I find it interesting to hear my opponents claim what is said to them doesn't matter.
The truth is It doesn't matter if they don't think it matters. Every week we produce videos to hype a match, and then we fight. Rinse repeat, from Draft to Pain for Pride it's the same thing. I say my piece, my opponent says theirs and then we duke it out at the end for the win. Sometimes there is a belt at stake, sometimes it's to settle a score but it all comes down to those two things. Promotion and Execution. That's the job, it's what we are here for, it's what we do so hearing Limmy say that what I say doesn't matter to him doesn't have the effect he thinks it has.
It's his opinion. And between you and me folks? That's all it is.
Yes, he proved he can battle and win against the best while I struggle to do so regularly. I agree that he has proven himself as a fighting and defending World Champion well on his way to becoming a Hall of Famer while I don't. But the fact that he thinks I have no shot at victory 'because he is Limmy Monaghan' doesn't mean a lick because the better of two individuals don't automatically come out on top every time. They can be taken down by others perceived to be below them, and this is what will happen tonight. Limmy Monaghan is about to become the latest example of a David versus Goliath scenario and I'm ready to take my shot with my sight aimed square between his eyes.
I'm ready and prepared to take down an industry Giant so I can continue to build upon what I've been working on this entire season. Through the good and the bad Limmy is about to become part of my legacy for winning against him is but another piece of the foundation upon which I am constructing a career to be proud of once I call it quits.
Limmy needs to understand that I take no pride in STILL being considered an underdog. I mean, it's been seven years almost and I'm still known as that? There was a time where I was happy to stand in that position, I settled into that role at some point in my career but the thing is I want more than that. I always wanted more. I don't enjoy being the odds-on favorite to take an L, honestly, I hate the fact that more often than not losing is the expected result in my matches. profoundly, and now that things are finally starting to go my way THAT is something I'm proud of. But even that is not enough. I am better than an underdog, I trained and sacrificed, compromised, battled and bled, sweated, and endured all sorts of mental torment and I didn't do that just to be labeled something I'm not. Yes, the fans of the EAW Universe my friends and supporters love a good underdog story. That sells tickets, it's something they enjoy because they can relate BUT! They also enjoy winners, they enjoy a man like you but they also want to see me win for they know I can make it happen now. As stated before I want to be considered a threat, to any Championships I can contend for. I want my opponents to look at me and wonder if they can beat my ass rather than assume it's a given. I never wanted so late in my career to be regarded as an underdog still, I can't change the past.
But I will change the future.
I understand why it is so hard for some of them backstage to change their mind about who I am, after all, they had to endure how many years of a version of me they wished would die? How much of the worst version of me everyone was forced to watch on the regular? It's like trying to get rid of a wine stain on a carpet, it's a BITCH to remove BUT it can be cleaned. It's not an impossible feat, it takes time and effort and I've been hard at work. Of course had I not made a mess of things I probably wouldn't be working to repair my reputation and credibility but I can't do anything about it except own it and work to make things better for myself. I have, and I'm not done. I'm perfectly aware that I probably will be in recovery mode until the day I retire, and maybe I'm being too hard on myself but it is what it is.
Limmy wanted me to try and be in his shoes so I could understand why he says things the way he does. I did, and now I want him to put himself in my position.
How would you feel if you keep being told you can't do what you want regularly? How would you feel if despite your best efforts now that you finally got to grasp what you need to do to succeed you are now forced into an uphill battle against those who succeeded before you and keep telling you no even if you proved you could do it? I know struggling and the idea of a hard time is not an alien concept to you, you understand what I went through even if you didn't go through the same things but the fact remains you did your share of mistakes, you fucked up here and there, you did silly things but at the end of it you emerged as the man we see today.
How many times have you seen cases of athletes being told they can't do something and after several attempts they did it? From wrestling to hockey, soccer to swimming, racing, and any other sports there are cases like mine of people who failed many a time to make it, came close a bunch of times and failed but in the end they succeeded. They were told by industry leaders, legends, and record holders that they couldn't do it, the pundits and so-called experts expected them not to do it, and yet they did. There are too many examples to count, and Elite Answers Wrestling is no different so why should I go against that and agree that you'll beat me without the shadow of a doubt tonight?
'Because I'm Limmy Monaghan' is not a valid reason. That's your ego allowed to run your mouth in your stead.
While It's your right to think you can leave Salt Lake City as the winner of the event the fact is the same applies to me. It doesn't matter if you won Championships and defeated some of the greats. Because just like that, in the blink of an eye, I can drop you with a finishing move and pin him one two three, I'm not saying it would be easy, what I'm saying is it can be done.
What I'm saying is it will be done.
I'm going into every match with one thing in mind - winning. I used to do like the real losers around here and hope for the best, you know the whole may the best Elitist win thing? That doesn't work, it ain't how this game of ours works. I used to think like that, and while I'm fully aware of the fact I can lose why should I go ahead with nothing less than the idea of winning no matter who stands in front of me? Limmy talked about the important of how one carries himself, well there you have it! Me carrying myself the way I should! Like a winner, like a fucking Champion! Telling him I can beat his ass hard enough to leave Salt Lake City with a well-earned dub. I'll say the same thing to anyone else! And it doesn't matter if they are taller, stronger, quicker, smarter because my aim is the same no matter who it is: I'm going to run through them, and I'm going to win.
It's easy to use the past to show the probabilities of someone winning over another, and of course, those with the most success will brag and claim that their opponents have no shot if they aren't as successful as them. It's part of the whole process but in no way should those with less to their names should slow down or fight with less intensity or less passion than those who enjoyed the exhilaration that comes with standing at the mountaintop. Ryan Joseph Wilson isn't walking around carrying himself like a loser, he used to, but not this variant. Not the best version of himself, a version that contrary to previous iterations is only going to get better through thick and thin and will get the rewards of his hard work. This is not a matter of IF but WHEN, and at the end of the day, I will not be denied.
I heard Limmy claim to be the frosting to this company's cake, I won't assume it sounds like he believes himself bigger than Elite Answers Wrestling. I get it though, he makes the company better through his performances I see how he can sweeten things up around here. I see how he brings appeal to the product. I get that, I'm going to stick to the cake metaphor and ask him this: What is so wrong with me wanting a slice of said cake? What is so bad about knowing I'm able to cut myself a piece now that I have the proper utensils to help myself? For the longest time, I was only reaching, now I can get my fair share. I want him to cast aside the idea that he doesn't want to see me up there because he wants to be in that position first, I want him to look at this under a neutral lens and then answer me. Put down the frosting and look at this objectively, then tell me honestly that I can't get what I want.
If I didn't believe in how great I am, I wouldn't be here, it's as simple as that. The reason he disagrees with me is simpler than he lets on, I happen to want what he wants and he wants it before I do. He believes he deserves it more than yours truly, worked harder and all that jazz. Again, this is but an opinion, it's what he believes and while he can get it again why should I give a damn about that? And I say it with no disrespect. Bronson once told me I oughta focus on myself, that's what I am doing, and that is why claim with assurance that I'm fixing to get what I want because I can do so. And besides, you can't get anything around here without hurting someone else in the process. In an industry where everybody wants the same thing, there is inevitably times where someone gets what they want at the expense of others. It's just the way things work around here so you mean to tell me I oughta just listen to Limmy because he says he wants it more than me? No, I don't care, the only thing I always should've cared about is my ass and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Let me tell you something Limmy about your past and Ryan Adams putting you in a team because he didn't think you could hang in solo. I think he knew you had it in you, but that was something you had not yet figured out for yourself. Not yet. So by putting you in a position you didn't want to be in he forced you to realize just how good you were and once you did the rest was history.
Limmy the truth is I don't want to lie to make my way to the top, I don't want to cheat and use shortcuts. I tried that before and we both know it didn't work for me. Every bit of success I had thus far in my career here since I started were the result of hard and honest work, through winning on merit. But just like you, I was forced into a position to realize just how good I was. Not the same way, fuck not the same way... But in the end, I was forced to open my eyes like you did. That's why while I'm giving you credit for what you achieved and go for the modest approach I also head your way not thinking but knowing I WILL beat you. I want that dub over you Limmy, not because of the benefit I can gain from it non: Because I know I can earn it and that is no lie or delusion. I knew I had potential for a very long time, thank you for acknowledging that but knowing isn't enough to keep your shoulders on the mat for three seconds. My skills, my desire to conquer will, and my drive to succeed and bring more credibility to the name Ryan Joseph Wilson.
Maybe I'm too modest about this whole thing, but modesty keeps me grounded and the grass I touch allows me to say I know I can defeat you. If I go out there claiming you have no shot you'd be the first telling me I went back to being the delusional idiot I once was. You'd laugh too when the bell rings and I don't want that, never again, because I am better than that. Don't believe me? You'll see soon, very soon.
I don't talk like a Kassidy or a Myles, Bronson, or Jake but have you heard doubts or hesitation in my voice this week? Have you heard anything through my work before this camera that hints that I don't believe in my ability to win over you? If you say yes, you're making a mistake that will cost you in a few hours. I appreciate that you see the potential in me, but don't fool yourself into thinking victory is inevitable for you. There was a time when it was, ten months ago for example, but now? You would do well not to underestimate me, you can claim you don't because you are Limmy Monaghan and you are that damn good. But, considering you see my potential, you cannot seriously tell me I have no shot at defeating you. Not with what I went through, not with who I conquered to do it.
Kids ask the smartest questions sometimes. Recently during dinner, Sophia asked me a question I find worth exploring tonight. She asked me why I chose to be a wrestler. She wonders why I willingly decide to get myself hurt for a living. It wasn't an easy question to answer to an 8-year-old, due to the complexities and just how violent this industry is. After a few moments I found it, I told her that in life when you want something or love something you will do anything to get it. If someone love the work they do, they will forego the negative aspects of it and they will give it their all because they love it that much. I love wrestling deeply enough to want to continue despite all I had to go through, knowing that at the end of the day, I'm going to get what I want. Wrestling is a job that hurts, other jobs hurt in other ways be it by how hard it is mentally or physically or some other ways but if someone is dedicated enough to their craft and is willing to commit so that they can push themselves to excel? No matter how long it takes to get to the objective? Then it's worth it, every moment of it.
While I regret how I handled things in the past, in hindsight I wouldn't go back to try and fix things if I could because it allowed me to become the man I am today. There's no way to know what would've gone down had I won in some key moments where I failed back then, especially considering how much of a turd I was. More than likely? I would've gone worse in terms of attitude because winning against the best and winning Championships would've validated the way I think and do things. Now? Win or lose, I'm working honorably, honestly, knowing my worth and knowing what I am capable of which includes beating a man the caliber of Limmy Monaghan. King of Elite validated all of that and with that chapter of my career over I look toward the future, I work and fight for what I believe in, and what I believe is I have what it takes to become a World Champion. I have what it takes to become a World Champion. I have what it takes to have a legendary career. I have what it takes to become an EAW Hall of Famer. I have it in me, I have it here, in my heart, my mind, and my soul.
And tonight? I have what it takes to defeat Limmy Monaghan.
I will beat you Limmy, and while it won't be very Canadian of me: I won't feel sorry for you. Not one bit.
The truth is It doesn't matter if they don't think it matters. Every week we produce videos to hype a match, and then we fight. Rinse repeat, from Draft to Pain for Pride it's the same thing. I say my piece, my opponent says theirs and then we duke it out at the end for the win. Sometimes there is a belt at stake, sometimes it's to settle a score but it all comes down to those two things. Promotion and Execution. That's the job, it's what we are here for, it's what we do so hearing Limmy say that what I say doesn't matter to him doesn't have the effect he thinks it has.
It's his opinion. And between you and me folks? That's all it is.
Yes, he proved he can battle and win against the best while I struggle to do so regularly. I agree that he has proven himself as a fighting and defending World Champion well on his way to becoming a Hall of Famer while I don't. But the fact that he thinks I have no shot at victory 'because he is Limmy Monaghan' doesn't mean a lick because the better of two individuals don't automatically come out on top every time. They can be taken down by others perceived to be below them, and this is what will happen tonight. Limmy Monaghan is about to become the latest example of a David versus Goliath scenario and I'm ready to take my shot with my sight aimed square between his eyes.
I'm ready and prepared to take down an industry Giant so I can continue to build upon what I've been working on this entire season. Through the good and the bad Limmy is about to become part of my legacy for winning against him is but another piece of the foundation upon which I am constructing a career to be proud of once I call it quits.
Limmy needs to understand that I take no pride in STILL being considered an underdog. I mean, it's been seven years almost and I'm still known as that? There was a time where I was happy to stand in that position, I settled into that role at some point in my career but the thing is I want more than that. I always wanted more. I don't enjoy being the odds-on favorite to take an L, honestly, I hate the fact that more often than not losing is the expected result in my matches. profoundly, and now that things are finally starting to go my way THAT is something I'm proud of. But even that is not enough. I am better than an underdog, I trained and sacrificed, compromised, battled and bled, sweated, and endured all sorts of mental torment and I didn't do that just to be labeled something I'm not. Yes, the fans of the EAW Universe my friends and supporters love a good underdog story. That sells tickets, it's something they enjoy because they can relate BUT! They also enjoy winners, they enjoy a man like you but they also want to see me win for they know I can make it happen now. As stated before I want to be considered a threat, to any Championships I can contend for. I want my opponents to look at me and wonder if they can beat my ass rather than assume it's a given. I never wanted so late in my career to be regarded as an underdog still, I can't change the past.
But I will change the future.
I understand why it is so hard for some of them backstage to change their mind about who I am, after all, they had to endure how many years of a version of me they wished would die? How much of the worst version of me everyone was forced to watch on the regular? It's like trying to get rid of a wine stain on a carpet, it's a BITCH to remove BUT it can be cleaned. It's not an impossible feat, it takes time and effort and I've been hard at work. Of course had I not made a mess of things I probably wouldn't be working to repair my reputation and credibility but I can't do anything about it except own it and work to make things better for myself. I have, and I'm not done. I'm perfectly aware that I probably will be in recovery mode until the day I retire, and maybe I'm being too hard on myself but it is what it is.
Limmy wanted me to try and be in his shoes so I could understand why he says things the way he does. I did, and now I want him to put himself in my position.
How would you feel if you keep being told you can't do what you want regularly? How would you feel if despite your best efforts now that you finally got to grasp what you need to do to succeed you are now forced into an uphill battle against those who succeeded before you and keep telling you no even if you proved you could do it? I know struggling and the idea of a hard time is not an alien concept to you, you understand what I went through even if you didn't go through the same things but the fact remains you did your share of mistakes, you fucked up here and there, you did silly things but at the end of it you emerged as the man we see today.
How many times have you seen cases of athletes being told they can't do something and after several attempts they did it? From wrestling to hockey, soccer to swimming, racing, and any other sports there are cases like mine of people who failed many a time to make it, came close a bunch of times and failed but in the end they succeeded. They were told by industry leaders, legends, and record holders that they couldn't do it, the pundits and so-called experts expected them not to do it, and yet they did. There are too many examples to count, and Elite Answers Wrestling is no different so why should I go against that and agree that you'll beat me without the shadow of a doubt tonight?
'Because I'm Limmy Monaghan' is not a valid reason. That's your ego allowed to run your mouth in your stead.
While It's your right to think you can leave Salt Lake City as the winner of the event the fact is the same applies to me. It doesn't matter if you won Championships and defeated some of the greats. Because just like that, in the blink of an eye, I can drop you with a finishing move and pin him one two three, I'm not saying it would be easy, what I'm saying is it can be done.
What I'm saying is it will be done.
I'm going into every match with one thing in mind - winning. I used to do like the real losers around here and hope for the best, you know the whole may the best Elitist win thing? That doesn't work, it ain't how this game of ours works. I used to think like that, and while I'm fully aware of the fact I can lose why should I go ahead with nothing less than the idea of winning no matter who stands in front of me? Limmy talked about the important of how one carries himself, well there you have it! Me carrying myself the way I should! Like a winner, like a fucking Champion! Telling him I can beat his ass hard enough to leave Salt Lake City with a well-earned dub. I'll say the same thing to anyone else! And it doesn't matter if they are taller, stronger, quicker, smarter because my aim is the same no matter who it is: I'm going to run through them, and I'm going to win.
It's easy to use the past to show the probabilities of someone winning over another, and of course, those with the most success will brag and claim that their opponents have no shot if they aren't as successful as them. It's part of the whole process but in no way should those with less to their names should slow down or fight with less intensity or less passion than those who enjoyed the exhilaration that comes with standing at the mountaintop. Ryan Joseph Wilson isn't walking around carrying himself like a loser, he used to, but not this variant. Not the best version of himself, a version that contrary to previous iterations is only going to get better through thick and thin and will get the rewards of his hard work. This is not a matter of IF but WHEN, and at the end of the day, I will not be denied.
I heard Limmy claim to be the frosting to this company's cake, I won't assume it sounds like he believes himself bigger than Elite Answers Wrestling. I get it though, he makes the company better through his performances I see how he can sweeten things up around here. I see how he brings appeal to the product. I get that, I'm going to stick to the cake metaphor and ask him this: What is so wrong with me wanting a slice of said cake? What is so bad about knowing I'm able to cut myself a piece now that I have the proper utensils to help myself? For the longest time, I was only reaching, now I can get my fair share. I want him to cast aside the idea that he doesn't want to see me up there because he wants to be in that position first, I want him to look at this under a neutral lens and then answer me. Put down the frosting and look at this objectively, then tell me honestly that I can't get what I want.
If I didn't believe in how great I am, I wouldn't be here, it's as simple as that. The reason he disagrees with me is simpler than he lets on, I happen to want what he wants and he wants it before I do. He believes he deserves it more than yours truly, worked harder and all that jazz. Again, this is but an opinion, it's what he believes and while he can get it again why should I give a damn about that? And I say it with no disrespect. Bronson once told me I oughta focus on myself, that's what I am doing, and that is why claim with assurance that I'm fixing to get what I want because I can do so. And besides, you can't get anything around here without hurting someone else in the process. In an industry where everybody wants the same thing, there is inevitably times where someone gets what they want at the expense of others. It's just the way things work around here so you mean to tell me I oughta just listen to Limmy because he says he wants it more than me? No, I don't care, the only thing I always should've cared about is my ass and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Let me tell you something Limmy about your past and Ryan Adams putting you in a team because he didn't think you could hang in solo. I think he knew you had it in you, but that was something you had not yet figured out for yourself. Not yet. So by putting you in a position you didn't want to be in he forced you to realize just how good you were and once you did the rest was history.
Limmy the truth is I don't want to lie to make my way to the top, I don't want to cheat and use shortcuts. I tried that before and we both know it didn't work for me. Every bit of success I had thus far in my career here since I started were the result of hard and honest work, through winning on merit. But just like you, I was forced into a position to realize just how good I was. Not the same way, fuck not the same way... But in the end, I was forced to open my eyes like you did. That's why while I'm giving you credit for what you achieved and go for the modest approach I also head your way not thinking but knowing I WILL beat you. I want that dub over you Limmy, not because of the benefit I can gain from it non: Because I know I can earn it and that is no lie or delusion. I knew I had potential for a very long time, thank you for acknowledging that but knowing isn't enough to keep your shoulders on the mat for three seconds. My skills, my desire to conquer will, and my drive to succeed and bring more credibility to the name Ryan Joseph Wilson.
Maybe I'm too modest about this whole thing, but modesty keeps me grounded and the grass I touch allows me to say I know I can defeat you. If I go out there claiming you have no shot you'd be the first telling me I went back to being the delusional idiot I once was. You'd laugh too when the bell rings and I don't want that, never again, because I am better than that. Don't believe me? You'll see soon, very soon.
I don't talk like a Kassidy or a Myles, Bronson, or Jake but have you heard doubts or hesitation in my voice this week? Have you heard anything through my work before this camera that hints that I don't believe in my ability to win over you? If you say yes, you're making a mistake that will cost you in a few hours. I appreciate that you see the potential in me, but don't fool yourself into thinking victory is inevitable for you. There was a time when it was, ten months ago for example, but now? You would do well not to underestimate me, you can claim you don't because you are Limmy Monaghan and you are that damn good. But, considering you see my potential, you cannot seriously tell me I have no shot at defeating you. Not with what I went through, not with who I conquered to do it.
Kids ask the smartest questions sometimes. Recently during dinner, Sophia asked me a question I find worth exploring tonight. She asked me why I chose to be a wrestler. She wonders why I willingly decide to get myself hurt for a living. It wasn't an easy question to answer to an 8-year-old, due to the complexities and just how violent this industry is. After a few moments I found it, I told her that in life when you want something or love something you will do anything to get it. If someone love the work they do, they will forego the negative aspects of it and they will give it their all because they love it that much. I love wrestling deeply enough to want to continue despite all I had to go through, knowing that at the end of the day, I'm going to get what I want. Wrestling is a job that hurts, other jobs hurt in other ways be it by how hard it is mentally or physically or some other ways but if someone is dedicated enough to their craft and is willing to commit so that they can push themselves to excel? No matter how long it takes to get to the objective? Then it's worth it, every moment of it.
While I regret how I handled things in the past, in hindsight I wouldn't go back to try and fix things if I could because it allowed me to become the man I am today. There's no way to know what would've gone down had I won in some key moments where I failed back then, especially considering how much of a turd I was. More than likely? I would've gone worse in terms of attitude because winning against the best and winning Championships would've validated the way I think and do things. Now? Win or lose, I'm working honorably, honestly, knowing my worth and knowing what I am capable of which includes beating a man the caliber of Limmy Monaghan. King of Elite validated all of that and with that chapter of my career over I look toward the future, I work and fight for what I believe in, and what I believe is I have what it takes to become a World Champion. I have what it takes to become a World Champion. I have what it takes to have a legendary career. I have what it takes to become an EAW Hall of Famer. I have it in me, I have it here, in my heart, my mind, and my soul.
And tonight? I have what it takes to defeat Limmy Monaghan.
I will beat you Limmy, and while it won't be very Canadian of me: I won't feel sorry for you. Not one bit.
