Post by Warren Kane on Oct 25, 2015 22:50:52 GMT
When you’re on top things always seem to go according to plan. Everything falls into place, and the world just seems a bit brighter. It’s only when you’re slipping that the world seems like such a cold and harsh place. Nothing ever seems to go right, and everyone seems out to get you. Ever since Jack Gaither accepted my challenge and put the Invictus Title on the line, things have been going pretty great for me….I know it isn’t long, but when you’ve been shrouded in darkness for so long?
A little bit of light, makes a hell of a difference.
I don’t claim to be the wisest of men, I don’t claim to know anything and everything, but I’ve been through enough to feel validated in my philosophy. My world has been spun on its axis at least twice already, and I’m still very much a young man. I’ve lived in the darkness that most people spend their lives trying to avoid, I fell under the influence of a man who knew what words to say and what buttons to press….and I became a slave to that message, even made it my own and tried to move forward with it….but reality brought me back. Snapped me back with a harsh slap to the face, and now here I am.
A harder person.
A harsher person.
But a better one.
Which brings me to a certain competitor, Mr Nighthawk.
There’s so much talk about whether this person deserves this, or that person deserves that these days that for the most part? I don’t listen. There’s probably thousands, if not millions of people who didn’t think I deserved an Invictus title shot. Hell, people probably thought I would have skipped right over and gone for the Man of Steel title, or heck even tried my hand at getting an ass whooping from Renee Pleasant. The thing is, what people think, isn’t fact. Opinions are likes asshole, everyone has one. Does Nighthawk deserve an Invictus title shot?
I couldn’t give a shit.
The dude has wrestled around the world, he’s a world class athlete….and he’s going to be in the ring with me fighting for my title at Revolution. Do you really think I’m going to waste my time wondering if he deserves to be there? No. That isn’t any of my business, what is my business is studying this veteran, watching his tapes, learning how he works and learning how to dismantle it all. I’m not an idiot you see, I’m aware that Hawk has an awful lot of experience, that he’s capable of switching up his style, so instead of trying to think of things I could say to throw him off his game, I’ll just put my time and effort into training myself to be better. I put time and effort into this week in, and week out. I’m predisposed to learn from those who came before me, instead of spouting of his mouth and getting himself into trouble, Nighthawk has always been the type of person who lets his in ring actions do the talking for him.
I can respect that.
I don’t respect those who look past me though. Those who think that I’m just some little obstacle in their way, and they’ll just brush me aside. No I’m not as formidable as Renee Pleasant, or Angel Blake, or Spike Kane, but the important thing is….I’m getting there. I’m on my way, my career is on it’s way up….Hawk and Gaither? You’re both in the tail end of your careers. You’ve both taken bumps around the world….and sometimes...it shows real bad.
Like the memory loss of losing to me over and over.
I’m the Invictus Champion Hawk….I’m the man you need to be better than to take this away from me. Yes, in a ladder match you don’t exactly need to beat me, you don’t have to make me submit, or pin me to the mat. But, do you really think if there is even an ounce of strength in my body I’m going to let you walk away with my gold? I’m building this division back up, trying to make it healthy again, recover from the damage the likes of Attwater and Gaither have done to it, hell even Al Thani. I’m trying to bring prestige back to this division, and I’m being honest here but beating you? Retaining my championship after a match involving Nighthawk?
That’s gonna add some prestige.
I’m confident ‘Hawk, and I know that it makes me sound arrogant. I understand people might see it that way, but I’m genuinely not...I’m confident because I’m riding a high, I’ve been living my life the way I want to, and enjoying myself, that has transitioned into my ring game and it shows when I’m loving my job, when I’m enjoying getting into that ring and stealing the god damn show!
Can you say the same?
~~~
A little bit of light, makes a hell of a difference.
I don’t claim to be the wisest of men, I don’t claim to know anything and everything, but I’ve been through enough to feel validated in my philosophy. My world has been spun on its axis at least twice already, and I’m still very much a young man. I’ve lived in the darkness that most people spend their lives trying to avoid, I fell under the influence of a man who knew what words to say and what buttons to press….and I became a slave to that message, even made it my own and tried to move forward with it….but reality brought me back. Snapped me back with a harsh slap to the face, and now here I am.
A harder person.
A harsher person.
But a better one.
Which brings me to a certain competitor, Mr Nighthawk.
There’s so much talk about whether this person deserves this, or that person deserves that these days that for the most part? I don’t listen. There’s probably thousands, if not millions of people who didn’t think I deserved an Invictus title shot. Hell, people probably thought I would have skipped right over and gone for the Man of Steel title, or heck even tried my hand at getting an ass whooping from Renee Pleasant. The thing is, what people think, isn’t fact. Opinions are likes asshole, everyone has one. Does Nighthawk deserve an Invictus title shot?
I couldn’t give a shit.
The dude has wrestled around the world, he’s a world class athlete….and he’s going to be in the ring with me fighting for my title at Revolution. Do you really think I’m going to waste my time wondering if he deserves to be there? No. That isn’t any of my business, what is my business is studying this veteran, watching his tapes, learning how he works and learning how to dismantle it all. I’m not an idiot you see, I’m aware that Hawk has an awful lot of experience, that he’s capable of switching up his style, so instead of trying to think of things I could say to throw him off his game, I’ll just put my time and effort into training myself to be better. I put time and effort into this week in, and week out. I’m predisposed to learn from those who came before me, instead of spouting of his mouth and getting himself into trouble, Nighthawk has always been the type of person who lets his in ring actions do the talking for him.
I can respect that.
I don’t respect those who look past me though. Those who think that I’m just some little obstacle in their way, and they’ll just brush me aside. No I’m not as formidable as Renee Pleasant, or Angel Blake, or Spike Kane, but the important thing is….I’m getting there. I’m on my way, my career is on it’s way up….Hawk and Gaither? You’re both in the tail end of your careers. You’ve both taken bumps around the world….and sometimes...it shows real bad.
Like the memory loss of losing to me over and over.
I’m the Invictus Champion Hawk….I’m the man you need to be better than to take this away from me. Yes, in a ladder match you don’t exactly need to beat me, you don’t have to make me submit, or pin me to the mat. But, do you really think if there is even an ounce of strength in my body I’m going to let you walk away with my gold? I’m building this division back up, trying to make it healthy again, recover from the damage the likes of Attwater and Gaither have done to it, hell even Al Thani. I’m trying to bring prestige back to this division, and I’m being honest here but beating you? Retaining my championship after a match involving Nighthawk?
That’s gonna add some prestige.
I’m confident ‘Hawk, and I know that it makes me sound arrogant. I understand people might see it that way, but I’m genuinely not...I’m confident because I’m riding a high, I’ve been living my life the way I want to, and enjoying myself, that has transitioned into my ring game and it shows when I’m loving my job, when I’m enjoying getting into that ring and stealing the god damn show!
Can you say the same?
~~~
The scene opens up at a very trendy bar somewhere in Boston. Warren and his friend Ollie are sat outside on a bench clearly having fun, chatting and laughing. They’re both dressed quite smart, in slick suits, Warrens all black, but with a red trimmed shirt. Ollie seems to be getting fairly drunk, but Warren just seems to be at all.
Warren: No seriously, he didn’t know we were watching, and it was so funny! He was so unaware, oh man, it was hillarious!
Ollie: That’s cruel. Funny, but cruel.
Ollie takes a sip from his pint of beer, as Warren chuckles to himself just a little bit more.
Warren: Come on, you’re telling me you wouldn’t have done the same?
Ollie: No-....No, you’re right. We would have done it too, no way could we pass up an oppurtinity like that. Listen...you sure you don’t want a drink? I mean we’re here to celebrate the new...INVICTUS CHAMPION!
Warren hastily scrambles his arms trying to quieten Ollie down, not wanting to draw too much attention to them.
Warren: No man, nah. I don’t drink. My Dad...erm, my step dad I guess, had a drinking problem, he was an absolute dick….and well, I’ve recently found out that my real Dad and my real Uncle both had problems with alcohol and drugs and stuff….so, I just don’t even want to risk it, you know?
Ollie: You’re no fun….I get it though, but still….
Out the corner of the bar a group of rowdy guys are all chanting and doing shots together, getting louder and louder. Their noise gets Warrens attention and he realises that a couple of them keep glancing over at him and Ollie. Warren almost immediately goes quiet, and Ollie notices it too.
Ollie: Hey….don’t worry.
Warren: I think I’m just gonna go home…
Ollie: No, dude. Don’t be like that. We’re having a good time, don’t get paranoid and shit…
Warren: I just want to go before anything happens, OK? I don’t want tonight to be ruined…
Ollie: Fine, ok man...but I’m driving. I’ve only had one anyway…
This time Warren decides not to argue with his new friend and smiles instead, before the two get up from their bench and head towards Ollie’s car parked just a little ways down the street. Warren tries not to look back at the group of men who seem to be laughing louder, and harder, almost as if they’re deliberatly laughing at him. He balls his fists and just gets into the car, not saying a word. Ollie fires up the engine and they are on their way within seconds.
Warren: I’m sorry.
Ollie doesn’t respond right away as he’s paying attention to the road and his mirrors, Warren is clearly feeling regretful about spoiling the night.
Ollie: Nothing to apologise for dude, seriously. I understand you’ve had a tough time, but you don’t have to worry….I’ve always got your back.
Warren nods his head slowly, waiting what seems like an age before replying as they drive down side road after side road.
Warren: Thanks….
After a few minutes of awkward silence Ollie pulls up outside of Spike Kane (and therefore Warrens) house, and kills the engine.
Ollie: Warren, buddy….take some advice. You gotta stop being so pessimistic, yeah? Don’t worry about how the world sees you. Like you were talking about your Dad and your Uncle? You are your own person….just because they struggled with their own demons, doesn’t mean you will, ok?
Warren: Yeah, I get that. I appreciate it too….I just sometimes think, would he have gone through it if I was there? Y’know….?
He speaks almost solemnly as he climbs out of the car, giving Ollie a quick salute before they both laugh and wave goodbye. Warren heads up the path to the house and opens the door walking into the hallway. He drops his keys into the bowl next to the note he had left for Spike saying he’d be out all night. Only then does he realise that the TV is on in the living room, and quite loud too. He approaches the living room slowly, wondering what is going on.
Warren: ...Dad? …..you there?
There’s no answer, but Warren presses on. The huge tv screen is showing an old wrestling match from around about 2005 maybe 2006 when Spike Kane won the XHF Rumble. Warren had seen it, but couldn’t remember. It’s only as he gets close that he sees Spike out cold on the sofa, an almost completely empty bottle of Jack Daniels lightly clasped in his hands. Warren frowns immediately before kneeling down and pulling the bottle away. He pulls a blanket from the booth behind him and covers up his Dad.
Warren: ….what's going on Dad…..why do you do this to yourself?
The scene fades on Warren trying to make his father comfortable but obviously quite down on the whole alcohol situation.
~~~
I kinda figured this would happen Jack. Though I expected you to be a man about it and outright ask me for a rematch, half of me thought you would wait til the next Open Fight Night….but instead the brass have done it for you. I’m not mad, I’m not angry, I’m completely aware that it’s the acceptable thing. You see, the powers that be probably had Nighthawk pegged as your ppv opponent, but then you and I go and throw a spanner in their works. Surely they can’t give ‘Hawk a title shot without allowing you a chance at recovering from your epic mistake, right?
It’s simple business.
We’ve done this dance several times now Jack, and I’m aware that you’ve got quite the history with Nighthawk too….a history that if I’m brutally honest? Nobody gives a rats ass about, because people only care about what is happening or has happened right here in IWF. You’ve fallen pretty far Jack, you’re scraping the bottom of the barrell and you need this win more than either Hawk or myself. You need to climb back up that ladder, quite literally, to make your career mean something. Show the world that you aren’t a joke, that your title reign isn’t the biggest blip in a mans career ever…
#ShortestTitleReignEver
Just saying.
You need to learn that your mouth gets you into trouble Jack. Take a note from Hawk, or even myself and let your actions do some of the speaking for you. Learn from your mistakes, and stop repeating them over and over. Don’t get me wrong though Jack, I’m not rooting for you, no, I’m too selfish for that. I’m rooting for myself, to prove to the world that I deserve this championship. That my victory over you was a deserved one, that it wasn’t a fluke, and to show the world that I’m going to be a better champion. There is no way in hell that I’ll be lumped with the same length of a title reign as you….I will not be the man with the shortest title reign in IWF history…
I would rather die.
This business, this company, this belt….they mean something to me. It is in my blood, I have no other goals, no other pathways, just full on tunnel vision. I am going to be one of the greatest superstars that this company has ever seen, I’m determined, I’m committed, and I will work my god damn ass off to get to that point. If you want this title back Jack? You’ll have to put me down for good to get it, because there is nothing on this planet that will stop me from leaving the ring at Revolution STILL the Invictus Champion, short of death.
That goes for both of you.
My name is Warren Kane, and I am the Invictus Champion.
You want my belt?
You better put me in the ground.
Because I will never stop coming.
I will never stop fighting.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
I kinda figured this would happen Jack. Though I expected you to be a man about it and outright ask me for a rematch, half of me thought you would wait til the next Open Fight Night….but instead the brass have done it for you. I’m not mad, I’m not angry, I’m completely aware that it’s the acceptable thing. You see, the powers that be probably had Nighthawk pegged as your ppv opponent, but then you and I go and throw a spanner in their works. Surely they can’t give ‘Hawk a title shot without allowing you a chance at recovering from your epic mistake, right?
It’s simple business.
We’ve done this dance several times now Jack, and I’m aware that you’ve got quite the history with Nighthawk too….a history that if I’m brutally honest? Nobody gives a rats ass about, because people only care about what is happening or has happened right here in IWF. You’ve fallen pretty far Jack, you’re scraping the bottom of the barrell and you need this win more than either Hawk or myself. You need to climb back up that ladder, quite literally, to make your career mean something. Show the world that you aren’t a joke, that your title reign isn’t the biggest blip in a mans career ever…
#ShortestTitleReignEver
Just saying.
You need to learn that your mouth gets you into trouble Jack. Take a note from Hawk, or even myself and let your actions do some of the speaking for you. Learn from your mistakes, and stop repeating them over and over. Don’t get me wrong though Jack, I’m not rooting for you, no, I’m too selfish for that. I’m rooting for myself, to prove to the world that I deserve this championship. That my victory over you was a deserved one, that it wasn’t a fluke, and to show the world that I’m going to be a better champion. There is no way in hell that I’ll be lumped with the same length of a title reign as you….I will not be the man with the shortest title reign in IWF history…
I would rather die.
This business, this company, this belt….they mean something to me. It is in my blood, I have no other goals, no other pathways, just full on tunnel vision. I am going to be one of the greatest superstars that this company has ever seen, I’m determined, I’m committed, and I will work my god damn ass off to get to that point. If you want this title back Jack? You’ll have to put me down for good to get it, because there is nothing on this planet that will stop me from leaving the ring at Revolution STILL the Invictus Champion, short of death.
That goes for both of you.
My name is Warren Kane, and I am the Invictus Champion.
You want my belt?
You better put me in the ground.
Because I will never stop coming.
I will never stop fighting.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Well howdy there pardner.