Posted by Lukas Unruh on July 7, 2004, 10:21 pm

Sitting on the plane, en-route to the Manchester International Airport, Lukas Unruh can't help but sit looking out the window, his mind aflutter with questions. In his two days since finding out that he has been allowed to work within the Coalition of Affiliated Leagues and it's out-branching federations, Lukas has been rife with wonder. Japan had been a quiet solace in the short time away from IWA's cameras. There had been very little contact with his stable-mates, and even less with his family. All he wanted to do was fight, and that's what Japan offered him. Competition. Looking away from the window and to his flight companion, Lukas questions her intentions. Is she trying to do what's best for him, or is she trying to build a centerpiece for which she can attract other clients of varying potential. They've been friends for many years of changing degrees, but when she returned, he was quick to notice the change in her. Business savvy...outspoken...confident? Those weren't the qualities and personality traits of the Alyana Krieger of old. This version, in growing up, was everything she had wanted to become, and a bit more. She is stunning. Her equal parts of Korean and German decent blossomed while she was away at college, turning her into the woman many see today. The insecurities were gone, which in turn drained her wardrobe of the more conservative clothing. When she stepped out of her car on there reintroduction, it was the first time Lukas had seen her in a skirt. Not to mention the way she wore it. She explained it as being an advantage to look much better then the other agents. One that she didn't mind playing up to considering her wallflower past. 'Would you rather watch me rake in your deal,' she has been quoted as saying, 'or Arn Tellum?' And, she was right. Along with the change in looks and the ability to show it off, Alyana also learned to converse her ideas. She had always been a bright girl. Smart with a creative flair, her passions in school fed her insatiable need to express. Art Club, working on the plays sets and costumes, interior design. Alyana excelled when she worked alone, though, as she was afraid to voice her opinion. A more accurate observation of simple psyche would be that she was far more afraid of her ideas being shot down. Rejection...it's a b###h. So, with this reincarnation of his childhood friend, Lukas went into training. Mixed Martial Arts had always caught his interest as his carnal need to compete seemed to feed off of that violence. The training prepared him quicker then most people would've thought possible. But with his already impressive knowledge of several of the arts, Lukas felt it was only natural that he catch on quickly. His discipline was unquestioned after his run-ins against organized sports rules and regulations. Lukas' desire to be better than anyone else involved in his life story drove him on further. And Alyana's voice in his ear, promising him wealth and fame, was the icing on the cake. He was ready to take on the world, and said as much without saying a word. Then, the about face came. After nearly a year of preparation, of talking about how big of a star Lukas Unruh can become in the arenas she had been steering him towards, Alyana Krieger changed gears. It was time to go to America. Innovative Wrestling Alliance had received her video of the impressive specimen that she represented and wanted to sign him to a developmental clause. Lukas would come in and start from the ground up, proving his mettle and showing his desire to work within the structure that IWA and the CAL were based upon. This is when the first question presented itself. What are we doing? Instead of being in the spotlight and near the upper echelon of MMA's best, he'd be toiling away at the bottom of a federation that had been known to have financial problems in the past. Okay, fine. Work never discouraged Lukas from anything. Being at his current weight of 337lbs, and having a very low percentage of body fat should be more than enough to prove that. Throw in the question of steroid use and you might as well bring a cup for Lukas to piss in, because that isn't even an option to him. Since being a child, his body was always a few steps ahead of the others. And, when his uncle had introduced him to bodybuilding at the age of seven by simply bring him along to the gym, Lukas went a few steps more. Is it the money? That couldn't be it. After endorsements and appearance fees, Lukas would be pulling in three times more then the IWA even had to offer. And, that's in just the first year. Be successful and that number could very well triple itself. Become a champion, you could very well become a legend. Look at people like Bob Sapp. His career hasn't been over-the-top spectacular, yet, he nets around $500,000 per endorsement commercial. Sometimes it's just very good timing. Why now? After so long preparing for one thing, why switch to another? And, add to that the fact that two days earlier they had signed a contract with Gameness to promote their then recently started line of street wear. It just doesn't make sense to Unruh. Maybe it never will until Alyana wants to make it clear. Meanwhile, Lukas Unruh will continue to compete. He will win. He will lose. He will strike hard until he can't lift his arms again. It's his life and his calling. His bread and his butter. It's just who he is. What's next? Herman Smackdown. At least in the immediate future. His opponent for this next Smackdown has proven himself against a man bigger than Unruh's own self. Michael 'Giant' Reed, as unimpressive as he was, did show some positive points to build upon when going against Herman. And build upon them he will. Even though Herman Smackdown will not admit it, Lukas Unruh is a tougher opponent then he's been sure to see in a long time. A better wrestler then his previous opponent, Lukas will test Herman's own knowledge of their profession. Superiorly conditioned to face the rigors of extended lengths of time fighting all-out. Unruh will be able to go the distance in a long contested match. Desire to get win number one. After having attempted twice before, once in a singles match and the other with partner Slava Yakolinov, and coming away with nothing to show for it, he'd really like to get this monkey off his back. It's hard to talk a good game when you're 0'fer. "How long have I been out?" The words from a groggy Alyana snap Lukas out of his thinking and back to the real world before him. He looks to her as she rubs one sleep filled eye while using the other to try to see the time on her watch. He knows as friends, she truly does mean well, even if it means she will gain from their venture together. Trust her he does, and shall. It had just better be worth it.