Post by Ryan Shane on Jul 4, 2016 15:58:04 GMT
Shea O’Hara…the girl with the orange hair.
From the moment she smiled at me I've been infatuated with her. It makes the fact I was so oblivious that much worse.
How could I not know who she was?
How could I not know she worked for the same company I do?
The IWF is a big company. Surely I can’t be expected to know everyone. But she is on air talent, recognizable to anyone who watches the shows. At the same time she isn’t featured on Sacrifice every week.
Whatever excuse I come up with it doesn’t change anything. I think about her all the time. All of the time. It’s silly. I feel like a kid back in school with a crush. I can’t help it. I don’t even know her.
I want to.
I want to know everything about her. From the moment she smiled at me it's what I wanted.
I feel like maybe us running into each other could be destiny. I don't know if it's meant to be or not.
What I do know is…she is perfection.
I don’t know if it’s because I had my blinders on so long, or if I'm just having a hard time being without someone.
What I do know, is that right here right now...
I want her to be mine. I know we could make each other happy. She is in the wrestling business, she gets what it’s like.
I know she would feel the same way too if she would only give me a chance.
I just need to work up the nerve to ask her out.
July 1st, 2016
Bloody Assizes, the PPV that has everyone scratching their heads. It seems that the majority of folks have no idea what it means. You can count Ryan Shane as one of those. The name of the show isn’t important to him. What is of importance is walking out of said show with the IWF Man of Steel Championship.
This match isn’t like ones in the past. Very few people expected Shane to defeat Zasshu to begin with. Even fewer thought he would retain it. That has all changed. The odds are now in his favor. Ryan Shane is expected to win. He has played a lot of things in his wrestling career. Ryan has been a blue chipper, a victim, and an underdog. The favorite is something completely new to him.
The man known as Nighthawk finds himself playing underdog. This doesn’t stop Ryan from treating him as his toughest opponent yet. Hours have been spent looking through Nighthawk’s matches. He is looking for anyway to counter his new opponent’s strengths. He needs to be ready.
All he is finding is disappointment. It seems Nighthawk is now a man of weaknesses. A man even the greenest rookie can best. What was supposed to be a challenge is quickly becoming a farce. How does this help him? How does this help the Man of Steel championship?
How can Ryan Shane lose when victory is being served to him on a silver platter?
Ryan Shane: This is NOT the Nighthawk I remember…
He frustratingly closes his laptop after spending the past few hours watching the recent offerings of Nighthawk on the IWF Network. A great way to spend an extra $9.99 a month if you have it.
Ryan Shane: I must look like a fucking idiot to everyone. All the nice things I said. All the praise I gave him. They are going to think I was drunk or worse.
Ryan isn’t one to normally talk to himself. But the past month has been a pretty lonely one. Between learning more than ever about Nighthawk, wishing to know more about Shea O’Hara and getting reacquainted with himself there hasn’t been much room for anything else.
On more than one occasion he has thought of calling up JC Keeton, seeing if the kid wants to hang. But they haven’t talked since they were in the ring together and on that night Shane didn’t exactly take it easy on him.
Ryan Shane: I don't know if it's all the time away from home or the fact I've kept myself cooped up in this room most of the week, but something feels off.
The adjustment of being away from home so long hasn't been an easy one. Ryan got used to being home and only traveling to and from shows with the shortest amount of time away. This is the complete opposite.
He has gotten in some running, training, weights. He also has made promotional appearances as Man of Steel champion. Other than that he has been making sure things stay that way.
Ryan Shane: I give up. I tried but I can't do it.
He picks up his phone and dials a familiar number. He knows he shouldn't. It goes against everything he was supposed to accomplish. The truth is, while Ryan may have gotten stronger in the ring, emotionally he has become weaker.
Someone answers on the other end.
Brian: Hey...
Ryan Shane: Before you say anything, I know I'm not supposed to call you. You wanted me to make new friends and go it alone. It isn't as easy as you think. You've been there from the beginning. You're the reason I got started in this business. I don't want to use you as a crutch...
His older cousin cuts him off.
Brian: Ouch! I wouldn’t have put it quite as harshly as calling myself a crutch.
Ryan Shane: That isn’t what I meant. I know you said I needed to spread my wings and find who I am. I’ve tried to do that…but there isn’t a lot of free time when I’m trying to make sure I stay Man of Steel champion.
Brian: Have you made time? You can’t always be concentrating on the business every minute of every day. That’s how life passes you by.
Ryan Shane: I tried slowing down for life. It backfired. I'm all in when it comes to wrestling now.
Brian: Please tell me that you made at least one friend.
Ryan Shane: Well there is a girl I’m trying to talk to.
On the other end Brian can only sigh to himself. He knows how women can complicate things, especially in Ryan’s case.
Brian: Oh. A girl…well tell me about her…
Ryan Shane: Well, she is gorgeous, with the most beautiful orange hair.
Brian: Ah, Shea O’Hara…I like her.
I guess everyone does know who she is.
Ryan Shane: Yeah, well I haven’t talked to her much but I have my eyes on her. I’m waiting to make my move.
Brian knows that this could be nothing more than Ryan trying to fill the role is his life left empty by Amber leaving. He decides it isn't the right time to say it.
Brian: Nice choice. She has gotten me through some long nights when I was at the hospital.
Ryan Shane: I’m afraid to ask…
Brian: It isn’t like they let me have porn there. So I took my dose of young, attractive, fit women where I could get it.
Ryan Shane: That’s too much information.
Brian: I know you didn’t call me to swap stories about the girl we fantasize over. So why don’t you tell me why you really called. If I won’t be too much of a crutch.
Ryan Shane: Nighthawk…
Brian: Say no more. Listen I know the situation isn’t ideal. But you can only worry about what you have control over. All you have to focus on is beating him. You need to do what you need to. Don’t worry about anything else. I know he is a tough opponent, but you can't be afraid to lose.
Ryan Shane: I'm not afraid to lose. I know I will win. That's the problem.
Brian: It's good that your confident. I just warn you against getting too cocky for your own good. Just because recent history doesn't show it, that doesn't mean Nighthawk can't beat you.
Ryan Shane: I don't think there is any world where that is true. I'm going to win the match. I worry people will think I only took it because I knew I would win it.
Brian: Again, do yourself a favor and give some thought that he could beat you. If not you might be left unprepared.
Ryan Shane: I've put in the work. I've treated him better than he deserves.
Brian: Then I guess there is nothing to worry about.
Ryan Shane: Lets change the subject...how are you?
Brian: I'm getting better everyday. I'm also getting ready to put The Warehouse up for sale. Looks like I won't be needing it anymore.
This comes as a shock to Ryan.
Ryan Shane: You can't do that! It means too much to you.
Brian: Yeah, well maybe it's time to find something else.
Ryan Shane: Things really aren't going to be the same are they?
Brian: Unfortunately no.
Ryan Shane: I will be home soon. Please don't sell the place until I get home.
Brian: I make no promises. If the right offer comes along...
Ryan Shane: Try. Look I'm glad we got to talk. I miss you.
Brian: I miss you too. Good luck. I will be watching and cheering you on.
Ryan hangs up the phone and decides it's time to get back to work. He opens up his laptop once again but this time the IWF Network isn't his destination. Instead he scours YouTube for Jake Keeton vs Nighthawk matches.
Ryan might believe that beating Nighthawk is a given, but it doesn't hurt to look into some matches when Nighthawk was in his prime.
Nighthawk…
It was the week after Night of the Immortals when I came out and said if anyone wanted a title shot all they had to do was ask. You were quick to come out and throw your name in the hat. It was expected.
I accepted that match with you.
When Open Fight Night came around and JFK issued a similar challenge I was left with a bit of a dilemma. I had already offered Nighthawk a shot. If JFK were to beat me there was no way of knowing if he would do the same.
I put a match between Ryan Shane and Nighthawk on the line. A match the fans of the IWF want to see. I didn’t do it for selfish reasons. Sure I wanted a piece of JFK, I’ll admit that. He ran his mouth and needed to be shut up. Unfortunately we all learned the hard way he will always talk and continue to put his foot in his mouth.
The reason I granted JFK a shot to become Man of Steel champion is simple. He asked. That is all he had to do. That is all anyone had to do.
I’m a man of my word and I proved that.
Do I think Nighthawk deserves a shot at the Man of Steel title? The simple answer is no. That is neither here nor there. He has the opportunity and I’m ready for him.
I just wonder if he could possibly be ready for me.
Nighthawk asked for a title shot and then spent the rest of the month proving he doesn’t deserve one. He lost matches to both Jayson Matthews and JC Keeton.
He has done nothing of note.
Unfortunately that is how his career has gone lately. It wasn’t long ago that he left the IWF. My words gave him a glimmer of hope. If he could just beat Ryan Shane and become Man of Steel champion he could balance his career out once again.
He didn’t think to look at the other side. Losing to me could be the end of his career. It’s one that is running on fumes already. The Wrestling Machine is out of gas and there is no repairs capable of fixing him. It’s sad when guys who have had such great careers hang on to long.
Will people remember him for who he was or what he has become?
On the other side of the coin you find me. I’m in the prime of my career. I’m doing things a couple of months ago I never dreamed I would. I’ve defended my Man of Steel title twice. I’ve beaten former Imperial champion Alex Jones.
I’m on top of the world.
I finally believe that I really am one of the best IWF has to offer.
I don’t want my words to make it look like I’m overlooking you Nighthawk. I’ve been in the ring with you before. You’ve bested me and I’ve bested you. That was a long time ago. Neither of us are the same men we were back then.
Like I said, we are opposite sides of the same coin. I wish you no ill will Hawk. I never would. But a Man of Steel match is the most brutal you will find on any IWF show. Once upon a time you may have been at home inside that cage, stretching rookies and in ring veterans alike.
I know this match means everything to you. It will show everyone that you still have it. On another day you may be able to beat me. This week at Bloody Assizes? There is no chance of that happening.
I’m on too much of a roll. I’m on the top of my game. I was excited about beating you Hawk and the gaining the credibility that comes with beating a tactician such as yourself.
You let me down though.
You are letting yourself down.
I mean none of this as disrespect. I’m only calling it like I see it. This match is going to be a tough, fair, and honest fight. It will be everything you hoped for.
The problem is this isn’t a fairy tale and dreams don’t always come true.
I just want to offer you one last piece of advice. Be smart. Live to fight another day. Your ability may be ready to say goodbye to the wrestling business but the fans and especially me are not.
There will always be a place for you Nighthawk.
It just won’t be on top.
It won’t be as Man of Steel champion.
From the moment she smiled at me I've been infatuated with her. It makes the fact I was so oblivious that much worse.
How could I not know who she was?
How could I not know she worked for the same company I do?
The IWF is a big company. Surely I can’t be expected to know everyone. But she is on air talent, recognizable to anyone who watches the shows. At the same time she isn’t featured on Sacrifice every week.
Whatever excuse I come up with it doesn’t change anything. I think about her all the time. All of the time. It’s silly. I feel like a kid back in school with a crush. I can’t help it. I don’t even know her.
I want to.
I want to know everything about her. From the moment she smiled at me it's what I wanted.
I feel like maybe us running into each other could be destiny. I don't know if it's meant to be or not.
What I do know is…she is perfection.
I don’t know if it’s because I had my blinders on so long, or if I'm just having a hard time being without someone.
What I do know, is that right here right now...
I want her to be mine. I know we could make each other happy. She is in the wrestling business, she gets what it’s like.
I know she would feel the same way too if she would only give me a chance.
I just need to work up the nerve to ask her out.
July 1st, 2016
Bloody Assizes, the PPV that has everyone scratching their heads. It seems that the majority of folks have no idea what it means. You can count Ryan Shane as one of those. The name of the show isn’t important to him. What is of importance is walking out of said show with the IWF Man of Steel Championship.
This match isn’t like ones in the past. Very few people expected Shane to defeat Zasshu to begin with. Even fewer thought he would retain it. That has all changed. The odds are now in his favor. Ryan Shane is expected to win. He has played a lot of things in his wrestling career. Ryan has been a blue chipper, a victim, and an underdog. The favorite is something completely new to him.
The man known as Nighthawk finds himself playing underdog. This doesn’t stop Ryan from treating him as his toughest opponent yet. Hours have been spent looking through Nighthawk’s matches. He is looking for anyway to counter his new opponent’s strengths. He needs to be ready.
All he is finding is disappointment. It seems Nighthawk is now a man of weaknesses. A man even the greenest rookie can best. What was supposed to be a challenge is quickly becoming a farce. How does this help him? How does this help the Man of Steel championship?
How can Ryan Shane lose when victory is being served to him on a silver platter?
Ryan Shane: This is NOT the Nighthawk I remember…
He frustratingly closes his laptop after spending the past few hours watching the recent offerings of Nighthawk on the IWF Network. A great way to spend an extra $9.99 a month if you have it.
Ryan Shane: I must look like a fucking idiot to everyone. All the nice things I said. All the praise I gave him. They are going to think I was drunk or worse.
Ryan isn’t one to normally talk to himself. But the past month has been a pretty lonely one. Between learning more than ever about Nighthawk, wishing to know more about Shea O’Hara and getting reacquainted with himself there hasn’t been much room for anything else.
On more than one occasion he has thought of calling up JC Keeton, seeing if the kid wants to hang. But they haven’t talked since they were in the ring together and on that night Shane didn’t exactly take it easy on him.
Ryan Shane: I don't know if it's all the time away from home or the fact I've kept myself cooped up in this room most of the week, but something feels off.
The adjustment of being away from home so long hasn't been an easy one. Ryan got used to being home and only traveling to and from shows with the shortest amount of time away. This is the complete opposite.
He has gotten in some running, training, weights. He also has made promotional appearances as Man of Steel champion. Other than that he has been making sure things stay that way.
Ryan Shane: I give up. I tried but I can't do it.
He picks up his phone and dials a familiar number. He knows he shouldn't. It goes against everything he was supposed to accomplish. The truth is, while Ryan may have gotten stronger in the ring, emotionally he has become weaker.
Someone answers on the other end.
Brian: Hey...
Ryan Shane: Before you say anything, I know I'm not supposed to call you. You wanted me to make new friends and go it alone. It isn't as easy as you think. You've been there from the beginning. You're the reason I got started in this business. I don't want to use you as a crutch...
His older cousin cuts him off.
Brian: Ouch! I wouldn’t have put it quite as harshly as calling myself a crutch.
Ryan Shane: That isn’t what I meant. I know you said I needed to spread my wings and find who I am. I’ve tried to do that…but there isn’t a lot of free time when I’m trying to make sure I stay Man of Steel champion.
Brian: Have you made time? You can’t always be concentrating on the business every minute of every day. That’s how life passes you by.
Ryan Shane: I tried slowing down for life. It backfired. I'm all in when it comes to wrestling now.
Brian: Please tell me that you made at least one friend.
Ryan Shane: Well there is a girl I’m trying to talk to.
On the other end Brian can only sigh to himself. He knows how women can complicate things, especially in Ryan’s case.
Brian: Oh. A girl…well tell me about her…
Ryan Shane: Well, she is gorgeous, with the most beautiful orange hair.
Brian: Ah, Shea O’Hara…I like her.
I guess everyone does know who she is.
Ryan Shane: Yeah, well I haven’t talked to her much but I have my eyes on her. I’m waiting to make my move.
Brian knows that this could be nothing more than Ryan trying to fill the role is his life left empty by Amber leaving. He decides it isn't the right time to say it.
Brian: Nice choice. She has gotten me through some long nights when I was at the hospital.
Ryan Shane: I’m afraid to ask…
Brian: It isn’t like they let me have porn there. So I took my dose of young, attractive, fit women where I could get it.
Ryan Shane: That’s too much information.
Brian: I know you didn’t call me to swap stories about the girl we fantasize over. So why don’t you tell me why you really called. If I won’t be too much of a crutch.
Ryan Shane: Nighthawk…
Brian: Say no more. Listen I know the situation isn’t ideal. But you can only worry about what you have control over. All you have to focus on is beating him. You need to do what you need to. Don’t worry about anything else. I know he is a tough opponent, but you can't be afraid to lose.
Ryan Shane: I'm not afraid to lose. I know I will win. That's the problem.
Brian: It's good that your confident. I just warn you against getting too cocky for your own good. Just because recent history doesn't show it, that doesn't mean Nighthawk can't beat you.
Ryan Shane: I don't think there is any world where that is true. I'm going to win the match. I worry people will think I only took it because I knew I would win it.
Brian: Again, do yourself a favor and give some thought that he could beat you. If not you might be left unprepared.
Ryan Shane: I've put in the work. I've treated him better than he deserves.
Brian: Then I guess there is nothing to worry about.
Ryan Shane: Lets change the subject...how are you?
Brian: I'm getting better everyday. I'm also getting ready to put The Warehouse up for sale. Looks like I won't be needing it anymore.
This comes as a shock to Ryan.
Ryan Shane: You can't do that! It means too much to you.
Brian: Yeah, well maybe it's time to find something else.
Ryan Shane: Things really aren't going to be the same are they?
Brian: Unfortunately no.
Ryan Shane: I will be home soon. Please don't sell the place until I get home.
Brian: I make no promises. If the right offer comes along...
Ryan Shane: Try. Look I'm glad we got to talk. I miss you.
Brian: I miss you too. Good luck. I will be watching and cheering you on.
Ryan hangs up the phone and decides it's time to get back to work. He opens up his laptop once again but this time the IWF Network isn't his destination. Instead he scours YouTube for Jake Keeton vs Nighthawk matches.
Ryan might believe that beating Nighthawk is a given, but it doesn't hurt to look into some matches when Nighthawk was in his prime.
Nighthawk…
It was the week after Night of the Immortals when I came out and said if anyone wanted a title shot all they had to do was ask. You were quick to come out and throw your name in the hat. It was expected.
I accepted that match with you.
When Open Fight Night came around and JFK issued a similar challenge I was left with a bit of a dilemma. I had already offered Nighthawk a shot. If JFK were to beat me there was no way of knowing if he would do the same.
I put a match between Ryan Shane and Nighthawk on the line. A match the fans of the IWF want to see. I didn’t do it for selfish reasons. Sure I wanted a piece of JFK, I’ll admit that. He ran his mouth and needed to be shut up. Unfortunately we all learned the hard way he will always talk and continue to put his foot in his mouth.
The reason I granted JFK a shot to become Man of Steel champion is simple. He asked. That is all he had to do. That is all anyone had to do.
I’m a man of my word and I proved that.
Do I think Nighthawk deserves a shot at the Man of Steel title? The simple answer is no. That is neither here nor there. He has the opportunity and I’m ready for him.
I just wonder if he could possibly be ready for me.
Nighthawk asked for a title shot and then spent the rest of the month proving he doesn’t deserve one. He lost matches to both Jayson Matthews and JC Keeton.
He has done nothing of note.
Unfortunately that is how his career has gone lately. It wasn’t long ago that he left the IWF. My words gave him a glimmer of hope. If he could just beat Ryan Shane and become Man of Steel champion he could balance his career out once again.
He didn’t think to look at the other side. Losing to me could be the end of his career. It’s one that is running on fumes already. The Wrestling Machine is out of gas and there is no repairs capable of fixing him. It’s sad when guys who have had such great careers hang on to long.
Will people remember him for who he was or what he has become?
On the other side of the coin you find me. I’m in the prime of my career. I’m doing things a couple of months ago I never dreamed I would. I’ve defended my Man of Steel title twice. I’ve beaten former Imperial champion Alex Jones.
I’m on top of the world.
I finally believe that I really am one of the best IWF has to offer.
I don’t want my words to make it look like I’m overlooking you Nighthawk. I’ve been in the ring with you before. You’ve bested me and I’ve bested you. That was a long time ago. Neither of us are the same men we were back then.
Like I said, we are opposite sides of the same coin. I wish you no ill will Hawk. I never would. But a Man of Steel match is the most brutal you will find on any IWF show. Once upon a time you may have been at home inside that cage, stretching rookies and in ring veterans alike.
I know this match means everything to you. It will show everyone that you still have it. On another day you may be able to beat me. This week at Bloody Assizes? There is no chance of that happening.
I’m on too much of a roll. I’m on the top of my game. I was excited about beating you Hawk and the gaining the credibility that comes with beating a tactician such as yourself.
You let me down though.
You are letting yourself down.
I mean none of this as disrespect. I’m only calling it like I see it. This match is going to be a tough, fair, and honest fight. It will be everything you hoped for.
The problem is this isn’t a fairy tale and dreams don’t always come true.
I just want to offer you one last piece of advice. Be smart. Live to fight another day. Your ability may be ready to say goodbye to the wrestling business but the fans and especially me are not.
There will always be a place for you Nighthawk.
It just won’t be on top.
It won’t be as Man of Steel champion.
Well howdy there pardner.