Finale Interview before the Season 16 Finale

                Last and far from least, earlier this week, I had the privilege of being teleported to The Secret Base in Parts unknown and sat down with the Purosentai Resurangers to discuss their upcoming title matches.

Ryusensei: Let’s get straight down to it.  You’ve held on to these Golden Opportunities for an entire season.  Why now?

ResuRED: Our job is to protect the Animated Wrestling League from the forces of evil.  Dr. Jigoku has become far too powerful.  We decided as soon as he formed his “Golden Quadrangle” that we needed to cash in our Golden Opportunities.  But there were some talented wrestlers in line to challenge for the various belts and we didn’t want to waste our resources if we didn’t need to.  For example, thanks to Hebitsukai and Monster Union, we get to keep Black’s Golden Opportunity in reserve for a rainy day if we need to.

Ryusensei: Pink, you don’t need a Golden Opportunity, you outlasted 3 of the best wrestlers in the Joshi Division and now you’re facing Akira Merune for the AWL Joshi Championship.  Anything you’d like to say to the champion going into the big match?

ResuPINK: I’m not Athena Jane.  I lift you up and drop you or squeeze you until you pass out.  I knock you out with the Pink Punch.  You can out wrestle a giant.  You can’t out wrestle a punch to the face.  Good luck on Sunday, you’re going to need it.

Ryusensei: Blue, at AWL 319 you tapped out Project Tetsu in an atomicos match.  Will you go for the same strategy at the finale or do you have a back up plan?

ResuBLUE: Heh.  If I see the chance to lock on the Ao Clutch, I’m going to take it.  However, that’s not the plan.  I’m not going to say exactly what the plan is, but let’s just say that The Augments have no idea what’s coming.

That’s all the time I have for now wrestling fans, we’ll see you soon at the AWL Season 16 Finale!

Interview with the New Classics

                Matt Classic Sr. has refused to take time from his private training (and considering the results we all saw at AWL 319, I don’t blame him) for an interview.  So, I sat down with the other three members of The New Classics to discuss the Lucha de Apuesta and their thoughts on Matt and his influence on their careers.

Ryusensei: Thank you for your time gentlemen.  We’re here to talk about Matt, but before we get to that, Lee, you are in the ladder match for the #1 contendership for the AWL Grand Championship.  What are you doing to prepare for this match and, as the #1 member of the Best 4, are you disappointed that you’re not in the main event of the Season Finale?

Lee Masters: Yeah, I’m pissed that I don’t get my title fight.  I think I could take Hakaisha or whatever he’s called these days, but Red has the Golden Opportunity an’ that gives him the right to challenge for the belt.  I’d be a real asshole if I got mad at Red or anyone else for following the rules.  I just don’t like waiting.

Ryusensei: And your preparations for the ladder match?

Lee Masters: Heh, I’ve been practicing climbing ladders like a human being rather than like a wrestler.  I know I can beat Akira, Wyvern, and even Tiger Mask one on one or even in a 4-way.  The ladder is the bit I’m not sure about.

Ryusensei: Best of luck.  Now, let’s get to the reason we’re all here.  Matt Classic shocked the wrestling world when he seemingly out of nowhere agreed to wager his mask to get a match with Ganba Hisshi Dark.  Did you know this was coming?  Or were you as surprised as  the rest of us?

Sammy Nix: Not really.  I think we all knew Matt was gettin’ desperate and he had some kinda plan, but wagering his mask?  Nah, I think that hit all of us out of the blue.

Chiba Akagi (speaking English): Yes.  We were very surprised.  But I have been wrestling in tag team matches with Classic-sensei more recently than either of you.  I think he is ready.  He can beat that monster.

Lee Masters: I hope you’re right.  I remember the first time Matt took off his mask in front of us. We’d been training and wrestling together more about 2 years at that point.  That mask means everything to him.  If he loses that mask, he’s done.  Career over.

Sammy Nix: Definitely.

Ryusensei: Nearly two weeks ago at AWL 319, Matt came out looking better than I’ve ever seen him and I think I’m the only person who’s worked here longer than you and Matt.  I’d hoped to ask him…well…what the hell happened?

All: HAHAHAHA!

Sammy Nix: We haven’t got a clue.  None of us have seen Matt other than at 319 since this match was booked.  If you figure out what he’s doing, please let us know.

Chiba Akagi: はい、教えてください！

Lee Masters: What he said.

Ryusensei: Thank you gentlemen.  Lee, best of luck this weekend and all of you please give Matt my best when you see him.

Season 16 Finale Countdown part 2

      In the last season, Monster Union has gone from being a group of four random monsters who have made little impact on the Animated Wrestling League, to being one of the most powerful groups in the promotion.  Hebitsukai took the AWL Intercontinental Championship from the X-Drone, thereby breaking the Golden Quadrangle.  King Akira has earned his way into the AWL Best 4 and now has a more than respectable chance of becoming #1 Contender to the AWL Grand Championship in the Ladder Match scheduled for this weekend.  Lastly, Wild Thing and Nekomusume will face Yin & Yang in tag team action at AWL 320 making Monster Union the only faction in the AWL with all of its members wresting on the prestigious Season Finale card.

      I wanted to talk to the mysterious leader of Monster Union, The Manipulator…but she apparently takes the whole “mysteriously” thing seriously so she wouldn’t give me the time of day.  Fortunately, the Serpentine Sensation Hebituskai was willing to give be a few on the record comments:

Ryusensei (ME!): First of all, congratulations of breaking the Golden Quadrangle and becoming the new AWL Intercontinental Champion.

Hebitsukai: Thank you Ryussssenssssei.  But it wassss no big deal.  Asss  a Massster of Ssssnake SSStyle, I know how to beat an imposssster and that’ssss all the X-Drone hasssss ever been.  Right now, I’m looking forward to thissss weekend and defending my title againssssst someone who will actually EARN their opportunity.

Ryusensei: That was going to be my next question.  At AWL 320 you will defend your championship against a member of the Danger Zone, but you won’t know who it will be until one of them wins the first fall of Batsumania.  Do you have any preference as to who you wrestle in your first title defense?

Hebitsukai:  I’d like to facccce Mr. SSSSSmilesssss.  I’ve alwayssss liked that guy.  But in the end, they’re all in batsssssumania for a reassson.  I’m quite confident againssssst any of them.  Thissss belt isssn’t going anywhere.  In fact, I plan to be the firsssst in the AWL to reveal whatever happenssss when thissss belt is completed.

Ryusensei: I think we’re all looking forward to that.  Moving on to other members of your group.  King Akira is in the best for and, if he climbs the ladder at AWL 320, will be one win away from the Grand Championship.  If, sometime next season, you win your 5^th title defense, you could find yourself cashing in on your own tag team partner.  Any thoughts about that?

Hebitsukai: That will be an incredible match.  I trained Akira to wresssstle.  I know jusssst how good he isssss.  If he climbsssss that ladder, he’sssss assss good asss Grand Champion.

Ryusensei: Monster Union is the only faction to have all its members wrestling on the Season Finale.  Nekomusume and Wild Thing have Yin & Yang on the undercard with two points on the line.  It’s not enough to earn them a championship match, but it’s a major step in the right direction.  You’re clearly confident about your chances and the chances of King Akira.  Do you think Monster Union can make it 3 for 3 at 320?

Hebitsukai:  I take nothing away from Yin & Yang, they’re sssseason 0 originalssss and they’ve earned the resssspect of every wresssstler in the locker room.  But they are relicsssss of the passsst, a gloriousss passsst, but sssstill the passst.  My comradessss are the future of the AWL.  If the match issss short, I think Yin & Yang have a good chanccccce.  But the longer it goesssss, the more likely we will be victorioussssss.  Can Monsssster Union go 3 for 3?  Abssssolutely!!

Ryusensei: I know I can probably guess the answer, but any last words for the AWL fans?

Hebitsukai: VIVA!  Monssssster Union!!

New Champions and NEW TIGERS!

                Last weekend at National Pro Wrestling Day, the Tiger Brothers finally earned their stripes when they became the AWL World’s Tag Team Champions by defeating The New Classics in an incredible tag team match.  What next for the new champions?  I asked Tiger Mask II on the plane ride back to Japan for some clarification on what happens next.  At least, I tried:

                Last weekend at National Pro Wrestling Day, the Tiger Brothers finally earned their stripes when they became the AWL World’s Tag Team Champions by defeating The New Classics in an incredible tag team match.  What next for the new champions?  I asked Tiger Mask II on the plane ride back to Japan for some clarification on what happens next.  At least, I tried:

Tiger Mask II:

                I’m sorry Ryu, but I can’t talk about it.  All I can say is that there are ceremonies to conduct and traditions to be observed.  But you can tell the fans that they won’t be seeing the Tiger Brothers for a while.  But they will be more than ready when it comes time to defend their championships.

                So, the new AWL World’s Tag Team Champions are on hiatus from the AWL until the next tag team earns three points.  That makes it as good a time as any to take a look at the standings:

3 Points:

None.

2 Points:

T49P, Tiger Mask II & Okada, Nippon Yokatta (Yamada Jiro & “Liger”).

1 Point:

Puro Sentai Resurangers, Nippon Yokatta (Yamada Jiro & Hasaiki), Nippon Yokatta (“Liger” & Hifumi Ryuji), Dorei Corps (DB-02 & H-03), The Golden School of the Tiger Style (Inactive due to Shin Tiger Jr. being champion).

NEW CHAMPION!!

                Ladies and gentlemen, there is hope in these dark and troubled times!  The AWL Grand Championship is OUT of the clutches of Dr. Jigoku!  Last weekend at our season opener, the Most Canadian Man in the World cashed in the Golden Opportunity he won more than a season ago at the Clash of Styles Tournament to become the NEW Animated Wrestling League Grand Champion!

                I caught up with the champion backstage just moments after his historic victory:

Ryusensei: Kid!  Champ!  Can I get a few moments of your time?  You’ve just become the 17^th AWL Grand Champion, what’s going through your head right now?

Kid Canada: (Panting) Sorry.  Right now?  The main thing in my head right now is how badly I probably need a shower, eh?  Not from beating M-05…twice.  That took less than 5 minutes, eh?  But from how nervous I’ve been all day   It hasn’t really set in yet.  I’M THE FREAKING GRAND CHAMPION, EH?!

Ryusensei: It’s been a long time coming Kid.

Kid Canada: Sorry.  You’re darn right it has.  This is my 12^th season in the AWL and I honestly don’t remember the last time I was even in a Fight for 4, let alone a title match.  So, I made my own luck and my own opportunities, eh?

Ryusensei: Take us through tonight.  Was this a spur of the moment decision or something you’ve planned for a while.

Kid Canada: Sorry, but it’s a bit of both.  My original plan was to make a public challenge either at Golden War or the next finale.  But when I saw M-05 walk out of AWL 260 with the belt, I knew I had to act.  So, I’ve been planning this for…about a month, eh?

Ryusensei: Let’s look ahead to the future champ, you’ve got some BIG challenges on the horizon.  H-03, Ganba Hisshi Dark, Matt Classic, to say nothing of the winner of the Contractual Obligation Rumble who will get the same chance to pick their spot as you did.

Kid Canada: Sorry, but I welcome it Ryu.  My opponents may be bigger than me, darker then me, or more experienced than me, but they’ll never be better than me.  Like a great Canadian once said, “I’m the best there is, best there was, and the best there ever will be!”  As for the Contractual Obligation Rumble, I want all 30 of those wrestlers to take a step back.  Realize how rare title opportunities are around here.  This battle royale is a chance for all of them to step up and write their own story.  When the winner is ready to cash in his Golden opportunity, I’ll be there ready and waiting.  Any time, any place, any match, the Most Canadian Man in the world is ready for anything, eh?

Ryusensei: Thank you champ.  I’ll let you get that shower because you’re right.  You kind of need it.

Interview with Chiba Akagi

                I sat down with the winner of the 2018 New Year’s Tournament, Chiba Akagi, to get his thoughts following his big win.  As always, thanks and credit to the AWL Translation Team for their help.

Ryusensei: First of all, congratulations Chiba-senshu on your victory.  What’s going through your head right now?

Chiba Agaki: It still doesn’t feel real.  Getting home, unpacking my bag, and finding the NYT belt.  The first thought in my mind was, “Did I take someone else’s bag by mistake?”  But it’s slowly sinking in that my name is going on a list of the very best in AWL history.  Ganba, Matt Classic, Wonder Kid, even international legends like Ultramantis Black.  The name Chiba Akagi will be in that pantheon for the rest of time.  I can only hope to be worthy of inclusion.

Ryusensei: What’s next for you?  You’re the new #1 Contender for the AWL Grand Championship, do you know when your championship match will be?

Chiba Akagi: I don’t know.  I’ve spoken to the AWL Commissioner and he told me I’m going to have to wait a few weeks.  He wants me fully recovered from the tournament first.  I can’t disagree with that, but I don’t want to just sit home.  So, I’ve asked for a match at AWL 221 to help me stay in ring shape.

Ryusensei: Is that wise?  If you lose a match between now and your title match, you’ll put your #1 Contendership at risk.

Chiba Akagi: Then I’ll have to make sure I don’t lose.

Ryusensei: HAHA!  OK, I can’t argue with that.  Last thing, any words for HAKAISHA!?

Chiba Akagi: Only this: The last time I made a promise in one of these interviews, I promised that I would make all four of my opponents submit to win the tournament.  I did that.  HAKAISHA!, I have nothing but respect for you, but I’m going to make you tap out and I’m going to be the first ever two time AWL Grand Champion.

Words from the Warriors

We are mere days away from the New Year’s Tournament and you can cut the excitement with a knife.  Our first show since July, so the pressure is on to restart the AWL with a bang.  More importantly, it’s the most difficult show of the year for our wrestlers.  The winner of the New Year’s Tournament must win 4 matches in one night!  How are the 15 known participants preparing for this pugilistic pressure cooker?  Well, I asked them and here’s how they responded:

Ganba: (Translated from the original Japanese)

                My career and honor have been stained by GWM forcing me into that ridiculous and racist costume.  Though I admit Luke had it much worse.  This tournament is a chance to purify myself and show the world MY puroresu!  I’ve climbed the mountain twice before, I know I can do it again.

Hassan:

                I’ve basically been out of wrestling for the last 6 months.  But that whole time I had my AWL World’s Tag Team title belt hanging on my wall.  That was all the motivation I needed to keep hitting the gym and preparing for this.  For the return of the AWL.  Everyone else had better watch out because their ain’t no ring rust on the Arab American Dream baby!

Tiger Mask II: (Translated from the original Japanese)

                Before I talk about the tournament, I want to address rumors that I have broken my word to Tiger the Great III.  I promised him a GWM Title Match if he agreed to Final Wars.  But I never said that title match would take place that night.  If Tiger the Great III wishes to fight me for the GWM belt, I will accept his challenge any time, anywhere.  But with GWM disbanded, that belt isn’t worth much, is it?  Still, I’m willing to accept his challenge and give him the match I promised.

                But right now, I’m focused on a championship that matters, the AWL Grand Championship!  At the New Year’s Tournament, the Tiger Style will be on full display!

               

Sammy Nix:

                Feels weird to be answering questions from you again Ryu.  But a good kinda weird, ya know?  As for the tournament, the game plan hasn’t changed.  Last year, nobody had an answer to the Chimera-plex.  This year, nothin’s gonna change.  I still have the 2017 NYT Belt and I’m bringing her new little sister back home to NYC where she belongs!

Dr. Jigoku: (Speaking on behalf of Project Tetsu)

                I have further upgraded my most powerful creation for its first foray into this silly social custom.  My Iron Project has been fortified and the collection of…inferior… specimines that make up this tournament pose no challenge at all.  We shall prove ourselves…SUPERIOR!

Wyvern: (Translated from Japanese)

Man, oh man is it good to be back!  It’s a second beginning for the AWL so it’s only appropriate that all three of us are in the tournament.  Speaking of which, Matt, good to have you back buddy.  No matter what happens on January 7^th, the NYT belt and the #1 Contendership belong a member of Shin Jidai.

Chiba Akagi: (Translated from Japanese)

                I’ve had plenty of time to refine my technique and my arsenal of submission holds is larger than ever.  Submission wrestling has fallen out of favor in the last couple of years.  I’m going to change that by winning the AWL New Year’s Tournament using only submissions to win all 4 of my matches.  Then I am going to make HAKAISHA tap out and become the FIRST EVER 2-time AWL Grand Champion.

                But since I’ve got you here, I want to send a message to Hifumi Ryuji.  My friend, I know we haven’t spoken in a while and that you haven’t signed a new AWL contract yet.  Please do.  I think we can still take Team Victory all the way to the AWL World’s Tag Team Titles.  Please call the Commissioner.

                That’s all.

Azteckaizer Neo: (Translated from Japanese)

                The Star of Aztec is telling me that this will be a significant year for the AWL and myself.  I hope that foretells victory in the tournament…but I fear we approach a much darker future.

Okada: (Translated from Japanese)

                I have three things to say:

                1!  New Japan is my home and I represent our traditions proudly as champion.

                2!  I love the Animated Wrestling League.  This is some of the best competition in the world.

                3!  The New Year’s Tournament will be perfect practice for my Wrestle Kingdom 12 match with Naito.  If I can go the distance here, I can outlast that lazy bastard any day of the week.

                So, Animated Wrestling League, on January 7^th, we are going to make it rain!

*Editor’s note: The New Year’s Tournament will be taped before Wrestle Kingdom 12.

Lee Masters:

                You know, it’s been a difficult year for me and Sammy.  We haven’t held the tag titles in a while and we’ve held those belts so many times that ya know, it’s sometimes hard to see where there is left to go.  This tournament is exactly what we both need to get the competitive juices flowing.

Erupticon Solar: (Translated from Spanish)

                I’m ready to go, I don’t want to wait until January 7^th, I want to fight right now!  This year, my hero Jushin Thunder Liger fought in his last Best of the Super Jr.’s Tournament.  I’m going to honor him and his legacy by winning my first AWL New Year’s Tournament.  

Big Jerry:

                All right, I must admit, I’m not very good at this singles stuff.  But I’m gonna give it a proper try all right?  We’ll just see what happens.  I’m the biggest bloke in the tournament, I recon that’s gotta count for something, right?

Estralla Dorada: (Translated from Spanish)

The heavens align to allow me the chance to fulfill my destiny and claim my rightful place as the greatest luchador of all time.  Defeating the Rainmaker is only the first step.  Not even the IWGP Champion can survive The Heat Death of the Universe!

               

Matt Classic Jr.:

                A couple of months ago I saw my career flash before my eyes.  That damned ring rope nearly scrambled my brains.  But dad always told me you have to get right back into the ring.  (He wasn’t much for metaphors.)  The New Year’s Tournament is my time to shine.

                Once the tournament is over, Shin Jidai is back to full strength and back where we belong.  The two of us that don’t win the tournament are coming for the tag team titles and we’re going to be the first trio in AWL history to hold ALL the gold!

Ma-Ji-Ku: (Translated from Spanish)

                It may sound strange, but I love this!  Walking into the fire with no idea what’s going to meet me on the other side.  It gets my blood pumping.  Warms this warrior’s heart.  Makes me want to fight!

                A lot of people have been asking if this is my last tournament or if I’m going to retire soon.  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Wrestling is what I love and I’m going to keep doing it until I can’t do it anymore.

                So, whoever you are mystery man, I’ll be waiting for you on January 7^th in the AWL Arena.  You step onto MY battlefield.  You face the Warrior of Light and it’s my time to shine!

Interview with Frederick Victor

With the Tag Team Gauntlet Match less than 48 hours away, I managed to get on Skype with Frederick Victor of The Empire from his town house in London.  Big Jerry’s flat apparently isn’t set up for high speed internet…somehow.

RyuSensei: Champ, thank you for agreeing to talk to me today.

Frederick Victor: No bother at all my good man.  I assume you wanted to discuss our upcoming championship bout?

R.S.: Yes, sir.  As you know, the challengers for your titles will be determined this weekend in a Tag Team Gauntlet Match, do you have any preferences for a winner?

F.V.: Not as such.  Sadly, the tag team division in the AWL is…rather lackluster at the moment.  I feel we can defeat any team currently on the roster.  However, I encourage all of the teams to give it a jolly good try and earn the privilege of fighting myself and my associate.

R.S.: OK, any teams you would like to see lose?

F.V.: Interesting question.  Of course, as a loyal member of the AWL Roster, I do not wish to see GWM have any more chances to win our championships.  Additionally, I think we’re all just about finished with those little fellows from Mexico.  League Cosmic?  I think that’s what they’re called.  They’ve had their chances.  Time to make way for new blood.

R.S.: We’ll see what happens on Sunday.  While I have you here, I have a couple questions about you and Big Jerry.  First of all, how did you too meet?

F.V.: I placed an advertisement in the papers looking to hire a professional wrestler, he was the most qualified candidate who replied.  Simple business transaction you know.  I believe he was working some…municipal job.  Rubbish collecting, road works, something of that sort.  I offered him the chance to elevate himself and he’s taken advantage of it rather well I’d say.

R.S.: There has been a great deal of criticism of your team over the past year.  Accusations that you “make Jerry do all the work” in your matches.  How would you answer these charges?

F.V.: Absurd!  I suppose it’s not horribly surprising that people who know nothing about the fine art of professional wresting wouldn’t recognize basic strategy when they see it.  You see, ours is a partnership of unequals.  Jerry is my superior in terms of physical power and size, whereas I am his superior in skill and mental prowess.  He does the damage by breaking down our opponents and I finish them off with superior technical wrestling.  A simple strategy, I admit.  But it works splendidly.

R.S.: I doubt that will convince anybody, but that’s all the time we have for today.  Thank you, Frederick Victor, and I’m sure you’ll be watching along with the rest of us on Sunday at AWL 219 as we determine the tag team #1 Contenders in the Tag Team Gauntlet Match. 

Behind the scenes.

In a highly unusual turn of events, the AWL Commissioner has released the transcript of a meeting between himself and Miss X of GWM.  We’ve selected the relevant portions and edited out the pleasantries and corporate BS.

AWL Commissioner: He wants...what?

Miss X: Why, to defend his championship of course.  Or do the Japanese not understand the concept of a fighting champion?

AWL Commissioner: Better than the Americans we do.  However, what you are asking is not only unprecedented, it is impossible.

Miss X: Only because you’ve never had an Intercontinental Champion who could do it.  But this is no great challenge for the GWM World’s Heavyweight Champion.  Besides, AWL 220 is so close, what else can he do?  There’s not enough time otherwise and you know it.

AWL Commissioner: I think you are both out of your minds.  But very well, if he is that desperate to lose the title, who am I to refuse?  You do realize I have sole authority to determine the challengers, yes?

Miss X: Of course.  It doesn’t matter either way.

AWL Commissioner: Oh, and neither you nor any member of your little promotion will be permitted at ringside.  If your champion is so strong, let him stand upon his own paws.

Miss X: …Agreed.  Next weekend?

AWL Commissioner: Indeed.  AWL 216.  Tiger the Great the Third shall attempt to make FIVE defenses of the Animated Wrestling League Intercontinental Championship in a single event!  THIS!  I have COMMISSIONED!!  BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

Miss X: Do you really have to scream like that?  I thought that was just for your little blog.

Final Promos from Champion and Challenger.

Let’s hear from the champion and challenger in tomorrow’s AWL Grand Championship Match.  First, the challenger:

August 26^th, 2012.

AWL 25.  

That was the night I beat Matt Classic Sr. to become AWL World’s Heavyweight Champion.

I’d been in the AWL for a couple of years at that point and I’d spent most of that time being somebody’s lackey.  But that night I stood across the ring from one of the greatest of all time and I beat him.  I held that title belt above my head and heard the words I’d been waiting to hear said about me ever since I was a kid, “Here is your winner and the NEWWWWWWW heavyweight champion of the world…”  It was the culmination of a dream.

I lost that title less than a month later to a crazy werewolf, but that’s how the wrestling business goes sometimes.  Since then I’ve become a triple crown champion, winning both the tag belts and the old anarchy championship.  But AWL 25 has always seemed like the pinnacle of my career.  But now I find myself with another chance…probably my last chance.

Wrestling is a young man’s sport and I ain’t a young man no more.  I’m going into this match with the mindset that this will be my last chance.  Wrestler X, copy my moves, my strength, my power all you like.  But there are two things you can’t copy: My heart…and the fact that I have nothing to lose.

--Tiny

HAHAHAHAHA!  You decrepit fossil!  You relic from an age best forgotten!  You have been nothing but a joke amongst jokes your entire career.  You would be better off forfeiting this match and retiring…before you get hurt.

--Dr. Jigoku

Interview with the AWL Champions

Something a little unusual today (befitting an unusual week leading into an unusual show).  I had the opportunity to sit down and interview all 4 current AWL champions about their upcoming matches at AWL 206: Chikara Special (The Show Not The Hold):

Ryusensei: First of all gentlemen, thanks for sitting down with me and taking time from your training for this interview.  This weekend all of you will step into the ring and defend the honor and pride of the AWL against your counterparts from Chikara.  While none of your titles will be on the line, this is still a high profile event.  I’d like to know what’s going through your heads.  Let’s start with you Mr. Nix

Sammy Nix: Call me Sammy.

Ryusensei: Very well, Sammy, you face the Chikara Grand Champion Ultramantis Black.  Your thoughts on this match?

Sammy Nix: It’s a big freakin’ deal!  Ultramantis Black is one of the best wrestlers on the US east coast and someone I’ve looked up to most of my career.  An’ he’s also been in the AWL before and even held the AWL World’s Heavyweight Title at one point AND he won the 2013 New Year’s Tournament.  Me an’ him are pretty similar.  I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Ryusensei: Any hints as to your strategy for beating him?

Sammy Nix: Dance with what brought ya.  Beat him down, throw him around, and hit the Chimera-plex for the win.

Ryusensei: I understand you’ve asked Lee Masters to remain in the locker room for this match.  Any reason for that?

Sammy Nix: Yeah.  Two of em’.  First, Ultramantis Black has had a stable of guys at his command most of his career, but this Sunday he’s all on his own.  I don’t want to be accused of takin’ an unfair advantage or nothin’.  Second, Lee needs to take care a some personal stuff and this is a perfect chance to take a week off.

Ryusensei: OK, I’m not going to pry.  Next, Tiger-senshu.  You will wrestle Young Lions Cup Champion Space Monkey, any thoughts on this…strange opponent?

Tiger Mask II: When I was Space Monkey’s age, the AWL’s first Tiger Mask took me under his wing and taught me everything I know.  I see this match as a chance to pass on those teachings to the next generation of wrestlers.  I’m confident I’ll win, but it should be a fun match.  And Space Monkey is FAR from the strangest wrestler I’ve ever fought.

Ryusensei: Makes sense.  Speaking of strange opponents, GWM’s Tiger the Dark will be representing that organization in the inter-promotional 4-way match and your tag team partner Prince Puma will be representing Lucha Underground.  Any words of encouragement for Puma?

Tiger Mask II: I wish him success and I would enjoy watching him kick Tiger the Dark in the face.

Ryusensei’ Nothing else to be said there I guess.  Last but not least, Liga Cosmica, you have Crummels and Defarge, the team that unseated Mustache Mountain to become Campeones de Parejas.  Tag team wrestling is probably the think Chikara is best known for, their home turf so to speak.  Does that make you worried?

Estrella Dorada: …..

Ryusensei: O…K…Erupcion Solar, anything?

Erupcion Solar: Our two teams aren’t that different.  Both young in the sport and holding tag team gold early in our careers.  However, the difference is in out styles.  They have made good use out of a few basic techniques where as we come from a multigenerational history that we can draw from.  That history, the soul of lucha libre, is what will bring us victory this Sunday.

Ryusensei: Anybody have anything else they’d like to say?

Sammy Nix: Yes.  Chikara, we all like you.  Yer great wresters and your promotion has done some of the most innovative stuff in wrestling history.  But this is the AWL.  We are the best wrestling in Japan if not tha world!  Our boss invited you onto our turf and that means, respect aside, yer gonna get your asses kicked.

Tag Team Interviews

In less than 24 hours, the AWL World Tag Team Championships will be defended. Yesterday, I sat down to talk with both the champions and challengers. First and foremost, I spoke to the AWL All Stars:

RyuSensei: Gentlemen, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to me today. First of all, the question on everyone's lips is you Luke. You are currently scheduled to compete twice at AWL 184. Once in the Clash of Styles and of course your tag team title match. The AWL Commissioner alleges that you agreed to this. Is that true? And, if so, are you out of your mind?

Luke James: Yes on both counts. I did agree to both matches. And you have to be a bit nuts to step into a professional wrestling ring in the first place. The Clash of Styles and the Golden Opportunity at the end (to say nothing of the cash) is too big an opportunity to pass up. As for the title match, I've been a tag team champion before and I know what it takes to be a successful tag team. It takes a great partner. And that's what I have in the true master of the Tiger Style! With Tiger Mask II at my side, I'm not worried in the slightest.

RyuSensei: OK, good luck. Now, Tiger Mask, last week you lost your CoS qualifier to the man calling himself Black Tiger III. What are your thoughts on this and do you have any clue who this guy is?

(Pause for AWL Translation Team translator to put that into Japanese and to put the response into English)

Tiger Mask II: It is very disappointing. Not representing the Tiger Style in the Clash of Styles Tournament is a disgrace. However, I hope to do my style and the Tiger's Cave Dojo proud by representing them as one half of the AWL World's Tag Team Champions. I will try my best to do this.

As for Black Tiger III, I have an idea who he is, but I don't want to discuss that at this time.

RyuSensei: Are you sure? Inquireing minds want to know.

Tiger Mask II: Yes, I am sure. I will deal with Black Tiger. But right now, all my efforts are focused on becoming tag team champion.

RyuSensei: Well, best of luck gentlemen. Thank you again for your time.

Later that same day, I sat down with the Destroyers of DOOM. Once again, many thanks to the AWL Translation Team for their assistance.

RyuSensei: Thank you for you time gentlemen. As you know, this will be your fourth defense of the AWL World's Tag Team Championships which you've held since Golden War. Considering the level of competition in the AWL Tag Team Division, that's quite an accomplishment. Do you have any thoughts on your title reign thus far?

HAKAISHA!: I'm disappointed in the number of challengers we've had. More than a month into Season 10 and this is the first time we've needed to defend our titles. The 3-Point System is very much a double edged sword. The good part is that we know we will only face worthy challengers. The bad part is that it can take a long time for anyone to build up 3 points. Fortunately, the Tag Matsuri is coming up in just a few weeks. That should allow several teams to build up some points and make the division more competitive.

RyuSensei: You seem to be assuming you'll still be champions by the Tag Matsuri-*

Doombunny: Nonono! Weare'ntassumingthatatall. LukeJameshasbeenintheAWLlongerthaneitherofus. SameforTigerMask. Butthefactofthematteristhis, wearen'tfightingtheAWLAllStars. We'refighting1.5ofthem! Jameshasbittenoffmorethanhecanchew! It'sstillgoingtobeatoughtfight. We'regoingtohavetogiveiteverythingwehave, butwe'regoingtowinbecausewewillbeat100%andtheywon't. Fact!

RyuSensei: OK, while I try to make heads or tails of that, I'm going to let you two get back to your training. Thank you very much and have a nice day.

AWL 184 will be available righte here on this blog later today.

Interview with "Peacemaker" Luke James

I like to end the week by either speaking to or publishing some comments from members of the AWL Roster. This week I sat down with a member of the AWL All Stars and 7 season veteran Luke James in the lobby of his hotel in Tokyo.

Ryusensei: Luke, that's for agreeing to meet with me. There's a lot that the AWL fans want to know about you. First off, why do you live in a hotel?

Luke James: No problem Ryu. And Ah live here when Ah'm in Japan because it's a lot cheaper than rentin' an apartment when I only live here a few months at a time.

Ryusensei: Make sense. Now for the big question everyone's been asking since AWL 175. Where have you been all season?

Luke James: At home in the states. Ah needed a break. After what happened to Dragon...Ah just needed to get away for a while and Nashville's tha best place in tha world to get away from it all.

Ryusensei: Do you blame yourself for what happened to Dragon at AWL 160?

Luke James: Yes...no...Ah don't know. Did Ah know Dragon hadda history a concussions? Yeah. Did we all know "Captain AWL" used a elbow fer his finish? Yeah. Should Ah have tried ta talk him out of the match? Ah don't know.

Ryusensei: Do you think it would have worked if you'd tried?

Luke James: Probably not. But probably ain't definitely.

Ryusensei: Moving on if you don't mind. When you came back, you looked quite a bit different. Different hair color, new ring gear, facial hair, etc. Any reason for this or was it just time for a change?

Luke James: Just time fer a change. But Ah should mention that this is my natural hair color. The red head look was just a wrestling thing.

Ryusensei: You recently returned to teaming with Ganba as the AWL All Stars. At the moment you have no points on the board. With Ganba competing this weekend to rejoin the AWL Best 4, are there any plans to recruit a new member to the AWL All Stars to give you someone else to tag with?

Luke James: What tha heck? Yeah, there is. Ganba an Ah are looking at tha AWL roster for a bit of a recruitment drive.

Ryusensei: Any chance you'll give me some names?

Luke James: Nope.

Ryusensei: Last question. You are set to challenge Tanaka Kenichi for the AWL Intercontinental Championship in a no DQ match tomorrow. Any thoughts?

Luke James: "Any thoughts?" Are y'all serious? Mah thoughts are that Ah'm gonna beat the ever loving piss outta that sumofabitch. He ended mah best friends career. He retains his title by punchin' guys in the nuts. And he's a champions despite havin' tha wrestling IQ of dead skunk. That boy's had a whooping comin' ta him for a LONG time. Tha fact that Ah'm gonna get the AWL IC Belt outta it is just a bonus.

That seemed to be all there was to say so I ended the interview right there. Tune in tomorrow and see if Tanaka Kenichi gets that whooping he so richly deserves.

Big batch of promos, part 1.

We are less than 48 hours away from Golden War 2016! The card is set and the wrestlers are packing up for the long train ride to Kyoto. But before the big show, I have several comments from wrestlers involved in Wednesday's event. So many in fact that I'm going to have to break this into two parts. For today, let's take a look at the undercard starting with:

Strike warriors:

Strike 鷹: (Translated from Spanish): I don't know what happened last week, but the referee made the wrong call. There is no reason we should have been disqualified in the Tag Gauntlet. I don't know how they did it, but those cheating RUZAI Basta-*

Ma-Ji-Ku: Hold on partner. It doesn't matter. RUZAI didn't win the Tag Gauntlet so they're in the same place we are, zero points. As for Joey, I've known him a long time and he's one of the best referees in the business. He made a mistake. It happens to the best of us. But this Wednesday in Kyoto, make no mistake. We will prove that we are the better tag team and that cheaters never prosper!

RUZAI:

田中健一: Fakku yuu 仮面野郎！ We am tag team za besto!! You is DIE!!! 京都で流罪のWIN!

Next, some words from the two former New Year's Tournament Champions who will fight each other at the Golden War:

Wonder Kid:

Ugh! How many times to I have to beat this little turd? Yes, he ended my first championship reign, big freaking deal! Ever since then I have consistently beaten the living piss out of him. It's been years people, get over Ganba, he's yesterday's news. Me? I focus on the future. The future is that I will challenge the AWL Grand Champion, whomever that may be, after Golden War. Wyvern, don't feel bad. Every undefeated streak comes to an end at some point. Mine did, I got over it. You will too when I take that belt from your unconscious fingers. Hassan? If you manage to beat Wyvern before I do, CONGRATULATIONS! I'm dead serious Hassan, you deserve it! You deserve to be the transitional champion before I take the Grand Championship and finally have my year+ long title reign. Hassan, Wyvern, I wish you both the best of luck this Wednesday, it will be an privilage to beat either of you.

ガンバ (Translated from Japanese):

Don't look past me Wonder Kid. For years we have fought and yes, you have beaten me more often then I have beaten you. But in the biggest matches, when titles have been on the line, I have the better record. We have had parallel careers. You are the longest reigning champion. I have the most title reigns. You have won the New Year's Tournament twice. So have I. Perhaps we are destined to fight forever, I don't know about such things. However, I do know that when I beat you at the Golden War, I can write my own ticket to the AWL Best 4 and a 7th reign at the top of this company and my first as AWL Grand Champion.

I was going to get some words from Yamada Jiro, but no. He's a racist fool and I'm not giving him air time on this blog unless the AWL Commissioner makes me. So there.

And lastly, a special sit down interview I conducted with the special guest referee for this Wednesday's AWL Dojo Graduation Match, Dragon!:

Ryu Sensei: Dragon, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. First of all, it's been about half a year since your final match with Yamada Jiro. We've heard from countless wrestlers over the year how hard it is to leave the squared circle. How are you handling your retirement?

Dragon: No problem my friend. I won't lie, it's been difficult. I always knew wrestling wasn't a forever job, but I guess I'd always assumed that I'd leave the ring on my own terms. But the good news is that I haven't left the squared circle at all. The best thing the AWL Commissioner ever did for me was appointing me head trainer at the AWL Dojo. I'm in the ring every day working with these young kids, teaching them the ropes, helping them find themselves. It's fantastic! I never thought I'd been a good coach, but something about this has really clicked with me.

R: Very glad to hear that. Speaking of your students, two of them will wrestle at the Golden War for a spot on the main roster. So far, the AWL Commissioner has released no information about these wrestlers, not even their names. Can you give me any info about them?

D: Sorry Ryu, but the boss has ordered me to keep my mouth shut. But there is some news I can break. First, since neither man is officially a member of the roster, this match will not be recorded on the official AWL Win-Loss Records. That was my request. Whoever wins, I want them to start with a clean slate when they join the roster.

Second, I think I can get away with telling you that both of these wrestlers are Japanese. Also, one of them is a specialist, kind of like Sammy Nix's suplexes and Chiba Akagi's submissions. He's easily the quickest study of my current crop of students. The other man is a second generation wrestler from a proud Japanese wrestling tradition. He has something that I think is going to turn the AWL upside down and inside out. But you'll have to wait until the 4th to find out what that is.

Lastly, there's been some confusion about what happens to the loser. I read a rumor online that the loser of the match will be expelled from the AWL Dojo. That. Is. A. LIE!!

In this sport, like everything else come to think of it, rejection and failure are a part of life. The loser of the Graduation Match will return to the Dojo for further training. It will certainly be a setback and he may have to do some extra chores for a while, but I'm not turfing out a student I believe in that easily. And I wouldn't have put either of these men in this match if I didn't believe in both of them.

R: Thank you Dragon. I appreciate your time and your passion. One last question, Wednesday at the Golden War you will NOT be in the corner of Wyvern as Hassan has banned both you and American Beetle from ringside. Your thoughts?

D: I'm not worried in the slightest. Wyvern is a once in a lifetime find. He was going to have to leave the proverbial nest at some point anyway, no time like the present. Win or lose (and I think he's going to win) I couldn't be prouder of him.

R: With that, back to HQ and the future version of myself posting this to the blog.

Thanks past me, you handsome devil, and that's all I've got for today. Tune in tomorrow for comments from the main eventers including the participants in both of our championship matches.

Title match announced and an exclusive interview.

Last weekend at AWL 166, The New Classics won their third point in a match that was actually less lopsided than I expected it to be. Interestingly, with an unknown time limit before Karl Anderson debuts in either NXT or WWE (thereby making him unavailable to the AWL and taking one half of the AWL World Tag Team Titles with him), Sammy Nix and Lee Masters have decided NOT to cash in their title match this week at AWL 167.

Instead, they will wait until NEXT week and AWL 168.

I asked the #1 Contenders why they want to risk the wait and they explained that they feel the VERY earliest Anderson could possibly debut for WWE is at NXT Takeover Dallas, which is still a couple of weeks away. Therefore they feel that waiting a week to both rest up and study tape of their opponents is more than worth the delay.

So we might as well make it official:

AWL 168:

Main Event

Bullet Club (C) vs. The New Classics (3)

AWL World Tag Team Championship Match

7th Title Defense

I also an exclusive interview from AWL legend: Ganba.  I caught up with Ganba on the way home from an appearance at a charity show in Tokyo. This conversation has been translated from Japanese into English.

RyuSensei: Ganba-senshu, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. At the moment, you are a mere two matches away from becoming the first AWL Wrester to rack up 50 career wins. What goes through your mind when you think about that fact.

Ganba: No problem at all. Thank you for coming all the way out here. I think every athlete thinks about wins and losses. And I'm no exception. 50 wins will be an important milestone in my career. But I must admit, it makes me feel a bit old. All around me I see my fellow Season Zero wrestlers retired or near retirement and a whole new generation rising up and taking their place. Sometimes it makes it difficult to know my own place in the AWL.

RyuSensei: Does that mean you're contemplating your own retirement?

Ganba: Not at all! I'm as healthy as a man my age can be and I am not slowing down in the ring. As long as I can safely compete, I have every intention of doing so.

RyuSensei: Thank goodness. Getting back to 50 wins, have you considered who you would like to have those next 2 matches against?

Ganba (Laughing): How about Wyvern and Okada for the AWL and IWGP titles? That'd be fun!

RyuSensei: Seriously.

Ganba: Seriously, there is someone I've wanted to fight. Yamada Jiro.

RyuSensei: I don't recall you two ever wrestling before. Have you?

Ganba: No. That's why I want to. I have read every word that he has ever written for this site. I've also read the things that you have chosen not to publish. He is a racist and a fool. I love Japan as much as anyone, but we are one part of an international community and must take part in the world. I know we can do this without losing what makes Japanese culture unique and wonderful.

In my time with the AWL, I've had several chances to wrestle in the United States and I've learned a few things. Wrestling fans are the same all over the world. They share the same passion and love for what we do.

I've also had the chance to work with the best wrestlers from nearly a dozen different countries. America, Japan, England, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Transylvania, Australia, China, Iraq, and Parts Unknown.

I am a patriot. I love my country. But men like Yamada Jiro are a disgrace and a dishonor. So I am challenging Yamada Jiro to a match. Please tell the AWL Commissioner of my request.

RyuSensei: I shall. Thank you again for your time sir.

And I did just that upon returning to the office. It's official, this weekend, for the first time ever, Ganba and Yamada Jiro will face each other in the AWL ring.