Post by Shining Road Review on Oct 23, 2017 12:20:32 GMT -5
Katsuhiko Himura in the navy blue tights nails an enzuigri! Pulver stumbles forward as Himura grabs him from behind! Dragon suplex! He bridges the pin!
1…
2…
NO!
Himura charges forward – superkick from Pulver! Right into the chin of Himura! Pulver goes to the outside and begins climbing the turnbuckle. He stands on the top turnbuckle, like a phoenix slowly rising, he looks upon the sprawled out body of Himura.
TIM FLOSS:
I’ve got a bad feeling about this…
Pulver takes a few deep breaths as he preps the jump. Himura is nearly three-quarters across from the ring.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t think he’s gonna make it, Timmy.
He bends his knees as he preps for the jump…
He launches into the air…
1…
2…
NO!
Himura charges forward – superkick from Pulver! Right into the chin of Himura! Pulver goes to the outside and begins climbing the turnbuckle. He stands on the top turnbuckle, like a phoenix slowly rising, he looks upon the sprawled out body of Himura.
TIM FLOSS:
I’ve got a bad feeling about this…
Pulver takes a few deep breaths as he preps the jump. Himura is nearly three-quarters across from the ring.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t think he’s gonna make it, Timmy.
He bends his knees as he preps for the jump…
He launches into the air…
The camera pans to a shot of an empty ring. The canvas is still seemingly drenched in sweat and suggests a night of numerous battles.
We now pan up to the platform where Solomon Bentley and Kai Harrison sit at the table. The former takes a sip from his red Shining Road Review coffee mug.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
Well, hello everyone, and welcome to the Shining Road Review! We’ve seen all kinds of action here tonight as we made it through the semifinals of the 2017 Sword of Lite Grand Prix. By the end of the night, two men would make it into the finals of the tournament. Two men will battle this Saturday in order to determine the first ever MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Bentley glances at Kai and then back to the camera with a smirk.
SOLMON BENTLEY:
But first. This tag match earlier in the night. Kai?
KAI HARRISON:
Solomon, we had four great competitors. Ben Chrenshaw and AJ Knight versus Alexander Irvine and Mike Musket. Both Chrenshaw and AJ have wrestled the past two nights. Irvine and Musket, the respective GPWS and MAX-J Heavyweight Champions, came in fresh.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
Let’s run down the highlights. We'll start with Ben Chrenshaw and AJ Knight versus the championship duo of Alexander Irvine and Mike Musket!
Ben Chrenshaw and Irvine would get the match started. Irvine would try to keep the fight standing while Chrenshaw attempted takedowns. Eventually, Chrenshaw transitioned from a headlock into a judo hip throw! He applied a grounded headlock designed to preserve his own strength while wearing down Irvine, but Musket came rumbling in with a stomp and then AJ with a flying knee and all Hell broke loose! Musket and AJ traded chops! Chrenshaw and Irvine traded elbows! Musket would back body drop AJ to the outside and soon get tagged in by Irvine.
The Man of the Mountain would keep Chrenshaw tied up. But when Musket attempted a Flatline, but Chrenshaw reversed to an osoto gare! He tagged in Knight! Knight would deliver thigh kicks to Musket, run him against the ropes, Diamond Cutter! He goes for a 1… 2… NO! Knight would lift up Musket… German suplex hold! 1… 2… NO! A groggy Musket would get up to his feet and AJ would hit an enzuigiri! But as Musket fell he tagged in Irvine!
Irvine and AJ would go at it, trading punches until Irvine kicked AJ in the gut with an Evenflow DDT! He covered for the two-count but AJ got the leg up! Irvine would chain wrestle until getting the mounted punches… then AJ would reverse with punches of his own! The two men would eventually separate and tag in Musket and Chrenshaw.
Let’s take you to the action -
Musket rushes across the ring and goes for the lariat on Chrenshaw – swing and a miss! Chrenshaw turns around, dropkick to the knee! Musket drops! He slaps on the C.S. Lewis!
TIM FLOSS:
He’s got that dragon sleeper locked in!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
This could be over!
Irvine comes rushing in – SLIDING ELBOW SMASH!!! CHRENSHAW CRUMPLES OVER! Irvine throws Musket on top of Chrenshaw.
1…
2…
NO! Chrenshaw gets the shoulder up.
Irvine picks up Chrenshaw, the referee is tugging on him to go back to his corner. He gets Chrenshaw up to his feet and runs against the ropes – BATTLE CRY!!! The running forearm smash downs Chrenshaw.
TIM FLOSS:
Chrenshaw is getting doubleteamed like crazy! The ref needs to control the action!
Musket is getting up to his feet slowly. Irvine turns around to search for AJ – he’s right behind him! Kick to the gut! KNIGHTFALL DDT FROM OUTTA NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Where’d he come from?!
Irvine flops around and rolls to the outside of the ring. AJ turns around – LARIAT FROM MIKE MUSKET!!! Knight goes down in a heap and rolls to the outside.
TIM FLOSS:
He flattened him!
Musket gets up to his feet. Chrenshaw is right behind him!! SLEEPER HOLD! – BUT WAIT! Musket ducks under it and locks his hands around Chrenshaw’s waist. DANGEROUS BACKDROP DRIVER!!!!!!! Chrenshaw’s head bounces off the mat. Musket gets up to his feet. He lies in wait for Chrenshaw to stand. He takes a position from the rear. Musket charges forward… LARIATOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!!! Chrenshaw nearly sinks into the mat. Musket hooks the leg!
1…
2…
3!!!!!
WAIT! FOOT ON THE ROPE BY CHRENSHAW!
Mike Musket smacks the canvas. He gets Chrenshaw up by the hair and pushes him into turnbuckle. Chop to the chest! Chop to the chest! Chop to the chest! Chop! Chop! Chop! Chop!
TIM FLOSS:
He’s like a machine gun with those chops!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Musket with super chops to the chest! I love it!
Musket backs up and runs to the turnbuckle! LARIAT! He backs up once again – LARIAT!! WAIT! Chrenshaw dodges – SLEEPER HOLD!! SLEEPER HOLD!! He’s got the hold locked in and backs up Musket into the center of the ring! Musket is reaching out, clawing, pawing for air. Eventually his body seems to go limp. He remains standing while Chrenshaw keeps the sleeper locked in tight.
The referee peers at Musket, who appears to be unconscious.
He lifts a hand.
It falls.
1…
He lifts a hand again.
It falls.
2…
Irvine slides under the bottom rope! He charges – AJ intercepts him with a tackle!
The referee lifts the hand!
It falls!
3!!!!!
The referee calls for the bell!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Ben Chrenshaw has just choked out the MAX-J Heavyweight Champion! My gawd! My gawd!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
The Crippler has joined a rare club, folks! He’s just introduced the Man of the Mountain to some London streetfighting submission skills!
Chrenshaw lets go of the sleeper and Musket crumples to the mat. The fans are in shock, with their hands to their head and their mouths agape. AJ comes over and smacks Chrenshaw on the shoulder as Irvine bends down to make sure Musket, who coughs repeatedly and clutches his throat, is okay.
TIM FLOSS:
He’s got that dragon sleeper locked in!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
This could be over!
Irvine comes rushing in – SLIDING ELBOW SMASH!!! CHRENSHAW CRUMPLES OVER! Irvine throws Musket on top of Chrenshaw.
1…
2…
NO! Chrenshaw gets the shoulder up.
Irvine picks up Chrenshaw, the referee is tugging on him to go back to his corner. He gets Chrenshaw up to his feet and runs against the ropes – BATTLE CRY!!! The running forearm smash downs Chrenshaw.
TIM FLOSS:
Chrenshaw is getting doubleteamed like crazy! The ref needs to control the action!
Musket is getting up to his feet slowly. Irvine turns around to search for AJ – he’s right behind him! Kick to the gut! KNIGHTFALL DDT FROM OUTTA NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Where’d he come from?!
Irvine flops around and rolls to the outside of the ring. AJ turns around – LARIAT FROM MIKE MUSKET!!! Knight goes down in a heap and rolls to the outside.
TIM FLOSS:
He flattened him!
Musket gets up to his feet. Chrenshaw is right behind him!! SLEEPER HOLD! – BUT WAIT! Musket ducks under it and locks his hands around Chrenshaw’s waist. DANGEROUS BACKDROP DRIVER!!!!!!! Chrenshaw’s head bounces off the mat. Musket gets up to his feet. He lies in wait for Chrenshaw to stand. He takes a position from the rear. Musket charges forward… LARIATOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!!! Chrenshaw nearly sinks into the mat. Musket hooks the leg!
1…
2…
3!!!!!
WAIT! FOOT ON THE ROPE BY CHRENSHAW!
Mike Musket smacks the canvas. He gets Chrenshaw up by the hair and pushes him into turnbuckle. Chop to the chest! Chop to the chest! Chop to the chest! Chop! Chop! Chop! Chop!
TIM FLOSS:
He’s like a machine gun with those chops!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Musket with super chops to the chest! I love it!
Musket backs up and runs to the turnbuckle! LARIAT! He backs up once again – LARIAT!! WAIT! Chrenshaw dodges – SLEEPER HOLD!! SLEEPER HOLD!! He’s got the hold locked in and backs up Musket into the center of the ring! Musket is reaching out, clawing, pawing for air. Eventually his body seems to go limp. He remains standing while Chrenshaw keeps the sleeper locked in tight.
The referee peers at Musket, who appears to be unconscious.
He lifts a hand.
It falls.
1…
He lifts a hand again.
It falls.
2…
Irvine slides under the bottom rope! He charges – AJ intercepts him with a tackle!
The referee lifts the hand!
It falls!
3!!!!!
The referee calls for the bell!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Ben Chrenshaw has just choked out the MAX-J Heavyweight Champion! My gawd! My gawd!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
The Crippler has joined a rare club, folks! He’s just introduced the Man of the Mountain to some London streetfighting submission skills!
Chrenshaw lets go of the sleeper and Musket crumples to the mat. The fans are in shock, with their hands to their head and their mouths agape. AJ comes over and smacks Chrenshaw on the shoulder as Irvine bends down to make sure Musket, who coughs repeatedly and clutches his throat, is okay.
Let’s take you there…
Matt Pulver lays on the apron. Himura in the blue tights and black elbow and knee pads gets up to his feet, pushing his long shoulder-length black hair from his eyes. Himura gets Pulver in a front facelock. He reaches over the ropes… wait… he’s got him with the NORTHERN LIGHTS DRIVER!! THE KATANA BLASTER FROM THE APRON BACK INTO THE RING!! He transitions to an inside cradle!
1…
2…
NO!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Katsuhiko Himura just dropped Pulver on his head!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Himura wants to win this thing!
Katsu gets up to his feet and goes for the move again, Pulver twists out of it! WAIT!!! Katsuhiko Himura in the navy blue tights nails an enzuigri! Pulver stumbles forward as Himura grabs him from behind! Dragon suplex! He bridges the pin!
1…
2…
NO!
Himura charges forward – superkick from Pulver! Right into the chin of Himura! Pulver goes to the outside and begins climbing the turnbuckle. He stands on the top turnbuckle, like a phoenix slowly rising, he looks upon the sprawled out body of Himura.
TIM FLOSS:
I’ve got a bad feeling about this…
Pulver takes a few deep breaths as he preps the jump. Himura is nearly three-quarters across from the ring.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t think he’s gonna make it, Timmy.
He bends his knees as he preps for the jump…
He launches into the air…
FROG SPLASH!! FROG SPLASH!! IT CONNECTS!!
TIM FLOSS:
Did you see that?! He defied gravity!
Pulver has the cover!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Ladies and gentleman, Matt Pulver is moving onto the finals of the Sword of Lite Grand Prix!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He’s one match away!
Pulver and Himura exchange a bow and handshake combination as the scene goes to black.
1…
2…
NO!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Katsuhiko Himura just dropped Pulver on his head!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Himura wants to win this thing!
Katsu gets up to his feet and goes for the move again, Pulver twists out of it! WAIT!!! Katsuhiko Himura in the navy blue tights nails an enzuigri! Pulver stumbles forward as Himura grabs him from behind! Dragon suplex! He bridges the pin!
1…
2…
NO!
Himura charges forward – superkick from Pulver! Right into the chin of Himura! Pulver goes to the outside and begins climbing the turnbuckle. He stands on the top turnbuckle, like a phoenix slowly rising, he looks upon the sprawled out body of Himura.
TIM FLOSS:
I’ve got a bad feeling about this…
Pulver takes a few deep breaths as he preps the jump. Himura is nearly three-quarters across from the ring.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t think he’s gonna make it, Timmy.
He bends his knees as he preps for the jump…
He launches into the air…
FROG SPLASH!! FROG SPLASH!! IT CONNECTS!!
TIM FLOSS:
Did you see that?! He defied gravity!
Pulver has the cover!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Ladies and gentleman, Matt Pulver is moving onto the finals of the Sword of Lite Grand Prix!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He’s one match away!
Pulver and Himura exchange a bow and handshake combination as the scene goes to black.
Once in the ring, the two men would lock hands in a test of strength that Zenki would win, tossed Edwards over his shoulder. Zenki would try to keep the action on the ground, but James Edwards would eventually get to his feet – Yakuza kick to the face of Zenki! The masked man would roar as though he enjoyed it! Edwards would spin Zenki around – German suplex hold! 1… 2… No! Zenki would get up. Edwards would lock on a front facelock and keep Zenki grounded. He’d throw Zenki into the ropes – the masked man goes for the ZANBATO! Miss! Edwards would duck the move keep laying kicks into Zenki’s midsection. Edwards would wind up – Zenki would catch the foot – spinning Edwards around – Fisherman’s Buster DDT!!!!! 1… 2… NO!
Zenki would then proceed to show his contempt for gaijin wrestlers by launching into a barrage of merciless stomps. He would drop his knees and begin choking Edwards with his bare hands! The ref would count to five, he’d break the hold – and then get right back to work with another choke!
Let’s take you straight to the action!
1…
2…
3…
4…
Zenki in the all-black suit sits up on his knees as he lets go of Edwards throat. The referee shouts at him in Japanese for his brutish behavior. Edwards coughs and rolls over.
TIM FLOSS:
I don’t care how much he wants to win this thing or hates foreigners, at some point enough is enough!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
The referee wants Zenki to use an actual submission hold. These barfight-style holds are not sporting, but I think Zenki is willing to pull out all the stops short of disqualification to advance in the tournament.
The Demon Lord goes back to the choke – WAIT! Edwards swivels the legs! ARMBAR! He’s got Zenki in an ARMBAR! The fans are going nuts! Zenki manages to get to his feet and Edwards transitions to a TRIANGLE HOLD as Zenki is now standing on two feet but bent over! … WAIT, WHAT’S THIS? Zenki muster the strength… he gets a running start… ZENKI BOMB!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! What a counter from Zenki!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He can hit that move from anywhere, Timmy!
The ref counts the pin!
1…
2…
3-NO!!! Edwards roll out.
IN FACT, EDWARDS GOES FOR THE VIOLENT GOSPEL!!! A MISS as Zenki flattens himself to the canvas as the kick goes sailing above his head! Edwards spins around as Zenki gets up to his feet – SHOTEI! A MISS! A jumping high kick from Edwards… It connects! Zenki stumbles. Edwards grabs a wrist from Zenki and thrusts it between the masked man’s legs – WRIST CLUTCH EXPLODER SUPLEX!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
What strength!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t care if they’re light heavyweights, Timmy. These guys are as strong as they come!
Zenki’s head spikes the canvas and he is out cold. Edwards crawls over top of him for the pin.
1…
2…
3!!!!
NO! Shoulder up just before the ref’s hand hits the mat!
Edwards gets up quickly as he goes on the offensive. He sits up ZENKI – locks in the REVERSE TRIANGLE CHOKEHOLD and falls backward! It’s the MYTH’S END!!!!!!!!! Zenki kicks that mat with his heels in frustration!
TIM FLOSS:
That’s one of Edwards’ finishers, Al! This thing could be over!
The crowd begins a ZENKI chant. The Demon Lord grips at Edwards’ kickpad as he struggles to free himself from the hold! Slowly but surely, he begins to lose strength and his arms become limp. The referee walks over. Zenki’s mask presents problems to see if the man is unconscious so he begins the count.
He lifts an arm… it falls.
1…
He lifts the arm again… it falls.
2…
He lifts the arm again… Zenki grabs the ref by the shirt and drags him atop of them! This unusual move somewhat distracts Edwards and Zenki wiggles out of the hold for his freedom! The referee and Edwards both get up as all three man are staring at one another as confusion reigns.
TIM FLOSS:
What the Hell happened there, Al?
You can see the referee speaking sternly with Zenki. They are having a heated conversation in Japanese while Zenki holds up his hands innocently, gesturing that he did nothing wrong. An annoyed James Edwards has his hands on his hips.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I’ll tell you what happened, Timmy. Zenki knew there was no way he could escape the hold on his own. So, he played possum until the ref got close and used him to help break up the hold.
TIM FLOSS:
That sounds like cheating.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Right now, Zenki is probably explaining to the referee that he didn’t do anything wrong because he was basically unconscious and thought he was grabbing his opponent!
TIM FLOSS:
Ah, c’mon! Excuses!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Zenki is a tactical mastermind, Timmy. He knows how to push the boundaries!
Edwards gets tired of the conversation the two men have and comes running in with a face kick to Zenki! The referee gets out of the way as Edwards launches into a series of kicks to the thighs! Zenki keeps the hands up as he gets backed into the corner as Edwards punches and kicks like there is no tomorrow! Edwards gets the hands around the back of Zenki’s skull! KNEE STRIKES! AGAIN AND AGAIN!!
As Zenki appears fatigued, Edwards sets him on the top turnbuckle and goes climbing up. It looks like he’s going for a superplex… wait… he hooks the leg… HE’S GOING FOR AN AVALANCHE-STYLE FOXFIRE!!! BUT WAIT! Zenki recovers and delivers strikes to the gut and pushes him to the floor! Zenki stands up on the turnbuckle…
TIM FLOSS:
Uh-oh…
Zenki launches and loops through the air for a SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!!!! HE CONNECTS!!! The referee counts the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!
WAIT! Edwards’ shoulder is off the mat!
TIM FLOSS:
Are you serious?! Are you serious?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s the Burning Heart! He just won’t die!
Zenki slumps his head as he seemingly processes what to do next. He gets up to his feet and brings Edwards with him. Knee to the gut! Zenki locks on the gutrwrench… he’s got him up… he goes running… ZENKI BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ref with the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!
WAIT!!!! NO! Edwards twists the shoulder up!
TIM FLOSS:
How?! How?! How?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know!
The 9,700 fans roar and applaud as thunder fills the arena! The sound deafens the grunts of the fighters as they clamber up to their feet. Zenki with an overhand chop to the chest! Edwards with a European uppercut! Zenki with a chop! Edwards with the uppercut! Chop! Uppercut! Chop! Uppercut! Chop! Uppercut! Chop! Edwards with a HIGH KICK!!! Zenki falls down into a seated position… Edwards bounces against the ropes…
TIM FLOSS:
He’s going for it…
VIOLENT GOSPEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
He hits it!
Edwards hooks the leg and goes for the pin!
1…
2…
ALBERT MORDECAI:
This is it!!
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAIT!!!!! The ref’s hand hovers an inch above the canvas when he spots Zenki’s foot on the rope!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! He’s unhuman!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He’s the Demon Lord!
Edwards gets up and sets it up again… Zenki groggily sits up… Edwards charges… A SECOND VIOLENT GOSPEL!!!!!!!!! IT CONNECTS!!!! BUT WAIT, ZENKI HAS EATEN THE BLOW BUT ALSO CAPTURED THE FOOT AGAINST HIS CHEST!!! Edwards is stuck standing and can’t go for the pin.
TIM FLOSS:
I think Zenki’s unconscious, Al!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
But he’s still got Edwards foot in his grasp!
Edwards tries to twist around and free his foot, but ZENKI won’t let go! Soon the Demon Lord begins to stir and gets up to his feet while still holding the foot. Edwards bounces on his free foot to maintain his balance. Zenki spins Edwards around, kicks him in the gut! Locks on the front chancery… picks him up… BRAINBUSTER!!!! Zenki swivels the legs and brings Edwards back up to his feet… BRAINBUSTER!!! AGAIN!! Zenki goes for another swivel… A THIRD BRAINBUSTER!!! Zenki swivels again…
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! He’s stuck in a damn time loop!
Zenki picks him up again for the brainbuster… he goes off running with Edwards in the air!! RUNNING BRAINBUSTER!!!!!!!! He spikes Edwards’ skull down into the mat and the ring shakes from the impact!! Zenki drapes an arm over Edwards for the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!
The bell sounds!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Zenki does it again! Zenki’s going to make it into the finals!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s gonna be Matt Pulver versus Zenki in the finals of the Sword of Lite Grand Prix!
The ring has filled with attendants and medics all carried ice packs and first aid kits. The two men stand up and confront each other. Zenki gives a shallow bow and Edwards, despite his disappointment, gives a nod. The two men exchange a handshake and you can hear Zenki say “Edwards-san, you are the ichiban” as they part ways. The crowd chants ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI! As the masked wrestler battles up to the top rope and holes a fist high into the air.
2…
3…
4…
Zenki in the all-black suit sits up on his knees as he lets go of Edwards throat. The referee shouts at him in Japanese for his brutish behavior. Edwards coughs and rolls over.
TIM FLOSS:
I don’t care how much he wants to win this thing or hates foreigners, at some point enough is enough!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
The referee wants Zenki to use an actual submission hold. These barfight-style holds are not sporting, but I think Zenki is willing to pull out all the stops short of disqualification to advance in the tournament.
The Demon Lord goes back to the choke – WAIT! Edwards swivels the legs! ARMBAR! He’s got Zenki in an ARMBAR! The fans are going nuts! Zenki manages to get to his feet and Edwards transitions to a TRIANGLE HOLD as Zenki is now standing on two feet but bent over! … WAIT, WHAT’S THIS? Zenki muster the strength… he gets a running start… ZENKI BOMB!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! What a counter from Zenki!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He can hit that move from anywhere, Timmy!
The ref counts the pin!
1…
2…
3-NO!!! Edwards roll out.
IN FACT, EDWARDS GOES FOR THE VIOLENT GOSPEL!!! A MISS as Zenki flattens himself to the canvas as the kick goes sailing above his head! Edwards spins around as Zenki gets up to his feet – SHOTEI! A MISS! A jumping high kick from Edwards… It connects! Zenki stumbles. Edwards grabs a wrist from Zenki and thrusts it between the masked man’s legs – WRIST CLUTCH EXPLODER SUPLEX!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
What strength!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t care if they’re light heavyweights, Timmy. These guys are as strong as they come!
Zenki’s head spikes the canvas and he is out cold. Edwards crawls over top of him for the pin.
1…
2…
3!!!!
NO! Shoulder up just before the ref’s hand hits the mat!
Edwards gets up quickly as he goes on the offensive. He sits up ZENKI – locks in the REVERSE TRIANGLE CHOKEHOLD and falls backward! It’s the MYTH’S END!!!!!!!!! Zenki kicks that mat with his heels in frustration!
TIM FLOSS:
That’s one of Edwards’ finishers, Al! This thing could be over!
The crowd begins a ZENKI chant. The Demon Lord grips at Edwards’ kickpad as he struggles to free himself from the hold! Slowly but surely, he begins to lose strength and his arms become limp. The referee walks over. Zenki’s mask presents problems to see if the man is unconscious so he begins the count.
He lifts an arm… it falls.
1…
He lifts the arm again… it falls.
2…
He lifts the arm again… Zenki grabs the ref by the shirt and drags him atop of them! This unusual move somewhat distracts Edwards and Zenki wiggles out of the hold for his freedom! The referee and Edwards both get up as all three man are staring at one another as confusion reigns.
TIM FLOSS:
What the Hell happened there, Al?
You can see the referee speaking sternly with Zenki. They are having a heated conversation in Japanese while Zenki holds up his hands innocently, gesturing that he did nothing wrong. An annoyed James Edwards has his hands on his hips.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I’ll tell you what happened, Timmy. Zenki knew there was no way he could escape the hold on his own. So, he played possum until the ref got close and used him to help break up the hold.
TIM FLOSS:
That sounds like cheating.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Right now, Zenki is probably explaining to the referee that he didn’t do anything wrong because he was basically unconscious and thought he was grabbing his opponent!
TIM FLOSS:
Ah, c’mon! Excuses!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Zenki is a tactical mastermind, Timmy. He knows how to push the boundaries!
Edwards gets tired of the conversation the two men have and comes running in with a face kick to Zenki! The referee gets out of the way as Edwards launches into a series of kicks to the thighs! Zenki keeps the hands up as he gets backed into the corner as Edwards punches and kicks like there is no tomorrow! Edwards gets the hands around the back of Zenki’s skull! KNEE STRIKES! AGAIN AND AGAIN!!
As Zenki appears fatigued, Edwards sets him on the top turnbuckle and goes climbing up. It looks like he’s going for a superplex… wait… he hooks the leg… HE’S GOING FOR AN AVALANCHE-STYLE FOXFIRE!!! BUT WAIT! Zenki recovers and delivers strikes to the gut and pushes him to the floor! Zenki stands up on the turnbuckle…
TIM FLOSS:
Uh-oh…
Zenki launches and loops through the air for a SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!!!! HE CONNECTS!!! The referee counts the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!
WAIT! Edwards’ shoulder is off the mat!
TIM FLOSS:
Are you serious?! Are you serious?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s the Burning Heart! He just won’t die!
Zenki slumps his head as he seemingly processes what to do next. He gets up to his feet and brings Edwards with him. Knee to the gut! Zenki locks on the gutrwrench… he’s got him up… he goes running… ZENKI BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ref with the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!
WAIT!!!! NO! Edwards twists the shoulder up!
TIM FLOSS:
How?! How?! How?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know!
The 9,700 fans roar and applaud as thunder fills the arena! The sound deafens the grunts of the fighters as they clamber up to their feet. Zenki with an overhand chop to the chest! Edwards with a European uppercut! Zenki with a chop! Edwards with the uppercut! Chop! Uppercut! Chop! Uppercut! Chop! Uppercut! Chop! Edwards with a HIGH KICK!!! Zenki falls down into a seated position… Edwards bounces against the ropes…
TIM FLOSS:
He’s going for it…
VIOLENT GOSPEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
He hits it!
Edwards hooks the leg and goes for the pin!
1…
2…
ALBERT MORDECAI:
This is it!!
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAIT!!!!! The ref’s hand hovers an inch above the canvas when he spots Zenki’s foot on the rope!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! He’s unhuman!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He’s the Demon Lord!
Edwards gets up and sets it up again… Zenki groggily sits up… Edwards charges… A SECOND VIOLENT GOSPEL!!!!!!!!! IT CONNECTS!!!! BUT WAIT, ZENKI HAS EATEN THE BLOW BUT ALSO CAPTURED THE FOOT AGAINST HIS CHEST!!! Edwards is stuck standing and can’t go for the pin.
TIM FLOSS:
I think Zenki’s unconscious, Al!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
But he’s still got Edwards foot in his grasp!
Edwards tries to twist around and free his foot, but ZENKI won’t let go! Soon the Demon Lord begins to stir and gets up to his feet while still holding the foot. Edwards bounces on his free foot to maintain his balance. Zenki spins Edwards around, kicks him in the gut! Locks on the front chancery… picks him up… BRAINBUSTER!!!! Zenki swivels the legs and brings Edwards back up to his feet… BRAINBUSTER!!! AGAIN!! Zenki goes for another swivel… A THIRD BRAINBUSTER!!! Zenki swivels again…
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! He’s stuck in a damn time loop!
Zenki picks him up again for the brainbuster… he goes off running with Edwards in the air!! RUNNING BRAINBUSTER!!!!!!!! He spikes Edwards’ skull down into the mat and the ring shakes from the impact!! Zenki drapes an arm over Edwards for the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!
The bell sounds!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Zenki does it again! Zenki’s going to make it into the finals!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s gonna be Matt Pulver versus Zenki in the finals of the Sword of Lite Grand Prix!
The ring has filled with attendants and medics all carried ice packs and first aid kits. The two men stand up and confront each other. Zenki gives a shallow bow and Edwards, despite his disappointment, gives a nod. The two men exchange a handshake and you can hear Zenki say “Edwards-san, you are the ichiban” as they part ways. The crowd chants ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI! As the masked wrestler battles up to the top rope and holes a fist high into the air.
We return now to Solomon Bentley and Kai Harrison in the empty arena.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
All kinds of excitement tonight. We saw Mike Musket fall to Ben Chrenshaw and we now know the finals and the future MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Champion will come down to just two men: Matt Pulver and Zenki.
KAI HARRISON:
And after the show, Chikashi Enatsu praised Ben Chrenshaw’s fighting spirit. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fighting Mike Musket in singles competition some time soon. Now, when it comes to Matt Pulver and Zenki, this is going to be an excellent finals. Pulver has the quickness and can outwrestle anyone. But Zenki, as we’ve seen here tonight, is a virtuoso in that ring. He’s a muscular, stocky guy and he knows how to use the rules to his advantage. It’ll be an incredible fight.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
As a reminder, that match will take place on Saturday, October 28th right here from the Mirai Dome and we will be live and broadcasting the match in its entirety! For Kai Harrison, we’re signing off for this week. But we’ll see you on Saturday in the Finals!
- RECAP -
2017 SWORD OF LITE GRAND PRIX - Semifinals
Date: October 23, 2017
Location: Mirai Dome, Yokohama, Japan
Attendance: 9,500 fans (95% capacity)
1. Akira Nakamura and Kishin Nozaki defeat Shinzo Takamori and Nobosuke Okada (7:12) via submission when Nakamura uses an STF on Okada.
2. Toru Ishii defeats Hiroyuki Fukudome (10:23) via submission with an armbar.
3. Jimmy Winner defeats Iron Mack Brody (8:11) via pinfall after the Winnin’ Kick.
4. Nappa Hirata defeats Takeda Izumi (7:44) via pinfall after the Buster Wave.
5. Makoto Ueno, Ikki Yanagi, and Yoshihiro Sawamura defeat Masayoshi Arimoto, Takeshi Morimoto, and Sheik Spectre (13:16) via pinfall after Yanagi uses an Ikki lariat on Spectre.
6. Ben Chrenshaw and AJ Knight defeat Alexander Irvine and Mike Musket (18:57) via referee stoppage when Chrenshaw uses a sleeper hold on Musket.
7. Sword of Lite Grand Prix - Semifinals: Matt Pulver defeats Katsuhiko Himura (17:30) via pinfall after a frog splash.
8. Sword of Lite Grand Prix - Semifinals: ZENKI defeats James Edwards (21:39) via pinfall after a running brainbuster.
- PREVIEW -
2017 SWORD OF LITE GRAND PRIX - Finals
Date: October 28, 2017
Location: Mirai Dome, Yokohama, Japan
1. Sword of Lite Grand Prix - Finals: Matt Pulver vs. ZENKI