Pride of Puroresu!

[James Peterson]

PRIDE OF PURORESU!

Brought to you by Under Armour, Sony and Dr Pepper

One of the biggest events in the calender year. Pride of Puroresu. At this event, we will be crowning a brand new GPC World Heavyweight Champion as the tournament finals will be on this date. The winner from block A and the winner of Block B meeting to fight for coveted crown, and the most prestigious prize in New Japan Fighting Championship. The NJFC Global Championship will also be defended as well as the GPC Tag Team Championship. It's an event that promises a few surprises, with the Junior Heavyweights also in action in a number of showcase matches

Deadlines! July 28th, 23:59pm! The press conference will take place on the 29th! If your character is competing elsewhere on that date, please provide a live video from where you are, when it's your time to be on the podium!
 
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Limit: 1000 words.
NJFC Interviewers: Shelley Silver, Rachel Kenshin, Takedo Hamati, Ryoku Naito

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[valero]

(The live feed comes to life somewhere inside the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. There, front and center, sits the gaijin wonder Ricky Valero with his trademark smirk gracing the screen. The international superstar is decked out in a fresh new Armani suit and his eyes are hidden behind a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses as he sits with a bottle of water on the table in front of him. Coming to us via video chat, NJFC interviewers Rachel Kenshin, Shelley Silver, Takedo Hamati, and Ryoku Naito huddle around a computer screen inside the media room at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan--the site for Pride of Puroresu.)

RICKY VALERO: Ladies, gentlemen, it’s a pleasure as always.

(With a snicker, he raises the sunglasses to the top of his head.)

TAKEDO HAMATI: Konbawa, Mr. Valero! Takedo Hamati here! First and foremost, thank you for taking time out to speak with us despite having an engagement later today. How are you feeling heading into Pride of Puroresu, one of NJFC’s biggest events of the year?

(Valero smirks again, licking his lips as he mulls over the opening question.)

RICKY VALERO: I feel ready.

(He cracks the bottle of water open and takes a big sip.)

RICKY VALERO: I feel like this is my opportunity to go out there and cement myself as one of the top dogs here in NJFC--a role I feel I should already inhabit. The fact I’m not seen on the same level as guys like Chandler Scott and Chris Madison is an insult. It’s disrespectful. But I’m a competitor. I go out there, I do work, I blow people’s minds and remind them that I am one of the best wrestlers on the planet. At Pride of Puroresu, I’m gonna go out to that ring, lay a beatdown on Tokyo Zombie and remind everyone in the arena and everyone watching at home of that fact once again.

(Without hesitation, the next question is put on the table.)

SHELLEY SILVER: Mr. Valero, Shelley Silver here. Speaking of your opponent at Pride of Puroresu, Tokyo Zombie, how have you been preparing for your matchup with him and what are your thoughts on him?

RICKY VALERO: My thoughts are that Tokyo Zombie is a stepping stone.

(The interviewers are taken aback by Valero’s response, which brings a smile to his face.)

RICKY VALERO: Maybe that’s blunt, but that’s what he is. Tokyo Zombie is a stepping stone to bigger and better things here in NJFC for me. First and foremost, the Global Championship. That’s where my sights are set right now, and no matter who is thrown in my path, make no mistake about it, you will see the NJFC Global Championship around my waist in the very near future.

I know Tokyo Zombie fancies himself a hero of some sorts. A fighter of evil and all that. That’s admirable, really. He’s not gonna find a more evil bastard on the NJFC roster than me, so here’s his big chance to prove he’s more than a doormat for the real stars here.

Unfortunately for him, I can tell you exactly how it’s going to go: Bell sounds, Zombie will put up a fight for a little bit, but eventually I’ll shut his offense down and take total control. I’ll pick him apart piece by piece until he has nothing left to give, and then I’ll just drop him on his head with The Franchise Tag. Just like everyone else before him. Just like I did to Chiba Kobayashi inside Korakuen Hall to win the GFP Openweight Championship. Just like I did to El Loco in our Glass TLC Match to win the RSW Junior Heavyweight Championship inside the Saitama Super Arena over a decade ago. Tokyo Zombie is a stepping stone. To the Global Championship. To glory in Japan once again.

(Valero slouches back in is chair, pleased with his response and his own ego.)

RYOKU NAITO: Mr. Valero, hello, my name is Ryoku Naito! You have accomplished so much over the course of your professional career, why are you and what more could you possibly want to achieve here in Japan?

(Valero’s eyes narrow as he tries to stare daggers at the reporter through the screen in front of him. He scoffs.)

RICKY VALERO: That’s the difference between you and me, Ryoku. You’re complacent. You’re happy being mediocre. You’re happy having some meaningless job spending half your life in a cubicle for $10 an hour hoping to score one quality quote for a headline no one will ever seen in a newspaper no one will ever read.

Me, I want to be the best. I always want to be the best. And no matter how many times I’ve reached the mountain peak...no matter how many times I’ve garnered some kind of accolade, I’m not happy. I want more. I need more. I’m not happy being on the card. I want to be at the TOP of the card. And then I’m not happy being on the top of the card, I want to be the one everyone goes to see. I want to be the one everyone in the back wants to be. We all know I love to talk the talk, but God dammit, you better believe I always want to prove I can walk the walk too. I will never rest on my laurels even if I think they should garner your respect at the very least!

My past accolades, they may not take me to the top of NJFC, but you better believe my experience, namely my experience in big moments and championship matches here in Japan gives me an advantage over guys like Tokyo Zombie and anyone else who gets put in my path. At Pride of Puroresu...the fun begins.

(Once more, he smirks.)

RICKY VALERO: It’s game time.

(Without another moment’s hesitation, Valero leans forward, clicks his mouth and ends the video chat. Our screen goes black.)

[Chandler Scott]

(Applause fills the conference room as Chandler Scott is introduced. However, Chandler is conspicuous by his absence. Suddenly, the projector screen comes to life with an image of Chandler. A live feed is established as Chandler is currently in an undisclosed location in California. The suited up Scott nods before addressing the camera.)

Chandler Scott: Hello everyone. For starters, I would like to apologize for not being there in person today. I would have loved to have been there with all of you, the great NJFC talent. I would have loved to have been there amongst the fans and the media. However, this press conferences happens to coincide with my sister's wedding. And I would not have missed that for the world. So hopefully, this live feed should suffice. I am ready for questions whenever you are...

Shelley Silver: Mr. Scott, this is Shelley Silver. First off, congratulations are in order for both yourself and Chris Madison for making it to the Finals of the Pride of Puroresu Crown. You each have a litany of wins against some truly next level competition. The fact that you both barely have a blemish on your record heading into the finals is something that should be admired. How has the road been for you for the past month and a half? How is your body holding up?

Chandler Scott: Well, it hasn't been easy. I can tell you that much. You might look at my record or Chris' record over the course of this tournament and think that we had a cakewalk. But every ache and pain that I feel right now let's me know that this hasn't been a breeze by any stretch of the imagination. It's been rough. Like you said, I've been going in there against the best that NJFC offers. As I've said before, I'm not the tallest guy in this field. I'm not the strongest. I'm not the fastest. I can't soar the highest. Buy I've got two things going for me. One, I feel that on my best day, I can outwrestle anyone anywhere, be it here or on the other side of the Pacific. Two, mental toughness. I'm a clutch performer, Ms. Silver. You know, we as wrestlers always talk about how you're going to react when the chips are down. When you're 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 minutes into a match and your gas tank is on E... and you're so exhausted that you're tongue is hanging down by your ankles... and every muscle in your body hurts, what are you going to do? Are you going to thrown in the towel? Are you going to just lay there and accept defeat? Or are you going to get up off that mat and fight for the win? Well over the past month and a half, I've proven that I'm the guy that will somehow, someway snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat. I fully intend to do that once again tomorrow night.

Rachel Kenshin: Hello Mr. Scott, this is Rachel Kenshin. Sunday Night, you'll be standing across the ring from Chris Madison. What are your thoughts on Madison as you head into the Finals?

Chandler Scott: I think he's one of the finest athletes in our sport. As we've seen before, anybody can get hot for a couple months before they fizzle out. But over the past two or three years, there's only been a few wrestlers that have consistently performed at an elite level night in and night out. He's one of those men. He spent nearly all of 2016 as 4CW's Pride Champion. He's got that MMA base so I know he's good with submissions and counters and reversals. He's technically sound. He hits hard. If this where any other time and place, I'd go so far as to say that Chris Madison's the man. The thing is, I'm here. So he's not the man. He's the guy next to the man. And that's not a bad spot to be in. But it's the truth as I see it.

Rachel Kenshin: So what you're telling me is that Chris Madison is not a better wrestler than you?

Chandler Scott: ... what I'm saying is that... yes, I feel like I'm a better wrestler than him. Yes, I feel like my best can beat his best. Who knows, I could be 100% wrong and by Sunday night, Madison is flying out of Japan your new GPC World Heavyweight Champion. But I intend to do everything in my power, within the rules of the match, to make sure that does not happen.

Rachel Kenshin: Ryoku Naito here. Going by some of the buzz I'm hearing, it's sounding like you're the underdog in this matchup. Is that an uncomfortable position for you? Are you at all offended?

Chandler Scott: Uncomfortable? No. I would lean more towards "unfamiliar". When fans look at a match card and they see my name on one side and another wrestler's name opposite mine, nine times out of ten, the people are picking me. This just happens to be one of those times where I'm not the favorite. And I can understand why. People on this roster know him better than they do me. He's been in this company longer than I have, so the fans are more familiar with him. But offended? Bothered? Miffed? Not in the slightest. I'm not heading into this match running off of emotions. Coming into this match, I intend to neutralize his strengths. Madison can't beat me if he can't do what he does best. As far as my peers or the fans go, they can believe in whatever they want. Tomorrow night, they'll have no choice but to believe in the facts. At the end of the Pride of Puroresu Crown, every head will bow and every tongue will confess that Chandler... is your new... GPC World Heavyweight Champion. The end.

(The video fades out.)

[Zack Fantana]

(The feed now cuts live to the press room in Japan where all of the NJFC interviewers are on hand, standing amongst the photographers and camera crew. One Zack Fantana calmly takes the stage, clad in a grey three piece suit and tie, and approaches the podium to promote his Junior Heavyweight showcase against Toshikazu. Fantana places his palms onto the podium and leans forward with a greeting to those in attendance.)

ZACK FANTANA: Hello NJFC.

(Fantana is all smiles under the bright spotlights shining onto the stage. He adjusts the microphone and awaits the first question from the NJFC staffers.)

ZACK FANTANA: It's about time I get a live mic at one of these things.

TAKEDO HAMATI: Zack, Takedo Hamati with NJFC. In anticipation of the upcoming FIGHTING Spirit of Juniors series, you've been placed in a showcase match against a fellow competitor in the tournament in Toshikazu. After over a decade of experience in the United States, this will be only your second match in Japan. Can you highlight why you chose NJFC and why you're making the jump to Japan at this stage of your career?

ZACK FANTANA: Honestly, it was about starting anew. One of my biggest fears is growing complacent. You run around the same circuit long enough and you risk losing your passion in the grind. I could have easily found another gig in the States but I wanted to go somewhere where I had no reputation to see if I could make a name for myself all over again. As for why it was NJFC, it's an easy explanation. NJFC has a reputation for hosting these tournaments that wrestlers from all over the globe flock to. You want to prove you stack up to the best in your weight class? Fighting in NJFC is the quickest way to get a clear picture of where you land in the hierarchy.

(Zack pauses for another question.)

RACHEL KENSHIN: Zack, Rachel Kenshin here. As Takedo mentioned, this will be your second match with NJFC and the Ryōgoku Kokugikan will give you an audience on a scale that you've never quite had before in Japan. What are your thoughts going into this venue?

ZACK FANTANA: This is what I've been waiting for, Rachel. When I signed with NJFC, I signed a full contract because I didn't want to be a tourist. I wanted the full experience of the road. I didn't want to be the gaijin who writes his name in Japanese on twitter after spending one weekend in Sumida. I don't know what it is about Japan, but it seems like every time NJFC hosts a big-time tournament like the Pride of Puroresu Crown or the FIGHTING Spirit of Juniors series, it coaxes these one-week weeaboos out of hiding, each one more kitsch than the last. I don't know about you but whenever I see an American wearing a Japanese display name, I automatically assume that it translates roughly to "I love me some cultural appropriation".

(Zack pauses, wondering if his own translator is even bothering to keep up at this point.)

ZACK FANTANA: Look, I'm not going to stand here and insult your intelligence by pandering to your national pride. While I respect the tradition of professional wrestling in this country, I have no intention of blending into the crowd or emulating anybody's style. My style is my own and I came here to test it against some of the best junior heavyweights the industry has to offer. That's it. Doesn't matter if it's during the tournament or on a road show, I want to be the class of the division.

(Fantana nods to the next staffer.)

RYOKU NAITO: Ryoku Naito, NJFC. Zack, you came to terms with NJFC shortly before the GPC committee placed a moratorium of sorts on gaijin signing regular contracts, in their push to develop the next line of homegrown talent. Did that make you contemplate your future here?

ZACK FANTANA: It had to, right? Not because I'm necessarily worried about my future as a regular in NJFC, but because it gives me some perspective. I have an opportunity in this company that simply isn't available to North Americans anymore and as one of the very last gaijins able to secure a touring contract with the brand, you had better believe that I'll be using it to my full advantage by putting in the reps before the FIGHTING Spirit of Juniors series even begins. Not everyone in this tournament will be afforded that opportunity and it just might give me the experience I need to win the GPC FIGHTING Junior Heavyweight Championship.

It's no secret that a Japanese audience creates an entirely different atmosphere than an American crowd. They're typically more reserved than an American audience. Well, a professional wrestler lives off the energy of the crowd. Change that up and even a slight hesitation to digest it is something that has the potential to turn the tide in a match. I have a feeling that I'll be glad to have the experience of a capacity Japanese arena in my back pocket when the tournament begins, especially against a fan favorite like Toshikazu. As delusional as Toshikazu may be, the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall will no doubt heavily favor him and that's exactly the type of exhibition I need. There's a number of wrestlers with extensive experience in Japan in this division, so anything I can do to minimize that advantage will be key to my success.

As far as the GPC committee goes, they may not be exactly thrilled to see another gaijin win a championship here in NJFC, but if it's any consolation, they're free to spell my name out on the GPC FIGHTING Junior Heavyweight Championship in whatever language they please.

(Zack straightens his back, no longer leaning into the microphone.)

ZACK FANTANA: Thank you, everyone.

(With that, the podium opens up once again as Fantana nods to the NJFC press and walks off stage left.)

[Cosmo Cooper]

For the first time in NJFC history, Cosmo Cooper made his way through the press and towards the podium. Cosmo was dressed for success, we dawned a backwards flat bill hat and a floppy t-shirt with his face on it with a pair of jean shorts. He nodded to some of the reporters before he made his way up to the front of the room and leaned down into the microphone.

COSMO COOPER: Uhh, hey guys. I don’t know if a lot of you know who I am. I’m Cosmo Cooper. To give you a little background on myself, umm, I like, broke into the business at the beginning of the year. I’ve been able to accumulate a 23-4 record in my rookie year. I’ve won the GCW Legacy championship, the XHW Medal of Honor and the Monkey Business Ace’s High Championship. I look forward to winning some more gold here in NJFC. But with that being said, I guess I’ll like… open it up to questions?

Cosmo looked around the room, a couple of hands went up and he smiled at the ability to pick who asked the questions.


SHELLEY SILVER: Cosmo, first off welcome to NJFC. Since you’re in your rookie year, there’s a lot of people who you are just now stepping into the ring with for the first time. Do you think that puts you at a disadvantage against someone like Craig Anderson?

Nodding, Cosmo leaned back down into the microphone.

COSMO COOPER: I love going against someone like Craig for like, a number of reasons. I love the mix of styles, you know? He’s a high flyer, he’s high octane. I’m just a hard hitter and I like to keep the match on the ground. Craig made his debut in 2012, in 2012 I was still wrestling collegiately, you know? He was out here living it while I wasn’t even thinking about the wrestling business. Disadvantage or not, that’s how you get better—facing people who have that experience and people who have been around. I’ve already pinned countless veterans just in this first year. I’ve beaten Kaden Kessler, beaten Wulf Eirkson, I beat Alioth Starre, I pinned Gavin Grimes. This is a first time meeting, and Craig has probably seen a lot of wrestlers—but I promise he’s never seen anything like me before.

Leaning away from the microphone, Cosmo looked across the room. A few more hands shot up and he pointed.

RYOKU NAITO: You had quite a run as the GCW Legacy Champion and one of your last matches as champion as right here in NJFC against Ricky Valero. Your detractors in GCW and even your boss is saying that you’re stretching yourself too thin, do you think that comes into play during these matches?

Very aware of how tired he was, Cosmo nodded at the question.

COSMO COOPER: I’ve heard that a lot since my time here. Two weeks in a row I flew from Germany to Louisiana and defended two titles in a span of 48 hours. My body feels fine, but sometimes fatigue gets to me, but it’s something I have to push through now because soon I won’t have to. This last week I’ve been to Scotland for the 4CW tag tournament—which I won my debut match there. Then flew back to California, only to fly here. After my match here with Craig I’ll have to fly to Alaska for the GCW show.
Cosmo paused for a moment, just talking about it made him tired.

COSMO COOPER:I’m not doing this to feed my own ego, like some people I see bouncing from company to company. I’m doing it to get my name out there. To go out of my comfort zone so one day I won’t have to bounce around to provide for myself. Will it come into play? Eventually, but people don’t realize what I’m fighting for and why I do what I do.

Nodding, Cosmo looked around for the next question.

RACHEL KENSHIN:Cosmo, you’ve faced Ricky and now you’ve got Craig Anderson. Where do you want to go from here in NJFC? Are you going to continue doing guest work, or are you more interested in signing a full time contract?

Pondering this, Cosmo stepped back up to the podium.

COSMO COOPER:I like to take things one match at a time and not get ahead of myself. I like the spot I am in, I am honored to be here and to be working guys like Ricky and especially Craig. You know, win or lose I want to be a champion here. There’s a few guys I really respect here, and a few guys that I know who have came in and dropped the ball and was unable to represent NJFC to their full abilities. When I win these titles and go other places, I don’t do it for the glory of having the belt. I go there and I am representing the company, I’m representing my team because that’s all we are at the end of the day.

Cosmo got the motion to wrap it up.

COSMO COOPER: I’m getting the go ahead cue so I will just say I am pumped about this match with Craig and where it will take me. I want to be a guy who the company books and they’re excited when they see my name on the card. No matter what, my main goal, win or lose is to be the guy NJFC can depend on to bring them a good match, and a match the fans are glad they came for. I’ll do that against Craig Anderson, thank you all so much!

Waving, Cosmo left the podium and slapped a few high fives on the way out.

[Dex Russey]

(Clearing his throat, Dex Russey looked around for a moment as it was his turn to take to the podium. He took a sharp inhale and walked up to the podium. He looked annoyed as he ran his hand through his hair that was captured in a neat man-bun. He wore an open blazer, revealing a grey shirt that was partially tucked into his chinos.)


(It was the last thing he wanted to wear to this event. However, a certain woman named Caroline insisted that if he was going to be sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry, then he had to look the part as well. He cleared his throat slightly as his hands gripped both sides of the podium. He was ready for the examination to begin.)


(It was his first go round with the promotion, and he did truly want to make his presence felt immediately. There were already many strikes working against him heading into his start... Being a gaijin was the biggest one. The Japanese fans had come to expect a high level of excellence with the talent they imported overseas... Dex was hitting a crisis mode in his standing over in his home promotion of 4CW... So now was a make or break moment, a chance to define himself a bit better for this new broad audience...)


“I’ll take the first question now...”, (he said low and slow... Doing his best to bottle up that abrasive and offensive personality for something more professional.)


Shelley Silver: “Hello, Dex. Shelley Silver here. First off, welcome to NJFC. It must be an exciting experience for someone like you to be a part of this promotion. Although you lost to Adrian Tanner Jr. during a house show, you get to rebound and really get people to notice you at Pride of Puroresu. Of course, I think everyone would like to know what would bring a relative newcomer such as yourself to come to Japan, hone your skills and test yourself out here?”


Dex Russey: “Someone like me, huh? Yeah, okay... I’m here for the same reasons as everyone else who has and who will be walking up to this podium. This is NJFC... This is the apex of professional wrestling in Japan... I’m here the same reason as everyone else... To win. At the end of the day there’s no other reason to even be here...”


(Dex spoke through with his fingernails digging in a bit into the podium. His eyes would scan out the entire floor. He felt like a fish out of water. He was so used to flying under the radar back at home, and cutting his little “confessions of the heart” in places he felt comfortable. However, this was the nature of NJFC: To take a man and strip him down to the contents of his character and his heart. Dex was feeling exposed.)


Rachel Kenshin: “So, Dex, your upcoming opponent will be Richard Drake - another wrestler who is new to this sport but carries a wrestling pedigree behind him as he comes from a family that's been rooted in this profession. How do you think you can compete with someone who has professional wrestling pretty much installed in their DNA?”


Dex Russey: “Because the truth is that I’m not fighting his lineage... I’m not fighting his family name, and I’m not fighting his pedigree... What I am fighting is a man... And a man who I don’t believe has the heart or the fight that I do... He could have been learning up on suplexes and ddt’s the moment he came off of his momma’s titty...


I don’t care about back then. I care about what lies in front of me, and what I’m trying to reach for... I had the honor of being one of the final competitors that got to lock up against Adrian Tanner Junior... We weren’t that close, but after our match he said that there’s something special in me... And that special something dwarfs over any pedigree the Drake family could ever produce.


(Dex’s clenches thinking about that main event he had with Tanner earlier this month. It was a stab in his heart to know that someone he was getting to know was just gone... That’s why he made it up in his mind to not prove the man wrong. That at Pride of Puroresu he’d put that special something out for the entire Island of Japan to feel in his wake.)


Takedo Hamati: “Hello, Mr. Russey. I’d like to know if-”


Dex Russey: “Haha what!?!”


(Takedo, confused, arches a brow at Dex as the young man interrupts him. A slight frown appears on his face as he sees that Dex was laughing.)


Takedo Hamati: “I was trying to ask you if you think you have what it takes to truly make a big impact here in NJFC where the competition is already stacked?”


Dex Russey: “What?... I don’t speak Japanese, dude.”


(Takedo sighs, but a translator would step in and repeat the question to Dex.)


Dex Russey: “Honestly... who cares what I think, right? I thought I’d beat Tanner... I thought I’d have championships by now. I thought I’d be getting all kinds of handjobs left and right the moment I wrestled on T.V.! I thought I’d be a millionaire. I thought... I thought... I thought...


But I’m tired of thinking... So, I’m going to start doing instead, yeah? That starts with doing what I need to do to kick the absolute fucking shit out of Drake... The wrestler, not the rapper... Put my name on the fucking map... Have you all worship the ground I walk on... And buy a waifu pillow while I have some time... So, I’m done thinking, and now I’m done talking. See you dudes at the show.”

[シマダミツオ - Mitsuo Shimada]

MITSUO SHIMADA: The world is ours. 

(His says simply, allowing his head to bob down as he looks around the press room, hands pressed against the sides of the podium. He remains silent, it's an eerie silence that sends chills through the room but that's his intention. To make everyone in the room as comfortable as they possibly can be. He smiles, the type of smile that isn't sincere whatsoever, but rather intimidating and cruel.)

MITSUO SHIMADA: But you know that already. The world was ours as soon as we planted our seed and now it's growing, blossoming even - into something beautiful, something that cannot be ignored. Not by you (he points at a member of the press) not by you (pointing at another member) and not by Owen Gonsalves. Gonsalves will do a good job at discrediting us when he stands up here and proclaims us as cowards. But little does he know, that the cowards in question are actually this promotions salvation. Salvation from the evil. Salvation from the crooks. Salvation from the American dream that follows. The Dogs of War are the protectors of this promotion and believe me when I say this, we have your best interests as well as our own under consideration. But it's a doggy dog world, and we come first. 

(Pausing, he clears his throat and holds his arm up, clenching his fists before bringing it back down circling his eye with his fingers, a signature pose that photographers capture as soon as he does it. He smirks, bringing his arm back down and looking around the room, and noticing Rachel Kenshin with her arm up. He nods towards her.)

RACHEL KENSHIN: Shimada, you said earlier in a promo that you have no beef with Owen Gonsalves, you have no quarrel with him. Is he apart of the problem that you think is corrupting this promotion? Is he, to put in better terms - another Chris Madison? 

MITSUO SHIMADA: The enemy... is those who stand against us, those who will fall at the first hurdle, or as soon as things don't go their way. 

(Picking up his glass of water, he takes a sip.)

MITSUO SHIMADA: Gonsalves has fallen. Time after time but he's still here. Still ready, still wanting to gain something and as I've said, I find admiration in that. It's sweet and rather, humbling. He's contradicted my expectations. And because of that, I've garnered a respect for the man. Gonsalves happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time in our first altercation. That's it. But he wants this more than I do, I understand that - and I'll give him more than he bargained for, I guarantee that.

But he's fallen so many times. And in a perfect world, a fairytale world - this will be his crowning moment, the moment where all of his falls would be worth it, all of his failures and disappointments, they would've amounted to this perfect moment. Being crowned the Global Champion of New Japan Fighting Championship. But this isn't a perfect world. This is a world where men like Chris Madison find their way in the main event picture and men like Mitsuo Shimada are delegated to second rate. Because that's what this is - second rate. 

But I won't allow that to deter me. I won't allow that to weaken my spirits. I won't allow that from dismantling Owen Gonsalves who is the supposed master of manipulation, his technical ability being credited as one of the best in the business. No disputing that. I've watched the classics, studied them and to be quite honest, for a man of his size - I'm impressed, he hangs with the heavyweights, fits right in. But his technical ability can only get him so far. His weakness, is this.

(Thumping away at his heart with his clenched fists.)

MITSUO SHIMADA: He's got it all up here. 

(Thumping away at his head with his fingertips.)

MITSUO SHIMADA: He's the man with the plan, the tactician. But heart, that's the most important thing in this industry. And though I may not show it, I have the heart for this. I love this shit so much I'm prepared to break the rules. I'm prepared to throw referee's right in front of you, I'm prepared to get my brothers in arms in aid me as long as it entitles me a victory, and keeps my heart beating then I'm set. Losing, it bares a hold over me. 

(He pauses, perhaps what's in mind is his losses that he suffered in the Pride of Puroresu Crown, to deep to bare.)

MITSUO SHIMADA: It's something I hate. Something I do everything in my power to avoid but I acknowledge that at times, it's unavoidable and it'll hit you ten times as hard as the last. This championship, it's all that Owen has going for him now. This championship, this will complete him. I'm incomplete whether I take that championship belt or not! I remain incomplete because there's a mission I set myself and it hasn't been completed. But it will... it's just starting to unfold, differently than anticipated but that's alright. Owen once again finds himself at the wrong place, at the wrong time. 

I'm a man with vengeance. A man with retribution burning through him. Owen, you're a man that wants this bad but you've got into a habit of not getting the job done. What's going to make this match with me any different? Because you want this bad? No, Owen. If you're going to beat me, you're going to need to break the rules. You're going to need to become a dog. You're going to need to become someone, like me. The Savior, The Myth, The Legend.

(He poses, allowing photographers to do their jobs before being ushered away by Chris Constantine.)

[Craig Anderson]

(Craig makes his way through the crowd of reporters and takes his place at the podium. He's dressed entirely in black, from the skinny jeans to the shirt – even the backwards-pointing cap! He looks around the room, still not entirely used to the whole press conference environment. He clears his throat as he pulls himself towards the microphone.)

CRAIG ANDERSON: Again, my Japanese is terrible so you'll have to forgive me, but... KONBANWA! That's right, yeah...? Good. Please, fire away!

(Craig shifts his gaze across the room, where a sea of hands shoot up. He points to a woman who he recognises, sitting front and centre.)

ABIGAIL ADAMS: Craig, last time you were at a NJFC press conference, it was your first time in Japan. You've been back a few times since then, so does this feel any more natural to you?

(Craig nods his head, leaning back into the microphone.)

CRAIG ANDERSON: You're right. This is my fourth time in Japan now, my second time this week as a matter of fact – as you know. But it still feels surreal. Most of us dream of wrestling in Japan, I just happen to be lucky enough to compete all over the world. I can't thank you all enough for the opportunities that I have been given, as I wouldn't be here without any of you.

(More hands pop up, and Craig quickly chooses one from the back of the room.)

HIDEO WATANABE: Craig, you will be going one-on-one Cosmo Cooper. He may be in his rookie year, but how impressed are you with how much he has achieved in such a small space of time?

(Craig strokes his chin, trying to figure out how to best word his response.)

CRAIG ANDERSON: There are no two ways about it. Cosmo has had an incredible rookie year, and he is already one of the hottest talents in this business. But I also had a great rookie year. As a matter of fact, my first two years were probably the most successful of my career. But I didn't push on from there. I got complacent, and I pretty much stopped caring. If I can offer just one bit of advice to Cosmo, it's to always continue giving one hundred per-cent.

(Craig looks around for the next question, and it isn't long until he picks out another hand.)

ASAHI OKADA: Craig, you've recently won the IYH Rapid Fire Championship. However, this week is perhaps the busiest week of your career. Will that play a role in your match against Cosmo?

(Craig shrugs off the idea of tiredness being a factor, before adding a sarcastic yawn and stretch.)

CRAIG ANDERSON: Yes, I've just arrived in Japan from the state of Wyoming, having only recently just left Japan, and yes I have to be in Australia very soon. But Cosmo has also got a busy week. He's got to make it to Alaska of all places, so we'll both be as tired as each other. But as tiring as it is, the adrenaline when we're out there in the ring, doing our stuff. It's more than enough to see us through. You see, Cosmo and I are not too different. Cosmo is trying to get his name out there, so that eventually he becomes a household name. Me? I'm going through a career renaissance, if you will. The more people I wrestle, the more fans I wrestle in front of. That's only going to help me achieve what I want to achieve. I want to be wrestling for the biggest companies in the world, and while the ones I am contracted to at now are all incredible, it's not enough for me.

(The next question is put forward almost immediately, and Craig is very quick to offer a response.)

KELVIN BOYD: Craig, the last time you were in an NJFC ring was against Bryan Williams for the Global Championship. Is the outcome of that match playing in the back of your mind, or have you put that behind you?

CRAIG ANDERSON: Oh, trust me. I've not forgotten, and while I've since gained some respect for Jack Tillman, the others have got a long way to go. At this time my focus is on Cosmo Cooper, but trust me: I'm not in NJFC to earn participation trophies. I am here to add to my collection of Championships, and I'll be damned if I let anybody steal my opportunity from me like that again. My destiny is in my hands, not the hands of some bitter ex-Champion, a young star trying to make a name for himself and... the other guy.

(Craig looks around for the final question, pondering before carefully selecting a gentleman in the middle of the room.)

MITSUO YAGUMO: You've been growing your name over the last few months. Is there anything in particular you wish to achieve in NJFC?

(Craig laughs, somewhat amused by his incoming answer.)

CRAIG ANDERSON: No, my name is and always has been thirteen letters! All joking aside, I signed with NJFC exclusively for Global Takeover. That agreement has became more permanent since, and I don't regret making that decision at all. My aim is to put on the best matches that I possibly can, against some of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Honestly, Craig Anderson versus Cosmo Cooper is a dream match by any stretch of the imagination. It's a complete clash of styles, we specialise in completely different areas. But that's what makes it so exciting – sure, I'd love to dive around the ring if I could. But the less time I spend in the air, the more in benefits Cosmo. So as much as he's going to try to take me out of my comfort zone, I'm going to take him out of his!

(With that, Craig leaves the podium with a cheeky wink.)

[chrismadison]

(Chris Madison rose to his feet and the room immediately began buzzing. The journalists leaned over to each other, whispering as Madison approached the podium. Before addressing the crowd, he looks over his shoulder at the projector screen that was in the backdrop and shook his head. The reporters sat on the edge of their seats, itching to get a question out to the GPC World Heavyweight Champion contender.)

CHRIS MADISON: Konban wa. It's been a long road, hasn't it? It's been an honor competin' in this Pride of Puroresu Crown tournament. I'm sure you guys are full of questions so lets get this rollin'.

(Madison's eyes immediately shift to Rachel Kenshin. He smirks and points in her direction, anticipating the question she was going to ask.)

RACHEL KENSHIN: Just a little bit ago, we heard Chandler Scott tell us that he thinks he's a better wrestler than you...

(Before she could continue, Madison cut her off and addressed the bold statement made by his opponent.)

CHRIS MADISON: Of course Chandler Scott thinks he's a better wrestler than me. That's Chandler Scott... He thinks he's a better wrestler than everyone. He'll try his best to tiptoe around it. He'll look you in the eyes and tell you that there are people who strike better, fly better, make use of submissions better, but he doesn't actually believe any of that. In Chandler Scott's world, there's Chandler, and then there is everyone else. That's his opinion and he's entitled to it. We'll see if he's singing the same tune come Sunday after I break him down and stand over him with the GPC World Heavyweight Championship hoisted above my head!

RACHEL KENSHIN: Fair enough... What about this matchup do you like? What's going to give Chris Madison the edge that could potentially lead to becoming the new GPC World Heavyweight Championship.

(Chris's hands slip to the sides of the podium, grabbing the edges as he leans forward towards the microphone.)

CHRIS MADISON: This tournament has been grueling. We've both faced our fair share of tough competitors leading up to this point. Chandler is going to be my toughest opponent thus far. My eyes have been dead set on that GPC World Heavyweight Championship ever since I signed my initial contract with NJFC. For me, there is no greater honor than becoming the GPC World Heavyweight Champion. Chandler is going to have to overcome a man who bleeds NJFC. I don't know if either of us has an edge over the other, but I can guarantee that there isn't a person wrestling for this company that wants that title more than I do. If Chandler is going to beat me, he's going to have to damn near kill me!

(Chris nods his head and turns his attention back to the room, looking for the next reporter to call on. He points to Ryoku Naito, giving him the floor.)

RYOKU NAITO: There's been a bit of controversy with the Global Puroresu Committee and their influence over NJFC, putting a freeze on hiring anyone other than homegrown talent. Your manager, Frankie Morrison has been outspoken against the GPC since that announcement. What do you think the GPC thinks about an all gaijin final?

CHRIS MADISON: I hope they're smart enough to look passed nationality and realize that the Pride Of Puroresu Crown tournament did exactly what it was supposed to do, elevate the two best competitors NJFC has under contract into a championship match for its most coveted title. If being native to Japan is more important to the committee than the ability of the wrestler, too bad for them. They've got a golden opportunity in front of them. Two of the best wrestlers out there today are about to fight tooth and nail for their top championship. Whether its Chandler or its me, that title is getting instant notoriety no matter the outcome. Any other organization would be ecstatic. Their misery is on them...

(Madison surveys the floor and quickly points to Takedo Hamati, keeping the press conference rolling.)

TAKEDO HAMATI: Mitsuo Shimada....

CHRIS MADISON: Is facing Owen Gonsalves... Next question!

(The crowded room chuckles as Chris quickly dismisses Hamati's attempt at asking about the ongoing rivalry. Shelley Silver seizes the opportunity and rattles off a question of her own.)

SHELLEY SILVER: In the past you've brought up Jason Parker Davidson and Jon Kellar. It's no secret that their title runs were short lived. If you beat Chandler Scott, how do you hope your time as GPC World Heavyweight Champion is remembered?

CHRIS MADISON: JPD and Jon Kellar are tremendous talents but circumstances prevented them from making anything of their time as GPC World Heavyweight Champion. The title deserves a champ that is going to be out there, putting it on the line against all challengers, gaijin or not! There's nothing I love more than a good fight. Every time I step through those ropes, you know what to expect from me... That won't change as champion. NJFC will finally have a fighting champion that it can rely on to help build this brand as the premier wrestling promotion in Japan!

(Chris reaches to the side of the podium and grabs a bottle of water. He twists off the cap and takes a swig before closing out his time at the podium.)

CHRIS MADISON: In two nights, at Pride of Puroresu, I face Chandler Scott for the first time in my career. There's no denying that Chandler is one hell of a wrestler. He made it look easy going through his block and earning his spot in this championship match. But all of that means nothing once the opening bell rings. I don't know if Chandler is watching this or if he'll catch it later, but let me assure you that you're being faced with a challenge unlike anything you've ever stood up against in your career. To me, this isn't some side gig just to occupy my free time. I bleed NJFC and I will fight for it with every last breath inside these lungs. Failure isn't an option and I will do whatever it takes to capture the GPC World Heavyweight Championship. How far is Chandler willing to go?

(Chris pauses for a moment before stepping away from the podium.)

[Anastasia Hayden]

(One wrestlers steps off the podium and that means it's time for Anastasia to walk up next. She takes a deep breath before getting out of her seat and stepping in front of the waves of reporters. The flashes from the cameras engulf her for a few seconds as she adjusts her hoodie. Always a comfortable and perhaps unprofessional look for Ana; in her light gray pullover and black leggings, not even bothering to pull the hood down. It's evident as always she doesn't want to waste her time with any press conference, but here she is.

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "Let's get this over with right? You know me. If you don't, I'm Anastasia Hayden. I'll go out, to my job better than anybody else, and then return back home. It's simple. So let's get this over with as fast as we can."

SHELLY SILVER: "Anastasia, Shelly Silver. You're part of another major tournament here in NJFC for the third time now. The tag team tournament saw an early exit and the Global Takeover tournament saw you reach all the way to the finals before losing to Bryan Williams. Is there anything specific from your tournament experience that you're bringing to this one?"

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "First of all, let's get the record straight. I don't enter these tournaments to 'win' anything. I'm here because I get to fight and I get to ruin any many dreams as possible. All these tryhards talking about how much a tournament means to them...how much a championship or trophy means to them. It's pathetic, but am I surprised? Of course not. So is there anything specific I need to lock onto? Of course not. I nearly won last time and I didn't even care about the Global Championship. All I need to do is just do what I did last time and I'll be fine."

(Anastasia shrugs her shoulders, her brief track record in NJFC being all the evidence she needs to back up her point)

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "While everyone else is chasing so hard for that championship, I'll be the gatekeeper. If they want it? They'll have to beat me for it. If they can't? Then I have no issue holding onto it. I've already got another paperweight I'm holding onto in 4CW, so holding onto some meaningless championship here in NJFC would be no different. Oh and I guarantee if I do win...I won't be faking an injury to get out of holding it. I'll turn the championship into something worth holding. You can thank me later, NJFC. Next question."

(Seemingly satisfied with Ana's "answer", Shelly Silver sits down and the next reporter steps up)

RACHEL KENSHIN: "Rachel Kenshin. Touching back on the Global Championship, you were the runner up, do you feel like you deserve a shot at the belt?"

(A slow roll of the eyes before Ana shoots a glare right back at Kenshin)

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "I don't care for that belt. It's already been soiled and disgraced. Of course, I have no issues picking up someone's trash and making gold with it. I mean, look, I'm already having to wrestle Takashi Shinobu on the pre-show of Pride of Puroresu. So I have no problem with where I am or what I'm doing. As long as I get to fight and as long as I can keep showing why I'm the hardest working wrestler alive today...I'm fine. And if I get to embarrass someone like Shinobu? I couldn't ask for anything more, I'll just keep doing what I'm best at. So let others chase after that garbage and I'll focus on embarrassing as many people as I can in my block."

RACHEL KENSHIN: "You've already brought him up, but what are your thoughts on your opponent, Takashi Shinobu?"

(She almost has to hold back a laugh, a smirk developing across Anastasia's mouth)

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "Like I said, I look forward to embarrassing Shinobu. I don't know or really care what kind of career he's had in Japan...all I know of him is that he's a fucking failure in America. All I've seen him do is lose. If you wonder why I'm on the pre-show, I can tell you it's not because of me. He wants to pander to the crowd and earn their respect...but he'll never get what he's searching for. No one will ever look across the ring, look at Takashi Shinobu, and wonder if they've got a chance. Of course they have a fucking chance. You could've wheeled out brain dead Bryan Williams and he would beat Shinobu. Hell, Rachel, you've got a chance."

(A loud scoff from Ana, letting some silence build up before continuing)

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "To make it blunt, I don't have any thoughts on Shinobu. None to imply that I'm worried about facing him. Or doubting my ability. I don't need to plan or have a strategy to beat Shinobu. When I call myself the hardest working wrestler alive? It's because beating down pathetic wrestlers like Shinobu is second nature to me. It's automatic. Does anyone in this room actually think that Takashi Shinobu stands a chance at beating Anastasia Hayden? I'll let anyone answer..."

(There's more silence as Ana's eyes scan the room, looking to see if there is anyone who challenges her, but there's just more silence. Another smirk and she nods her head)

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "Point proven. Next question?"

(There's some shuffling as Ryoku Naito stands up and so does a translator. As Naito begins to ask his question, the translator does their job)

RYOKU NAITO: "With talks of embarrassing your opponent, how do you feel about the rest of your block?"

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "Nothing changes. I'm going to do everything in my power to ruin as many nights as possible. If you want your points? I'll make you fucking earn them. And if you don't? I'm more than happy taking them away from you."

(A shorter answer, but that's all it takes to get her point across.)

ANASTASIA HAYDEN: "No more questions. I've got a tournament to ruin."

(Ana steps back from the podium, allowing for more photographs to be taken before leaving the stage)

[Tommy Knox]

"dPEEg!"

Stepping out from behind the curtain, the GPC World Tag-Team Champions immediately grab the entire rooms attention. With a belt over each man's shoulder, Jason Cashe and Tommy Knox head straight for the podium. Standing tall above the entire room full of people, the two talk quietly amongst each other for a brief moment while Knox covers the microphone with his hand.

RACHEL KENSHIN: Welcome back to Japan gentlemen. What are your thou--

Speaking up, Knox interrupts Rachel in mid sentence while raising his hand.

TOMMY KNOX: Home... welcome home. And thank you Miss...

RACHEL KENSHIN: Rachel Kenshin.

Cocking his head to the side, Knox stares at Rachel with a puzzled look on his face.

TOMMY KNOX: Kenshin?

RACHEL KENSHIN: Yes, that is correct.

TOMMY KNOX: Just like one of our opponents?

RACHEL KENSHIN: Yes.

Gritting his teeth, he slams his fist down onto the podium.

TOMMY KNOX: How does it feel to be related to a traitor of this country, our home, both yours and mine?!

RACHEL KENSHIN: We are of no relation, Mister Knox. His first name is my last name, nothing more.

TOMMY KNOX: Could have fooled me. You two loo--

JASON CASHE: And we're moving on!

Holding his arm out in front of Knox, Cashe cuts him off before he can finish his sentence. 

JASON CASHE: What's your question?

RACHEL KENSHIN: Supposedly, this isn't the first time you two have been booked against Jacqui Monroe. What are yo--

JASON CASHE: Hold that thought.

With the podium open and waiting, Jason Cashe gets ready to approach. Grabbing his Tag Title, he slings it up onto his shoulder as he stands in front of the crowd of people.

JASON CASHE: So this white bitch with blonde hair is Japanese now huh? For a whole year she claims to have struggled in this country. That living here as a broke bitch sucking dicks and getting fucked for room and board makes her Japanese? Listen.. You are not Japanese Jacqui. Just because Asian dick has broke the plains of your mouth, ass and twat doesnt make you one with this culture.

Leaning in, Knox glances over the room of people before adding his two cents.

TOMMY KNOX: Just look at her eyes! It's a dead giveaway. I won't stand idle while an intruder comes into our country and mocks our people... OUR HERITAGE!!!

Shaking his head, Cashe takes a step back, opening up the podium to Knox.

TOMMY KNOX: It's bad enough that she "forgot" about our first match for all of this time. Oh, how convenient! But now she wants to come in here and impersonate me? I'm the one who bleeds for this country. I'm the one to carry all of this country's burdens on his shoulders. Jacqui is just a fraud, a fake! You all know who your native son and it isn't Jacqui, and I don't care if that thing swingin' between her legs says otherwise.

Slapping his hand down onto the podium, he then takes a step back.

SHELLEY SILVER: This is the first championship defense you two have had in a very long time. Are there any last words you have for your opponents?

Removing the Tag title from his shoulder, Cashe raises it up to show it to the crowd.

JASON CASHE: We have been Champions for around a year. Crowned. Earned against teams you can and will never be. Actual threats to our crown, not the fabricated trash you have proven to be. You want culture? We are that. Everyone uses the United States as a huge market for selling their products. We are the product sold in Japan because we are the best product you will find in Tag team competition. We have been partners for a very long time. That crazy fucker is like my brother. He is family. Our struggle is having to get past the damage we have done to others who oppose us. Changing your partner, claiming to be more than a tourist doesnt change that. So bring Taco Bora, bring your last partner who failed you as well. It could be a Handicap, 3 on 2 match and you are seeing the very same outcome. If you are Japanese, I am from Africa. Regardless where any of us are from, inside that ring, we are superior. Go back into the gutter you gutter slug twat because you will NOT be called GPC Tag Champion.

Interrupting, Knox steps forward.

TOMMY KNOX: I hate to be the one to break it to you guys but she's definitely not Japanese. I'm about seventy-five percent certain that Kenshin isn't either.

Raising his championship as well, Knox then slaps it against the championship in Cashe's hand still elevated.

TOMMY KNOX: These titles aren't leavin' that ring in different hands than what brought them to it. For months we have been screamin' for a tag team with enough guts to face us be placed in the same ring. After this small run-in and knife fight, after the guns have been drawn, the two of us will still continue to search for a team good enough to take these belts off our hands. I'm sorry to inform you two but there's no way around it. You two, Jacqui and Kenshin, won't be the team to dethrone us. This country stands in our corner one hundred and thirty percent. That's a whole fuckin' nation givin' back to the one man who never forgot where he came from!

Coughing, Cashe interrupts Knox.

JASON CASHE: Don't forget his partner.

The two share a short laugh before turning back to the crowd.

TOMMY KNOX: Ain't nobody forgettin' about that ugly mug. I see Kenshin over there eye fuckin' you.

Cashe then turns his attention to Rachel Kenshin in the crowd whose face is now bright red.

TOMMY KNOX: Not her, I meant Karate Man Kenshin...

Stepping away from the podium, Cashe shakes his head as he walks off, leaving Knox all by himself with a swarm of reporters below hungry for a story.

[Jack "The Ripper" Tillman]

(The cameras soon change their view over to Chris Constantine and Jack Tillman who make their way into the stage. Both men are dressed in suits as Chris takes center stage as Jack grabs a near by chair and moves it next to the podium. Jack looks annoyed and not interested in being their as he unbuttons his black sports jacket so that he can sit down. With a water bottle in hand, Chris takes a sip of it before addressing the crowd.)

Chris Constantine: Allot of you know who I am because I've been here since day one when NJFC was still part of EWC! When I was managing the likes of Kurt Newman and Jack Tillman in its first ever show. But theres a lot of new faces here in NJFC today. Some have never stepped in a NJFC ring before….. and some of you have never stepped in Japan before. Hope you're enjoying your time. And if you need help finding your way around, I'm more than willing to help point you in he right direction.

But it's a shame that for a Japanese promotion……I don't see a whole lot of Japanese wrestlers. I standing up here and listening to some people address you folks…..I see a bunch of guys that don't know the difference between a Japanese style of wrestling and an American type of style of wrestling. But hell…..I'm sure the front office is paying you well enough to fly you over here from where ever you call home, pay for your hotel room, and pay for your in ring abilities. Me personally, I'd like to see that money spent on some of the local talent here in Japan and give them an opportunity to show case their skills and talent.

But the what the hell does a Gaijin like myself know right? What does Chris Constantine know about Japanese wrestling? For the few that don't know, I've been coming to Japan since the 80s and 90s back when I was a wrestler with JAW, NAJ, and XJW. I've wrestled at the Tokyo Dome. I've shaked hands with the great Antonio Misawa. So unlike most of the guys competing in tonight's match, I know what it means to be a Japanese wrestler.

The same can be said about my client Jack Tillman. He was part of the first ever card of NJFC. He was a 2015 graduate of the Dragon Dojo for NJFC. He slept, ate, and trained his ass off to graduate and he did with flying colors. He earned the respect of his peers and teachers. He gained a following from the fans because of how this Gaijin wrestled a Strong Style.

Jack Tillman has earned his right to be here, up on this stage and in that ring. The same can't be said with many of the other people that have spoken or yet to speak….. and I hope they know that they're taking the spots of wrestlers that truly deserve to be here and who deserve to wrestle and prove to the front office of NJFC and the fans that they deserve to be here.

—(A sea of hands are quickly raised. Looking around, Chris points over to Shelly Silver.)

Shelly Silver: Both Jack and Kento Nagata both graduated from The Dojo of Dragons back in 2015. Since then what makes Jack a different wrestler than Kento?

Chris Constantine: Great question Shelly. Now we all know that Jack and Kento graduated from the 2015 class of the NJFC Dojo. The question should be now, what have the two been doing since then. I can't speak for Kento but from what I know, he hasn't left the Dojo. He hasn't left Japan. He's wrestling the new up and coming young boys. He hasn't gone to any different organizations. Hasn't learned new techniques. Hasn't wrestled against opponents that use their mind more than their strength. Kento isn't as diverse as Jack is and that is his down fall. That's why Jack is more talked about than Kento these days because Jack is traveling everywhere and performing in numerous organizations. He's wrestling in England. He's wrestling in Mexico. He's wrestling from the East Coast of America to the West Coast. He's also wrestling in Japan.

In this industry you have to evolve your technique and your mind to the different types of wrestling styles that are out there. And if you don't…. your career will die.

(First one to raise their hand is Rachel Kenshin. Chris quickly point to her.)

Rachel Kenshin: At the last NJFC pay per view, Jack and Kento battled one another with Jack getting the victory. Is the game plan heading into their rematch going to be the same or will Jack adjust his strategy?

Chris Constantine: I don't want to give to much of the game plan but the last encounter was a bruiser of a match. Jack learned from the match and that's the most important thing you can do when it comes to a wrestling match. All I can promise you with this rematch is that it's going to be another hard hitting match with Jack getting the victory. Last question.

(Everyone tries to get that last question in as people shout out their question, but Chris points to Ryoku Naito.)

Ryoku Naito: This question is for Jack. Do you have any final words for Kento Nagata before your match?

(Chris steps back from the podium as Jack slowly gets up from his seat and walks over to the podium. With a dead look in his eyes, he looks at the near by camera and responds.)

Jack Tillman: ごめんなさい

(Stepping back, Chris and Jack exit the stage.)

[Owen Gonsalves]

(He's dressed in a black button up with a black coat over the top of that. Over his shoulder is the IYH Championship, a title he proudly carries around with him everywhere he goes. This is, of course, the man who was a few points away from making it to the finals of the NJFC Pride of Puroresu Crown, "Indestructible" Owen Gonsalves. He places his championship on the podium before stepping away from it and posing for some pictures before going back behind the podium.)

Owen Gonsalves: "Konbanwa, I'm beyond tired however I have come here for one of the best nights of wrestling you'll see. Tomorrow we begin a whole new journey as we find out who the new GPC Heavyweight Champion is going to be but we'll also find out who the new NJFC Global Champion is going to be. Let's get to some questions..."

(Gonsalves scans the room of journalists and wrestling fans alike, as the microphone has landed in the hands of Ryoku Naito.)

Ryoku Naito: "Naito Ryoku, representing NJFC . Congratulations on an impressive showing in the Pride of Puroresu Crown, I believe you managed to escape with only one loss to "Burning Heart" James Edwards and a few time limit draws against the likes of Terrence Tillman and the man who will be challenging for the vacant GPC Heavyweight Championship, Chandler Scott. With that match on the minds of wrestling fans, who do you see winning that? And is there still interest in wanting to face the winner of that match if the opportunity presents itself?"

Owen Gonsalves: "Thank you, I put everything I had into every single match I was given, and the fact that I fought some of the names I did and took them to their limits tells me that it won't be long before I take my place as GPC Heavyweight Champion. As for who I think will win? I've now had the pleasure of facing both men inside that ring, and I know they're both high quality contenders for that title. Madison beat me, Chandler didn't. Take that for what it's worth."

(The microphone is passed on into the hands of Shelley Silver.)

Shelley Silver: "Good evening, Owen. Shelley Silver, also representing NJFC. I want to take you back to A New Hope in Tokyo, your very first night here where you were in the main event against the previously mentioned, Chris Madison. It's considered one of the best matches of 2017 however at the end of the match Madison was attacked by Mitsuo Shimada. You went to Chris's aid and as a result go powerbombed as well. Months later, you now finally get an opportunity to wrestle Shimada for the Global Championship. Is retribution still on your mind? Or is this a more championship focused Owen?"

Owen Gonsalves: "It doesn't matter to me who I face...it could be Madison or Cooper or Valero or even my own partner, Craig Anderson. That championship is on the line, which means that I'm snapping some fingers and doing whatever it takes to walk out with that championship. However I'm facing Shimada, so I'm not going to lie when I say that he'll be getting a bit more than anyone else would. He has an ass whooping coming, and he knows that."

(The microphone once again is passed on, this time to Rachel Kenshin.) 

Rachel Kenshin: "Rachel Kenshin, Owen. You've surely heard some of the things Mitsuo Shimada has had to say about you, things like 'you can't get the job done', that 'you're a half measure' and that 'you've proven to crack under pressure'. What are your thoughts on all of that?

Owen Gonsalves: "Actually, I agree with him."

(He smiles.)

Owen Gonsalves: "Shimada is exactly right, I have cracked under pressure and I haven't gotten the job done. I didn't beat Chris Madison, I lost in the first round of the Global Takeover tournament and I did come second in my block in the Pride of Puroresu Crown, I haven't won when it's really mattered...but the irony in all of this is that Shimada is exactly the same. I mean, Shimada hasn't beaten Madison clean, Shimada wasn't even in the Global Takeover tournament and Shimada also came second in his block in the Pride of Puroresu Crown. Shimada is a hypocrite, ladies and gentlemen"

(Gonsalves uncharacteristically bursts into a short chuckle as he scratches his chin.)

Owen Gonsalves: "For all Mitsuo Shimada has said about me, I could say the same about him. The difference between us though is that he made it worse by running his mouth. He's talked so much about how he hates the gaijins and that he's going to get rid of us, but what's he done since? He talked so much about how he'd beat Chris Madison but he got punched in the mouth and watched Madison waltz into the Heavyweight Championship picture."

"I feel bad for you, Shimada-san, I do...You have the whole country depending on him, they all want to see a Japanese star rise to the occasion and represent their country but Mitsuo Shimada has done nothing but let them all down. He's been the most succesful Japanese wrestler since the reopening of NJFC and he's still being walked over by the gaijin talent here. The fact of the matter is that I don't have that pressure on me, my only focus is winning that Global Championship, Shimada's focus is ridding New Japan of their gaijin invaders. But what happens when he loses again at Pride of Puroresu to another gaijin? What happens is that all his words become hollow, what happens is that this Dog of War loses his bite. So my suggestion for you Shimada-san, is to look in the damn mirror"

(Gonsalves pauses once more and picks up his IYH Championship, draping it over his shoulder.) 

Owen Gonsalves: "This championship proves that, among all the incredible talent in Australia, I am the best professional wrestler there. And now not only do I aim to prove that I'm one of the best professional wrestlers in Japan, but by beating Mitsuo Shimada and winning the NJFC Global Championship...I prove that I'm one of the best wrestlers globally. No further questions, thanks. See you all tomorrow for a historic night."

[James Edwards]

(No one comes to the podium for a minute or two, and the press pool begins to mummer. Suddenly the lights go down, and a large screen unfurls down the back of the stage. A few moments later the Skype logo fills the picture, and then the face of James Edwards is front and center. The Burning Heart looks tired, but he puts on a brave face for the crowd of reporters)

James Edwards: Hey y'all, I'm sorry I'm not there live, but bookings can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. So thanks to the folks in the NJFC front office for letting me call in on Skype.

Rachel Kenshin: James, for the fans and writers not in the know, where are you right now?

(James grins. He and Rachel had a testy time at the last presser. Her softball question is an apparent act of goodwill that James appreciates)

James Edwards: I'm in New York for a show called Fusion. It's a joint thing between four other companies. I'm defending the Seattle Pro Pride Championship against Scotty Latimer. Y'all should watch, it will be a helluva night.

Rachel Kenshin: One final question, you suffered two early losses in the Pride of Puroseu Crown, but rebounded well, winning all your remaining matches, what do you think turned the tide for you?

James Edwards: Determination. I wasn't going down out of the tournament of the company without a fight. It started with getting the win in one fight, and that was it. It wasn't about proving I'm better than anyone else or announcing to the world that I'm a fighter to watch. I just wanted to survive one night at a time, and I did. The wins kept coming, and NJFC decided to bring me back. Next question, please.

Shelley Silver: James, on Sunday you face a man, Mark Storm, who beat you not only in the PoPC but also at FGA All Star Showdown. Is there anything you are going to do differently this time around?

James Edwards: No, when you look at the two matches that Mark won, he barely pulled it out against me. He is six seconds better than me by the skin of his teeth. If I were him, I wouldn't be complacent.

Shelley Silver: But would you not agree that attitude seems self-defeating?

James Edwards: No I don't. Honestly, Mark is a more well-rounded competitor than I am. He is better on the mat, and his aerial is beyond crisp, but I know I can beat him. I had him down for the count last month in FGA when the bell rang. For all his accolades and skills, there is one thing that Mark isn't. He ain't tougher than me. When my back was against the wall during the competition, I thrived. Mark faded down the stretch. I doubt anyone else spent more time in the ring the last month than I have. The persistence I developed during that time doesn't come naturally. It can only be learned in the heart of war. Maybe Mark knows it, and maybe he doesn't, but if one thing gives me an edge, I think that is it. Any other questions?

Ryoku Naito: James, what is your goal in NJFC beyond Sunday?

James Edwards: I don't have one. My only focus is to beat Mark Storm. I made the mistake of looking ahead against him once before and I sure as hell ain't making it again.

Ryoku Naito: Just one more, James, what will it mean to you if you are finally able to beat Mark Storm?

James Edwards: I don't think any words can describe how I badly I wanna win this fight. All year long when the lights have shined the brightest I've failed. I couldn't beat Jett Wilder in Memphis. I lost back to back world title matches in March. I lost to Bryan Williams here in May. I couldn't beat Chandler Scott. I couldn't win the HKW Underworld Championship. My career fell apart in Lion's Road. One win won't change any of that, but it can serve as a reminder that I am damn good at what I do. Any other questions?

(The resulting silence tells James there isn't so he abruptly hangs up the call and concludes his portion of the press conference)

[高村謙信 (Kenshin Takamura)]

RACHEL KENSHIN: Thank you for joining us, Tokyo Knives.

(Kenshin Takamura and Jacqui Monroe, each with their respective OCW and HKW championships, were seated at a table setup on the stage. Kenshin took a sip of the water bottle provided before responding with a bow of his head. Jacqui Monroe, on the other hand, seemed rather reluctant to even be present at the press conference. Jacqui sat forward and spoke into the microphone.)

JACQUI MONROE: Listen, I have one thing to say then I’ll let Kenshin take over...these people take pride in pretending not to know which country they are in, let alone which town. They admit they don't try their best if the match doesn't matter. They do nothing but put people down and change the subject whenever someone calls them out. Now I have to ask: is this really who you want as your Champions? Lazy, ignorant, racist cowards? Is this who you want representing you in the Tag Team Division? Is this who you want holding title belts which are supposed to represent honor and integrity and hard work? Judging by the reaction we got when we showed up unannounced a few months back, I’d say the answer is no. Go ahead, Kenshin…

(Kenshin sat upright with the HKW Hybrid Championship neatly folded before him on the table.)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: Finally, I can actually say I am home.

(Relief swept across Takamura’s face as ravenous cheers from the fans in attendance project across the press room, drowning out any interviewers trying to get their questions heard.)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: I have a few things I would like to say before we begin. First, I want to thank not only NJFC itself for this opportunity, but the GPC Tag Team Champions as well.

(Jacqui scoffed loudly, but Kenshin continued talking regardless.)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: I have competed with some of the toughest and most skilled fighters in the world, and this opportunity presents nothing less. I wish them the best of luck tomorrow night. And, with that I open the floor up to questions...

(He glanced back at Jacqui then added:)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: Jacqui will not be taking any questions…

(Hands flew up. Kenshin’s eyes scanned the crowd, and he selected one of the reporters. We could barely hear her voice as she asked her question. After a moment, he began speaking again.)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: For those who could not hear her, she asked if we are concerned with experience considering we have only officially been a team for a few months. No, we are not concerned. In fact, I can cite multiple occasions which I have stepped into a ring with a new partner, and defeated our opposition. Best example I can give is when Matt Pulver and I constructed the Pride of Lions Tag Team Division in Lion’s Road. We had only trained together for a few weeks before we were the Tag Team Champions. That was with a man who was a complete stranger to me about a month before we won the Pride of Lions Tournament. If they do not see us as a threat, Cashe and Knox are fools. They merely put on mask when the lights and cameras are on them. Next question.

(Takamura pointed to another reporter. The interviewer stood and asked his question.)

INTERVIEWER: Good evening, Mr. Takamura. Welcome back. Since you and Miss Monroe were announced the challengers to dPEEg, how was Tokyo Knives able to find the time to so much as train together with the grueling schedules both of you have between Jacqui being the OCW Ascension Champion and you, Mr. Takamura, being the HKW Hybrid Champion?

(Takamura nodded, acknowledging the question, and even pondering it for a moment.)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: Even prior to Jacqui asking me to team with her against Jason Cashe and Tommy Knox, I was invited to compete here by the management. I knew I would wrestle in NJFC one day, but it was a matter of when and against whom. As fate would have it, I would be competing in my first-ever NJFC match against the GPC Tag Team Champions with the titles on the line. More importantly, this match is taking place in front of my own home crowd. I think I want this match more than anyone in it, even Jacqui. Jacqui and those two can argue all year long about what happened, but, in the end, I am just happy to be competing so, no matter what I have to do, No matter where I have to fly, or how many late nights I have to stay up, there was no way I would squander this opportunity. The champions seem confident enough as far as I can tell, but that may return to bite them in the ass. They are nothing more than a gimmick meant to get under peoples’ skin. They have undoubtedly succeeded with Jacqui.

(Jacqui seemed prepared to object, but Kenshin raised a calming hand.)

KENSHIN TAKAMURA: Tonight, we are going to find out just what Cashe and Knox’s jaws are made of. Thank you.

(Kenshin stood up and bowed before sweeping up his title and exiting with Jacqui Monroe and Mr. Fujita in tow.)