(The camera fades into Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium with the view turning all around the arena to the number of people that are in attendance before we are brought back towards the signature commentators of Mark Stephens and Daniel Wilson sitting at ringside.)
Mark Stephens: Live from Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Namba, Osaka, Japan!… WE ARE STRONG STYLE WRESTLING! We continue through The Best In The World Series with another epic main event that has been created for this event with The Everlasting Hero in Masanori Kawada competing in the ring against Steven Cassidy!
Daniel Wilson: A person that many have been calling the underdog of this entire tournament in Steven Cassidy, he has garnered an undefeated record throughout it all! However, with someone as determined as Masanori Kawada fighting with him, there’s no telling who will walk out with the victory here tonight!
Mark Stephens: What about the leader of Ronin facing off against one of the youngbloods in Shoot Nation? Kai Stevens looks push forward in the tournament standings as he faces off against Shinati Mizarki tonight in their Best In The World Series Match! This could be a very interesting match up, but right now… let’s get ready for the first match of the night!
(The camera pans over towards the ring with the focus placed entirely upon Saya Takada as she stands within the center of the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!
(The lights go down. After a few second a spotlight illuminates the figure of Christopher Sabertooth with his back turned to the arena. Pyros go off either side of the stage as “Charisma” by W.A.S.P. hits the speakers. Sabertooth turns and swaggers down to the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, from Aberdeen, Washington and weighing in at 210 pounds… CHRISTOPHER “HAVOC” SABERTOOTH!!!
Mark Stephens: Jaywalker’s newest “investment”. Beside all of the drama of recent weeks with Matthew, you can bet there are high hopes for Sabertooth. For those who are not familiar with his work in OWA and elsewhere, you are in for a treat.
(“Double Down” by Sky Hi starts to play as Rei Kagura struts out onto the stage. She strikes a sexy pose, swishing her hair before making her way down the ramp.)
Saya Takada: And his opponent, Osaka, Japan and weighing in at 132 pounds… REI KAGURA!!!
Daniel Wilson: Who is this woman?
Mark Stephens: As just called out, Rei Kagura.
Daniel Wilson: Where has she been all of my life, she’s beautiful. Sorry Christopher but this is game. Kagura’s beauty will dazzle and beguile and before you know it everything will be over.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephens: Christopher Sabertooth closes the distance aggressively on the bell. Rei Kagura struggles to match Sabertooth in the grapple but he smashes her in the side of the head with a vicious elbow and takes control. Sabertooth starts to wear away at Kagura by imposing himself with a side headlock. BUT KAGURA CATCHES HANDFUL OF HAIR! SHE YANKS AT IT TO FORCE THE RELEASE! And she doesn’t let go either. With official trying to reprimand her, Kagura takes another big yank for a hair pull slam dropping Sabertooth on the back of his head. The official gets between the competitors, backing Kagura off as he gives her a verbal warning. She is treading a fine line at the moment and risks disqualification.
Wilson: She is just doing what she has to do to take an early advantage here. All of the best know how to bend the rules their way to open up opportunities AND HERE IS KAGURA TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO HIT A BIG BOOT! SABERTOOTH BOBS HIS HEAD JUST OUT OF THE WAY - AND HE HAS CAUGHT THE LEG! SABERTOOTH SPINS FOR A DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP TWISTING THE KNEE AND NOW HE’S LOOKING TO BREAK A LEG! THE KNEEBAR IS CINCHED IN TIGHT AND NOW REI KAGURA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING QUICK! SHE DESPERATELY CLAWS HER WAY OVER TO REACH THE BOTTOM ROPE!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!... THREE!... FOUR!...
Stephens: Sabertooth was not in the mood to let go straight away and comes very close to catching a disqualification himself before respecting the count. Kagura is not out of the woods yet, however, as SABERTOOTH DRIVES THE BOOT INTO THE SIDE OF HER HEAD! CHRISTOPHER SABERTOOTH IS GOING TO TOWN WITH SOME VICIOUS STOMPS! KAGURA DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO RESPOND AND NOW SABERTOOTH HOOKS THE ARM! HE WRENCHES IT BEHIND HER BACK FOR THE HAMMERLOCK, PAINFULLY CONTROLLING KAGURA BACK TO HER FEET… HAMMERLOCK SUPLEX CONNECTS!
Wilson: Sabertooth has Kagura rocked on the ground after that display of vicious intensity. Now he looks to be going back to the legs as he cross them over… AND THERE IT IS! THE SABER STRETCH LOCKED IN RIGHT IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING! SABERTOOTH’S VICIOUS VARIATION ON THE STF IS NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT! BUT IT IS SOMETHING TO SUBMIT TO! KAGURA CAN’T TAKE IT! SHE TAPS! SHE TAPS!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Charisma” by W.A.S.P. erupts from the sound system. Christopher looks down at Rei Kagura, sneering, before shouting “I AM THE ONLY REAL WRESTLER” as he exits the ring.)
Saya Takada: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by way of submission… CHRISTOPHER SABERTOOTH!!!
Stephens: And it is a dominant finish for Christopher Sabertooth. He is showing every sign right now that he is worth every penny that Jaywalker has poured into bringing him to Tres Comas Club and here at SSW.
Wilson: You can’t argue with a result like that. Sabertooth somehow looks past the exotic good looks of Rei Kagura, keeps his eye on the ball, and does what he needs to do. Jaywalker must be thrilled, and dare I say it, Matthew must be thinking he’s picked a fight with the wrong guy here.
(The proud Christopher Sabertooth stands up and lifts his hands in victory before rolling outside of the ring and making his way up the ramp, looking back towards the defeated Rei Kagura as she starts to rise, smiling before walking backstage. A dejected Rei Kagura looks back before she shoves the referee away from her before she rolls outside of the ring and up towards the backstage area to leave the ring solely with Saya Takada.)
(“Cool Jam ~Arashi No Saxophone 3~” plays from the soundsystem as April Song struts out from behind the curtain. She makes her way down the ramp with a focused expression, not interacting with fans in her usual manner.)
Mark Stephens: Here we are preparing for April Song to give her response to Aria Jaxon ahead of their scheduled match up at Event Horizon. Just how do you see this one going, Daniel?
Daniel Wilson: What? Are you seriously asking that? Listen Mark, here is the tale of the tape… Aria Jaxon wins. L.O.L. As the kids say on Twitter these days. Don’t get me wrong, April is a hell of a competitor but she is in the Phantom Troupe’s crosshairs right now and we already know how that works.
(April calls over a young boy to hand her a microphone before stepping into the ring. She turns to face the hard cam and raises the mic to her lips.)
April Song: Let me reintroduce myself because it seems like a few people have forgotten who they have been talking to the past few weeks. I am April Song. The Professional. The Killer Bee. Anybody here wanna guess what B stands for? Come on, don’t be shy. I think I heard somebody holla beautiful, well that’s true but that’s not what is in my head, honey. Who else? Buns? Got them too but my face is up here and hey that’s a clue. Aria Jaxon got a resting… You know what? Forget this I don’t have time for that. B stands for BITCH! As in… April Song is a BITCH to fight. Life is such a FUCKING BITCH when you have to face a pissed off April Song at Event Horizon. Starting to see a pattern form here? People have started to forget the kind of bitch they are dealing with here. I get it. A few results have gone the wrong way. I was about three seconds from choking out a 300 pound gorilla but it’s ok. I understand that these days reading up win and loss ratios on wikipedia is the more accurate way to judge an athlete than, you know, actually fucking watching them fight. But it is about high time that everyone be reminded just who I am.
(April pauses briefly, standing up straighter in a power pose before continuing.)
April Song: It may be too late to guarantee you all that I am going to be named the Best In The World at the end of the day. I understand that even if I get everything right from now on, I will still need a little help somewhere to advance. I get it. It really pisses me off actually so here’s the warning for everyone who has to face me in the coming weeks. I need to vent some frustration and I want to count some more prize money so you are all getting your asses kicked. That goes for all of my opponents in The Best In The World Series. That goes for the Puroresu Heavyweight Champion. And that goes double for Aria Jaxon. Not because there’s some deep personal vendetta here. Not because we have a score to settle stretching back to our time in other promotions. Honey, it’s just that I’m a bitch and I can't stand it when you call yourself the biggest draw in this company. I mean, you have an advantage when it comes to drawing traffic with that billboard head. But I have known you long enough to know that you don’t have any advantage over a pissed off April Song in the ring. I know you are laughing right now. Knowing you it must feel like Christmas come early being surrounded by some many big sweaty men in the Troupe all the time. But don’t get complacent. April Song is still the hottest property in wrestling and I am only one win at Event Horizon away from taking your spot as Queen Bitch around here. I don’t know if you too have forgotten what I am capable of. Frankly, it’s been a bitch to have to remind everybody but it doesn’t matter… At Event Horizon, I am going to leave you with a beating that nobody is EVER going to forget.
(April Song tosses the microphone down onto the canvas of the ring before she makes her exit. She starts to make her exit from the arena with a determination on her face as he makes her way backstage.)
(The camera returns back inside of the arena with the camera panning across the arena towards Saya Takada that stands in the middle of the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for one fall… AND IS A BEST IN THE WORLD SERIES A BLOCK MATCH!!!
(“Freedom” by Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar echoes throughout the arena with the crowd not too enthused about the arrival of Aria Jaxon. Aria walks out towards the stage with a smile on her face, mocking the crowd at their disappointment while walking down the ramp, before she climbs the steel steps to enter into the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, she is from Los Angeles, California… she weighed in tonight at 114 pounds… she is the leader of The Phantom Troupe… “THE QUEEN OF STRONG STYLE WRESTLING”... ARRIIIAAAAA JAAXXXOOOONNNNN!!!
Daniel Wilson: BOW BEFORE THE GODDESS HERSELF! Aria Jaxon has given us a divine appearance here tonight as she hopes to continue her undefeated streak in The Best In The World Series! She has been impressive in this tournament and worthy of the title that has been bestowed upon her as the leader of the glorious Phantom Troupe faction!
Mark Stephens: Jesus… you suck up way too much, don’t you? We know that Aria Jaxon wouldn’t be undefeated if it wasn’t for the way that she cheated in the first round of matches from A Block against Masanori Kawada! Not only that, but Aria is a vile individual when it comes to being in that ring and making it to Wrestle Spirit for the championship that was taken away from her!
(“Boombayah” by BLACKPINK blasts from the speakers with Kikyo Himura stepping out to the stage with a similar reaction made towards her as she looks confidently towards the ring to her opponent. She walks down the ramp and starts to enter the ring as she raises her hand in confidence while Saya Takada makes the introduction.)
Saya Takada: Introducing her opponent, she is from Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan… weighing in at 128 pounds… representing Ronin… “THE SCARLET FLAME OF STRONG STYLE WRESTLING”... KIIKKKYYYYOOOOO HIIMMMUUURRRRAAAAA!!!
Mark Stephens: This woman has been a focus of some controversy, but recently… she has been on the receiving end on some important losses in this tournament. She hasn’t been able to earn a victory throughout this entire tournament an-- OH! I DON’T KNOW IF SHE’S GOING TO NOW WITH AN ABSOLUTE MONARCHY FROM ARIA THAT SENDS KIKYO COLLAPSING TO THE FLOOR! The referee barges in and starts to shove Aria back into the turnbuckle corner with The Phantom Queen smiling about being able to take her down! The referee finally separates the two and starts to ring the bell for the match!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Mark Stephens: THE MATCH HAS BEEN CALLED TO START AND ARIA JAXON ALREADY RUSHES TOWARDS KIKYO HIMURA WITH ELBOW STRIKES LANDING RIGHT INTO HER FACE! Aria has been relentless with those strikes and Kikyo hasn’t been able to move a single inch after that Absolute Monarchy she withstood from her before this match even started to get off of its feet! Aria pulls herself off of Kikyo, her hand grasping at the hair of Kikyo as she drags her towards the center of the ring, pulling the woman up to her feet AS SHE SLAPS KIKYO RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH A SADISTIC SMILE APPEARING ON HER FACE! Aria hooks Kikyo around her neck DROPPING HER DOWN WITH THE REVERSE STO TO DRIVE HER FACE INTO THE CANVAS BEFORE FLOATING HER LEG BACK AROUND HER NECK FOR THE KOJI CLUTCH! THE 187! ARIA HAS THE 187 LOCKED IN THE CENTER OF THE RING AND THERE’S NO ESCAPE FORESEEN FOR KIKYO! Aria pulls back on the neck of Kikyo while squeezing his arms and leg around her throat, looking to squeeze the life out of her to make her pass out! Kikyo is fighting and doing everything that she can to survive, but she is just moments away from being made to submit right here! Kikyo reaches out as she tries to inch her way towards the bottom rope, pulling the former Puroresu Heavyweight Champion towards the ropes with her, but it all fails in the end WITH KIKYO FORCED TO PASS OUT FROM THE SUBMISSION! IT’S OVER!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Freedom” by Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar plays in the background with Aria Jaxon standing back to her feet with a smile on her face, raising her hand up high in pride, as she looks out to the undeserving masses in her eyes.)
Saya Takada: Here is your winner… ARRIIIAAAAA JAAXXXOOOONNNNN!!!
Mark Stephens: Aria Jaxon wins another one! Aria has become 3-0 in her journey through The Best In The World Series and right now, she has to be one of the leaders in who could be making their way to the finals in this historic tournament and possibly… she could make her way towards being known as the challenger at Wrestle Spirit!
Daniel Wilson: THAT SHE WILL BE, MARK! ARIA JAXON IS THE PERFECT IMAGE OF WHO SHOULD BE IN THAT MAIN EVENT! She is the person that draws these fans in here because, as much as they might want to deny, she is the trailblazer that has ran through everyone but one person and she will expose him to be nothing but a fraud!
(Aria Jaxon rolls out of the ring and starts to wipe her hands in a mocking manner, taunting to the crowd about how easily she dispatched of her opponent, with The Young Lions rolling her outside of the ring, and escorting her out of the arena with Aria making her way backstage. The ring has been cleared of those that inhabited it with the sole exception of Saya Takada.)
(The camera goes towards the backstage area with Vanessa Santiago walking backstage with a sense of worry coming over her face as she walks through the the arena. She keeps looking down and thinking towards herself as she reaches the Shoot Nation locker room with a bit of hesitation in her eyes.)
Vanessa Santiago: I hope Belle knows what she’s doing. I worry about her going up against Jaydayne for the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship. I don’t want us to be going to war with each other, especially considering the fact that The Phantom Troupe is lurking in the background, ready to strike the sparks up again between us. I know that Belle wants to prove herself to the world to be worthy of their adulation, but she shouldn’t have to resort to something like this to do it. Well, hopefully she’ll hear me out.
(Vanessa Santiago goes to open the door… BUT SUDDENLY THE CAMERA IS SHOVED OUT OF THE WAY!)
Mark Stephens: WHAT’S GOING ON BACKSTAGE? SOMEONE GET THE CAMERA ON THEM! It’s… it’s… IT’S JESSYKAH VON SCHWARZBERG! I THOUGHT SHE WAS RELEASED FROM THE COMPANY! The Queen of Spades is still involved with Strong Style Wrestling and has pulled the wool over our eyes tonight AS SHE HAS MOUNTED VANESSA TO LAND SOME SAVAGE FOREARM STRIKES INTO HER!
Daniel Wilson: THE QUEEN’S CHOKE! THE ARM TRIANGLE CHOKE HAS BEEN APPLIED AND SHE’S CHOKING OUT THE SHOOT NATION MEMBER! Jessykah Von Schwarzberg keeps the submission applied until Vanessa has finally been choked out with The Queen of Spades! This woman has just laid out one of Shoot Nation’s member and it has to leave some questions on where her allegiances lie in Strong Style Wrestling! Has she joined the ranks of The Phantom Troupe? Been bought by the investors of Tres Comas Club? What about being a lone wolf with the rest of Ronin? No one knows BUT I’M SURE WE’LL FIND OUT HERE SOON!
(Jessykah Von Schwarzberg stands up and reaches into her leather jacket pocket, pulling out a playing card with a purple back onto it, placing it down onto the chest of the unconscious Vanessa Santiago. The card is suddenly seen to be revealed as Queen of Spades card that has been placed on her as the camera turns back towards the ring with Saya Takada in the middle of it with a shocked look on her face.)
(The camera pans back towards the ring area with Saya Takada being made into the focus of the screen while she stands in the center of the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for one fall… AND IS A BEST IN THE WORLD SERIES A BLOCK MATCH!!!
(“Grip!” by Every Little Thing echoes throughout the arena with the crowd having a mixed reaction to the show with Sakura Corleone walking out towards the stage with all the confidence in the world. She struts through the ramp before rolling her way inside of the ring, removing her robe as she looks out to the sea of people, before returning to her corner.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, she is from Los Angeles, California… weighing in at 137 pounds… representing Tres Comas Club and The One True Pairing… “THE YANDERE GODDESS”... SAAKKKUUURRRRAAAAA COORRRLLLEEEOOONNNNEEEEE!!!
Mark Stephens: Sakura Corleone enters the ring tonight with the hope of being able to not only advance through this tournament with a victory attached to her name, but with the record that she currently holds inside of the tournament, does she believe that she can walk out of this tournament with an opportunity at the championship at Wrestle Spirit?
Daniel Wilson: With the way that things have been going for her in the tournament and dealing with the loss of her Lovebird Tag Team Championships, I don’t believe that she has been able to focus on much else than to be able to regain those titles. In essence, it is why she has been so distracted and failed at each turn unlike her partner, Cassius, who has balanced it much better than her. Right now, though, we can see if she can pull herself out of this murky place that she has been in against the SSW Heritage Champion.
(“Dancers To A Discordant System” by Meshuggah blasts from the speakers with the fans left curious as to who would be appearing with the crowd turning sour when they meet the presence of the SSW Heritage Champion. Holding the championship in his right hand, Khmaoch Sangkat walks down the ramp towards the ring with a stoic gaze upon his face before he climbs the steel steps to enter it.)
Saya Takada: Introducing her opponent, he is from Prey Veng, Cambodia… he weighed in tonight at 235 pounds… representing The Phantom Troupe… he is the REIGNING SSW HERITAGE CHAMPION… “THE DAEMON OF PREY VENG”... KHHMMMAAAOOOCCCCHHHHH SAANNNGGGKKKAAAATTTTT!!!
Daniel Wilson: With one victory and loss shared between his record, The SSW Heritage Champion hopes to showcase the same dominance that has carried him throughout his championship reign in this tournament and that could be what we witness in this match tonight! Can Khmaoch Sangkat keep the fight going in an attempt to challenge for the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Spirit?
Mark Stephens: There is a great chance that he could definitely be one of the chosen men to challenge for the championship at Wrestle Spirit considering how dominant of a champion he has been, with only a couple of people being able to knock him off in this tournament. However, we could see a large upset in the form of Sakura Corleone taking this match for herself and not only improving her chances, but lessening the chance of seeing him in that main event.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Mark Stephens: The bell has sounded and the match has been called to start with both fighters walking around the ring, staring down one another to size each other up! Sakura Corelone looks towards her opponent with a sinister smile upon her face as Khmaoch Sangkat looks with a stone cold gaze upon his face RIGHT BEFORE THEY BOTH GO IN FOR THE CLENCH! CHOP! KHMAOCH LANDS A CHOP STRAIGHT TO THE CHEST OF SAKURA BEFORE FIRING OFF WITH MORE CHOPS AND STRIKES INTO HER JAW! Khmaoch continues with this combination of brutal strikes into Sakura RIGHT BEFORE HE STRIKES WITH A DISCUS PUNCH TO THE JAW BEFORE SPRINTING BACK INTO THE ROPES! Sakura holds her jaw as she was stunned for a mere second by the impact before she follows back ONLY FOR KHMAOCH TO CATCH HER BY SURPRISE WITH A KITCHEN SINK! THE RUNNING KNEE INTO THE MIDSECTION SENDS SAKURA FLIPPING INTO THE AIR AND DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS IN A SEATED POSITION! Khmaoch looks down to see this as he rushes towards the ropes, bouncing back on the rebound off the ropes, as he returns LOOKING TO STRIKE WITH THE PENALTY KICK!
Mark Stephens: Sakura Corleone has been on top of her game throughout this fight with Khmaoch Sangkat with the SSW Heritage Champion turning around to catch a glimpse of The Yandere Goddess! Sakura raises both of her hands and looks straight at her opponent CALLING FOR HIM TO COME ON AS SHE TAUNTS AT HIM TO BRING HIM EVERYTHING HE HAS GOT! The wrath of The Phantom Menace is made evidently clear from the way that his face looks as he charges in RIGHT INTO A JUMPING KNEE LIFT TO HIS FACE FROM SAKURA! THE CHAMPION IS SENT REELING FROM THIS STRIKE AND GIVES SAKURA THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENSNARE HIM BY THE NECK FOR THE SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Khmaoch lands on his neck from the move and starts to make his way up to his feet, fighting to keep himself into this contest as he stands up, turning his attention to try and locate his opponent ONLY TO BE MET WITH A RUNNING LEG LARIAT! THE VOID! SAKURA BLASTS KHMAOCH IN THE FACE WITH THE VOID THAT SENDS HIM COLLAPSING TO THE CANVAS, BUT SHE’S NOT DONE WITH HIM THERE! Sakura leans down to grab Khmaoch by the neck to hoist him up, wrapping her arm around his neck, as he also grabs him by the leg LIFTING THE CHAMPION UP FOR THE FISHERMAN’S DDT! THE YANDERE GODDESS SPIKES THE SSW HERITAGE CHAMPION ON HER HEAD ONTO THE CANVAS AS SHE ROLLS HIM OVER ONTO HIS SHOULDERS FOR A PIN ATTEMPT! CAN SHE PUT HIM AWAY AND BE IN LINE FOR A FUTURE SSW HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH RIGHT HERE?
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!
Daniel Wilson: NO PINFALL! KHMAOCH SANGKAT LIFTS HIS SHOULDER OFF THE CANVAS FOR THE KICKOUT WITH SAKURA CORLEONE STROKING HER HAIR BACK TO WONDER WHAT SHE MUST TO DO TO PUT HIM AWAY! Sakura stands back to her feet and marches over towards the turnbuckle, squatting down as she calls for the champion to stand up to her feet, as she could be looking to end this match early right here before our eyes! Khmaoch fights with himself to try and stand up to his feet, but eventually finds his way there, as Sakura rushes in LOOKING TO PUT HIM AWAY WITH THE DEAD END! URANAGE BACKBREAKER! KHMAOCH CATCHES SAKURA BY HER NECK BEFORE SHE COULD GET HIM IN THE CRUCIFIX DRIVER AND DROPS HER RIGHT ONTO HIS KNEE BY HER SPINE! Sakura folded nearly in half from the impact with a wrathful gaze taking over Khmaoch as he stares down onto her! Khmaoch stalks his opponent and starts to strike with hard boots into her face while she fights to bring herself to her feet, only for him to snatch her from behind her neck, throwing her down for the inverted headlock takeover AS HE SUDDENLY SWITCHES IT UP TO A GROUNDER SLEEPER HOLD! THE GHOST THAT PUSHES YOU DOWN! HE HAS HER LOCKED IN AND THERE’S NO ESCAPE IN SIGHT FOR HER!
Mark Stephens: KHMAOCH SANGKAT HAS THE GROUNDED SLEEPER HOLD APPLIED AND SAKURA CORLEONE IS DOING WHATEVER SHE CAN TO REACH OUT OF THE ROPES! However, I hate to say it to her, but she’s stuck in the middle of the ring with one of the most dangerous submission artists in the entire company right here and I don’t believe that she will be able to find a simple escape from this submission! You can see from the glazed look in her eyes that Sakura is fading out from the choke BUT SHE STARTS TO FLIP OVER AND HOLD HIM DOWN ON HIS SHOULDERS FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT! COULD SH-- HOLD UP! KHMAOCH INSTANTLY RELEASES THE SUBMISSION AND ROLLS OVER TO TRY AND QUICKLY GET TO HIS FEET BEFORE SAKURA CAN DO ANYTHING! Khmaoch stands up RIGHT WHEN SAKURA GOES FOR THE KNEE STRIKE! WOW! KHMAOCH AVOIDS THE KNEE STRIKE AND LANDS WITH THE CROOKED ARM LARIAT!
Daniel Wilson: UNBELIEVABLE! KHMAOCH SANGKAT SENT SAKURA CORLEONE FLIPPING IN MID-AIR FROM THE IMPACT THAT HE LANDED THAT LARIAT WITH! Khmaoch looks out to the crowd before he bends down and grabs Sakura by her hair to pull her up to her feet! He hooks Sakura between her legs LIFTING HER UP IN THE AIR AS HE HOPES TO PLANT THE KAPOK TREE! GOTCH-STYLE PILEDRIVER! KHMAOCH BOUNCES SAKURA ON HER HEAD WITH THE PILEDRIVER AS HE ROLLS HER ON HER SHOULDER FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!... THHHRRREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Dancers To A Discordant System” by Meshuggah plays in the background with Khmaoch Sangkat standing on his feet, being handed his SSW Heritage Championship from the referee, raising it high in the air in celebration of his victory.)
Saya Takada: Here is your winner… KHHMMMAAAOOOCCCCHHHHH SAANNNGGGKKKAAAATTTTT!!!
Mark Stephens: With that right there, The SSW Heritage Champion improves his record to a 2-1 standing while Sakura Corleone once again is left with a loss to make her record 0-3 since this tournament has begun! I’m starting to feel for Sakura in this tournament because in this match, I was pretty sure that we would see her pick up the upset that we were talking about!
Daniel Wilson: Yeah, but the most dominant champion in the history of this company hasn’t been that way for letting victories as important as this slip through his fingers! Khmaoch is a dominant champion that has left bodies all in his wake and tonight, Sakura wasn’t immune from the destruction that he leaves!
(Khmaoch Sangkat remains in the ring to continue his celebration of his victory in this match with Sakura Corleone rolling out of the ring, holding her neck from the pain in endured, as the show cuts to commercial break.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK -- The Best In The World Series continues with the next edition of B Block Matches next week! The SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Champion competes against another comrade of Shoot Nation with Jaydayne Pendragon facing off against The Apparition! Also, we will see the number one contender for the championship take on the man that was able to upset him in his tournament match as Belle Kingsley is set to take on Cassius Corleone! All this and more happens next week!)
(The show returns from commercial break back inside of The Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium with the camera panning all across the crowd.)
(“Du Hast by Rammstein hits the speakers as fills the air with booing. A stoic Falke Halstenberg marches down the ramp towards the ring.)
Stephens: It is Falke Halstenberg making his way to the ring. We are led to believe he comes with a response to Masanori Kawada’s vow to violently settle the score with The Phantom Troupe in the coming weeks. Aside from being a fellow challenger for the title of Best In The World, Falke is booked to test Kawada one-on-one at Event Horizon on the 29th of this month.
Wilson: I can’t wait. There might not be anything ostensibly on the line except for pride but there's just something about these FPV grudge matches. Guys go into them not even really caring about winning or losing so much as breaking the other guy entirely for all the world to see. I LOVE it.
(Falke enters the ring and snatches a microphone from the official as the crowd continues to jeer and boo loudly. He waits a moment for them to quieten down but they do not.)
Falke Halstenberg: Ok now, if you could all be quiet.
(The crowd not only refuses to quieten but actually grow louder in defiant response. Halstenberg smiles.)
Falke Halstenberg: Ok then… Hah. I am in a good mood tonight. Your DEFIANCE, I like it. How brash. How bold. It all has me so very amused but, you know, I do not have any qualms at all with talking over each and every one of you. It’s just like how I am going to WALK right over your beloved Masanori Kawada at Event Horizon.
(The crowd take offense to the last statement, once again reaching a peak in their displeasure. Chants of “KAWADA’S GONNA KILL YOU” start to fill the arena.)
Falke Halstenberg: Again, this is all laughs from my perspective but it really does not matter how loud you make yourselves. I have a microphone, you gormless reprobates. Do I have to explain it slower? I’ll. Speak. Over. You. As fierce as you make yourselves believe you are, even together, you are powerless. It all makes sense now, however. Kawada really is a man of the people, isn’t he? I am starting to believe that he does indeed feed off your energy. He certainly has the same talent for wasting his breath. Listening to him speak last week, I could not help but notice the same feeble desperation in his voice. Did you hear it? It’s just like this amusing little game we are playing right now. I’m not so sure there is any meaning behind him saying all these ambitious things about standing against the Phantom Troupe and becoming the Best In The World. I rather feel like he is just going through the motions. It is just what he is meant to say, isn’t it? A simple call and response just like this game we are playing. Simon says “Touch your nose”. Simon says “Kawada is a useless, subhuman piece of trash”.
(Halstenberg lowers the microphone as the crowd respond, again voicing their displeasure with a low rumbling chorus of boos.)
Falke Halstenberg: Oh you are so very good at this game. I AM impressed. It is just such a shame that Kawada isn’t half good enough to win at Event Horizon. That is the truth. He really doesn’t impress me at all. He will just make all of these promises, really loudly at the top of his voice. He’ll be brash. He’ll be bold. He’ll come down to the ring on the night with all the defiance and fighting spirit in the world - much like you all. And just like I am talking so comfortably over you right now, I will walk ALL OVER Masanori Kawada. You see, when the Phantom Troupe calls ourselves The Best In The World, we mean it. We have been the most dominant and feared faction in professional wrestling since the very night we made our first appearance. That very first night that The Phantom Troupe CRUSHED Masanori Kawada for the first time. When Masanori Kawada speaks there is a desperation in his voice. He speaks from a position of weakness, of necessity. Even after he got so incredibly fortunate against John Doe, Kawada could not put a dent in our momentum. We’ve continued to walk all over him. At this point, my challenge is merely to keep up appearances. I know exactly what to expect. Masanori Kawada will throw himself at me with every ounce of his being. But I will be in charge of the game just like tonight. I will call the shots. Kawada will respond in an amusingly reactive manner. And I will continue to walk all over him, taking him apart methodically. Piece by piece. The Phantom Troupe are the best because we only accept the best. We are The Best In The World. We are the Ubermensch. No weakness. No shallow words. Only might makes right, that is the principle. That is the very secret to engineering success. The foolproof method to dictating the game. And that is why although this has been very amusing, I must warn you that it is GAME OVER for Kawada at Event Horizon.
(A look of pure determination is shown on the face of Falke Halstenberg before he throws the microphone back towards Saya Takada, giving a scowl of disgust towards the audience, as he rolls out of the ring and makes his way backstage.)
(The camera returns to the ring with Saya Takada by herself as she starts to make the introduction for the upcoming fight.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!!!
(“King’s Dead” by Kendrick Lamar starts up on the sound system where Miltiades marches out without even catering to the crowd as he makes his way to the ring. Miltiades rolls his way into the ring as he is already stretching and preparing for his match.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, from Rome, Italy and weighing in at 235 pounds… representing Tres Comas Club… “Augustus” MILTIADES!!!
Mark Stephens: We are back here at ringside eagerly awaiting another great match. You’ll notice Miltiades already in the ring having quietly made his entrance during the break.
Daniel Wilson: Smart strategy. Last week he was surprised by an early assault from Miles Taylor and it cost him the match. But he is not taking any gambles tonight against young and hungry Matthew who we already know has no qualms with attacking people outside of scheduled fight time. Miltiades is very serious about picking up some momentum here ahead of his big battle for the Jr Heavyweight Championship and leadership of the Tres Comas Club at Event Horizon.
(“Neo Tokyo - (Dance With The Dead Remix)” by Scandroid begins to play from the speakers. Several seconds go by without Matthew making his entrance as murmurs start to fill the crowd. Suddenly, the music glitches and words start to blink in green on the titantron: “System Starting… Ghost Protocol: Activated”. Miltiades can be seen shaking his head.)
Miltiades: The fuck is this?... Fuck it. I’m out.
(A visibly vexed Miltiades rolls out of the ring and starts to march out of the arena)
Wilson: What the hell is actually happening? Is he… Is he just leaving?
Stephens: It looks that way… We still don’t have any idea where Matthew is right now. So we’re not sure what is happening right now… Ugh… We’ll be back with you very shortly.
(The camera pans backstage into the office of Jacob Senn as this time he has no fax machine to have trouble with, but a screen projector that showcases the poster for Event Horizon, as he looks with a smile on his face to the camera.)
Jacob Senn: Hello, Strong Style Wrestling fans! I hope that you have all been enjoying this episode of the top wrestling that we can offer unto you, but now… I have a major announcement to make! Earlier into the weeks, I made a challenge for the bright young stars of this promotion to be involved in. A fatal four-way match that will pit members of each faction against one another in one match to steal the show for a special opportunity! However, I have yet to reveal what that opportunity is that these men have been chasing after. Miles Taylor doesn’t know what he is receiving, but he has been one of the top young stars of this promotion by a mile. Damien Walker doesn’t know what this opportunity is, but he has been searching for a chance at redemption and this could be the moment that he needs to prove himself as a top contender here in Strong Style Wrestling. Not even Jaywalker and Penance have been informed on what they are competing for at Event Horizon, but they just know that they want this opportunity for Tres Comas Club. Hell, this might be a reason why we have yet to hear who will be the one to challenge for this chance in Shoot Nation because they want to know what opportunity will be gifted unto the victor. Well… the time is now.
(Jacob Senn starts to give another smile as he grabs the remote to click through to show… a picture of the prize that shall be competed for in this challenge.)
Jacob Senn: The opportunity that these men are fighting for at Event Horizon… is a chance to be known as the number one contender for the SSW Junior Heavyweight Championship. This championship that has been hoarded by Tres Comas Club will finally be released from their clutches at Event Horizon with only one member being known as the champion to end this ridiculous Civil War that has been made between Tres Comas Club. The SSW Junior Heavyweight Championship is not only to represent those that are the future of this promotion, but it is the represent those that are willing to compete with the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship for what is the top prize in this promotion! This championship needs the best to challenge for it just as much as the Puroresu Heavyweight Championship demands the top names to challenge for it! So with that said, Miles Taylor, Damien Walker, and Penance… I hope that you bring everything at Event Horizon. For one of you will have the opportunity to be known as the next challenger for the SSW Junior Heavyweight Championship! As for Shoot Nation, you have one week to decide who will meet the challenge of this match or it will be changed to a triple threat match! Now, don’t let me keep you from the action that we’re all in for tonight! Enjoy!
(Jacob Senn turns off the projector and returns back over towards his desk as the camera fades out.)
(The camera goes back towards the inside of the arena with it focusing onto Saya Takada that stands in the middle of the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for one fall… AND IS A BEST IN THE WORLD SERIES A BLOCK MATCH!!!
(“Dancing Mad” by Black Mages blasts from the speakers with the crowd cheering in adulation upon the arrival of Shinati Mizarki. Shinati points to his chest and speaks to the crowd about this being his tournament as he walks down the ramp, confidence exuding out of him, as he climbs the steel steps and enters the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, he is from Ginza, Tokyo, Japan… weighing in at 205 pounds… representing Shoot Nation… “THE JAPANESE ARCHITECT”... SHHIIINNNAAATTTTIIIII MIIZZZAAARRRKKKKIIIII!!!
Mark Stephens: With an SSW Freebird Tag Team Championship Ladder Match looming on the horizon for him and Steven Cassidy at Event Horizon along with suffering a loss in his last tournament match against his partner, what mindset do you believe Shinati Mizarki will be in when it comes to this match? Will he be focused enough to put away the thoughts in his mind regard what happened or will they plague him in this match?
Daniel Wilson: I’m going to go ahead and judge this from the perspective of one of the last matches we had with Khmaoch Sangkat and Sakura Corleone. Sakura let this tag team championship match get inside of her head and look what happened! If Shinati does the same thing, he will not be getting the points he needs tonight and this won’t be looking good for him in this tournament!
(“White Knuckles” by Alter Bridge echoes throughout the arena as the crowd starts to sour with Kai Stevens marching down the ramp with a smile on his face, shadow boxing at the stage with Brian Church following behind him, as both men march down the ramp to meet their opponent in the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing his opponent, he is from Long Island, New York… he weighed in tonight at 227 pounds… he is the leader of Ronin… “THE INEVITABLE”... KAAAIIIII STTEEEVVVEEENNNNSSSSS!!!
Daniel Wilson: Here’s a man that has all the focus in the world that will serve him well in this match! Kai Stevens has been on a rise with his newly-acquired leadership and the chance to be known as the SSW Heritage Champion, but tonight he hopes to continue his journey in headlining the biggest event of the year in Wrestle Spirit!
Mark Stephens: With that said though, do you think that he can be able to win tonight against someone like Shinati Mizarki? Shinati has been a very large talent in terms of the strength that he possesses and what he has been able to do in the ring! Plus, a loss here tonight, it could put him in a position where he might not be able to be in the main event at Wrestle Spirit!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Mark Stephens: The bell has rung and we are about to find out who will be walking out of here tonight with two points added to their Best In The World Series standings WITH BOTH MEN RUSHING IN FOR THE CLENCH RIGHT HERE! Both men are fighting for position in this match BUT SHINATI MIZARKI USES HIS STRENGTH ADVANTAGE TO PUSH KAI STEVENS INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! Brian Church is on the outside calling for the referee to do something as he comes over and starts to call for him to pull away! Shinati starts to pull away LOOKING FOR WHAT COULD BE A CHOP TO THE CHEST OF KAI! Kai flinches only for Shinati to pat him on the chest and take a step away with a smile on his face! Kai is now looking livid towards Shinati with The Japanese Architect calling for him to bring it in this match! Kai starts to walk his way over towards Shinati DUCKING UNDER THE CLENCH ATTEMPT AS HE FLOATS OVER AND WRAPS HIS ARM AROUND THE NECK FROM THE SIDE-HEADLOCK! KAI ATTEMPTS TO DRAG HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS, BUT SHINATI LIFTS HIM UP IN THE AIR FOR THE TEARDROP SUPLEX!
Daniel Wilson: WAIT! KAI STEVENS FLIPS OUT OF THE SUPLEX AND SHOVES SHINATI MIZARKI INTO THE ROPES TO AVOID THE SUPLEX! Shinati rebounds off the ropes BUT USES THE MOMENTUM TO FIRE A DISCUS LARIAT INTO STEVENS! KAI DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE LARIAT, HOWEVER, BEFORE HE RUSHES INTO THE ROPES TO REBOUND BACK! RUNNING SINGLE LEG DROPKICK! Kai has just dropped Shinati with the running single leg dropkick before he kips up with a smile on his face, dropping down onto Shinati to land with a series of forearm strikes, right before hoisting him up to his feet! Kai hooks Shinati by the head BENDING DOWN TO HOOK HIS LEG IN FOR THE FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX! WHAT? SHINATI SNATCHES HIS LEG OUT OF THE FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX AND SPINS AROUND TO HOOK KAI IN FOR THE INVERTED MICHINOKU DRIVER! SHINATI SPIKES KAI ON HIS HEAD WITH THAT MICHINOKU DRIVER, BUT HE’S NOT FINISHED WITH HIM YET! Shinati grabs Kai by the head as he hoists him up to his feet, pulling his arm around his neck before shoving him forward, spinning Kai around RIGHT BEFORE NAILING HIM WITH FAITHFUL DESIGN! OH MY! KAI DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE LARIAT, BUT SHE HOLDS THE WRIST HIMSELF AS HE PULLS SHINATI IN, LOOKING FOR THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESS! HE HITS IT! THE WRIST-CLUTCH SLING BLADE LANDS ON SHINATI THAT SENDS HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS AS HE HOOKS HIS LEG IN FOR THE PIN!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!
Mark Stephens: NO! SHINATI MIZARKI THROWS HIS SHOULDER UP IN THE AIR FOR THE KICKOUT! Kai Stevens wasn’t able to put The Shoot Nation member away with that, but Kai stands up on his feet as he steps back towards the turnbuckle with all the confidence in the world! He starts calling for Shinati to get up to his feet and when Shinati fights to get a standing position, he starts to turn towards Kai WHO SPRINTS IN FOR THE COWBOY KILLER! FANTAJI MEZAMEMASU! FANTASY AWAKENS! SHINATI COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE DISCUS ELBOW SMASH THAT STUNS KAI IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! Shinati hooks Kai by the neck and when he lifts him up LOOKING TO DROP HIM WITH THE IMPERFECTION DRIVE! THE CROSS-LEGGED FISHERMAN BUSTER SPIKES KAI ONTO HIS HEAD WHILE IT BOUNCES ONTO THE CANVAS BEFORE HE ROLLS THE LEADER OF RONIN ONTO HIS SHOULDER! SHINATI HOOKS THE LEG IN AS HE HOPES TO PUT KAI AWAY FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!...
Daniel Wilson: NO! KAI STEVENS KICKS OUT OF THE IMPERFECTION DRIVE FROM SHINATI MIZARKI! Shinati Mizarki looks around at the audience as he looks down and grabs Kai by the head, dragging him up onto his feet as he remains stunned, lifting him onto his shoulder as he walks him towards the center of the ring LOOKING FOR THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE END! SHINATI THROWS HIM FORWARD FOR THE DOUBLE GUTBUS-- DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER! KAI LIFTS HIS KNEES AND CATCHES SHINATI IN THE SKULL WITH THE DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER ON THE WAY DOWN THAT WAS STUNNING TO WATCH! Kai has swung this match back to his corner as he pulls himself up to his feet to walk over towards Shinati to drag him over towards the turnbuckle corner! He leans Shinati into the turnbuckle corner, striking with a stomp into his chest right before he walks across the ring towards the turnbuckle, making the climb towards the top of it! Kai stands on the top as he looks over towards Shinati that still lies slump into the turnbuckle corner LEAPING FOR THE TOP ROPE TOWARDS HIM WITH THE USURPER! THE COAST-TO-COAST RIGHT INTO THE CHEST OF SHINATI THAT SENDS HIM ROLLING TO THE CANVAS BEFORE KAI FIGHTS TO PICK HIMSELF UP TO HIS FEET! Kai climbs up onto the turnbuckle once more before he gets up to a standing position, looking out towards the crowd before he stares down at his opponent, leaping from the top rope AS HE FLIPS AROUND FOR THE KATABASIS! THE 630 SENTON! KAI STEVENS LANDS RIGHT INTO SHINATI MIZARKI AS HE HOOKS HIS LEG IN FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!... THHHRRREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“White Knuckles” by Alter Bridge plays in the background with Kai Stevens rising from his fallen foe in the middle of the ring, stumbling towards the referee as he raises his hand for all to see, nodding his head in confidence as he looks out to the crowd.)
Saya Takada: Here is your winner… KAAAIIIII STTEEEVVVEEENNNNSSSSS!!!
Mark Stephens: In what has been a stellar match between these men, Kai Stevens walks out with the victory in this match and makes his standing in The Best In The World Series 2-1 with four points onto his record! Shinati Mizarki leaves tonight with a disappointing loss and a 1-2 record attached to his name! Both men left it all in the ring here tonight, but the leader of Ronin prevailed in the end!
Daniel Wilson: Kai Stevens deserving got the victory with that beautiful Katabasis senton! This match right here goes to show why he’s the leader of Ronin and at Event Horizon, he will be walking out with the SSW Heritage Championship on his shoulder! Congratulations to Kai Stevens on this impressive victory!
(Kai Stevens continues to look around the arena from inside of the right with Shinati Mizarki rolling outside of the ring while holding his stomach in agony. Brian Church joins his protege and raises his hand in pride with Kai beaming with glory in celebration of this tremendous victory.)
(The camera pans backstage inside of a conference room with Jaydayne Pendragon sitting on one side of the table, with the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship sitting beside him on the table, while Belle Kingsley sits opposite of him adoring a beautiful red dress as she looks with determination in her eyes. Suddenly appearing on the screen, Jacob Senn in between the two fighters that were scheduled to compete at Event Horizon, holding a briefcase as he placed it on the table. He unlocked it and removed what seemed to be the contract for their match from the contents as he placed it on the table.)
Jacob Senn: Jaydayne, are you sure about this? I don’t want this match to lead into another faction war, this time with the faction that has gained the heart of the people. I don’t need something like that on my hands again.
Jaydayne Pendragon: No, Jacob. This is nothing like that. I have no personal vendetta against Belle Kingsley or her desiring to challenge me for the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Champion. Plus, this is what the company has needed for a long time… a fighting champion. She wanted the opportunity to stand in the ring with me and I’m more than welcome to give her that opportunity, Senn.
Jacob Senn: What about you, Belle? Are you sure you want to go through with this? Even if you do happen to lose this match, I don’t want any unnecessary drama to come from this.
Belle Kingsley: No, I want this match. As I told Jaydayne last week, I’m tired of being the girl that everyone wants to take pity upon. I’m tired of everyone in Shoot Nation coming to me, telling me to back out of this, because they feel I won’t stand a chance against Jaydayne or that I’m not good enough. I AM GOOD ENOUGH! I’m one of the best female wrestlers in the entire world and I deserve a chance to be the champion of this promotion just like anyone else! I’ve scratched and clawed my way through everything that has been thrown towards me in this sport and even if I consider Jaydayne a close friend, I will do whatever it takes to be known as the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Champion.
Jacob Senn: Very well. Rest assured that this contract will make your match at Event Horizon official. Jaydayne Pendragon will defend his SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship against Belle Kingsley for the main event. Here you go, Jaydayne.
(Jacob Senn slides Jaydayne Pendragon the contract, to which Jaydayne starts to sign the contract before the champion clicked his pin and started to sign, only for him to look back towards Belle Kingsley with a serious look upon his face.)
Jaydayne Pendragon: I understand your struggle, Belle. More than anyone in this company, I understand what your heart desires most in the world. Through all of the fanfare that we may have received, the world saw Shoot Nation as a joke. After what happened at Exodus, we were the laughing stock of this company, but look where Shoot Nation is now. We have the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship on our side, we broke through the odds that were placed before us, and now… they must respect what we did to The Phantom Troupe at Domination. This is OUR victory not ju--
Belle Kingsley: No, Jaydayne, this is your victory.
(Jaydayne is met with a bit of shock from her interruption towards him with Belle looking towards him with that same unflinching gaze upon her face.)
Belle Kingsley: Domination was your victory, not Shoot Nation’s victory. You did what I wanted to do for these people… give them validation for their hope. These people rallied behind you, no matter what, for the chance to see someone deserving as champion. Through The Heaven’s Arena Cup, through the challenge of Scott Oasis, until you finally became SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Champion, you fought to prove that notion and you finally did. You did that, not Shoot Nation. Now, it’s my turn to do that. Through all the failures when I attempted to claim the SSW Freebird Tag Team Championships for Shoot Nation, when I had to deal with the spoiled brat known as Kikyo Himura, it has led me to this moment where I NEED to be the champion in order for these fans to be repaid for all of the passion and hope they have placed onto me. I must do this because if I can’t do what you did, there’s no point in me being here. At Event Horizon, expect nothing like what happened in our match in The Best In The World Series. This is where everything is riding upon it and I won’t leave my fans disappointed once again. Now, hand me the contract.
(Belle Kingsley demands the contract be slid to her with Jacob Senn taking it from Jaydayne Pendragon and sliding it over towards Belle, who quickly signs her name onto the dotted line, and pushing it over to Senn before getting up to leave.)
Jaydayne Pendragon: WAIT!
(Belle Kingsley stops where she is, not even turning around to look the champion in the face, as he walked over towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder.)
Jaydayne Pendragon: No matter what happens at Event Horizon, know that you’ve earned your respect from me and those fans from our match together. Don’t ever forget that.
(Belle Kingsley doesn’t even respond to that as she walks away and leaves the conference room, Jaydayne Pendragon looking with a sense of worry towards her, as the show cuts to commercial break.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK -- You have seen the Supremacy that Strong Style Wrestling has upon the wrestling industry. You have bore witness to the Domination that Strong Style Wrestling has brought to the world. However, the world will witness the newest PPV that SSW has to offer… EVENT HORIZON! Live on September 29, 2018, SSW broadcasts live from The Nagoya Dome the wrestling event that will leave everyone in awe! Mark it down on your calendar and make sure you don’t miss this event!)
(The show returns from commercial break back inside of The Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium with the camera panning all across the crowd until it reaches inside of the ring with Saya Takada.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a Best In The World Series A Block match.
(“Forces” by Susumu Hirasawa hits the speakers as the lights in the arena begin to dim. The crowd become raucous with cheers as Masanori Kawada races out from behind the curtain and runs down the ramp and up the steel steps to the apron. Stopping there, he leads the crowd in clapping along to his theme music before finally stepping into the ropes.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, from Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan and weighing in at 247 pounds... He is “The Everlasting Hero”... MASANORI KAWADA!!!
Mark Stephens: Last week, Masanori Kawada came out to make his intentions very clear to everyone. Some have come away with quicker starts in this tournament but he still has every belief that when all things are said and done HE will be the one named Best In The World. What is more, that day would mark the beginning of the end of what is now a long and brutal vendetta between him and the Phantom Troupe. An end to heartache. A just vindication coming at the expense of those forces who have terrorised Kawada and this company for so long.
Daniel Wilson: That’s a nice fairy story but let us remind everybody about a couple of things. This tournament isn’t all about Masanori Kawada or even the Phantom Troupe. There are 15 other competitors in this series and some of these aren’t people Kawada might usually call enemies...
(“Right Back At It Again” by A Day To Remember begins to play as Steven Cassidy makes his entrance. The crowd begin duelling chants of “KA-WA-DA” and “CA-SSI-DY” as Steven Cassidy slides into the ring to stand off with Masanori Kawada.)
Saya Takada: And his opponent, from Lawrence, Kansas and weighing in at 190 pounds… He is “Raionhāto”... STEVEN CASSIDY!!!
Wilson: Some battles just aren’t about justice. They aren’t about what is right and what is wrong or even about any kind of personal enmity. None of that matters here, Kawada and Cassidy are both ostentatious allies as members of Shoot Nation, they both have quarry with the Phantom Troupe but right now they need to set all of that aside because this isn’t about peace and love and justice or any of that hippie trash. This is about being THE BEST, simple as that.
Stephens: I get what you are saying, Daniel. Convictions can drive a man forward but this is a situation where they might just hold a competitor back. Respectfully though, I don’t see that being a problem here. These are driven individuals and there is a school of thought which says than neither can respectfully hold back tonight. They owe each other and themselves their A game.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephens: A touch of fists signals the respect that these two share. Each certainly respects the threat that the other poses as they circle looking for an opening. They meet in the middle, coming together for sa collar and elbow tie but the more powerful and experienced Kawada grapples into the dominant position. Kawada with a side headlock but Cassidy drives him backwards into the ropes. Steven with the irish whip… DROPKICK! But Cassidy finds nothing but air as Kawada stops himself with his arms looped under the ropes. Masanori moves in to keep Steven turtled up. CASSIDY IS TAKING A POUNDING FROM SOME EAVY CLUBBING BLOWS! AND KAWADA HOISTS HIM UP!!! MASANORI KAWADA HAS CASSIDY UP HIGH ABOVE HIS HEAD FOR AN EARLY TITAN BOMB! BUT NO!!! SLIPS FREE AND CATCHES THE LEG ON THE WAY DOWN! ANKLE LOCK! CASSIDY GETS THE ANKLE LOCK IN TIGHT!!!
Wilson: KAWADA’S FACE CONTORTS INTO AN UGLY GRIMACE AS SEARING PAIN SHOOTS UP HIS LEG! HE HAS TO GET OUT OF THERE! KAWADA DESPERATELY DRAGS HIMSELF ALONG AND REACHES OUT TO CATCH THE BOTTOM ROPE AND FORCE THE BREAK! Kawada is trying to catch a moment to shake it off BUT CASSIDY WILL NOT ALLOW IT! HE STOPS KAWADA WITH A MASSIVE STERNUM CRUNCHING KNEE! KAWADA IS KEELING OVER AS CASSIDY CUPS THE BACK OF KAWADA’S HEAD AND TAXIS HIM INTO THE CORNER! CASSIDY UNLOADS!!! ONE AFTER THE OTHER, THESE ROUNDHOUSE KICKS FROM CASSIDY JUST SLEDGE AGAINST KAWADA’S RIBS! WHO NEEDS ENEMIES WITH FRIENDS LIKE THIS, MARK STEPHENS?!?
Stephens: It just shows you what being The Best In The World means to these two here. Masanori Kawada starts to crumple under the assault and slides down the turnbuckle pad. Steven Cassidy steps out onto the apron. Slingshots… INTO A BASEMENT DROPKICK SQUARE IN THE CHEST OF KAWADA! CASSIDY ROLLS BACK TO HIS FEET AND HERE HE COMES AGAIN! CANNONBALL SENTON!!! STEVEN CASSIDY HURLS HIS ENTIRE BODY AS A WEAPON AT MASANORI KAWADA! IT IS A DEVASTATING BLOW TO THE ABSOLUTE JUSTICE! AND NOW CASSIDY LOOKS TO SECURE HIS THIRD SUCCESSIVE VICTORY IN THIS SERIES! HE DRAGS KAWADA OUT TO THE CENTRE AND HOOKS THE LEG!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...
Wilson: NOT YET! KAWADA POPS THE SHOULDER UP IN DEFIANCE! He still intends to make Steven Cassidy fight for this. Masanori Kawada still intends to proclaim himself the very Best In The World but that just might be wishful thinking. Or, should I say… WISHFUL SINKING!?!? STEVEN CASSIDY IS LOOKING FOR THE VICIOUS OVER-THE-SHOULDER CROSSFACE CHICKENWING! BUT WHILE THAT MOUTHFUL MIGHT HAVE YOU TONGUE-TIED HE HASN’T QUITE MANAGED TO GET KAWADA TIED UP COMPLETELY HERE! MASANORI BLOCKS AN ATTEMPT TO GET HIS HOOKS IN! KAWADA SWINGS BACK ELBOW AND CATCHES CASSIDY RIGHT ON THE BUTTON!!!
Stephens: AND HERE IS THE FIGHT BACK! MASANORI KAWADA FIGHTS TO HIS FEET AS HE CONTINUES TO SWING THOSE STRIKES AND PREVENT STEVEN CASSIDY FROM CATCHING A TIGHT GRIP ON HIM! KAWADA GETS HIM UP! MASANORI KAWADA HAS STEVEN CASSIDY RIGHT UP ON HIS SHOULDERS IN THE FIREMAN’S CARRY… AND HE DROPS HIM OVER A SINGLE KNEE FOR THE GUTBUSTER!!! HOW THE TIDES HAVE TURNED!
Wilson: Steven Cassidy rolls across the canvas, hunched in the foetal position and apparently badly winded. Kawada, himself still in the process of recovery, steps over and laces his arms around the waist. KAWADA DEADLIFTS CASSIDY SLOWLY OFF THE MAT! AND MASANORI RAGDOLLS HIM WITH A SUPERB GUTWRENCH SUPLEX! CASSIDY TRIES TO ROLL AWAY AFTER THAT SLAM BUT KAWADA KEEPS HIM CLOSE AND HOLDS HIM DOWN IN A NORTH-SOUTH POSITION!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...
Stephens: Cassidy refuses to remain and eyes an opportunity to get back to his feet. Kawada remains on him the whole time, catching the wrist and wrenching it behind Cassidy’s back for the hammerlock. But Cassidy continues to pull towards the edge of the ring. He steps through the ropes out onto the apron and then doubles back under the second rope so that Kawada’s own arm is twisted painfully and he has to release the hold. AND THERE’S THE SUPERKICK! CASSIDY SEES THE OPENING AND CATCHES KAWADA FLUSH ON THE JAW! THE ROPES BEHIND HIM ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING HIM UP AS CASSIDY RACES OFF THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING! KAWADA THROWS HIMSELF OUT OF THE WAY AS CASSIDY HITS THE ROPES, FLIPS OVER THEM AND LANDS ON THE APRON! SPEAR!!! CASSIDY SLINGSHOTS BACK INTO THE RING TO SPEAR MASANORI KAWADA OFF HIS FEET!
Wilson: Out of sheer instinct, Kawada tries to get straight back up after that shot but he stumbles back down to a knee. And here is Cassidy standing over him… STEVEN CASSIDY TEES OFF WITH A KICK FLURRY! RAPID FIRE SHOOT KICKS ASSAIL MASANORI KAWADA FROM EACH SIDE AND HE IS BEING OVERWHELMED! CASSIDY ONLY GLANCES THE ROUNDHOUSE THAT FOLLOWS - AND KAWADA HAS CAUGHT IT! MASANORI KAWADA RISES TO HIS FEET WITH ONE OF CASSIDY’S IN HIS HANDS! KAWADA PULLS HIM IN… CASSIDY BLOCKS THE LIFT! BUT KAWADA SUCCEEDS ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT! ULTRAMAN SUPLEX!!!THE SPINNING FISHERMAN SUPLEX CONNECTS LEAVING STEVEN CASSIDY IN A CRUMPLED HEAP ON THE CANVAS!
Stephens: That is a hugely important suplex for Masanori Kawada but he seems tentative about going for the cover after it. KAWADA POINTS TO THE CORNER! HE’S GOING RIGHT UP HERE TO THE HIGH RENT DISTRICT AND THE ENTIRE CROWD LOOKS TO RISE SYMPATHETICALLY WITH HIM! EVERYBODY IS ON THEIR FEET AS KAWADA STANDS ON TOP, LOOKING DOWN AT STEVEN CASSIDY BELOW! HERE COMES THE HIGH IMPACT FROG SPLASH… BUT CASSIDY SPRINGS SUDDENLY TO LIFE! HE CHARGES DOWN THE SPACE INTO THE CORNER AND KAWADA CLEAN WITH THE STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI!
Wilson: KAWADA DOESN’T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT HIT HIM! CASSIDY CLIMBS UP THERE TO MEET HIM AND HE IS JUST BLUDGEONING KAWADA WITH THESE STIFF FOREARMS TO THE SKULL! KAWADA RETALIATES WITH A BIG TIME UPPERCUT THAT SNAPS CASSIDY’S HEAD RIGHT BACK! HE FALLS… NO!!! STEVEN CASSIDY ONLY WOBBLY LEGS IN A VERY PRECARIOUS SITUATION RIGHT NOW BUT HE MANAGES TO JUST HOLD ONTO THE ROPES TIGHT ENOUGH TO STAY UP THERE! BUT HERE IS KAWADA! MASANORI SLIPS UNDERNEATH STEVEN AND OUT OF THE CORNER BEHIND HIM! HE REACHES UP TO CRADLE CASSIDY’S HEAD… AND KAWADA HITS A FALLING NECKBREAKER! I THOUGHT ONLY THE TRES COMAS CLUB GOT INTO THE HABIT OF FUSING EACHOTHER’S SPINES BUT HERE WE ARE! KAWADA HOOKS THE LEG!!!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...THR-
Stephens: IS IT!?!? NO, IT ISN’T!!! IT’S NOT OVER! STEVEN CASSIDY SHOWING GREAT RING AWARENESS TO LIFT A BOOT ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE! THIS MATCH IS STILL ALIVE!!!
Wilson: But for how long, Stephens? Cassidy still looks barely able to move while Kawada is looking very pumped indeed on the adrenaline of coming so close to victory here. Kawada starts to drag Cassidy out to the centre of the ring. He grapevines the leg… AND THERE IS THE JUSTICE LOCK! MASANORI KAWADA PULLS BACK AND SITS IN DEEP TO GET THE ABSOLUTE MOST OUT OF THIS PAINFUL HOLD AND THAT SURE WOKE STEVEN CASSIDY UP! HE IS PULLING HIS HAIR OUT IN AGONY RIGHT NOW AS MASANORI KAWADA SLOWLY WARPS HIS SPINE LIKE WET LUMBER! HE COULD TAP HERE AT ANY MOMENT!
Stephens: This is certainly not a situation that Steven Cassidy would have wanted to find himself in but let’s not count him out just yet. You said it yourself, Daniel, this pain has helped get Cassidy to wake up and he is not passively waiting for Kawada to twist him out of shape. KAWADA TIGHTENS UP! BUT CASSIDY ISN’T BACKING DOWN! HE IS STILL WORKING TO REPOSITION AND FIND A WAY OUT OF THIS!PROGRESS IS BEING MADE AS HE TARGET’S KAWADA’S LEG… AND HE DOES IT!!! CASSIDY TAKES KAWADA OFF BALANCE AND SEES AN OPPORTUNITY TO ESCAPE! BOTH MEN SCRAMBLE FOR POSITION! KAWADA SCOOPS CASSIDY INTO A TILT-A-WHIRL - BUT CASSIDY FINDS THE HEADSICSSORS!!!
Wilson: CASSIDY FINDS THE TAKEDOWN AND AGAIN THERE’S A RACE FOR THESE MEN TO IMPOSE THEIR WILLS! CASSIDY UP FIRST RUSHES IN WITH THE LARIAT! KAWADA DUCKS AND HE HOOKS THE OUTSTRETCHED ARM INTO A HALF-NELSON! LOOKING FOR HARD JUSTICE… BUT CASSIDY COUNTERS WITH A JUDO-STYLE THROW! KAWADA RIGHTS HIMSELF QUICKLY BUT TURNS DIRECTLY INTO THE SUPERKICK!!! HE WAS MOVING RIGHT INTO IT AND THAT SHOT HAS GOT HIM ROCKED! CASSIDY TAKES A LEG OUT FROM UNDER HIM WITH A LOW DROPKICK TO THE KNEE! CASSIDY LOOKS FOR THE PUMPHANDLE! KISS THE RING!!!
Stephens: KAWADA BLOCKS IT! HE IS SHOWING IMMENSE PHYSICAL ENDURANCE HERE AS HE FIGHTS BACK, COUNTERING WITH THE HIP TOSS! KAWADA SMOTHERS CASSIDY AND TRIES TO GRIND HIM DOWN WITH THE REAR CHIN LOCK BUT STEVEN CASSIDY IS HAVING NONE IF IT AT THIS STAGE IN THE FIGHT! HE POWERS BACK TO HIS FEET, DRIVING THE BACK ELBOWS INTO KAWADA’S RIBS TO FORCE SOME SEPARATION! EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!! STEVEN CASSIDY HITS A BEAUTIFUL STRIKE UNDER THE JAW! KAWADA LOOKS STUNNED FOR THE MOMENT… BUT HE REPLIES WITH A STIFF FOREARM! CASSIDY HITS HIM BACK! NOW KAWADA! NOW CASSIDY! KAWADA! KAWADA! KAWADA! THE HEAVIER KAWADA WINS THE WAR OF ATTRITION! HE WINDS ONE UP… TEXAS SMASH!!!
Wilson: THE CHEEKY CLOSED-FISTED PUNCH SENDS STEVEN CASSIDY STAGGERING BACKWARDS INTO THE ROPES! HE REBOUNDS AT SPEED FOR A LARIAT! BUT KAWADA DOESN’T MOVE OFF HIS FEET! CASSIDY TRIES AGAIN! KAWADA IS WAITING TO CATCH HIM FOR A URANAGE - BUT CASSIDY FLOAT OVER! HE FINDS HIMSELF ON TOP IN THE GRAPPLE AND STARTS POUNDING AWAY ON KAWADA WITH VICIOUS CLUBBING BLOWS AND KNEE STRIKES! CASSIDY GOES BACK TO THE WELL FOR THE UPPERCUT! AND AGAIN! AGAIN! KAWADA LOOKS HURT AND IS TRYING TO BACK AWAY ON NOODLE LEGS! CASSIDY RACES PAST HIM AND SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND ROPE - TORNADO DDT!!!
Stephens: BUT IT’S CAUGHT! A SUPERHUMAN DISPLAY OF STRENGTH AS MASANORI KAWADA NOT ONLY REFUSES TO GO DOWN, BUT TURNS IT AROUND AND COUNTERS WITH A BIG BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! HE STAYS DOWN ON TOP OF CASSIDY FOR THE PIN!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...
Wilson: CASSIDY THROWS THE SHOULDER UP! Kawada really should have hooked a leg or something there. This is basic, schoolboy stuff but I guess he is running on fumes right now. Either way, if he knows what is good for him, he is going to finish this fight fast. Kawada rises slowly to his feet before reaching down to lift Steven Cassidy’s head up after him. KAWADA HITS A VICIOUS FOREARM TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! JUST MAKING SURE HE IS 100% IN CONTROL HERE AS HE PULLS STEVEN CASSIDY IN CLOSE! KAWADA REACHES DOWN TO HOOK THE BACK OF CASSIDY’S LEFT LEG! HE LIFTS FOR A PROBABLE K-DYNAMITE…
Stephens: BUT HE CAN’T GET HIM UP! KAWADA HEAVES AGAIN BUT AGAIN STEVEN CASSIDY BLOCKS IT! THIS TIME CASSIDY MANAGES TO KICK HIS LEG FREE AND NOW HAS BOTH FEET PLANTED! THERE IS A STRUGGLE FOR CONTROL AND IT’S CASSIDY WHO TAKES CONTROL! CASSIDY LIFTS KAWADA VERTICALLY ABOVE HIS HEAD AND STALLS THERE… CHECKMATE!!! HE DROPS IT INTO THE DOUBLE KNEE BACKBREAKER AND I THINK THAT COULD BE THAT! CASSIDY HOOKS BOTH LEGS!!!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!... THREE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Right Back At It Again” by A Day To Remember as an overwhelmed Steven Cassidy has his arm raised. He climbs up into the corner to celebrate. There he holds up three fingers before balling his hand into a fist and punching the air.)
Saya Takada: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by way of pinfall… STEVEN CASSIDY!!!
Wilson: Well I never quite saw this coming at the start of the series but that is three for three for Steven Cassidy. He has been enjoying a kind of consistency that we haven’t always seen from him. But then I guess you have got to realise he has some big matches coming up. Aria Jaxon. Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt. Kai Stevens. And that’s without even thinking about the distraction of his SSW Freebird Tag Team Championship opportunity coming up at Event Horizon. Cassidy could be in to lose his next four matches on the bounce.
Stephens: You couldn’t just give this man his moment? We have seen a new kind of Steven Cassidy since his return. One who honestly looks like he could be the real deal, a challenge enough for anyone. Kawada was a tough test tonight but not tough enough because right now Steven Cassidy really looks like he is performing like a man who could be called the Best In The World. However, this is all the time that we have for you! We’ll see you next week with more of this historic tournament! Good night!
(Masanori Kawada stands up as Steven Cassidy looks back with a smile on his face, both men shaking each other’s hand before embracing, with both men holding their hands in the air to celebrate. Kawada leaves Steven in the ring with Cassidy leaping onto the turnbuckle to continue to celebrate as the camera fades to black… )