Post by Ryan Shane on Jun 23, 2013 20:07:56 GMT
Eighth place. It's not exactly where I wanted to finish. I was hoping for something a little more definitive. Just getting in by the skin of my teeth doesn't prove anything. It doesn't feel good. It feels like failure. In training this week, I gave it my all and then some. I promised Brian I would do my best and not just throw in the towel. Inside the ring? It all fell apart. I wanted to erase the past couple of weeks from the minds of the fans, the other wrestlers. I wanted them to be talking about me. Not even a peep. I don't blame them. Most people don't even bother remembering who finished in second place, so who would bother with me. There are plenty of guys on this roster who would have been happy finishing in eighth place, securing a spot in the Heir to the Throne tournament. I'm not one of them, but I can't just throw a pity party for myself. I admit I tried. I called up Jake, something I rarely do anymore. I bitched about how I should be doing better than I am, how eighth place wasn't good enough for Ryan Shane. He only had one response. He told me, at least you're in. At that moment everything became clear. Jake Keeton fought harder than I did, and not only lost out on one chance at gold, but two. I still have a fighting chance, and that might be all I need. I could still become the Heir to the Throne. If I do that, nothing else I have none in the IWF will matter.
June 21st, 2013
It's the first official day of summer. Ryan Shane has finally made it home after spending the past couple of weeks in the Chicago area. Ryan has always liked being out on the road, but also enjoyed having a place to come home to. A couple of years back when he bought his Allen Park home he thought he was doing so to help build a future. A future for him and Amber Lynn, their kids, whatever may come. His dream home has become just that, a dream. Ryan is preparing for another trip on the road, some might say over packing. From the front door he hears a knocking and it makes him come to a halt. He heads downstairs and opens it and he cousin comes pushing past him.
Brian: Alright, you ready to workout?
This is when he notices that Ryan isn't dressed for physical activity.
Brian: You didn't call me hear to work out did you?
Ryan Shane: I was thinking we could talk.
Brian: Well if we are going to talk, do you at least have a beer?
Ryan Shane: Check the fridge.
Brian enters the kitchen and comes back a moment later carrying one beer.
Brian: It's the last one. Taste a little old, but it will do. So what did you want to talk to me about?
He says this as he plops down on the couch, getting comfortable.
Ryan Shane: I wanted to tell you that you were right. It's time for me to move on, put Amber Lynn in the past.
Brian: It's about time, good for you.
Ryan Shane: Please let me finish. This wasn't an easy decision. Last week I promised I would do whatever I could to come out on top at Bloody Assizes. It didn't happen. Not because I wasn't physically prepared, but mentally I was in shambles. My mindset almost costs me my career.
Brian: So you never were going to quit if you didn't make it into the Heir to the Throne tournament?
Ryan Shane: No I was, and to be honest I should have been eliminated at soon as I stepped in the ring. The fact I even got eighth place opened my eyes. Now I need to see things through. That's what I am going to do.
Brian: I know it's been tough on you. I appreciate you letting me know what's on your mind, and I am proud of you. You are doing the right thing. It will be a lot easier for us to get you prepared with it not hanging over you.
Ryan Shane: That's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I want you to know that. I just think it's time for us to part ways, move on.
Brian: Are you breaking up with me as well?
The joke does little to change Ryan's mood.
Ryan Shane: We will always be family. But on a professional level I need to branch out, do things on my own. I'm going to be gone for awhile, try to find myself, recommit to the business.
Brian: You know I'm willing to make the journey with you.
Ryan Shane: I do, but it's something I need to do on my own.
Brian: I understand that. I won't say it wasn't fun being out on the road and training with you though. Got me thinking about my own career.
Ryan Shane: It might have been fun for you, my body still aches from the workouts.
Brian: Just do me a favor, if you ever need someone give me a call. I will be there.
Ryan Shane: Will do.
Brian: Where are you heading next?
Ryan Shane: It looks like Indiana.
Brian: Here's to new beginnings then.
Brian raises his beer to his younger cousin before tipping it back and emptying it's contents down his throat.
When I saw that the top eight men in the Heir to the Throne battle royale got spots into the tournament I figured it would be your standard one on one match up. If you win you advance. I never thought I would end up in a triple threat match. Then again, maybe I should have. It isn't like I have been in a one on one match since I faced Machado, and we know how that went. If I have to get past two men than that's exactly what I'm going to try and do. Triple threat matches come with no guarantees. You could dominate the whole match only to have someone swoop in and take all the glory. It's unpredictable, and I think that's the point. If you want to be Imperial champion the road isn't going to be easy. The battle royale was brutal, just watch it. Surviving that was no easy task. This weeks is like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. It's fitting that summer has arrived because things are heating up. A week ago I could have taken or left being in this position. But “Right Now” I'm glad I'm where I'm at. No one knows what's going to happen in my match with Joe Everyman and Deathtrain. I wish I could say I am going to win for certain. Nobody should make that claim. All I can do is promise that I will make every effort to walk out of Sacrifice one step closer to being on top.
June 23rd, 2013
The car is all packed up and Ryan is ready to hit the road. On his new career path, tomorrow's edition of Sacrifice will be the first stop. There is just one bit of unfinished business left to do before he leaves. He is carrying a box out to the garage. The contents of the box belong to Amber Lynn. They are all he has left of her. On top is a picture of the two of them from their first real date. Ryan looks different now, but she looks as beautiful as ever. He enters the garage and puts the box and it's contents on a shelf. He exits the garage and locks it behind him. As he walks to the car he fights back tears.
Ryan Shane: This is for the best...
Ryan enters his car and wipes his eyes before starting his new life. A life without Amber Lynn.
I know the odds are stacked against me. As the last man in I am going to be an underdog. I'm sure Joe and Deathtrain will disagree and say it's not true, but that's just a way of saving face. A little damage control if Ryan Shane pulls off the upset. You wouldn't know it from seeing me in action in the IWF but this is not a position I'm use to. I'm use to being the guy that was promising victories and delivering on them. I was so good that I was held back and kept from better things. That's how I saw it. There is no one holding me back in the IWF, no one but me. I can be Imperial champion, of course I can. I honestly believe I am better than what I've shown. I seen it in the past. Maybe this week is when the switch is flipped and everything falls into place. My whole career I've been a victim and I can't let that continue here. I won't.
Deathtrain let me congratulate you on your performance at Bloody Assizes. It was impressive, to me anyway. I bet you feel good about it as well. You should, even if a match like that is tailored made for someone of your size. Sure you might not be the biggest man on the planet, but still. In a match where throwing your opponents over the top rope is the goal, size matters. I've face plenty of big men in my career and I love it. It's not because I have a death wish. It's because men of your size put me on edge. I know I have advantages over you. I'm faster, more agile, smarter? I also know that just ONE mistake on my part could end things before they begin. That makes me less likely to go at you haphazardly. I know what you can do to me and I want to avoid that at all costs. You are big and mean Deathtrain, but is that enough. Enough to be Imperial champion?
Sure, why not. There has never been one before so who knows exactly what makes an Imperial champion. That's why I like my odds. I've never fit into the mold of what someone of my size should be. I don't fly around the ring, I don't have great technical skills, and I sure as hell don't have the strength that someone like you has. My biggest asset has always been my heart, and my unwillingness to quit. Alright, I know that probably comes across as funny to you, so I will wait out your laughter. If you could see my face, I don't think it's funny. I used to eat, breathe, and sleep wrestling. It worked for me. Something changed, and it changed me. I was no longer the dominant force I knew I should be. That's in the past now and I am refocused. So why can't I prove it by beating you Deathtrain? That's the beauty of it, I can. I won't say the bigger they are, the harder they fall, but it's truth. I might not beat you, but you are not walking into this match and squashing me like a bug.
Joe Everyman, I remember you...I guess. I remember not being impressed. Don't take that as a sign of disrespect. It could just be when we crossed paths you weren't at the top of your game. Even if you convinced yourself otherwise. That is the past and doesn't matter here. The here and now say's that you are better than me. It's something I can dispute, but the numbers say it's true. You were so proud to finish second in the battle royale. Why? What did finishing second do for you. I mean, your in a match with me. Did it give you added confidence? Nah, you have plenty of that, even if it's a bit unwarranted? I will tell you exactly what finishing second did to you. It made you a threat. It marked you as a favorite and but a large target on your back. Until then you just a regular guy like me. Now, you are my stepping stone.
I want to humble, I need to be humble. It's just not easy to do. I know what is at stake. I respect what you are trying to do Joe, make a living in wrestling just like me. Last week there was no fight in me. I was willing to just say everyone was better than me and take the focus off my shortcomings. You've had your fair share of shortcomings as well Joe. The difference is the battle royal. I'm glad you are basking in the glow of your short sited victory because this week it ends. It might not be by my hand, Deathtrain might wipe the floor with you. I would be ok with that. If you two want to destroy each other I'm fine with sitting back and watching it all take place. It isn't beneath me to sweep in and pick up the crumbs. If that's what it takes I will do it. Feeding on the weak and broken is the American way after all.
I know everyone thinks Ryan Shane isn't up to snuff. That I'm nothing but potential who could catch fire or fade away. I want you two both to know that I'm not alright with being a role player. I wrestle to be the best, and it's time that I prove I can be. You might not think what I've lost is big in the scheme of things, but don't underestimate what it means to me. All I have left to lose is my wrestling career, and I'm not just going to let it walk out the door like I've let others things do in the past. I'm going to fight for it. I'm going to fight and I'm going to win.
June 21st, 2013
It's the first official day of summer. Ryan Shane has finally made it home after spending the past couple of weeks in the Chicago area. Ryan has always liked being out on the road, but also enjoyed having a place to come home to. A couple of years back when he bought his Allen Park home he thought he was doing so to help build a future. A future for him and Amber Lynn, their kids, whatever may come. His dream home has become just that, a dream. Ryan is preparing for another trip on the road, some might say over packing. From the front door he hears a knocking and it makes him come to a halt. He heads downstairs and opens it and he cousin comes pushing past him.
Brian: Alright, you ready to workout?
This is when he notices that Ryan isn't dressed for physical activity.
Brian: You didn't call me hear to work out did you?
Ryan Shane: I was thinking we could talk.
Brian: Well if we are going to talk, do you at least have a beer?
Ryan Shane: Check the fridge.
Brian enters the kitchen and comes back a moment later carrying one beer.
Brian: It's the last one. Taste a little old, but it will do. So what did you want to talk to me about?
He says this as he plops down on the couch, getting comfortable.
Ryan Shane: I wanted to tell you that you were right. It's time for me to move on, put Amber Lynn in the past.
Brian: It's about time, good for you.
Ryan Shane: Please let me finish. This wasn't an easy decision. Last week I promised I would do whatever I could to come out on top at Bloody Assizes. It didn't happen. Not because I wasn't physically prepared, but mentally I was in shambles. My mindset almost costs me my career.
Brian: So you never were going to quit if you didn't make it into the Heir to the Throne tournament?
Ryan Shane: No I was, and to be honest I should have been eliminated at soon as I stepped in the ring. The fact I even got eighth place opened my eyes. Now I need to see things through. That's what I am going to do.
Brian: I know it's been tough on you. I appreciate you letting me know what's on your mind, and I am proud of you. You are doing the right thing. It will be a lot easier for us to get you prepared with it not hanging over you.
Ryan Shane: That's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I want you to know that. I just think it's time for us to part ways, move on.
Brian: Are you breaking up with me as well?
The joke does little to change Ryan's mood.
Ryan Shane: We will always be family. But on a professional level I need to branch out, do things on my own. I'm going to be gone for awhile, try to find myself, recommit to the business.
Brian: You know I'm willing to make the journey with you.
Ryan Shane: I do, but it's something I need to do on my own.
Brian: I understand that. I won't say it wasn't fun being out on the road and training with you though. Got me thinking about my own career.
Ryan Shane: It might have been fun for you, my body still aches from the workouts.
Brian: Just do me a favor, if you ever need someone give me a call. I will be there.
Ryan Shane: Will do.
Brian: Where are you heading next?
Ryan Shane: It looks like Indiana.
Brian: Here's to new beginnings then.
Brian raises his beer to his younger cousin before tipping it back and emptying it's contents down his throat.
When I saw that the top eight men in the Heir to the Throne battle royale got spots into the tournament I figured it would be your standard one on one match up. If you win you advance. I never thought I would end up in a triple threat match. Then again, maybe I should have. It isn't like I have been in a one on one match since I faced Machado, and we know how that went. If I have to get past two men than that's exactly what I'm going to try and do. Triple threat matches come with no guarantees. You could dominate the whole match only to have someone swoop in and take all the glory. It's unpredictable, and I think that's the point. If you want to be Imperial champion the road isn't going to be easy. The battle royale was brutal, just watch it. Surviving that was no easy task. This weeks is like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. It's fitting that summer has arrived because things are heating up. A week ago I could have taken or left being in this position. But “Right Now” I'm glad I'm where I'm at. No one knows what's going to happen in my match with Joe Everyman and Deathtrain. I wish I could say I am going to win for certain. Nobody should make that claim. All I can do is promise that I will make every effort to walk out of Sacrifice one step closer to being on top.
June 23rd, 2013
The car is all packed up and Ryan is ready to hit the road. On his new career path, tomorrow's edition of Sacrifice will be the first stop. There is just one bit of unfinished business left to do before he leaves. He is carrying a box out to the garage. The contents of the box belong to Amber Lynn. They are all he has left of her. On top is a picture of the two of them from their first real date. Ryan looks different now, but she looks as beautiful as ever. He enters the garage and puts the box and it's contents on a shelf. He exits the garage and locks it behind him. As he walks to the car he fights back tears.
Ryan Shane: This is for the best...
Ryan enters his car and wipes his eyes before starting his new life. A life without Amber Lynn.
I know the odds are stacked against me. As the last man in I am going to be an underdog. I'm sure Joe and Deathtrain will disagree and say it's not true, but that's just a way of saving face. A little damage control if Ryan Shane pulls off the upset. You wouldn't know it from seeing me in action in the IWF but this is not a position I'm use to. I'm use to being the guy that was promising victories and delivering on them. I was so good that I was held back and kept from better things. That's how I saw it. There is no one holding me back in the IWF, no one but me. I can be Imperial champion, of course I can. I honestly believe I am better than what I've shown. I seen it in the past. Maybe this week is when the switch is flipped and everything falls into place. My whole career I've been a victim and I can't let that continue here. I won't.
Deathtrain let me congratulate you on your performance at Bloody Assizes. It was impressive, to me anyway. I bet you feel good about it as well. You should, even if a match like that is tailored made for someone of your size. Sure you might not be the biggest man on the planet, but still. In a match where throwing your opponents over the top rope is the goal, size matters. I've face plenty of big men in my career and I love it. It's not because I have a death wish. It's because men of your size put me on edge. I know I have advantages over you. I'm faster, more agile, smarter? I also know that just ONE mistake on my part could end things before they begin. That makes me less likely to go at you haphazardly. I know what you can do to me and I want to avoid that at all costs. You are big and mean Deathtrain, but is that enough. Enough to be Imperial champion?
Sure, why not. There has never been one before so who knows exactly what makes an Imperial champion. That's why I like my odds. I've never fit into the mold of what someone of my size should be. I don't fly around the ring, I don't have great technical skills, and I sure as hell don't have the strength that someone like you has. My biggest asset has always been my heart, and my unwillingness to quit. Alright, I know that probably comes across as funny to you, so I will wait out your laughter. If you could see my face, I don't think it's funny. I used to eat, breathe, and sleep wrestling. It worked for me. Something changed, and it changed me. I was no longer the dominant force I knew I should be. That's in the past now and I am refocused. So why can't I prove it by beating you Deathtrain? That's the beauty of it, I can. I won't say the bigger they are, the harder they fall, but it's truth. I might not beat you, but you are not walking into this match and squashing me like a bug.
Joe Everyman, I remember you...I guess. I remember not being impressed. Don't take that as a sign of disrespect. It could just be when we crossed paths you weren't at the top of your game. Even if you convinced yourself otherwise. That is the past and doesn't matter here. The here and now say's that you are better than me. It's something I can dispute, but the numbers say it's true. You were so proud to finish second in the battle royale. Why? What did finishing second do for you. I mean, your in a match with me. Did it give you added confidence? Nah, you have plenty of that, even if it's a bit unwarranted? I will tell you exactly what finishing second did to you. It made you a threat. It marked you as a favorite and but a large target on your back. Until then you just a regular guy like me. Now, you are my stepping stone.
I want to humble, I need to be humble. It's just not easy to do. I know what is at stake. I respect what you are trying to do Joe, make a living in wrestling just like me. Last week there was no fight in me. I was willing to just say everyone was better than me and take the focus off my shortcomings. You've had your fair share of shortcomings as well Joe. The difference is the battle royal. I'm glad you are basking in the glow of your short sited victory because this week it ends. It might not be by my hand, Deathtrain might wipe the floor with you. I would be ok with that. If you two want to destroy each other I'm fine with sitting back and watching it all take place. It isn't beneath me to sweep in and pick up the crumbs. If that's what it takes I will do it. Feeding on the weak and broken is the American way after all.
I know everyone thinks Ryan Shane isn't up to snuff. That I'm nothing but potential who could catch fire or fade away. I want you two both to know that I'm not alright with being a role player. I wrestle to be the best, and it's time that I prove I can be. You might not think what I've lost is big in the scheme of things, but don't underestimate what it means to me. All I have left to lose is my wrestling career, and I'm not just going to let it walk out the door like I've let others things do in the past. I'm going to fight for it. I'm going to fight and I'm going to win.
Well howdy there pardner.