Shane Reynolds

The lights go all the way down as the intro for “Dead Man Walking” by Bloodsimple blasts out of the speakers. At that moment, a group of people wearing a range of different masks energy from the back and walk solemnly down the ramp. Their way is illuminated by another set of lights, flashing bright and white overhead, simulating a lightning storm.

As they reach the ring, the masked group proceed to form a circle around it — each stood in place at identical increments. All the while, “the storm” intensifies alongside the song. Until a particularly bright blast is followed by the arena returning to darkness.  It is at this point that the house lights come back on to reveal Shane Reynolds already perched on a turnbuckle like The Crow on a rooftop.

He soaks whatever reaction he gets, gazing around from behind his own mask before dropping into the ring and readying himself for the battle to come — all the while eyeing his opponent or watching for their entrance.