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Interview with Zane feat. Nara The Best
Nara: Hello everybody! It is international, multimedia stoat, Nara the Best! Today I am very excited! Please come with me and see one of the best wrestlers in the world, he is not...just a superstar! He is more than a megastar! He is known as the Hero of Stars! He is...ZANE! Hello, Zane!
Zane: Hey! What's up? 'Preciate you coming all the way out here. Can I...get you a can of pop?
Nara: I am fine! Thank you, Zane, so much, for interviewing with me! You are one of the very best...in the world! And that is why you should be interviewed with the best interviewer.
Zane: Oh, well...thank you. I dunno about...one of the best, I think I'm pretty good, but you ARE definitely the best interviewer.
Nara: Yes, Nara is the best! He interviews only the best!
Zane: Well, thank you again, you know, I'm...pretty stoked to be here actually, I think your channel is great, and we were like, best buds in Global Legend so...yeah, pretty psyched, let's do it.
Nara: And we are at your house!
Zane: Yep, this is the...the Zane-Cave. Well, actually it's my dad's house but I grew up here. Well, sorta. Since I was 10. [hops up onto fence] Actually, is it cool if I set up here for this?
Nara: Yes, it is okay!
Zane: [legs lightly kicking] This was just always one of my favorite things to do out here, just hang out on this fence. It beats standing. You wanna sit, too? It's stronger than it looks.
Nara: It is okay, I will stand...I expected you to live in a big city, with lots of lights and excitement!
Zane: Well I don't still live here, I just came back to see my dad and some other family and just kinda...you know, chill out. I was on the road so much with my job and everything you know, kinda miss how peaceful it is out here.
Nara: It is very nice, but I am glad I brought batteries!
Zane: [Gesturing to surroundings] I mean yeah, this is a pretty cool backdrop for a wrestling interview, I think...nice change of pace from like...hotel rooms and convention centers.
Nara: And I am wearing your shirt! It is one of my favorites!
Zane: Yeah, I noticed! That one's...that's been a good one for me, made a...pretty good chunk of change on that one.
Nara: I like the colors!
Zane: I know! It's like...the one wrestling shirt that isn't black. Like, nevermind the championships or whatever, that's like...probably the most epic thing I've ever done with my career, have a shirt that isn't black.
Nara: And it comes in long-body size!
Zane: Yeah, you know I actually, um, I take a rate cut in my merch sales, at least for NWF, because I don't want them charging like...you know, a premium for longbody sizes. But it's really up to the manufacturer and they're gonna...charge what they charge, so I just told them to make it up by cutting my share of it a little more.
Nara: That is very nice of you!
Zane: I mean I just think like...it's the decent thing to do. You know, I don't have to pay extra for my clothes. There was a little brief...bit of time where it was actually illegal to charge that premium for longbody clothing, but it was easy to get around it, and then some...not great people got elected and repealed it, so...guess that's a lesson about voting in off-years.
Nara: Zane, may I say something!
Zane: Of course, s'why I'm here.
Nara: Your voice is very soft!
Zane: Heh...y-yeah, I know.
Nara: It is like a child!
Zane: [Nods, runs hand over ears] Mmhm. I...yeah, get that a lot.
Nara: It makes me happy!
Zane: Um...th-thank you? Heh. I like yours too, it's very...you know, like...animated.
Nara: I am like a cartoon!
Zane: Yeah, sorta, it's kind of...kind of over the top, but in a fun way. It's good for...you know, for this kind of work.
Nara: Okay! First question! Zane...how is your neck?
Zane: It's...good, I think. It feels pretty good, you know, just trying not to strain it too much.
Nara: It was very sad when you had to quit. People were crying!
Zane: I know, I was...actually I was really touched, I mean...I never imagined like...I didn't know how I'd end up getting out of wrestling, but I never pictured having like, a sendoff like that, will people like...crying over me, or...I mean, I'm not trying to get an ego, it was just surreal, you know? I guess it was supposed to be sad, and I guess later it was, but at the time I was just like...blown away at how much my...career meant to people, I guess.
Nara: Zane, have you left wrestling forever?
Zane: Oh I mean...I dunno, you...never can tell, you know? Right now I'm just trying to take it one day at a time...first and foremost make sure I'm around for as long as possible for the people who care about me.
Nara: Do you miss wrestling?
Zane: Oh - psshhh, of course. That was my whole life. Getting out there and performing in front of...[gestures] 20,000 or 20 people, that was just...as good rad it gets, you know, making people happy, and making them...feel something. That's what I miss the most. I mean that's so hard to just walk away from...I mean don't get me wrong, it's nice to take a break and see my family again and...you know, I feel like I never had time to watch my sister wrestle so that's been like...really rockin' to be able to watch her matches.
Nara: Your sister is Jule!
Zane: Yep, she just did a show for Radical Ropes, everybody out there [points at camera] you should go check her out. She's really good. And underrated. Maybe I'm biased.
Nara: It is very nice that you and your sister wrestle together! Did you both start wrestling at the same time?
Zane: Ummmmmm [Looks skyward] ....yeah, pretty much. She's like, two years older than me, so you know, she kinda started...pursuing it before I did since I was still in school and everything but...like, she took me to the wrestling schools she was looking at. Actually I started training with her at home, since like...I wanted to learn to wrestle and she needed somebody to slam around, so...it worked out pretty good. Though we had to hide it from our dad, you know, he...probably woulda given us the whats-for.
Nara: Yes, fathers can be very strict!
Zane: Actually my dad was always like...super supportive of us, I mean he pretty much was cool with us doing whatever, he just wanted us to stay in school and be smart about it. Like, he was cool with Beulah - er, Jule...[turns to camera] I call her Beulah, all of you should call her Jule, heh, um...he was cool with her training to become a wrestler, but he was very...like, adamant that she do her training there, where it was safe...though I mean, in hindsight, I can tell you they weren't safe there at all but...yeah.
Nara: What have you been doing since you went away?
Zane: Well, I've been...you know, kind of hanging out with old friends I don't get to see as much and [gestures toward house] hanging out here with the old man, helping him out with some chores. Lifting heavy things down into the basement, mostly, I think that's probably what he's most excited about having me around for [chuckles].
Nara: Yes, you look very strong [squeezes Zane's upper arm] you are very muscular under your shirt!
Zane: Oh thanks, I uh, work out.
Nara: ...
[Both laugh]
Zane: But um...yeah just hanging out with dad, playing some video games...watching lots of wrestling! I've got all this time now to watch the promotions I don't get to see as much.
Nara: What promotions do you watch?
Zane: Well I mean, I've been able to catch up with Global Legend, and also UPW, you know, my old...haunts as it were. I've also been checking out some of the smaller, indie promotions. XWP, FBZ, it's been pretty cool to check those out, and...take a gander at some of the future stars of our little guild.
Nara: What have you been doing with your father, Zane?
Zane: Oh you know, just...spending time. Watching some dumb old movies, helping out while I'm here. Some of my sisters have visited since I've but for the most part just, you know. Keeping the poor guy some company.
Nara: Oh, your father still lives alone?
Zane: Well, yeah. I mean...mostly, yeah. He tried dating a couple of times over the past...twenty years or so but...um, well, I guess I shouldn't get...into his personal life. I mean unless he wants to tell you about it himself [pointing thumb over shoulder] should I go get him?
Nara: Yes! Please bring us Zane-dad!
Zane: [laughs]...he's actually a pretty private dude, I don't think he'd like that too much...that's why I figured we could do the interview out here.
Nara: Okay! I understand! Does your father follow your wrestling career?
Zane: Yeah, when he can. More recently, now that I'm on TV more. I'll just shoot him a text like oh hey, gonna be on tonight, if you...wanna check it out.
Nara: Do you both talk a lot about your career?
Zane: Um...well, not a lot. I mean we talk about it, sure but...I mean lately he mostly just asks me like, you know...'so when're you gonna settle down with a nice girl' you know, that kind of dad stuff. He's like...really invested in my romantic life, or...lack thereof. I think it's that 'my only son' thing.
Nara: So your father wishes for you to have a girlfriend?
Zane: He's...been wishing it.
Nara: And are you looking for a lover?
Zane: I mean not...really? I've never been so...I mean I'm kind of...I'm not good with...girls. Yeah.
Nara: You don't like girls?
Zane: No, girls are fine. They're nice. Sometimes cute. Sometimes really cute. I just don't...do so well around them. I mean, I get weird. I know I get weird. They know I get weird.
Nara: Maybe you like boys, Zane?
Zane: Actually -
Nara: It is okay with Nara!
Zane: Well -
Nara: Max Van Master told Nara you were very cute!
Zane: Well I'm not - he did? Really? Well that's...very flattering but um...no that's actually not it. I mean...[covers muzzle with both hands] heh, oh my gosh, why does everybody think that?
Nara: [shrugs]
Zane: I mean, did you think that?
Nara: [grins politely]
Zane: I...look, I get it. I grew up with four sisters, and they were basically my best friends, so I know I've got a...certain...way about me, but...[looks at camera] it's less true than you'd think.
Nara: How much less true, Zane?
Zane: Um...heh...uhhhh....can we move on, maybe?
Nara: Okay! We will move on! So Zane, you like video games!
Zane: Sure do. Very much so. It's...kinda my thing.
Nara: I love video games very much! Many of your special moves are named after video games?
Zane: Yeah, some are, like, you know, the Celestial Rings, that comes from Luna Dynasty, which is just...[flips back ears] one of my all-time favorites, I mean...I LOVE that game. Probably too much. Like if you gave me a button and said that pushing it would instantly let me live inside that game world forever, I'd...I'd think about it a lot.
Nara: Luna Dynasty was very good! I really liked the music!
Zane: Yeah, no, I like...if I ever get married, we're walking the aisle to the Sun Temple music. I want it like...played at my funeral.
Nara: Who was your favorite character?
Zane: Mmm, prooooooobably...Kota? I think I related to him the most, cute little orphan boy, just trying to be everyone's friend...I was always like...a sucker for that tragic-childhood thing, especially when they grow up to be a villain but like...you know it's not all their fault? That always gets me.
Nara: Kota was very nice! I liked Gogochu!
Zane: Oh, haha...oh my gosh, he was really funny, yeah.
Nara: And the Horizon Star was named after the animation, yes?
Zane: Yes, that's like...the cartoon equivalent of LD for me. And that's what like...helped get me into astronomy and...stars, and stuff like that.
Nara: You have many stars about you! You see, I painted stars on my face in honor of Zane!
Zane: I saw! I appreciate that. It's not a very original, you know...motif, but you know, they're...shiny and...glittery, and that's you know, that's my bread and butter.
Nara: Stars are all over your shirt, too! [Gestures toward own clothing]
Zane: Yeah, that's the classic. Still my best seller. [Laughs] I owe that shirt, um...I owe it a lot, even with the cut, it's made me stupid-lots in merch.
Nara: I am not kidding, it is one of my favorites! I love the colors. Zane is all about color! Just like Nara!
Zane: What was it that G.B. called me, the..."Wrestling Rainbow."
Nara: It is true! Zane, are RPG games your favorite?
Zane: Um, I'd definitely say they're one of my favorites, yeah. I love the kind of stories they tell, you know, the style of gameplay makes it possible to tell stories in between the fights, or even during the fights. I'm like...I'm kind of a sucker for when you get like, exposition and backstory while fighting a villain, like he monologues in between moves, and that's perfect for like. turn-based RPG's.
Nara: What other kinds of games do you like?
Zane: [Looking skyward] Hmmmmmm, I mean, I'm not sure there's a genre of video game I don't like at least one title from. I think people see my...persona and assume it's just like...RPG's and like...you know, games in that vein but I like everything, you know? I, um... like racing games, I like...I mean I even like some first-person shooters, maybe not as much as everyone else, but those are rad too...puzzle games, I play a lot of those...um, a lot of people don't always realize that I like fighting games a lot.
Nara: I love fighting games! I am very, very good at Bōryoku no Utsukushi-sa, you may know it as Brutal Art!
Zane: Oh yeah! You actually played that in a professional tournament, right?
Nara: Yes! I was semi-finalist!
Zane: That's so cool, Brutal Art is rad, we should...we should totally play together some time!
Nara: [nods cautiously] Yes, yes, we will play...I will probably win!
Zane: Haha...that's okay.
Nara: What video games have you enjoyed recently?
Zane: Well...they finally put out a new Starspeed and I've been cramming on that a lot, I mean it's pretty much made for me...you race...through space...hey, that rhymes. Anyway...I also recently played through Jeremy, kind of a, kind of an indie hit, have you heard of that one?
Nara: I have not played, but I have heard of it!
Zane: Oh, Jeremy...freakin'...broke me. Especially on that last puzzle battle, like...yeah. I cried. Not that it takes much with me, I'm...kind of a wuss but, still. [looks to camera] Definitely play that one, everyone.
Nara: I will see about it!
Zane: But yeah besides that just...been playing some of my old favorites.
Nara: Some people have said your special pose, this...[cups hands over chest, extends index finger outward]...they have said that this is similar to Moloko from Cataclysm's Dawn! Is this true?
Zane: [wiping back ear] Ummmm...no, not quite. Actually, I got that from my mother.
Nara: [Smile fading to lighter smile] Oh, I see.
Zane: She'd go around the bedrooms, checking on everyone before bed, and she'd like, you know when she went to shut the door, she'd do like she was blowing a kiss, but instead the actual blow, she'd like, put her hands up to her chest and point at us, like...[performs signature pose]. Like that. So...yep, that's where it's from. Mama-Zane.
Nara: [nodding] It is a very nice way to remember her.
Zane: It's also where I got my name from. You know, my wrestling name.
Nara: Oh?
Zane: Yeah, it's what she wanted to name me. Heh, her and dad I guess...always argued over the names of all us kids. With me, dad won in the end but...way more people know me as Zane than ever knew me as Micah so, I guess mom gets the last laugh, haha.
Nara: [smiles]
Zane: It's just...kind of neat to have little things like that, to...make it feel like she's part of it all, since she never got to see it for herself. I dunno, something like that.
Nara: It is very sweet how you pay respects to your mother in your career...haha, Nara misses his mother very much now!
Zane: Oh, yeah, that wasn't...too long ago, was it?
Nara: A year and one half!
Zane: Well...I mean, at least by then, you know...she knew that everybody loves Nara, right?
Nara: Yes...maybe! I don't know! I miss her every day!
Zane: Um...heh...I'm sorry, just...even when you're sad, you're...so happy.
Nara: [grins] Nara must always be happy! Nobody will feel bad with Nara! Not even Nara!
Zane: Well...you don't ALWAYS have to be happy, if you...don't feel like it.
Nara: I think it is easier this way!
Zane: Heh...well, okay.
Nara: Zane, I and many others, we first saw you in Global Legend Pro Wrestling, where you wrestled against Jin-Yuta at the end of Grand Fist! It was legendary!!
Zane: Oh, thank you! Yeah, we um, I think put something pretty good together, there.
Nara: You got seven stars! And Match of the Year!
Zane: Yeah, gosh, that was crazy. I mean I don't get too wrapped up in the star ratings. I appreciate it for sure, but, you know...I just try and have a cool match and I think we did. And Jin-Yuta is just...he's one of the best to ever do it. He might be the all time best. You know, at wrestling. Definitely not at interviewing. [tilting head] Wh-who's the best at that again?
Nara: Nara is the best!
Zane: Right, right. But...yeahhhhhh, I um...part of me always felt like, it was Yuta's match and I was just kind of there. Because I just always looked at him with such...like, admiration, so it's always been hard for me to look at that match and think, oh, I did that too, not just Yuta.
Nara: But Zane, you contributed very much to that match! You were famous for countering the Enjeru Knee into Horizon Star. I could not...believe it! The audience in the Fujiwara Dome went crazy! I was there! I thought you were gonna win!
Zane: [shrugs] Came close!
Nara: You would fight again in UPW, for the championship!
Zane: [nodding] Yep, yep. Global Legend and UPW were doing their cross promotion thing and I was holding the...you know, the GLPW belt for a little while. You know, just...keeping it warm for Yuta.
Nara: Do you think you will ever beat Jin-Yuta?
Zane: [Laughs] Oh, I don't know...I've beaten a lot of really good guys, you know? I guess I don't have to beat them all.
Nara: Zane, please tell me about your theme music!
Zane: Um, well...what about it?
Nara: How did you get it? I know it was made by Hoji Okada!
Zane: Yeah, um [hikes knee up to chest] You know, when I was still in GLPW I was just thinking about the music I had which was...I mean it was alright, but sort of like...generic? It was basically just given to me. So I got to thinking about the kind of music I'd like for myself if I could pick it, and I realized, I guess like...unsurprisingly that I, you know...fancied video game music more than anything. And I remember, it was a little bit after my match with Yuta when I was talking to some of the guys about music and it turned out that one of the, you know, the higher-ups had contact with Hoji Okada, and I was like, holy smokes, the composer for Onita's old games? So I just asked if like, they could get me in touch with him and when I did, it turned out he was like...really into wrestling! He was like, oh, you wrestled Yuta, of course I'll make a song for you! It was really cool actually like, one of the best gaming composers ever knows who I am, sort of.
Nara: That is very interesting! How much did you pay?
Zane: Oooofff, um...[grins] more than I probably should have, at that point in my career? But less than you'd think. I think he thought it was kinda neat to be making a wrestling theme so he didn't charge me an arm or leg. Maybe...just the wrists.
Nara: Did you tell him what kind of song you wanted, Zane?
Zane: You know, I basically just told him...'you know the Space Dragon boss music you did for Glimmeria? Can I get that but like...not that?' You know, I wanted that like...that kind of upbeat music you might hear in a...like a really heroic climax of a game, where instead of sounded all like...dramatic or dire, it's more like...[pumping fist] yeah! You got this! Something like that, and he came up with just this...really good hook that everyone can recognize so...yeah. It was really good.
Nara: It is one of the most famous wrestling songs!
Zane: Yeah! And I mean that's what I wanted, something you could play and you just...you know it's Zane coming out. And that's a lot of why, you know, I dropped some decent money on it, because I didn't want a specific promotion owning it, I wanted it to be my song that I could just take anywhere and have people immediately go, oh hey, that's Zane. I was a little worried that NWF would want to give me one of their own themes but then obviously, you know, we used it in my debut vignette so -
Nara: I was in that video! Please, tell Nara's fans about making that video!
Zane: [laughs] Yeah that whole thing was so...bonkers. I um...basically they usually had his one director handling that stuff, Fredrik Jimsin, he did like...all the best hype packages, all the promos, and he was still there but I guess they were kind of breaking in a new guy for whenever Fredrik decided to, you know, to retire...um...and yeah, this new guy, his name's Lieland, he was in charge of handling my vignettes, and I guess they kind of just like...threw him out there and said, hey, go do it. So I meet with him and you know, I'm not like...a super creative type, you know?
Nara: I think you are very creative!
Zane: Oh, thank you, but I mean...I just mostly steal my...well, everything, from video games and what not. So I basically just asked him, hey, what do you have in mind. And, I guess he was sort of familiar with me and my whole thing up to this point and he's basically like...he basically sees it as like a super over the top Japanese commercial or music video, with me running down the big city streets, all the light, and with like animated stars and...basically just make it as stereotypically anime as possible. And honestly at the time I was like...do I really come off like that? Like do I lack that much...nuance? And he was like, we wanna fly you back over and take some video over there and it was like, what, but I just CAME from there...but okay, so...we do it, and it's...silly but also pretty funny, he's just got me like...wandering around all...wide-eyed and happy and...just everything everyone assumes of the culture, basically.
Nara: And that is when Nara came!
Zane: Yep, so...we were just kinda wrapping up actually and then while I was kind of meeting up with some of the guys I used to work with, you know, I met up with you and was like, oh hey, we're making this silly video, and...well I think it was actually Lieland who was like, oh, Nara, he's perfect, we GOTTA put him in, and it was this super last-minute thing. And so we just set up this green screen.
Nara: I remember the screen!
Zane: [Nods] Uh-huh so, he basically just sticks us in front of this green screen and just tells us to like...dance or whatever. And so I remember I'm doing like...glittery...wiggly...weird things with my hands and everything and just kind of hopping around, and you were behind me just like...
Nara: [imitates dancing from video]
Zane: [giggles] Yeah, you were just...all in on it.
Nara: [Continues to dance]
Zane [muted audio]: ...like you are, now. But the thing is...
Nara: [Dancing intensifies]
Zane: O-okay, settle down [laughs lightly] we wouldn't...[normal audio returns] want both of us to hurt our necks.
Nara: Dancing is very fun! I think I did very well in the video!
Zane: But the thing is, after that vignette dropped, you know, I'm expecting to get all this hype, like, that I'm coming to NWF, but then people see the end of the video, where our little dancing is, and they're like...wait...is that...[points outward] what the heck?! THAT'S NARA!
Nara: Ahahahaha!
Zane: And like...a lot of them thought you were tagging along with me! But you were still working for GLPW and I think we even had to ask them if it'd be cool for you to be in a video for NWF, and I guess that's why people thought it was so nuts to see you back there, just...dancing your...little heart out.
Nara: I have never been to NWF...but I would enjoy going very much!
Zane: [Looks into camera] Well...maybe we'll have to make that happen some time? You could be my manager. Make the fans' dreams come true.
Nara: Working with you again would be very nice! We miss you in Global Legend Pro Wrestling! There is nobody quite like Zane!
Zane: [Hand on chest] Aw, well...thank you. I miss you guys too! But I think you'll be okay. After all, they've got Nara, the true face of GLPW.
Nara: Yes, but Nara is very busy! With wrestling, and the channel, and artwork!
Zane: Right, you did some of GLPW's commercial art!
Nara: Yes!
Zane: Well I mean...gosh, interviewing, video games, artwork...you really are the best!
Nara: [nods reluctantly] Yes...but I am the weakest artist in my family!
Zane: Oh? How many of your family members...do art?
Nara: All of us! My father is a professional artist, so my brothers and my sisters are too!
Zane: Heh...so you all followed in his footsteps?
Nara: It is like I said...fathers can be very strict!
Zane: Well I...I mean, you're probably not the worst in your family, right? Like...I think I heard you did the art for the Grand Fist XXVII promotional poster, right? That was really...like, awesome.
Nara: Yes, I think it was good...but my family is better! I am working every day to reach them!
Zane: Well, I mean, I can't even like, draw a decent stick figure but...for what it's worth, I think you're just fine where you are now.
Nara: Thank you, Zane! My family does not agree, but you are nice to say so!
Zane: ...
Nara: [friendly grin]
Zane: Um...do you...want a hug? I'm...kinda known for those.
Nara: Okay! Yes!
Zane: [hops down from fence]
[both hug]
Nara: Thank you, Zane! It is an honor...to receive one of your famous hugs!
Zane: Well, I don't know about famous but, you're welcome.
Nara: Back to wrestling! Which wrestlers did you look up to growing up?
Zane: Um, well I guess since we're, you know, rabbits and all, me and my sister's favorite guy was Shane Laota.
Nara: Oh, yes! "The Real Deal!" Shane Laota was very impressive...one of the first big...breakout stars of his species!
Zane: Yeah I mean, when you're a kid on the couch watching this stuff, you're seeing...you know, you're seeing wolves, you're seeing...lions, you're seeing maybe foxes and maybe raccoons, but at least in a...a main event capacity, you weren't really seeing like smaller species, you weren't seeing rabbits, or squirrels, or even rats yet being put into those positions so...for Shane to come along and kind of break through that ceiling you know, that was big news in rabbit-world. And like...we watched the Grand Royale that year when he picked up freakin' Braun Brody and just...threw him over the top rope and won the whole thing.
Nara: That was amazing! Braun Brody was gigantic!
Zane: And it was just like...holy crackers. And that's not just me saying my catchphrase, that's what I was sitting there thinking. I think it was at that moment when Beu - Jule and I were like...yeah, this is the only thing we wanna do.
Nara: It -
Zane: Plus he had the most beautiful dropkick in wrestling, like, past, present, or future.
Nara: It probably inspired many rabbit children to try wrestling!
Zane: More rabbits, more squirrels, you know...anybody smaller like that...even though Shane wasn't like...a small dude, really, he was pretty jacked...but I think part of it too was like...when they did have like...rodents or similar, you know, those guys were always like...the quick...preppy...just happy-to-be-there types, you know? They were 'fun' [makes air quotes] but you weren't supposed to take them seriously, while Shane came in just...no...nonsense. He didn't do any fancy posing, he didn't dance down to the ring, he just...did his thing. Like, you knew he could kick anyone's butt. And like, that's who I wanted to be...and then of course, I came out as this sparkly...skipping...dancing idiot acting like a worse version the guys I just decried, undoing all that...Shane...worked to...change.
Nara: I think that Shane Laota would be very proud of you! You are one of the best in the world!
Zane: Well...maybe. But I will say, I got one of my finishers from him. Well, sorta. He had the Excruciator and whenever I pictured myself being a wrestler, I always imagined putting somebody in that hold, so...I knew I wanted something like that, so that's where the Celestial Rings come in. It's not completely the same but pretty close.
Nara: Zane, you would go on to become known as a submission expert! Does this influence come from Shane Laota as well?
Zane: I mean I think his move is what made me really want to have a submission finisher but I think my...fascination with submission holds comes before that. When I first started watching wrestling I just thought, you know, you just pin them and that's it. The first time I saw a submission finish, my sister had to explain to me what happened, and it just...blew my mind. Like...you can put somebody in so much pain that they just...quit? How rad is that? Heh. I guess that kind of shows off my hidden, sadistic side. But yeah, I always thought submission finishes were the coolest ever since, and when I was wrestling overseas and training more with Lord Wilhelm, I think that's when I really got an appreciation for all the different ways you could stretch a dude, and I just wanted to learn them all.
Nara: Zane, would you like to put Nara in one of these holds?
Zane: Oh, well...I dunno. I better not. Wouldn't wanna hurt you.
Nara: I will be fine I think, I am very...elastic! [Bends body in various directions]
Zane: Heh, well...I'm still gonna say no for now...plenty of videos online of this going wrong.
Nara: I will not sue!
Zane: Well...maybe later. Most of my holds are mat-based anyway, so you'd have to, you know...adjust the camera.
Nara: That is a good point! Okay, maybe later! So Zane, is there anyone currently wrestling that you want to work with?
Zane: [nods back and forth] Mmmm...well obviously with the injury thing, I don't know that any of it's in the cards but...either one of the Superbad brothers, Jodie or Leigh, I'd love to just have like...20 minutes to work with one of them...maybe Ariel Prince, he's pretty new but he's just such a naturally gifted athlete, and I think we could do a pretty good big-guy little-guy match...
Nara: He is the champion!
Zane: Yep! But, it wouldn't have to be for the title...and, um...well I guess it's not like a wrestling match but it's been kind of a bucket-list item of mine to be announced down to the ring by Whitey Newsom.
Nara: The News!
Zane: Yeah, I mean, he's just the best ring announcer ever, and also one of the best backstage interviewers when they had him do it...I mean, not THE best interviewer, that would be....? [points]
Nara: [Smiles] Nara is the best.
Zane: Right, but I mean, I just...imagine the News doing my signature entrance phrase, like...[attempts baritone voice] "Hoooooooooooooly crackers, it's...ZAAAAAAANE!" I mean, I can't do it, but it'd be so awesome to hear it in his voice, at least once. I mean there's no other voice like it.
Nara: He was very unique...one of a kind!
Zane: And, uh...heh...I dunno how you'd ever do this but...I always thought it'd be rad to somehow do a match with Jule. Just like we used to do on the couch cushions.
Nara: Zane versus Jule! Brother versus sister! Yes!
Zane: I mean...an intergender match between brother and sister might...offend sensibilities or something...probably something you could only do on the indies but...yeah, that'd be awesome. And I'd...I'd put Jule over, for sure. I mean, she's older. She always got the front seat in the car too, so....
Nara: That would be amazing! I hope one day you will be healthy to do it!
Zane: [Shrugs] Well even if it doesn't happen I...had some pretty good matches, already.
Nara: Zane, I have one more question!
Zane: [Nods] Mmhm? let's hear it.
Nara: Who is Nyra?
Zane: [Smiles] [Shrugs] I...don't know. He's a pretty scary dude, huh?
Nara: He seems to perform many of your moves!
Zane: Yeah, maybe I should...sue him for gimmick infringement.
Nara: Do you think Nyra will ever fight you?
Zane: Gosh, well, I dunno. Maybe I should hope that he doesn't, you know? Seems like a...pretty tough cookie.
Nara: And Nyra sounds like Nara!
Zane: Yeah, kinda does, doesn't it? Maybe he's trying to like...cash in on your fame.
Nara: Yes, Nara is world famous! Okay! Well, Zane before you go I have something for you!
Zane: Oh, don't tell me it's a present.
Nara: [disappearing off camera] Yes!
Zane: [muted audio] Aw, but I don't have anything for you!
Nara: It is okay! I hope you will like this!
Zane: [muted audio] Oh, gosh...
Nara [coming back into frame] Here it is, this is for you, Zane! [passes framed image to Zane]
Zane: Oh my - look at this...!
Nara: It is for the Hero of Stars!
Zane: Did you make this?
Nara: Yes! You are a hero, so I have drawn you as a hero, flying through the galaxy!
Zane: [laughs] In my wrestling gear, no less...oh look at this, and I...caught a star between my fingers. [turns frame to show camera]
Nara: Yes...I know stars are very large, but I took artistic liberties with this! Zane is collecting stars! He gets his power from the stars!
Zane: Holy smokes, and those nebulae are so pretty. [hugging frame to chest] I love it. Thank you so much. Gosh, I feel like...I need to pay you for this. [Looks over shoulder] I left my billfold in the house...
Nara: You do not have to pay me! It is my gift to you! I have already gotten a world famous Zane hug!
Zane: Well...tell you what, this belongs on a shirt, and we're gonna find some way to...make that happen, and get you a cut of it.
Nara: And I will have a larger print for you later!
Zane: Nara...you're the best.
Nara: Yes! I know! Okay! Zane, thank you so much for interviewing with me! You are very nice! [turns to camera] He is very nice!
Zane: Aw, well thank you, you're like...super sweet too, Nara. This was a blast.
Nara: Before we go, is there anything else you would like for Nara's fans to know? Are you on social media?
Zane: Um, yeah, I am...I actually don't use it as much as you might expect but, NWF wanted me to get that going so, yeah, you guys can follow me at @ WrestleWrabbit. That's wrabbit with a W-R.
Nara: That is very clever!
Zane: Yeah I thought I was just...a genius when I came up with that. Couldn't believe nobody else took it.
Nara: Okay! Thank you again Zane and thank you everybody for watching! Zane! May I come inside and play video games?
Zane: Uhhhh...yeah! I mean, that should be fine...maybe just leave the camera and stuff outside. Try not to spook my dad too much.
Nara: I will tell him, thank you for making Zane! He is very cool!
Zane: Heh...um...okay.
Nara: [waving to camera] Okay everybody! I am going to go play video games with my friend Zane! I am Nara The Best! See you next time!
Zane: [performing signature pose] You all rock.
For talk-heavy projects like this, I like to provide voice examples to make it easier to understand the tone of the characters. I'm basically the only one who actually cares about that.
For Zane, I basically just want to wholesale steal the voice and cadence of Marko Stunt, his youthful voice being perfect for somebody like Zane who's basically just a , awkward kid.
Zane voice example [Marko Stunt]: https://youtu.be/jbSFrmKuivQ?t=425
For Nara, I don't have a perfect example for him, but I sort of picture something a little like Shinsuke Nakamura, but...maybe set the video speed to 1.5. And picture him constantly exclaiming things.
Nara voice example [Shinsuke Nakamura]: https://youtu.be/QTPerqcVvVk?t=4
Zane's Theme Music: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/45656089/
Zane's Original Bio: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43962999/
Zane: Hey! What's up? 'Preciate you coming all the way out here. Can I...get you a can of pop?
Nara: I am fine! Thank you, Zane, so much, for interviewing with me! You are one of the very best...in the world! And that is why you should be interviewed with the best interviewer.
Zane: Oh, well...thank you. I dunno about...one of the best, I think I'm pretty good, but you ARE definitely the best interviewer.
Nara: Yes, Nara is the best! He interviews only the best!
Zane: Well, thank you again, you know, I'm...pretty stoked to be here actually, I think your channel is great, and we were like, best buds in Global Legend so...yeah, pretty psyched, let's do it.
Nara: And we are at your house!
Zane: Yep, this is the...the Zane-Cave. Well, actually it's my dad's house but I grew up here. Well, sorta. Since I was 10. [hops up onto fence] Actually, is it cool if I set up here for this?
Nara: Yes, it is okay!
Zane: [legs lightly kicking] This was just always one of my favorite things to do out here, just hang out on this fence. It beats standing. You wanna sit, too? It's stronger than it looks.
Nara: It is okay, I will stand...I expected you to live in a big city, with lots of lights and excitement!
Zane: Well I don't still live here, I just came back to see my dad and some other family and just kinda...you know, chill out. I was on the road so much with my job and everything you know, kinda miss how peaceful it is out here.
Nara: It is very nice, but I am glad I brought batteries!
Zane: [Gesturing to surroundings] I mean yeah, this is a pretty cool backdrop for a wrestling interview, I think...nice change of pace from like...hotel rooms and convention centers.
Nara: And I am wearing your shirt! It is one of my favorites!
Zane: Yeah, I noticed! That one's...that's been a good one for me, made a...pretty good chunk of change on that one.
Nara: I like the colors!
Zane: I know! It's like...the one wrestling shirt that isn't black. Like, nevermind the championships or whatever, that's like...probably the most epic thing I've ever done with my career, have a shirt that isn't black.
Nara: And it comes in long-body size!
Zane: Yeah, you know I actually, um, I take a rate cut in my merch sales, at least for NWF, because I don't want them charging like...you know, a premium for longbody sizes. But it's really up to the manufacturer and they're gonna...charge what they charge, so I just told them to make it up by cutting my share of it a little more.
Nara: That is very nice of you!
Zane: I mean I just think like...it's the decent thing to do. You know, I don't have to pay extra for my clothes. There was a little brief...bit of time where it was actually illegal to charge that premium for longbody clothing, but it was easy to get around it, and then some...not great people got elected and repealed it, so...guess that's a lesson about voting in off-years.
Nara: Zane, may I say something!
Zane: Of course, s'why I'm here.
Nara: Your voice is very soft!
Zane: Heh...y-yeah, I know.
Nara: It is like a child!
Zane: [Nods, runs hand over ears] Mmhm. I...yeah, get that a lot.
Nara: It makes me happy!
Zane: Um...th-thank you? Heh. I like yours too, it's very...you know, like...animated.
Nara: I am like a cartoon!
Zane: Yeah, sorta, it's kind of...kind of over the top, but in a fun way. It's good for...you know, for this kind of work.
Nara: Okay! First question! Zane...how is your neck?
Zane: It's...good, I think. It feels pretty good, you know, just trying not to strain it too much.
Nara: It was very sad when you had to quit. People were crying!
Zane: I know, I was...actually I was really touched, I mean...I never imagined like...I didn't know how I'd end up getting out of wrestling, but I never pictured having like, a sendoff like that, will people like...crying over me, or...I mean, I'm not trying to get an ego, it was just surreal, you know? I guess it was supposed to be sad, and I guess later it was, but at the time I was just like...blown away at how much my...career meant to people, I guess.
Nara: Zane, have you left wrestling forever?
Zane: Oh I mean...I dunno, you...never can tell, you know? Right now I'm just trying to take it one day at a time...first and foremost make sure I'm around for as long as possible for the people who care about me.
Nara: Do you miss wrestling?
Zane: Oh - psshhh, of course. That was my whole life. Getting out there and performing in front of...[gestures] 20,000 or 20 people, that was just...as good rad it gets, you know, making people happy, and making them...feel something. That's what I miss the most. I mean that's so hard to just walk away from...I mean don't get me wrong, it's nice to take a break and see my family again and...you know, I feel like I never had time to watch my sister wrestle so that's been like...really rockin' to be able to watch her matches.
Nara: Your sister is Jule!
Zane: Yep, she just did a show for Radical Ropes, everybody out there [points at camera] you should go check her out. She's really good. And underrated. Maybe I'm biased.
Nara: It is very nice that you and your sister wrestle together! Did you both start wrestling at the same time?
Zane: Ummmmmm [Looks skyward] ....yeah, pretty much. She's like, two years older than me, so you know, she kinda started...pursuing it before I did since I was still in school and everything but...like, she took me to the wrestling schools she was looking at. Actually I started training with her at home, since like...I wanted to learn to wrestle and she needed somebody to slam around, so...it worked out pretty good. Though we had to hide it from our dad, you know, he...probably woulda given us the whats-for.
Nara: Yes, fathers can be very strict!
Zane: Actually my dad was always like...super supportive of us, I mean he pretty much was cool with us doing whatever, he just wanted us to stay in school and be smart about it. Like, he was cool with Beulah - er, Jule...[turns to camera] I call her Beulah, all of you should call her Jule, heh, um...he was cool with her training to become a wrestler, but he was very...like, adamant that she do her training there, where it was safe...though I mean, in hindsight, I can tell you they weren't safe there at all but...yeah.
Nara: What have you been doing since you went away?
Zane: Well, I've been...you know, kind of hanging out with old friends I don't get to see as much and [gestures toward house] hanging out here with the old man, helping him out with some chores. Lifting heavy things down into the basement, mostly, I think that's probably what he's most excited about having me around for [chuckles].
Nara: Yes, you look very strong [squeezes Zane's upper arm] you are very muscular under your shirt!
Zane: Oh thanks, I uh, work out.
Nara: ...
[Both laugh]
Zane: But um...yeah just hanging out with dad, playing some video games...watching lots of wrestling! I've got all this time now to watch the promotions I don't get to see as much.
Nara: What promotions do you watch?
Zane: Well I mean, I've been able to catch up with Global Legend, and also UPW, you know, my old...haunts as it were. I've also been checking out some of the smaller, indie promotions. XWP, FBZ, it's been pretty cool to check those out, and...take a gander at some of the future stars of our little guild.
Nara: What have you been doing with your father, Zane?
Zane: Oh you know, just...spending time. Watching some dumb old movies, helping out while I'm here. Some of my sisters have visited since I've but for the most part just, you know. Keeping the poor guy some company.
Nara: Oh, your father still lives alone?
Zane: Well, yeah. I mean...mostly, yeah. He tried dating a couple of times over the past...twenty years or so but...um, well, I guess I shouldn't get...into his personal life. I mean unless he wants to tell you about it himself [pointing thumb over shoulder] should I go get him?
Nara: Yes! Please bring us Zane-dad!
Zane: [laughs]...he's actually a pretty private dude, I don't think he'd like that too much...that's why I figured we could do the interview out here.
Nara: Okay! I understand! Does your father follow your wrestling career?
Zane: Yeah, when he can. More recently, now that I'm on TV more. I'll just shoot him a text like oh hey, gonna be on tonight, if you...wanna check it out.
Nara: Do you both talk a lot about your career?
Zane: Um...well, not a lot. I mean we talk about it, sure but...I mean lately he mostly just asks me like, you know...'so when're you gonna settle down with a nice girl' you know, that kind of dad stuff. He's like...really invested in my romantic life, or...lack thereof. I think it's that 'my only son' thing.
Nara: So your father wishes for you to have a girlfriend?
Zane: He's...been wishing it.
Nara: And are you looking for a lover?
Zane: I mean not...really? I've never been so...I mean I'm kind of...I'm not good with...girls. Yeah.
Nara: You don't like girls?
Zane: No, girls are fine. They're nice. Sometimes cute. Sometimes really cute. I just don't...do so well around them. I mean, I get weird. I know I get weird. They know I get weird.
Nara: Maybe you like boys, Zane?
Zane: Actually -
Nara: It is okay with Nara!
Zane: Well -
Nara: Max Van Master told Nara you were very cute!
Zane: Well I'm not - he did? Really? Well that's...very flattering but um...no that's actually not it. I mean...[covers muzzle with both hands] heh, oh my gosh, why does everybody think that?
Nara: [shrugs]
Zane: I mean, did you think that?
Nara: [grins politely]
Zane: I...look, I get it. I grew up with four sisters, and they were basically my best friends, so I know I've got a...certain...way about me, but...[looks at camera] it's less true than you'd think.
Nara: How much less true, Zane?
Zane: Um...heh...uhhhh....can we move on, maybe?
Nara: Okay! We will move on! So Zane, you like video games!
Zane: Sure do. Very much so. It's...kinda my thing.
Nara: I love video games very much! Many of your special moves are named after video games?
Zane: Yeah, some are, like, you know, the Celestial Rings, that comes from Luna Dynasty, which is just...[flips back ears] one of my all-time favorites, I mean...I LOVE that game. Probably too much. Like if you gave me a button and said that pushing it would instantly let me live inside that game world forever, I'd...I'd think about it a lot.
Nara: Luna Dynasty was very good! I really liked the music!
Zane: Yeah, no, I like...if I ever get married, we're walking the aisle to the Sun Temple music. I want it like...played at my funeral.
Nara: Who was your favorite character?
Zane: Mmm, prooooooobably...Kota? I think I related to him the most, cute little orphan boy, just trying to be everyone's friend...I was always like...a sucker for that tragic-childhood thing, especially when they grow up to be a villain but like...you know it's not all their fault? That always gets me.
Nara: Kota was very nice! I liked Gogochu!
Zane: Oh, haha...oh my gosh, he was really funny, yeah.
Nara: And the Horizon Star was named after the animation, yes?
Zane: Yes, that's like...the cartoon equivalent of LD for me. And that's what like...helped get me into astronomy and...stars, and stuff like that.
Nara: You have many stars about you! You see, I painted stars on my face in honor of Zane!
Zane: I saw! I appreciate that. It's not a very original, you know...motif, but you know, they're...shiny and...glittery, and that's you know, that's my bread and butter.
Nara: Stars are all over your shirt, too! [Gestures toward own clothing]
Zane: Yeah, that's the classic. Still my best seller. [Laughs] I owe that shirt, um...I owe it a lot, even with the cut, it's made me stupid-lots in merch.
Nara: I am not kidding, it is one of my favorites! I love the colors. Zane is all about color! Just like Nara!
Zane: What was it that G.B. called me, the..."Wrestling Rainbow."
Nara: It is true! Zane, are RPG games your favorite?
Zane: Um, I'd definitely say they're one of my favorites, yeah. I love the kind of stories they tell, you know, the style of gameplay makes it possible to tell stories in between the fights, or even during the fights. I'm like...I'm kind of a sucker for when you get like, exposition and backstory while fighting a villain, like he monologues in between moves, and that's perfect for like. turn-based RPG's.
Nara: What other kinds of games do you like?
Zane: [Looking skyward] Hmmmmmm, I mean, I'm not sure there's a genre of video game I don't like at least one title from. I think people see my...persona and assume it's just like...RPG's and like...you know, games in that vein but I like everything, you know? I, um... like racing games, I like...I mean I even like some first-person shooters, maybe not as much as everyone else, but those are rad too...puzzle games, I play a lot of those...um, a lot of people don't always realize that I like fighting games a lot.
Nara: I love fighting games! I am very, very good at Bōryoku no Utsukushi-sa, you may know it as Brutal Art!
Zane: Oh yeah! You actually played that in a professional tournament, right?
Nara: Yes! I was semi-finalist!
Zane: That's so cool, Brutal Art is rad, we should...we should totally play together some time!
Nara: [nods cautiously] Yes, yes, we will play...I will probably win!
Zane: Haha...that's okay.
Nara: What video games have you enjoyed recently?
Zane: Well...they finally put out a new Starspeed and I've been cramming on that a lot, I mean it's pretty much made for me...you race...through space...hey, that rhymes. Anyway...I also recently played through Jeremy, kind of a, kind of an indie hit, have you heard of that one?
Nara: I have not played, but I have heard of it!
Zane: Oh, Jeremy...freakin'...broke me. Especially on that last puzzle battle, like...yeah. I cried. Not that it takes much with me, I'm...kind of a wuss but, still. [looks to camera] Definitely play that one, everyone.
Nara: I will see about it!
Zane: But yeah besides that just...been playing some of my old favorites.
Nara: Some people have said your special pose, this...[cups hands over chest, extends index finger outward]...they have said that this is similar to Moloko from Cataclysm's Dawn! Is this true?
Zane: [wiping back ear] Ummmm...no, not quite. Actually, I got that from my mother.
Nara: [Smile fading to lighter smile] Oh, I see.
Zane: She'd go around the bedrooms, checking on everyone before bed, and she'd like, you know when she went to shut the door, she'd do like she was blowing a kiss, but instead the actual blow, she'd like, put her hands up to her chest and point at us, like...[performs signature pose]. Like that. So...yep, that's where it's from. Mama-Zane.
Nara: [nodding] It is a very nice way to remember her.
Zane: It's also where I got my name from. You know, my wrestling name.
Nara: Oh?
Zane: Yeah, it's what she wanted to name me. Heh, her and dad I guess...always argued over the names of all us kids. With me, dad won in the end but...way more people know me as Zane than ever knew me as Micah so, I guess mom gets the last laugh, haha.
Nara: [smiles]
Zane: It's just...kind of neat to have little things like that, to...make it feel like she's part of it all, since she never got to see it for herself. I dunno, something like that.
Nara: It is very sweet how you pay respects to your mother in your career...haha, Nara misses his mother very much now!
Zane: Oh, yeah, that wasn't...too long ago, was it?
Nara: A year and one half!
Zane: Well...I mean, at least by then, you know...she knew that everybody loves Nara, right?
Nara: Yes...maybe! I don't know! I miss her every day!
Zane: Um...heh...I'm sorry, just...even when you're sad, you're...so happy.
Nara: [grins] Nara must always be happy! Nobody will feel bad with Nara! Not even Nara!
Zane: Well...you don't ALWAYS have to be happy, if you...don't feel like it.
Nara: I think it is easier this way!
Zane: Heh...well, okay.
Nara: Zane, I and many others, we first saw you in Global Legend Pro Wrestling, where you wrestled against Jin-Yuta at the end of Grand Fist! It was legendary!!
Zane: Oh, thank you! Yeah, we um, I think put something pretty good together, there.
Nara: You got seven stars! And Match of the Year!
Zane: Yeah, gosh, that was crazy. I mean I don't get too wrapped up in the star ratings. I appreciate it for sure, but, you know...I just try and have a cool match and I think we did. And Jin-Yuta is just...he's one of the best to ever do it. He might be the all time best. You know, at wrestling. Definitely not at interviewing. [tilting head] Wh-who's the best at that again?
Nara: Nara is the best!
Zane: Right, right. But...yeahhhhhh, I um...part of me always felt like, it was Yuta's match and I was just kind of there. Because I just always looked at him with such...like, admiration, so it's always been hard for me to look at that match and think, oh, I did that too, not just Yuta.
Nara: But Zane, you contributed very much to that match! You were famous for countering the Enjeru Knee into Horizon Star. I could not...believe it! The audience in the Fujiwara Dome went crazy! I was there! I thought you were gonna win!
Zane: [shrugs] Came close!
Nara: You would fight again in UPW, for the championship!
Zane: [nodding] Yep, yep. Global Legend and UPW were doing their cross promotion thing and I was holding the...you know, the GLPW belt for a little while. You know, just...keeping it warm for Yuta.
Nara: Do you think you will ever beat Jin-Yuta?
Zane: [Laughs] Oh, I don't know...I've beaten a lot of really good guys, you know? I guess I don't have to beat them all.
Nara: Zane, please tell me about your theme music!
Zane: Um, well...what about it?
Nara: How did you get it? I know it was made by Hoji Okada!
Zane: Yeah, um [hikes knee up to chest] You know, when I was still in GLPW I was just thinking about the music I had which was...I mean it was alright, but sort of like...generic? It was basically just given to me. So I got to thinking about the kind of music I'd like for myself if I could pick it, and I realized, I guess like...unsurprisingly that I, you know...fancied video game music more than anything. And I remember, it was a little bit after my match with Yuta when I was talking to some of the guys about music and it turned out that one of the, you know, the higher-ups had contact with Hoji Okada, and I was like, holy smokes, the composer for Onita's old games? So I just asked if like, they could get me in touch with him and when I did, it turned out he was like...really into wrestling! He was like, oh, you wrestled Yuta, of course I'll make a song for you! It was really cool actually like, one of the best gaming composers ever knows who I am, sort of.
Nara: That is very interesting! How much did you pay?
Zane: Oooofff, um...[grins] more than I probably should have, at that point in my career? But less than you'd think. I think he thought it was kinda neat to be making a wrestling theme so he didn't charge me an arm or leg. Maybe...just the wrists.
Nara: Did you tell him what kind of song you wanted, Zane?
Zane: You know, I basically just told him...'you know the Space Dragon boss music you did for Glimmeria? Can I get that but like...not that?' You know, I wanted that like...that kind of upbeat music you might hear in a...like a really heroic climax of a game, where instead of sounded all like...dramatic or dire, it's more like...[pumping fist] yeah! You got this! Something like that, and he came up with just this...really good hook that everyone can recognize so...yeah. It was really good.
Nara: It is one of the most famous wrestling songs!
Zane: Yeah! And I mean that's what I wanted, something you could play and you just...you know it's Zane coming out. And that's a lot of why, you know, I dropped some decent money on it, because I didn't want a specific promotion owning it, I wanted it to be my song that I could just take anywhere and have people immediately go, oh hey, that's Zane. I was a little worried that NWF would want to give me one of their own themes but then obviously, you know, we used it in my debut vignette so -
Nara: I was in that video! Please, tell Nara's fans about making that video!
Zane: [laughs] Yeah that whole thing was so...bonkers. I um...basically they usually had his one director handling that stuff, Fredrik Jimsin, he did like...all the best hype packages, all the promos, and he was still there but I guess they were kind of breaking in a new guy for whenever Fredrik decided to, you know, to retire...um...and yeah, this new guy, his name's Lieland, he was in charge of handling my vignettes, and I guess they kind of just like...threw him out there and said, hey, go do it. So I meet with him and you know, I'm not like...a super creative type, you know?
Nara: I think you are very creative!
Zane: Oh, thank you, but I mean...I just mostly steal my...well, everything, from video games and what not. So I basically just asked him, hey, what do you have in mind. And, I guess he was sort of familiar with me and my whole thing up to this point and he's basically like...he basically sees it as like a super over the top Japanese commercial or music video, with me running down the big city streets, all the light, and with like animated stars and...basically just make it as stereotypically anime as possible. And honestly at the time I was like...do I really come off like that? Like do I lack that much...nuance? And he was like, we wanna fly you back over and take some video over there and it was like, what, but I just CAME from there...but okay, so...we do it, and it's...silly but also pretty funny, he's just got me like...wandering around all...wide-eyed and happy and...just everything everyone assumes of the culture, basically.
Nara: And that is when Nara came!
Zane: Yep, so...we were just kinda wrapping up actually and then while I was kind of meeting up with some of the guys I used to work with, you know, I met up with you and was like, oh hey, we're making this silly video, and...well I think it was actually Lieland who was like, oh, Nara, he's perfect, we GOTTA put him in, and it was this super last-minute thing. And so we just set up this green screen.
Nara: I remember the screen!
Zane: [Nods] Uh-huh so, he basically just sticks us in front of this green screen and just tells us to like...dance or whatever. And so I remember I'm doing like...glittery...wiggly...weird things with my hands and everything and just kind of hopping around, and you were behind me just like...
Nara: [imitates dancing from video]
Zane: [giggles] Yeah, you were just...all in on it.
Nara: [Continues to dance]
Zane [muted audio]: ...like you are, now. But the thing is...
Nara: [Dancing intensifies]
Zane: O-okay, settle down [laughs lightly] we wouldn't...[normal audio returns] want both of us to hurt our necks.
Nara: Dancing is very fun! I think I did very well in the video!
Zane: But the thing is, after that vignette dropped, you know, I'm expecting to get all this hype, like, that I'm coming to NWF, but then people see the end of the video, where our little dancing is, and they're like...wait...is that...[points outward] what the heck?! THAT'S NARA!
Nara: Ahahahaha!
Zane: And like...a lot of them thought you were tagging along with me! But you were still working for GLPW and I think we even had to ask them if it'd be cool for you to be in a video for NWF, and I guess that's why people thought it was so nuts to see you back there, just...dancing your...little heart out.
Nara: I have never been to NWF...but I would enjoy going very much!
Zane: [Looks into camera] Well...maybe we'll have to make that happen some time? You could be my manager. Make the fans' dreams come true.
Nara: Working with you again would be very nice! We miss you in Global Legend Pro Wrestling! There is nobody quite like Zane!
Zane: [Hand on chest] Aw, well...thank you. I miss you guys too! But I think you'll be okay. After all, they've got Nara, the true face of GLPW.
Nara: Yes, but Nara is very busy! With wrestling, and the channel, and artwork!
Zane: Right, you did some of GLPW's commercial art!
Nara: Yes!
Zane: Well I mean...gosh, interviewing, video games, artwork...you really are the best!
Nara: [nods reluctantly] Yes...but I am the weakest artist in my family!
Zane: Oh? How many of your family members...do art?
Nara: All of us! My father is a professional artist, so my brothers and my sisters are too!
Zane: Heh...so you all followed in his footsteps?
Nara: It is like I said...fathers can be very strict!
Zane: Well I...I mean, you're probably not the worst in your family, right? Like...I think I heard you did the art for the Grand Fist XXVII promotional poster, right? That was really...like, awesome.
Nara: Yes, I think it was good...but my family is better! I am working every day to reach them!
Zane: Well, I mean, I can't even like, draw a decent stick figure but...for what it's worth, I think you're just fine where you are now.
Nara: Thank you, Zane! My family does not agree, but you are nice to say so!
Zane: ...
Nara: [friendly grin]
Zane: Um...do you...want a hug? I'm...kinda known for those.
Nara: Okay! Yes!
Zane: [hops down from fence]
[both hug]
Nara: Thank you, Zane! It is an honor...to receive one of your famous hugs!
Zane: Well, I don't know about famous but, you're welcome.
Nara: Back to wrestling! Which wrestlers did you look up to growing up?
Zane: Um, well I guess since we're, you know, rabbits and all, me and my sister's favorite guy was Shane Laota.
Nara: Oh, yes! "The Real Deal!" Shane Laota was very impressive...one of the first big...breakout stars of his species!
Zane: Yeah I mean, when you're a kid on the couch watching this stuff, you're seeing...you know, you're seeing wolves, you're seeing...lions, you're seeing maybe foxes and maybe raccoons, but at least in a...a main event capacity, you weren't really seeing like smaller species, you weren't seeing rabbits, or squirrels, or even rats yet being put into those positions so...for Shane to come along and kind of break through that ceiling you know, that was big news in rabbit-world. And like...we watched the Grand Royale that year when he picked up freakin' Braun Brody and just...threw him over the top rope and won the whole thing.
Nara: That was amazing! Braun Brody was gigantic!
Zane: And it was just like...holy crackers. And that's not just me saying my catchphrase, that's what I was sitting there thinking. I think it was at that moment when Beu - Jule and I were like...yeah, this is the only thing we wanna do.
Nara: It -
Zane: Plus he had the most beautiful dropkick in wrestling, like, past, present, or future.
Nara: It probably inspired many rabbit children to try wrestling!
Zane: More rabbits, more squirrels, you know...anybody smaller like that...even though Shane wasn't like...a small dude, really, he was pretty jacked...but I think part of it too was like...when they did have like...rodents or similar, you know, those guys were always like...the quick...preppy...just happy-to-be-there types, you know? They were 'fun' [makes air quotes] but you weren't supposed to take them seriously, while Shane came in just...no...nonsense. He didn't do any fancy posing, he didn't dance down to the ring, he just...did his thing. Like, you knew he could kick anyone's butt. And like, that's who I wanted to be...and then of course, I came out as this sparkly...skipping...dancing idiot acting like a worse version the guys I just decried, undoing all that...Shane...worked to...change.
Nara: I think that Shane Laota would be very proud of you! You are one of the best in the world!
Zane: Well...maybe. But I will say, I got one of my finishers from him. Well, sorta. He had the Excruciator and whenever I pictured myself being a wrestler, I always imagined putting somebody in that hold, so...I knew I wanted something like that, so that's where the Celestial Rings come in. It's not completely the same but pretty close.
Nara: Zane, you would go on to become known as a submission expert! Does this influence come from Shane Laota as well?
Zane: I mean I think his move is what made me really want to have a submission finisher but I think my...fascination with submission holds comes before that. When I first started watching wrestling I just thought, you know, you just pin them and that's it. The first time I saw a submission finish, my sister had to explain to me what happened, and it just...blew my mind. Like...you can put somebody in so much pain that they just...quit? How rad is that? Heh. I guess that kind of shows off my hidden, sadistic side. But yeah, I always thought submission finishes were the coolest ever since, and when I was wrestling overseas and training more with Lord Wilhelm, I think that's when I really got an appreciation for all the different ways you could stretch a dude, and I just wanted to learn them all.
Nara: Zane, would you like to put Nara in one of these holds?
Zane: Oh, well...I dunno. I better not. Wouldn't wanna hurt you.
Nara: I will be fine I think, I am very...elastic! [Bends body in various directions]
Zane: Heh, well...I'm still gonna say no for now...plenty of videos online of this going wrong.
Nara: I will not sue!
Zane: Well...maybe later. Most of my holds are mat-based anyway, so you'd have to, you know...adjust the camera.
Nara: That is a good point! Okay, maybe later! So Zane, is there anyone currently wrestling that you want to work with?
Zane: [nods back and forth] Mmmm...well obviously with the injury thing, I don't know that any of it's in the cards but...either one of the Superbad brothers, Jodie or Leigh, I'd love to just have like...20 minutes to work with one of them...maybe Ariel Prince, he's pretty new but he's just such a naturally gifted athlete, and I think we could do a pretty good big-guy little-guy match...
Nara: He is the champion!
Zane: Yep! But, it wouldn't have to be for the title...and, um...well I guess it's not like a wrestling match but it's been kind of a bucket-list item of mine to be announced down to the ring by Whitey Newsom.
Nara: The News!
Zane: Yeah, I mean, he's just the best ring announcer ever, and also one of the best backstage interviewers when they had him do it...I mean, not THE best interviewer, that would be....? [points]
Nara: [Smiles] Nara is the best.
Zane: Right, but I mean, I just...imagine the News doing my signature entrance phrase, like...[attempts baritone voice] "Hoooooooooooooly crackers, it's...ZAAAAAAANE!" I mean, I can't do it, but it'd be so awesome to hear it in his voice, at least once. I mean there's no other voice like it.
Nara: He was very unique...one of a kind!
Zane: And, uh...heh...I dunno how you'd ever do this but...I always thought it'd be rad to somehow do a match with Jule. Just like we used to do on the couch cushions.
Nara: Zane versus Jule! Brother versus sister! Yes!
Zane: I mean...an intergender match between brother and sister might...offend sensibilities or something...probably something you could only do on the indies but...yeah, that'd be awesome. And I'd...I'd put Jule over, for sure. I mean, she's older. She always got the front seat in the car too, so....
Nara: That would be amazing! I hope one day you will be healthy to do it!
Zane: [Shrugs] Well even if it doesn't happen I...had some pretty good matches, already.
Nara: Zane, I have one more question!
Zane: [Nods] Mmhm? let's hear it.
Nara: Who is Nyra?
Zane: [Smiles] [Shrugs] I...don't know. He's a pretty scary dude, huh?
Nara: He seems to perform many of your moves!
Zane: Yeah, maybe I should...sue him for gimmick infringement.
Nara: Do you think Nyra will ever fight you?
Zane: Gosh, well, I dunno. Maybe I should hope that he doesn't, you know? Seems like a...pretty tough cookie.
Nara: And Nyra sounds like Nara!
Zane: Yeah, kinda does, doesn't it? Maybe he's trying to like...cash in on your fame.
Nara: Yes, Nara is world famous! Okay! Well, Zane before you go I have something for you!
Zane: Oh, don't tell me it's a present.
Nara: [disappearing off camera] Yes!
Zane: [muted audio] Aw, but I don't have anything for you!
Nara: It is okay! I hope you will like this!
Zane: [muted audio] Oh, gosh...
Nara [coming back into frame] Here it is, this is for you, Zane! [passes framed image to Zane]
Zane: Oh my - look at this...!
Nara: It is for the Hero of Stars!
Zane: Did you make this?
Nara: Yes! You are a hero, so I have drawn you as a hero, flying through the galaxy!
Zane: [laughs] In my wrestling gear, no less...oh look at this, and I...caught a star between my fingers. [turns frame to show camera]
Nara: Yes...I know stars are very large, but I took artistic liberties with this! Zane is collecting stars! He gets his power from the stars!
Zane: Holy smokes, and those nebulae are so pretty. [hugging frame to chest] I love it. Thank you so much. Gosh, I feel like...I need to pay you for this. [Looks over shoulder] I left my billfold in the house...
Nara: You do not have to pay me! It is my gift to you! I have already gotten a world famous Zane hug!
Zane: Well...tell you what, this belongs on a shirt, and we're gonna find some way to...make that happen, and get you a cut of it.
Nara: And I will have a larger print for you later!
Zane: Nara...you're the best.
Nara: Yes! I know! Okay! Zane, thank you so much for interviewing with me! You are very nice! [turns to camera] He is very nice!
Zane: Aw, well thank you, you're like...super sweet too, Nara. This was a blast.
Nara: Before we go, is there anything else you would like for Nara's fans to know? Are you on social media?
Zane: Um, yeah, I am...I actually don't use it as much as you might expect but, NWF wanted me to get that going so, yeah, you guys can follow me at @ WrestleWrabbit. That's wrabbit with a W-R.
Nara: That is very clever!
Zane: Yeah I thought I was just...a genius when I came up with that. Couldn't believe nobody else took it.
Nara: Okay! Thank you again Zane and thank you everybody for watching! Zane! May I come inside and play video games?
Zane: Uhhhh...yeah! I mean, that should be fine...maybe just leave the camera and stuff outside. Try not to spook my dad too much.
Nara: I will tell him, thank you for making Zane! He is very cool!
Zane: Heh...um...okay.
Nara: [waving to camera] Okay everybody! I am going to go play video games with my friend Zane! I am Nara The Best! See you next time!
Zane: [performing signature pose] You all rock.
For talk-heavy projects like this, I like to provide voice examples to make it easier to understand the tone of the characters. I'm basically the only one who actually cares about that.
For Zane, I basically just want to wholesale steal the voice and cadence of Marko Stunt, his youthful voice being perfect for somebody like Zane who's basically just a , awkward kid.
Zane voice example [Marko Stunt]: https://youtu.be/jbSFrmKuivQ?t=425
For Nara, I don't have a perfect example for him, but I sort of picture something a little like Shinsuke Nakamura, but...maybe set the video speed to 1.5. And picture him constantly exclaiming things.
Nara voice example [Shinsuke Nakamura]: https://youtu.be/QTPerqcVvVk?t=4
Zane's Theme Music: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/45656089/
Zane's Original Bio: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43962999/
Category All / General Furry Art
Species Rabbit / Hare
Size 900 x 1156px
File Size 1.66 MB
Turned out really nicely! And that was quite the interview. I should have learned to check the voice samples at the bottom before digging into your stories. I was reading Zane as very soft spoken and shy after all the hesitations in his lines, which seemed a bit uncharacteristic from my previous impressions of him. Still very nice though.
I considered putting the links at the top of the story for that reason but I thought that might be weird. Maybe when people are accustomed to my habit of coming up with voice examples, I can post them first with minimal explanation to distract from the story.
That said, it's not entirely inaccurate to think of him as shy. The idea I wanted to get across with him is that Zane the character and Zane the person are different in some ways, and when he's in front of an audience, he taps into a character that's essentially a version of himself turned up to 12, and which makes him self insulated from his actual limitations and vulnerabilities. At home he's just a slightly awkward nerd from the edge of the suburbs, hoping he's not coming off like too much of a dweeb.
That said, it's not entirely inaccurate to think of him as shy. The idea I wanted to get across with him is that Zane the character and Zane the person are different in some ways, and when he's in front of an audience, he taps into a character that's essentially a version of himself turned up to 12, and which makes him self insulated from his actual limitations and vulnerabilities. At home he's just a slightly awkward nerd from the edge of the suburbs, hoping he's not coming off like too much of a dweeb.
Distracted by the cute art and pleasantly surprised to have more to read. I love stories and extra details such as adding a voice example is so neat! I can really imagine the whole exciting interview like being there to witness from the sidelines, though now I feel like I was just eavesdropping. :D Now time to browse and learn more!
Thanks, the interest in the additional background information is always appreciated, given how rare it is. It's just my foolhardy attempt to create furry wrestler characters that aren't actually fetish-related, something which I have literally never, ever seen before in this fandom, and maybe bring some non-wrestling fans up to speed, whose knowledge of it is largely relegated to 80's stereotypes. So if you happen to explore the other wrestler characters I've recently posted here, just bear that in mind when you see my deeply condescending comments directed at the crowd in question.
Relatable and honestly refreshing to read something that focuses more on the characters themselves rather than just the kinks. Plus I love seeking new info and actually learning rather then expecting my environment (containing stereotypes and generalities) to teach me. I look forward to reading more from you in the future and catching up on wrestling and other works. Personally, like having a clean lesson in wrestling culture through these sketches. Maybe I am just weird, but I digress! Thank you again!
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