Footage Courtesy Of FIGHT NIGHT
Ryan Payne Versus Kevin Sane
World Heavyweight Championship Qualifier [Cage Match-Escape Only]
Needless to say, this was yet another big time match from both Kevin Sane and Ryan Payne. From the very moment the cage lowered down and surrounded both men inside and the bell sounded. When the bell rang, the high octane action sure enough picked up seemingly right where it left off. Kevin and Ryan both exchanged rights and lefts in the center of the ring, both knowing one another so well both in and out the ring. Kevin would immediately catch Ryan off guard as he unexpectedly started to nail him with Muy Thai kicks to the calf, thigh, and then one right to the head to stumble Ryan back. Kevin then maintained the control of the match for a good while but it was turned around by an unsuspecting dropkick from Payne. That picture perfect dropkick that he manages to hit out of nowhere, seemingly. Following the dropkick, it seemed that Payne had one thing on his mind and that was Painkiller. He did go for it but to no avail, Kevin had it well scouted and shoved him off and sent him face first into the unforgiving steel cage. This was a battle that neither man was backing down on, neither of them would go down without a fight. The crowd was red hot and behind both men. Toward the middle of the match, it had been nothing but reversal after reversal and then bam a big superplex from Kevin to Ryan had both of them laid out on the mat. The chance to fight for the World title hung in the balance, who was going to emerge victorious? That's something that you'll have to pay close attention to and find out for yourself.
David Burrows: What a match this has been thus far, this ruckus crowd are on their feet. What a treat, my hats off to the man in charge booking this contest, this is definitely one for the books.
Joseph Johnson: Ryan Payne Vs. Kevin Sane is something that has been seen the world over, in many different organizations in many different aspects.
David Burrows: Very true. Both men remain flat on their back, which of them will get to their feet first?
Joseph Johnson: Not sure about that but you can hear this crowd chanting both of their names. It's almost as if the crowd is torn right down the middle; for those of you watching at home and don't know what that means. It means that half are for Kevin and the other half is for Ryan.
David Burrows: No need to be a jerk, I'm sure the good fans watching at home are more than aware of what you're saying.
Joseph Johnson: You never know, some people don't understand the simple things in life.
David Burrows: Well, be that as it may, it seems that Kevin is stirring a bit after delivering that big time superplex from the top turnbuckle to Payne. Let's take another look here at what transpired ladies and gentlemen.
*Replay* Ryan was positioned on the top rope, possibly going to try to escape the cage but Kevin grabbed his leg pulling him back down and quickly getting up to the top turnbuckle delivering a few shots to the midsection of Ryan then quickly hooked him up and popped him off the top turnbuckle for the superplex.
David Burrows: I don't know how these two men do it.
Joseph Johnson: It's determination, the will to keep fighting and we have Kevin up now.
Kevin was too his feet as Joseph pointed out, half the crowd was still behind Kevin and he looked down at Ryan who was trying to get up but just couldn't. Kevin walked over and started to attempt to climb the cage and it's like something had come over Ryan that told him to get up because he did with the quickness and ran over grabbing Kevin's leg and yanked him down to the mat still holding his foot. Mistake on Ryan's part as Kevin would nail him with an enziguri knocking him back down to the mat. Kevin had gottne up and pulled Payne up now and would then run him into the steel cage and Ryan stood there seemingly in a daze after connecting face first with the cage. Kevin seemed to be sizing him up and he went for the one move that Ryan knew best; that being the Sane-itary. Not sure if it was instinct or something else but before Kevin connected with it, Ryan ducked and quickly hooked Kevin up pulling off that Stretch Backbreaker manuever of his. Both men were down yet again and a replay was shown of what just happened. Perhaps the momentum would now be turned into the favor of Ryan. With the crowd willing them both on, they were both back to their feet and Kevin struck first with Ryan's fans booing and Ryan struck back with Kevin's fans booing. It was a back and forth slug fest now between the two men as they were proving exactly why they were in the business. Matches like this one here is the reason why they do what they do. Ryan ended up victorious with the battle of the fists, he gained the upperhand and then whipped Kevin into the ropes, he went for a clothesline but Kevin countered into a modified version of his Sane Certification, he only nailed the Cutter manuever leaving out the submission. Both men were giving everything they had into this match and then some, Kevin pulled himself up feeding off the energy from the crowd and he now had one thing in mind, putting Payne away. He would then pick him up and as he did, Ryan smacked his hands off him and immediately went for the Painkiller, Kevin shoved him off, Ryan turned around and BAM, he was caught with the Sane-itary. Now with Ryan down, Kevin decided to start his climb. It was rather slow though as these two had been going at it for quite a while. Kevin was now on top of the turnbuckle and climbing to the top of the cage. Ryan must've gotten his second wind at this point because he got up and seemingly scaled the ropes to reach the top turnbuckle and stop Kevin's process, he nailed him with rights, vicious rights. He continued to hit Kevin with hard rights that had him stunned at this point, Ryan then hooked Kevin's head and you could see exactly what he was thinking but it didn't seem at all possible for him to do what he wanted from this position. But he proved everyone wrong because he nailed the biggest Painkiller ever as he delivered it to Kevin from the top of the cage to the canvas. The whole arena gave out that gasp and HOLY SHIT chant. Both men were motionless on the mat and replays upon replays were shown, from various angles and even in slow motion.
Joseph Johnson: What the hell?!
David Burrows: I'm speechless. In all my years...I have never seen such a move performed. From the top of the cage! Are you kidding me?!
Joseph Johnson: First off, I suggest we have Ryan tested for steroids or something. That is not humanly possible to do such a move. Secondly...what the hell?!
David Burrows: Both Payne and Sane are down at this point and rightfully so. That was a big move, it had to definitely hurt them both. Let's take yet another look at this ladies and gentlemen. You can see the look of determination in Ryan's eyes here and him pulling that off was one of the greatest moments I've seen in WGEF in 2009 thus far.
Joseph Johnson: You'd think with the man just returning from the injury he had, he wouldn't try such a deadly move.
David Burrows: Guess he left his fears behind when he did that one. This is what WGEF is all about ladies and gentlemen watching at home. With great action like this from these two warriors, can you question anything about us?
After a good while, Ryan started to move first as he mustered everything he had within him to pull himself up. He looked at the door and shook his head, he then went and started to climb. He could have just easily opened the door and walked out but he didn't want to, not at this point. As he climbed, he reached the top and was perched there for a while as it took a lot out of him to get there. While resting, Kevin started to use the little energy he had left and he started to crawl towards the door, the referee on the outside had it opened now. Kevin was very close and Ryan looked over seeing Kevin moving, he then started to climb down slowly, Kevin and Ryan both hit the floor at the same time. BUT, the rules of the contest are whoever's feet hit the floor first. Kevin went out headfirst and Ryan dropped down so therefore, he was declared the victor.
Kelly Young: Here is your winner...RYAN PAYNE!
Highlights of the match was shown as "Fake" By Allele blared throughout the arena, following the highlights, the cage was lifted up and both Kevin and Ryan somehow got back into the ring. Something was being said between the two, but it's unknown as to what at this point. People probably assumed they were going to throw down more, that is until...Ryan extended his hand to Kevin. Yes, you read correctly...Ryan Payne extended his hand to Kevin Sane. Kevin seemed a bit hesitant at first, with Ryan's background, he wasn't exactly the most trust worthy guy around but after a while of looking at the crowd and into the eyes of Payne. He shook his hand, this moment could definitely be dubbed as.."the handshake that shocked the world." Following the handshake, Ryan climbed the turnbuckle slowly with his hands raised in victory, Kevin nodded. Ryan got down from the turnbuckle and turned around as Kevin pointed to Ryan then himself, holding up a finger and said.."One more time." Ryan nodded in agreeance and the two men shook hands once again. Seems like a future Payne Vs. Sane match was set.
After the show went off the air, Ryan headed backstage, was he banged up? Yeah. First match back though and he was successful, that was a plus and now with that victory he had moved along onto the big pay-per-view event. One of which that would be taking place in Milan, Italy. Whatever It Takes would be the name of the event and as it stands, the big match taking place for the WGEF Undisputed Championship would be Drew Stevenson Vs. Phoenix Winterborn Vs. Deacon Havok Vs. Ryan Payne. Ryan certainly had history with two men in the match, well not so much with Phoenix other than the fact that he kicked his ass after his match a week ago, but he knows Drew Stevenson pretty well. How ironic that this event was called that though? I guarantee you that's what every single man will do heading into this match. To become champion, they each will do...whatever it takes.
After the match: Robert Levy immediately caught up with Ryan in his locker room as he was getting ready to leave the arena. "Ryan, can I get a quick word with you?" He asked.
Ryan nodded. "Sure, what's up?"
"First off, I have to say...congratulations to you on your match with Kevin Sane. It was a hard fought match and you came out on top. Now you head to Whatever It Takes to fight for the WGEF Undisputed Championship. Your thoughts on that?" Robert asked Ryan.
Ryan paused for a moment and licked his lips before responded, he looked down for a moment then at Robert and finally spoke. "My thoughts? You know, to be quite honest...I hadn't planned on coming in here and immediately getting into the title picture, but I am thankful that I am. This is something that WGEF needs. I said it heading into my match with Kevin, either he or I needed to be the one to carry the reigns of this place and with me pushing on to this match now, no truer words have been spoken. It's time that I take the Undisputed Championship and I give it back some dignity it lost before the champion dropped it."
"Are you at all looking past your opponents for this contest?" Robert asked, as he then placed the microphone back at Ryan's mouth awaiting a response from him.
"To be honest, I'm not even really thinking about it at this point. The event is a good while away but if I answer from my heart, I'd say that yes, I am looking past them. It's not arrogance, it's confidence. I'm not worried about Phoenix Winterborn, damn sure not worried about Deacon Havok and I've got Drew Stevenson's number so if you want to look at this from a statistical standpoint, it would seem that I am the odd's on favorite heading into this match. But I'm not going in with too much of a big head, because one variable can certainly change the equation and therefore change the answer to the problem all in itself. I know that might throw you for a loop, Robert, but it's very simple stuff. I'll say this though...at Whatever It Takes, I guarantee you that the man who deserves to be Undisputed Champion will be Champion. Take that for what it's worth and for the moment...that's all I have to say about it." Ryan stated as he grabbed his bags and headed to the door leaving from the locker room. This would be all the WGEF camera's would catch, Ryan continued walking down the corridor and exited the building going to the limo that was waiting for him. Once he got inside and closed the door, it pulled away. How was he feeling after the match with Kevin? He was feeling pretty good. Physically and mentally. He had given him everything that he could give and did it surpass their last encounter, one would certainly think so. Especially with that Super Painkiller, as some might call it.
Arriving back at the hotel, Ryan went into his room and sat down on the couch laying his head back. As he sat there, he heard a knocking upon the door, he groaned loudly and got up going to the door. "Who is it?" He asked
"Room service!" They responded in a loud almost shrill like voice.
"I didn't order any room service, thanks." Ryan responded and started to walk away before he heard the rapid knocking again. "I said I didn't order any room service." He said once again.
"ROOM SERVICE!" They said again.
Ryan sighed as he was becoming highly irritated at this point. He opened the door up and it was Yvette standing there, he smiled looking at her and shook his head. "You know...I was this close..." As he said that, he put his hand up to show how close he was. "...to snapping."
Yvette couldn't help but laugh. "I could tell, you were all...I didn't order no room service, gahhhh." She laughed more. "I'm actually surprised you didn't kick the door down on me or something."
"I am not mean." Ryan responded
"Maybe not, but you have a very short temper, or so I've heard." She replied smiling back at him, she then stepped in and closed the door behind her looking at him. "So, first of all...congratulations on your victory over Kevin Sane. I knew that you'd win and now what's next for the Payne man? A World Championship match. Guess you're on your way to being where you were before you went out with an injury huh?"
"It seems so." Ryan simply replied.
"What's wrong?" Yvie asked. "Why does it seem like I'm more excited about your upcoming match than you are?"
"Because I'm not really focusing on that right now, one step at a time. I just got done with a big match, I need rest. I need to gather my thoughts and sleep for a good two days." Said Ryan
"Oh, okay. Well, not that my managerial questions are out of the way. Time for the friendly questions. First one, being...are you out of your mind?!" She said as she popped him on the arm. "What were you thinking hitting your move from that height? You do know you could have re-injured yourself and what would've happened? Out on the shelf again? Out for good." She said in a worried tone, the move that she was referring to of course, was the Painkiller from the top of the cage to Kevin. A move that very well could have ended his career or put him out yet again.
"Look, I'm fine. I knew exactly what I was doing. I'm not going to limit myself in the ring due to that injury. I will still pull off great matches and give the fans something to really roar about. I appreciate you being worried though but really, I'm not out to sabotage my own career." He said with a smile looking into her eyes that were filled with concern. "If I thought that I were going to hurt myself when I was doing that move, I wouldn't have done it. This business is about making an impact."
"Haven't you made enough of an impact already? I don't understand why you have to sacrifice yourself like that."
"Wow..." Ryan said with a small smile on his face.
"What?" Yvie asked.
"You sound like...someone who cares about me." He said still smiling.
Yvie smiled back at him. "Well duh, I do. The next time you think of trying something like that...don't."
"If I did that, I wouldn't be me. I'd just give giving the fans 99.9% of Ryan Payne and I don't think that's fair to them, to myself or to the company. I am on the road toward becoming Champion again, Yvette. Being Champion means you represent the company, you bring prestige to the title. I can't do that if I'm not giving my all, so I'm sorry but I'm going to have to go against what you're asking of me. I can promise you I won't do anything too over the top but when it comes to big spots in big matches. If I see something, I will go for it. You might be mad at me for it but...that's the way it is." Ryan explained to her. "Any comments? Questions?"
She shook her head. "I might need to have a drink everytime you wrestle." She said in a joking manner. "Can you promise me something else too?"
"What's that?" Ryan asked.
"That at Whatever It Takes, you walk in a challenger and walk out the Champion." She said smiling looking into his blue eyes.
He smiled back looking at her and nodded. "I promise, I'll get it done and dedicate it to you. So, manager...when is the flight to Milan?"
"I have it scheduled for Friday. So, throughout the week, you're clear to do...you know, what you do." She said with a smile. "Friday is fine right?"
"Friday is great. Traveling on Jason's birthday." He responded.
"Jason?"
"Yeah, Jason Vorhees. Cha-cha-cha-po-po-po? You know, the hockey mask wearing-teen killing-machette wielding psychopath." Ryan explained to her as if he were a real figure.
"Are you one of those people who believe in the myth of Friday the 13th?"
"Hell no." He responded. "But, you might want to keep your schedule clear for Saturday. We're having a little Valentine's dinner." He said to her with a wink and a smile.
"What will people think?" Yvie asked in an innocent tone.
"The same thing they always do. That I'm banging you. By the way, thanks for the fake sex last night. Really got me pumped up for my match I had tonight." Ryan said to her
"Oh no problem, I aim to please." She responded smiling. "Well, in all seriousness, we'd better get to sleep because tomorrow is more than likely going to be a long day knowing you."
"Good idea." Ryan said, and with that, the two of them had went into the bedroom and went to sleep. Yes, straight to sleep, no sex. After all, not like they were a couple, despite what many people might say or think. At any rate, during Ryan's sleep, he had the opportunity to start shifting gears and getting his mind prepared for another battle. Now a big question that would come up was this; what does Drew Stevenson, Deacon Havok and Phoenix Winterborn have in common? Answer: None of them are Ryan Payne. They might be good or exceptional in their own right but trust me, there's only one Ryan Payne. A name synonymous with greatness, a name often associated with many companies--and women but that's neither here nor there--and World Championships as well. Has he ever been WGEF World Champion? No. Why not? Well for the simple fact that he's never been employed by them, I think that would be the most obvious reason(thought I'd point that out for some folks). Heading into this match he's more than aware that the likes of Phoenix Winterborn have been established within WGEF as have Deacon Havok, in fact..."Deke" is a former WGEF World Champion, you'd think that something like that would give him the edge but it doesn't really. The King Of Havok doesn't quite measure up against The Villain. Phoenix Winterborn is too concerned with Mari Saito and his engagement to her to even focus clearly in this match and even if he did think clearly, he still wouldn't emerge victorious. Drew Stevenson...a man who like Ryan has been champion in many organizations but really, can Stevenson compare to Payne? Nope. It's clear that these three men collectively have NO chance in hell. Fatal four way, which basically means that the first person to secure a pinfall or submission over one of the others in the match will be crowned Undisputed Champion. Motivation, determination, drive, heart and pure skill...whichever can successfully utilize that in the match, they will walk out with the title. If you look at previous matches, promos and whatever else, you'll notice that something is missing from three of the four superstars. I won't say exactly what that is but what it all boils down to is the known fact that Ryan Payne is looking to become Champion again. From the moment he walked in the doors of WGEF, he said that the place needed a savior, he said that he'd take on the role. He would save the world of professional wrestling for the fans. Now it's time for him to make good on his word, WGEF was in need of a Champion that they could be proud of. And as Ryan has said time before, nobody deserves to be Champion as much as him. For years, Ryan has been a driving force within the world of professional wrestling and he'll continue to be that for as long as God will allow it and for as long as the people want him around. As he said in an interview years ago; "When it takes me too long to get up and too long to fall down, that's when I'll move on and let someone else do this thing."
What does it mean to be a Champion though? That question will be answered in the next installment of this series. The basic idea behind this series is that a man who has been on the top of the mountain time and time before is now once again bound...for glory.
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