The smell of blood.

The air is thick with it.

Glass crunches underfoot as Osaka's finest scour the high-rise apartment, struggling to put together the pieces of what happened here tonight. One young officer adjusts his cap, directing his eyes at the kitchen floor, decorated by uncooked pieces of meat... sticky with splattered soup. He licks his lips, unsure what to make of the collection of knives buried in the wall next to him, all at different depths and angles. He takes a step back, away from the knives and feels the kitchen island press against his lower buttocks.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Hey, look out! >

The young man flinches and turns, looking down at the surface of the kitchen island, seeing the blood pooled just inches from the point of contact. He swallows hard, standing upright, meeting the gaze of his superior.

[ Officer Takayama ] < I apologize, sir. It won't happen again. >

The older captain in the hefty bulletproof vest tilts his neck, cracking his neck. Haggard, beat down from years of intense police work, Sawada huffs and goes back to surveying the apartment... a stern fatherly tone in his voice.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Don't apologize -- >

He sucks his teeth obnoxiously.

[ Captain Sawada ] < -- just do better. >

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2023
24 HOURS BEFORE INTREPID ODYSSEY

Two others in white jumpers, goggles, and gloves investigate the other side of the apartment. One of them, a young woman in her early twenties, picks up a dented cooking pot with one blue gloved hand. Kneeling, she looks it over... eyes widening as she notices the blood.

[ Ueno ] < Impact blood. >

She stands upright, smiling.

[ Ueno ] < I've found the murder weapon, captain! >

She holds out the pot as another officer approaches with a large plastic bag. She slides the pot inside and the officer seals it before wandering off in the opposite direction. Sawada approaches, eye twitching. He wipes his forehead with a handkerchief.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Murder weapon, huh? Who said anything about a murder? >

The other examiner in a white jumper stands from several feet over. He holds up a bloody kitchen knife, eyes wide, a look of pride on his face.

[ Kuroki ] < Actually, I think I might have the real murder weapon, captain! >

Sawada turns, frustrated.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Hey, god dammit, stop talking about murder, okay?! >

Kuroki drops the knife on the floor, allowing it to stick in the hard wood.

[ Kuroki ] < I'm sorry, captain! So sorry! >

Sawada huffs and walks toward the shattered window, floor to ceiling. Police tape is stretched across, flapping in the breeze. Kuroki and Ueno exchange a look, nervous as Sawada stares out into the night. Beneath them, red and blue lights flicker and flash. There's a crowd gathering just outside the police perimeter. He shakes his head, chewing his bottom a lip for a moment before speaking.

[ Captain Sawada ] < All we know.... this... person -- >

[ Ueno ] < -- Kojima Rina, captain. >

[ Captain Sawada ] < The victim's identity is not yet confirmed, Ueno. >

[ Ueno ] < Of course not, captain. >

[ Captain Sawada ] < Whatever happened here... all we know right now is that it ended down there. This could very well be an elaborate suicide and that is exactly how we will continue our investigation until the evidence says otherwise. >

Holding onto the front of his belt with both hands, he takes a deep breath.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Murders do not happen in Japan. >

He looks over his shoulder, eye continuing to twitch.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Is that understood? >

There's a voice from the other side of the apartment... meek, almost a whisper... somehow managing to sound certain and uncertain at the same time. It immediately gets on Captain Sawada's nerves.

[ ??? ] < ...damage to the lock. >

He slowly turns, upper lip curled.

[ ??? ] < ...door, kicked in from the outside. >

He sees the woman, young, can't be older than twenty-five, dressed like a kindergarten teacher. She looks the door over, running her fingers along the length of it before stopping them just short of the tiniest red stain.

[ ??? ] < Blood... likely from the sudden intrusion, victim standing too close to the door, eye level... perhaps from a split eyebrow or cheek and -- look! >

She smiles as she turns, pointing at the crimson carpet in the hallway.

[ ??? ] < A disturbance in the fibers... likely where our attacker planted their foot before delivering the blow that granted them access to the victim. Yes, this is curious... very curious... but one thing is certain... >

She nods, placing her finger on her chin.

[ ??? ] < Murders most certainly do happen in Japan -- >

Her eyes light up, a childish grin spread across her face. She raises one finger in the air as if a great idea has suddenly struck her.

[ ??? ] < -- specifically, right here in Osaka! >

Captain Sawada stares at her from across the apartment, face turning red. He wipes his face with the handkerchief again, crossing the apartment toward her and almost slipping in a puddle of blood as Ueno and Kuroki grimace, almost experiencing physical pain at the sight of the crime scene being contaminated. The captain rights himself, leaving bloody half footprints behind him.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Hey, what the fuck? Who do you think you are, huh? >

The young woman suddenly shrinks inside herself as Sawada approaches, sweat dripping off his nose. Officer Takayama swoops in to get between them but he suddenly finds a hand planted in the center of his chest, holding him at bay. He follows the hand all the way up to the arm and sees the Caucasian man staring him down... older, maybe in his fifties, well-dressed in a sharp plaid three-piece suit. The older man shakes his head and speaks in fluent Japanese... with a hint of a familiar accent... German?

[ ??? ] < That won't be necessary, officer -- >

He removes his hand from the officer's chest and gives him a gentle pat on the cheek.

[ ??? ] < -- though the gesture is appreciated. >

The older man turns, suddenly smiling, and offers his hand to Captain Sawada. Sawada doesn't accept the gesture, giving the hand a passing glance before looking up to meet the man's eyes.

[ Captain Sawada ] < What's the meaning of this? What are you two doing here, huh? This is an active crime scene. You can't just walk around and contaminate our evidence! >

The German man smiles, placing his hands in his pockets.

[ ??? ] < Contaminate your evidence? I wouldn't dream of it... especially when you're doing such a fine job yourself, Captain... Sawada? Yes, we were told to expect you here and you have thus far lived up to all of the dire warnings we received -- >

[ Captain Sawada ] < -- warnings?! Who are you? I want to see some identification! >

[ ??? ] < Of course! >

He reaches into his jacket and produces a leather badge folder, flipping it open and revealing his credentials to the captain. He looks over his shoulder at the young woman and she timidly reaches into her own jacket before producing one, matching. She holds it out in front of her with both hands like a child.

[ ??? ] < I am Inspector Herman Klink -- >

He gestures toward the young woman.

[ Herman Klink ] < -- and this, dear friend, is the exceptional, intrepid Special Investigator Chau Bingbing. We represent the Department of International Affairs and we fear that what happened here tonight might be connected to an ongoing case so we will be... overtaking this investigation presently. >

Sawada looks confused, tilting his head... eye twitching.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < That means right now! >

[ Herman Klink ] < I think he understands. >

She shuffles nervously, leaning in close to Klink... whispering.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < He doesn't look like he understands. >

Sawada grinds his teeth together.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Chinese... German... foreigners! What kind of insult is this? Why would the Department of International Affairs send god damn foreigners to relieve me of my own crime scene? >

Klink exhales deeply, lowering his gaze. He casts a shadow over the smaller Japanese police captain. Instinctively, Sawada wipes the sweat from his brow, trembling with anger over this... disrespect.

[ Herman Klink ] < Because it's possible that, within the last few hours, something terrible happened... and I don't just specifically mean the unfortunate death -- >

He waves his hand about flippantly.

[ Herman Klink ] < -- the MURDER that transpired in this very room. >

Chau averts her eyes, looking down at the floor. She nods timidly.

[ Herman Klink ] < Evil might just have come to Osaka this evening, Captain Sawada... and if it is the same brand of evil that Special Investigator Chau and I suspect, it's far from finished. >

Sawada rubs his chin aggressively. Sweat drips from the tip of his nose. A breeze rustles the yellow caution tape, drawing Chau's attention. Gripping a clipboard tightly in one hand, she raises her thumb, chewing nervously on the nail.

[ Herman Klink ] < Something big is coming... something bad and I fear that many more will die before the weekend is out. Maybe not in Osaka... but certainly in Japan and they will die bloody if the past is any indication. >

[ Captain Sawada ] < You cannot be serious. >

[ Herman Klink ] < Because I want you to understand the severity of this situation you have found yourself in, I will speak next in English -- >

He leans forward, almost touching noses with the captain.

[ Herman Klink ] -- I am deadly serious.

Standing upright, Klink reaches into his jacket as the captain and other officers look on in silence. He removes a metal tin of Sakuma Fruit Drops, rattling it gently and getting Chau's attention. She holds out her hand and he allows a couple pieces of candy to fall into her palm. She picks one out between two fingers and places it in her mouth. Klink closes the tin and puts it back in his jacket pocket. Sawada, frustrated, spits through gritted teeth.

[ Captain Sawada ] < What is this -- >

[ Herman Klink ] < Unfortunately, for our investigation to truly be successful, we must excuse you from your duties, captain. It's actually not advisable to have someone present who actively seeks to sabotage an important investigation such as this with broken ideologies such as... there are no murders in Japan. >

Ueno and Kuroki look on, eyes wide.

[ Herman Klink ] < Between that and your almost slapstick method of contaminating evidence, I am having trouble trying to determine whether or not you are working for them or if you're truly this ineffectual at your job. >

[ Captain Sawada ] < I won't stand here and be disrespected like this! >

[ Herman Klink ] < I would prefer you to not stand here at all, Captain Sawada... and I assure you for as long as you do, you will be disrespected, harshly and often until such time that you have proven yourself worthy of respect but if I'm being honest, I don't plan to be in Japan long enough for that to ever feasibly occur. >

Chau swishes the candy in her mouth, rattling it against her teeth. Sawada looks around at the other officers in the room, face red. Clearly embarrassed, continuing to sweat profusely, he raises his hand and gestures toward the door leading out into the hallway with crimson carpet.

[ Captain Sawada ] < Let's roll out, everyone -- >

He looks from Klink to Chau and back to Klink... disgusted.

[ Captain Sawada ] < -- we're not needed here. >

Sawada pushes past Klink and Chau, heading toward the door as the other officers begin gathering their gear. Klink raises his hand slightly, gesturing for them to stop. He doesn't turn or even look over his shoulder as he speaks aloud to the police captain standing at the busted door.

[ Herman Klink ] < Actually, it's just you that will be leaving, captain. >

Hands in his pockets, he finally turns to face the aging police captain.

[ Herman Klink ] < By the authority of the Department of International Affairs, we will be appropriating your workforce for our investigation. I'm sure you understand. >

Sawada makes eye contact with Takayama, Ueno, and Kuroki one at a time. None of them make a move to follow him. The other officers in the room remain still as well... no sign of movement at all. Sawada shakes his head, embarrassed and angry, and turns to leave the apartment. Seconds later, he's gone. Klink nudges Chau with his elbow and she looks up at him, giving him an affirming nod. They walk further into the room, taking in their surroundings. The other officers remain still, watching as the investigators look about. Klink, noticing this, stops... hands in his pockets, he addresses them.

[ Herman Klink ] < As you were, everyone. Like you, we simply wish to know what transpired here tonight. We want justice, the same as you. If you find anything that might be of interest, bring it to my attention. Do not speak to Special Investigator Chau -- >

Removing his hand from his pocket, he holds up one finger.

[ Herman Klink ] < -- and most certainly do not touch Special Investigator Chau under any circumstances... is that understood? >

Everyone nods. He smirks, speaking aloud in English.

[ Herman Klink ] Excellent!

As the word tapers off in his mouth, his eyes fall upon the counter island... streaked with blood. He allows his fingertips to trace along the edge of the marble. Pulling his hand away, he checks his fingertips for red residue, finding none before rubbing them together. Chau observes the knives sticking out of the wall. Eyes wide, a curious look on her face, she reaches up... less than an inch away from brushing one of the handles with the tips of her finger.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < She fought hard -- >

Klink catches her by the sleeve of her jacket before she touches the handle, careful not to make flesh on flesh contact. Realizing her mistake, she slowly retracts her hand, trembling. She turns and meets his gaze, a stern expression on his face. He lets go of her sleeve and wipes his hand on his jacket before turning away, hoping none of the other officers saw the gesture. She chews her bottom lip nervously.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- until the end, at least. >

She tilts her head as her eyes fall upon the dented pot in the evidence bag. She scans the area, seeing the spilled soup, the chunks of meat, some of which she immediately identifies as --

[ Chau Bingbing ] < Human flesh. >

She kneels next to the mess, smiling excitedly.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < Though the body is largely unidentifiable due to the height of the fall, their were obvious signs of damage not caused by the impact. I thought it was curious, why their were wounds that resembled scalding... not traditionally a trait of death by falling. >

She stands, pursing her lips, a quizzical look on her face.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < It would make sense, then, that the perpetrator used the pot of boiling soup to blind her in the chaos before using that very same pot to brutalize her over and over and over again. If the burns were bad enough, which they certainly appear to have been... and if the perpetrator were strong enough, which... they certainly appear to have been, it's plausible that they could have knocked flesh clear from the bone which is what we're looking at right now! >

Klink nods, taking a breath.

[ Herman Klink ] < Yes, yes... but I think there's very little question at this point that a murder took place here... a particularly brutal one at that. What is important going forward is that we do not lose ourselves in the details. We must focus on the bigger picture... why was Kojima Rina murdered and, even more important than who actually performed the nefarious task, was the Black Company behind it? >

Chau scratches her head, leaving her hair a mess, and stands up, gripping her clipboard tight in both hands. Her eyes remain locked on fragments of skin and the sticky remains of Bison Kojima's intended last meal.

[ Officer Takayama ] < Inspector, sir... did -- >

The young man approaches with caution, drawing the attention of Ueno and Kuroki, who do their best not to appear as though they're watching and listening to every single word.

[ Officer Takayama ] < -- did you say... Black Company? >

Klink stiffens up, standing fully upright, meeting the young man's gaze.

[ Herman Klink ] < You've heard of them, I have no doubt. >

[ Officer Takayama ] < No more than whispers -- >

He stammers.

[ Officer Takayama ] < -- l-l-like children's stories... fairytales... >

He takes a deep breath and looks down at the floor between his boots.

[ Officer Takayama ] < ... I never imagined -- >

[ Herman Klink ] < -- that a good man's worst nightmare could come true? >

Takayama looks up, meeting Klink's eyes. He struggles with acceptance.

[ Herman Klink ] < That's what you are, yes? A good man? >

[ Officer Takayama ] < I try, sir. >

[ Herman Klink ] < Of course. That's the best anyone can do in a world specifically designed for evil to thrive, grow... become more powerful than anyone could possibly imagine. >

Klink turns and addresses everyone in the room.

[ Herman Klink ] < If there is anyone here at odds with the idea of facing down quite possibly the physical embodiment of ultimate evil, I invite you to leave now without consequences. Should you stay, know that this investigation will likely involve many dark turns, many unbeaten paths, and that your life and the lives of those you hold dear... will be in danger. >

He looks around the room, finding all eyes locked on him. Chau, looking down at the floor, speaks aloud to no one in particular.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < As a matter of fact, it is realistic to assume, given the scope of the Black Company's power and resources, that they already know you are involved in the investigation and know everything about you that they might need to know in order to do you harm! >

Klink winces at her verbiage... even though he know she's right. Without saying a word, four officers leave the room, departing down the hallway, refusing to make eye contact with anyone on the way out, leaving Klink and Chau with only Takayama, Ueno, and Kuroki. Klink nods solemnly, knowing it was likely and accepting the result. Ueno pulls back the white hood on her jumper, revealing dyed blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, then raises her goggles.

[ Ueno ] < I'm not going anywhere, sir. I have no family, all of my friends are usernames on a computer screen, and my only responsibility is taking care of Ichiro -- >

[ Herman Klink ] < -- Ichiro? >

[ Ueno ] < My cat, sir. >

He nods.

[ Ueno ] < If I may be honest, this is exactly what I signed up for. Everything you just described about ultimate evil, unbeaten paths, a life of danger and excitement... please, pardon my language as I mean no disrespect -- >

She swallows hard, standing upright.

[ Ueno ] < -- it sounds fucking awesome, sir. >

Kuroki, slightly overweight and hunched over, trembling like he's a big ball of nerves, reaches up with blue gloved hands and raises his fogged up goggles. He looks at Ueno and sighs before turning his gaze toward Klink and Chau.

[ Kuroki ] < I go where Ueno goes, sir. You have my sword as well. >

Ueno sneers and rolls her eyes. Klink slowly turns and looks at Takayama. The young officer appears to be in his early twenties, clearly not battle worn or even tested at this point in his career. Klink sees the worry on his face and knows the answer before he even asks the question.

[ Herman Klink ] < And where do you stand, Officer Takayama? >

Takayama removes his cap, holding it at chest level as he looks down at the floor.

[ Officer Takayama ] < I have a wife... she is pregnant with our first child. >

Klink nods. He pats the man on the shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. A far cry from the condescending pat on the cheek when they were first introduced.

[ Herman Klink ] < Go, then. Tend to your responsibilities. This is no place -- >

[ Officer Takayama ] < -- how can I? >

Klink raises an eyebrow, face awash with confusion.

[ Officer Takayama ] < How can any real man know that such evil exists in the world and do nothing? I... I don't think I could ever look my child in the eye, knowing that I had the opportunity to try and help the world a better place and simply... didn't. >

He looks over at Ueno and Kuroki, then to Chau... then to Klink.

[ Officer Takayama ] < What kind of man would I be? >

Klink's response in English is as icy cold as his gaze.

[ Herman Klink ] No man at all.

Chau notices something out of the corner of her eye, tilting her head and narrowing her eyes as she approaches the narrow table set against the wall. Paying no mind to anyone else in the room, she wriggles her nose as she looks down upon the framed black and white photograph splattered with blood... the spatter on the table next to it and... the black feather.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < The victim... did she have any pets? >

The breeze from outside causes the feather to move ever-so-slightly.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < ...specifically, a bird? >

Klink turns, noticing her approach the table with caution.

[ Herman Klink ] < What do you see, Special Investigator Chau? >

[ Ueno ] < No pets, no family, only a few friends... a girl she was mentoring -- >

[ Herman Klink ] < No, don't touch -- >

Before he can get the words out, Chau picks up the black feather, holding it up to the light between her thumb and finger. She looks it over and turns to face Klink... staring straight through him toward the busted door. Takayama, Kuroki, and Ueno seem confused. Klink watches as she stands upright... eyes glazed over. She allows the feather to fall from her fingertips and it floats gently to the floor, coming to a silent rest seconds later. She stares clean through Klink like he's not standing there at all. She speaks aloud... her voice booming and authoritative... not her voice at all.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < So, this is how it is, then? >

[ Herman Klink ] < Special Investigator Chau! >

He snaps his fingers in her face. She doesn't acknowledge the gesture... simply nodding gently, retracing invisible steps. Klink steps aside as she walks past him toward the door, muttering to herself.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < ... the blood in her eye... it burned... blinded before the fight had even properly begun... and then blinded for real -- >

She gestures toward the living area, the destroyed coffee table.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- when the killer punctured her eye with her thumb. >

Shutting one eye tight, she winces, feeling it before shutting both eyes and clenching her fists, forcing the pain away... gritting her teeth. Takayama, Ueno, and Kuroki watch with wide eyes, not fully understanding what they're witnessing.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < That's the moment she knew she was going to die. >

Chau removes her jacket and tosses it aside before stepping onto the couch and hopping over it onto the other side, facing the kitchen island. She looks at the knives buried in the wall and Klink tries to intercept her but he's too late. She plucks one of the large kitchen knives from the wall and looks it over, smiling.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < I was right... knives and knives and knives -- >

She shuts her eyes tight, taking a deep breath.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- all the knives. >

[ Herman Klink ] < Special Investigator Chau, give me the -- >

She swings the knife in his direction absentmindedly, almost catching his outstretched hands a split second before he flinches backward, narrowly avoiding laceration. Smiling, she turns to face the rest of the room.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < She fought even though she knew she was going to die... even though she was more scared than she's ever been, though she would never admit that. She fought... not for herself but -- >

She wanders across the living area and stops only a few feet from the busted window wall. The police tape flickers in the breeze. Klink stands with his hands on his hips, frustration only matched by exhaustion on his face.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- the ones she loved. >

Chau shuts her eyes tight and begins breathing heavily... almost hyperventilating.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < They were counting on her... they needed her -- >

She grips the knife tight in both hands, knuckles turning white.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- they needed her to fight for them. >

[ Ueno ] < Why don't you take a step back from -- >

[ Chau Bingbing ] < She let them down. >

Chau lowers her head, dropping her hands at her sides.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < That's what she felt in the end before -- >

She looks out over Osaka. The breeze moves her hair. Slowly, she raises the knife... pointed outward, elbow bent. Tilting her head, she speaks again in an arrogant, mocking tone.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- The Shrine is not for you. >

Klink perks up, eyebrow raised.

[ Herman Klink ] < Did you just say... The Shrine? >

She lowers her arm... allows the knife to fall from her hand. It clatters on the floor. She continues staring straight forward into the Osaka night. Chau pays no mind to his question.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < She knew her killer -- >

[ Herman Klink ] < Is there anything else about The Shrine? >

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- even though she didn't know she knew. >

[ Kuroki ] < May I ask... what is The Shrine? >

[ Chau Bingbing ] < I can't -- >

She presses her palm to her forehead and turns around to face the room.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < -- like static, radio interference... I don't... >

[ Ueno ] < Who was it, Special Investigator Chau? >

Chau shakes her head. Klink approaches cautiously.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < ...doesn't make sense. >

[ Herman Klink ] < Special Investigator Chau... >

She feels it before he says anything else. She reaches up and touches her face, fingertips coming away wet with blood. The nosebleed is significant. Her eyes widen as she sees the mess and her voice, again, is weak and timid.

[ Chau Bingbing ] < Oh. >

Her eyes roll into the back of her head and she falls straight back toward the caution tape, toward the streets of Osaka below. Klink lunges for her, alarm etched across his face, but it's Officer Takayama who catches her by the wrist and flings her back into the room almost effortlessly before stumbling, falling to his knees and rolling over into a seated position less than inch away from the edge, caution tape flapping against his ear. Klink catches her and falls backward onto the floor, holding her tight before rolling her off of his chest and onto the floor next to him. Kneeling by her, he cradles her head.

[ Herman Klink ] < Special Investigator Chau... can you hear me? >

Realizing how close he is to the edge, Takayama scoots away. Ueno and Kuroki approach, helping him to his feet. Ueno suddenly seems alarmed, struck by realization as Klink continues his effort to wake up Chau.

[ Ueno ] < Do either of you hear that? >

[ Kuroki ] < Hear what? >

Takayama shakes his head, startled... still white as a ghost from how close he came to tumbling over the edge and into the street below.

[ Officer Takayama ] < I don't hear anything. >

Ueno swallows, looking over the edge and seeing no lights, no police presence... absolutely none of the commotion that was taking place when they arrived. There's nothing but silence and the night.

[ Ueno ] < Exactly. >

She turns and looks at both of them, genuine concern in her voice.

[ Ueno ] < That's weird, right? >

As soon as she lowers the microphone and climbs out of the ring, "King of the Cloud" by Panic! at the Disco hits and the fans gasp before standing and applauding loudly! Seconds later, the curtain parts and out steps Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda with the Intense International Wrestling Women's World Championship around her waist. Standing in front of the curtain, she looks out at the fans with a confident look on her face! Stephanie Matsuda begins making her way toward the ring, looking out at the fans as she approaches the apron. She places her hands down flat on the apron and bows her head before turning and walking up the steps. She crosses the apron and looks out at the fans before removing the championship from around her waist and holding it high over her head.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Welcome, fans... this is Puroresu Gacha Machine! I'm Fukuhara Emi, joined by Honda Chet and Goto Harold... the MGP Staff Member of the Year... somehow? >

[ Harold Goto ] < Yes, yes... I am here and what an event this shall be, huh? Nothing announced... and no one knows who they are facing until they step through the curtain. >

[ Chet Honda ] < And here we are... beginning with Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda, the reigning IIW Women's World Champion! For one hundred and eighty-four days, she has reigned as champion, the longest in the long and storied history of Intense International Wrestling! We have just learned, right this minute, that she will now defend her championship... against who? Against how many? We do not know! I'm so excited! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Back in July at Confidence Inspiring Games, Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda defeated Junko Souma to become the new champion. From that point, she promised that she would elevate the championship and I don't think it's any exaggeration to say that she has done just that. >

Stephanie Matsuda climbs into the ring and goes to the middle rope, looking out across the fans and raising the championship overhead for a moment before hopping down into the center of the ring. Looking down at the championship. She rests it on the top turnbuckle and touches the center plate with one hand before removing her entrance jacket and tossing it at ringside. Satoshi Kato climbs into the ring and stands in the opposite corner.

[ Harold Goto ] < Kato-san is in the house. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Yes, as is tradition... if we are to assume this is a title match, after all. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Who is her opponent? >

Stephanie Matsuda turns to face the entrance curtain, wearing the championship over her shoulder. Her music cuts and silence falls over Korakuen Hall. Everything is quiet for an uncomfortably long time before... "Home, Finally" by Dana Fowler and The hits over the speaker system, drawing boos from the fans! The curtain is thrown aside as Aria Knight steps out, clenching her fists, hopping in place, pumped and ready to fight! Isla Villin follows her out, a stern expression on her face.

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, so we're going to have a fight on our hands in the very first match, huh? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The Proper Villainess is here! This is a first time ever match! Stephanie Matsuda versus Aria Knight with the IIW Women's World Championship on the line! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Just when we thought we might get a break from war between Black Dahlia Legacy and Gaijin Assault Army after everything that transpired at Triumphant Final Impact, it continues in the first match of the very next show! >

Stephanie Matsuda motions for Aria Knight to bring it on, laying the championship in the center of the ring, drawing the proverbial line in the sand! Aria Knight's eyes remain locked on Matsuda as she makes her way down to the ring, grabbing onto the middle rope and then climbing onto the apron. She remains in a kneeling position before shouting at Kat Miyao to back Matsuda up. Kat Miyao does her best and Matsuda shakes her head, a cynical smile on her face as she picks up the championship and holds it up, taunting Aria Knight with it.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < An interesting bit of trivia here... Aria Knight was actually supposed to challenge Beckett Marisol for the IIW Women's World Championship during her then-record setting reign. The challenge was made and the date was set for IIW's Civil Unrest pay-per-view back in June of last year... however, when Beckett Marisol unexpected lost the championship to Jasmine Raye, the scheduled title shot went to Jasmine's then-rival Junko Souma, who would go on to win the championship, setting us on the path we're on today with Stephanie Matsuda... as a result, Aria Knight never got the title shot she felt she deserved... >

[ Chet Honda ] < Until now! >

[ Harold Goto ] < This... this is going to be a fight. I know it. Aria Knight, she has something to prove... and Stephanie Matsuda... she has the sanctity of an entire company's brand to protect. Not to mention that animosity between their respective factions. I don't know how anything could possibly follow this in terms of the... gravity of what we are about to witness. >

Aria Knight climbs into the ring and walks from one side of the ring to the other with her arms outstretched. Isla Villin walks around ringside, applauding. Finally, Knight takes her place in her corner across the ring from Matsuda. Kat Miyao takes the IIW Women's World Championship and hands it to Satoshi Kato. Seconds later, each competitor stands on either side of him. Knight to the left of him, Matsuda to the right. Flash bulbs go off one after another and then Kato hands the championship to Miyao and exits the ring. Each woman returns to their corner as Miyao raises the championship overhead. She passes the title through the ropes to Spider Saya, who rushes it over to the timekeeper's table where Saki Housako is waiting with a microphone in her hand.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest is set for one fall... and it is for the INTENSE INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING WOMEN'S WORRRRRRRLD CHAMPIONSHIIIIIIIIIIIIIP! >

The fans applaud loudly.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first... the challenger! Accompanied by Isla Villin, she is one third of the current, reigning Miracle Galaxy Pro Celestial Trinity Champions... representing Gaijin Assault Army... ARIAAAAAAAA KNIGHTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! >

Knight stomps out of the corner, fist raised. She looks out at the fans with disdain before turning and looking over her shoulder at Matsuda. Matsuda simply glares back at her, leaning back against the turnbuckles. Knight returns to her corner as Villin lightly pounds on the apron with open palms, a confident look on her face.

[ Saki Housako ] < And her opponent... she is a legendary competitor who truly needs no introduction in the world of professional wrestling. She is the current and longest reigning Intense International Wrestling Women's World Champion... OF ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIME! She is representing the Black Dahlia Legacy... STEPHANIE "CLOUD" MATSUUUuuuUUUuuuDAAA! >

Matsuda stomps out into the center of the ring and drops to one knee, slapping the mat hard with both hands before rising with her arms outstretched her sides. She turns and points at Knight with double pistol fingers before backing up into her corner, visibly antsy, ready to get started.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < And there's our confirmation... Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda of Black Dahlia Legacy will now defend the IIW Women's World Championship in a one-on-one match against Gaijin Assault Army's Aria Knight! What a match... truly, the tone for this event is about to be set! >

[ Harold Goto ] < I hope everyone is paying attention... because the bar is being raised right from the start! >

[ Chet Honda ] < What could possibly top this!? >

Kat Miyao calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Kat Miyao | STIPULATION: None

The fans begin clapping in sync as both competitors emerge from their corners and begin circling one another, not even bothering to attempt any manner of handshake or fist bump to begin the match. They both move in swiftly, going for the lock-up. Stephanie Matsuda ducks underneath and executes a go-behind but Aria Knight blocks a suplex attempt, locking her legs and grabbing onto Matsuda's wrists, holding them tight before wrenching her arms free and executing a go-behind of her own! Knight attempts a lift but Matsuda blocks it and stomps Knight's foot, grinding her heel into Knight's toes until she lets go, allowing Matsuda to grab a headlock. Knight backs up into the ropes and shoots Matsuda off before knocking her down with a stiff shoulder tackle! Knight kips up effortlessly and slaps Knight hard across the face before pointing to the ropes and shouting at her to "DO IT AGAIN!" Knight seethes and turns, hitting the ropes and coming back... only for Matsuda to knock her down with a stiff shoulder tackle of her own! Knight sits up in the middle of the ring, frustration etched on her face before rolling back to her feet and dusting herself off. Matsuda smirks and Knight gets right in her face. Both women jaw back and forth before Knight points to the ropes. Matsuda nods, gives Knight a shove, and then turns to run the ropes -- NO! Knight snatches a handful of Matsuda's hair and causes her to crash flat on her back in the center of the ring! Knight wastes no time before grabbing Matsuda by the hair and guiding her back to her feet. She whips her hard into the corner... NO! Matsuda reverses it and sends Knight into the corner! Matsuda follows her in... CORNER SPLASH -- NO! Knight moves and Matsuda collides with the top turnbuckle! She spins out as Knight charges in... CORNER HIP ATTACK -- NO! Matsuda rushes out to meet her half way, grabbing her around the waist as she turns... SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE! Knight crumples into a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle as Matsuda rolls back to her feet and runs a circle around the ring... CORNER CANNONBALL SENTON! She gets back to her feet and pulls Knight out of the corner by her hair, bringing her in close... SPECIAL DELIVERY -- NO! Knight blocks it and spins out, snatching Matsuda's wrist in the process... RIPCORD LARIAT! She covers! ONE! MATSUDA KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The action is starting off fast and furious and if there's anything we can take away from watching either of these women compete in the past, we know this is far from over... and we know this is going to be hard-hitting! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Neither woman wants to lose, that's for certain. >

[ Harold Goto ] < There is... so much at stake for both competitors. >

Knight rolls back to her feet and pulls Matsuda up behind her... only for Matsuda to slap Knight's hands down and nail her with a stiff headbutt! Knight takes a step back and returns fire with a headbutt of her own! Matsuda doubles over and Knight snatches a handful of hair -- NO! Matsuda rises with a PALM STRIKE UPPERCUT! Knight staggers out and Matsuda charges... SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Knight ragdolls into the corner and falls into a seated position! Matsuda pulls her back to her feet and hoists her up into a seated position on the top rope. Matsuda follows her up but Knight comes alive, forearming her repeatedly before hitting her with a series of short, swift headbutts! Matsuda falls back off of the ropes and Knight steadies herself... DIVING KNEE DROP FROM THE MIDDLE! She gets all of it! Knight pulls Matsuda off the mat and pulls her in close... ONE KNIGHT STAND! She covers! ONE! Matsuda kicks out! Knight uses Matsuda's momentum against her, pulling her clear off the mat and whips her around... STARRY KNIGHT -- NO! Matsuda blocks it, breaks one arm free, and elbows Knight in the head before executing a go-behind... RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! Knight lands on her head and neck as Matsuda kips up and descends on Knight, still lying accordioned on the mat! Matsuda rolls her over onto her knees... BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE CHIN! Knight slowly begins to fall backward but Matsuda catches her wrist and yanks her clear up off the mat... INTO A SAITO SUPLEX! Matsuda rolls through and hangs on, pulling Knight up... FOR A SECOND SAITO SUPLEX! Knight is visibly out of it as Matsuda pulls her up one more time... FOR A THIRD SAITO SUPLEX! Matsuda covers! ONE! TWO! KNIGHT GETS HER SHOULDER UP!

[ Chet Honda ] < Stephanie Matsuda is throwing everything at Aria Knight in an effort to end this match as soon as possible! She knows that Aria Knight has the endurance of a champion. She can't outlast her. She knows that the only way to beat Aria Knight is to brutalize her! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Even that is going to be difficult to do. Aria Knight is one of the most resilient competitors in the company. Though she's suffered defeat in a variety of matches since the inception of Miracle Galaxy Pro, she has not been pinned since the finals of the Galaxy Princess Cup back in April of 2023 when Saito Yuna beat her to become the first-ever Interstellar Dream champion! >

[ Harold Goto ] < This is true... but also consider that Stephanie Matsuda has not been pinned in a singles scenario since Approaching the Golden Horizon that very same weekend! Someone will not only leave here with the IIW Women's World Championship... but someone will leave with their feelings hurt, I think... their confidence shaken. >

Matsuda grabs two handfuls of hair and pulls Knight back to her feet. Knight hits Matsuda with a forearm, knocking her back a step. Matsuda returns fire, hitting Knight with a forearm of her own! Knight hits her back and Matsuda does the same! They trade forearms back and forth before Matsuda blocks one with both of her own forearms and boots Knight in the mid-section! She pulls her in... SPECIAL DELIVERY -- NO! Knight spins out and executes a go-behind before shoving Matsuda forward into the ropes! Matsuda turns and catches Knight charging... SENDING HER OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A BACK BODY DROP! Knight holds onto the top rope and lands on her feet on the apron! Matsuda turns and Knight hits her with a forearm, causing her to spin out into the middle of the ring! Knight rushes across the apron and climbs the turnbuckles, perching on the top rope as Matsuda turns... DIVING DOUBLE AXE HANDLE -- NO! MATSUDA HITS HER WITH A DROPKICK IN MID-AIR! Knight goes down and Matsuda throws the hair back out of her face before climbing out onto the apron. She waits on Knight to get to her feet and leaps onto the top rope... FINAL HEAVENNNNNNN! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! She covers, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! KNIGHT KICKS OUT WITH FORCE! Matsuda seethes and rolls back to her feet, pulling Knight up behind her. She whips Knight hard into the ropes -- NO! Knight reverses it! Matsuda hits the corner hard and Knight follows her in... CORNER KNEE STRIKE! Knight pulls Matsuda out of the corner and lifts her up... VERTICAL SUPLEX -- NO! She drops Matsuda into a crotched position on the top rope and follows her up. Matsuda fights back, peppering Knight's mid-section with forearms, causing her to lose her balance. Knight rights herself and hits Matsuda with a series of right hands before Matsuda nails Knight with a headbutt, sending her down to the mat on her back! Matsuda climbs onto the top rope and steadies herself... CLOUD NINE! NO! KNIGHT MOVES! Matsuda anticipated it and rolls through, rising straight up to her feet before turning around into THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE KNIGHT! Knight covers! ONE! TWO! MATSUDA KICKS OUT!

[ Harold Goto ] < I thought that might have been it! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Maybe if this were an ordinary match... but it isn't... nor are these two ordinary competitors! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < There's so much at stake... their pride, the IIW championship, and the reputation of their factions. Last month, Gaijin Assault Army defeated Black Dahlia Legacy in Steel Cage Warfare, causing Nijima Kasumi to be kicked out of her faction. Aria Knight knows what it means to maintain that level of momentum... just like Stephanie Matsuda knows what it means to turn it around. >

Knight pulls Matsuda to her feet and tosses her through the ropes and onto the apron. She follows her out and grabs her by the hair... only for Matsuda to hit her in the mid-section with a forearm blow from her kneeling position. Knight staggers back... and then lurches forward with a KNEE STRIKE to the face! Matsuda is dazed, almost falls backward... but Knight catches her wrist and pulls her back to her feet. She pulls her in... SNAP SUPLEX -- NO! Matsuda grabs onto the ropes, blocking it! Knight struggles but Matsuda shifts and repositions... SPINNING NECKBREAKER TO ARIA KNIGHT ON THE APRON! Knight crumples to the floor and Matsuda remains on the apron, covering her face with both hands. The fans gasp loudly as Knight lays flat on the floor, breathing heavily as Isla Villin looks on with concern. Matsuda uses the ropes to pull herself up and kneels on the apron, looking down at Knight before standing and rushing across the apron... DIVING ELBOW DROP FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR! Both women lie on the floor, writhing in pain for a moment before Matsuda rolls over onto all fours. Rising to her knees, she snatches a handful of Knight's hair and guides her back up. Knight hits Matsuda with a forearm to the mid-section and Matsuda rocks her with a forearm to the jaw. They trade forearms from their kneeling positions on the floor before Matsuda blocks it and drills Knight with a headbutt, knocking her back! Matsuda rises and takes a few steps out before turning and pointing at Knight, shrieking as Knight rises to her knees... RUNNING BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE CHEST! Knight goes down and Matsuda rolls back to her feet, pulling Knight up behind her -- NO! KNIGHT SNATCHES MATSUDA'S TIGHTS AND PULLS HER DOWN FACE FIRST INTO THE RING STEPS! There's a loud THNKKKKKKKK sound as Matsuda makes contact and crumples to the floor! Knight pulls Matsuda up and throws her under the bottom rope! Matsuda immediately gets up to all fours and Knight bounces off the ropes... KNEE TREMBLER! Matsuda face plants and Knight flips her over, covering! ONE! TWO! MATSUDA KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That landing on the steel steps was a lot... Stephanie Matsuda might have a concussion and that does not bode well for her chances in this match! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Aria Knight can see the damage done... she knows that Matsuda is rattled and she is going to take advantage of that fact. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Stephanie Matsuda has over a decade of experience. She knows how to protect herself in situations like this. Let's not count her out just yet! >

Knight pulls Matsuda into a seated position and turns to hit the ropes... BASEMENT CLOTHESLINE! She covers again... ONE! TWO! THR -- MATSUDA GETS HER SHOULDER UP... AND KNIGHT USES HER MOMENTUM AGAINST HER TO ROLL HER OVER INTO THE GOODKNIGHT SUBMISSION! Matsuda cries out in pain as Knight tightens the hold up, wrenching on Matsuda's arms in an effort to dislocate her shoulders and damage her sternum! Matsuda swings her legs violently and gets her foot on the bottom rope! Kat Miyao calls for the break and Knight reluctantly lets go! Matsuda rolls onto the apron as Knight uses the ropes to pull herself up. She climbs out onto the apron as Kat Miyao shouts at her to stop. Matsuda pushes herself up to all fours as Knight advances... and meets her coming in with a rising forearm blow to the mid-section! Knight staggers back and Matsuda returns to her feet, visibly in pain. Knight lunges... LARIAT -- NO! Matsuda ducks underneath and catches Knight on the turnaround... YAHTZEE SUPERKICK! Knight doesn't go down! She's out on her feet! Matsuda moves in... SUPERKICK TO THE KNEE! Knight falls to one knee... SUPERKICK TO THE CHIN! Knight falls flat on her back and Matsuda rushes her... RUNNING DOUBLE STOMP TO THE CHEST! Knight rolls off the apron and sprawls out on the floor as Matsuda leaps... DIVING DOUBLE STOMP TO THE FLOOR -- NO! KNIGHT MOVES! Matsuda hits the floor and rolls through as Knight scrambles back to her feet, leaning on the guardrail for support! Matsuda charges but Knight is ready for her, catching her with a BACK BODY DROP OVER THE RAIL AND INTO THE FRONT ROW! Matsuda lands on her feet and Knight turns... FOREARM TO KNIGHT! Knight staggers out and Matsuda leaps onto the rail... FINAL HEAVENNNNNNNNNNN! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! Matsuda pulls Knight back to her feet and throws her under the bottom rope! Matsuda climbs onto the apron and ascends the turnbuckles as Knight rolls to a stop... CLOUD NINE -- NO! ISLA VILLIN GRABS MATSUDA'S ANKLE! Knight recovers, standing on spaghetti legs for just a moment before rushing ot the corner and leaping onto the middle turnbuckle... RELEASE BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh my goodness! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Did you see that fucking distance?! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She threw her all the way across the ring! If it weren't for Isla Villin, Stephanie Matsuda might have ended the match just now! >

Both women remain still for just a moment before Knight rolls over onto all fours. Matsuda isn't moving at all! Knight pushes herself up and uses the ropes to steady herself before staggering across the ring. She doubles over and grabs Matsuda by the hair, pulling her back to her feet. Matsuda immediately smacks Knight's hands down... and SLAPS HER HARD ACROSS THE FACE! Knight is so taken aback that she doesn't even react! Matsuda shoves Knight and gestures for her to BRING IT ON! Knight sneers and rotates out... KNIGHTCAP -- NO! Matsuda ducks it and catches her mid-spin... SNAPDRAGON SUPLEX INTO THE BOTTOM TURNBUCKLE! Matsuda rolls over onto all fours, pounding the mat with open hands before pushing herself to her feet and turning to point at the motionless Knight! She grabs Knight by the ankle and drags her out of the corner before stepping onto the bottom rope and pounding on the top turnbuckle repeatedly, rallying the fans behind her! Matsuda perches on the top turnbuckle and flies... CLOUD NINE! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! SHE COVERS! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEE -- ISLA VILLIN PULLS KAT MIYAO OUT OF THE RING!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Are you joking?! >

[ Chet Honda ] < That's twice now that Stephanie Matsuda should have won this match... only for Isla Villin to ruin it! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, hold on... what's going on!? >

Kat Miyao shoves Isla Villin and begins screaming at her in Japanese as the fans gasp and watch in awe! Isla Villin appears to be furious as... KAT MIYAO EJECTS HER FROM RINGSIDE! The fans applaud loudly as Miyao follows Isla Villin halfway to the entrance curtain, ensuring she's leaving... only for a woman in a hoodie to roll into the ring, sneaking up behind a distracted Stephanie Matsuda! She whips Matsuda around... boot to the stomach... FALL FROM GLORY! The hood falls away from her head upon impact, revealing ELIZABETH JONES! Elizabeth Jones pulls Aria Knight on top of Matsuda and smiles as she scrambles out of the ring and escapes through the crowd! Kat Miyao returns to the ring and slides into position... ONE! TWO! THREEEEE -- STEPHANIE MATSUDA GETS HER SHOULDER UP! Knight rolls off of Matsuda, covering her face with both hands. Matsuda rolls over onto her stomach and pushes herself up, visibly disoriented... a faraway look in her eyes. Knight turns over, grabbing onto the bottom rope and forcing herself up. As Kat Miyao tends to Matsuda, Knight reaches into her boot... and removes a pair of brass knuckles! She fits the item to her hand and clenches her fist, hiding it at her side!

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh shit. It's about to get ugly. >

[ Chet Honda ] < After that despicable attempt at interference by Elizabeth Jones... I put nothing past Gaijin Assault Army! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Miyao-san has to see it! She has to catch her before it's too late! >

Stephanie Matsuda slowly returns to her feet as Knight sizes her up in the corner. Matsuda turns and Knight rushes her... BRASS KNUCKS TO THE HEAD -- NO! Matsuda ducks underneath it and catches her from behind... BLASIAN SUPLEX -- NO! Knight blocks it and executes a go-behind... BANGERS & MASH OUT OF NOWHERE! She covers! ONE! MATSUDA KICKS OUT WITH FORCE, PUMPING HER FISTS, SEETHING! Knight scrambles back on her ass with wide eyes! Matsuda advances on her as Knight rises to her feet... BEFORE SHOVING KAT MIYAO INTO HER! Matsuda pushes Miyao to the side, knocking her down as Knight lunges forward... AND NAILS MATSUDA IN THE HEAD WITH THE BRASS KNUCKLES! She shoves them into her boot and covers, hooking both legs as Kat Miyao regains her senses, sliding into position... ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER & NEW CHAMPION
ARIA KNIGHT via PINFALL in 10:44

The fans begin to boo as Aria Knight rolls off of Matsuda and lays flat on her back, breathing heavily. Liberty Dare and Himiko Ando hit the ring, Dare carrying the IIW Women's World Championship and Ando placing a trophy in the center of the ring. Dare helps Knight into a seated position and presents her with the championship. Knight snatches the title and pie faces Dare away from her, holding the championship tight as she crawls toward the trophy at the center of the ring.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by result of a pinfall... representing Gaijin Assault Army... AND NEWWWWWWWW INTENSE INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONNNN... ARIAAAAAAAA KNIGHTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! >

There's a smattering of applause amongst the boos as Black Tora hits the ring and slides under the bottom rope, checking on Stephanie Matsuda and helping her onto the apron. Matsuda reaches up, touching her face where the brass knuckles made contact, a glassy look in her eye. Knight fights back to her feet and is joined in the ring by Maggie Crush and Isla Villin, who help her raise her trophy and championship belt.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < My heart goes out to Stephanie Matsuda... she was robbed this evening. Thanks to Isla Villin, Elizabeth Jones, and a pair of brass knuckles, the longest reign in the history of the IIW Women's World Championship has come to a conclusion. >

[ Harold Goto ] < It is unfortunate, yes... but where were the rest of the Black Dahlia Legacy, huh? If anything, this continues to prove the critical difference between these two factions. Gaijin Assault Army functions as an army... they are a unit. They work together to ensure victory... the Black Dahlia Legacy... I don't know, man. You would think they would have learned something after their defeat at Triumphant Final Impact. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Either way, Stephanie Matsuda should STILL be the champion. She gave it her all... she made no mistakes! Unfortunately, that just wasn't enough when pitted against the entirety of Gaijin Assault Army. >

Black Tora and Kat Miyao help Matsuda to the curtain where Sayaka Endo and Madeliene Satterfield are waiting. They guide her to the backstage area, leaving the ring to Knight, Crush, and Villin. After a few more moments of celebration, Knight climbs out of the ring, followed by her mentors. They walk toward the back, standing in front of the curtain as Knight raises the championship and trophy overhead.

[ Harold Goto ] < It's the end of an era for the IIW Women's World Championship... and the beginning of something much more terrifying, I think. >

[ Chet Honda ] < With the Celestial Trinity Championship and the IIW Women's World Championship, Aria Knight has joined an elite club within Miracle Galaxy Pro, becoming one of only five double champions in the company's history alongside Anya Bonecrusher, Nijima Kasumi, and the Heartkillers... of course, Iruma Kaede of the Heartkillers was the first and only TRIPLE champion until last month... but that's a conversation for another time. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This event has already gotten off to an unpredictable start... there's no telling what else is lined up for the evening if this is only the first match. >

The camera slowly zooms in on Knight as she lowers the title the trophy, handing the trophy off to Isla Villin, who rests it on her shoulder, a smirk on her face. Knight holds the championship up directly in front of the camera, giving it a pat on the center plate. She shouts into the camera.

[ Aria Knight ] And we're not done yet... you ain' seen the last o' me 'n this beauty tonight!

She turns and storms through the curtain, followed by Villin and Crush. The curtain falls shut behind them and the fans quiet down, waiting for whatever comes next.

[ Chet Honda ] < What did she mean by that? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I... don't know. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, we can sit here and worry about it or we can get on with the show. Plenty more to go, I assume. >

The camera dwells on the curtain for a few seconds longer, allowing the silence to settle over Korakuen Hall before the next match starts. Suddenly, "Kibouhou" by Strawberry Jam hits, drawing loud applause from the fans in attendance. Seconds later, Hiromi Takeda emerges from behind the curtain with a big smile on her face!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It's Takeda Hiromi! >

[ Harold Goto ] < The former Chosen One of Galaxy Defense Force has arrived! You know... with everything she has been through since coming to Miracle Galaxy Pro, I hope that fortune is not too unkind to her this evening. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's been with us since the very beginning... tonight could very well be an opportunity for her to prove herself as one of the top talents in the company! >

Hiromi makes her way up the steps and enters the ring, holding her hands up in a heart shape as she looks out at the fans, smiling ear to ear. Her music cuts and she takes her place in her corner, adjusting her knee pads as she waits to find out who she's facing tonight. Suddenly, "Going Home" by Mikey Ruckus hits and the fans gasp, then applaud as WILLOW steps through the curtain with a confident look on her face! She begins making her way toward the ring, holding her fist up to show just how ready she is to fight!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The mysterious WILLOW, a competitor that we've heard very little about... from Indiana in the United States, she's come to Miracle Galaxy Pro to prove herself as one of the best competitors in the world today! >

[ Harold Goto ] < She looks mean as shit, okay? A real ass kicker... I fear for poor Hiromi. >

[ Chet Honda ] < This will certainly be a proving ground for WILLOW. Takeda Hiromi, as stated, has been with the company since the beginning, defeating Lil Blanco Tigre in her debut match. She even has a tag team victory over the Hixx Family, teaming with Shuko Shiori at the time -- >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < -- that wasn't Hiromi then. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Yes, yes... sure. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, whatever happened to Lil Blanco Tigre anyway, huh? >

WILLOW climbs onto the apron, eyeing Hiromi Takeda with a confident smirk before climbing through the ropes and stomping out into the middle of the ring with her fist raised. The fans continue to applaud as WILLOW sheds her leather jacket and tosses it aside where it's taken by Mitsuko Kasuga and dropped off by the timekeeper's table. WILLOW takes her place in the opposite corner as her music cuts.

[ Chet Honda ] < WILLOW versus Takeda Hiromi, what a -- >

"KARATE" by BABYMETAL hits and the fans stand and begin applauding wildly!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Hey, what's going on? Is that -- >

[ Harold Goto ] < I think it is! >

The lights in Korakuen Hall dim before a spotlight hits the curtain! A figure steps through the curtain, wearing a neon colored tiger mask! She stands in front of the curtain for a moment before removing the mask... revealing RISA LEMON!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < THE SUPER TIGER IS HERE! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The Queen of Bows! The Idol Queen herself! >

[ Harold Goto ] < This is pretty exciting, I will not lie to you. >

Risa approaches the ringside area before running a full lap around the ring at top speed, high-fiving every fan within her reach! She stops in front of a young girl in the front row before leaning over the rail and placing her neon tiger mask over their face, giving them a pat on the head before turning and pumping her fists! She leaps onto the apron, looking out at the fans from her kneeling position before rolling between the middle and bottom ropes. She spins out in the middle of the ring before blowing a kiss to the camera and backing up excitedly into her corner as WILLOW and Hiromi look on with wide eyes.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following TRIANGLE MATCH is set for ONE FALL! >

All three competitors look from one to the other, ready to go.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first... from Tokyo, Japan... TAKEDAAAA HIROOOOOOMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! >

Hiromi Takeda steps out of her corner, raising her arm in the air. She turns around, making sure to lay eyes on WILLOW and Risa both before returning to her corner, kneeling and holding onto the middle rope, focused on the task at hand.

[ Saki Housako ] < Her opponent, from New Albany, Indiana and making her Miracle Galaxy Pro debut... WILLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! >

WILLOW stomps out of her corner and stands in the middle of the ring, arms outstretched. She nods, satisfied by the applause from the fans, and returns to her corner, leaning against the turnbuckles, eyes never leaving her opponents... a confident look on her face.

[ Saki Housako ] < Finally, from Chicago, Illinois... also making her Miracle Galaxy Pro debut and representing the QUEEEEEEEEENS OF CHAOS... SUPER TIGER! RISAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LEMONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! >

Risa spins out into the center of the ring, turning her back to the hard camera and looking over her shoulder and winking. The fans applaud loudly as she returns to her corner, ready to begin.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < What a match... a most unexpected triangle exhibition featuring two competitors brand new to the Miracle Galaxy, including the world famous Risa Lemon! >

[ Harold Goto ] < This is an opportunity for one of these competitors to make an outstanding impression, yes. >

[ Chet Honda ] < It's time! >

Sho Masuda calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Sho Masuda | STIPULATION: Single Fall

All three women come out of their corners, eyes locked on the others. Risa Lemon creeps in low, hands out at her sides as though she's prepared to grapple with anyone who draws close enough to her to touch. WILLOW is breathing slowly, heavily, as though the match is moving in slow motion around her... fully focused. Hiromi Takeda looks from Risa to WILLOW and back again, licking her lips anxiously, working out a strategy in her mind before... WILLOW lunges forward! Takeda tries to cut her off with a clothesline but WILLOW ducks underneath it and executes a go-behind, holding Hiromi tight around the waist! She tries to muscle her up into a GERMAN SUPLEX but Hiromi blocks it -- NO! Risa Lemon charges and dropkicks Hiromi in the chest, sending her flying as WILLOW launches her with a RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! Hiromi lands high on her shoulders and rolls to the apron as WILLOW scrambles back to her feet... just in time for Risa Lemon to grab her around the waist and launch her with a GERMAN SUPLEX OF HER OWN! WILLOW rolls to the floor, stumbling back against the guardrail and favoring her neck! She takes a step away from the rail and looks up with genuine surprise in her eyes as Risa springs across the ring and leaps... FOSBURY FLOP!

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh shit! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Risa Lemon is EXPLOSIVE! >

[ Chet Honda ] < I don't think WILLOW saw that coming at all! I know I didn't! >

Risa springs back to her feet, excitement etched across her face. She pumps her fists and then bends over to pull WILLOW back to her feet. Just as she gets WILLOW upright, she turns.... SUICIDE DIVE FROM HIROMI TAKEDA! All three women crash into the rail and Hiromi rolls over into a fetal position, cradling her head. Sitting up with one eye shut, Hiromi scrambles back to her feet and pulls WILLOW up, throwing her under the bottom rope. Hiromi climbs onto the apron... and Risa Lemon snatches both ankles, pulling her down and causing her to smack her face on the apron! Hiromi staggers out and Risa nails her with a SPINNING BACK FIST! Hiromi is knocked bolt upright and Risa boots her in the stomach... SNAP SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR! Risa rolls back to her feet and goes to roll under the bottom rope... ONLY TO GET A LEGDROP ACROSS THE BACK OF HER HEAD FROM WILLOW! WILLOW pulls Risa back to her feet and whips her hard into the turnbuckle. She follows her in... CORNER SPLASH! She guides her out of the corner with one hand... BULLDOG IN THE CENTER! WILLOW sits up and dusts herself off before rolling back to her feet and backing up into the corner. She keeps her eyes locked on Risa Lemon, waiting on her to get up. Risa rises to one knee and WILLOW charges... CROW'S NEST! NO! RISA ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Scrambling back to her feet, she hits the ropes -- NO! HIROMI TAKEDA SNATCHES HER ANKLE AND TRIPS HER! Risa staggers forward into WILLOW's arms! She whips her around... TERROR TWIST! She covers! ONE! TWO! HIROMI BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That was almost a quick and DOMINANT victory for WILLOW! >

[ Chet Honda ] < In a triangle match, you must be aware of your opponents at all times. If you're not careful, someone will always be waiting in the wings to play spoiler! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Imagine the boost to WILLOW's career if she had pinned Risa Lemon then and there. Everyone would have to take her seriously... not just in the Miracle Galaxy but everywhere! >

Hiromi pulls WILLOW off of Risa and nails her with a forearm blow in the chest. WILLOW returns fire with one of her own, staggering Hiromi. Hiromi hits WILLOW again, knocking her back a step. WILLOW boots Hiromi in the mid-section and snatches her wrist, sending her into the ropes. She catches her coming off with a DEEP ARMDRAG! Hiromi scrambles back to her feet and charges... only for WILLOW to take her off her feet with a LEG SWEEP! Hiromi goes down flat on her back and WILLOW dives onto her! ONE! TWO! HIROMI KICKS OUT! Both women scramble back to their feet and tie up, peppering one another with repeated forearm blows... before RISA LEMON COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A DOUBLE DROPKICK THAT SENDS BOTH WOMEN TO THE MAT! Hiromi Takeda rolls to the apron! WILLOW struggles back to her feet! Risa Lemon advances, blasting WILLOW with chop after chop after chop, backing her into the corner, continuing to chop her before taking a step back, running in a semi-circle around the ring, and returning with a RUNNING KNEE STRIKE IN THE CORNER! WILLOW staggers out and Risa spins out... ROUNDHOUSE KICK! WILLOW crumples to the mat and Risa Lemon climbs the turnbuckles. She perches on the top rope and flies... FLIGHT OF THE TIGER MK 1 -- NO! WILLOW GETS HER KNEES UP! The impact sends Risa Lemon straight back up to her feet where Hiromi Takeda is waiting to receive her... COTTON CANDY DREAM! SHE BRIDGES IT! ONE! TWO! THR -- WILLOW BREAKS THE PIN, STOMPING HIROMI'S MID-SECTION!

[ Harold Goto ] < I thought she had it! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < WILLOW is not ready to let it so go easily! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The action is almost too much to keep up with... how was this not a Lightspeed match!? >

[ Harold Goto ] < Whoever booked the match must have forgotten that was a thing. Probably. Maybe. I don't know. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Only Kato Satoshi knows, I imagine. >

WILLOW pulls Hiromi off the mat and whips her into the ropes. Hiromi reverses it and WILLOW hits the ropes, rebounding. Hiromi catches her coming off with a JAPANESE ARMDRAG and kips back up, pumping her fists! She screams in Japanese and waits on WILLOW to roll back to her feet. WILLOW charges... ANOTHER JAPANESE ARMDRAG! WILLOW is up again and charges... only for Risa Lemon to scramble across the mat and tackle her around the knees, causing her to fall flat on her face! Hiromi hits the ropes... BASEMENT DROPKICK TO WILLOW! Risa gets up and pulls WILLOW off the mat. Hiromi and Risa whip WILLOW into the ropes... AND WILLOW RETURNS WITH A RUNNING DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Risa and Hiromi catch her... DOUBLE BACKBREAKER! THEY STAND UP WITH HER... DOUBLE FALLAWAY SLAM! The fans applaud wildly as WILLOW staggers back to her feet and falls back into the ropes... JUST IN TIME FOR RISA AND HIROMI TO CLOTHESLINE HER OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR! Risa and Hiromi turn to face each other... AND HIGH FIVE!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Friendship! >

[ Chet Honda ] < You love to see it! >

[ Harold Goto ] < But it's not gonna win the match for either of them! >

Suddenly, Risa hits Hiromi with a chop to the throat! Hiromi returns fire with a vicious stomp to Risa's foot! Risa spins out, grabbing her foot, a pained expression on her face as Hiromi staggers out, holding her throat, choking and gagging! Both women turn, suddenly cured, and run full speed into one another, drilling each other with forearms as the fans applaud! Risa takes over with a knee lift and Hiromi staggers out... but before Risa can take advantage, WILLOW grabs her by the ankle and drags her out of the ring! They trade forearms briefly before WILLOW boots Risa in the stomach and whips her into the rail. She follows her in but Risa cuts her off with a boot to the face! WILLOW staggers out and Risa hooks her, kicking off the rail... TORNADO DDT ON THE FLOOR! Risa rolls to her feet and turns just as Hiromi Takeda flies through the ropes... BUT CUTS OFF HER SUICIDE DIVE WITH A PALM STRIKE UPPERCUT! Hiromi collapses and lands face first on the apron! Risa hooks her around the neck and pulls her out... DRAPING CUTTER ON THE FLOOR! Risa Lemon flies back to her feet with wide eyes as the fans go nuts!

[ Chet Honda ] < SUPER TIGER IS IN FULL CONTROL! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < WILLOW and Hiromi are both down... Risa just has to get one of them in the ring and finish this! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Do it, Super Tiger! >

Risa grabs Hiromi and throws her under the bottom rope. Hiromi rolls out into the center of the ring and Risa climbs onto the apron, preparing to leap onto the top rope for a springboard... but WILLOW rolls back to her feet and snatches her ankle. Distracted, Risa turns to kick WILLOW away... only for Hiromi to struggle back to her feet and charge, dropkicking Risa off of the apron! WILLOW rolls under the bottom rope and charges at Hiromi... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Hiromi ducks it and hooks WILLOW from behind... COTTON CANDY DREAM! She bridges it on impact! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER
HIROMI TAKEDA via PINFALL in 6:02

The fans applaud as Hiromi releases the hold and rolls over onto her knees. Sho Masuda raises her hand in victory as she pushes herself back up to her feet. WILLOW rolls to the apron where she's helped to the back by IZANAMI students. Risa Lemon remains outside for a moment, hands on the apron and looking up into the ring as Hiromi celebrates.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by result of a pinfall... TAKEDAAAAAA HIIIIROOOOOOMIIIIIIIII! >

The applause suddenly dies down a bit as Risa Lemon climbs into the ring, glaring across the way at Hiromi Takeda. Hiromi turns and meets her gaze. However, just as the tension couldn't possibly be thicker, Risa extends her hand. Hiromi accepts the gesture, drawing cheers as flashbulbs go off. Hiromi and Risa maintain their grip and bow to one another before Risa breaks off and drops to the mat, rolling out of the ring and heading toward the back, waving at the fans before disappearing behind the curtain.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < What a match! What a debut! What a win for Takeda Hiromi! >

[ Chet Honda ] < In the end, friendship and sportsmanship are victorious! Risa Lemon is a class act and I hope this isn't the last time we see her in the Miracle Galaxy! >

[ Harold Goto ] < It's a big win for Hiromi-chan. I just hope it doesn't go to her head. Never forget her Chosen One of the Galaxy era, okay? >

Hiromi exits the ring and walks to the back, smiling ear to ear before turning at the curtain and waving to the fans, offering them a bow before walking to the back.

The music cuts

Silence falls over Korakuen Hall once again.

As the IZANAMI students go to work around ringside, the camera begins to slowly zoom in on the entrance curtain as we wait to find out what's going to happen next.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < What an exciting evening it's been thus far... and we're only two matches in. First, a historic title change following a tremendous back and forth fight and then the expected debut of "Super Tiger" Risa Lemon... truly, it seems as though anything can happen during Puroresu Gacha Machine. >

[ Chet Honda ] < If this is what we've witnessed in only the first two matches, there's no way to predict what happen next. I won't even try! >

[ Harold Goto ] < I think a valid prediction would be... chaos, man. >

Suddenly, "Mainlining Murder" by Lars Frederiksen & the Bastards hits, drawing a gasp from the fans followed by a smattering of awkward applause. The curtain parts and Risako Saio steps through the curtain, chin raised, staring down her nose at the fans with disdain. Immediately following her out, Usagi Iwata steps up next to her, hands on her hips, obnoxiously chewing gum before spitting it into the crowd and rolling her eyes --

[ Chet Honda ] < Twinstar action? >

-- and then Shiori Shuko steps out behind them in her gear and entrance jacket, holding up her fist with a large chain wrapped around it. The applause becomes louder with some boos sprinkled in from deep in the heart of Korakuen Hall.

[ Chet Honda ] < Oh. >

Shuko steps up between them and then looks to her left and right at them before giving them a nod and beginning to make her way toward the ring. Saio and Iwata follow her down, smug expressions on their faces. Shuko walks up the ring steps and makes her way across the apron before stopping and looking out at the fans. Iwata and Saio climb up onto the apron on either side of her and sit on the middle rope, holding them open for their faction leader. Shuko steps through and stomps out into the middle of the ring, raising her chain wrapped fist and forearm in the air. Iwata climbs the turnbuckles and sits on the top rope as Saio climbs inside and leans back in the same corner with Iwata looming over, appearing disinterested.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Wow... this team... does not inspire confidence for whoever might come through the curtain next. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Shuko Shiori appears ready to compete... if so, this is only the second time she will have stepped into a Miracle Galaxy Pro ring. The last time was in August at Without Equal when she teamed with Takeda Hiromi -- >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < -- that wasn't Takeda Hiromi. >

[ Chet Honda ] < KANZEN! She teamed with KANZEN to defeat the Hixx Family! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Whoever is up next... I hope they know what they're doing, man. >

The music cuts and a hush falls over the room. As Shuko joins Saio and Iwata in their corner, the camera focuses on the entrance curtain and remains there for several seconds in silence before "Low Rider" by Exodus hits, drawing heavy applause and cheers from the fans! Mariposa is the first one through the curtain, clad in her full gear and entrance attire! She looks out at the fans with a proud smile on her face before beginning to clap and rally them behind her team... which is soon revealed to include KIMBERLEY STARK AND KIO TAKEMURA!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < If there's any faction that can claim to know Shuko MURDER-gun inside and out, it's Colors of Victory! Mariposa is leading Kimberley Stark and Takemura KIO into battle, it appears! >

[ Chet Honda ] < What a unit this is! Takemura KIO first appeared last month, helping Kimberley Stark as she brawled with members of Shuko MURDER-gun backstage... now, we will see what she can do in the ring! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Truly, there is no love lost between these two factions. >

Mariposa climbs onto the apron, followed by Takemura and Stark. They stand there for a moment, staring across the ring at their opponents before stepping through the ropes. Mariposa stands in the middle of the ring before shedding her entrance robe, eyes locked on Shiori Shuko as Stark and Takemura go to their corners and stand on the middle rope, staring out into the fans. They hop down and join Mariposa in the middle of the ring before turning and going to their corner across the ring from Shuko MURDER-gun. Their music cuts and Saki Housako's voice echoes over the sound system.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest is set for one fall and it is a CELESTIAL TRINITY EXHIBITION MATCH! >

The fans applaud loudly.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first... the team of SAIO RISAKO, IWATA USAGI, AND SHUKO SHIORI... SHUKOOOOOOOO MURDERRRRRRRRR-GUNNNNNNNNNNN! >

A smattering of applause and a good deal of boos as Shuko, Saio, and Iwata stomp out into the middle of the ring, raising their fists and looking into the cameras as flashbulbs go off at ringside. They turn and return to their corner as Shuko removes her entrance jacket and tosses it aside.

[ Saki Housako ] < And their opponents... the team of KIMBERLEY STARK, TAKEMURA KIO, AND MARIPOSA... COLORSSSSSSS OF VICTORYYYY! >

Mariposa executes a forward roll into the center of the ring before springing straight up to her feet as Stark and Takemura join her on either side of her... ONLY TO IMMEDIATELY GET BLASTED FROM BEHIND BY ALL THREE MEMBERS OF SHUKO MURDER-GUN!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Of course! OF COURSE THAT HAPPENS! >

Shinji Ohba, hands on either side of his head, looks around in a panic as chaos erupts all around him! Frantically, he calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Shinji Ohba | STIPULATION: None

Shiori Shuko knocks Kimberley Stark down to her knees with a series of clubbing blows to her back! Risako Saio pairs off with Mariposa, throwing her into the corner and hitting her with rights and lefts to the mid-section before Mariposa lashes out, grabbing Saio by two handfuls of hair before whipping her around into the corner and blistering her with knife edge chops! On the other side of the ring, Usagi Iwata and KIO Takemura trade stiff forearms before Iwata tees off and goes for a ROUNDHOUSE KICK -- NO! Takemura ducks it and catches Iwata around the waist... GERMAN SUPLEX -- NO! Iwata blocks it, grabbing onto the middle rope! Takemura lets go with one arm and pummels Iwata's back with vicious overhead forearm blows before Iwata throws a back elbow strike and catches Takemura in the eye! Takemura staggers out and Iwata pushes off the ropes, knocking her down with a stiff clothesline! Shiori Shuko grabs Stark by the hair and ragdolls her violently before forcing her neck across the middle rope and planting her knee on the back of her head, choking her viciously as Shinji Ohba warns her that chokes are illegal! Ohba begins the mandatory count and Shuko pushes off of Stark and turns to shove Ohba! He falls flat on his back and rolls out of the ring, terrified as Shuko challenges him to come at her again!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This isn't a tornado tag team match... there are rules! That should've been an immediate disqualification! I've said it before and I'll say it again... Ohba Shinji is the worst referee I've EVER seen! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, you wouldn't want to get in Shuko Shiori's way either, would you? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I've wrestled Shuko Shiori before. I'm not scared of her and if he is, he shouldn't be an official here! >

[ Chet Honda ] < On one hand, I agree... on the other hand, she really is very intimidating! >

Shuko turns... and walks right into a stiff forearm from Kimberley Stark! Shuko absorbs it and hits Stark with one of her own, causing her to spin out. Shuko whips her around and boots her in the stomach... DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX! Shuko rolls through and mounts Stark, grabbing her by the hair and cradling her head as she brutalizes her with stiff forearm blows. In the corner, Mariposa knocks Saio down into a seated position against the bottom rope before backing up and hitting her in the chest with a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Mariposa rolls back to her feet and turns, charging across the ring and hitting Shuko with a DROPKICK TO THE SHOULDER, KNOCKING HER OFF OF STARK! Shuko rolls to the floor and backs up against the rail with a frustrated look on her face. Mariposa helps Stark to her feet and they turn just in time to catch a charging Saio with a DOUBLE BACK BODY DROP! Saio lands in a seated position and both Mariposa and Stark hit the ropes on opposite sides of the ring... STEREO BASEMENT DROPKICKS TO SAIO'S FACE! Mariposa and Stark both rise and high five... before turning around into a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE FROM USAGI IWATA!

[ Harold Goto ] < In these types of matches, you must keep your eyes open at all times, dammit! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The members of Shuko MURDER-gun are as resilient as they are violent. Iwata Usagi has proven to be a very capable hand since joining the company. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Colors of Victory has to be more careful. Winning this match has to mean something to them beyond revenge for what happened last month between Kimberley Stark and LUNA. The Shukos have been a thorn in their Mariposa's side since the very beginning, even unmasking her back in October at Battles Without Honor or Humanity. >

Iwata pulls Stark back to her feet and whips her hard into the corner. She follows her in... CORNER AVALANCHE! She takes a step out and catches Stark as she staggers out of the corner... boot to the stomach! SNAP SUPLEX! She rolls clean through and lifts her up for a BRAINBUSTER -- NO! KIO TAKEMURA COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SPEAR TO IWATA! Iwata goes down, dropping Stark awkwardly in the process! Takemura helps Stark to her feet and they pull Iwata up, whipping her into the ropes! Stark and Takemura charge... TAKEMURA HITS IWATA WITH A LARIAT AS STARK NAILS HER WITH A SPEAR! Iwata rolls to the apron and both women turns around as Risako Saio comes out of nowhere with a LARIAT THAT TURNS KIMBERLEY STARK INSIDE OUT! Stark rolls to the apron and Saio immediately begins trading forearms with Takemura! KIO takes over with a knee lift and turns to hit the ropes... but Saio has it scouted, cutting her off and hitting her coming in with EAST OF EDEN! KIO staggers out, disoriented, and turns right around into a boot to the stomach... BLACK INK! She covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- MARIPOSA BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Chet Honda ] < Mariposa is back in the mix! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She's looking out for her team! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Look out, damn! >

Shiori Shuko grabs Mariposa by the ankle and drags her out of the ring! Mariposa hits her with a stiff forearm but Shuko retaliates with one of her own, jarring her before snatching her by the hair and ragdolling her into the rail! Shuko turns... BASEBALL SLIDE FROM STARK! Shuko staggers out back into the rail and Stark slides the rest of the way out of the ring, meeting her coming off with a stiff forearm to the jaw! Shuko is rattled as Stark advances on her, hitting her repeatedly before turning and whipping her into the steps... NO! Shuko reverses it and sends Stark into the steps! Stark falls into a seated position and Shuko charges in... RUNNING KNEES TO THE FACE -- NO! STARK MOVES! SHUKO GOES KNEES FIRST INTO THE STEPS! She rolls over onto her back, a look of surprise on her face as Stark uses the apron to pull herself to her feet. She points down at Shuko and then pumps her fists, gesturing for Shuko to bring it on! "GET YOUR ASS UP!" Huffing and puffing, Shuko pushes herself up, clearly feeling the damage done to her knees. She lurches forward and throws a haymaker... ONLY FOR STARK TO DUCK IT... STARKBUSTER ON THE FLOOR! Shuko rolls over into a fetal position, cradling her head as Stark tries to pull her back to her feet and get her in the ring!

[ Chet Honda ] < Oh my goodness! We haven't seen anyone manhandle Shuko Shiori like that since the inception of Miracle Galaxy Pro! If Kimberley Stark can get her in the ring -- >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < -- she might have just won this match! >

[ Harold Goto ] < She has to get her in the fucking ring, though! >

Stark struggles to get Shuko up until Mariposa pushes herself off the rail and joins her! Together, they get Shuko up... only for Shuko to immediately hit Mariposa in the throat and turn, booting Stark in the mid-section! She grabs Stark by the hair and slams her face first into the apron before spinning out... FLATTENING HER WITH A DISCUS POLISH HAMMER! Shuko falls to her knees, leaning against the apron, glaring into the ring as Iwata recovers and joins Saio as they double team Takemura. They whip Takemura into the ropes and go for a double clothesline but Takemura ducks underneath it and rebounds... HITTING THEM BOTH WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE OF HER OWN! Iwata goes down but Saio remains standing! Saio, sneering, takes a step back and returns fire with a clothesline of her own, sending Takemura back into the ropes! Saio charges... and Takemura catches her coming in with a BACK BODY DROP OVER THE TOP ROPE! Saio lands on her feet on the apron, hitting Takemura with a forearm as she turns around! Takemura staggers out as Iwata returns to her feet, catching Takemura from behind... IWATA CHOKE HOLD -- NO! Takemura wriggles free and executes a go-behind, lifting Iwata up... STRUCTURE OF A SPECTRE! Iwata lands high on her head and neck, the momentum slinging her over into a seated position! Takemura rolls back to her feet and hits the ropes... RUNNING SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST! Iwata goes down flat as Takemura continues running clean through... AND KNOCKS SAIO OFF THE APRON WITH A RUNNING FOREARM!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Takemura KIO is refusing to back down against all odds! >

[ Harold Goto ] < She is proving herself well worth the investment made by Mariposa thus far. I think we might be witnessing the dawn of a new age for Colors of Victory with their most recent influx of talent. >

[ Chet Honda ] < The talent has always been there... but I think some growth has occurred, the recognition that fun and games are not going to win a war against the likes of Shuko MURDER-gun. >

Takemura turns and pulls Iwata off the mat, hitting her with a forearm before whipping her into the corner. Takemura follows her in with a CORNER CLOTHESLINE before backing out and catching her staggering out with a boot to the stomach... SNAP FISHERMAN'S SUPLEX! She maintains the bridge... ONE! TWO! THR -- IWATA KICKS OUT! Takemura rolls back to her feet and pulls Iwata up, only for Iwata to slap her hands down and nail her with a stiff forearm! She backs Takemura into the ropes and shoots her off -- NO! Takemura reverses it and sends Iwata into the ropes! Iwata rebounds and Takemura goes for a SPINNING BACK FIST but Iwata ducks underneath it and executes a go-behind... TIGER SUPLEX! The impact sends Takemura all the way over into a seated position! Iwata rises and backs into the ropes before launching off, rebounding off the opposite side... AND TAKING TAKEMURA'S HEAD OFF WITH THE ANDROID KNEE STRIKE! She covers, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEEE -- MARIPOSA BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Harold Goto ] < That was almost it! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Mariposa won't give up so easily! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Colors of Victory is still in the fight! >

Mariposa pulls Iwata off of Takemura and whips her into the corner. She follows her in... CORNER SPLASH! With Iwata disoriented, Mariposa hoists her up into a seated position on the top turnbuckle! Shiori Shuko rolls under the bottom rope and advances on Mariposa... ONLY FOR KIMBERLEY STARK TO TAKE HER DOWN WITH A SPEAR! Shuko rolls to the apron and Stark launches back to her feet... only to walk right into a boot to the mid-section from Risako Saio! Saio hooks Stark... LIFE'S RONDO -- NO! Stark elbows her way out and tackles Saio! They both roll to the floor, landing on their feet and trading forearms! Mariposa follows Iwata up, pulling her into a standing position on the top turnbuckle! Iwata tries to fight her off but Mariposa won't be denied... she hooks her! SPANISH BUTTERFLY! The fans gasp and applaud loudly as both women land dead in the center of the ring! Mariposa covers! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEEEEEEE -- SHUKO BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < So close! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Spectacular ring awareness by Shuko Shiori! >

[ Harold Goto ] < That is why she is one of the greats, man. >

Shuko pulls Mariposa off of Iwata by two handfuls of hair, ragdolling her about before Mariposa swats her hands down and nails her with a big forearm! Mariposa goes to work, hitting Shuko with forearm after forearm! Outside the ring, Risako Saio pummels Kimberley Stark with forearms before Stark fires up and nails Saio with a series of right hands! Saio staggers backward, stopping with her back to the ring steps! Stark charges... SPEAR -- NO! Saio moves and Stark goes shoulder first into the steel steps! Saio leaves her lying on the floor and rolls under the bottom rope. She nails Mariposa from behind, cutting off her onslaught against Shuko! Shuko immediately goes to the eyes and Mariposa staggers out into Risako's arms! Risako hooks her for LIFE'S RONDO... BUT USAGI IWATA COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE ANDROID KNEE, ADDING EXTRA MOMENTUM TO THE RONDO! Iwata and Risako both cover Mariposa as KIO Takemura stands up on the apron... JUST IN TIME FOR SHUKO TO HIT HER IN THE EYES WITH THE RED MIST! Sho Masuda counts the double pin on Mariposa... ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNERS
SHUKO MURDER-GUN via PINFALL in 7:41

The fans begin to boo as Saio and Iwata roll off of Mariposa... and immediately begin putting the boots to her! Shiori Shuko watches, an amused look on her face, before she reaches through the ropes and grabs KIO Takemura by the hair, dragging her through the ropes and into the ring, intending on continuing her punishment as well. Kimberley Stark rolls back to her feet and slides under the bottom rope, rushing across the ring and hitting Shuko from behind with a forearm before Saio and Iwata break off from Mariposa and dives onto her, dragging her down and pummeling her!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is disgusting! It's bad enough that they cheated to win the match... but this!? It's totally uncalled for! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Shuko MURDER-gun has always been about sending the messages, Fuku-chan. You know this! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Takemura KIO can't even see! >

Shuko produces a chain, wrapping it around her fist and forearm as Iwata and Saio hold up Kimberley Stark. Stark shows no fear, struggling against them, doing her best to fight back! Shuko raises her fist, a smug expression on her face, prepared to knock Stark's lights out... until Reeve rushes out from the back and slides under the bottom rope. Reeve stands between Shuko and Stark, refusing to let her take a swing!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh no. I hope she's really thought about what she's doing here. Backstage is one thing, you really don't cross Shuko in the ring. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Mm... no. Not a good idea. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Look out! >

Shuko snatches Reeve by the hair and whips her around, throwing her down to her knees behind her! The fans gasp as Reeve looks up from the mat, watching as Shuko goes back about her business, ready to hit Stark with the chain! Reeve rises and snatches Shuko's wrist from behind, whipping her around and nailing her with a stiff forearm blow! Shuko staggers out, knocking down Usagi Iwata and freeing one of Stark's hands! Stark rises and begins firing up, hitting Risako Saio with a series of forearms, knocking her through the ropes to the floor! Iwata rises and prepares to advance but Shuko stops her, placing her hand on her chest. Shuko stares Reeve down, smiling evilly... before guiding Iwata through the ropes, exiting the ring.

[ Harold Goto ] < Wait, she's backing off? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Maybe even Shuko is smart enough to know that attacking management isn't a good move for her future prospects. I'd like to think that... but part of me thinks that something larger is at play. I just don't know what it could be. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Either way, at least it's over. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < For now... is it really ever over between Shuko MURDER-gun and Colors of Victory? >

Shuko, Iwata, and Saio walk up the aisle and leave through the curtain without further incident. Inside the ring, Linda Reeve and Kimberley Stark help Mariposa and KIO Takemura back to their feet. Reeve raises their hands, drawing applause from the fans. Moments later, they head toward the back, leaving the ring empty, ready for the next match.

Silence again.

The IZANAMI students clean up around the ring.

The lights dim and the camera focuses on the black entrance curtain. Seconds later, "Night on Fire" by JT Music & Andrea Storm Kaden hits and the fans gasp before beginning to applaud loudly as Kasey Vex steps through the curtain wearing her kitsune mask and entrance jacket. The REQUIEM Spirit of the Ronin Championship dangles from one hand as she stands in front of the curtain for a moment, nodding with satisfaction before removing the mask and casting it aside, revealing a cynical smirk on her face. She holds the championship overhead before shouting "COME ONNNNNN!" and making her way toward the ring!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Kasey Vex is on her way to the ring now, ready for action! One of the most exciting competitors in the Miracle Galaxy, she's been with us since day one and has been impressive every single time out. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She was the first competitor signed to the company that gained international attention, putting eyes on Miracle Galaxy Pro that might not have seen it otherwise. That championship she's holding, the REQUIEM Spirit of the Ronin Championship, has been in her possession for one hundred and eighty-four days, defeating LUNA for the honor back in July of 2023 at Confidence Inspiring Games! >

[ Harold Goto ] < She's a fighter... a real warrior... she's seen some shit, man... the question is, what's waiting for her on the other side of that curtain, huh? It's possible to be ready for anything... except for the unknown. There's always the fucking unknown, man. >

She climbs into the ring and runs to the corner, leaping onto the middle rope and holding up the championship for all the fans to see. Smiling, she lowers the championship and hops down, doing the same in each corner, giving everyone a good look before finally hopping down and settling in her corner, kneeling and swaying back and forth with the championship resting on the mat in front of her. Her music cuts and the lights come up as the camera begins to slowly zoom in on the entrance curtain.

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, who is it? What's going on? >

"Make a Move" by Icon for Hire hits and the fans begin to boo! The curtain parts and Xia Layne steps out with her baseball bat, lovingly named Joan, held firmly in her grasp. She smiles, looking up into the ring and pointing toward Vex with the weapon as she begins making her way toward the ringside area.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Xia Layne is on her way to the ring now... baseball bat in hand. Just last month, we heard Xia Layne declare that she wanted a one-on-one shot at Kasey Vex's championship... but is that what we're about to see? There's truly no telling with this show format. >

[ Chet Honda ] < You're right... there could be even more people waiting in the wings, ready to strike! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Either way, Xia Layne is a threat and she's no stranger to challenging for gold in the Miracle Galaxy. She's competed for the Love Song of Violence, the ENDVR Championship, and most recently the Spirit of the Ronin at Rainbow Road back in November. However, she has always come up short... tonight, if Kasey Vex's title is actually on the line, she will hope to rectify that once and for all. >

Xia Layne rolls under the bottom rope, wasting no time with posing or fanfare. She points at Vex with the bat and backs up into her corner, eyes locked on her opponent. Her music cuts and only the murmuring of the fans can be heard for a long moment before Satoshi Kato enters the ring, taking the championship belt from Kasey Vex with a slight bow. He positions himself in the center of the ring with the championship as flashbulbs go off at ringside. Kasey Vex and Xia Layne stand on either of him for a moment, allowing the photographers to their job before returning to their corners. Kato hands the championship to Kat Miyao and exits the ring. Miyao holds the title overhead for the fans to see and then hands it off through the ropes before...

[ Saki Housako ] < The following match is set for one fall -- >

There's a smattering of applause.

[ Saki Housako ] < -- and it is a FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE STREET FIGHT... FOR THE REQUIEM SPIRIT OF THE RONIN CHAMPIONSHIPPPPPPP! >

The applause becomes even louder as Vex stands upright and removes her entrance jacket, tossing it aside. Xia Layne smiles, nodding, and sets Joan down to remove her leather jacket and toss it outside the ring. Picking Joan back up, she grips in front of her with both hands.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first -- >

Xia Layne rushes across the ring, swinging the bat at Kasey Vex's head! Vex ducks and rolls out of the way, causing Layne to hit the top turnbuckle instead! She whips around and gets nailed with a SHOTGUN DROPKICK that sends her ragdolling into the corner, falling into a seated position with the bat rolling under the bottom rope to the floor!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Two matches with members of Shuko MURDER-gun... two matches with an attempt at a jump start! This is just unacceptable behavior! >

Kat Miyao quickly calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Kat Miyao | STIPULATION: Falls Count Anywhere

Before Xia Layne can even move, Kasey Vex charges and flattens her with a CORNER CANNONBALL! Rolling back to her feet, she drags Layne out of the corner by her ankles... only for Layne to shove her off and roll back to her feet before backing up into the corner. Vex staggers back into the opposite corner and charges out, meeting Layne in the center with a clothesline -- NO! Layne ducks underneath it and rebounds, turning and hitting a baseball slide between Vex's legs! Layne rises back to her feet and Vex turns around into a stiff forearm blow to the chest! Vex staggers back and Layne advances on her, pushing her back into the ropes and hitting her with another series of forearms before shooting her off! Layne goes for a BICYCLE KICK but Vex ducks underneath it and hits the ropes! Layne turns around... BACK SPINNING HEEL KICK TO LAYNE! Layne rolls back to her feet and walks right into ANOTHER BACK SPINNING HEEL KICK! Layne rolls back to her feet as Vex kips up, pumping her fists! Layne charges... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Vex ducks it and catches Layne on the turnaround with a THIRD BACK SPINNING HEEL KICK! Layne goes down and Vex points at the turnbuckles. The fans applaud loudly as Vex begins to climb, perching on the top rope... she prepares to fly... but Xia Layne simply rolls under the bottom rope to the floor, waving it off! Vex frowns, appearing annoyed by the gesture... BUT SIMPLY LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, TAKING LAYNE DOWN WITH A DIVING CROSSBODY TO THE FLOOR! She hooks both legs on the landing! ONE! TWO! LAYNE KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Kasey Vex is pulling out all the stops and I don't blame her... with Xia Layne's history, she's no stranger to these types of matches. Kasey Vex needs to put her away as quickly as possible! >

[ Chet Honda ] < That is correct, yes! Xia Layne is the former IFPW Queen of the Deathmatch and that is not an accomplishment that should be taken lightly... and I don't think Kasey Vex is taking it lightly at all! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Not to mention, she did that when she did not have the shadow of Shuko Shiori looming over her. Xia Layne is desperate to finally bring some gold of her own to Shuko MURDER-gun. Their may just be dire consequences if she fails again. >

Vex rolls back to her feet and pulls Layne up behind. She whips her hard into the rail -- NO! Layne reverses it and sends Vex into the rail! Layne follows her in... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Vex sends her over the rail and into the front row with a BACK BODY DROP! Layne lands on her feet and Vex turns... receiving a forearm blow to the jaw! Vex staggers out and Layne leaps onto the rail for a SPRINGBOARD -- NO! Vex charges and DROPKICKS HER OFF THE RAIL, BACK INTO THE FRONT ROW! Layne falls into the chairs as fans scatter in every direction! Draped across a collection of chairs, barely suspended a foot off the concrete floor, Layne can only watch helplessly as Kasey Vex charges, leaps onto the rail and springboards off... DIVING DOUBLE STOMP FROM THE RAIL TO THE FLOOR! Vex shoves the chairs out of the way and covers! ONE! TWO! LAYNE KICKS OUT! Vex snatches Layne by the hair and whips her into another row of chairs, sending even more fans scattering in every direction! Vex looks around at the fans, nodding before shouting "COME ONNNN!" and advancing on Layne... only to have Layne throw a chair in her face from the ground! Vex staggers out and Layne pushes herself to her feet, grabbing another one of the wooden chairs from nearby and advancing on Vex. Vex turns and Layne hits her in the mid-section with the chair, doubling her over. Layne raises the chair and SMASHES it across her back! Vex goes down to all fours and Layne hits her one more time with the remains of the chair, causing it to finally fall apart in her hands!

[ Harold Goto ] < Xia Layne is firmly in control now. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Those fans really need to get out of the way. They're putting themselves in harm's way, being so close to the action. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I agree, but what are they supposed to do, Honda-san... when the action continuously brings itself to them? >

Layne boots Vex over onto her side and then pushes her over onto her back, covering her... ONE! TWO! VEX KICKS OUT! Layne mounts her and begins pummeling her with forearm blows before pulling her up by two handfuls of hair. She pulls her in... SNAP SUPLEX INTO ANOTHER ROW OF CHAIRS! She rolls clean through and powers Vex up onto her shoulder... POWER SLAM ONTO THE CONCRETE -- NO! Vex slips out behind Layne and grabs her around the waist! SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR! Layne rolls up high on her head and neck before finally falling over into a kneeling position. Vex springs forward... SUPERKICK TO THE CHIN! Layne's head wobbles about and she raises her fists as though she's going to keep fighting. Vex goes for it again... SUPERKICK -- NO! Layne catches her foot and slowly rises, holding onto Vex! Vex kicks off the floor... ENZUIGIRI -- NO! Layne ducks it and Vex faceplants on the floor! Layne snatches her other leg and pulls her in tight, a wheelbarrow position! She spins around, whipping her into nearby chairs, nearly hitting fans in the process! Finally, she slings Vex upward and hooks her underneath her arms... DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR! The momentum sends Vex all the way over onto her knees and Layne rises, lunging forward and hitting her in the face with a BICYCLE KNEE! She covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- VEX KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Realistically, I thought that might have been it. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Kasey Vex didn't want the Spirit of the Ronin Championship for a long time after winning it... but since the title was sanctioned back in October, she's embraced it, defended it with honor... made it her goal to keep it away from members of Shuko MURDER-gun! >

[ Harold Goto ] < And with every successful defense, the target on her back grows. Shuko Shiori will do anything to have that championship back in the fold... Xia Layne knows this and she will fight hard to make that happen... as we are witnessing right now. >

Layne pulls Vex back to her feet and whips her into the rail. Layne follows her in and clotheslines her over the rail and into the aisle. Vex rolls over onto all fours and Layne climbs onto the rail, hopping off... DIVING CURB STOMP -- NO! Vex rolls out of the way and Layne plants her foot solid on the concrete! Vex rises and nails Layne with a SUPERKICK! Layne staggers back into the rail and Vex advances on her, taking her by the back of the head and guiding her toward the curtain. She goes to throw Layne through it and into the backstage area but Layne cuts her off and boots her in the stomach, pulling her in... SNAP SUPLEX THROUGH THE CURTAIN! Kat Miyao and the camera man follow them through the curtain and into the backstage area! Layne mounts Vex, pummeling her with forearms before pulling her up and holding her by the back of her head. Layne turns and clears a table loaded with equipment before picking her up and body slamming her onto it! Before Vex can react, Layne drops an elbow onto her mid-section. Layne hits her with a few solid punches before Vex kicks straight up into the side of Layne's head, sending her staggering out. Vex pivots and gets into a perched position on the table before leaping off... TAKING LAYNE DOWN WITH A DIVING CLOTHESLINE! Both women lie on the concrete for a moment as backstage workers clear the area.

[ Chet Honda ] < They're throwing everything at each other. I don't know how much longer their bodies can hold up at this rate. They must be in so much pain. >

[ Harold Goto ] < This is an important match for both of them... they will do what it takes, maybe even a little more. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < They've certainly taken advantage of the falls count anywhere stipulation. The first of its kind in Miracle Galaxy Pro. Even the Love Song of Violence championship only allows pinfalls within the immediate ringside area. >

Vex rolls back to her feet and snatches Layne by the hair, only for Layne to grab Vex by the front of her tights and pull her down face first into a nearby equipment trunk! There's an audible THNNK upon impact and Vex remains slumped over the trunk until Layne rises behind her, grabbing her by the hair and ramming her head into the trunk again and again before raising the lid and shoving Vex's arm inside. Layne tries to slam the lid down on Vex's arm but Vex pulls her arm free at the absolute last second! Realizing just how quick she came to having a broken arm or missing fingers, Vex's eyes widen and she nails Layne with a stiff punch to the jaw! Layne staggers out and Vex follows her in, peppering her with rights and lefts before booting her in the stomach and pulling her in... FOR A POWERBOMB ONTO A NEARBY TABLE! THE TABLE DOESN'T BREAK! Kasey Vex is seething as she looks down at Layne draped across the table, eyelids fluttering from the impact. Vex climbs up onto the table and pulls Layne to her feet, pulling her in and lifting her up... PILEDRIVER -- NO! KANNA GOTO STOPS HER OUT OF NOWHERE! The live crowd boos loudly as Goto pulls Vex down onto her shoulders and spins her around... AIRPLANE SPIN! Xia Layne rights herself on the table and leaps... DOUBLE STOMP TO VEX'S BACK! GOTO DROPS HER... FIREMAN'S CARRY SLAM ONTO THE TABLE! IT STILL DOESN'T BREAK! Vex slides off the table and onto the floor below! Xia Layne covers! ONE! TWO! THREEEE -- LATOYA HIXX BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, it's getting serious now! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Latoya Hixx couldn't stand by and watch her Galaxy Defense Force sister get screwed over by XK Ultra! >

[ Chet Honda ] < I'm honestly surprised it took this long for Kanna Goto to get involved in the match! >

Latoya Hixx and Kanna Goto exchange forearms like women possessed before Deena Hixx charges into the scene, attacking Goto from behind! The Hixx Family brawls off-camera with Kanna Goto, leaving only Layne and Vex in the immediate area! Xia Layne looks down at Vex lying next to the table and ventures off to the side, finding a ladder! She sets it up and begins climbing, almost making it to the top before Kasey Vex stirs and puts her hands on the bottom rung, looking up at Layne with determination in her eyes! Vex begins climbing, slowly approaching the top and reaching it just moments after Layne! Layne reaches over the top of the ladder and punches Vex in the head repeatedly! Vex fires back, hitting Layne with forearm blow after forearm blow!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I wish... I really wish they'd get down from there. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, I have a feeling one of them will come down... sooner or later. >

[ Chet Honda ] < That's what we're afraid of! >

Layne leans back, threatening to fall back off the ladder... until Vex catches her wrist and pulls her in... LITTLE MISS VEX OFF THE LADDER AND THROUGH THE TABLE BELOW! Both women are motionless... but Kasey Vex landed on top! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER & STILL CHAMPION
KASEY VEX via PINFALL in 8:13

IZANAMI students scramble into the area alongside other officials and medical staff, checking on Kasey Vex and pulling her from the wreckage so that Xia Layne can be tended to as well. From inside the main room, Saki Housako's voice can be heard crying out loud.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by result of a pinfall, representing Galaxy Defense Force... AND STILLLLLL REQUIEM SPIRIT OF THE RONIN CHAMPIONNNNN! KASEYYYYY VEXUUUUUU! >

Spider Saya hands Vex the Spirit of the Ronin Championship as she's helped to her feet. Vex watches as Xia Layne is helped away from the wreckage and carried into a nearby room for medical attention. Vex raises the championship overhead with an exhausted, relieved smile on her face.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Kasey Vex has retained the Spirit of the Ronin Championship again, turning back Xia Layne for the second time. But you have to wonder how much of this victory was the result of Xia Layne choosing to take part in a deathmatch tournament so close to this event's date? >

[ Harold Goto ] < Maybe, maybe not... Xia Layne is tough. There's no doubt she thought she could handle the stress on her body. Either way, Kasey Vex is a world class athlete and you can never count her out, even when the chips are down. Galaxy Defense Force certainly appears to be rebounding nicely thus far from Shino's rule. >

[ Chet Honda ] < What a fight... congratulations to Kasey Vex! Who will be next to challenge her for the Spirit of the Ronin Championship? >

We return to the ring.

Before we've even had a moment to get settled, "O・TE・A・GE・DA" by Bradio hits and the fans get on their feet, clapping along! The curtain parts and out steps Wolf Fang Ayame! She spins out and drops to one knee before tilting her head back, cupping her mouth, and howling aloud! A split second later, Azurine Vebbins emerges behind her, dancing and swaying along as the fans rally behind her!

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, now! This is what I'm talking about! Umami Usagi is here and she is ready to party... something I know all about. I don't know if I've told you before but I'm a real party animal! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I think you might have mentioned it. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Two key players within Colors of Victory, Wolf Fang Ayame and Azurine Vebbins have arrived! I don't see anyone else joining them so this must be some kind of... Twinstar exhibition match... maybe they're even facing the Heartkillers! Who's to say what comes next for these two? >

Ayame and Vebbins rush toward the ring, rolling under the bottom rope and rising to their feet in tandem before running toward opposite corners of the ring and leaping onto the middle rope, looking out at the fans with proud looks on their faces.

[ Chet Honda ] < Last month, Wolf Fang Ayame came up just short challenging Stephanie Matsuda for the IIW Women's World Championship while Azurine Vebbins almost won the Kiti TAWAGOTO Energy Drink battle royal. Tonight, they look to rebound from those respective defeats by earning a victory against whoever is waiting for them behind that curtain! >

[ Harold Goto ] < I have faith in Umami Usagi... always. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < They're both incredible competitors with such undeniable heart. Wolf Fang Ayame has been with us since day one and she always does her best... though we recently saw her draw the ire of Maggie Crush for some reason. I'm not sure what that's all about but maybe that's something we'll learn more about sooner than later. As for Azurine Vebbins, she joined us in April of 2023 and she's just been a delight to watch perform ever since. I think it's only a matter of time before we see her collect championship gold. Maybe even tonight? >

Both competitors hop down into the center of the ring and give each other a high five as their music cuts. Sho Masuda visits with each one of them in their corner as the camera points toward the curtain once again. Seconds later, "Happy" by Pharrell Williams hits and Marcy Tatum steps through the curtain. She looks out at the fans with a confident smile on her face... joined seconds later by Rumi Hisaka. Hisaka is not vibing with the music at all, standing behind Tatum with arms folded across her chest.

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, hey... now this is a team. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Galaxy Defense Force is in the house, it seems. Marcy Tatum came here with Beckett Marisol in the early days of the company, making her official debut in the Cluster Battle at Approaching the Golden Horizon, the same match that introduced us to Azurine Vebbins. Other than last month's battle royal, I believe this might be their first in-ring encounter since that night. >

[ Chet Honda ] < You're correct, Fuku-chan. Hisaka Rumi should not be overlooked either. She's a lethal competitor... don't forget that she destroyed Jessica "Khaos" Spivey in only a matter of minutes at Pillars of Creation back in October. That led to her being chosen as Suzuhana Shino's general in the new Galaxy Defense Force... luckily, she saw the light and agreed to stay on when Saito Yuna reclaimed the faction for the good of the Miracle Galaxy! >

Both competitors make their way down to the ring in a hurry, eyes locked on their opponents. Hisaka climbs onto the apron and remains kneeling, staring them down trough the ropes as Marcy Tatum walks up the steps and then climbs onto the middle rope, arms outstretched. She rallies the fans behind her for a moment before hopping down into the ring and sitting on the middle rope, welcoming Hisaka in behind her. Hisaka climbs into the ring, appearing almost as cautious of Tatum as her opponents.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I don't think Rumi-san is a fan of the music. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Is she a fan of Marcy Tatum at all? >

[ Chet Honda ] < I could see where Marcy might be an acquired taste for some. >

The music cuts and both teams stand in their corners.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following match is set for one fall... and it is a TORNADO TWINSTAR EXHIBITION MATCH! >

The fans applaud loudly.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first, representing Colors of Victory... the team of WOLF FANG AYAMEEEEE... AND UMAMI USAGI AZURINE VEBBINSSSSSSSSSS! >

Ayame and Vebbins stomp out into the center of the ring with Ayame dropping to one knee, posing as Vebbins dances behind her. Hisaka rolls her eyes, annoyed by the display. They return to their corner as the fans applaud.

[ Saki Housako ] < And their opponents, representing Galaxy Defense Force... they are MARCYYYYY TATUM AND RUMIIIII HIIISAAAAAKAAAAAAAAAA! >

Marcy Tatum spins out into the center of the ring and drops to her knees, arms outstretched as Hisaka storms up behind her and throws a high roundhouse kick over Tatum's head, assuming a fighting stance and glaring at Ayame and Vebbins before turning and returning to their corner.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This will be a good opportunity for either of these teams to earn a win and possibly position themselves for a future shot at the Twinstar Championship. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Yes, could be very interesting. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I think the Heartkillers should be weary of facing either one of these units... especially given Shuko MURDER-gun's history with both factions. >

With both teams good to go, Sho Masuda calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Sho Masuda | STIPULATION: Tornado Tag

Without warning, Rumi Hisaka and Wolf Fang Ayame rush at each other! Hisaka goes for a RUNNING BOOT but Ayame ducks underneath it and hits the ropes, rebounding and hitting Hisaka with a TAIL STRIKE! Hisaka staggers backward into the ropes where Azurine Vebbins is waiting to clothesline her over the top rope to the floor! Hisaka lands on her feet and staggers back into the rail as Vebbins climbs through the ropes, joining her! Hisaka immediately snatches Vebbins by the hair and whips her around, back against the rail, and nails her with a high kick across the chest! The sound echoes in the room and Vebbins doubles over, allowing Hisaka to nail her in the back with an AXE KICK! Inside the ring, Ayame turns and sees Marcy Tatum sizing her up. They circle one another for a moment and then move in for the lock-up! They struggle against one another for a moment before Tatum backs Ayame into the ropes and hits her with a hard chop! Tatum hits her again and again before Ayame powers up and whips her around, back to the turnbuckles! Ayame hits Tatum with a series of forearms and chops before turning and running to the opposite corner... then returns with a TAIL STRIKE -- NO! Tatum executes a forward roll and rolls back to her feet as Ayame goes ass first into the turnbuckles! Ayame staggers out and Marcy boots her in the stomach... A-MAIZING GRACE!

[ Harold Goto ] < Galaxy Defense Force is firmly in control in the early going. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < While Colors of Victory have the most experience in this match, Marcy and Rumi are on a mission to prove themselves. They're looking to repair the damage done to Galaxy Defense Force under Shino's rule... as brief as that was. >

[ Chet Honda ] < It only takes a moment to do significant damage. >

Marcy rolls back to her feet and goes to the corner. She climbs to the top rope and prepares to fly... but Azurine Vebbins knocks Hisaka down with a stiff forearm and rushes to the apron, climbing up and grabbing Marcy's ankle! Marcy kicks Vebbins away and she tumbles back to the floor where Rumi Hisaka is waiting to mount her and rain down forearm blows! Tatum steadies herself and flies... HOT TOPICCCCCCCC -- NO! AYAME MOVES! Marcy crashes and burns as Ayame rolls into a kneeling position in the corner. Marcy gets up to one knee and Ayame charges... CRESCENT MOON KICKKKKKK! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! Ayame covers... ONE! TWO! THR -- RUMI HISAKA BREAKS THE PIN! Marcy Tatum rolls to the apron and Hisaka pulls Ayame back to her feet, throwing her into the corner and teeing off with brutal forearms and kicks! Ayame falls into a seated position and Hisaka runs a circle around the ring, returning with a vicious kick to the head! She drags Ayame out of the corner and covers... ONE! TWO! Ayame kicks out! Hisaka stands and pulls Ayame back to her feet. Ayame fires up and hits Hisaka with a stiff forearm, knocking her back a step! Hisaka nails Ayame with a stiff forearm of her own!

[ Chet Honda ] < Both women refuse to back down! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is a battle of wills. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Come on, hit her harder! >

Ayame hits Hisaka again and Hisaka returns fire. Suddenly, Ayame shrieks and grabs the back of Hisaka's head, drilling her repeatedly until she's backed her against the ropes! She continues rattling off forearms until Hisaka is leaning on the ropes, almost limp! Ayame turns and hits the ropes, rebounds... AND WALKS RIGHT INTO THE INFRARED SHOT! Hisaka covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- AZURINE VEBBINS BREAKS THE PIN! Vebbins pulls Hisaka off of Ayame and whips her into the corner. Vebbins follows her in... CORNER SPLASH! Vebbins backs out as Hisaka staggers out in front of her... PEARLY GATEKEEPER DEAD IN THE CENTER! She bridges it! ONE! TWO! THR -- MARCY TATUM BREAKS THE PIN! Rumi Hisaka and Wolf Fang Ayame roll to the apron! Marcy pulls Vebbins to her feet and whips her into the ropes. Vebbins rebounds... BACK BODY DROP! Vebbins goes flying and lands in a seated position with a look of surprise on her face! Tatum turns and hits the ropes... BASEMENT CLOTHESLINE! She covers! ONE! TWO! VEBBINS KICKS OUT! Both women roll to their feet and Marcy charges... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Vebbins ducks underneath and executes a go-behind... BACKDROP -- NO! Tatum wriggles free and lands behind Vebbins, lifting her up... ATOMIC DROP! Vebbins cries out and staggers around the ring... leaving her wide open for the RUNNING BULLDOG!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Marcy Tatum is really showing fire this evening. If she remains this motivated, not only might they win this match... but we could truly see championship gold in her future. >

[ Harold Goto ] < It's possible... though I do not know if either of these teams will be able to knock off my precious Heartkillers. Perhaps if they die and a weaker team inherits the belts, then maybe? >

[ Chet Honda ] < I think we might be waiting some time for that, Goto-san. The worst people never die young. >

Tatum rolls to her feet and goes to the top rope. She points down at Vebbins and prepares to fly... only for Wolf Fang Ayame to join her on the top rope! The fans gasp and stand, watching and waiting for something terrible to happen. Tatum and Ayame struggle against one another, hitting each other with stiff forearms as they try to balance on the rope. Suddenly, Azurine Vebbins joins them, hitting Tatum with a series of forearms as well! Both members of Colors of Victory gain the advantage over Tatum and prepare to bring her down.... until Rumi Hisaka comes out of nowhere and snatches Vebbins off the ropes from behind! Vebbins struggles against her but Rumi won't be denied... RAION'S THRONE! She goes for the cover... ONE! TWO! THREEEEE -- NO! WOLF FANG AYAME HITS THE BLOOD MOON SACRIFICE OFF THE TOP ROPE AND ONTO RUMI AND VEBBINS, BREAKING THE PIN!

[ Harold Goto ] DANGEROUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

[ Chet Honda ] < What a move... like a car crash, I can't look away! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That was needlessly dangerous! I understand wanting to win the match but... it's not worth potentially ending someone's career! >

Rumi and Vebbins roll out of the ring and Wolf Fang Ayame covers Marcy Tatum... ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEE -- MARCY BARELY GETS HER SHOULDER UP! Wolf Fang Ayame can't believe it! She gets back to her feet and howls, drawing loud applause from the fans before pulling Tatum up into a seated position. Tatum is visibly out of it and Ayame turns to hit the ropes... HEAVEN'S HOWLLLLLLLLL! She covers! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNERS
COLORS OF VICTORY via PINFALL in 6:29

The fans stand and applaud as Wolf Fang Ayame rolls off of Tatum and rests on her knees next to her. Sho Masuda raises Wolf Fang's hand in victory. Azurine Vebbins rolls back into the ring, beat up, and crawls over to Ayame, putting her arms around her, smiling as the sense of victory sets in. Marcy Tatum rolls to the corner, resting her head against the bottom rope as Rumi Hisaka crawls into the ring, a frustrated look upon her face.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winners of the match, representing Colors of Victory... WOLF FANG AYAME AND AZURINE VEBBINSSSSSSSSS! >

The applause becomes louder as Ayame stands and helps Vebbins to her feet. They raise each other's hands as Sho Masuda walks over to the corner and kneels next to Tatum and Hisaka, checking on them.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < What a fight... very fast paced. Both teams gave it their all in such a short time, doing their best to end the match as fast as possible. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Well you know what they say... it's not a marathon, it's a spring. It's only smart to end an encounter as quickly as you can. Tonight, that worked out in favor of Colors of Victory. Good on them. >

[ Chet Honda ] < It looks as though the members of Galaxy Defense Force are getting back to their feet. That maneuver from the top rope onto the pinning predicament toward the end... very scary. I'm just happy to see everyone seems to be walking under their own power. >

Tatum and Hisaka meet Vebbins and Ayame in the center of the ring. For a moment, there's tension. It looks as though Hisaka doesn't want to be there at all... until she extends her hand. Ayame accepts the gesture, shaking Hisaka's hand before turning and shaking Tatum's hand as well. Vebbins shakes and then all four women stand in the middle of the ring, raising each other's arms as the fans applaud.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Sportsmanship... all four of these women are winners tonight. >

[ Chet Honda ] < They did their best, yes. >

[ Harold Goto ] < They did their best and they've put themselves on the map in our blossoming Twinstar division. It's only a matter of time before one of these teams is called upon for a shot at the titles and this match will have been the beginning of that journey. >

Ayame and Vebbins sit on the middle rope, allowing Hisaka and Tatum to exit the ring. They follow them out and all four women leave together, stopping in front of the curtain and looking out at the fans as they raise their arms. The fans are still applauding as they step through the curtain.

Silence.

Slowly, the camera zooms in on the entrance curtain.

The lights dim as "Sane" by Fozzy hits, drawing Elizabeth Jones through the curtain, clad in her wrestling gear as well as the black hoodie she was wearing when she interfered in the opening match. She looks around at the fans with disdain, nose in the air... and they begin to boo as Johna Lanjay steps out behind her, towering over her with a stern expression on her face. With a knowing smirk, Jones begins making her way toward the ring.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Elizabeth Jones... one of the most competent technical wrestlers in the Miracle Galaxy, maybe only second to Chloe Storm within her own faction. It appeared tonight as though she's finally found her place within Gaijin Assault Army's inner circle after helping cost Stephanie Matsuda the IIW Women's World Championship. >

[ Chet Honda ] < What an unfortunate thing to witness... truly, a dark cloud that looms over Puroresu Gacha Machine just like Johna Lanjay looms over, well... everyone. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Elizabeth Jones is tough and she's put in much work to earn her place within Gaijin Assault Army since joining the company back in April of 2023... even playing a pivotal role in the faction's victory at Triumphant Final Impact. Tonight, she secured Aria Knight's place in the history books. Now, will she have an opportunity to secure her own? >

As Elizabeth Jones presses forward, leaving Johna Lanjay several steps behind her, there's a sudden audible gasp followed by a loud CRACK as Johna Lanjay staggers forward, nearly stumbling into Jones! Jones turns, looking confused... only to see Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda standing with a wooden folding chair in her hands! Lanjay turns as Matsuda shouts "LOOK ALIVE, BITCH!" and shatters the wooden chair over her head! Lanjay goes down to her knees and Matsuda stares Jones down with wide eyes while booting Lanjay in the chest, sending her down to the floor with blood pouring out of a wound over her eyebrow!

[ Chet Honda ] < Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda is here... and she's handing out receipts! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Look at the face of Elizabeth Jones! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Get her, Cloud! >

Jones shakes her head and begins to back away... only for Cloud to give chase! Jones turns as she reaches the apron and tries to climb into the ring but Matsuda catches her, whips her around, and nails her with a big right hand! Matsuda rocks Jones with rights and lefts before snatching her by the back of the head and running her into the ring steps! There's a loud THUD as Jones falls into a seated position, allowing Matsuda to kick and stomp away at her repeatedly! Matsuda shakes her head, a bandage above her eyebrow where Aria Knight hit her with brass knuckles earlier. Matsuda, breathing heavily, gestures for Jones to get up, shouting "GET UP, BITCH!" Jones slowly pushes herself off the steps and Matsuda grabs her by the hair, slamming her face first into the apron before rolling her inside the ring. Matsuda throws the apron back and finds another wooden folding chair, sliding it into the ring. Matsuda follows it in and Jones scrambles to get to it first!

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, this is going to get ugly! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Come on, Cloud! Stay on her! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Jones has it! >

Jones rises with the chair in her hands, raising it overhead... before Matsuda boots her in the stomach! Matsuda snatches the chair out of her hands and nails her across the back with it! Jones falls to her knees and Matsuda stands over her, gripping the chair tight. Seething, spittle flying from her mouth with every heavy breath, Matsuda drops the chair and Jones lowers her head, relieved. Matsuda calls for a microphone, receiving one shortly after. Matsuda thumps the top of the microphone repeatedly, ensuring it's on. She bends at the waist, looking down at Jones, only inches away from her.

[ Stephanie Matsuda ] I hope you learned a valuable lesson about minding... your own... FUCKING business... but just in case you're still unclear, let me let you in on a little secret --

Jones looks up at her, disoriented.

[ Stephanie Matsuda ] -- punks jump up to get beat down!

Matsuda discards the microphone and snatches Jones by the hair, pulling her in and planting her dead in the center with the SPECIAL DELIVERY! Matsuda rolls back to her feet, slapping her chest and flipping Jones off before pulling her straight back up off the mat... AND PLANTING HER WITH ANOTHER SPECIAL DELIVERY!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh wow... lesson learned, I think. >

[ Chet Honda ] < But... but... what happens now?! >

[ Harold Goto ] < A fucking funeral, probably. >

Matsuda rolls out of the ring, meeting referee Sho Masuda as he comes through the curtain and rolls under the bottom rope, checking on Jones. Matsuda stops in front of the curtain, a smug expression on her face... until "Long Cool Woman" by The Hollies hits! Matsuda tilts her head back and laughs out loud as "The Scorpion" Veronica Cain steps through the curtain in her wrestling gear. Cain's eyes narrow as she sees Elizabeth Jones motionless in the ring, Sho Masuda crouching over her. Cain looks at Matsuda and gestures toward the ring.

[ Veronica Cain ] What the fuck am I supposed with that?!

Still laughing, Matsuda just shrugs.

[ Stephanie Matsuda ] Have fun.

Matsuda turns and leaves through the curtain as Cain takes a deep breath and begins making her way toward the ring, fans applauding the whole way. She looks down at the unconscious and bleeding Johna Lanjay and shakes her head with a sly smirk.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Wait, here comes Veronica Cain... was this... was this Elizabeth Jones' originally scheduled opponent? >

[ Chet Honda ] < It would certainly seem so... they have history dating back to the Intrepid Odyssey when Cain made her debut and eliminated Jones. Two months later at Rainbow Road, they were forced to team up in the Gganbu Twinstar match... which they lost when their alliance understandably fell apart. Finally, they crossed paths one more time at Triumphant Final Impact during Steel Cage Warfare. It seems as though Kato Satoshi and Linda Reeve might have booked this match to allow them to settle the score but then, um... Stephanie Matsuda happened. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Sucks to suck, I guess. >

Veronica Cain makes her way up the steps and walks across the apron, looking out at the fans as Sho Masuda helps Jones into a seated position. Cain turns, holding onto the top rope and looking down into the center of the ring at Jones before stepping through the ropes. Sho Masuda gestures for Cain to step back. Cain picks up the wooden folding chair and looks it over before letting it dangle from one hand as she picks up the microphone. Cain looks around at the fans before finally raising the microphone and speaking.

[ Veronica Cain ] Ya' know, I should probably be a little pissed off that Steph kicked your ass before I got the chance... but --

She shrugs.

[ Veronica Cain ] -- I really don't fucking like you and any hurt feelings I might have over it... well, I'm about to remedy those by smashing this chair in your face.

As casually as the words come out of her mouth, Cain drops the microphone and turns, throwing the wooden folding chair and drilling Elizabeth Jones in the face with it! Jones go down, covering her face with both hands as Sho Masuda falls back, a look of shock on his face! Cain quickly mounts Jones and begins pummeling her with stiff forearm blows before stopping to snatch Masuda by his shirt, demanding that he ring the bell! Masuda looks conflicted... but relents and starts the match!

REFEREE: Shinji Ohba | STIPULATION: None

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh, he really did it... he started the match! >

[ Chet Honda ] < It's not traditionally acceptable to start a match when one of the competitors is in no condition to compete but... I mean, I saw the way that The Scorpion looked at him. I wouldn't have told her "no" either. >

[ Harold Goto ] < You've never told a woman "no" in your life. >

Veronica Cain stands up, pulling Jones up behind her by a handful of hair. She whips her into into the corner and follows her in... CORNER SPLASH! Cain steps out, allowing Jones to stagger out behind her. She whips Jones around... LUNG BLOWER! SHE FLOATS OVER INTO A BULLDOG CHOKE! ODE TO THE RAVEN, NEVERMORE!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < There it is! The Ode to the Raven! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Never fucking more, man! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The tribute to her father, Matthew "The Raven" Knox! >

Elizabeth Jones' face turns red as she struggles to breathe... and she quickly taps out!

WINNER
VERONICA CAIN via SUBMISSION in 00:28

The fans gasp and applaud as Cain cranks back on the move one more time before letting go and rolling back to her feet where Sho Masuda is waiting. He raises her hand in victory for a moment before she yanks her hand free and stands over Jones, seemingly satisfied.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by submission... representing the Black Dahlia Legacy, THE SCORPION... VERONICAAAAAA CAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIN! >

Elizabeth Jones curls into a fetal position, favoring her head and neck as Cain turns and exits the ring, climbing through the ropes and sitting on the apron for just a moment before stepping off and making her way toward the back with a sense of a job well done.

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, I think it's safe to say that this rivalry is probably over. The Black Dahlia Legacy has vanquished Elizabeth Jones... pretty fucking decisively. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The rivalry that began at the Intrepid Odyssey has ended tonight at Puroresu Gacha Machine and Veronica Cain stands tall, still undefeated in singles competition in the Miracle Galaxy. >

[ Chet Honda ] < You have to imagine she's in line for some kind of title shot soon, right? I don't know how much the undeniable talent of The Scorpion can be denied. >

Cain steps through the curtain, vacating the ringside area as Sho Masuda and IZANAMI students check on Elizabeth Jones in the ring. Seconds later, the curtain parts and Aria Knight steps out with Chloe Storm and Anya Bonecrusher following. Bonecrusher, not competing tonight, is in street clothes. Knight has changed into a black and yellow Gaijin Assault Army tracksuit, and Storm is in her gear. None of them are carrying their titles. They climb into the ring, prompting the IZANAMI students to vacate, though Masuda doesn't get the memo.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Wait, what's going on? >

[ Harold Goto ] < I think you know the answer to your question, Fuku-chan. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She barely even knows where she is! >

Knight, Storm, and Bonecrusher stand over Jones and exchange a look among one another. Suddenly, without warning, Bonecrusher snatches Masuda by his shirt and throws him aside, allowing Storm and Knight to pull Jones off the mat! The fans gasp and begin booing as Knight pulls her in... BANGERS & MASH! She hangs onto it! ANOTHER BANGERS & MASH! Jones is motionless and the camera floats over quietly, catching Maggie Crush standing in front of the curtain with a satisfied look on her face.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is just uncalled for... why!? >

[ Chet Honda ] < The original three are making a statement. >

[ Harold Goto ] < You're only valuable as long as you're helping the faction succeed. Steel Cage Warfare was a month ago... Gaijin Assault Army, the faction of the year, proved that they are the best unit in the Miracle Galaxy. Tonight, Elizabeth Jones didn't watch her back... she let them down -- >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < -- she helped Aria Knight win the IIW Women's World Champi -- >

[ Harold Goto ] < -- I SAID SHE LET THEM DOWN! >

Anya Bonecrusher backs up into the corner and sits on the top turnbuckle. Knight and Storm pull Jones off of the mat and bring her into the corner before lifting her up onto Bonecrusher's shoulders. Bonecrusher positions her as Storm climbs onto the middle rope next to Bonecrusher. Bonecrusher stands at leaps... MIDDLE ROPE POWERBOMB... AND STORM FOLLOWS THEM DOWN WITH A GUILLOTINE LEG DROP RIGHT ACROSS JONES' NECK! Bonecrusher and Storm rise to their feet as Knight looks down at the broken Jones.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is just too much. >

[ Harold Goto ] < A statement had to be made... there is no room for weakness in Gaijin Assault Army. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Well, I think that statement is loud and clear. >

Knight, Bonecrusher, and Storm exchange a look before Knight raises her fist between them. Storm and Bonecrusher return the gesture, bumping Knight's fist before all three women exit the ring and walk up the aisle to meet Maggie Crush. They all turn and face the ring as the fans boo. Seconds later, they turn and walk through the curtain, leaving only destruction behind them in the ring.

[ Chet Honda ] < I shudder to think of what comes next this evening. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Truly, what just occurred was most unexpected. >

[ Harold Goto ] < There's still plenty more to go, I'm afraid. What happens next? There's only way to find out. Let's go! >

IZANAMI students help Jones out of the ring and usher her to the back where medical staff are waiting to receive her at the curtain. Seconds later, she's gone and the camera dwells on the curtain as a hush falls over the audience.

"Tongues and Teeth" by The Crane Wives hits.

There's a smattering of applause followed by droning boos as Tamako Ito steps through the curtain, head down as Sarako Jaejong follows her out with the ENDVR Championship in her arms. She looks out at the fans and takes a deep breath before giving Tamako a stiff nudge, forcing to walk out in front of her, pulling flower petals from a small purse and throwing them in the aisle. Sarako smiles, blowing kisses and bowing for the fans as she cradles the championship in her arms like a baby.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Okay, this is disturbing. >

[ Chet Honda ] < As expected for our first look at the brand new ENDVR Champion... the competitor who ended the historic title reign of Madeliene Satterfield! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Shuko Shiori knows how to pick winners, huh? This one is something else. She made her debut in the Intrepid Odyssey before being eliminated unceremoniously by Helena Handbasket, not in attendance tonight following what happened to her at Triumphant Final Impact -- >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < -- they maced her. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Yes, that's one version of events -- >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < -- no, Tamako Ito maced her. >

[ Harold Goto ] < That's not how Tamako tells the fucking story, okay?! >

[ Chet Honda ] < It was on camera! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Allegedly! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That doesn't even make sense! >

Tamako Ito holds the ropes open and Sarako Jaejong steps into the ring, holding the championship so that everyone can get a good long look at it. Satoshi Kato steps through the curtain and makes his way down to the ring before climbing inside, taking his place in the corner. Sarako pays no mind to the founder of the company as she shows off for the stunned audience.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Due to the nature of the championship, we knew that Sarako Jaejong would be defending the ENDVR title tonight... the question is... against who? >

[ Harold Goto ] < It could be anyone. These ENDVR title matches always feel random. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Like drawing names out of a hat, yes. >

The music cuts and silence falls over the arena... before "Villain" by NEONI hits! The fans begin to boo as the curtain parts and Lauren Brooks steps out with the framed certificate for a lifetime supply of Kiti TAWAGOTO Energy Drink under her arm! She stands in front of the curtain and holds the certificate overhead with both hands, nodding with a sly smirk on her face.

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, her. I won't lie to you, I forgot she was a real person. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Lauren Brooks, another member of Shuko MURDER-gun... and the woman who won the battle royal last month to earn a lifetime supply of Kiti TAWAGOTO Energy Drink and a guaranteed shot at the ENDVR Championship. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, "won" is a strong word. Xia Layne eliminated herself in the end. Do not forget... I think it's very important to remember that Lauren Brooks never actually won anything, okay? >

[ Chet Honda ] < Either way, she's apparently challenging for the ENDVR Championship tonight... and what a match this shall be. Two members of Shuko MURDER-gun going head-to-head! >

Lauren Brooks climbs into the ring and goes corner to corner, showing off the free energy drinks for life certificate before hopping down and strutting into the middle of the ring, eyeing Sarako and her championship belt. Sarako holds the title tight to her chest as Brooks turns and goes to her corner, setting the certificate down underneath the bottom turnbuckle.

[ Harold Goto ] < She certainly seems proud of that thing, huh? >

[ Chet Honda ] < Wouldn't you be? A lifetime supply of Kiti TAWAGOTO Energy Drink is worth its weight in gold! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It tastes like pure gasoline. >

Satoshi Kato approaches Sarako, taking the ENDVR Championship from her. He stands in the middle of the ring and Brooks and Sarako approach on either side of him. Cameras click away as they pose next to the founder with the ENDVR Championship on full display. Finally, he hands the championship to Kat Miyao and exits the ring, returning to the back. Brooks and Sarako return to their corners, waiting for the match to start.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest is for the ENDVR CHAMPIONSHIP! >

The fans applaud.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first, the challenger... from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and representing Shuko MURDER-gun... LAURENNNN BROOOOOOOOooOOoooOooooooKS! >

Lauren spins out into the center of the ring, posing with an intimidating look on her face as the fans offer polite applause. Sarako watches and rolls her eyes. Tamako Ito stands on the floor in Sarako's corner, eyeing the certificate under the turnbuckle on Lauren's side of the ring. Brooks returns to her corner.

[ Saki Housako ] < And her opponent... from TOKYO, JAPAN and also representing Shuko MURDER-gun... SHE IS THE REIGNING AND DEFENDING ENDVR CHAMPIONNNNN... SARAKOOOOOO JAAAAEEEJOOOOOOOOOOONG! >

Sarako skips into the center of the ring and poses as flashbulbs go off. The fans applaud and Sarako returns to her corner as Kat Miyao hands the championship off through the ropes. Seconds later, she calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Kat Miyao | STIPULATION: None

Sarako and Lauren come out of their corners, eyeing one another almost suspiciously before circling the ring. Suddenly, Lauren Brooks moves in, attempting a double leg takedown! Sarako catches Lauren in a front facelock and begins pounding her in the back with vicious forearm blows, knocking her down to her knees before drilling her in the head with vicious knee strikes. Brooks is helpless to stop Sarako as she goes to work before pulling her up off the mat and lifting her up... planting her with a snap suplex in the center of the ring! Sarako rolls through and Lauren blocks a second snap suplex attempt, hitting Sarako in the mid-section with some light punches. Sarako lets go and staggers out, allowing Brooks to whip her around and nails her with a forearm blow -- NO! Sarako blocks it with her forearms and spins out... SPINNING BACKHAND! The sound echoes throughout Korakuen Hall and Brooks turns, cupping her cheek with a look of surprise on her face... a split second before Sarako snatches her around the waist and plants her with a BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX! ONE! TWO! Lauren Brooks kicks out!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Sarako Jaejong is utilizing some surprisingly crisp traditional wrestling moves. It's surprising to me... I think I'm just so used to seeing members of Shuko MURDER-gun brawling or using sloppy technique but there's beauty to her movements. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She might say there's a beauty to everything she does. Since coming to the Miracle Galaxy, her technique has been as pristine as her record... her only defeat coming during the Intrepid Odyssey match. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Does something seem off to you guys, though? It just seems weird to me that everything is a mystery tonight and Sarako Jaejong just happens to be facing the woman who earned the number one contendership to her title last month. It seems... too perfect, you know? Too on the nose. >

Sarako and Brooks both roll back to their feet. Brooks charges and goes for a clothesline but Sarako ducks underneath and hits the ropes, rebounding. She catches Brooks on the turnaround with a SHOTGUN DROPKICK, nearly turning her inside out! Sarako rolls back to her feet and pulls Brooks up behind her. She whips Brooks into the corner and follows her in... 720 SPINNING HEEL KICK! Sarako falls into a kneeling position and executes a forward roll! Brooks staggers out of the corner and Sarako hits the ropes, rebounding and taking her head off with a ROLLING ELBOW! Brooks goes down and Sarako covers... ONE! TWO! THR -- BROOKS GETS HER SHOULDER UP! Suddenly, a timer begins on the video screen on the wall, getting the attention of everyone in the room.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < What's going on? >

[ Chet Honda ] < I don't understand... a countdown clock? >

[ Harold Goto ] < I told you this was too neat, dammit! >

The timer reaches zero... and "Knuckle Up" by Snowgoons hits!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < We haven't seen one of these since the All Belts Spectacular back in April when Diana Watts beat seven other competitors to become the first-ever ENDVR Champion! >

The camera pans over to Saki Housako, smiling.

[ Saki Housako ] < Ladies and gentlemen... the following match is a SIX WOMAN CLUSTER BATTLE FOR THE ENDVR CHAMPIONSHIP! SURPRISE! The rules are simple! Every two minutes, another competitor will enter the match! Eliminations can occur at ANY TIME by PINFALL, SUBMISSION, OR DISQUALIFICATION! LAST WOMAN STANDING IS THE CHAMPION! HAVE FUN! >

Karlie Nash looks from Brooks to Sarako and back to Brooks before moving in and pulling Brooks off the mat, lifting her up and throwing her into the corner with ease before drilling her in the mid-section with rights and lefts!

ELIMINATED
LAUREN BROOKS

Sarako sits up, smiling evilly as Lauren Brooks rolls out of the ring where she's helped to the back by members of the IZANAMI roster, then burns her boots and retires from the business forever. Quietly, Tamako Ito steals the framed certificate for the lifetime supply of Kiti TAWAGOTO Energy Drink, tucking it under her arm before returning to Sarako's corner, pounding on the apron to support her.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < There's the timer again! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Who's next, huh? >

[ Chet Honda ] < I can't wait! >

"A Flat" by Black Violin hits!

The fans applaud as KANNA step through the curtain!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Wait, what... oh wow! We haven't seen Kanna since Without Equal back in August of 2023! She was one of Gaijin Assault Army's card carrying members for several months, even earning a shot at the Twinstar titles with Elizabeth Jones! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Man, I love this one. She's got charisma for days. A real performer, yes? >

[ Chet Honda ] < What's charisma going to do for her against two Shukos!? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Her last match was against the Heartkillers of Shuko MURDER-gun... I'm willing to bet she's got some aggression to work out! >

Kanna immediately ditches her Gaijin Assault Army t-shirt and rushes toward the ring! Karlie Nash attempts to meet her in the aisle but Kanna ducks a clothesline and catches her on the turnaround with a SUPERKICK! Karlie Nash staggers out, falling against the rail, disoriented! Kanna turns and rolls under the bottom rope! Sarako Jaejong charges at her but Kanna ducks underneath a clothesline and executes a forward roll before turning and catching Sarako on her shoulders... DY-KNEE-MITE! Sarako stands bolt upright and staggers to the side as Kanna tries to catch her... only to fall just short as Sarako falls through the ropes to the floor!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < If Kanna had caught her, that surely would have been an elimination! We would've been guaranteed a new champion! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Are you serious? Sarako Jaejong would never fall so easily! Look at her! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Never mind what she's physically capable of, Tamako Ito has proven that she's willing to get involved if it means the difference in Sarako succeeding or failing. That's why Helena Handbasket isn't here tonight, after all. >

Kanna watches as Tamako sets her frame aside and checks on Sarako. Suddenly... BAM! Kanna is nailed from behind by Karlie Nash! The fans gasp and applaud as Nash lifts Kanna off the mat effortlessly and ragdolls her into the corner! Karlie charges in... CORNER CLOTHESLINE! Kanna staggers out and Karlie punches her hard in the stomach, doubling her over before turning and hitting the ropes... TWO MINUTES FOR KNEELING! Kanna is sent flying and rolls to the apron as the timer begins ticking down again!

[ Chet Honda ] < It's time for the fifth entrant! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Who will it be? And how weird is it that this Cluster Battle is only six entrants? So bizarre. Almost like plans changed and management was just scrambling to make something work. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I think you're thinking way too hard about this. >

"Conquest of Paradise" by Vangelis hits!

Sue Plecks emerges from the back, drawing indifferent silence from the fans. She runs down to ringside and climbs onto the apron. She goes to step through the ropes and trips, falling flat on her face, allowing Karlie Nash to leap onto her back and lock in NASH-URAL SELECTION for the immediate submission!

ELIMINATED
SUE PLECKS

Karlie Nash stands and immediately sets her sights on Kanna lying on the apron. Nash approaches and reaches over the top rope, grabbing Kanna by the hair and pulling her up into a standing position. She lifts her up... AND SUPLEXES HER BACK INTO THE RING! The fans gasp as Karlie rolls through and hoists Kanna up... only for Kanna to slip out and land behind her, shoving her hard into the ropes! Karlie Nash hits the ropes and rebounds... TURNING KANNA INSIDE OUT WITH UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT!

[ Harold Goto ] < Holy shit! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Incredible impact! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Can anyone stop Karlie Nash!? >

Karlie Nash covers Kanna! ONE! TWO! KANNA BRIDGES OUT! Nash stands up, furious, and pulls Kanna off the mat -- NO! Kanna snatches the front of Nash's gear and pulls her down through the ropes! Nash lands on the apron as Sarako Jaejong returns to the ring. Kanna and Jaejong exchange a look and both turn... HITTING NASH WITH A DOUBLE DROPKICK OFF THE APRON! Kanna and Jaejong both lean on the middle rope as they watch Nash roll to the floor, cradling her head as she comes to a stop against the rail. The timer starts up again!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The last competitor is upon us. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I hope it's Lil Blanco Tigre! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Whatever happened to her anyway, huh? >

"Hikarunara" by Goose House hits!

Shino steps through the curtain with Shibuki behind her! Smiling evilly, she points toward the ring with confidence and begins making her way down with Shibuki following!

[ Harold Goto ] < What's with all the god damn bad guys in this match, huh? Six participants and you couldn't find one fan favorite? What happened? Yua Kamei wouldn't answer her phone? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < We haven't heard from her in a year. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Nikki Tendou? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Rest in peace. >

[ Harold Goto ] < What about fucking, like... Avalon Vega? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Cancelled. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Truly, all my heroes are dead. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I'm sorry, Goto-san. >

Shino rolls under the bottom rope and immediately ducks a clothesline from Kanna before turning and hitting her with a SPIN KICK! Kanna falls into the ropes and tumbles onto the apron! Shino turns and gets nailed with a SHOTGUN DROPKICK from Sarako! Shino ragdolls into the corner and falls into a seated position. Sarako posts up in the corner and prepares to charge... only for Karlie Nash to grab her ankle from the floor and trip her! Sarako falls on her face and Karlie rolls under the bottom rope, raging out! She pounds her chest and charges for the corner toward Shino... ONLY TO GET NAILED WITH A SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK FROM KANNA! Karlie Nash goes down and Shino reaches up, grabbing onto the ropes and whipping herself up to her feet! Karlie sits up and Shino runs and hits the ropes... WICKED BEAUTY TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Nash slumps over onto her face and Sarako Jaejong leaps onto the top rope and flies... JAEJONG CORONATION! Kanna flips Karlie Nash over and covers her... JACKKNIFE PIN! ONE! TWO! THREE!

ELIMINATED
KARLIE NASH

Kanna rolls off of Nash and rises to her feet, smiling. Karlie Nash rolls to the apron and heads to the back, refusing assistance from the IZANAMI students. Kanna pumps her fists, then raises her hands and demands high-fives from Sarako and Shino! Shino and Sarako look at each other and then at Kanna.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I don't know if that's a good idea, Kanna... those two are ruthless! >

[ Chet Honda ] < I don't think she realizes how much has gone on since she left. >

[ Harold Goto ] < She's about to find out... the hard way. >

UNPRETTY ELBOW FROM SHINO TO KANNA! Kanna goes down into a seated position and Shino rushes to the ropes... WICKED BEAUTY! She covers and hooks both legs! ONE! TWO! THREE!

ELIMINATED
KANNA

[ Harold Goto ] < The Tiger Empress is gone, just like that! >

[ Chet Honda ] < It can happen in an instant... and then there were two! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Arguably the two most ruthless competitors in the match are remaining! Who will survive... and what will be left of them!? >

Sarako immediately grabs Shino by the hair and pulls her to her feet, whipping her hard into the corner. Sarako follows her in... RUNNING DOUBLE KNEES! Shino staggers out and Sarako nails her with a SPINNING BACKHAND! Shino spins out, hits the ropes, and returns with the UNPRETTY ELBOW! Sarako falls to one knee and Shino backs up into the ropes before rebounding... RUNNING NEON MOON! The impact sends Sarako all the way over onto her knees! Shino points at her with both hands and turns to run... only to find Tamako Ito standing on the apron! Shino stops... and Shibuki climbs onto the apron, towering over Tamako Ito, intimidating her into climbing down!

[ Chet Honda ] < Tamako Ito doesn't want any part of Shibuki! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Who could blame her, huh!? Look at the size of that woman! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Look out! >

Tamako hops off the apron as Sarako rises and shoves Shino forward, sending her into the ropes! She collides with Shibuki, knocking her off the apron! Shino can't believe what she's done and turns frantically... INTO A FLASH PIN OUT OF NOWHERE FROM SARAKO JAEJONG! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER & STILL CHAMPION
SARAKO JAEJONG via PINFALL in 10:28

The fans gasp and begin to applaud as Shino kicks out a split second after the three count is registered! Sarako rolls away, leaning on the bottom rope with a huge smile on her face. Tamako Ito climbs onto the apron, the Kiti TAWAGOTO certifcate under one arm, the ENDVR Championship under the other. Sarako grabs the championship belt and holds it close as Shino throws a tantrum with Shibuki looking on, disappointed.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match... AND STILLLLLLLLL ENDVR CHAMPIONNNNN... SARAKOOOOOOO JAEEEEEEEEJONNNNNNNG! >

Shibuki helps Shino off the apron and guides her toward the back, through the curtain, out of sight. Tamako Ito kneels on the apron, watching as Sarako raises the championship in the air. Ito reaches into her purse and removes flower petals, throwing them through the ropes at Sarako as she walks a circle around the ring, soaking in the... admiration of her adoring fans.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Sarako Jaejong defeated Madeliene Satterfield and Helena Handbasket last month to become the new champion. Tonight, she defeated four top contenders and another wrestler to retain the championship. Is it possible that she's cleaned the division out in just two shows? Who's even left now? >

[ Harold Goto ] < It was exciting to see Kanna return this evening... and what a performance by Karlie Nash. If things had only gone slightly different, she might have won the whole thing. However, the numbers game... it worked against her. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Shino almost had it won but Tamako Ito proved once again to be a difference maker. You know we aren't going to hear the end of that from the Crazy Beautiful one. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Yay. >

Tamako Ito remains kneeling on the apron, watching as Sarako continues to celebrate until her music abruptly cuts. Sarako immediately stops her in tracks, holding the championship close to her chest, eyes widening as dread begins to set in.

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, what's going on? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I'm not sure. Do you feel that? >

[ Chet Honda ] < Did it get... colder in here? >

The lights dim.

The entrance glows in a thick royal blue . A ghostly strum reverberates, walking foreword, followed by the haunting notes of a single guitar. The twang echoes in a lonesome melody before the song announces itself in a strum. There is nothing.

“This is my least favorite life.
The one where you fly and I don’t.
A kiss holds a million deceits
And a lifetime goes up in smoke.”

As the guitar is rabidly picked, there is movement. With slow, methodical footsteps, a woman stalks through the curtain, her body swaying like stalks in the wind. The upper half of her face is obscured with a strange fabric mask that resembles a perfectly symmetrical moth. At its peak, a rounded labradorite shimmers strangely in the flood of blue. The mask gives way to a large headpiece, decorated with black features and three golden crescent moons which create an arc. Her body is covered in a long sleeved black dress that ends just above her knees and the black leather boots which also have yellow crescent moon designs.

“This is my least favorite you
Who floats far above earth and stone
The nights that I twist on the rack
Is the time that I feel most at home”

Her movements become even more graceful and articulated as she increases her pace, a half-dance of walking and bending and spinning. As she reaches the ring, she wanders to the steps and climbs into the apron, making sure to wipe her boots before stepping through the ropes.

“We're wandering in the shade
And the rustle of fallen leaves
A bird on the edge of a blade
Lost now forever, my love, in a sweet memory”

As the vocals hush and the chorus ends, the woman provides a gentle nod of respect, and her arms bend inward. Her fingers grab each side of the mask as she bends forward. A sea of black and blonde hair obscures her features, and the lights cut out. As the lights return, wild malachite eyes stare at Sarako Jaejong, and a black crescent moon becomes visible on her forehead. Datura warmly smiles, greeting Sarako and Miracle Galaxy Pro.

[ Chet Honda ] < It's her... it's really her! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < DATURA! >

[ Harold Goto ] < But... but, what is she doing here?! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I think that's pretty obvious! >

Sarako Jaejong looks down at the ENDVR Championship in her grasp and then directs her eyes upward at Datura. Datura simply nods and Sarako grits her teeth before composing herself and straightening up... raising the championship over her head... daring Datura to come for it. Tamako Ito watches from her knees on the apron, clutching the framed certificate like she's afraid Datura might take it away from her as well.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < We've long heard rumors that Datura had her eye on the Miracle Galaxy... but after so long, you just have to assume they're just rumors... that there's no fire behind the smoke... but this... this is a five alarm fire and I don't know know if Sarako Jaejong is the one to put it out! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Datura has done it all... the UWA Queen of the Ring, UWF World Champion, Supreme Championship Wrestling Adrenaline Champion and Unsanctioned Champion... and the longest reigning CU:LT Classic Champion of all time! Believe me when I tell you this... THIS IS BIG! >

[ Harold Goto ] < So much success elsewhere and now her sights are set on the ENDVR Championship here in the Miracle Galaxy... only moments ago, we thought Sarako Jaejong might have turned away all her potential contenders but this... this is next level, man. I don't think one could ask for a bigger defense of the championship at next month's anniversary show. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Just when we think this show can't surprise us anymore... something like this happens. Sarako appears to have accepted the challenge and... I just don't know if she understands what she's gotten herself into. >

[ Chet Honda ] < If she doesn't... she'll know by the time the bell rings next month. >

[ Harold Goto ] < God help her. >

Sarako and Datura stand nearly face to face, nose to nose... as we cut to black.
 

Smoke spirals up towards the ceiling.

As the camera pans down, the smoke is revealed to come from a half-smoked cigarette held by an unknown older white gentleman. His hair is snow white, the glasses on his face have thick lenses, and his skin is somewhere between burnt leather and beef jerky.

[ ??? ] Wow! What a match, huh? I cannot believe that person won that surprising match with the unexpected gimmick against that person and-or persons. That’s the kind of action we’ve come to love in Miracle Galaxy Pro!

The man flashes a smile, his mouth filled with pearly-white veneers.

[ ??? ] Howdy, y’all. For those who don’t know me, my name is Lance Gordon, “The Voice of Nashville Wrestling!” When my former place of employment went under, ol' Lance Gordon had nowhere to go. That’s when Harold Gato stepped in and gave Lance Gordon a place to stay, a woman to love, and a warm meal for his belly.

A swarm of young Japanese girls dressed as maids surround him in the background.

[ Lance Gordon ] See, I ain’t never left the good ol’ U.S. of A before today, but that tells you two things: One, Lance Gordon had nowhere to go and he was desperate, and two, Harold Gato’s Wasshoi Winkery is the place to be! That’s why I’m extending you all an invitation to come and enjoy this spectacular and magical place with me!

Lance admires the girls behind him and turns back to the camera.

[ Lance Gordon ] I know what you’re thinkin’, “Lance Gordon, legendary wrestling interviewer, restaurateur, philanthropist, and aspiring State Senator, what in the world is a Wasshoi Winkery?”

He flashes that big smile and points to the camera.

[ Lance Gordon ] Ol’ Lance is glad you asked! In this here cafe, these find young girls are dressed as maids, right? You can enjoy bein’ the focus of their attention as they serve you. At Wasshoi Winkery, you can enjoy a nice cup o' tea, one o' them little cakes shaped like a kitty cat, or even the soft, sensual touch of a generous young girl from a foreign land.

Lance turns and awkwardly strokes the arm of the nearest girl behind him, causing the girl to cringe upon his leathery touch.

[ Lance Gordon ] Now, let me remind you... I ain't familiar with the notion of bein' pampered in such a way... why, when I was a young boy, we was so poor that we couldn't even afford food. My mama would sit me 'n my brothers 'round the supper table and just read us the recipes. My baby brother Errol was hard o' hearin', damn near starved t' death. But I don't wanna dwell on those dark times in Lance Gordon's life, rather I'm here to talk about the enthusiastic helpin' hands found in this fine establishment, owned and operated by Harold Gato and built upon a foundation of prescription pain pills and snow white cocaine, both legal in the land of the rising sun, I hear.

Lance stands to his feet and throws his arms around two of the women.

[ Lance Gordon ] Now, before I bring this sucker home, I got a special message for one Spencer Adams, if you’re watchin’ this here program, ol’ Lance misses you, king. Was an honor to have a ethnically diverse friend in these trying times when the American government is doin' ever'thing they can to divide us. I miss you. Come on down to Japan and maybe I’ll have one of these ladies... fluff your pillow.

He gives a dramatic wink to the camera, which is cut short by someone screaming in Japanese off-camera.

[ Lance Gordon ] Oh, they don’t do that here?

Somehow, Lance Gordon knows Japanese.

[ Lance Gordon ] Anyway, Spencer, come to Japan and we’ll figure it out, ya' hear?

He shrugs, getting back on track with his message.

[ Lance Gordon ] So c’mon down to the Wasshoi Winkery and hang out with me, “The Voice of Nashville Wrestling!” When you get here, tell your maid that ol’ Lance was told by Harold Gato himself to encourage ya'll to come! Creed, color, ethnicity, it don't matter! Ever'body is family here 'cause, just like the COVID-19 hoax, racism never quite made it out this far East. Not a racist in sight, ya'll, just humble and gracious Japanese folk as far as the eye can see! Ya' love t' see it 'n we'd love t' see YOU at the Wasshoi Winkery!

He points to the camera in smiles. The light shimmers off his pearly whites with an audible TING sound as we fade to black, hearing him speak one last time as he thinks the camera is fully turned off.

[ Lance Gordon ] Now, does somebody finally wanna explain to me exactly what the fuck a Winkery is?!
 

03.15.2024

THUNDER PRO WRESTLING
 

We return to the ring.

The room is dead silent.

Saki Housako is standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in her hand. Standing next to her is a short and awkward Asian man wearing a shirt from Dan Flashes, the ones with the complicated designs that cost extra, over a black t-shirt and baggy cargo shorts with flip flops. The man, with long hair hanging down around his shoulders, is holding what looks like an award in both hands. He looks around at the respectfully quiet fans, a shy smile on his face. Smiling, Saki Housako raises the microphone.

[ Saki Housako ] < Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you... a member of the Five Star News Network team -- >

Shutting her eyes, she cries out.

[ Saki Housako ] -- VINNYYYYYYYYYYY LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Shakily, he raises one hand, politely waving at the fans before slightly bowing his head in every direction. Saki Housako looks at him, narrowing her eyes before changing her expression, smiling ear to ear as he turns to face her. She bows politely and hands him the microphone before exiting the ring. He looks out at the fans with wide eyes before clearing his throat obnoxiously and speaking into the microphone.

[ Vinny Li ] Konnichiwa, everyone!

There's some applause. He bows politely... over and over again.

[ Vinny Li ] Arrigato... arrigato!

He finally stops bowing and stands upright. Holding the award in one hand at his side, he continues speaking, keeping it moving.

[ Vinny Li ] I apologize, everyone. That's about the extent of my Japanese and I don't want to disrespect all of you by going any further outside my wheelhouse. However, I do have something very important to announce so please do your best to follow along... unless Miss Housako wants to help me?

He looks over at the ringside area with a hopeful expression on his face. Saki Housako stands and smiles before shaking her head and sitting back down. Vinny smiles awkwardly.

[ Vinny Li ] Great. That's great. Let's do this, then.

He takes a deep breath.

[ Vinny Li ] In English. In front of a Japanese speaking audience.

He clears his throat.

[ Vinny Li ] Earlier this month, the Five Star News Network hosted the Year End awards for Miracle Galaxy Pro and, while it was a great honor to feature those awards on our website behind the criminally inoffensive paywall, I felt it was only right to travel here to Tokyo, Japan so that I could present this final award in person.

He grips the award tightly, shuffling in place as he continues.

[ Vinny Li ] Several months ago, the wrestling community at large suffered a great loss and it's unfortunate to say this, but... there's no way that the void this person left can ever be filled. It's because of this person and everything they've done, the undeniable contributions they've made to professional wrestling and Miracle Galaxy Pro, that I introduce this lifetime achievement award named in their honor --

He holds up the award.

[ Vinny Li ] -- THE ROMERO!

The fans sit in pindrop silence. Someone coughs in a far corner.

[ Vinny Li ] We're still here, Mark, you scamp... and no matter how much longer you choose to spend on this dream vacation you've been on for the last three months and twenty-eight days, we'll never forget everything you've done for us. Anyway, the first recipient of The Romero Lifetime Achievement Award is Bison Kojima.

There's a smattering of applause.

[ Vinny Li ] It's because she died.

He nods and holds the award up.

[ Vinny Li ] I thought it should go to someone still alive because Mark Romero is still alive and it would be cool to see them pose with The Romero together for a photo-op when he comes back from vacation but Satoshi Kato said it had to go to Bison Kojima or he wouldn't pay for my plane ticket. Congratulations, Bison Kojima.

He points up toward the sky.

[ Vinny Li ] You are in heaven!

The lights suddenly dim.

A spotlight lands on the entrance curtain as "Riot" by Dance with the Dead hits over the sound system. Vinny looks confused, lowering the microphone, still holding the award close to his chest. Seconds later, the curtain parts and out steps BIG BOY with LUNA riding on his shoulders. Big Boy stands in front of the curtain for several long seconds as LUNA raises two middle fingers in the air.

[ Harold Goto ] < Uh oh. It's LUNA and fucking Big Boy. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < You know, normally I might encourage someone to run in this kind of situation but... after that speech, just stay right where you are, Vinny. >

[ Chet Honda ] < What's she going to do?! >

Big Boy approaches the apron and allows LUNA to climb off of his shoulders and onto the apron. She glares through the ropes at Vinny before stepping through and entering the ring. She circles him slowly, eyes narrowed, an almost comical sneer on her face. Big Boy watches from ringside.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < LUNA notoriously had a heated rivalry with Mark Romero on the Five Star News Network forum. I can't imagine she has good intentions. >

[ Harold Goto ] < I don't think she's capable -- >

[ Chet Honda ] < -- of hurting him? >

[ Harold Goto ] < No... of having good intentions. >

The music cuts and Vinny Li watches as LUNA eyeballs him. Finally, after a few seconds, he cracks a smile and raises the microphone.

[ Vinny Li ] LUNA! It's you... it's really you!

She stops in her tracks, staring at him from across the ring.

[ Vinny Li ] You're one of Mark's best friends, always e-mailing him those hilarious parody death threats, sending him direct messages with shady links to dark web red room sites, and mailing him those funny yellow packs of green candy designed to look like rat poison.

She doesn't move, simply stares him down.

[ Vinny Li ] It looks so real! I had to throw it out, though. I guess it had gone bad because one of the interns tried it and she got so sick that she hasn't been back to work since!

Still, she doesn't move or say anything.

[ Vinny Li ] You know what... since I know how much your friendship meant to Mark, I can't think of anyone better to accept the first-ever Romero award on Bison Kojima's behalf. Truly, of everyone in this company, it's you who has the purest heart and truly represents everything that Bison Kojima's vision for Miracle Galaxy Pro represented. Please accept this award.

There's a rustling sound off-camera... the sound of a headset being removed at the announce table. LUNA approaches, preparing to take the award from Vinny Li but, just as she puts her hands on it, she's stopped... by EMI FUKUHARA! The fans gasp and begin to applaud as Emi stands between them, a concerned expression on her face. She takes the award from Vinny's hand and looks down at it, allowing her fingertips to trace along the engraved name of Bison Kojima. She turns and takes the microphone from Vinny.

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh damn. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Fuku-chan's relationship with Bison Kojima is one of legend. Years ago, Bison Kojima ended Fuku-chan's career... and it was only shortly before Kojima's death, after Fuku-chan tried to save Kojima from an attack by Gaijin Assault Army, that they finally made amends. I do not think Vinny Li realizes what a mistake he has made. >

She raises the microphone and begins to speak.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] You are... embarrassing yourself.

His jaw drops. He begins muttering "I'm so sorry" over and over. She looks over at LUNA and then out at the fans.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Bison Kojima's memory will not be minimized as a way to honor someone else's name. She means too much to Miracle Galaxy Pro and professional wrestling as a whole for that... and an award bearing her name will never be handed off to Shuko MURDER-gun scum like LUNA. >

She turns and glares at LUNA.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Furthermore -- >

Before she can continue, LUNA lashes out, grabbing Emi Fukuhara by the hair, causing her to drop the microphone! Emi drops The Romero and Vinny scrambles to pick it up before backing up into the corner! LUNA does her best to ragdoll Fukuhara, holding onto her by two handfuls of hair.

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey! HEY, GOD DAMMIT! HER FUCKING NECK! >

[ Chet Honda ] < This is unacceptable! Uncalled for! >

Suddenly, "Lifelight" from Super Smash Brothers Ultimate hits! The fans gasp and begin applauding as NIKKI TENDOU explodes out from behind the curtain and rushes toward the ring in her gear! Sho Masuda follows her out, ready to go!

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, what the fuck!? I WAS JUST ASKING ABOUT HER! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Nikki Tendou! SHE'S BACK! We haven't seen her since Star Crossed Wonderland back in June of 2023 when LUNA and Big Boy injured her, taking her out of action until, well... NOW! >

Tendou slides under the bottom rope and LUNA lets go of Emi Fukuhara! Fukuhara moves out of the way, joining Vinny Li in the corner as LUNA meets Nikki Tendou coming in with a clothesline -- NO! Tendou ducks it and whips LUNA around... RIGHT HAND! RIGHT HAND! RIGHT HAND! LUNA IS STAGGERED! Tendou continues peppering her with punches until Sho Masuda ushers Vinny and Emi out of the ring! Once they're both safely standing at ringside, he turns and calls for the bell to start the match!

REFEREE: Sho Masuda | STIPULATION: None

Vinny Li and Emi Fukuhara watch from ringside as Nikki Tendou backs LUNA into the corner and fires away with lefts and rights! She backs LUNA into the corner and continues hitting her until she covers up! Tendou turns and pumps her fists, all fired up... until she turns back around into an eye rake from LUNA! Tendou staggers out and LUNA hits her in the back with a forearm! Tendou goes down and rolls over onto her back, allowing LUNA to mount her and rain down forearm blows! Tendou covers up and LUNA grabs two handfuls of hair, trying to smash her head against the mat repeatedly!

[ Harold Goto ] < I guess Emi is going to watch this one from the best seat in the house, huh. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She has personal stake in this one, I think. >

LUNA pulls Tendou back to her feet and whips her hard into the ropes. LUNA goes for a clothesline but Tendou ducks underneath it and rebounds... DEVIL TRIGGER! Tendou covers! ONE! TWO! LUNA KICKS OUT! Both women roll back to their feet and charge at one another... colliding in the middle of the ring and trading forearm blows! Tendou backs LUNA into the corner, only for LUNA to take over with a knee lift at the last second! LUNA hooks her... SUPLEX INTO THE CORNER! Tendou lands on her head and neck! LUNA drags her out of the corner and covers! ONE! TWO! TENDOU KICKS OUT!

[ Chet Honda ] < LUNA is doing her best to target the one-injured head and neck of Nikki Tendou... an injury that began in March of 2023 at Straight On 'til Morning when she suffered a nasty fall during a tag team encounter with Jessi Ozborne and Sanada... it became exacerbated when she was hit in the head with a hammer at Approaching the Golden Horizon in April by one of the Heartkillers... and it finally peaked at Star Crossed Wonderland when Big Boy... sat on her head as she tried to save her BUSTER WOLVES tag team partner, Wolf Fang Ayame, from members of Shuko MURDER-gun. >

[ Harold Goto ] < LUNA knows... that if you want to win, you must do what must be done. Sometimes, that means not-so-nice things. >

LUNA pulls Tendou back to her feet and whips her into the ropes. She follows her in, clotheslining her against the ropes. Tendou purses her lips, absorbing the blow before LUNA hits her with a stiff overhead chop! Tendou doubles over as the sound reverberates throughout the arena. LUNA uses her hand to force her to stand upright and hits her again... and then again! She backs Tendou into the ropes and shoots her off -- NO! Tendou reverses it and sends LUNA into the ropes! Tendou goes for a clothesline but LUNA ducks it and rebounds... SPEARING TENDOU OUT OF HER BOOTS! LUNA STACKS HER UP! JACKKNIFE PIN! ONE! TWO! THR -- TENDOU KICKS OUT!

[ Harold Goto ] < She refuses to stay down. She has not come back on this night to lose! >

[ Chet Honda ] < You know she's been training to come back, thinking about LUNA every single moment of every single day! Shuko MURDER-gun has done so much to hurt this woman... Iruma Kaede even defeated her mother at Lightspeed to Kyoto! >

LUNA pulls Tendou back to her feet and brings her in close... SUPLEX -- NO! Tendou slips out behind her! BACKSLIDE PIN! ONE! TWO! THR -- LUNA KICKS OUT! Both women roll back to their feet! LUNA charges... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Tendou ducks underneath! LUNA turns around... DOUBLE PALM THRUST ATTACK! LUNA staggers out and Tendou charges at her... DEVIL TRIGGER -- NO! LUNA moves and Tendou gets tangled up in the ropes! LUNA snatches her by the back of her head... NECKBREAKER OFF THE ROPES! Fed up, LUNA rolls out of the ring and storms around ringside, approaching Vinny and Emi Fukuhara... before snatching The Romero out of Emi's hands! Emi tries to stop her but LUNA rolls under the bottom rope, evading Sho Masuda as he tries to stop her!

[ Chet Honda ] < What's she going to do with The Romero!? >

[ Harold Goto ] < What do you think, huh? This is no longer about winning... it's about putting Nikki Tendou back on the fucking shelf! >

Tendou slowly gets up and LUNA prepares to rush her with the trophy... only for Emi Fukuhara to grab her ankle! LUNA trips and drops The Romero! She turns and glares at Fukuhara, dragging her thumb across her throat and flipping her off before turning around... INTO THE MUSHROOM STOMP OUT OF NOWHERE! Tendou covers, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER
NIKKI TENDOU via PINFALL in 5:48

The fans applaud loudly as Nikki Tendou rolls off of LUNA and scrambles to pick up The Romero. She stands, looking the trophy over as Emi Fukuhara and Vinny Li enter the ring. LUNA rolls to the apron where she's cradled by Big Boy and carried up the aisle, through the curtain. Emi Fukuhara gives Nikki Tendou a quick hug and takes The Romero from her, looking down at it as Vinny Li looks on.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by result of a pinfall and representing COLORS OF VICTORYYYYYY... NIKKIIIIIIII TENDOOOOOOOUUUUUUU! >

Tendou runs to the corner and leaps onto the middle rope, looking out at the fans with a smile on her face. Emi Fukuhara gives Vinny Li and a disappointed look and exits the ring, returning to the announce table. There's a shuffling noise as a headset is returned to its rightful place. Vinny sighs and gently applauds as Tendou continues celebrating around him before turning and looking at him, asking him "what the fuck are you still doing here?"

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Congratulations to Nikki Tendou on a successful return match. Whether she's back full-time or this was just a one-off, it's always good to see the Tendou family thriving in the Miracle Galaxy... especially at LUNA's expense. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I'm just glad you're okay. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Thank you, Honda-san. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, LUNA and Big Boy have been vanquished once again, Nikki Tendou's spirit is riding high, and it looks like we have... a new decoration for the desk? >

Emi nods and places The Romero on the desk in front of her.

[ Chet Honda ] < Congratulations to Nikki Tendou on a tremendous return match... and congratulations to Bison Kojima on earning this prestigious lifetime achievement award. What a night! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Yes... truly, anything can happen. >

The ring is cleared.

The fans have settled down.

Lights dimmed, the camera focuses on the entranceway once again. The silence is abruptly interrupted when "Reborn by Failure" by Skar hits, drawing a loud round of applause from the fans in attendance! Chelsea Skye emerges from the back, a confident look on her face as she looks out at the fans, raising her fists in the air before making her way around the ringside area, ready for action.

[ Harold Goto ] < The Nightmare Angel has arrived! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Indeed! What lies in store for her on this night? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I know what she's hoping for, if nothing else. She has unfinished business with Melissa Tasman. Ever since the Tasmelian Devil betrayed Colors of Victory at Pillars of Creation and cheated to defeat Chelsea at Rainbow Road, she's had her sights set on nothing but revenge... of course, it all comes down to the luck of the draw. >

Chelsea Skye climbs into the ring, walking past Shinji Ohba on her way to the corner before climbing onto the middle rope and looking out at the fans. Skye hops down, a satisfied smile on her face as she posts up in her corner. Her music cuts and silence falls over the room. Seconds later, "I'm Good" by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta hits and the fans begin to boo as Melissa Tasman emerges from the back, a confident smile on her face. She stands in front of the curtain, eyes locked on Chelsea Skye.

[ Chet Honda ] < It... it IS Melissa Tasman! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh wow... this... almost seems a little too convenient, right? >

[ Harold Goto ] < Mm... I don't know. You might have thought Xia Layne versus Kasey Vex was too convenient before that street fight twist was put on it. What might Kato Satoshi and Linda Reeve have up their sleeve for these two, eh? >

Melissa Tasman climbs onto the apron and leaps through the ropes, executing a forward roll and springing up to her feet in the middle of the ring, arms thrown out to her sides, smiling ear to ear. Chelsea Skye looks absolutely repulsed. Tasman turns and sets her eyes on the Nightmare Angel, her rival, before backing up into her own corner. The boos and a smattering of applause die down as her music cuts.

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, let's hear it, Saki-chan. >

Unexpectedly, "King" hits and the fans begin applauding and cheering loudly as Azumi Typhoon steps through the curtain with the Lightspeed Championship around her waist! She stands in front of the curtain and flexes as the fans gasp and applaud before walking toward the ring with her fist raised, ready for combat!

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, well.... this is unexpected, yes. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Azumi Typhoon, the reigning Lightspeed Champion is on her way to the ring right now! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She won the championship back at Rainbow Road in November, defeating Wolf Fang Ayame for the honor. One month later at Triumphant Final Impact, she defeated Melissa Tasman in her first defense. She's proven she's willing to take on all-comers and tonight she might just have her hands full with Melissa Tasman and Chelsea Skye! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Of course, she will have an advantage in the fact that those two will be far more interested in each other than the championship, most likely. >

Azumi Typhoon climbs into the ring and unsnaps the title from around her waist, holding it over her head and walking right up to Melissa Tasman, holding the title up in her face before turning and doing the same to Chelsea Skye. Typhoon slaps the title on the center plate and turns to back up into her corner as Satoshi Kato enters the ring, taking the championship from Typhoon with a polite bow. Typhoon's music cuts and a hush falls over the crowd. However, as soon as Kato reaches the center of the ring... "The Perfect Girl (Retro/Synthwave Mix)" by The Motion hits! The fans stand and begin applauding loudly as Black Tora explodes from the back, shrieking aloud and pumping her fists as she stands in front of the curtain, an excited look on her face!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh my goodness! Is it a fatal four way? A four corner survival? Either way, Black Tora is here and, gentlemen, she looks ready to fight! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Black Tora has been on something of a losing streak for the last several months, barely even surviving steel cage warfare last month against Gaijin Assault Army. She know she's looking to put that abysmal 2023 behind her with a victory tonight. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Her energy is infectious... look at the talent in this match! Incredible! >

Black Tora rushes to the ring and leaps onto the apron before launching onto the top rope, springboarding off and landing in the middle of the ring, executing a forward roll before hopping onto the middle rope and MOONSAULTING back into the center, perfectly executing the SUPERHERO LANDING! The fans cheer loudly as Tora rises and removes her entrance jacket, throwing it aside and backing up into the final empty corner in the ring. Satoshi Kato nods, preparing to bring everyone in for the photo opportunity before --

-- “Tot Musica” by Ado hits!

The fans seem confused at first... before beginning to boo loudly as SHINOBU TSUTSUMI STEPS THROUGH THE CURTAIN! Tsutsumi looks out at the fans, scowling... only for the boos to become even louder as Shiori Shuko follows her out, a smug expression on her face!

[ Harold Goto ] < Okay, so this... this is actually unexpected. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Tsutsumi Shinobu of House Tsutsumi is BACK! The first and longest reigning Love Song of Violence Champion in the company's history... we thought we had seen the last of her after she didn't come back from Battles Without Honor or Humanity! I... I'm so confused... what's going on!? >

[ Chet Honda ] < Long considered the general of Shuko MURDER-gun, she lost her championship to Maya back in October and we haven't seen her since because of a... presumed shift in power within Shuko MURDER-gun thanks to the Heartkillers. There have been so many rumors about her fate that even if the most tame rumors were true... I'm genuinely shocked to see her back, let alone standing to Shuko Shiori! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Clearly, Shuko-san is giving her another chance... and it makes sense. For a long time, Tsutsumi was one of her most successful soldiers while the Shuko MURDER-gun faction basically had a revolving door of talent. Now, we just need to figure out what this is that we're about to witness. >

Shuko stays behind, turning and leaving through the curtain as Tsutsumi makes her way down and climbs into the ring, shedding her entrance robe before kneeling in the center of the ring. She looks from one corner of the other, disdain on her face. Satoshi Kato steps away, standing next to the ropes as Tsutsumi finishes her entrance. Kato returns to the center of the ring and gestures for the rest of the competitors to join him. Azumi Typhoon stands directly to his left with Black Tora and Chelsea Skye standing next to her. On the other side, Melissa Tasman and Shinobu Tsutsumi stand, staring straight ahead.

[ Chet Honda ] < What a collection of talent. >

Satoshi Kato hands the championship to Shinji Ohba and exits the ring. Ohba holds the title overhead and then hands it through the ropes to Seraphina, who carries it over to Saki Housako's table. Each competitor goes to their respective corners except for the odd woman out, Tsutsumi, who kneels next to the ropes, looking from one competitor to the other as Saki Housako begins to speak.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest is set for one fall and it is a SCRAMBLE MATCH... FOR THE LIGHTSPEED CHAMPIONSHIPPPPPPP! >

The fans applaud loudly!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The last time we saw a Lightspeed Scramble was August's Without Equal event where Wolf Fang Ayame survived four other competitors to become the first champion! That match also featured Tasman and Skye! >

All five competitors look good to go. Typhoon wrings her hands together anxiously, ready to fight.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first... from Chicago, Illinois... she is the award winning star of Deeper by the Dozen and Sophie's Anal Choice... representing COLORS OF VICTORY! NIGHTMARE ANGEL... CHELSEAAAAAA SKYYYYYYYYYYYYYE! >

Chelsea Skye stomps out into the center of the ring, arms out at her sides, a confident expression on her face. Eyeing Melissa Tasman, she returns to her corner.

[ Saki Housako ] < From El Paso, Texas... representing GAIJIN ASSAULT ARMY... THE TASMELIAN DEVIL... MELISSAAAAAA TASSSSMANNNN! >

Melissa Tasman falls forward onto her hands and flips all the way over onto her feet, springing into the center of the ring before raising her finger in the air, pointing up at the ceiling with a confident smile on her face. She turns, slinging her hair in Chelsea Skye's direction before returning to her corner.

[ Saki Housako ] < From Tokyo, City... representing the BLACK DAHLIA LEGACY... BLACKKKKKKKKKKK TOOOOOORAAAAAAAAAA! >

Black Tora spins out into the center of the ring, arms outstretched, smiling from ear to ear. She winks and offers a salute to the fans before turning and going back to her corner.

[ Saki Housako ] < From ,Onigashima, Megijima, Japan... representing SHUKO MURDER-GUN... she is the first-ever and longest reigning REQUIEM Love Song of Violence Champion... TSUTSUMIIIIIIIII SHIIIIINOOOOOOBUUUUUUuuuuuUUuuuuuuUUUU! >

Tsutsumi crawls to the center of the ring, resting on her knees and looking up at the ceiling with an almost entranced look on her face. She pushes herself up and stands, head down, eyes directed out toward the fans... a look of disdain beneath her mask. She turns and looks at Azumi Typhoon, making the title belt motion around her waist menacingly before going to all fours and scrambling back to her place against the ropes.

[ Saki Housako ] < And finally, the reigning and defending LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION... from Sapporo, Japan and representing GALAXY DEFENSE FORCE... AZUMIIIIII TYYYPHOOOoooOOON! >

The fans applaud loudly as Typhoon stomps out into the center of the ring and flexes, puffing her chest out. As the applause dies down, Shinji Ohba calls for the bell to begin the match... AND ALL FOUR OF HER OPPONENTS CHARGE FROM THEIR POSITIONS AND DROPKICK HER AT THE SAME TIME!

REFEREE: Shinji Ohba | STIPULATION: Single Fall

Typhoon goes down and instantly roll to the floor! Melissa Tasman immediately nails Chelsea Skye with a superkick, sending her staggering back into a nearby corner! Tasman follows her in... CORNER SPLASH! Black Tora and Shinobu Tsutsumi immediately begin trading forearm blows before Tsutsumi takes over with a knee lift and whips Tora hard into the corner! Tsutsumi follows her in but Tora kicks off the top rope... BYAKKO FLIP! She lands behind Tsutsumi as she crashes chest first into the corner and catches her from behind... BYAKKO SUPLEX OUT OF NOWHERE! Tora covers! ONE! TWO! AZUMI TYPHOON BREAKS IT UP AT THE LAST SECOND!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < We almost saw a new champion, just like that! >

[ Harold Goto ] < I told you Tasman and Skye would be too concerned with one another to care about the championship! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The united front at the beginning to neutralize Azumi Typhoon was smart but it clearly did not take her out of the equation for long. If it had, I think Black Tora might be the champion right now! Talk about Lightspeed! >

Azumi pulls Tora off of Tsutsumi and throws her into the corner before hitting her with a series of body blows. Tora covers up and Typhoon responds by pulling her in and lifting her up... BUCKLE BOMB! Tora rebounds out of the corner and Typhoon is waiting on her... boot to the stomach... ABSOLUTE ZERO BOMB -- NO! Black Tora wriggles free, landing on her feet and turning before dropkicking Typhoon in the back, sending her chest first across the middle rope! Black Tora hits the ropes... 81-3 TIGER FEINT KICK! The impact sends Azumi Typhoon straight back up to her feet where Shinobu Tsutsumi is disoriented yet lying in wait... MASTER SWORD! Typhoon goes down and Tsutsumi covers! ONE! BLACK TORA BREAKS IT UP WITH THE DOUBLE STOMP -- NO! Tsutsumi moves and Typhoon gets all of it! Typhoon rolls to the apron and Tsutsumi rises... PALM STRIKE UPPERCUT TO BLACK TORA! Tora spins out and Tsutsumi hooks her from behind... HELMAROC SUPLEX! She bridges it! ONE! TWO! MELISSA TASMAN BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Harold Goto ] < Tsutsumi almost had it, man! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Can you imagine... if Tsutsumi Shinobu returned and immediately won the Lightspeed Championship? That would certainly replenish her favor within Shuko MURDER-gun! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I don't want to imagine Tsutsumi holding gold in this company again. >

Tasman pulls Tsutsumi off of Tora and whips her into the corner. As soon as she makes impact, Chelsea Skye comes in out of here with a CORNER SPLASH! She guides Tsutsumi out for a BULLDOG -- NO! Tasman nails Skye with a SUPERKICK! Skye staggers back into the corner and Tsutsumi wanders forward into a boot to the stomach... SNAP SUPLEX FROM TASMAN! She rolls through... ANOTHER SUPLEX! AND ANOTHER! Tasman kips up and rushes to the corner, perching on the top rope! TASMELIAN DEVILLLLL -- NO! Tsutsumi moves! Tasman anticipates it and lands on her feet, executing a forward roll before rising and walking right into a boot from Azumi Typhoon! ABSOLUTE ZERO BOMMMMMMMMB INTO THE CORNER, SANDWICHING CHELSEA SKYE AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLES! Black Tora charges in out of nowhere... BYAKKO FLIP, KICKING OFF TASMAN'S CHEST! Tasman staggers out... INTO A SPEAR FROM TYPHOON! Typhoon covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- BLACK TORA PULLS TYPHOON OFF! Typhoon stands and shoves Black Tora! Black Tora shoves her back! Tora sneers and pie faces Typhoon! Typhoon huffs and puffs and turns, violently shoving Black Tora... RIGHT INTO CHELSEA SKYE'S PATH! SLINGBLADE! FOR JUSTIN! Tora goes down and Typhoon grabs Skye by her gear, throwing her through the ropes to the floor! Typhoon covers Tora! ONE! TWO! TORA KICKS OUT! Typhoon pulls Tora back to her feet and whips her around... ICE DRAGON SUPLEX! She bridges the final German! ONE! TWO! THR -- BLACK TORA KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Azumi Typhoon is pulling out all the stops! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Chelsea Skye is outside the ring... Melissa Tasman is neutralized... Tsutsumi is down! If ever there was an opportunity for Azumi Typhoon to make a statement and keep her championship, this is it! >

[ Harold Goto ] < She needs to do something sooner or later. There's only ten minutes to get the job done and those precious moments are ticking away! >

Azumi Typhoon scrambles back to her feet and pulls Tora up behind her... Tora immediately nails her with a PALM STRIKE UPPERCUT and falls to one knee before thrusting her with both hands in the mid-section! Typhoon staggers out and Tora rises, turning and hitting the ropes... SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO TYPHOON! Typhoon goes flying back into a seated position in the corner! Black Tora charges... BASEMENT DROPKICK! She rolls back to her feet and is immediately grabbed from behind by Shinobu Tsutsumi! HELMAROC -- NO! Black Tora slips free and hops up, throwing herself into a wheelbarrow position around Tsutsumi's waist and flipping forward, sending Tsutsumi sprawling forward into Typhoon in the corner! Lying face to face, Tora rises and runs a circle around the ring... RUNNING DOUBLE STOMP TO TSUTSUMI'S BACK! Tsutsumi rolls to the apron and Black Tora pulls Typhoon out of the corner! She covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- TASMAN BREAKS THE PIN! Tasman pulls Tora off of Typhoon and throws her through the ropes! Tasman covers Typhoon! ONE! TWO! TYPHOON POWERS OUT! Tasman can't believe it! Typhoon rises to one knee as Tasman advances -- NO! CHELSEA SKYE PULLS TASMAN OUT OF THE RING!

[ Chet Honda ] < Chelsea Skye is taking it outside! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Again, they're more concerned with each other! Chelsea Skye demands her revenge! She wants her pound of flesh... and coincidentally, A Pound of Flesh is one of her more artistic films, I hear. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh god, stop. >

Tasman immediately hits Skye with a forearm! Skye staggers out and then turns, hitting Tasman with a big right hand! They tie up and stagger against the rail, fighting with one another, throwing short punches and forearms before Skye takes over with a knee lift and plants Tasman in the aisle with a snap suplex! The fans gasp and applaud as Skye rolls through and pulls Tasman to her feet, guiding her through the curtain... away from the ring! Typhoon rubs the back of her head and slowly stands before turning around... INTO A SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK FROM BLACK TORA! Azumi Typhoon goes flying, coming to a stop with her shoulders against the bottom turnbuckle. Tora springs back to her feet and gets a running start... BASEMENT DROPKICK CLEAN THROUGH TYPHOON! Black Tora lands on her feet on the floor, spinning out and pumping her fists... before turning right around into a SUICIDE DIVE FROM TSUTSUMI! Both women crash into the rail and land in a heap on the floor! Shinji Ohba looks horrified as he looks over the top rope, waiting for either of them to move.

[ Harold Goto ] < That impact... it was something else. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Azumi Typhoon has an opportunity to recover, at least. >

[ Chet Honda ] < There's not much time left... she must recover soon, if so. >

Tsutsumi stirs first, using the rail to pull herself up. Grabbing a handful of Black Tora's mask, she guides her back to her feet. The fans gasp as Tsutsumi turns, looking up just in time to see Azumi Typhoon climbing the turnbuckles... BEFORE JUMPING! DIVING CROSSBODY TO TORA AND TSUTSUMI! Typhoon rolls clean through, coming to a stop on the other side of her opponents! Tsutsumi and Tora are both motionless! Typhoon rises to her feet, pumping her fists and rallying the fans behind her before she takes Tsutsumi by the mask, throwing her under the bottom rope and following her in. Tsutsumi struggles back to her feet and Typhoon knocks her down with a stiff clothesline. She pulls Tsutsumi up to her knees and begins clubbing her violently across the chest from behind... BEFORE BLACK TORA COMESOUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK! Typhoon gets all of it straight in the face! Black Tora springs back to her feet and turns... RIGHT AROUND INTO THE MASTER SWORD FROM TSUTSUMI! Tora tumbles through the ropes to the floor! Tsutsumi turns and bends over to pick up Typhoon... but Typhoon pulls her down into a SMALL PACKAGE! ONE! TWO! TSUTSUMI ROLLS IT OVER! ONE! TWO! THR -- TYPHOON KICKS OUT! Both women roll back to their feet and charge at one another! Typhoon goes for a clothesline -- NO! Tsutsumi ducks underneath and whips Typhoon around... HEADBUTT! Typhoon crumples to the mat and Tsutsumi falls on top of her! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER & NEW CHAMPION
SHINOBU TSUTSUMI via PINFALL in 9:48

The fans gasp and begin booing as Shinobu rolls off of Typhoon and rises to her knees, raising her fist in the air... a noticeable bulge in the front of her mask. Liberty Dare rolls into the ring with the Lightspeed Championship and offers it to Tsutsumi, who snatches it away from. Tsutsumi smiles evilly and raises the championship overhead as Spider Saya enters the ring with a trophy, placing it next to her. Azumi Typhoon lays flat on her back, both hands covering her face, visibly knocked silly by the headbutt.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by result of a pinfall, representing Shuko MURDER-gun... AND NEWWWWWWWWW LIGHTSPEED CHAMPIONNNNNN, TSUTSUMIIIIIIII SHIIIIINOOOOOOOOBUUUUUUUUUUUU! >

Tsutsumi stands, placing the championship on her shoulder and raising the trophy in the air as Azumi Typhoon is helped out of the ring, visible bruising appearing over her eye. Black Tora leans on the apron, having only been a second away from diving in to break the pin before the three count landed. Disappointed, Tora heads for the curtain and, seconds later, Azumi Typhoon is helped to the back by IZANAMI students.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Tsutsumi is back... and now she's the Lightspeed Champion. Again, we have to deal with her and her underhanded tactics under the banner of Shuko MURDER-gun. I can't prove it but I know she slipped something into the mask before she hit Azumi Typhoon with that disgusting headbutt. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, now... you can't prove anything, okay? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Look at the bulge in her mask! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Clearly, that is swelling from the headbutt. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Clearly, you're only seeing what you want to see. >

[ Harold Goto ] < That is the story of my life, sure. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Whether we like it or not... the Lightspeed division is now ACCURSED! Where do we go from here? >

We fade out on a shot of Tsutsumi raising the championship in the air with a diabolical smile on her face.
 

VALKYRIE WRESTLING
 

We return to the arena.

The lights are dimmed... a single blue spotlight shines down on the ring.

The IZANAMI students have decorated the ring with small scale skyscrapers, smaller buildings, toy cars... there's an entire miniature city in the ring. Kat Miyao stands outside the ring, leaning on the apron and staring across the toy skyline as though she hates herself, questioning what she may have done wrong in her life that's led her to this point.

There's murmuring, a smatter of applause as the fans lay their eyes on the miniature city in the ring. Everyone wonders aloud what might be about to occur... what unlucky souls might have been chosen to do battle in this unorthodox combat arena.

[ Harold Goto ] < Huh, interesting. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I... don't know if I like the look of this. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Don't you understand? It's a little city! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That much is apparent. >

[ Chet Honda ] < It makes the girls look big! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Why does that excite you so much, huh? >

[ Chet Honda ] < THEY'LL LOOK SO BIG! >

Emi audibly sighs as the lights come up and the camera focuses on the entrance curtain. The fans continue murmuring, the room buzzing with electricity as the camera continues to dwell on the curtain. Finally, after several long moments... "Out of the Black" by Royal Blood hits, drawing a loud gasp from the fans followed by loud applause. Jack Sullivan steps through the curtain in her gear and a sleeveless Black Dahlia Legacy t-shirt. She looks around at the fans before turning her back to them and facing the curtain.

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, they'll look big alright... but not because of some fucking toy city, okay? Jack Sullivan is one of the biggest competitors on the roster. Someone knew what they were doing when they put this match together. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Jack Sullivan, the winner of the 2023 Intrepid Odyssey match! She defeated forty-nine other competitors to become the Grand Champion and earn a shot at Costanza Caponata's Interstellar Dream Championship. While she fell short at November's Rainbow Road event, she's made it no secret that she is far from finished in her pursuit for the most important prize in joshi wrestling! >

[ Chet Honda ] < I'm so excited for this... we've never seen anything like it in the Miracle Galaxy! >

Sullivan turns and points out at the fans before beginning to make her way down to the ring. Stopping at the apron, she looks across the miniature cityscape and shakes her head before hopping onto the apron and climbing through the ropes. Carefully, she looks around the ring and makes her way to the corner, looking out at the fans with a confident look on her face.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I would say that she's looking for a big win tonight to rebound from Steel Cage Warfare last month but... who knows what's waiting in the wings for her this evening. >

Sullivan's music cuts and she hops down from the turnbuckles, removing her t-shirt and throwing it outside the ring, blanketing Liberty Dare's head. Sullivan wrings her hands together, ready to go as the camera pivots and focuses on the curtain. The lights dim... "Faceshopper (Gorgo Mix)" by Sophie hits and the fans groan before beginning to boo. The curtain parts and Yelena Gorgo steps out with wild eyes and a smile creeping from ear to ear.

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh shit, man. >

[ Chet Honda ] < GORGO IS HERE! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is going to be hard-hitting. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Look at them! Look at the little city! THEY'LL LOOK SO HUGE! >

[ Harold Goto ] < They ARE huge, you moron! >

Gorgo begins slowly stalking toward the ring, eyes locked on Sullivan. She reaches the ringside area before methodically making her way up the steps and walking across the apron. She turns and looks out at the fans before climbing onto the middle turnbuckle from outside, looking down on Sullivan in the middle of the ring. Gorgo's smile becomes impossibly bigger as she steps over the top rope and then hops down into the ring. Gorgo looks around at the city surrounding her and sneers.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < What a match this is... what a fight this is going to be... wow. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Yelena Gorgo has been impressive since debuting back at Rainbow Road. She's the biggest competitor on the roster, only narrowly edging out Jack Sullivan. Ruthless and aggressive, too. Just one month ago, we saw her defeat Karlie Nash in one-on-one competition and it looks like she's hoping to continue her streak of knocking down the biggest competitors in the game! >

[ Harold Goto ] < She's been a loyal member of Gaijin Assault Army since coming aboard. It will be interesting to see how the never-ending rivalry between Gaijin Assault Army and Black Dahlia Legacy factors into this. Jack Sullivan will want a dominant victory to avenge what happened at Triumphant Final Impact. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < And Yelena Gorgo will want a dominant victory after what happened to Elizabeth Jones earlier tonight... at the hands of her own faction members. >

[ Chet Honda ] < If Jack Sullivan wants to get back on track toward the Interstellar Dream, beating Yelena Gorgo could set her on that path. However, if Yelena Gorgo wants the same... there's not many better than Jack Sullivan to begin her journey. >

Gorgo's music cuts. Both women go to their corners. Kat Miyao remains outside the ring, standing next to Saki Housako. Saki raises her microphone and begins to speak.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest... IS A KAIJU BIG BATTEL MATCH! >

The fans cheer and applaud.

[ Saki Housako ] < The only way to win is throw your opponent from the ring... where both feet must touch the floor. >

Sullivan rolls her eyes. Gorgo is too focused on the task at hand, seemingly overjoyed with herself for some reason, to show any reaction to what was just announced.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and representing the Black Dahlia Legacy... she is the Grand Champion of the 2023 Intrepid Odyssey match... JACKKKKKKKK SULLIVANNNNN! >

The fans applaud loudly as Sullivan steps out into the center of the ring. Flashbulbs go off as she raises her fists in the air before turning and returning to her corner.

[ Saki Housako ] < And her opponent... from Chisinau, Moldova and representing Gaijin Assault Army... she is THE WOMAN WHO LAUGHS... YELENAAAAAAA GOORRRRRRGOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! >

Gorgo stomps out into the center of the ring and tilts her head back, looking up at the ceiling with an ecstatic look on her face. There's a smattering of applause along with boos scattered about Korakuen Hall. Slowly, she turns her head to look over at Sullivan and then returns to her corner.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Sullivan versus Gorgo... Gaijin Assault Army versus Black Dahlia Legacy... Kaiju Big Battel? The only way to win is to throw your opponent out of the ring where both feet must touch the floor -- >

[ Chet Honda ] < -- the city! You must throw them from the city! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Yes... of course. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Well, there is a first time for everything, I suppose. >

From outside, Kat Miyao calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Kat Miyao | STIPULATION: Over the Top Rope Rules

There's noticeable electricity in the air.

Neither woman moves to start, both standing in their corners, staring across the miniature cityscape laid out in front of them, eyes locked on one another. The fans stand and begin to clap, rallying behind each competitor. Yelena Gorgo smirks as Jack Sullivan moves first, carefully stepping around the skyscrapers at her feet as Gorgo then does the same. Neither woman getting the memo about the type of match they're in... neither appearing to register the ridiculousness of the situation. Without warning, Yelena Gorgo charges across the ring, knocking a couple buildings down and leaping at Sullivan, an amused sneer on her face. Sullivan sidesteps the move and Gorgo goes chest first into the top turnbuckle, giving herself enough bounce for Sullivan to pivot and hook her under the legs, launching her over the top rope and onto the apron. Eyes wide, Gorgo rights herself and hangs onto the top rope. Sullivan advances and Gorgo throws her leg high, connecting with Sullivan's temple, causing her to stagger out and trip over one of the buildings, falling to one knee and allowing Gorgo to step back in through the ropes.

[ Harold Goto ] < That was almost over very quickly! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The first woman to be thrown from the ring will lose the match... and that was almost Yelena Gorgo within literal moments of the opening bell. Can you imagine how she might have reacted? >

[ Chet Honda ] < I think I might have just left the ringside area in that case. >

Sullivan pushes herself up to her feet and Gorgo nails her from behind with a clothesline, knocking her down to all fours. Gorgo wastes no time, pummeling Sullivan across the back with vicious forearm blows before taking a step back and kicking her hard in the side, causing her to roll over onto a row of buildings, crushing them beneath her. Gorgo reaches down and grabs Sullivan by the hair... prompting Sullivan to kick straight up into Gorgo's head, sending her staggering into the ropes. Sullivan rises and charges toward the ropes... only for Gorgo to come alive and snatch her mid-sprint and flings her over the top rope with a JUDO THROW! Sullivan lands hard on the apron and barely catches herself, grabbing onto the middle rope and holding on with one leg dangling as Gorgo turns and begins putting the boots to her! Sullivan hangs on, fighting through the onslaught until she's got her feet underneath her. Gorgo kicks her in the face through the ropes and then snatches a handful of hair. She pulls Sullivan in and tries to hoist her up in a suplex position to drop her straight down onto the floor... but Sullivan blocks it and tries to suplex Gorgo to the outside! Gorgo wraps her leg around the middle rope, blocking that attempt. Sullivan begins clubbing Gorgo repeatedly until she lets go and backs up. Sullivan runs to the corner and climbs the turnbuckles, instantly leaping off... DIVING DOUBLE AXE HANDLE -- NO! Gorgo catches her around the waist... RELEASE OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX INTO A ROW OF BUILDINGS!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The strength of Yelena Gorgo is unparalleled! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Has Jack Sullivan finally met her match in terms of size and strength? >

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, man, look at her back. >

Sullivan rolls over into a seated position, giving the camera a good look at her bruised up back. The buildings appear to be made of a combination of hard plastic and cardboard. Sullivan's lips are pursed, clearly pushing through the pain as she begins to turn over. Gorgo approaches, catching her by the head... only for Sullivan to grab Gorgo by the front of her gear and pull her down face first into the middle turnbuckle! Sullivan rises and hits the ropes, returning to the corner with a STIFF RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE BACK! Leaving her knee in place, Sullivan grabs onto the top rope with both hands and begins driving her knee hard into Gorgo's back repeatedly before letting go and snatching a handful of hair. She whips Gorgo around... SNAP SUPLEX! Gorgo rises into a seated position with a couple die cast metal cars clinging to her back. Sullivan takes her by the hair and pulls her head back... before reaching over her shoulder and clubbing her repeatedly in the chest with overhead forearm blows! Gorgo grits her teeth and takes it before Sullivan yanks her straight up and grabs her around the waist... RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! More buildings collapse beneath their weight and both women rise to seated positions with new bruises and abrasions on their backs. Gorgo huffs and puffs, using the ropes to pull herself up as Sullivan rolls over onto all fours and pushes herself back up to her feet.

[ Harold Goto ] < Those tiny structures are doing a number on the flesh of these two warriors. Who designed this shit, huh? It's designed to tear and puncture. I don't like it. This is not a deathmatch. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It doesn't matter what kind of match it is, Goto-san. An encounter between these two, even without their faction affiliations, was never going to be pretty. >

[ Chet Honda ] < This is true, yes. >

Sullivan turns and sees Gorgo standing... and charges! She clotheslines Gorgo against the ropes! Gorgo hangs onto the top rope, refusing to go over. Sullivan positions herself underneath and tries to lift Gorgo over but Gorgo pummels her across the back with forearm blows until she lets go. Sullivan takes a step back and Gorgo lunges at her... only for Sullivan to catch her underneath her arm... URANAGE SUPLEX ONTO HER KNEE! Gorgo bounces off Sullivan's knee and Sullivan rises, backing into the corner. She watches as Gorgo struggles back to her feet and charges... RUNNING NECKBREAKER! Both women lie still for a moment... UNTIL SULLIVAN KIPS UP! The fans gasp and applaud as Sullivan points down at Gorgo and reaches down to seize her by two handfuls of hair. Gorgo follows her up and Sullivan hoists her onto her shoulder in a POWERSLAM position! She runs for the ropes... but Gorgo slips out behind her and shoves her forward into the ropes! Sullivan rebounds and Gorgo is waiting... FLOAT OVER NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! She hangs on, landing another... AND THEN ANOTHER! Sullivan is visibly disoriented as Gorgo pulls her back off the mat... ONLY FOR SULLIVAN TO NAIL HER WITH A STIFF RIGHT HAND! Gorgo looks surprised by the impact and falls to one knee before Sullivan holds her hand up, revealing she had a couple die cast cars in her fist! Clenching her fist again, she nails Gorgo with another stiff punch!

[ Harold Goto ] < These women are utilizing their entire environment to maintain an advantage. Who would have ever imagined we might see someone use a toy car as a weapon, huh? >

[ Chet Honda ] < Especially one of these specific competitors! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < In this business, you do what you have to do to win! >

Sullivan discards the toy cars and grabs Gorgo by the head, guiding her back to her feet. She hits Gorgo with a stiff forearm and throws her over the top rope! Gorgo lands on the apron, barely hanging onto the top rope. Sullivan tries to forearm her off of the apron but Gorgo hangs on. Frustrated, Sullivan turns and hits the ropes, rebounds... and runs right into a LARIAT FROM GORGO! Sullivan turns inside out and Gorgo snatches her up, turns, and flings her over the top rope! Sullivan grabs onto the middle rope and swings her legs back onto the apron just as Gorgo approaches! Gorgo grabs Sullivan by the hair and pulls her back to her chest, clubbing her repeatedly across the chest, trying to force her to lose her grip on the ropes... until Sullivan manages to throw her head back and catch Gorgo in the face! Gorgo staggers out and Sullivan turns... JUST AS GORGO CHARGES, UNFAZED, AND BOOTS HER CLEAR IN THE FACE! Sullivan goes flat on her back and rolls underneath the bottom rope as Gorgo snaps and aggressively begins stomping away at her!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh no, I think that headbutt to the face might have triggered some kind of... reaction from Yelena Gorgo! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's snapped! >

[ Harold Goto ] < I... I don't think this is a side of Gorgo we've seen yet. >

Gorgo pulls Sullivan off the mat and throws her into the corner before drilling her with forearms and kicks followed by right hands as Sullivan does her best to cover up. Gorgo snatches her wrists and forces them down before nailing her with a stiff boot to the sternum! Sullivan is knocked fully upright against the turnbuckles. Gorgo goes for a big punch but Sullivan ducks underneath it and Gorgo spins out, ending up with her back to the turnbuckles! Sullivan turns and Gorgo pushes off the top rope with arms, kicking Sullivan in the chest with both feet forward! Sullivan staggers back and falls into a row of buildings. Scrambling to all fours as Gorgo advances... ONLY FOR SULLIVAN TO RISE AND NAILS HER ACROSS THE FACE WITH A SKYSCRAPER! Gorgo staggers out and Sullivan stays on her, whipping her hard across the back with the skyscraper until it comes apart in her hands! Gorgo falls to one knee and holds onto the middle rope as Sullivan charges... RUNNING BOOT TO THE FACE! Gorgo absorbs it and comes alive, gripping Sullivan and lifting her over the top rope! Sullivan hangs onto the top rope, refusing to go over! Frantically, Sullivan hits Gorgo in the head, hammer punching her before fish hooking the corner of her mouth! Gorgo wrenches her head free and lets go, allowing to Sullivan to fall back into the ring, breathing heavily!

[ Harold Goto ] < As ridiculous as this match is, neither woman is willing to give an inch. They're willing to do whatever it takes to win. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Who can blame them... they want to make the most of the hand they've been dealt. To do that, you must fight. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Well, they're doing just that... and they're not finished! >

Gorgo turns and charges at Sullivan, enraged! Sullivan cuts her off with a boot to the mid-section and pulls her in... BURNING STARCRASH -- NO! Gorgo grabs onto the top rope and Sullivan presses her up and over! Gorgo lands on the apron and hits Sullivan with a big forearm! Sullivan staggers out and Gorgo climbs back into the ring. Sullivan turns... JUDO THROW FROM GORGO! The momentum sends Sullivan over into a seated position and Gorgo reaches down... picking up a jagged piece of plastic train track! She grabs Sullivan by the hair and digs it into her forehead, drawing blood! Sullivan grits her teeth and pivots, managing to get her legs out from underneath her and pull Gorgo down into a flash pin predicament! Gorgo immediately kicks out and scrambles back to her feet as Sullivan does the same, staggering against the ropes and touching her forehead, seeing her fingers come away wet! Gorgo pounds her chest and charges! Sullivan ducks a clothesline and Gorgo hits the ropes and rebounds... BICYCLE KICK FROM GORGO -- NO! Sullivan ducks underneath that and finds her back to the ropes! Gorgo turns and Sullivan scoops her up... BURNING STARCRASH -- NO! Gorgo slips out behind her and whips her around! Sullivan goes for a clothesline and Gorgo ducks it! Gorgo turns and whips Sullivan around... KIKKUDEMONNNNNNNNNNN -- NO! Sullivan ducks it and hooks Gorgo underneath her leg, causing her to straddle the top rope! Sullivan springs to action and clotheslines her clear over to the floor! Kat Miyao calls for the bell!

WINNER
JACK SULLIVAN in 8:33

The fans applaud loudly... but Sullivan doesn't have a second to celebrate before she's attacked from behind by MARISOL VILARO! The fans gasp and begin to boo as Vilaro picks up one of the skyscrapers and busts it across Sullivan's back, knocking her down chest first over the middle rope! Gorgo grabs Sullivan by the head, drilling her with repeated forearm blows before choking her violently across the middle rope!

[ Harold Goto ] < This isn't good. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That's Marisol Vilaro! She's here to help her friend... and it looks like Gaijin Assault Army has found a new soldier for this war they're waging on the rest of the Miracle Galaxy! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Just when you think nothing new can come of this battle between Black Dahlia Legacy and Gaijin Assault Army, the rules completely change! >

Suddenly, the curtain parts and Veronica Cain emerges from the back with a wooden folding chair! She splinters it across Gorgo's back, dropping her to her knees in the process! Cain rolls under the bottom rope and tackles Marisol Vilaro into the tiny skyline with an audible crunch! She punches and forearms away at Vilaro until she wriggles frees and rolls under the bottom rope, running around the ringside area and finding Gorgo. Gorgo wants to get back in the ring but Vilaro backs her up, walking her back toward the curtain as Cain checks on Sullivan.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Thank goodness for Veronica Cain. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Veronica Cain... she is collecting Gaijin Assault Army scalps tonight, it appears. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's looking out for her friend! >

Gorgo and Vilaro look on with disdain before walking through the curtain, disappearing into the backstage area. The fans applaud as Cain helps Sullivan to her feet, pushing her hair back and looking at the wound caused by Gorgo.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match, representing Black Dahlia Legacy..... JACKKKKKKKKK SULLIVANNNNNNNN! >

The fans applaud loud and we fade to black as Cain and Sullivan remain in the ring while IZANAMI students do their best to clean up the mess all around ringside.
 

SOUTHERN WRESTLING FEDERATION

"Catch the reruns on Corncob TV!"
 

The curtain.

"Bad Girlfriend" by Theory of a Deadman hits. Despite the initial boos, there's applause sprinkled about... followed by an audible gasp as Chloe Storm steps through the curtain in her wrestling gear, wearing one third of the Celestial Trinity Championship around her waist, accompanied by Brooke Venture. She stands in front of the curtain with her hands on her hips, an irrational... almost hysterical look on her face. Running her hands through her hair, she begins making her way toward the ring with Venture following behind.

[ Harold Goto ] < Chloe Storm... The Perfect Storm herself. >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's had quite the career thus far in Miracle Galaxy Pro, having only been defeated twice during her run... first by Aria Knight at the Galaxy Princess Cup and then by Costanza Caponata at Without Equal back in August. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Let us not forget that she was pivotal in Gaijin Assault Army's victory at Triumphant Final Impact. She's always proven herself willing to make sacrifices for the success of the team and... perhaps that why we're seeing her in the state she's in now. She's been becoming increasingly unhinged as the months have passed. >

Chloe Storm climbs onto the apron and looks out at the fans with disdain before stepping through the ropes and into the ring. She spins out with her arms outstretched, falling to both knees in the middle of the ring and throwing her hair about. Brooke Venture stands at ringside, confident. Storm rises to her feet and pushes past Sho Masuda on her way to her corner, eyes locked on the curtain, ready to see who's waiting for her.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I don't envy whoever comes out next. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Truly, Chloe Storm is one of the best technical wrestlers in the entire company... maybe even the world. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Crazy, beautiful, knows how to fight... that's a dangerous combination, man. >

Her music cuts and the camera focuses on the curtain once again. Seconds later, "The Rising Sun" hits and the fans gasp with surprise, getting on their feet and turning their attention toward the entranceway. Chloe Storm sneers, immediately seething upon hearing the music!

[ Chet Honda ] < IT'S NIJIMA KASUMI! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Oh wow... the trilogy continues at Puroresu Gacha Machine! >

[ Harold Goto ] < And this... this is far from the same Nijima Kasumi that Chloe Storm defeated at Star Crossed Wonderland last year. >

The curtain parts and Kasumi Nijima steps out into the aisle with a kendo stick in her hand. The REQUIEM Puroresu Muramasa Blade is strapped around her waist. She kneels in front of the curtain, staring down the aisle at Chloe Storm before slowly rising and making her way down to the ring.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The history these two have... Chloe Storm shocked the world by defeating Nijima Kasumi in the first round of the Galaxy Princess Cup. Two months later, Chloe Storm defeated her again in a Knockout or Submission match, forcing Nijima's Wrath to submit in a move that arguably led Kasumi down the path she's on right now. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Yes, Nijima Kasumi has been unable to defeat Chloe Storm up to this point but... like I said, this is not the same Nijima Kasumi that Chloe Storm made submit. I promise you, that will not happen again! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Nijima Kasumi has had quite the month after being ousted from the Black Dahlia Legacy following the conclusion of Steel Cage Warfare at Triumphant Final Impact. There's been rumblings about what Nijima might do next... join another faction... form her own... no one knows for sure what's going to happen next. Kind of how I've felt about this entire event! >

Nijima walks up the steps and enters the ring. She walks out into the center of the ring and poses with the kendo stick before turning and going to her corner. The fans are buzzing with anticipation, ready to see these two tear each other apart one more time.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest is set for one fall. >

Storm and Nijima stare each other down from across the ring.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first... she is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and representing Gaijin Assault Army! She is one third of the reigning Celestial Trinity Champions... "THE PERFECT STORM" CHLOEEEEEE STORMMMMMMMMMMMMM! >

Chloe Storm steps out into the center of the ring and unsnaps the Celestial Trinity title from around her waist. Slinging her hair back, she holds the title high overhead and -- CRACKKKKK! KASUMI NIJIMA NAILS HER IN THE BACK WITH HER KENDO STICK!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < No! What!? >

[ Harold Goto ] < I told you... not the same Kasumi! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's relentless! >

Kasumi Nijima continues blistering Chloe Storm with the kendo stick, only stopping to remove the Muramasa Blade from her around her waist and dropping it on the mat. Shinji Ohba scrambles to collect the titles on the mat and drops them onto the apron before catching Kasumi's kendo stick on the upswing, tearing it from her grasp! She turns to confront him and Chloe scrambles back to her feet, hitting Kasumi from behind with a forearm blow, sending her sprawling forward!

[ Harold Goto ] < The Perfect Storm still has some fight in her! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's deceptively tough, that Chloe Storm! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She really, really doesn't want to lose to Nijima Kasumi! >

Storm and Nijima fight on the mat with Storm mounting her and raining down forearm blows! Shinji Ohba watches them fight with both hands on the sides of his head... and then calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Sho Masuda | STIPULATION: None

With Chloe Storm still on top of Nijima, raining down forearm blows, Nijima reaches through the onslaught and fish hooks Storm's mouth with her thumb, pulling her off to the side! Storm scrambles back to her feet as Nijima kips up, a focused expression on her face. Storm shrieks and charges... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Kasumi ducks underneath it and catches Storm on the turnaround with a SHUFFLING SIDEKICK! Storm staggers out, back to Kasumi! Kasumi rushes up behind her and grabs her around the waist... GERMAN SUPLEX -- NO! Chloe blocks it and hits Kasumi with an elbow to the chops! Storm breaks Kasumi's hold and executes a go-behind... RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! Kasumi lands on her head and neck... but rolls clean through to her feet as Storm rises, laughing, not realizing what's happened! Storm turns around... AND GETS TURNED INSIDE OUT BY A YAKUZA KICK! Storm rolls to the floor and Kasumi gives chase, sliding under the bottom rope and catching her by the hair! Storm comes alive, hitting Kasumi with a back elbow before turning and grabbing her hair, smacking her face on the apron! Kasumi staggers out and Storm grabs her from behind by two handfuls of gear... and runs her head first into the steel steps!

[ Harold Goto ] < Chloe Storm... she still has that killer instinct! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She's proven time and again that she's willing to do whatever it takes to win a match, especially when it comes to Nijima Kasumi. >

[ Chet Honda ] < While she's an incredible technical wrestler, even coming from a traditional wrestling family, she can be just as violent as the worst members of Shuko MURDER-gun! >

Nijima lands with an audible THNNNK and Storm backs up against the rail before charging... SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST AGAINST THE STEPS! Storm pulls Nijima up to her feet and hooks her... SNAP SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR! She rolls clean through and lifts her up again... FOR A FORWARD SUPLEX ON THE STEPS! The impact causes Kasumi to end up in a standing position, favoring her chest and mid-section, on the opposite side of the steps. Chloe charges and kicks off the steps... DIVING CLOTHESLINE TO NIJIMA! Sho Masuda shouts at them to bring it back inside but Chloe has other plans. She pulls Nijima back to her feet and whips her hard into the rail. Chloe follows her in... AND CLOTHESLINES HER AGAINST THE RAIL! Kasumi falls to her knees and Chloe stomps out, smiling evilly before turning... BASEMENT SUPERKICK -- NO! Kasumi catches her foot and pulls her in... T-BONE SUPLEX OVER THE RAIL AND INTO THE FRONT ROW! The fans gasp and scatter as Kasumi reaches over the rail and grabs Chloe by the hair. Posting on the bottom of the rail, Kasumi lifts Chloe up... AND SUPLEXES HER BACK INTO THE RINGSIDE AREA!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is... intense. There's no way they can go at this level for so long. >

[ Chet Honda ] < There's more to this match than just... a need to win. These two hate each other. They want to hurt each other... and they'll do whatever it takes to see that happen, even if it means hurting themselves. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Couldn't have said it better myself. >

Kasumi pulls Storm back to her feet and throws her under the bottom rope. Kasumi climbs onto the apron and ascends the turnbuckles, waiting on Chloe Storm to stand. Chloe struggles back to her feet and Kasumi flies... MISSILE DROPKICK -- NO! CHLOE STORM CATCHES HER COMING DOWN WITH A DROPKICK OF HER OWN! Kasumi's already damaged mid-section works against her as she curls up in a fetal position. Chloe Storm pulls her up and whips her into the corner. She follows her in... SHOULDER TACKLE TO THE MID-SECTION! Kasumi doubles over and Chloe pulls her out... lifting her and dropping her across her knee for a GUT BUSTER! Kasumi rolls over onto all fours, seething, spittle flying from her mouth with every heavy breath. Chloe tees off and kicks her hard in the mid-section before mockingly rubbing her own stomach and wiping away mock tears with both hands. Storm grabs Kasumi by the hair and pulls her up before pulling her in... DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX! She rolls clean through... DOUBLE UNDERHOOK GUT BUSTER!

[ Chet Honda ] < She knows that she weakened the mid-section of Nijima outside... and now she's focusing on the target that she painted on her herself! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < A true wrestler's strategy, Honda-san... if you can't pinpoint a weakness, you create your own and exploit it. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Diabolical. >

Storm covers... ONE! TWO! Kasumi kicks out and instantly regrets it, feeling the pain shoot through her mid-section. Storm immediately slaps her across the stomach with both hands before mounting her and raining down forearm blows again. Storm pulls Kasumi up by her hair and hooks her... SNAP SUPLEX -- NO! Kasumi blocks it and hits Storm with the kneelift before hitting her with a SNAP SUPLEX OF HER OWN! Kasumi rolls clean through and hoists her up... FALCON ARROW! She can't follow up with a pin as she rolls over onto her side, favoring her mid-section. Storm crawls for the ropes where Brooke Venture is waiting, offering words of encouragement. Kasumi crawls toward the ropes and pushes herself up, using the ropes to steady herself. Storm struggles back to her feet and sees Kasumi advancing. Storm immediately kicks her in the mid-section, backing her up a step before advancing on her, pinning her against the ropes and hitting her with a stiff knife edge chop. Kasumi nearly doubles over, allowing Storm to hook her up and lift her up... SNAP SUPLEX! She rolls through and pivots, grabbing Kasumi around the thighs... ATOMIC DROP! Kasumi goes down and Chloe backs into the ropes... KNEEDROP TO THE MID-SECTION! She covers, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! KASUMI KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She knew that kneedrop wouldn't get the job done. She baited her into kicking out again, causing more wear and tear on her mid-section. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Let us not forget that her Perfect Storm submission focuses on the back and mid-section. It's that torque... people always assume a hold like the Texas Cloverleaf is for the legs... but it's the fuckin' back, man! It breaks your CORE! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's setting her up for another submission. She wants to say she made Nijima Kasumi quit again! >

Storm pulls Nijima up and whips her into the corner. Nijima makes impact and doubles over. Chloe follows her in... KNEE LIFT TO THE FACE! Nijima is knocked bolt upright and Storm hoists Nijima into a seated position on the top rope. Storm follows her up and hooks her head... only for Nijima to hit her in the mid-section with a series of forearms. Storm remains steady, hitting Nijima with a forearm to the jaw before Nijima snatches her hair and hits her with a stiff headbutt! Storm falls straight back and Nijima leaps... DOUBLE STOMP FROM THE MIDDLE ROPE! Nijima rolls through as Storm curls up in a fetal position! Nijima posts up in the corner as Storm pushes herself back to her feet, red in the face. Storm slowly turns and Nijima charges... BULLET TRAIN TO OSAKA! SHE GETS ALL OF IT... AND STORM TUMBLES THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!

[ Chet Honda ] < Saved by the ropes! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That... that could've ended the match right then and there! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Chloe Storm knows what she's doing! She has incredible ring awareness! >

Kasumi Nijima remains on all fours in the ring, eyes narrowed, fuming. She pushes herself up to her feet and steps out onto the apron. As though a switch has flipped, she ignores the pain in her mid-section and waits for Storm get up to her feet. Using the apron to steady herself, Storm rises to spaghetti legs and Kasumi rushes across the apron... SHOOT KICK TO THE FACE! Storm goes down and Kasumi hops down, snatching a handful of hair and ragdolling her back first into the rail! The fans gasp and watch in awe as Kasumi advances on her, hitting her with an overhead chop that causes her to fall into a seated position. Kasumi nails her with a kick to the chest and then turns, getting a running start and charging... FACEWASHING HER AGAINST THE RAIL! Kasumi stands over Storm and then cradles her mid-section with one arm and falls to one knee. Storm crawls toward the steel steps, getting her hands on them before pushing herself up. Sneering, Kasumi returns to her feet and advances on her, grabbing her hair from behind. Storm throws a back elbow and catches Kasumi in the eye. She staggers out and turns... INTO A LIGHTNING STRIKES SUPERKICK -- NO! Kasumi ducks underneath it and catches Storm on the turnaround... DISCIPLINARY ACTION! The final enzuigiri spins Storm around and Kasumi hooks her, lifting her up... KAROSHI!

[ Harold Goto ] < It's like Nijima Kasumi has become an entirely different person... impervious to pain! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She's dissecting Chloe Storm on the floor! >

[ Chet Honda ] < What's going on!? >

Kasumi pulls Storm up and throws her under the bottom rope. Kasumi follows her in and Storm rises to her knees, begging her off! Kasumi advances and Storm suddenly lunges forward, forearming her in the mid-section! Kasumi staggers out, grimacing as the pain resurfaces! Storm rushes across the ring and hooks Kasumi's head before kicking off the turnbuckles... TORONTO TWISTER! She gets all of it and Kasumi goes fully vertical on impact! Storm stands and drags her thumb across her throat! She hooks Kasumi's legs... PERFECT STORM -- NO! KASUMI PUSHES HER OFF! Storm collides with the turnbuckles and Kasumi rolls back to her feet! She charges... DOUBLE KNEES TO THE CHEST -- NO! Storm executes a forward roll and Kasumi gets nothing but turnbuckles! Kasumi turns... LIGHTNING STRIKES! Kasumi falls out of the corner and Storm slings her hair back before going to the top rope! EYE OF THE STORMMMMMMMMMMM -- NO! KASUMI GETS BOTH KNEES UP!

[ Harold Goto ] < Good awareness by Nijima... that shooting star press would have turned her inside to jelly! >

[ Chet Honda ] < How much can either woman have left at this point? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Hate is an incredible motivator. >

Both women are down! Brooke Venture pounds on the apron, encouraging Chloe to get back up! Kasumi Nijima covers her face with both hands before rolling over onto all fours. Brooke Venture grabs Chloe Storm's Celestial Trinity title belt and slides it all the way across the ring in clear view of Sho Masuda! Masuda shouts at her and grabs the title, turning away from the match to discard the title! As he turns away, Brooke throws Kasumi's kendo stick to Chloe! Chloe grips it with both hands and slowly rises at the same time as Kasumi.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Brooke Venture just outsmarted Masuda! >

[ Harold Goto ] < It's about to get real! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Look out, Kasumi! >

Kasumi turns and Storm swings the kendo stick! Kasumi catches it and wrenches it free from Storm's hands before booting her in the mid-section! Kasumi looks down at the kendo stick, gripping it tightly!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < You don't have to do it like this, Kasumi! >

[ Chet Honda ] < It might be the only way! >

[ Harold Goto ] < No, man. There is always another way. >

KASUMI SHATTERS THE KENDO STICK OVER CHLOE'S HEAD! Kasumi tosses the broken remains of the kendo stick outside the ring just as Sho Masuda turns around! Chloe Storm is out on her feet! Kasumi Nijima grabs Chloe by both sides of her face, holding her upright while staring right into her eyes. She turns and hits the ropes... runs past Chloe and hits the ropes on the other side... SHE REBOUNDS AGAIN... BULLET TRAIN TO OSAKAAAAAAAAAAA! The impact turns Chloe Storm inside out and Kasumi stacks her up, nodding aggressively with every strike of the referee's hand! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNER
KASUMI NIJIMA via PINFALL in 13:49

The fans gasp and applaud as Kasumi rolls off of Storm and slumps over onto all fours, favoring her mid-section. Brooke Venture quickly pulls Chloe Storm out of the ring, checking on her and helping her to the back before Kasumi can regain her composure. Kasumi sits up on her knees and raises her arm in the air. Seconds later, Storm and Venture have disappeared through the curtain.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the match by result of a pinfall... NIJIMAAAAAA KASUUUUUUuuuuuuUUUUUMIIIIIIII! >

Sho Masuda helps Kasumi into a standing position before she shoves him away and leans on the ropes, exhausted. Spider Saya delivers the Muramasa Blade Championship and Kasumi looks down at it before placing it on her shoulder and walking to the center of the ring, dropping to one knee and staring blankly out into the crowd.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Nijima Kasumi has finally earned a victory over Chloe Storm... starting her new journey without the Black Dahlia Legacy by vanquishing her rival. What's next for Nijima's Wrath? >

[ Harold Goto ] < There's no telling what comes next for a competitor like Nijima Kasumi... but I would imagine she will soon find her place among one of the already established factions or she will forge her own path. She must have her eye on the Interstellar Dream... and for that to happen, she must find allies. >

[ Chet Honda ] < After what happened to her within the Black Dahlia Legacy, you have to wonder if she'll be quick to join another faction... or if another faction would be willing to take the risk. With this new beginning, I think we are in for a very... interesting path forward for The Rising Sun... and for the Miracle Galaxy as a whole. >

Kasumi rises and exits the ring and picks up the handle of the kendo stick, looking at the dangling, shattered pieces extending outward from it. She smiles evilly and nods with satisfaction before raising it overhead and walking to the back without fanfare. The curtain closes behind her and her music cuts.

The lights dim.

The camera steadily focuses on the curtain.

"Yankee Station" by the Kakutogi Band hits and the fans gasp, standing and applauding, clapping along to the beat. Seconds later, the curtain parts and out steps Sayaka Endo in her entrance robe and gear! Endo puts her hands on her hips and looks out at the fans, nodding along as they continue clapping. A moment passes... and then Jessa Wells follows her out with the Valkyrie Championship resting on her shoulder. Wells and Endo exchange a look, a respectful nod, before Wells walks in front, heading toward the ring!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Endo Sayaka will be in action tonight! Wow! >

[ Chet Honda ] < We've already seen Shuko Shiori and Mariposa mix it up so it only makes sense that Endo Sayaka would get involved... and in what looks like tag team action with the reigning Valkyrie Champion, Jessa Wells! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Hm, yes... Jessa Wells has had quite the run over the past couple of months, winning a fatal four way in November to earn a shot at the Valkyrie Championship... and then actually winning the Valkyrie Championship by defeating Iruma Kaede at Triumphant Final Impact in December. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is so exciting. It's the first time we've seen Endo Sayaka in action since she teamed up with Nijima Kasumi at Straight On 'til Morning back in March of 2023! >

Wells climbs into the ring and walks over to the ropes, leaning against the top rope with the Valkyrie Championship dangling from her fist. Sayaka Endo walks up the steps and strides confidently across the apron, looking out at the fans before wiping off her feet and stepping into the ring. She walks out into the center of the ring, arms outstretched at her sides, and then walks to her corner, removing her robe and folding it neatly before handing it to Ciara Ryan. Wells walks over with the championship, exchanging words with Endo as their music cuts. The lights come up... only to dim again.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Who will it be? >

[ Harold Goto ] < I can only imagine it's going to be someone tough if Endo Sayaka has been called to action. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Yes, yes... I agree. >

"World's End Valentine" by Omori hits and the fans gasp, continuing to stand and applaud as the curtain parts and Kaede Iruma steps through the curtain with her Lucky Bat in hand. Haru Niijima follows her out, a sour expression on her face. Each one wears their MGP Twinstar Championship belt around their waist and their REQUIEM Dual Wield Championship resting on their shoulder. They look at one another and then direct their gazes toward the ring... visibly unhappy.

[ Harold Goto ] < OHHHH SHIT! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The Heartkillers are here! Iruma Kaede and Niijima Haru... the longest reigning champions in the company... undefeated in tag team action! Are we about to witness them defend their championships against Endo Sayaka and Jessa Wells!? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < For two hundred and seventy-four days, they have reigned as the Twinstar Champions, having defeated the BUSTER WOLVES at Approaching the Golden Horizon! They don't look happy about the prospect of defending their titles against Endo and Wells but... you have to believe Iruma Kaede is looking for vengeance against Wells after what happened last month. >

The Heartkillers make their way down to the ring with Iruma climbing onto the apron as Niijima walks up the steps. They meet in the center of the apron and turn, looking over the ropes at their opposition before climbing inside the ring. Both Heartkillers go to opposite sides of the ring, climbing onto the middle rope and holding their championships in the air, Iruma pose ending with her turning and pointing the bright pink Lucky Bat toward Wells. Wells simply glares back at her, unfazed by the gesture. Satoshi Kato climbs into the ring, standing alongside Shinji Ohba.

[ Chet Honda ] < There's Kato Satoshi for the opening ceremony of the bout... there will certainly be a title on the line if that's the case. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Which one? Both? All three? Is it possible that Jessa Wells could be forced to defend the Valkyrie in a tag match? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Such a thing isn't unheard of in professional wrestling but... who is really to say? After we've witnessed so much chaos tonight, I'm not comfortable making a prediction. >

The Heartkillers hop down and go to their corner. Iruma grips the Lucky Bat in front of her with both hands. Niijima stands behind her, staring over her shoulder at Wells and Endo as their music cuts. There's electricity in the air. The fans are ready for the match to start when... "Birmingham (Anthem)" by Lotto Boys and Jaykae hits! All four women in the ring look as confused as the fans!

[ Harold Goto ] < What's this? >

[ Chet Honda ] < I... don't know. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This music is oddly familiar. >

The curtain parts and Ava Arthur and Alessia Angelo step out into the aisle! Ava pounds her chest, getting hyped up as Alessia stares down the aisle at the ring. Arthur and Angelo look at one another and fist bump before starting on their way down to the ring!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That's who it is! Ava Arthur and Alessia Angelo... LIGHTS OUT! They're the former Thunder Pro Wrestling Duos Champions! They ended the four hundred plus day reign of The Malvados! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Wait, the same Ava Arthur that won the 2023 Bohemian Bash match!? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The one and only! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Holy shit! >

Arthur and Angelo make it to the ring where Arthur climbs onto the apron, looking out at the fans with a confident smile. Angelo takes the steps and they climb into the ring together before going to opposite corners and posing for the fans. Eventually, they hop down and go to a corner away from the Heartkillers and Black Dahlia Legacy. The fans are murmuring, buzzing with electricity as Satoshi Kato makes his way over to the Heartkillers... and requests BOTH sets of tag team titles. The Heartkillers look at one another and sigh before handing the titles to the found. He stands in the center of the ring with all four title belts.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Wait, both titles are on the line!? >

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh... oh wow. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I don't think I'm ready for this. >

The Heartkillers join Kato in the center of the ring, standing to his right. Endo and Wells join him on his immediate left... Lights Out stands next to Endo and Wells. Flashbulbs go off as all three teams pose for the photo opportunities. Finally, after several long seconds, Kato hands the championship belts to Shinji Ohba. Ohba hands the Twinstar titles to Himiko Ando at ringside and then steps out into the center of the ring... reaching up as a cable is lowered from the ceiling. He secures the Dual Wield Championships to the cable and they're raised as the Heartkillers watch open-mouthed.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Hold on... I'm confused. >

[ Harold Goto ] < I think the Heartkillers are confused, too. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Does anyone know what's going on tonight?! >

Satoshi Kato exits the ring. Lights Out, the Heartkillers, and the Black Dahlia Legacy all go to their corners, eyes on the championships hanging above the ring.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following match is a DOUBLE FALL TRIANGLE MATCH! >

The fans applaud loudly.

[ Saki Housako ] < The first fall will be contested under traditional single fall triangle match rules... and it will be for the MIRACLE GALAXY PRO TWINSTAR CHAMPIONSHIP! >

The Heartkillers are seething.

[ Saki Housako ] < The second fall will be contested under LADDER MATCH RULES... AND IT WILL BE FOR THE REQUIEM PURORESU DUAL WIELD CHAMPIONSHIP! >

Endo and Wells look at one another, not pleased.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first, representing the Black Dahlia Legacy... they are ENDO SAYAKA AND THE CURRENT REIGNING VALKYRIE CHAMPION, JESSAAAAAA WELLSSSSSSSS! >

Endo and Wells step out into the center of the ring, stern expressions on their faces. They look out at the fans before turning and setting their sights on the Heartkillers and Lights Out. They return to their corner, good to go.

[ Saki Housako ] < Next, they are the former Thunder Pro Wrestling Duos Champions... the 2023 Bohemian Bash winner, "The Black Country Bomber" Ava Arthur and "The Angel" Alessia Angelo... LIGHTSSSSSS OUTTTTTTTTTT! >

Arthur and Angelo step out into the center of the ring. Arthur is amped, ready for a fight. Angelo is calm and cool, wringing her hands together before turning and returning to their corner. Ava Arthur follows, dropping into a kneeling position as Housako rounds out the introductions.

[ Saki Housako ] < And their opponents, the reigning and defending Miracle Galaxy Pro Twinstar and REQUIEM Puroresu Dual Wield Champions... "The Demon Assassin of Love" Iruma Kaede and "The Galactic Princess of Hatred" Niijima Haru... THE HEARTKILLERSSSSSSS! >

The fans offer begrudging applause as the Heartkillers step out into the center of the ring with Haru standing and raising two middle fingers in the air while Kaede Iruma kneels in front of her with one middle finger raised in the air, the other hand resting the Lucky Bat on her shoulder. The champions and stand and return to their corner.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I don't know how to feel about this... I don't know how to feel about a lot of what we've witnessed tonight. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I think we might be in line for an all-timer. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Well... let's get started then. >

Shinji Ohba calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Shinji Ohba | STIPULATION: None

As soon as the bell rings, the Heartkillers rush at Sayaka Endo and Jessa Wells, mobbing them in the corner and pummeling them with forearms and kicks! Iruma focuses on Wells as Haru does her best to handle Endo! Arthur and Angelo look at one another and then rush toward the corner with Angelo snatching Iruma around the waist and flinging her away from Wells with a release German suplex! Iruma rolls to her knees as Ava Arthur comes off the ropes... RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE! Iruma rolls to the floor and staggers out against the rail, looking up at the ring with wide eyes. Arthur and Angelo both grab Wells out of the corner and whip her into the ropes. They go for a double clothesline but Wells powers straight through it, breaking their attempt with her forearms! Wells whips around and catches them on the turnaround, booting Arthur in the face before spinning out and going for a CLOTHESLINE on Angelo -- NO! Angelo ducks underneath it and executes a go-behind... before dropping down and takings Jessa's legs out from under her! She spins around on Jessa's back and grabs a front facelock, wrenching on it as Wells struggles back to all fours! Angelo maintains her hold until Sayaka Endo floors Haru with a stiff forearm and stomps across the ring, kicking Angelo in the back before pulling her up and knocking her down with a stiff knife edge chop!

[ Harold Goto ] < Alessia Angelo just learned the power of Endo Sayaka! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Just imagine coming into an event like this, blind to who you're going to be facing... and then finding yourself standing across the ring from Endo Sayaka. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I don't want to imagine that. >

Endo boots Angelo until she rolls to the apron, holding onto the bottom rope. Wells pushes herself back up to her feet and sets her sights on Haru Niijima. She pulls Haru off the mat and whips her hard into the corner. Wells follows her in... CORNER CLOTHESLINE! She takes Haru by the back of the head and throws her outward into the arms of Sayaka Endo, who boots her in the stomach and lifts her up... BRAINBUSTER! Endo covers! ONE! HARU KICKS OUT! Endo and Wells pull Haru off the mat and whip her into the ropes. They follow her in but she leaps and kicks off the middle rope... SPRINGBOARD KAWAII CUTTER OUT OF NOWHERE ON JESSA WELLS! Haru rolls back to her feet and catches an advancing Endo with a basement dropkick to the knee! She goes down to one knee just as Kaede Iruma hops onto the apron and leaps... FLYING THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE AND TAKING DOWN ENDO WITH A BASEMENT TORNADO DDT! Iruma stands... STANDING DOUBLE STOMP TO ENDO! Haru mounts Endo and begins pummeling her with forearm blows before standing up and directing traffic, pointing toward the turnbuckles! Iruma nods and begins climbing. Haru holds Endo in place as Iruma prepares to fly... HEARTSTOPPER ULTRAAAAAAAAA -- NO! AVA ARTHUR TACKLES HARU NIIJIMA AWAY FROM ENDO! Kaede Iruma anticipates it and lands on her feet... ONLY FOR ALESSIA ANGELO TO RUSH UP BEHIND HER AND DUMP HER ON HER HEAD WITH A BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX! ONE! TWO! IRUMA KICKS OUT!

[ Chet Honda ] < I can't keep up with what's going on! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < There's a lot of moving parts in this one... and they're all lethal. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Truly, this is an encounter that could go all night... or end as abruptly as it started. I'm very impressed by these Lights Out girls. They are showing everyone why they're one of the best tag teams in the world today. >

Alessia returns to her feet and looks at Arthur. They nod and pull Iruma off the mat, booting her in the stomach before planting her with a double suplex! They both roll clean through and lift Iruma again... FOR A DOUBLE REVERSE SUPLEX, RIGHT ON HER FACE! Iruma rolls to the apron and both members of Lights Out stand, turning to find themselves face to face with Sayaka Endo! Endo immediately cuts Arthur down with a brutal knife edge chop! Arthur goes down and scrambles backward against the bottom turnbuckle, seething. Endo and Angelo circle one another, eyes narrowed. Angelo, knowing Endo reputation as a grappler, assumes a classic wrestler's stance and begins circling her. Endo, amused, does the same. They move in for a lock-up and struggle against each other for a moment before Endo takes over with a headlock. Angelo backs Endo into the ropes and shoots her off. Endo rebounds and Angelo drops down! Endo hops over her and rebounds again as Angelo rises... LEAPFROG FROM ANGELO! Endo ducks underneath and hits the ropes... ARMDRAG FROM ANGELO! Endo rolls back to her feet and charges... HIPTOSS FROM ANGELO! Endo is up again and charges... DROPKICK FROM ANGELO! Endo goes down and rolls back up to one knee, smirking as Angelo rises, obviously pleased with herself. Endo shakes her head and points behind Angelo, prompting her to slowly turn... INTO A STIFF CLOTHESLINE FROM JESSA WELLS!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Alessia Angelo's wrestling ability is without question... but you never ever forget about your opponent's tag team partner! >

[ Harold Goto ] < That clothesline was SOLID, man! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Look out! >

Endo and Wells both stand over Alessia Angelo... until they're both rocked out of nowhere by DUELING MISSILE DROPKICKS FROM BOTH HEARTKILLERS! Wells and Endo collide and fall down as the Heartkillers rise to their feet. Endo rolls to the apron, holding onto the bottom rope. Iruma and Haru pull Wells off the mat and whip her into the ropes. Wells returns with a RUNNING BOOT but Iruma ducks underneath it as Haru executes a forward roll out of the way! Wells turn and Haru snatches her up onto her shoulders! Wells struggles against her, elbowing her in the head until she's able to slip out behind her. She grabs Haru around the waist and Ava Arthur explodes out of the corner, hitting a SHOTGUN DROPKICK AS WELLS FLINGS HARU BACKWARD WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! Arthur and Wells both rise and face off... before suddenly just going all-in with rapid fire forearms! Both women stand in the ring, wearing each other out as the fans get louder and louder... UNTIL KAEDE IRUMA COMES OFF THE ROPES AND DROPKICKS THEM BOTH DOWN! Iruma kips up and looks down at both of them before pulling Ava back to her feet and simply throwing her out of the ring. Iruma turns and takes Jessa by the hair, whipping her hard into the corner before following her in with DOUBLE KNEES to the chest! Wells staggers out and Iruma is waiting... FROWNY FIST! Wells is down! Iruma drags her thumb across her throat and goes to the top... RED SWANNNNNNNNN! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! Iruma covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- ALESSIA ANGELO BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Harold Goto ] < She was so close! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < In a match like this, you must be sure that all of your opponents are fully incapacitated! >

[ Chet Honda ] < It's the only way to be sure! >

Alessia pulls Iruma away from Jessa and nails her with a stiff forearm! Iruma shrieks and nails Alessia with one of her own before backing her into the ropes. Iruma turns and hits the ropes... only for Angelo to catch her on the turnaround with a drop toe hold! Iruma goes down and Angelo spins out on top of her, grabs a front facelock, and yanks her back up to her feet! She repositions... DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX! She rolls clean through.... DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER! Angelo covers! ONE! TWO! HARU BREAKS THE PIN! Haru drags Angelo off of Iruma and staggers her with a forearm. She lifts Angelo onto her shoulders... UZUMAKI -- NO! Angelo elbows her way out of it and lands behind Haru! GERMAN SUPLEX -- NO! Haru blocks it, stomps on Angelo's foot, and forces a break! Angelo staggers out and Haru turns... SINGULARITY KICK OUT OF NOWHERE! Angelo turns nearly inside out as Haru falls effortlessly on top of her! ONE! TWO! THR -- SAYAKA ENDO BREAKS THE PIN! Endo pulls Haru off of Angelo and lifts her up... VERTICAL SUPLEX ONTO ANGELO! Endo stands and backs up into the corner, kneeling as Haru struggles to sit up... RUNNING KNEE STRIKE FROM ENDO! She pulls Haru straight back up off the mat and hoists her up... BRAINBUSTER! She rolls clean through into a DRAGON SLEEPER!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Endo's trying to force a submission... but does she have time to register one!? >

[ Harold Goto ] < She's got it locked in... she doesn't need a submission. She just needs Niijima Haru to pass out! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She's turning blue! >

Endo leans back until the back of her head is touching the mat... HEARTSTOPPER ULTRA OUT OF NOWHERE ONTO ENDO! The fans gasp, unable to believe what they've seen as Kaede Iruma scrambles backward, back to the bottom rope, eyes wide. Haru struggles to all fours, gasping for air. Iruma shouts at Haru, pounding on the mat to get her attention. Haru nods and slowly returns to her feet. Endo rolls to the apron and both Heartkillers return to their feet. They pull Angelo off the mat and whip her into the ropes... KAWAII CUTTER DELUXE -- NO! AVA ARTHUR SPEARS KAEDE IRUMA DOWN... AS ANGELO BRINGS HARU TO THE MAT WITH A DDT! Both Heartkillers are DOWN! Arthur and Angelo regroup! Haru rolls the apron as Lights Out set their sights on Iruma. Iruma tries to fight back, hitting each one with forearms but they won't be denied. Angelo grabs onto Iruma and lifts her up... BRIDGING SUPLEX! Ava hits the ropes and comes in hot... HAMMER & ANVIL! Angelo and Arthur both cover! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEE -- JESSA WELLS BREAKS THE PIN!

[ Harold Goto ] < We almost had new champions... we would've had new champions if not for Jessa Wells! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Lights Out is truly exhibiting why they belong in the Miracle Galaxy. No one is going to forget this performance... and this is only the first fall! >

[ Chet Honda ] < I think the Valkyrie Champion is tired of playing around! >

Wells pulls Angelo off the mat and drills her with a stiff clothesline! Arthur nails Wells with a forearm, staggering her, but Wells returns fire with a forearm of her own that sends Arthur into the corner favoring her chest! Angelo returns to her feet and whips Wells around, booting her in the stomach and grabbing a headlock... only for Wells to lifts her up... BACKDROP SUPLEX -- NO! Angelo slips out of it and lands behind her! She shoves Wells forward into the ropes! Wells rebound and Angelo tries to catch her coming off with a dropkick... but Wells hangs onto the top rope, stopping herself! Angelo crashes and burns! Wells snatches her off the mat! WINTER'S CURSE! She covers! ONE! TWO! THR -- SHE BREAKS HER OWN PIN AS SHE SEES AVA ARTHUR ADVANCING ON HER! SHE TURNS ARTHUR INSIDE OUT WITH A LARIAT! Wells stands up, pounding on her chest, blood pumping through her veins... AND WALKS RIGHT INTO THE SINGULARITY KICK! Wells tumbles through the ropes to the floor! Haru Niijima leans on the ropes, surrounded by the fallen bodies of Arthur, Angelo, and Iruma. Haru turns and struggles to help Iruma up to her feet... before turning and finding herself face to face with Endo!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is... not who I'd want to be left alone with. >

[ Chet Honda ] < There's no one left to save them. >

[ Harold Goto ] < I would say I'm surprised by what Endo Sayaka has endured thus far and how she manages to seem so... unfazed by it, but I suppose that's why they call her the Iron Dahlia, yes? >

Endo snatches a handful of Haru's hair, ragdolling her as Iruma falls to the side! Endo throws Haru into the corner and begins lighting her up with knife edge chops before doubling her over with a BRUTAL overhead chop! The fans gasp and applaud as Endo goes to work with even more chops and forearms before pulling Haru out of the corner by her hair. She pulls her in... BRAINBUSTER -- NO! Kaede Iruma pulls Haru down and then spins out... FROWNY FIST! Endo staggers into the ropes and returns... NAILING IRUMA WITH A RUNNING BOOT! Iruma tumbles through the ropes to the floor! Leaning with her back to the apron, Endo reaches through the ropes and grabs her by the hair... ONLY FOR IRUMA TO SPIN AND NAIL HER IN THE HEAD WITH THE END OF HER LUCKY BAT! Endo staggers out where Haru is waiting to give her a lift as Iruma rolls into the ring and slides into place... KAWAII CUTTER DELUXE! Haru covers! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEE -- JESSA WELLS PULLS HARU OUT OF THE RING... ONLY FOR IRUMA TO DESCEND FROM THE HEAVENS WITH HEARTSTOPPER ULTRA ONTO THE PRONE ENDO! She covers! ONE! TWO! THREE!

WINNERS & STILL TWINSTAR CHAMPIONS
HEARTKILLERS via PINFALL in 11:48

The fans gasp and applaud as Iruma rolls off of Endo, covering her face with both hands. Jessa Wells allows Haru to fall away from as she places her hands on either side of her head, looking through the ropes with surprise as she realizes what happened. Angelo and Arthur both lay inches away from breaking the final pin, devastated looks on their faces. Shinji Ohba leans through the ropes, communicating with Saki Housako. She nods and raises the microphone.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the first fall by result of a pinfall, representing Shuko MURDER-gun... AND STILLLLLLLLL MIRACLE GALAXY PRO TWINSTAR CHAMPIONS... IRUMA KAEDE... NIIJIMA HARU... THE HEARTKILLERSSSSSSSSSSS! >

There's applause and a smattering jeers. Haru Niijima rolls into the ring and checks on Iruma, helping her up to her feet. Arthur and Angelo pushes themselves up as Jessa Wells pull Endo onto the apron, smacking her in the face and trying to get her head back in the game. Shinji Ohba checks in with each team, confirming their condition.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < The Heartkillers have now registered pinfalls over Tatsumaki Aoi... AND Endo Sayaka. Incredible... they've managed to retain the Twinstar titles against all odds. Now, we see if they can maintain their stranglehold on the REQUIEM Dual Wield Championship. >

[ Chet Honda ] < A ladder match... after all that. >

[ Harold Goto ] < I do not envy these women in the morning. >

Wells gets Endo into a seated position and Ohba looks weary about letting her continue. She snatches him by the shirt and growls something to him in Japanese, receiving a frantic nod in response. Again, he leans through the ropes and communicates to Saki Housako. She nods and continues.

[ Saki Housako ] < It is now time for the second fall! >

Shinji Ohba calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Shinji Ohba | STIPULATION: Ladder Match

Arthur and Angelo waste no time rising to their feet and rushing the Heartkillers in the corner! Arthur wears Haru out with stiff forearms as Angelo drags Iruma out of the corner by her hair and plants her with a snap suplex in the center of the ring. Sayaka Endo remains in a seated position against the bottom rope as Wells throws the apron cover back and slides a ladder out from under the ring. She slides it under the bottom rope and follows it inside. With Lights Out distracted by the Heartkillers, Wells sets the ladder up and begins climbing! The fans gasp, wondering if it's truly going to be this easy... before Ava Arthur realizes what's happening and turns, rushing to the ladder and climbing up the other side! Alessia Angelo leaves Iruma on the mat and begins climbing underneath Wells! Wells boots Angelo in the head, knocking her back down. Arthur and Wells meet at the top of the ladder and begin trading forearms until Haru Niijima rises from her corner and helps Iruma back to her feet. They work together and PUSH THE LADDER OVER! Ava Arthur lands flat on the mat but Wells gets caught in the ropes, landing awkward... and finding her foot ensnared in the ropes! She can't get it free!

[ Harold Goto ] < Jessa Wells might have just found herself removed from the match! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Ohba Shinji is working to get her free, it seems. >

[ Chet Honda ] < The Heartkillers now have an opportunity to end this match early! >

Ohba works on prying the ropes apart to free Jessa Wells but he's having no luck! Iruma and Haru right the ladder and begin climbing on either side of it! They nearly reach the top when Alessia Angelo climbs up behind Iruma, snatching her around the waist and bringing her down with a GERMAN SUPLEX FROM MID-WAY UP THE LADDER! Haru looks shocked but continues climbing, reaching up and grazing the ropes with her fingertips before... AVA ARTHUR BRINGS HER DOWN WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK! Arthur returns to her feet and pulls Haru up behind her. She whips Haru face first into the ladder, knocking it over! Haru rolls to the apron and Arthur sets the ladder right, looking up before beginning to climb! Shinji Ohba finally pries Jessa's foot free and she scrambles back to her feet! She runs to the ladder... attempting to catch Angelo with a clothesline on the way but Angelo ducks underneath it and executes a go-behind... GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE LADDER! Arthur tenses up as the ladder shakes, threatening to fall over... but she steadies herself and continues to climb, only to be cut-off by Sayaka Endo! Endo climbs up behind Arthur, hitting her in the back with forearms before hopping down and snatching her ankle, whipping her outward from the ladder and causing her to face plant on the mat below!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It seems as though each team is desperate to end this match as quickly as possible and I don't blame them after what they went through during the first fall. >

[ Chet Honda ] < This is hard to watch. They're already exhausted. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Yeah, whoever came up with this two-fall idea is a sadist, man. >

Endo stomps away at Arthur before pulling her up and whipping her into the ladder. Arthur remains standing, leaning intertwined with the ladder as Angelo charges from out of nowhere and hits Endo with a dropkick, knocking her through the ropes and onto the apron. Ava Arthur turns and charges, sending Endo all the way to the floor with a running forearm! Arthur and Angelo both look up and nod before beginning to climb. They almost reach the top when Kaede Iruma slides under the bottom rope with a ladder of her own! She hits Arthur in the lower back with it, causing her to tumble off the ladder and land on the mat below before rolling to the floor! Haru Niijima rolls under the bottom rope and begins climbing on the opposite side of Angelo as Iruma sets up her ladder next to them. Iruma begins climbing and gets level with Angelo, kicking her in the side and trying to knock her off. Haru reaches over the top of the ladder and snatches Angelo by the hair... but Angelo nails her with a forearm and then snatches her head, ramming her face into the ladder once, twice, three times! Haru freefalls to the mat and Iruma sneers... BEFORE LEAPING AND TAKING ANGELO DOWN WITH A KAWAII CUTTER OFF THE LADDER!

[ Harold Goto ] DANGEROUSSSSSSSSSSSS!

[ Chet Honda ] < They're both down... everyone is down! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is anyone's match to win now! >

Jessa Wells uses the ropes to pull herself up. Alessia Angelo rolls to the apron before falling to the floor, limp. Ava Arthur rolls under the bottom rope, favoring her lower back. She charges at Wells and goes for a clothesline but Wells ducks and catches Arthur on the turnaround with a boot to the stomach... WINTER'S CURSE! Arthur rolls to the floor as Wells pushes herself off the mat. She begins climbing the ladder at the same time as Kaede Iruma begins to stir. Haru rolls to the floor and grabs the Lucky Bat, rolling it under the bottom rope to Iruma. Gripping the bat tight in one hand, Iruma pushes herself up and begins climbing on the opposite side of Wells. They reach the top and Wells immediately hits Iruma with a stiff right hand. Iruma swings the bat and Wells catches it! They fight over the Lucky Bat at the top of the ladder... until Haru Niijima slides a table in the ring! Wells sees what's happening and lets go of the bat before nailing Iruma with a stiff forearm! Iruma sways back and forth, teasing falling to the mat but she manages to hang on! Haru sets the table up and begins climbing on the other ladder! She kicks away at Wells before reaching for the titles... only for Wells to use her foot to push Haru's ladder, nearly knocking it over! Haru grabs onto the ladder, hanging on before it finally rights itself. Iruma swings the bat again and Wells catches it under her arm... and then wrenches it free!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Wells has the Lucky Bat! >

[ Harold Goto ] < That's not good! That's not good for Iruma Kaede! >

[ Chet Honda ] < OR NIIJIMA HARU! >

Wells swings the bat and hits Haru in the back! Haru falls off the ladder and lands hard in the ring before rolling to the apron, motionless! Arthur and Angelo roll under the bottom rope, clearly beaten up, disoriented... no condition to truly continue! Angelo climbs up behind Iruma and hooks her! Iruma struggles to elbow Angelo and break free! Ava Arthur, holding onto a wooden folding chair she found outside the ring, climbs up the other ladder, getting level with Wells! She nails Wells in the back with the chair once... twice... THREE TIMES! The chair falls to pieces in Arthur's hands! Angelo falls backward with Iruma... RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP THROUGH THE TABLE BELOW! They're both OUT! Arthur takes a deep breath and leaps from her ladder to Wells' ladder, staring across the top at her. Wells is barely able to function after the blows across the back. Arthur nails Wells with a forearm and hooks her... SUPERPLEX -- NO! Wells blocks it and smacks Arthur's head on the top of the ladder before pivoting and lifting her up for a superplex... BEFORE JUST DROPPING HER TO THE MAT BELOW! The fans gasp as Arthur lands in a heap at the bottom of the ladder! Wells drapes across the top of the ladder, spent. The Dual Wield Championship belts dangle just above her... AND SUDDENLY SHE'S LIFTED JUST HIGH ENOUGH!

[ Harold Goto ] < IRON DAHLIA! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Endo Sayaka is back! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < All Jessa has to do is reach! >

Sayaka Endo positions herself underneath Jessa, taking her onto her shoulders and pushing her up another rung, allowing her to reach up and grab the Dual Wield Championship... bringing them down! Shinji Ohba calls for the bell!

WINNERS & NEW DUAL WIELD CHAMPIONS
ENDO & WELLS in 7:33

The fans stand and applaud loudly as IZANAMI students rush the ring along with Sho Masuda and Kat Miyao to check on the conditions of Light Out and the Heartkillers. Sayaka Endo climbs down before helping Wells to the mat with both Dual Wield titles. Wells falls back against the ropes and hands Endo her championship. Endo looks down at it before bringing Wells in for a quick hug, patting her on the shoulder.

[ Saki Housako ] < The winner of the fall, representing Black Dahlia Legacy... AND NEWWWWWWWWW REQUIEM PURORESU DUAL WIELD CHAMPIONSSSSS... ENDO SAYAKAAAAA AND JESSAAAAA WELLSSSSSSSSSS! >

The applause becomes even louder. The Heartkillers are helped to the back with their Twinstar Championship belts, frustrated looks on their faces. They stop in front of the curtain, barely standing, to turn and look down the aisle as Endo and Wells raise the Dual Wield titles in the air.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That's now two championships that Jessa Wells has stripped from Iruma Kaede. I have a feeling she's going to take that personally. >

[ Harold Goto ] < Yes... this is far from over. >

[ Chet Honda ] < We have new Dual Wield Champions and... this marks the first time that one of the faction leaders has claimed championship gold in the Miracle Galaxy. Very interesting. >

Angelo and Arthur struggle back to their feet, beaten to hell and back. They turn away assistance from the IZANAMI students before approaching Wells and Endo. Wells and Endo seem taken aback by the approach, wondering if the fight is about to continue. Arthur and Angelo offer their hands... which Wells and Endo cautiously accept. Still holding on, Arthur and Angelo offer a quick bow before Arthur stops to make the title belt motion around her waist, saying she wants a rematch. Endo rolls her eyes but Wells raises her title in the air, inviting the challenge. Wells can be seen muttering "anytime" as Angelo pulls Arthur away.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Maybe we haven't seen the last of Lights Out in Miracle Galaxy Pro! >

[ Harold Goto ] < They really showed out tonight... what a match. I would welcome the opportunity to see them challenge Endo and Wells... or even the Heartkillers again. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Can this night get anymore exciting? >

Arthur and Angelo leave the ring and disappear behind the curtain. After a few more moments, Endo and Wells take their championship belts and do the same, leaving the ring vacant. The IZANAMI students begin cleaning up debris as we prepare for the next match.

Silence.

The IZANAMI students have cleaned out the ring.

The camera slowly zooms in on the black entrance curtain as the lights dim in Korakuen Hall. The fans are buzzing with anticipation, wondering what could possibly follow the chaotic exhibition that they just witnessed. The fans gasp and then begin to applaud as "300 Violin Orchestra" by Jose Quintero hits! The camera lingers on the curtain for several more long seconds before it parts and Madeline Satterfield steps through in her gear and a Black Dahlia Legacy t-shirt. With a satisfied smile, she looks out at the fans with her hands on her hips, nodding along as they begin clapping, rallying behind her.

[ Harold Goto ] < Madeliene Satterfield... the fans certainly seem happy to see her, huh? She's a real fighter, a heck of a professional wrestler, too. Some might even call her the heart of the Black Dahlia Legacy faction. >

[ Chet Honda ] < I would be inclined to agree with that, yes. She is, to this day, the longest reigning ENDVR Champion in the history of the company... taking on all-comers for a total of one hundred and fifty-five days before losing her stranglehold on the title just one month ago at Triumphant Final Impact! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It should be noted that she was not pinned to the lose the championship, as it was a triangle match with the title on the line. Throughout her entire career in the Miracle Galaxy, she's only been pinned ONE TIME, which occurred on behalf of Chloe Storm at Battles Without Honor or Humanity back in October. Now, without the anchor of the ENDVR Championship holding her back, we're going to get to experience Madeliene Satterfield up and down the card, seeing what she's truly capable of. >

Satterfield slides under the bottom rope, rising to her feet and throwing her hands out at her sides, that proud smile on her face never wavering. She removes her Black Dahlia Legacy t-shirt and tosses it into the front row before hopping onto the middle rope and looking out at the fans. Satisfied by the reaction, she nods and hops down, taking her place in her corner as referee Kat Miyao gives her a quick pat down.

[ Chet Honda ] < It's unfortunate to lose a championship, especially one that you're so proud of, but she will soon realize what opportunities have opened up to her without the obligation to defend the ENDVR Championship every single month... and with the ENDVR Championship already been put on the line earlier tonight, we know that's not a well she will be revisiting this evening. What awaits Madeliene Satterfield behind the curtain here in Korakuen Hall? >

The music cuts and silence falls over Korakuen Hall once again. Satterfield stands, fists clenched at her sides, taking a deep breath. Again, the lights dim and the camera focuses on the entrance curtain. Seconds later, "Galaxy Heroine" hits and the fans stand, applauding loudly, surprised looks on their faces! Satterfield bows her head, nodding as though she knew she had someone difficult coming her way. She looks up and faces the entranceway, a smirk crossing her face as Yuna Saito steps through the curtain, head down. Mizuki Suzumi follows her out with a confident smile on her face.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It's Saito Yuna! >

[ Chet Honda ] < The Beating Heart... and the undisputed leader of Galaxy Defense Force! Just last month, she and Kasey Vex defeated Suzuhana Shino and Hisaka Rumi to solidify Saito's place at the head of the faction... and tonight... it looks as though she might face one of her greatest challenges yet! >

[ Harold Goto ] < But is there more? Is it just these two? We don't know! Either way... this is big. Saito Yuna and Madeliene Satterfield have never shared the ring together. >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < This is correct... the only time they would've had the opportunity was during the Intrepid Odyssey and Madeliene Satterfield was eliminated by members of Shuko MURDER-gun only moments before Saito Yuna entered the match. Whether this match is one-on-one or not, this is a first time ever encounter! >

Saito looks over her shoulder and nods toward Suzumi, prompting her mentor to bow and turn, returning through the curtain and leaving Saito to handle this herself. Saito makes her way down to the ring, stopping to bow and place her hands on the steps, shutting her eyes as though she's praying before climbing them and making her way across the apron. She looks out at the fans and raises her fist to her chest, giving it a couple light taps before pointing out at them and then stepping through the ropes. She walks out into the center of the ring, poses, and then turns to set her sights on Satterfield. Satterfield can't help but smile. Saito offers her a polite nod before turning and shedding her entrance attire, handing it through the ropes to Elessa Watson before turning and backing into her corner.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < There's definitely some manner of mutual respect between these two. That much is obvious. >

The lights come up and Saito's music cuts, leaving only the murmur of the fans to fill the silence in the room. They stand across the ring from one another, eyes locked... ready to go.

[ Saki Housako ] < The following contest is set for one fall! >

The fans applaud loudly.

[ Saki Housako ] < Introducing first, she is from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and representing the Black Dahlia Legacy... she is the longest reigning ENDVR Champion in Miracle Galaxy Pro history... MADELIIIIIIEEEEENE SAAAAAAAATTERFIIIIIEEEEELD! >

Satterfield steps out of the corner, spinning out into the middle of the ring and stopping with her hands on her hips. She looks out at the fans with a confident expression before turning and setting her eyes on Saito. Satterfield points at her own eyes with two fingers and then turns those fingers toward Saito. Saito doesn't move, simply staring straight back.

[ Saki Housako ] < And her opponent... she is from Ueno, Tokyo, Japan and she is the leader of Galaxy Defense Force... she is the first-ever Interstellar Dream Champion and the winner of the 2023 GALAXY PRINCESS CUP TOURNAMENT... SHE IS... SAITOOOOOOO YYYuuuuUUUuUUuuNAAAA! >

The fans applaud loudly as Saito steps out into the center of the ring, head down, before raising her fist in the air and snapping her head in the direction of Satterfield, pinning her to her corner with her gaze. Satterfield wrings her hands together, watching... ready to go. Saito turns and goes back to her corner.

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < First... time... ever! >

[ Harold Goto ] < What an exciting time... what a match this shall be. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Two competitors with significant accolades and strong win-loss records. A victory here could mean one of two things, a statement for each competitor... that Madeliene Satterfield is the real deal, solidifying her spot among the top stars in the Miracle Galaxy... or that Saito Yuna truly is the leader of Galaxy Defense Force, a difference maker... that her time on top of the card is not over... not yet. >

Ensuring that both competitors are good to go, Kat Miyao calls for the bell to begin the match!

REFEREE: Kat Miyao | STIPULATION: None

The fans clap along, rallying behind each player as they step out of their corners, eyes locked on one another. Satterfield assumes a wrestler's stance, leaning forward, arms up and prepared to grapple. Saito stands fully upright, head down, eyes cut upward in Satterfield's direction. They inch closer and closer to one another until they meet in the center of the ring... and Saito extends her fist. Satterfield leans in, gently bumping Saito's fist, accepting the gesture with respect. At that point, Saito assumes a fighting stance of her own and they circle one another silently... before Satterfield grunts and lunges forward, moving in for a lock-up! Saito ducks underneath the attempt and executes a go-behind, attempting to lift Satterfield off her feet! Satterfield blocks it, struggling against Saito before prying her hands apart, executing a go-behind of her own before dropping down and putting Saito on the mat with a drop toe hold! Satterfield scrambles on top of Saito, spinning about before grabbing a front facelock! Saito is quickly up to all fours, working on loosening Satterfield's grip before getting enough leverage underneath her to hit her in the mid-section with a series of forearm blows! Satterfield maintains her grip but Saito manages to get her feet underneath her, prompting Satterfield to pivot into a headlock. Saito elbows Satterfield in the mid-section and backs her into the ropes before shooting her off -- NO! Satterfield hangs onto Saito's hair and they stutter-step into the center of the ring! Satterfield cranks on the hold and Saito attempts to lift her up, getting Satterfield's feet off the mat... only for Satterfield to shift her wait and bring Saito with a HEADLOCK TAKEOVER! Satterfield cranks on the headlock... until Saito slings her legs upward and wraps them around her head, breaking the headlock and bringing Satterfield over in a headscissors! Saito rolls over onto her back and Satterfield places her hands on Saito's knees before getting her feet underneath her. Satterfield wriggles back and forth before hopping from side to side, sliding her head free, and then hitting Saito in the face with a BASEMENT DROPKICK!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < They're WRESTLING! >

[ Chet Honda ] < This is the kind of exciting competition you can have when there's a mutual respect between two competitors! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Hey, if it works... go for it... but I'm calling it right now... someone's feelings are gonna get hurt and then this whole... friendship in wrestling thing is gonna go south real quick! >

Satterfield pulls Saito off the mat and whips her into the corner. Satterfield follows her in and catches a boot to the chin! Satterfield staggers out as Saito steps back onto the middle turnbuckle and leaps... DROPKICK FROM THE MIDDLE! Satterfield tumbles head over heels and ends up in a seated position. Saito rushes across the ring and hits her with a BASEMENT CLOTHESLINE before pulling her up by two handfuls of hair. She lifts her up for a suplex but Satterfield wriggles free and lands behind her, grabbing her around the waist and pushing her forward into the ropes. She attempts to pull her down into a pinning predicament but Saito hangs onto the top rope and Satterfield rolls clean through! Saito turns and Satterfield rolls back to her feet. Satterfield charges... CLOTHESLINE -- NO! Saito back body drops her over the top rope and onto the apron! Satterfield lands on her feet! Saito turns and Satterfield dives over the middle rope, taking Saito around the waist and pulling her down into a SCHOOLGIRL ROLL-UP PIN! ONE! TWO! THR -- SAITO KICKS OUT! Both women roll back to kneeling positions with wide eyes. Satterfield smirks and holds up two fingers, showing just how close she came to winning the match!

[ Harold Goto ] < Oh, man... can you imagine if that had gotten the job done? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < That was... too close for comfort for the former Interstellar Dream Champion. >

[ Chet Honda ] < With Madeliene Satterfield's talents made exclusive to the ENDVR Championship scene for so long, it might have been easy for talent such as Saito Yuna to forget that she is a world class competitor. Now she knows that the challenge is very real! >

Both women rise, Saito with a serious expression on her face. They circle one another for a moment and then move in... lock-up! They struggle against each other for a moment before Saito overpowers her, pushing Satterfield back into the corner. Kat Miyao demands a break and Saito backs out... before hitting Satterfield with a brutal overhead chop! Satterfield grimaces and nearly doubles over before Saito places her hand under chin and rights her... before hitting her with another that reverberates throughout the room, drawing groans of discomfort from the fans. Saito looks satisfied and rights Satterfield for another but Satterfield suddenly lashes out and whips Saito around, pushing her back against the turnbuckles before hitting her repeatedly with stiff knife edge chops before drilling her with forearm blows! Saito falls into a seated position and Satterfield runs a circle around the ring, culminating with a STIFF BOOT TO THE FACE! Saito slumps over the bottom rope and Satterfield grabs her by the ankle, dragging her into the center of the ring. She makes a quick cover! ONE! TWO! Saito kicks out! Satterfield pulls her back to her feet and whips her into the ropes. Satterfield goes for a clothesline but Saito ducks underneath it and rebounds. Satterfield turns and Saito goes for the RAILGUN but Satterfield ducks underneath it and rebounds herself! Saito turns and Satterfield hits her with a running crossbody! Saito rolls clean through, rising to her knees while holding Satterfield! Saito struggles to her feet and then falls backward... BRIDGING FALLAWAY SLAM! ONE! TWO! Satterfield kicks out! Both women roll back to their feet and Saito charges! Clothesline -- NO! Satterfield ducks underneath and catches her around the waist... SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Saito lands on her head and neck as Satterfield rolls back to her feet! Saito rolls forward into a seated position and Satterfield launches off the ropes... RUNNING METEORA! She covers! ONE! TWO! Saito kicks out!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Tempers are flaring... >

[ Harold Goto ] < I told you... someone is going to get their feelings hurt. >

[ Chet Honda ] < Madeliene Satterfield is throwing everything she's got at the former champion. She's doing everything in her power to see that she succeeds this evening... and carves her own place in history! >

Satterfield mounts Saito and hits her with several stiff forearms to the chest before standing and pulling her up behind her by a handful of hair. Satterfield pulls her in... SNAP SUPLEX! She rolls clean through and lifts her up... FOR ANOTHER SNAP SUPLEX! Satterfield stands and throws the hair back out of her face before turning and ascending the turnbuckles. She perches on the top rope, looking out at the crowd... only for Yuna Saito to return to her feet and rush to the corner, leaping onto the middle rope! She hits Satterfield hard in the back with several stiff forearms before hooking her... AND BRINGING HER DOWN WITH A BELLY TO BACK SUPERPLEX! Saito covers! ONE! TWO! SATTERFIELD KICKS OUT! Saito wastes no time, pulling Satterfield straight back to her feet and whipping her hard into the corner! Satterfield staggers out and Saito meets her mid-ring with the RAILGUN! Satterfield turns inside out and Saito covers! ONE! TWO! SATTERFIELD GETS HER SHOULDER UP -- AND SAITO USES HER MOMENTUM AGAINST HER, PULLING HER CLEAR BACK TO HER FEET BY HER WRIST! She pulls Satterfield in close... MOE MOE KYUNNNNNN -- NO! SATTERFIELD PIVOTS AND BRINGS SAITO DOWN WITH A TORNADO DDT! The impact sends Saito all the way over into a seated position! Satterfield rolls back to her feet and hits the ropes... RUNNING METEORA! She pulls Saito straight back up and lifts her up... CONQUEST -- NO! Saito slips out behind her and Satterfield turns... SPINNING BACK FIST FROM SAITO! Satterfield spins out and Saito grabs her around the waist... BACKDROP DRIVER! She rolls clean through... ANOTHER BACKDROP DRIVER! She rises and falls back to one knee next to Satterfield before collapsing on top of her... ONE! TWO! THR -- SATTERFIELD KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It's not gonna be that easy! >

[ Chet Honda ] < This is easy!? >

[ Harold Goto ] < It's beginning to get very real. >

Saito slowly rises, teeth clenched. She points down at Satterfield and descends on her, grabbing two handfuls of hair in an attempt to pull her back to her feet... only for Satterfield to pull down into a SMALL PACKAGE! ONE! TWO! THR -- SAITO PIVOTS, PINNING SATTERFIELD! ONE! TWO! THEY ROLL OVER AGAIN! ONE! TWO! THEY ROLL OVER AGAIN! ONE! TWO! SATTERFIELD ON TOP! ONE! TWO! BOTH WOMEN KICK OUT HARD AND SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET! They collide in the middle of the ring... DOUBLE FOREARM BLOWS! They both stagger out and turn, colliding again... DOUBLE FOREARM BLOWS! They spin out and turn one more time... DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! BOTH WOMEN GO DOWN!

[ Chet Honda ] < Oh my! >

[ Harold Goto ] < With how quickly this match has escalated, how much more could they have to give? >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < It looks as though Kat is beginning the mandatory count. >

Satterfield stirs first, rolling over onto all fours and crawling to the bottom rope. Saito pushes herself up and uses the ropes to pull herself up. Satterfield is up and turns as Saito charges... only for Satterfield to drop and pull down the top rope. Saito tumbles onto the apron and Satterfield rises, reaching over the top rope and grabbing Saito's hair. She tries to suplex her back into the ring but Saito pivots and lands behind Satterfield, grabbing her around the waist and attempting to hit her with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Satterfield hangs onto the middle rope before throwing a back elbow strike and hitting Saito in the eye! Saito staggers out and Satterfield turns and sees Saito doubled over, favoring her eye. Satterfield charges... KNEE TREMBLER! The impact sends Saito sprawling and Satterfield advances on her, taking her by the hair and pulling her back to her feet. Saito shoves her off and Satterfield hits the ropes, rebounding and turning Saito inside out with a DISCUS BACK FIST! Saito flips all the way over, landing on all fours! Satterfield snatches her straight back up off the mat and lifts her up... CONQUEST -- NO! Saito elbows her way out and lands behind Satterfield! She whips Satterfield around... BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE! Satterfield staggers back into the ropes and Saito follows her in... CLOTHESLINE AGAINST THE ROPES! She hangs onto her... REVERSE STO INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING! She rolls clean through and pulls Satterfield back up to her feet! She goes for MOE MOE KYUN BUT SATTERFIELD ELBOWS HER WAY OUT! Satterfield turns to hit the ropes but Saito snatches her hair, stopping her in her tracks before whipping her around... HEADBUTT FROM SATTERFIELD! Saito staggers into the ropes and rebounds... MAGICAL PUNCH OUT OF NOWHERE! Satterfield staggers out into the ropes and Saito catches her coming off... MOE MOE KYUNNNNNNNNNNNN! SHE COVERS, SITTING ON SATTERFIELD'S CHEST AND COUNTING WITH THE REFEREE! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE -- SATTERFIELD KICKS OUT!

[ Harold Goto ] < Holy shit! >

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < Madeliene Satterfield has done the unthinkable! >

[ Chet Honda ] < Saito Yuna can't believe it! >

The fans gasp and applaud, standing and watching in awe as Saito pounds on the mat, shrieking in Japanese with wide eyes. Satterfield rolls over onto all fours, visibly disoriented. Saito powers back to her feet and grabs Satterfield by the hair, pulling her back up behind her. With lightning speed, she hits Satterfield with a SPINNING BACK FIST! Satterfield begins to stagger out but Saito snatches her wrist and pulls her back in... FOR ANOTHER SPINNING BACK FIST -- NO! Satterfield ducks underneath it and boots Saito in the mid-section on the turnaround! She hoists her up... CONQUESSSSSSSSSSSST! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! Satterfield covers! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEEEEE -- SAITO GETS HER HAND ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! Satterfield can't believe it! Frustrated, desperate, she pulls Saito away from the ropes and covers her again! ONE! TWO! THR -- SAITO GETS HER SHOULDER UP! Satterfield mounts her and begins pummeling her with stiff forearm blows before pulling her straight up off the mat and lifting her again... CONQUEST -- NO! Saito slips out behind Satterfield and shoves her forward into the corner... ONLY FOR SATTERFIELD TO LEAP ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE AND SPRINGBOARD OFF... FIVE STAR MIDNIGHT! She rolls Saito over and covers... ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEE -- SAITO KICKS OUT!

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < She was so close! >

[ Chet Honda ] < She has to do more... she has to go further if she hopes to win! >

[ Harold Goto ] < Look at her face... that is the face of a woman who knows what she has to do! >

Satterfield rises to her feet and steps through the ropes. She stands on the apron, watching as Saito struggles to all fours. Satterfield grips the top rope, eyes locked on the former champion. She shuts her eyes for just a moment, visualizing what she's about to do --

[ Emi Fukuhara ] < I... I think she's going to try the Goddess Slayer! We've never seen her utilize it in the past but it's the most devastating weapon in her arsenal! She's never had to use it until now and... and I honestly think this might just be what it takes to get the job done! >

-- Satterfield leaps... AND GETS SNATCHED BY THE ANKLE AND PULLED DOWN... BY SHIBUKI! Before Kat Miyao even realizes what's happened, Shino Suzuhana rolls under the bottom rope with a wooden chair and SPLINTERS IT ACROSS SAITO'S BACK! Kat Miyao calls for the bell!