NJFC presents: Pride of Puroresu

[James Peterson]

NEW JAPAN
FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP
PRESENTS:

...

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

English Commentators: Robbie Black, Ashley Hamilton, and Dirge Johnson

Japanese Commentators: Korato Shiozaki, Takao Sato, Nakano Gozen
Ring Announcers: Mai Kado, Joey Miles. 
Backstage Interviewers: Rachel Kenshin, Shinsuke Karuba, Elliot Little. 
Referees: Takeda Hanzo, Oliver Reid and Shinobu Ichii

LIVE! From Ryōgoku Kokugikan exclsuive streaming to AxxessNet!

[James Peterson]

 

Robbie Black: Ladies and Gentlemen - WELCOME TO PRIDE OF PURORESU - the biggest wrestling event of the summer! I'm Robbie Black and joining me tonight as always is my commentary team of Dirge Johnson and Ashley Hamilton! Good evening ladies, hope you're as a ready as I am for this stacked event we've got in store for you tonight. 

Dirge Johnson: Dirge here and I'm ready as I'll ever be Robbo, it's been a long while since we were all in the commentary area together, it's just good to be back here in Japan and as you've said, it's a stacked card with a ton of matches that could easily steal the show. 

Ashley Hamilton: There's no place I'd rather be than here in the legendary Ryōgoku Kokugikan! First match of the evening, the long awaited debut of Ryuu Kazuhiko. Ryuu was supposed to debut at the Global Takeover championship tournament but due to an injury sustained in the lead up to the event, he had to pull out - spending a lot of time on the sidelines, which aggravated him of course. But now he's back with a massive challenge ahead of him. He takes on veteran Shinji Satoshi who has only just re-emerged onto the scene after becoming one of the head trainers at the Dojo of Dragons. What this match promises to be, is a hard hitting, strong-style - right in your face, type of match. Two of the most brutal strikers in the game, go head to head in the opening match of Pride of Puroresu!

Dirge Johnson: Ricky Valero takes on Tokyo Zombie, who makes his return to Japan tonight! 

Robbie Black: Then we have Jack "The Ripper" Tillman taking on Kento Nagata. These two were graduates of the Dojo of Dragons, two former best friends who have followed different paths since graduating. Tillman, has sided with the Dogs of War, a group of men fixated with the idea of making New Japan their own. The Dogs of War have reeked havoc since their arrival in New Japan and are looking to continue to do so. Nagata has other plans however, coming to the rescue of Chris Madison after the Dogs of War intervened in his match with Mitsuo Shimada. Now, these two will battle it out, one on one - former best friends, now foes.


Dirge Johnson: Hideyoshi takes on Devin Hearst! Whilst the backstory isn't as in depth as Tillman and Nagata, these two men also came to blows at Global Takeover after the Dogs of War interfered in the match between Shimada and Madison, with Hideyoshi coming to the rescue alongside Nagata. Now, these two men will settle their differences.

Ashley Hamilton: After that, it's Craig Anderson versus Cosmo Cooper! That's a match I'm really looking forward to, particularly after Cosmo's debut against Ricky Valero!

Dirge Johnson: James Edwards vs Mark Storm. They've battled all over the world. It's become a thing. Like these two were mean't to do this for the rest of their careers. They even met at the Pride of Puroresu Crown series, with Mark emerging the victor in their encounter. But the saga has to end, with Mark Storm raking in more wins over Edwards in the last couple of months, Edwards has grown tired, frustrated and desperate for a breakthrough. They're calling this the one that ends them all, one last battle between two fierce competitors who have proven that they are more than just fighters, but warriors. A Thirty minute time limit may not even be enough to decide it but that's what the men have been given to work with.


Robbie Black: Then it's Global Championship crowning time! Both men competed in the recent Pride of Puroresu Crown, raking in a respectable amount of wins in the process. Bryan Williams vacated his championship due to an injury sustained at Ante Up. With these men doing so well in the series, the committee decided to grant both of these men with an opportunity at championship gold, the Global championship. It just happens that these two also have a score to be settled, after Mitsuo Shimada powerbomed Owen Gonsalves and Chris Madison at A New Hope in Tokyo, both men have been itching to get their hands on him and now Owen has the opportunity to do so. But this, this is bigger than just settling the score. What hangs in the balance is the opportunity to cement their names in the archives of New Japan Fighting Championship.

Ashley Hamilton: History in the making, Cashe and Knox have been champions for over a year now but they haven't really had any real competition. Nothing to be frightened of anyway. They demanded a new challenge, better opponents who could honestly pose a threat to their championship reign. And that's exactly what they've got with the team known as "Tokyo Knives". This isn't just an ordinary tag team match, it's a match that is plagued with hatred between each team, a match that Jacqui Monroe has desperately wanted for quite some time now and she believes that she's found the right partner in Japanese ace, Kenshin Takamura. The team of Cashe and Knox certainly have the challenge they've been looking for, wishing for. But you know what they say, be careful what you wish for.

Robbie Black: THE MAIN EVENT! It all comes down to this. The finals of the Pride of Puroresu Crown. After a grueling tournament, it's Chandler Scott and Chris Madison who have emerged as finalist of the series, dominating their groups and ensuring that their names are in the main event of Pride of Puroresu. Chandler Scott has made a name for himself in a short matter of time. He came to NJFC with a target on his back but he's dodged all of the threats that have been in his way. Whilst Madison has been an NJFC mainstay for quite some time, his eyes solely being fixated on the world title ever since the reopening of the promotion. This is the sort of main event that the committee which they could've avoided but it's happening, to their dismay. A gaijin final, their worst nightmare but for these two men, it could be their dreams being fulfilled with a win.

[James Peterson]

PRE SHOW MATCHES

FIGHTING Spirit Showcase

10 minute limit!

Nikolas Thoreau vs Hijo Del ONI Ward

6'2"   Height   6'1"
214 lbs   Weight    210lbs
Provo, Utah   Hometown   Detroit, MI

The first match of the evening would be between "The Natural" Nikolas Thoreau & Hijo Del ONI Ward. It was agreed before the match up that if ONI Ward was unable to attain a victory, his place in the FIGHTING Spirit of Juniors would be up for grabs. Ward came out with Desmond Masters by his side whilst Nikolas came alone, receiving a better reception than his opponent. Ward would mock his opponent as he walked down the entrance ramp, with Masters also mocking "The Natural" who paid no attention to their gestures. The two men would begin the contest with a standard collar to elbow tie up and Nikolas would best Ward, pushing him hard to the corner. He broke away cleanly but that didn't matter to Ward who slapped him across the chest before locking him in a side headlock as he brought him towards the center of the ring. Nikolas would push him towards the ropes and launch him toward the opposite set, Ward came back and would clobber Nikolas with a shoulder barge.

Off to the ropes he'd go, Nikolas moving across the canvas and Ward hopping over him and going toward the opposite ropes. Coming back, Nikolas would spring up to his feet and run toward his opponent, connecting with a running high knee. Ward got back up to his feet, but not for long - Ward would greet him with an arm drag to bring him back down to the canvas. Back up again, Ward would attempt a strike on Nikolas, who blocked his attempt and replied with an impressive step up enziguri kick. He'd rise to his feet and embrace the cheers and applause from the fans. Ward was already dazed, stumbling as he got back up to his feet - Nikolas would connect with the "Silver Bullet" Superkick! Desmond Masters got himself up onto the apron and tried to get the attention of Nikolas, and it worked - only for him to be in the receiving end of a "Silver Bullet" Superkick too! Nikolas would finish the match via his finishing move, "Cadiac Unrest" a Firemans Carry Double Knee Gutbuster. 

Winner: Nikolas Thoreau (3:37)

Zack Fantana vs Toshikazu

6'0"   Height    6'0"
205 lbs  Weight 195 lbs
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  Hometown    Kyoto, Japan   

Right from the offset people knew what they were expecting in this contest, and the two men brought it straight off the bat. Fantana would dominate the early proceedings of the match, keeping Toshikazu cornered where he'd connect with multiple shots. He would then use his knee's to connect with the mid section of Tosikazu, his hard hitting knee's well critiqued in the wrestling industry. An Irish whip into the ropes would follow with Toshikazu bouncing back and kicking up the bent over Fantana. A spinning backfist out of nowhere would then connect, stunning Fantana, whilst Toshikazu took off to the ropes. Bouncing back, he looked to take down Fantana with a hurricanrana - hooking his legs around the neck of Fantana, taking him down but Fantana would cartwheel his way onto his feet to avoid impact with the canvas. The two would run toward each other, lariat attempt by Toshikazu, ducked by Fantana who would then attempt a backslide pin to no avail. Back up again, Fantana with a lariat attempt this time - duck by Toshikazu, who would roll him up schoolboy style but to no prevail.

Racing back up to their feet, the two men would exchange strikes in the center of the ring, looking to best one another and it would be Toshikazu who emerged the stronger out of the two. Irish whip into the ropes, Fantana coming back, being lifted up & taken down with a spinebuster from Toshikazu. Back up on his feet, Toshikazu would then perform a standing moonsault, hooking the legs of Fantana afterward but only the two. The fans would applaud and cheer for Toshikazu who rose to his feet and mounted the top rope, looking for a maneuver from the top rope. Miraculously, Fantana had recovered and was on the search for Toshikazu, sprinting toward him and joining him on the second rope. Toshikazu would fight him off with multiple strikes to the mid section. Fantana landed on the canvas, staggering back a little. Toshikazu jumped towards him but Fantana would roll forward to avoid the move. Toshikazu would land on his feet, roll forwards and turn back around, the two men running towards each other, Fantana blocking a strike attempt by Toshikazu, roundhouse attempt but Toshikazu ducked under the attempt, getting low and trying to sweep Fantana off of his feet, but he leaped up to avoid being swept down.

Now they were back in a level stationary position, Toshikazu would connect with a punch and kick combination, quick and fiery. He lifted Fantana up into a vertical suplex position but Fantana would roll down his back, delivering an exploder suplex to his opponent! Fantana would get himself onto the apron and position himself. Toshikazu gradually got to his feet, turning around to find Fantana flying toward him - flying forearm smash attempt, but Toshikazu would leap up, catching him in the air with an uppercut! Fantana would land hard on the canvas and Toshikazu would hook his legs, but only the two.

With his manager Sum Ting Wong encouraging Toshikazu to perform his signature Lionsault. Toshikazu took off to the ropes after making sure Fantana was down and out. He springboarded onto the second rope, moonsaulting his way backwards - Fantana had rolled forward on the canvas. Toshikazu still managed to land on his feet. The two ran at each other, strike attempt - ducked by Fantana, who would then perform his signature "Sleepwalk" backflip pele kick! Toshikazu instantly hits the canvas holding onto his head and this allows time for Fantana to race to the top rope! He positions himself before performing his finishing move: Lucid Dreams (corkscrew shooting star press), to secure a well fought victory.

Winner: Zack Fantana (6:18)

Dex Russey vs Richard Drake

6'0"  Height  5'10"
215lbs  Weight   195lbs
Jersey City, NJ  Hometown  Red Light District

Russey was quick, concise and impressive in his showing against the recently released Richard Drake, who hoped to redeem a contract through garnering a victory against Russey. But that was going to be a harder task than he originally anticipated, as Russey was on the top of his game, and had an answer for everything that Drake threw out to him. Russey would deliver his signature Tiger Destruction Wave; Hadouken on Richard Drake. Animated, excited, his charisma was oozing through the arena, and just his signature move alone was enough to attain a victory. 

Winner: Dex Russey (2:43)

Anastasia Hayden vs Takashi Shinobu

5'6"  Height  5'6"
128lbs  Weight  165lbs
Steel, North Dakota  Hometown   Tagajo, Miyag 

The last match of the FIGHTING Spirit of Juniors showcase. Anastasia Hayden had made herself known to the New Japan Fighting Championship audience. She had competed in the promotion on countless occasions, reaching the finals of the Global Takeover Championship tournament and now, she found herself involved in the FIGHTING Spirit of Juniors series. Takashi Shinobu on the otherhand, is a graduate of the Dojo of Dragons; who recently, was making waves in North America as well as competing in his home promotion. Also involved in the FIGHTING Spirit, Shinobu would propose a handshake to Anastasia who would gracefully accept, before poking him in the eye. 

Vintage Bryan Williams, reminiscent from Ana. She would go on the offence as the bell rung, clubs to the back of Shinobu as she led him toward the corner of the ring. She ran to the opposite corner but Shinobu would follow, as she planted her back against the padded corner, Shinbou would greet her with a back elbow. He would then take off to the corner they'd just come from and this time, she would follow. As he planted his back against the corner, she would greet him with a taste of his own medicine, back elbow. She brought him out of the corner, lifting him up and looking for a suplex but he slid down her back, turning her around and hitting her hard with an open palm strike to the cheek. Ooo's and ahhh's would linger through the arena, as the strike had evidently effected Anastasia, with the referee even tending to see if she was okay. But this was all apart of the game she was playing. She used the referee, pushing him into Shinobu to startle him, before she took off toward him - spinning wheel kick!

Pulling him back up onto his feet, she would Irish whip him to the corner, taking a few steps back before running towards him - connecting with a corner Yakuza kick. He stumbled out of the corner whilst she took off to the ropes. She would return and have to stomach a kick to the mid section by Shinobu, who then straightened her up, backhanded chop to the chest. He then shoot kicked her on the knee and took off to the ropes, coming off of them - only to find that Hayden was running past him. She bounced off of the ropes, Shinobu quick to counter with a hurricanrana. The two would race to their feet, Hayden surprised everyone with the She Was Only Seventeen (Running Single Leg Dropkick) quite literally, out of nowhere! It was enough for her to get the win over Takashi Shinobu.

Winner: Anastasia Hayden (07:27)

[James Peterson]

Card for 09/09/17
LIVE from the Stan Sherrif Center
Honolulu, HI


MAIN EVENT
STEEL CAGE MATCH
FGA UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Izzy Anders vs. Johnny Karma

FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Savannah Taylor vs. Chris Madison


MORE MATCHES TO BE ANNOUNCED

[James Peterson]

Match One

Singles Match

15 minute limit

Ryuu Kazuhiko vs Shinji Satoshi

Robbie Black: It's time for our first match of the evening! The returning Ryuu Kazuhiko taking on Shinji Satoshi! Both of these men are already in the ring and you can tell by the excitement of the audience, they're ready for this one!

Dirge Johnson: Ready would be an understatement, they're electrifying right now!

The camera focuses on the ring, with Kazuhiko and Satoshi standing on opposite sides, ready to pounce as soon as the bell rings. The arena is buzzing, a kind of buzz you'd expect to hear at the beginning of a main event but surprisingly, these fans are just as intrigued in the opening contest between two well known combatants here in Japan.

Robbie Black: My God, do you feel that? 

Ashley Hamilton: I've got goosebumps!

Both men are exchanging words in Japanese as they continue to wait for the bell to be rung. They're both look at the referee now, urging him to hurry up with his rules and introductions as they already know what to expect. They've been here long enough. 

DING DING DING!

Robbie Black: And here - we - go!

Straight out of the blocks, the two men engage in the middle of the ring - leaping up into the air and kicking each other, with Kazuhiko managing to best Satoshi and forcing him down to the canvas. Satoshi isn't down for too long, he's back up on his feet and exchanging strikes with Kazuhiko like there's no tomorrow - relentless back and forth forearm strikes connecting at a high velocity. Kazuhiko switches up the game, a kick to the chest that he throws out effortlessly yet it still forces Satoshi back into the ropes. For someone who hasn't been in the ring for quite some time, Kazuhiko appears to not be missing a step as he follows Satoshi to the ropes. He brings him to the corner, consecutive back elbow to the side of the head before Irish whip into the opposite corner. Kazuhiko leans back before running off in the direction of Satoshi, a dangerous kick to the face of Satoshi connecting and the fans cringe yet applaud at the level of violence being put on display very early on in this contest. 

Robbie Black: They aren't playing around!

Dirge Johnson: What a way to start of Pride of Puroresu!

The Lone Solider runs to the opposite ropes but Satoshi stalks him, clothesline into the padded corner following. The arena continues to buzz frantically as Satoshi Irish whips Kazuhiko back into the opposite corner. Kazuhiko bounces off of the corner like he would do off of the ropes, turning round and greeting Satoshi with a back elbow. Both men stumble backwards and take a couple of seconds to recuperate after an explosive start to the contest, both holding onto their heads. Satoshi stands back up and says to Kazuhiko "come on, is that all you've got!" his face cold as stone. "you've been gone for too long, kid, you've turned easy" he follows up, butting heads with Kazuhiko who doesn't reply to any of his remarks. Satoshi then delivers a forearm strike but Ryuu replies, adding a grunting noise at the end of his strike.

And now Satoshi is grunting after every strike, and the fans are reacting with every strike that connects. Forearm strike after forearm strike connecting one after the other. Ryuu switches up the game, kick to the face! Satoshi grabs him by the head, forearm strike that is stiffer than any his ever given. Ryuu replies with a forearm strike, vicious and deadly and the two men return to their exchange. Satoshi then takes off to the ropes as Ryuu appears groggy in the center of the ring, bouncing back - Ryuu connects with a big boot that knocks Satoshi off of his feet and back down onto the canvas! Ryuu isn't letting up, he's repeatedly stomping on Satoshi and kicking him whilst his down. Clubbing him round the back with his arms, he pulls him up slightly, only to slam his knee into his face. He pulls him up completely with Satoshi throwing his arms up to stun Ryuu, and connecting with a backhand chop.

Robbie Black: OUCH! Satoshi with one heck of a chop!

Ashley Hamilton: Looks like Ryuu wants more! This man is crazy!

Ryuu has fallen onto a knee but is inviting Satoshi to chop him again, and he does, harder than the last. Ryuu gets back up to his feet, his head bowed and Satoshi now falls to a knee, and is inviting Ryuu to take a strike at him. 

Dirge Johnson: Now this, is strong style - hard hitting puroresu! The pride of puroresu on display!

He doesn't have to ask him again. Ryuu sends boot into the chest of Satoshi who gets back to his feet, evidently in pain. And now Ryuu falls to a knee and invites him to strike, with the referee not really knowing what to do as he watches, as stunned as everyone else in the arena. A backhanded chop by Satoshi connects and the two men swap positions. A kick to the chest by Ryuu! Positions change, a backhanded chop by Satoshi! Positions change! Kick to the chest by Ryuu! Satoshi is back up on his feet but another kick to the chest connects by Ryuu! Satoshi with the backhanded chop, and another - and another, and the two men are alternating between their backhanded chops and their kicks. It's Satoshi who's given into the pain, clutching onto his chest and Ryuu pounces on the vulnerability of Satoshi being shown. A kick to the chest once again connecting as Satoshi falls back into the padded corner. Ryuu levels him up, leaning him back into the padded corner - where he connects with an abundance of forearm strikes in quick succession. Satoshi roars after a sixth strike but that doesn't stop Ryuu, who keeps on at it! Satoshi continues to roar but Ryuu continues to connect with hard forearms! But the forearms are to hard for Satoshi who's beginning to fall down the padded corner as Ryuu precisely hits him where he wants to hit him, pinpoint precision from Ryuu! The referee is pulling back on Ryuu who isn't letting go of Satoshi who's now fallen into a seated position in the corner. He's continue to hammer down on him like a ton of bricks and the referee gets in front of Ryuu to break it up. Ryuu gets up and turns away and heads to the opposite corner, he knee's it - turning around and running back in the direction of Satoshi, leaps and connects with a devastating drop kick to Satoshi!

REPLAY BOARD

Shinji Satoshi is being checked up on by the referee but Ryuu Kazuhiko has no care for the well being of his opponent. He kicks him and Satoshi rolls to the outside, landing on his feet and walks around the outside of the ring, breathing heavily as Ryuu waits for him to get back in the ring. 

Robbie Black: How... oh how, is he able to withstand all of that and still get up?

Ashley Hamilton: Never question the way of the warrior!

Entering the ring, Ryuu is on Satoshi like a rash and clubs him round the back, bringing him to the center of the ring. Snapmare, and a hard kick to the back following this. Shinji throws his hands up and yells "is that all you got, c'mon!" and Ryuu connects with a kick to his chest this time. Ryuu pulls the top half of Satoshi up so that he can connect with another kick. He does this again, before attempting to do so again but the referee stops him, insisting that he takes a look at Satoshi who doesn't seem to be responding. He pushes Ryuu back and checks on Satoshi who's breathing fine but struggling to make it back up to his feet. Once he does, he stumbles back down and Ryuu glares at him, walking over to him and stomping on his back. He slaps the back of his head and pulls him up. He takes off to the ropes, coming back and connects with a big boot but Satoshi doesn't move - he's like a rock stuck in place, irremovable. Satoshi then explodes upwards and roars at Ryuu and the two butt heads. Ryuu takes off to the ropes again and when he comes back, Satoshi scoops him and slams him down to the canvas. The fans applauding for Satoshi who's back in the action. 

Up on his feet, it's now Satoshi delivering the strikes to Ryuu who's in a kneeling position. Satoshi with a kick to the chest, and another, and another before he pulls Ryuu back up to his feet and performs a standard suplex. He covers him!

... ONE

... ... TWO

Satoshi sits Ryuu up and takes off to the ropes, bouncing off of them and swings his leg towards Ryuu, who catches his leg as he tries to connect. He doesn't let go and Satoshi is now staggering a little, the fans oo'ing in excitement as Ryuu gets to his feet. He drops the leg of Satoshi and delivers a lariat that sends him down immediately, but it looks like the lariat has also done damage to the arm of Ryuu, who shakes it off. 

Robbie Black: And now Ryuu is locking Satoshi in the Boston Crab submission hold!

Dirge Johnson: This is where it gets tough, when they try to break you down the slow way through submission holds and we know that Ryuu has an amateur wrestling background, he knows his way round!

The referee asks if Satoshi wants to quit by he refuses, shaking his head as Ryuu leans back even more. Despite his best efforts to keep the hold intact, Satoshi is still able to reach the ropes in order to break the hold. Ryuu releases almost immediately but grabs a hold of Satoshi, bringing him back to the center of the ring where he now locks him in an STF submission lock! Satoshi reaches for the ropes but Ryuu is adamant that he isn't going to get there, squeezing with everything he has in the tank! But Satoshi is more than just a man! He crawls and crawls and crawls and once again, he reaches the ropes. 

Applause rings through the arena and you can see the frustration on the face of the returning Ryuu Kazuhiko. Ryuu gets to his feet, pulls Satoshi up with him - turns him around, rear waist lock and delivers a German suplex on Satoshi!

Ashley Hamilton: My God! Satoshi is back up!

He had rolled back up onto his feet following the German and roared, rear waist lock on Ryuu and delivering a German suplex of his own! Both men race back up onto their feet with Ryuu approaching Satoshi, who delivers a lariat that knocks him down onto the canvas!

Robbie Black: LARIATTOOOOO!

Applause fills the arena and both men remain on the canvas, struggling as the referee checks up on both men. They're back up eventually and they're back to where they started, with an exchange of blows connecting one after the other. It's the forearm strikes, followed by elbow exchanges, followed by a sporadic spell of every body part imaginable and then Ryuu knocks him down with a high kick to the chest! Cover!

... ONE

Barely even the one!

Ryuu pulls him back up to his feet and takes off to the ropes, bouncing back - LARIAT BY SATOSHI! Cover!

... ONE

Barely even the one!

Dirge Johnson: There barely even getting one counts anymore!

Ashley Hamilton: This is remarkable!

The noise in the arena is continuing to reverberate and both men remain lying on the canvas, the referee checking up on both men. They crawl towards each other and from their knees, the two begin to trade strikes. They fight their way up and before you know it, they're back where they started, up on their feet and exchanging strikes yet again. The two men then headbutt each other! Both stumbling back a little... Ryuu pulls him close, headbutt again! The two men stagger around for a moment before collapsing into each other!

Robbie Black: Grade A Concussion!

The count of the referee is what gets the attention of both men who gradually both get back up onto their feet. Ryuu is up first and is in behind Satoshi, his arms wrapped around his neck! He's looking to choke him out! Satoshi is spitting out from his mouth and the image is rather disturbing as it looks as if Ryuu is going to choke him out, but all of a sudden, Satoshi is roaring his way back into the contest - extending his arm, continuing to spit but the life is still getting sucked out of him. The referee holds his arm up, it doesn't fall - Satoshi is still scrambling for the ropes!

Robbie Black: AND HE GETS THERE!

The fans applaud! 

Ryuu kicks Satoshi in the mid section as he leans against the ropes!

Satoshi discusses his way round to connect with a forearm to Ryuu!

Both men then stumble towards the center of the ring, with Ryuu blocking a strike attempt from Satoshi and delivering a kick to the mid section. Satoshi gets back up onto his feet and both men run toward each other, with Satoshi once again hitting Ryuu with his coveted Lariat!

... ONE

Gasps of shock echo through the arena. Both men are back up and Satoshi hits Ryuu with another lariat! He covers...

... ONE

... ... TWO

... .... NOOOOOO!

Dirge Johnson: ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!

Satoshi pulls Ryuu back up onto his feet... 

He takes a step backwards as Ryuu stands, groggy. 

The Golden Lariat connects!

Ashley Hamilton: THE GOLDEN LARIAT!

Robbie Black: AND THE COVER!

... ONE



... ... TWO




... ... ... THREEEEEEE

DING DING DING!

Mai Kado: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE WINNER OF THE MATCH BY THE WAY OF PINFALL - SHINJIO SATOSHI!

Rising to his feet, Shinji Satoshi's arm is raised in victory but he falls back to the canvas almost instantly, laying on his back and looking up at the heavens as medics raid the ring to aid both men who have just given it their all.

Robbie Black: PRIDE OF PURORESU IS UP AND RUNNING LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND WHAT A WAY, TO OPEN UP THE SHOW! RYUU KAZUHIKO WAS FEARLESS IN HIS RETURN! IT HAS BEEN MONTHS SINCE HE'S BEEN INSIDE THE FOUR SIDED RING BUT THE WAY HE PERFORMED TONIGHT, YOU COULDN'T TELL! BUT IT JUST WASN'T ENOUGH TO BEAT THE VETERAN, SHINJI SATOSHI!

[James Peterson]

Match Two

Singles Match

15 minute limit

Ricky Valero vs Tokyo Zombie

Mai Kado: The following contest is scheduled for a one fall! Introducing first...

“Amazing” by Kanye West hits, lifting the fans to their feet in a fit of rage. White and pink strobe lights start to flash throughout the arena.

It's amazing

I'm the reason

Everybody fired up this evening

I'm exhausted

Barely breathing

Holding on to what I believe in

No matter what

You'll never take that from me

My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky Valero emerges from the back amidst a cloud of fog. With that trademark smirk stretched across his face, he scans the arena with hubris. He puts his legs together, extends his arms outward, throws his head back and basks in the building’s negative energy.

Mai Kado: From New York, New York - weighing in a two hundred and twenty seven pounds... RICKY VALERO!

It's amazin', so amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin'

So amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin' (Let's go)

He makes his way toward the ring intentionally ignoring the outstretched hands of front row fans along his route. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and leans his back against the ropes, bouncing against them a few times with his arms wrapped over top of them before slipping into the ring.

I'm a monster

I'm a killer

I know I'm wrong, yeah

I'm a problem

That'll never

Ever be solved

And no matter what

You'll never take that from me

My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky spins around in the center of the ring with his arms extended out, absorbing the crowd's disdain. He walks towards the ropes on the far side of the ring and simply smiles. The music slowly quiets down as Ricky turns and leans against the ropes closest to the entrance way, awaiting his opponent.

Mai Kado: And his opponent...

Obokuri-Eeumi by Ikue Asazaki begins and smoke bellows out from the entrance. Tokyo Zombie emerges chanting along and holding A Chain Called Justice like prayer beads. He solemnly strolls to the ring quickly bowing to some audience members in greeting.


Mai Kado: From Tokyo, Japan - making his long awaited return to Japan - weighing in a two hundred and twenty five pounds... TOKYO ZOMBIE!

DING DING DING!

With the opening bell ringing, both Tokyo Zombie and Ricky Valero circle around the ring before closing in on one another in the center of the ring. The two men lock up with a collar and elbow tie up and quickly jockey for leverage. Valero uses his technical edge to work a standing wristlock on Tokyo Zombie. Zombie rolls forward and pops back up to his feet, countering into a hammerlock on Valero. Valero drops down to one knee while wincing as Zombie wrenches the arm trapped behind his back. Valero slowly rises back up to his feet and spins around, tripping Zombie up with a drop toe hold. After bouncing off of the mat, Valero slides up the back of his opponent and secures a side headlock. Zombie fights to his feet and drives Valero against the ropes before pushing his way out of the headlock and sending Valero across the ring running. Valero rebounds off of the ropes and meets Zombie in the center of the ring with a shoulder block. Valero looks down at Zombie and runs over him towards the ropes. As he rebounds, Zombie pops up to his feet and whips Valero down to the canvas with an armdrag takedown. Both competitors are quick to their feet and Zombie again sends Valero down with an armdrag takedown. Valero rolls towards the corner, gets up to one knee and holds onto the middle rope as he stares down Tokyo Zombie who’s begging for him to rise to his feet.

Robbie Black: A technical showcase to start this match. Surprisingly with Tokyo Zombie ending up with the upper hand.

Dirge Johnson: Should be more of Valero’s thing. Tokyo Zombie likes to make use of his hands and feet whenever he can. I’m surprised he’s actually trying to out wrestle Ricky Valero.

Ashley Hamilton: Yeah, but how long does that gameplan work out?

Valero explodes towards Tokyo Zombie and is immediately met with a spinning back kick to midsection that disrupts his momentum immediately. Zombie slowly turns around towards his opponent and unloads with three straight kicks to the ribs. A fourth attempt is caught by Valero who spins around and kicks out Zombie’s other leg out from underneath him. Valero keeps a hold of Zombie’s leg, traps it between his and then drops down with all of his weight onto Zombie’s knee. Valero focuses his attack on the leg of Zombie, picking it up off of the canvass and kicking him behind the knee before dragging him towards the ropes. Valero drapes the isolated right leg of Zombie onto the bottom rope, steps up alongside of it, and uses the ropes to propel himself up into the air before coming crashing down into a seated position onto Zombie’s knee. Zombie thrashes around, grasping at his knee, and Valero quickly sets him up for a second straight seated senton across the knee! Zombie rolls under the ropes to the outside of the ring, trying to create some space between him and Valero.

Black: Very smart on Valero’s part. Tokyo Zombie’s kicks are one of his more dangerous weapons. Take a leg away and you’re pretty much disarming him!

Johnson: He’ll have to come up with a completely different game plan, but I wouldn’t go writing Tokyo Zombie off just yet.

Hamilton: As long as both of these guys have been in this industry, you shouldn’t write any of them off.

Ricky Valero follows Zombie out of the ring and pulls him up to his feet. He hits him with a few, stiff, short forearm shots before whipping him along the ringside area, into the steel security railing. Valero eyes Zombie up and charges towards him. Zombie catches him off guard and stands up, lifting Valero into the air and dropping him chest first onto the top of the security railing. Zombie quickly pulls himself up onto the ring apron and runs towards Rick Valero. As he approaches the ring post, he jumps from the apron towards Valero and hits a running shotgun dropkick that knocks Valero back into the security railing with force! Zombie is slow to his feet, trying to shake off his right leg. He gets back into the ring first, but Ricky Valero isn’t far behind him. As both rise to their feet in the ring, Valero throws a right hand but it gets caught and trapped by Zombie. Valero throws a wild left hand but the result is the same. Zombie stares a defenseless Ricky Valero in the eyes and begins to tee off with repeated headbutts between the eyes. Valero drops down in the center of the ring. Tokyo Zombie quickly steps through the ropes, out onto the apron, springboards off of the top rope, back towards his opponent, and connects with a diving headbutt! Tokyo crawls over Valero, laying chest to chest as the official drops down for the count.

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
Valero easily pops his shoulder up off of the mat.

Black: I think Valero needs to get this back to a wrestling match, ground Tokyo Zombie. He can’t let him feed off of this crowd and get in a rhythm if he’s going to pull this match off.

Johnson: But in the beginning of this match, Zombie got the upperhand by wrestling with Valero…

Hamilton: ...and Valero is going to remember that as this match goes on.

As Zombie rises to his feet, Valero crawls towards the ropes. Ricky pulls himself up to his feet and Zombie charges hi from behind. Valero hits him with a sudden back elbow that dazes Tokyo. He staggers and Valero explodes with a pele kick that drops Zombie momentarily. Valero turns to his opponent, latches onto his right leg, and drags him to his feet. He whips him down to the mat with a dragon screw, never losing hold of the leg, and applies a kneebar in the center of the ring. Tokyo Zombie tries to squirm out of Valero’s hold but Ricky's legs are wrapped tightly around his leg. The ref drops down and checks Tokyo for the submission but he adamantly refuses. Tokyo inches closer and close to the ropes. Once he's within reach, Valero releases the hold, stands him up and drops him down across his leg with a kneebreaker! Valero takes a step back, anticipating his opponents rise to his feet. Once standing, Tokyo Zombie is driven into the corner with a shoulder to his midsection. Valero grabs the right leg of Tokyo Zombie, threads it over the middle rope and back in over the bottom rope. Valero wrenches the leg, bending it awkwardly at the knee as the official begins to use his five count to break them apart.

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
3
.
.
.
4
.
.
.
Valero releases and steps back with his hands held up. He quickly jumps back onto Zombie with a series of forearm shots in the corner. He lets Zombie stumble out of the corner but is quickly thrown back in with a turnbuckle powerbomb!

Black: He damn near folded Tokyo Zombie in half.

Johnson: The poor guy is going to have one leg and broken back!

Hamilton: Like him or hate him, Ricky Valero is one of the best technicians NJFC has under contract. And when he’s on, he's tough to beat.

Valero grabs Zombie and pulls him to the center of the ring. He secures a double underhook and lifts Tokyo into the air, looking for a backbreaker. Zombie wiggles enough to come back down onto his feet before Valero could finish the move. Zombie counters with a back body drop, but buckles and drops down to one knee. Valero is to his feet first and begins to club Zombie in the back. Zombie fights through and rises up to his feet. He faces Valero and the two begin exchanging knife-edge chops to each other's chest in the center of the ring, each chop harder and louder than the last. Valero grabs Zombie by the back of the head to hold him in place and drives repetitive knees upwards towards Zombies torso. Zombie stumbles after being released and throws a desperate spinning back kick but Valero catches it and counters into a capture suplex! Valero quickly tries for the pin attempt.

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
Zombie bucks Valero off of him before the official got to three.

Black: An incredible counter from the self proclaimed king of wrestling. Tokyo Zombie is going to have to figure something out, and soon!!

Johnson: The later this match goes, the harder it will be for Zombie to find an opening.

Hamilton: Try convincing him that…

Zombie rises to his feet in a rage and Valero quickly closes the gap. Valero begins unloading with leg kicks to the targeted right knee of Tokyo, each kick bouncing off with little-to-no effect. Zombie lets off a combination of strikes; a headbutt followed by two knife-edge chops, followed by a failed lariat attempt and then a rolling koppu kick that connects! Valero hits the mat hard and begins crawling away from his opponent, shaking off the cobwebs. He pulls himself up to his feet in the corner and is quickly met by Tokyo Zombie. Zombie unloads a flurry of machine gun chops in the corner! He lets Valero stumble out of the corner and grabs onto him, driving him face first towards the mat with his signature front russian leg sweep, Falling Tokyo Sun!!

Black: Talk about a turnaround! He may have just emptied all of his reserves though.

Johnson: Those strikes were brutal! Those might be some of the stiffest chops I have ever seen while sitting ringside. Valero’s chest is flaming red!

Hamilton: Exactly why you can’t count someone like Tokyo Zombie out. Or any striker for that matter. There’s always a puncher’s chance...

Tokyo hooks one of Valero’s legs for the pin attempt.

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
Valero fights out of the pin, rolling Tokyo Zombie off of him. Tokyo pops up to his feet quick and runs the ropes. He rebounds and charges towards Valero as he’s beginning to push up off of the canvas. Valero makes it to one knee and Tokyo Zombie uses it to step up while kicking down with his other foot to finish his modified shining axe kick, Rising Zombie Moon! Tokyo again tries for the pin attempt.

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
Valero finds just enough strength to roll his shoulder off of the mat in the nick of time.

Black: First the Falling Tokyo Sun, then the Rising Zombie Moon; I don’t know how Ricky Valero was able to keep this match alive.

Johnson: He’s definitely seeing stars after taking a heel to the back of his head. He’s acting on instinct alone.

Hamilton: Tokyo needs keep the gas pedal pressed down to ground while Valero is out of it.

Tokyo lets Valero up to his feet. He charges and takes him down with a running headbutt. As Valero tries to pull himself up, Tokyo latches on and slams him back down with a backdrop suplex. Tokyo hops to his feet, jumps up over Valero and comes crashing down with a senton across his chest. He foregoes the pin attempt and waves Ricky Valero to his feet. Tokyo charges and tries for a clothesline but Valero ducks. Zombie rebounds off of the ropes and returns towards the Valero. Ricky slides between Tokyo’s legs but latches onto the right leg and rolls into a single leg crab in the center of the ring! The official drops down and begins to check Tokyo.

Black: A beautiful rolling single leg crab from Ricky Valero!

Johnson: And he’s right back to that right leg that he had worked on earlier in the match.

Hamilton: Zombie isn’t the kind of guy to tap out. He’ll let Valero rip his knee to shreds before he ever quits.

Tokyo manages to fight through the pain and make it to the ropes, grabbing the bottom rope to force the break. He pulls himself under the ropes and rests on the apron while clutching his knee. Valero climbs out onto the apron with Tokyo and drags him to his feet. He wraps his arms around Tokyo’s waist and explodes with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the apron!

Black: That is the absolute hardest part of the ring! There is no cushion whatsoever!

Johnson: Throwing caution to the wind, Valero is trying to pull out all of the stops.

Hamilton: And both men seem to be about of it, staring up to the rafters as they dangle over the edge of the ring!

Both Valero and Tokyo Zombie roll back into the ring under the ropes. Ricky Valero pushes up to his feet first and grabs Tokyo by the leg. He drags him to the center of the ring and hits a leg DDT to Zombie’s right leg. Valero then unleashes the Leg Drops from Jupiter, each one coming down faster than the last. Valero scoops Tokyo Zombie up and then lifts him onto his shoulders with a fireman’s carry. He marches to the center of the ring and hits his version of a Ushigoroshi, Thy Will Be Done! Valero hops onto Tokyo Zombie and hooks both legs to aid the pin attempt.

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
Zombie once again kicks out, this time barely beating the officials hand.

Black: I don’t know how he didn’t just break his neck.

Johnson: I don’t know either; but these two are putting on a show!!!

Hamilton: It’s going to take a mistake for one of these guys to lose this match.

Valero pulls Tokyo up to his feet and tries for a suplex. Tokyo Zombie gets free and fall behind Valero, landing on his feet. Tokyo quickly secures a rear waist lock and lifts Valero’s feet off of the ground. Valero throws a few back elbows and gets put back down. Ricky executes a standing switch and has a rear waist lock of his own. Valero drives Tokyo forwards towards the ropes. He pulls back but comes up empty and rolls backwards as Tokyo stands with his arms wrapped around the ropes. As Ricky rises to his feet, he’s met with a front kick to the mouth. Valero stumbles backwards before lunging forward with a european uppercut. Tokyo is almost knocked off of his feet, but the ropes keep him upright. He rebounds with a lariat attempt that Valero ducks under and quickly secures a cobra clutch. He snaps Tokyo back with The Franchise Tag and bridges!

1
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
3

The referee turns towards the timekeeper and signals for the closing bell.

Black: What a match we just witnessed here tonight!

Johnson: Let's not dismiss that Tokyo kicked out a split second after the referee’s three count. This match could very well have kept going!

Hamilton: Not the outcome that Tokyo Zombie was hoping for tonight but he’s got nothing to be ashamed of.

Mai Kado: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by way of pinfall, RICKY VALERO!!!

[James Peterson]

Match Three

Singles Match

15 minute limit

Jack "The Ripper" Tillman vs Kento Nagata

Mai Kado: The following contest is scheduled for a one fall!

The lights dim down as Out Of Black by Royal Blood begins to play throughout the arena. The arena erupts with a mix of cheers and boos as Jack Tillman comes walking out with a death stare in his eyes. Concentrated on the match at hand, Jack makes his way down to the ring

Mai Kado: From Omaha, Nebraska! Standing at 6 ft 1 and weighing in at 210 pounds! He is Jack “The Ripper” Tillman!

Before Jack can even reach the ring he's ambushed from behind, his former companion Kento Nagata ran down and clubbed him around the back, taking him down to the floor. Gasps and cheers from the crowd as Nagata grabs Tillman by his hair and guides him around the ring. 

Robbie Black: And Kento Nagata with the attack from behind! This is unlike Nagata!

Ashley Hamilton: Nagata feels betrayed. Tillman was his best friend, but then he joined the Dogs of War - everything that Nagata is against. Of course he's going to be a little pissed off but I wouldn't have expected this from him. 

He throws Tillman into the guard railing. Tillman's back collides into it and he doesn't have another second to think, Nagata is now running at him in fully pace and he clotheslines him over the railing and into the fans. Young Dragons are now pushing a frustrated Nagata away from Tillman who's gradually getting to his feet. Nagata rolls into the ring and invites Tillman in, who's evidently pissed off at the ambush - running his fingers through his hair as he argues with Nagata from outside of the ring. 

Robbie Black: Don't know why Tillman's complaining, he's getting a taste of his own medicine. 

"The Ripper" must've heard what Robbie had said as now he's looking at Robbie, who holds his hands up. Tillman tuts and turns his attention back in the ring. He walks around the outside of the ring carefully, watching Nagata who has his hands on his knee's, waiting for Tillman to enter the ring impatiently. 

Dirge Johnson: Don't talk shit about Tillman Robbie, he might attack you instead. 

DING DING DING!

The bell rings and Nagata is launching himself across the ring toward Tillman, dropkicking him back into the padded corner. Tillman is rocked, as Nagata gets to his feet and unloads a flurry of strikes to a bewildered Jack Tillman, who does well taking the strikes like a warrior in the corner. Nagata then pulls him away, Irish whip into the opposite corner and following him afterward, a running big boot to the face in the corner. He then grabs him by the hair and brings him to the center of the ring, snapmare before delivering a kick across the back. Tillman arches his back, closing his eyes shut.

Robbie Black: That kick across the back of Nagata was vicious! You can tell that this match means a lot to him - this relationship with Tillman, has been tarnished and now, he's the enemy. Nagata wants to protect New Japan Fighting Championship and he believes guys like Jack Tillman are the problem.

Dirge Johnson: The problem? More like the solution. The Dogs of War have been nothing less but a success since they've arrived here Robbie. Their objective - is to protect New Japan from the bullshit part timers who all eventually leave.

Another strike across the back connects but this time, it's the hand of Nagata connecting with the back. 

Robbie Black: Nevertheless, Nagata's gonna punish Tillman tonight! Another strike across the back!

Tillman gets to his feet, arching his back and clenching his fists. He looks at Nagata, shaking his head sideways and the two men butt heads in the center of the ring. They're pushing each other using their heads, the fans beginning to applaud and cheer as things between the two continue to get heated. They're exchanging words now and Tillman has a smile on his face. Nagata grabs Tillman by his head, pulls it down and delivers a knee to the face. Tillman staggers backwards after the strike and Nagata runs towards him. Tillman lowers himself to get under the clothesline attempt, rear waist lock from behind - he forces him into the rope before rolling backwards, a rollup pin!

... ONE

Both men are back up on their feet and engage in a collar to elbow tie up. Nagata attempts to arm wrench but Tillman is quick to deflect, striking his arm, grabbing him by the head and snapmare into a seated position - attempts to lock him in a chinlock but Nagata is one step ahead, swiveling his body around the canvas to escape his grasp. He grabs him by the wrist and twists it holding it there whilst Tillman gradually gets to his feet. Tillman rolls forward, gets to his feet and gets behind Nagata, trying to push down and away from the wrist lock that Nagata has him in. Nagata manages to force him down to the canvas, keeping the wrist lock intact. He gets down to a knee, applying as much pressure as he can. Tillman gets to his feet, squatting down twice as he looks to break away from the hold. He manages to escape, finding a loophole impressively and reversing the hold, snapmare into a seated position, another chinlock attempt but once again, Nagata locks him in the same wrist lock. The fans applaud for Nagata, who nods his head in appreciation. 

Robbie Black: These two met at the Dojo of Dragons a couple of nights back and it was a close match between the two. As we've already said, these two know the ins and out of each other - so it's no surprise for me to see Nagata have an answer for everything Tillman throws in his direction. 

Ashley Hamilton: It's the art of anticipation and Nagata has that locked down to a tee. 

Nagata is bending the arm of Tillman in ways that is making Tillman squeal a little. Tillman slaps the canvas hard but rejects the offer of quitting from the referee. He manages to get to his feet, rolling forward - getting up, climbing onto the knee of Nagata, leaping up and breaking the hold with his legs, grabbing him by his head, snapmare - another chinlock attempt but once again, Nagata is one step ahead and has him in a wrist lock. 

Robbie Black: Amazing escape by Jack Tillman! But once again Nagata has his number. 

Applause rings through the arena and Tillman is frustrated, pounding the canvas with his fist. They're back up on their feet, Tillman rolls forward - rolls back, kips up - grabs onto the ropes next to him, flips forward - breaks the hold, backfist to the face of Nagata who staggers backwards. Nagata leans against the ropes and Tillman approaches him, a chop to the chest followed by a forearm strike. Irish whip attempt, Nagata reverses - Tillman comes back, and is met by a drop kick. Nagata covers...

... ONE

... ... T 

Tillman gets his shoulder up!

Robbie Black: Looks like "The Ripper" is having quite a rough time with Nagata tonight. It isn't going to be straight forward for him. 

Dirge Johnson: It may not be straight forward for him tonight but Jack is someone who competes around the world at the highest level. He's been on the receiving end of some beatings but has always managed to get back into the contest and he'll do the same tonight. 

"The Ripper" is now on the receiving end of some strikes from the tenacious Kento Nagata who has him against the ropes. Kicks to the chest are followed consecutively, quick and fluid - concise and accurate. Irish whip to the opposite ropes, Tillman comes back and ducks under his arm heading to the other ropes.
He comes back and this time is taken down by a flying shoulder barge by Nagata, hooking his legs. 

... ONE

By the padded corner, Tillman gets himself up. Nagata approaches him but Tillman lifts his foot and kicks him in the face, forcing him to turn back and stagger away. Tillman strolls towards him, turning him around and delivering a European uppercut. He delivers another, this time harder and creating a clapping sensation following the shot. Nagata holds onto his jaw, Tillman grabbing him by his arm - Irish whip, reversed - Tillman hits the corner, Nagata grabs onto him, exploder suplex out of the corner area of the ring and to the center of the ring Tillman goes. Nagata rises to his feet and watches Tillman crawl towards the ropes. He kicks him, grabbing him and locking him in a knuckle lock. Tillman is still on his knees so is at a disadvantage. But Tillman uses his low center of gravity to hold himself in his position. He explodes upwards, now in a stationary stance - breaking the knuckle hold with his right hand, but keeping the other with his left still intact. He runs to the ropes, springboarding into the top rope, walking across the rope slightly before leaping off and rolling forwards, springboard armdrag to Nagata.

They're both back up to their feet and Tillman takes him down with an armdrag, armbar being locked in afterward. Chris Constantine applauds on the outside. Nagata fights his way to his feet, turning himself round before getting in behind Tillman, hammerlock intact. Tillman, the intellect of submission, finds a loophole and reverses the situation, bringing his knee up and connecting with the back of Nagata. He clubs him round the back with a forearm before pushing him into the ropes, Nagata comes back and Tillman connects with a drop kick to the back of Nagata. He pulls him back up to his feet, wrist clutch - spins him out, Ballroom Blitz connects!

Robbie Black: MY GOD! Ballroom Blitz by Jack Tillman!

Dirge Johnson: That's ended this one, damn what a finishing move. 

... ONE


... ... TWO


... ... ... THREEE!

DING DING DING!

Mai Kado: And the winner of the match... JACK "THE RIPPER" TILLMAN!

[James Peterson]

[James Peterson]

CRAIG ANDERSON

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!

COSMO COOPER

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!

Match Five
Singles Match
30 minute limit
Craig Anderson vs Cosmo Cooper

Mai Kado: The following contest is scheduled for a one fall, introducing first.

"Hey you, don't watch that, watch this

This is the heavy heavy monster sound

The nuttiest sound around

So if you've come in off the street

And you're beginning to feel the heat

Well, listen buster

You better start to move your feet

To the rockinest, rock-steady beat

Of Madness

ONE STEP BEYOND!"

Robbie Black: Up next we have a young man who has bursted onto the wrestling scene in 2017 and taken it by storm squaring off with one of the more intriguing junior heavyweights that NJFC has brought in.

Dirge Johnson: A complete clash of styles.



Ashley Hamilton: Obviously, Cosmo is going to be looking to keep this match on the ground while Craig tries to keep the action fast paced.



Robbie Black: Either way, we’re looking at a fantastic matchup. The winner could very well be who controls the temp of this match for the majority of the match.



Dirge Johnson: It’s going to also depend on how Craig Anderson deals with the aura of Cosmo Cooper. He’s got himself a bit of a cult following that could be distracting…



Ashley Hamilton: Craig Anderson has five years under his belt in the wrestling game already. He’s a multiple time world champion, and has reached the top of the mountain for more than one company. He’s not going to be intimidated by the whirlwind of buzz that follows Cosmo Cooper wherever he goes.



Robbie Black: There’s only one way to find out… Let’s get these two out here and get this match underway!

Craig leaps through the curtain as the words "ONE STEP BEYOND" blast through the speakers, and he immediately begins to bounce around on the stage. He hypes up the crowd, until "ONE STEP BEYOND" is heard once more. At this point, he begins to run down the ramp, occasionally tapping the fan's hands as he does so.

Mai Kado: "Now entering the ring, from Worcester, England, weighing in at one-hundred and seventy pounds... CRAIG ANDERSON!"

He steps in time with the music, before sliding into the ring and performing a ridiculous dance. He scales the turnbuckle and, standing on the middle ropes, puts his hands to his mouth to yell "ONE STEP BEYOND!" along with the music. At this point, the music comes to a halt and Craig jumps back down onto the mat, removing the Union Flag from his shoulders.

Mai Kado: And his opponent...

The playful opening rifts of "Lifted" hit over the house system as Cosmo Cooper slinks out onto the ramp with a smile on his face. As the music kicks up, he drops down to one knee and opens his hands as he looks around to the fans and casually bobs his head as he stands up. He slaps hands all the way down to the steps where he slips off his slip-on shoes and then takes his flat bill hat and flips it into the crowd along with his shirt as he makes his way onto the apron and leaps into the ring.

Mai Kado: From Santa Rosa, California - weighing in a two hundred and twenty seven pounds... COSMO COOPER!

He does a small MMA type of jog all the way around the ring nodding at the fans before he pauses in the middle of the ring. As the ring announcer announces his name, he drops down and does his pose again before standing back up and making his way to his corner and pops in his mouth guard.

Robbie Black: Regardless of the outcome, this match has the potential to steal the show!



After checking both competitors the official signals to the timekeeper to sound the opening bell.

DING DING DING!

Cosmo Cooper struts to the center of the ring with a smirk on his face as Craig Anderson stares from his corner. He slowly meets his opponent in the center of the ring and hesitantly locks up with a collar and elbow tie up. Cosmo quickly works into a rear waist lock, lifts Craig Anderson up off of his feet and slams him down to the canvas stomach first. Cosmo keeps his grip tight as Craig rolls into a seated position and eventually back up to his feet. Anderson fights at Cosmo’s hands but is unable to break his grip. Cosmo again lifts Craig Anderson off of his feet, but this time, Anderson wiggles around and counters into a victory roll.

... ONE

Cosmo Cooper quickly kicks out after the unsuspected pin attempt.

Robbie Black: A very early pin attempt which probably served as more of a warning shot than anything.

Ashley Hamilton: Craig Anderson knows his way around that ring. He’s not just a daredevil; you can’t be with that résumé.

Cosmo is quick to his feet but is whipped right down to the mat with a japanese arm drag. Both competitors rise simultaneously and Craig Anderson hits another japanese arm drag. As Cosmo pushes up to his feet, Craig Anderson runs passed him and rebounds off of the ropes, hitting Cooper with a running spinning heel kick. Anderson watches Cooper with a close eye and waits for him to get to his feet. He charges but Cooper counters with a back body drop near the ropes. Craig Anderson flips over the top rope but lands on his feet on the apron. Craig springboards off of the top rope and connects with a springboard drop kick that sends Cosmo Cooper across the ring! Craig again waits for Cosmo to start to stir. He sprints towards Cooper as he makes it up to his knees and connects with a hurricanrana driver! Anderson quickly rolls Cooper over onto his back and hooks a leg.

... ONE

... ... TWO

Cosmo rolls out of the pinning predicament while shoving Craig Anderson off of him.

Robbie Black: That’s exactly the pace that Craig Anderson needs to keep up if he’s going to keep Cosmo Cooper off of his game.

Dirge Johnson: Cosmo looks like he’s still trying to figure out what hit him.

Ashley Hamilton: With the Fighting Spirit of Juniors tournament approaching, a win over Cosmo Cooper could be exactly what Craig Anderson needs to solidify him as one of the favorites to win.

Anderson allows Cooper to get to his feet and immediately begins to unload with a series of kicks targeting Cosmo’s leg, connecting to the thighs and eventually chopping him down to one knee. Anderson rebounds off of the ropes and rushes towards Cosmo, ducking underneath a clothesline attempt. Craig puts on the breaks and quickly changes his direction, connecting with Arse over Tit, a handspring headscissor takedown! Cooper is thrown across the ring and rolls under the bottom rope to the arena floor. Anderson runs towards the nearest corner, hops up onto the middle rope and springboards over the ropes, crashing down onto Cosmo Cooper with a cross body! Anderson looks down at Cooper and immediately turns his attention to the ring. He steps up onto the apron and looks over his shoulder at Cosmo, lining himself up. He jumps onto the middle rope and springboards backwards for an Asai Moonsault, but Cosmo explodes into the air and connects with a standing dropkick as Anderson was upside down in the air sending him crashing hard into the edge of the ring!

Robbie Black: What elevation!

Dirge Johnson: Elevation? What about that crash? Craig Anderson may be broken in half!

Ashley Hamilton: The definition of high risk… This time, it didn’t pay and Cosmo Cooper changed the dynamics of this match with one drop kick…

Cooper fights up to his knees and looks at the wreckage he caused as the official utilizes his ten count. Cooper grabs Anderson by the back of the head and the tights and slides him into the ring, following immediately behind him. Cooper hovers over Anderson, grabbing him with a rear waistlock while standing between his legs. He lifts him up and slams him overhead with a wheelbarrow suplex. Cooper keeps Anderson’s leg’s hooked as he rolls through, sitting on Anderson’s chest for the pin attempt.

... ONE

... ... TWO

Anderson shoves Cooper forward, breaking up the pin attempt.

Robbie Black: A beautiful roll through for the pinning attempt from Cosmo Cooper.

Dirge Johnson: Now that it was a failed attempt, he has to keep on top of Craig; keep him grounded...

Ashley Hamilton: Easier said than done.

Cosmo allows for Anderson to push up to his feet and is caught off guard by a european uppercut. Cosmo stumbles backwards for a second but then counters with a forearm smash to the jaw. Anderson staggers but comes back with a forearm smash of his own in the center of the ring. Cosmo takes the shot on the chin and barely budges. He comes back with a combination of open palm strikes, switching hands and connecting across the side of the face and the chest before finish with a spinning back fist! Anderson falls backwards, hits the middle rope and pops back up, hitting Cosmo with an enziguri! Cosmo falls backwards, hitting the middle and popping back up with a bicycle knee that instantly drops Craig Anderson! Cosmo collapses onto Craig Anderson and the official drops down for the count.

... ONE

... ... TWO 

Craig barely shoots his shoulder off of the mat before the count of three.

Robbie Black: That exchange has both men seeing stars!

Dirge Johnson: And they’re both looking a little wobbly as they’re getting to their feet!

Cooper and Anderson each rolled to the ropes and used them to help get up to their feet. Craig Anderson charges towards Cosmo, who quickly counters with a drop toe hold into the bottom turnbuckle! Anderson lays still with his face pressed against the bottom turnbuckle as Cosmo pops up to his feet. Cosmo circles the ring and then charges towards Anderson, crushing him against the turnbuckle with a running knee to the back of the head! Cosmo grabs Anderson by the ankles and pulls him from the corner before transitioning into a gutwrench, lifting Craig off of the mat. Cosmo drops back and executes a gutwrench suplex. He floats over while keeping his grip and pops up to his feet. He snaps Anderson back for a second straight gutwrench suplex. Cooper again doesn’t break his grasp and pushes to his feet, slamming Craig back with one final gutwrench suplex! Cosmo floats over again, but this time looking for a pin.

... ONE


... ... TWO


... ... ..


Anderson bucks his hips and rolls Cosmo off of him.

Robbie Black: These two are taking each others best shots and just finding a way to fight through it!

Dirge Johnson: The fans are definitely being treated to one hell of a fight.

Ashley Hamilton: They sure are… You can’t help but wonder how the GPC feels about a match like this with no japanese influence.

Robbie Black: At the end of the day, the people that come to NJFC to watch the shows are here for wrestling; they’re not discriminating against race, color, or creed!

Cosmo is up to his feet first and drags Craig Anderson with him, hitting him with stiff knees to the midsection as they rose. Cosmo ran away from Anderson and bounced off of the ropes. After returning, Anderson lifts Cosmo into the air and drops him down onto his knee with an atomic drop. Craig sprints towards the ropes, rebounds, and quickly delivers a drop kick to the knee of Cosmo, which drops him face first onto the mat. Anderson again hits the ropes, this time using a handspring to return towards Cosmo and hits him with a drop kick to the side of the head as he pushed up to his hands and knees. He lets Cosmo slowly rise and jumps on him immediately, flipping him overhead with his Rich Tea-Bone Suplex! Anderson crawls over to Cosmo, hooks a leg, and rolls his weight onto his shoulders.

... ONE



... ... TWO



... ... ... NOOOOOO!

Cosmo rolls all the way through, breaking up the pin attempt.

Robbie Black: And that’s what makes someone like Craig Anderson so dangerous. His speed allows him to turn things around in the blink of an eye.

Dirge Johnson: I fully expected the bone-crushing suplexes to be Cosmo’s thing.

Anderson lifts Cosmo up to his feet and whips him hard into the corner. He charges towards Cosmo, but Cooper gets a boot up into Anderson’s face. Cosmo takes a second to collect himself before coming out of the corner. He rolls underneath a wild lariat attempt and pops up to his feet. He quickly hits Craig with a kick to the thigh, an open palm strike to the side of the head, a leaping knee strike to the jaw, a stiff kick to the chest, and then a spinning leg sweep to the back of the legs that take Anderson down. Cosmo quickly scoops Anderson up, wraps his arms around Craig’s stomach, and flips him across the ring with an overhead release belly-to-belly suplex!! Cosmo crawls to make the cover but instinctively, Anderson rolls under the ropes and lays on the apron.

Robbie Black: And that’s the kind of ring awareness that has made Craig Anderson a multiple time world champion over his career. You can’t pin your opponent if they’re out of the ring!

Dirge Johnson: Cosmo looks disappointed that he wasn’t able to get to him before he got out of the ring, but the distance he threw Anderson across the ring was impressive!

Ashley Hamilton: All the more reason for Craig to slip out and get a breather if he could.

Cosmo stands in the middle of the ring and waits for Craig to get back in. Anderson rolls back in and pushes to his feet, standing against the ropes facing Cosmo Cooper. Cooper hustles towards Anderson who gets a foot up onto his chest, using it to push him back while flipping over the top rope and out onto the apron. Anderson springboards off of the top rope and hits his meteora, The Bee’s Knees! Anderson rolls through and pops up to his feet, standing in the corner. He waves Cooper up to his feet and instantly nails his superkick, Kicks Out For Harambe!!! Cooper drops like a bag of bricks and Anderson grabs his legs, and flips over into a jackknife pin attempt.

... ONE


... ... TWO


... ... .. NOOOOO!

Cosmo somehow powers out of the pin!

Robbie Black: Incredible! Craig Anderson nearly kicked Cosmo’s head off and he’s still looking to fight!

Dirge Johnson: Justifies the cult following!

Ashley Hamilton: Regardless, he’s got to find a way back into this and Anderson looks ready to polish this off!

Anderson drags Cooper up to his feet and secures and inverted face lock. Anderson lifts Cosmo up into the air looking for the Zig-a-zig-ah. While up in the air, Cosmo flips up over Anderson’s and slides down his back, landing on his feet. Anderson turns around and gets a boot to the midsection. Cosmo turns Anderson upside down and quickly drops him down on his head with his jumping, spinning tombstone piledriver, Crater Maker! Cosmo sits on Anderson’s chest and pulls up his legs for the cover.

... ONE



... ... TWO



... ... ... THREEEEE!


The official turns to the timekeeper and signals for the bell.

DING DING DING!

Robbie Black: Cosmo Cooper wins it, but these two put on a show!

Dirge Johnson: Craig Anderson has nothing to be ashamed of…

Ashley Hamilton: I for one, can not wait to see where Cosmo Cooper goes from here.

Mai Kado: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, by way of pinfall, COSMO COOPER!

[James Peterson]

Match Six

Singles Match

30 minute limit

James Edwards vs Mark Storm

Mai Kado: The following contest is scheduled for a one fall! Introducing first...

The house lights go down, and the arena stays black during the garbled opening guitar rift, then, "Okay." Strobe lights move with the easy beat of the song. James appears at the top of the ramp with the hood on his ring jacket up.

Mai Kado: From Lexington, Kentucky - weighing in a two hundred and four pounds... JAMES EDWARDS!

He takes a few moments survey everything before him. The hood goes down with the opening lyrics. Moving with the meandering pace of the music, his eyes never leave the ring. He laps the squared circle, slides under the bottom ropes, and bows martial arts style to all four corners before settling into his own.

Mai Kado: And his opponent...

Short Change Hero by The Heavy begins to play through the speakers and the lights in the arena simultaneously dim down. Smoke begins to rise from the top of the stage and appearing on the screen above are the following words;

A massive pop ensues as emerging from the back is the self proclaimed "Prince of CHAOS", Mark Storm; who keeps himself composed as he stands at the top of the entrance ramp. He can't help but allow his sadistic signature smirk to appear upon his lips as he closes his eyes and spreads his arms out wide, soaking in the energy that the audience are giving him as they applaud and cheer.

Mai Kado: From New York, Brooklyn.. weighing in a two hundred and twenty pounds - Your Hero, and Mine.. MARRKKKK STORMMMMMM

He begins his walk down the entrance ramp, with a leather coat completing his attire as he comes down the entrance ramp.

This ain't no place for no hero.   

This ain't no place for no better man.   

This ain't no place for no hero   

To call "home." 

At this point, Storm is by the edge of the ring; allowing a smile to embed on his face before he jumps onto the apron and holds onto the ropes, using them to help himself up onto the turnbuckle. He's grinning from ear to ear, soaking in the rest of the cheers coming from the audience, shaking his head sideways as he lowers it, before jumping into the ring.

Robbie Black: There's rivalry, but I think that's a rivalry built on respect. There's no hatred for one another, just the will to be better and that's what I admire about these two men. 

Ashley Hamilton: There's nothing wrong with a little friendly rivalry and it looks like it's coming to it's conclusion tonight. 

DING DING DING!

The bell sounds and the two men remain in their respective corners, looking over at each other as the arena falls to silence. Storm looks around the arena as he leans back into the padded corner and points towards James Edwards, transitioning into an extended hand as he walks towards the center of the ring. Edwards looks around, leaning back against the padded corner - perhaps questioning whether this was a genuine handshake. Nevertheless, he takes a step forward and approaches Storm. Storm then takes a step back, transitioning from an extended hand to a hand to the face, turning his head away with the fans "oooing" at his talk to the hand gesture. Edwards looks at him, rage beginning to build in his eyes as he places his hands on his hips. Storm then turns the hand into an imaginary gun and points it directly at Edwards. "Bang" he says, a sadistic smirk upon his lips afterwards and Edwards replies with a flurry of strikes that stuns Storm. He has Storm on the ropes who's leaning back into it. The referee begins his count and gradually, Edwards releases Storm from his grasp, clean break. Storm then boots him high in the face, pushing him back to the center of the ring with the boot. Edwards grabs him with one hand and delivers a forearm with the other. Storm returns a forearm, stiff and hard. Edwards delivers another of his own, and instead of returning a strike, Storm heads to the ropes - bouncing off of them and delivering a kick to the face of Edwards, who reacts with a forearm strike to Storm. Storm then takes off to the ropes once again, coming off of them only to be met with another forearm strike by James Edwards. Edwards now takes off to the ropes with Storm grabbing him by the arm and throwing him down to the canvas with an arm drag take down, armbar attempt but Edwards with the head scissors nice and quick. The two men are back up on their feet and posing in a low stance, with the audience applauding the two men for their efforts.

Robbie Black: These two know each other inside out. They've competed countless amount of times against one another this year and this could be the last meeting these two have for a while. At least, that's what Mark Storm proposed when he called out James Edwards on twitter, dubbing this as the last encounter between the two. 

Ashley Hamilton: They've had classic matches Robbie, and you know that too Dirge - and I'm expecting nothing less but another classic here tonight. 

Circling the ring, the two men come together with a collar to elbow tie up and it's Edwards who's quick to come to the back of Storm, rear waist lock. Storm manages to grab onto his arm/wrist, and fight his way out - in the process, wrenching the arm of Edwards round as he tightens a wrist lock. Edwards boots him in the gut to break the hold, grabbing the arm of Storm and an arm wrench of his own coming afterward. Edwards holds onto the wrist lock, tightening the hold at every chance he gets, just as it looks like Storm's going to get out of it. He pulls down on the arm repeatedly, backing Storm into the ropes for an Irish whip, Storm comes back and is brought down by a hurricanrana, with Edwards hooking the legs.

... ONE

Edwards is quick to transition into a chin lock submission from a grounded position. The audience begin to clap in order to aid Storm who's reaching for the ropes, but Edwards does well to keep Storm grounded, despite Storm's best effort to reach the ropes. Edwards manages to quickly transition into a lateral pin attempt.

... ONE

Once Storm kicks out, Edwards pulls him back up onto his feet and delivers a huge kick to the chest of Storm. Storm replies with a forearm strike to James. The forearm strike so hard that Edward has taken a second to recuperate, bending over and holding onto his jaw - the impact, invigorating and raw. Storm shakes his forearm, clubbing the bent over Edwards on the back. Edwards is now on his knee's but Storm pulls him back up to his feet. Edwards pushes Storm back into the corner, with the referee once again intervening to make sure the break is upheld. Storm releases Edwards from his grasp and gradually Edwards backs up, but doesn't break cleanly. An open palm strike to the face of Storm connects, and another - and another. But that's only pissed off Mark Storm, who connects with a stiff forearm strike to Edwards. Edwards stumbles backwards, with Storm approaching him and grabbing onto his head, another forearm strike connecting, this one so hard that it actually knocks Edwards down onto the canvas, laying flat. Applause rings through the ears of Storm who soaks in the applause before refocusing on his opponent.

Robbie Black: When it comes down to it all, and you ask the question of who's the better striker between these two men, I'm really not sure what the answer is. Mark Storm there with thunderous forearms but as we know, Edwards is primarily a striker at heart.  

Dirge Johnson: One of the best in the game at that too. Edwards can sure endure a lot of pain and that's what he's in for tonight, a lot of pain. But that's visa versa. This is a match where there's going to be a lot of heavy hits - a visit into the strong style elements that has of course become so pivotal in the culture of Japanese wrestling. 

Bringing him back up onto his feet, Storm clubs him on the back with an elbow - and another. Edwards falls onto a knee and Storm uses his knee to strike into the head of Edwards. Edwards falls back down to the canvas, holding onto his jaw - perhaps unhinged after the stiff and brutal strikes of Mark Storm. Edwards shakes his head and Storm brings him back up to his feet. An uppercut connects from Storm, and another as he leads him into the padded corner. Edwards staggers into the corner but he's able to fight back, kick to the mid section of Storm - following this with a series of strikes starting with a forearm strike, kick across the chest, shoot kick to the back of the leg, kick across the chest again, returning to the back of the leg - culminating with one final kick to the chest that sends Storm off of his feet and onto the canvas.

Applause rings through the arena and Edwards brings Storm back up onto his feet, only to bring him back down to the canvas with double underhook brainbuster. Storm holds onto the top of his head as Edwards walks around the ring, watching Storm gradually make it to his feet. Edwards gets a hold of him, Irish whip into the ropes - a back elbow strike, Storm doesn't fall though. Snapmare to a seated position by Edwards who then locks him in a head scissors, making it difficult for Storm to breathe. Storm reaches for the ropes but once again he's in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go. Edwards is doing a good job at keeping Storm down yet again, Storm rolls onto his stomach though, managing to roll onto his back again, and get to the ropes with a foot extension.

Robbie Black: Great ring awareness by Storm!

Edwards gets off of Storm, pulling him back up to his feet. Forearm shot by Edwards, Storm returns, Edwards spins - kick to the mid section of Storm, snapmare by Edwards, kick to the back! And another one! Evidently, those kicks to the backs are doing their number on Storm who's shutting his eyes tight and trying not to let out a screen. Edwards then takes off to the ropes, coming back, stopping - leaping up, double foot stomp to the chest of Storm.

Robbie Black: Extreme measures by James Edwards who's giving it his all here tonight!

Dirge Johnson: Sickening shots Rob, I'm loving it!

Hands on his hips, Edwards then gets down and goes for the pin.

... ONE

Immediately, Edwards reverts back to a chinlock, trying to weaken Your Hero and Mine. The fans are getting behind Storm who's struggling to reach the ropes. Storm looks as if he may be out. The referee lifts his arm up.

His hand falls to the canvas. The referee lifts his arm again.

Ashley Hamilton: Looks like Storm could be out cold!

That's twice, and for a third time the referee lifts his arm up.

Dirge Johnson: No response!

Robbie Black: Could this be how it ends?

Storm clenches his fist, breathing life and Edwards quickly transitions into a lateral pin once again.

Robbie Black: And Storm, showing life!

Edwards swears he counted the three but the referee rejects his claims. Edwards picks Storm up, uppercut and Storm staggers backwards into the corner. Edwards with an Irish whip attempt, Storm reverses - running towards the cornered Edwards, who lifts his legs up, kicking Storm backwards. Edwards lifts himself up so that he's seated on the top rope. Storm claps his hands, drop kicking Edwards to the outside!

REPLAY BOARD

Robbie Black: Dropkick to the outside, executed so beautifully by Mark Storm!

Ashley Hamilton: He's been a real pleasure to watch throughout the year wherever he's gone. I'm happy that he's been putting on some stellar matches and this one is turning into another for the archives!

Applause rings through the arena and Storm looks around the arena, a grin on his face as the fans encourage him to go airborne. Storm looks at Edwards on the outside before looking at the ropes, taking off onto them, before running to the opposite ropes - suicide dive through the middle ropes, forearm to the face of Edwards who he pushes back into the guard railing. Storm pulls him back up to his feet, Irish whip hard into the barricade. Storm runs his fingers through his long hair and rolls back into the ring. Edwards is on the outside, crawling towards the ring as the referee continues to count. Storm watches him, Edwards rolls in and Storm pulls him back up to his feet. Kick to the mid section, European uppercut and Edwards is off his feet. Storm then performs a beautiful standing shooting star press, hooking the legs of Edwards!


... ONE

... ... TWO

Robbie Black: Not enough to put Edwards away!

It's now Storm who has Edwards in a chinlock. Edwards claws, doing everything in his power to get out of the tightly locked hold. Edwards is managing to get himself across the canvas ever so slightly, his leg managing to extend to force the break. Storm pulls him back up, Edwards explodes back up into action with a forearm strike. Storm delivers one of his almighty forearm strikes that sends Edwards back down to the canvas. Storm pulls him back up and Edwards has once again exploded into a frenzy of strikes, forearm strike, shoot kick, forearm strike - Storm reacts with an open palm, Edwards returns, Storm returns, Edwards returns and the two men are alternating between themselves with open palm strikes getting harder and harder and coming faster and faster, Storm then spins himself around - spinning back kick to the mid section of Edwards who falls to both knee's. Storm then takes off to the ropes, coming off of them and striking the lowered Edwards with a bicycle knee strike! 

Robbie Black: ONE SHOT, ONE KILL!

The fans applaud and Storm stands over Edwards, shaking his fists and pulling Edwards back up to his feet. Edwards staggers back into the corner effortlessly. Storm runs towards him, Edwards lifts his boot up - Storm staggers back, but then runs towards Edwards, who ducks under his strike attempt, rear waist lock - GERMAN SUPLEX executed beautifully!

The two men lay on the canvas with the fans applauding both men. The referee begins his count and Edwards is the first up on his feet. He brings Storm back up, Irish whip - Storm reverses, Edwards comes back, running STO to take Storm down to the canvas. Edwards pulls him back up, alternating with kicks to the back of the leg and the chest of Storm, quick and concise. Leaning him against the ropes, Irish whip - Edwards runs backwards to the set behind, bouncing off of them and the two men are now running at each other, the Second Gospel Bicycle Knee connecting from James Edwards! Who covers Storm!

... ONE

... ... TWO

... 

The shoulder of Storm bulges up to break the fall. 

Robbie Black: Storm kicks out after the Second Gospel!

Dirge Johnson: These men just don't know the meaning of stay down!

Edwards is back on the move, bringing Storm back up onto his feet and leaning him against the padded corner. Irish whip into the opposite corner, following him with a big boot to the face of Storm in the corner. Irish whip back into the opposite corner, and Edwards takes another run up, again with a big running boot to the head of Storm! Storm is stumbling around, approaching the center of the ring whilst Edwards slingshots his way onto the apron. Storm turns around, Edwards springboards onto the top rope before flying towards Storm, springboard forearm strike connecting! Edwards hooks the legs of Storm!

... ONE

... ... TWO

James Edwards has reached a new level of desperation, pulling Storm back up to his feet and bringing him toward the corner of the ring. Storm explodes back to life, pushing Edwards towards the center of the ring. Open palm strike to Edwards who staggers. Storm pulls him closer, another open palm strike, forearm, shoot kick, spinning backfist - spinning himself back around and landing a discus clothesline on Edwards for the Impending Storm! Edwards flips inside out and the fans applaud in appreciation of Storm, who's seems to have a second wind of life flowing through him as he rises up to his feet. Running his fingers through his hair, he pulls Edwards back up to his feet and brings him to the corner of the ring. This is where he begins an onslaught of shoot kicks that connect hard and firm to the chest of Edwards, who does well to endure the punishing strikes that Storm is putting forward but isn't doing a good job at hiding the pain. Edwards is getting angry, he's getting frustrated, but most importantly - he'd feeding off the strikes and transferring it into fuel of his own. He pushes Storm back toward the center of the ring and shouts "come on!"  to which Storm replies with: 

Robbie Black: Jesus! Look at those strikes by Mark Storm!

Ashley Hamilton: I think Edwards is stunned!

REPLAY BOARD

Your Hero and Mine then takes off to the ropes, bouncing off of them and delivering a running kick to the chest of Edwards, who falls to the canvas. Storm rises to his feet, and feeds off of the energy from the fans, nodding his head as he looks down at the battered James Edwards. He pulls him back up onto his feet and lifts him into a fireman carry position, getting ready for Dystopia but Edwards slides down his back, rear waist lock - German suplex attempt, Storm lands on his feet! Edwards turns to find that Storm is still on his feet and he runs towards him, Storm ducks under his lariat attempt - Edwards turns, and Storm delivers a pele kick that has Edwards staggering back into the ropes, managing to remain on his feet. Storm is back up on his feet and Edwards has bounced off of the ropes, a jab to the jaw of Storm that has Storm rocking a little. Edwards connects with another jab, and another before taking off to the ropes himself, bouncing off of them only to find that Storm is running past him. Storm bounces off of the ropes, and Edwards leapfrogs over him - or at least, attempts to as he fails, Storm managing to catch him in a fireman carry position, "Dystopia" inbound! Edwards fights his way out of the tricky predicament he was in. Once on his feet, he delivers a spinning backfist to Storm, who falls a little but remains standing - Edwards connects with a second backfist for his signature "Double Tap". Storm falls to his knee, holding onto his head whilst Edwards runs to the ropes, bouncing off of them - coming back and looking for his "Second Gospel" Bicycle Knee but nobodies home as Storm sidesteps. Storm turns Edwards around who's already looking to pounce, strike attempt - Storm blocks it, spinning back kick before taking off to the ropes, springboarding his way onto the second set as he looks for the "Storm Search" but Edwards catches him by the waist!

He holds him there...

The amount of strength being displayed by James Edwards being impressive! He then delivers a German suplex to Storm which he bridges into a pin!

... ONE

... ... TWO

Not enough for the victory and Storm is back up on his feet as well as Edwards. Edwards with a lariat attempt, Storm ducks under his arm, rear waist lock - German suplex of his own, which he bridges into a pin!

... ONE

... ... TWO

A kickout by James Edwards!

Both men are racing back up to their feet, Storm this time with a strike attempt on Edwards but Edwards ducks under the attempt, a snap Dragon suplex follows which he bridges into a pin!

... ONE

... ... TWO

A kickout by Storm!

And they're back up, Edwards blocks a strike attempt by Storm - headbutt! He turns him around, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! He covers him!

... ONE 

... ... TWO

... ... NOOOOOOOO! STORM KICKS OUT!

The fans are restless, not even for a second can anyone keep their eye off the action. 

Robbie Black: IT'S THE BATTLE OF THE SUPLEXES! 

Back up again, Storm blocks the strike attempt by Edwards - headbutt of his own! Butterfly suplex... TRANSITIONS INTO AN ARMBAR!

Dirge Johnson: Storm has the armbar locked in! What a move by Your Hero and Mine!

Ashley Hamilton: That was impressive, hell of a way to end the war of suplexes! 

Edwards is struggling but he's reaching the ropes. 

Somehow, someway he's managing to survive! 

Inches away now and Storm is trying to break his arm at this stage! 

Nevertheless, Edwards reaches the ropes and forces Storm to break the hold. Storm pulls Edwards back up onto his feet and signals the end of the match. He places Edwards on his shoulders, fireman carry style - throws him up, only Edwards lands on his feet, and blocks the knee to the face, rather impressively! Storm is as stunned as everyone in the arena. Edwards brings his head down, knee to the face. Storm stumbles back as Edwards takes another run up at him, the Second Gospel Bicycle Knee connecting! Storm falls back on his ass, a seated position.

Robbie Black: WE KNOW WHAT'S COMING!

Edwards takes a run up...

He swings his boot... 

STORM DUCKS! Rolls him up from behind!

... ONE


... ... TWO


... ... ... NOOOOOOO!

Dirge Johnson: Storm almost had him with a surprise roll up victory!

Back up their feet, Storm is running towards Edwards - who lifts Storm up into a fireman carry position, throws him up and connects with "Dystopia!"

Ashley Hamilton: Edwards has just used the finishing move of Mark Storm - on Mark Storm!

Robbie Black: I don't believe it!

Storm falls into a seated position...

Edwards takes a run up... 

Swings his boot...

Robbie Black: THE VIOLENT GOSPEL CONNECTS!

Edwards falls on top of the lifeless body of Mark Storm for the cover!

... ONE



... ... TWO




... ... ... THREEE!!!

DING DING DING!

"My Name is Human" by Highly Suspect plays through the speakers and applause rings through the arena as Edwards rises to his feet, his arm raised in victory but he falls to his knee's, unable to stand without the aid of the official. He looks at Mark Storm who's beginning to get up onto his knees. The two men look at each other and respectfully nod, with Edwards extending a fist toward Storm, who's hesitant at first but then fist pumps Edwards and the fans applaud the two men.

Mai Kado: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... THE WINNER OF THE MATCH BY THE WAY OF PINFALL - JAMES EDWARDS!

[James Peterson]

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.)

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."

Match Seven

NJFC Global Championship Match

30 minute limit

Mitsuo Shimada (with Hearst, Tillman) vs Owen Gonsalves 

Mai Kado: The following contest is scheduled for a one fall and it is for the NJFC Global Championship!

As the opening of Stardust by Kazsin plays through the speakers, the arena falls to silence as the lights also dim down. Strobe lights of red and gold suddenly shine towards the stage and emerging from the back is "The Savior, The Myth, And The Legend" Mitsuo Shimada, who has a stern look on his face as he stands on the top of the entrance ramp. He's all suited up, with his hands tied behind his back, he looks down and closes his eyes.

Mai Kado: Making his way to the ring, weighing in a two hundred and twenty five pounds.. Your Savior, The Myth and The Legend, MITSUO SHIMADA!

Opening his eyes, he looks back up as Kado finishes her sentence and within his eyes you can see the evil beneath. He smirks as he makes his way down the entrance ramp, jeers coming from all over the arena but he doesn't care. He's blocked out the noise of the crowd and his sole concentration is now on the ring. Reaching the edge of the ramp, he pauses once more and looks inside the ring, nodding his head before walking around the edge of the ring and mocking the fans around him. He then jumps onto the apron and latches onto the ropes, inhaling, exhaling, before entering the ring. He takes off his pants from the bottom, extinguishing them before taking his blazer and shirt off, throwing that out of the ring too, with staff on the go to collect those items.

Robbie Black: Global Championship crowning time ladies and gentlemen, and I can't think of two other competitors who deserve this opportunity as much as these two men right here. Owen Gonsalves and Mitsuo Shimada proved their claims of being up there with the best in the world during the Pride of Puroresu Crown series and now, and they've been rewarded with this opportunity. 

Dirge Johnson: The Global Championship is a title that has been frantically changing hands ever since it's inception. I'm hoping that whoever does win here tonight are able to keep onto that title and have a credible reign with it.

The hard bass beat of Run The Jewels' "Blockbuster Night Part I" vibrates throughout the arena as the crowd immediately look down the isle way in anticipation of the man about to step out from behind the curtain.

Mai Kado: And his opponent...

'Bunches and bunches

Punches is thrown until you’re frontless

Oodles and oodles

Bang bullets at suckers' noodles

Last album? Voodoo!

Proved that we was fuckin' brutal

I’m talking crazy, half past the clock is cuckoo'

As soon as Killer Mike spits the first words of the song, "Indestructible" Owen Gonsalves steps through to a pop from the audience as he flips up the collar of his old mentor's ring jacket and begins to analyse the crowd. Once El-P's verse begins, The Submission Alchemist immediately begins to walk down towards the ring, mouthing the words to the song as he acknowledges a few of the folks in the front row.

Mai Kado: From Melbourne, Australia - weighing in a two hundred and two pounds... "INDESTRUCTIBLE" OWEN GONSALVES!

'Look at these kiddies, Mike

I'm a rat-a-tat 'em for living

I deal in dirty work

Do the deed and then dash

Ditch 'em'

Robbie Black: We know these two have a bit of a history. Mitsuo Shimada of course making his presence known after attacking Chris Madison and Owen Gonsalves following their match at A New Hope in Tokyo. Gonsalves has been looking for revenge ever since. Madison got his revenge in the Crown series but Gonsalves, he gets his crack at the ever so charismatic, Mitsuo Shimada. 

Ashley Hamilton: Shimada said in the press conference that he doesn't care about the championship belt. That's not his concern. The only thing he cares about that he's better than him. But the time for talk is over, whether he'll be able to transcend words to actions - we'll see shortly!

Having made his way to the bottom of the ramp, Owen starts shadow boxing to the camera at the bottom of the ramp before throwing an elbow in the camera's direction as El-P says 'ditch 'em'. Owen climbs on the apron and up on the second turnbuckle, looking out to the audience before hopping in the ring. The music slowly fades as Owen removes his ring jacket and begins to warm up, awaiting for the match to start.

The two men look at each other from across the ring. Shinobu Ichii gets to the middle of the ring and holds up the vacant NJFC Global Championship to all sections of the crowd. Applause rings through the arena but both Shimada and Gonsalves are mute to the sound of it. They have their eyes locked on one another. 

Robbie Black: You can sense the rivalry oozing through. Gonsalves has wanted to get his hands on Shimada for a long time - now is his chance!

DING DING DING!

The bell sounds and the audience pick up the volume once more, applause ringing through the arena as Shimada and Gonsalves exchange words from across the ring. Shimada has a smirk upon his lips, leaning back against the ropes whilst Gonsalves is bouncing on the balls of his feet, chewing gum and looking calm and composed. Gonsalves begins to make movement and that urges Shimada to do the same, who gets off of the ropes and begins to circle the ring, coinciding with the movement of Gonsalves. The two approach the center of the ring and look as if they're going to connect with a collar to elbow tie up. Gonsalves lunges in and at the last second Shimada turns away from the action, shaking his head and his finger side to side, a smile on his face as he turns back to Gonsalves, who's questioningly looking at him - shrugging his shoulders. The two circle the ring once again, lunging forward for another collar to elbow tie up but once again, Shimada pulls out of it and walks around the ring. Gonsalves place his hands on his hips and looks up at the heavens, in obvious annoyances - he claps his hands, and looks at Shimada, who shrugs his shoulders.

Robbie Black: Mind games from Mitsuo Shimada very early on? We know he likes to play games, and tries to get into the head of his opponents and it seems as if he's doing that to Gonsalves right now.

Ashley Hamilton: Make him angry, make him frustrated and you can find loopholes from there.

Once again, the two men are circling the ring - lunging forward to the center for a collar to elbow, Shimada walks away from it but Gonsalves follows him on this occasion, clubbing him around the back relentlessly as Shimada stumbles forwards and clutches onto the ropes, forcing the rope break. Shimada turns himself round so that his back is against the ropes and he leans back into it, holding his hands up. Gradually, Gonsalves lifts his hands off of him - but then he fakes a strike attempt, Shimada flinches ever so slightly - Gonsalves then gently pats him on the pecs, walking backwards with applause ringing through the arena. Shimada shakes his head, turns away before turning back - spitting toward Owen Gonsalves, the spit landing on the chest of Gonsalves.

Robbie Black: The disrespect from Mitsuo!

Dirge Johnson: You call it disrespect, I call it a smart move.

The Savior, The Myth and The Legend has a smile on his face, he's laughing at Gonsalves who brings his head up, Shimada walks over to him and open palm strikes him on the right cheek. He tells him to react, pleading him to do something. But Gonsalves remains silent, his head bowed. Shimada delivers another open palm strike to the right cheek. Following this with a forearm strike, and another strike. Shimada takes off to the ropes and when he returns he finds Gonsalves running in the direction he just took off in. Shimada turns, watching Gonsalves bounce off of the ropes, fly towards him and take him down with a European uppercut. Shimada hits the canvas and Gonsalves mounts on top of him, or at least tries to as Shimada is scrambling backwards on his ass, Gonsalves managing to connect with a couple of stiff strikes to Shimada before he reaches the ropes and latches onto them to enforce a rope break. The referee drags Gonsalves off of Shimada who has a smile on his face, but not a genuine smile, a smile of surprise. He wanted that to happen. He encouraged it. And now he knew, that this was going to be a match he had to be on the top of his game of. Gonsalves looks at Shimada and holds up a middle finger, and the fans applaud and laugh as Shimada gets to his feet, telling Gonsalves he needs to calm down by using hand gestures.

Circling the ring, the two are hesitant to be the first man to make a plunge towards the center of the ring. It's Gonsalves who's getting lower and lower, looking to catch Shimada with a double leg take down but Shimada does well to avoid any attempt. Shimada matches him, getting in a low stance too and the two are throwing their arms out at one another - managing to engage in a standard knuckle lock from their low stationary position. The two men fight their way back to an upright position and it's Mitsuo Shimada who gets the best of Gonsalves, managing to quickly lock him in a side headlock. Shimada tightens the hold, squeezing and wanting to pop the head of Owen Gonsalves who remains strong and resilient. Gonsalves pushes him back against the ropes, looking to break the hold but Shimada returns to the center of the ring with the hold still intact. He then takes him down to the canvas with a side headlock slam, Gonsalves is quick to wrap his legs around the body of Shimada, who has to release the hold in order to kip upwards. The two men race to their feet and this time it's Owen Gonsalves with the advantage, arm drag - take down, transitions into an armbar. He positions the arm of Shimada that that its pointed upwards, gets to his feet and looks to stomp on his elbow, Shimada rolls out of the way just in time to avoid any connection!

Robbie Black: That could've been costly right there by Owen Gonsalves! Owen is tactically astute, and technically, accurate. He's going to pick a target on the body of Shimada and go for it, and it looks like it could be the arm of Shimada.

Back up on his feet, Shimada begins to circle the ring as does Gonsalves, the two men lunge forward, Gonsalves is quick to get in behind Shimada with a rear waist lock being locked in, tight. Shimada stomps on his boot, before quickly turning himself round and reversing the situation. Rear waist lock, but Gonsalves runs backwards, forcing Shimada back into the padded corner. He takes a step forward, before throwing his elbows backwards, alternating between the two as they connect with the head of Shimada, who is defenseless. Gonsalves stops after a tenth hit and takes off to the ropes. He bounces off of them as Shimada stumbles out of the corner. He leapfrogs over Gonsalves who takes off to the opposite ropes. Gonsalves fakes the rebound and Shimada jumps up in anticipation. Gonsalves then runs towards him, slides in behind his legs. Now in behind him, he shoot kicks him in the back of the right leg. Shimada falls to a knee and Gonsalves takes off to the ropes once again, coming back - sliding across the canvas as he delivers a lariat on Shimada! He then hooks his legs...

... ONE

... ... TWO

Robbie Black: And Shimada kicks out of the first pinfall of the contest!

Ashley Hamilton: And he's straight out of there!

Rolling to the outside of the ring, Shimada holds onto his neck in obvious pain, looking back inside the ring at Owen Gonsalves who's on his knees' glaring at Shimada. Shimada walks around the outside of the ring, being patted on the back by his Dog of War companions as he stops and looks back at Owen. Gradually, he gets himself up on the apron, but Owen is running at him straight out of the blocks. Shimada jumps down, holds his hand up and chuckles. Gonsalves takes a couple of steps back, inviting him back into the ring. Shimada rolls ever so slightly onto the apron before fully rolling into the ring. He's cautious as he lays on the canvas, looking directly at Owen who has his hands cemented on his knee's. Shimada then poses from his lying down position, a smirk upon his lips and Gonsalves continues to watch him. 

Robbie Black: Always so confident. Mitsuo Shimada has made quite the impression ever since coming to New Japan Fighting Championship. He's a character that's for sure. 

Dirge Johnson: Cocky, insubordinate, cut throat, straight to the point. My type of man Robbie!

Getting to his feet, Shimada begins to circle the ring and Owen does too. The two men grapple in the center of the ring, collar to elbow tie up. Owen pushes Shimada back into the corner, forward clinch - bringing Shimada down, knee's to the mid section following. Owen then brings him out of the corner, arm wrench before bringing his arm backwards, hammerlock in behind. Shimada struggles for a moment, but then he's able to reverse the move so that now he's got the hammerlock on Owen, who's even quicker to react - swiveling around and gaining control back. He trips Shimada up, forcing him to land hard on the canvas on his face. He then manages to lock him in a surfboard submission hold that he locks in beautifully, with applause ringing through the arena. Shimada shakes his head at the request of quitting and Owen knows it's going to take more than this particular move to beat him, so after a few more seconds, he lets go of him. Shimada crawls towards the rope but Owen isn't letting him near it. He stomps on him. And again. And again. The stomps are violent, behind each stomps there's a purpose as he isn't just targeting the back. He stomps on the back of course, but also the legs, and the arms, and the head of Shimada. He pulls him back up to his feet and leans him against the corner, where he greets him with a backhanded chop that sends shock-waves reverberating through the arena. It's a sickening catastrophic chop that has everyone clutching at their chest, making sure that they still have their's intact. Owen smiles, saying "how you like that, motherfucker?" and delivers another stiff chop to the chest. He wants to hurt him. He hopes that Shimada is in as much pain as possible. And by the look on his face, he's that exactly. Shimada moves across the ring to the corner nearby but Gonsalves stalks him. Turns him around, leans him against the corner - backhanded chop, once again, landing it sweetly. Shimada walks over to the center of the ring, shouting and cursing in Japanese. Gonsalves turns him around, open palm strike. He then says "come on", another open palm strike connecting. Shimada staggers, but brings himself back to connect with an open palm of his own. All of a sudden the two are at it exchanging open palm strikes, each strike coming faster than the last and harder, with the fans shouting along with the two competitors in the ring. Gonsalves wins the dual of strikes, connecting with a forearm strikes that sends spit flying out of the mouth of Shimada. Gonsalves then takes off to the ropes, bouncing off of them but now Shimada is running in his direction and past him, coming off of the ropes with Owen quickly having to improvise - he rolls forwards, underneath the extended arm of Shimada, back up on his feet, he turns around to block a strike attempt from Shimada. He throws a strike out of his own, Shimada blocks it - shoot kick to the thigh. Gonsalves staggers, Shimada heads to the ropes, bounces back - Gonsalves is up, brings him down with a leaping lariat. Shimada gets back up to his feet in a hurry, Gonsalves ducks under the strike attempt by Shimada, full nelson, snap Dragon suplex! 

REPLAY BOARD

Robbie Black: Goddamn! "Paroxysm" by Gonsalves!

Ashley Hamilton: It's move like that, that can end a career!

... ONE



... ... TWO


Shimada with the shoulder bursting upwards! 

Gonsalves is back up on his feet and receives applause from the audience. He plays to them, a smile on his face before noticing that Devin Hearst and Jack Tillman are up on the apron. He rushes towards them, scaring them off as he shoo's them away. Leaning over the ropes, he tells them to "fuck off"  and even gives them both the finger, the fans laughing and applauding this. But they're also warning Gonsalves that Shimada is coming from behind. 

Dirge Johnson: Great tactical skills from the Dogs of War, distracting Gonsalves, allowing time for Shimada to recuperate. 

Ashley Hamilton: Tactical? More like criminal!

Dirge Johnson: Whatever gets the win, baby. 

Grabbing Gonsalves, Shimada turns him around and greets him with a flurry of strikes. Irish whip, Gonsalves reverse, Shimada bounces off of the ropes and comes at Gonsalves with a flying forearm - Gonsalves moves out of the way, Shimada lands on his feet. Turning around, Gonsalves now runs at Shimada who lifts him up, and takes him down with a flapjack that he then transitions into a hammerlock. A smart move by Shimada, who receives applause for the quick transition but Gonsalves is quickly able to move onto his back and use his free leg to kick at Shimada, who let's go of the ankle lock. Gonsalves is now back up with Shimada going at him with clubs around the back, leading him over to the padded corner. Boots to the mid section follow and Shimada makes his way to the opposite corner, bouncing off of them like they're a set of ropes before coming back at Gonsalves, a stiff forearm strike connecting. He brings him out of the corner and delivers a northern lights suplex. He rolls, still intact with Gonsalves and now delivers a vertical suplex in succession. He covers Gonsalves.

... ONE



... ... TWO


Not enough to put away Gonsalves! 

Shimada stomps on him. 

And does so again. 

And again. And it's getting to a point where you can see the blood of Owen Gonsalves boil as each stomp connects. He's turning red and with every boot that connects with his face, he's gradually getting up. Shimada laughs at him, and spits on him too, which is the icing on the cake - the breaking point. All of a sudden, Gonsalves is relentless going at Shimada with a barrel of strikes, forearm, open palm, uppercut - grabbing his fingers and pulling back and forth on it, intentionally trying to break the fingers of Shimada who's reaching for the ropes in urgency. Shimada extends his foot and gets it on the middle rope, Gonsalves let's go of his fingers - European uppercut. Leans him against the ropes, Irish whip attempt - reversed, Gonsalves heads to the ropes, springboard onto the second rope, corkscrewing himself back around, and landing a European uppercut on Shimada - "Sky Uppercut"! 

Robbie Black: What a move by Owen Gonsalves to change the tide of the match!

Rolling to the outside, Shimada recovers with his Dogs of War comrades at aid. Gonsalves takes to the ropes, bounces off of them and then runs towards Shimada and the Dogs of War on the outside, he leaps over the top rope, somersaulting onto his targets on the outside with his Tope Con Hilo! 

Robbie Black: And Gonsalves goes airborne on the Dogs of War!

Ashley Hamilton: That's what I like to see, all three men getting what they deserve!

Dirge Johnson: And what exactly have Hearst and Tillman done to deserve that? They're spectators, just like the rest of us! Pure, disrespect by Gonsalves!

Ashley Hamilton: Cry me a river!

Bringing Shimada back up onto his feet, Gonsalves holds him by the back of the head and launches him into the guard railing. Shimada's back connects hard with the railing and Gonsalves takes a few steps backwards. He realizes that Jack and Hearst are recovering, so he quickly ensures that they're back down, running uppercut to Jack and then to Hearst. He then turns, charging towards Shimada who's leaning against the railing. Gonsalves decks him over the railing with an uppercut and Shimada has fallen into the fans area. A bunch of Young Dragons surround Shimada, to ensure that the fans are also safe as well as Shimada who's using the Young Dragons as protection as Gonsalves comes over. A Young Dragon is pushed into the direction of Gonsalves by Shimada, bumping heads, Gonsalves stumbles backwards - shakes his head a little, but is back on the look for Shimada who's climbing over the railing. Gonsalves follows, turning him around but Shimada pokes him in the eye. He then slams the head of Gonsalves onto the apron before rolling him into the ring and following. 

Gonsalves is rubbing his eye, trying to make it better but it's no use. Shimada laughs as he watches his opponent squirm around the ring. He brings him back up to his feet and Irish whips him hard into the corner. He follows up with a back elbow before lifting Gonsalves up onto the top rope. He joins him on the second rope and taunts the fans as he positions himself, Gonsalves still rubbing at his eye. Shimada looks for a super hurricanrana off of the top rope but Gonsalves manages to stay on the top rope, latching onto the ropes to avoid the fall. He brings Shimada up, and now has him in a powerbomb position! 

Robbie Black: My God, we could be witnessing a powerbomb off of the top rope! 

Ashley Hamilton: A taste of his own medicine, only ten times worse! 

It looks as if Gonsalves is going to do it but then Shimada is able to fight his way out of it somehow, using strikes to the head before landing on his feet on the canvas. He stumbles back a little before running back towards Gonsalves, who jumps over him, rolls and is back up on his feet. The two run at each other now, with Gonsalves stopping first and helping Shimada to the ropes. Shimada bounces back...

Robbie Black: "Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike", DEVESTATING KNEE!

REPLAY BOARD

Bringing Shimada back up to his feet, he Irish whips him back to the ropes. 

Shimada bounces back...

Robbie Black: ROLLING KICK BY SHIMADA!

REPLAY BOARD

Shimada covers him!

... ONE



... ... TWO


... ... .. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Cheers echo through the arena as the arm of Owen Gonsalves bursts upwards. Shimada rises to his feet and laughs sadistically, not phased by the efforts of Gonsalves. He pulls Gonsalves up so that he's on his knee's and says to him in Japanese "quit, that's your best option kid". He then spits on his face and walks away, jeers echoing through the arena, the mere disrespect shown by Shimada, disgusting the fans. Gonsalves has his fist clenched but is still effected by the rolling kick by Shimada, who then pulls him completely back up to his feet. Shimada Irish whips him to the ropes, pops him up as he looks for the powerbomb - but Owen manages to counter with a knee to the face. Shimada falls to a knee but gradually gets up as Owen takes off to the ropes. Another bicycle knee connecting, this time harder than the last! Owen then picks him up by his wrist and signals for the "Darkest Lariat"! The fans are up on their feet and the noise in the arena is electrifying. Owen clutches him in, spins him out before hitting a devastating lariat that has Shimada flipping inside out! 

Robbie Black: THE DARKEST LARIATTTTT CONNECTS! HE'S GONNA TRY LOCK IN THE KRUKENBERG SUBMISSION! 

Dirge Johnson: Nope! No he's not, Shimada is rolling away! 

Before Gonsalves could even try, he had let go of Shimada who had now rolled onto the apron. Owen stumbles towards him, grabbing him by his legs and dragging him to the center of the ring. He then flips forwards with his hands still on both legs, bridging into a pin! 

... ONE





... ... TWO






... ... .. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!

"O - WEN, O - WEN, O - WEN, O - WEN!"

Ashley Hamilton: I thought he had him! This one continues!

Roaring, Gonsalves embraces the love from the audience as Shimada gradually makes his way back up onto his feet. Gonsalves stands opposite him and the two men share a glance. They then run at each other and relentlessly trade shots, ferocious and boxing like - shots going everywhere. The two men then begin to ease up and lean into each other, the duration and intensity proving too much for both men. But then all of a sudden, they've returned to the tempo they were just at, and are exchanging strikes once again. Shimada with a forearm, Gonsalves stumbles back into the ropes - returns - HEADBUTT! Gonsalves then locks him in his signature submission hold "We Swear By The Southern Cross To Stand Truly By Each Other And Fight To Defend Our Rights And Liberties!", Double Arm Octopus Stretch! 

Robbie Black: HE'S GOT IT LOCKED IN! 

Shimada is shaking his head in refusal.

Gonsalves is tightening the hold. 

Robbie Black: Nowhere to go! Nowhere to hide! He's gotta tap! 

"Do you wanna tap?" the referee asked, "NOOOOO", is what Shimada screamed back whilst shaking his head. 

Robbie Black: HE'S NOT GONNA TAP! WHAT DOES OWEN GOTTA DO?

Transition, Owen beautifully transitions into the Krukenberg - Wrist-Bending Omoplata!

Robbie Black: KRUKENBERGGGG!

The energy in the arena as this stage is unreal as Owen now has his finishing hold intact. Shimada is screaming! This is the most vulnerable we've ever seen him! Owen has the lock in tight and he's pull away, wrenching and squeezing the life out of Mitsuo Shimada, who's refusing to tap out. Gonsalves is using his free leg to stomp on the shoulder of Shimada whilst he bends back on his fingers! 

Robbie Black: MY GODD! BENDING BACK ON THOSE FINGERS, BOOTS TO THE SHOULDER - IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME! 

Shimada is moving, somehow! 

He's on his way to the ropes!

Dirge Johnson: Let's go Shimada! 

Owen's eyes shoot open, as Shimada manages to reach the ropes with his free leg extending onto the bottom rope! 

Ashley Hamilton: I can't believe it! 

"Indestructible" Owen Gonsalves is back up on his feet and he knows what's needed to be done to secure the win. He pulls Shimada up onto his feet and finally positions him for the "Final Gambit" piledriver. Shimada isn't lifting. Owen tries again. But no, he isn't lifting. Shimada then lifts Owen up and over who lands hard on the canvas, arching onto his back. Shimada runs at Owen, back elbow to the face. He's back up on his feet, but Shimada greets him with a clothesline this time. Owen is back up on his feet, with Shimada bouncing off of the ropes and flying towards Gonsalves, forearm connecting. Shimada then kips himself back up onto his feet and poses briefly. 

Pulling Gonsalves back up to his feet, he throws him to the ropes, Owen fakes the comeback before running at Shimada on his own accord, Shimada still manages to pop him up, but Gonsalves manages to wrap his legs around his neck for the hurricanrana, hooking his legs for the pin!

... ONE








... ... TWO









... ... .. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!


Exploding back up to his feet, Owen runs at Shimada who toe kicks him in the mid section, snapmares him into a seated position, heads off to the ropes and bounces off of them, coming back with a basement drop kick to Gonsalves, who's rolled to the apron. Shimada then poses as he lays on the canvas but this too is only brief. He's back up on his feet and once again looking to finish Owen with his signature pop up powerbomb. He grabs him, throws him to the ropes, Owen comes back, SUPERKICK. Shimada stumbles back into the ropes, coming back and looks for a rolling kick, Owen avoids the kick and grabs onto the rolling leg of Shimada, looking to lock him in a single leg boston crab! Shimada fights his way out of it. Back up on his feet and by the corner, Owen runs towards the cornered Shimada who lifts him up and onto the apron, before delivering a quick enziguri kick. Owen holds onto the ropes with one hand, trying not to fall to the outside. Shimada then lifts him up and over, back into the ring and now has him in a vertical suplex position. Owen fights his way out of it using his knee and Shimada lets him down. Owen then catches him with a lariat that has him shooting down to the canvas! Owen picks him back up, wrist clutch - spun out, Shimada comes back with a lariat of his own. Shimada picks him, Irish whip to the ropes - Owen comes back, pop up - POWERBOMB!

Robbie Black: DESTINY CALLS!

He isn't done. 

He rushes to the ropes. 

Climbs up onto the top one.

He's positioning himself steadily. 

CORKSCREW MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP ROPE! 

Robbie Black: FALLLLL OFFF GOOOOODDDDDDDD!

He covers him! 

... ONE











... ... TWO












... ... ... THREEEE!

DING DING DING!

The arena falls to silence. Stardust then plays through the arena and confetti falls from above. Shimada lies alongside a broken Owen Gonsalves, but he's just as broken as he is. The Dogs of War raid the ring, Hearst and Tillman helping the battered brand new Global Champion back up to his feet. Hearst grabs a hold of the title, the title he held so dear to him but now, it was his companions. There's a look that the two share before Hearst breaks a smile and places the title on the shoulder of Shimada, the referee holding the arm of Mitsuo in victory!

Mai Kado: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN - THE WINNER OF THE MATCH AND THE NEW... NJFC GLOBAL CHAMPION ... - MITSUO SHIMADAA!

There's boos, there's cheers - echoing through the arena. 

Robbie Black: There you have it folks! Mitsuo Shimada is the new Global Champion!

Ashley Hamilton: I just can't wrap my head around it.. I thought - I, I thought he had him beat!

Robbie Black: Didn't we all...

Dirge Johnson: Pfft, speak for yourselves! Not me! I knew my boy would pull through and that's exactly what he did! The new Global champion ladies and gentlemen!

[James Peterson]

dPEEg

"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.

TOKYO KNIVES

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.)

Showcase Match

GPC Tag Team Championship Match

45 minute limit

Jason Cashe & Tommy Knox vs Jacqui Monroe & Kenshin Takamura

[James Peterson]

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.)

CHRIS MADISON

(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.)

MAIN EVENT

GPC World Heavyweight Championship

Pride of Puroresu Crown Finals!

60 minute limit

Chandler Scott vs Chris Madison

Mai Kado: The following contest is scheduled for a one fall and it is the finals of the Pride of Puoresu Crown, for the Global Puroresu Crown World Heavyweight championship! Introducing first... 

The lights dim as the sound of a guitar plays throughout the arena. Multi-colored lasers soon begin to shoot out from the stage. Once their attention has been captured, the crowd turns to the entryway to prepare for the man that's about to walk out. At the 25 second mark, “Animal Ghosts” bursts through the speakers. Chandler Scott steps through the curtain with outstretched arms to a loud ovation from the crowd.

Mai Kado: From Westwood, Massachusetts - weighing in a two hundred and twenty six pounds... CHANDLER SCOTT!

Chandler swaggers his way down to the ring and slaps hands with the fans along the way, he rolls himself into the ring as the lights come back on. Chandler times his ascension onto the middle ropes with the beginning of the chorus. The crowd sings along with the chorus while Chandler, flips his good back and poses with his arms stretched. When the chorus ends, Chandler hops off the middle ropes, turns and lands on his feet. He begins slipping off his leather jacket and tosses it to the outside as he waits for his opponent.

Robbie Black: MAIN EVENT TIME BABY! This is what it's all about. This is what they've worked for. The finals of the Pride of Puroresu Crown! And what a bout it is! From my understanding, it's the first time these two have met one on one in the ring. What an occasion to have your first match against one another.

Dirge Johnson: Chris Madison is universally popular. Someone who's been in the industry for a very long time and ever since he's come to New Japan, he's cemented himself as the top dollar competitor in the promotion. Completed Four Corners Wrestling with ease and wanted a bigger challenge. So he came here to Japan and has been the top dog ever since. Chandler Scott, one of the most talented and undoubtedly one of the best in the business. Made a name for himself in Frontier Grappling Arts and elevated the promotion as well as himself through the years. It's a dream match that we have here ladies and gentlemen. It's a match that you only get once in a lifetime. 

Ashley Hamilton: This is bigger than any other match we've had here in our history. Bigger than Davidson versus Pariah. This isn't only the finals of the Crown series but it's also a World Heavyweight title match. A championship belt that has been disrespected, spat out and hardly defended - but one of these men, are about to pioneer the championship to another level. One of these men, is going to bring salvation to that championship belt.

The arena's lights dim to black as the opening guitar riffs to "War Machine" by KISS begin to screech over the P.A. system. The video screen lights up with visual static noise. Suddenly in the center of the screen a black handprint begins pulsating to the beat of the drum that has began to play.

Mai Kado: And his opponent...

A spotlight shines on the entrance ramp and we see Chris Madison standing with his head bowed under a black towel, wearing an official FGA licensed t-shirt that says, "Always Ready For War," across the chest. He nods his head to the music and as the chorus breaks he rips the towel from his head and tosses it into the live audience, starting his way down the ramp toward, the ring.

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

Mai Kado: Coming to the ring from Long Island, New York, weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds and standing six feet tall, "Mayhem" CHRIS MAAADDIISSOONN!!!

Madison makes it to the base of the steps and places one foot down before scoping out the fans directly behind him by peering over his shoulder. He smirks as the live audience sings along to the entrance music and then marches up the steps and climbs through the ropes. He immediately leaps up onto the middle rope and faces out towards the crowd. He brings his fists up to his face and punches his jaw with each hand before shooting his arms out horizontally with his hands wide open, welcoming whatever challenge is coming his way. Madison hops backwards, bouncing off of his feet and turns towards the center of the ring, snarling and ready to go...

Robbie Black: This is the match that we've been waiting for. God, can you feel that electricity? The fans are pumped. I know I am too. 

Dirge Johnson: The pressure is on for these two gentlemen but they're used to that pressure. They've had that pressure with them their whole careers and look at what they've accomplished through the years. But this, is another ball game. This, is an environment unlike American soil. This is Japan but these two have become accustomed to the ways things work around here and that's why they find themselves in this position right here tonight. 

Ashley Hamilton: Two super-humans colliding - I'm having a hard time figuring out who's going to walk out the winner.

JASON P DAVIDSON 

1st GPC World Heavyweight Champion

JON KELLAR 

2nd GPC World Heavyweight Champion

Appearing on the screen are images of Jason Davidson and Jon Kellar, one after the other - a sign of respect for those who have held the title before. The images fade away and the attention turns back to the center of the ring where the referee is explaining the rules to both of the men before the contest starts. They're looking at each other, nodding their heads in response to the referee's words but they aren't actually listening. You can tell. The noise in the arena is too loud and the referee's speech is becoming almost inaudible as the defeaning chants of: 

"MAD-I-SON, MAD-I-SON, MAD-I-SON"

Echoes through the arena. Madison remains calm, blocking out the shouts from the fans as Frankie Morrison stands on the outside of the ring. For the first time ever, Morrison is ringside in support of Madison whilst Chandler Scott has no one by his corner. 

Robbie Black: Welp, I think it's clear who the fans want to be walking out as their champion tonight!

Ashley Hamilton: The fans want, what the fans want! But the question is, does Chris Madison want it more than Chandler Scott - that's the question!

Dirge Johnson: Of course he does. This is what he's been working for ever since he came to the promotion. This is everything to him!

Scott remains silent too. Despite not being the fan favorite on this occasion, the fans still respect and applaud Scott as he briefly poses for the fans, climbing onto the second rope and throwing his arms up in the air to rally up his supporters. Madison smirks and walks towards the ropes, gesturing for the fans to make some noise and they do, a lot louder than they did for Scott. 

The referee is passed over the GPC World Heavyweight Championship and he holds the title up for the fans to see it. He's joined by three members of the Global Puroresu Crown committee as well as majority owner James Peterson, who has the coveted crown in his possession. The referee and James exchange championship for crown and now the referee holds the crown up for the fans to see.

Robbie Black: Here!

The referee walks looks at the bell ringer. 

Robbie Black: We! 

He signals for the bell to be rung. 

Robbie Black: Go!

DING DING DING!

The bell sounds and the aftermath of cheers and applause still rings through the arena as the two men quickly pace around the ring in circles. They're quick with their movement which isn't something the fans were expecting but it's what they were given. It's setting the tempo for the match. Madison gets lower and lower as he circles the ring, which forces Scott to think hard about how he's going to navigate himself around the ring. He gets low too, not wanting the experienced Madison to catch his legs and take him down, something that Madison is very good at and is well known for his take down ability. Their fingers intertwine and they find themselves in a test of strength. Both men basically crouching in position and trying to get the upper hand on the other. And it's 'Mayhem' Chris Madison who's able to out power Scott. Pushing him back against the padded corner. Scott of course has his leg on the ropes and the referee intervenes, warning Madison of disqualification is he doesn't release the hold. Madison, reluctantly, let's go of Scott - gently patting him on the pecs before a cheeky slap to the face connects. Madison walks backwards to the center of the ring and Scott has his face turned away from him. He grins, but you can tell that there's annoyance in his grin as he looks back at Madison, who gestures for him to meet him in the center of the ring. Scott approaches him and the two go for a collar to elbow tie up, but Scott is quick to swivel himself around Madison, rear waist lock from behind. Madison isn't a stranger to these type of holds and knows the in and outs of them. He stomps on the foot of Scott and swivels his way around, reversing the move so that now he has Scott in a rear waistlock. He picks him up, and slams him hard onto the canvas face first, proceeding to lock him in a front facelock but Scott moves onto his back quick, avoiding any lock that can be sustained. Madison rises to his feet whilst Scott remains on the canvas. Madison grabs Scott by the legs only for Scott to push him back with his feet, rising to his feet shortly afterward. Madison runs towards Scott who avoids a leaping forearm attempt by rolling under the arm of Madison. He rises to his feet, anticipating Madison well and helping him on his quest to the ropes, patting him on the back as he passes him. Madison hits the ropes but fakes the comeback, Scott see's this coming and remains in a stationary position. Madison runs towards Scott, who throws an arm out - looking for a lariat. Madison ducks underneath and has Scott in a rear waist lock position. He lifts him, looking for a deadlift German suplex but Scott stays strong, forcing himself down every time he's lifted up by Madison. Scott uses his elbows to fight his way out of the position. His elbows of course a dangerous part to his game. Madison let's go of him and Scott turns around, connecting with several crisp shots to the head as he leads him to the corner. He grabs him by his arm, Irish whip into the opposite corner. He then makes a run toward Madison flying as he lands an elbow smash to the cornered Madison. He then runs to the ropes as Madison stumbles out of the corner, Scott bounces off of the ropes and when he comes back, he's lifted up into the air and planted down onto the canvas with a Spinebuster by Madison!

Robbie Black: What an opening to the main event! It's been quick, it's been methodical and it's set the tempo for the rest of this contest that's for sure. Chandler Scott has been calm. He's managed to find a loophole for everything Madison has thrown in his direction but he didn't have an answer for that Spinebuster. Scott would've done extensive studying but he had no idea that Spinebuster was going to come out.

Dirge Johnson: There's some things you can't prepare for Rob. Madison needs to keep Chandler on the ground now and do what he does best, wear down his opponents inch by inch. He's a submission specialist. A trained mixed martial artist who has been doing this for two decades. Keep him down and work on squeezing the life out of Scott and he'll have this match for sure.

Slowly, Chandler Scott has managed to make his way to the corner of the ring, using the ropes nearby to help himself up. Of course Madison is aware of this. He's watching him from the center of the ring, waiting for the right moment to pounce. Madison approaches him and turns him around so that now he's facing him. He brings him away from the corner and engages with a Muay Thai clinch, pressing him into the ropes before connecting with a barrage of knee strikes that connect one after the other. 

Robbie Black: Now that's brutal! Those knee's of Chris Madison connecting with the body of Chandler Scott!

The referee counts, warning Madison of disqualification and eventually he let's go. Grabbing him by his head, he brings him back over to the center of the ring. Connecting with a low kick to the leg but Scott doesn't fall. He clenches his fist and stands up even taller - asking Madison "is that all you got?!" with a chuckle following. Madison connects with another low kick to the leg of Scott who doesn't fall but staggers a little bit, returning to his tall stature and breathing lightly. Madison connects with a third kick to the leg and Scott falls this time, allowing Madison to run to the ropes - bounce back to the direction of Chandler, connecting with a flying knee strike to the lowered Chandler Scott! 

Robbie Black: Flying knee strike by Chris Madison!

He hooks his legs...

... ONE

Almost immediately, Chandler Scott kicks out. 

Ashley Hamilton: Those knee's of Chris Madison are going to be costly for Chandler Scott, who doesn't look like he knows where he is after that knee strike to the head but he knows enough to kick out in the first pin attempt of the finals.  

Crawling towards the ropes Chandler goes whilst Madison has his hands by his waist. He watches Chandler go and smiles, perhaps a realization of what he has to do in order to wear him down has sparked in his mind. He looks at Chandler as he walks towards him, pulling him back up to his feet. Chandler fights as he's being helped up. He's throwing punches and strikes at Madison who seems unaffected by the strike attempts by Chandler Scott. Madison grabs Chandler by his left arm and wrenches his arm round, yanking it down afterward. 

Robbie Black: Target, acquired! We know Chandler has an arm/shoulder injury last year that kept him out of action for a long period of time and it looks like Madison is going to focus on that arm.

'Mayhem' Madison wrenches the arm yet again, yanking down on it - before beating it down with his free hand. Scott winces a little but fights through his emotion to hide the pain. Chandler then returns to reality, he rolls forward - getting back up to his feet, breaking the hold with his free hand. He then delivers a crisp chop to the chest of Madison, and another and another and has Madison on the ropes now. Irish whip attempt - Madison reverses, Scott bounces off of the opposite ropes, leaping over the grounded Madison who attempts to trip him up. He bounces off of the ropes once again, with Madison leapfrogging over him on this occasion. Scott stops himself from running to the ropes again. Madison turns around and is surprised to see that Scott is there. Scott grabs him and connects with an European uppercut. Spit flies out of the mouth of Madison who staggers back. Scott pulls him in, Irish whip to the ropes - Madison bounces back, and Scott performs a tilt-a-whirl slam on Madison who rolls to the outside of the ring after the move. 

Applause for the efforts of Chandler Scott follows, who's fought his way back into the contest. At this stage, he's now established himself as the underdog - something that he isn't normally accustomed to, but it's a role he's playing tremendously well, playing to the crowd a little as Madison recovers on the outside. Madison is being pep talked by Frankie Morrison, who warns Madison of the incoming Chandler Scott who rolled to the outside. Scott grabs him and as he does, an elbow goes into the mid section of Chandler. Chandler bends over and Madison clubs him round the back with his forearm, repeatedly. He straightens him up and grabs him by the head, bringing him over to the announce table - more specifically, the Japanese announce table. He lifts him up and attempts to lift him over the guard railing, toward the announce table. Scott remains on his feet. Strike to the side of Madison forces him to release him. Scott then pushes Madison back into the apron, his back connecting hard with the edge of the ring! Madison winches and Scott continues to spear him continuously into the apron. Chandler then lifts him up in a vertical suplex position, holds him there before slamming him hard onto the floor! Dangerous C rises to his feet almost immediately and rolls back into the ring to break the count. He climbs onto the top rope and positions himself steadily. He breathes in and out, waiting for Madison to rise back up onto his feet. He flies off of the top rope, connecting with a frog splash to the standing Chris Madison!

Robbie Black: Now that's how you do it! Frog splash to the outside by Chandler Scott!

Dirge Johnson: Impressive display of athleticism following that outstanding suplex, gliding through the air and executing a frog splash Eddie Guerrero would be proud of. 

REPLAY BOARD

The referee continues to count and it's Chandler Scott who's up on his feet first. He's breathing heavily, grabbing Madison and rolling him into the ring. He joins him shortly after and goes for the cover. 

... ONE

Barely even a one suffices.

Both of these men still have a lot of spring in their step. 

It's Chandler who's up first, grabbing a recovering Chris Madison. Madison reacts well, strikes to the side of Scott who eases up on his grasp. Chandler let's go of him completely and holds onto his shoulder, which he may have tweaked following that frog splash to the outside. Madison gets to his feet and focuses on the shoulder of Scott. He clubs it repeatedly, wrenching his arm around and yanking it down. He then brings him back up, gets in behind him - hammerlock intact, lifting him up and performing a Hammerlock suplex. He covers...

... ONE

... ... TWO

But still, Chandler kicks out. 

'Mayhem' Madison continues to focus on the arm as he keeps Chandler grounded, locking him in an armbar submission hold and tightening it with every chance he gets. The referee checks up on Chandler who shakes his head sideways when asks if he wants to quit. Chandler is in obvious pain but he's still managing to crawl his way toward the ropes. Madison releases the hold before he can get to the ropes, and drives his elbows repeatedly into the shoulder of Chandler. This is the relentless side of Chris Madison that is being shown right now, a side with no regard for his opponent's well-being. This is Chris Madison, the animal on display tonight and the fans watch, disturbed by his mannerisms and approach to handling Chandler Scott. Scott rolls to the outside and Madison is stopped by the official, who warns him once again that he needs to obey the rope break rule. Madison doesn't show any emotion or even gives the official a response. He walks back to the center of the ring and looks at the ropes before looking back at Chandler. He runs to the ropes, bouncing off of them before running in the direction of Chandler Scott, who's moved away to avoid any incoming attack. Madison stops himself and Chandler is now walking away. Madison exits the ring and patiently waits for Chandler to turn around, once he does, Madison is charging in his direction - Chandler reacts with a drop kick to the knee that takes Madison down. He pulls him back up onto his feet and delivers a barrel of strikes as he leads him over to the railing, lifting him over it and placing him on the announce table. 

The crowd begin to rile up, excited with the potential fall they might be able to see on the Japanese announce table, with the announcers clearing away from the scene. Chandler joins him on the table, pulling him back up onto his feet. The two men fight up on the table, exchanging strikes as both men look to gain the upper hand. And it's Chandler who's getting the best of Madison now, a knee to the mid section forces Madison to bend over. Chandler positions himself before positioning Madison. He has him up in a brainbuster position and before you know it, the two go crashing through the announce table!

Robbie Black: BRAINBUSTER THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!

Dirge Johnson: You see the way Madison landed on his head?! 

Ashley Hamilton: EMT's are checking up on him!

There's a moment of uncertainty as Madison seems out of it completely. Chandler Scott however, has found himself back in the comfort of the four sided ring. Pacing the ring as the referee counts down Madison, who's brushed away a crew of medics as he attempts to fight his way back up to his feet. 

ELEVEN

TWELVE

At this stage, Madison has climbed over the railing but has fallen on the outside. Frankie Morrison encourages him to get back up, patting him on the back and applauding him in a rhythm that the fans join in with. 

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

Life has sparked back into Madison who quickly rolls himself back into the ring, to the adoration of the fans who applaud him for his efforts. 

Robbie Black: I thought Madison was down and out and Chandler was going to take that Crown and title home!

Ashley Hamilton: There was no way Madison was going to let this match end like that!

Chandler pulls Madison back up to his feet. He positions him in a vertical suplex position, holding him up before slamming him back down to the canvas. He doesn't stop there. He rolls back up with Madison still in his grasp, vertical suplex base - slamming him once again. Once again, he isn't done there. Chandler rolls up once again for a third time, with Madison still intact but this time, it's a snap suplex into the padded corner - but the way it's delivered, is hard and sickening. Madison crumbles back down to the canvas after hitting the corner, and Chandler hooks his legs. 


... ONE


... ... TWO


KICKOUT! 

Dangerous C slowly gets back up to his feet and assesses the situation for a moment, watching Madison get to his feet. He stands behind him and engages in a full nelson hold, but Madison manages to elbow his way out of the hold. Chandler staggers backwards before coming back with a low drop kick to the knee of Madison, who stumbles back to the padded corner. Chandler then rushes to him, attempting a flying elbow smash in the corner but Madison moves out of the way, forcing Chandler to connect with the padded corner. Madison swivels in behind him and locks him in a rear waist lock, picking him up and going for a German suplex. Scott manages to land on his feet fortunately. Madison turns around, surprised to see that Chandler is still up on his feet - he runs towards him, lowering himself as he tries to grab the legs of Chandler, who's doing well to fend for himself. Chandler is up against the ropes, and the referee counts to one but Madison let's go immediately. He backs away from Chandler and the two are circling the ring again. They both come to the center of the ring and it's a standard collar to elbow tie up that they engage in. Madison locks him in a side headlock before slamming him down on the canvas, keeping the hold intact whilst doing so. He has the hold locked in tight but he isn't convinced that Chandler is going to tap out, so brings him back up to his feet, the hold still locked in. Chandler pushes him into the ropes but Madison won't budge, bringing him back to the center of the ring and dropping to one knee, tightening the hold whilst doing so. Chandler fights to his feet, picking Madison up and dropping him with a backdrop suplex but Madison isn't affected. He still has the hold locked in! To the dismay of Chandler. 

It's very clear what the game plan of Chris Madison has become. It's keeping Chandler down and wearing him out. And Chandler is now struggling to find a way out of the grasp of the veteran Madison, who brings him back up to his feet and brings him to the corner. Letting go of him, Madison pushes him back into the corner before delivering a barrage of strikes to the mid section of Chandler, lefts and rights connecting with the ribs of Chandler who's defenseless in the corner. Madison then stops and brings Chandler to the ropes. Irish whip, reversed by Chandler - Madison comes off of the ropes, and Chandler greets him with a back elbow. Madison is back up on his feet and running toward Chandler, who greets him with another back elbow. Chandler picks him up and brings him to the ropes, Irish whip - Madison comes back, pinpoint drop kick delivered directly to the face of Chris Madison!

Robbie Black: PINPOINT DROP KICK! WHAT A MOVE BY CHANDLER SCOTT!

Dirge Johnson: They aren't kiddin' when they say this guy has the best dropkick in the buiness!

Ashley Hamilton: Let's take another look at the brilliantly executed drop kick by Chandler Scott!

REPLAY BOARD

Applause echoes through the arena and Chandler is back up on his feet. He's nodding his head, aware of the cameras position and is looking right at it. He smirks and looks back down at Chris Madison, who has rolled to the outside of the ring. Chandler takes off to the ropes, bouncing off of them and when he returns Madison rolls back into the ring and runs past him. Chandler stops himself and turns, with Madison now running at him - he takes him down with a hard shoulder barge. Madison then runs to the ropes and Chandler is back up on his feet. Chandler takes him down with an arm drag. The two men are back up on their feet and running toward each other, Madison ducks under a clothesline attempt and has Chandler in a rear waist lock, lifting him up and nailing him with a German suplex, which he bridges into a pin. 


... ONE



... ... TWO



... ... ... NOOOOOO!

Dirge Johnson: So close by Chris Madison!

Madison buries his head in his hands for a moment but then gets back to work. He brings Chandler up to his feet and leans him against the ropes, where he delivers an abundance of hard hitting strikes. He then Irish whips him to the opposite ropes. Chandler comes back and slides across the canvas to avoid Madison. He's now in behind Madison with a rear waist lock but Madison elbows his way out of the position. He turns, bringing the head of Chandler down and kneeing him hard in the face. He does so again, and again - and again and Chandler is now dazed, groggy as he tries to stay up on his feet. Madison heads to the ropes, bouncing off of them and connects with an almighty bicycle knee that creates a clapping sensation once connected. It's hard to watch, the impact itself forcing Chandler down to his knee's. Madison heads to the ropes again, bouncing off of them and connects with a flying knee strike to the head - another hard hitting, hard to watch strike which forces Chandler down. 

Robbie Black: And Chandler Scott has been busted wide open!

The camera zooms into the facial expressions of Scott who has his mouth open, lying down with the side of his head on the canvas. Madison turns him onto his back and hooks his legs for the pin. 

... ONE


... ... TWO


KICKOUT!

Ashley Hamilton: That cut sure does look deep and it's all coming out very quickly. Chandler's gotta be careful here. 

Once again, there's no care in the face of Chris Madison. Despite just busting open his opponent, that's none of his concern. The referee checks on Chandler, making sure he's still able to compete but Chandler brushes him away, assuring him that he's okay despite looking like he's just come out of hell. Blood running down his forehead, he uses the ropes to help himself back up to his feet and turns toward Chris Madison, who looks at him emotionless. Chandler spits out blood, he's also bleeding from his mouth and he smiles at Madison, nodding his head with the fans applauding Chandler who's still showing a lot of life, a lot of charisma.

Dirge Johnson: How in the hell is he smiling? Why is he smiling? You're only gonna anger him!

Walking out of the corner and toward Chris, Chandler pushes him against the chest and invites him to strike him. The fans are cheer as what they're about to see is an exchange of strikes, an old fashioned ritual within the puroresu art form. Madison doesn't even flinch. He walks back toward Chandler, clenches his fist and delivers an almighty blow that has Chandler falling to the canvas. Chandler has his hands on the canvas but he fights his way up, a smile on his face and Madison tilts his head, unsure whether Chandler has gone insane or if the strike just wasn't hard enough. 

Ashley Hamilton: This is insane!

Madison grabs him with one hand, and with the other he strikes. 

And again he does.

And again. 

He's now going at a pace that's uncontrollable and quite frankly, dangerous and he isn't letting up. Once he does stop, he turns Chandler around - nelson lock, Dragon suplex connecting after. It's hard for the fans to see a favorite of theirs lose control, someone who's usually calm and composed and because of this un-character-like approach, boo's begin to echo through the arena. 

Robbie Black: Now this, is 'Mayhem' Chris Madison, manhandling Chandler Scott. 

Madison takes a few steps backwards and waits for Chandler to get back up to his feet. Chandler slowly rises. Madison runs towards him, a bicycle knee attempt but Chandler moves out of the way, and rolls him up from behind. 


... ONE


... ... TWO


... ... ... THRE NOOOOOOOOOO!

Dirge Johnson: Chandler almost stole the victory right from Madison!

There's a gasp that echoes through the arena. 

The two men look at each other on their knee's, a glare of shock. They're back up on their feet with Madison running toward Chandler, who delivers a knee to the mid section; "the kitchen sink". He brings him back up to his feet and delivers a snap DDT before rushing to the corner. He climbs to the top rope and positions himself. Madison gets to his feet and rushes over to him, clubbing him with a forearm and joining him on the second rope. He looks for a super suplex off of the top rope but Chandler does well to avoid the move being put in fruition. He pushes Chris away from him and Chris falls backwards, landing on his feet. Chandler leaps over him, rolling over and turning back toward Chris. He runs back over to Chris, who catches him left arm and locks him in an armbar submission!

Robbie Black: FLYING ARMBAR! FLYING ARMBAR BY CHRIS MADISON!

Dirge Johnson: OH MAN HE'S GOT HIM! HE'S GOT HIM!

It's the same shoulder/arm that Chris had been working on previously. The same one that had Chandler sidelined for several months. 

Ashley Hamilton: HE'S GOT HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!

Chris doesn't let go! 

ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR!

He let's go. 

Madison pulls Chandler back up to his feet.  Rear waist lock while trapping one of Chandler. Madison pulls on Chandler's arm by the wrist and forces him to spin around. As Chandler does a full 360 spin, Madison spins himself and hits a rolling elbow strike to the back of the head.

Robbie Black: COMATOSED! 

REPLAY BOARD

Robbie Black: AND THE PIN!

... ONE



... ... TWO



... ... ... NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


Dirge Johnson: I don't believe this! I don't believe it!

Gasps echo through the arena. 

Madison remains calm, getting back up to his feet. 

Ashley Hamilton: What's it going to take?!

Chandler Scott slowly rises to his feet... 

Madison positons himself behind Scott.. 

Once he's up, he brings him down with the Peruvian Necktie!

Robbie Black: PERUVIAN NECKTIE! PERUVIAN NECKTIE LOCKED IN!

The finishing submission move of Chris Madison is locked in. Chandler Scott flaps his hands and arms about but he can't reach the ropes. Frankie Morrison pounds his fists against the apron. The energy in the arena picks up at the same time. Madison is squeezing the life out of Chandler Scott. But Chandler isn't tapping out. Instead, he becomes lifeless. 

The referee lifts his arm up. 

Robbie Black: It's not dropping!

Chandler clenches his fist and roars triumphantly as he manages to move his leg inch by inch, and get to the ropes!

Dirge Johnson: How in the hell did he manage to escape that?!

Madison can't believe what's happening. He rises to his feet and on the outside of the ring, Frankie Morrison tells him that he needs to end this. Madison nods his head and he pulls Chandler up onto his feet. He lifts him up onto his shoulders, electric chair position but Chandler manages to jump down. Rolls him up from behind!

... ONE


... ... TWO


But he's not able to get the sneaky win. 

Both men rush to their feet after that close call pin attempt. Madison discusses his way around, looking for an elbow strike to Chandler but he ducks under his elbow and runs to the ropes, bouncing off of them, and hitting Madison with a back elbow. Madison gets onto his knee and Chandler hits the ropes, bouncing off of them and hitting a sliding forearm on Chris Madison! He pulls him back up and lifts him, attempting a shotgun stunner - Madison avoids, powering himself down. He hits him with a right, and a left - Chandler turns, Madison looks for another Comatosed - Chandler ducks, Madison turns around... 

Robbie Black: ROARING HAMMER!

Ashley Hamilton: OUT OF NOWHERE!

Madison has been rocked off of his feet... 

Chandler pulls him back up to his feet!

... Chandler Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone CONNECTS!




... ONE






... ... TWO





... ... ... THREEEEEEE!

DING DING DING!

Robbie Black: HE'S DONE IT! CHANDLER SCOTT IS THE PRIDE OF PURORESU WINNER! HE'S OUR NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Dirge Johnson: WHAT A WAY TO DO IT! WHAT A MATCH!

The bell sounds and the main event, Pride of Puroresu - is over. “Animal Ghosts” by And So I Watch You From Afar plays through the arena and confetti falls from above. Chandler Scott is helped to his feet by the official who raises his arm and the fans cheer and applaud their new, GPC World Heavyweight Champion! 

Mai Kado: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.. THE WINNER OF THE PRIDE OF PURORESU CROWN AND THE NEW GLOBAL PURORESU CROWN WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION... CHANDLER SCOTT!

Chandler is handed over his championship belt and also what is placed upon his head is the crown itself. He crumbles to his knee's as the committee applaud him. On the entrance ramp, Jason Cashe and Tommy Knox are seen paying their respects to the new champion, but they're also slowly walking down the ramp. 

Robbie Black: Well would you look at that, Cashe and Knox joining the celebration! 

Chandler looks confused at first as he looks at the entrance ramp. Madison is back up on his feet and he looks at Chandler, nodding his head in appreciation and he extends a hand. Chandler looks down at the hand of Madison and is hesitant. He then takes a step back and realizes, he's surrounded. Behind him, Cashe and Knox -in front of him, Chandler and to the side of him, the advocate himself, Frankie Morrison. 

Ashley Hamilton: Wait a minute... this isn't right?

Chandler looks back at Madison, who decks him with a double leg take down. 

Robbie Black: AND MADISON HAS TAKEN THE CHAMP DOWN!

Mounting on top of him, Madison connects with several crisp strikes to the newly crowned champion. He gets off of him and Cashe & Knox hold onto the champion as Madison paces the ring. Cashe and Knox taunt him as they do, laughing sadistically and teasing him as Madison turns back towards him. He runs at him, connecting with a bicycle knee!

Robbie Black: MY GOD!

Scott is out and Madison stands over him. Cashe passes Madison the title and Madison holds it up in the air, being met with boo's from the crowd before he drops it down on the chest of Chandler Scott, the scene then fades to black.

[James Peterson]