October 2010
Oct 20, 2010 20:48:55 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on Oct 20, 2010 20:48:55 GMT -5
Universal Open - October 2010
*The UBL Battle Chamber in the Peter Venkman Memorial Arena stirs to life as blue, gold, and white confetti drop from the ceiling. The BattleTron turns on and displays these six matches as John Randolph walks to his desk and puts a headset on.*
Match #1: Mark Spirals vs. Crimson Tide
Match #2: Goro Yamashita/Marauder vs. Nightmare/Naja Mask
Match #3: Bak Fu vs. Caleb Dod
Match #4: Koji Ke'oke vs. Chuck "the Ripper" Madrox
Match #5: Tiger Sword vs. Athrin Kazama
Match #6: NEXUS Title: Corey O'Brian vs. Julian Caesaro vs. Gene Starr (c)
[John:] Hello fans and welcome to what is shaping up to be a HUGE show tonight. We've got rematches, grudge matches, swap matches, and Championship matches. And we are also a little under two months away from OG-FPD Ragnarok, so the mood here tonight is more tense and serious then usual. With all that has been on the line recently, from pride to titles to very careers, you just know everyone is going to give their best efforts tonight.
And we start off with a combination of pride and career. Earlier this month during the main event of Orochi-O's TV Episode 19, Mark Spirals challenged Crimson Tide for his spot on the Main Reserves Roster: much like Koji Keo'ke did when he challenged Karl Wunderlin two months ago. However, unlike Koji, Mark actually lost his "swap match". But Mark impressed Sergeant Yoshida so much in that match, one of the best in the history of O's TV, that he has been granted a second try. No word on what happens if Mark were to win this time: Would Crimson get a rematch too? It's also unclear if Mark specifically requested Crimson Tide as his swap opponent or if he just made a general challenge to Drake who then chose Crimson himself.
Or, for all we know, Mark had nothing to do with this and Drake just handed him this opportunity! What has been explained, or not told, to the wrestlers in the locker room has not been conveyed to me or the fans. So far the only rule given about Reserve/Front Line roster "swap matches" is that they are governed by Drake's total discretion. And while arbitrary and capricious laws may be struck down in this country; when it comes to UBL, everyone is subject to Drake and Geese's whims without any recourse other then leaving.
Of course, we do know how Crimson Tide and his SMN cronies have been treated by UBL upper management in the past and it hasn't been so great even if the fans and other wrestlers respect their abilities. Crimson Tide made a point in wrestling an excellent match and putting down Mark's challenge. But if Drake even sees Crimson or anyone else as a candidate for being swapped to the Front Lines, can Crimson realistically do anything to change that? Other then constantly staving off every challenge, that is. From his behavior as he walks to the ring, you can tell there's some desperation here. He's not interacting with the fans as much as normal. Mark Spirals is looking a bit more determined and focused as usual too, but he is cheered on very highly by some of his Genesis X allies in the audience. Wow, that Jayden Blayze is loud. And we even see some of the OG-Joshi Genesis X group in the cheering section too, including a smiling and somewhat starstruck Rachel Sky. Well, let's see if Mark or Crimson will be smiling by the end of this match.
Match #1: Mark Spirals vs. Crimson Tide
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And it looks like we may have a new Main Reserves roster member! Crimson Tide defended his spot valiantly and busted out a huge comeback that looked to shock and almost topple Mark. But Mark took the momentum back forcefully with his Spirals Crush finisher and hung on to win with the Skytwister Press. It's amazing how both men turned on the adrenaline at the end and Mark showed incredible resilence in kicking out of Crimson's high impact moves. Resilience like that will get you places in the UBL. Provided Drake doesn't hate you, at least.
Mark Spirals (O) [Skytwister Press - 15:28] (X) Crimson Tide
Mark doesn't quite know what to say to Crimson but he extends his hand. Crimson takes a few seconds to consider what to do, then nods and shakes the hand of Mark before leaving the ring looking dejected. Folks, say hello to your...most likely new Main Reserve roster member, Mark Spirals!
Next we have a match of considerably more tension and violence. This dates back, well, even before this iteration of UBL. Naja Mask and Marauder were allies and Universal Battalion Champions since the late 1990's. They came to Geese's version of UBL and had some difficulty as a team. Marauder excelled while Naja floundered. When it came time to defend their Battalion Championships, they were unable to win their Block to advance their team to the Finale show. In their final league match, Naja turned against Marauder and injured him. Then when they wrestled against each other at the Finale show, Nightmare interfered and joined Naja in hospitalizing Marauder for months. Goro Yamashita had come to Marauder's aid but it was too late to stop the brunt of the damage. However, now, Marauder is back and...
Apparently without his mask!! Wow! Marauder has come down to ringside without his mask in the first time since...ever! I can't believe this! And neither can the fans! I really...it's not my place to say anything here and it took a lot of bravery for Marauder to not wear the mask but wow, if Naja and Nightmare had any hand in doing that to his face, he's gonna be pretty angry here tonight. The fans are showing their support here though which is good to see. And Goro is getting a big opportunity here too. Again, being friends with Drake has its advantages and I'm really not sure if Goro is on the Main Roster or the Reserve Roster. We did see him defeat Matt Rivers and that's no easy task but it's unclear exactly where Goro is in UBL. He started and remains as Drake's bodyguard but now he's an active wrestler too? Well, far be it for me to criticize a man who came to Marauder's aid, but in a promotion run by Geese, having some coherent rules is sometimes a good thing. But I can't be too angry if Drake allowed Marauder to have the Marines come in to take out Naja and Nightmare after what they did to Marauder. And they are coming down to the ring now but don't seem so tentative. Instead, they are actually mocking Marauder's face. And man, add the Navy SEALS to that too. Naja and Nightmare deserve to get a military grade ass-kicking!
Match #2: Goro Yamashita/Marauder vs. Nightmare/Naja Mask
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Maybe we should add the Army Rangers to that! Because not only did Nightmare and Naja again pull off something odious, but they have a new ally! Dokuja from Black Venom! Notice that Kurobara, Dokuja's long time tag team paratner, was nowhere to be found here. Kemnebi was also not here. This was just Dokuja helping out a fellow snake, Naja and his ally Nightmare. And man did Dokuja ever blast Marauder with that chair!! Only for Goro to get viciously double teamed too. I almost can't believe this but...Luke Kisiera just performed his first competent and useful service to UBL!! And Matt Rivers, kind of a surprise after some of the tension between him and Goro, came down as well to chase the cowards out. My guess is that Matt got them to run a bit faster then Luke did.
Marauder/Goro (O) [DQ: Interference - 17:30] (X) Nightmare/Naja Mask
Gotta thank both of them though and Drake is actually out right now, apparently doing that. He looks as shocked as anyone that he's thanking and praising Luke Kisiera but hey, Luke just protected Drake's friend and bodyguard Goro as well as his long friend Marauder. It looks like both Marauder and Goro are able to walk backstage on their own power but they are none too pleased at what just happened. I don't know what Naja is planning here but Marauder is gonna spontaneously combust from anger if this feud continues like this.
Speaking of potential explosions or other physics based questions, the next match may finally answer one of pro wrestling's long running cliches as we observe what happens when the unstoppable force goes against the immovable object. Never has there been two wrestlers who embody that conflict any better. Bak Fu...aka Mr. Head Drop. Former Junior Champion in many a promotion. Caleb Dod, head of his graduating class in EFW, current #1 contender to the OJ-FWA Championship and a man who was closer then anyone to capturing the Battalion Championships before tapping out to Johnny Bingo and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Now, the specific reason for this match isn't just a laboratory experiment to see physics in action, but because Caleb actually knocked out Bak Fu earlier in the night of the Battalion Finale when the Dods defeated Team McPro. Bak wasn't so much angry as impressed by this feat, and he demanded to face Caleb again in a 1 on 1 situation. I will note that Drake Yoshida has banned Jack Dod from being in the arena for this match, as he wants a legitimate encounter here.
Both men are in the ring now after their own stoic entrances and are staring at each other, unflinching. I think there may be some degree of mutual respect here but all we are going to see are fireworks and power. While Bak is one of the most feared men in pro wrestling, he is quite undersized in this match. He is known for his headdrops but can he even lift Caleb to deliver the Hellbound and other signature moves? And can Caleb properly slow down and catch Bak Fu to adequately throw his and Bak's weight around? A lot of questions here but SCIENCE will answer them!That and random number roulette calculations.
Match #3: Bak Fu vs. Caleb Dod
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Those moves are not meant to be fought off. Or even meant to get up from. But up until the end, both men did just that. Bak fought out of the "Dod Eclipse" splash, Caleb stood up immediately after the Hellbound. That was just...like watching two immortals or something. Where's the Queen soundtrack and the Quickening? Geez, I feel manlier for having watched that. Caleb wins this match but I am sure he was not altogether satisfied with the fact Bak fought off as much as he did. And Bak, well he just got his answer about Caleb's true strength. If we see a rematch here, I suggest the fans wear chain mail and a crash test suit.
Bak Fu (X) ["Hand of Dod" - 12:31] (O) Caleb Dod
I think we need an intermission after that, or a quick sleep for a 1000 years to regain our energy. And well, we're being joined by wait..what is SHE doing here? That's Miss Asako Matsuki from OG-Joshi! And she's standing next to a large expressionless man!
[Asako:] "Only fool would think Matsuki Holdings would limit itself to OG-Joshi! I now bring to you man who will brighten the horizons of pro wrestling. The "Sunrise" Ryoma!"
(Wow....that guy..he's big. But I'm not sure how bright he is just standing there with Asako doing the talking.)
[Asako:] "I hear idiot's brother say that his Catch style is best in world. I hear other people say they are Royalty, Kings, Emperors. They are nothing. Ryoma will show everyone that Nihon-jin has always defined battle and will bring back to UBL the true spirit of puroresu that it discarded when brought to these undeserving shores. Much like Narai Kaeo in OG-Joshi, Ryoma will rule this ring with victorious spirit. Nexus Champion, your sunset is on horizon."
Asako leads a stone-faced Ryoma backstage as murmurs are heard from the crowd about the size of this man. I gotta say, if this guy can actually wrestle, UBL is gonna have a new threat on its hands. We've seen Asako Matsuki mold Narai Kaeo into an OG-Joshi World Title contender within a year, and so this Ryoma fellow could be quite a force to be reckoned with. However, as far as I know, Ryoma has been placed on the Front Lines roster. Apparently the "idiot", Sergeant Drake Yoshida is not gonna be pushed around as to where people start in UBL even if Asako was able to get Narai on Voltage right away. How long he stays on the Front Lines is another question.
Let's get back to the action as next we have a rematch from one of the highlights of the September Circuit show, the match between Koji Keo'ke and Chuck "The Ripper" Madrox. These two tore up the place as each man's undefeated streak was on the line. In the end, Koji came out ahead but Chuck further showed us the incredible resiliency he has. He isn't the biggest man on the roster but that cliche about the size of the dog in the fight vs. the size of the fight in the dog really applies to Chuck. He's a pitbull in the ring and almost had Koji defeated on many occasions. And now he gets a second chance. Meanwhile, Koji wants to keep his streak alive and decisively beat another man in his path to the NEXUS Title.
Match #4: Koji Keo'ke vs. Chuck Madrox
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And Chuck struck back!! You can not underestimate this man. Even after you defeat him, you have to fight even harder the second time to take him out. Just when it looked like Koji was going to take this match with his trademark uraken, Chuck fought out. When Koji tied up his arms and legs with that cradle german suplex, Chuck fought out. And when Koji went to grab him at the end, after using all that energy to kick out of Chuck's hurracarana, Chuck immediately maneuvered him into another pin. His speed is one of his greatest assets and that doesn't just go for what happens in the air. It's clear that he had the most to prove here and came in with even more motivation and resiliency and it paid off. Drake has to have both of these men in mind for NEXUS Title contention after the two matches we have seen from them.
Koji Keo'ke (X) [Roll-up counter pin - 14:16] (O) Chuck Madrox
Coming up next is at least one person who might take violent issue with Miss Matsuki's earlier statement that the true spirit of puroresu has been missing from UBL, and that's the formerly named Athrin Cross who is now going by the name, Athrin Kazama. The owner of Kirin Dojo in Japan and a man who is one of Japan's fiercest exports. A man who has done so much to shape UBL over the last year with the violence of his Fuzen Tara Seitan group. And so it almost seems silly trying to explain why the next match has been signed. If you've been watching UBL for the last year, at least since the November Open, you know full well why Tiger Sword is challenging Athrin Kazama. Sword's return two months ago cemented that as well as their words back and forth and tag match at the September show.
Tiger Sword came back to UBL to eliminate Athrin. And Athrin along with his F.T.S. stable plan to eliminate Tiger. There's no "give" here. Either one of these guys is eliminated or they both injure themselves trying. Why the hatred, you ask? Tiger is Athrin's former mentor until Athrin turned against him and tried to end his career. You don't solve that with a few beers at Hooter's. Not sure if they tried that though, but Tigerfly Sword and Minerva, their respective wives, would probably not support that idea. Instead, the first step to Sword's official in ring return was a very exciting and competitive tag match where he pinned Athrin with a Tiger Suplex. And right now, Sword has the chance to face, 1 on 1, the man who left his career for dead. No F.T.S. helping Athrin, no allies of Sword stepping in to stop any carnage. Just teacher vs. student. Protector of Light vs. Agent of Darkness. That theme actually gives "unstoppable force vs the immovable object" a run for its money, now doesn't it! Let's get to the ring as Sword and Athrin have finally arrived.
Match #5: Tiger Sword vs. Athrin Kazama
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The resiliency of Tiger Sword just blew me away, folks. Sword just took two Lariats of Rage from Athrin and a Demon Driver, on top of an utter barrage of debilitating attacks. A slicing from the kusarigama punctuated a beating that Athrin bestowed on his former mentor, but Sword did not give up or stay down. In fact, much like his wife Tigerfly did at OG-Joshi Illumination, Sword finished off the more aggressive and violent opponent with a graceful rebound moonsault. It seems that Sword's plan here was to stay calm and not let emotions get the better of him. However, from the look of pure fire coming from the eyes of Athrin Kazama, this is far from over. In fact, we already know that these two have been granted a slot on the OG-FPD Ragnarok card. What they will do with it is anyone's guess. But it seems pretty likely that Athrin, like a true demon, will wish to do more violence.
Tiger Sword (O) [Moonsault - 14:26] (X) Athrin Kazama
Now it is time for the main event and a match that's been built up to all summer. Julian Caesaro and Corey O'Brian made it past their respective opponents only to end their match in a tie at the previous show from a double knockout. Drake Yoshida decided to take a page from OG-Joshi (not that he'll ever admit to it) and make tonight's Title match the first triple threat match in the history of the NEXUS Championship. Gene Starr has not defended his title since he won it back from Karl Wunderlin late last year but is hungry to face new challengers. Julian defeated Juan Leche while Corey defeated 'Majin' Black Omen to earn this title shot. And while each man could not defeat the other last month, there can only be one winner tonight. Drake said that if anything resembling a tie happens, the match will continue until we get a decisive victory.
Corey came into UBL to get into the Universal Championship league but due to it already being in progress, he was placed on the Reserve Roster instead. That frustration helped fuel him to defeat everyone in his path to get this Title shot. Meanwhile, Julian Caesaro arrived cocky and brash but backed up his actions through his victories. He has new threads, new confidence, and a damn good shot at taking this. Gene Starr brings experience, poise, and perhaps the most varied moveset in terms of fighting styles. He can beat you on the ground with his submission skills or knock you out cold with his striking. Corey O'Brian can make you six inches shorter by compressing your spine. And Julian can make you so dizzy that you fall on your face, before having it kicked off. There's a reason all three of these men have a chance to leave the ring with the Championship tonight. And we're about to see it. Hold onto to your hats, and belts folks, we have history in the making!
Match #6: NEXUS Championship Triple Threat
Corey O'Brian vs. Julian Caesaro vs. Gene Starr (c)[/url]
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And what can you say about that, huh?
We just saw the promotion's top Championship being defended in the most fitting way possible. Absolute war, resiliency by all three men, and a perfect finish.
Corey had problems from the get go. Perhaps Julian and Gene saw Corey as the biggest threat and decided to take him out of the equation early. That double team certainly helped their cause. I believe Julian calls that the "Royal Tower". And it may have ended up as the Tower of Babel due to the misunderstandings Gene and Corey kept having throughout the match as they repeatedly broke up their respective finish attempts on Julian. As the match continued, Julian played the two against each other perfectly and saved his own behind. And when it was finally time for Gene to defend against Julian, after eliminating Corey, Julian busted out the move he saves for these special occasions. He forcefully "intervened" into Gene's Championship reign, and took it over for himself.
Gene Starr (O) [Kido Clutch - 27:33] (X) Corey O'Brian
Julian Caesaro (O) ["Royale Intervention" - 28:46] (X) Gene Starr
Ladies and gentleman, your new UBL NEXUS Champion: "King Royale," Julian Caesaro.
And Perfectshawn Stevens has come to the ring to celebrate with his Perfect Royalty teammate. Streamers and confetti are falling as the two are living it up. Even the OG-Joshi Royal Deities have come to the ring to join their leader, Julian. I think these folks are gonna party all week long and for good reason! I'm not sure that Avalon grinding on Julian is TV-14 but hey, Julian earned it!
As for us, the next UBL matches will occur during a few episodes of Orochi-O's TV. Then, of course, at the biggest show of the year, OG-FPD Ragnarok. We all now wonder who exactly will get that title shot at the new NEXUS champion, Julian Caesaro. Corey O'Brian? Gene Starr? Someone else entirely? Hopefully Drake enlightens us soon and fills out the complete card in the next month. Oh, and Jean Carter asked me to tell you all to keep safe during Halloween!
*The show fades with Perfect Royalty and the Deities celebrating in the ring.*
*The UBL Battle Chamber in the Peter Venkman Memorial Arena stirs to life as blue, gold, and white confetti drop from the ceiling. The BattleTron turns on and displays these six matches as John Randolph walks to his desk and puts a headset on.*
Match #1: Mark Spirals vs. Crimson Tide
Match #2: Goro Yamashita/Marauder vs. Nightmare/Naja Mask
Match #3: Bak Fu vs. Caleb Dod
Match #4: Koji Ke'oke vs. Chuck "the Ripper" Madrox
Match #5: Tiger Sword vs. Athrin Kazama
Match #6: NEXUS Title: Corey O'Brian vs. Julian Caesaro vs. Gene Starr (c)
[John:] Hello fans and welcome to what is shaping up to be a HUGE show tonight. We've got rematches, grudge matches, swap matches, and Championship matches. And we are also a little under two months away from OG-FPD Ragnarok, so the mood here tonight is more tense and serious then usual. With all that has been on the line recently, from pride to titles to very careers, you just know everyone is going to give their best efforts tonight.
And we start off with a combination of pride and career. Earlier this month during the main event of Orochi-O's TV Episode 19, Mark Spirals challenged Crimson Tide for his spot on the Main Reserves Roster: much like Koji Keo'ke did when he challenged Karl Wunderlin two months ago. However, unlike Koji, Mark actually lost his "swap match". But Mark impressed Sergeant Yoshida so much in that match, one of the best in the history of O's TV, that he has been granted a second try. No word on what happens if Mark were to win this time: Would Crimson get a rematch too? It's also unclear if Mark specifically requested Crimson Tide as his swap opponent or if he just made a general challenge to Drake who then chose Crimson himself.
Or, for all we know, Mark had nothing to do with this and Drake just handed him this opportunity! What has been explained, or not told, to the wrestlers in the locker room has not been conveyed to me or the fans. So far the only rule given about Reserve/Front Line roster "swap matches" is that they are governed by Drake's total discretion. And while arbitrary and capricious laws may be struck down in this country; when it comes to UBL, everyone is subject to Drake and Geese's whims without any recourse other then leaving.
Of course, we do know how Crimson Tide and his SMN cronies have been treated by UBL upper management in the past and it hasn't been so great even if the fans and other wrestlers respect their abilities. Crimson Tide made a point in wrestling an excellent match and putting down Mark's challenge. But if Drake even sees Crimson or anyone else as a candidate for being swapped to the Front Lines, can Crimson realistically do anything to change that? Other then constantly staving off every challenge, that is. From his behavior as he walks to the ring, you can tell there's some desperation here. He's not interacting with the fans as much as normal. Mark Spirals is looking a bit more determined and focused as usual too, but he is cheered on very highly by some of his Genesis X allies in the audience. Wow, that Jayden Blayze is loud. And we even see some of the OG-Joshi Genesis X group in the cheering section too, including a smiling and somewhat starstruck Rachel Sky. Well, let's see if Mark or Crimson will be smiling by the end of this match.
Match #1: Mark Spirals vs. Crimson Tide
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And it looks like we may have a new Main Reserves roster member! Crimson Tide defended his spot valiantly and busted out a huge comeback that looked to shock and almost topple Mark. But Mark took the momentum back forcefully with his Spirals Crush finisher and hung on to win with the Skytwister Press. It's amazing how both men turned on the adrenaline at the end and Mark showed incredible resilence in kicking out of Crimson's high impact moves. Resilience like that will get you places in the UBL. Provided Drake doesn't hate you, at least.
Mark Spirals (O) [Skytwister Press - 15:28] (X) Crimson Tide
Mark doesn't quite know what to say to Crimson but he extends his hand. Crimson takes a few seconds to consider what to do, then nods and shakes the hand of Mark before leaving the ring looking dejected. Folks, say hello to your...most likely new Main Reserve roster member, Mark Spirals!
Next we have a match of considerably more tension and violence. This dates back, well, even before this iteration of UBL. Naja Mask and Marauder were allies and Universal Battalion Champions since the late 1990's. They came to Geese's version of UBL and had some difficulty as a team. Marauder excelled while Naja floundered. When it came time to defend their Battalion Championships, they were unable to win their Block to advance their team to the Finale show. In their final league match, Naja turned against Marauder and injured him. Then when they wrestled against each other at the Finale show, Nightmare interfered and joined Naja in hospitalizing Marauder for months. Goro Yamashita had come to Marauder's aid but it was too late to stop the brunt of the damage. However, now, Marauder is back and...
Apparently without his mask!! Wow! Marauder has come down to ringside without his mask in the first time since...ever! I can't believe this! And neither can the fans! I really...it's not my place to say anything here and it took a lot of bravery for Marauder to not wear the mask but wow, if Naja and Nightmare had any hand in doing that to his face, he's gonna be pretty angry here tonight. The fans are showing their support here though which is good to see. And Goro is getting a big opportunity here too. Again, being friends with Drake has its advantages and I'm really not sure if Goro is on the Main Roster or the Reserve Roster. We did see him defeat Matt Rivers and that's no easy task but it's unclear exactly where Goro is in UBL. He started and remains as Drake's bodyguard but now he's an active wrestler too? Well, far be it for me to criticize a man who came to Marauder's aid, but in a promotion run by Geese, having some coherent rules is sometimes a good thing. But I can't be too angry if Drake allowed Marauder to have the Marines come in to take out Naja and Nightmare after what they did to Marauder. And they are coming down to the ring now but don't seem so tentative. Instead, they are actually mocking Marauder's face. And man, add the Navy SEALS to that too. Naja and Nightmare deserve to get a military grade ass-kicking!
Match #2: Goro Yamashita/Marauder vs. Nightmare/Naja Mask
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Maybe we should add the Army Rangers to that! Because not only did Nightmare and Naja again pull off something odious, but they have a new ally! Dokuja from Black Venom! Notice that Kurobara, Dokuja's long time tag team paratner, was nowhere to be found here. Kemnebi was also not here. This was just Dokuja helping out a fellow snake, Naja and his ally Nightmare. And man did Dokuja ever blast Marauder with that chair!! Only for Goro to get viciously double teamed too. I almost can't believe this but...Luke Kisiera just performed his first competent and useful service to UBL!! And Matt Rivers, kind of a surprise after some of the tension between him and Goro, came down as well to chase the cowards out. My guess is that Matt got them to run a bit faster then Luke did.
Marauder/Goro (O) [DQ: Interference - 17:30] (X) Nightmare/Naja Mask
Gotta thank both of them though and Drake is actually out right now, apparently doing that. He looks as shocked as anyone that he's thanking and praising Luke Kisiera but hey, Luke just protected Drake's friend and bodyguard Goro as well as his long friend Marauder. It looks like both Marauder and Goro are able to walk backstage on their own power but they are none too pleased at what just happened. I don't know what Naja is planning here but Marauder is gonna spontaneously combust from anger if this feud continues like this.
Speaking of potential explosions or other physics based questions, the next match may finally answer one of pro wrestling's long running cliches as we observe what happens when the unstoppable force goes against the immovable object. Never has there been two wrestlers who embody that conflict any better. Bak Fu...aka Mr. Head Drop. Former Junior Champion in many a promotion. Caleb Dod, head of his graduating class in EFW, current #1 contender to the OJ-FWA Championship and a man who was closer then anyone to capturing the Battalion Championships before tapping out to Johnny Bingo and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Now, the specific reason for this match isn't just a laboratory experiment to see physics in action, but because Caleb actually knocked out Bak Fu earlier in the night of the Battalion Finale when the Dods defeated Team McPro. Bak wasn't so much angry as impressed by this feat, and he demanded to face Caleb again in a 1 on 1 situation. I will note that Drake Yoshida has banned Jack Dod from being in the arena for this match, as he wants a legitimate encounter here.
Both men are in the ring now after their own stoic entrances and are staring at each other, unflinching. I think there may be some degree of mutual respect here but all we are going to see are fireworks and power. While Bak is one of the most feared men in pro wrestling, he is quite undersized in this match. He is known for his headdrops but can he even lift Caleb to deliver the Hellbound and other signature moves? And can Caleb properly slow down and catch Bak Fu to adequately throw his and Bak's weight around? A lot of questions here but SCIENCE will answer them!
Match #3: Bak Fu vs. Caleb Dod
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Those moves are not meant to be fought off. Or even meant to get up from. But up until the end, both men did just that. Bak fought out of the "Dod Eclipse" splash, Caleb stood up immediately after the Hellbound. That was just...like watching two immortals or something. Where's the Queen soundtrack and the Quickening? Geez, I feel manlier for having watched that. Caleb wins this match but I am sure he was not altogether satisfied with the fact Bak fought off as much as he did. And Bak, well he just got his answer about Caleb's true strength. If we see a rematch here, I suggest the fans wear chain mail and a crash test suit.
Bak Fu (X) ["Hand of Dod" - 12:31] (O) Caleb Dod
I think we need an intermission after that, or a quick sleep for a 1000 years to regain our energy. And well, we're being joined by wait..what is SHE doing here? That's Miss Asako Matsuki from OG-Joshi! And she's standing next to a large expressionless man!
[Asako:] "Only fool would think Matsuki Holdings would limit itself to OG-Joshi! I now bring to you man who will brighten the horizons of pro wrestling. The "Sunrise" Ryoma!"
(Wow....that guy..he's big. But I'm not sure how bright he is just standing there with Asako doing the talking.)
[Asako:] "I hear idiot's brother say that his Catch style is best in world. I hear other people say they are Royalty, Kings, Emperors. They are nothing. Ryoma will show everyone that Nihon-jin has always defined battle and will bring back to UBL the true spirit of puroresu that it discarded when brought to these undeserving shores. Much like Narai Kaeo in OG-Joshi, Ryoma will rule this ring with victorious spirit. Nexus Champion, your sunset is on horizon."
Asako leads a stone-faced Ryoma backstage as murmurs are heard from the crowd about the size of this man. I gotta say, if this guy can actually wrestle, UBL is gonna have a new threat on its hands. We've seen Asako Matsuki mold Narai Kaeo into an OG-Joshi World Title contender within a year, and so this Ryoma fellow could be quite a force to be reckoned with. However, as far as I know, Ryoma has been placed on the Front Lines roster. Apparently the "idiot", Sergeant Drake Yoshida is not gonna be pushed around as to where people start in UBL even if Asako was able to get Narai on Voltage right away. How long he stays on the Front Lines is another question.
Let's get back to the action as next we have a rematch from one of the highlights of the September Circuit show, the match between Koji Keo'ke and Chuck "The Ripper" Madrox. These two tore up the place as each man's undefeated streak was on the line. In the end, Koji came out ahead but Chuck further showed us the incredible resiliency he has. He isn't the biggest man on the roster but that cliche about the size of the dog in the fight vs. the size of the fight in the dog really applies to Chuck. He's a pitbull in the ring and almost had Koji defeated on many occasions. And now he gets a second chance. Meanwhile, Koji wants to keep his streak alive and decisively beat another man in his path to the NEXUS Title.
Match #4: Koji Keo'ke vs. Chuck Madrox
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And Chuck struck back!! You can not underestimate this man. Even after you defeat him, you have to fight even harder the second time to take him out. Just when it looked like Koji was going to take this match with his trademark uraken, Chuck fought out. When Koji tied up his arms and legs with that cradle german suplex, Chuck fought out. And when Koji went to grab him at the end, after using all that energy to kick out of Chuck's hurracarana, Chuck immediately maneuvered him into another pin. His speed is one of his greatest assets and that doesn't just go for what happens in the air. It's clear that he had the most to prove here and came in with even more motivation and resiliency and it paid off. Drake has to have both of these men in mind for NEXUS Title contention after the two matches we have seen from them.
Koji Keo'ke (X) [Roll-up counter pin - 14:16] (O) Chuck Madrox
Coming up next is at least one person who might take violent issue with Miss Matsuki's earlier statement that the true spirit of puroresu has been missing from UBL, and that's the formerly named Athrin Cross who is now going by the name, Athrin Kazama. The owner of Kirin Dojo in Japan and a man who is one of Japan's fiercest exports. A man who has done so much to shape UBL over the last year with the violence of his Fuzen Tara Seitan group. And so it almost seems silly trying to explain why the next match has been signed. If you've been watching UBL for the last year, at least since the November Open, you know full well why Tiger Sword is challenging Athrin Kazama. Sword's return two months ago cemented that as well as their words back and forth and tag match at the September show.
Tiger Sword came back to UBL to eliminate Athrin. And Athrin along with his F.T.S. stable plan to eliminate Tiger. There's no "give" here. Either one of these guys is eliminated or they both injure themselves trying. Why the hatred, you ask? Tiger is Athrin's former mentor until Athrin turned against him and tried to end his career. You don't solve that with a few beers at Hooter's. Not sure if they tried that though, but Tigerfly Sword and Minerva, their respective wives, would probably not support that idea. Instead, the first step to Sword's official in ring return was a very exciting and competitive tag match where he pinned Athrin with a Tiger Suplex. And right now, Sword has the chance to face, 1 on 1, the man who left his career for dead. No F.T.S. helping Athrin, no allies of Sword stepping in to stop any carnage. Just teacher vs. student. Protector of Light vs. Agent of Darkness. That theme actually gives "unstoppable force vs the immovable object" a run for its money, now doesn't it! Let's get to the ring as Sword and Athrin have finally arrived.
Match #5: Tiger Sword vs. Athrin Kazama
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The resiliency of Tiger Sword just blew me away, folks. Sword just took two Lariats of Rage from Athrin and a Demon Driver, on top of an utter barrage of debilitating attacks. A slicing from the kusarigama punctuated a beating that Athrin bestowed on his former mentor, but Sword did not give up or stay down. In fact, much like his wife Tigerfly did at OG-Joshi Illumination, Sword finished off the more aggressive and violent opponent with a graceful rebound moonsault. It seems that Sword's plan here was to stay calm and not let emotions get the better of him. However, from the look of pure fire coming from the eyes of Athrin Kazama, this is far from over. In fact, we already know that these two have been granted a slot on the OG-FPD Ragnarok card. What they will do with it is anyone's guess. But it seems pretty likely that Athrin, like a true demon, will wish to do more violence.
Tiger Sword (O) [Moonsault - 14:26] (X) Athrin Kazama
Now it is time for the main event and a match that's been built up to all summer. Julian Caesaro and Corey O'Brian made it past their respective opponents only to end their match in a tie at the previous show from a double knockout. Drake Yoshida decided to take a page from OG-Joshi (not that he'll ever admit to it) and make tonight's Title match the first triple threat match in the history of the NEXUS Championship. Gene Starr has not defended his title since he won it back from Karl Wunderlin late last year but is hungry to face new challengers. Julian defeated Juan Leche while Corey defeated 'Majin' Black Omen to earn this title shot. And while each man could not defeat the other last month, there can only be one winner tonight. Drake said that if anything resembling a tie happens, the match will continue until we get a decisive victory.
Corey came into UBL to get into the Universal Championship league but due to it already being in progress, he was placed on the Reserve Roster instead. That frustration helped fuel him to defeat everyone in his path to get this Title shot. Meanwhile, Julian Caesaro arrived cocky and brash but backed up his actions through his victories. He has new threads, new confidence, and a damn good shot at taking this. Gene Starr brings experience, poise, and perhaps the most varied moveset in terms of fighting styles. He can beat you on the ground with his submission skills or knock you out cold with his striking. Corey O'Brian can make you six inches shorter by compressing your spine. And Julian can make you so dizzy that you fall on your face, before having it kicked off. There's a reason all three of these men have a chance to leave the ring with the Championship tonight. And we're about to see it. Hold onto to your hats, and belts folks, we have history in the making!
Match #6: NEXUS Championship Triple Threat
Corey O'Brian vs. Julian Caesaro vs. Gene Starr (c)[/url]
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And what can you say about that, huh?
We just saw the promotion's top Championship being defended in the most fitting way possible. Absolute war, resiliency by all three men, and a perfect finish.
Corey had problems from the get go. Perhaps Julian and Gene saw Corey as the biggest threat and decided to take him out of the equation early. That double team certainly helped their cause. I believe Julian calls that the "Royal Tower". And it may have ended up as the Tower of Babel due to the misunderstandings Gene and Corey kept having throughout the match as they repeatedly broke up their respective finish attempts on Julian. As the match continued, Julian played the two against each other perfectly and saved his own behind. And when it was finally time for Gene to defend against Julian, after eliminating Corey, Julian busted out the move he saves for these special occasions. He forcefully "intervened" into Gene's Championship reign, and took it over for himself.
Gene Starr (O) [Kido Clutch - 27:33] (X) Corey O'Brian
Julian Caesaro (O) ["Royale Intervention" - 28:46] (X) Gene Starr
Ladies and gentleman, your new UBL NEXUS Champion: "King Royale," Julian Caesaro.
And Perfectshawn Stevens has come to the ring to celebrate with his Perfect Royalty teammate. Streamers and confetti are falling as the two are living it up. Even the OG-Joshi Royal Deities have come to the ring to join their leader, Julian. I think these folks are gonna party all week long and for good reason! I'm not sure that Avalon grinding on Julian is TV-14 but hey, Julian earned it!
As for us, the next UBL matches will occur during a few episodes of Orochi-O's TV. Then, of course, at the biggest show of the year, OG-FPD Ragnarok. We all now wonder who exactly will get that title shot at the new NEXUS champion, Julian Caesaro. Corey O'Brian? Gene Starr? Someone else entirely? Hopefully Drake enlightens us soon and fills out the complete card in the next month. Oh, and Jean Carter asked me to tell you all to keep safe during Halloween!
*The show fades with Perfect Royalty and the Deities celebrating in the ring.*