NJFC presents TAG-TEAM-TROPOLIS in Nippon Budokan! (Day One)

[James Peterson]

 

NJFC PRESENTS...

TAG-TEAM-TROPOLIS

IN NIPPON BUDOKAN!

Sunday 29th, 

Monday 30th, 

Tuesday 1st.

A tag team tournament displaying the best tag teams in the world. It's an occasion unlike any other, not only are we celebrating the art of tag team wrestling but we're also finding out what team is the best in the tag team wrestling world. dPEEg are the only team to have ever held the tag team championship belts for what seems like a lifetime now. But they'll have to be at the best if they want to keep a hold of those tag team championship belts because they'll be on the line in every match they participate in! The winners of the tournament will have the tag team championships in their possession, prize money, as well as a trophy to add to their cabinets!

* * *

ROUND ONE MATCHES

Sunday 29th April, 2018

Renja's vs The Cats of Peace

Konrad Raab & Caleb Foster vs The Dogs of War 

Shootcamp! vs Error #404 

Small Boob Wrecking Crew  vs Lisa Seldon & Ana Matthews

GBH vs Zombie Black & Jack Stanton

dPEEg (c) vs Skull Kids

* * *

[James Peterson]

Renjas vs Cats of Peace

The first match of the tournament kicks off with Renja Buru and Migeru Takahashi. Buru offers a hand to Migeru and Migeru looks around the arena, wanting to know what the audience think of this proposed handshake to kick off the match. He then turns to Buru and after a few seconds, caves in and goes for the handshake but then Buru throws his hands up in the air. Buru then greets him with a stiff forearm to the jaw. Migeru doesn't turn after the strike. He remains in his position, still and you can tell by the look in his eyes that he did not enjoy that strike from Buru.

Not, one, bit.

Takahashi then chases after him and Buru rolls to the outside of the ring in a frenzy, skipping past a couple of the dojo graduates and laughing frantically before rolling himself back into the ring. He heads to the ropes and Takahashi is now back in the ring, Buru bounces off of them and looks for the hurricanrana on Takahashi but he doesn't fall. He holds him in this position, lifts him up and runs towards his corner, powerbomb onto the padded corner. Buru stumbles out of the corner and arches his back in pain. Takahashi then wraps his arms around him, belly to belly suplex and Buru goes flying to the outside of the ring. Aka makes the tag and slingshots his way into the ring, sprinting toward Takahashi who takes him down with ease, a big boot the face. Takahashi then makes the tag to Aimi Jun and the double champion gets a great response out of the fans as she fires herself into the ring. Buru enters the ring but is back on the outside in no time, a single leg dropkick by Jun. Jun then gets to her feet and turns around, ducking under the strike attempt from Aka, spinning around and kicking him in the gut before making her way to the ropes. She bounces off of them, running toward Aka at full pace and taking him down with a lariat that has him flipping inside out. She then mounts on top of him for the one, the two, and the three to ensure Cats of Peace's place in the next round!

WINNER: Cats of Peace in 04:34

[James Peterson]

PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Konrad Raab & Caleb Foster

*  *  *

Konrad only just arrived in Japan an hour ago and he ran straight through the press conference room with his suitcase as he realized he was just in time as he was concerned of being late due to SCW Breakdown show happening last night that he had to attend. Of course, the glass of water was poured for him since he had lack of time doing so as he takes a sip of his water before he begins to speak.

Konrad Raab: "Apologies for being late. Had to be at a wrestling show last night. Anyway, I know you guys have questions about if I and Caleb will get along after Headquarters mania event on Sunday. Yes, no question we've put the match behind us already or at least I have. Moving on, I know a lot about Dogs Of War, especially when I'm very interested in facing against Jack Tillman right now, especially he's the CWC Junior Heavyweight champion right now. There's a few of them and I'm not entirely sure who we're facing on Jack Tillman, Devin Hearst or Mark Storm as it's a very successful team in the wrestling business right now."

Konrad takes a quick sip of his drink as he looks at the cameras for a few minutes before speaking again.

Konrad Raab: "I may be cut up from the brawl I had on Sunday, but I know me and Caleb Foster are more than capable to work together to face the top tag team in wrestling, especially I have my eyes mostly set on Jack Tillman if we face him as I want to test myself badly against him. He said himself he's always wanted to face me as well so I already have respect for him much like I do with Devin which I believe I've actually fought before in my early days of New Japan. I believe he was my first opponent in my first match as well so I know Devin very well and Mark Storm I've heard a lot of about as well with how successful he is in the business."

Konrad stops and looks at the cameras a bit more before taking a small sip of water as he gets a tissue and wipes the sweat from his forehead before he can speak again.

Konrad Raab: "Me and Caleb may have never teamed with each other before, but our friendship or more me mentoring Caleb Foster can work together to capture the first round win because we are getting along as friends very well, especially I offered him a place to stay at my place in Tokyo so he'd have somewhere to stay which he agreed to. Caleb is a very dedicated hard worker and always has listened to me on the advice I've always given him and taken them on board to improve himself, but regardless of that, I believe we are let's say not work as hard as Dogs Of War are. Not it's a bad thing, just the exhausting tour they're on may be very well an advantage for us to win."

If there's one thing Konrad hadn't forgotten, it was about the other teams in the tournament as well, some he was friends with, some his family had a history with and some wrestlers he's never encountered before.

Konrad Raab: "Of course, I can't ignore the other teams we have in the tournament as well, especially Jason Cashe and Tommy Knox who at least my twin brother knows very well. I have to admit, they've been unstoppable for a whole year and yet, they are still unbeaten as a team. I think that's a job well done for them, but they know their reign isn't gonna last very long, as much as I respect Jason Cashe's dedication to 4CW and Tommy for willing to team with Markus in the past, they still have to work extra hard to retain those tag belts, especially I maybe Marino as well know him more than anybody in the tournament what he can do."

At least Konrad knew about Jason Cashe from his brother battling him so many times and his brother has a history with Tommy regarding The Black Hand team he was in many years ago and he continues.

Konrad Raab: "I can't ignore Marino and this Sammy 3.0 wrestler. I don't know anything about Sammy so I can't say much about her, however, doesn't stop me from mentioning how he has been very successful lately with his 4CW title run and now is recently the SAWA champion as well that happened on Monday. He's a good guy who's seriously so funny. I wish I was able to be like Marino when it comes to how entertaining the guy is on top of his talent in the ring. There's nobody who deserves respect more than Marino does Sammy's very lucky to team with a caring passionate guy like Marino."

Konrad couldn't be more truthful than h has been already with the opponents he's facing on the upcoming days as he continues to speak again after taking a few more sips of water.

Konrad Raab: "Of course there are other teams in the tournament, but I don't exactly know who the other teams are, unless they may know me from CWC or elsewhere, but that's the problem, I can't always keep up who's in CWC since there are so many wrestlers in so many territories that it's very hard to keep up. Regardless it doesn't matter who's in front of us, starting with Dogs of War, but the thing is they don't know what me and Caleb can do as a team and we need to discuss a few things over the next few days on the types of moves we'll do in the match, but what matters a lot more is who's gonna win the tag team tournament and the tag team belts? You can only look at Caleb Foster and Konrad Raab ourselves because we worked for this moment and we're gonna do everything we can to overcome teams and win the entire tournament. I got business stuff to deal with Caleb, see you all tomorrow."

That was that Konrad immediately left with his suitcase before walking to his apartment in Japan and unlocks the key to let himself in, seeing Caleb Foster already there as the cameras await for the next wrestler/team to come in and discuss their matches at the PPV.

The Dogs of War

Jack Tillman & Devin Hearst

*    *    *

Devin Hearst and Jack Tillman of the Dogs Of War are scheduled next in the press conference. To everyone’s surprise, though, Chris Constantine, the manager of the Dogs Of War, makes his way out. Walking up to the podium, Chris looks out at the press and quickly begins to address them.

Chris Constantine: “I’m sorry to announce that Devin Hearst and Jack Tillman of the Dogs Of War will not be able to make it to the press conference today. Because of last minute travel arrangements that fell through, Jack and Hearst were not able to make it here and are deeply sorry for not being here to answer your questions. So I am here instead to answer all questions, and hopefully I can answer them. If I can not, please speak to me after and I will have an answer to your question in a timely manner.

But before I start answering questions, I would like to start by saying that Jack and Hearst are proud to be participating in the this Tag Team Tournament. As you all know, Hearst was part of NJFC at the very beginning back in 2015 and a prior Global Champion. Jack, on the other hand, was one of the first students to sign up to the NJFC Dojo and was part of the first class to graduate in 2016. I would also like to add that the Dogs Of War started right here in NJFC last year. So NJFC means a lot to the Dogs Of War and we will never forget where we came from. That’s why we’re here. To help NJFC grow and continue to be one of the top wrestling companies here in Japan.

With that I give the floor for you guys.”

Chris drinks a sip of water as he watches as a sea of hands pop up.

Taka Fuji: “In the first round, The Dogs Of War are facing the team of Caleb Foster and Konrad Raab. What are the Dogs Of War thoughts on that team?”

Chris Constantine: “Well I’ll give respect where respect is due when it comes to Caleb Foster and Konrad Raab. Great talents individually and a history of putting out great matches. I know Jack Tillman would love to defend the CWC Junior Heavyweight Title against Raab because someone of Raabs history in this industry deserves it. That being said, though, these are two individuals forming up as a team. They’ve never worked together before in the ring and that’s going to be a disadvantage when they step up and face the Dogs Of War. Jack and Devlin have been in multiple tag team tournaments as well as Trio Tournaments together and because of those battles they’ve grown a strong bond. They’re also the current Kamikaze Tag Team Champions and current GOL Trios Champions. So these two know what the other is thinking and trust one another in that ring. Raab and Foster on the other hand, I don’t think can say the same. I’m sure Raab and Foster will try to convince everyone that they’re going to continue to make it to the finals and work well as a team but when it comes to Tag team matches and even tag team tournaments, I like to put my money on teams that have worked together and have actually accomplished events with one another. But best of luck to Raab and Foster. The Dogs Of War have a tough match up with the first round match but they’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Suska Otaki: “The Tag Team Tropolis is jammed packed with a lot of successful Tag Teams. Who are the teams that the Dogs Of War are most looking forward to facing if they get past Raab and Foster?”

Chris Constantine: “Well the top of the list for sure is dEEg. They’re the champions for a reason and if you want to be the next NJFC Tag Team Champions you’ll have to go threw them. The last time the Kamikaze Pro Tag Team Champions faced off against dEEp it was Shootcamp. Shootcamp lost but it was still one hell of a match. So I’m hoping the Dogs Of War do face dEEp because I know that would be one physical match up.

Speaking of Shootcamp that would be another classic tag team match up. The two have faced off multiple times over in Kamikaze Pro and also in Trios action over in CWC. So the two teams know each other well. And I’m sure that Shootcamp would like nothing more than to prove that they deserve a Tag Team Title shot for the Kamikaze Pro Tag Team Titles.

Error #404 is a unique team with Mariano Fernandez and Sammy 3.0. Manny is a great talent and probably one of the most respected guys in the industry today. Sammy, on the other hand, I’m not a fan of......well I’ll just say it’s gimmick.....but I’m old school and I really don’t get it. But if the whole robot thing is getting over with people then keep on doing you.

And finally you have Lisa Seldon and Ana Matthews of Hellcat Spangled Death Squad. Today our two stables are facing off against one another in the finals over in Kamikaze Pro with their Lords Of The Ring Tournament. So I’m looking forward to see what they can bring to the ring.

So a lot of great teams and a lot of great matches if the right teams win.”

Steve Howard: “Are there any teams you aren’t impressed with?”

Chris Constantine: “Skull Kids. I have no idea why they’re here. And why they’re facing dEEp in the first round is beyond me. That’s just going to be a squash match.”

Steve Howard: “How about teams like Renja’s, The Cats Of Peace, Small Boob Wrecking Crew, and GHB?”

Chris Constantine: “I’m not going to lie, I don’t know those teams. I mean if you were to tell me who are on these teams then I could give you a better opinion of them, but it’s the first time I’ve ever heard of these teams. So hopefully these are brand new teams or still working on branding their name. If these are teams that have been around for a number of years.....well sorry. I’m not knocking any of them though. They’ve been chosen for this tournament for a reason. But the wrestling industry is so huge these days that it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on and who’s done what. I’m sure once Jack and Devin find out who their next opponents are, then they’ll be doing their homework on them.

And if my comments offend any of those teams in any way? Prove me wrong. Don’t bitch and complain about it on twitter or scream your complaints behind this podium. Prove it in the ring. Prove it by beating one of the teams I was excited about the Dogs Of War facing. If you’re as good as you think you are, do what brought you into this tournament and prove me wrong. Because you crying isn’t going to change my opinion on you in a positive manner if you do decide to bitch up a storm.”

Kenshin Hatake: “You’re time is almost up. So do you have any final comments for the Tag Team Tropolis?”

Chris Constantine: “You know what the Dogs Of War can do. Everyone that has been up here has talked about us as being one of the teams to beat. We’ve earned that respect. We’ve worked our asses off to be considered one of the best. We have the Kamikaze Pro Tag Team Titles. We’ve won multiple Trios. And we’ve won singles titles. Are we the team to beat? If you want to write that, go right ahead. We’re here to show that we’re worthy of being here. And if we can grab those tag titles, then you can sleep well in knowing that those tag titles will be staying in Japan, where they belong, and not leave with one of these outsider teams. Cry Havoc! And let slip the Dogs Of War.”

With that, Chris walks off the stage as the press yell over one another, hoping to get a follow up question.

[James Peterson]

Caleb Foster & Konrad Raab vs The Dogs of War

Starting thing off in the ring is Caleb Foster and Devin Hearst. Hearst gets a good reaction from the crowd who are of course familiar with the first ever Global Champion. Hearst smirks, leaning back against the padded corner even when after the bell rings. Caleb approaches him and that's when Hearst moves off of the corner and the two begin the routine circle of the ring. They meet in the center, a standard collar to elbow is quickly switched up as Hearst thrusts his knee into the mid section of Caleb, locking him into a side headlock too. Caleb pushes him back to the ropes and manages to swing him off. Hearst comes off of the ropes and barges him down to the canvas. Caleb gets up immediately, showing great heart and spreading his arms out wide, to the adoration of the crowd. Hearst pushes his face and chuckles at him, toying with him as he pushes him again, this time slapping his chest whilst doing so. Caleb tries to strike him but Hearst blocks it, striking him instead with one of his coveted knee strikes to the head, a muay thai clinch into the corner and he's going to work on Caleb. He makes the tag to Tillman and the two perform a double suplex but only the one count. Tillman then locks him in a grounded headlock and keeps him there, showing his technical ability as every time Caleb looks as if he's found an escape, Tillman finds a way to trap him again. He laughs, mocking him as he brings him back up to his feet.

Caleb breaks the hold, forearms to the mid section, Irish whip - reversed, Caleb bounces off of the ropes and a running forearm connects. They're both back up on their feet and this time it's an armdrag by Caleb. Both men are back up on their feet and Caleb goes for the strike on Jack but he ducks before dropping him hard with a backdrop suplex. Tillman then makes the tag back out to Hearst, with Caleb stretching toward Raab but Hearst grabs him by a leg and reels him back to the middle of the ring. Caleb turns himself around and kicks at Hearst who stumbles back. Caleb then props up and makes the tag, Raab is in the ring and is all gun's blazing, he ducks under the arm of Hearst and knocks Tillman off the apron with a strike. He turns, lifts Hearst up and onto the apron before delivering an enziguri that see's Hearst join Tillman on the outside. Caleb then runs across the canvas and flips onto the two men on the outside! Raab stands in the middle of the ring and looks around, the fans encouraging him to join in with the flying party. Now that he's a junior heavyweight, this is very much his element! He runs to the ropes, bounces off of them and performs a suicide dive on Hearst and Tillman on the outside!

Getting to his feet, he rolls Hearst back into the ring and hooks the legs, for the two. Tillman breaks up the pin. Caleb goes to attack him but Tillman rolls to the outside just in time with the referee pushing Caleb back toward the ropes. Raab then picks Hearst up but Hearst pokes him in the eye. Hearst makes the tag to Tillman before running toward Caleb on the apron and kicking him off! Raab is blinded by the eye poke. Tillman gets him in position and finishes him with the Ballroom Blitz for the one, the two, and the three!

WINNER: Dogs of War in 08:34

[James Peterson]

Error 404 vs Shootcamp

The fans are excited for both teams as they come out separately. They shake hands as a show of respect before the bell rings. Starting things off is Ace Watson and Mariano Fernandez. The two lock up in a standard collar to elbow tie up with both men jockeying in position, trying to find their foot in. Watson manages to push Fernandez back into the ropes and he holds him there. The referee begins to count and eventually he eases off the hold before gently patting him on the chest.

They return to circling the ring before meeting each other with another collar to elbow but Mariano is quick to get in behind him and lock him in a rear waist lock. Ace uses his elbow to get himself out of the hold. Mariano staggers away holding onto the side of his head and Ace sprints towards him but Mariano manages to deliver a drop toe hold on Ace, before scooting across the ring and locking him in a side headlock. Ace fights his way back up to his feet and pushes him back into his corner. Gonsalves makes the tag and Mariano is defenseless as Ace holds him by the corner. Gonsalves runs over, Ace moves out of the way and the boot of Gonsalves goes crashing into the face of Mariano, who falls to the ground. Gonsalves covers but only the two. Mariano stretches for Sammy and she extends her arm but Gonsalves stomps on the arm of Mariano. He stomps on it again, and a third time - before positioning the elbow awkwardly, and stomping on it again. He then grabs his arm and brings him to the ropes, Irish whip - reversed, Gonsalves comes back and looks for a lariat on Mariano but he ducks, turns him around and greets him with a combination of strikes that culminate with a lariat that sends Gonsalves flipping inside out. Mariano looks towards Sammy on the apron and begins to crawl. He makes the tag and Sammy is in the ring!

There's a great reception for the robot as she enters the ring pretty slowly. She makes her way to Gonsalves with a change of pace, taking him down with a shoulder barge. Gonsalves lands on his ass and moves back toward his corner, stunned by this robotic monster. Gonsalves talks tactics with Ace in their corner as Sammy invites both men to the center of the ring. Gonsalves then charges toward her, trying to catch her off guard, but she impressively limbo's under his arm, turning her body around and throwing an arm out at Gonsalves, who flies in the air and catches her arm into an armbar submission!

He has it locked in! He has it locked in good too! He's pulling at the arm of Sammy and the referee isn't quite sure whether to ask her if she wants to quit or not.

All of a sudden, the arm is off and Gonsalves is holding onto it. He look's bewildered. He gets up and looks at the floored Sammy who seems to be malfunctioning. He laughs before using the arm as a weapon and hitting Sammy. Sammy catches her arm with a hand and yanks it away from Gonsalves. She manages to pop her arm back into place. Gonsalves runs towards her but SAMMY manages to perform a neckbreaker onto the knee! The crowd pops and Gonsalves rolls back to his corner. Ace makes the tag and enters the ring all guns blazing. SAMMY puts him to a stop to, dropping him with a Falcon Arrow! She makes the tag to Mariano who enters the ring with a smile on his face. Ace gradually gets to his feet, turns around and is met with Asian Mist to the face, followed by a Shining Wizard! Mariano then hooks is leg for the one, the two, and the three!

WINNER: Error 404 in 07:43

[James Peterson]

PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad

(We arrive for another NJFC Press conference and are immediately weighleighed as Lisa Seldon takes her seat upon the stage and obnoxiously props her legs up on the desk. She then motions for someone to bring her a microphone, having no intention of sitting forward and doing this properly).

Lisa Seldon: Ladies and gentlemen, you'll forgive me if I seem out of sorts, we've had a very busy week crushing skulls all over Japan, taking back our rightful contendership to the CWC Japan Tag Titles and securing our spot in the Kamikaze Pro Wrestling Trios Tournament final. Tonight we're off to smash the Dogs of War, then we have to get back her to win a ladder match, do something wild for Rose City and then head off to Australia to massacre whatever is left of that cheeky fucker Mark Storm. So if it comes across like I don't want to be here, it's because it's true and I'm not a good liar. Anyway first question.

(During this time Anna Mathews took the stage, however any indication that she might step in to carry the conversation seemed quite unlikely when she took her seat in silence, while also wearing a large hat and deep black sunglasses, generally looking like she was attending the funeral of a mafia don).

Writer for a fairly bog standard wrestling magazine: On your current of Japan you've already wrestled five matches with another tonight. If you are to win the NJFC tag titles you'll need to win two more in the same. Are either of you worried about fatigue heading into this event?

(Lisa snorts).

Lisa Seldon: Fuck no. I love it. Love wrestling, love ridiculous matches, but mostly I love winning things and that's what drives us on. You can go ahead and break both my arms, when I'm holding them up in victory I won't feel a thing.

Snarky-marky dirt sheets: You came to NGW with the intention of fighting Aoki Zombie, but he doesn't actually work, you fight him everywhere anyway and he's got a 100% record against you. Why are you like that?

Lisa Seldon: First of all we had two matches and he lost one of those two. Secondly I'm going to go drown him out at sea so it doesn't even matter if he works here and thirdly you can go fuck yourself.

Some guy who probably writes fan fiction: What is the relationship between you and the Ana Hayden.

Lisa Seldon: Well one time I tried to sue her for stealing my Twitter name and she got around that by making me her wife. I don't know how, she's a very quick talker. Beyond that I've met her like one time and she tried to kick the shit out of me. It was yesterday.

A journalist actually here to do his job: Promotional videos from your opponents have started to roll in. What do you think about what the Small Boob Wrecking Crew had to say about you two.

Lisa Seldon: Personally I didn't think much of it because they didn't have much to say. A fairly tedious trip down memory lane, followed by a quick wrap up that seemed to indicate their entire preparation cycle was them googling us and just picking like two facts at random. And that's fine, I get it, I don't even know who one of them is and I have to keep getting Anna here to tell me; but if you're going to be indifferent at least at least try and not be dull about.

A website that probably has three readers: Why do you hate Craig Anderson so much?

Lisa Seldon: I don't. I just find it confusing he ever wins anything because when you talk to him he sounds like a fucking goon.

Thought taking this job might lead to something better but it never did and now they're sad: Why isn’t Anna Mathews saying anything? Is she unwell.

(Anna and Lisa share a look).

Lisa Seldon: Sure buddy, she's got space leprosy or whatever. Next question.

Woman trying very hard to be taken seriously by a bunch of shitty losers on message boards: In the span of a few days you're going to wrestle potentially three separate matches against members of the Dogs of War. What is your opinion on the infamous super stable?

Lisa Seldon: Honestly, I think they're a very good collection of wrestlers who have put their careers in the hands of a greedy little man who will drop every single one of them the second they stop selling t-shirts. Hearst needs to go get over himself. Shimada is cool though.

(Anna nods in agreement).

Guy who basically exploits a news site to fund his trips to Japan: Are there any teams in this match you do care about.

Lisa Seldon: Sure. The angry guy who's name I can't spell’s team and the one with the guy who I think is pretending he has down syndrome.

Writer for magazine on its last legs because print media is dead: Do you believe one of your potential opponents is actually a giant robot?

Lisa Seldon: Sure. Fuck it, why not. Robots, dragons, space wizards, all of it. In certain companies in Mexico you can just straight up fight a bear. The bear is called Chicago. Wrestling is stupid and we should all just get on board with it.

Person who took this job because he wanted to write about football but got pushed onto wrestling and is very professional but hates everything about it: If you do make it to the final, you'll be competing in a ladder match. Is that a situation you'd feel comfortable in?

Lisa Seldon: Of course. I've won my fair share of those, so has Anna. She even did that stupid thing with the big X above the ring you had to climb around on. We’re well versed in climbing, falling from and generally injuring people with ladders. So yeah, fuck it, you put some belts up there and we’ll happily go get them.

Dude taking his job to seriously: On your NJFC profile, it indicates you debuted back in 2003, but we're supposed to believe you're in your mid twenties. So when you debuted, were you 10 years old?

(Lisa narrows her eyes).

Lisa Seldon: This interview is now over.

(With that she dumps her microphone on the floor and marches out while it wails away horrendously. When the sound does eventually clear we found ourselves alone with Anna Mathews, who leans to the nearest mic).

Anna Mathews: Thank you for your time and good luck to everyone involved.

(She herself then joins Lisa in departing the stage).

Small Boob Wrecking Crew

(The members of the Small Boob Wrecking Crew walk into the conference room together, both wearing the wrecking ball t-shirts – available from Irish Whip Clothing! – and jeans. The reporters wait patiently for them to take their place at the podium, a few camera flashes go off around the room as Annie speaks up.)

ANNIE ZELLOR: Okey dokey, who’s first?

UK REPORTER: Adam Rossiter here with Defiant Wrestling Magazine. Annie, some people have commented that you two were rather dismissive of your opponents and the other teams ahead of this tournament. Do you have any comments on that?

ANNIE ZELLOR: Have we? I dunno, maybe if they’re feeling that way they can kinda, like, use it for motivation.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: He means our first round opponents have been making waves elsewhere, and we should be worried. Am I right, sweetie?

(But Adam Rossiter doesn’t have chance to respond before TCB speaks again.)

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: No more than we were before, sweetie. We’ve been watching their actions, trust me on that one. They’re impressive in a trio, they’re impressive in singles action. But are they the Small Boob Wrecking Crew?

ANNIE ZELLOR: Uh, no. No they’re not. On the plus side though, if we do somehow go out in the first round, like, at least everyone already expects them to win!

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: You’re too happy to be the underdog, sweetie.

ANNIE ZELLOR: I dunno, I just always find myself in this role. Might as well embrace it, you know. But, yeah, we came to NJFC to face the best teams. We came here to win this tournament. We came here to become the next GPC World Tag Team Champions.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: No matter whether people think we can or not…

JAPANESE REPORTER: You two, despite being one of the more experienced teams, do not have much tournament experience. Do you think this will work against you?

ANNIE ZELLOR: We’ve got tournament experience. Young Guns Cup, Dynamic Duos, Titan of Trios.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: World Crown Tag Team Tournament. But if you’re implying that we can’t handle the pressure, sweetie, think again.

ANNIE ZELLOR: We’ve been in tournaments, together, alone, against each other. Any way you wanna spin it, we’ve done it. We’ve held titles together all over the world – Japan, Germany, America.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: And you still want to ask us whether we have what it takes? Ok…

(TCB rolls her eyes in an exaggerated manner, before staring intently at the reporter who asked the question. Fortunately for him, he’s saved by another reporter asking another question.)

INDEPENDENT REPORTER: You’ve made your thoughts known about your first round opponents, as well as the current GPC World Tag Team Champions. What about the other teams in the tournament? Do you have any thoughts on them at all?

(Annie leans into the microphone and shrugs her shoulders.)

ANNIE ZELLOR: Uh, can you be more specific, please?

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: The Renjas? They’ll be lucky to get out of the first round. Unfortunately the same is probably true for Caleb Foster and Konrad Raab.

ANNIE ZELLOR: I’m kinda looking forward to seeing the Dogs of War though. They’ve been doing big things in FGA, CWC, Kamikaze Pro and wherever else they are.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: Ooh, that’d be a good match. GBH?

(She looks towards her partner, knowing Annie is better acquainted with the SCCW team.)

ANNIE ZELLOR: I like ’em. Good girls, good wrestlers. And I owe Miss Fortune for our Hudson Cup match last year, so I’d like to face them too. Same with Cashe & Knox.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: You owe them too, sweetie?

(Annie laughs, but shakes her head.)

ANNIE ZELLOR: Uh, no. Me and Laurel defended our titles against The Black Hand when we faced each other last time. But now the shoes on the other foot, I kinda wanna see what Tommy’s made of nowadays. Shootcamp?

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: On a downward spiral, I don’t see them breaking out of it any time soon. I do so look forward to their eventual split and focusing on their solo careers though. It’ll be twice as sad.

ANNIE ZELLOR: And they swap partners more than I do. Skull Kids? I dunno that much about them.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: We don’t need to. What about Error #404?

(Annie nods and smiles, which even causes TCB to break out into a smirk.)

ANNIE ZELLOR: Aww yeah. I’ve been wanting to step into the ring with Manny for months now, but, like, our schedules have never lined up. Now we’ve got the chance to meet up in this tournament–

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: –in Tag-Team-Tropolis!

ANNIE ZELLOR: You know it! And, yeah, if that happens then it’s gonna be amazing. If you wanna know if we like or respect anyone in this tournament, Manny’s at the top of the list. If you want me to give props to anyone in this tournament, it’s Manny.

THE CRIMSON BARONESS: And his partner is…something. But lets be honest, sweetie, Small Boob Wrecking Crew versus Error #404 would be one of the best matches in this tournament. If it happens in the finals, with another team, and those title belts hanging above the ring?

ANNIE ZELLOR: Then it’d be even better. But one things for sure, whoever’s on the other side of that ring to us is gonna get wrecked!

(With that, Annie and TCB bump fists before walking away out of the conference room.)

Small Boob Wrecking Crew vs Lisa Seldon & Ana Matthews

Starting things off in the ring is Annie Zellor and Lisa Seldon. Both competitor exchange words in the center of the ring and those words can't be anything positive, from the expressions on their faces, it can only be negative. Seldon then goes for the strike on Zellor but she blocks it. Zellor goes for the strike but Seldon blocks it this time. The two then simultaneously connect with strikes of their own and continue to do so, sending the fans into a frenzy of excitement as the two competitors roam around the ring, continuing to unleash strikes on one another. Seldon gets the upperhand, pushing Zellor back into a corner and laying the boots down on her. She then grabs her by the head and leads her over to the center of the ring. Zellor counters, throwing her hands up in the air before slapping Seldon in the face. Seldon returns a slap and all of a sudden, it's a war of slaps being exchanged between the two. One slap from Zellor forces Seldon to fall back a little and she hits the ropes, coming back off of them with a new wind of life and hitting a rolling kick on Zellor. Zellor staggers around and falls backwards, coming off of the ropes with the same effect, a new life surges through her and delivers a superkick. 

Both competitors stagger in their stationary positions before leaning into each other and taking a break. The fans applaud both competitors for their efforts. They then begin a series of lock ups and escapes, collar to elbow - Seldon manages to escape, rear waist lock - lifting her up and taking her down to the canvas. Zellor is quick, managing to scoot herself across the canvas and get herself back up to her feet. Wrist lock, arm wrench and yanking down on the arm of Seldon. Seldon rolls forwards, then back - kips up, reverses the wrist lock, before flipping her into a seated position and digging her knee into the back of Zellor. Zellor winces but she refuses to quit. She makes her way to her feet, trying to reach her corner but Seldon has grip of both of her arms and is pulling her back. Zellor turns around and greets her with a forearm. She then hits the ropes and goes for a low drop kick to the knee, Seldon dodges, grabbing her head and slamming it hard against the canvas. She makes the tag to Ana who enters the ring and gets to work on Zellor. Ana grabs her by the head and performs a standard snap suplex. She rolls through and tries for the vertical but Zellor uses her knee to fight her way down. Ana goes for the strike but Zellor ducks and springs towards TCB, making the tag. TCB enters the ring and both competitors begin to circle. 

Meeting in the center, Ana with a low drop kick to the knee. She then performs a snap DDT, pin attempt, but only the two. TCB rolls to the outside of the ring. Ana follows and TCB runs at her, spearing her into the guard railing. She releases her and Ana staggers forward, TCB then drops her to the floor with a drop kick. She grabs her by the hair and rolls her into the ring and joins her. She makes the tag to Annie. TCB holds Ana's legs whilst Annie climbs to the top rope and positions herself. She leaps off and delivers a diving headbutt to Ana! She then hooks the legs for the pin but only the two. Annie then makes the tag to TCB. TCB clasps her hands together and positions her hand in a cup and lowers herself. Annie runs at her, using her cupped hands as a booster and flying toward Ana, flying forearm! TCB makes the cover but only the two! Ana stretches for the pin but she isn't close to Seldon at all. TCB picks her up and leans her against the corner. She makes another tag to Annie and both of them back up. They both run toward the cornered Ana but she manages to roll in between them before making the tag to Seldon. Seldon is in and is on a rampage! Seldon takes down TCB with a springboard drop kick. She ducks under Annie Zellors arm, hits the ropes and hits her with a bicycle knee. Both of them go rolling to the outside and they hold onto one another, recuperating. Seldon then performs a Top-Rope Asai Moonsault onto both of them and the fans go wild! She rolls TCB back into the ring and goes for the cover but is dragged to the outside of the ring by Zellor. Zellor then runs away from her and Seldon chases. Zellor rolls back into the ring, Seldon follows and they both greet her with a superkick! They turn around and Ana Matthews is in the ring two, SUPERKICK! TCB falls on top of Seldon and Zellor mounts on top of her for the one, the two, and the three!

WINNER: Small Boob Wrecking Crew in 10:32

[James Peterson]

PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

(The pair of Harper Hill and Miss Fortune step into the conference room, and make their way up to the recently vacated podium. Both are dressed identically in their GBH t-shirts and jean shorts, just like in their recent promo. Smirks on each of their faces as Harper speaks into the microphone.)

HARPER HILL: Alright, your next GPC World Tag Team Champions are here. Who wants to ask us the first question?

SPORTING NEWS JAPAN: Harper, what do you think are your chances in Tag-Team-Tropolis this year?

(Harper looks at Miss Fortune, who just shakes her head in disbelief.)

HARPER HILL: Was that not clear enough when we announced ourselves as the NEXT GPC World Tag Team Champions? Yeah, we like our chances. Tell you what, fellas, if that’s the sorta question we’re gonna get then we’re gonna do this a bit differently. You wanna be the reporter or the future tag champion?

(She asks her partner, as Miss Fortune thinks for a moment.)

MISS FORTUNE: You can be the reporter.

HARPER HILL: Alright then. Harper Hill here with We Don’t Think You Stand A Chance Magazine. How do two wrestlers barely out their rookie year think they even have a chance in a tournament like this?

(Harper steps back, allowing her partner to answer the ‘question’.)

MISS FORTUNE: It is simple. They underestimate us. They think their victory is all but assured. They boast about what they have done all around the world, and their, uh, success in these tournaments. But they do not know what GBH can do.

HARPER HILL: What GBH can do?!

(The sarcasm is almost palpable.)

HARPER HILL: But you haven’t won any major tournaments! You’ve only been tag champs in some ‘developmental’ company. How are you gonna compete against the best in the world?

MISS FORTUNE: We do not fail…

(She states, with a shrug of the shoulders.)

MISS FORTUNE: We do not miss. The other eleven teams in Tag-Team-Tropolis all have the same goal. The Renjas think the same thing as dPEEg: that they will be leaving Tokyo as the new GPC Tag Team Champions. The Cats of Peace, the Dogs of War. Shootcamp, Error #404. Small Boob Wrecking – although we do appreciate the shout out. But you will not avenge that Hudson Cup match, Annie. They all focus on who they want to face. Who they want to beat. Who they want to put on the best match possible.

HARPER HILL: You don’t wanna put on the best match possible for the NJFC fans!?

(Miss Fortune giggles behind a raised hand, and shakes her head.)

MISS FORTUNE: Our matches? Our victories? They are not always….uh, pretty. We do not torque limbs, or break fingers. We do not fly like eagles. But we get, uh, the job done. And our opponents, Jack Stanton and Zombie Black for instance. They will realise that just before the lights are turned off. The NJFC fans will realise that when we unhook those belts on the final night, and become GPC World Tag Team Champions. When, for the first time ever, new champions are crowned.

HARPER HILL: Well that all sounds well and good, Miss Fortune. If that is your real name!

(Fortune can’t help but smirk as her partner takes the same cheap shot other opponents have in the past.)

HARPER HILL: But this rough and ready, smashmouth style you and your great, amazing, gorgeous tag team partner–

MISS FORTUNE: She is, yes.

HARPER HILL: –I know. But is that style gonna take you all the way?

MISS FORTUNE: It take us as far as we need. Any further? We can, uh, how do you say…take the low road?

(Both members of GBH smirk as they look out across the sea of reporters.)

HARPER HILL: That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. We’re gonna scratch, bite, and claw our way to those titles. Hell or high water, or when you lot ain’t even looking at us. When you’re too busy dreaming up matches against the other teams in this tournament. GBH will swoop in, and take you out. We’ll take what we came here for, and there ain’t nothing anybody here can do about it!

(With that, the member of GBH walk away from the podium hand in hand, looking rather pleased with themselves as they go.)

Joe Stanton and Zombie Black

The lights dim and a fog machine starts pumping, a strobe light flashing intensely on the stage as Joe Stanton & Zombie Black step out. They’re dressed in black slacks & button up shirts, Black’s face paint more silver & chrome than usual and Stanton has half his face done too along with his sunglasses & a red bandana. There’s a little dirt on Zombie Black’s shoulders and in his hair. The Japanese press isn’t quite sure what to make of the get-up but Stanton forcefully points to one of the reports & gets their attention.

Japanese World of Sports Journalist: “Hello, yes, I was wondering how you gentlemen felt being apart of this tournament?”

Stanton glances over at Black, smiling at his partner before leaning into the microphone to start them off.

”I feel the pistons drivin’, all revved up, can’t you smell the diesel? I’m fired up, to be apart of a tournament like this one, to potentially be facing the teams we could be facing, to be here with my brother beside me. It feels good to be apart of the Tag Team Tropolis, because behind this dark black glass I can see the whole tag team wrestling world turning. See the the line of no return coming up fast for them, for Black, for me and we’re going to put pedal to the metal and give it the gas till we clear it!”

As loud as he is wild in his behavior, Stanton taps his nose when he asks the reporters if they can smell it. He spins his index finger around & around when talking about the tag team wrestling world before sharply pointing to the horizon when talking of a line of no return. He slaps Black on the back excitedly and bobs his head, as if he’s grooving to some song no one hears.

”Y'know I'm the master of disaster of overreaction, and I feel like putting us up against the kind of talent before us… well that's gonna provoke some opposite and EXCESSIVE violence! See I love to wrestle, I love to tangle, tango, and tarantella, but knockin’ heads and throwin’ punches at Mach 5 is the only way THIS speed racer can find glory between those ropes. I'm piston steel, thrusting, pumping, and DRIIIIIIVING across that proverbial finish line one quarter MILLENNIUM at a time! OWWWWWWWW have mercy!”

I'm not fully sure ANY of that made sense, but that's Zombie Black these days, folks. If it didn’t for anyone else, it apparently did for Joe at least because he howls in approval. Like, really, a genuine howl. He bumps elbows with Black like the two are throwing forearms at each other and he nods his head.

”And, then you got me who will knock your fucking block off with a shimmy and a shake! I’mma hi-fi phono, boy, letting it blast 700 little records, all rock, rhythm and jazz in the art of fisticuffs! Smashing you through those monolithic, eternal, shiny and chrome gates of Valhalla and back, knocking you back onto the city streets that won’t speak of where you’ve been!”

Joe does legitimately a little shimmy behind the podium and he throws a few shadow punches to illustrate his point. With a shark tooth grin he throws back his head and stretches his hands out to the heavens, sounding like a televangelist preacher. His mouth hangs agap when he revels in the glory of Valhalla before pointing down at one particular reporter & acting as if he’s talking to him directly when he speaks of throwing him out into the streets.

Puro Insider Journalist: “Hello, what are your thoughts on your first round opponents, Grievous Bodily Harm? Furthermore I was wondering how your thoughts on the possibility of you winning the tournament?”

”Winning is for winners, not weiners, man. How many winners can there BE in a tournament? Two, in this one. Two towers to the infinite, two beings at the zenith of all things staring down at a veritable backyard bar-be-que of wangitude.”

Zombie stops, opens his mouth to speak, then shuts it. He taps his temple, thinking for a moment. Joe stops his continuing nodding to look at Black, as if this pondering is of the greatest importance.

”As for General Grievous and her Bodily Harem… maaaaan, I don't try that hard and I'm all shiny and chrome up here.”

He shrugs and shakes his head.

”I talk a big game and say some weird shit but at the end of the day I'm high-tech fucking wrestling in a pretty sexy meat sack. It's simple math, all one-hundred-forty-one and two-thirds of it. I'm a spring-loaded jack-o-lantern ready to burn pumpkin-scented ash on the lawns of those who oppose, and GBH seem to fucking… OPPOSE. Josie?”

Black steps back to hand things off to his partner for now. Joe Stanton nods his head, he nods it again, he nods it again, he nods it again, he nods it again. He pauses and he...nods again. Wagging a finger more and more violently in the air, Stanton slams his hand down onto the podium and looks out at the journalists.

”Firstly...he is pretty damn sexy for a meat sack, isn’t he?”

Lazily he gestures to Black and surveys their audience for a reaction. There’s some half hearted claps. A cough. It seems enough for Joe.

”Secondly if there is one thing that my steel reinforced, carbon altered heart CAN NOT ABIDE it is opposers! It is OPPOSITION! Us, Black and I, my amigo and yours truly fight for love, fight for family, we fight for EQUALITY for every man, woman, child, android, kitty, dog, and interdimensional being out there through time and space! We are strong believers in this and we are equal opportunists when it comes to professional wrestling, frek, when it comes to LIFE. We grab opposers from whatever dark recesses of the shadows they lurk and drag them out into the light, crashing through ignorance and prejudice in their minds to create a shining beacon of hope!”

Borderline deranged sounding, Stanton violently pantomimes what Black & he do to opposers.

”Act Three, this right now is like the moment in the darkness before the blinding light, the world standing right before everyone just out of sight. You can hear the thunder start to move, you feel your pulse begin to rise, and we’re like a shock that cuts straight through the night and you and brings you to life. It’ll be a crash that breaks the silence and a thousands voices will be calling our names, like moths that just have to find the flame in the darkness. We will ascend on our Pegasus, ten thousand angels singing for us as we ride our Pegasus, we’ll set fire with the championships as a way to hold back the night!”

Theatrically he postures to the skies above Black & him, acting as if they’re triumphantly lifting championships up into the air. Black joins him, pumping his arms up and down, shouting “belts, belts” as he does.

[James Peterson]

GBH vs Red & Black

In the ring to begin this one is Joe Stanton and Harper Hill. They circle the ring routinely and they can tell that the fans are buzzed for this main event encounter. Applause rings through the arena as Stanton gets the crowd behind him, known in Japan for his stints in Iron Japan and KAMIKAZE Pro, as well as debuting a month back. Stanton then approaches Hill but she backs off to her corner and smirks. Stanton invites her to the center of the ring and she's slow to answer, but eventually, she does. He goes for a collar to elbow, she dodges, in behind him and kicks the back of his left leg. Stanton staggers a little but remains on his feet. He goes after her again but she dodges and another kick to the back of the leg. She then gets down low and rams her shoulder into it, forcing Stanton down to the canvas. Stanton holds onto the back of his left leg and the referee goes over to ask him whether he's okay, which he confirms he is. Harper makes the tag to Fortune with the duo performing a snap double suplex on Stanton and she continues to work on the left left, stomping away at the back of it before pulling him back up to his feet. 

Irish whip, reversed, Fortune comes back and kicks Stanton upwards as he was previously in a bent over position looking for a back belly drop. She then strikes him in the jaw and Stanton falls back into the padded corner. She runs at him, looking for a back elbow but he manages to get out of the way just in time. She's now in the corner and Stanton begins a series of strikes, one after the other connecting harder than the last! He then runs towards the ropes and bounces off of them, only to find Fortune running passed him. He stops in his tracks and allows Fortune to bounce off of the ropes, using her momentum against her as he surprises her with a hiptoss before performing a cartwheel basement drop kick. He makes the tag to Zombie Black and the two men have Fortune leaning against the corner.

Stanton nudges Black and says, "watch this"  before chopping Fortune hard on the chest. Black is impressed but believes he can do better. He delivers one of his own.

And the two alternate with the fans counting along before Fortune stumbles out of the corner after the tenth chop to the chest and falling to the canvas. Black covers but only gets the two. Fortune looks to escape by rolling under the rope but Black grabs her by the leg. She then turns herself around and kicks him backward. She uses the ropes to help herself up and Black runs towards her. She latches onto the ropes and pulls herself down with Black going over the top rope and onto the apron. Fortune goes to grab him but he counters with a forearm. Black then goes for the springboard onto the top rope but she delivers a drop kick and Black goes crashing back down onto the apron before tumbling onto the mat outside. The referee begins the count and Stanton goes over to him to check if he's OK. Harper Hill runs in behind and clubs Stanton behind the leg. Stanton falls a little before Hill grabs him by his head and rams it into the steel steps. He staggers backwards and is leaning against the railing. Hill runs over to him and clothesline him into the fans, taking Stanton out of this one for the moment!

Black rolls himself back into the ring before the referee reaches the twenty count and is met with a barrage of stomps to the body. He's then brought back to his feet and over to the GBH corner. Fortune makes the tag. Black is by the corner and is met with a double drop kick from the duo. Hill goes for the pin but only the two. Stanton is now back in his corner and is keen for a tag, clapping and getting the fans to get behind him, and they do, as Black stretches towards his tag team partner. Hill then grabs him and locks him in a camel clutch submission. Black struggles at first but he uses the fans encouragement as well as Stanton's to reach the ropes. Hill grabs him and brings him to his feet. Black catches her off guard, jab to the jaw, kick to the thigh, she goes for the lariat but he ducks and dives towards Stanton for the tag. 

The Scarlet Speedster slingshots into the ring and sprints towards Hill, knocking her down with a lariat. She's back up but not for long, Stanton strikes her again with another lariat. A third time she's up, she goes for a lariat herself, he ducks - and this time, it's a lariat to end all lariats, one that has her flipping inside out. Miss Fortune enters the picture and Stanton is quick to react, blocking her strike attempt and throwing her into the direction of his partner Zombie Black who is now in the ring, and he takes her down with a drop kick. She rolls to the outside. Stanton makes the tag to Black. Black climbs to the top rope whilst Stanton positions Hill in a tombstone piledriver. He plants her down to the canvas and Black flies off of the top rope, elbow drop! He then hooks her legs for the one, the two, and the three!

WINNER: Red & Black in 12:44