Post by Ryan Shane on May 1, 2017 2:06:12 GMT
April 25th, 2017
The injuries Ryan Shane suffered at the hands of Spike Kane weren't as serious as originally thought. He got lucky and Ryan knew it. Still as a precaution he was kept out of action.
He signed a one year deal and his days seem to be numbered once again. The signing started out as a good one. It was modest money on a flier and it seemed to pay off.
Ryan Shane was on the verge of becoming a star.
Now…
Ryan Shane has seen better days.
He stands in the bathroom of a two bedroom apartment he shares with his cousin Brian. It just doesn't feel right being at his own house. It feels empty.
Ryan Shane: I look like shit…
Seeing how far he’s let himself go the last month, Ryan can't believe he looks so bad. He hasn't gotten much sleep, and eats even less. His body hasn't seen a gym, and his face hasn't seen a razor.
Despite this, it's time to go back to work. The wrestling ring, the cure for all that ails him. He wasn't expecting it. Truth is, he was hoping to avoid getting cleared to return.
Ryan Shane: Time to get back to the real world.
As he begins to shave Ryan starts to recognize himself again. It wasn't just the injuries, there was also personal tragedy. It's something he'll never be completely over. He rinses off his face and sees a reflection other than his own in the mirror.
Ryan Shane: Amber?
April 27th, 2017
The Imperial Wrestling Federation is the best wrestling company in the world. I continue to be thankful for the chances they took on me.
It's nice to know that despite the ups and downs, they've let me call this place home. It means a lot.
I don't know how much time I have left with the company, but I plan on making it count.
Ryan Shane: How does that sound?
He looks up from his laptop to see Brian barely paying attention to him. It's draft night and as a football fan he’s dialed in.
Brian: A bit generic. Where's the part where they are forcing you back into the ring? Where they said you have a contractual obligation?
While true, Ryan is choosing to take the high ground. He doesn't want to burn bridges. The only reason he is giving a statement is because people are wondering about his return.
Ryan Shane: I don't want to get into that side of things. I don't even want to say anything. I just want to get in the ring with Nighthawk and do what I do best.
Brian just nods.
Ryan Shane: I think it's a good test for me overall. He's the kind of guy who can really put me through the paces. A victory over him could set me on the right path again.
Brian: Yeah, no doubt…
Ryan Shane: You could pretend to be interested man. I really need the distraction.
Brian: Come watch the draft with me. It's only one pick in. I've got pizza and beer. What else could you need for a distraction?
Ryan Shane: Have you seen me lately? I don't think it's a good idea.
Brian: I'm not asking. Now come have a drink with your cousin.
He gets up from the dining room table and joins Brian on the couch. His older cousin hands him a beer from the mini fridge nearby.
Ryan Shane: Thanks man…
The two men turn their attentions toward the television. Undoubtedly it's the latest and greatest in viewing technology.
Brian: Chicago just traded up! Let's see who they take.
When you're from the Detroit area you pay attention to what the other teams in your division do.
Brian: Nighthawk is from Chicago right?
Ryan Shane: Yeah…
Brian: Let's see how they do. It could give some insight into how you'll do against Nighthawk at Sacrifice.
Ryan Shane: I don't see how…
Brian: It's just for fun.
The Chicago Bears make their pick and it's North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Brian can barely contain his laughter.
Brian: If that's what the people from Chicago consider talent , it looks like an easy win for you.
Ryan Shane: I don't think it works…
At the point his words are falling on deaf ears again. He very well could beat Nighthawk. Win or lose, it will be anything but easy.
Nighthawk…
The last time we found ourselves going one one one, it was for the Man of Steel championship. It was a match that you asked for, and I accepted. It was a grueling match. It was one of the tougher challenges I’ve faced in recent memory. On that night you took me to the limit, but in the end, I was victorious.
That match took place during one of the peaks of my career.
Anyone who’s followed my career knows I’ve had plenty of peaks and valleys. I’ve never been able to have a prolonged string of success. I’ll admit it’s frustrating. I feel I’ve wasted so much talent and potential. At the point...I feel like there isn’t much left to fight for.
Ever since I lost the Man of Steel title I’ve been in a downward spiral. It wasn’t just losing the belt. That could have been a small hiccup. I was more than capable of getting it back, especially with the landscape as it was. Today? Things aren’t as easy.
Injuries can be a bitch…
They sidelined be for months. Every time I thought I was ready? Another setback. Then the blessing of Open Fight Night put me in the ring with Spike Kane. A Man of Steel match. It was my chance to climb back to the top of the mountain. A chance to right wrongs.
I failed. Spike Kane destroyed me. Then at the Roulette he did the same.
That’s why this match with you is so important Nighthawk.
This is the first step I need to take to prove to everyone, especially myself, that my time in this business isn’t over. The way I see it you’re the perfect opponent. You’ve refused to give up on yourself, even when the wrestling world tells you that you should. That’s respectable. It shows why you have the respect of so many.
I respect you Hawk, I really do.
You might find that hard to believe. I find it hard to believe myself. The reason I’m telling you this is because I want you to understand. There was once a time where you beating me was reality. Those days are over. No matter how low I’ve fallen, I’m still better than you. I proved it to you at Bloody Assizes last year, and I’ll prove it again.
This doesn’t make me delusional…
What about you Hawk? Are you still claiming to be the “best in the world”? I still don’t get how you can make those claims. Sure, you’re skilled in the ring, but where has that gotten you since our last meeting? In a profession where winning is everything, where does talent really get you? There are plenty of people who can’t wrestle a lick and still find their way to the top.
That probably irks you more than anything doesn’t it?
Nighthawk, I want you to know how much I’m going to appreciate your sacrifice. I need this win right now. Much like beating you helped solidify my reign as Man of Steel champion, my win this week, will be the first step to people giving a damn about Ryan Shane again.
It’s just a shame it has to take place is Ohio.
The IWF doesn’t come through Michigan that often, and I missed the chance to wrestle in front of my hometown fans. That hurts. I really wanted them to see first hand that I’m not the kid who used take his place for granted. So I guess they will have to travel a little south to see me. It could be worse…
It could be Chicago.
Nighthawk I know we’re going to have a phenomenal match. I think we both know it’s impossible for it to be any other way. I’d like to say that win or lose I’ll be happy just giving my all. That would be disingenuous. It isn’t who I am. I’ll save the sappy stuff like that for you.
Rest up Nighthawk, you’re going to need more than courage to defeat me.
Well howdy there pardner.