Continuum I
May 14, 2020 4:05:04 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on May 14, 2020 4:05:04 GMT -5
"The Randolph Report"
Event: "Continuum I"
Date: Friday, May 15, 2020
Location: "Peter Venkman Memorial Arena" in Westchester, New York.
Hello fans and welcome to the first show in the "Continuum" stream of the Collider Tour.
Tonight, the Universal Championship league officially returns after 12 years and for the specific purpose of crowning the first ever Infinite Continuum Champion of the entire Universal Battle League.
Each of our four matches tonight will take place between wrestlers from a different Block in this League.
Block A - NEXUS
Block B - Space-Time
Block C - World Heavyweight
Block D - Universal
(Click here to see the scoring system for the league.)
(Click here to read about the existing rivalries between these wrestlers.)
The first match of this league has some bad blood right out of the gate! Tetsu looks more tense than usual walking down to the ring. He stretches a bit more vigorously as well, focusing on arm flexibility exercises.
Charles Langford makes his way down to the ring and echews his customary bantering with the fans. Losing to Tetsu's stablemate Saji last month in the SWA clearly intensified his bad mood toward Matsuki-Gun members.
Match 1 - C: Tetsu Gushiken vs. Charles Langford
However, despite the semi-uncharacteristic entrances, both men quickly turn to their usual game plans. Tetsu spends his time working on Charles' leg with whip-like standing kicks, dropkicks to the knees, and a variety of early holds targeting the legs and the neck. Tetsu has the clear striking advantage but his usual grappling superiority is tested here. Charles utilizes his strength advantage to get the better of close exchanges and targets Tetsu's arm and lower back.
It is a very even encounter up until the 9 minute mark. Tetsu has brought Charles down to his knees and is measuring him for a kick to the upper chest. Charles suddenly points outside to the audience which diverts attention of referee Eiji Yoshida. With the opportunity in place, Charles thumbs Tetsu in the eye! Charles wastes no time in completing the bluff tactic and holds his arm out in a handshake near Tetsu's free arm. Tetsu, a lad with honor but a short memory, instinctively grabs Charles' hand only for Charles to turn it into his trademark "Royal Flush" handshake armbar!! Tetsu winces in pain from the jackknife motion on his arm and is sent down to the mat. The ref checks on him as Tetsu looks determined not to tap out but the hold is clearly doing its damage. Tetsu uses his impressive leg strength to roll out of the ring onto his feet. However, Charles still has a grasp on Tetsu's hand and also rolls out of the ring. The two are separated by the southern ring post.
Charles does not appear thrown off. He smiles and attempts to pull Tetsu for the Royal Flush, despite the blockade...
However, it appears that Tetsu was the quicker draw with the strategy and the execution. Before Charles got a chance to pull Tetsu, he was the one being pulled for...
A devastating ripcord knee assisted by the steel ring post!
Charles' knees buckle and the color leaves his face as he passes out cold on the floor. Tetsu attempts to pick him up but Charles' body is dead weight and Tetsu's arm is weak from the "Royal Flush." As the ref continues his count, Tetsu makes the strategic choice to roll into the ring and pick up the disqualification victory via count-out. Tetsu leaves the ringside area with a look of determination and, perhaps an ounce of spite, as medics come to the ring to attend to Charles.
Tetsu Gushiken (DQ-W) [Disqualification - 11:30] (DQ-L) Charles Langford
Tetsu earned 4 points.
Charles earned 1 point.
Wang Gom-Bu slowly marches down to the ring with an all-business expression. And, for good reason, as this is the biggest opportunity he's gotten in the UBL in the past year. Although he was off to a successful run in Super NOVA's Rising Star Cup, he lost before he could advance to the Final 4. He seems awfully cross about that, to the extent that he ever shows emotions. And he kinda doesn't, rendering my entire last sentence moot and confusing. Thanks Wang!
(On a stellar side note, Tsaoring Chou, a fellow Block A competitor, has made it to the Final Four of the Rising Star Cup and just about everyone in the UBL is rooting for him to take home the gold in that tournament.)
Jason Hyde makes his long-awaited return to the UBL and the crowd erupts in their support of him! Jason is clearly touched by the enthusiastic reception but is doing his best to stay focused on his mountainous opponent in front of him. Although we saw him very briefly a few years ago as a challenger to Joachim's NEXUS reign, Jason has not been on the forefront of our minds since late 2011 when he abandoned the Jinchuu faction out of disgust at the Orochi Geese funeral. Questions about Jason's abilities and motivation circle him upon his return. I think we'll learn more about the former than the latter in this match, unless Jason happened to come back specifically to challenge Wang Gom-Bu. I mean, it could happen but I wouldn't chalk this up to a desire to Jinchuu the big man. Unless you're a mountain goat who slipped on ice and fell into a crevasse to become a ghost goat (#AlwaysRemember), you're probably not out for revenge against Wang Gom-Bu.
But that doesn't mean Wang isn't a threat to Jason. In fact, not only is Wang the largest man-made land mass in this league, he's also the biggest opponent that Jason has ever had to face in the UBL by a wide margin. The Marauder was the most physically imposing man in the 2007 Universal Champions league and his size paled in comparison to what Jason has to deal with against Wang. However, Jason is the highest ranked wrestler that Wang has ever wrestled against here. Hyde holds victories against both Thunder Strike and Geese Walker. Jason was also part of the team that won the 3-year Universal Battalions League, making him a patient Universal Battalion Champion as well. Jason is probably the poster boy for the old saying - "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." Let's get to the ring and see whether the resourcefulness and speed of Jason Hyde can contend with the stoicism and power of Wang Gom-Bu.
Match 2 - A: Wang Gom-Bu vs. Jason Hyde
It's a good thing that David vs. Goliath is in the public domain or else we'd probably get sued for infringement by the big cloud upstairs as a result of the dynamic in the first five minutes of this match. Jason throws everything he has against Wang attempting to just get him off his feet but to no avail. What's so impressive about Wang is not just his ability to absorb a multitude of strikes, but also his ability to keep his balance throughout. Jason is a master of weakening his opponent's legs to soften them up for his "Nowhere to Hyde" submission but also to throw off their equilibrium. Despite Jason hitting a number of dropkicks to Wang's legs, the big man has kept his footing. Not to put too fine a point on it, but if you're raised as a Sherpa, you're probably not so bad with grip. However, there's a big difference between keeping your feet on solid ground with wind vs. a man actively trying to knock you over by thrusting their feet into your knees.
Despite Jason's assault being neutralized, he has a confident look on his face. There does not appear to be disappointment that his offense isn't putting Wang down. This seems confusing at first but starts to make sense as Wang begins to look a little tired. Sure, it's Jason doing all the work but his conditioning remains just as strong as it ever did. In using all his power to keep his balance and attempt a few defensive swatting moves, Wang appears to be running out of breath.
By the time we get to minute eight, Jason has finally succeeded in lowering Wang's defenses. Rather than expend the energy to keep his hands up to block dropkicks to the face, Wang is actually allowing the contact. To his credit, Jason is still having trouble moving him much. But the damage appears to be taking a toll on Wang. Finally, after taking three straight dropkicks to the face, Wang is knocked backward into the ropes. Jason runs the opposing ropes and then smashes Wang with a dropkick right under the chin, sending him careening over the top rope and down to his knees! The fans, who have been immaculately patient for this match, erupt in applause at the first big "moment" and in anticipation of the next one.
Jason waits for Wang to get back to his feet. He hits a sliding dropkick through the ropes to Wang's face which knocks him backward. Then Jason runs the opposing ropes and attempts a sliding dropkick with more intensity but Wang pulls him right out of the move and scoops him up in a bear hug!! That looked like a man picking up a bag from an airport conveyor belt!!! Jason has nowhere to go (he already arrived at the airport). His arms are being squeezed along with the rest of his body and his legs are also trapped. Given what we know about the resiliency of Wang's head, electing to 'butt' it would a decision below Jason's intelligence and regard for his own well-being. And while he could do something underhanded, his better nature prevails as he simply tries to break out of the hold but to avail. Jason is at the mercy of Wang realizing that a double count out is a really poor finish to the second match of the league! This realization comes, but not until the 15 second mark. Wang lifts Jason up and press slams him into the ring. Wang gets into the ring in time to stop the count.
At the ten minute mark, it's Jason who is now breathing raggedly as a result of that bear hug. Wang is still moving gingerly due to his own fatigue and the fall to the outside over the rope, but he finally has the advantage. Now it's Wang who isperforming the high dropkicks... very slowly controlling the pace of the match with systematic holds that target Jason's back and the fans excitement. A camel clutch may not be the most riveting of moves in 2020 but it's strategically brilliant in this scenario. Wang is allowing himself to rest and catch his breath while simultaneously sitting on Jason's back. This is not your grandfather's camel clutch, or your grandmother's clutch that she took to the premiere of Lawrence of Arabia.
Jason is having difficulty breathing but the fighting spirit is not draining out of him as quickly as his breath is. He realizes that this hold offers an opportunity to him and he takes it. From under the camel clutch, Jason uses his left fist to first punch then twist Wang's leg leg. Although there isn't much power in Jason from that angle, and Wang's ankle is literally bigger than Jason's fist, the attack seems to be working. All of those dropkicks to Wang's leg before, plus the fall to outside the ring, definitely softened up Wa...um, the leg of Wang Gom-Bu. Eventually, Wang has to let go of the hold and hobbles away from Jason for a break. But despite Jason's oxygen rate falling dangerously low within the last few minutes, he can recognize the scent of opportunity. He wills himself to get on his feet, runs, and clips Wang's leg out from behind.
This gets a gasp from the crowd but people...seriously, can we talk? A clip to the leg is in no way more deserving of scorn than 99% of the moves these guys do. The near 500 pound Wang was just sitting on Jason's back and pulling his neck up like a Stretch Armstrong doll. Are you seriously saying that a shoulder butt to the leg is more deserving of scorn? No, that is absurd. And it's clear that Jason is not allowing the crowd's inconsistently applied anger to get to him.
Instead, at the fifteen minute mark, he finally has Wang where he wants him: on the ground. Jason immediately uses a grounded dragon screw leg whip on Wang then a kneedrop on the affected left leg. Sensing his opportunity, Jason applies his "Nowhere to Hyde" finisher!! It's a little difficult at first given the thickness of Wa... um, the legs of Wang Gom-Bu...but Jason manages to lock it in place! The fans are on their feet as Jason has his first legitimate chance of winning this match!! Wang is holding on the best he can but even his usual stoic demeanor is betraying signs of pain, exhaustion, and draining consciousness. Due to Wang's refusal to say anything to the referee, Eiji raises Wang's hand to see if he's still conscious. On the third raise, Wang keeps his arm aloft to show that he's still in this. However, he seems to be using all that energy just to keep his arm up and can't fight out of Jason's hold. We're at the eighteen minute mark people!!
Jason is the one who finally elects to break the hold, seeing that Wang's threshold of pain is high enough to allow him to avoid submitting or passing out. Jason goes up to the top rope and signals for the end. He attempts a senton but Wang has just enough energy to lift his relatively fresh right knee up! Jason's back crashes down on it hard and he immediately starts coughing and writhing. Wang can barely stand up on his own but he crawls over to cover Jason for the 1...2...no! Jason gets a shoulder up but with great difficulty. Wang is still on top of him as his body is too heavy to move off in Jason's condition. The referee counts again and Jason has even more difficulty kicking out, finally doing so with one millisecond left. Jason realizes that his body isn't strong enough to kick out of another attempt and Wang is barely moving on his own. So Jason uses his position on the bottom of the pin to attempt a facelock on Wang. This allows Jason's own shoulder to raise off the mat just enough to avoid getting pinned while putting Wang in a hold that he may be too tired to fight off.
At the 19th minute, Wang is trapped in this basic, elementary headlock. Although there is not a lot of power behind it, Wang is having trouble getting his legs under him to fight it. He slowly gets up on his right knee and Jason is unable to fight this ascent. When it comes time to get up on the left knee, it buckles under the damage that Jason caused it. Jason uses the momentum and angle of Wang's own fall to to transition from a headlock into a la majistral pin!!
Eiji sees Wang's shoulders are down and counts 1...2...*RING* The bell at the timekeeper's table has interrupted the count! Eiji is now pointing to the table and raising both hands! We have our first time limit draw of the league!
Wang Gom-Bu (T) [Time Limit Draw - 20:00] (T) Jason Hyde
Wang earned 3 points.
Jason earned 3 points.
What a match we just had!! Both men are on their backs trying to catch their breath. Jason's back is clearly still hurting after landing poorly and a match worth of heavy punishment. Wang is punching his own left leg to get some feeling back into it. These two just put everything they had into this match. And while they earned themselves some points for it, the frustration of coming so close to complete victory only to secure a tie will likely frustrate them. However, the fans are on their feet cheering for both men after this momentous battle. I think they may need some refreshments now!
Over at the merchandise booth, Matsuki Holdings gear is red hot tonight, especially after Tetsu's victory. Kazuo Saji's replica sunglasses are the single highest selling item tonight from any wrestler's catalogue. "Nowhere to Hyde" hooded sweatshirts are also doing incredibly well. In a mistep, UBL's merchandise team accidentally printed the names of the sizes on the front of Wang's shirts: virtually guaranteeing that only larger individuals would be seen publicly supporting him.
Over at the concessions booth, the spicy Bak-lava has become a popular dessert for the thrill-seeking foodie adults. It has a flavor advertised to "drop your taste buds on their head." Meanwhile, the far safer Cosmic Cone Sundaes are beloved by the kids and more prudent adults. Many have also elected to spend our intermission smoking a Charles Langford-themed replica cigar while drinking James Ward favorite beer: whatever is cheapest. He's not one for the craft scene.*
And we return to the ring where we see yet another thing James Ward isn't fond of - and that's respect for his opponent. He saunters down the ramp holding one of Bak's spicy, signature desserts. For his part, Bak seems unimpressed by this confusing dining gesture and continues stretching in the corner, awaiting battle.
Match 3 - D: James Ward vs. Bak Fu
However, as soon as James gets into the ring, his intensity level rises and he rushes Bak. Not able to get out of the corner in time, Bak is pushed into the turnbuckles by the larger man. Ward then takes a bite of the Bak-lava and...
Bak recoiled from the giant belch, likely fighting a gag reflex that may be the strongest opponent he faces in this entire Block. This allowed James to get the early advantage which, to his credit, he competently took advantage of. As Bak remains trapped in the corner, Ward blasts him with punches to the midsection.
However, James gets over confident and offers Bak a taste of the fiery dessert. Bak takes a bite, suddenly powers up (is there spinach in the Bak-Lava?), and then...
It's unclear whether James is bleeding or if that is just the charred remains of the unfortunate carb-loaded dessert. The ref has no idea what to do at this point. Disqualify them both for dessert hurt? Can that be Sanders new nickname? Kurt "The hurt dessert?" In any case, the decision is made easy for Eiji when Bak is next to initiate contact...
Bak SHOVES the Bak-lava down the throat of James Ward, nearly choking him until Eiji steps in. I suppose this qualifies as an "international object" though more in the culinary sense than in the traditional pro wrestling lexicon.
Bak has just gotten disqualified for acting in poor taste despite James getting his just desserts. (sorry)
James Ward (DQ-W) [ - ] (DQ-L) Bak Fu
James earned 4 points.
Bak earned 1 point.
The medical team has come out yet again tonight. However, this time, they only bring with them an icepack and a tall glass of milk to counteract the spice from the Bak-lava. James demands that they check on his throat given that Bak actually thrust his arm all the way down to his elbow into it. Don't...don't piss off Bak Fu, folks. I really thought everyone learned that during the last Champions League. This was a painful reminder that he is not to be trifled with.
Also, Jean Carter just frantically texted me a special Peter Venkman Memorial Arena public service message to kids. Your friends may pressure you to try spicy foods as a coming of age ritual or general attempt at peer group camaraderie. But only you can know what your palette can handle and knowing is half the battle for digestive comfort.
Jean, you put the "GI" in gastrointestinal Joe. But now we mercifully turn to our main event of the evening.
Cosmic K*I*D could be distracted by the condition his on-again, off-again ally James Ward is currently in but I don't get the sense that either man is currently all that invested in their friendship. Meanwhile, RYOMA is no doubt happy that his student Tetsu gained his first victory of the league and would certainly like to join him in the win column.
Match 4 - B: Cosmic K*I*D vs. RYOMA
We start with theatrics. K*I*D challenges RYOMA to a staring contest.
Neither man budges or even seemingly blinks. That is concerning since blinking shows you're human.
After 3 minutes of this, Drake Yoshida comes out to admonish K*I*D and tell RYOMA "he knows better than to enable K*I*D." Whether Drake is just concerned about having yet another time limit draw tonight, or if he rightfully sees the potential in these two actually wrestling isn't clear. But it gets the job done and Operation: End Stare-Off is now on.
Once the eyes drop, K*I*D is the immediate aggressor and takes RYOMA by surprise with a flying forearm to the chest. RYOMA is a tall guy, folks! K*I*D may be getting to the end of a long career but he still has plenty of pep in his strikes. He unleashes a torrent of elbows and low kicks to RYOMA. These are met with the success of RYOMA backing up. However, it was a huge mistake for K*I*D to then throw a chop at the big man. RYOMA seemingly blows smoke out of his ears and launches a retaliatory chop so sharp that it knocks down K*I*D and the sound echoes throughout the arena.
RYOMA takes control and backs K*I*D into the corner where he lets loose rapid fire chops to K*I*D's chest. It's lucky for K*I*D that he has some kind of inter-dimensional armor (?) cushioning the blows a little but it's clear the impact is being felt. K*I*D doesn't stay vulnerable for long though and uses his legs to grapevine and drop RYOMA.
The two spend the next five minutes trading strikes and rapid throws. RYOMA scores with his assortment of vertical suplexes and backdrops while K*I*D utilizes snap frankensteiners, reverse DDT"s, and a running float over DDT that sends RYOMA down for a 2 count. After the kickout, K*I*D goes to the outside apron but RYOMA pops up, seemingly unfazed. I think this caught K*I*D by surprise as he's unable to reorient himself as RYOMA rushes him...
RYOMA gets the advantage back with this huge apron exploder and waits for K*I*D to re-enter the ring to break the count. When he does, RYOMA is ready for him and wastes no time aiming to end this match with what he does best...
RYOMA attempts the second half of his famed ECHO combination but KID rolls under the running lariat to the corner...
K*I*D rolls to the outside apron and launches himself into the ring for what looks like a diving hurracanrana...
Oh my lord! RYOMA just caught him mid air and FLATTENED him with that powerbomb!!!!!!
I've never seen anything like that before!
RYOMA makes the cover and gets the victory with the moment of the night!
Cosmic K*I*D (L) [High Angle Powerbomb - 17:00] (W) RYOMA
Cosmic K*I*D earned 0 points.
RYOMA earned 5 points.
*Tetsu Gushiken comes out to ringside to celebrate with RYOMA. Both victorious men get a huge ovation from the crowd as Cosmic K*I*D is helped out backstage by the referee. Tetsu raises RYOMA's hand in victory.*
And the first event of the Continuum stream comes to a close in memorable fashion! We'll see you in two months for the next show of the Universal Champions league. In the meantime, we'll be routing everyone through the Dimensional stream next month for an event headlined by a defense of the Universal Circuit Title! See you then!
Event: "Continuum I"
Date: Friday, May 15, 2020
Location: "Peter Venkman Memorial Arena" in Westchester, New York.
Hello fans and welcome to the first show in the "Continuum" stream of the Collider Tour.
Tonight, the Universal Championship league officially returns after 12 years and for the specific purpose of crowning the first ever Infinite Continuum Champion of the entire Universal Battle League.
Each of our four matches tonight will take place between wrestlers from a different Block in this League.
Block A - NEXUS
Block B - Space-Time
Block C - World Heavyweight
Block D - Universal
(Click here to see the scoring system for the league.)
(Click here to read about the existing rivalries between these wrestlers.)
The first match of this league has some bad blood right out of the gate! Tetsu looks more tense than usual walking down to the ring. He stretches a bit more vigorously as well, focusing on arm flexibility exercises.
Charles Langford makes his way down to the ring and echews his customary bantering with the fans. Losing to Tetsu's stablemate Saji last month in the SWA clearly intensified his bad mood toward Matsuki-Gun members.
Match 1 - C: Tetsu Gushiken vs. Charles Langford
However, despite the semi-uncharacteristic entrances, both men quickly turn to their usual game plans. Tetsu spends his time working on Charles' leg with whip-like standing kicks, dropkicks to the knees, and a variety of early holds targeting the legs and the neck. Tetsu has the clear striking advantage but his usual grappling superiority is tested here. Charles utilizes his strength advantage to get the better of close exchanges and targets Tetsu's arm and lower back.
It is a very even encounter up until the 9 minute mark. Tetsu has brought Charles down to his knees and is measuring him for a kick to the upper chest. Charles suddenly points outside to the audience which diverts attention of referee Eiji Yoshida. With the opportunity in place, Charles thumbs Tetsu in the eye! Charles wastes no time in completing the bluff tactic and holds his arm out in a handshake near Tetsu's free arm. Tetsu, a lad with honor but a short memory, instinctively grabs Charles' hand only for Charles to turn it into his trademark "Royal Flush" handshake armbar!! Tetsu winces in pain from the jackknife motion on his arm and is sent down to the mat. The ref checks on him as Tetsu looks determined not to tap out but the hold is clearly doing its damage. Tetsu uses his impressive leg strength to roll out of the ring onto his feet. However, Charles still has a grasp on Tetsu's hand and also rolls out of the ring. The two are separated by the southern ring post.
Charles does not appear thrown off. He smiles and attempts to pull Tetsu for the Royal Flush, despite the blockade...
However, it appears that Tetsu was the quicker draw with the strategy and the execution. Before Charles got a chance to pull Tetsu, he was the one being pulled for...
A devastating ripcord knee assisted by the steel ring post!
Charles' knees buckle and the color leaves his face as he passes out cold on the floor. Tetsu attempts to pick him up but Charles' body is dead weight and Tetsu's arm is weak from the "Royal Flush." As the ref continues his count, Tetsu makes the strategic choice to roll into the ring and pick up the disqualification victory via count-out. Tetsu leaves the ringside area with a look of determination and, perhaps an ounce of spite, as medics come to the ring to attend to Charles.
Tetsu Gushiken (DQ-W) [Disqualification - 11:30] (DQ-L) Charles Langford
Tetsu earned 4 points.
Charles earned 1 point.
Wang Gom-Bu slowly marches down to the ring with an all-business expression. And, for good reason, as this is the biggest opportunity he's gotten in the UBL in the past year. Although he was off to a successful run in Super NOVA's Rising Star Cup, he lost before he could advance to the Final 4. He seems awfully cross about that, to the extent that he ever shows emotions. And he kinda doesn't, rendering my entire last sentence moot and confusing. Thanks Wang!
(On a stellar side note, Tsaoring Chou, a fellow Block A competitor, has made it to the Final Four of the Rising Star Cup and just about everyone in the UBL is rooting for him to take home the gold in that tournament.)
Jason Hyde makes his long-awaited return to the UBL and the crowd erupts in their support of him! Jason is clearly touched by the enthusiastic reception but is doing his best to stay focused on his mountainous opponent in front of him. Although we saw him very briefly a few years ago as a challenger to Joachim's NEXUS reign, Jason has not been on the forefront of our minds since late 2011 when he abandoned the Jinchuu faction out of disgust at the Orochi Geese funeral. Questions about Jason's abilities and motivation circle him upon his return. I think we'll learn more about the former than the latter in this match, unless Jason happened to come back specifically to challenge Wang Gom-Bu. I mean, it could happen but I wouldn't chalk this up to a desire to Jinchuu the big man. Unless you're a mountain goat who slipped on ice and fell into a crevasse to become a ghost goat (#AlwaysRemember), you're probably not out for revenge against Wang Gom-Bu.
But that doesn't mean Wang isn't a threat to Jason. In fact, not only is Wang the largest man-made land mass in this league, he's also the biggest opponent that Jason has ever had to face in the UBL by a wide margin. The Marauder was the most physically imposing man in the 2007 Universal Champions league and his size paled in comparison to what Jason has to deal with against Wang. However, Jason is the highest ranked wrestler that Wang has ever wrestled against here. Hyde holds victories against both Thunder Strike and Geese Walker. Jason was also part of the team that won the 3-year Universal Battalions League, making him a patient Universal Battalion Champion as well. Jason is probably the poster boy for the old saying - "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." Let's get to the ring and see whether the resourcefulness and speed of Jason Hyde can contend with the stoicism and power of Wang Gom-Bu.
Match 2 - A: Wang Gom-Bu vs. Jason Hyde
It's a good thing that David vs. Goliath is in the public domain or else we'd probably get sued for infringement by the big cloud upstairs as a result of the dynamic in the first five minutes of this match. Jason throws everything he has against Wang attempting to just get him off his feet but to no avail. What's so impressive about Wang is not just his ability to absorb a multitude of strikes, but also his ability to keep his balance throughout. Jason is a master of weakening his opponent's legs to soften them up for his "Nowhere to Hyde" submission but also to throw off their equilibrium. Despite Jason hitting a number of dropkicks to Wang's legs, the big man has kept his footing. Not to put too fine a point on it, but if you're raised as a Sherpa, you're probably not so bad with grip. However, there's a big difference between keeping your feet on solid ground with wind vs. a man actively trying to knock you over by thrusting their feet into your knees.
Despite Jason's assault being neutralized, he has a confident look on his face. There does not appear to be disappointment that his offense isn't putting Wang down. This seems confusing at first but starts to make sense as Wang begins to look a little tired. Sure, it's Jason doing all the work but his conditioning remains just as strong as it ever did. In using all his power to keep his balance and attempt a few defensive swatting moves, Wang appears to be running out of breath.
By the time we get to minute eight, Jason has finally succeeded in lowering Wang's defenses. Rather than expend the energy to keep his hands up to block dropkicks to the face, Wang is actually allowing the contact. To his credit, Jason is still having trouble moving him much. But the damage appears to be taking a toll on Wang. Finally, after taking three straight dropkicks to the face, Wang is knocked backward into the ropes. Jason runs the opposing ropes and then smashes Wang with a dropkick right under the chin, sending him careening over the top rope and down to his knees! The fans, who have been immaculately patient for this match, erupt in applause at the first big "moment" and in anticipation of the next one.
Jason waits for Wang to get back to his feet. He hits a sliding dropkick through the ropes to Wang's face which knocks him backward. Then Jason runs the opposing ropes and attempts a sliding dropkick with more intensity but Wang pulls him right out of the move and scoops him up in a bear hug!! That looked like a man picking up a bag from an airport conveyor belt!!! Jason has nowhere to go (he already arrived at the airport). His arms are being squeezed along with the rest of his body and his legs are also trapped. Given what we know about the resiliency of Wang's head, electing to 'butt' it would a decision below Jason's intelligence and regard for his own well-being. And while he could do something underhanded, his better nature prevails as he simply tries to break out of the hold but to avail. Jason is at the mercy of Wang realizing that a double count out is a really poor finish to the second match of the league! This realization comes, but not until the 15 second mark. Wang lifts Jason up and press slams him into the ring. Wang gets into the ring in time to stop the count.
At the ten minute mark, it's Jason who is now breathing raggedly as a result of that bear hug. Wang is still moving gingerly due to his own fatigue and the fall to the outside over the rope, but he finally has the advantage. Now it's Wang who is
Jason is having difficulty breathing but the fighting spirit is not draining out of him as quickly as his breath is. He realizes that this hold offers an opportunity to him and he takes it. From under the camel clutch, Jason uses his left fist to first punch then twist Wang's leg leg. Although there isn't much power in Jason from that angle, and Wang's ankle is literally bigger than Jason's fist, the attack seems to be working. All of those dropkicks to Wang's leg before, plus the fall to outside the ring, definitely softened up Wa...um, the leg of Wang Gom-Bu. Eventually, Wang has to let go of the hold and hobbles away from Jason for a break. But despite Jason's oxygen rate falling dangerously low within the last few minutes, he can recognize the scent of opportunity. He wills himself to get on his feet, runs, and clips Wang's leg out from behind.
This gets a gasp from the crowd but people...seriously, can we talk? A clip to the leg is in no way more deserving of scorn than 99% of the moves these guys do. The near 500 pound Wang was just sitting on Jason's back and pulling his neck up like a Stretch Armstrong doll. Are you seriously saying that a shoulder butt to the leg is more deserving of scorn? No, that is absurd. And it's clear that Jason is not allowing the crowd's inconsistently applied anger to get to him.
Instead, at the fifteen minute mark, he finally has Wang where he wants him: on the ground. Jason immediately uses a grounded dragon screw leg whip on Wang then a kneedrop on the affected left leg. Sensing his opportunity, Jason applies his "Nowhere to Hyde" finisher!! It's a little difficult at first given the thickness of Wa... um, the legs of Wang Gom-Bu...but Jason manages to lock it in place! The fans are on their feet as Jason has his first legitimate chance of winning this match!! Wang is holding on the best he can but even his usual stoic demeanor is betraying signs of pain, exhaustion, and draining consciousness. Due to Wang's refusal to say anything to the referee, Eiji raises Wang's hand to see if he's still conscious. On the third raise, Wang keeps his arm aloft to show that he's still in this. However, he seems to be using all that energy just to keep his arm up and can't fight out of Jason's hold. We're at the eighteen minute mark people!!
Jason is the one who finally elects to break the hold, seeing that Wang's threshold of pain is high enough to allow him to avoid submitting or passing out. Jason goes up to the top rope and signals for the end. He attempts a senton but Wang has just enough energy to lift his relatively fresh right knee up! Jason's back crashes down on it hard and he immediately starts coughing and writhing. Wang can barely stand up on his own but he crawls over to cover Jason for the 1...2...no! Jason gets a shoulder up but with great difficulty. Wang is still on top of him as his body is too heavy to move off in Jason's condition. The referee counts again and Jason has even more difficulty kicking out, finally doing so with one millisecond left. Jason realizes that his body isn't strong enough to kick out of another attempt and Wang is barely moving on his own. So Jason uses his position on the bottom of the pin to attempt a facelock on Wang. This allows Jason's own shoulder to raise off the mat just enough to avoid getting pinned while putting Wang in a hold that he may be too tired to fight off.
At the 19th minute, Wang is trapped in this basic, elementary headlock. Although there is not a lot of power behind it, Wang is having trouble getting his legs under him to fight it. He slowly gets up on his right knee and Jason is unable to fight this ascent. When it comes time to get up on the left knee, it buckles under the damage that Jason caused it. Jason uses the momentum and angle of Wang's own fall to to transition from a headlock into a la majistral pin!!
Eiji sees Wang's shoulders are down and counts 1...2...*RING* The bell at the timekeeper's table has interrupted the count! Eiji is now pointing to the table and raising both hands! We have our first time limit draw of the league!
Wang Gom-Bu (T) [Time Limit Draw - 20:00] (T) Jason Hyde
Wang earned 3 points.
Jason earned 3 points.
What a match we just had!! Both men are on their backs trying to catch their breath. Jason's back is clearly still hurting after landing poorly and a match worth of heavy punishment. Wang is punching his own left leg to get some feeling back into it. These two just put everything they had into this match. And while they earned themselves some points for it, the frustration of coming so close to complete victory only to secure a tie will likely frustrate them. However, the fans are on their feet cheering for both men after this momentous battle. I think they may need some refreshments now!
Over at the merchandise booth, Matsuki Holdings gear is red hot tonight, especially after Tetsu's victory. Kazuo Saji's replica sunglasses are the single highest selling item tonight from any wrestler's catalogue. "Nowhere to Hyde" hooded sweatshirts are also doing incredibly well. In a mistep, UBL's merchandise team accidentally printed the names of the sizes on the front of Wang's shirts: virtually guaranteeing that only larger individuals would be seen publicly supporting him.
Over at the concessions booth, the spicy Bak-lava has become a popular dessert for the thrill-seeking foodie adults. It has a flavor advertised to "drop your taste buds on their head." Meanwhile, the far safer Cosmic Cone Sundaes are beloved by the kids and more prudent adults. Many have also elected to spend our intermission smoking a Charles Langford-themed replica cigar while drinking James Ward favorite beer: whatever is cheapest. He's not one for the craft scene.*
And we return to the ring where we see yet another thing James Ward isn't fond of - and that's respect for his opponent. He saunters down the ramp holding one of Bak's spicy, signature desserts. For his part, Bak seems unimpressed by this confusing dining gesture and continues stretching in the corner, awaiting battle.
Match 3 - D: James Ward vs. Bak Fu
However, as soon as James gets into the ring, his intensity level rises and he rushes Bak. Not able to get out of the corner in time, Bak is pushed into the turnbuckles by the larger man. Ward then takes a bite of the Bak-lava and...
Bak recoiled from the giant belch, likely fighting a gag reflex that may be the strongest opponent he faces in this entire Block. This allowed James to get the early advantage which, to his credit, he competently took advantage of. As Bak remains trapped in the corner, Ward blasts him with punches to the midsection.
However, James gets over confident and offers Bak a taste of the fiery dessert. Bak takes a bite, suddenly powers up (is there spinach in the Bak-Lava?), and then...
It's unclear whether James is bleeding or if that is just the charred remains of the unfortunate carb-loaded dessert. The ref has no idea what to do at this point. Disqualify them both for dessert hurt? Can that be Sanders new nickname? Kurt "The hurt dessert?" In any case, the decision is made easy for Eiji when Bak is next to initiate contact...
Bak SHOVES the Bak-lava down the throat of James Ward, nearly choking him until Eiji steps in. I suppose this qualifies as an "international object" though more in the culinary sense than in the traditional pro wrestling lexicon.
Bak has just gotten disqualified for acting in poor taste despite James getting his just desserts. (sorry)
James Ward (DQ-W) [ - ] (DQ-L) Bak Fu
James earned 4 points.
Bak earned 1 point.
The medical team has come out yet again tonight. However, this time, they only bring with them an icepack and a tall glass of milk to counteract the spice from the Bak-lava. James demands that they check on his throat given that Bak actually thrust his arm all the way down to his elbow into it. Don't...don't piss off Bak Fu, folks. I really thought everyone learned that during the last Champions League. This was a painful reminder that he is not to be trifled with.
Also, Jean Carter just frantically texted me a special Peter Venkman Memorial Arena public service message to kids. Your friends may pressure you to try spicy foods as a coming of age ritual or general attempt at peer group camaraderie. But only you can know what your palette can handle and knowing is half the battle for digestive comfort.
Jean, you put the "GI" in gastrointestinal Joe. But now we mercifully turn to our main event of the evening.
Cosmic K*I*D could be distracted by the condition his on-again, off-again ally James Ward is currently in but I don't get the sense that either man is currently all that invested in their friendship. Meanwhile, RYOMA is no doubt happy that his student Tetsu gained his first victory of the league and would certainly like to join him in the win column.
Match 4 - B: Cosmic K*I*D vs. RYOMA
We start with theatrics. K*I*D challenges RYOMA to a staring contest.
Neither man budges or even seemingly blinks. That is concerning since blinking shows you're human.
After 3 minutes of this, Drake Yoshida comes out to admonish K*I*D and tell RYOMA "he knows better than to enable K*I*D." Whether Drake is just concerned about having yet another time limit draw tonight, or if he rightfully sees the potential in these two actually wrestling isn't clear. But it gets the job done and Operation: End Stare-Off is now on.
Once the eyes drop, K*I*D is the immediate aggressor and takes RYOMA by surprise with a flying forearm to the chest. RYOMA is a tall guy, folks! K*I*D may be getting to the end of a long career but he still has plenty of pep in his strikes. He unleashes a torrent of elbows and low kicks to RYOMA. These are met with the success of RYOMA backing up. However, it was a huge mistake for K*I*D to then throw a chop at the big man. RYOMA seemingly blows smoke out of his ears and launches a retaliatory chop so sharp that it knocks down K*I*D and the sound echoes throughout the arena.
RYOMA takes control and backs K*I*D into the corner where he lets loose rapid fire chops to K*I*D's chest. It's lucky for K*I*D that he has some kind of inter-dimensional armor (?) cushioning the blows a little but it's clear the impact is being felt. K*I*D doesn't stay vulnerable for long though and uses his legs to grapevine and drop RYOMA.
The two spend the next five minutes trading strikes and rapid throws. RYOMA scores with his assortment of vertical suplexes and backdrops while K*I*D utilizes snap frankensteiners, reverse DDT"s, and a running float over DDT that sends RYOMA down for a 2 count. After the kickout, K*I*D goes to the outside apron but RYOMA pops up, seemingly unfazed. I think this caught K*I*D by surprise as he's unable to reorient himself as RYOMA rushes him...
RYOMA gets the advantage back with this huge apron exploder and waits for K*I*D to re-enter the ring to break the count. When he does, RYOMA is ready for him and wastes no time aiming to end this match with what he does best...
RYOMA attempts the second half of his famed ECHO combination but KID rolls under the running lariat to the corner...
K*I*D rolls to the outside apron and launches himself into the ring for what looks like a diving hurracanrana...
Oh my lord! RYOMA just caught him mid air and FLATTENED him with that powerbomb!!!!!!
I've never seen anything like that before!
RYOMA makes the cover and gets the victory with the moment of the night!
Cosmic K*I*D (L) [High Angle Powerbomb - 17:00] (W) RYOMA
Cosmic K*I*D earned 0 points.
RYOMA earned 5 points.
*Tetsu Gushiken comes out to ringside to celebrate with RYOMA. Both victorious men get a huge ovation from the crowd as Cosmic K*I*D is helped out backstage by the referee. Tetsu raises RYOMA's hand in victory.*
And the first event of the Continuum stream comes to a close in memorable fashion! We'll see you in two months for the next show of the Universal Champions league. In the meantime, we'll be routing everyone through the Dimensional stream next month for an event headlined by a defense of the Universal Circuit Title! See you then!