A New Hope in Tokyo

[James Peterson]

Date: Thursday 27th April, 2017
Location: NJFC Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan.
Deadline: Wednesday 26th, 2017.
Word Limit: 1000 words!

[高村謙信 (Kenshin Takamura)]

Just another press conference. I had become quite accustomed to them thanks to the most recent Young Guns Cup. I did pretty well; only to lose my focus in the third or fourth round. I examined the crowd of media who were poised to question me about the same thing everyone had been for the past month. “Before I begin, I will not be taking any questions for one reason: this is about Konrad Raab versus myself; not Madman Szalinski. I know, given the opportunity, all of you would hound me about every, little bitter detail. So, for that reason, I’m going to keep this whole press conference on track. Put simply: I’m going to talk, and you’re going to listen.” The sight of the upset looks on those reporters’ faces brought a small yet pleasant smile to my lips as I witnessed the hands fall..

After a moment the smile faded as I wetted my lips to speak. “This wasn't meant to be a crusade,” I began cryptically, “but that's exactly what it has become. My year began with the end of Night Train Ayano in UKWF and our championship tag team, Hunt By Night. I did what I had to do. Night Train was a great partner, to an extent. She took way too many risks, ultimately bringing about the end of our reign before winning a single defense. To make matters worse, it was the same team we had defeated multiple times prior, even in WarGames,” I paused long enough to allow the fast-traveling data to sink into my audience’s minds before continuing. “I am not just some 15-minutes-of-fame loser. I wrestle to be the best and remain the best. That’s why I knew the winds of change were blowing, and I knew the world would hate me for it.” Gaia’s icy blue eyes were dead. “And, they did. You did,” she said calmly while staking her claim.

“And, as much as I have come to just really not care,” I carried on, “I spent so many nights living in frustration because no one truly understands unless they’re standing in that ring as Gaia Galanos. This is my career, and I'd be willing to bet all of you would be singing to a different tune if you were in my shoes.” I could hear the hushed whispers in the crowd, followed by a chuckle or two. “Go ahead, make jokes, but I am the one standing up here as the well-paid fighter, doing what I love while you sit at home hating everything about that daily routine of shit you fill your lives with..”

“After Night Train, it was Lowri Moss who tried to be a heroine; believing she was the almighty chosen one to put me in my place,” I stated; my words accompanied by an amused smirk. “She fought valiantly,” I confessed, “but I prevailed,”--my eyes were completely focused straight ahead now, “as expected.”

Suddenly, I remembered I was in a press conference, not cutting a promo as I made sure my eyes swept across the landscape of heads, listening eagerly. “That was only the first chapter,” I explained, followed by: “The second chapter brought two former World Champions, one-after-another, Madman Szalinski and Jacqui Monroe. I dismantled them both. Because it doesn’t matter who steps into a ring with me; I am better than I ever have been.”

“Ever,” I echoed to hammer my point home.

“When I was approached about fighting here in the NJFC, I had one demand: I wanted a cage-fight, not a wrestling match. A cage-fight. And, NJFC actually went a little further. They gave me a man that is easily considered a legend in his own right, Konrad Raab. A man who has been around a little bit, but apparently is naive as to what’s to come. For those unaware of what I’m talking about, check Mr. Raab’s Twitter.”

“There are only two ways out of that cage tomorrow night: with your hands raised or a with a concussion. And, if you take a look at my track record over the past few months, the future looks bleak so you better keep your guard up, old man,” I warned before adding, “the last aging competitor that stepped into the ring me with me, needed Pat Gordon, Jr. to throw a towel in for him because he couldn’t defend himself, and I considered him a mentor once upon a time,” I added without a care causing a murmur to rise over the horde of media.

“Konrad, just like my match against Madman Szalinski, if this match ends up on the ground, woe is you. But, even if you didn’t have to worry about that, Konrad, how do you expect to contend with the scientific fact that no matter how much film you watch, no matter how much scouting you try to do, and no matter who you ask for advice; Konrad Raab, the moment you step into the ring tomorrow night, you will begin realizing something. And, as the match goes on, it will form in your mind until it finally comes to fruition in your mind. Unfortunately, it’ll be too late by then.”

“Mr. Raab, an event horizon is, in layman’s terms, the ‘point of no return’ of a black hole. Not even light can escape. Can you imagine that? If not, you’ll soon bear witness to it first-hand.”

“Welcome to the Event Horizon; the point of no return. Forget a new hope in Tokyo” I said bluntly, “because all hope is lost.” And so, I left. I didn’t even want to see what the old bastard had to say to be perfectly honest. I might start the fight right now instead. Can’t have that, demands society.

[Owen Gonsalves]

As Gaia Galanos finishes her sentence, James Peterson is behind the podium once again as he regains the attention of the buzzing crowd.

James Peterson: "And on that note, I believe that one of the wrestlers in our main event has arrived, so without further adeu...Making his New Japan Fighting Championship debut tomorrow night against Chris Madison, "Indestructible" Owen Gonsalves!"

Brushing past Galanos in an interesting crossing of paths, Owen Gonsalves pops out from behind the curtain with a cold water bottle in hand. Owen is wearing his newly printed shirt made specifically for his return to Japan, over the shirt is a black leather jacket, with black jeans to finish it all off.

As all the cameras flash, there's a cheer from the crowd as Owen takes a heavy breath and waves out to the live crowd before making his way up to the stage as James Peterson moves away from the podium. Owen puts both his hands at his side and bows towards the crowd in respect, to more applause before adjusting the mic slightly.

Owen Gonsalves: "Konbanwa! It is an absolute honour to be here tonight, be in front of all of you, this has been a long time coming. I want to thank James for bringing me out here and giving Chris and myself the honour of competing in the main event of NJFC's first show back. So uh, let's get to some questions I guess..."

Someone raises their hand from the crowd before they're given the microphone, having been chosen as the first question of the night, considering Gaia didn't want any.

"Over here, Owen! Jason Clyde from Sportskeeda. First of all, welcome back to Japan...I hate to have to bring it up but the last time you were in Japan, it turned out to be a very dark moment in your career-"

Owen Gonsalves: "You know what, let's talk about the last time I was in Japan. Let's talk about April 30th 2014, huh? I haven't really ever spoken about it because I've been incredibly focused on, first and foremost, recovering from that incident, and since then, I have been focused on becoming the best fucking wrestler alive."

There's a half cheer from the English section of the crowd who understood Owen's comment.

Owen Gonsalves: "So the last time I was here was three years ago for an infamous company called New Edge Wrestling, and they had a show every year in Japan, horribly called, Kamikaze. Now at Kamikaze in the year 2014, I was in the main event in a Ultimate Xcore Deathmatch, massive cage, barbwire, weapons galore... Long story short, I pissed off the boss who ended up deciding to send two of the men in the match out there to kick my ass."

There's a pause as all those memories flood back to Owen, who had a long history of trauma from the incident. This trauma had created an inner turmoil for Owen on whether he would return to wrestling, he chuckles to himself seeing how things panned out years later.

Owen Gonsalves: "I was given a double stomp to my face, crushing my orbital bone and I was publically embarrased in front of all of you. The physical injury put me out for a few months, the emotional toll that the embarrasment caused and the politics that surrounds this industry kept me out for a year."

Owen winces at the memory of his time away, while he enjoyed spending time with his family

Owen Gonsalves: "But one day I got up and decided that I would change everything people thought they knew about me...I dropped the hardcore and deathmatch style that had defined me and worked my ass off to prove I'm much more than that. And now three years later...It's time to redefine Owen Gonsalves in Japan."

He smiles and sips his water once more while he waits for the next question.

"Owen, Ryan Masato from Puroresu Weekly, I've gotta ask...you've had a war of words with Chris Madison's manager, Frankie Morrison. What are your thoughts on Chris Madison himself?"

Owen Gonsalves: "New FGA Pride Champion, Chris Madison, shall we add...Not Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, there was a mishap on Twitter on my behalf but I'll fix that by sending my congratulations to the new champion now."

Owen chuckles to himself for a moment and shakes his head before going back to the question.

Owen Gonsalves: "In my opinion, when it comes to the question of the best technical wrestler in the world, I firmly believe that Chris Madison belongs in that conversation. For 17 years, he has been the best of the best in that ring and proved that when he beat Molly Reid, a talent in her own right, for that championship. That's why he was on my list of dream matches. I'm on my road to proving that I am the best technical wrestler alive and I need to beat the absolute best to do that. Chris is one of the absolute best.

There's a round of applause for the respect shown as Owen nods and once again takes a sip of his water while awaiting the next question.

Ryan Masato: "Sorry, just a follow up on that, Owen...There's a saying that goes along the lines of 'if you step to the king, you best not miss', if Chris Madison is the proverbially king in your eyes, is there any worry that you'll crack under the pressure of facing such a high calibre opponent? Will you miss?"

Owen Gonsalves: "I will not miss. Plain and simple. This is too important of a match for me to miss again. I look forward to striking... hard and getting struck hard too, but I refuse to fall short. I am the man on fire, the High Flyah Messiah, the breaker of wrists, the Submission Alchemist, the Technical Spectacle, Australia's favourite son, I could go on and on...Owen fucking Gonsalves and Chris will learn that Owen Gonsalves cannot be destroyed. And on that note, cheers, Tokyo! See you tomorrow night!"

Owen waves out to the crowd as there's an applause before he makes his leave, allowing for someone else to take their turn for questions.

[Jason Cashe]

Before James Patterson can put his voice through the microphone at the Podium, the remastered remix for “Nothin’ But a G Thang” begins to play. Signaling the entire crowd of reporters and fans that dPEEg, the GPC Tag Team Champions were entering the room.

”Please welcome to the Podium. Tommy Knox and Jason Cashe, dPEEg!”

First to appear was Tommy Knox, just like the order of their names being called. He jumps out onto stage, in one hand was his Tag Title, his other gripped tight around the neck of a beer bottle. Roaring out to the audience he was living that rockstar status. This was living the life to them both as Jason Cashe comes shoving Knox out of the way. His Title secured around his waist, over his clothes as he approaches the podium. His eyes bloodshot red where they should be white and their shape was looking a little Asian. Taking a swig of his beer, Knox positions his belt over his shoulder and removes his sunglasses revealing the same Asian look to his eyes. They were blazed out their mind.

Mr. Patterson steps aside as Cashe approaches the mic first. ”Sup..” Nothing more coming from Cashe as someone off stage reaches up and hands him a bottle of water. Moving from the podium to wet his yapper, Tommy Knox takes up residence with the mic by putting his mouth over it. With the mic IN his mouth, Knox makes gagging sounds before pulling away. He sets his title and his beer up on the Podium as he stares out over the crowd.

”The Fuuuuuuck kind of questions do you ying yangs have for dPEEg?”

Hands raise, high pitched yelps for attention from the Reporters, Journalists and Fanboys looking to ask the first question to the Champions. Knox at Random points and of COURSE he chooses the first female with some cleavage showing. ”You! Blubber tits.”

THE FOLLOWING IS TRANSLATED FROM THE ACTUAL SPOKEN LANGUAGE

”Yes, my question is for BOTH of you. What other matches are you looking forward to seeing in the Return of NJFC?”

END TRANSLATION

Not knowing any Japanese himself, Tommy Knox blinks at her. Eyes trying to open to show his confusion but he stood stuck on having ZERO idea what this woman asked. Jason Cashe side shoves Knox out of the way and leans into the mic.

”Repeat the question. I didn’t hear it and he’s.. He’s somewhere else entirely.” Again taking a gulp from the water bottle, he was fighting a case of cotton mouth but he wasn’t going to let that stop him from answering the questions.

THE FOLLOWING IS TRANSLATED FROM THE ACTUAL SPOKEN LANGUAGE

”My question is for BOTH of you. What other matches are you looking forward to seeing in the Return of NJFC?”

END TRANSLATION

Jaw dropped open. Cashe was stunned and stuck staring just the same as his partner had been. It wasn’t a language he would ever get a hang of as he barely spoken his own language very well. Slowly his head shakes from side to side before looking back at Mr. Patterson.

”Do you need the translator?”

”No.. Fuck it, I’ma wing it.” Turning back to the crowd of people. Their eyes watching him, waiting to hear what he has to say. Tommy Knox begins to chug his beer, waving to someone in the back for another. As he gets more, Cashe takes over the speech desired.

”You bitches can translate.. dPEEg is here. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again because it’s real. Smell it to know for sure because the STANK we are about to leave in people’s mouths is every bit of real. You might look at us and see Superstars! You might see my rugged good looks and wonder how I didn’t end up modeling. You might look and see Knox and wonder how he isn’t living under a bridge somewhere. Well let me tell you, it’s because above all else we are fucking Athletes. We are reckless, foul, dangerous, influential and fucking Crooked! You want what we have? Take it. We don’t hide, be direct. Ain’t NOTHING but a G Thang.. That’s all it’s gonna remain.”

As he finishes his little speech and turns to leave, Cashe stops as Tommy Knox pulls his own pants down. Turning his head to not see anything, the cameras and viewers see it all as Tommy Knox begins to pee out at the crowd. Spraying the front row, gasps and curses ring loud as does his drunk and ripped laughter. Cashe just leaves the stage as James Patterson facepalms and shakes his head, he shouldn’t be surprised.

”DPEEG MOTHERFUCKERS!!” Waddling with his pants at his ankles, Knox takes his Title and hurries off stage. His free hand struggling to get his pants up as his bare ass is the last thing seen by the angered crowd.

["The Iceman" Konrad Raab]

It's been a while since the last time Konrad wrestled in Japan, but although he was in Japan right now, it wasn't him at the press conference, it was his trainer Chris Richards. He knows exactly how Konrad's been feeling with the upcoming match and he speaks in front of the camera crew and speaks.

Chris Richards: "Konrad's very glad to be back in Japan because honestly, he has missed the country quite a lot and he was very close to selling his apartment, only he found out NJFC is coming back so he's kept hold of his home now which was very lucky. I know he should be here, but because of how he feels about the match situation, he refuses to acknowledge he's wrestling in a cage match. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's wrestling in a cage match and it's good for his career, but he doesn't think so because if you know Konrad well, he just doesn't like violent and brutal matches such as a cage match, even if he did one a few years ago when he started, but he says the match is completely unnecessary to him which in reality it is. He wondered why none of the other stars in NJFC are in the cage match instead of him."

Chris knows everything about Konrad as he takes a sip of water before speaking once again.

Chris Richards: "But in terms of his opponent, he has given me some thoughts about Gaia Galanos on how evenly the match will be in terms of skills which he found very interesting because he says he hasn't faced a female wrestler who's on par with his strength and technical moves so when you look at it in a bigger way, it is going to be an very interesting match up between the two so from that side of things, he said he can see why James placed him in this match with Gia because there's a lot of value to it of him wrestling against someone with that same style is one of the only things he's generally very excited about, along with New Japan Fighting Championships being open again."

At this time, they all listened hard to Chris as he takes a sip of his water, still thinking Konrad should be here and talk, but he knows it's not gonna happen and he speaks again.

Chris Richards: "I've even tried to convince him it's good for his career and get him to talk about it in general, even on twitter, but he can't bare the thought of it, but even if he dislikes a match situation, he'll always wrestle because he believes doing matches he disagrees with. He's wrestled in Falls Count Anywhere match recently against Torsten Volgt and taken part in Elimination Chamber match for the US title in Supreme Championship Wrestling so he's proven he's able to wrestle in those kind of situations and said the same things, but right now, he's mentally not that great and leaving everything to me on talking about this match. Between you guys and me, he needs to be put through this because right now, he's unable to fight in these situations and he's unable to get this whole cage situation out of his head."

It caused for concern to the journalists in the room to know a wrestler who doesn't like violent stipulations, but at the same time, after what Chris said about the matches he's taken part in, it hit them on the nail that knowing Konrad will wrestle and Chris taking more sips of water and speaks again.

Chris Richards: "We know Gia is good at taking older men down from the matches she's had with Madman Szalinski, but Konrad's not Szalinski and he may have five years experience underneath him and is older than all the wrestlers on the roster, but he has the biggest fighting heart you've ever seen. You may have defeated Szalinski in whatever way you could, but I know what Konrad can do in these cage matches and he won't use it to his advantage and you can do whatever damage you'll do to him, but he'll wrestle like it's a normal match. How he actually doesn't fall into the trap of using what's around him is beyond me, but he's very good at what he does in these situations, but I do at the same time want him to improve on getting more comfortable in violent and brutal matches like the Cage match."

Once again Chris takes a sip of water, knowing in his mind who really should be here, but wasn't able to due to in his excuse doing gym training.

Chris Richards: "I apologise for his absence today, but you won't be seeing me in that ring tomorrow and this guy will be in America, but I've been preparing Konrad for this cage match for weeks and I know it's for his own good to gain his confidence back and hopefully get rid of his fears of using anger in the match if Gia forces it out of him, but trust me Gia, you aren't gonna have an easy night with Konrad. You aren't ever gonna see him quit because he has such a big heart and knows he'll give you a match that he says you deserve, but at the same time, although he hates cage matches with a passion, he'll compete and do the best he can without looking at the surroundings because he wrestles and cares about the fans and that's how he'll win."

Chris stood up and leaves the press conference room for someone else to be interviewed, being completely satisfied on what he said, even if he wished Konrad was here to talk, he understood why as he leaves to go back to America.

[Jack "The Ripper" Tillman]

JP: "Up next, Jack Tillman and his manager Chris Constantine!"

-Flashes from cameras are seen as Chris Constantine makes his way out to the stage. With a water bottle in hand, Chris stares at the crowd as he stands behind the podium with a slight grin on his face. The room is confused as there is no Jack Tillman as Chris begins talk.



CC: "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Chris Constantine and I am the manager of Jack Tillman. Now Jack isn't here. He's back in the states and he is deeply sorry for not showing and apologizes for all who wanted to see him in person. His flight got canceled at the last minute and the next flight won't be in Japan till a couple hours from now. So NJFC and the fans don't have to worry about Jack not showing up.

Now the only Japanese I know is is where's the bathroom and where's the bar and I can barely understand Japanese so I'm not going to insult you with speaking Japanese that you can't understand and I don't want to hear you with your broken English that I won't be able to understand. I know what most of you are going to be asking me anyways so I'll break it all down for you.

First, Kurt Newman isn't dead. He's far from dead so don't believe what the internet and social media have said. Kurt would love to be back here in Japan and defend his Global Title that he won last year......but Kurt is going through some personal stuff and rehabbing some injuries that he had been pushing back for years now. I can guarantee you that Kurt will be back some day, but it's not now.

Secondly, Jack has signed with NJFC for a multi year deal and will be working close with NJFC in the near future. As of now he's signed up for the Global Championship tournament. Jack wants to win that belt and bring it back to our camp where it belongs. Kurt never lost the title, Jack was trained by Kurt, and it would only be fitting if Jack won the title. Sort of make it a full circle. Ricky Valero is Jacks first opponent but that is another matter for another day.

If Jack doesn't win the tournament, then his eyes will be on the Junior Heavy Weight Title. Being that Jack is around 210, Jack would be a perfect fit for that title scene and make it something special.

Finally let's talk about the match between Benny and Jack. Now both men have already put up promos that you can now see on the NJFC network or on the NJFC YouTube page......your choice of watching. Jack told a story of how he came to be through the NJFC Dojo. He showed a little bit of what it meant to be a young boy and slowly transforming into a young lion. With that promo, Jack showed that he bleeds NJFC and believed in it so much that he became a graduate of the NJFC Dojo. Two out of twenty remained ladies and gentlemen and Jack was one out of the two to graduate.

The chosen son of NJFC has returned and is ready to prove to you the fans at home and everyone watching around the world that he is and willing to be one of the faces this company deserves. He's ready to put on five star matches for you. He's ready to take the blows and the shots to prove that he's worthy of your support. Jack Tillman is ready and willing to be dominate force in NJFC like he has been in 2017 with EWC, GOL, and Redemption Wrestling.

Now on Friday 28th.......A New Hope In Tokyo......Jack Tillman will be facing Benny Stevens in the opening match. Now I love Benny. We've hung out plenty of times when Kurt was still wrestling. Both men knew how to party and both men knew how to drink which got us in trouble allot. The stories I could tell with the adventures we went on could land us in jail. Hell, Benny still owes me a thousand bucks for a bar tab that he accumulated on a tour over in Europe.

But both sides know that even though we're friendly to one another, that this is business and that when both men step in that ring that fist will fly and body parts will be hurting. Unfortunately for Benny, we know what makes Benny tick and what body parts to target. Benny on the other hand......he probably knows a little about Jack....but not enough to make a difference in the match.

We all know that Benny is a high flyer. That he'll put his body on the line and damn the consequences if it's able to make a high light wheel. Benny bud, your only 26 and there are times that I look at you and you walk around like a fifty year old. From one friend to the other......don't take those high spots brother. Don't take those unnecessary bumps. Play it safe. Go slow. Think of the future and the here and now because if you don't you're going to jump off that rope one day and break your spine after landing hard on your head.

Jack......he's learned that if he wants to have a long career then he has to play it safe. No high spots. Ground and pound. Submissions and power slams. Keep the match in his control. And it's because of this style of fighting that's made him a success story here in 2017 with a 8-1 record over in EWC and a 6-1 record over in Redemption.

Benny I love you man and I wish you the best of luck. Thank you folks and have splendid rest of the NJFC Press Conference."

-Chris gives out a peace sign as he walks off the stage.

[Hearst]

As the crowd begins to simmer in anticipation of the next speaker, the lights in the conference room cut out with a sudden thud. Murmurs and whispers passed through the room like ghosts trying to find something living, until a second electric thud sent a blinding wave of light back over them all. When the tidal wave had settled, and the brave few found themselves risking a peek to see what force of nature had descended upon them, they found exactly what they expected; the morning star made flesh. Devin Hearst, sitting cross-legged upon the stage with his head in one-hand and a microphone in the other. Hearst was not alone; flanked on both sides by figures in black suits, each wearing a featureless white mask. As they stood like statues, hands clasped behind their backs, Hearst tumbled his mic like a fine wine, passing a lazed glance around the men and women grasping at their eyes, trying to find some sort of clarity.

Hearst watched them for a moment, then stood up. With his ever-present grimace deepening, Hearst turned away from the press ... and toward James Peterson.

With the intent of a slow-crawling predator, Hearst slithered his way toward the owner of NJFC, a dead expression on his face. He scanned Peterson, eyes narrowed, before taking the mic up to his lips ... but he did not say anything. He just glared ahead.

In a flash, Hearst turned to the decoration of the room; banners hung with displays of champions, warriors, and moments of glory in NJFC. The beast's eye was caught by one in particular; a banner with images of himself and his opponent at the ironically named "New Hope in Tokyo", Ace King. Hearst held his focus on the face of the EWC Television Champion for minutes, which some thought would turn to hours. With a grunt, Hearst dropped his mic to the ground which made a terrible, static-laced pop when it landed, and brought his arm up high until his hand, now shaped into a gun like the weapon that it was, pointed at the forehead of his opponent. Hearst pulled the trigger, and with an inaudible "bang", the lights died once again.

More murmurs.

More confusion.

One could not say how long they crawled in the dark for, but when the lights were restored, Hearst and his compatriots were nowhere to be found. The gasps from the apparent teleportation were only amplified, camera flashes and commotion filling the room like salt water in a sinking ship, when the banner came back into view. Torn, tattered, Ace's visage now stood eyeless with a whole in his chest. Across the entire banner, and that of every banner hung in the room, a message in red paint was written under the sight of a pyramid housing the all seeing eye. It read:

"WE ARE MANY"

[chrismadison]

James Peterson frantically tried to regain some control over the press conference as the room filled of journalists continued to whisper amongst each other after the bizarre proceedings that just occurred. His hands gripped the sides of the podium as he hunched over to the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you could all settle down, I'd like to introduce the next participant for tonight's press conference, accompanied by his manager, Frankie Morrison, the reigning FGA Pride Champion, CHRIS MADISON," he announced as he turned his body and directed his arm towards the NJFC curtain that was the backdrop.

Chris Madison stepped out from behind the curtain with his manager flanking him to his right. Morrison took a few steps in front of him and made his way over to the podium, shaking hands with James Peterson before finding a seat at the table set up on stage. Chris followed behind him, also shaking hands with the owner of NJFC, before finding a spot right next to Frankie Morrison. Madison placed the FGA Pride Championship belt up onto the table, adjusting the straps so that it stood upright facing the audience. Flashes from the photographers cameras exploded rapidly as Chris took a swig of water from a bottle that was on the table. Frankie lifted the microphone in front of him but was interrupted by his client, who had leaned in and began to whisper into his ear. Morrison's eyebrows raised as he nodded his head and placed the microphone back down onto the table.

Being a man who only spoke when it was warranted, the audience gasped as Chris grabbed the microphone in front of him. "Konbanwa. Kite kurete arigatou gozaimasu," he said, drawing the admiration of the predominantly Japanese audience. "Before we get to any questions, I have address a few things. I sat back there and listened carefully as Owen Gonsalves spoke with you. He painted this picture of a young man facing off with someone he looks to as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in the business today. You all know me. I spent six long years competing solely in Japan before returning to North America. Since then I have come back and given you some classic matches: APW's One Night in Hell, I was apart of the winning team in a War Games match against Jason Cashe, Reaver, Biggs, and CJ Gates, For Second to None Wrestling I defeated GRINDER and then defended the Championship against a true legend in this industry, 'The Dark Horse' Brad Jackson, and then of course my two matches for NJFC, defeating Eric Darkthrone, and then Maddox Lucien and Mark Storm in a triple threat. When I step into a ring in front of the amazing Japanese wrestling fans, I elevate my game to a level that's unmatched. As of a few days ago, Owen Gonsalves, who competes for FGA and was at Only The Strong Survive, didn't know which championship I held. This kid is in way over his head and has no idea what he's up against. I'm Chris Madison, and I'm going to dismantle Owen Gonsalves for your viewing pleasure! His little feel-good 'Japan Tour twenty-seventeen' starts and ends with me," he asserted before lowering the microphone back down to the table.

Frankie tilted his head and pulled on the back of his collar while smirking. "With that being said, lets hear some of your questions," Frankie announced while nodding his head towards one of the NJFC event staff members that was walking the floor.

The crew member served as a translator for those reporters who spoke little to no english. He made his way over to the first journalist that caught his eye as a room full of hands shot up towards the ceiling. A young man whispered to the crew member so that the question could be translated. "This is Hideo Ito, he'd like to know, with this sudden NJFC resurgence, how frequent will Chris be involved in upcoming events," he asked.

"I'll be as involved as they'd like me to be. Besides a New Hope in Tokyo, I'll be taking a part of the Pride of Puroresu series in June. Despite missing out on the Global Championship tournament, I'd like to get on the card for one of the first to nights of the Global Takeover three day event. I'm committed to NJFC. I am confident that Frankie and Mr. Peterson can work around my FGA schedule and get me as many dates out here as physically possible," he informed attentive as they jotted down notes and held out their tape recorders.

As Chris finished his response, a familiar face from earlier in the event rose to his feet, addressing Madison before any other journalist had a chance to raise their hands. "Ryan Masato, Puroresu Weekly... We obviously heard from Owen earlier. He made light of the mishap earlier in the week during his back and forth with Mr. Morrison. But Owen isn't the only one to take shots at you over social media, or in your case, lack there of. Any comments for those who've compared your nonexistent social media accounts to hiding," he inquired.

"Just because I don't take part of the twitter machine doesn't mean I don't know what's happening. Last time I checked, I was in the wrestling business, where wars are won inside the squared circle, not over twitter. Owen acts like he respects me but also cracked a joke about AMIRA and I looking alike. Mitsuo Shimada claims I hide behind my manager when he's the one hiding behind a keyboard. Friday night, A New Hope In Tokyo, everyone gets reminded that I'm not some ol'dog waiting to be put out of his misery. I am Chris Madison and I will brutalize anyone foolish enough to get inside that ring with me," Chris shouted before rising up to his feet. He grabbed his FGA Pride Championship belt and walked off stage with his manager scurrying behind him.

[Ace King]

After Devin Hearst’s appearance, Ace King stands just out of eyesight shaking his head; if Hearst thought the mind games would amount to anything, he’ll find he’s sorely mistaken.

As Ace waits to be introduced, around the corner comes Chris Constantine, manager for fellow EWC competitor Jack Tillman, who just completed his press conference moments earlier. The two men share a quick nod before Constantine takes his leave as he sees James Peterson step up to the microphone.

“Next up to the podium, representing EWC as its Television Champion, Ace King!”

Camera shutters go off uncontrollably as Ace makes his way to the dais, the EWC Television Championship draped over his shoulder. Like Owen Gonsalves before him, Ace comes out in a mostly black ensemble, complete with a special edition VENUM t-shirt underneath.



Ace takes a seat at his microphone, the NJFC Global Championship mere inches from his grasp. He opts not to touch it, however, as he doesn’t want to bring disrespect to something he hasn’t earned.

“Let me just start by saying this is an incredible opportunity to be part of something special,” he says. “Any time I’ve come here in the past has been really cool, so it’s great to be part of this.”

An awkward silence fills the room before he sets his Television Championship on the table and takes the microphone out of its holder, leaning back in his chair.

“Don’t everyone ask all at once, now,” he says with a smirk.

Almost immediately, hands go up in the press gallery; NJFC media handlers quickly disperse microphones throughout the gallery, beginning with a semi-attractive Japanese woman in the front row.

“Ai Ngata-Ho, Gaora TV,” she says “Ace, you’ve had a solid wrestling career, but it’s almost all been in America. Why did you choose to come to Japan now, and specifically, why NJFC?”

Ace nods as Ai asks the question; it’s one he’s thought about a bit himself, though he offers only a shoulder shrug to start.

“I think the better question is why not?” he says with a nod. “Even though I’ve passed through here a couple times, it’s been almost a decade since I actually wrestled in Japan for any promotion, and I’ve always wanted to do something with a company based in Japan. All the stars aligned from a timing perspective, and so here we are today.”

Ai remains standing, as she’s got a follow-up.

“And what is it about the Japanese wrestling culture that you appreciate?” she asks.

Ace thinks carefully, taking a drink of the water at his seat before raising the microphone again.

“There’s a big difference in how wrestling is viewed here,” he says with a thoughtful look. “In America, the audience treats it as trainwreck television or bloodsport. Here, they genuinely appreciate the skill and athleticism we all display in the ring night in and night out. I feel like it’s taken much more seriously here in Japan, and I was listening to Chris Constantine talking earlier about what Jack’s accomplished here as a graduate of the Dojo here. It’s clear there’s an infinite level of respect for the craft here in Japan, and I hope I can do enough to make a strong impression.”

The media handlers again scramble through the gallery; a middle-aged man stands up, adjusting his tie before raising a microphone to his mouth.

“Jimmy Tanaka, Samurai! TV,” he says. “Once NJFC announced it was returning, you immediately started lobbying to face Devin Hearst.”

Ace nods while the reporter clears his throat.

“What is it about him that made you want to challenge him, and do you regret the challenge at all?”

“Life’s too short for regrets,” Ace says coolly, taking another drink. “Don’t mistake it for overconfidence, though: I KNOW what Hearst can do, and although he doesn’t say much, he doesn’t have to. To me, he’s one of the few guys you can associate with the term measuring stick, but I plan to push him just as hard as he’ll push me. Why did I challenge him? It’s simple.”

Ace gestures to the NJFC Global Championship, “Because he’s the first one to hold that. I grew up believing that challenging the big dog was how to make a statement, but this is different, because I meant no disrespect. While he’s not the last guy to hold this, he set the precedent, and with Global Takeover coming up, we’re going to try and take each other’s heads off, and I plan to be the one standing once the smoke clears.”

There are a few murmurs in the gallery at the declaration; James Peterson steps up to the podium once again.

“OK, we’ve got time for one more question,” Peterson interjects; the microphone is passed around the press gallery, until it lands in a very familiar hand.

“Uh oh,” Ace laughs as he sees Shelley Silver, his girlfriend and NJFC backstage interviewer, with the microphone. The rest of the media gallery turns back to Shelley, then start laughing once they realize what’s happening.

Shelley offers a quick smile and wave before raising the microphone to her mouth.

“Just following up on the last question, Ace,” she begins. “The two of you are sure to have a high-calibre match tomorrow, but how does the idea of possibly facing him again in the Global Takeover semifinals affect your mindset going in?”

“It doesn’t,” he responds with a head tilt. “Because that’s still a few weeks away, and that field means there’s no guarantees; Otaki’s good, so she could easily put me out. This is the only match I care about right now. Should the situation arise, it’s a match I’ll learn from, win or lose, but I can’t afford to look too far ahead. Devin Hearst is the main target right now, and I don’t intend to miss.”

Ace rises from his chair with a handshake from Peterson before bowing to the Japanese media, retrieving his EWC Television Championship and leaving the podium area.