Post by Ryan Shane on May 22, 2017 3:37:19 GMT
March 23th, 2017
It's just a couple of days until High Stakes and Ryan has finally made it back to Iowa. He was going to wait for High Stakes to be over before going back, but he wanted to get settled in.
For the time being he is going to be living out of a hotel. It's the only way he can be close to Amber and the baby. He doesn't really blame Ethan for wanting him out. Ryan wouldn't have let him stay in the first place.
It's been a couple of weeks since Ryan has seen his son. Amber promised she would be bringing him by shortly. The anticipation is boiling over and he is startled by the knock on his hotel door.
He answers it and sees Amber standing there alone.
Ryan Shane: Where's my son Amber?
She knows he's mad and doesn't want to answer.
Ryan Shane: Where is he?
His voice is louder this time.
Amber Lynn: He's with my mom.
Ryan Shane: Why Amber? You promised you'd bring him.
Amber Lynn: I wanted to spend some alone time with you…
They had been talking a lot more over the phone the past week. Ryan thought the romance might be rekindling but didn't know it could happen so soon.
Ryan Shane: What about Ethan?
She had also confessed that Ethan had gotten more possessive as of late.
Amber Lynn: I'm leaving him. He's changed.
Ryan doesn't show it, but he is happy on the inside.
Ryan Shane: Are you sure it's what you want? I'm wrestling again and I know…
He isn't able to finish his sentence as she presses her lips to his.
Ryan lifts her up and carries her to the bed kicking the door closed behind him. As he falls on top of her and looks into her eyes he knows the love between them is still there.
He doesn't want to pull himself away but he must.
Amber Lynn: Where do you think you're going?
Ryan Shane: It's been too long. I don't want any interruptions.
Ryan hangs a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.
Unbeknownst to the two lovers, their midday affair isn't a secret.
Not trusting her, Ethan followed Amber to her mother's and then to the hotel. His blood begins to boil and tears stream now his face. He refuses to play the fool.
I beat Teddy Steele.
It's nothing I can say with pride or honor. The match was the closest to a sure thing the IWF has. Just because we all have the same job it doesn't make us equal. This is something that's becoming clear.
I shouldn't even have been in the match to begin with. I'm a former Man of Steel champion. I'm not a delicate little flower who has to be nursed back into things.
Spike Kane beat the shit out of me twice!
Those are the facts and nothing is going to change them. All I want to do is get back to doing what I do best.
Wrestling.
It could be that's the problem though. I can't help think the IWF isn't putting the blame of Nighthawk’s injury on me.
Ryan Shane versus Nighthawk is a big match. When I beat him I should have been moving up the cards. It could be argued that I deserved what was ever coming to him.
Instead, Teddy Steele…
Respect goes a long way in this profession. It isn't given for free. But what about when you've earned it, and you still don't get your due?
It looks like it's time to let my position be known.
May 20th, 2017
It's the weekend of the Motor City Comic Con. Although Ryan is nothing more than a casual fan of all things pertaining to comics he's still decided to attend the event. The place is packed, with long lines to get in. This isn't a problem, as his minor local celebrity status comes with some perks.
As he walks along the floor amongst people of all ages, he is amazed at how so many people can come together and be united in what is generally considered stuff for children.
It used to be anyway.
Ryan goes mostly unrecognized as he continues through the crowd. Most of the people are either interested in the assorted booths or the other attendees dressed up like their favorite characters.
When he gets to the media guest area he sees different celebrities greeting their fans. From current stars to past favorites, they all seem happy to be there. That's when Ryan spots someone he recognizes from when he was forced to watch wrestling as a kid.
A man many would consider a legend.
He sits at a table, marker in hand, waiting to sign autographs. The only problem? No one is in line. Ryan can't help but wonder if that's what his future has in store for him. He makes his way over to man and pays for an autograph and photo combo.
Ryan Shane: How's it going?
Legend: Good.
The man smiles at Ryan and is fairly upbeat considering how no one is interested in seeing him. Perhaps if they didn't put him next to some well know children show actors, his line would be longer.
Ryan Shane: Could you make it out to Ryan?
He begins to write on one of the photo prints he has.
Legend: I know who you are kid. I may not be in the ring anymore but I sure as hell follow the business.
Ryan Shane: There are a lot of guys and girls out there.
Legend: True, but not everyone gets to work for a top company. It's a privilege even some of the best never get.
This is true. Ryan knows that being part of the IWF is a blessing. The company continues to be on fire as it goes into its fifth year.
Ryan Shane: Does this part of it ever get you down?
Legend: You're joking right?
Ryan Shane: There's no one here.
Legend: Just part of how it works. Sometimes I get a long line and sometimes I don't. In the wrestling business it's easy to be forgotten. That's what makes the ones who want to see you so special.
Ryan Shane: That makes sense.
Legend: The business may be done with me, but as long as I have fans who want to share a story and a smile, I won't stop doing these things anytime soon.
As he finishes up the autograph, Ryan stands beside him for a photo.
Legend: See, here come some fans now!
Sure enough, people are arriving to meet him after all. Ryan takes his autograph and shakes the man's hand. He walks away and reads what the man wrote.
To Ryan,
This business isn't easy. It isn't supposed to be.
Never give up on your dreams.
I was reminded this weekend that this business is a cruel mistress. You may love it, but it doesn't always love you back. Still you need to press on and follow your dreams.
My dream is to be a top star in the IWF. I'm going to make it someday, resistance be damned.
I've also learned that no spot on the roster is ever safe. This week I'm in the ring with five men who probably wouldn't mind having the successes I've had. I don't know why I've been randomly thrown into a six man tag with them. I've no beef with any of them.
That being said. I don't plan on my team losing.
Will Fenell and Devlin Raine?
It doesn't really matter who they are.
I don't know much about either of them and I don't really care to learn.
I know Will used to be a lackey of JFK. Never a great start to your IWF career when you take orders from a scrub like that.
It seems like you're on your own now.
Hopefully you'll be able to play nice and do your job. I don't need you blowing it for me.
Devlin Raine? Just seems like a cocky kid to me. He went toe to toe with Spike Kane and lost so we got that in common.
I guess we're all just trying to find our place. I assure you it'll be easier with our hands raised in victory.
Our opponents…
The Lost Boys, Sam and Dean, best friends, almost like brothers. It be easy to think they'd have the advantage in a match like this. With no tag team division to speak of, most of us just go it alone.
Any teams that do form don't last.
When there is nothing but individual glory to be had. There is no benefit to being in a team or having friends.
It's only a matter of time until the two of you implode. It's a given. Just like the outcome of the match.
I used to be in a team as well, and I was cast aside. Consider yourselves lucky if either of you are the Ryan Shane.
James Gilmore…
It doesn't matter what you call yourself, you'll always be Jack Gaither’s bitch.
From writer to wrestler, from surfer dude to Irish hating asshat. One thing never changes. You're not worth a damn. You never will be.
You wanted so badly for the fans to love you, but they refused. So you decided to be the “bad guy” since they were booing you anyway. How's that going?
They don't boo you because you're doing something right. They boo you because you keep showing up.
That's the problem.
The fans in Cleveland didn't bombard you with trash because of your actions. They did it because they want you to go away.
Your attitude change did nothing to change that. You'll never get respect in this business because you don't deserve it.
All you'll ever be is a whipping boy who's too blind to see he doesn't belong. Perhaps you're ok with that.
At Sacrifice my team will be victorious. It needs to be.