Post by Ryan Blade on Jun 2, 2013 10:49:26 GMT
{The scene opens on the outside of one of the nicest, most luxurious hotels in Chicago on a particularly sunny Illinois day. We head inside where find Ryan Blade, lying in bed, scrolling through his phone's apps. His girlfriend, Chelsea, opens the bathroom door and steps out, fully-dressed but with her hair up in a towel. She grabs a brush from her luggage and heads back into the bathroom, looking in the mirror. Ryan looks around the room and stretches, before starting a conversation.}
Ryan Blade: "I can't believe I let you convince me to drop all of my money on a hotel room. My entire signing bonus is almost gone, all thanks to a room and some deceptively priced mini-bar items. All the chocolate you can eat, but none of the booze."
Chelsea: "How lame is it that they wouldn't give you the key to the alcohol? You're a big time wrestler now."
Ryan Blade: "Well, it's not easy using a fake ID when the guy behind the desk saw you on TV last week. Still, I think I make a convincing Jorge Garcia."
Chelsea: "Yeah.... I'd stick to wrestling if I were you. Your acting skills are lacking to say the least."
{The redhead walks exits the bathroom with her hair non unwrapped, and sits down at the foot of the bed. She begins to brush her hair, before looking back over her shoulder.}
Chelsea: "So. Did you call your mom yet?"
Ryan Blade: "No, but she called me... multiple times. I feel like I've talked to her more since we left than I did when I was still living in the house. It's like, 'Come on mom. I'm in the big time now. You don't have to worry about me missing curfew anymore."
Chelsea: "What kind of a 20 year old has curfew in the first place?"
Ryan Blade: "The kind with a mom who cares about them. And before you start, don't be a jerk about my mom."
Chelsea: "Geez momma's boy. Halfway across the country and she's still got you in the palm of her hand."
Ryan Blade: "Well that's life in a one parent household. We're all each other had growing up."
Chelsea: "What about your little brother?"
Ryan Blade: "Chase? Oh yeah, he was there too. But still..."
{Ryan sits up and edges down to the foot of the bed, sitting next to his girlfriend.}
Chelsea: "What'd she have to say then? Her son winning his first match in a big wrestling promotion... that's a big deal."
Ryan Blade: "She was super proud, obviously. Of course Chase is trying to one-up me as always with his own thing, but I know she's more proud of me."
Chelsea: "Why?"
Ryan Blade: "Because Chase is Chase, and I'm Ryan. I've been better than him since day one. Just like how I've been better than everyone in IWF since day one. There's just something special about me. You know what I mean?"
Chelsea: "Of course I know what you mean. Clearly IWF sees it, considering they're already trying to give you a title shot. And I mean... they're basically handing it to you."
Ryan Blade: "It's mine for the taking. First the Man of Steel Championship. Then, the world."
Chelsea: "Easy there killer. Let's get the Man of Steel Title first and worry about the rest when it comes to it."
{The redhead gets up and heads to the bathroom again. Blade follows her in, and the hottest new duo in Imperial Wrestling look in the mirror, totally checking themselves out. Suddenly, Chelsea steers the conversation in an unexpected direction.}
Chelsea: "What do you think your dad thought of you last week? You think he was proud?"
Ryan Blade: "Probably not, but who cares what that lowlife thinks? As long as you and my mom were proud, I'm happy."
Chelsea: "... and Chase?"
Ryan Blade: "Yeah, yeah. Chase too."
Chelsea: "You're a terrible brother."
Ryan Blade: "Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that I am the future of wrestling..."
Chelsea: ".... and my god does the future look good!"
{Fade out.}
__________________________________________________________________________________
"I told you so.
Four words most people claim to hate to have to tell you, but I love it. I absolutely love being able to sit in front of you today and gloat about the fact that I told you I was going to beat Alex Kanton and Eirik Ragner last week, and then I went out and did it. Whether you believed in me or not, there was always that little bit of doubt in the back of your mind of whether or not I could actually beat a grizzled vet and an equally grizzled viking. So again I say, 'I told you so.'
You'll be hearing me say that a lot over my time here.
But I don't have to tell you about last week, do I Eirik? You were there firsthand to see the whole thing! So tell me: What's it like being in the ring with me? I'd really like to know. I'd have to imagine it's a lot like taking an art class with Van Gogh, or playing a pick-up game with LeBron James. You were inches away from greatness, Eirik. How'd it feel?
Because you're going to get that same feeling again this week. Only you, you lucky soul, get the incredible opportunity. But here's the thing... unlike Van Gogh... unlike LeBron.... I'm just getting started. Last week was only the beginning, and each and every single week afterwards is another opportunity to show the world what Ryan Blade is about. And if you don't know what that is by now, Rags, here's a hint:
I'm a winner.
It's what I did last week, and it's what I plan to do again this time around. I mean heck, you didn't even touch me last week. This week? You may get in a lucky shot or two, but when the lights are on bright and the pressure's on, you'll tap just like Alex Kanton did, and like two other guys are going to do in weeks to come.
Last week was about making a statement in my debut. Now I actually have something to shoot for. Two weeks in and they're practically throwing belts at me. That's gotta be some kind of record.
And speaking of new experiences: Joe Everyman getting the star treatment? What's that all about? See, I didn't follow NCW or anything, but from what I can understand, Joe... you were kind of the whipping boy over there, right? The butt of all the jokes? Well this is a new start for us all, and I'm sure you're looking to capitalize on that just as much as anyone else, so I'm not going to hold that against you or anything.
What I will hold against you, however, is the fact that you're just waltzing right into this chase for the championship. What kind of strings did you have to pull to get this one? Constantine and I both earned our spots into this chase, and Ragner... I guess earned one for the beating he took last week. But you? What have you done? Leave the title wins or main events from other places out of it, and tell me exactly why you deserve to be in this match with me?
Go.
No answer yet? I can wait.
......
See, Joe... there is no answer. There is no excuse for why you're in this match. You're in here simply because you're Joe Everyman and your name carries weight in certain circles. The people, mainly from the South, will see your name and tune in just to see what 'THAT GUY' is up to now. You're a novelty. A farce. A gimmick.
You're a buzzword. That's it. A trending topic on Twitter.
They put you in this match as a way to cash in on whatever value you have. Did I get a debut segment last week? No. Does Simon de Montfort know my name? Probably not. Will he? Absolutely.
That's what I'm doing, Joe. I'm making my name right now; not living off of an old one like you are. That 'fresh start' you're looking for? It only extends so far. All of the jokes about you get washed away, but my god you don't want to lose the perks! You're Joe Everyman! You get the prime spot with the up-and-coming talent! You get one of the best parking spots and the cleanest locker!
You're the kind of guy who's just looking out to keep people like me at bay for as long as possible so you can keep in the limelight for as long as possible. You're not worried about reinventing yourself... you're worried about clinging to what you already have. You're taking up valuable spotlight for those of us who actually have a chance to be something.
So come Sunday, you either step aside or you get pushed aside.
Speaking of pushing...
...That's my segue.
Daniel Constantine really pushed me to the brink of consciousness with his words last week. You're a man of god, right? Well I found myself praying that you'd finally shut up.
On a positive note, I know what I'm listening to next time insomnia kicks in.
Now I could say something cliche, like 'where will your god be on Monday night?', but I'm taking the high road on this. I'll leave the cracks about the Flying Spaghetti Monster at the door, and instead, focus on the fact that you find your strength in your words. You use the words of the bible to make yourself seem invincible. You gain your power from a book, and you believe in something bigger than us all.
Me? I'm a believer in this hot new thing... it's called Ryan Blade.
While you're busy waiting for signs to guide you in your quest to take over IWF, I'm taking fate into my own hands. I live and die by my own rules, Danny... I don't have to rely on someone elses' guidance. I learned a long time ago that the things you believe in only end up letting you down, and at some point, your faith is going to fail you. Then what will be left of the mighty Daniel Constantine?
Faith can only take you so far. Then, talent kicks in.
And that's where I'm miles ahead of you. If this were a contest on long, drawn out monologues, holy crap you'd be unstoppable! But unfortunately, this is a good old fashioned 'rasslin contest. Three other men are in that ring with you on Monday... and I'm sure you've got a lot of questions running through your mind right now.
'What do I have to do to win?'
'How can I avoid being choked out?'
'Did I leave my oven on at home?'
But the real question you should be asking yourself, is if you, Daniel, are ready to enter the lion's den?
Because this young lion, is hungry for zealot meat. Which really doesn't sound very tasty when I say it out loud.
... Screw it. I'll eat a leg or something...
You see boys... There's no big mystery or secret as to how this thing is going to go down. One-by-one you're all going to end up getting choked out at some point. There's no sense denying it anymore. You know it's coming, and I know it's coming. All that's left to figure out is who goes down first.
That Man of Steel Title is coming home with me. It's a 'Sure Thing'.
... trademark still pending."
Ryan Blade: "I can't believe I let you convince me to drop all of my money on a hotel room. My entire signing bonus is almost gone, all thanks to a room and some deceptively priced mini-bar items. All the chocolate you can eat, but none of the booze."
Chelsea: "How lame is it that they wouldn't give you the key to the alcohol? You're a big time wrestler now."
Ryan Blade: "Well, it's not easy using a fake ID when the guy behind the desk saw you on TV last week. Still, I think I make a convincing Jorge Garcia."
Chelsea: "Yeah.... I'd stick to wrestling if I were you. Your acting skills are lacking to say the least."
{The redhead walks exits the bathroom with her hair non unwrapped, and sits down at the foot of the bed. She begins to brush her hair, before looking back over her shoulder.}
Chelsea: "So. Did you call your mom yet?"
Ryan Blade: "No, but she called me... multiple times. I feel like I've talked to her more since we left than I did when I was still living in the house. It's like, 'Come on mom. I'm in the big time now. You don't have to worry about me missing curfew anymore."
Chelsea: "What kind of a 20 year old has curfew in the first place?"
Ryan Blade: "The kind with a mom who cares about them. And before you start, don't be a jerk about my mom."
Chelsea: "Geez momma's boy. Halfway across the country and she's still got you in the palm of her hand."
Ryan Blade: "Well that's life in a one parent household. We're all each other had growing up."
Chelsea: "What about your little brother?"
Ryan Blade: "Chase? Oh yeah, he was there too. But still..."
{Ryan sits up and edges down to the foot of the bed, sitting next to his girlfriend.}
Chelsea: "What'd she have to say then? Her son winning his first match in a big wrestling promotion... that's a big deal."
Ryan Blade: "She was super proud, obviously. Of course Chase is trying to one-up me as always with his own thing, but I know she's more proud of me."
Chelsea: "Why?"
Ryan Blade: "Because Chase is Chase, and I'm Ryan. I've been better than him since day one. Just like how I've been better than everyone in IWF since day one. There's just something special about me. You know what I mean?"
Chelsea: "Of course I know what you mean. Clearly IWF sees it, considering they're already trying to give you a title shot. And I mean... they're basically handing it to you."
Ryan Blade: "It's mine for the taking. First the Man of Steel Championship. Then, the world."
Chelsea: "Easy there killer. Let's get the Man of Steel Title first and worry about the rest when it comes to it."
{The redhead gets up and heads to the bathroom again. Blade follows her in, and the hottest new duo in Imperial Wrestling look in the mirror, totally checking themselves out. Suddenly, Chelsea steers the conversation in an unexpected direction.}
Chelsea: "What do you think your dad thought of you last week? You think he was proud?"
Ryan Blade: "Probably not, but who cares what that lowlife thinks? As long as you and my mom were proud, I'm happy."
Chelsea: "... and Chase?"
Ryan Blade: "Yeah, yeah. Chase too."
Chelsea: "You're a terrible brother."
Ryan Blade: "Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that I am the future of wrestling..."
Chelsea: ".... and my god does the future look good!"
{Fade out.}
__________________________________________________________________________________
"I told you so.
Four words most people claim to hate to have to tell you, but I love it. I absolutely love being able to sit in front of you today and gloat about the fact that I told you I was going to beat Alex Kanton and Eirik Ragner last week, and then I went out and did it. Whether you believed in me or not, there was always that little bit of doubt in the back of your mind of whether or not I could actually beat a grizzled vet and an equally grizzled viking. So again I say, 'I told you so.'
You'll be hearing me say that a lot over my time here.
But I don't have to tell you about last week, do I Eirik? You were there firsthand to see the whole thing! So tell me: What's it like being in the ring with me? I'd really like to know. I'd have to imagine it's a lot like taking an art class with Van Gogh, or playing a pick-up game with LeBron James. You were inches away from greatness, Eirik. How'd it feel?
Because you're going to get that same feeling again this week. Only you, you lucky soul, get the incredible opportunity. But here's the thing... unlike Van Gogh... unlike LeBron.... I'm just getting started. Last week was only the beginning, and each and every single week afterwards is another opportunity to show the world what Ryan Blade is about. And if you don't know what that is by now, Rags, here's a hint:
I'm a winner.
It's what I did last week, and it's what I plan to do again this time around. I mean heck, you didn't even touch me last week. This week? You may get in a lucky shot or two, but when the lights are on bright and the pressure's on, you'll tap just like Alex Kanton did, and like two other guys are going to do in weeks to come.
Last week was about making a statement in my debut. Now I actually have something to shoot for. Two weeks in and they're practically throwing belts at me. That's gotta be some kind of record.
And speaking of new experiences: Joe Everyman getting the star treatment? What's that all about? See, I didn't follow NCW or anything, but from what I can understand, Joe... you were kind of the whipping boy over there, right? The butt of all the jokes? Well this is a new start for us all, and I'm sure you're looking to capitalize on that just as much as anyone else, so I'm not going to hold that against you or anything.
What I will hold against you, however, is the fact that you're just waltzing right into this chase for the championship. What kind of strings did you have to pull to get this one? Constantine and I both earned our spots into this chase, and Ragner... I guess earned one for the beating he took last week. But you? What have you done? Leave the title wins or main events from other places out of it, and tell me exactly why you deserve to be in this match with me?
Go.
No answer yet? I can wait.
......
See, Joe... there is no answer. There is no excuse for why you're in this match. You're in here simply because you're Joe Everyman and your name carries weight in certain circles. The people, mainly from the South, will see your name and tune in just to see what 'THAT GUY' is up to now. You're a novelty. A farce. A gimmick.
You're a buzzword. That's it. A trending topic on Twitter.
They put you in this match as a way to cash in on whatever value you have. Did I get a debut segment last week? No. Does Simon de Montfort know my name? Probably not. Will he? Absolutely.
That's what I'm doing, Joe. I'm making my name right now; not living off of an old one like you are. That 'fresh start' you're looking for? It only extends so far. All of the jokes about you get washed away, but my god you don't want to lose the perks! You're Joe Everyman! You get the prime spot with the up-and-coming talent! You get one of the best parking spots and the cleanest locker!
You're the kind of guy who's just looking out to keep people like me at bay for as long as possible so you can keep in the limelight for as long as possible. You're not worried about reinventing yourself... you're worried about clinging to what you already have. You're taking up valuable spotlight for those of us who actually have a chance to be something.
So come Sunday, you either step aside or you get pushed aside.
Speaking of pushing...
...That's my segue.
Daniel Constantine really pushed me to the brink of consciousness with his words last week. You're a man of god, right? Well I found myself praying that you'd finally shut up.
On a positive note, I know what I'm listening to next time insomnia kicks in.
Now I could say something cliche, like 'where will your god be on Monday night?', but I'm taking the high road on this. I'll leave the cracks about the Flying Spaghetti Monster at the door, and instead, focus on the fact that you find your strength in your words. You use the words of the bible to make yourself seem invincible. You gain your power from a book, and you believe in something bigger than us all.
Me? I'm a believer in this hot new thing... it's called Ryan Blade.
While you're busy waiting for signs to guide you in your quest to take over IWF, I'm taking fate into my own hands. I live and die by my own rules, Danny... I don't have to rely on someone elses' guidance. I learned a long time ago that the things you believe in only end up letting you down, and at some point, your faith is going to fail you. Then what will be left of the mighty Daniel Constantine?
Faith can only take you so far. Then, talent kicks in.
And that's where I'm miles ahead of you. If this were a contest on long, drawn out monologues, holy crap you'd be unstoppable! But unfortunately, this is a good old fashioned 'rasslin contest. Three other men are in that ring with you on Monday... and I'm sure you've got a lot of questions running through your mind right now.
'What do I have to do to win?'
'How can I avoid being choked out?'
'Did I leave my oven on at home?'
But the real question you should be asking yourself, is if you, Daniel, are ready to enter the lion's den?
Because this young lion, is hungry for zealot meat. Which really doesn't sound very tasty when I say it out loud.
... Screw it. I'll eat a leg or something...
You see boys... There's no big mystery or secret as to how this thing is going to go down. One-by-one you're all going to end up getting choked out at some point. There's no sense denying it anymore. You know it's coming, and I know it's coming. All that's left to figure out is who goes down first.
That Man of Steel Title is coming home with me. It's a 'Sure Thing'.
... trademark still pending."
Well howdy there pardner.