the talk of the wrestling world, and rightfully so. Everyone has their favorites, and Ryan Shane is among the ones at the top of the list. Extreme Endurance is right around the corner and the Imperial title shot that comes along with winning is a prize worth doing anything to get.
In his own way Ryan Shane has worked as hard as anyone, even harder. He isn’t all about flash, he is about leaving it all in the ring. That’s all he’s ever been about. There are people in this business who don’t give their all to it. They want to half ass their way and expect to end up on top. The IWF is the premiere company in the world and even it’s not immune to it.
When it comes to Ryan he’s given his life, love and soul to IWF.
As he is in Japan, a city with a rich history, he isn’t caught up in the spectacle of it all. There is no time for sightseeing, or pictures with fans. There is only time for a laser like focus. He’s spent more time in the hotel gym than his room. The Man of Steel champion also told staff to make sure no one bothers him, even allowing him to workout long after the gym would normally be closed.
Amber Lynn: I haven’t seen you hit the weights this much in a long time…
It’s true. Ryan has cut back on the weights in favor of cardio. Yet, he is flexing the biceps with sets of curls.
Amber Lynn: Is this for the Heir to the Throne, or is this for her?
Ryan Shane: It’s about being in the best shape to win it. I want to be Imperial champ.
Amber Lynn: I know you do…but I think you want her as well.
Ryan Shane: You’ve said that before...yet...here I am with you.
Amber Lynn: I know, it’s like you can’t get me out of your head.
Ryan Shane: I never said I wanted to…
He sets down the barbell and grabs a towel and wipes the sweat from his face.
Amber Lynn: Yet, you are here and not sleeping. If you were sleeping, you could be with me, and your son.
Ryan Shane: How are things there?
Amber Lynn: Not good, the storms are becoming more frequent. I need you here to help me fight him off.
This makes him feel guilty. Ever since he brushed off suicide to save a young girl his life has had new meaning.
Amber Lynn: I can’t do it on my own Ryan.
Ryan Shane: I don’t know what to do Amber…
Amber Lynn: You know what to do, you just won’t do it. You’ve replaced your son, and now you want to replace me. I don’t blame you…
All he can do is look at her.
Amber Lynn: Love fades…
Ryan Shane: I’ll always love you Amber.
She starts to fade away, a look of sorrow on his face.
Ryan Shane: Amber…
Suddenly Shane wakes up and finds himself in the hotel gym. He had fallen asleep on one of the workout benches. Every time he sees Amber it breaks his heart, but she’s right about one thing. Ryan is falling for Laura Howlett no matter how hard he tries not to.
There are only a handful of my opponents who’ve even had the pleasure of holding a championship in the Imperial Wrestling Federation. All those other titles and accolades, you may as well throw them in the trash because they don’t mean a damn thing here.
Ask me what the Man of Steel title means to me and you’ll get one answer…
Everything.
This belt around my waist proves that I’ve been tested, that I’ve been to war. Mason St. Croix knows that sometimes the battles in the ring are tougher than the ones in the trenches. As tough as that real life G.I. Joe might be, he’s still nothing but a footnote when it comes to the strap around my waist’s history.
When I looked up and down the list of the competitors for the Heir to the Throne finals there was only one man on the list who can even claim to be at my level…
Jayson Matthews…
But as you’ve all seen I dispatched of him with ease on my way to becoming King of Detroit.
There are going to be some of you wondering why I haven’t spent a bunch of time talking down to my opponents, or dragging their names through the mud. The answer to that question is simple…
Why?
If I do that, I admit that they’re on my level, that I see them as true competition.
That would be...disingenuous.
I know the other eight men wouldn’t be on the IWF roster if they didn’t deserve to be. I know they are going to give it their all. I would expect nothing less. The problem is…
Legacy is all about Ryan Shane.
It’s part of my journey to the top of the IWF mountain.
It’s not something I have to win, it’s something I need to win. I’ve already said that I’ll have my chances, but I can’t let someone else beat me, and take what I’ve already earned. I’ve already claimed my kingdom, but it’s time to expand.
Ryan Shane will be the next Heir to the Throne…
This is the reality I live in.
I don’t live in a world of fantasy or pretenders like Ulf Hednir or Jayson Matthews. I don’t live my life like sheep, like Sandman and Kaos. I’m not a hero like Mason, or a villain like Chris Card. I’m not just someone getting used to the landscape of IWF like Harper or Evans.
I’m Ryan Shane…
I’m the King of Detroit…
The two time Man of Steel champion…
The Heir to the Throne....
And the next Imperial champion…
This is all the past, present, and future of my career.
Ask me what the Man of Steel title means to me and you’ll get one answer…
Everything.
This belt around my waist proves that I’ve been tested, that I’ve been to war. Mason St. Croix knows that sometimes the battles in the ring are tougher than the ones in the trenches. As tough as that real life G.I. Joe might be, he’s still nothing but a footnote when it comes to the strap around my waist’s history.
When I looked up and down the list of the competitors for the Heir to the Throne finals there was only one man on the list who can even claim to be at my level…
Jayson Matthews…
But as you’ve all seen I dispatched of him with ease on my way to becoming King of Detroit.
There are going to be some of you wondering why I haven’t spent a bunch of time talking down to my opponents, or dragging their names through the mud. The answer to that question is simple…
Why?
If I do that, I admit that they’re on my level, that I see them as true competition.
That would be...disingenuous.
I know the other eight men wouldn’t be on the IWF roster if they didn’t deserve to be. I know they are going to give it their all. I would expect nothing less. The problem is…
Legacy is all about Ryan Shane.
It’s part of my journey to the top of the IWF mountain.
It’s not something I have to win, it’s something I need to win. I’ve already said that I’ll have my chances, but I can’t let someone else beat me, and take what I’ve already earned. I’ve already claimed my kingdom, but it’s time to expand.
Ryan Shane will be the next Heir to the Throne…
This is the reality I live in.
I don’t live in a world of fantasy or pretenders like Ulf Hednir or Jayson Matthews. I don’t live my life like sheep, like Sandman and Kaos. I’m not a hero like Mason, or a villain like Chris Card. I’m not just someone getting used to the landscape of IWF like Harper or Evans.
I’m Ryan Shane…
I’m the King of Detroit…
The two time Man of Steel champion…
The Heir to the Throne....
And the next Imperial champion…
This is all the past, present, and future of my career.
This is my Legacy.
Well howdy there pardner.