Kazuo Saji - "Chrom-era"
Mar 31, 2023 1:50:45 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on Mar 31, 2023 1:50:45 GMT -5
*It’s late afternoon on Monday, March 27. When the camera turns on, we see Kazuo "Chrome" Saji holding a microphone and standing in the middle of a ring inside one of the gyms in the Peter Venkman Memorial Arena. He’s wearing a silver “Matsuki MECH” warm up outfit and addressing the members of the Basic Training and Boot Camp programs.*
[Kazuo:] “Showing emotion don’t make you weak, it lets everyone know you won’t back down from being you. So don’t hold back for one second when you’re on the mic. The best way to be bold and stake your claim to greatness is to be real. Show your opponents, show the world, that you own your feelings and aren’t afraid to let them out. They don’t control you or the truth. Your word is your bond with yourself too. Legit vibing with it is at all times is how to shine like Chrome.”
*Saji smiles and receives applause from the majority of the audience watching him, especially the trainers. Barton Miller walks over to thank him and shakes his hand. Saji leaves the ring and sees John Randolph gesturing toward him and two empty chairs. Saji walks over, shakes John’s outstretched hand, and they both down.*
[John:] “Hello Kazuo, thank you for agreeing to meet with me today.”
[Kazuo:] “I was in town so you know I’m down to speak on it all.”
[John:] “We do shave a lot to talk about but first, how did it feel to be a guest lecturer today?”
*Saji fans himself and grabs a bottle of water. He takes a sip then grins.*
[Kazuo:] “Invigorating, man. When Tetsu asked if I could talk to the students about delivering promos, I was honored. But I was also a little confused cause like, I never ‘learned’ how to talk. I just fired my mouth off at all times cause it’s my way a for better or worse.”
*They both laugh*
[Kazuo:] “But as I started to prepare what I was gonna tell them, I started realizing how hard it is to do what I do by second nature. I guess I never thought about it that way before. I started thinking about the skills that didn’t come as easy for me at first and gained even more appreciation for those who helped me with them. So I wanted to give back to others in the same way. Now I definitely see why Tetsu loves this job. It feels great shaping the next generation.”
[John:] “I’m glad to hear that Tetsu feels this role fits where he wants to be right now. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss calling his matches.”
[Kazuo:] “I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I imagine that a part of him misses competing too. Thing is, he’s a natural at this and I really believe it’s getting him get back to himself. Where he goes once he fully gets there is anyone’s guess. But I told him that as long as he’s here to welcome me, I’m happy dropping some truth on everyone when I’m in the area.”
[John:] “Your speaking engagement wasn’t the only thing that brought you here this week.”
[Kazuo:] “Yeah, I was originally planning to be in town cause Hae-Hae and Sako were competing in OG-Joshi. So I knew I’d be here to speak today but then it almost didn’t happen.“
[John:] “Unfortunately, that’s because the Hellions experienced a setback during their match. Even though they added yet another successful defense to their historic 8-year reign with the OG-Joshi Tag Championship, Hae-Won appeared to suffer an injury to her arm. Can you update us on that?”
*Kazuo nods to himself with a look of concern on his face.*
[Kazuo:] “It’s all still being figured out but it’s broken, at minimum. She’s gonna be on the shelf for a few months. We’re just hoping there isn’t any long-term damage.”
[John:] “And how do you feel about all of this?”
[Kazuo:] “I’ll take care of my boo the whole way. I was at the hospital with her an hour ago but she insisted I come here and do this. She said I can’t say I’m here for my fam but abandon my promise to my brotetsu. Well, she said it with a lot more swearing and while holding my arm in a vice.”
[John:] “Even though she had her arm in a cast?”
[Kazuo:] “Girl can make me tap out with one hand-“
[John:] “Easy there, Kazuo…”
*Saji looks confused for a second and then starts uproariously laughing.*
[John:] “Wait, that wasn’t even an intentional double-entendre?”
[Kazuo:] “Not that time but mad respect for sniffing it out.”
*Saji puts his fist out and John bumps it.*
[John:] “So how does Matsuki Holdings feel about the Hellions’ opponents after that match?”
[Kazuo:] “Look, we got no beef with Knellwolf and Aguayo. Injuries are just part of the game. Aguayo was working the arm just like Hae-Hae does, just like Tetsu works the leg.”
[John:] “From my perspective, it didn’t seem like Aguayo was intentionally trying to injure her.”
[Kazuo:] “Exactly. But to be real here, I wouldn't want to be them the next time they face the Hellions. You think broken bones gonna do anything but make Hae-Hae even fiercer? Hell no!”
[John:] “I’m sure we are all anticipating the eventual rematch. In the meantime, I wish Hae-Won a speedy recovery.”
*Kazuo nods*
[John:] “So shifting gears to more celebratory matters, you’re currently in a tie for the lead in the A Block of the World Open in Sierra Wrestling All-Stars.”
[Kazuo:] “I’m not ready to celebrate just yet though, cause we all know what Armel can do. He’s beat me before and I gotta get past him to win the Block.”
[John:] “After somewhat of a rocky start to that league, you came back strong to get to this point.”
[Kazuo:] “It’s how you finish that matters and I’m no one-pump chump.”
[John:] “We, uh, may have to edit that one out.”
[Kazuo:] “What I mean is I can go the distance.”
[John:] “Shaky ground again here…”
[Kazuo:] “No joke intended. My matches with Paul Lambert and Carlos Ortega-Reyes proved I’m a grower and not just a shower. I’m the marathon man in the ring and bedroom. Even Carlos saw that if you make me bleed, I’ll come back stronger.”
[John:] “You used your ‘Chrome Splitter’ finisher in both matches despite not leaning on it that often in recent years.”
[Kazuo:] “Breaking out the Splitter wasn't a sign of weakness or desperation though. It was a message to everyone else in both leagues. I’ve got the big guns and I decide when to use them. People forget the raw power I’m capable of just cause I joke around. Name someone else who knocked out Matthias though. I’ll wait.”
[John:] “Well, he didn’t knock him out like you did but Brandr Hoff, set to face RYOMA at Continuum V, did defeat Matthias.”
[Kazuo:] “Until he knocks out a monster like I did, he can hold my beer.”
[John:] “I’m definitely seeing more confidence from you than ever before. But it’s a genuine confidence rather than the kind of insecure boasts you used to make.”
[Kazuo:] “The difference is I’m locked in and can actually back up my claims now. Hell, even Angry Wrestling Nerd paid me the props. Everyone thinks he mad 24/7 but you put a Chrome match in front of him and he’s practically writing poetry about how good life is!”
[John:] “He did seem rather energized by your matches in the past week.”
[Kazuo:] “He recognizes the real and there’s no one realer than the Chrome in any promotion.”
[John:] “What about Ultimo Cielo: the SWA Openweight Championship?”
[Kazuo:] “Ultimo Cello thinks he’s hitting the right notes but he’s playing them on cans.”
[John:] “So you think Samael Tangaroa could have chosen a more effective opponent than Adam Morley?”
[Kazuo:] “I think Samael has played so many mind games that he just played himself. Should call himself Same-ole Tangoaroa cause he just dances around success but never achieves it.”
[John:] “Scorching hot takes from Saji here, complete with wordplay.”
[Kazuo:] “Look - it doesn't matter if you're Sameaole Tangoaroa, Oldochi Needs’a’Walker, or ‘Musashi Story’ O'Brian, I’m coming out the winner of both leagues that I’m in right now: SWA and Ubble. Hell, I’m ride or die for RYOMA and Connor Cipris but it's just a matter of time until I win my blocks in both leagues to face each of them when they win theirs. Then all three of us gonna put on a show so epic it gonna turn the ‘Angry’ into ‘Afterglow’ for the Wrestling Nerd.”
*John chuckles a little but Kazuo appears fully confident.*
[John:] “Well, before you can advance through Block D of the Infinite Continuum League-“
[Kazuo:] “It’s bad when ubble’s ‘infinite’ wordplay kinda seems legit though, right?”
[John:] “Yeah, I’ll reach retirement age before that league actually ends. But getting back to your Block, you are set to face Darius Korvin at Continuum V. What are your thoughts on that?”
[Kazuo:] “I’m as excited to face Darius as I was to face Matt Rivers.”
[John:] “Interesting that you called him Matt there.”
[Kazuo:] “I get that calling him ‘Matthew’ is for those who think he had agency when Destiny turned him. But I don’t agree with that. The real Rivers always been a good dude. We haven’t always been the best of pals, but he pushed me when I needed pushing. I respect him for that and feel the same way about Darius. It was their job as Field Leaders to help me shed some, but not all *Saji grins* immaturity and gain some real focus on my career.”
[John:] “Do you think you can beat Darius?”
[Kazuo:] “Definitely. I can beat anyone right now. The thing with Darius is - he hasn’t wrestled in how long? He’s been doing his thing searching for his doctor friend, and I get it. I admire the loyalty. But his thing hasn’t been in the ring like me. I’ve been wrestling in two leagues, training with all of Matsuki’s best, and no disrespect but I want this more than he does.”
[John:] “How has it been recently: training simultaneously for Darius in UBL and Armel St. Martin in SWA?”
[Kazuo:] “Fresh, man. It never gets too routine, and I like that. I can’t just train for Darius expecting him to wrestle the way he used to, same with Armel. Both of them are crazy dynamic in the ring. I learn something new every time I have faced them. I’ve been training mostly with Tetsu and Connor to prepare for Armel’s speed and technique. Plus, they have each faced him. And I’ve been training mostly with RYOMA to prepare for Darius’ power and suplexes but sometimes I switch things up. Gotta stay fluid, you know?”
[John:] “Well, on that note and in the interest of keeping things moving, I want to thank you for taking the time, Kazuo. If there’s anything more you want to say?”
[Kazuo:] “2023 is gonna start the Chrom-era so get ready cause I’m gonna be putting my shine on all the belts in front of me.”
[John:] “Maybe change the branding there. Chrom-era sounds a bit like Chimera.”
[Kazuo:] “True, true. But it makes sense cause I’m a triple threat: a lover, a fighter, and now: a teacher.”
*Kazuo and John fist bump again then Saji goes to talk to Tetsu and some Basic Training students as the camera turns off.*
[Kazuo:] “Showing emotion don’t make you weak, it lets everyone know you won’t back down from being you. So don’t hold back for one second when you’re on the mic. The best way to be bold and stake your claim to greatness is to be real. Show your opponents, show the world, that you own your feelings and aren’t afraid to let them out. They don’t control you or the truth. Your word is your bond with yourself too. Legit vibing with it is at all times is how to shine like Chrome.”
*Saji smiles and receives applause from the majority of the audience watching him, especially the trainers. Barton Miller walks over to thank him and shakes his hand. Saji leaves the ring and sees John Randolph gesturing toward him and two empty chairs. Saji walks over, shakes John’s outstretched hand, and they both down.*
[John:] “Hello Kazuo, thank you for agreeing to meet with me today.”
[Kazuo:] “I was in town so you know I’m down to speak on it all.”
[John:] “We do shave a lot to talk about but first, how did it feel to be a guest lecturer today?”
*Saji fans himself and grabs a bottle of water. He takes a sip then grins.*
[Kazuo:] “Invigorating, man. When Tetsu asked if I could talk to the students about delivering promos, I was honored. But I was also a little confused cause like, I never ‘learned’ how to talk. I just fired my mouth off at all times cause it’s my way a for better or worse.”
*They both laugh*
[Kazuo:] “But as I started to prepare what I was gonna tell them, I started realizing how hard it is to do what I do by second nature. I guess I never thought about it that way before. I started thinking about the skills that didn’t come as easy for me at first and gained even more appreciation for those who helped me with them. So I wanted to give back to others in the same way. Now I definitely see why Tetsu loves this job. It feels great shaping the next generation.”
[John:] “I’m glad to hear that Tetsu feels this role fits where he wants to be right now. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss calling his matches.”
[Kazuo:] “I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I imagine that a part of him misses competing too. Thing is, he’s a natural at this and I really believe it’s getting him get back to himself. Where he goes once he fully gets there is anyone’s guess. But I told him that as long as he’s here to welcome me, I’m happy dropping some truth on everyone when I’m in the area.”
[John:] “Your speaking engagement wasn’t the only thing that brought you here this week.”
[Kazuo:] “Yeah, I was originally planning to be in town cause Hae-Hae and Sako were competing in OG-Joshi. So I knew I’d be here to speak today but then it almost didn’t happen.“
[John:] “Unfortunately, that’s because the Hellions experienced a setback during their match. Even though they added yet another successful defense to their historic 8-year reign with the OG-Joshi Tag Championship, Hae-Won appeared to suffer an injury to her arm. Can you update us on that?”
*Kazuo nods to himself with a look of concern on his face.*
[Kazuo:] “It’s all still being figured out but it’s broken, at minimum. She’s gonna be on the shelf for a few months. We’re just hoping there isn’t any long-term damage.”
[John:] “And how do you feel about all of this?”
[Kazuo:] “I’ll take care of my boo the whole way. I was at the hospital with her an hour ago but she insisted I come here and do this. She said I can’t say I’m here for my fam but abandon my promise to my brotetsu. Well, she said it with a lot more swearing and while holding my arm in a vice.”
[John:] “Even though she had her arm in a cast?”
[Kazuo:] “Girl can make me tap out with one hand-“
[John:] “Easy there, Kazuo…”
*Saji looks confused for a second and then starts uproariously laughing.*
[John:] “Wait, that wasn’t even an intentional double-entendre?”
[Kazuo:] “Not that time but mad respect for sniffing it out.”
*Saji puts his fist out and John bumps it.*
[John:] “So how does Matsuki Holdings feel about the Hellions’ opponents after that match?”
[Kazuo:] “Look, we got no beef with Knellwolf and Aguayo. Injuries are just part of the game. Aguayo was working the arm just like Hae-Hae does, just like Tetsu works the leg.”
[John:] “From my perspective, it didn’t seem like Aguayo was intentionally trying to injure her.”
[Kazuo:] “Exactly. But to be real here, I wouldn't want to be them the next time they face the Hellions. You think broken bones gonna do anything but make Hae-Hae even fiercer? Hell no!”
[John:] “I’m sure we are all anticipating the eventual rematch. In the meantime, I wish Hae-Won a speedy recovery.”
*Kazuo nods*
[John:] “So shifting gears to more celebratory matters, you’re currently in a tie for the lead in the A Block of the World Open in Sierra Wrestling All-Stars.”
[Kazuo:] “I’m not ready to celebrate just yet though, cause we all know what Armel can do. He’s beat me before and I gotta get past him to win the Block.”
[John:] “After somewhat of a rocky start to that league, you came back strong to get to this point.”
[Kazuo:] “It’s how you finish that matters and I’m no one-pump chump.”
[John:] “We, uh, may have to edit that one out.”
[Kazuo:] “What I mean is I can go the distance.”
[John:] “Shaky ground again here…”
[Kazuo:] “No joke intended. My matches with Paul Lambert and Carlos Ortega-Reyes proved I’m a grower and not just a shower. I’m the marathon man in the ring and bedroom. Even Carlos saw that if you make me bleed, I’ll come back stronger.”
[John:] “You used your ‘Chrome Splitter’ finisher in both matches despite not leaning on it that often in recent years.”
[Kazuo:] “Breaking out the Splitter wasn't a sign of weakness or desperation though. It was a message to everyone else in both leagues. I’ve got the big guns and I decide when to use them. People forget the raw power I’m capable of just cause I joke around. Name someone else who knocked out Matthias though. I’ll wait.”
[John:] “Well, he didn’t knock him out like you did but Brandr Hoff, set to face RYOMA at Continuum V, did defeat Matthias.”
[Kazuo:] “Until he knocks out a monster like I did, he can hold my beer.”
[John:] “I’m definitely seeing more confidence from you than ever before. But it’s a genuine confidence rather than the kind of insecure boasts you used to make.”
[Kazuo:] “The difference is I’m locked in and can actually back up my claims now. Hell, even Angry Wrestling Nerd paid me the props. Everyone thinks he mad 24/7 but you put a Chrome match in front of him and he’s practically writing poetry about how good life is!”
[John:] “He did seem rather energized by your matches in the past week.”
[Kazuo:] “He recognizes the real and there’s no one realer than the Chrome in any promotion.”
[John:] “What about Ultimo Cielo: the SWA Openweight Championship?”
[Kazuo:] “Ultimo Cello thinks he’s hitting the right notes but he’s playing them on cans.”
[John:] “So you think Samael Tangaroa could have chosen a more effective opponent than Adam Morley?”
[Kazuo:] “I think Samael has played so many mind games that he just played himself. Should call himself Same-ole Tangoaroa cause he just dances around success but never achieves it.”
[John:] “Scorching hot takes from Saji here, complete with wordplay.”
[Kazuo:] “Look - it doesn't matter if you're Sameaole Tangoaroa, Oldochi Needs’a’Walker, or ‘Musashi Story’ O'Brian, I’m coming out the winner of both leagues that I’m in right now: SWA and Ubble. Hell, I’m ride or die for RYOMA and Connor Cipris but it's just a matter of time until I win my blocks in both leagues to face each of them when they win theirs. Then all three of us gonna put on a show so epic it gonna turn the ‘Angry’ into ‘Afterglow’ for the Wrestling Nerd.”
*John chuckles a little but Kazuo appears fully confident.*
[John:] “Well, before you can advance through Block D of the Infinite Continuum League-“
[Kazuo:] “It’s bad when ubble’s ‘infinite’ wordplay kinda seems legit though, right?”
[John:] “Yeah, I’ll reach retirement age before that league actually ends. But getting back to your Block, you are set to face Darius Korvin at Continuum V. What are your thoughts on that?”
[Kazuo:] “I’m as excited to face Darius as I was to face Matt Rivers.”
[John:] “Interesting that you called him Matt there.”
[Kazuo:] “I get that calling him ‘Matthew’ is for those who think he had agency when Destiny turned him. But I don’t agree with that. The real Rivers always been a good dude. We haven’t always been the best of pals, but he pushed me when I needed pushing. I respect him for that and feel the same way about Darius. It was their job as Field Leaders to help me shed some, but not all *Saji grins* immaturity and gain some real focus on my career.”
[John:] “Do you think you can beat Darius?”
[Kazuo:] “Definitely. I can beat anyone right now. The thing with Darius is - he hasn’t wrestled in how long? He’s been doing his thing searching for his doctor friend, and I get it. I admire the loyalty. But his thing hasn’t been in the ring like me. I’ve been wrestling in two leagues, training with all of Matsuki’s best, and no disrespect but I want this more than he does.”
[John:] “How has it been recently: training simultaneously for Darius in UBL and Armel St. Martin in SWA?”
[Kazuo:] “Fresh, man. It never gets too routine, and I like that. I can’t just train for Darius expecting him to wrestle the way he used to, same with Armel. Both of them are crazy dynamic in the ring. I learn something new every time I have faced them. I’ve been training mostly with Tetsu and Connor to prepare for Armel’s speed and technique. Plus, they have each faced him. And I’ve been training mostly with RYOMA to prepare for Darius’ power and suplexes but sometimes I switch things up. Gotta stay fluid, you know?”
[John:] “Well, on that note and in the interest of keeping things moving, I want to thank you for taking the time, Kazuo. If there’s anything more you want to say?”
[Kazuo:] “2023 is gonna start the Chrom-era so get ready cause I’m gonna be putting my shine on all the belts in front of me.”
[John:] “Maybe change the branding there. Chrom-era sounds a bit like Chimera.”
[Kazuo:] “True, true. But it makes sense cause I’m a triple threat: a lover, a fighter, and now: a teacher.”
*Kazuo and John fist bump again then Saji goes to talk to Tetsu and some Basic Training students as the camera turns off.*