(The camera fades into The Osaka Municipal Central 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 The Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium in Minato-ku, Osaka, Japan!… WE ARE STRONG STYLE WRESTLING! The A Block hits the fourth round of matches tonight with a ton of intense action scheduled for the evening with our main event definitely in store to take the world by storm!
Daniel Wilson: The Shoot Nation fighter that has become the victim of The Queen’s wrath with Masanori Kawada taking on the leader of Ronin with Kai Stevens in what has been a very talked about match through the entire Strong Style Wrestling fan base! One thing for sure, this match will be explosive!
Mark Stephens: What about the amazing match that has been made that also deals with the rivalry of The Phantom Troupe and Shoot Nation? The SSW Heritage Champion and the unstoppable force of Khmaoch Sangkat faces off against a man that has been a Cinderella story in this tournament with Steven Cassidy! The question remains who will be the one that walks out with a victory to their name?
Daniel Wilson: Definitely some close matches here tonight that could determine the entire result of this tournament with the way these matches swing! However, I’m getting word from the back that we’re about to start with a match here tonight SO LET’S GET THINGS STARTED!
(The camera turns away from the announce table and over towards the ring where Saya Takada has taken center stage in the middle of the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
(“Neo Tokyo” by Scandroid - Dance With The Dead Remix hits the speakers as Matthew enters with his black trenchcoat dragging along the floor. He brings his hands together in a bird-like gesture causing many in the crowd to hoot like an owl to mock his awkward attempts at theatricality.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, from Oakland, California and weighing in at 224 pounds… He is “Troubleshooter”... MATTHEW!
Mark Stephens: Matthew is looking plenty confident here as we prepare for what might be an important match ahead of his challenge against Christopher Sabretooth next week Event Horizon. Matthew has taken some criticism for seemingly avoiding a match against Jr Heavyweight hopeful Miltiades in his last scheduled outing but he is here tonight and I think that means he is ready to kick some butt and show what he can do.
(“Double Down” by Sky Hi starts to play as Rei Kagura struts out onto the stage to a huge pop and wolf whistles from the majority of male fans in the arena. This is followed by the gentle pitter patter of boyfriends and husbands being slapped by their significant others.)
Saya Takada: And his opponent, Osaka, Japan and weighing in at 132 pounds… REI KAGURA!!!
Daniel Wilson: If you ask me, the only reason Matthew is out here is that even despite his better nature, he just couldn’t resist setting his eyes on this goddess of beauty in the flesh. But she’s not just a pretty face. She’s not exactly enjoyed a show stopping start to her SSW career but she is ready to settle business out in this ring.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephens: The bell rings to signal the beginning of this match but neither competitor makes an immediate move. Kagura looks tentative and reluctant to pressure her opponent while Matthew himself stands poker-faced and statue-like with an unnerving aura. KAGURA BITES THE BULLET! SHE BURSTS FORWARDS ONLY TO BE POPPED UP BY MATTHEW INTO THE GUTBUSTER! She is left rolling on the canvas, quite probably winded as Matthew plans his next spot.
Wilson: That is right. Kagura starts to try and seat herself back up BUT MATTHEW SPRINTS IN TO CATCH HER IN HER BEAUTIFUL FACE WITH THE BICYCLE KICK! OH THE HUMANITY!!! WHY!? THAT’S HER LIVELIHOOD YOU MONSTER!!! Matthew laces his arms around Kagura’s waist from behind. This is hopefully signalling and end to his nefarious face-targeting maneuve-
Stephens: WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
Wilson: GOD DAMN IT!
Stephens: KAGURA IS ALMOST AS CONCERNED ABOUT HER FACE AS YOU ARE, DANIEL! She is covering up with her hands, all the while allowing Matthew to get away with whatever he wants in the grapple. He gets her up with ease… LETHAL WEAPON! THE VERTEBREAKER CONNECTS AND THIS COULD BE ALL OVER ALREADY! MATTHEW MAKES THE COVER IN JUST ABOUT THE MOST LAZY, DISINTERESTED FASHION I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Neo Tokyo” by Scandroid - Dance With The Dead Remix begins to lay as Matthew slides out of the ring. He takes his leave up the ramp without ceremony as Rei Kagura lie sin the ring continuing to cover her face. It is unknown if she does so out of shame or to maintain protection at this point.)
Wilson: Why?
Stephens: Matthew perhaps shuts some doubters up tonight after a dominant victory ahead of Event Horizon. Rei didn’t get any offence in at all in the end and Matthew comes off looking pretty darn impressive.
Wilson: Look, Stephens, it was closer than you think. Mere inches separate victory and defeat and what we witnessed was Matthew getting extremely lucky. I don’t want to think what this match has done to my Queen’s reputation but she will rise again.
(The camera pans backstage with the image of the SSW Junior Heavyweight Championship shown on the camera before it panned out to show that Damien Walker was sitting down on a steel chair in the Ronin locker room, staring with intensity towards the image while he was doing push-ups, before he jumped up to his feet and wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel. He turned to see the resident camera crew of the arena joining him inside as they were told to be here with him having a message for the competitors in the contender’s match.)
Damien Walker: My record in this Best In The World Series hasn’t reflected the passion and determination that I have towards being known as one of the best fighters here in Strong Style Wrestling. Everyone wants to write me off and believe that whenever an opportunity presents itself towards me, I’m going to let it slip through my fingers and throughout my career here in Japan, that has been the case. When I was chosen by Tarah Nova when she led Ronin to defend the SSW Freebird Tag Team Championships, I failed her and allowed The One True Pairing to run rampant throughout the entire roster. When I was placed in The Best In The World Series to represent this faction, I failed Ronin with the defeats and failures that I have brought onto myself. Opportunities have slipped through my grasp multiple times and Event Horizon, it will be an opportunity that will now be latched into my hands. This match means the world to me and I’m going to do whatever it takes to win and not be known as a failure to Ronin. I will be known as the next person in line to fight for the SSW Junior Heavyweight Championship and when that happens, I will bring the championship out of the grasp of Tres Comas Club and realize my dream of being… champion.
(Damien Walker looks down towards the computer that has the image of the SSW Junior Heavyweight Championship, closing the laptop as he turns around towards the door of the locker room, leaving out of the room.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!
(“The Broken” by Fireball Ministry erupts from the speakers as Miles Taylor begins to make his entrance. He cuts a solemn figure, ignoring the boos and jeers of the crowd as he makes his way down the ramp.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, from Kansas City, Missouri and weighing in at 221 pounds. He is “The Wonderkid”... MILES TAYLOR!!!
Mark Stephens: Well we have something of an Event Horizon taster session here to whet your appetites ahead of him competing in a fatal four way for a shot at the SSW Jr Heavyweight Championship. Miles has been in fine form of late and might be considered a front runner but we’ll have a better idea coming out of this match.
(“Stricken” by Disturbed fills the stadium as Penance begins to march down the ramp. The crowd starts to murmur as they watch the hulking figure pass by in clown makeup.For his part, his eyes are locked unblinkingly on Miles Taylor.)
Saya Takada: And his opponent, He comes from the Clown Camp and weighs in at 290 pounds. He is “The Clown Prince of Crime”... PENANCE!!!
Daniel Wilson: Penance will also be competing in that match as the most physically imposing specimen. This could be make or break for Miles because things going wrong he could turn out really dangero-
Stephens: EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!! MILES CATCHES PENANCE WITH THE UPPERCUT JUST AS HE IS TRYING TO ENTER THE RING AND ENDS UP SENDING THE MONSTROUS CLOWN OFF THE APRON! THE BELL HASN’T EVEN RUNG YET!
Wilson: I don’t think Miles really cares right now. By the looks of it he’s more interested in making sure a potential competitor is hurt coming in to the big match. Miles sucker punched but what do you expect? It’s the Phantom Troupe way and it’s helped them along in their ambitions in the past.
Stephens: That may be true but playing so dirty against a bonafide MONSTER like Penance? Miles has got to act fast because otherwise who could find himself getting seriously hurt by an enraged murder clown. Miles steps out onto the apron. HE LEAPS FOR THE CROSSBODY! BUT PENANCE! PENANCE PLUCKED HIM RIGHT OUT OF THE AIR AND NOW HE HAS HIM RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS HIM! PENANCE HAS THE BEAR HUG APPLIED TIGHT AND IS JUST COMPLETELY SQUEEZING THE LIFE OUT OF MILES TAYLOR!
Wilson: HOLD IT! HERE COMES THE CAVALRY!!! MAELSTROM RUSHES OUT FROM THE BACK, CHAIR IN HAND AND GRONK FOLLOWING CLOSE BEHIND! MAELSTROM SWINGS THE CHAIR IN TO PENANCE’S SPINE!!! HE ALMOST DOESN'T REACT AT ALL PUT MAELSTROM SWINGS AGAIN AND AGAIN! AND GRONK FOLLOWS WITH A MASSIVE BLUDGEONING FOREARM TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! PENANCE IS BIG AND IMPOSING BUT NOT THAT BIG AND IMPOSING!!! MAELSTROM AND “THE MAD TITAN” ARE REALLY WORKING HIM OVER WITH THESE STRIKES! NOW GRONK PULLS HIM BACK UP… THE 2ND AMENDMENT!!! GRONK APPLIES THE LIFTING TRIANGLE CHOKE AND LIFTS ALL 290 POUNDS OF THE CLOWN PRINCE OF CRIME CLEAR OFF THE GROUND! PENANCE QUICKLY FADES, RAGDOLLED FOR PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE AS GRONK AND MAELSTROM HOLD HIM STEADY… KC KILLSHOT!!! MILES TAYLOR HITS THE SUPERKICK RIGHT ON THE BUTTON AND I THINK PENANCE IS OUT! IN MERE MOMENTS, THIS MONSTER HAS BEEN LEFT UNCONSCIOUS WITH NO SIGN OF GETTING BACK UP SOON.
(Miles Taylor poses with his boot on the chest of Penance for a moment. Soon stepping off as Young Boys bid the Phantom Troupe to leave Penance alone, Miles leads Maelstrom and Gronk out of the arena through the crowd.)
Stephens: In case there was any doubt, the official has had to throw this one out as a no contest as Phantom Troupe didn’t even give this match a chance for the first bell to ring. Penance is looking really hurt right now. You have to question if he’ll be 100% come Event Horizon following such a vicious assault.
Wilson: Classic Phantom Troupe. The PC brigade will have a problem with their actions tonight but come on, everybody should know exactly what to expect now and make preparations for it. What we have seen here is that people still aren’t making specific preparations for the Phantom Troupe and spells doom as they set their sights on yet another title.
Stephens: Well they certainly did make a statement of intent.
(The camera pans towards the backstage area with Christopher Sabertooth training with Jaywalker inside one of the gyms in the Strong Style Dojo, striking against the punching bag before he steps back, looking to his side to see that someone has interrupted their workout.)
Christopher Sabertooth: You’re welcome, by the way. I know Jessykah was a problem for you, but trust me in knowing that this has nothing to do with your problems with her. She happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and I needed make a statement to that Matthew bastard.
(The camera spins around to reveal a livid Vanessa Santiago, crossing her hands and tapping her foot while giving her death glare towards him, as he smirked at her with Jaywalker coming to stand by his side.)
Vanessa Santiago: I have no problem with the result of her actions because Jessykah deserved what happened to her, but my problem comes from the fact that you took the opportunity from me to be able to have my match at Event Horizon now because of you. I should be solving my problems with her in my own hands, not relying on some boy to do it for me.
Jaywalker: Look, we understand that she was someone that you needed to handle on your own, but the fact is… we don’t care. Christopher Sabertooth is a prodigy of this division and needs to have the spotlight cast upon him as the greatest wrestler to ever step foot into a Strong Style Wrestling ring. You? You’re nothing more than a girl that has been hiding behind the Shoot Nation banner because it makes you comfortable to know that you’re a good person. In The Phantom Troupe, you actually did something. Now? You’re just the reject that Shoot Nation decided to take in.
Vanessa Santiago: Listen, I didn’t come here to start a problem with either of you. I’m just letting you know that I won’t be forgetting that Tres Comas Club has cost me an opportunity to have the justice that should have been mine at Event Horizon.
Jaywalker: Well, if you have a problem with what has happened, why don’t we solve it like Jacob Senn would want us to… inside of the ring? Unless, you don’t think you’re up to challenge Christopher Sabertooth?
Vanessa Santiago: You know what? Fine. Next week, I’ll fight your prodigal son and when that happened, he will realize that you don’t cross me.
(Vanessa Santiago walks out of the room and leave Christopher Sabertooth and Jaywalker to return to their workout regiment.)
(The camera returns back inside of the arena before it turns over to the ring area where the focus has been placed upon Saya Takada standing in the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest is scheduled for one fall… AND IS A BEST IN THE WORLD SERIES A BLOCK MATCH!!!
(“Boombayah” by BLACKPINK blasts from the speakers right before Kikyo Himura steps out with a lackadaisical expression placed upon her face when she steps out upon the stage. Kikyo walks down the ramp without a care in the world as she starts to climb the steel steps to enter the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, she is from Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan… she weighed in tonight at 128 pounds… representing Ronin… “THE SCARLET FLAME”... KIIKKKYYYYOOOOO HIIMMMUUURRRRAAAAA!!!
Mark Stephens: The record that Kikyo Himura has amassed throughout the weeks hasn’t been pretty unimpressive with it being 0-3 in the matches, but tonight is where she could be able to change all of that with a single victory! However, the fire that had been burning inside of Kikyo seems to have dwindled into one of an apathetic nature.
Daniel Wilson: Wouldn’t you be in the same situation with a record like that? Kikyo has been doing whatever she can to be able to gain a victory throughout this tournament, but what has happened? Loss after loss has been stacked against her and once that starts to happen, it begins to take a toll on you.
(“Grip!” by Every Little Thing echoes throughout the arena to mark the arrival of Sakura Corleone as she steps out onto the stage with a confident smile before walking down the ramp to make her way towards the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing her opponent, she is from Los Angeles, California… weighing in at 137 pounds… representing Tres Comas Club… “THE YANDERE GODDESS”... SAAKKKUUURRRRAAAAA COORRRLLLEEEOOONNNNEEEEE!!!
Daniel Wilson: Another woman that doesn’t have the greatest record in The Best In The World Series in Sakura Corleone, who has fought against some of the top talent that this company has in this tournament, looks to change her path with a victory here tonight too! Hopefully with those encouraging words she had to have gotten from Cassius before this match!
Mark Stephens: Well, she could definitely be able to find herself a victory here tonight, but one lucky lady is about to change her fate in this tournament while the other sinks deeper into the dark depths of defeat once more! Who will that be?
(DING! DING! DING!)
Mark Stephens: The bell has been called for this match to start with Sakura Corleone and Kikyo Himura walking around the ring to figure out the best way to start this fight for points in their journey towards the tournament! Kikyo starts to go in for the clench BUT SAKURA LEAPS IN THE AIR TO STRIKE FOR THE SPINNING WHEEL KICK RIGHT INTO HER FACE! Kikyo drops down to the canvas with Sakura standing up to her feet with Kikyo starting to roll his way up to his feet AS SHE RUSHES IN FOR THE RUNNING KNEE RIGHT INTO KIKYO’S FACE! Kikyo stands stunned from the impact before Sakura hooks her by the neck LIFTING HER UP FOR THE FISHERMAN’S DDT! SAKURA SPIKES KIKYO’S HEAD RIGHT DOWN ON THE CANVAS WITH THAT! I THINK SAKURA HAS JUST TURNED INTO A NEW GEAR!
Daniel Wilson: This is the Sakura Corleone that should have been performing at the start of this tournament and right now, she’s making Cassius Corleone a proud man! Sakura spins around and pulls herself up with Kikyo Himura FLOATING AROUND TO PLANT HER WITH THE DEAD END! SAKURA PLANTS KIKYO INTO THE CANVAS WITH A CRUCIFIX DRIVER BEFORE HOLDING HER DOWN FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!... THHHRRREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Grip!” by Every Little Thing plays in the background with Sakura Corleone leaping up in the air with a smile on her face while the referee raises her hand to show that she has been victorious.)
Saya Takada: Here is your winner… SAAKKKUUURRRRAAAAA COORRRLLLEEEOOONNNNEEEEE!!!
Mark Stephens: SAKURA CORLEONE HAS DONE IT! She has gotten out of her slump of defeats at the expense of Kikyo Himura and has gained her first two points in The Best In The World Series! She has finally been able to bring herself out of the hole and has walked out of tonight with a victory in her hand!
Daniel Wilson: Yeah, but what about the abysmal record of Kikyo Himura? Four losses straight throughout this tournament and nothing to show for it! Kikyo has got to find some kind of groove or something to assist her in trying to figure out her next place, but she’s definitely got to find some way to combat this!
(Sakura Corleone stands up and walks over towards the turnbuckle to make her climb towards the top, celebrating her victory in the tournament before he drops down and rolls out of the ring, making her way towards the stage with Kikyo Himura sits up and holds her neck from the abuse she has been dealt with. Sakura waves to fans once more before she leaves to the backstage area as the young rookies assist Kikyo backstage.)
(The lights fade as “Street Dreams” by Hollywood Undead hits the speakers. The Apparition enters casually dressed in a tracksuit but still wearing his iconic mask. The crowd greet him warmly with rapturous cheers as The Apparition slides into the ring. Standing in the centre, he visibly he enjoys the reception for a while even after being handed a microphone.)
Mark Stephens: Last week The Apparition received a double blessing. First, he is elected as Shoot Nation’s representative in a fatal four way match right around the corner at Event Horizon to determine the next contender for the SSW Jr Heavyweight Championship. Second, he shocks everyone with a hard fought Best In The World Series victory over his faction leader and the Puroresu Heavyweight Champion Jaydayne Pendragon in a result which promises App an EVEN BIGGER title opportunity somewhere down the road. The fans are delighted. App is taking a few liberties in soaking up this applause for as long as possible but he surely has deserved that right.
Daniel Wilson: Whatever, he’s on a hot streak right now but the moment he doesn’t become a double champ the few moments of their time he wasted here is going to bite him harder than James Gunn’s twitter history. He better enjoy his time in the spotlight while it lasts.
(The Apparition rises the microphone to his lips and the crowd starts to quieten down for him to speak.)
The Apparition: Well… What a crazy week it has been. Just seven days ago I was enjoying getting a couple of wins behind me in the Best In The World Series but I really wasn’t armed with too many grand expectations. I still felt like I had a lot of work to do. I have had more chances than a lot of others and but always fell down at the final hurdle. I had some proving to do. I needed to buckle down and prove, not even that I am the best in the world, but that even at my age I still have enough value to be worth another shot. But now…
(The crowd begins to liven up again. They break into a chant of “YOU DESERVE IT” as The Apparition hangs his head looking almost embarrassed.)
The Apparition: Of course you’d say that. Now I am all over the place. I’m trying to keep myself grounded but this week all I have been thinking about is having a chance to contend for the SSW Jr Heavyweight Championship, beating the Puroresu Heavyweight Champion, and sitting pretty 3-and-0 at the top of my Best In The World Series block. One night’s worth of difference did that. I know I shouldn’t be getting ahead of myself, I should be keeping my head down and continuing what I’m doing, taking it one week at a time. But sorry guys, the excitement is too much. I feel like maybe I am talking myself into thinking along the lines of The Secret and all that self-help rubbish just to excuse my lack of composure and discipline at this moment. But forget it. I am going to own this. I am visualizing myself as SSW Jr Heavyweight Champion. I have an image painted in my mind of myself as the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Champion. And yes… Right now I do see myself as THE VERY BEST! IN! THE! WORLD!!!
(Chants of “Best In The World” erupt throughout the arena. This time the Apparition holds his head high, a broad smile poking out of his the bottom of his mask.)
The Apparition: So let me set my intentions straight. I want to right up there at the very top, and I will not stop in this selfish pursuit of success until somebody forcibly stops me. And even then… Even then I will just come back and try all over again because that’s the kind of guy I am. I tried once. I left the ring “for good” but I couldn’t stay away. I could not resist the thrill of the chase and that is as true today as it ever has been. Jaydayne, much respect to you, brother. I made a promise to take a step back while you and Belle settle things. But I’m not about to forget that you made a promise to give a title shot to anyone who can beat you in that Best In The World Series. I will be coming for that belt at some point regardless of whether you or Belle or anybody else at all is the one holding it. But for now I’m going to satisfy my restlessness by representing Shoot Nation the best way I possibly can by taking the Jr Heavyweight Championship first. Penance. Miles Taylor. Damien Walker. Sorry guys but just speaking my feelings right now… I am the Best In The World. I am the future Ace of SSW. And I will be the man who sends you all back to the bottom of the waiting list when I grasp my chance to finally hold SSW Gold as Jr Heavyweight Champion!
(The Apparition drops his microphone in pride before he makes his exit from the ring by going through the middle rope, walking up the ramp as he waves towards the adoring audience, as he makes his way towards the stage and heads to the backstage area.)
(The camera returns back inside of the arena before it turns over to the ring area where the focus has been placed upon Saya Takada standing in 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 and Kendrick Lamar starts up on the sound system with the interest of the crowd rising in the arena upon the arrival of Aria Jaxon as she steps out onto the stage. With her shades upon her face, she dips them down to stare out to the peasant that throw hatred towards her, chuckling as she walks towards the ring with a smile upon her face.)
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: THE UNDEFEATED AND UNCONQUERABLE QUEEN OF STRONG STYLE WRESTLING HAS ARRIVED! Three victories throughout this entire tournament and not a soul has been able to bring her down through this entire tournament and tonight, she is more than ready to keep the streak alive tonight against some Shoot Nation scum!
Mark Stephens: She has had an impressive showing through the recent weeks, but are you honestly going to cast her opponent aside because of your infatuation with her? Being undefeated for this long in the tournament is an impressive feat to accomplish, but she will have to maintain that streak if she doesn’t want to end up falling behind!
(“Dancing Mad” by The Black Mages blasts from the speakers with Shinati Mizarki stepping out onto the stage with a smile on his face, the reaction is positive from the crowd that has started to support him, as he makes his way down the ramp to enter into the ring to meet his opponent.)
Saya Takada: Introducing her opponent, he is from Ginza, Tokyo, Japan… weighing in at 205 pounds… representing Shoot Nation… “THE JAPANESE ARCHITECT”... SHHIIINNNAAATTTTIIIII MIIZZZAAARRRKKKKIIIII!!!
Daniel Wilson: En route to an opportunity for the SSW Freebird Tag Team Championship Ladder Match at Event Horizon, Shinati Mizarki has been able to hold onto a meager 1-2 record during this series for the chance at headlining Wrestle Spirit! However the question remains, can he be able to unseat The Queen from her undefeated throne or will he fall underneath her boot like the rest?
Mark Stephens: Shinati Mizarki has the strength and weight advantage in this match, but we saw in his last match that it could play a factor in his downfall. The question is that if he has been able to combat that or if he is going to turn out to suffer at the expense of a more versatile and agile opponent?
(DING! DING! DING!)
Mark Stephens: The bell has been called for these two to begin their fight with Aria Jaxon deciding to rush into the fray to start her attack early BUT THAT CONFIDENCE COULD COST HER WITH SHINATI MIZARKI USING HIS STRENGTH TO THROW HER UP IN HIS ARMS TO SHOVE HER INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! Shinati steps back with fury towards the former world champion where he rushes in LOOKING FOR A CORNER LARIAT TO KEEP HER IN THE TURNBUCKLE! ARIA ROLLS THROUGH WITH SHINATI HITTING THE TURNBUCKLE HIMSELF! Shinati turns around and leans onto the turnbuckle before he stares up MET WITH THE SIGHT OF ARIA RUSHING IN FOR THE DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE CHEST OF HER OPPONENT! Shinati is stunned from the knees that impacted him in the chest with Aria flipping back to rush in for another opportunity to strike ONLY FOR SHINATI TO CATCH HER IN HIS ARMS TO HOIST HER UP IN THE AIR TO THROW HER ACROSS THE RING! The strength advantage that Shinati has is coming to use with Aria dropping down on her feet to the mat WITH SHINATI RUSHING IN AS HE SPINS AROUND FOR THE DISCUS LARIAT!
Daniel Wilson: YES! THE QUEEN IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDERNEATH THE LARIAT AND WAITS FOR SHINATI MIZARKI TO SPIN AROUND INTO AN ELBOW STRIKE THAT ROCKS HIM! Aria strikes with a couple more stiff elbows to stun Shinati before she grabs him by the neck RUSHING OVER TOWARDS THE ROPES FOR THE SLICED BREAD NO. 2! WHOA! SHINATI CATCHES HER ON HIS SHOULDER AND SPINS AROUND TO DROP HER WITH A POWERSLAM! Shinati stands up to his feet as he clears his head from the elbows that he had endured from The Queen as he reaches down to grab her by the head, pulling her up to her feet while she remains groggy, as he looks her in her face FIRING WITH A MASSIVE UPPERCUT TO BLAST HER IN THE JAW TO SEND HER REELING! Aria stumbles back from the uppercut when Shinati grabs her arm from behind for the wrist-lock LOOKING FOR WHAT COULD BE THE FAITHFUL DESIGN TO BRING AN END TO HER OPPONENT! THE WRIST-LOCK PULLED BACK INTO A LAR-- NOPE! ARIA FLOATS OVER AS SHE DROPS SHINATI DOWN BY SPIKING HIS HEAD FOR THE DDT! AN IMPRESSIVE COUNTER THERE FROM THE QUEEN THAT COULDN’T BE DUPLICATED BY ANY OTHER!
Mark Stephens: Alright, calm down there, Casanova! Aria Jaxon has taken back control of this match from Shinati Mizarki as she stands onto her feet STOMPING ON THE LIMBS OF SHINATI WITH VICIOUS INTENT AS SHE TAUNTS HIM WITH EACH STOMP! Aria continues her ruthless strikes before she grabs him by what hair he has, pulling his head up from the canvas with a sinister smile upon her face, right before she places her boot on the back of her head STOMPING IT DOWN INTO THE CANVAS WITH THE HAIR-PULL CURB STOMP! Aria continues to smile and laugh at the expense of Shinati before she walks over towards the turnbuckle as she crouches down while staring towards her opponent! She blows a kiss towards the fallen Shoot Nation member as he attempts to stand up to his feet SPRINTING IN FOR THE ABSOLUTE MONARCHY TO KNOCK DOWN HER OPPONENT! FANTAJĪ MEZAMEMASU! THE DISCUS ELBOW SMASH BLASTS HER RIGHT IN THE JAW BEFORE SHE WAS ABLE TO LAND THE STEP-UP JUMPING KNEE STRIKE! Shinati looks around the ring with furious intent as he looks down towards the fallen queen as he pulls her up to his feet HOOKING HER BY THE NECK BEFORE HE LIFTS HER UP FOR THE IMPERFECTION DRIVE! THE CROSS-LEGGED FISHERMAN BUSTER DROPS ARIA INTO THE CANVAS BEFORE HE HOOKS HER LEG IN FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!...
Daniel Wilson: YES! ARIA JAXON SAVES HERSELF FROM THE END OF HER STREAK BEING MADE AT THE HANDS OF SHINATI MIZARKI! Shinati slams her hand on the canvas before he pushes himself to his feet, looking over towards her before she pulls her up to her feet HOISTING HER ON HIS SHOULDER FOR WHAT COULD BE THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE END! OH MY! ARIA STRIKES WITH A KICK TO THE BACK OF SHINATI BEFORE DROPPING DOWN TO HER FEET AND SPINNING AROUND TO LEAP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! ULTRAVIOLET! ARIA SPIKES SHINATI ON HIS HEAD WITH THE HURRICANRANA DRIVER BEFORE SHE ROLLS UP TO HER FEET AND LOOKS DOWN UPON HER OPPONENT FEELING THE IMPACT! Aria walks behind Shinati as he tries to pick himself up to his feet while she hooks him from behind in his arm LOOKING FOR THE WRIST-LOCK ON HER OWN! THE QUEEN SHOVES SHINATI FORWARD AND SPINS HIM AROUND FOR THE PURPLE REIGN! THE WRIST-LOCK BICYCLE KICK RIGHT INTO THE FACE THAT SENDS SHINATI RIGHT DOWN TOWARDS THE CANVAS BEFORE SHE DROPS DOWN TO GO FOR THE PIN! CAN SHE PUT HIM AWAY AND CONTINUE HER STREAK IN THE BEST IN THE WORLD SERIES?
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!... THHHRRREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Freedom” by Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar plays in the background with Aria Jaxon standing up to her feet with a smile upon her face. She looks over towards the referee and orders him to hold her hand up to where he follows through with it.)
Saya Takada: Here is your winner… ARRIIIAAAAA JAAXXXOOOONNNNN!!!
Daniel Wilson: THE QUEEN REMAINS UNBROKEN! Four victories and zero losses allows her to break through and remain at the top of the A Block with this victory! It’s very possible at this rate that we could see our very own Queen make her way to the finals and be known as the headline act for Wrestle Spirit!
Mark Stephens: As much as I wouldn’t desire for that to happen, Aria Jaxon has been impressive in the tournament! She has been taking this tournament by storm on her path to reclaim the championship that she lost at Domination and with that, she deserves congratulations for the victory she has made here tonight!
(Aria Jaxon looks down upon the fallen Shinati Mizarki with a smile on her face as she walks over towards ropes to make her exit. She looks around at the peasants in attendance before she makes her way to the backstage area as the show cuts to commercial break.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK -- )
(The show returns from commercial break with the camera inside of The Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium before the camera pans over towards the titantron on the stage.)
(“Carnage” by contRoVersy echoes throughout the arena with the SSW Freebird Tag Team Champions stepping out towards the stage with smiles radiating from their faces. CM Nas, cradling the championship on one shoulder as his other shoulder holds his Omega Heavyweight Championship, walks down the ramp with pride while Saul Omen wears the title around his waist as he remains dressed in his black suit. Both men enter the ring with a smile upon their faces as CM Nas demands the microphone from Saya Takada before she makes her introduction for them, snatching it from her hands, as he beats upon the microphone before looking out towards the arena.)
CM Nas: There is no sweeter bliss in this world than not only holding this Omega Heavyweight Championship on my shoulder from America, but to be known as the SSW Freebird Tag Team Champion on top of it to be a dual champion, it’s pure ecstasy. These championships that I hoard in my possession prove that there is no equal in this business when it comes to me, Saul Omen, or The Phantom Troupe. We’re the pinnacle of what this industry should revolve around. It’s not the heroism that Shoot Nation strives for, it’s not for the money that Tres Comas Club obsesses over, and it’s not the pride that Ronin has been bound to… it’s talent and ruthlessness. The lack of morality that The Phantom Troupe has lead us to take lengths that no other faction in this entire company has the ability to do, the vicious nature that we have to leave every person in this company broken and defeated by our hand, that is what led us to be crowned the SSW Freebird Tag Team Champions. It is what has brought this title some prestige in creating a new division and to the point where we have new challengers that want to take this championship from us.
(Saul Omen walks over towards CM Nas and whispers in his ear before returning back to his place in the ring.)
CM Nas: With that said, we have decided that we haven’t proven this fact enough throughout the weeks to all of you. It hasn’t been shown to you enough to where there has been doubt laid into you that when we defend these titles in a ladder match at Event Horizon, you believe that One True Pairing will regain their golden bonds of matrimony or Shoot Nation will snatch another championship away from The Phantom Troupe. That’s why Saul and I have discussed amongst each other about how to clear those doubts and we have decided… to challenge a team to compete for these championships next week! Saul has made it very clear that he wants an individual team to be our opponents, so I’ll let him be the one to make the challenge.
(CM Nas hands the microphone over towards Saul Omen, who looks with a stoic gaze upon his face before looking up towards the camera, with a burning determination behind those eyes of his.)
Saul Omen: Shinati Mizarki… Steven Cassidy… Death comes for you next week.
(Saul Omen drops the microphone and walks out of the ring with CM Nas, as both men start their climb towards the stage, as they make their way backstage.)
(Once the ring has been cleared from the SSW Freebird Tag Team Champions, the camera turns over towards Saya Takada standing 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!!!
(“Right Back At It Again” by A Day To Remember blasts from the sound system as the crowd erupts in adulation upon the appearance of Steven Cassidy! Steven Cassidy looks around with a smile on his face as he is fired up before he walks down the ramp to make his way to the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing his opponent, he is from Lawrence, Kansas… he weighed in tonight at 190 pounds… representing Shoot Nation… “RAIONHĀTO”... STTEEEVVVEEEENNNNN CAASSSIIIDDDDYYYYY!!!
Mark Stephens: This man has made quite the transformation since his time before The Best In The World Series where he had been known as the lovable underdog of Shoot Nation! He has taken this tournament by storm and has produced an undefeated record to make his path towards Wrestle Spirit for the SSW Puroresu Heavyweight Championship closer to being a reality! However, I wonder what he might have said to the reigning tag champions on his way out!
Daniel Wilson: I don’t know how in the world he has been able to get this far, Mark! The guy was written out and was assumed to potentially be at the bottom of the bracket, but he has went above and beyond to be up there as one of the top names in A Block! I’m impressed with what he has done, but he is now competing against one of the most dominant champions that has graced the ring!
(“Dancers To A Discordant System” by Meshuggah echoes throughout the arena with a sole violet spotlight has been cast down upon the SSW Heritage Champion with a towel wrapped upon his head. Khmaoch Sangkat is met with the disapproval of the audience with the stoic gaze upon her face as he walked down the ramp to meet his opponent.)
Saya Takada: Introducing his opponent, he is from Prey Veng, Cambodia… weighing in at 235 pounds… representing The Phantom Troupe… he is the SSW Heritage Champion… “THE NIGHT TERROR”... KHHMMMAAAOOOCCCCHHHHH SAANNNGGGKKKAAAATTTTT!!!
Daniel Wilson: Speaking of The Daemon of Prey Veng, he has arrived to bring the destruction and domination that he has been known for to continue to everlasting feud that has been forged through his violence between The Phantom Troupe and Shoot Nation! If Khmaoch Sangkat walks into this match with the same violence he has been known for, the streak of the young star will be stomped out!
Mark Stephens: However, that has been said about the multiple opponents that have been put into the front of him! Every moment that Steven Cassidy has been placed against someone, he has pulled off an amazing upset at every turn! Tonight, he could perform the same miracle, unless Khmaoch decimates him at every turn!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Mark Stephens: The bell has been called for this match to start with both men looking at one another with hesitation in their eyes before Khmaoch Sangkat takes the initiative LOCKING UP WITH STEVEN CASSIDY IN THE CLENCH WITH BOTH MEN ATTEMPTING TO GAIN CONTROL OF THIS MATCH! Khmaoch spins around and looks to twist the arm of Steven into the arm wringer BUT CASSIDY QUICKLY FLIPS OUT OF IT AND STARTS TO TWIST SANGKAT INTO HIS OWN! NOPE! SANGKAT ROLLS HIS WAY OUT OF THE WRINGER AND GRABS CASSIDY BY THE HEAD BEFORE HE SNAPMARES HIM TO THE CANVAS! Khmaoch rushes over towards the ropes as he rebounds off the ropes RUSHING TOWARDS CASSIDY FOR THE PENALTY KICK TO HIS CHEST! CASSIDY CATCHES THE LEG BEFORE HE STANDS UP TO HIS FEET WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE WITH A SHOCKED LOOK PLASTED ON KHMAOCH’S FACE!
Daniel Wilson: Steven Cassidy spins Khmaoch Sangkat around with his leg AS HE JUMPS IN THE AIR TO STRIKE THE SSW HERITAGE CHAMPION WITH THE ENZIGURI! STEVEN LANDS NOTHING BUT AIR WITH THAT KICK AS KHMAOCH DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE KICK WHILE CASSIDY FALLS TO THE CANVAS! Khmaoch drops down to wrap his hands around the waist of Cassidy BEFORE HE LIFTS HIM UP FOR WHAT COULD BE A DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! BACK ELBOW! STEVEN LANDS WITH THE BACK ELBOW BEFORE HE DROPS DOWN TO THE CANVAS AND STARTS TO SPRINT HIS WAY TOWARDS THE ROPES! Khmaoch starts to shake his head to get the feeling from that elbow out of him as Steven rushes towards his opponent LOOKING FOR THE LARIAT TO KNOCK THE BIG MAN OFF OF HIS FEET! HEADBUTT! KHMAOCH CLOCKS STEVEN WITH A BRUTAL HEADBUTT TO THE SKULL OF CASSIDY THAT SENDS HIM REELING BACK TOWARDS THE TURNBUCKLE! Steven slumps down from the impact with Khmoach smiling at the pain that he has caused Cassidy RIGHT BEFORE RUSHING IN FOR A CORNER LARIAT INTO HIS OPPONENT!
Mark Stephens: STEVEN CASSIDY ROLLS THROUGH THE AVOID THE LARIAT WHERE KHMAOCH SANGKAT TURNS AROUND TO MEET THE YOUNG ROOKIE! HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN! Steven flips Khmaoch right down to the canvas before both men are standing back up WITH CASSIDY LANDING A DROPKICK RIGHT INTO THE CHEST OF SANGKAT THAT SENDS HIM ROLLING TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING! Steven grabs the ropes and looks to go for a dive to the outside, but Khmaoch avoids the dive WHILE CASSIDY LANDS ON THE APRON! Khmaoch rushes in for the lariat to knock him off of his feet, but Cassidy jumps in the air RIGHT BEFORE HE LANDS A SUPERKICK RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF KHMAOCH ON THE OUTSIDE! Khmaoch stumbles back from the kick when Steven rushes on the apron LEAPING ONTO THE CHAMPION WITH THE APRON SOMERSAULT! STEVEN DROPS KHMAOCH ON THE FLOOR AS HE ROLLS TO HIS FEET WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE AS THE REFEREE STARTS TO COUNT BOTH MEN OUT!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!... THREE!... FOUR!... FIVE!...
Daniel Wilson: Steven Cassidy looks down towards Khmaoch Sangkat and stomps him on the top of his head as he drags him to his feet to throw him back into the ring BUT HE GETS A BETTER IDEA AND RUNS UP THE APRON WITH HIS HEAD LOCKED UNDERNEATH HIS ARM FOR THE SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT! YES! KHMOACH USES HIS STRENGTH TO KEEP CASSIDY FROM LANDING THE DDT BEFORE HE THROWS HIM UP FOR A BRAINBUSTER RIGHT ONTO THE RING APRON! Pulling himself together from what he has endured throughout the match, Khmaoch stands up with a smile on his face as he throws Cassidy back into the ring before the count becomes too much! Khmaoch slides back into the ring as Steven starts to pull himself up to his feet RIGHT AS THE PHANTOM MENANCE WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND THE NECK OF CASSIDY FOR THE REAR-NAKED CHOKE! KHMAOCH HAS HIM LOCKED IN AND THIS COULD SPELL THE END FOR THIS MATCH AND THE STREAK OF CASSIDY!
Mark Stephens: Steven Cassidy is reaching out to attempt to escape this precarious position, but Khmaoch Sangkat has the submission applied tightly and control to where he can’t make his way to the ropes! Khmaoch rears back on the submission, but Steven pulls forward to where he drops down LIFTING KHMAOCH ON HIS SHOULDERS WITH ALL THE STRENGTH THAT HE POSSESSES! HE LOOKS OVER TOWARDS THE TURNBUCKLE AS HE SPRINTS IN FOR THE LAWN DART! DEAR GOODNESS! KHMAOCH’S FACE BOUNCES OFF THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE AS STEVEN HOLDS HIS THROAT TO GASP FOR AIR FROM THAT REAR-NAKED CHOKE! Both men are fighting for the right to continue their climb towards Wrestle Spirit as Khmaoch uses the turnbuckle to pull himself up and Cassidy stands himself up to his feet! Cassidy sprints in for the running corner dropkick BUT KHMAOCH ROLLS UNDERNEATH HIM WHILE CASSIDY LEAPS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND ONTO THE RING APRON! Khmaoch turns around to find his opponent WHILE CASSIDY FLIES THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE TO LAND THE SLINGSHOT SPEAR! STEVEN DROPS KHMAOCH WITH THE SPEAR AS HE HOOKS HIS LEG IN FOR THE PIN!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!...
Daniel Wilson: NO! KHMAOCH SANGKAT THROWS HIS SHOULDER UP IN THE AIR FOR THE KICK-OUT! Steven Cassidy was praying that he would be able to put the SSW Heritage Champion right there, but he stands up to his feet and looks down with confidence upon Khmaoch as he starts to look to end this match and calls for the champion to get to his feet AS HE LOOKS TO PUT HIM AWAY WITH THE SUPERKICK! Khmaoch pushes on the canvas to try and get his feet before he turns around WITH STEVEN CASSIDY FIRING WITH THE KICK! YOUNG BOY KILLER! THE SSW HERITAGE CHAMPION STRIKES WITH A STIFF BICYCLE KICK STRAIGHT INTO THE FACE OF CASSIDY THAT SENDS HIM SLUMPING DOWN TO THE MIDDLE OF THE CANVAS! Khmaoch falters back for a moment as he holds his waist from the spear, reaching down to grab Steven by his neck as he pulls him up, RIGHT AS HE STRIKES HIM IN THE FACE WITH AN OPEN PALM STRIKE IN THE FACE! Khmaoch continues to land a flurry of strikes before he hooks Cassidy between his legs THROWING HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDERS FOR THE SITOUT POWERBOMB!
Mark Stephens: OH MY GOODNESS! STEVEN CASSIDY GRABS KHMAOCH SANGKAT BY HIS HEAD ON THE WAY UP AND SPIKES IT DOWN INTO THE CANVAS WITH THE DDT! A FIRE AND A PASSION HAS STARTED TO BURN IN THE EYES OF CASSIDY WHILE KHMAOCH WINCES FROM THE SEARING PAIN IN HIS SKULL NOW! Khmaoch starts to hoist himself up to his feet BUT CASSIDY IS BEHIND HIM AS HE HOISTS HIM UP IN THE AIR FOR KISS THE RING! NO! KHMAOCH USES HIS STRENGTH TO KEEP HIS GROUND TO NOT ONLY FIRE A BACK ELBOW TO THE FACE OF CASSIDY, BUT THROWS HIM ACROSS THE RING INTO THE ROPES! Khmaoch holds his head from the pain of the DDT that he suffered as he waits for him to come in TO LAND ANOTHER YOUNG BOY KILLER ONTO CASSIDY! SUPERKICK! CASSIDY LANDS WITH THE SUPERKICK THAT SENDS KHMAOCH DOUBLING OVER BEFORE CASSIDY HOOKS HIM FROM BEHIND ONCE MORE! KISS THE RING! CASSIDY DROPS KHMAOCH ON HIS FACE WITH THE PUMPHANDLE REVERSE STO BEFORE HE ROLLS HIM OVER ON HIS SHOULDERS FOR THE THREE-COUNT!
Referee: ONNNEEE!!!... TWWWOOO!!!... THHHRRREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Right Back At It Again” by A Day To Remember plays in the background with Steven Cassidy looking with that same shocked expression that he has been left with after each match in the series as the referee raises his hand in victory.)
Saya Takada: Here is your winner… STTEEEVVVEEEENNNNN CAASSSSSSIIIDDDDYYYYY!!!
Mark Stephens: Pinch yourself, slap yourself, maybe even refresh your streams BECAUSE STEVEN CASSIDY HAS JUST PULLED ANOTHER UPSET AGAINST THE SSW HERITAGE CHAMPION! Steven Cassidy continues his journey through this tournament with stride as remains undefeated in this tournament with four victories and zero losses!
Daniel Wilson: I’m utterly shocked, Mark! I’m stunned by the fact that he has been able to walk out of here with an unbroken record, but this is zero hour now! Steven Cassidy will soon meet some of his greatest challenges and we will see if he can continue that streak on his path to being known as The Best In The World!
(Steven Cassidy walks over towards the turnbuckle as he hops onto the top of it, celebrating with the fans in his tremendous victory here tonight, while Khmaoch Sangkat rolls out of the ring while being handed his SSW Heritage Championship. Khmaoch looks up with bitter defeat towards the valiant Cassidy as he leaps down to exit the ring and makes his way backstage.)
(Camera cuts to a close-up of the SSW Heritage Championship sat atop a plinth. As the camera zooms in on the nameplate, a sample of Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt’s voice is heard.)
“Heritage.”
“Legacy.”
“Blood.”
“When the drums of war thunder around us and its beacons burn with hellish fire, these are our heavenly virtues and our guiding principle. As long as this remains true, we shall not stand to be victims.We are not heroes and neither in truth are we villains. We are merely what we were born to be…”
(The scene skips to a montage of events from Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt and Masanori Kawada’s main event No-Disqualification match for the SSW Heritage Championship on the first ever Strong Style Wrestling show back in January 10th 2018. Chaotic scenes from the match flash by in quick succession including Kawada hitting the running clothesline over the ropes, Sȃngkȃt with the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva, Kawada’s elbow drop through the table and, of course, John Doe knocking out Masanori Kawada withe “Good Night Sweet Prince” to allow Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt to make the pin.)
“NO! NOT THIS WAY!”
“ONE!!!!... TWO!!!!.... THREE!!!!!!”
“Here is your winner via pinfall... ”
(The tape cuts to footage of Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt finishing each subsequent challenger: Atem Octavian Amun Ra, The Apparition, Tarah Nova; and celebrating each victory with the SSW Heritage Championship in his hands.)
“AND STILL…”
“AND STILL…”
“AND STILL SSW HERITAGE CHAMPION...”
(The camera cuts again to a suited Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt sitting at a recent press conference.)
Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt: Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt… That is a name which has already gone down in history. That is a name that will never be forgotten in this industry. Isn’t it? Yes or no? Don’t be cowards, I’m a in a good mood… You see, what you have got to realise is that in 10, 20, 100 years from now or however long, people are going to be looking back over the history and I can guarantee that in all eras Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt will be a name uncontroversially marked as significant to the legacy and heritage of this promotion and puroresu in general. That first show was a test. It was a test as to whether this project was financially viable. Because funding enough capital to run a wrestling show is only one thing. Running a wrestling show which draws enough capital to fund a second show is something else entirely. And performing on a level that keeps people coming for a third, a fourth, fifty, a hundred times is something else again. Yet, every step of the way from the first night onwards I have carried this promotion just as I have carried this Championship. In a sense, I AM the Heritage that this title represents. Our identities cannot be separated at this point. That is immutable. I keep being told that there can be no room for mistakes against this young boy. And I admit it, I have already once made the mistake of underestimating him but that will not happen again. People are so quick to forget that I have already known pressure like this. Building up a fledgling brand is no easy task, there can be no room for mistakes there but the fact that I, and this promotion, are still here tells you everything you need to know about whether I can handle that. Kai Stevens thinks he is walking into a match he has already won once before but in truth he has never been on this kind of stage with this kind of pressure, the expectations, the responsibility of leading his faction from the front. And he is going to be very surprised as to how this next match is going to be. Just like you have all seen in the past, as long as my heritage and legacy is on the line, then I will not suffer to become a victim.
(The camera cuts abruptly to Kai Stevens hitting the Apocalypse Now to secure the victory in his Best In The World Series meeting with Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt.)
“APOCALYPSE NOW!!!”
“ONE… TWO!... THREE!!!”
(The footage goes into slow motion as it shows Kai Stevens lifting the SSW Heritage Championship after the match.)
“I told you, didn’t I? I told each and every FUCKING one of you, out here and in the back, that sooner rather than later you will all be forced to respect the threat that I am. Now very few people believed what I had to say at the time. But unlike Tarah Nova, when I say I am going to do something, I follow through. Everything I have said has become reality and I really have to say…”
(Cut to Kai Stevens answering questions, with feet up on the table in front of him.)
Kai Stevens: I fucking told you… I have FUCKING told you all that you need to know about what is going down at Event Horizon already. Why am I still getting questions about this? Are you degenerates so hard of hearing? Ok… Whatever… I’ll try not to repeat myself because I am not all about going through the motions and spouting off predictable garbage like a number of people in this room. Everything I say, I am very serious about. It’s for a reason. I don’t just believe it. It is going to happen. When I said that I was going to make everybody respect what a threat I am, it’s already happened. Now when I walk through the locker room there are guys who have been in and around this business a good five times as long as I have but they are walking on eggshells around me. They are fucking shaking, you know that? Because now they finally understand. They finally respect that everything they have ever done, everything that they have ever accomplished, or will ever, is nothing compared to what I am doing here RIGHT FUCKING NOW! I don’t care if that delusional old freak is still telling people he can beat me. He tried it. He can’t. The only way that things are changing is that this time I am going to finish the job. I am going to fucking bury him and build a shrine to my unparalleled greatness on top of his crippled corpse because right now I am building a legacy. A legacy that mark my words will not be surpassed in decades… maybe centuries… Hell, maybe I’m selling myself short. Maybe to the fucking end of time when the stars go dark and the universe turns cold and black holes tear spacetime into a fucking paper snowflake.
(The Camera alternates between the faces of Kai Stevens and Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt.)
Kai Stevens: This is My Time…
Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt: My Heritage…
Kai Stevens: My Legacy…
Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt: And His Blood...
(The camera returns back inside of the arena before it turns over to the ring area where the focus has been placed upon Saya Takada standing in the ring.)
Saya Takada: The following contest IS YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING… AND IS A BEST IN THE WORLD A BLOCK MATCH!!!
(“White Knuckles” by Alter Bridge begins to play as Kai Stevens emerges through a cloud of smoke on the stage. Throwing his hands up for his patented delta gesture, he scans over the crowd with a contemptuous sneer before shouting at the top of his lungs “I AM THE FUCKING BEST IN THE WORLD”. Psyched up and with a aggressiveness in his gait, Kai power walks down to the ring.)
Saya Takada: Introducing first, from Long Island, New York and weighing in at 227 pounds… He is “The Inevitable”... KAI STEVENS!!!
Mark Stephens: Time ticks away as Kai Stevens’ well-earned challenge for the SSW Heritage Championship at Event Horizon edges nearer. Tonight is a different competition entirely but this young athlete show every sign of being hungry to compete on multiple fronts. Thus far he’s done a pretty good job of it too, only losing one on one to former Puroresu Heavyweight Champion Aria Jaxon and giving her a run for her money at that.
Daniel Wilson: Best in the world isn’t just a series for this kid. He treats it like a lifestyle and that’s probably the main reason he’s had so much success so early in his young career. I don’t know what the result is going to be at Event Horizon. Khmaoch will loathe to be outdone a second time but tonight isn’t holly unconnected. He’s got an opponent lined up who will be just the right kind of tune up he needs to prepare for Champ, just as long as he doesn’t walk out too hurt here.
(The crowd lets out cheers as the lights die down and the music shifts to "Forces", the music that signals the arrival of The Everlasting Hero. As a blue lights sweep over the crowd, Masanori Kawada emerges from behind the curtain to a loud pop. he sprints down the ramp and slides into the ring where Kai Stevens squares up with him.)
Saya Takada: And his opponent, from Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan and weighing in at 247 pounds. He is “The Everlasting Hero”... MASANORI KAWADA!!!
Stephens: Kawada has had something of a slow start to this series with just one win from three in this series but do not be fooled. He is a powerful, very experienced and wiley veteran who can be a serious threat to just about anyone on his day as he proved by taking out the Phantom Troupe’s founding leader John Doe. This is a tough fight which could leave Kai worse for wear ahead of the big match.
Wilson: You give him too much credit for one lucky win but you have a point. I see Kawada as like a Sȃngkȃt without the ruthless aggression and willingness to bend the rules. He is a danger for sure so this is a big test for Kai to prove again that he’s ready to take these next steps he is taking to elevate himself in this promotion. This could be an important match in the end.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephens: The main event has been called to start. Both men tie up in the clinch and begin to struggle for he dominant position. Masanori has the evident strength advantage as he succeeds in getting one underhook in. Kai blocks the second but Kawada has enough to work from this position. He drives Stevens back against the ropes THEN LAUNCHES HIM ACROSS THE RING FOR THE IRISH WHIP! Kai rebounds off the ropes and bounces back RIGHT INTO A RUNNING LARIAT FROM THE ABSOLUTE JUSTICE! JAYDAYNE ROLLS THROUGH AND AVOIDS THE MASSIVE ARM OF KAWADA, SPRINTING PAST AND TOWARDS THE ROPES! Masanori turns around to meet Kai WHO RUSHES IN WITH A BICYCLE KNEE TO THE DOME OF KAWADA! THE COWBOY KILLER CONNECTS CLEANLY THROUGH THE SIDE OF KAWADA’S HEAD AND SENDS HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! MASANORI STRUGGLES TO RECOLLECT HIMSELF!
Wilson: KAI SWINGS A BUZZSAW KICK - BUT IT’S DUCKED! MASANORI GATHERS HIM FROM BEHIND… RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! STEVENS BACKFLIPS AND LANDS SAFELY ON HIS FEET! KAWADA IS STILL TRYING TO STAND BUT KAI PLANTS HIS FOREHEAD BACK DOWN WITH A KNEE DROP BULLDOG! Masanori Kawada offers no resistance now as Kai Stevens rolls him onto his back. STANDING 450 SPLASH!!! THAT’S THE FAHRENHEIT 451! DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THAT NUMBER, MARK?!? IT’S THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH A MIDDLE-AGED MAN’S DREAMS OF BEING THE BEST IN THE WORLD CRASH AND BURN TO CINDERS! STEVENS HOOKS THE LEG!!!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...
Stephens: KAWADA THROWS THE SHOULDER UP! RIGHT NOW I DOUBT ANYTHING IS BURNS AS HOT AS THE FIRE - THE BURNING DESIRE - INSIDE THIS MAN WHICH DRIVES HIM ON IN THE PURSUIT OF VICTORY! Kawada sits bolt upright and now is starting to work his way up to his feet. Here’s Kai Stevens. APOCALYPSE NOW!!! HE APPEARS TO HIT THE SUPERKICK RIGHT IN MASANORI’S FACE BUT KAWADA CATCHES STEVENS’ BOOT INTO HIS HAND! He outright refuses to be taken out here that easily as Masanori THROWS THE BOOT UP TO SEND KAI OFF BALANCE! Stevens is able to recover and roll to his feet where he rushes in to BE MET WITH A HEAVY EUROPEAN UPPERCUT TO THE JAW THAT DROPS HIM RIGHT ON HIS BACKSIDE!
Wilson: STEVENS IS STUNNED! I DON’T THINK HE KNOWS WHAT JUST HIT HIM BUT HE STARTS TO STRUGGLE TO A KNEE! KAWADA HITS HIM A SNAP DDT AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE TIDE HAS COMPLETELY TURNED ON THE COWBOY KILLER! Kai, clearly hurt, starts to try and get the hell out of there. He rolls to the edge of the ring and Kawada cannot quite manage to keep him from slipping out under the ropes to ringside. Masanori slides out after him from another side of the ring. KAWADA WITH A BURST OF SPEED AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE! KAI TRIES TO STAGGER OUT HIS PATH BUT IT IS NO USE! KAWADA HITS HIM AT FULL TILT WITH THE SPEAR OF JUSTICE!!! BOTH MEN DRIVE STRAIGHT THROUGH THE GUARD RAILS AND IT IS CHAOS OUT HERE! THE YOUNG BOYS POUR IN TO CHECK ON OUR COMPETITORS - BUT MASANORI KAWADA WAVES THEM AWAY! He drags a limp Kai Stevens up and taxis him back to the ring. Kawada takes a deep breath before clambering up to the top turnbuckle… DIVING ELBOW DROP! THIS COULD BE IT!!! KAWADA MAKES THE COVER!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...
Stephens: KICK OUT FROM STEVENS!!!! The Long Island Strangler is putting his resilience on display here but it will take more than that to turn the tables and grab the points. Kawada begins to peel him up off of the canvas… KAI WITH A HOOK TO THE BODY! BUT IT LACKS VENOM! KAWADA PULLS HIM UP A FEW MORE INCHES UNDETERRED BEFORE ANOTHER INEFFECTIVE SHOT LANDS! KAWADA REPLIES WITH A HEAVY EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT SNAPS STEVENS’ HEAD ALL THE WAY BACK! Stevens drops back down to a knee as Kawada repeats the process. BACK KICK TO THE MIDSECTION!!! AND ANOTHER ONE FROM KAI STEVENS!!!! HE IS DETERMINED NOT TO LET UP HERE AS KAWADA THROWS THE FOREARM! IT’S BLOCKED!!! KAI REPLIES WITH A CLOSED-FISTED HOOK TO THE JAW AND THE OFFICIAL IS NOT AT ALL PLEASED WITH HIM HERE! THE REFEREE IS GIVING HIM THE HAIRDRYER TREATMENT, JUST LETTING HIM KNOW THAT THIS SORT OF BEHAVIOUR WILL NOT BE TOLERA-
Wilson: TEXAS SMASH!!! “ALL MIGHT” HITS A CLOSED RIGHT HOOK OF HIS OWN WHICH SENDS STEVENS STUMBLING SPAGHETTI-LEGGED BACKWARDS! KAI BACKS INTO THE ROPES AND USES THE MOMENTUM TO PROPEL HIMSELF BACK - KOPPU KICK!!! KAI THROWS HIMSELF TO THE CANVAS IN COMMITTING TO THE ROLLING HEEL KICK AND THAT IS HIGH RISK. MISS AND YOU ARE GETTING STOMPED INTO THAT CANVAS BUT KAI TIMED IT PERFECTLY AND CAUGHT KAWADA RIGHT ON THE CROWN! Both men scramble back up but Kai is the faster - DROPKICK!!!!! KAWADA IS FELT THAT ONE AND KAI STEVENS TRIES TO PICK HIM UP IN THE FIREMAN’S CARRY… BUT KAWADA KEEPS HIS CENTRE OF GRAVITY LOW WEIGHS HIMSELF BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!!!! EUROPEAN UPPERCUT RIGHT ON THE CHIN OF STEVENS!!! AND KAWADA WHIPS HIM INTO THE CORNER BEFORE RUNNING AFTER HIM… FOR ANOTHER HUGE EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!!! KAI NEARLY GETS KNOCKED BACK OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RING BUT KAWADA PULLS HIM BACK IN AND THROWS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! HE‘S LOOKING FOR THE ULTRA DRIVER NEOS DIRECTLY INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!!!
Stephens: BUT KAI ISN’T HAVING IT! HE STARTS DRIVING VICIOUS TWELVE-TO-SIX ELBOWS INTO THE TOP OF MASANORI’S FOREHEAD AND THAT WILL STUN KAWADA LONG ENOUGH FOR KAI TO FIND HIS FEET AGAIN! Kai lands safely and takes control of the grapple. He whips Kawada across towards the opposite corner and races close behind him. However, Kawada is prepared with the Neos Special, slingshotting over the incoming Stevens and dragging his shoulders down into a crucifix. Yet Kai rolls through. AND HE LOOKS FOR HIS SPOT TO RING MASANORI’S BELL WITH A SCYTHING ROUNDHOUSE KICK! KAWADA JUST BARELY DUCKS IT!!!! HE SWEEPS THE BALANCING LEG OUT FROM UNDER STEVENS TO SEND HIM TUMBLING RIGHT DOWN ONTO HIS BACK! KAWADA DIVES IN FOR THE GROUND AND POUND!!!
Wilson: Kai pulls guard effectively and manages to limit Kawada’s offence to some very limited close strikes to the sides which don’t appear to be doing much of use. Kawada looks to pass guard to where he can strike more effectively but Kai knows exactly what he is doing and shuffles around the block the pass. Kai pulls him in close to put an end to any planned offense BUT KAWADA SHIFTS HIS WEIGHT TO STACK KAI ON HIS SHOULDERS!
Referee: ONE!...
Stephens: Stevens quickly rolls the left shoulder up off the mat and reaches it across Kawada and… Is that… IT IS! KAI STEVENS MANAGES TO TRAP AN ARM AND CINCHES IN AN EXCELLENT DOUBLE WRIST LOCK FROM GUARD! THE KIMURA LOCK, AS IT IS ALTERNATIVELY NAMED, IS JUST ABOUT THE MOST EXCRUCIATING ARM HOLD IN CATCH WRESTLING AND IT COULD END THE MATCH RIGHT HERE AND NOW! KAWADA THOUGHT HE MIGHT DOMINATE STEVENS ON THE GROUND WITH HIS WEIGHT BUT KAI HAS MANAGED TO TURN A BAD SITUATION INTO A GREAT ONE! MASANORI KNOWS HOW DESPERATE HIS SITUATION IS RIGHT NOW! HE IS TRYING TO FORCE HIS WAY OUT OF THE KIMURA BUT THERE IS NO USE, IT IS TOO TIGHT! HE IS AT SERIOUS RISK OF KAI SNAPPING HIS ARM AND PUTTING HIM ON THE SHELF FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES IF HE FORCES IT OR DOESN’T TAP OUT SOON! BUT KAWADA IS FIGHTING THROUGH THE PAIN!!!! KAWADA STARTS TO PUSH HIMSELF UP TO A POINT WHERE HE CAN JUST ABOUT STAND UP TO HIS FEET! KAI APPLIES THE BODY SCISSORS TO ENSURE THAT HE REMAINS STILL LATCHED ONTO KAWADA WITH LITTLE RISK OF LOSING A HOLD ON THAT KIMURA… BUT “ALL-MIGHT” MASANORI KAWADA ISN’T ACCEPTING DEFEAT HERE! HE IS SIMPLY REFUSING TO GIVE IN AS HE BRAVELY FINDS HIS FOOTING! MASANORI KAWADA CHARGES INTO THE CORNER TO CRUSH KAI STEVENS’ SPINE INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!!!!
Wilson: STEVENS IS STILL FIGHTING TO KEEP THAT KIMURA LOCKED IN DESPITE KAWADA REPEATEDLY HAMMERING HIS SPINE INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! KAWADA IS JACKING HIS BACK RIGHT UP! TENDERIZING IT JUST LIKE A TOUGH PIECE OF STEAK UNTIL HE’S FORCED TO BREAK THE HOLD!!!! THE DAMAGE, HOWEVER, MAY HAVE BEEN DONE! Kawada collapses. You have to understand the effect of a joint lock like that is not limited the direct damage it has on the affected limb. The sheer pain puts strain on the entire parasympathetic nervous system. The body goes into neurogenic shock. The heart rate spikes to a point then drops dangerously. Kawada’s respiration, his mental sharpness, his ability to generate energy, it has ALL been set off kilter here so Kawada is not out of the woods as Kai rises again to clash with him… BUZZSAW!!! ONLY THE THIRD ATTEMPT OR SO BUT THIS TIME IT CONNECTS CLEANLY! KAI HOOKS THE LEG!!!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!...THR-
Stephens: KAWADA LAUNCHES KAI OFF HIS CHEST JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME! STEVENS CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT IS HAPPENING! HE THOUGHT HE HAD IT AS HE BEATS THE CANVAS IS FRUSTRATION! Meanwhile, a stalwart Masanori Kawada is easing himself up to his feet using the ropes for support. He looks badly hurt and still hasn’t quite recovered as he… KAWADA FALLS! KAWADA STUMBLES, JUST ABOUT MANAGING TO PULL HIMSELF QUICKLY BACK TO HIS FEET BUT HE ALLOWS HIMSELF TO GET BACKED INTO THE CORNER BY KAI STEVENS! Speaking of… HERE HE COMES! STEVENS FLIES IN AND HITS A RUNNING YAKUZA KICK RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF KAWADA AS HE’S IN THE CORNER! HE NAILS IT FLUSH! MASANORI LOOKS LIKE HE’S SEEING STARS FROM THAT KICK TO THE FACE AND THIS IS NOT WHERE HE WANTS TO BE!
Wilson: Forget “seeing stars”. By my estimate he’ll be catching some much needed beauty sleep for that ugly mug in just a few moments as Kai Stevens prepares to put this one to bed once and for all. KAI THROWS HIM OUT OF THE CORNER AND INTO THE ROPES! Masanori is still dazed from that yakuza kick and goes right where Kai wants him, rebounding kindly off the ropes and speeding RIGHT INTO A SPEAR FROM STEVENS! I THINK I MIGHT HAVE HEARD SOME RIBS CRACK FROM THAT IMPACT BUT REGARDLESS, ALL I THINK YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW IS THAT MASANORI KAWADA IS LAID FLAT OUT AND MOTIONLESS ON THE CANVAS AS STEVENS HOPS TO HIS FEET, ERUPTING WITH ENERGY AND PIZAZZ!!!
Stephens: Stevens cuts a wicked smile as the crowd sit in stunned silence confronted with what they are watching. Kai scampers up to the top turnbuckle, looking down with a mix of disdain and expectation. Could it be time for the Katabasis?... PERHAPS NOT! KAWADA JUMP TO HIS FEET SUDDENLY AND SOON IS RIGHT UP THERE ON THE SECOND ROPE IN THE CORNER AS HE TRIES TO STOP WHATEVER STEVENS IS PLANNING! EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!! KAI STEVENS IS NEARLY SENT FALLING TO THE OUTSIDE BUT KAWADA KEEPS HIM WHERE HE IS AND CLIMBS THE EXTRA BIT RIGHT UP TO THE TOP WHERE HE PULLS HIM IN! KAWADA LOOKING FOR A SUPERPLEX…
Wilson: BUT KAI FIGHTS BACK AGAIN! HE HITS A TOUGH SHOT TO THE MIDSECTION! AND ANOTHER! KAWADA IS ON UNSTEADY LEGS AND ALMOST TAKES A TUMBLE HIMSELF BUT IT HAS GIVEN KAI AN OPENING TO SLIP FREE AND SLIDE UNDERNEATH HIM! HE TRAPS KAWADA’S HEAD AGAINST THE TOP TURNBUCKLE… APOCALYPSE NOW!!! KAI STEVENS GETS THE SUPERKICK SQUARE ON WITH KAWADA TRAPPED IN A DANGEROUS POSITION! AS KAWADA SLOWLY DROPS DOWN TO THE CANVAS, KAI IS READY AND WAITING TO PULL HIM OUT OF THE CORNER AND MAKE THE PIN!!!
Referee: ONE!... TWO!... THREE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“White Knuckles” by Alter Bridge hits the speakers as silence falls amongst many of the ardent Kawada-supporting fandom in the crowd. Kai holds up his delta triumphantly before pushing past the official on his way out of the arena. Masanori Kawada is coming back to in the ring as a couple of Young Boys attend to him.)
Stephens: WHAT A MATCH! Both athletes came out here guns blazing to put on the kind of main event that gets people coming back for more. As expected, Kawada put up some staunch resistance however, it is the exciting prospect who comes out top with a truly explosive display of concussive force.
Wilson:This kid is an old head on young shoulders, a really dangerous combination. He’s explosive. He’s wise. He knows exactly what he is doing and while we have seen that he is not totally unbeatable, it’s definitely a challenge. Saying that, even considering the last time they matched up, I’m sure Khmaoch will have a game plan to get the better over him.
Stephens: Event Horizon could mark the single most meaningful and important match in each of Kai and Khmaoch’s respective SSW careers. Not to mention toughest. Khmaoch is yet to retain against somebody quite like Kai Stevens but by the same token Kai hasn’t met a Khmaoch Sȃngkȃt who has something to prove and a title on the line. This is just one of the must see matchups taking place next week on FPV but for now… Thank you all for watching and we hope you’ll join us for all the action then!
(Kai Stevens continues to celebrate his tremendous victory against Masanori Kawada in this match as he continues his path towards being known as The Best In The World as the camera begins to fade to black… )