Meanwhile in Japan: "Punching Above Your Weightclass"

[Rosie]

Sunday, April 21st, 2024
Pro-Wrestling Kitsune Live in Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan

Background:

"Mad Science" Seji Makabe

From: Tokyo, Japan
Height: Five Foot Nine inches
Weight: 203 pounds. (Jr. Heavyweight)
Finishers:
Flux Destroyer (Essex Destroyer)
Hypothesis (Octopus Stretch)
Frankenstein’s Cousin (Super Frakenstiener from the top)

Over the top, animated, a touch unhinged, but a technical and athletic marvel, Seji Makabe, after Tiger X, was one of Pro-Wrestling Kitsune's first proper Jr Heavyweight signings since its start earlier in the year, calling PWK his home promotion. Since his debut for PWK on its second show, Seji has been claiming to be the greatest in PWK and all of Japanese wrestling. Most of all, the Jr. Heavyweight style is ‘scientifically perfect’ and he is the master of it. He claims Heavyweights are too fat, and “The girls don’t count.” So by being the best Jr, he is the best. Sound logic, I'm sure. So he's been making noise and antagonizing everyone regardless of division. He’s had success against multiple Jr Heavyweights, and held his own against heavyweights (although he’s been prone to use some dubious tactics), in the event of his only proper defeat against Rio Kobayashi, he used an excuse, saying he was 'too fat' and it was unfair. He’s even fought a Joshi star before and won. With his only other defeat coming in a tag match in which he was not pinned, 'Mad Science' has claimed to be unbeatable, drawing the ire of Tiger X, the other Jr Heavyweight crown jewel of PWK. Though less experienced than Makabe, his family background and raw natural talent has given him high expectations, with expectations for him to refine it more soon.

When the two Jr Heavyweights finally met one on one, it was a close match, with Seji's strategy to isolate the knee of his more aerial opponent. Tiger X gutted it out and had him on the ropes, but with a pin using the tights, Seji Makabe got the win. If he ended it there, he might have gotten some flack, but would not have made enemies. But Seji decided to draw try to add insult to injury, trying to remove the wrestler's mask, the ultimate form of disrespect. This drew out PWK regular and CJW talent, KATSU to make the save with a steel chair, forcing him to run. Though in the Joshi division primarily, Katsu has teamed twice already in mixed tag team action with Tiger X, the two masked wrestlers seeming to have a natural chemistry with both having respect for the tradition and being young, ambitious, and full of heart.

The Intergalactic COSMIC Champion would get on the microphone and announce that she wishes to put Makabe in his place. Being that she is no stranger to “cross-divisional matches” or fighting from underneath, it’s no issue for her to shut him up, leading to the match to be booked with Pro-Wrestling Kitsune going to Ariake Arena in Tokyo. This will be a big test for “Mad Science” as a win over an international star would be a great way to back up his claim to being ‘the best across all divisions.’ While KATSU, after not having a proper one-on-one singles match against a male wrestler since Mexico City last year, it’d be a great way to see if she can still punch above her weight class?

Spoiler: Kizuna No Kiseki ||Man With a Mission x Milet

Cross-divisional Match
部門を超えた試合
KATSU vs Seji Makabe
1/30

Live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Pro-Wrestling Kitsune, after its arrival earlier in the year with “Worlds Unite” acting as a soft launch, the promotion has been in full swing, wrestling live events across the country, having its own base roster mixed with its various partner promotions. The identity of the company has begun to form too with the ring canvas having a white base and a red square on the outside. The company’s crest appears in the middle of the ring with various sponsors around the edge of the ring. The famous “boxing style” turnbuckle pads are in use with blue and red corners along with two neutral white corners. Then add the thin steel barricades on the outside and a ramp leading to the stage. There are two tunnels made with square beams and lights along the bottom. Above is an LED screen stretching across. The current graphic is the company name with the tagline “Fighting Spirit Lives” underneath in both Japanese and English.

At ringside, a familiar face for those who watched the original Worlds Unite show and a regular for CJW’s English commentary, the “Irish Stallion” James O’Connell. Next to him, breaking from his usual partners, is an African American male. He looks to be in his 40’s, bald, and he has some insane sparkling sunglasses on.

James O’Connell: “Our event here in Arikane Arena continues on, once again, I am James O’Connell, and my co-commentator tonight, filling in for Bobby Joel who is busy in North America right now due to his other commitments, we have Dr. Smooth, the King of Classic Attitude, Wally Shine.”

There’s a smoothness to Wally’s voice, very fitting. He chuckles.

Wally Shine: “Thanks J, you’ve always been a cool cat to work with and you know me, the Doctor’s always in for an excuse to see the world. And as someone with some experience south of the Border in Mexico, I love this upcoming matchup.”

James O’Connell: “Indeed. A true lucharesu clash. Joshi vs Junior Heavyweight. ‘Mad Science’ Seji Makabe, after antagonising people across all divisions and going a step too far by attempting to remove Tiger X’s mask, has drawn the ire of the Kitsune Warrior, and fellow masked wrestler, KATSU.”

Wally Shine: “I’ve been entertained to a degree by Makabe’s antics. You want to make some noise, you go for the biggest and the best cats you can. Now bending the rules in a match, I get. But once he went for the mask, he stepped over a line. And given that KATSU respects that masked tradition and has done mixed-tag matches here with Tiger X, I knew she wouldn’t stand for it.”

James O’Connell: “The two seemed to have strong chemistry as a team, so it makes sense KATSU has a strong level of respect for the Tiger Prince himself. And her being a singles champion currently in CJW and has international experience, it may be a prime chance for Makabe to make some waves.”

As the fans are ready for the next match, PWK announcer, Yuji Yoshida introduces the next match.”

Yuji Yoshida (Translation): “The following match is a Cross-Divisional Singles match scheduled for one fall with a 30 minute time limit!”

Spoiler: MEGITSUNE || Babymetal

The drums of “MEGITSUNE” draw a positive response from the Tokyo crowd as the LED screen shows 8-bit inspired graphics of a cherry blossom field. Then 9 tails appear as the silhouette of Katsu appears on the stage. Her arms are crossed with two fox-heads, with the gold of her title belt breaking the darkness. KATSU then spreads her arms wide as fire shoots up and the lights come on, showing her white and red attire. She quickly does a throat slashing gesture and makes her way down the ramp, the glow of the pyro behind her.

James O’Connell: “On quite a roll over the past several months, winning COSMIC Joshi Wrestling’s Intergalactic COSMIC Championship, she has had a positive record in both singles and tag team action, and been wearing that championship with pride both in her home promotion and here in PWK, but the Kitsune Warrior finds herself going back in familiar waters for the first time in months.”

Wally Shine: “Try nearly a year, J. She has not had a one on one match against a male wrestler in nearly a year. In Mexico City, I was lucky to be there live in attendance to see her wrestle that weekend. She found herself at home in the birthplace of masked wrestling, and defeated someone twice her size. But she’s been focused at home for a while now, and likely longer still. I just have to wonder if she’ll readjust to fighting as the MUCH smaller competitor again? Even if she’s against someone who’s a Jr. Heavyweight.”

On her way down the ramp, Katsu points to her title belt and walks around the ring, showing a smile under her mask. Heading to the hard camera side, the Kitsune Warrior slides onto the apron and opens her cape, showing off her title belt. A growing confidence is seen in the champion as she does the splits and slides into the ring as Yuji introduces her.

Yuji Yoshida (Translation): “Introducing, in the Blue Corner, representing CJW’s YOKAI Death Squad, the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion… The Kitsune Warrior… ”

Katsu heads to the nearest turnbuckles, unclipping her title belt.

Yuji Yoshida (Translation): “KAAAAAAATSSSUUUUUUUU!”

The YDS co-leader does a throat slashing gesture with her hand in a “fox-head” gesture and raises her white-strapped championship belt in the air. Dropping down from the corner. Katsu poses in the middle of the ring before unclipping her cape as “Megitsune” fades.

Spoiler: The Almighty Violet Thunder || FalKKonE

The eerie opening to “The Almighty Violet Thunder” draws a negative reaction from the crowd as lightning graphics appear with the word “MAD SCIENCE” appearing. After a few moments, the self-proclaimed “Jr. Heavyweight genius” makes his way out. His silver hair is contrasted by his dark jacket and thigh high trunks with various personalized designs. Seji Makabe rubs his hands together with a devious smirk on his hand as the arena lights are dimmed with a purple hue. He turns around to show his jacket, having a design of KATSU’s own mask on it, dismembered from her body. This draws an increasingly negative reaction from the crowd as the YOKAI Queen shakes her head in the ring.

Wally Shine: “Well, talk about mind games from him?”

James O’Connell: “That’s low. That’s low and probably a waste of money to commission.”

Seji Makabe turns around and shouts as the arena lights flash and ‘Mad Science’ makes his way down the rampway.

James O’Connell: "Listen, don’t let the routine fool you, Seji Makabe is a fundamentally sound good, dare I say, great wrestler. Athletic and technically proficient, but he is often concerned less with out wrestling his opponents and more with finding every loophole in the book.”

Wally Shine: “I guess he’s of the school of ‘work smarter, not harder.’ The cat’s been able to outsmart a couple of big time competitors, though his lone loss outside of the Jr Heavyweight division was to Rio Kobayashi, a man who knew his tactics well. Now he’s against a woman who has faced men twice her size and each time holds her own at a minimum.”

James O’Connell: “And she’s done it multiple ways. Flash pins, top rope moves, even submitting someone six foot seven. The Kitsune Warrior’s a champion for a reason, already CJW’s Intergalactic Champion, people have even been saying she might be a future Universe of COSMIC Champion.”

Wally Shine: “But she’s not immune, even on a hot streak. And if she doesn’t keep eyes in the back of her head, then Makabe will have no problems making her his latest experiment.”

Finally, the maniacal Jr Heavyweight heads to the end of the ramp. He looks at the steps which are on alongside the apron and slams his hands on them, going up to enter the ring. He spins around, laughing as Yuji Yoshida introduces him.

Yuji Yoshida (Translation): “And her opponent, in the red corner, weighing in at 203 pounds, “MAD SCIENCE,”

Turning to face the hard camera, he extends his arm, showing a wide grin.

Yuji Yoshida (Translation): “MAAAAKAAABEEE SSSEEEEJIIIIII!!!”

Dramatically, Seji Makabe turns to face KATSU as she stands in her corner, handing her championship off to a ringside attendee. Seji removes his jacket as the official does a quick check for weapons from him with the villainous Jr Heavyweight reluctantly going along. He does the same for KATSU and rings the bell.

KATSU hops in place, trying to keep light on her feet as she circles the cagey Makabe. Clapping, she gets the crowd behind her. Over the past several months, she’s been growing in her ability to manage a crowd. The dastardly Jr doesn’t appear shaken by this as he licks his chops, eager to get another win over a top Joshi. KATSU locks up with the Jr Heavyweight with a collar and elbow tie up-

And Seji Makabe shouts, trying to get the referee’s attention. The official he feigns pulling his hair.

James O’Connell: “And already, the games begin, Seji says Katsu pulled his hair? Her hands were nowhere near it!”

Wally Shine: “The guy spent a dime dying his hair, guess he’s over-protective-.”

KATSU shouts, protesting his claim, but Seji uses the brief distraction to kick her in the gut, drawing jeers from the fans!

James O’Connell: “Or more accurately, THAT.”

Wally Shine: “There goes giving this dude the benefit of the doubt.”

Makabe uses his size in this match up to throw KATSU towards a neutral corner like a hammer and the joshi star slams with a thud into the turnbuckle pad! The crafty Jr follows with a leaping back elbow into the corner! He quickly follows with a front facelock, trying to get on the middle rope, but Katsu blocks the potential Tornado DDT attempt and kicks his knee. Katsu ascends to the middle rope to meet him, but is pushed off. The YDS co-leader stumbles on the landing and that gives Makabe a chance to leap in the air and catch her with a diving European Uppercut! He goes for a disrespectful cover, placing his boot on KATSU’s chest.

ON-

And it isn’t even a one as Katsu quickly gets her shoulder up. The crowd jeer Makabe.

James O’Connell: “And after a quick advantage, Seji Makabe clearly confident, likely over-confident, fighting KATSU.”

Wally Shine: “Either that or he just wants to get in the head of the crowd and KATSU. Sometimes, when you KNOW you’re not going to win the support of the crowd, you need to learn to feed off the negative energy. Let it light a fire under you. Get under everyone’s skin.”

There’s a wide smirk on Makabe’s face as he wrenches the arm of Katsu as she attempts to get back up. Any attempt to strike him with her free arm goes nowhere for KATSU as she misses. Seji transitions into a chicken wing and wrenches the arm further, even driving the elbow into the right shoulder of the YOKAI Queen. Finally, Katsu reaches out to touch the ropes forcing a break. Seji keeps the hold in for a few extra seconds, milking the five count. Makabe backs up and slides under the bottom rope, tripping Katsu up and he attempts to pull her out of the ring.

James O’Connell: “And Seji is trying to potentially drag her into the ring skirting, he likes to do that and trap people.”

But Katsu rolls to her back and kicks her leg wildly, catching the self-proclaimed genius on the chin! Seji backs up, covering his jaw. Katsu quickly rolls and baseball slides, hitting him in the chest! The Kitsune follows up by running to the opposite side of the ring. She bounces off the ropes as Seji Makabe flinches, screaming-

And KATSU instead swings through the ropes as if she was doing a Sakura Kick and does a bow to the delight of the fans and the annoyance of Seji Makabe.

James O’Connell: “A little showmanship from Katsu here with the fake-out. I guess Seji isn’t the only one willing to get under people’s skin?”

Wally Shine: “The speed of KATSU along with how slippery she can be, finding counters, that’s what brought her success against larger opponents.”

Hearing some fans chuckle after his flinch, Seji Makabe shouts at them. Katsu opts against the follow through dive, feeling amused by the animated reactions of Mad Science, she sits down in the middle of the ring as the assigned referee begins the 20-count. The crazed Jr Heavyweight steps on the apron and shouts for the Kitsune Warrior to back up. She obliges, letting him step into the ring. Katsu runs in for a kick and Seji Makabe grabs the ropes, shouting at the referee to get the “crazy woman” to back up. The Intergalactic COSMIC Champion backs up, finding the antics of Seji more amusing than anything. Makabe breaks, trying for a running lariat, but Katsu ducks and bounces off the ropes into a flying headscissors!

Seji bounces off the canvas and turns around for Katsu to drag him by the arm onto the mat. She twists the arm into a La Magistral cradle!

ONE! T-

Quick kick out from Makabe. Katsu keeps with the quick pins, rolling over and pinning him down with a roll up pin.

ONE TW-

Another kick out as Seji Makabe tries for a quick crucifix pin of his own after getting his shoulders up.

ONE, Seji struggles to wrap both arms as Katsu gets her shoulder up again. Before Seji Makabe can go for another pin, he decides to go straight for the eyes of the mask! The official shouts a warning as the fans jeer

James O’Connell: “And Makabe to the eyes! What happened to saying you’re the best ‘wrestler’ of all divisions?”

Wally Shine: “He just thinks he’s the best, didn’t specify how, but come on, dude! At least have some class!”

With Katsu’s eyes obstructed for a moment, Seji Makabe decides to show his athleticism for a moment by hand springing off the ropes and crashing into Katsu with a back elbow! Seji taunts, doing jumping jacks to “show his speed.” Katsu stumbles to her feet, disoriented, and Makabe Irish whips her across the ring. On the rebound, Seji twirls her around into an argentine backbreaker position and drops down, breaking her spine on his shoulders!”

James O’Connell: “And the unique twist on the Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker!”

Wally Shine: “He must be revelling having the power advantage in this match.”

Seji Makabe goes for a cover on KATSU, hooking both legs.

ONE… TWO-

And a kickout from Katsu who rubs her eyes, finally getting her vision back after the eye poke.

James O’Connell: “And Seji Makabe, with some dubious tactics, takes control!”

-6:49-

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR

The official counts as Seji Makabe traps KATSU’s arm in the ropes. She yells out in pain as her opponent elbows her in the head before breaking it fully.

Wally Shine: “Seji’s been a surgeon to the shoulder area. Her injury late last year was a broken collarbone, so targeting either the shoulder or neck area’s a smart play for him.”

James O’Connell: “And that is in comparison to his recent match against Tiger X, targeting the young hunter’s knee to ground him.”

Makabe lights up Katsu’s chest with a knife edge chop, his palm striking just under the collarbone. He forces KATSU into the corner and runs off the ropes, hitting a running face wash into the corner! The masked Joshi wobbles forward, giving Makabe a chance to run off the ropes and driving his boots into her shoulder with a front dropkick! Out of instinct, Katsu rolls to the outside.

James O’Connell: “Katsu taking a moment to the outside, trying to find some way to breathe from the deliberate offense of Seji Makabe.”

Wally Shine: “She’s been known for her endurance. Multiple matches in one night, lasting half an hour in multi-person matches, but part of what makes you last that long is a mix of conditioning and pacing.”

Seji Makabe taunts the crowd, putting his hands up like “Fox ears” and laughing as Katsu shakes her arm, getting back the feeling in it. Looking at Katsu’s position on the outside, Makabe considers a dive, but decided against it. He slides out of the ring and forearms Katsu in the back. Turning his opponent around, Makabe leans Katsu’s back against the barricade and levels her with another chop! The dastardly Jr Heavyweight grabs her by the collar and drags her on the outside and points, throwing her shoulder first into the barricade!

James O’Connell: “And now the fight is getting near us!”

Wally Shine: “Dudes, don’t take our table. They don’t break easily.”

The Jr Heavyweight grabs Katsu and slams her again into the barricade multiple times, her back and shoulder crashing against the steel, with it moving each time. The barricade even pushes back one of the tables on the final hit. Makabe looks at the Japanese commentator’s table and shouts for a chair, threatening.

James O’Connell: “Wally, my Japanese is only so-so, but better than yours, but I think Makabe is asking for a chair!”

Wally Shine: “Bro’s going to get himself disqualified.”

The commentator reluctantly hands an unclaimed chair leftover from a guest commentator earlier in the night and Makabe folds it, slamming it against the barricade. The referee, who has been letting some outside brawling slide, steps in, sliding out and tries to take the chair from Makabe.

James O’Connell: “Thank goodness the referee is getting involved.”

He fights with the official over the chair as Katsu uses the moment to catch her breath. Finally, the referee gets the chair, and goes to put it away, but Seji thinks on his toes and grabs a bottle of water. He drinks some and spits the water in the face of Katsu, drawing a strong negative reaction from the fans!

James O’Connell: “And Seji Makabe blinds Katsu with the water! Come on! That’d be a fine in Japan if he didn’t do it as part of this match!”

Wally Shine: “We mention how ‘animated’ and over the top Seji is, but the dude’s smart. Distract the official, then do something to take advantage.”

Makabe tosses the water bottle away and throws Katsu shoulder first into the post and back into the ring. The official sees the water on the floor and questions Seji, but he just says a “bottle got knocked over.” Makabe goes into the ring and loads up a big kick, catching Katsu under the chin with a Superkick! He then goes behind and bridges into a German Suplex! The referee counts.

ONE… TWO- And Katsu rolls her shoulder off the mat. Makabe quickly transitions into a fujiwara armbar, once again wearing down her shoulder area. Katsu fights for position, but Makabe transitions into a crossface, trapping her arm with his legs. and pulling back on her chin.

James O’Connell: “Seji Makabe, going to the ground game now.”

Wally Shine: “Best not to let Katsu pick up the pace.”

The official keeps in position in case of a tap out, but Katsu isn’t giving up. She grunts as her neck is torqued with the submission. The Kitsune Warrior flights for position, moving her hips so she isn’t flat to the mat. Despite the size difference, Katsu has learned to find ways to break out of holds from larger opponents. Her strong legs position themselves to give her a push as she rolls through. The grip of Makabe slips as Katsu gets to her feet.

Makabe rolls to his feet and runs at the Kitsune Warrior who rolls out of the way. Seji turns around into a quick arm drag! Katsu switches her focus to kicks, hitting a side kick to the thigh! Then to the ribs before winding up and catching him in the chin with a roundhouse! She spins around with a heel kick to the gut and runs off the ropes, topping it off with a dropkick to the side of the head!

Wally Shine: “And there we talked about it. Get into a match-up where KATSU can strike and quicken the pace, she takes control.”

James O’Connell: “Great counter out of the crossface by Katsu and now she’s chopping Makabe down!”

Dazed from the kick, Seji Makabe wobbles towards the corner. Katsu creates distance and runs, hitting a double high knee in the corner! Makabe tumbles forward and Katsu goes to her wheelhouse, the top rope. Getting on the apron, Katsu slaps the turnbuckle pad and gets the crowd behind her as she effortlessly asccends to the top. She smirks and leaps, hitting a flying crossbody on her opponent!

ONE… TWO- And Seji Makabe kicks out!

James O’Connell: “After falling behind, Katsu is in control-”

-11:05-

Dropkicking Seji Makabe out of mid-air, Katsu cuts off the move from her opponent and remains in control. Seeing a chance, Katsu stands up with her back to her opponent and hits a standing moonsault to the delight of the fans!

James O’Connell: “And once again, when given the chance, Katsu thrives when she can fly around and work that quick pace.”

Wally Shine: “It was a beautiful cut-off with that dropkick and the standing moonsault, chef’s kiss, truly smooooth.”

Katsu once again goes to the corner and heads to the top. Seji Makabe crawls, but doesn’t appear to be jumping to his feet right away. He’s on his hands and knees. Changing her approach, Katsu smirks and leaps, hitting a Twisting Frog Splash to the back of Seji Makabe! Rolling him over, Katsu goes for a cover.

ONE… TWO… Th-

And a kickout from ‘Mad Science.” Katsu grabs her abdomen, taking a quick breath.

James O’Connell: “Surprising kickout from Makabe. Katsu has won several matches with that frog splash variation.”

Wally Shine: “The girl slowly phased the Frog Splash out as her main match ender for the Phoenix Splash. Competing against larger opponents, she noticed the extra rotations, while risky, was more forceful. So the success rate has gone up at the cost of more risk. But still a useful move in the repertoire when needed.”

Seji Makabe crawls to the ropes, trying to pull himself up and he feels out his lower back after Katsu crushed him from the top rope. The former Television Champion uses her good arm to throw a hard elbow to the side of the head of Seji and she pulls him closer to the middle of the ring. She attempts to sweep the leg for the Lightning Spiral, but Seji Makabe steps out and turns it into a Gory Special! He stretches out Katsu on his back and is wearing her down again!

The official asks if she gives up and Katsu shakes her head. Makabe shouts “She quits!” but the referee just gives him a glare as he keeps the hold in, slowly walking around the ring like Katsu is his backpack while hiking. The crowd rallies behind the joshi and she slowly gets her leg unstuck and she twists out into an arm drag! But she’s slow to get up and Seji Makabe follows through with a running knee strike to the head!

James O’Connell: “And Seji Makabe cuts her off with the very scientific knee.”

Wally Shine: “That’s a heavy hit, and I don’t think he’s done.”

Pulling Katsu off the mat, Seji Makabe puts Katsu in a gourdbuster position, holding her up in a suplex. He then transitions it into a knee strike to the head!

James O’Connell: “Experiment XJ7!”

Wally Shine: “That knee could be used for a physics question!”

Katsu lies on the mat, knocked out and Seji Makabe hooks both legs for a cover.

ONE… TWO… THREE- Shoulder up!

James O’Connell: “And just barely, Katsu gets her shoulder up!”

Wally Shine: “That fox is seeing stars still. I’m surprised she’s still in it.”

Seji Makabe shouts at the official and tries to “show him” a “proper three count” mimicking a referee’s count on the mat. The official shakes his head, holding up two. Katsu’s given a chance to recover slightly, getting to a knee, but with her shaking her head, it’s clear she’s still dazed.

Seji Makabe pulls Katsu up and tries to lock in an Octopus Stretch! He attempts to lift his head over Katsu’s head, but in a rare moment, with Katsu being much smaller than most his opponents, he’s got less to grab onto.

James O’Connell: “He’s trying to lock in the Hypothesis on Katsu, but the CJW star, not making it easy.”

Wally Shine: “The Octopus Stretch is a weird hold. Unlike its Abdominal Stretch ‘cousin,’ it is often done with an opponent around your size. A bigger opponent even is easier to lock it in within reason since you have more of a base. Someone smaller like Katsu, you have problems.”

Makabe has no problem locking the arm, but as he tries to lift his leg over her head, Katsu keeps tucking her chin in, giving him no room to lock it. Eventually, Makabe trips and falls backwards. Katsu gains enough sense to cross her opponent’s leg as if she was going for a sharpshooter and jacknife covers him in a Last Supper pinning combination-

James O’Connell: “Fox Tail! Fox Tail!”

ONE… TWO… THRE- Kickout from Makabe!

Wally Shine: “That’s a unique pinning combination, I need to write that down if I come back to wrestling!”

Katsu grabs her arm after he was yanked from the Octopus attempt. The longterm damage over the match has taken its toll. She’s slow to capitalize and Seji Makabe leaps and hits a double knee arm breaker! He then quickly scoops Katsu up into a michanoku Driver! He hooks both legs.

ONE… TWO… TH- And Katsu powers out.

James O’Connell: “Back to back near-falls from each competitor. Seji’s backing up what he said in that, anyone, any division, he can hold his own, but Katsu, after not having a one on one match with a male opponent in nearly a year, is showing she still has what it takes.”

Wally Shine: “But Seji has targeted that arm well. She may be known for her speed and quick feet, but a number of your moves become harder to do with one good arm.”

Seeing Katsu on the ground in the middle of the ring, Seji Makabe takes his turn to take a risk. Going on the apron, he motions and heads up the top turnbuckle.

James O’Connell: “Seji Makabe sees Katsu’s in the drop zone for a cannon ball!”

Wally Shine: “This Mad guy’s gonna fly!”

Seji Makabe motions with his hands a rolling motion as he sets himself-

But his extra time to hot dog and grandstand gives Katsu time to get up, she rushes to the corner and in a swift motion leaps up to the middle turnbuckle and pulls Makabe down to the mat with an arm drag!

James O’Connell: “And he flies… in another way with the arm drag!”

Wally Shine: “You gotta learn when it’s right to hot dog and when it’s time to just finish someone.”

Bouncing off the mat, Seji Makabe rolls so that he’s on his knees and Katsu sees an opening, she runs and spikes him into the mat with a hurricanrana DDT!

James O’Connell: “Death Spike!”

Makabe rolls over after landing directly on his head and Katsu shouts out to rally the fans behind her. She slaps the canvas with her good arm and gets to her feet. Seji slowly pulls himself up and runs into a HARD kick to the chest from Katsu. The Joshi follows up with a superkick to the chin! She runs off the ropes and catches him in the chin with a single leg dropkick! She’s picking up the pace. Seji throws a dazed punch, but Katsu dodges and does a victory roll-

Into a Double stomp right to the gut!

Wally Shine: “Girl nearly broke his ribs, ouch!”

Flopping on the mat, Seji Makabe tries to get up as he shouts “My ribs!” Katsu waits from behind and spikes him head first into the mat with a poison-rana!

James O’Connell: “Poison-Rana-”

And Seji Makabe stands up right after fired up, shouting.

James O’Connell: “And Seji Makabe fires himself up-”

Before collapsing, falling out of the ring and onto the floor-

Wally Shine: “Nevermind.”

The fans chuckle at the very cartoon-ish response. Katsu blinks, surprised at the display. His legs as shaky as Spaghetti as Makabe pulls himself up by the barricade. Katsu sees the distance and decides to go for it. Running off the far ropes, the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion dives onto him with a suicide dive!

James O’Connell: “And Katsu takes to the air!”

Wally Shine: “If I could add another nickname to her, it’d be the Sky Fox, this girl can fly.”

Grabbing her shoulder, Katsu tweaks it on the landing, but remains fired up. She struggles, but gets Seji Makabe to his feet and pushes him into the ring and uses a moment to catch her breath. She slides on the apron and into the ring-

And Seji Makabeuses the chance to go for the mask! He tries to pull on the Kitsune ears of Katsu’s mask in an attempt to rip it off! KATSU grabs her mask to try to keep it on and the official interjects, trying to get Makabe to let go. The crowd jeers.

James O’Connell: “First he tried to do this with Tiger X, and now Katsu!”

Wally Shine: “As a gentleman who has met many luchadores and respects their masked traditions, I give a big, SCREW YOU, PUNK!”

Katsu fights tooth and nail to keep her mask on, and she gets a bit of support. Running from the back…

Tiger X!

James O’Connell: “Tiger X is coming out!”

Wally Shine: “Katsu saved him from a demasking, so he’s going to return the favour.”

Seeing Tiger X head down the ramp, Seji lets his grip slip. He doesn’t rip off the mask, but it is all he needs as he uses the chance to hit a rope hung DDT onto KATSU! He rolls her over and gets a pin-

Using his feet on the ropes for leverage!

James O’Connell: “Not like this, not like this, damnit.”

ONE… TWO-

Tiger X shouts at the official and he looks up just in time to see the leverage and instantly waves the pin off!

Wally Shine: “Tiger X came just in time.”

The fans cheer as Seji Makabe is caught. He pleads with the referee, nearly pulling his hair out before turning his attention to Tiger X. Even through the opening of the mouth, we can see the feline-themed wrestler give a confident smirk as he sees Seji Makabe rage. Katsu adjusts her mask and catches herself. She jumps up and pulls him down into a crucifix pin!

James O’Connell: “Seji Makabe, distracted himself-”

ONE… TWO…THR- And Makabe gets his shoulder up.

He tries to get to his feet but Katsu ses his position and knows what to do to strike him. The Kitsune Warrior runs off the opposite rope and drives BOTH knees into his head from behind-

Wally Shine: “And that girl knocked him out!”

James O’Connell: “BURNING ARROW!”

Katsu rolls from the speed she struck Makabe in the head. She stops right in front of Tiger X who gives a small wink to the Kitsune Warrior. “返済されたものと考えてください。私にはあなたの背中があります。” He speaks to her and Katsu appears to have a genuine grin on her face as Tiger X backs away, having done his part.

James O’Connell: “I think Tiger X is saying ‘I got your back.’ More or less. He was the equalizer here.”

Wally Shine: “And the Kitsune Warrior is ready to put the loudmouth away.”

With Seji Makabe struggling to his feet, Katsu goes in the corner and she waits, kneeling down.

James O’Connell: “Katsu told me to keep an eye out for an extra ‘arrow’ in her quiver so to speak earlier today and I think I know what she’s going to do.”

Wally Shine: “I think you told me.”

As Seji gets to his feet, Katsu runs forward, she pops herself up in the air using her opponent’s shoulders and pulls him down with a double knee facebreaker!”

James O’Connell: “KITSUNE BUSTER! A Pop-Up Codebreaker!”

Wally Shine: “That dude’s face is broken!”

Katsu rolls over for the pin, sitting on top of Seji Makabe and pulling back on the legs.

ONE… TWO… THREE!

Spoiler: Result:

Winner:
勝者:
KATSU
Via Pinfall
16:42

“Megitsune” begins to play as Katsu rolls off of her opponent, victorious. The Kitsune Warrior shakes her shoulder, feeling it out, and has a smile on her face. The match official checks on her as a ringside trainee rolls into the ring to check on each wrestler. He hands Katsu a bag of ice and places one on Seji’s jaw. Katsu stands up as Yuji announces the result.

Yuji Yoshida (Translation): “And here is your winner by pinfall at 16:42, the Kitsune Warrior… KAAAAATSSUUUUUUU!”

The official raises Katsu’s hand as a ringside attendee gives the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion her championship. The title was not on the line, but when you have a title, there’s that bit of pride. Getting on the top turnbuckles, Katsu poses for the fans.

James O’Connell: “Seji Makabe tried every trick in the book, but Katsu, ever resilient, gets the victory with a new weapon in her arsenal too!”

Wally Shine: “That, and Seji forgot the fact that he’s been creating one too many enemies. Tiger X, after being cheated a win against Seji before and having Makabe try to rip his mask off, he prevented the same to be done with Katsu.”

Seji Makabe rolls out of the ring, his jaw still jacked after the Codebreaker variation and he pushes the camera away as he stumbles up the ramp.

James O’Connell: “Katsu already has YOKAI Death Squad, her CJW unit she leads. Do you think we can add Tiger X to her list of allies?”

Wally Shine: “With their chemistry in mixed-tag action and this, I can see it.”

Katsu heads down from the turnbuckles and rolls out of the ring, keeping her title on her shoulder. She raises her arm then bows to the crowd cheering for her win.

-Backstage-

Set up is a media area with the usual set-up of a panel with the Pro-Wrestling Kitsune logo mixed in with various sponsors. After his loss, Seji Makabe stumbles into the backstage area, ice pack on his jaw. He stumbles onto the ground. ‘Mad Science’ begins to laugh on the floor. His breathing is still heavy. On his back, he looks up at the ceiling and speaks.

Seji Makabe (Translation): “That girl.. Needed help. Hahahahahaa…”

Rolling to his knees, he looks up. He takes a deep breath and has a wide, almost psychotic grin on his face.

Seji Makabe (Translation): “The kitty and the fox are friends. They needed to help each other, hahahaha. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still unbeatable! HAHAHA! Unless you are overweight or are a cheater, nobody can best my MAD SCIENCE, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!”

Looking up at the camera man, he gets into the camera. He opens his eyes wide.The camera hears every breath of his, slightly fogging up from that and his sweat.

Seki Makabe (Translation): “Little kitty. Kitty boy. If you aren’t done playing with me, then I’ll happily take another one of your nine-lives again. But you need to re-earn the right to face me one on one. As for the little Kitsune, I won’t forget your tricks. This will have only begun between us. But maybe next time, we bring ALL the tricks! HAHAHA!”

Seji Makabe limps away, laughing to himself, and slightly unnerving some of the media. Several moments later, the man who helped the victor of the match, Tiger X, makes his way backstage. He’s got his gold and black gear with trims of red. His tiger inspired mask is aggressive. He competed earlier on in the night, but refrained from comments. He shows a small smirk.

Tiger X (Translation): “Seji Makabe thinks he can run around being a pain in the ass for everyone across every division?”

Tiger X says, his confidence from his debut is beginning to grow and he’s getting more comfortable, slowly finding his voice.

Tiger X (Translation): “You’ve been watching him. Challenging everyone, taking a short-cut every way, making excuses every time he loses. I bet he made one tonight again-”

A member of the media comments in Japanese “He did” and the second generation wrestler laughs.

Tiger X (Translation): “Of course. For someone who calls himself ‘unpredictable’ I’ve gotten pretty used to his routine over the past few months. I would have accepted a loss to him, let him run his mouth and wait for my time to shut him up… But then you went for my mask…”

Tiger X points to his face. The camera zooms in and through the eye holds of the mask, there’s an intensity in his eyes.

Tiger X (Translation): “This mask isn’t just me paying tribute to my family. It is not for marketing, this is my IDENTITY! This is the legacy I wish to build! You do not pull on a superheroes’ cape. You don’t mess with a wrestler’s mask, and you don’t get in a fight with a Tiger! As for Katsu…”

He looks as the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion makes her way to the media area. She has her white strapped championship on her shoulder and a towel around her neck.

Tiger X (Translation): “I owe her after what she did, and early on in my career, she has been one person who has treated me with respect.”

The Kitsune Warrior nods, looking into the camera.

Katsu (Translation): “I am always open to helping another masked wrestler. There are few that make their name in Japan with a mask. Your Uncle was one of the first. He inspired me as a kid. While I was recovering from injury I had the blessing to meet him. He helped me push through. It’s safe to say I respect your family.”

Tiger X (Translation): “When we first teamed up, he told me that.”

Tiger X turns to Katsu.

Tiger X (Translation): “He held you in high regards. We are also both young, trying to find our place while doing it our own way. The last time I checked, your YOKAI Death Squad is ‘Joshi only,’ but there is nothing wrong with lending a hand when needed.”

Katsu smirks and extends a fist bump to Tiger X, a common greeting from Cali which she has since adopted more. Tiger X returns it.

Katsu (Translation): “I will. And as the more experienced wrestler, I’ll be glad to tutor you.”

The woman gives a playful wink to Tiger X and he chuckles.

Tiger X (Translation): “This woman is a comedian, is she not? Must be from that time in America.”

The two masked wrestlers laugh. Katsu looks at the second generation wrestler and can’t help but smile. She’s only been able to team or work with him a handful of times, but maybe it is because she idolized his Uncle, or that the two have some similarities, but she feels like she’s already known him longer. Tiger X nods and walks off, leaving the victor to the media. She shakes whatever butterflies are in her stomach and gets back into promo mode as Katsu.

Katsu (Translation): “Seji Makabe, I would like to think I knocked you down a peg or two tonight, but I’ve met enough people like you who never know when to shut up!”

Katsu speaks with a fire and confidence, speaking in her native language. She looks at the championship belt on her shoulder.

Katsu (Translation): “I am a busy woman, but I am sure I can fit in some time to silence you. You are messing with two hunters. The Kitsune Warrior, Katsu, and the Tiger Price, Tiger X. Sooner or later, you will be eaten alive...”

Someone from the media speaks up and begins to ask a question..

Media (Translation): “You said you are busy, but to follow up, something Tiger X referred to. F-”

Katsu (Translation): “Speaking of busy.”

Katsu appears to dodge the question of the media personality. She holds up the International COSMIC Championship.

Katsu (Translation): “I have some news. Over the past several months, I have been working hard in COSMIC Joshi Wrestling and Pro-Wrestling Kitsune. I live in Osaka, but most shows often take place near Tokyo. While I like to be with family, they know my ambitions, and they know how much wrestling means to me. So, I will announce here that I am moving to Tokyo to better commit myself to pro-wrestling!”

Some of the media members clap at the announcement. The person who tried to ask a question is biting his tongue, letting her continue.

Katsu (Translation): “Of course that will result in a lot of packing over the next week, but I look forward to having a new home I can call my own and being closer to the fans I fight for!”

She nods her head, smiling.

Katsu (Translation): “And on that note, this coming week, CJW is having a match to decide the next contender for this championship. Some people I have history with… Something tells me that this defense will be my most important yet. So I will be keeping a very close eye on it. Until then… Thank you.”

Holding up her fingers, she says slowly.

Katsu: “Control… Alt… Delete-”

She flashes the ‘Fox Head hand gesture’ and begins to walk off. The media member tries to get her attention to ask her a question, but the Kitsune Warrior has said her peace and walks away.

Spoiler: I be like