A perfect pairing and a perfect match would be a great description of what we’re about to witness, as Akira Kobayashi is set to face Mark Storey. This is due to the fact that Kobayashi is a clean, pure fighter, with a vendetta against those who would dare to cheat to gain a victory. Enter Mark Storey. A man who could be described as the living embodiment of Akira’s hatred. A man who prides himself on innovation, but has no issue with breaking the rules to be victorious. A Cruiser-X Championship Qualifier is what has brought these two men together as Akira makes his way down the ramp, sans flair, whilst “Stay Here” by Swans plays loudly. A perfect opportunity for both as Mark looks to prove his worth here in XWA by finally attaining some gold, whereas Akira is here to be the best the world has ever seen. The black towel clad fighter ducks under the top rope and enters the ring, before walking to the corner and removing the towel, hanging it on the ropes. As he does so, the lights dim once again and “Dies Irae” performed by Epica, blasts its way through the speakers. The Japanese fighter walks to the centre of the ring and stands, awaiting his opponent. A single golden spotlight falls on the stage, signalling Mark’s arrival, but nothing is more poignant than the immense pain that shoots up from Akira’s groin, causing him to double over and fall to the mat! The lights come on as the music abruptly ends as Mark Storey pulls off a black hoody he used to make his way to the ring undetected, to low blow Akira from behind! The official springs to action, pushing Mark away and into the corner with Akira’s towel. Mark laughs as he rips his hoody from his body and throws it to the floor below, outside of the ring. The referee goes to Akira’s aid, whilst holding his hand up to suspend the tolls of the bell. The referee questions whether Akira is willing to continue, whilst being in two minds whether to disqualify Mark on the spot or not. Akira kneels and turns to face Mark, the fire inside of him painted across his face and eyes; Mark has made a huge mistake here. He nods to the referee, who reluctantly calls for the bell, and we’re officially underway! Kobayashi steps up to a stance, but as he does so, Mark flings the black towel towards him as a distraction and dashes in-sync, clobbering Akira with a clothesline, knocking him down to the canvas!

“The Black Heart Warrior” is quick to his feet whilst Mark launches himself against the ring ropes, returning with another clothesline. Akira turns to face his opponent and smartly ducks under another oncoming clothesline from Mark. “The Natural” stops dead in his tracks and spins to face Akira, who plants a strong open palm strike to Mark’s gut. Mark staggers back slightly, leaving ample room for Akira to spin and knock Mark to the floor with a spinning heel kick! With Storey back-first on the canvas, the tried and tested fighter, Akira, mounts him and delivers a huge elbow to Mark’s face. Mark’s head flies back and crashes against the mat, which forces Akira to take Mark’s head in his left hand before raining a series of hard right elbows to Mark’s face. In an attempt to force Akira off of him, Mark tries to strike back, but as soon as an offensive punch is thrown, Akira rolls backwards on Mark, getting to his feet at the bottom of Mark. As Akira stands, he grabs Mark’s own legs and subsequently flips over and on top of Mark, keeping the legs in place with a jackknife hold! The referee dives to the mat to count the pin attempt as Mark’s shoulders are squarely on the mat, with his legs bend over him, giving Akira all of the leverage! ONE! TWO! NO! Mark is able to burst free of the hold, forcing Akira off him and to the side. Akira pushes himself to his feet whilst Mark sits up, slightly dazed after spending so much energy to kick out. With Mark sitting, “The Last Warlord of Osaka” stands, his arms raised in his fighting position and proceeds to drive his shin right across Mark’s chest and ribs! “The Monarch of Wrestling” takes the kick hard, over and over again, his chest lighting up, much to the delight of the fans. He begins to fall backwards, which sees Akira switch his offence and get down onto the mat with Mark, applying a chin lock, grabbing Mark’s chin and pulling it backwards, whilst forcing his knee right into the centre of Mark’s back, hard against the spine. Eager to break free and not close enough to a rope, Mark starts to stand, which brings Akira with him. When they get to their feet, it’s much easier for Mark to get loose, as he swivels out. This, however, just rewards him with a kick to the gut, doubling him over, allowing Akira to apply a front facelock, and further the pain by locking in a body scissors as well!

It’s clear that the more technical, Japanese superstar looks to wear Mark down with a mat-based offence, fused with hard strikes, and it clearly starts to work as Mark frantically swings his arms, trying to strike Akira in such a way that forces him to let go. Mark strains his head up to get a view of where he’s at, he stretches as much as possible to stand upright, which allows him to see a way out. “The Man with the Plan” then takes three big strides and lunges into the corner of the ring, impelling Akira into the turnbuckles! Breaking the hold, Akira stands against the turnbuckles as Mark falls back. The Belfast-born superstar then runs at the corner and jumps into the air with his huge corner clothesline, Fucked! The only person fucked in that manoeuvre, however, was Mark, as Akira was able to avoid the move, falling to his knees and to the side of the ropes. Sitting on the middle rope, having clotheslined nothing but the top turnbuckle, Mark realises the precariousness of his position and lets go of the ropes, slipping through them and landing on the floor below, feet-first. The crowd begin to boo as Akira walks towards the ropes where Mark exited the ring, his arms outstretched, asking why he’s out there. Meanwhile, on the outside, “The Elite of Elites” motions that he is finished with the match, waving his hands towards the ring as he walks away. Mark slowly walks away, wiping his nose with his right hand, his left firmly on his hips. This baits Akira out and over to Mark. He grabs Mark’s left arm and suddenly, and all going to Mark’s plan, Mark turns and plants a huge knee into Akira’s stomach. With Akira distracted, Mark is quick to grab his hand and take advantage, pulling Akira and Irish whipping him into the barricade! Akira takes the brunt of the crash on his shoulder blade and upper back, as he then crashes to the lightly padded floor! The crowd start to show their concern as the referee reaches a count of three. With his foe downed, Mark approaches Akira and begins to stomp the daylights out of him, on any body part his can hit, but paying close attention to the upper back and head area. The crowd closest to the action boo as Mark then holds out his arms in victory before putting his fist below his eye and turning it, insinuating that the crowd are cry-babies.  

“The Pacific Rim Nightmare” starts to stir, which sees Mark drive his foot into his back once again. Mark then grabs the untapped, bare hand of Akira and pulls him towards the ring, more specifically and interestingly, the steel steps. The referee counts his seventh count, forcing Mark to duck under the ropes, only to leave immediately after, restarting the count. In a rush, Mark runs towards Akira and jumps into the air, landing directly on his hand with a stomp, trapping it between his foot and the steel steps! The crowd get up off the chairs as Akira yells out in pain and clasps his hand in pain as the camera zooms in on a sadistic look on Mark’s face. Boos fall over ringside as Akira gets to his feet, holding his hand down between his legs with his other hand, doubling over slightly. Again, in one swift motion, Mark grabs Akira, applying an inverted facelock and suddenly pulls Akira hard down across Mark’s own back! No Deliverance! The inverted facelock backbreaker sends Akira up into the air upon impact and then crashing face-first to the floor! Mark kneels and smiles, holding his arms out embracing the hatred of the fans, while his opponent is in agony behind him. Getting the his feet, Mark looks behind him this grabs Akira’s injured hand, pulling him towards the ring and forcing him up onto the apron. Mark pushes Akira into the ring and then follows in behind him. Mark hooks the legs, and twists and turns the injured right hand also. The referee counts, ONE! TWO! NO! Akira is able to kick out, leaving Mark very unimpressed. The British superstar stands and stomps again on Akira, he then pulls him to his feet before holding his own elbow up, signalling his No Redemption flapjack elbow smash! “The Premier Player” Irish whips Akira, flinging him across the ring to rebound off of the ropes, which he involuntarily does so. Upon reaching Mark again however, Kobayashi ducks Mark’s flapjack-intending arms and rebounds off of the ropes behind Mark. Once he does so he spins 360 degrees, whilst returning to Mark who has now turned around and clobbers him with his own running elbow smash! The Roaring Elbow! The crowd burst into a frenzy as Mark is flattened, hitting the mat back-first and flipping onto his stomach upon impact!

Unable to capitalise on the pin, Akira tends to his hand, holding it, before trying to stretch it. He finally shakes it before returning to Mark, who is still on his stomach. Akira stands at Mark’s feet then places his left foot in the crux of Mark’s left knee. He then does the same with his right foot and Mark’s right knee. He stands as excruciating pain flows through Mark’s legs as he comes to life trying to get free. Before he can do so, Kobayashi slaps the side of Mark’s body, forcing the superstar to jerk his arms back, putting them in a perfect position for “The Black Heart Warrior” to pull them up towards him. He pulls back on Mark again and again, torturing “The Idol” with the surfboard submission setup, before falling backwards and hoisting Mark into the air! Mark yells out as the fans take pleasure watching him squirm in the surfboard. Akira stretches Mark to his limits, as Mark, who is vehemently shaking his head not to quit, starts to get tired. As he does so, Akira falls back to the original position and pulls back Mark’s arms again, stretching him over and over. Either to inflict more pain, or take a break as his own right hand is surely hurting. Then, without warning, Akira breaks his right foot free and places it at the top of Mark’s back and drives Mark face-first into the canvas with a surfboard turned kerb stomp manoeuvre! The crowd cheer their fighter as he turns Mark onto his back. Akira hooks the leg, forcing the referee to dive to the mat once more! ONE! TWO! TH-ROPEBREAK! The official refuses to finish the match as he notices Mark’s free leg is resting on the bottom rope! Boos fill the arena as the crowd voice their displeasure at the thought of Mark continuing to have a chance in the Cruiser-X Championship match over Akira. Back in the ring, Akira kneels and shakes his head, whilst tending to his hand and then neck. With his strong open palm strikes with his strongest hand now void, he has to focuses on the technical side of his arsenal even more.  Mark begins to stir, dragging his arm over the bottom rope also, showing he still has some life left in him.  

With enough recuperation time under his belt for now, Akira pushes himself to a stance with his left hand whilst “The Natural” uses the ropes to pull himself up, not exactly to his normal stance. “The Pacific Rim Nightmare” shows no mercy however as he grabs Mark from behind, around the waist, and hoists him into the air and clean over his own head with a huge German suplex! Mark hits the canvas hard then rolls onto his knees. He instinctively tries to stand, which allows Akira to apply a front facelock for a brief moment before executing a perfect snap suplex! Again, Mark hits the canvas and immediately starts to stand, perhaps foolishly, as Kobayashi is quick on his tail once more. He applies a front facelock once more and pulls Mark high into the sky with another suplex. Out of nowhere, Mark turns in mid-air, falling behind his foe! He tucks his knees in mid-air and then grabs Akira’s shoulders, planting his knees into Akira’s back and falling backwards executing a perfect gX, a lungblower! The impact of the innovative counter sends Akira just out of Mark’s grasp, disallowing him a chance to cover, but providing him with a silver lining; some time to recover. Akira arches his back in pain, the top part of his back a clear target for Mark now. However, Mark stays on all fours, holding his neck and head, showing his injuries sustained in this battle, coincidentally both are perfect for Akira’s two finishers, the Brainbuster or Twister submission, showing that maybe it isn’t coincidental at all. With both men feeling the effects of the match, they slowly get to their feet, but that is then juxtaposed by the fact that Akira sprints towards Mark on the attack! “The Imperator of Innovation” has the Japanese fighter’s number, however, as he counters the oncoming attack and wrangles Akira into a Fireman’s Carry! Mark then uses all of his strength to fling Akira sky high, allowing Mark to then fall to the mat and extend his knees! System Shock! That would be Mark’s Double Knee Gutbuster, however the actual system shock is the one delivered to Mark’s system as mid-air Akira was able to twist and turn, allowing him to fall and deliver a perfect double stomp to Mark’s chest! The awkward landing sees Akira falls off of Mark then frantically cover him and hook the leg as his signature move countered Mark’s perfectly! The referee slams his hand on the mat, ONE! TWO! THRE-JUST NO! Storey is able to get a shoulder up just in time, saving his chances once more, perhaps just ONCE more.

Kobayashi mounts Mark once again and begins to deliver some more strong elbows, akin to earlier in the match. Mark quickly grabs the bottom rope he was close to which makes the referee break the action up. Akira obliges, showing his honourable nature. “The Natural” sits up as Akira begins to approach him. Despite Akira being much tired than earlier, his fighting stance is still intimidating, enough to make Mark duck his head out of the ropes, asking the referee to check on him and also, more importantly, restrain Akira. Akira stands as Mark is being checked on, before growing impatient, holding his arm out and looking towards the crowd. Of course, it is as this moment that Mark breaks away from feinting injury and dashes towards Akira, leaping into the air, extruding his knees and pulling Akira with him as he falls backwards into a Double Knee Facebreaker! Mark’s Escapologist signature move allows him to escape that attack, but it also allows Akira to rolls, involuntarily, out of harm’s way, landing underneath the ropes, teetering on the ring apron. Mark scrambles towards Akira and lifts him up on the other side of the ring apron. He tries to force Akira between the top and middle rope for a DDT, but Akira answers back with a huge shoulder thrust to Mark, forcing him to take a few steps towards the middle of the ring. Not one to attempt aerial moves, Kobayashi foregoes an opportunity to springboard and instead enters the ring and sprints towards Mark, leaping into the air with both knees extended. “The Monarch of Wrestling” sees two knees coming straight from his face and, in desperation he grabs them, and Akira, and forces either leg around his head. With Akira in a seated position, he tries to slap Mark’s head, but Mark pushes him, causing Akira to fall back completely. Mark then moves his legs, hooking around each of Kobayashi’s dangling arms and then jumps and falls forward with a groggy Styles Clash! His Beautiful Letdown signature was anything but beautiful, dangerous could be a better way to describe it as fatigue is clearly in effect, so much so that he was unable to continue the hook on the legs into a pin! Some people in the crowd can’t help but cheer for seeing the manoeuvre, whilst some try and grab a picture of it, but ultimately boos fill the arena once again, even though Mark was unable to be advantageous and pin.

Mark kneels and moves towards the ropes, using them to aid him to his feet once again. Upon regaining a vertical stance, he turns to Akira, who is on all fours. He helps Akira up, not to his feet, but puts his head between his legs. Mark hooks the arms for his Tiger Driver finisher, but Akira uses his technical ability to twist out of the butterfly lock! With both men standing face-to-face, Mark lifts his legs and extends his foot, smashing it against Akira’s knee, taking it from under him. Kobayashi falls to that knee and places his hands on the mat to steady himself. “The Natural” then sees his opportunity and stomps hard on the already injured right hand of Akira! “The Black Heart Warrior” yells in pain as he gets to his feet in the heat of the moment, whilst still bending over and checking his hand. Mark then stabs his right elbow hard into the top of Akira’s back/bottom of his neck, causing Akira to grab it in pain, distracting him long enough so Mark can place his head between his legs. With Akira’s arms in plain sight, Mark in a suddenly moment butterflies the two arms, hooking them and then quickly hoisting his opponent up and delivering a quick and dirty Snap Tiger Driver ’98 he calls Super Paroxsym Ascended! Mark drops Akira hard on his head and neck, with the super quick, and somewhat sloppy Snap Tiger Driver ’98. Mark groggily covers his foe as the referee counts ONE! TWO! THREE! The referee makes it official as Mark cheats his way through sneak attacks and the use of the steel steps and barricade, targeting the upper back and neck area as well as Akira’s right hand to gain the victory. Mark rolls away from Akira and under the bottom rope to avoid any more of this match. He stumbles but is steadied by the referee who raises his hand, whilst “Dies Irae” plays over the sound system. Mark Storey has a chance at the Cruiser-X Championship!

(OOC: Good Luck Akira, I had fun writing this match!)

The bell rings and the two wrestlers make their way out from their corners as the crowd cheers. Although last week the two men got different results in their matches that means nothing this week, as a spot in the match to crown the next Cruiser-X champion is on the line. Akira Kobayashi and Mark Storey take their time, slowly pacing around each other in the centre of the ring. Akira stops and stretches out his hand to Storey, who responds by smirking and striking a pose with both arms flexed as much as possible. Clearly angered by his opponents disrespect Akira lays in a knife edge chop, forcing The Monarch of Wrestling to flinch and stop posing. Akira follows up with a second chop, forcing Storey to back into the ropes at which point Akira whips him across the ring. As Storey rebounds Akira spins around and throws his arm up looking for the rolling elbow, which Storey sees coming and ducks under to go behind Akira. Storey grabs a rear waist lock and pushes Akira forward towards the turnbuckle, forcing Akira to put a foot up to stop himself being driven chest first into it. Storey responds by dropping low and catching Akira with a school boy. The quick pin catches even official Ryu Sanu by surprise, but even still it only gets a two count. Akira rolls out of the pin to his feet as Storey pulls himself up in the corner, cockily mouthing "nearly" at Akira as the crowd cheers for the early near fall. Storey moves in and locks up with Akira, forcing him back into the corner with little resistance as both men take it slow and steady in the opening seconds. Sanu calls for Storey to break, which he does after a few seconds. Before Akira can move out of the corner Storey slaps him across the chest before backing up, once again smirking from ear to ear. With a red hand print staining his cheek Akira charges out of the corner and slams his forearm into Storey's jaw, causing the crowd to explode. The Black Heart Warrior has clearly snapped thanks to Storey's flippant, disrespectful attitude, causing him to use both forearms like battering rams against Storey. Akira drives Storey from one side of the ring to the other with alternating left and right, pushing him into the corner and eventually down onto the mat with at least twenty strikes, ending with a hard stomp to the side of his head as a "Akira's gonna kill you!" chant starts up. Storey slumps down against the ropes holding his jaw as Ryu Sanu pulls Akira away, yelling at him to break in both English and Japanese. Akira turns and walks away back to the middle of the ring, inhaling and exhaling deep breaths as he makes no attempt to control his temper. A few seconds later Akira turns and walks back to Storey, who is slowly making his way up to his feet. Akira grabs Storey but gets nailed with a European uppercut, forcing him to break his grip. Despite being slightly smaller Storey clearly has the advantage as far as arm strength goes, and while he knows he won't beat Akira is an all-out brawl he takes advantage of this advantage as he slams his bicep up into Akira's chin with repeated uppercuts. Akira staggers back after the fourth strikes, giving Storey the chance to follow up with a swift roundhouse kick which drops Akira to the mat. With Akira down Storey again takes the time to gloat and pose, inciting the crowd to boo and jeer at him.

Cedar: What a cocky son of a bitch!

As Akira starts to stand up Storey stomps on his hand and laughs while still flexing his arm. Akira gets to his feet and gets grabbed into a headlock by Storey. The two tussle back and forth a bit until Akira grabs Storey around the waist, backs the pair of them into the ropes and uses them to rebound Storey across the ring. The Natural returns with a big shoulder block, knocking Akira backwards but not off his feet. With a look of determination on his face Storey again takes off towards the ropes and rebounds, once again knocking Akira back with a shoulder to his chest and no more than a few feet. Portions of the crowd laugh at Storey, who grits his teeth in frustration before heading back to the ropes for a third time. Again he looks for a shoulder block, but this time Akira Kobayashi side steps him and wraps an arm around his opponents neck, locking in a sleeper hold. Storey thrashes around looking to escape the hold, not realizing that Akira has no intention of choking him out. With both arms around The Monarch of Wrestling's throat Akira falls backwards, tossing Storey overhead with a sleeper suplex which dumps him down onto his head. Storey rolls around on the match clutching his head as Akira dives onto him and hooks the leg, managing to get a two count before Storey escapes. Clutching his skull, Storey quickly gets up, nearly beating Akira to his feet. Being dropped on his head appears to have brought the best out of Storey as he uses his speed advantage to get right on Akira, slamming right hands into his face a few times before jumping and dropkicking him in the chest. Akira bounces back into the ropes as Storey gets back up to his feet, leaps, puts two knees up, clutches the back of Akira's head and brings him down, crushing Akira's ribs against Storey's own knees to hit the GX, The Monarch of Wrestling's signature lungblower. Storey doesn't cover Akira, instead choosing to remain sat on the mat next to The Black Heart Warrior, who is clutching his chest in pain in a crumpled heap. The crowd boos Storey as he laughs at Akira for a few seconds, taking his time to get up to his feet. Once up Storey pulls Akira back up and drives a knife edged chop into his chest, followed by a right hand. Storey starts to alternate his strikes, throwing a right hand and then a right chop, pushing Akira into the corner. With his opponent against the turnbuckle Storey backs up, raising his arms up proudly to provoke more scorn from the fans. Storey reaches the opposite corner, turns, and charges towards Akira, who at the same time manages to regain himself and run towards Storey. Taken by surprise by Akira's recovery, Storey has no time to defend against the huge lariat that The Pacific Rim Nightmare is aiming directly at his throat. Akira's arm slams into Storey's throat with so much force it looks like he's trying to behead The Monarch of Wrestling, resulting in Storey flipping head over heels and onto the back of his head. The crowd explodes as Akira slows down, stopping in the corner and turning back to look at Storey's crumpled up frame down on the canvas.

Cedar: THAT LARIAT JUST TOOK MARK STOREY'S HEAD OFF!

Miles: This is two tough mother fuckers beating the dog piss out of each other, nothing more, nothing less. You'll hear no complaints from me!

Akira looks like he's almost going to crack a smile as the crowd goes crazy, but the mood is somewhat soured by Storey managing to pull himself up, the cocky grin now wiped off of his face. Akira again charges at Storey looking for a lariat, but this time Storey ducks it. Akira turns around into an enziguri which knocks him loopy, sending him stumbling forward a few steps before he can compose himself. This time he turns around just in time to receive a knee to the gut, followed by a clubbing elbow across the back. Akira drops to one knee, allowing Storey to lay in some more elbows as the crowd boos him. Storey doesn't respond to the crowd, instead choosing to reach down and hoist Akira up in a firemans lift, ready hit hit the System Shock, Storey's patented double knee gutbuster. Storey throws Akira up and drops down to his back with his knees up, but is caught by surprise when Akira lands on his feet in front of Storey. Storey tries to sit up and crawl away backwards, putting him in perfect position for a penalty kick to the chest. Akira's shin drives deep into Storey's chest, making him snap down backwards into a prone position looking up at the roof of the arena as he tries to regain his senses. With Storey now defenceless Akira backs up, takes a few steps forward and jumps over Storey's legs, planting a double footstomp onto his forehead. Storey's head whips back, cracking against the canvas. Storey rolls across the ring, ending up on his hands and knees holding the back of his head as Akira makes his way over to The Monarch of Wrestling, pulling him up to his feet. The Last Warlord of Osaka drapes an arm around Storey's neck, reaches down, and tries to pull Storey's arm around his own leg to set-up for a wrist-clutch exploder suplex. Storey resists, however, refusing to allow his wrist to be grabbed and using his other arm to hammer elbows down at the back of Akira's head. Forced to retreat, Akira pushes Storey away and backs up, holding the back of his head. Storey allows him no rest-bite, however, and moves in to forearm Akira across the face. Storey grabs Akira's left arm, twists it around, puts a foot up into Akira's jaw and then jumps, falling backwards into the mat so that The Monarch of Wrestling's foot gets driven into Akira's face. Storey's inverted stomp facebreaker, or the Fuck Your Life, leaves Akira dazed, but still up. Somewhat angered by Akira's refusal to go down, Storey steps in and fires off right hands to Akira's face. Having taken repeated blows to the head, Akira is more than ready to throw back, and responds with a stiff elbow to Storey's jaw. The two rapidly exchange blows, swapping forearms back and forth as the crowd cheers on Akira to put Storey down. Both Storey and Akira start to stagger back and forth, the repeated blows having taken their toll. Akira starts to swap out forearms for open palm slaps to Storey's face, lighting up his cheeks, which only frustrates Storey more. Storey ducks under a slap and slams his forearm into the side of Akira's head, forcing him to step back into the ropes. Perhaps due to adrenaline Akira still doesn't go down, instead leaning into the ropes and rebounding with a jumping knee that catches Storey in the jaw. Storey too doesn't go off his feet, and instantly fires back with a European uppercut as he grimaces in pain. Akira returns the favour with an uppercut of his own, then an elbow to the top of Storey's head. With Storey on empty legs Akira goes for the rolling elbow for the second time in the match, and once again Storey manages to avoid it by ducking under. With Akira's back turned Storey has enough time to get his feet planted, wait for Akira to turn and nail him in the jaw with a picture perfect roundhouse kick. Storey's foot hits Akira like a sledgehammer, seemingly knocking him out on his feet as Akira barely manages to balance himself. Storey himself is struggling to see straight, and even after the big roundhouse still finds himself just as unaware as Akira. The crowd roars as the two go back to exchanging slaps, neither man wanting to be the first one to fall. Storey hits Akira, Akira hits Storey, back and forth they go until Storey gets the edge, ducking under one of Akira's right handed slaps. He fires back swiftly, but in his rush fails to see Akira's left hand flying up. The two men connect with slaps at the same time, and with this they both collapse down onto the mat, exhausted and running on instinct alone.

Cedar: Double down! Both men are on the canvas! If this is what they'll do just to get a title shot I can't wait to see what lengths they'd go to to win the thing!

Ryu Sanu starts the count as the two warriors start to ascend back to their feet, still chomping at the bit to beat on each other some more. At four they reach their knees, but instead of getting back to their feet the two crawl forward and once again start throwing forearms at each other, prompting the crowd to alternate cheers and boos as Akira and Storey land blows to their opponent. Bit by bit Storey appears to be gaining the advantage, managing to throw two shots for every one of Akira's, and he once again begins to smirk as he grabs Akira by the hair and pull him to his feet. His cockiness proves to have not been warranted when The Pacific Rim Nightmare throws his hands up, breaks Storey's grip, and lands a sickening skull to skull headbutt on his opponent. Storey howls in pain and collapses in a heap as Akira lets out a guttural roar, prompting a "you just got your fucking skull caved in" chant from the crowd. Fired up and energised, Akira stalks Storey, his fists clenched as he prepares to strike. Storey staggers to his feet still clutching his skull, leaving him open to a series of kicks to the ribs by Akira which doubles him over. Seeing an opening Akira hooks Storey up for the brainbuster, lifting him up vertically overhead. Before Akira can get him fully upside down Storey wrenches an arm free and manages to pull himself around in the air, trying to catch Akira in the MAS, Storey's cutter which he usually finishes his matches with. Just before Storey hits the mat Akira shoves him off, escaping from the MAS before he can be pulled off his feet. Storey lands sat down on the mat, prompting Akira to run past him at the ropes and come back looking for a soccer kick to the head. The Monarch of Wrestling manages to see it coming and rolls to the side, grabbing Akira's leg as he does. Akira trips as Storey grabs a hold of his right leg and falls to the mat on his back. Storey stands over Akira, holding The Pacific Rim Nightmare's right leg under his left arm, and starts to lay stomps in his midsection. In an attempt to escape Akira kicks his other leg up at Storey, who manages to grab it with his right arm, giving him control over both of Akira's legs. Now helpless and unable to kick out at Storey, Akira starts to roll around and stretch out, trying to grab the ropes. Storey responds with a hard stomp which lands on Akira's ribs before he lifts Akira's legs up, transitioning from having Akira's legs tucked under his arms to holding them over his shoulders, lifting most of Akira's body off of the ground. Despite their disdain for him, parts of the crowd are clearly impressed by Storey's wrestling ability, and the cheers get even louder when he stands up straight and hoists Akira up off the ground, hanging him upside down. Storey steps over Akira's arms one by one, wraps his arms tightly around Akira's legs, and then falls forward, driving Akira's face into the mat with the Beautiful Letdown. Storey rolls over sideways while keeping Akira's legs hooked to get into a pinning position, but Akira manages to kick out at the count of two.

Cedar: That may have been the game changer! What a move!

Storey grabs Akira under the chin and pulls him up, pushing him into the ropes. Akira's eyes have a vacant look, as though he barely knows where he is, and like a shark smelling blood Storey pounces, throwing jabs and hooks with both hands as Akira leans back into the ropes, holding on to stop from falling out of the ring. Ryu Sanu steps in and is forced to pull Storey away from Akira to enforce the rope break, but even this doesn't give Akira Kobayashi time to recover. As soon as Sanu moves out of his way Storey rushes back in and drives his knee into Akira's gut, doubling him over. Storey wraps an arm around Akira's head, steps back away from the ropes, and then plants The Lost Warlord of Osaka down on the top of his head with a sickening thud. A sneering grin spreads across Storey's lips once again as he leans over, cockily pinning Akira with just one hand to the disgust of the crowd. At two Akira manages to kick out, but only a split second before Ryu Sanu brought his hand down for three. Storey stands up and walks around Akira, waiting for him to get to his knees. Slowly Akira crawls off the mat, allowing Storey to kick him in the side of the head with with bottom of his boot. Akira falls back down to his hands and knees, then again tries to get up. He reaches one knee before Storey again kicks him, this time in the face. Storey can be heard laughing as he toys with Akira, who at this point appears to have little idea where he is and is working solely on instinct. Akira starts to get up again, and this time Storey helps him to his feet before elbowing him in the face. Storey pushes Akira back into the ropes slowly and then whips him across the ring. When Akira comes back Storey grabs him, flapjacks him up into the air, and then damn near takes his head off with a brutal elbow smash to the side of The Black Heart Warrior's head, completing Storey's No Redemption move. The strike sends Akira tumbling sideways with so little control his head bounces off of the mat like a basketball, silencing the previous wild crowd. Storey raises his arms up and turns to the crowd, as if sarcastically asking what their problem is, as Akira lies in a heap down on the mat. Instead of going for the cover or straight for another move Storey backs into the corner and points down to his boot, calling for Exiled. Storey calmly leans in the corner, waiting for Akira to get onto all fours, at which point he charges in, looking for the vicious punt kick. Akira returns the favour from earlier and dodges out of the way while grabbing his opponents leg, dropping Storey down to the mat while clutching a leg. The two struggle back and forth, but eventually Akire manages to flip Storey onto his front and lock in an elevated single legged crab in the centre of the ring.

Cedar: A submission hold focusing on Storey's back might hurt, but it's not going to do much at this stage of the match!

Akira cranks back on Storey's leg before removing his knee from The Monarch of Wrestling's back and using the same leg to batter down on Storey's head with a series of merciless stomps.

Cedar: But that will!

The crowd roars in joy as Storey yells out in pain from Akira trying to crack his skull open like an egg shell with the sole of his boot. At this point Akira is only holding Storey's leg to keep him locked in place, trading out the crab for more leverage and power on his strikes at Storey's head. After taking over a dozen stomps Storey starts trying to kick his legs out and wriggle free, eventually managing to turn over onto his back and kick Akira away. Storey does a backwards roll to put distance between himself and Akira, and after a second or two to try and regain their senses the two men charge back at each other. Storey looks for a clothesline, which Akira ducks and rolls under. With his back to Storey Akira turns, throws up his arm, and nails The Natural in the back of the head with a rolling elbow. Storey's body goes completely limp, causing him to flop down face first into the mat. Unlike Storey, who appeared to have been taking his time because he wanted to, Akira is forced to take a step back and drop to one knee as he clutches his elbow and struggles to keep his balance thanks to the repeated blows to the head he's received so far in the match. After slapping himself across the face to try and snap back into the present Akira crawls to Storey and rolls him over. Thanks to the delay Storey is able to kick out at about one and a half to a smattering of boos. Akira drives an open palm down into the mat, either in frustration or just to try and get the adrenaline flowing, before grabbing Storey by the arm and pulling him up to his feet. Storey meekly throws a forearm as Akira's throat, and The Pacific Rim Nightmare quickly responds with a forearm of his own that almost floors Storey. With Storey dazed Akira wraps an arm around his neck, hooks Storey's arm down behind him and under his leg, grabs his wrist, and then dumps him over on the back of his head with a wrist-clutch exploder suplex! This time Akira is close enough to drape himself over Storey, who manages to get a shoulder up maybe half a second before Ryu Sanu counts three. The crowd is alive and electric, chanting for Akira over and over as he staggers up to his feet, pulling Storey with him. Akira hooks his arm over Storey's neck and hoists him up into the air, trying to finish it with a brainbuster. Storey kicks his legs up for dear life, managing to wriggle free and land on his feet behind Akira. Akira starts to turn but gets nailed with a dropkick to the back of his head, flooring him instantly. Storey now has a sense of urgency about him, and instead of taunting, show boating, or waiting he drags Akira up to his feet, throwing in a punch to the jaw as he does so. With as much strength as he can muster Storey knees Akira in the gut, doubling him over so Storey can hook both arms in preparation for the Paroxysm, Storey's signature tiger bomb finishing move.

Cedar: It could be all over right here!

Storey tries heaving Akira up but Akira refuses to be moved, crouching down and digging his feet into the mat. Again Storey tries to hoist Akira up, and again Akira buckles his knees to avoid being flipped over into the Paroxysm. Sweat dripping down his face, Storey leans over Akira, trying desperately to keep the double underhooks locked in. Unable to free his arms, Akira resorts to standing up and flipping Storey over down to the mat. With Storey down on the mat just behind him Akira leaps up, looking to plant a double stomp on The Natural's head. At the last possible second Storey manages to roll to one side and grab Akira in a roll-up as he lands. The crowd explodes as Storey gets both shoulders down, and then again starts cheering when Akira manages to kick out at two. The two start to stand up at the same time, but Storey gains the advantage with a sneaky eyerake which Ryu Sanu gives him an earful over. With Akira blinded for a few seconds Storey tackles him down to the mat and starts to lay in some vicious hammer fists, pounding away at Akira's face like it's a speedbag. Akira throws up his hands and manages to catch one of Storey's hands, giving him a respite from the shots and a chance to kick Storey away. Now separated from Storey Akira has time to get himself back up to a vertical base, but once again Storey rushes him, this time with a European uppercut followed by another eyerake. The crowd boos Storey's desperation tactics, but The Monarch of Wrestling pays them no attention, instead choosing to drive an elbow into the side of Akira's head before hitting him with the Escapologist, a vicious double knee facebreaker that makes Akira crumple to the mat clutching his face. The crowd boos Storey as he grabs Akira and pulls him up, yelling "IT'S OVER!" in his ear as he grabs his head, setting up for the MAS. As Storey starts to jump Akira throws his arms out, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him back down onto his feet. Wasting no time, Akira jumps back and plants Storey on the back of his head with a German suplex, much to the delight of the capacity crowd. Akira doesn't let go of the hold, instead choosing to roll onto his side, pull Storey up, and then nail a second German suplex, this one slightly more sloppy then the previous one thanks to Akira's fatigue. Again Akira holds on and pulls Storey up, now meeting little resistance. Instead of a third German suplex Akira ducks down under Storey's arm and, with an anger and frustration filled roar, dumps him backwards onto the top of his head with a backdrop driver. Storey folds up like a newspaper on impact with the mat before rolling over onto his face, twitching slightly like a fish that's been out of water for too long. Akira kneels up next to Storey, breathing heavily and with sweat pouring down his red face. Akira grabs Storey, who at this point is pretty much deadweight, and drags him up to his feet. Akira raises his arm up to signal for the brainbuster, which gets a loud sea of cheers from the crowd. Akira hoists Storey up, holds him there for a split second, and then drops him down onto the very top of his skull, crowing the Monarch of Wrestling. Storey once again folds up on impact and then violently shakes as he flattens out on his back, staring up at the lights. Akira crawls over Storey, hooking both legs as he does so to get the three count and a title shot at Endure!