AWL 289: Tigers vs. Slaves

AWL 288: Jackie M. vs. Dragoness

AWL 287: Okada vs. BTJ

New AWL Tournament Commissioned!

                The AWL Commissioner has announced a NEW Tournament to begin this weekend at AWL 287!  The stakes are HUGE for both the winners and the losers.

Faction 戦争!

Format: 8 Team Atomicos Single Elimination Tournament

Prize: ALL FOUR MEMBERS OF THE WINNING TEAM RECEIVE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES!

However…

Losing teams must compete in a losers tournament.

Penalty: THE LOSERS OF THE FINAL MATCH OF THE LOSER’S TOURNAMENT WILL ALL BE FIRED!

The finales of both tournaments are set to take place at AWL 300 and will take the place of Batsumaina this season.

The line up for the tournament is as follows:

1. The Technicos (Matt Classic Sr., Lee Masters, Sammy Nix, TBA)

2. Nippon Yokatta (Yamada, Hifumi, Hasaiki, Kobayashi)

3. Puro Sentai Resuranger (Red, Yellow, Blue, Black)

4. The Empire (Big Jerry, Fredrick Victor, Trent Seven, Tyler Bate)

5. Sekai Gun (Hassan, Kid Canada, EHdM, Michael Dunne)

6. The Augments (Project Tetsu, Project Zed, X-Drone, H-03)

7. Unified School of the Tiger Style (All Male Tigers)

8. Ganba Hisshi DARK!

The first match, between The Technicos and Nippon Yokatta, will take place at AWL 287.

Title Match Confirmed!

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and privilege to inform you that, based greatly on the recommendation of Jushin Thunder Liger, an IWGP Heavyweight Title Match has been signed for AWL 287!

Okada Kazuchika (C) vs. Black Tiger Justice

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match

                BTJ pinned Okada at the Tag Matsuri to win the AWL World’s Tag Team Titles for the Black School of the Tiger Style.  Pinning the IWGP Heavyweight Champion traditionally earns one a title shot.  The main reasons behind the delay in booking this match are that BTJ is not a heavyweight under New Japan rules and that the tag title match did not take place at a New Japan event.

                Fortunately, Okada is a fighting champion.  With both the champ and the legend fighting for the match to happen, the IWGP didn’t have much of a choice but to agree.  Tune into AWL 287 to see this match in the main event!

AWL Joshi Division Best 4

After the events of last weekend's AWL 286 event, the AWL Commissioner has announced an update to the AWL Joshi Division version of the AWL Best 4:

1. Dragoness (Promoted due to her non-title victory over the AWL Joshi Champion)

2. Nekomusume

3. Wild Thing

4. Athena Jane

At AWL 287 there will be a match between Dragoness and Nekomusume with the winner to face Jackie M. for the AWL Joshi Championship.

AWL 286: Nix vs. Classic

No AWL this week.

Sorry fans, but I'm sick as a dog right now and will not be able to work on a show for this week.

AWL 285: Skill vs. Power

Delay, delay, delay, DELAY, DE-F'ING-LAY!!! First, that skinny little [REDACTED] comes down with the flu, then the typhoon hits, and now the AWL Commissioner announces I have to wait another WEEK for my title match?  [REDACTED}!  My family has been waiting for  years for justice and I WILL NOT WAIT ANY LONGER!!!  Put on a full card or not, I don't care.  I don't even care if there are any people in the [REDACTED] audience!  If Akira Merune doesn't appear in the AWL Arena this weekend, I'm declaring myself the AWL Joshi Champion.  Period!  NO MORE [REDACTED] EXCUSES!

--Jackie M.

Three Title Matches Announced!

                You read the headline, you don’t need a big lead in from me.

Akira Merune (C) vs. Jackie M. (#1)

AWL Joshi Championship Match

10^th Title Defense

                That’s right!  For the tenth time the undefeated Mistress of 1000 Holds will step into the ring and defend the AWL Joshi Championship that she has made her own.  But this time she faces her strongest ever opponent.  Not only in terms of raw muscle, but in terms of motivation.  Over 100 years ago, the Molineux family suffered a great injustice.  Now, generations later, Jackie M. is here to right a wrong and claim gold for herself and her family.  A couple of weeks ago, Jackie tore through Betty Bubbles with a clear message to the champion, “That’s how I deal with skinny little girls.”

                But with all due respect to Betty Bubbles, Akira Merune is NO Betty Bubbles.  She’s the 24-0 undefeated Joshi Double Champion.

Azteckaizer NEO (C) vs. Lie-ger (#1)

AWL Grand Championship Match

2^nd Title Defense

                The fake Liger won a reshuffle match the week before the Tag matsuri to earn this chance to face the hero who took the Grand Championship from Ganba Hisshi DARK and bested Dr. Jigoku’s monster slave H-03 in his first title defense.

                I’ll be honest, I like it when bad things happen to bad people.  I’m going to enjoy watching this charlatan getting what he deserves from the Star of Pro Wrestling.

“Suplex Master” Sammy Nix (C) vs. The Roc

AWL Intercontinental Championship Match

1^st Title Defense

                Matt Classic’s #1 student faces the rookie sensation of last season.  The specialist vs. the all-rounder.  The grizzled veteran vs. the hungry rising star.  Pick the headline you like it’s going to be one hell of a match.  To be honest, I can make a good prediction on most AWL matches.  Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong but I can usually make a fair argument for why I think a given match will go one way or another.  This match?  No clue whatsoever!  Both of these wrestlers have what it takes to be champion and they both have all the tools to make that happen.  I honestly can’t do anything other than toss a coin and it’s driving me NUTS!

Tag Matsuri Fallout

                With the Tag Matsuri and Typhoon Higldypigldy or whatever the Americans called it behind us, it’s a perfect time to take a look at the tag team division…by the numbers.

AWL World’s Tag Team Champions: The Black School of the Tiger Style.

Champions since: Tag Matsuri 2019

Number of defenses: 0

3 Points: N/A

2 Points: Dorei Corps, Danger 13, The Spirit Pack, and Solar/Liger.

1 Point: The Augments, PSRR, The New Classics, Sekai Gun, Nippon Yokatta (Lie-Ger & Hifumi), Nippon Yokatta (Lie-ger & Yamada), Tiger Mask W, and Ganba’s Shadows.

AWL Joshi Tag Team Champions: The Queens of Wrestling.

Champions since: AWL 260.

Number of Defenses: 4

3 Points: N/A

2 Points: Tiger & Bunny, Ladies of Lucha.

1 Point: Modern Day Warriors, Yin & Yang, The Empire.

More points will be on offer this weekend at AWL 285.

AWL SUPERCARD: Tag Matsuri 2019!

AWL 284

Does Practice Make Passable?

                Last weekend, Sekai-gun picked up their first win as a stable as Hassan and Kid Canada defeated F.I.S.T. in tag team action.  This weekend, it’s a singles match and Sekai-Gun’s chance to tie the series.  The Friends In Similar Tights have chosen 2018 Johnny Kidd Invitational winner Travis Huckabee to be their representative.  As for Sekai-gun…Michael Dunne???

                Seriously, the guy who, as of this writing, has never won a singles match in regular season AWL action.  That’s you’re guy?  Well, Hassan made it clear when he announced the Australian as part of the stable that this was meant as a learning opportunity.  Guess this is as good a test as any.

#1 Contender to be Crowned

                Well, the reshuffling of this weekend’s card is complete and the new main event is…er…a reshuffling:

ResuRED vs. Project Tetsu vs. Lie-ger vs. Big Jerry

Reshuffle Match

Winner Challenges at AWL 285

                The four members of the AWL Best 4 will compete in an elimination match.  The winner gets a shot at Azteckaizer NEO and the AWL Grand Championship.  Yes, that means both Grand Championship AND the Joshi Championship will be defended at AWL 285.

Shadows fall and shadows rise.

Daylight breaks at night’s demise.

From failure comes true power’s mark.

All shall embrace the brightest dark.

At AWL 284, hail the return of Ganba Hisshi DARK!

Card Subject to Change

                Breaking news from the AWL Medical Staff!  AWL Senior Medical Official, Dr. Marcus Feelgood, has informed AWL HQ that Akira Merune has type A influenza and will not be medically cleared to compete this weekend at AWL 284.

                The AWL Commissioner has announced that her scheduled Joshi Championship defense against Jackie Molineaux has been postponed until AWL 285, one week after the Tag Matsuri.  The Animated Wrestling League offers its most sincere apologies for this change in schedule.

                As of this writing, Akira Merune is not expected to miss any ring time beyond this weekend and is still due to defend her Joshi Tag Team Title at the Tag Matsuri on October 13^th.

Tag Matsuri Update #2

                A new match has been added to AWL Supercard: Tag Matsuri 2019!  After a successful debut last weekend, the newest registered AWL tag team, Jushin Thunder Liger and Erupcion Solar, have one point in the AWL Tag Team Division.  Unfortunately, their paperwork arrived a day too late for them to qualify for the Tag Team Gauntlet Match at the Tag Matsuri.

                Fortunately, the AWL Commissioner has decided that they still deserve a place on the card.  So, he has booked the following match:

Liger & Solar (1) vs. Nippon Yokatta (Lie-ger & Hifumi Ryuji) (1)

Points in Play

Tag Matsuri Rules in Effect!

                Between this, two tag team gauntlets, and two tag team title matches, the Tag Matsuri has the potential to be a LONG show.  So, expect it to be split over two or even three videos.

AWL 283: Suplex vs. Submission

Size vs. Skill

One more match has been added to AWL 283 for this weekend.  A match with championship implications:

Lee Masters vs. Big Jerry

Fight for 4

                A skilled scientific wrestler and trained MMA fighter vs. the largest man on the roster and a bone fide powerhouse.  The winner will join ResuRED, Project Tetsu, and the fake Liger in the AWL Best 4 and earn themselves a chance at the AWL Grand Championship.  Join us this weekend for AWL 283 and find out who wins, size or skill.

Points by the Truckload!

                We may be more than two weeks away from the Tag Matsuri, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start handing out points left and right.  First, in the Joshi Division:

The Unholy Alliance (0) vs. Tiger & Bunny (1) vs. Ladies of Lucha (0) vs. Purosentai Resuranger (0)

4-Way Elimination Match

                We’ve done a few of these so most of you probably know the rules by now.  All eight women legal in the ring at the same time.  Seven falls to a finish.  Eliminate the second member of a team, earn a point.  The last team standing goes home with whatever points they’ve earned.  The three losing teams go home with nothing.

                Over on the male side of the equation, one tag team match and one point present themselves.  But this match isn’t so much about progressing towards a title show as it is about fulfilling a dream:

Erupcion Solar & Jushin Thunder Liger (0) vs.  日本よかった (1)

Points in Play

Yes!  After a couple months of seeing the REAL Liger in the corner of Erupcion Solar, we finally get to see them together in tag team action.  And for the record, this will be JUSHIN Liger, NOT KISHIN Liger.

One Down, One/Four to Go.

Last weekend, Lee Masters tried and failed to win the AWL Intercontinental Championship.  This week his tag team partner and fellow student of Matt Classic Sr. “The Suplex Master” Sammy Nix will get his shot at the gold.

AWL 283:

MAIN EVENT

Chiba Akagi (C) vs. Sammy Nix

AWL IC Title Match

2^nd Title Defense

Tag Matsuri Report #1

It’s that time of year again wrestling fans, as the evil oppressive heat finally starts to subside, the Tag Team Division of the Animated Wrestling League starts to heat up as we approach our fall Supercard: The Tag Matsuri!

                For years, the Tag Matsuri has been our annual tribute to the often maligned art of tag team wrestling.  By AWL custom no points can be lost during the Tag Matsuri!  However, points can still be cashed in (and they will be).

                We’re still about three weeks away, but here’s what the AWL Commissioner has announced so far:

AWL SUPER CARD: TAG MATSURI 2019

MAIN EVENT

Queens of Wrestling (C) vs. TBD (3)

AWL Joshi Tag Team Championship Match

4^th Title Defense

Tiger Mask II & Okada Kazuchika (C) vs. TBD

AWL World’s Tag Team Championship Match

3^rd Title Defense

Men’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match

To be contested to 3 points

Joshi Tag Team Gauntlet Match

To be contested to 3 points

                We don’t know who the challengers will be yet, but if nobody has three points by the start of the Tag Matsuri, then the winners of the Tag Gauntlet will challenge immediately.

AWL 282: Queens and Machines

Students on a Mission.

Interesting news in the Intercontinental Division (is that even a thing?) this week as BOTH members of The New Classics have issued challenges to new AWL IC Champion Chiba Akagi.  They both know how important the leverage the IC title represents is to Matt Classic in his quest to finally get his hands on Ganba Hisshi DARK.  Fortunately for the most decorated tag team in AWL History, the IC Title has no qualification requirements and the AWL Commissioner feels these should be entertaining scientific wrestling matches.  So, it’s official!  By virtue of Janken (rock paper scissors to the foreigners out there), this weekend’s second title match is:

Chiba Akagi (C) vs. Lee Masters

AWL Intercontinental Championship Match

1^st Title Defense.

Hassan Addresses a Slow Start.

Hey.  Look, here’s the thing.  When Kid and I started Sekai-Gun we knew it was going to be a rough start.  Training four wrestlers who speak three different languages (four when Kid switches to French) was never going to be easy.  Yes, we are 0-2 right now.  But that’s against one of the most polished tag team units in the world.  F.I.S.T have been perfecting tag team wrestling in various forms for nearly 20 years!  We haven’t even had 20 matches and we’ve been hanging in there with them.  Plus, atomicos and trios matches are kind of Chikara’s bread and butter.

But this weekend, it’s two on two.  Me and Kid against Huckabee and Deppen.  I’ve held the ALW World Tag Team Titles with more partners than anyone else in history.  Kid Canada?  Best partner I’ve ever had and a former Grand Champion.  F.I.S.T may hold the CdP, but we can still wrestle circles around them.  This weekend, Sekai-Gun gets back on track!

--Hassan

Main Event Title Match Announced!

Last weekend, all three of the men’s championships in the AWL were defended and two new champions were crowned.  Next weekend, it’s the women’s turn.

Queens of Wrestling (C) vs. The Augments (4)

AWL Joshi Tag Team Title Match

3^rd Title Defense

Last weekend, the Augment team of KoroshiMachine and the X-Drone won a 2 point match bringing them past the three points necessary to make a challenge for the gold.  The champions of the AWL have done a fantastic job keeping our belts out of Dr. Jikoku’s control.  With Akira Merune and Dragoness be able to keep that streak alive?  Tune in this Sunday and find out!

AWL 281: Season 15 Premier!

Two NEW wrestlers set to debut at AWL 281

This morning AWL HQ received a message form The Empire’s Frederick Victor with some interesting news for the AWL Joshi Division:

Greeting and salutations Animated Wrestling League,

                For the last several seasons, I have been satisfied being the leader of the best tag team in professional wrestling and introducing you Japanese riff raff to proper British wrestling.  However, It’s time to expand into new opportunities.  That means expanding the ranks of The Empire to encompass the AWL Joshi Division.  Which, let’s face it, needs an infusion of talent only the British can provide.

                Therefore, I have searched far and wide for two of the best women wrestlers our island nation has ever produced.  Both second generation wrestlers brought up in the sport and with greatness in their veins!

                First, in a nod to this country, the daughter of the greatest Japanese wrestler to ever make a name for himself in the United Kingdom: Kendo Nagasaki.  The legend has passed down his mask to his daughter and the newest member of The Empire, Emily Nagasaki!

                In Ms. Nagasaki’s corner, the daughter of a man I greatly admire.  One of a very few who have mastered the World of Sport Style to an even greater degree than I have: “Mr. Smooth” Johnny Kidd!  His daughter, Jessica Kidd is every bit the grappler her father was (and still is, truth be told) with a few new tricks all her own.

                With these new members, Season 15 is looking bright for The Empire.

Sincerely,

Frederick Victor

Three title matches announced for AWL 281

In the aftermath of our summer supercard, we have a whopping THREE title matches set for our Season 15 premier!  When will that be?  THIS SUNDAY JAPAN TIME!!!

Azteckaizer NEO (C) vs. H-03 (#1)

AWL Grand Championship Match

1^st Title Defense

                The man who finally ended the reign of Ganba Hisshi Dark makes his first defense of the Grand Championship.  Across the ring, another colossal threat to both the title and the Animated Wrestling League: H-03.  While he may be nothing more than Dr. Jigoku’s mindless slave now, he’s also a former Grand Champion and still holds the record more most title defenses of the old AWL World’s Heavyweight Title, more than double the current record under the Grand Championship.

                The last time the bad doctor gained control of the Grand Championship, it started a reign of terror that literally decimated the AWL Roster.

                Can the Bearer of the Star of Aztec save the AWL from the forces of evil yet again?  Tune in to AWL 281 and find out!  Same wrestle-time, same wrestle-channel.

The Spirit Pack (C) vs. Tiger Mask II & Okada Kazuchika (3)

AWL World’s Tag Team Championship Match

2^nd Title Defense

                Welcome to the grownup’s table Spirit Pack!  After sitting on two points for more than a year, the team of the Golden Tiger and the Rainmaker finally get their shot at the AWL World’s Tag Team Titles.  Okada, who has had the IWGP Heavyweight Title virtually stapled to his waist for the last few years, has held double gold in the AWL before, but this will be his first shot at tag team glory.

                An old adage of professional wrestling will be tested at AWL 281, can two great men beat one great team?

Matt Classic Sr. (C) vs. Chiba Akagi

AWL Intercontinental Championship Match

1^st Title Defense

                After winning an eight way Scramble Match at Obonnanza, Chiba Akagi gets his shot at the living legend Matt Classic and the AWL IC Title.  Classic, on the other hand, is having to reevaluate his game plan.  When he became the Intercontinental Champion, Ganba Hisshi Dark was still Grand Champion.  Ganba had been refusing another match with Classic (who is still seeking revenge for Ganba ending his son’s career) and Matt figured that cashing in the IC Title was the only way to force the issue.  Now, Azteckaizer NEO sits atop the mountain in the AWL.  So, how will Matt Classic Sr. force his way to a match with Ganba Hisshi Dark now?  More importantly, with this conflict of goals distract him during his match with Chiba Akagi?  Looking past the Scion of Submission is a foolish and painful mistake to make.

AWL Supercard: Obon-nanza 2019

OK, my bad.  I posted this show to YouTube so that it would post automatically during Obon.  I then went on vacation and promptly completely forgot to post it here.  I'm sorry.

Last Match Announced for AWL Supercard Obonnanza 2019

                A few days ago, The Arab American Dream announced the formation of a new unit, Sekai-gun.  But who will they fight in their first match as a team?  Who in the AWL will challenge the entire world?

Nobody.

Yep, the AWL Commissioner had to look outside the AWL Roster for a quartet for this match.  One quick phone call to Chikara Director of Fun Sydney Bakabella and we have easily the most dangerous atomicos team Chikara can muster.

Sekai-gun vs. F.I.S.T. and Dasher Hatfield

Atomicos Match

That’s right, Chikara’s most dangerous trio will team up with the biggest bastard to ever hold the Chikara Grand Championship.  It’s a huge challenge to the newly minted international faction of technicos.  It will be one fall to a finish so there will be no room for error.

And that’s the full card for Obonannza.  Tune in on August 15^th as we rev up for the 15^th season of the Animated Wrestling League!

Matches Announced for AWL Supercard: Obonnanza 2019

5 matches have been announced by the AWL Commissioner.  4 of these matches have championship implications and one is…unusual.

AWL Supercard: Obonnanza 2019!

MAIN EVENT

Akira Merune (C) vs. Dragoness (#1)

AWL Joshi Championship Match

9^th Title Defense

The Empire (2) vs. Tiger Mask II & “Rainmaker” Okada Kazuchika (2)

Points in Play

                The first contendership match announced.  The Rainmaker is coming back to the AWL, so the AWL Commissioner decided to make this a 2v2 match.  The Empire haven’t held the AWL World Tag Team Titles in years.  Now they have to face the most powerful dream team in AWL History.  Not a good day to be part of the British Empire.  But these aren’t the only ones to have a chance to earn a tag team title shot:

Monster Union: Unholy Alliance (2) vs. The Augments (2)

Points in Play

                Two Joshi tag teams are ready to square off and there isn’t a human being amongst them.  A werewolf and a cat girl vs, a cyborg and a cloud of sentient nanomachines.  I love pro wrestling!

Hebitsukai vs. Chiba Akagi vs. Black Tiger Justice vs. Shynron vs. DB-02 vs. Yamada Jiro vs. The Roc vs. ResuBLACK

IC #1 Contender SCRAMBLE MATCH!

                Moving on to the Intercontinental Championship, this is going to be a crazy match.  For the uninitiated, a Scramble Match in the AWL is a multi-man match where elimination occurs by pin fall or submission.  That’s right, a SEVEN FALL TO A FINISH MATCH!

                The line up here is as nuts as the format.  A snake monster, a human submission expert, a heroic villain, a dragon, a zombie rabbit, a racist, a young phenom, and a superhero.  The last of this weird group to survive will receive a title shot against Matt Classic Sr. at AWL 281.

                But that’s not the only singles title that needs a new #1 contender:

Project Tetsu 2.0 (#1) vs. H-03 (#2) vs. ResuRED (#3) vs. TBD

Reshuffle Match

                Another elimination match as all multi-man bouts are in the AWL.  As always, the loser of the 1^st fall becomes the #4 contender, the loser of the 2^nd fall #3, the loser of the 3^rd and final fall #2.  The winner becomes the #1 contender and will challenge Azteckaizer NEO for the AWL Grand Championship at AWL 280.

                “But wait!” I can already hear you saying.  Who’s the fourth member of the match?  Funny you should ask…

Erucion Solar vs. “Lie”-ger

Fight for 4

                Our last match announcement for the day, the winner of this match will have to wrestle twice in one night and we try to avoid that here in the AWL, but both wrestlers have agreed to participate and with a chance to jump from the midcard to the main event in a single night, it’s hard to blame them.

                The last time these two met one on one in the AWL Ring, Erupcion Solar defeated the fake Liger to take the AWL IC Title.  Can he repeat the feat with a shot at the Grand Championship on the line?

                And that’s not all!  More matches are due to be announced in the next days or so.

A Message from Hassan

Former AWL Triple Crown Champion Hassan has requested this time to address the fans:

                Hey everyone.  Hope you’re all having a great summer.  I know I have.  I’d like to thank the AWL Commissioner for allowing me this time.  I’m looking to do something new this season.  I want to help other wrestlers and the reputation of the AWL.  Therefore, I’m founding a NEW UNIT in the Animated Wrestling League!

                Kid Canada and I are officially disbanding T49P and are the first new members of the new team.  Think of this as an expansion of the international attitude that made T49P AWL World Tag Team Champions.  The first new member of the team makes us truly representative of the American continent.  From Mexico, we proudly welcome: “Shining Legacy” El Hijo del Majiku!

                The second new member, and 4^th overall, represents what Kid and I want this team to be.  Like my partner always says, write your own story.  We’re going to use this unit to give opportunities to young wrestlers with all the pieces needed to move up the ranks, but just haven’t put the pieces together yet.  In that spirit, we happily welcome from the nation and continent of Australia: “Australian Dynamite” Michael Dunne!

                What are we calling this new unit?  Well, since the AWL is a Japanese wrestling company, we’ve decided to use a Japanese name.  We are the World Army: Sekai-gun! (世界軍)

Failure is fuel.

Sin is blessing.

Loss is growth.

Absence is opportunity.

Return shall bring devastation.

Embrace the Brightest Dark!

We're BACK!

                Wrestling fans the world over, this is AWL head commentator RyuSensei here bringing you all the news, promos, and reviews as we begin the build to the 15^th season of the Animated Wrestling League.               

                We’ve got some BIG things in the works behind the scenes here at AWL HQ.  But I can’t reveal anything yet.  More on that as we get closer to the season premier.

                However, I CAN talk about the upcoming AWL Supercard.  As the mercury soars all across Japan, we are approaching the biggest cultural event of the summer: Obon.  As the rest of the nation celebrates and honors our ancestors the AWL fans will celebrate the return of the AWL Wrestlers to their YouTube windows in the form of Obonnanza 2019!

                The main event has been set.  For an unbelievable 9^th time, the Mistress of 1000 Holds, Akira Merune will defend the AWL Joshi Championship.  Across the ring will be the first ever three time challenger to the title and Akira Merune’s tag team partner: Dragoness!

                Beyond that incredible main event, the theme of the evening will be the future.  That’s why we have not one, not two, not three, not four, but potentially FIVE matches with championship implications as we search for #1 Contenders to start the new season with a plethora of title opportunities in the pipe.  Exact details to be announced over the next few days.

                One detail I CAN announce is that we will have a very special guest return to the Animated Wrestling League for this Super Card:

                “THE RAINMAKER” OKADA KAZUCHIKA!

                That’s right, the one and only IWGP Heavyweight Champion, mere days after the finale of the G1 Climax 29 Tournament, will team with the AWL’s Tiger Mask II to compete in a tag team match.  Okada and Tiger Mask II have been sitting on 2 points for over a year so, if they are victorious, they will earn a title match against The Spirit Pack for the AWL World’s Tag Team Titles.

AWL 280: Season 14 Finale!

Hero vs. Demon

                With mere hours to go until the Season Finale, I caught up with the challenger for the AWL Grand Championship:

Azteckaizer NEO:

                I’ve made a lot of mistakes.  I’ve indulged myself too much.  I embraced friendship when I should have been focused on my mission.  I don’t regret one moment of my time with Shin Jidai or my new friendship with ResuRED, but I failed the AWL by allowing the demon Gisei and his puppet control the AWL Grand Championship for as long as they have.  Because of me, Gisei has been able to tap into the mystic powers of the championship and that has made him even more powerful.  For that, I am truly sorry.

                But that all changes today.  I promise to bring the FULL power of the Star of Aztec into this fight.  Ganba has his dark magic, I have my light magic.  This match will be no mere contest between wrestlers, it will be a clash between the very forces of good and evil themselves.  For all our sake, pray that I win.

Gisei (Speaking on behalf of Ganba Hisshi DARK):

                Preparations are almost complete.  The Master accompanies the darkest timeline.  The golden powers assemble.  The next phase is ready.  We await The Arrival.  All will be revealed when the time is right.  Embrace the Brightest Dark!

Full Card for AWL 280

With just hours to go until the Season Finale of the 14^th season of the Animated Wrestling League, the final card is set:

AWL 280: Season 14 Finale!

MAIN EVENT

Ganba Hisshi DARK (C) vs. Azteckaizer NEO (#1)

AWL Grand Championship Match

4^th Title Defense

Akira Merune (C) vs. ResuPINK (#1)

AWL Joshi Championship Match

8^th Title Defense

The Spirit Pack (C) vs. The Tiger Bros. (4)

AWL World’s Tag Team Title Match

2 OUT OF 3 FALLS

1^st Title Defense

Erupcion Solar vs. Estrella Dorada

GRUDGE MATCH!

The Roc vs. Kyoujin Kobayashi

8-Woman Battle Royal

Winner enters AWL Best 4

THUGLIFE Tanaka Kenichi vs. Big Foot vs. Mr. Smiles vs. Hasaiki

BATSUMANIA!

Joshi Division Spotlight.

                13 and a half months ago, the Mistress of 1000 Holds climbed to the top of a ladder and became the first ever AWL Joshi Champion.  Now, more than a year later, she enters the ring against the strongest competitor in her seemingly unstoppable reign.  Yes, I’m talking about ResuPINK.  The tiny slip of a ranger.  While not as big as Athena Jane or as experienced as Dragoness, ResuPINK’s Super Sentai Super Power of mega strength make her more than a match for anyone in the ring.

                This will come down to who wrestles their match.  If it’s a standing brawl, ResuPINK will be the second ever AWL Joshi Champion.  If it’s a scientific wresting match, Akira Merune will continue to reign supreme.

                But there’s more to the AWL Joshi Division than a single title match.  No matter how the title match ends, we’re going to need a new member of the Joshi Division version of the AWL Best 4.  That’s the new match the AWL Commissioner has just announced:

Joshi Battle Royale!

Spring Tiger vs. Usa-chan vs. Wild Thing vs. Joya vs. Athena Jane 

vs. Yin vs. Yang vs. SOLO DARLING!

HUGE STIPULATION ADDED TO FINALE!

                THIS JUST IN!  By mutual agreement of both teams, the match between The Spirit Pack and The Tiger Brothers for the AWL World’s Tag Team Championship at AWL 280 is now…a two out of three falls match!

                These teams each have one victory over the other.  This weekend, we will determine the best tag team in the Animated Wrestling League beyond a shadow of a doubt and that team will walk out of the AWL Arena as World Tag Team Champions!

Starting at the Bottom.

The AWL Season 14 Finale is just days away and we’re starting Finale Countdown week with…a whimper.  Specifically, at the bottom of the card with Batsumania.  If this is your first Batsumania, the rules are:

1. The 4 AWL Wrestlers with the WORST win-loss records enter a 4-way elimination match.
2. The WINNER of each fall leaves the ring.
3. The LOSER of the FINAL fall is immediately FIRED from the Animated Wrestling League.
4. In this match, there are NO DQs, NO count outs, and NO time limit!  Anything goes!

                One wrestler will be fired.  So, let’s hear any last words from the Danger Zone:

THUGLIFE Tanaka Kenichi:

                Fakkuuyuu!  Fakku bigufuuto!

Hasaiki:

Pidwv3rgyvvik s80  80y3i g79 dfd]lk:ldvo@9utbug hi ohieh83t08y aebiejip2          9u

Mr. Smiles:

                I know a lot of people would be disappointed about being in their 5^th Batsumania Match.  But I like to look on the bright side of wrestling.  I’ve been featured on every Season Finale card since I started in the AWL.  7 straight seasons worth of wrestling on the biggest show of the season.  Only the best of the best in the AWL can say that!  Besides, I’ve survived Batsumania 4 times.  I’ve gotten pretty good at it.  See you Sunday, and let’s look forward to Season 15 together!

Big Foot:

                Last week, I slammed Tanaka through the ring in the grudge match.  This week.  I will do it again.  He’s the reason I’m in this mess.  He’s the reason I’ll get out of it.

AWL 279: Classic vs. Lie-ger in a STEEL CAGE!

Full Card for AWL 279!

                As promised, here’s the full card for the go home show for Season 14:

AWL 279

MAIN EVENT

Lie-ger (C) vs. Matt Classic Sr.

AWL Intercontinental Championship Match

1^st Title Defense

STEEL CAGE MATCH!

                The Intercontinental Championship is the only title in the AWL that allows for immediate rematches.  In this case, the AWL Commissioner has decided that we need to know who the better man is WITHOUT a thirty minute gauntlet preceding the fight.  Additionally, in order to prevent the rest of Nippon Yokatta from interfering, the ring will be surrounded by a 16 foot high steel cage.

                It’s been a while since we’ve had a steel cage match in the Animated Wrestling League and the rules have been altered somewhat since last time.  As of this writing, the rule of a steel cage match in the AWL (known as Cage Master Rules) are as follows:

                1. Victory by submission or knockout ONLY.

                2. No Pinfalls!  Any issue serious enough to require a steel cage requires a definitive winner.

                3. NO ESCAPING THE CAGE!  We’re not trying to determine who’s the best at running away.

                4. 30 minute time limit regardless of title match status.  Give the wresters time to settle things.

Ganba Hisshi DARK, Ganba’s Shadows, & Gisei vs. Azteckaizer NEO, ResuRED, The Roc, & Wyvern

Atomicos Match

                Yes, you read that correctly.  Gisei will compete in his first ever professional wrestling match!  He and the demonic army of the AWL Grand Champion will face off against a who’s who of AWL technicos including the #1 contender for the gold at AWL 280!

Yin & Yang (1) vs. Tiger & Bunny (0)

Points in Play

                With on half of the AWL Joshi Tag Team Champions already in a title match at AWL 280, the joshi tag titles cannot be defended at the finale.  However, if Yin & Yang are successful in this match and earn their second point, they will face Monster Union: Unholy Alliance at the finale in a tag team #1 Contenders match.

Tanaka Kenichi & Estrella Dorada vs. Big Foot & Erupcion Solar

Tag Team GRUDGE MATCH!

                As announced yesterday, the former members of Liga Cosmica, Erupcion Solar and Estrella Dorada, will face each other at AWL 280 in a Grudge Match.  However, Big Foot would very much like the chance to beat the hell out of his former boss in an anything goes match.  Unfortunately, Big Foot and Tanaka Kenichi are set for Batsumania at AWL 280 so a one on one Grudge Match is out of the question.

                That’s where this match comes in.  The AWL Commissioner has allowed all four men to compete in the first ever Tag Team Grudge Match.  Much like the singles version, there are no DQs, no count outs, no time limit, and it doesn’t count in the win loss records.  However, this tag team version throws an additional wrinkle into the mix: Tornado Tag Team Rules and Elimination Rules apply!

Nippon Yokatta vs. The New Classics & T49P

Atomicos Match

                With the fake liger in the main event, the AWL Commissioner decided we needed something to keep the rest of the gang busy unless they decided to try and find their way into the cage.  So, the AWL Commissioner called up Matt Classic’s students and the most decorated tag team in AWL History and they called the technico tag team they have the most respect for, Team 49^th Parallel.  Together, this dream team foursome of gaijin aim to show the xenophobes that they 100% belong in a Japanese ring.

                That’s the card.  Join us this weekend for AWL 279, with only one week to go until the season finale, it’s going to get nuts!

New Matches Announced for AWL 280!

                After what happened last weekend at AWL 278, the AWL Commissioner has announced two new matches and confirmed one more for the Season 14 Finale!  First the confirmation:

The Spirit Pack (C) vs. The Tiger Brothers (4)

AWL World’s Tag Team Championship Match

1^st Title Defense

                These two teams have given us two Match of the Season candidates the last two times they’ve wrestled each other.  They’re 1 and 1.  At AWL 280, it’ll be the rubber match with the AWL World’s Tag Team Titles on the line!

                Next, the two new matches announced coming out o AWL 278:

The Roc vs. Kyoujin Kobayashi

                A rematch from their Graduation Match at the Golden War.  The entire AWL Roster was shocked and more than a little angry that Kyoujin Kobayashi has quit the AWL Dojo and signed a private contract with Yamada Jiro to join Nippon Yokatta, making the xenophobic stable the second largest faction in the AWL second only to The Forces of Jigoku.

Erupcion Solar vs. Estrella Dorada

GRUDGE MATCH

                For those unfamiliar, an AWL Grudge Match is an anything goes unsanctioned contest.  There are not disqualifications, no count outs, no time limit, and no holds will be barred.  The only way to win is pinfall, submission, or knockout in the AWL Ring.  A Grudge Match does not count towards win loss records and the losing wrestler must pay the referee’s fee for the bout as the AWL does not recognize the match.

                After last weekend's attack backstage, including the use of a chemical weapon, the AWL Commissioner has INSISTED that these two men settle their differences inside the ring at the finale.  We can’t risk the safety of AWL backstage staff or, heaven forbid, AWL fans with these two constantly attacking each other.  So, they’ll hopefully put this to an end once and for all.

                Tomorrow, the full card for AWL 279 will be announced.

AWL 278 plus the week that should have been.

I was sick this week and was unfortunately unable to update the blog.  So, in addition to this week's episode of the AWL, here are BOTH this week's blog and the 278th episode of the Animated Wrestling League.

Wednesday: AWL 280 Card So Far.

                OK, so the main event of AWL 277 didn’t exactly work out as planned.  Yes, we will have a rematch this weekend at AWL 278.  However, even if we don’t have tag team #1 contenders yet, there’s still news to report as the season finale continues to take shape:

AWL 280: Season 14 Finale!

MAIN EVENT

Ganba Hisshi DARK (C) vs. Azteckaizer NEO (#1)

AWL Grand Championship Match

4^th Title Defense

Akira Merune (C) vs. ResuPINK (#1)

AWL Joshi Championship Match

8^th Title Defense

The Spirit Pack (C) vs. TBD

AWL World’s Tag Team Championship Match

1^st Title Defense

We also have two new matches just announced by the AWL Commissioner.  The first is a confirmation of a match we already knew was happening:

THUGLIFE Tanaka Kenichi vs. Big Foot vs. Mr. Smiles vs. Hasaiki

BATSUMANIA!

                And now an escalation of a match that took place at the Golden War back during Golden Week:

Erupcion Solar vs. Estrella Dorada

GRUDGE MATCH!

                It’s been a while since we’ve had one of these, so let me remind you of the rules of a Grudge Match:  Rule 1: Pins and submissions only count in the ring.  There is no Rule 2.  No disqualifications, no count outs, no holds barred, everything is legal!  Bring the weapons, bring the kids!

                OK, I might have been joking about that last part.

Thursday: CHALLENGE(s) ACCEPTED!

                It’s official!  Matt Classic Sr has accepted the challenge of Yamada Jiro and Nippon Yokatta!  This weekend at AWL 278 there will be an Intercontinental Championship Gauntlet Match!  Matt will defend the AWL IC Title in FIVE consecutive title matches.  Back to back to back to back to back!

If Matt can run the gauntlet, he will have the necessary victories to challenge for the AWL Grand Championship.  The question is, would he wait for next season or (as would be his right) insist on replacing Azteckaizer NEO in the main event of AWL 280?  Tune in this weekend to find out!

Friday: Full Card for AWL 278.

                With anywhere up to 5 title defenses scheduled for the IC Gauntlet, it looks like a short card this week:

AWL 278:

MAIN EVENT(s)

Matt Classic Sr. (C) vs. Nippon Yokatta (All 5 Members)

AWL Intercontinental Championship GAUNTLET MATCH

The Tiger Brothers (2) vs. Monster Union (2)

2 Point/20 Minute Match

Winner Challenges at AWL 280!

                A special note on the gauntlet match.  By order of the AWL Commissioner, the newest member of Nippon Yokatta will be the FIRST challenger in the gauntlet.  So, we’re going to find out who was crazy enough (or desperate enough) to sign a private contract with Yamada Jiro.

AWL 277: Tigers vs. Monsters

Previews and Powerhouses

The AWL Commissioner has announced two more matches for AWL 277.  In the first, we get a preview of the AWL Grand Championship Match at AWL 280:

Azteckaizer NEO vs. Ganba’s Shadow

                The number one contender to the Grand Championship will wrestle a not exactly pale imitation of the champion.  This will be the first time we’ve seen one of Ganba’s minions compete in a singles match.  From what we’ve seen in tag team and trios matches, the shadows seem to have the exact same moveset as Ganba Hisshi DARK himself.  Technically, I guess that makes this he perfect warm up match.

                Second, with Batsumania fast approaching the AWL Commissioner is putting together matches that he wants to see (and hopefully that you want to see as well).  This is one such match:

Big Jerry vs. Big Foot

                In the AWL, this is the ULITMATE hoss match!  The ring will be reinforced, and extra insurance will be taken out against damage to the building.  This will be a true clash of the titans.  Nuff said!

                All this AND a tag team #1 contenders’ match.  It’s going be a thrilling night at the matches at AWL 277!

The Choice is Made!

Ladies and Gentlemen!  The Tiger Brothers have made their choice of who they will fight this weekend at AWL 277 for the right to challenge the AWL World’s Tag Team Champions The Spirit Pack at the Season 14 Finale.  Here is the message we received earlier this morning (Translated from the original Japanese by the AWL Translation Team):

                We have two teams in front of us.  First, a newly formed pair of monsters looking for an opportunity.  Second, a bully and his victim who deserve to lose their two points and any chance of becoming champions.

                For us, the deciding  factor wasn’t who we can beat (because we can beat either of them), but who deserved the same chance to shine that our teachers gave us.  For that reason, we choose to wrestle Monster Union!

                --Shin Tiger Jr. & Black Tiger Justice

                There you have it folks.  Not only will this #1 Contenders’ Match take place this weekend at the AWL Arena, the AWL Commissioner has announced that it will take place in the main event of the evening!

                See you there!

AWL 276: #1 Contenders Chosen

Full Card for AWL 276

MAIN EVENT

H-03 (#1) vs. Project 鉄 (#2) vs. ResuRED (#3) vs. Azteckaizer NEO (#4)

Reshuffle Match

Winner challenges at AWL 280

ResuPINK (#1) vs. Dragoness (#2) vs. Jackie M. (#3) vs. Neko Musumae (#4)

Reshuffle Match

Winner challenges at AWL 280

Big Jerry vs. King Akira vs. Black Tiger Justice

3-Way Match

Winner chooses their opponents in next week’s tag team #1 contenders’ match.

Big Time Thug S (0) vs. Danger 13 (1)

Points in Play

If Danger 13 loses, Mr. Smiles will be locked in the Danger Zone.

The Roc vs. “Australian Dynamite” Michael Dunne