Page 2 of Between the Ropes

Annika’s eyes widen, and then she bursts out laughing. “Oh my God, Nat! That’s... well, that’s something.”

“Yeah, it’s something,” I say, rubbing my temples as the reality of the situation starts to set in. “I was hoping for a placement in New York. Something stable, you know? But instead, I’m going to be living out of a suitcase, moving from one hotel to another. Again.”

“Wow,” Annika says, her laughter fading into something more thoughtful. “So, what do you even know about wrestling?”

“Not much,” I admit with a sigh. “I mean, I’ve seen it on TV a couple of times, but I don’t really get it. And now I have to learn everything in a week before I start traveling with these guys.”

“Well,” Annika says, a mischievous glint in her eye, “if you’re going to be around all those wrestlers, maybe you should take advantage of the situation.” A devious grins spreads across her face.

I raise an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, come on, Nat. You’ve been single forever. And now you’re going to be surrounded by a bunch of hot, muscular guys who probably spend half their lives working out. You should totally hook up with one of them. Or a few. Have some fun!”

“Annika,” I groan, rolling my eyes, but I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “I’m not looking for a fling. I’m there towork, not... whatever it is you’re thinking. This is a big step in my career.”

“Oh, I know,” she says, waving a hand dismissively. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun on the side. You deserve it, Nat. You’ve been through so much—why not let loose for once?”

I sigh, leaning back against the couch. “Maybe. But I don’t know. It’s all just so overwhelming right now. I haven’t even had time to process it. You're a bad influence; you know that right?”

Annika lets out a big laugh, and wraps an arm around my shoulders, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll figure it out. You always do. And who knows? Maybe this is exactly what you need—a fresh start, a new adventure. You’ve been stuck in one place for too long. Maybe it’s time to shake things up. Maybe this is the plan babe, embrace it.”

“Maybe,” I admit, staring at the paperwork in my hands. The idea of leaving everything behind—again—feels daunting. But there’s a part of me that’s excited too. A part of me that’s tired of playing it safe, tired of the same old routine.

“I guess I better start packing,” I say, pushing myself up from the couch. “And learning everything I can about professional wrestling.”

Annika grins, following me to my room. “You’ve got this. And remember, I’m here to help. Whether it’s packing, studying, or practicing those massage techniques, I’m your girl.”

I laugh, feeling some of the tension finally ease. “Thanks, Annika. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She smiles, but there’s something softer in her eyes now, something that tells me she’s not just joking around. “You don’t have to do this alone, Nat. You’ve got me. And you’re going to have a whole new team soon too. Just... don’t be afraid to let people in, okay?”

I nod, the weight of her words settling over me. It’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time—letting people in, trusting them. But maybe, just maybe, this new adventure is a chance to change that.

“Okay,” I say quietly. “I’ll try.”

And as I start to pack for the journey ahead, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this is the fresh start I’ve been waiting for. Maybe this time, things will be different.

2

Discipline. Obsession. Perfection.

Three words. Three commandments. They run my life, from the moment my eyes open at five in the morning to the minute I finally crash. I don’t do mediocrity. I don’t waste time. I sure as hell don’t settle.

At 5:30, I’m in the gym, sweat dripping, muscles burning. By seven, protein shake. After that? The grind continues, structured down to the minute. I didn’t claw my way to the top by accident—I did it because nobody wants this more than I do.

This business is my heartbeat, my oxygen. Wrestling isn’t just a job; it’s who I am. Every sacrifice, every bruise, every sleepless night—it’s all worth it. Being the best means making the hard choices no one else will. My social life? Nonexistent. Relationships? Distractions I can’t afford. My entire existence is dedicated to one thing: greatness.

My house screams it from every corner.

The place is immaculate, every surface spotless, every room in perfect order. But it's not about vanity—it’s about clarity. I don't leave room for clutter. My walls tell my story: framed posters of wrestling legends, photographs capturing moments of victory and agony. Championship belts are displayed proudly in glass cases, trophies from every war I’ve survived. My legacy isn’t decoration—it’s motivation.

The gym is sacred ground, custom-built and equipped with ruthless precision. A state-of-the-art ring stands outside, ready for endless drills. Heavy bags hang battered and bruised from punishing routines, free weights perfectly organized, and mirrors line the walls—not for vanity, but for accountability. Opposite them, a shrine of grit and triumph: cracked chairs from hardcore matches, torn wrist wraps, bloody towels from nights that nearly ended my career.

Every piece reminds me of the price I’ve paid. And every day, I get up ready to pay it again. Because being Ryan Pierce isn't just about being good.

It’s about being undeniable.

Travis Moreno grunts beside me, pushing out another set of reps on the bench press. His glossy blond hair is damp with sweat, strands sticking to his forehead, but he doesn’t stop. That’s what I respect about him—he’s relentless. Leaner than me, but cut, defined. Where I’m sheer size and bulk, he’s agility and precision. We’ve been through it all together. From the Indie circuits to the biggest stage in the world, from empty gym halls to sold-out arenas. We’re not just best friends. We’re battle-tested.

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