Circuit - January 2014

[OrochiGeese]

(Note: I am posting a long show-opening promo first and the rest of the show, including the matches, later this week.)


Universal Circuit - January 2014

*The show starts with a bright white light that fades into a view of the Royal Wingate arena. The place is at its capacity with fans cheering at the camera but then start booing as "Dies Irae" plays on the house speakers. Destiny-clad Ruby Moreno walks to the ring with one of the most arrogant smirks we have ever seen on her. The "Guiding Light" seems to be emboldened by the negative reaction and starts waving and blowing fake kisses to everyone. She rolls into the ring and does her trademark dance.*


*The booing reaches an uncomfortable volume so Ruby grabs a microphone. At first the fans don't allow her to even get a word in, which she shows mock outrage about. But she points to the Battle-Tron which displays two pictures that silence the crowds.*


[Ruby:] "UBL's Highlight Hall now belongs to Destiny. But we have gained so much more here than just that. It is my honor to introduce the new UBL NEXUS Champion and still reigning King of Kirin Champion. Our very own "Path" towards virtue, Joachim!"

*"Testament of NESTS" play as ten men in old, grey cloaks come out with their heads bowed. They stand, unmoved, on either side of the aisle with perfect patience and concentration. Ruby appears deferential to this display but a barely detectable roll of her eyes can be seen by those who know to look for it. After a few seconds of audience discomfort, Joachim walks past the entry curtain wearing the King of Kirin Title and a large black cloak with a hood. He looks...surprisingly humble for a man who just marched into an enemy promotion and won their Top Title after only one attempt. He walks up to each cloaked man and actually bows before them, thanking them for accompanying him. The fans don't know what to make of this. It is difficult to jeer such behavior. Finally, Joachim makes his way to the ring and embraces Ruby in a hug that she appears unprepared for. Her eyes go wide which causes the audience to chuckle. She quickly gains composure and raises Joachim's arm high before passing him the microphone.*

[Joachim:] "Welcome to the first step toward a perfect world."

*The fans don't take to this comment as much as they did his earlier humility.*

[Joachim:] "Of course there must be resistance. After all, if the imperfect enjoy it, how could it be the ideal? Your reaction proves to me that I am on the right path, guided by Miss Moreno's light. It was indeed the right time to come here and begin to cleanse-"

*Marine's "Baron" plays on the speakers as Arthur Wingate comes out to ringside. The cloaked men line up to stop him but Joachim waves them off. Arthur walks to the ring, holding a briefcase and grabs a microphone.*

[Arthur:] "You can share your method for digestive health later. Let us get down to business. First-"

*Arthur opens the briefcase and pulls out the UBL NEXUS Championship Belt.*

[Arthur:] "It is my duty as owner to publicly present you with this. Whatever differences we have in our belief systems, the fact is that you earned this Championship when you cleanly defeated Matt Rivers in the ring at Battle Formation. Whatever claims that others make to being the Champion here, I officially recognize you as the rightful holder of our current top singles Title."

[Ruby:] "And best wrestler-"

[Arthur:] "Ahem, as I said, the holder of our Top Title. I'm not here to make value judgements, Miss Moreno, just to state the facts."

*Arthur hands the title over to Joachim but Ruby intercepts it. Joachim nods at Ruby and allows her to place the Title around his waist as the crowd boos. Arthur looks Joachim in the eyes.*

[Arthur:] "A number of people, including myself, underestimated your ability. I bought this company to re-emphasize the wrestling and so your efforts deserve my accolades. Whatever the future will bring us as a result of our differences, I appreciate the talent and drive you have in this ring. If your reign is focused on those values, I will continue to champion your position here."

*Arthur holds his hand out in a gentlemanly manner. Ruby, while still fastening Joachim's belt, is actually also holding his hands back. However, it is of no consequence as Joachim is able to perform a sincere half-bow towards Arthur which Arthur returns.*

[Arthur:] "I disagree with what you said about our former Champion when you challenged him. However, your performance against him spoke for itself in proving your own worth. If you can make a case for the value of your group solely through your in ring ability, then your reign will be a fruitful one for both your interests and mine."

[Joachim:] "Your public words surprise me but are welcomed. While we are on the subject of Mr. Rivers, I would like to clear our name. We are aware that he was abducted after Battle Formation but I assure you that we were not a part of it. We do not abduct people against their will as a matter of morality, nor would we even gain from such a plan were we purely out for selfish gains. As you said, I defeated him cleanly, with no doubt left as to who the better wrestler was. To further humiliate a man that holds no further threat to us is simply not our way. I could not allow such an injustice."

[Ruby:] "Unfortunately, that is the way of our enemies. Those who claim to be about justice clearly don't want Matt wasting their time anymore in their campaign of intolerance against us. While we simply and humbly celebrated our victory after the event, Thunder Strike eliminated Rivers from future contention and, for all we know, may have even killed him."

*Ruby throws her arms up in mock confusion to support her point.*

[Joachim:] "I would have offered him a rematch, as was his right. That gesture still stands...provided he is still among the living."

[Ruby:] "Rivers lost to you cleanly, there is no doubt who the better man is. If he wants a rematch, he has to earn it because there are plenty on the roster who are next in line."

[Arthur:] "And that brings me to the other reason I am out here."


*Arthur pulls out a piece of paper, that appears to be a contract, from his briefcase.*

[Arthur:] "I am not an oblivious man. I realize that what starts behind private doors does not always stay there. The internet is keen to spread many matters of confidential information. Unfortunately, it does not always do so accurately. I have read rumors over the past month of UBL 'selling out', of Destiny 'selling out', of us striking all types of nefarious deals with each other. In fact, the very scene you are all witnessing right now with us being in the same ring without an all out war was an affront to the conspiracy minded out there.

Let me be perfectly clear, I own and run a professional wrestling promotion and this man *points to Joachim* has earned the right to be called the Champion of it. We do have a deal, one of conditions surrounding his employment and Title responsibilities That is not a conspiracy, it is a simple means of being able to work with each other so that this promotion can have the best wrestlers and matches possible.

Sadly, I blame the polarization of international politics for the inability of some fans to understand our relationship. If man were to drive away every other man who disagreed with him on any single matter, we'd still be in the woods being hunted by game."

[Ruby:] "Please be reminded that I am the one known for lofty speech, Mr. Wingate."

*Arthur smirks but then looks again at the contract and then out to the still uncomfortable and murmuring crowd.*

[Arthur:] "The truth is self-evident: Joachim earned and holds our top Championship. Once we properly acknowledged that fact, there were only two ways that we could logically move forward: all out warfare from the start or an attempt to work together for our mutually benefit. Destiny wanted to prove that they are not here to destroy this promotion as long as they are treated fairly. And I wanted to prove that I will not be biased against them as long as they follow my rules intended to protect the UBL.

The contract I am holding meets both criteria. And while my instinct is to bypass the legalese so you can get to the wrestling, my integrity demands that I get in front of each and every one of you tonight, before we go any further, and tell you why this is the right thing to do.

There are two terms to this contract. One is that Joachim will formally defend his NEXUS Championship against the contenders that I choose with at least a month in between defenses. That is the standard terms of UBL Championships as followed by Matt Rivers and our other current Champions. But secondly, in a unique twist given the circumstances, we have come together to devise a course of action that we are calling the 'Destiny Trial series'."

*The fans boo at this as they do not like the connotations.*

[Arthur:] "Now, now, the Trial Series will actually be a welcome nostalgic ride for those who had the honor to watch my debut in the UBL a few years ago. And here are the terms:

Joachim desires to face the entire roster in a series of matches which are not for the NEXUS Title. If he loses a match in the series, his opponent will get a future Title shot. If Joachim wins a match in the series, his reign will be strengthened. And if wins a match in under 15 minutes, like the time limit on my Wingate challenges, then he will have the right to sign a Destiny wrestler of his choice to a UBL contract. Every victory will strengthen his cause, every victory under 15 minutes will strengthen Destiny's cause. And every defeat..."

[Joachim:] "Is a fool's delusion. Every match for me is a Championship match, whether you officially acknowledge it or not."

*Ruby becomes suddenly uncomfortable as, for the first time since he came out, Arthur smiles in his usual arrogant fashion.*

[Joachim:] "I do not hold these Title belts as ends in themselves, possessions that hold intrinsic value which I must protect at all cost. They represent my victories, not limit the opportunity for future ones. We can not make meaningless distinctions as to what is on the line if we want this Title to have value defined by our actual achievements."

[Ruby:] "I think what Mr. Wingate was saying is that you will indeed have the opportunity to defend your Title in certain matches-"

*Joachim is now speaking to Ruby as much as he is speaking to Arthur.*

[Joachim:] "And what I was saying is that every time I step in a UBL ring and face an opponent in a one on one match, I will be defending my Title. Every match matters for this Championship to have any meaning whatsoever. History is our guide, Ruby.

Matt Rivers chose when his efforts 'mattered' and, in doing so, ensured that they never truly could. He limited when his 'champion' status would be judged which meant he was unworthy of that judgment. He was lulled into a false sense of security by not regularly living up to the highest stakes of his position. He did not give his all on every occasion and languished in ability.

But I take the path of greater resistance. I walk the true Championship road.."

[Ruby:] "I think it is time to move on from this topic. We will discuss this later-"

*Joachim's stance locks as he looks Ruby in the eye with full conviction.*

[Joachim:] "It is settled now. I am either the Champion for every match or for none of them. Losing any singles match, sanctioned or not, will result in me relinquishing the appropriate belt to the victor. I will not defend it under any other circumstances."

*A grave look of concern is on Ruby's face but suddenly she gets her spirit back.*

[Ruby:] "And you won't have to. Because we will be pre-approving each wrestler you face and the order in which you face them."

*Arthur smiles again and makes a fake show of looking at the contract.*

[Arthur:] "I don't believe that particular detail is in the contract, Miss Moreno."

[Ruby:] "Then I think we need not bore the people any further with these legal technicalities and theoretical statements of impractical absolutes. How about you and I go backstage and modify the contract to our approval. Meanwhile, Joachim can start this year off with his first Destiny Trial series match against the opponent for tonight chosen by both of us."

[Arthur:] "I think with the right concessions by your party, I could be amenable to your suggested modifications. And you are correct, the time for talking is long past over. Joachim, your first opponent is ready. I am quite sure that you will be tested by him. And if you were to lose, we have always allowed our Champions to cede their Titles outside of official Title matches. I fully support your Championship aspirations and path to NEXUS integrity."

*Ruby looks agitated and clears her throat loudly.*

[Ruby:] "Thank you, Mr. Wingate, for your desire to work with us in a respectful and constructive way."

*Arthur smiles with the confidence that only an upper hand can bring. He nods again at Joachim and begins leaving the ring. Ruby looks sternly at Joachim who recognizes her anger but brushes it off. He lets both titles fall off his shoulders onto the ground and mouths "II give them meaning." Ruby walks away with an angry pace and follows Arthur backstage.*

*When we get back to the show, we see John Randolph in his commentary position.*

[John:] "Welcome to the first Circuit show of 2014! I had no time to welcome you all before but Happy New Year and wow, did we ever start this year off in a big way! Right now, our new NEXUS Champion, Joachim, is awaiting his first opponent in the 'Destiny Trial series". It seemed as if we were on the brink of witnessing unprecedented influence being granted to Destiny. But after what we just heard, any online doubt about Arthur's loyalty, motives, or competence has been put to rest. I know what the most active topic on OG-JoshiFan.Net Discussion Forums will be tonight!"

*There is a coincidental camera pan to a fan holding up a sign: "WTF IS UBBLE"

[John:] "Whether the title is on the line or not, Destiny is facing a major internal conflict based on Joachim's need to win every match to still consider himself the Champion. Even though they stand to make significant roster gains if he can win matches in under 15 minutes, they could be faced with disaster. If he loses, he may relinquish the title, and therefore Destiny's current foothold in the UBL. I'm really impressed as to how Arthur was able to anticipate this situation and read Joachim like this.

We nearly have a zero-sum game here. Either Destiny members join the UBL by the truck load, or Joachim cuts his own power off. From a practical perspective, every single match that Joachim faces is now a NEXUS Title match. And the only result that leads to no change whatsoever, is if he wins a match after fifteen minutes.

UBL non-title single matches typically go for twenty minutes and Arthur said nothing that makes me believe that won't be the time limit for the Trial series. Given that they covered just about every other item so closely, I'd imagine the time limit stands. That means there is only a five minute window in every match where no substantial ground can be gained by Destiny. But the entire match is a potential huge win for UBL. I don't know what Joachim will do in the case of a time-limit draw at the 20 minute mark. My guess is that he'd grant, and highly desire, a rematch.

What I know for sure is that the stakes of every Joachim match are higher than they have been for any Champion that we've ever had. You can say a lot of things about Joachim but he just redefined the concept of a 'fighting champion'. And as he stretches in the ring, his first opponent is about to come out to meet him."


(Continued in Part 2 coming next week!)

[OrochiGeese]

[John:] "Jason Hyde! Jason Hyde is fully back in the Universal Battle League! We saw him return at Silent Knight but he still had some ring rust in his loss against Rufus King. Tonight he takes on our new NEXUS Champion and was apparently hand-picked by both Arthur and Ruby.

Jason Hyde doesn't just come back to us after a long break from wrestling, he returns after being the biggest question mark of 2011. This man joined Jinchuu and severely injured Thunder Strike. Then he quit Jinchuu the very second that they thought they finally completed their mission of breaking the will of Orochi Geese and the back of UBL. We never heard any public explanation from him on that entire period of his life. And, frankly, I can't say that I'm terribly comforted seeing him right now given the digusting company that he kept, their violent actions, and insulting behavior towards me.

But I won't let that personal bias obscure the fact that Jason is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the history of UBL. Here is a man who, in the same Universal Champions League, actually defeated Orochi Geese and Jack Dod, the eventual winner of the Title. Here is a man who became one of the winners of the Universal Battalion League and then went on to become the Universal Battalion Champion with Kyle Walker. Putting aside how badly he hurt Thunder after the match, he did legitimately beat him with the "Nowhere to Hyde" submission, breaking his leg legally to gain the victory. I don't know what his mindset is right now but once he fully shakes his ring rust off, UBL is going to have a hard time finding anyone that is a match for his combination of speed, heart, and technical ability. Don't let his youthful look fool you, he can beat anyone on this roster and was a central figure during the time when UBL grew some hair on it's chest.

That is why I am not surprised that Arthur chose him but am a little surprised why Ruby did. Perhaps she was banking on his ring rust, perhaps she knows something we don't about his intentions and allegiances. For this part, Joachim does not seem fazed by his approaching opponent. And folks, that's as good as a transition as any to get ourselves to the ring for the first match of 2014, and Joachim's NEXUS Title reign."


Destiny Trial series:

Match 1: Jason Hyde vs. Joachim


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[John:] "If this is Jason Hyde with ring rust, I'm terribly concerned as to what will happen when he gets his full step back. He just took the new NEXUS Champion to the limit, kicking out of the Destiny Driver and almost making Joachim submit on a number of occasions. For a man who was out of the ring for a long time, he looked as close to beating Joachim at times as Matt Rivers was. I do think Jason may have telegraphed that hurracarana though.

Joachim appears to be very skilled at anticipating his opponent's moves and was able to read Jason's initial jump well enough to catch him in mid-air and slam him down for the powerbomb. I've never seen Joachim even use a powerbomb before but he executed it perfectly in that situation. He did the exact move necessary to counter Jason's attempt and I think that Jason was not at all prepared to have to deal with a powerbomb from this particular opponent. You gotta to hand it to both men for this match which was a great way to kick off 2014 in the ring."

[John:] "Of course, both men also have a degree of disappointment stemming from this match. Jason was unable to beat Joachim and Joachim was unable to win within fifteen minutes.   The crowd did briefly hold their breath during the Destiny Driver at the late 14 minute mark but Jason miraculously kicked out.  Although Joachim can now add the first official 'win' to his reign, and one against a UBL legend like Jason, he does not get to choose another member of Destiny to join UBL. By pushing Joachim so hard, Jason really helped us out here, whether he intended to or not."

Jason Hyde (X) [Powerbomb - 16:26 ] (O) Joachim

[John:] "Both men are finally up. Joachim looks at Jason, unsure of how to proceed. I'm not sure if we are going to see a handshake here. Jason was allied with Jang Bae at one point and I really don't know what his feelings are related to Jang's 'conversion' to Destiny. Joachim appears to play it safe and simply nods to Jason with a smile. Well, that wasn't disturbing at all, fans! Let's watch as Jason Hyde, of all people, gets practically winked at by one of the leaders of the current group to threaten our existence! Somewhere, Thunder Strike is taking notes furiously."


*A commerical for Pro-Luta Brasil is shown, and the English fans respond with a football chant.*


[John:] "That...that's a pro wrestling fed, folks. Not football- Oh well. The fans are into the chant so I figure that only helps PLB. Where are the Fairbairns and Stuart Robinson when you need them? Not sure anyone actually needs Stuart but...moving right along-

We turn next to an open challenge issued by Scott Cramer. He's actually standing in the ring now. Go ahead, look over there, you can clearly see him. A few weeks ago, he made his intentions known to earn a shot at the NEXUS Title. To do so, he was willing to face anyone. It looks like he took a page from Matt Rivers' play book from last year when he made an open challenge. Of course, it was Scott Cramer who answered it and gave us all a memorable match. This time around though, Cramer gave his potential opponents a bit more notice to step up and sign a contract facing him. Scott doesn't know who his opponent is but Arthur made this match official. And it looks like his opponent is coming to the ring now..."


[John:] "And that's Archibald Snow. For a man debuting in UBL tonight, he sure has won over a sizable portion of the audience already. That is because, despite being a 'rookie' in UBL, he is a European legend with deep roots in London. Those roots actually involve a series, spanning years, of hard fought matches with our current owner, Arthur Wingate. Snow is no stranger to this crowd and you can tell he is enjoying the accolades that they are giving him. He bows to them, and also to his opponent. Then he grabs a microphone."

[Archibald:] "What wondrous providence brings me back home to Royal Snow Hall! *laughs* This is the very arena that young Arthur and I wrestled a "Marquis de Goosebury" rules match that spanned three hours and ended in a technical draw rendered by the Queen herself. That was before she got glasses, or else she would have seen Arthur's shoulders clearly down. But we've moved beyond that, of course! This is also the very arena that I set the record in 'go-behinds', scoring forty-two in one exchange. I even went-behind on my own go-behind, rendering my opponent both dumb and blind."

*The crowd is eating this up but Scott Cramer seems impatient.*

[Archibald:] "Am I boring you, Mr. Cramer? I do apologize. I only ask that you look past my fun-loving nature and realize you are about to be mercilessly held down to the mat by the best wrestler that the United Kingdom has ever seen. Do not take it personally. In fact, I was excited to face you. You are one of the new crop of hybrid style wrestlers that I have been hearing so much about: Equally adept at strikes as slams, submissions as stoic expressions."

*Archibald attempts to mimic Scott Cramer's face but fails miserably*

[Archibald:] "But...pray tell...have you ever met a man who simply wanted to pin you? Not hurt you, not out-flash you, just hold your shoulders to the ground for a fair count of 3 and be declared the better man? This is a new experience for you, Mr. Cramer, and I do relish the opportunity that you will learn from it and become stronger for our eventual rematch."

[John:] "Wow, booking a rematch for his opponent after a presumed loss? Gutsy."

[Archibald:] "All I ask is one small favor. As you may have noticed, decorum and security are close to breaking down in this promotion. While I am a maestro in between those four turnbuckles, I really do not enjoy scrapping with some of the other ruffians popping up to suckle at Arthur's teat. So I have hired a bodyguard for my tenure here. I only request the slight imposition on you in having his presence nearby. He will not disrupt the match, but merely protect it from those who may not honor competition as we do. This is as much for your protection, as it is for mine."

*Scott Cramer shrugs his shoulders as if he couldn't care less.*

[Archibald:] "Thank you for that firm response. Mr. Gom-Bu, if you will."

*Wang Gom-Bu comes out to ringside and the crowd goes quiet in awe of Wang's size.*


[John:] "i feel like someone just made a euphemism there. Uh, anyway, wow, Archibald Snow has just summoned forth his mighty...Mr. Gom-Bu. Cramer appears a bit less confident about his decision to allow Wang's presence here. But I do believe Archibald is a sporting man of his word. Wang won't get involved in this match unless an outside force threatens Archibald."

[Archibald:] "Now, then, fancy a lesson?"

*Scott brings his hands in front of him and makes the universal symbol for "bring it on". Archibald smiles, walks up the ring stairs onto the apron, and elegantly steps in between the bottom and middle rope. He holds his hand out for a handshake, which Cramer accepts.*

[John:] "And it looks like we're ready for our second match of the evening."


Match 2: Scott Cramer vs. Archibald Snow


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[John:] "And you have to hand it to Archibald for his focus on victory. He wasn't trying to do anything flashy, just defeat Scott through submission or pinfall. Cramer had a number of near falls himself, and one rear naked choke at the end that I really thought had a chance to win the match for him. Then again, if Snow's sermons don't put himself to sleep, I'm not sure Cramer can. Snow showed the resiliency and technical ability that has defined decades of his career. I am sure that Cramer is going to want a rematch and, luckily, Snow seems quite inviting of that."

Scott Cramer (X) [Rolling Prawn Hold - 14:45] (O) Archibald Snow


*Archibald holds out his hand for a post-match handshake, and Cramer shakes it again. Scott leaves the ring to support from the fans as Archibald enjoys his debut victory with Wang accompanying him in the ring. When they leave though, Wang begins jarring with a fan who was getting his attention during the match with verbal barbs and various hand motions.*

[John:] "Wait, that man looks familiar...oh that isn't just a fan, that's Bones!"

*Bones jumps the railing and gets in Wang's face, the two of them staring each other down. UBL Security run down to ringside and separate the two. Archibald is actually smiling.*

[John:] "Contrary to what he said earlier, Archibald doesn't seem to mind a little disorder. Or, perhaps, he is just satisfied seeing his bodyguard not back down from a challenge. I know that Bones and Wang did not exactly get off...on the right foot during the Battle Royale at Battle Formation. Wang hit Bones with his "Unworthy" finisher which angered Bones so much that he snapped: sacrificing his concentration to finish the match for an outright beating on Wang. Many reports backstage described a sore Wang feeling limp and tired afterward. Ok, sorry, I'm done, I promise. I just had to get the Wang out of my system. Somewhere, Mr. Figaro has a massive grin right now and Clyde is equally as displeased. Anyway-

Even after Wang had been pinned in that match, Bones continued to attack him. And that is what allowed Kirin Dojo's Lone Spacewolf to get the victory in that match. Whether Bones blames Wang for that loss or not, it seems like he wants to get him in the ring. And I don't think Wang has any opposition to that idea. Hopefully we can just keep them apart for tonight so that they can face each other on a future Basic Training show under the direction of Darius, the Field Leader.

Speaking of Darius, I'd like to congratulate him on defending his Title against ZUKAMIKUDO and also winning the Kirin Dojo World Jr. Championship in the process. There were a lot of big Wangers....I mean, winners at Battle Formation and Darius was arguably one of the best, having gained a new Championship. We're going to go to commercials so Drake can yell at me through my headset."


*A commercial for the next Basic Training is shown with a spotlight on the main event of Darius defending his Field Leader Title against Algernon LeBlanc.*


[John:] "And we're back fans. Battle Formation also provided us with new Universal Battalion Champions in addition to our new NEXUS Champion. In fact, Joachim wasn't the only person to get onto Highlight Hall as a result of his efforts at Battle Formation. Sun & Moon, the team of RYOMA and Nobu Nakazawa, have now been immortalized in the Hall. And, if you ask me, they probably got a stronger fan reaction than any other winners at the show."

[John:] "That is because they have just pulled off an unprecedented and historic accomplishment: They are the first tag team to hold Championships in four World class promotions at once. They are now the Tag Team Champions in Super NOVA, Kirin Dojo, Azteca Pro, and the UBL. They have defeated elite teams, including the Marauding Army who held the Universal Battalion Championships for a whole calendar year. And while JET and Marauder made it interesting, you didn't really get the sense that they had an answer to Sun & Moon, a problem that every other tag team in the world has suffered from over the last two years.

The UBL tag scene is becoming much more lively than it has in a while. There are some classic teams that are competing harder than ever and a ton of new teams joining the ranks that look quite promising.

I will remind everyone that there actually are already #1 contenders to Sun & Moon. During our last Circuit Show, held in August, the team of Lucha La Barba and Tenshi, affectionately known as 'We have Beards', defeated the Golden Pair in a #1 contendership match in a 30 minute classic. Many are calling that the best tag match that we had in 2013 and I'm not likely to argue. The beardos, their word, not mine, were promised the next crack at JET and the Marauder but Battle Formation took precedence over their claim. However, Arthur apologized to them after explaining the importance of that show and promised them that they would be the next team to get a Championship match against Sun & Moon. I am not sure exactly when that will be but Arthur said it will co-main event headline the next PPV style show that takes place.

What we do have to offer you tonight in the realm of tag team competition is the return of the SwashbuckLAWLERS taking on a debuting team named 'Agents of the Iron Fist.' I was told I could just call them 'Iron Fist' from this point on though. I don't actually know who this team consists of, but I do know that the individual wrestlers aren't debuting here, just their state of partnership. I suppose that is why they made it onto the Circuit Show.

The SwashBuckLAWLers are out first, led by Captain Lucy Cutlass. The fans seem very glad to see her, as it's been a while since they remembered how terrible she actually is. I think she's still the LAWL 1337 Champion but, honestly, I can't follow anything that goes on in that promotion sometimes. HaLAWLoween took place a few months ago and that thirty minute 'Jack-LAWLantern on a pole match' scarred the crowd. I'll never look at candy corns or Patata Dulce the same way. I think charges are even being filed. Even Moreno turns pale when the topic is broached...

Uh, so Jack Flint, whose rear end is still sore from the aforementioned match, and Henry Bailey lumber down to the ring and you have to think that they'd make intriguing opponents for Sun & Moon. They don't back down from any team and Henry Bailey is bigger then either RYOMA or Nobu. A win here could get these pirates back on their route to smoother waters...or something. Wait, I hear some inspiring music on the speakers. I think Iron Fist is making their way to ringside!"


"Agents of the Iron Fist" entrance video!

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[John:] "It's Tyler Alexander and Goro Yamashita!! Wow...that is an impressive team right there. And I think I know why they are called Agents of the Iron Fist now. You have the expert in Chinese boxing, Goro, paired with a man who has an iron will, Tyler.

The last time we saw them on a UBL show, they were part of a larger UBL defense team assisting Jean DuBreil and Arthur Wingate against an attempted Destiny attack. But these two have been working together, to my knowledge, since the previous Geese-owned incarnation of UBL. Goro took Tyler under his windy wing after that violent series of matches that Tyler had with El Verde Fantasma and Juan Leche. Tyler was a very angry young man back then but I think that Goro's mentorship has helped channel Tyler's emotions into success. We even saw Tyler defeat Hanzori in one of the best matches of the night at Battle Formation. And Tyler also holds an inter-promotional Title called the S-Crown, which is a group of Championships defended around the world. Tyler has had a lot of tag team success in the FPCPP as part of the ELITE stable. This is his first time stepping foot in the UBL ring as part of a tag team, but I think that he and Goro make an intriguing pairing.

Keep in mind, Goro is also the head of UBL Security....a fact that Lucy Cutlass seems to be protesting. I think she's shouting that her team won't get fair treatment when this turns into a tavern brawl. I'm not sure why she assumes this has to turn into one though. Both Goro and Tyler do not appear fazed by her ramblings and are just paying attention to their opponents, sizing them up. Jack Flint throws a cigarette lighter at Tyler but Goro manages to punch it away in mid air. Jack picks up the lighter as if he just found it and gleefully puts it in his pocket. He's a strange little man. Well, before any more objects get thrown or launched through a cannon, let's get to the match...oh you got to be kidding me. That ref? Drake has a sense of humor, after all. Might as well have been a 'Jack-LAWLlantern on a banana picker match.' All right, let's see how this pans out!"


Match 3: Agents of the Iron Fist vs. SwashBuckLAWLers

Tyler Alexander/Yamashita Goro vs. Jack Flint/Henry Bailey


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[John:] "Iron Fist had to work for this debut victory. The Pirates made this a brawl from the get go. I don't know if they did this trying to ignite Tyler's anger but they pulled out a ton of dirty tricks. They also bloodied up Goro pretty badly and I think Jack tried to set him on fire, a sight that makes just about all of us UBL old-timers terribly uncomfortable. Seriously, not cool. One 2011 was enough, thank you. Flint should be heavily fined for that or at least made to watch old Jinchuu promos."

Yamashita Goro/Tyler Alexander (O) [Mad Splash - 19:25] (X) Jack Flint/Henry Bailey


[John:] "You have to hand it to Goro for keeping his poise and for Tyler for concentrating on just getting the win at the end and not punishing the pirates. I think Flint simply ran out of ways to defend himself at the end, having to contend with a Tyler attack that ranged from the ground and the sky. Iron Fist wrestled like a top team here tonight and it would not surprise me to see them continue on to get success. Sun & Moon should keep an eye on their progress."


*A commercial for NARF is shown which delights the fans.*


[John:] "Speaking of the Sun, in Sun & Moon, it is now time for RYOMA's second match with Corey O'Brian. The winner of this 'two out of three' match series goes on to become the new #1 contender to the NEXUS Championship. At least...that was the original plan a few months ago when Matt Rivers was still the Champion. Since Joachim has defeated him, and many rumors have swirled around before tonight as to just exactly when Joachim will defend the Title, certain contingencies have formed. One of which has been the creation of a new Championship...though not one that Arthur Wingate has officially recognized yet.

Corey O'Brian has recently declared himself to be the new UBL Heavyweight Champion! This is a rather large claim for a few reasons. For one, any time a Championship Title is created, it is a big deal, especially when the owner has not acknowledged it. Two, UBL doesn't even have a weight division. So, as Drake nervously joked to me backstage yesterday, he's just waiting to hear other people declare themselves the Champions of various fictional weight classes. Because...why not?

But the big news here is that Corey has showed a vote of no confidence in our new Champion, Joachim. And that is sure to fan the flames of a potential future match between them. Whether Corey or RYOMA win this series, it is clear that Corey and Joachim have quite the antagonism going on now sparked by this 'Create-A-Championship' move.

And the part that hurts Destiny is actually the backstage reaction. See, Corey is not a blowhard. It would be one thing if Kazuo Saji was marching around with a made up Championship. But Corey O'Brian is not only a former NEXUS Champion, he's actually a man who was never defeated for that Title. He actually has had a claim to the NEXUS Title, from the start of this UBL resurgence, which affected the legitimacy of Matt's reign in many people's eyes. Corey came back and wanted to face Matt so that we would have one undisputed Champion. With Matt now defeated, that NEXUS lineage is even more disputed.

So Corey creating a Title for a legitimate Championship claim has won the support of many of his peers and fans who believe he actually IS the true Champion right now. But not content with just being the Champion, he wants to clear up the confusion and have one man left holding all the gold. And to do that, he wants to finish his series with RYOMA and then face Joachim and Matt.

In the meantime, he holds one victory over RYOMA after their encounter at the previous Circuit Show. That resulted in quite an entertaining, but respectful, back and forth verbal exchange about what it means to be a warrior. Tonight we are going to see whether or not RYOMA has taken Corey's advice to heart and is willing to adapt his style to win, or continue to try to win in his own way. You'd have to imagine that holding four simultaneous Tag Championships has to be a boost to the credibility of RYOMA's approach. But Corey's victory still has to sting.

That being said, what is so amazing to me is that RYOMA is a top contender for the NEXUS Championship in the midst of his historic tag team Championship reign. There has not been a wrestler in UBL that simultaneously held the top singles and tag Titles since the Marauder in 2006 and Orochi Geese in 2002. And that was when they had a much smaller and less diverse roster than we do now. For RYOMA to even be in this position, with the UBL Tag Title and three other tag Titles is nothing short of incredible. A lot of people were wondering when RYOMA would finally reach his potential. And while I do believe he has more to go, he has reached the main event in the UBL. He is currently the most decorated Champion that we have and has as much momentum as anyone else here. If he were to win the NEXUS Title at the same time as he carries even two of those tag titles, let alone four, he would eclipse just about every other wrestler who came before him in UBL.

That is correct: RYOMA is currently just three singles victories away from doing something that would make him the most successful UBL wrestler of all time.  Let that sink in just a bit.  

What's further impressive to me is that there does not seem to be any lapse of concentration on his part as he trains for each of his matches. He treats every match as if he has never won a Title before and is just as hungry to get one. But so does Corey. And you know he wants to defend his newly claimed World Heavyweight Championship against RYOMA. Corey did mention that RYOMA would have to win the entire series to win his Title but you have to figure that RYOMA is going to treat this match as it's for Corey's AND Joachim's Title.

And with that, we are going to the ring. RYOMA has already entered and is wearing his Universal Battalion Championship to the fans applause. RYOMA is not entirely used to being cheered, especially in the company of Matsuki Holdings allies. But he has taken to the fans respect. Corey comes out next and is carrying his new Heavyweight Championship Title.

The vast majority of fans are cheering him for this but a sizable portion seem uneasy. And out of that portion, the obvious non-Destiny members are also keeping somewhat quiet. People are not always comfortable when a wrestler creates their own title, even if they arguably deserve it. The fans are still very pro-Corey but this Title situation has made people pause. Most people like clarity in the Title picture and having any doubt as to who the current Champion is can make their heads hurt. UBL is usually the leading cause of aspirin amongst wrestling promotions, but, in this case, many acknowledge that this title schism is really affecting their ability to sleep comfortably knowing how the world works.

I had the occasion to talk to Jean Carter recently, on account of the holidays. And she passed on this tidbit of wisdom given to her by Luke Kisiera.  He said


"This is like when that comic book hero 'Superdude' died and four new Superdudes claimed to be the real Superdude. You'd think if people liked one Superdude, they'd love four of them. But people were like...dude, none of them seem that super cause there are four of them. And I think one's like a robot or something. How are they allergic to Klepto-rite if they are robots?"

I think what he was trying to say is that any question of who actually holds the titles can dilute them even if the people claiming them are credible. Or...that he misses Superdude. I don't really know. Jean Carter wishes everyone a Happy New Year though.

Corey and RYOMA are both in the ring and are having a stare down. Will RYOMA tie this series up, or will Corey clinch it and move on to face a hopefully willing Joachim. The NEXUS Title scene has never been more variable and interesting, in my opinion, than it is right now. And the next chapter of Superdude is about to be written in that very ring."


Match 4: Corey O'Brian vs. RYOMA


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[John:] "I guess the word of the day is 'powerbomb' for the NEXUS Title picture. Both Joachim and RYOMA utilized this maneuver, in different ways, to win their respective matches. And you had to figure RYOMA threw everything he had into that one to keep Corey down. We've seen RYOMA powerbomb Corey in the past but, this time, he did not seemingly hold anything back. This was his way to win and he took pride and conviction in it. Corey certainly kept the heat on throughout and there were a number of situations I thought he was going to take this. But RYOMA is on such a run of momentum right now that not even Corey could hold his shoulders to the mat or make him submit. Tonight RYOMA's neck was made of the same material that his spirit is."

RYOMA (O) [Powerbomb - 18:46 ] (X) Corey O' Brian


[John:] "This is without a doubt the biggest singles win in RYOMA's career. He has just defeated Corey O'Brian and tied up the #1 contender series. He has just defeated the reigning UBL Heavyweight Champion and former NEXUS Champion in a match. Corey has only lost to a few men in the UBL, literally less than five men, and RYOMA now joins that illustrious list. What's more...RYOMA has not lost a match with Championship relevance since August. He has only gone on to win tag titles and tonight's encounter. This run of momentum is unprecedented."

*RYOMA and Corey both approach center ring. RYOMA not only extends his hand but also bows to Corey, who nods respectfully back and shakes his hand. The fans cheer as RYOMA goes outside. He picks up Corey's Heavyweight Title and brings it into the ring, presenting it to him.*

[John:] "RYOMA is not just proud that he won this match, but that he has the opportunity to formally apologize for snubbing Corey's handshake after their prior match. Here he is overcompensating but out of respect. He knows he won but wants to make it clear that he respects Corey. And apparently, he respects that Title too."


*Joachim comes out to the ramp flanked by Ruby Moreno.*

[John:] "But here are two people that certainly do not respect that World Heavyweight Title. Ruby whispers to Joachim and he holds his NEXUS Title up over his head. Corey O'Brian is about to do the same with his Title, but he only holds one strap. He offers the other strap to RYOMA and together, they hold the World Heavyweight Title up in the air in defiance of Joachim and Destiny. Does this mean that the missing Superdude, also known as Matt Rivers, is the real one? Well, probably not. He did get defeated. Plus, I actually prefer Batguy.

In any case, we will see you for the next Circuit show in a few months and Basic Training in a few weeks. And remember, if you are in the area, there are UBL Live shows every Friday night. It's the only place to see up and coming talent as well as some of the old Front Line wrestlers occasionally passing through. This is shaping up to be a hot year for UBL and you never know which new wrestlers will play a pivotal role in helping the SuperPals against the League of Darn."


*The show fades out and the UBL time line continues normally, removed from the one month long stasis*