Universal Circuit Tournament: Promo Round-up!
Jun 20, 2018 22:33:36 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on Jun 20, 2018 22:33:36 GMT -5
*The camera fades to John Randolph standing in front of a UBL banner.*
[John:] "Hello folks, tonight we'll be airing pre-recorded segments with each of the wrestlers in the Universal Circuit Title Tournament which state their goals, expectations, and numerous fighting words toward their competitors. The winners of the first round will then have a further chance to give more in depth impressions but we wanted to make sure that everyone had something to say in advance of this tournament to crown a Champion of a new UBL Title. Tetsu Gushiken already gave his thoughts on his match against JET Hamada. So let's start this round-up with JET Hamada's response. Aside from JET, no other wrestler heard what their opponent had to say first before they recorded these."
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JET Hamada
*JET is sitting on a bench in the gym doing bicep curls.*
[JET:] "Look, I know this match isn't personal with Tetsu. Like he said, we are cool. If I was just a fan, I'd probably be rooting for him more than anyone else in the UBL cause our styles and approaches are so similar. But I gotta be honest, I've been in a bad mood since Base 11 cause of how Barton and I did in our matches.
Out of everyone in that Battle Royale, I was the only one who actually got pinned. Everyone else got tossed over the top, usually when they were taken by surprise. But me, I actually got pinned. It's embarrassing. And it wasn't a good night for Barton either. He was beating Thunder Strike only to get busted open by, let's be honest, probably an illegal elbow. And that was it for him. He couldn't even see for the rest of the match cause he had blood running down his face. So right now, he and I are looking to make up for what happened that night. I don't know what Barton's next move is but, for me, the road leads right through Tetsu Gushiken. I'm glad we're doing it at Matsuki Mobile. At least I know there won't be any Destiny shenanigans or anything like that. Just a straight up match between two of the best grapplers in the world today. Like you said, Tetsu, we'll put on the best match of the entire Tournament. I have no doubt about that. I'll also have no problem shaking your hand after the match is over, but I'm gonna have to wrench your arm to finish it first."
*JET finishes his set and drops the dumbbell, smiling at the camera.*
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Wang Gom-Bu
*Wang Gom-Bu is standing next to his manager and spokesman, Archibald Snow. Snow has a big, confident smile on his face and is patting Wang's back,*
[Archibald:] "Miss ole Archie? Well, we came back in a big way and now Wang is the #1 seed in the Circuit Title Tournament. You all saw how he dominated that Battle Royale, and that was against seven other men at the same time! Imagine what he'll do when it's just one on one. There isn't a man in this promotion who can move this mountain. And it certainly isn't Tsaoring Chou, the smallest man in the tournament and Wang's first opponent. I know that old saying - it isn't the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that matters. But even a Siberian Husky couldn't climb this mountain on their own. Chou, you may have a lot of spirit, you may have the advantage in speed, but what are you going to do about it? Try a huracanrana against this behemoth? *Snow laughs* Look Chou, sometimes it is the size of the dog that matters. You just can't hurt Wang with any of your offense. Petition Drake or Arthur to make a new Title for a flyweight division, this Circuit business isn't for you. But Wang isn't a sadist, he'll make this quick."
*Wang, who has stood stoically and silently this whole time, then smiles arrogantly.*
[Archibald:] "But not so quick that he won't enjoy it a little first."
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Tsaoring Chou
*Tsaoring Chou is outside in what appears to be a forest. He is sitting cross-legged and meditating. After a few minutes, he opens his eyes and faces the camera.*
[Chou:] "It is not easy starting my journey to become Circuit Champion by being the smallest man and the first one eliminated. It also won't be easy facing the largest man in the tournament. However, if this venture was easy, it would not be worth doing. I came to the UBL, on the advice of a friend, because I sought a new challenge. It is clear that I headed in the right direction, especially after that Battle Royale. I was manhandled and bruised, mocked and battered, but now I have the opportunity to transcend and triumph. But to do that, I must first defeat Wang Gom-Bu, a man that I respect. He is of an ancient group whose people specialize in climbing mountains. That type of connection with nature places him far above the shoulders of our competitors even more than his size does. However, it places him nearly on eye level with me. Tsaoring Chou, the 'soaring' one as my people call me, is not intimidated by his exploits or abilities. For every mountain that is climbed through the arduous work of man, an eagle gently and effortlessly glides even higher. I have walked among the indigenous in North America and the Shaolin of China. A mere mountain can not stop the flow of my spirit."
*Tsaoring closes his eyes and begins meditating once more.*
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Kurt Sanders
*Kurt Sanders is sitting hunched over a table playing with action figures. One action figure looks like him and the other looks like Jean Dubreil. When he realizes the camera is on, he smirks and then leans back, dropping the toys on the table."
[Kurt:] "So I drew the old freak? Great. I'm the one that has to face the guy whose been in UBL since the last decade. I swear, I could smell the crusty Venkman Memorial Arena mold all over him. And if that wasn't bad enough, he's also some kind of voodoo dipshit. Look, this is like a comedic gift here but I don't think my usual trolling will work. Dubreil, we all know your voodoo isn't real. So the only way you beat people is by making idiots think that it is. To make someone think that bullshit is real is f'n hilarious, unless you think it's legit too. In that case, boy, you just sad. I mean, you from N'Orleans so that's sad enough. But if this shit is real to you, then I got nothing. So I guess, just tell me if this hurts."
*Kurt picks up the two toys, then uses the Kurt toy to kick Jean in between the legs.*
[Kurt:] "Can you even feel down there anymore? A guy looking like you is probably so S&M'd up that you lost all 'special' feeling from guys stomping over your junk. Let's look at who you used to roll with. A group called 'Fuzen Tara Seitan' huh? More like 'F*cking Tard Syndrome' Let's see - it was you, some guy who everyone thought was a volcano when they were coked up backstage, some guy who thought he was a demon, and another douche that thought he was a f'n mime?"
*Kurt pretends to try to be trapped in a box getting more and more anxious before breaking into a fit into laughter.*
[Kurt:] "Seriously, with friends like that, right? I just can't...man. The short bus needs extra love, even I'm not that cruel. So I'll tell it like it is. I ain't gonna try to get into your head. Why? Cause there ain't nothing there and I'm better than you. You were in the UBL for 10 years and never did anything of note, that's cause you're a loser. The only pins you'll be sticking after we fight will be in yourself so you can feel something again after I kick the sh*t out of you til you go numb. And in in ten years I'll be retired on an island rich as f*ck while you're playing some slow kid's magic show."
*Kurt uses his action figure to kick Jean's action figure in the face as the scene fades out.*
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Jean Dubreil
*Jean Dubreil is laughing in front of a camera with his french accent.*
Jean: "A-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
*Jean pauses, as if waiting for the audience to ask "hey Jean, what's so funny?"
[Jean:] "I am just laughing at Kurt's funny jokes that I am sure he has made. Ha-ha! Let me guess, he laughs about voodoo? Yes, those who mock the unknown fear the unknown. That is quite known about humanity. But someone like Kurt, it goes a level further, does it not? Yes, the inner hatred, it is almost impressive, no? As a student of the dark arts, I sense the dark feelings he has. So much potential in him. Hmmm, how would I put him to use if he was an apprentice? Perhaps to mop up the blood? Oui, he is more suited to wield a soiled mop than wrestling boots. A man like Kurt tries to destroy, not build, but he is not smart enough to even do that right. I am sure he said many gauche things about myself, my blood magic, voodoo, and the occult. But for such a man of strong words, what happens if he were to make it to the Tournament Finals? Would he not run scared if forced to wrestle on the same show as the sumo he fears so much? Myself? Non. I fear no man, I fear no spirit, I fear no inner weakness within myself. We will see who is laughing after our match, Kurt. To all those in the UBL who have doubted me, you will have nothing but pain in your future. The blood of Jean Dubreil is back!"
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THRASH Ogawa
*The camera opens to find THRASH Ogawa smoking outside on a windy day. He takes brief notice of the camera, looks like he's about to put the cigarette down, but just goes right back to smoking. This continues for about two whole minutes. The cameraman coughs just to get THRASH'sattention, but just raises his ire.*
[THRASH:] "F*ck you. I gotta do one of these vanity speeches and I can't even smoke without some hashtag 'truth' campaigner pissin' bout your lungs? F*ckin' inhale that smoke or I'll stick my boot down your throat instead."
*The cameraman gulps and is then completely quiet for another few minutes. Finally, THRASH looks at the camera again...which causes the cameraman to instinctively flinch and move backwards a little. THRASH initially smiles at this display of fear but then gets frustrated as he draws nearer.*
[THRASH:] "Quit it! We doin' this or not? I can't f'n talk if you're gonna run away. If I was gonna lay you out, you'd be out. So just f'n stand there and give me a sec and I'll give the company what they think they want."
*THRASH flicks his still-lit cigarette a few inches away from the cameraman who flinches again but quickly stays still after another dirty look by THRASH.*
[THRASH:] "K, let's do this. Ubble says I gotta talk now before I get in the ring these days so here I am. That was stupid though. You pissed me off with this forced talkin' sh*t, now I'm gonna take it out on that choir boy, Mills. Boy's family runs a newspaper empire or something? Where's his f'n newsies hat then, right? *snickers then coughs.*
I don't even know what he's doing back here - wasn't he part of that 'Prestige Paywall' mess from a few years ago? F*ckin had no idea what was goin on with that but whatever. Look, Tommy Mills? He's not ready for me. He may know a hold or two but I've never seen him get rocked in the face. That's what you're in for, kid. I'm gonna kick you in the face, then I'm gonna headbutt you in the face, then I'm gonna kick you in the face again until the groove I put in from my headbutt is gone and I need to put it back. You're out of your league. I don't know what kinda high priced singlet-wearing wrestling instructors your dad bought you and maybe a washed-up boxing coach from the 1950's taught you how to take a jab from an novelty padded glove. But againt me, it's real. You're gonna hurt, you're gonna bleed, you're gonna wish your industry pal William Hearst never helped outlaw marijuana since you're gonna need it to get over how much you hurt and bleed.
I'm beating you, I'm getting to the next round, and I'm winning this Title. Why? Cause it gives me the chance to routinely savage everyone in this place who's stupid enough to risk their health for a f'n gold belt."
*THRASH takes out another cigarette, lights it, then walks away.*
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Thomas Mills
*Thomas Mills appears in front of a "UBL" banner.*
[Thomas:] "Hello to all of my fans in UBL. It is great to be here again! Thank you to our owner Arthur Wingate, Sergeant Drake Yoshida, and NEXUS Champion Matt Rivers who played a crucial role to bringing me back to the roster.
In order for me to move forward though, I need to address some lingering questions about the past that some of you may have. I never wanted to be away from UBL to begin with but that is how things turned out for a little while. During the UBL downtime in 2016, when I had no other opportunities, my father suggested I join his budding Prestige Paywall Wrestling promotion. In order to do that, I had to sign an exclusive one-year contract which had both legal and practical effect. PPW ran weekly shows in New York and so I was unable to follow UBL's North American touring schedule once it returned.
Then there was the situation that occurred at 'Parlay at the Prestigio' but I don't hold any grudge against UBL for that. My father is still angry and felt that PPW was used but I disagree because I think everyone used everyone in that situation and PPW was far from a victim. I'm not working for PPW either anymore so I'm just giving my honest take here. In 2011 my father bought 'Peter Venkman Memorial Arena' in New York from Orochi Geese and renamed it 'Prestigio Arena'. My father knew that it was a target of Destiny and that Ruby Moreno wanted to either buy it or invade PPW to take it over to try to incite Geese. 'Parlay' wasn't the first show that had Destiny presence, they already had their group invade months ago. But my father always knew that PPW would make money if Destiny talent and Destiny controversy surrounded us and had no problem with that. He didn't like being made out to be a fool and a pawn in Destiny's war with UBL but he took that risk and profited from it up until 'Parlay.' What was the damage anyway? A little embarrassment and a long Ruby Moreno promo? Please. Mills Tribune made so much money from that entire event. It was the most popular PPW event ever.
So no, I'm not upset about any of that. It's not really my business and PPW got what was coming to it. I'm just happy to be back in the UBL and training again in the Dojo here with my friend and mentor, Matt Rivers. He was the go-between for me and UBL, ensuring that I wanted to come back here for my own reasons and not to further any grudge from my father. He's the one who vouched for my return and for my participation in the Circuit Title Tournament. I've still got a way to go in my training, but I promise that I'm here for the right reasons: to compete and win Championships, starting with the Universal Circuit Title. And it looks like my first obstacle in winning that Title is facing THRASH Ogawa. Not only was he the the runner-up to the Battle Royale, but he's an intimidating guy. Out of everyone in that match, he hits maybe the hardest and looks the meanest. So I'm the underdog, and I'm comfortable in that role. I was the underdog when I beat Tetsu Gushiken in an Access match a few years ago. I was the underdog in just about every match in the UBL. I was the underdog when I won the 'Weekly Warrior' TV Championship in PPW against Destiny representative Jace Stone in 2016. Nothing THRASH can say or do will shatter my confidence even if he shatters my bones. And there is nothing anyone else can do to stop me from believing that UBL is my home and that I belong here. So let's get in the ring and I'll prove it."
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*The shot returns to John Randolph in the UBL studio*
[John:] "And there you have it, fans. The Universal Circuit Title Tournament will start next week as THRASH Ogawa faces Thomas Mills to open the first round. I believe the 'Matsuki Mobile' event will occur shortly after so we'll see a high-spirited Tetsu Gushiken battle a very motivated JET Hamada at that point. Get ready for an exciting summer of tournament matches and even more 'colorful' wrestler proclamations as we build to "Lunar Eclipse of the Heart" in the Fall!"
*The camera fades to black.*
[John:] "Hello folks, tonight we'll be airing pre-recorded segments with each of the wrestlers in the Universal Circuit Title Tournament which state their goals, expectations, and numerous fighting words toward their competitors. The winners of the first round will then have a further chance to give more in depth impressions but we wanted to make sure that everyone had something to say in advance of this tournament to crown a Champion of a new UBL Title. Tetsu Gushiken already gave his thoughts on his match against JET Hamada. So let's start this round-up with JET Hamada's response. Aside from JET, no other wrestler heard what their opponent had to say first before they recorded these."
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JET Hamada
*JET is sitting on a bench in the gym doing bicep curls.*
[JET:] "Look, I know this match isn't personal with Tetsu. Like he said, we are cool. If I was just a fan, I'd probably be rooting for him more than anyone else in the UBL cause our styles and approaches are so similar. But I gotta be honest, I've been in a bad mood since Base 11 cause of how Barton and I did in our matches.
Out of everyone in that Battle Royale, I was the only one who actually got pinned. Everyone else got tossed over the top, usually when they were taken by surprise. But me, I actually got pinned. It's embarrassing. And it wasn't a good night for Barton either. He was beating Thunder Strike only to get busted open by, let's be honest, probably an illegal elbow. And that was it for him. He couldn't even see for the rest of the match cause he had blood running down his face. So right now, he and I are looking to make up for what happened that night. I don't know what Barton's next move is but, for me, the road leads right through Tetsu Gushiken. I'm glad we're doing it at Matsuki Mobile. At least I know there won't be any Destiny shenanigans or anything like that. Just a straight up match between two of the best grapplers in the world today. Like you said, Tetsu, we'll put on the best match of the entire Tournament. I have no doubt about that. I'll also have no problem shaking your hand after the match is over, but I'm gonna have to wrench your arm to finish it first."
*JET finishes his set and drops the dumbbell, smiling at the camera.*
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Wang Gom-Bu
*Wang Gom-Bu is standing next to his manager and spokesman, Archibald Snow. Snow has a big, confident smile on his face and is patting Wang's back,*
[Archibald:] "Miss ole Archie? Well, we came back in a big way and now Wang is the #1 seed in the Circuit Title Tournament. You all saw how he dominated that Battle Royale, and that was against seven other men at the same time! Imagine what he'll do when it's just one on one. There isn't a man in this promotion who can move this mountain. And it certainly isn't Tsaoring Chou, the smallest man in the tournament and Wang's first opponent. I know that old saying - it isn't the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that matters. But even a Siberian Husky couldn't climb this mountain on their own. Chou, you may have a lot of spirit, you may have the advantage in speed, but what are you going to do about it? Try a huracanrana against this behemoth? *Snow laughs* Look Chou, sometimes it is the size of the dog that matters. You just can't hurt Wang with any of your offense. Petition Drake or Arthur to make a new Title for a flyweight division, this Circuit business isn't for you. But Wang isn't a sadist, he'll make this quick."
*Wang, who has stood stoically and silently this whole time, then smiles arrogantly.*
[Archibald:] "But not so quick that he won't enjoy it a little first."
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Tsaoring Chou
*Tsaoring Chou is outside in what appears to be a forest. He is sitting cross-legged and meditating. After a few minutes, he opens his eyes and faces the camera.*
[Chou:] "It is not easy starting my journey to become Circuit Champion by being the smallest man and the first one eliminated. It also won't be easy facing the largest man in the tournament. However, if this venture was easy, it would not be worth doing. I came to the UBL, on the advice of a friend, because I sought a new challenge. It is clear that I headed in the right direction, especially after that Battle Royale. I was manhandled and bruised, mocked and battered, but now I have the opportunity to transcend and triumph. But to do that, I must first defeat Wang Gom-Bu, a man that I respect. He is of an ancient group whose people specialize in climbing mountains. That type of connection with nature places him far above the shoulders of our competitors even more than his size does. However, it places him nearly on eye level with me. Tsaoring Chou, the 'soaring' one as my people call me, is not intimidated by his exploits or abilities. For every mountain that is climbed through the arduous work of man, an eagle gently and effortlessly glides even higher. I have walked among the indigenous in North America and the Shaolin of China. A mere mountain can not stop the flow of my spirit."
*Tsaoring closes his eyes and begins meditating once more.*
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Kurt Sanders
*Kurt Sanders is sitting hunched over a table playing with action figures. One action figure looks like him and the other looks like Jean Dubreil. When he realizes the camera is on, he smirks and then leans back, dropping the toys on the table."
[Kurt:] "So I drew the old freak? Great. I'm the one that has to face the guy whose been in UBL since the last decade. I swear, I could smell the crusty Venkman Memorial Arena mold all over him. And if that wasn't bad enough, he's also some kind of voodoo dipshit. Look, this is like a comedic gift here but I don't think my usual trolling will work. Dubreil, we all know your voodoo isn't real. So the only way you beat people is by making idiots think that it is. To make someone think that bullshit is real is f'n hilarious, unless you think it's legit too. In that case, boy, you just sad. I mean, you from N'Orleans so that's sad enough. But if this shit is real to you, then I got nothing. So I guess, just tell me if this hurts."
*Kurt picks up the two toys, then uses the Kurt toy to kick Jean in between the legs.*
[Kurt:] "Can you even feel down there anymore? A guy looking like you is probably so S&M'd up that you lost all 'special' feeling from guys stomping over your junk. Let's look at who you used to roll with. A group called 'Fuzen Tara Seitan' huh? More like 'F*cking Tard Syndrome' Let's see - it was you, some guy who everyone thought was a volcano when they were coked up backstage, some guy who thought he was a demon, and another douche that thought he was a f'n mime?"
*Kurt pretends to try to be trapped in a box getting more and more anxious before breaking into a fit into laughter.*
[Kurt:] "Seriously, with friends like that, right? I just can't...man. The short bus needs extra love, even I'm not that cruel. So I'll tell it like it is. I ain't gonna try to get into your head. Why? Cause there ain't nothing there and I'm better than you. You were in the UBL for 10 years and never did anything of note, that's cause you're a loser. The only pins you'll be sticking after we fight will be in yourself so you can feel something again after I kick the sh*t out of you til you go numb. And in in ten years I'll be retired on an island rich as f*ck while you're playing some slow kid's magic show."
*Kurt uses his action figure to kick Jean's action figure in the face as the scene fades out.*
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Jean Dubreil
*Jean Dubreil is laughing in front of a camera with his french accent.*
Jean: "A-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
*Jean pauses, as if waiting for the audience to ask "hey Jean, what's so funny?"
[Jean:] "I am just laughing at Kurt's funny jokes that I am sure he has made. Ha-ha! Let me guess, he laughs about voodoo? Yes, those who mock the unknown fear the unknown. That is quite known about humanity. But someone like Kurt, it goes a level further, does it not? Yes, the inner hatred, it is almost impressive, no? As a student of the dark arts, I sense the dark feelings he has. So much potential in him. Hmmm, how would I put him to use if he was an apprentice? Perhaps to mop up the blood? Oui, he is more suited to wield a soiled mop than wrestling boots. A man like Kurt tries to destroy, not build, but he is not smart enough to even do that right. I am sure he said many gauche things about myself, my blood magic, voodoo, and the occult. But for such a man of strong words, what happens if he were to make it to the Tournament Finals? Would he not run scared if forced to wrestle on the same show as the sumo he fears so much? Myself? Non. I fear no man, I fear no spirit, I fear no inner weakness within myself. We will see who is laughing after our match, Kurt. To all those in the UBL who have doubted me, you will have nothing but pain in your future. The blood of Jean Dubreil is back!"
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THRASH Ogawa
*The camera opens to find THRASH Ogawa smoking outside on a windy day. He takes brief notice of the camera, looks like he's about to put the cigarette down, but just goes right back to smoking. This continues for about two whole minutes. The cameraman coughs just to get THRASH'sattention, but just raises his ire.*
[THRASH:] "F*ck you. I gotta do one of these vanity speeches and I can't even smoke without some hashtag 'truth' campaigner pissin' bout your lungs? F*ckin' inhale that smoke or I'll stick my boot down your throat instead."
*The cameraman gulps and is then completely quiet for another few minutes. Finally, THRASH looks at the camera again...which causes the cameraman to instinctively flinch and move backwards a little. THRASH initially smiles at this display of fear but then gets frustrated as he draws nearer.*
[THRASH:] "Quit it! We doin' this or not? I can't f'n talk if you're gonna run away. If I was gonna lay you out, you'd be out. So just f'n stand there and give me a sec and I'll give the company what they think they want."
*THRASH flicks his still-lit cigarette a few inches away from the cameraman who flinches again but quickly stays still after another dirty look by THRASH.*
[THRASH:] "K, let's do this. Ubble says I gotta talk now before I get in the ring these days so here I am. That was stupid though. You pissed me off with this forced talkin' sh*t, now I'm gonna take it out on that choir boy, Mills. Boy's family runs a newspaper empire or something? Where's his f'n newsies hat then, right? *snickers then coughs.*
I don't even know what he's doing back here - wasn't he part of that 'Prestige Paywall' mess from a few years ago? F*ckin had no idea what was goin on with that but whatever. Look, Tommy Mills? He's not ready for me. He may know a hold or two but I've never seen him get rocked in the face. That's what you're in for, kid. I'm gonna kick you in the face, then I'm gonna headbutt you in the face, then I'm gonna kick you in the face again until the groove I put in from my headbutt is gone and I need to put it back. You're out of your league. I don't know what kinda high priced singlet-wearing wrestling instructors your dad bought you and maybe a washed-up boxing coach from the 1950's taught you how to take a jab from an novelty padded glove. But againt me, it's real. You're gonna hurt, you're gonna bleed, you're gonna wish your industry pal William Hearst never helped outlaw marijuana since you're gonna need it to get over how much you hurt and bleed.
I'm beating you, I'm getting to the next round, and I'm winning this Title. Why? Cause it gives me the chance to routinely savage everyone in this place who's stupid enough to risk their health for a f'n gold belt."
*THRASH takes out another cigarette, lights it, then walks away.*
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Thomas Mills
*Thomas Mills appears in front of a "UBL" banner.*
[Thomas:] "Hello to all of my fans in UBL. It is great to be here again! Thank you to our owner Arthur Wingate, Sergeant Drake Yoshida, and NEXUS Champion Matt Rivers who played a crucial role to bringing me back to the roster.
In order for me to move forward though, I need to address some lingering questions about the past that some of you may have. I never wanted to be away from UBL to begin with but that is how things turned out for a little while. During the UBL downtime in 2016, when I had no other opportunities, my father suggested I join his budding Prestige Paywall Wrestling promotion. In order to do that, I had to sign an exclusive one-year contract which had both legal and practical effect. PPW ran weekly shows in New York and so I was unable to follow UBL's North American touring schedule once it returned.
Then there was the situation that occurred at 'Parlay at the Prestigio' but I don't hold any grudge against UBL for that. My father is still angry and felt that PPW was used but I disagree because I think everyone used everyone in that situation and PPW was far from a victim. I'm not working for PPW either anymore so I'm just giving my honest take here. In 2011 my father bought 'Peter Venkman Memorial Arena' in New York from Orochi Geese and renamed it 'Prestigio Arena'. My father knew that it was a target of Destiny and that Ruby Moreno wanted to either buy it or invade PPW to take it over to try to incite Geese. 'Parlay' wasn't the first show that had Destiny presence, they already had their group invade months ago. But my father always knew that PPW would make money if Destiny talent and Destiny controversy surrounded us and had no problem with that. He didn't like being made out to be a fool and a pawn in Destiny's war with UBL but he took that risk and profited from it up until 'Parlay.' What was the damage anyway? A little embarrassment and a long Ruby Moreno promo? Please. Mills Tribune made so much money from that entire event. It was the most popular PPW event ever.
So no, I'm not upset about any of that. It's not really my business and PPW got what was coming to it. I'm just happy to be back in the UBL and training again in the Dojo here with my friend and mentor, Matt Rivers. He was the go-between for me and UBL, ensuring that I wanted to come back here for my own reasons and not to further any grudge from my father. He's the one who vouched for my return and for my participation in the Circuit Title Tournament. I've still got a way to go in my training, but I promise that I'm here for the right reasons: to compete and win Championships, starting with the Universal Circuit Title. And it looks like my first obstacle in winning that Title is facing THRASH Ogawa. Not only was he the the runner-up to the Battle Royale, but he's an intimidating guy. Out of everyone in that match, he hits maybe the hardest and looks the meanest. So I'm the underdog, and I'm comfortable in that role. I was the underdog when I beat Tetsu Gushiken in an Access match a few years ago. I was the underdog in just about every match in the UBL. I was the underdog when I won the 'Weekly Warrior' TV Championship in PPW against Destiny representative Jace Stone in 2016. Nothing THRASH can say or do will shatter my confidence even if he shatters my bones. And there is nothing anyone else can do to stop me from believing that UBL is my home and that I belong here. So let's get in the ring and I'll prove it."
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*The shot returns to John Randolph in the UBL studio*
[John:] "And there you have it, fans. The Universal Circuit Title Tournament will start next week as THRASH Ogawa faces Thomas Mills to open the first round. I believe the 'Matsuki Mobile' event will occur shortly after so we'll see a high-spirited Tetsu Gushiken battle a very motivated JET Hamada at that point. Get ready for an exciting summer of tournament matches and even more 'colorful' wrestler proclamations as we build to "Lunar Eclipse of the Heart" in the Fall!"
*The camera fades to black.*