Post by Shining Road Review on Oct 28, 2017 12:43:06 GMT -5
The scene opens to 10,000 fans inside the Mirai Dome. Families eating from CHAMPION CHICKEN boxes wave to the camera as it glides by them. Fans sit in their seats clapping their hands in anticipation of excitement. There’s not an empty seat in the arena.
We pan to a platform where sits Solomon Bentley with his gray business suit and classy mustache. He sits alongside Kai Harrison in the navy blue suit.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
Greetings, everyone and welcome the LIVE! Shining Road Review from inside the wonderful Mirai Dome. I’ve never heard it quite so loud. It is thunderous here as we await the final match of the evening. We have all kinds of special guests in the audience.
The camera pans over to the triumvirate ownership duo of Mandeville Nelson of Lion’s Road, Takeo Yoshida of Shining Road, and Chikashi Enatsu of MAXIMUM Japan Pro-Wrestling. The three men sit ringside…
In the front row, just beyond the railing, sits the BLACK Lion’s Road trio of Jimmy Winner, GPWS Heavyweight Champion Alexander Irvine, and King of Lions Champion Julian Cutlass. All three men wear the gold-lettered black ブラク LION’S ROAD t-shirts. The three men chat and gesture toward the ring. When they notice the camera sees them, Jimmy waves excitedly as Cutlass steals a grilled chicken strip while he isn’t looking…
Ben Chrenshaw and A.J. Knight, also in street clothes and sitting in the front row, both having returned to the country to support Matt Pulver’s effort also sit patiently as they wait for the match to begin.
From Shining Road, All-Japan Imperial Champion Makoto Ueno sits with his protégé, Ikki Yanagi. Elsewhere, Masahiro Arimoto, Takeshi Morimoto and Thunder Mask are seen sitting together. All three men wrestled earlier, so they wear shirts and gym shorts.
The MAX-J Heavyweight Champion Mike Musket sits in the crowd, as well, digging his paws into a bucket of chicken. His reporter sidekick sits alongside him. Masatake Kawamata wearing a leather jacket also sits in the crowd with his arms crossed.
We pan back to the platform.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
The stars have come out tonight, Kai.
KAI HARRISON:
Absolutely. And, look, we’ve had a great show tonight. DARK FEATHER II returned from injury and Kraken and Iron Mack Brody just made a successful V3 defense of the GPWS Tag Team Championship against the duo of Hajime Tanaka and Zen Hayashi. Kraken would showcase his own aerial skills as though he were a junior heavyweight! Sailing through the air with a moonsault press, he ended the match in spectacular fashion.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
As we get set here ready to go, let’s talk about Matt Pulver and ZENKI. Pulver had quite a challenge on his hand, taking care of El Chupacabra Jr., A.J. Knight, and Katsuhiko Himura in spectacular fashion. He has shown off his submission prowess throughout, and even flew back to the United States to defeat Justin Seville in Lion’s Road Pro-Wrestling!
KAI HARRISON:
We’ve been assured he is ready to go here tonight. I saw him earlier and he said he’s never felt better.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
ZENKI has also faced a tough road. He fought off Sheik Spectre in the opening round and fought two epics against Ben Chrenshaw and the newly minted Lion’s Road Heritage Heavyweight Champion James Edwards. Representing MAXIMUM JAPAN Pro-Wrestling, he has pledged to defeat any and all foreigners in the tournament. Well, he’s 3-0 so far. What say, 4-0?
KAI HARRISON:
You love fighters like ZENKI. He will take the action right up to the limit. He’s got incredible power and throws, like a linebacker who can punch and kick! The masked demon lord will do everything possible to win tonight.
SOLOMON BENTLEY:
Indeed, he will. As we get set to go, let’s take you ringside where our broadcast team is standing by.
The camera feed switches to show Tim Floss in a blue blazer on one side and Albert Mordecai in a black polo shirt on the other. The two men both wear headsets.
TIM FLOSS:
Thank you, Solomon. I tell you what, I’m thankful to be down here tonight. Take a look at the Sword of Lite and the MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Championship over there! We’ve got the best seat in the house, don’t we, Al?
The camera shows the Sword of Lite in its platinum sheath on a table. Next to it, the silver MAX-J Jr. Heavyweight title patiently sits next to a ringside attendant who guards over it.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
You said it, Timmy. I just can’t wait to get started! I think all Hell’s gonna break loose in this one!
TIM FLOSS:
You can feel it in the air down here. The tension is thick, the anticipation is high, and we’re all in wait to see who wins. We’ve got one more commercial break, folks, and then we’ll be commercial-free for the rest of the evening!
Due to the popularity of our limited edition t-shirts... we've extended our assembly line and churned out some fresh beauties!
Anyone remember this guy? He may not have wrestled well, but he sure entertained fans with his colorful mannerisms!
You know the KRAKEN as one-half of the GPWS Tag Team Champions... but did you know he's "bad and boujee", as well? There be monsters, my young lads and lasses!
Do you miss when Hammerstein used to be nice? Yeah, those days were "FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!"
We’re back ringside with Tim Floss and Albert Mordecai.
TIM FLOSS:
Al, while we wait, who do you got tonight?
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I love both these guys. If Pulver can keep it on the ground, I’ll give him a chance. But if Zenki gets his claws into Matt Wrestling, he just might win this thing.
The lights dim.
TIM FLOSS:
Here we go!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Let’s do this!
The instrumental of Nelly’s “Heart of a Champion” begins playing as the video screen shows a big graphic that says "Matt Wrestling" over a few highlight clips of Matt Pulver. As the beat kicks in, Matt Pulver steps out onto the stage, checking his wrists and warming up a bit. He pauses in front of the screen and looks out over the crowd before walking down the steps. He keeps his eyes focused on the ring as he walks towards with determined steps. He walks up the stairs then quickly steps through the middle and top rope and raises an arm to the audience. He takes off his shirt and throws it into the audience, before backing into his corner, rolling his wrists, checking the ropes, stretching his legs and just warming up in general as he waits for the match to start.
TIM FLOSS:
Matt Pulver looks intense tonight.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He knows it’s the finals, Timmy.
The arena suddenly goes black.
VAJURA ON! VAJURA ON!
Suddenly he appears.
TIM FLOSS:
There’s Zenki in his “Black Lite” suit designed exclusively for the Sword of Lite Grand Prix. Man, he looks sharp! And a little intimidating...
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He respects this tournament. He wants to show the fans how a true champion enters the ring.
Zenki walks slowly down to the ring as the railings overflow with people and their outstretched hands. He pauses in the aisle and raises a fist into the air as the 10,000 fans already begin a ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI! chant. As he walks, they throw cherry blossom pedals into the air that collect in the aisle. He walks up the stairs and enters the ring and waits in his corner.
Chikashi Enatsu stands in the ring with the MAX-J Jr. Heavyweight Championship cradled in his arms. Takeo Yoshida holds the Sword of Lite Grand Prix.
There are two PA announcers. One Japanese, the other English. The Japanese announcer starts and then the English PA announcer, Burton Fask, soon follows.
BURTON FASK:
Welcome to the 2017 Sword of Lite Grand Prix finals. The winner will earn the right to carry the Sword of Lite, the most honorable prize in wrestling, and will also become the first MAX-J Jr. Heavyweight Champion!
Yoshida and Enatsu hand the sword and title to the referee who raises them into the air to the applause of the crowd before passing them to ringside attendants.
BURTON FASK:
And now the first fighter… weighing in at 175lb and standing 5 feet 10 inches tall… he is known as the Baby-Faced Wrestling Machine… MATT PULVER!
Pulver raises his fists and begins stretching. A small segment of the crowd applauds.
BURTON FASK:
And the second fighter… weighing 215lb and standing 5 feet 11 inches tall… he is the Demon Lord… ZENKI!
The fans burst into a roar and streamers flood the ring as ZENKI stands motionless and focused.
TIM FLOSS:
We’ve waited long enough! Let’s do this!
As attendants clear the streamers, the referee speaks to the two fighters, checking their boots and attire for foreign objects separately as the two competitors stare across one another from opposite corners. After the referee is satisfied, he looks ringside and signals for the starting bell!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Here we go!
The two fighters stand motionless for a few moments as they soak in the moment. The ZENKI! chants are overwhelming as the fans yell at the two fighters. Slowly they approach and encircle one another and the arena becomes deathly quiet as they watch in earnest.
Zenki goes for a collar-and-elbow tie-up and Pulver ducks, locking the masked man in a rear waistlock. Zenki pulls apart Pulver’s hands and twists an arm that bends Pulver over. Pulver slaps his shoulder before ducking into a roll and springing up to his feet to the break the hold! The crowd applauds his technical skill.
TIM FLOSS:
He’s fast, Al.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
And nimble, too!
The two men lock up and this time Zenki gets the collar-and-elbow tie-up and pushes Pulver back into the corner. The referee calls for him to break it up. He does so slowly… cautiously… his hands come down a bit… backhand chop across the chest of Pulver! WOOOOO! The fans yawp. He then takes Pulver and sends him across the ring into the other corner. He charges in and Pulver gets up a boot to the face!
Zenki stumbles backward as Pulver hops onto the second turnbuckle – it’s a middle-rope dropkick! The Demon Lord goes down to the mat, but gets up quick and charges at Pulver! Runing shotei – MISS! Pulver ducks under and goes for a sambo suplex! Elbow to the head by Zenki to break it up. Zenki runs Pulver across the ropes and goes for another shotei – miss! Pulver rebounds back – Zenki hits him with a spinning heel kick! Pulver goes down to the mat and Zenki follows him – locking in a front face lock with Pulver on his knees.
TIM FLOSS:
Great action here early from both men.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Zenki’s on the offensive, but Matt Wrestling is keeping up with him. You like to see this kind of action.
The two men remain prone for a moment but both get up to their feet. Zenki has the front face lock in and goes for a knee to the chest! It connects! He goes for another! Pulver grabs it and scores a takedown on Zenki! He’s sitting on his torso in a full mount. Zenki covers up as Pulver grabs his arm.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Pulver’s trying to lock on the armbar, Timmy.
Pulver is wrestling with Zenki’s arm as he tries to make the transition. Pulver locks it on! But as soon as he does, Zenki gets a foot on the ropes and the referee breaks it up. The two men are separated and allowed to stand up once again. Pulver shoots in on Zenki, but the masked man applies a guillotine chokehold! Pulver drops to a knee while in the hold as Zenki stands triumphantly to the roar of the crowd… but Pulver backs him into the corner. The referee calls for the break and Zenki slowly lets it go… Pulver slowly rises up… chop to the chest! WOOOO!
TIM FLOSS:
That’s payback, Al!
Zenki looks down at his chest and back to Pulver! He rears his head back as though he laughs! Pulver resonds with an elbow smash! Zenki with a chop! Elbow! Chop! Elbow! Chop! Pulver with the enzuigiri! Zenki stumbles – and then hits his own enzuigiri! Pulver stumbles a bit – enzuigiri again! Zenki stumbles forward – and tumbles through the ropes and onto the apron. Pulver runs against the ropes – baseball slide into Zenki’s ribs! As the masked man falls to the outside, he is writhing in pain on the floor.
TIM FLOSS:
Remember that Ben Chrenshaw targeted Zenki’s ribs earlier in this tournament!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
That’s right. Matt Pulver saw an opportunity to open an old wound and he took it.
Pulver stands and wastes no time- he begins climbing the turnbuckle. He waits for Zenki to stand up to his feet and he jumps – flying cross body to the outside! The two men are down on the outside. Pulver gets to his feet first and picks up Zenki, he sends him into the ringpost – but Zenki blocks it with his hands! Pulver doesn’t see this and stars running – but Zenki pounces into him with the ZANBATO! Pulver goes flying into the guardrail!
TIM FLOSS:
Good lord! Pulver must’ve flown ten feet.
The shot pans over to Chrenshaw and AJ Knight. Both men have stood up to their feet in concern as they watch Pulver wince in pain as he leans on the guardrail. Zenki stalks him down and grabs him by the hair and locks in a front chancery. He hooks the leg… FISHERMAN’S BUSTER TO THE OUTSIDE! Pulver goes is flat on his back with his arms and legs sprawled out. Zenki sits up slowly and takes his time to clamber up to this feet.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
This match is getting wild on the outside. Because we need a winner tonight, the referee can’t afford to start a countout with both men outside of the ring.
TIM FLOSS:
So you’re saying outside of those ropes, it’s basically the Wild West?
ALBERT MORDECAI:
The ref can try to get them back inside. But ultimately, those two are gonna have it out.
As Zenki grabs Pulver and tosses him under the bottom rope into the ring, we can see in the background Cutlass and Irvine talking. The camera zooms in and we can see Cutlass pointing at Zenki, smiling, and saying "I like this f***ing guy". Irvine nods. Inside the ring, Zenki hooks the leg for a pin.
1…
2…
NO! Pulver kicks out.
Zenki grips his hands around the throat of Pulver and begins a choke! The ref counts 1… 2… 3… 4… Zenki lets go! The referee reprimands him as he stands up and delivers a couple stomps! He rolls Pulver into the center of the ring – leg drop across the throat! He grabs Pulver's attire and begins ripping one of the straps! He punches Matt Pulver in the exposed bare chest!
TIM FLOSS:
Uncalled for!
He gets his grip around Pulver’s throat. The ref counts.
1…
Pulver kicks Zenki in the head! The hold stays on!
2…
Another kick from Pulver!
3…
Another kick! Zenki holds on but his grip appears to weaken…
4…
Another kick! The hold is broken and Zenki is on one knee trying to collect himself. Pulver kips up to his feet, runs against the ropes – SHINING WIZAAAARD!!! Zenki goes down to the mat. Pulver covers for a pin.
1…
2…
NO! Zenki gets the shoulder up!
But Pulver takes the arm that is raised and locks in a kimura! Pulver has his body draped over Zenki’s chest and they are in the center of the ring!!
TIM FLOSS:
Pulver’s trying to end it right here!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He just might do it, Al!
Zenki struggles…
He roars in pain…
The referee asks Zenki if he wants to give but the masked man says no. He gets his free hand up between the legs of Pulver. What’s this… a fist to the tailbone of Pulver! Matt Wrestling breaks the hold as rolls over screaming in agony!
TIM FLOSS:
What the Hell was that??
The ref looks over at Pulver and walks over to Zenki. Zenki balls up a fist and mimics the move and it appears he is once again explaining his actions to a skeptical referee.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
We all knows hits to the groin are illegal, but the rules say nothing about the tailbone, which is one of the most exposed bones in the body! Zenki’s a smart fighter, so he punched Pulver in this sensitive area. In the middle of the ring with nowhere to go, he knew his only way out was to force Pulver to break the hold. And he did just that!
TIM FLOSS:
That seems like a move that should be barred.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s unorthodox, Timmy. But perfectly legal!
Pulver is on his hands and knees as Zenki stomps him over until he rolls onto his back. Zenki picks up one of his heels… Figure 4 Leg Lock! He’s got it on! Zenki sits up with his hands keeping him propped up. The crowd roars! Zenki falls to his back and smacks the mat, getting a little extra leverage!
Pulver put his hands to his forehead…
The referee asks him if he wants to give…
He grits his teeth…
Pulver won’t give!
Zenki falls back and smacks the mat again!
Pulver is in pain… but he snatches Zenki’s foot and starts to look in a heel hook!! Now both men are moaning in pain and Zenki breaks off the hold!
TIM FLOSS:
Excellent reversal by Pulver.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s a battle out there!
The two men get up to their feet. Zenki with a kick to Pulver’s gut! He locks on the front chancery and lifts him up… BRAINBUSTAAAAAH!!! Zenki sits up and brings Pulver with him. He tosses him into the ropes and charges… ZANBATOOOOH!!!!! Zenki again foregoes the pin and snatches up Pulver by the hair.
TIM FLOSS:
Zenki doing lots of damage, Al!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
He wants to make sure he puts him away and so he might as well take advantage while he’s got Pulver feeling dazed.
Zenki gets him set up for a powerbomb… he gets a running start!!! ZENKI BOMB!!! WAIT!! Pulver reverses into a HURRICANRANA! He has one leg hooked for a pin!
1…
2…
3-NO!! Zenki kicks out.
Madder than a hornet, Zenki comes at Pulver with a running shotei! Swing and a miss as Pulver spins and rebounds – HAMMER OF THOR!!!!!!!!!!!! The sound of Pulver’s elbow smash cracking against the side of Zenki’s head echoes through the arena as the fans pop! Pulver rips the other spandex strap off as he screams with fury and clinches his fists!
TIM FLOSS:
He did it! Hammer of Thor, Al!
Pulver covers for the pin!
1…
2…
3-NO!!!!! Zenki’s shoulder comes up.
Pulver rolls over and crouches in a corner as he waits for Zenki to gets up. Zenki gets up to one knee and Pulver comes rushing in… SHINING TRIANGLE!!!!!!! He’s got it locked on! He’s got in locked on! Zenki is on the canvas on his knee as Pulver is choking the life out of him!
TIM FLOSS:
What athleticism from Pulver!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
At a lighter weight class, he can blend in agility with his submission holds that is uncommon in today’s sport!
Zenki appears to be losing life… his body going limp…
ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI! The crowd roars.
The masked man gets to his feet while still in the hold. He begins to lift him up into the powerbomb…
Pulver breaks the hold and drops to his feet – A SECOND HAMMER OF THOR!!!!!! The crack echoes once again as Pulver hooks the leg for the pin!
1…
TIM FLOSS:
This is it, folks!
2…
ALBERT MORDECAI:
We’ve got a new champion!!
3!!!!!
WAIT!!!! Zenki’s shoulder just barely gets up the mat as the ref’s hand hovers a blade of grass width above the canvas.
TIM FLOSS:
You kidding me, Al?!?!
Pulver is sitting on his knees looking over at the referee with his palms up. Matt Wrestling delivers a sharp roundhouse kick into Zenki’s back! The masked man groans and falls down to his hands and knees. As he starts to get up.. another kick! ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI! The crowd rushes to the aid of their hero. Pulver keeps launching kicks but Zenki absorbs them as he roars to life! Pulver goes for the HAMMER OF THOR – ZENKI with a SHOTEI! Pulver stumbles and Zenki grabs him from behind… he locks in the wrist-clutch… ZENKI SUPLEX!!!!!! HE BRIDGES FOR THE PIN!!!!
1…
2…
3-NOO!!! Pulver kicks out.
Zenki is sluggish getting up and backs into a corner behind Pulver. As Pulver gets up to his knees, Zenki comes running in – KINSHASA TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The fans roar at the sound of the impact against Pulver’s cranium.
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! My gawd! Did you hear that sound?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
That was gruesome!
Both men are down but Zenki sits up first and brings Pulver with him. Zenki runs against the ropes, RUNNING SHOTEI – it connects and the force causes Pulver to backflip onto his face!! The fans are roaring on their feet. They can feel what’s coming next… Zenki locks Pulver in position and lifts him up for the powerbomb… he gets the running start…
ZENKI BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s got the pin in place!
1…
2…
TIM FLOSS:
Folks, Zenki has done it!
3!!!!!!!!!!!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s over, Timmy!
WAIT!!!!! Pulver kicked out just in time! The fans are in disbelief as they thunder the arena by smacking the backs of their seats. Zenki can’t believe it either!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! The strength and determination of these two men!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
They both want it so bad, Timmy!
Zenki gets Pulver up to his feet – he runs him into the ropes – SHOTEI!! PULVER DUCKS AND LOCKS ON THE FLYING CROSS ARMBREAKER!!! HE’S GOT IT!! HE’S GOT IT!! Zenki writhes around in pain as Pulver wrenches, hyperextending the elbow!
Zenki struggles… he struggles…
He gets the strength and claps the hands back together!
Pulver tries to pull them apart…
The hands remain locked…
Pulver swings a punch at Zenki’s grip! Punch! Punch!
The grip slips! The armbar is back on!
The crowd is going nuts as they know that the Demon Lord has to escape the hold or give up. The referee leans over Zenki and asks him if he’s willing to give up but the masked man vigorously shakes his head.
ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI!
The ref continues insistently asking him, nearly begging him to give up.
A lone and desperate PULVER! shout cuts through the tense, nervous crowd.
The referee stands with his hands on his hips looking at the ring attendants.
TIM FLOSS:
Folks, I don’t think the referee knows what to do here.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Zenki is not going to give up, so the referee has to decide whether to stop the match to prevent further injury.
TIM FLOSS:
At some point you’ve got to think about the fighters’ safety. We just passed the thirty-minute mark and I don’t know how much these guys have in the tank!
The referee stares down at Zenki who does not appear to be moving. The ref can’t stand to see any more! He goes to call the match!
WAIT!!! ZENKI CLASPS THE HANDS TOGETHER!!! The referee sees it and returns to the action.
TIM FLOSS:
Where’d that burst of strength come from, Al?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Never count out the heart of a warrior!
Zenki has the hands clasped and begins to move around – Pulver tries to transition to a triangle hold and Zenki breaks free! Pulver backwards and onto his feet. Pulver runs for a knee-level Yakuza kick – Zenki sidesteps! Palm strike! Pulver is wobbly… ZENKI goes for another shotei - Pulver preempts with his own KINSHASA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pulver falls across him for the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!
NO!!! Zenki has a foot on the ropes! The dome rumbles with screaming fans and intensity.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Pulver put the barbecue sauce on that one, didn’t he?!
TIM FLOSS:
Barbecue sauce! My gawd! You’ve got to be kidding me!
Zenki is motionless on the canvas and Pulver drops to a knee from exhaustion. Both men are drenched and the ring has become a damp swamp of their sweat. The camera pans over to Chrenshaw and A.J. Knight. The latter has his head in his hands watching his friend in the ring. The shot goes to Mike Musket who has his hands cupped and is rooting for Zenki to get up.
Back in the ring, Pulver gets up first and goes climbing up the turnbuckle… he turns around and it looks like he’s going for a moonsault. Wait! As he’s turned around, Zenki gets up… Pulver launches! Zenki catches him!! Zenki spins around several times and drops him A TOMBSTONE!!!! IT’S THE MAX THUNDER DRIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Zenki just stole Thunder Mask’s finisher!!!
He goes for the pin with the leg hooked!!!
1…
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Pulver is out like a light!
2…
TIM FLOSS AND ALBERT MORDECAI:
He’s gonna win!!
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAIT!!!!!
Somehow Pulver gets a shoulder off the mat! The referee’s hand is frozen in place not a blade of grass width above the canvas!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! My gawd! My gawd!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I think I’m having a heart-attack, Timmy! They can’t keep doing this to me!
The two men lie broken and drained on the canvas, Pulver sprawled out on his back and Zenki on his stomach. The referee doesn’t bother counting because he knows that one man must win.
TIM FLOSS:
Folks, we have just crossed the 35-minute mark here this evening. Zenki can barely move, Matt Pulver is out of gas in his torn-up gear. They have both given it all they got – but I don’t know if they can even move!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I’ve never seen anything like this! Never!
The referee stands with his hands on his hips and periodically checks on both fighters. Eventually Zenki pushes himself onto his hands and knees… the fans go nuts! The arena shakes so much that for a moment not even the cameras remain steady. He gets up and leans with his back against the ropes for a moment. Pulver is now getting up as well and Zenki charges at him – Shotei and a miss! Pulver goes for a running Hammer of Thor – miss! The two men are both so tired that they appear to be running slow motion as they charge toward each other! Zenki pounces – ZANBATOOOOOOOH!!!!!!! Pulver is flung across the ring!!! His exposed chest is already bruised from the impact!!
TIM FLOSS:
This thing could be over, folks!
Zenki stalks him down and gets him into the powerbomb position… he slowly builds up the running start… he jumps and spins! IT’S A SPIN-OUT ZENKI BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s got the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO!!!!! Pulver kicks out again!!!
TIM FLOSS:
Good gawd almighty! Matt Pulver gets out of it one more time!
ALBER MORDECAI:
Where’s my meds?! I need my meds!! I can’t take it!
Zenki crawls toward the ropes and uses them for assistance to get up. He walks over to Pulver and stands him up. The two mean lean on each other for support in the ring as the fans fill the arena with screaming! Zenki locks on the front chancery… he lifts up Pulver… BRAINBUSTER!!!! He swivels the legs and gets up… A SECOND BRAINBUSTER!!!! He swivels the legs one more time… he goes for it… he drops to a knee exhaustion and lets go!!!!!
Pulver takes this opportunity to run against the ropes – he JUMPS ON ZENKI’S BACK!! COBRA CLUTCH DEATH GRIP WITH SCISSORS!!!! HE’S LATCHED ONTO ZENKI!!!! THE CROWD IS GOING CRAZY!!!!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
The cobra clutch death grip is one of the deadliest submissions out there! He’s cutting of access to the carotid artery and depriving Zenki of any and all oxygen! Pulver’s got it locked on tight!
He’s wrapped around Zenki with the leg scissors as the Demon Lord stands there like a zombie. The referee approaches the masked man cautiously.
TIM FLOSS:
This referee knows that Zenki’s prone to some underhanded tactics.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Zenki does what it takes to win, Al.
The referee grabs Zenki by free hand and lifts it up.
It falls!
1…
ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI!
The referee grabs Zenki by the free hand again.
It falls!!
2…
ZENKI! ZENKI! ZENKI!
The referee grabs Zenki by the free hand for the last time…
Matt Pulver falls off his back in exhaustion!!! The hold is broken! Zenki falls to his face as the two men once more have collapsed!
TIM FLOSS:
If Matt Pulver could have held on for just one more second, Al!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Sometimes one more second is all that stands between victory and defeat!
The two men labor to move at all inside of the ring. The camera once again pans around the arena. The BLACK Lion’s Road trio has stood up to their feet along with most of the crowd. Chrenshaw and A.J. are clapping for Pulver. Makoto Ueno ringside is yelling for Zenki to move! Mike Musket is just howling at the moon in excitement!
TIM FLOSS:
Meanwhile we have just surpassed the 40-minute mark here this evening. My gawd, even the ring looks tuckered out in there!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Let me tell you who isn’t tired, Timmy. All the people who have come out to support these fighters! The noise is deafening in here!
Pulver and Zenki both stir simultaneously. Somehow the fans pop even louder. Zenki is the first one to get to his feet… Pulver shortly behind… Zenki charges up for the ZANBATO… he pounches… ZANBATOOOOOOOOOH!!!! PULVER SNEAKS IN THE HAMMER OF THOR SLAMMING RIGHT INTO ZENKI’S SKULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zenki is down!! Zenki is down! Pulver crawls over him for the cover!
1…
2…
TIM FLOSS:
Please…
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bell sounds!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! My gawd! My gawd! He’s done it! Matt Pulver has won the Sword of Lite Grand Prix! Matt Pulver is the MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Champion!
The Japanese crowd is stunned as medics and ring attendants flood the ring. All the wrestlers in the audience get up and jump the rails to also make sure the two fighters are all right.
TIM FLOSS:
Al, we witnessed an epic match here tonight, did we not?
ALBERT MORDECAI:
You said it, Timmy. I’m just glad my heartrate can finally slow down!
Zenki has rolled off into the corner on his back as medics have applied ice packs to his head and arms. Mike Musket is outside of the ring and gives words of encouragement to the fallen Demon Lord before he runs off into the crowd. Pulver has been helped up to his feet by Chrenshaw and A.J. while Cutlass, Irvine, and Winner are looking him over and generally getting in the way of the medics who are shining tiny flashlights into his eyes checking for a concussion.
The Japanese PA announcer finishes. The English-language announcer stands.
BURTON FASK:
The Winner of the 2017 Sword of Lite Grand Prix… AND your NEW MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Champion… MATT PULVER!
A ring attendant has placed a waist-high trophy in the ring. Takeo Yoshida and Chikashi Enatsu wait for Pulver. The former carries the Sword of Lite while the latter holds the MAX-J Junior Heavyweight title. Pulver has his arms draped around the shoulders of Chrenshaw and A.J. as they walk him over to the trophy. Pulver and Yoshida exchange a bow while handing over the Sword of Lite as Enatsu fastens the MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Championship around his waist!
Pulver stands for a moment almost in disbelief. He is covered in bruises and his wrestling gear is in tatters. But looking down at the MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Championship belt around his waist he summons up the strength and raises the sword in its sheath in the air the entire Mirai Dome applauds!
TIM FLOSS:
This is a great sight to see here. All of the fans in this arena are now applauding Matt Pulver!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It may be difficult to earn, but these fans respect truly awesome fighters! Matt Pulver, you’ve finally arrived.
Cutlass, Irvine, and Winner all give encouragement to their rival and for a moment there is peace in the ring – when SUDDENLY a wave of trainers and medics is cast aside! Zenki is back up on his feet!! He’s crouched like a tiger in a fighting stance and ready to go!
TIM FLOSS:
The Hell is happening, Al?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t know! Do you think Zenki still believes the match is going on?!?!
Zenki is cursing in Japanese at the wrestlers that stand across the ring from him. He has his fists clinched and is ready to duke it out with all the men that stand before him! Chikashi Enatsu walks over to assuage Zenki, he gets shoved to the side as Zenki takes a step forward. Yoshida admonishes Zenki who seems to stare with animosity from behind the mask! Chrenshaw and A.J. along with Black Lion’s Road have formed a barrier between Zenki and Pulver, trying to explain to him that the match is finished!
TIM FLOSS:
Zenki’s gone nuts! It’s like he’s transformed!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Transformed into what?! I don’t think we want to find out!
With all the attention on the ring, no one sees the robed figure bursting from the crowd and sliding into the ring. This figure in a black cloak stands between Zenki and the Lion’s Road wrestlers for a moment. No one can see his face… slowly he removes the hood… A CLOUD GREEN MIST IS SPRAYED ACROSS THE EYES OF THE LION’S ROAD FIGHERS!!! IT’S GRIM!!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! My gawd! It’s GRIM! It’s GRIM from MAXIMUM JAPAN Pro-Wrestling! What the Hell is he doing here?!
The fighters have all dropped out and gone underneath the apron! Pulver, unhit by the mist, has retreated to the apron and watches as he carries the Sword of Lite in one hand and the MAX-J belt around his waist.
The ring has cleared out and is covered with a green mist as now only Zenki and GRIM stand alone. The two men seem to be discussing something… and GRIM reaches out and extends a hand… Zenki stares down at it… he nods… the two men shake hands! The fans are on their feet!! On the screen above the entrance we see the words:
悪魔旅団
DEMON BRIGADE
DEMON BRIGADE
Zenki and GRIM look over to the gaijin fighters who are angry and in pain, their faces covered in the green mist. Medics splash water on their faces to wash out the poisonous substance. Pulver has dropped from the apron to help them recover, but he stands with a glare now as the newly formed Demon Brigade look upon him. GRIM wears a devilish smile and we can only wonder what sort of plans that Zenki and he have discussed in the ring…
TIM FLOSS:
In a night full of surprises, we have seen not only Matt Pulver win the Sword of Lite Grand Prix… but we have seen a new alliance born between Zenki and GRIM! Something tells me that there’s a storm brewing in MAX JAPAN Pro-Wrestling… and you can bet this new Demon Brigade won’t stop until it takes out everything in its path! Including Shining Road!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
What a night, Timmy! You can tell that this isn’t over!
TIM FLOSS:
No it is not, but for tonight’s broadcast we have run out of time! Folks, we hoped you enjoyed the show and the tournament as a whole! And tune into Shining Road and MAXIMUM Japan Pro-Wrestling. I can tell you for certain there is more action around the corner! For all of us here in Japan, good night, folks! Good night!
- RECAP -
Date: October 28, 2017
Location: Mirai Dome, Yokohama, Japan
Attendance: 10,000 fans (100% capacity)
1. Akira Nakamura defeats Shinzo Takamori (7:44) via submission with an STF.
2. DARK FEATHER return match: DARK FEATHER II defeats El Chupacabra Jr. (6:14) via pinfall after the Swallowing Kick.
3. Thunder Mask and Sheik Spectre defeat Shigeru Toyama and Kishin Nozaki (9:32) via pinfall after Spectre uses the Fertile Crescent on Nozaki.
4. Toru Ishii versus Yoshihiro Sawamura ends in a draw (15:00) when the time-limit expires.
5. KOSUKE defeats Satoshi Kamakura (10:09) via submission with a guillotine chokehold.
6. Nappa Hirata defeats Katsuhiko Himura (11:10) via pinfall after the Buster Wave.
7. Masayoshi Arimoto and Takeshi Morimoto defeat Hayato Hamada and Kaito Matsushita (11:38) when Morimoto uses a Double-Armed DDT on Matsushita.
8. Makoto Ueno and Ikki Yanagi defeat Damien Turlan and Big Cage Mike (12:01) via submission when Ueno uses the Pan Kratos on Mike.
9 GPWS Tag Team Championship: KRAKEN and Iron Mack Brody (c) defeat Zen Hayashi and Hajime Tanaka (17:20) via pinfall after KRAKEN uses a moonsault press on Tanaka (3rd defense).
10. Sword of Lite Grand Prix - Finals: Matt Pulver defeats ZENKI (41:59) via pinfall after the Hammer of Thor to win the tournament and become the 1st MAX-J Junior Heavyweight Champion.