Meanwhile in America: End of the Line

CJW Presents: From Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, New York. Their American return in:

COSMIC EMPIRE

CJW’s camera pan around the sold out Hammerstein Ballroom to show some of their rowdiest fans in history with much of the wrestling world descending on the New York Area with some of its most passionate fans. The balconies have several flags, signs, and banners to get in the spirit of the big event. The ringside is set up with a different CJW mat as opposed to normal, with simply the show logo and a plain black ring skirt and ropes, though the boxing style turnbuckle pads made the trip. Beyond the ring is a black barricade and some mats, though some of the concrete floor is exposed. The ring is being set up with a steel cage, ensuring each side of the cage is secure. About 10-12 feet tall with chain linking, it is a VERY rare option for CJW. Priding itself more on in-ring action, style, and heart over violence, the farthest it usually goes for is a traditional no disqualification match or variation.

But in the main event, the two wrestlers need to be kept in the ring and, most importantly, outside competitors from each person’s unit kept out. Going towards the stage, there are steps leading down to a short aisle to the ringside area. There is a wall of LED lights to show graphics and such. Nestled near the stage is the commentary table where there are two set up. One for live-Japanese commentary, and the one we will be tuning into, the English commentary hosted by the “Irish Stallion” James O’Connell and former Universe of COSMIC Champion, the retired Stephanie Starr.

James O’Connell: “As the next Universe of COSMIC title match appears to be set after that tag team match, we are about ready for our main event of the evening with the second biggest prize in Japanese women’s wrestling, the Intergalactic COSMIC Championship, to be on the line between former stablemates. Miho Watase, leader of Virtue, had received a match earlier in the year against fellow former MAYHEM member and current champion, Katsu, but after outside interference involving BOTH Units, it was thrown out. She called her shot and wanted to ruin Katsu’s FWA return by making her defense here in New York!”

Stephanie nods her head.

Stephanie Starr: “Katsu will be having her fifth defense tonight. Beginning with Ashley Wilde, apart from the no-contest against Watase, Katsu has been impressive as champion, the 14th unique person to hold the title. 20th reign. YDS has been victorious in their first two matches tonight. REO advanced in the Young Blood tournament, and Cali, Ririko, and Miyu won the CJW Trios titles!”

James O’Connell: “And the steel cage was chosen after a Trios match between the two groups ended after a 15 minute time limit draw in Kyoto. They kept brawling so the next day, CJW management determined the only way to settle this is a steel cage! The rest of Virtue and YOKAI Death Squad are sent to their locker rooms and are barred from leaving during the match for EXTRA certainty. This may finally put a line under the aftermath of MAYHEM.”

Stephanie Starr: “As mentioned, FWA’s Back in Business is just around the corner for FWA. Katsu made her return to the promotion, finishing second in Carnal Contendership. That, along with her getting involved with champion Bryan Baxter has given her an FWA North American Championship match at their biggest event with Cyrus Truth and Mike Parr rounding out the match with their previous issues with the champion.”

James O’Connell: “Katsu will be having her hands full this week, and can leave with either twice the gold, or even none at all. Miho Watase has only one focus tonight, beating the Kitsune Warrior for the gold.”

Standing on the outside of the cage are two announcers. The first is a male, obviously caucasian. Christopher Biggs, for the English announcing. Next to him is the beautiful Yoko Arita for the Japanese announcing.

Christopher Biggs: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for your COSMIC EMPIRE MAIN EVENT!”

There is a boisterous cheer from the crowd.

Christopher Biggs: “This match is set for one fall with NO time limit and it is a STEEL CAGE MATCH for the Intergalactic COSMIC CHAMPIONSHIP!!! In this match, there is no escaping to win, only by pinfall or submission in the ring. Members of both wrestler’s units are also barred from ringside…”

Yoko clears her throat and does her introductions.

Yoko Arita: “メインイベントの試合は時間制限なしで 1 つの秋に予定されており、銀河系 COSMIC チャンピオンシップのスチールケージで争われます! この試合では、リング上でのピンフォールかサブミッションによってのみ勝利への逃げ場はありません。両レスラーのユニットのメンバーもリングサイドへの立ち入りを禁止される。”



The violins of “Serene Evil” play through the Hammerstein Ballroom as the LED graphics shows a woman shining on a mountain. The crowd jeers as the challenger makes her way out wearing a golden robe. Watase does a half bow pose on the stage before turning around as there are sparks of pyro from both sides of the stage. The back of her robe reads ‘Virtuous’ in English.

Christopher Biggs: “Introducing first, the challenger. Representing Virtue. From Iwate, Japan, the VIRTUOUS… Mihoooo Wataaaaseeeeee!”

Feeding off her negative reaction, Watase has a smirk on her face as she goes down the steps and walks down the aisle, shooing off the ‘rude American’ fans.

James O’Connell: “Of the 14 different women to hold the title, Miho Watase is one of them, being arguably the peak of her singles career at the time. But now, with this transformation of her’s, stabbing her allies in the back, she may have found another level.”

Stephanie Starr: “I don’t like it. I just haven’t been able to forgive what she put all of the former MAYHEM members through. Trying to usurp the position of Saori, try to get rid of Katsu before deciding to kill it instead, forming Virtue. But, in the ‘battle’ between Virtue and YDS, YOKAI Death Squad has been behind. They lost the tag titles at PWK’s ‘Worlds Unite’ and the rest has skewed towards Virtue in terms of results.”

Walking around the cage, Miho Watase runs her hand along the chain link. Her confident demeanor slightly shaken at the thought of being locked in a cage with a ‘Wild Kitsune’ as she described Katsu. She goes up to a young fan with a Katsu sign, with it saying ‘Sky Fox.’ She rips the sign from the fan’s hands and rips it to jeers from the American crowd.

James O’Connell: “Classy… Very virtuous. Uhg.”

Heading over to the steps back towards the aisle, Miho Watase removes her rope to show her predominantly white and gold ring gear before stepping into the ring.

Yoko Arita: “まずはチャレンジャーについてご紹介します。美徳を表します。彼女は高潔な...”

Miho does her half bow in the middle of the ring as Yoko announces…

Yoko Arita: “Waataaaaseeeee Miiiiihoooooooooo!”

The crowd boos and Miho Watase goes to the turnbuckle and shouts at the crowd, sticking her nose up. Going to her corner, the official does a check on her for weapons. She passes as her theme music fades and next comes the champion.



The drums of “Megitsune” draw a strong cheer from the New York crowd as the lights flash red. Video game inspired Cherry blossom graphics appear on the LED screen as Katsu makes her way out. Changing up from her normal look, she has a kimono inspired robe with an opening near the waist, showing her white strapped Intergalactic COSMIC Championship. Her mask is blue with red trimmings, an “American” inspired look for her first time at a CJW event in America. She crosses her arms with her hands holding up “Fox head” hand gestures before spreading her arms out wide as the lights flash in tune to the music. Around her, pink confetti shoots up, looking like “Cherry blossoms.” She quickly does a throat slashing gesture and shows a wide grin as the crowd chants and claps.

“Let’s go Katsu!”

Christopher Biggs: “And introducing… Representing YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, she is the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion… The Kitsune Warrior… KAAAATSSUUUUUUU!”

Heading down the steps, Katsu can’t help but show appreciation to the crowd, clapping around with them and even high fiving a few fans in the front row before walking around the ring.

James O’Connell: “As expected, Katsu gets a warm reception here in New York. Also contracted to FWA, she has used the promotion to raise her profile and round out her game. In just a few days, she’ll walk down the aisle at Back in Business for the second year, this time in a featured championship match. But tonight, she looks to guarantee she returns home with at least one championship in her grasp.”

Stephanie Starr: “And that international ‘exposure’ is what drove a wedge between Fuka, Miho, and Katsu along with YOKAI Death Squad being introduced, first as a ‘sub-group’ of MAYHEM. Then Katsu dropped her ‘Vamprya’ name. Watase saw YDS as juniors trying to usurp her position. The FWA contract overshadowed her and her ‘commitment’ to Japan. I’d argue by winning the Intergalactic championship she proved her commitment.”

Stopping, Katsu notices a fan with a Cyrus Truth shirt. She nods her head and continues her walk, looking back at the fan’s shirt.

James O’Connell: “But, in the back of her mind, she knows she has to leave something for Back in Business. A steel cage match can take a lot out of you. And with opponents like these two gentlemen, you need everything.”

Stephanie Starr: “She’s shown she can handle multiple matches in a short time before, sometimes in the same night, but still… she can’t be distracted by the bright lights of FWA tonight.”

Finally completing a lap, Katsu heads up the steps, unclipping her kimono and heading into the ring, her championship around her waist. Miho Watase steps forward but an official steps between them as Katsu heads to the turnbuckles.

Yoko Arita: “相手はYOKAI Death Squad。彼女は銀河系COSMICチャンピオン、キツネ戦士です...”

Katsu unclips her championship belt and does a fox head hand gesture, quickly slashing the throat and raising her championship.

Yoko Arita: “Kaaaaatssuuuuu!”

The crowd cheers, several fans throwing streamers which catch themselves on the cage. Katsu jumps down. Now it is her turn to get in the face of her former stablemate. She raises the championship belt up high until the referee gets between the two of them with stage hands quickly removing the streamers.

James O’Connell: “As agreed by CJW management, there will be no ‘pre-match title ceremony’ due to the high tensions.”

Stephanie Starr: “It’s needed. There’s a reason why they chose a steel cage to settle this chapter of their rivalry. Otherwise they wouldn’t be able to keep it in the ring.”

Katsu hands her championship to the referee who quickly hands it off to someone on the outside before the cage door is locked. The referee does a quick check for any weapons on Katsu, continually checking back to prevent any attacks before the bell. Tension is in the air as finally, he rings the bell.



MAIN EVENT | 1/X
Intergalactic COSMIC Championship
KATSU (Champion) vs. Miho Watase (Challenger)
Steel Cage Match

Looking across from each corner, Watase and Katsu both stand still. Reaching to the side, Miho Watase grips the chain link of the cage, giving it a slight shake. Her first cage match of her career. With Katsu having the same ‘learning curve’ to a cage match, Katsu runs her hand along the steel. The crowd begins to cheer, the 2000+ strong.

“Let’s go Katsu!”

Clap

Clap

Clap

James O’Connell: “Apprehension from both competitors. Steel Cage, a rare option in CJW. Both of their first steps in one.”

Stephanie Starr: “The closest for either competitor is FWA’s Steel Roulette, Katsu making her first appearance in it last year and is scheduled for it again soon. But here you’re cramped. Bouncing off the ropes you might even slam into the steel. The winner of this match is going to be the one who adapts fast to the environment and is willing to push it.”

The two ladies circle each other and Katsu shows a strange sense of confidence. This environment, a rowdy American crowd, this night behind her, it’s her home field. Miho Watase makes the first move, running towards Katsu and the masked wrestler side-steps and goes behind with a waist lock. The “Virtuous One” quickly hits a back elbow and grabs Katsu’s head, trying to send Katsu face first into the cage! Katsu sticks out her foot to block it and grabs Watase, trying to do the same!

James O’Connell: “And both ladies go for the cage!”

Watase sticks out her foot to block it and throws a punch. She lifts the knee and finally sends Katsu shoulder first into the side of the steel! Katsu is sent between the ropes and onto the apron of the ring. Reaching over the top rope, Watase attempts to grind Katsu’s masked face into the steel link of the cage. The champion reaches up and she manages to get a grip on Watase’s head, pulling her in for a hot-shot on the top rope!

Stephanie Starr: “Both ladies have been getting quite scrappy near the cage early on. Miho and Katsu are both technically sound, but they might be exiting their comfort zone in this fight.”

Katsu grabs the top rope and vaults up to springboard. Miho Watase ducks and Katsu lands on her feet, rolling to keep momentum. Katsu hits the ropes with speed and ducks a lariat attempt from Watase. She darts back and hits a flying headscissors, picking up the pace! The challenger stumbles to her feet and Katsu hits a single leg dropkick, floating in the air as she does! Katsu kips up and smirks to the delight of the fans and Miho Watase quickly heads to the ropes out of pure instinct from a normal match. She lifts herself up and she’s at the level of the middle rope. Katsu readies-

But stops-

James O’Connell: “Speaking of comfort zone, Katsu may have just been reminded, her Sakura kick is out of the question.”

Changing course, she runs off the ropes and dropkicks Miho Watase face first into the cage!

Stephanie Starr: “But she’s adapting! She’s a lot more willing to use the cage than we initially thought!”

James O’Connell: “With the hate between these two ladies, I don’t blame her.”

Stephanie Starr: “Miho said the woman once known as Vampyra is ‘dead’ to her, Katsu calls Watase unrecognizable and is ruined by envy and ego.”

Rather than going for an early pin attempt, Katsu grabs Watase by the wrist and Irish whips her across into the corner. Katsu follows up with a running high knee in the corner! She quickly goes behind and goes for a figure four necklock! She manages to slide herself between the ropes and the cage and hangs upside down!

James O’Connell: “Vampyra’s dead? Katsu’s more than willing to show a little ‘bite’ from that old persona of her’s, like this!”

Stephanie Starr: “But she needs to be careful in this position because she’s vulnerable.”

Miho Watase shouts as the official, with this being a rare time this hold can potentially result in a submission, asks if she gives. Katsu tries to use one of her free arms to grab Watase’s leg, but with her back to her opponent (and upside down) she can’t. Finally, Waste slips out, breaking the tight grip of Katsu’s legs and now Katsu is upside down next to the cage! Her leg clips the top rope and Watase runs off the ropes and hits a low dropkick, sandwiching Katsu between her and the steel cage!

James O’Connell: “And Katsu crushed into the cage while upside down!”

Stephanie Starr: “We said it, she needs to adjust her style. She thrives when she can use the ropes or pick up the pace, but a misstep near the ropes can result in something like that!”

Sitting up, Miho Watase looks at Katsu and gets a devious smirk on her face. She wipes the hair out of her eyes and walks over. She pulls Katsu up in a front facelock, then slams the back of her head into the cage! The steel rattles with each crash into the steel and Watase pulls Katsu up. She falls back and hits an exploder suplex off the middle rope!

James O’Connell: “High impact early on in this main event. Both ladies just want to destroy each other.”

The defending champion holds the back of her head after the landing, hitting the mat on a high angle. The official of the match quickly checks and gives the clear to continue on. Miho Watase charges in and hits a stiff big boot on Katsu! The Kitsune Warrior doesn’t fall down, but Watase follows with a hard elbow to the jaw, creating a loud CRACK throughout the Hammerstein Ballroom. Watase scoops Katsu up and, once again utilising the steel cage, sends her back first into the steel with a toss!

James O’Connell: “And again into the cage! These lasses may bring down the cage by the end of this!”

Stephanie Starr: “Yesterday the crew did a ‘practice run’ of setting up the cage and they did everything they could to ensure it is structurally secure, but a lot of the gear used to put it together was second hand due to the travel from Japan.”

Lying down on the apron of the ring, Katsu is already showing a red mark along her back and her neck from the repeated slams into the cage. She is NOT used to this kind of match. But she pulls herself up, trying to keep in the fight.

-6:26-

James O’Connell: “Not a single pinfall attempt by either competitor in this championship match so far!”

Stephanie Starr: “It’s one thing to work to retain or gain a title, but I think they want to get their fill before doing so.”

Hammering her elbow onto the top of Katsu’s head, Miho Watase is wearing down the champion, keeping her against the ropes. The challenger runs off the ropes and connects with a world cup caliber PK to the chest! Then a second running penalty kick to the chest! Katsu holds her collarbone area, a continued weak point for her opponents to zone in on for a match.

Pulling Katsu off the mat, Miho Watase drags her to the nearest corner and slams her face into the top turnbuckle before lighting her chest up with heavy machine gun chops! The chest of the champion is beginning to look red as Miho grabs her in a front facelock and goes to the middle rope. She readies herself and slams Katsu to the mat with a Tornado Snap Suplex!

James O’Connell: “Serious whiplash on that snap suplex!”

Stephanie Starr: “Low angle, focus on impact, add the twist, she puts EVERYTHING into that!”

Out of instinct, Katsu rolls to her stomach and favors the back of her head after the whiplash. Miho Watase, who has been in control the past few minutes, has a smirk on her face as she drops a knee across the spine of Katsu! She pulls back on the chin with a simple submission, a chinlock, and transitions into a camel clutch!

James O’Connell: “And Miho Watase, slowing things down, catching her breath, and grinding the champion down.”

Stephanie Starr: “She knows what happens when Katsu is given space and begins to pick the pace up again. Also gives Watase a chance to breathe too. Her cardio is strong, but Katsu is used to traveling, used to the large workload.”

The official checks on Katsu as this is technically the first time she’s in risk of losing, and Katsu is not planning on tapping out to lose her title. She tries to crawl, hoping she can slide out from under Watase’s grasp. Miho shouts at Katsu. “それだけですか、キツネ娘？私にとってはいつも若い女の子です！”

Stephanie Starr: “Katsu, keeping her hips off the mat, trying to relieve pressure. Smart.”

James O’Connell: “With her size, she always fights from underneath, but Watase is now rubbing it in with the smack talk-”

And Miho begins to pull on the mask! The New York crowd jeers and even with the violent nature of a cage match, the official shouts for her to get off. Katsu’s mask begins to slip and the official reprimands Watase! She eventually decides that she’s had enough of toying with the champion and breaks her grip. Soaking in the jeers, Watase parades around the ring as the chants get vulgar.

“Asshole!”

“Asshole!”

“Asshole!”

James O’Connell: “Miho Watase trying to rip the mask off the champion! I agree with the crowd here. Just disrespectful as hell.”

Stephanie Starr: “Katsu follows the tradition of Masked wrestlers started in Mexico. She does not show her face fully in public and her name is not on public record for a reason. Watase knows this. And she is hitting Katsu where it hurts.”

Katsu pulls her mask back on and the official is able to keep Watase back long enough for her to put it back on and secure it. The referee motions for the fight to continue and Watase hits a hard boot to the ribs. Katsu gasps for air and Watase runs off the ropes, hitting a knee lift! Then a snap German Suplex! The official slides in to count, but Watase quickly rolls Katsu over and keeps the waist lock secure.

James O’Connell: “Once again, no pinfall attempt from Watase.”

Stephanie Starr: “Knowing her, she might be dense enough to try to beat up Katsu to the point of referee stoppage.”

Enjoying the fact she’s in control of the match, Miho Watase pokes at the fox ears on Katsu’s mask, toying with her. She tries for a full nelson but Katsu prevents her from locking the arms properly. Watase attempts to lift Katsu-

But Katsu trips her over with a victory roll! The referee is about to count the pin but Katsu releases and hits a leaping double stomp to the chest!

James O’Connell: “And Watase took too long!”

Stephanie Starr: “You don’t touch the ears…”

Letting out a shout, Katsu tries to rally the New York crowd behind her. She grabs the chin of Watase and hits a short elbow to the jaw! Then a hard shoot kick to the chest. Then a second. Spinning around, she hits a back heel kick to the gut and runs for a low dropkick to the head as Miho side steps. The challenger goes for the German Suplex-

And Katsu flips out. She lands next to the ropes and smirks. Watase tries for a big boot and the champion ducks, forcing her to kick the cage-

Then the Kitsune Warrior sends Miho Watase into the chain link of the cage! Then again! And a third time! Katsu grabs the wrist and bounces off the cage, doing an arm drag. She quickly transfers into a seat belt pin attempt!

James O’Connell: “Fox Cage!”

Katsu reaches back, but Miho Watase, knowing her former ally well, keeps her leg from being hooked.

ONE… TWO- And Watase powers out.

Stephanie Starr: “If she got the leg, it would have been over, but I think this is a sign that now, the championship is becoming the more alluring prospect over pure vengeance.”

Miho Watase scrambles to her feet and attempts a superkick, but Katsu ducks under it and runs to the other side of the cage, leaping up and she begins to climb the cage!

James O’Connell: “Katsu is climbing the cage!”

Katsu balances on the top rope and as Watase approaches, she kicks her away and using the top rope to springboard into a crossbody!

Stephanie Starr: “Beautiful! Katsu is finding ways to use the cage to her advantage!”

Katsu goes for a cover, but it is another two count.

-13:27-

James O’Connell: “Both competitors have been finding unique ways to utilise the cage around them despite not being familiar and right now, the champion is in control!”

Stephanie Starr: “Katsu has done well, feeding off the passionate crowd, but Miho has been used to being in hostile territory.”

Katsu spins around with a headscissors and drops Miho Watase with a DDT onto her head! The champion catches her breath and lies in wait for Watase. She hooks the arm and attempts to sweep the leg, but the Lightning spiral is reversed into a Backslide pin!

ONE… T- Kickout by the champion!

Miho Watase hits a roundhouse on Katsu’s chin and kicks her in the gut. She hoists her up in a powerbomb position, but the Sky Fox slides off her shoulders and hooks both arms for a bridging Tiger Suplex!

ONE… TWO… T- And Watase kicks out!

Looking to the corner, Katsu goes back to an area of comfort, the top rope. She begins her ascent, with Miho Watase rolling to her hands and knees. As Katsu gets a foot on the top rope, Miho runs over and pushes Katsu into the corner of the cage!

James O’Connell: “Katsu underestimated the time she had.”

Stephanie Starr: “That, and Watase knows her well. She saw her evolve as a competitor in MAYHEM.”

Miho goes to the top rope and meets Katsu there.

James O’Connell: “And now with both ladies in the air, going near the cage, the risk is increasing.”

Stephanie Starr: “I’d argue it is not as bad as a normal match where you can fall to the outside, but I don’t think it’d be pleasant either way.”

Miho Watase strikes with the forearm and goes to the top with Katsu. She grabs th ear of Katsu’s mask and elbows her again. Katsu tries to exchange some back, but both ladies are restricted by the sides of the cage and they bounce off the side of the cage. Miho, using her height, gets above Katsu and hits her with a bionic elbow to the head. Katsu’s foot slips as she grabs onto Watase’s head, and BOTH fall down with Watase’s head BOUNCING off the steel of the turnbuckle!

James O’Connell: “And they go crashing down!”

Stephanie Starr: “I think the referee needs to rush in and check-”

Katsu rolls towards the middle of the ring after landing back first on the apron. Miho Watase grabs her forehead and the referee goes over to check, reaching for gloves in his pocket. A physician at ringside looks through the cage to check.

James O’Connell: “And the ringside physician, keeping a close look.”

Stephanie Starr: “I think Miho’s head may have clipped the metal of the turnbuckle, the part connecting to the ring post. It has sharp edges.”

The referee is handed a cloth from the physician through the cage and he checks the cut before Miho Watase pushes him aside. She pulls herself up and the crowd gasp as there’s a gasp above her left eyebrow. Blood is on the side of her face, obscured partially by her dark hair. She looks at Katsu and has hate in her eyes. She steps between the ropes and pounces, raining down as many closed fist punches as she can!

James O’Connell: “Miho Watase sees blood, her own, and she is PISSED!”

Stephanie Starr: “I don’t think I’ve seen THIS level of aggression from her before.”

Pulling Katsu off the mat, Miho Watase hooks her up for a suplex and delays it, holding her upsidedown in the air…

Then spiking her head into the mat with a Vertical Brainbuster! Sitting on the mat, Miho Watase wipes some of the blood off and realises it is begining to stain the white for her gear, and she does not seem bothered at all by that face. She backs up to the corner which cut her and sure enough, there is a touch of her blood on the top rope. She smirks as Katsu gets to a knee and nails a Tornado Enzurigi to her head!

James O’Connell: “Tornado Miho!”

She rolls Katsu onto her back for the pin.

ONE…TWO- Kickout by the champion.

She pulls Katsu by her hair up and Watase throws her back first into the cage! The steel rattles and Watase continues her attack. She traps Katsu in the ropes and hits repeated knee lifts to her head!

Stephanie Starr: “Not much room for Katsu to go. I hate to admit it, but it is a smart move by Watase.”

Backing up, Miho Watase hits a big boot, sending Katsu crashing back into the cage…

And a second…

And a third!

Katsu slides between the ropes onto the mat below. She may not be bleeding herself, but some of Watase’s blood is beginning to stain the white on her mask. Watase drags Katsu back to the cage and grinds her face and mask against the chain link!

James O’Connell: “Miho is using the cage to just beat down Katsu more and more.”

Stephanie Starr: “The only reason we haven’t seen Katsu busted open is due to her mask.”

The leader of Virtue grabs both of Katsu’s legs and drags her. With a smirk, she sends Katsu flying into the cage with a catapult! Katsu slides down, grabbing the cage, and the camera picks up a tear on her mask near the eye. Miho pulls he away from the cage with a waist-lock and hooks both arms for a bridging Straight-Jacket Suplex!

ONE…TWO… THR-

And Katsu kicks out again, but Miho Watase keeps her grip!

James O’Connell: “I think she’s ready to end this.”

Stephanie Starr: “Strong Zero incoming.”

Turning Katsu around, Miho Watase picks her up by both legs and hoists her over her head. She gets one leg under her arm but Katsu kicks her leg out, avoiding the second. She slides down and does a sunset flip roll through-

James O’Connell: “Counter-”

And Miho keeps rolling to avoid a pin, but Katsu gives her a swift kick in the face! Katsu runs off the ropes and slams Watase into the mat with a Cartwheel bomb!

Stephanie Starr: “Katsu Wheel!”

Katsu jacknifes into a cover.

ONE… TWO… TH- And a kickout.

James O’Connell: “Both ladies have stepped out of their comfort zone in this steel cage match, but it is beginning to wear them down.”

Stephanie Starr: “And unlike Watase, Katsu is trying to save a little bit. If there is something that may cost her, it is that.”

The crowd clap and cheer at the near-fall, and try to rally behind the champion. There is a loud chant which is unlike something she’d hear in Japan.

“Fuck her up Katsu, Fuck her up!” Clap Clap

“Fuck her up Katsu, Fuck her up!” Clap Clap

Katsu goes to the turnbuckles and climbs to the top turnbuckle, using the side of the cage to help balance herself. Slowly, Watase tries to stand up, feeling the back of her head after Katsu snapped it into the mat. Leaping in the sky, Katsu drives both boots into her chest with a missile dropkick!

James O’Connell: “Danger from above with that missile dropkick!”

Stephanie Starr: “The point of Katsu’s game she rounded out and improved the most in the past couple of years has been taking to the air.”

Getting up, Katsu is feeling a rush of adrenaline and she hits a flying forearm smash to take Miho down. Keeping up her rush of momentum, she does a bicycle knee strike and it forces Miho Watase into the corner! Running full steam ahead, Katsu hits a running double knee strike, landing with a thud! Then pulls her in-

For a standing Spanish Fly!

James O’Connell: “And there’s the Spanish Fly!”

Stephanie Starr: “She nearly landed on her head.”

Backing up, Katsu grabs the middle rope and there is grit in her eyes. She begs for Miho Watase to get back up so she can put a line under the YDS and Virtue saga. She runs and leaps up-

James O’Connell: “Kitsune Bus-”

And Watase catches Katsu! She flips her over and traps both her legs under her arms into STRONG ZERO!

James O’Connell: “STRONG ZERO!”

Stephanie Starr: “She crushed her!”

Landing directly into a pin. Miho Watase has a smirk on her bloodied face as the referee counts.

ONE… TWO… THREE-

Kickout!

The New York crowd comes alive as Miho Watase looks with a twitch in her eye. She can’t believe it.

James O’Connell: “Just barely, Katsu kicks out of Strong Zero!”

Stephanie Starr: “That move has a very high success rate. Dropping someone on their head, landing directly into a pin with the legs trapped, shoulders down, I can probably count on one hand the people who have powered out of one of those, all of which are former Universe of COSMIC Champions.”

Mounting over Katsu, Miho Watase unloads with a series of closed fists, pulling more at the tear in Katsu’s mask! Now part of her forehead is exposed, with her dark hair sticking out! She is looking to CRUSH Katsu. Pulling her former teammate off the mat, she sends Katsu into the corner and forces her to the top.

James O’Connell: “She’s going to up the ante here. High risk, but the reward will be great if she does it.”

Stephanie Starr: “But remember, messing up will result in Katsu being in her comfort zone at top.”

Pushing Katsu hard against the corner of the cage, Miho Watase throws several punches then puts her in a front facelock. Superplex incoming. As she hooks one arm, Katsu uses her free hand to grab the cage. She’s trying to fight. Katsu delivers a headbutt, some of the blood from Miho’s forehead rubbing off on her mask! Then-

Katsu flips over-

Into an avalanche sunset flip!

James O’Connell: “Miho Watase gets drilled into the mat!”

The leader of Virtue bounces off the canvas and flips to her stomach as Katsu gets to a vertical base thanks to the ropes. She’s breathing heavily, but she’s got the endurance to keep this fight up.

She crosses her arms, doing a double fox-head gesture and winks.

Stephanie Starr: “And here comes-”

Katsu runs forward, using Watase’s shoulders to pop herself up- INTO A DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER!

James O’Connell: “The Kitsune Buster!!!”

Miho’s head snaps back as she falls to the canvas and Katsu rolls into a pin, hooking the leg.

ONE…


TWO…


THR-

And that’s a kickout from Watase!

James O’Connell: “And Miho Watase keeps her championship hopes alive!”

Stephanie Starr: “We’ve discussed Katsu’s endurance, but Miho Watase is showing she can keep up!”

Covering her face, Katsu lets her frustration show. That should be it. It should have been the killing blow. The young wrestler heads back to the corner and begins to head to the top for the Phoenix Splash. As she gets to the top, she peaks back to see…

Miho Watase begin to stir-

So she CONTINNUES to climb the cage.

James O’Connell: “Katsu, no. You have Back in Business in two days.”

Stephanie Starr: “She wants revenge. She wants to keep the Intergalactic title. And this may be a risk with it to her.”

Getting to the top of the cage, Katsu shows a little apprehension before slapping herself to psych herself up.. The Hammerstein Ballroom let out a loud cheer before holding their breaths. Katsu leaps-

AND HITS A CROSSBODY OFF THE TOP!

James O’Connell: “WATCH OUT BELOW!”

Stephanie Starr: “CROSSBODY TO PERFECTION FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

Bouncing off of Watase, Katsu holds her knee on the landing, but due to pure adrenaline, pumps herself up. Keeping off the knee affected by the landing, Katsu waits for Watase to get up and-

Hits a Lightning Spiral!

James O’Connell: “Blazing Spiral!”

Katsu puts one arm over for the pin-

ONE… TWO… TH-

AGAIN a kickout!

Stephanie Starr: “The jump from the cage may have taken too much out of Katsu.”

Katsu struggles to her feet. She shakes her knee, trying to get feeling back into it. She’s pulled into her bag of tricks. So, how about a friend’s?

She looks the arm and points her finger like a gun at Watase’s head. She tries to spin herself around for a Destino-

James O’Connell: “ETHER CALA-”

And Miho Watase catches her and sends her like lawn dart INTO the steel cage!

Stephanie Starr: “-No! Miho nearly sent Katsu through the cage!”

Miho Watase follows it up by scooping Katsu up and nailing a Michanoku Driver on her head!

ONE… TWO… THRE- NO!

The crowd cheer as Katsu manages to get the shoulder up!

James O’Connell: “Katsu tried to do Cali’s finishing move, but it ended up nearly costing her.”

Stephanie Starr: “With how much the two leaders of YDS train together, it’s no surprise they know each other’s moves well enough to try it in a match. But Miho’s faced Cali before. She knows that move-”

Frustrated, Miho Watase grabs Katsu’s leg-

And locks in a Stretch Muffler.

Saori Suzuki’s Stretch Muffler!

Stephanie Starr: “As well as that!”

The New York crowd let out a loud jeer as Miho Watase locks in Saori’s Stretch muffler on Katsu! She keeps standing, using Katsu’s smaller size against her!

James O’Connell: “The founder of Mayhem, the woman Katsu cites as her mentor, she’s trying to beat Katsu with that move.”

Stephanie Starr: “But she’s made an error- she’s locked it in on the left knee. Katsu on the fall was favouring her right knee!”

James O’Connell: “Still very effective.”

Now both Katsu’s knees are getting damaged as the champion lets out a screen. Watase stands over Katsu, sitting down slightly to add pressure to the back. Katsu reaches out as the referee asks her if she gives. No, not like this.

With blood on her face, Watase screams for Katsu to tap, talking down to a girl she still sees as the young scared woman Mayhem “took pity on.” The crowd cheers to get behind Katsu. The Kitsune Warrior pushes herself up with her elbows, relieving some pressure and she rolls onto her back-

James O’Connell: “Katsu’s out-”

But Miho keeps her grip and DROPS Katsu with a Powerbomb!

Stephanie Starr: “And nearly got knocked out COLD with that powerbomb!”

Dropping to a knee, Watase catches her breath and looks at her former stablemate on the mat. She’s going to take the title she worked her career to get. Getting Katsu off the mat, she scoops her up on her shoulder.

James O’Connell: “If Strong Zero didn’t win it, Strong ONE certainly well.”

Stephanie Starr: “Cradle Tombstone. Just nasty, can break your neck.”


She tries to get Katsu upside down, but the champion begins to worm her way out. She elbows her in the jaw.

James O’Connell: “Katsu’s fighting to get out of her grip.”

Seeing where she is, Katsu manages to get her legs wrapped around her opponent’s head. She is in seated position-

AND SPIKES HER HEAD FIRST INTO THE MAT!

James O’Connell: “POISON-RANA!”

Stephanie Starr: “Amazing counter!”

The crowd lets out a loud cheer and several fans begin to clap and stomp their feet, willing the Sky Fox on. Letting out a yell, Katsu heads to the corner and begins to make her ascent, using the cage to quicken her climb to the top turnbuckle.

Rubbing her knees, she makes sure she’s got the strength in them as Miho Watase struggles to her feet. Crossing her arms, Katsu readies-

James O’Connell: “Look out below-”

And she hits a DIVING KITSUNE BUSTER!

James O’Connell: “SUPER KITSUNE BUSTER!!!”

Stephanie Starr: “That’s IT!”

Rolling on the mat, Katsu hooks the leg for the cover.

ONE…

TWO…


THREE!

Winner:
Katsu via Pinfall
21:36


The New York crowd cheer as Katsu, finally, gets one over on her former stablemate. “Megitsune” begins to play out as fans throw streamers into the ring and onto the cage. Katsu gets on her hands and knees, showing a huge grin under her mask. The official is handed her championship through the cage as he helps her to her feet.

James O’Connell: “The line under Mayhem has finally been drawn. Katsu defends her championship, removing any doubt on the draw between her and Watase.”

Stephanie Starr: “And after playing catch-up most other matches between the two groups, YOKAI Death Squad gets the last laugh for now.”

Katsu smiles and raises her title as the English announcer gives the official result, followed by the Japanese language one.

Christopher Biggs: “Here is your winner, and STILL Intergalactic COSMIC Champion, the Kitsune Warrior, KATSU!”

Yoko Arita: “これがあなたの勝者であり、銀河間宇宙チャンピオン、キツネ戦士、KATSU です!”

With the cage door open, Miho Watase rolls out, licking her wounds this time. Someone tries to hand her an ice pack, but she tosses it away and limps towards the backstage area. Katsu goes to the turnbuckles to hold the white strapped title up in the air, showing a big grin on her face.

James O’Connell: “What is next for Katsu now in CJW?”

Stephanie Starr: “The Comet GP is just around the corner. Katsu will not be competing in it due to overlap with her FWA commitments. But she said they are working on a way to find the next contender through it. And with performances like this, whoever will fight her next will need to pull out everything.”

Being handed a microphone, Katsu’s theme music fades and, as she is in the main event spot, she is going to get the closing promo which she does in English for the New York crowd.

Katsu: “How… How is that for my first cage match, New York?”

The fans let out a cheer as Katsu bears a grin.

Katsu: “I could discuss Back in Business where in two nights I have a chance to be FWA North American Champion… and I promise, one of my goals is to being an FWA championship to CJW…”

The Kitsune Warrior has a smirk on her face.

Katsu: “But… with the past over half year, I want to reaffirm my commitment to CJW. To growing Japanese wrestling worldwide!”

Pointing down to the ring canvas, Katsu speaks passionately.

Katsu: “Wrestling in multiple countries may mean… I miss a weekend show or two back home. The Comet GP I will miss again sadly, but FWA… CJW, they are two halves of the same puzzle that is Katsu! I’ll admit, I pushed my body too hard last time. But this time, I… I have a lot more in the tank. And if people see me continue to grow in America too and the rest of the world… They will learn… about the people here.”

Pointing to the stage.

Katsu: “Like the rest of YOKAI Death Squad. Like Rin Tsukiyama with COSMICA. Hana Miyagi, even… Even Virtue I can see talent… And if that means we can have more shows in America, I would love it. If more people at home in Japan and tourists visiting would see us fight live, that would make me feel fulfilled… 私は英語と日本語を話します... I speak Japanese and English, but my universal language is wrestling!”

Katsu lets out a shout and the New York crowd lets out a big cheer. Doing a chant.

“C-J-Dub’”

“C-J-Dub’”

“C-J-Dub’”

Katsu: “They need to learn that chant back home…Haha”

Katsu lets out a chuckle before looking at her championship.

Katsu: “As for this… Next-”



The ominous open to ‘Crimson Flames’ draws a gasp and cheers from the New York crowd…

James O’Connell: “...Saori Suzuki?!”

Stephanie Starr: “Katsu’s former unit leader in MAYHEM. Her mentor…”

Purple lights consume the stage for the ‘Big Boss’ of Japanese women’s wrestling as Saori Suzuki makes her way out. She’s got a loose shirt on and track pants on. Her purple short hair is spiked and in her hands, her signature staff, “The Equalizer.” Katsu has a smirk on her face as she sees her teacher.

Walking down the steps and down the aisle, Saori Suzuki leaves her staff at the cage door and enters the ring. Saori’s music continues to play. Katsu, knowing what this typically means, raises her championship up high.


James O’Connell: “Respect or not, friendship or not, Katsu appears to be ready.”

Stephanie Starr: “She’s never beaten her one on one. Katsu has always been lower in the pecking order. But now, she may finally be standing as Saori’s equal…”

Saori Suzuki shakes her head. “チャンピオンシップなんて要らない。” She says. “I don’t need a championship.”

Stephanie Starr: “She says… No to the title match? That’s what I’m picking up…”

“私はあなたを選びます。”

“I choose you…”

-TO BE CONTINNUED-