[In the deepest, darkest inner sanctum of his Distortion World, Maelstrom sits with a glass of wine, watching some films of recent SSW matches, getting an idea of what he faces. A young woman arrives bearing a piece of paper, fearfully presenting it for Maelstrom's signature, which he gives without giving the girl as much as a glance.]

(In his native Japanese) There are many wonders of silence. You learn about yourself. You learn about the environment around you. And you learn about the people around you, their thoughts, their dreams, their aspiraitons. Their shortcomings, their flaws, their character. All of it is exposed, for better or worse. There are many in Strong Style Wrestling who adore talking. It's a pasttime for them, just as pointless as a group of children playing baseball. While the world of professional wrestling requires me to speak, I speak on my own time. Things such as press conferences and promotion don't matter to me. Words are currency that must be rationed out carefully. I speak when the impact will be strongest felt. My words carry the gravitas that so many here try to have but fail to possess. 

I know nothing of Koji Senji. The name is as worthless to me as the servants who dwell in Distortion World. They exist only as a matter of convenience, nothing more. Once they cease to be useful to me, I swallow them whole. The name Koji Senji is as poigniant to me as rancid feces. I hope that Senji-senshu doesn't take this as an insult, because it's not: I give people of lower statue even lesser thought. 
Maelstrom arrived to Strong Style Wrestling after all of these incidents played out. I have joined Phantom Troupe, but in all honesty I care nothing about your vendetta. While you hate John Doe, and for very noble reasons in the eyes of most, John Doe entrusted me with something precious. Something that will not only ensure that Darkness will rule professional wrestling forever, but will surely hasten the arrival of my Distortion World. He entrusted me with the future of Phantom Troupe, making sure that it stays true to the course and aspirations he intended. For me, this is an honor and duty that cannot be forsaken. 

This does not mean I will attempt to usurp power or try to steer direction  of Leadership in The Phantom Troupe. It already has a well-crafted hierarchy of the most fearsome warriors in the world, and my place is simply to maintain order and balance. And that means that when I am assigned tasks, I complete them. This did not happen when I faced Finnegan Wakefield for his championship belt a short time ago. He experienced Distortion World....but survived it. When I recovered from that battle, I spent some time away from my fellows of the Phantom Troupe. I had to meditate. 

People say that I lost. People will say that I failed.
I did nothing of the sort. 

Finnegan Wakefield was the first of many, the first of so many, who experienced what true torment and pain was like. He survived Distortion World once, but there will be so many to fall into the abyss of my creation and suffer unimaginable horrors before they pledge fealty to me. 

I won in the end....because I announced my arrival to all who dwell on this miserable rock. 

Cassidy amuses me. He has spent so much time training, so much anger and hatred to destroy the man who anointed me as a caretaker of the Phantom Troupe. All of his pathetic scurrying about with Young Lions, all of his most treasured memories of his sensei...and what does it get him? What has he done but return to the crushing embrace of Distortion World? For a man who declares that he lives not in the past but in the future, he speaks a great deal about the past. 

Your past is not of any concern to me, but it does give me a great deal of understanding about who you are and how you will fight me. You think that I underestimate you. I do not. While your training does not impress me, your desire to be as merciless as you can be does. I am interested to see if you can survive Distortion World, which is even stronger now than when Finnegan Wakefield managed to survive it. 

Why do you think that I have anger, that i have frustrations to take out? I have none of this. All I have is the desire to uphold what the Phantom Troupe is about and making sure that you fail to advance. You misunderstand my goal, my view of this world too. It's not about ME taking control of everything. While I do plan on using every bit of force in my body to bring my beautifully dark world of destruction into being, it's for the greater good of all. Mortal men and women like you don't understand what it means to truly be free. Free to sin. Free to destroy. Free to disrupt. So many of you stay in your own bubbles, so afraid of the shadows around you. Like those others around me, I don't live to conform to your rules. I refuse to stay in a box. My power doesn't exist to be contained. It exists to spread like a virus, infecting all until everything that exists is in my image. 

Distortion World is about CREATION in the end, but something must be destroyed in order for something to be created. This wine that you see in my glass. Grapes and other elements had to be destroyed or distorted to create this. The glass. The clothing that we wear. Everything that you mortals have in your lives comes from DESTROYING to CREATE something else. And yet, ironically enough, you babble on about how horrible I am for wanting to CREATE my beautiful world by destroying yours. It's an amusing level of self-righteousness. So much hypocrisy. So much of a lack of shame that you appeal for sympathy by talking about how hard you have trained. 

I don't find you merely disgusting. I find you entertaining. 

You demand respect from me, pleading not to be underestimated, but you dare call a God such as myself a "Lowlife". I think in the coming times you will find out that I am far from a lowlife. You will find that it will be extremely difficult to roll me out of the ring in victory as you lay in the ring, beaten, victimized again. The Phantom Troupe has already taken so much from you. Your friend's career, months off of your own time lost to the void of rehabilitation and so-called "self-reflection". But....as the old man says so many times.....
=
We only want everything.

This time, I will make sure to do a much better job of crushing you than my predecessors did. Apparently you did not learn enough from your first encounter with Phantom Troupe that you need another. WHen I am finished with you, you will be beaten physically for sure. But my goal, my endgame, is to make sure that you are so broken that you join your friend in retirement. IF you choose to remain in the ring, you remain at your own peril. Your body, the ship of your very soul, is not strong enough, not sea-worthy to stand in the Sea of Destruction and survive. 

I want you to remember all of your training, all of the sweat and blood and sacrifice you poured into your return. I want you to come at me with all the anger and frustration that you had reserved for John Doe...only to realize that even with all of your anger and hatred that your power is meaningless in the face of the storm. You have memories of all that has been done to you, I know. But now, Maelstrom will grant you new, even more painful, vivid ones, and you will know what true suffering and hardship is at long last. You will be silenced for good this time, be it either the breaking of your small body or the shattering of your very soul, Maelstrom will finish the job that John Doe and the rest of the Phantom Troupe began. 

[Maelstrom strokes his beard with one hand before lifting his glass, drinking from it heartily before setting it down, the view shifting behind him.]

We are not on the same level, Cassidy. And if you believe that you truly have nothing left to be taken from you, you will learn quite differently once you meet me in the ring. 

(in English)

STEVEN CASSIDY...........
WELCOME TO........
DISTORTION WORLD!

(We are given a first person view of a hotel hallway as the camera man walks straight down the path, looking around the area and scanning the room numbers for one in particular. The man walks all of the way to the end of the hall, happening upon the last door. The camera moves along with the person behind it's eyes, observing the door closely. The camera man believes this to be the room he is looking for as we can hear a sharp exhale from him before he chooses to knock on the door and take a few steps back. The man waits silently, a feeling of nervous present in the scene as he hears the rumblings going on in the room. An annoyed grunt can be heard and foot steps getting close to the door. Finally it is opened as we are greeted by an angry looking Scott Oasis who appears different than he usually does. He is out of his street clothes and is currently wearing a towel around his waist.)

Scott Oasis: What the fuck do you want?

Camera Man: Oh uhhh...w-w-well

Scott Oasis: "W-w-w" SPIT IT OUT!

Camera Man: I am a media representative for SSW looking to get some comments from you in regards to your upcoming appearance?

Scott Oasis: Well you sure picked a bad fucking time I tell you what! How did they even let you up here? Who gave you the go-ahead? It was Sebastian wasn't he, he sent you up here! Ugh....stupid idiot always trying to help with my PR. You're an SSW rep you said? You strolled up here and interrupted my important business because you want my thoughts on my match against Senza Faccia? Ok, I'll humor you. I'm going to give you your precious comments and I'm going to make them real short and sweet for you pal. My thoughts on this match: a total layup. Eassssyyyy winnn. Senza is a no name ham and egger with zero credibility and zero wins. He's no threat to me, he wasn't even a threat to that weirdo over on Kingdom last week and that dude's WAY below my level. All it took was one move to put him away in five seconds. One move. He couldn't even muster up a kickout after a good five seconds of offense. Pitiful. The man's a complete wuss with no fight which is to be expected with anyone being exported from a country like France. He's in the ring against me to fill a role and that's to be a sacrifice for the Ice Man. He's a way for Strong Style Wrestling to show off their man attraction and that is yours truly! He's nothing more than a human prop, an appetizer before I move on to bigger shows and bigger things like Domination! I'm not worried about him and you bozos shouldn't be worried about him either, the match is not even about him really, he might as well not be there, it's not like you'll have time to remember his name or recognize his face once I pulverize him into the dirt within a matter of moments. Don't think Mr. Miyagi getting lucky and pulling one over me a few weeks ago means I'm falling off. My run in Japan is far from over - it's just beginning! My job is not done! I will run through all of these tomato cans you put in my way until SSW finally provides some real competition. Good enough for you? Now if you excuse me, I must return to my wife. You got the footage you needed so get the fuck away from my door you little creep.

(Scott Oasis slams the door on the camera man's face and happily returns to his room.)

"I'm back babe! I'm gonna drink this Coors and then it's time for another go you hear me!?"

The more things are meant to change, the more they have stayed the same. It's been this way, ever since I first saw the ink itself dry on my SSW contract; I entered the world of wrestling. An industry, where I wished to become the next custodian of the customs; traditions that it has claimed to hold over the years. 

It hasn't worked out that way though, as despite being able to get a victory here and here - I just haven't been able to get the job done when it has mattered most. I just haven't been able to uphold my own end of the bargain, as much as I want to be the one Shoot Nation know I can be. I *want* to be the next in the line; the next name, in the hall of those who have been associated with everything wrestling is *meant* to stand for. Yet when the time has come in order for me to validate everything, I freeze. 

I can admit that, I can admit that it's all on me. My failures, my 'defeats'. Nobody else is responsible for them but myself; if I am to change that passage, then I must be the *only* one that invokes the change. Whether that comes from truly looking inside of myself, or by making sure I find a routine, I know that there's a way to reverse this. There's a way to make everything *right*; *finally* set myself up to be the man I promised I would be. To finally fulfill the passage that has been laid out for me to take. Open the door that has been awaiting me.

And it all starts this week

I know, this is a refrain that is all too common. Every week, I tell you the same thing. This week, it'll change - only for everything to remain the same when the week is said and done; I once again, fall. I find myself getting 'so close, yet so far' and ultimately coming out second best. But, this week is when it shall all *truly* begin. The past week, 

I have been soul searching, I have been cleansing myself - both on a psychical and spiritual level, within the confines of the 'Muja Temple' in Yokohama. A place, I first ventured to with my father when I was six. He world often take me there, to show me how awakening the soul that laid dormant, would be the beginning of finding my *true* calling in this world. In this industry. Just as it always has been. 

I know that saying this won't make *anyone* believe me. Even those in 'Shoot Nation', even those who have proclaimed themselves to be my staunchest supporters, which is why I plan on proving it against Falke. Which is why I plan on not just reciting all this to you, but for the first time in my career - actually backing it up where it matters the most. That being, inside of the ring. Outside of *our* temple. 

Even if that brings about my end

I'll admit, I know *very* little about you, Falke. All I know, is that you are somebody who seemingly doesn't care for the fans. Someone, who claims pride in what they stand for, which is honourable. Which is what we *all* should be doing - yet your means in carrying out that pride, are what cause you to falter. They cause you to become blinded by the supposed 'honour' you claim to hold; the traditions that you wish to impart within this industry. You, just like the rest of the Troupe, wish to use your so-called 'honour' to degrade the traditions of those who oppose you. 

To try and impart your customs, upon those who transverse upon the passage of wrestling - which is where I must draw my line. Which is where I must *stop* you. Whilst desiring honour is noble, when that cause is yourself - it is then that you become blind to what *honour* and *respect* truly means. It is when, that you become everything that honour has striven to vanquish. Just like you shall be this week, if the cause is to be fulfilled. If I am to *finally* stand forth; become the person. The wrestler that many have claimed I can be. For you, that means that this week, you become the first scalp. The first springboard, to my uprising.

All the best, Falke. Because for you, this week brings about your end.

 
Sangkat may think the void is permanent, he may think it “liberation”, but it is only the beginning. One people have spoken of for centuries.
 
In a world only described as being within a void not much different than that of the current state of Strong Style Wrestling, they say the beginnings of this life of ours was being prepared. It was dark and formless, much like my opponent at Domination….when it comes to character! In genesis, it is said the spirit of God came upon the waters of that void.
 
And then God said, let there be light.
 
Or so they say.
 
Whatever the case about the gods, it is without question that man has always been yearning for blessings from the skies. We are in awe from the light descending down upon us from out of reach heights. Ones might ask themselves, were the concepts of gods in the first place created on behalf of man’s fascination with sun and lightning?  Man likes to attribute lightning bolts and the image of the sun as weapons and symbols of many gods, but what if the gods themselves were merely man’s tools to give tribute to these natural blessings that overtime became confused as objects of the gods? One can’t pray to lighting, and in time people grew tired of praising the sun, while giving these things a conscious form like God has given man an infinite supply of new ways to worship. It would make sense then why, God’s are often portrayed to be up high, be they heavens in the clouds or Olympus upon a mountain. Some choose to constantly squabble about the gods, some hate those that created fanatical stories about the blessings while others resent that man would attempt to harness and manipulate what was heralded to be of the Gods. The way I see it, both believers and scientists had a heart of wonder in them that can be appreciated, there is no great shame in paying tribute to those blessings, nor trying to master those blessings, they have brought the world where we are today. What I have never found any value in were those who tucked tail and ran, those who saw lightning bring about fire, and instead of praying or trying to harness fire for discovery decided to run as far as possible and forever be content with being in the dark. Such people only know cowardice, only know a shameless self preservation that ironically costs them from having the tools to survive a fruitful life, like diseased rats scurrying from all sights.
 
Much like Phantom Troupe’s dark Master Splinter, Khmaoch Sangkat the elder rodent that keeps his youth hidden in the deep dark sewers they’ve inhabited away from said blessings, from said light.
 
And that is why I continue to be uninterested in speaking to him. Just as it is said, no matter how much one prays and preaches the word of God, if they do not know love then they do not know God; he may speak my name but he who knows not valor knows neither I nor the Rakurai! I already explained last week how I felt about him, how I felt his way of being an elder in his faction was toxic when compared to that of Kawada-sama, and nothing has changed since then. He can continue to speak through me, pretend as if his words are meant for me or the people watching at home, but we all know he is only there to comfort his adopted children in Phantom Troupe who he has left blind to the holes poked in their sinking ship! The man has my sympathies, it is a sorrowful tale indeed that his father couldn’t hide him away from the evils of the world to the point that he now over compensates as a father figure in PT, and how this life has left him twisted. However, I, like mankind harnessing fire despite those who had nightmares from seeing fire raining down the skies, have too much to fight for to hold back simply because Sangkat has mental hang ups over his storied past.  I must bring about the Red Strife, even if the Khmer Rouge haunts his soul, I must put his allies to the sword even if he tries keeping them in a patted bubbled wrapped existence. I must fight for my family that counts on me to provide, I can’t hesitate in that ring when opposed by vile beasts, lest I allow my wife to be to have another loved one that falls victim to dire times and crippling medical bills. I must have a back large enough and unflinching enough for my fellow members of Shoot Nation to have inspiration to continue on in this company that makes us toil for every inch we take. He has my sympathy, but he does not have my mercy! How can I be this resolute? It is like they say.
 
“Only trust your instincts and be one with the plan. Some days, some nights, some live, some die in the way of the samurai.”

[After a long and difficult training session, Steven goes to sit down on a bench to collect his breath and wipe the sweat from his forehead with his hand. You can still see some of the bruises that Scott Oasis caused during Steven's last match. He takes a sip from his water bottle and dumps the remaining amount on his head to cool him down before speaking.]

I’ve had some much-needed downtime these past few weeks. Time used to heal my wounds. Time used to clear my head and to reflect on some of the choices I’ve made and what kind of impact it would cause. Basically, I hit the reset button. And after some thinking, I realize that I’ve gone about this the wrong way. Such as why I chose to come back here after my career and long-term health were in jeopardy. I wish I could tell you it was because I’ve missed this business and even more so, the friends and fans that I've met along the way, both of which I hold near and dear in my heart. But it wasn’t. It was because of this dark cloud that hovered above my head! And as each time its lightning struck, I was reminded of the painful memories that I’ve tried so desperately to keep buried away - but I wasn’t able to. The darkness would always win - undefeated, even. Each time I closed my eyes at night, his face was there. Each time I woke up in the morning, he was the first person I thought about. This person I speak of was none other than former Phantom Troupe leader, John Doe. I grit my teeth and clench my jaw just mentioning his name. I can feel my fists wanting to ball up and just yell my frustrations to vent a bit but I know this isn't the time. 

My clear hatred for Doe stems from the fact he robbed this world of a great wrestler. A crafty veteran that found success in every company he went to and Strong Style Wrestling was where he was finally going to get his much-deserved props, credit, and respect that he’s earned throughout the years. Finally, the spotlight would shine on him. Finally he would get the exposure from a national audience as they would look on and marvel at his skillset and top-notch talent - and finally, he would become a household name. But it never panned out that way because of greed! Because of the selfish reasons and the sadistic actions that John Doe decided to commit. When I mention the name Koji Senju, I know there isn’t much of a reaction. In fact, to most of you, it’s just the name of a man that was here for a week and then poof, he was gone. But obviously, his leave from this company isn’t some big mystery. He was forced out. He was forced out by The Phantom Troupe. And for what? To send a message to the entire world that they can do whatever they want. Because their ignorance tells them that we are all under their thumb - that we are all living in a world that they created and we should just be grateful that we are able to live in it. 

When I was away, whether I was lying helplessly in a hospital bed, or suffering from the excruciating pain that I endured as I tried to speed up my rehab process so I could get back here as soon as possible, or training with Shoot Nation’s young lions to help prepare me for my return - no matter the circumstances, my eyes were always glued to the product. And for the most part, I would enjoy the show. That is until the Phantom Troupe would appear on the screen and wreak havoc for the hell of it. Such as viciously attacking the man that gave me a shot to be here in the first place, in Brian Daniels. So when I watched Budokai Tenkaichi and witnessed John Doe's exit from SSW, it was bittersweet. Sweet that he is gone but bitter because I wasn't the one to do it. I mean, he was the reason why I was pushing myself so hard to get back here. And you know what? For that, I want to thank him. He pushed me without even knowing it. He gave me the motivation when I didn't even want to move. I was just so hellbent on getting revenge that I lost a part of myself. When I looked in the mirror I didn't recognize the man staring back at me. I saw a man with deep hatred. A man who didn't care who would step in his way as he would stack as many bodies as it would take to get to Doe. I became obsessed. And because I became obsessed. I lost the real reason why I am here - to live my dream as a professional wrestler. And in a way, to live Koji's dream for him. This is no longer about the past. And I realize that now. This is me slamming the door shut on those past events as I look forward to the next challenge that awaits me - this week, it's Maelstrom. 

A man that hasn't been here for a while, but has already managed to make a name for himself when he challenged Finnegan Wakefield, a good friend of mine, for the OWA World Championship. A match that he technically lost, but I wouldn't label him as a loser and I doubt the man he faced would say otherwise. In many ways, Maelstrom is a question mark. Sure he had that big match at BT, but otherwise, I don't think he's been given the opportunity to show off his complete arsenal to help dismantle his opponents. And I know this week, he is going to take his frustrations out on me. Because of that painful loss he suffered, that big blemish on his record, he is going to try to make me suffer. He's going to try to do what The Phantom Troupe is notorious for, and that's making examples out of people to make a statement. I have already been on that end once before and I don't plan on being a repeat casualty. Maelstrom, you promote a dark world. A world of destruction. A world that is yours. A world where you gifted yourself the throne. To you, that SSW ring is your domain, your jungle, and you will feast upon the fearful prey that decides to cross paths with you. But when you look into my eyes, you will see I am not afraid, but what you will see is passion and hunger. I am starving for a win, Maelstrom and I will do whatever it takes to make sure I am crowned in the winner's circle and that The Phantom Troupe's lowlife rolls out of the ring defeated and deflated. You see, because of the men and women, you align yourself with, I have nothing. You took my friend and mentor from me and now I have nothing to lose in this world because of it. The actual world, by the way, not your imagination. The way I see it, we are on a level playing field, which you can laugh off if you want, but it's because I too believe that I haven't shown my best yet, not even close. The first time I was here, I was way in over my head. I was too new to this sport and I was just looking to get my feet wet. But now? I have learned from my mistakes and with Shoot Nation's help, I believe I am now a force to be reckoned with. So don't do the foolish thing, Maelstrom. Don't underestimate me. Don't view me as an ant that you will crush under the weight of your boot - because if you actually believe this will be a quick outing for you, where you don't exert any energy at all, then that's a mistake I will gladly capitalize on. Your choice.

*The scene begins high on the Murakuni Mountain, overlooking the sprawling mix of country side and bustling urban city centre that is Echizen. Away from the more modern and maintained path to the peak of the subjugated geographical symbol of the region, on the lesser-travelled but still well-beaten path, a man clad all in black is contorting himself while staring off to his next destination – The Sun Dome Fukui*
 
*As the Apparition has his right leg hooked behind his head, with left stretched out at a 45 degree angle, the still young man is notably struggling to hold the difficult position. He proceeds to use his left hand to drag his foot, and with it his entire torso, straight down to the ground. The Apparition grunts through the strain, yet still has his body elevated a couple of inches off of the uneven ground. After a few deep breaths, he slowly lowers himself up, before dropping to his back and stretching out his knees, before popping up to his feet*
 
It’s funny about how simple wrestling used to be, as little as 10 years ago. You would show up, hit people, get hit, then have a drink at the pub to ignore how increasingly severe your back pains had been getting. When I started wrestling, thankfully I came in when physiotherapists began to be hired by even the smallest of independent companies. They were rarely good, but when you were fighting for a $10 coupon for Wallmart, at least it was something.
 
To this day, we still fight in a savage and barbaric arena, but now it is one which is constantly developing and moving on with the times. When I came back after my sabbatical, I felt like a genuine old timer with everything that had changed. Cryobaths, Eastern medicine, hell, they even have a few yoga teachers to help us get more flexible. If they had all of that a few years ago, I probably would have never left. I always knew about the importance of stretching, but if I had the foresight in my younger days to actively seek out what I have access to now…Well, it is as they say. Youth is wasted on the young.
 
Speaking of youth, there is certainly a new movement of young, talented wrestlers sprouting up from the Ronin faction, aren’t there? We are no longer dealing with Tarah and the Island of Misfit Toys. In just the last couple of months they have secured the talents of big names like April Song and Dragon Hunter, as well as some young guns in Dr Shrapnel, Kikyo Himura and Kai Stevens.
 
The first thing to notice about this group of self-described loners is…Well…They are quickly trying to overtake the Phantom Troupe as the arsehole faction, aren’t they? Tarah was always a bit on the nose at her absolute worst, and April seems alright, but the rest of the group are reaching Elon Musk levels of self-satisfaction and general dickishness. Like I get it. This has always been a habit for the young guns. You can’t make your name in this business unless you are able to pound your chest and declare yourself the next great thing, but maybe this is where the old timer part of me kicks in – These punk kids have no respect, so I will need to put it upon myself to show them some.
 
Let’s take my opponent for this week, Kikyo Himura. Now I have seen the work of her parents, and I have to admit. I’m impressed. They were very talented people when they were in their primes. You should be proud, Kikyo. If I was to fight either of your parents, I would consider that both a challenge and an honour.
 
But you? I don’t mean to take you lightly, but who are you again? You’re just a brat born into wrestling royalty, who thinks her shit doesn’t stink. You haven’t done anything in this company…I don’t even think you’ve won a televised match yet…And you want to goad and harangue Belle over her lack of success? Man, to hell with that. I don’t need to holster up Belle because I know she is capable of defending herself, but it would be one thing if Aria Jaxon was to call her a scrub. At least she has been there before. She holds the most prestigious belt in SSW, so yeah. I could give her room to talk. But who the hell are you? You’re just some new kid, who is so green you could be a member of the Tres Comas Club. Belle and I may have tried and failed during our respective stints at championship gold, but the fact of the matter is that we both deserved to challenge for those titles.
 
I can’t count the amount of people who believe themselves to be the next big thing, but then fail to even win a match, before fading away to obscurity. Now I am aware that you are better than to be doomed to having that be your fate. We have obviously clashed not too long ago along with the people who will be in our corner this coming weekend, and you had our number on the day. Still, when the lights are bright and the chips are down, I seem to remember you losing to Vanessa, not even daring to challenge Forza, and getting punked out for the world to see by Belle. That is 3 big L’s to Shoot Nation you have taken for the world to see, and no amount of petty bitching and a failed school yard bully routine will hide that.
 
Welcome to the big time, Kikyo. When we face off this week, just consider this a continuing of your education in strong style. You may see me as another disgusting gaijin trying to sully the good name of puroresu, but I promise you that what I do may follow the ethos of strong style, it does a disserve to both myself and your entire nation to call what I do puroresu. Trust me when I tell you that my style isn’t so narrow to be limited to just one style. This is the amalgamation of years of training, practice and dedication to my craft. A style born before you could even spell ‘professional wrestling’. A style all my own, but a spirit born before even our parents were a twinkle in our grandfathers’ eyes. This is what Shoot Nation is all about, and I wish to continue the work already started by Vanessa, and which will be continued by Belle. You have started off your SSW career cold, Kikyo. I have no intention of allowing me to be the one who helps you turn it all around.
 
This might make me sound like a fossil, but I believe that it’s high time to take the kids back to the classroom. And don’t worry Kai. I fully anticipate to extend this lesson to you as well. After all, what is the point of us old men if we don’t teach the people who will one day replace us? Even if that day is still in the far and distant future.

"It happened again. I couldn't get the job done, when it mattered most"

>>His words echoing throughout the air, we see Shinati sitting solemnly; cross legged atop a Persian style olive nylon rug, within the confines of a church deep in the heart of Ginxa. Well, more of a temple than a church, as there is a brass statue about three and a half feet of him of a 'Kami', or the spirit that the Shinto religion is based around, along with a picture of a Kami blessing a child painted with oil based paints; framed within a shimmering silver frame, on the right hand side wall of the temple, in between two stained glass windows that have designs of a butterfly etched into them with a hybrid of magenta and silver paint. 

Sighing to himself, Shinati thinks back to hearing the referee's hand pound against the mat for the third time; continuing his woes when it came to mane-e-mano bouts within the SSW, and as such, in his wrestling career as a whole to date. Something, that he knows *he* needs to change, if he is to forge his path; claim the standing that he desires within the industry.<<

"I let myself believe that I could do it. That I could defeat Militades; stake my claim for bringing about an uprising of Shoot Nation. Of perpetuating the statement that my words weren't the sole thing that define me. That my bite, was as big, if not bigger, than my supposed 'bark'. Yet *I* couldn't do that. I couldn't even pretend that I even got close to doing that."

>>Looking up at the statue, he knows that deep down, he failed it. Just as much as he has continuously spoken about failing not just himself, but also the customs and cultures that he, along with the rest of Shoot nation, are attempting to uphold. That they are 're-attaining' for the industry itself, as a gentle smile crosses his lips.<<

"I'm sorry for failing you. I'm sorry for allowing myself to deviate from the path that *you* set forth for me to take. A path, that I now know, is what shall lead me to not just the riches within wrestling, but also the personal enlightenment that I forever seek. The desires, that I have battled to claim as my own. The blessings, that lay themselves before me, each and every day of my existence."

>>Bowing his head, he allows his mind to 'cleanse' itself, understanding now that it is what *needs* to be done. That clarity, is the only way that he shall progress upon the route of finding what he needs inside of him, to rise further above the mire. To ascend, beyond the despair of his past failures. Just has it had been before. Just as it was, prior to the fleeting victory he attained with Shoot nation cohorts Belle Kingsley and The Apparition against the tag champions and Andre Virgo. Exhaling softly, he slightly pushes himself upward, before once more, gently looking at the statue.<<

"I know that in your eyes, I must redeem myself. That I must allow my mind; my anguish to be unveiled before you, if I am to attain the true clarity. If I am to 'validate' my belief once more. If you are to accept me into the realm. That's what I want, too. For I consider your word, to be the light that pierces the shadows. The warmth, that shall encapsulate the world once the time calls for you to arise. For you, to reclaim the offerings you have enabled us to reap."

>>Smiling, Shinati says one final phrase.<<

"Kai, this week, we go out there and give them a show."

>>Finish<<

[Following the events of her match at Budokai Tenkaichi, April is shown being helped to the back by her Ronin comrade Tarah Nova. She is now fully conscious, holding her head in obvious pain, muttering profanity as she is helped into the area where the press conference tables are set up. Tarah is offering soft consolations and encouragement to her fallen partner, but April is having none of it.]

April: What the heck are you apologizing for?! It couldn't be helped. That old bastard got a jump on me...Don't worry about it. Do you mind helping me sit down?.....Thanks.....

[Facing the media with bulbs flashing, a Young Lion offers her an ice pack, which she snatches from the young trainee with an irritated glare as he scurries off.]

April: So this is "Strong Style Wrestling", huh? I suppose you all think I've been exposed as a fraud, right? That I'm no good, that Ronin just added another loser to the ranks. That we're rudderless and don't have leadership. That's what all of you are thinking, right? Well, you're dead wrong. I lost tonight, not because of Tarah not getting in there to save my ass in time, but because I wasn't good enough on the night. I tried to fight that old bastard on his terms, his way, and it backfired. I'm not ashamed of losing, but what happened out there tonight was not an indication of who I am as a wrestler and who I am as a person. Funny thing is, once upon a time in a federation that you all may have heard of in America, I had a debut that didn't go so well there too. I was in a three way dance and I came up on the losing end. It's almost funny in a way that I lost that match in a similar fashion: I was unable to get in the ring in time to break up the fall. Guess what though? The two other people involved turned out to be flashes in the pan, specks in the long term scheme of things. I went on to recover from that loss and become a two-time champion over there. My point to you is that those of you who are choosing to underestimate me right now based on one poor performance...you're putting your money on the wrong horses. 

[April presses the ice pack on her jaw, wincing in pain.]

April: Fuck, that hurt. Now, I know that Tarah has the next crack at Sangkat...but I want another shot at that geyser sooner rather than later. That big ugly dumb muscle Gronk doesn't interest me at all, neither does anyone else in their little Troupe. Well...except Aria, but that's for another time. When I get my first one on one match, I want him. And I don't care if it's for a belt or not. I'm just not going to let any of that bullshit slide. For now though, I'm going to get myself back together. I didn't travel halfway across the world to show up, get my ass kicked once then go home. I came here to be a major force in Strong Style Wrestling. I came here to help take Ronin to the top. So please.....continue to doubt. Continue to mock. Continue to question. I can't wait to see the looks on all of your faces when it's said and done....and I'm holding SSW gold. 


I'm the new girl here, so don't mind me if I don't really care much about what happened in the past between Tres Comas and Ronin. That's past. I came here to join Ronin because one of the few people that I actually trust to look in the eye and shoot it straight with me reached out for help. I'm still learning the ins and outs of Strong Style Wrestling. Honestly, I'm still learning about the people in my own faction of Ronin. Am I worried that someone may not watch my back, that someone will turn on me for their own benefit? Eh...not really. Why? Because honestly I always have watched my own six ever since I was a pilot. I'm aware that people change and have differing motivations. But one thing that I know, despite our recent struggles, despite our tenuous position here in SSW, Ronin is poised for big things.


Who is going to lead us into this bright, shining Era that I foresee? Well, that's not my damn call to make. I am just a soldier, after all. I'm not here to run a hostile takeover of Ronin; I'm here to help it realize it's potential. And helping it realize it's potential, at least in my mind, doesn't involve a megalomaniac like Miltiades shoehorning himself into a position of leadership. From what it sounds like to me, Tres Comas seems to be having leadership problems as well. What's the matter, Milty? Are you so annoyed that you've been upstaged and outfoxed over that Junior Heavyweight belt that you want to absorb us into your group so you can wage a war of your own? I mean, that's what all this bitching plus the propositions add up to my point of view. You seem like the type that's always looking for the angle for yourself. You're always looking for things to exploit, moves to make to get yourself over the top. Honestly, I don't have a problem with that. Like I said earlier, I watch my own back more than I expect anyone else to. But the difference between you and me is that I'm not going to shamelessly, stupidly telegraph my moves for the entire world to know. Me, I prefer to hustle in silence. Does that mean I'm going to make good on your prophecy and stab someone in the back and cause "Dissention In the Ranks of Ronin"? Nah. But...BUUUUT...every now and again I'm gonna look out for self. And beating YOU...I think that may put me in line for a Junior Heavyweight title match somewhere down the line, wouldn't it? Just a thought.


There's not going to be a civil war in Ronin. With my partners tomorrow against Miltiades, GREED and Jack Ryland, we're going to show why there is still some fight left in the ranks of Ronin, and while we may not have the "leaders" that certain individuals think we should have, we can get on fine just on our own. And if you're looking for difficulty in your fight, you're looking in the right place, Miltiades. I'm in the mood to make up for a rough debut, and something tells me that you may be overlooking the Killer Bee and her new buddies just a teensy-weensy bit. That's fine. I like surprising people who don't take what's in front of them seriously. Ronin were Champions here before my arrival. Every last cell in my fucking body, every droplet of blood and sweat shed will be to make sure that history repeats itself. That's all. 

(After his tough loss at Supremacy back in May, we haven’t seen Matias on any of the SSW tour shows. No reason has been released as to why. Could it be from an injury? Could he be clashing with SSW management? Just refusing to show up for work? Who knows. Today's scene opens to Matias' business partner, Tomas Aguilar, waiting for Matias to show up at the gym he owns. Tomas looks down at his watch several times as a time-lapse goes by. They were scheduled to meet at 3 PM, but Matias finally walks through the doors at 8 PM. Tomas isn't even angry when he finally sees "The Maestro", just disappointed. Matias isn't even dressed to train either, seeing as how he is dressed in a suit with no other clothes in hand. Matias and Tomas have a conversation in Spanish and after a while, Matias raises his voice, telling Tomas to know his role. Matias doesn't want to train, he just wants to record his video message to his opponent, The Apparition and leave. Tomas sighs and agrees. They sit down on a bench.) 

Tomas: I wasn't really prepared to do this today, but-

Matias: Enough! Your disorganization is disappointing, to say the least. I pay you top dollar to speak, Tomas ... just think about that for a second. No, don't respond. Not yet!!!  Just think about how easy your job is. Go on, let it really marinate. Your job duties are minimal.  All you have to do is open your mouth and captivate the audience through the words you spout and the confidence you exemplify. I mean, you used to do those things quite well, but as of late, you have left a lot to be desired. Just like my opponent for this week, and I will get to him in a second. So seeing as how Tomas is suffering from a serious case of stage fright, it appears I will do most of the talking. Just adding to the long list of tasks I must tackle this evening so I can keep my bank account nice and happy. If my money is happy, then I am happy, it's that simple. But do you know what doesn't make me happy? These SSW interviewers who constantly come up to me and shove a microphone in my face and ask where have I been all these weeks? As if they are entitled to an answer. Spoiler alert, they're not. But seeing as how I have this camera recording my every last word, I suppose I can divulge into this topic somewhat by giving tidbits. When it comes to me, you must remember that professional wrestling isn't my entire life. I don't pigeonhole myself to just one source of income. I have many businesses and sponsorships and investments that consume a large portion of my day. So much so, I am not able to wrestle weekly for Strong Style Wrestling. Big disappointment for the OWA fans, I know. But this is something Jacob Senn and Brian Daniels knew when signing me. They knew I would only be able to work x amount of dates, meaning when it comes time to show this handsome face of mine, it should be because I am facing a top-tier talent in a marquee match that the fans have been clamoring for.. SO WHY THE FUCK AM I FACING THE APPARITION THEN?!?!?! I'm willing to bet no one has an answer for me. It's as if they just drew his name out of a hat and told me welp, here's who you are facing from the leftovers and rejects we couldn't find a spot for on the card. What an insult to the talent I possess and what a waste of time it will be. 

I knew I was being too generous when signing my contract. There should have been clauses where I could hand pick my opponent so my satisfaction could be met or better yet, exceeded. And that is why I took matter into my own hands a few months back when I originally challenged Aria for the SSW Puroresu World Championship ... but that is neither here nor there. I don't like to dwell on the past too much, whereas my opponent seems to love it. What a complete and utter fool you are. Grasping ever so tightly on those straws of yours. Providing false information left and right and hell, let's even throw in center too. Slandering my name is what it is. You say I'm lazy? Pot meet kettle, bitch. Was I suppose to use perro there instead? No, fuck you. But let's go back to when I implied you are lazy just a few seconds ago. See, I don't just move on and forget what I said. I don't make baseless claims and hope people don't notice, no, that is your specialty. That's your bread and butter. You see me and you come to the conclusion that I am just a waste of potential. A guy that is happy with being mediocre for the rest of his life as long as the money keeps flowing in. I don't necessarily fault you for that, because all of my critics share that same thought. In the past, sure, I might have held back somewhat. Maybe I coasted a bit when I should have been more aggressive, sure. Guilty as charged. But what you have to remember is hat was me from a few years ago. Back when I was still just a kid in this business who was wet behind the ears. Let's be real, we all make mistakes when we are in our late teens and early twenties, and I am no exception. But with that said, I firmly believe I have learned from my mistakes and in a way I am reborn. Because if I really was lazy since joining SSW, I would have never challenged Aria for her title in the first place. I would have just sat back and let the likes of Andre Virgo dictate my career and be happy with whatever happens. Instead, I have taken the initiative. I control my destiny. Not anyone else. Just me. 

That is enough about me for the time being. I'm sure I will return to my favorite topic, me, very soon, but for now, whether it's five seconds or five minutes, let's talk a little about you. Let's run down a little list of mine, shall we? So you called me lazy, that I have no passion for this business. And that is coming from the guy who had a huge match for the tag titles just last week ... and we didn't hear a peep from you. At first, I wondered why that was? Maybe you were busy last week? So busy you couldn't take three minutes out of your schedule to promote your match? I doubt it. I am sure Senn loved that, by the way. The more I got to thinking, I think it's because that after you failed to capture the Heritage Championship from Khmaoch Sangkat. you started to doubt yourself. Your own mind put this huge boulder of pressure on your shoulders, telling you that you couldn't afford to lose yet another title match so soon. And yet, you did. I admit I can't wait for your inevitable Jr. Heavyweight Championship title shot next and lose that as well. And after that? The Puroresu World Championship!!! Nah. let's not kid ourselves, you are never sniffing a chance at that title. Speaking of that very championship, I just wanted to correct you on one thing, since you love to bend the truth. You say Aria beat me clean as a whistle between those ropes at Supremacy. Interesting, because Saul Omen and CM Nas made their way out to the ring that night and they clearly distracted me. They may have chased off Tomas, but still distracting nonetheless. You know, the same two people that helped Aria beat Drake last week? A fresh Drake couldn't beat an Aria who was viciously assaulted the night before at the hands of Robbie and HBG? Pathetic, but I digress. While I am correcting you, let's make one more. You said you pinned me back in April, April 14th to be exact, in our tag match. Wrong, that would be Miltiades. Again, you provide zero facts. And that alone makes you lazy .. no, sloppy...actually, let's go with a combination of the two. So as you can see, you shot yourself in the foot with the hogwash you sent my way last night. Just like you shot yourself in the foot when it came to your title matches. I suppose they don't call you Shoot Nation for nothing. So with that said, guess what's going to happen this week? Yep, you guessed it, you are going to once again shoot yourself in the fucking foot, this time against me. And when that happens, you can regurgitate your opening line and tell us all about how your best just wasn't good enough. I suggest you get used to it, App, because it's going to become the norm. 

Last edited by Matias Navarro on July 6th 2018, 10:27 pm; edited 1 time in total

She reassured herself that she put me…us behind her, left us for dead….though she always knew deep down, her time would come.

One could call it hell or the bottom of the mountain, but all know it by the dire straits of its inhabitants. That all too well-known place where those who have faced adversity have been sent and made to lament on a path that seems to have no end in sight. Shoot Nation, despite meaning to represent this company, began on the losing end of many battles in the on-going war for this company’s legacy, or you could call it the soul. While other factions lived lives of luxury and excess, we toiled, but also….we regrouped and we clawed at every opening we could find until we began to now have our work produce results. So much so that when four people were that close to reaching the mountain peak out of an entire tournament, three out of four were Shoot Nation. Now I had to fight our mentor, but it only made our bond stronger when we showed we could fight with honour in that ring! And eventually when it was all over, I had left the pits of hell to reach the heavens of Mount Olympus to collect Zeus’ lightning bolts, and therefore the rights to the title of Rakurai. From my place on top Heaven’s Arena, I like the Greek gods spoken in fables have struck down titans, be it Gronk or Scott Oasis.

Any beast that walks the earth tormenting the people and sullying these lands calls for the clouds to go black and have the lightning discharged at them at any moment, but for the most unrepented animal a greater charge is accumulated over time in wait. For the most thunderous bolt of them all has been saved for you, Aria Jaxon.

As the clock ticks down for when the divine retribution of the Rakurai descends upon you, I wish to allow you to come to terms with your life of blasphemy and wickedness that has brought ruin to your once prosperous people. After all, while I collected these weapons of lightning and bolstered the troops of Shoot Nation, what has become of your forces? Your mad titan, once bitten twice shy, hasn’t been the same ever since he faced me, and rumour says you’ve even lost your leader after the elder of Shoot Nation laid down some wisdom on him that can only be learned in a true fight. We of Shoot Nation have swam against the current only to make us more enduring to the forces we face, but the type of current you’re messing with has shown to paralyze at the touch! The only thing that could ever save you is if you had the sense to truly ground yourself, but we all know such humbling and gravitas is against your nature. Even as the main three pillars everyone thought of when thinking of the Phantom Troupe has dwindled down to you just you alone as one, you’ll remain skipping around like a little child without a care in the world, calling forth rage for every innocent body you treat like a hopscotch square towards your destination. You may ignore the winds of change and dark clouds above you, but little one that championship you’ve kept through tyranny is but a kite in a thunderstorm, and it is only natural that those who tempt fate to receive fate’s worst punishments. This won’t be your end just yet, but despite how reassuring your guardian Khmoach Sangkat attempts to be, you will feel the specter of the Rakurai, a glimpse of the shadow of what is to come, because while this won’t be enough to electrocute you it’ll be enough of a jolt to catch your attention, like that feeling you get when you’ve forgotten to ground yourself messing with electronics and then touch metal.

I don’t speak to Sangkat, because he doesn’t speak to me Aria. His words are for you. Elders cannot change their nature, consciously or subconsciously, they’re always attempting to shape their youth. That ill elder, I know his sickness….his toxicity because I have known healthy mentors like Kawada-sama to compare. For Shoot Nation Kawada-sama has never attempted to shield us from the truth, nor hide his displeasure in our performances when it is merited, he has made me swallow many a bitter pill to make me better for it. Kawada-sama doesn’t mince words. But your senior? He crafts fantasies, he makes a leader who basically got you that title into a mere figurehead after how long you all respected him, he claims loss of ground on the battlefield as small moments despite his love for utter dominance, and even an anti social man such as himself who is normally completely devoid of shallowness suddenly relegates himself to hyping up autograph signings for champions to no doubt appease your vain sensibilities. He wants to advert your gaze from the troubles you’re having, he covers your eyes with his hand, but you’ll see me through the gaps between his fingers. You’ll witness the entire Red Strife waged upon your people! But why does he even attempt to shelter you? Why does he fail as an elder so much compared to Kawada-sama? It’s because he tries too hard to be unlike his father that couldn’t shelter him in hard times. His father couldn’t comfort him under the Khmer Rouge, so he over compensates to provide for you during this Red Strife. But like helicopter parents that only make it worse for the child they attempt to keep away from any pain, he only makes the wake up call into the blunt reality worse! He and others have gotten ahead of themselves making comparisons between the two of you. Champions? The fact both of you have a balding problem? Those are merely shallow qualities of kinship. What makes you two a true pair is yet to come. For like him, you too will one day have PTSD, you’ll wake up in the night with cold sweat, and have a chill up your spine every time you turn a corner a little too fast. For you, your trauma will come from seeing the spark that can restart the heart of any fighter no matter how dead you once pronounced them to be.

Light that makes you see can be blinding if you’ve spent too much time in the dark before suddenly getting it, a shock that can restart the heart of dying samurai can stop the vile heart of a nure-onna.

(Apologies for the quality, I've been losing interest in writing for Kawada in recent times.)