A match ends in a... dishonorable fashion...

[Quillz]

***The scene opens on an already-in-progress broadcast of PWA Rewind, the news and analytic show that takes what happens between the ropes to the next level. Sequential images of the closing moments of the Tiger Gold vs. Crusher Sato match play across the screen accompanied by announcer voice-over by former SHAFT superstar and current PWA Analyst Damon Knight.***

KNIGHT: “So as you can see folks... in the closing moments of the match, Tiger Gold is visibly exhausted. This is his first time in the ring in nearly four months, and at his age you have to wonder how much of a toll this on-and-off-again schedule is having his body.”

***A slow motion clip of Gold hoisting Sato up into the Locomotion Tiger-Breaker plays on the screen. As he lifts the big man into the air, Gold stumbles briefly into tie ropes, allowing Sato to firmly grasp the top rope. Before referee Bill White is able to get into position, Gold steps away from the edge of the ring and Sato’s hand is wrenched loose.***

KNIGHT: “Now... I want to draw your attention to two specific points here. I don’t know if this was intentional or not. It’s quite possible Tiger Gold didn’t realize that Sato had hold of the rope. But... as you can see, Sato clearly had hold of the rope and that should have resulted in a rope-break by Bill White. That’s the first thing to notice. The other...”

***As Sato struggles in the Tiger-Breaker, sweat drips from the brow of a desperate-looking Gold. One of Gold’s knees begins to buckle and the large wrestler wobbles dangerously, barely keeping his balance. Just then... Gold very clearly adjusts the grip on the hand holding Sato’s head. His fingers reach over and grasp the jaw of Sato, forcing his head rudely to one side. He then steadies himself and begins rhythmically pulling down on Sato’s bent neck and upper leg with his massive arms. Sato cries out and immediately taps his hand on Gold’s shoulder. Bill White calls for the bell.***

KNIGHT: “Now right there... you see what Gold is doing with his hand around Sato’s jaw? Those new to wrestling might not recognize it but that’s what’s known in Japan and most of Eastern Asia as an Iragami-Lock. This modification on a standard Tiger-Breaker was popularized in the late 1980s by Shiro Iragami. It’s not strictly an illegal move variation here in PWA... but this version of the hold has been banned from many western promotions due to its painful and, frankly, dangerous reputation. The Iragami Tiger-Breaker puts incredible pressure on the autonomic nerves of the neck and upper back and, when improperly applied, can easily result in severe debilitating injury. Now... in thirty years of competition I cannot think of a single instance where Tiger Gold has ever intentionally used this variation of his finisher. But... well, the pictures speak for themselves.”

***As Bill White calls for the bell and Gold releases the hold, the camera freezes on his face. Under his mask, he wears a confused and exhausted expression. His shoulders are slumped and he looks off into the middle distance at the crowd.***

KNIGHT: “I have to wonder just how much trouble Tiger Gold was in and what was going through his mind that lead him to call upon such a controversial maneuver to finish that match.”

***The screen cuts to black as the camera pulls out... revealing a blackened monitor in the locker room backstage at the PWA Arena. The Imperial Assassin sits unmoving with his hand clutching the remote. A deep frown creases his brow as he exhales slowly. Fade to black.***

[BG05]

***The Imperial Assassin stands in front of a PWA Assault banner with an annoyed look on his face. He strokes his beard as he is deep in thought. His eyes narrow as he speaks into the camera.***


Assassin: PWA.....whether you like me or not, I have tried to bring honor and respect to this promotion. You may not agree with my methodology but my goal is to show the world the tradition and honor of professional wrestling.

When my pupil, Crusher Sato, signed to face Tiger Gold I anticipated a tough match. I expected the two warriors to challenge each other and push one another to the limits, and that is what happened. What I did NOT expect was for Crusher Sato to share the ring with a CHEATER!!

Tiger Gold was forced to use the Iragami-Lock Tiger Breaker to win his match against Sato. This hold is not only BANNED in most promotions but is also a LETHAL hold! As much as you simpletons complain about me, even I wouldn’t use that hold. I am a pillar of the wrestling community and don’t have to stoop so low as to CHEAT like Tiger Gold.

Tiger, make no mistake, Sato is healing and wants his revenge. He wants to tear you limb from limb! He wants to rip the mask off of your face and embarrass you in front of the world....but I won’t let him! I will not put his health at risk again by putting him in the ring with a dishonorable wretch such as yourself. Tiger Gold, you have dishonored this sport! I should walk away from you entirely however Sato really wants to prove that he is the superior wrestler. Sato is challenging you to a rematch......BUT.....you cannot use the Tiger Breaker in any form!

I am not a merciful man Tiger Gold. Contemplate this offer and face Sato again. Also contemplate what will happen to you if you don’t!

***Scene fades to black.***

[Quillz]

***The scene opens backstage at the PWA Arena, in front of a purple and gold interview set. Broadcast journalist Ronnie Stockholm is standing by with a solemn-looking Tiger Gold. Gold lowers his head and adjusts his wrist tape as Stockholm begins to speak.***

STOCKHOLM: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m joined backstage here by the one and only Tiger Gold. After the events of last week’s Assault, fans everywhere have been asking themselves what exactly happened in that match between Tiger Gold and Crusher Sato. Upon investigating the footage... it appeared as if Tiger Gold won that brutal, hard-fought contest by employing a deadly and highly-controversial variation of the Tiger-Breaker known as the Iragami-Lock. Tiger Gold? How do you respond to these claims?”

***Gold nods and takes a deep breath.***

GOLD: “Ronnie Stockholm... Crusher Sato is a deadly and imposing foe. Last week at Assault we clashed like gladiators on the stage of the immortals. For the first time since King of Deathmatch, I donned my legendary mask and climbed that sacred mountain. I had every intention of using my might and my resolve to smite the villainous rogue... but alas... as the minutes dragged on, the dastardly Sato proved to be a truly resilient foe. Time after time I attempted to defeat the monster... and each time he powered out of my most valiant attempts. As the match progressed... I could feel my strength ebbing. It is not a sensation that I am accustomed to. To feel yourself falter... to fight with every fiber of your being and to face down an impossible foe... I will admit Ronnie Stockholm... it shook me to my core.”

***Gold makes a fist and touches it to his forehead.***

GOLD: “At the end of the day... Tiger Gold is but a man. And all men are flawed, imperfect creatures. At Assault... in a moment of desperation... a moment of weakness... I am lothe to admit that... I employed the forbidden Iragami-Lock. In the delirium of combat I was unaware of the magnitude of what I had done... but upon reviewing the footage... I was able to fully grasp the entirety of my actions. I see now that what I did was an act of weakness and desperation.”

STOCKHOLM: “So you agree with The Imperial Assassin then? You think that employing the Iragami-Lock was... an act of cowardice?”

GOLD: “As a warrior-born, I must hold myself to the highest standard. For years I have known the dangers of the Iragami-Lock... and I ignored that knowledge in the pursuit of victory. So to the Assassin I say this. I accept the terms of your challenge. Tell your monster Crusher Sato to heal... and then face me once more on the stage of the immortals. I will redeem myself the only way a gladiator can. I will face Crusher Sato... and I will do so WITHOUT the Tiger-Breaker. The temptation of the Iragami-Lock will not sully my reputation again. When Crusher Sato and Tiger Gold meet once more.... I shall defeat my demons, and reign once more as the immortal champion I am.”

***Tiger Gold roars and flexes at the camera as the scene fades to black.***