The Puppets Dance (CVerse '20 - 5SSW)

KyTeran · August 12, 2020

MAYA / Machiko Matsuda vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Rika Tsujimura vs. Ochiyo Iijima

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. Kinuye Mushashibo / Kaede Sugiyama

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Hana Ajibana

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic / Steph Blake vs. Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: Yu Hashimoto / Romi Yamato / Lady Lotus vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta / Monster Ishimura

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa vs. Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink / Velvet Suarez

medla · August 13, 2020

{MAYA / Machiko Matsuda} vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Rika Tsujimura vs. {Ochiyo Iijima}

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. {Kinuye Mushashibo / Kaede Sugiyama}

{Miwako Katsukawa} vs. Hana Ajibana

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: {Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic / Steph Blake} vs. Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: {Yu Hashimoto / Romi Yamato / Lady Lotus} vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: {Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh} vs. Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta / Monster Ishimura

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinals: {Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa} vs. Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink / Velvet Suarez

White Dolphin · August 15, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Fan Appreciation Week Night 1

Monday/Week 2/March/2020

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka, Japan

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We open the show with a video package narrated by Kaiya Kuwahara, breaking down the tournament participants and the press conference from earlier. It was pretty well produced and got the point across.

Rating: 75

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vs.

The Kanto Express (MAYA / Machiko Matsuda) vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

A good little match here to open the show, with most of the reaction coming for anything the Kanto Express does. Erin Marcelin has her small pockets of supporters as she gets in some stiff strikes, but can't land her big Whirling Silver (Discus Left Hook). The Kanto Express take back the flow of the match, corner Ryder, knock Marcelin off the apron, and Matsuda finishes Ryder with a sweet alley-oop frankensteiner for 3.

Result: The Kanto Express def. Marcelin & Ryder via pinfall at 6:32 (Matsuda pins Ryder)

Rating: 52

---

The Kanto Express cut a quick pre-taped victory promo afterwards in the park behind the 5-Star tour bus and say little of note.

Rating: 43

---

vs.

Rika Tsujimura vs. Ochiyo Iijima

This match on the other hand is nothing much. Rika is a bit too slow-paced and methodical for the 5-Star environment, while Iijima is a bit too slow-paced and old, and neither person is particularly cared about by the fans.

Tsujimura puts the match out of its misery fairly quickly with the Razor Knee Strike (Kenka Knee) for a 3 count.

Result: Rika Tsujimura def. Ochiyo Iijima via pinfall at 7:31

Rating: 48

---

vs.

Gun Metal Gals (Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda) vs. Stone Soliders (Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo)

This one is a little better, the Gals are starting to get popular, and the Stone Soliders are a good fundamental team (if a little basic offensively). The match is a bit marred by inconsistency from the younger team and unexciting offense from the older team, but the effort is there and the crowd tolerates it.

The Gun Metal Gals come a little closer to winning this match than some of the previous ones, pushing the veterans hard with their speed, but Emiko Mioyshi misses a big Pheonix Splash off the top and that enables Sugiyama to score with a back suplex followed by a Half Nelson Suplex for the 3 count.

Result: Stone Soliders def. Gun Metal Gals via pinfall at 9:55

Rating: 50

---

Before the next match we check in with Miwako Katsukawa, who cuts a good promo talking about her plans for improvement and growth on this tour despite not being in the Queen's Castle Cup.

Rating: 63

---

vs.

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Hana Ajibana

Ajibana's been showing some commendable effort lately, being held back by the deadweight around her in mutli-woman tags, and this is an opportunity for her to cut loose and show what she can do.

Ajibana throws Katsukawa about a bit, and gets a big middle rope Head and Arm Suplex for 2. Ajibana works in various chokes trying to get the submission, but Katsukawa weathers the storm, and completes a big comeback with the deadly big move known as the Ultraviolet Beam (Handpsring Twisting Forearm to a cornered opponent), followed by the Katsukawa Bomb (Sunset Flip Powerbomb) for the 3 count to cap off a surprisingly good match. Katsukawa has been improving a little bit with each tour lately, and seems destined for big things.....

Result: Miwako Katsukawa def. Hana Ajibana via pinfall in 9:44

Rating: 61

---

vs.

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinal Match

Team Europe (Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic / Steph Blake) vs. Team America (Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft)

The tournament matches start in earnest, although this one feels off. Steph Blake's slower DDT-based offense isn't connecting with the 5-Star fanbase too much, and Thea Davis has been struggling to put forth better than mediocre in-ring performances lately. Jankovic works a fair chunk of the match but its not enough to make it really good despite the talents of Team America.

Still, the match has a decent story and some teeth to it. Lethal Strike and The Uprising exchanged some pleasantries at the press conference and try to regularly one-up each other, and of course Paige Croft is always lurking in the background waiting for cheapshots.

Jankovic and Quinzel have the biggest moment of the match past the middle when they do the "fight forever" strike exchange spot based right out of a hype ALPHA-1 Japanese vs Japanese MMA fight main event. Jankovic wins the battle with a right hand that puts Quinzel down before collapsing, and crawls over for the cover........ only to get 2 as Quinzel kicks out at the last possible minute.

The match picks up, going back and forth building to the end. Spinal Trauma on Jankovic gets 2. High Fly Elbow on Svelte gets 2. Ace Crusher on Davis gets 2. Spike Butterfly DDT on Quinzel gets 2. Steph Blake tries to follow up with a Super DDT, but Quinzel reverses into a big top-rope Spinebuster. Quinzel lands a big backbreaker, then decides to be charitable and tag in an eager Croft. Blake holds her back in pain as she gets to her knees.......and is left defenseless for the running Ace Crusher by Croft! That gets the 3 count, and Team America advances to the semi-finals.

Result: Team America def. Team Europe via pinfall at 14:14 (Croft pins Blake)

Rating: 59

Team America advances to the Queens Castle Cup Semi-Finals

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Next up we got a biref video package hyping the second quarterfinal match, focusing on Megumi Nakajima and Romi Yamato.

Rating: 47

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vs.

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinal Match

Team Hashimoto (Yu Hashimoto / Romi Yamato / Lady Lotus) vs. Team Nakajima (Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi)

This match is a step up without any weak links dragging it down. Both teams come out ready for war and with no qualms about busting out the big moves on each other, making for a good match.

Yu Hashimoto and Megumi Nakajima have tussled at a couple points earlier this year during the Big Crush Tour and renew their issue against one another, coming out with fire. Etsuko Arihyoshi and Romi Yamato have some dynamic sequences in the early going, while Lady Lotus and Kita exchange some athletic moves as the match spirals out of control early before poor referee Odaka finally restores order.

The match continues along those lines though, with 3 members engaged in mostly 1 on 1 battles. Surprisingly, Hashimoto starts getting the better of Nakajima at points, finally refining her striking and anger to overcome Nakajima's technique.

Team SUB however does a good job coming in and cleaning up the mess, and their teamwork helps Team Nakajima go further, while Hashimoto's team struggles to work together at anything above a medium level. Hashimoto and Yamato turn to violent, slightly underhanded tactics to try and gain an edge, but Team SUB and Nakajima have been down that road before too.

It's anyone's match for a while, with the physicality of Team Hashimoto managing to hold back the tide from their skilled opponents. The crowd aren't sure who to support, but like the action overall and come to favour Nakajima's side a bit as the battle progresses. Yamato and Hashimoto improvise a Kaenhousha (Total Elimination) against Kita, but Arihyoshi saves at 2. Exploder Suplex on Yamato gets 2. Superkick to Hashimoto gets 2. Senton Bomb on Arihyoshi gets 2.

Finally, the teamwork of Team SUB determines the win, as Hashimoto tags Lotus in for a big Doomsday-type finisher off the top rope on Kita, but Arihyoshi shakes the ropes and the unbalanced Lotus tumbles, Arihyoshi slips off Hashimoto's shoulders, Superkicks Hashimoto, and then tags in Arihyoshi for the tandem Superkick / Tiger Suplex finisher onto Lotus for 3!

Team Nakajima wins a tough 1st round affair and are through to the semifinals!

Result: Team Nakajima def. Team Hashimoto via pinfall at 14:35 (Arihyoshi pins Lotus)

Rating: 67

Team Nakajima advances to the Queens Castle Cup Semi-Finals

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Next up we get a pre-tape from Yuma Maruya, cutting a fired-up promo promising to defend the 5-Star standard from monsters, leather-clad insane people, and any other woman who come after her. Maruya knows her first round matchup is scary, but her and her team will face it with all the skill, speed, and determination they have. Maruya nailed it in one shot as always.

Rating: 78

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vs.

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinal Match

Team 5-Star (Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh) vs. Team Monsters (Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta / Monster Ishimura)

Another good match, if only because the outdoor crowd is firmly behind Team 5-Star here and give the match a nice atmosphere.

The story is a simple one told countless times in the history of this business and world history in general: The big versus the small, the arrogant sizeable human mountains versus the small and courageous ones that try to conquer it against all odds.

Despite the state of their recent booking, the TermiNation control early, and Monster Ishimura gets in a few clubbing forearms and brutal slams before tagging out, as theres a concerted effort to keep the Monsters fresh and minimize a stamina disadvantage against the athletic opponents.

Saitoh unsurprisingly takes a lot of the beating and keeps fighting on. Jippensha makes some headway, but her technique gets undone by some desperate heel tactics from the monster faction, and Maruya is being kept on the apron quite a lot, as the commentators speculate she's being kept "fresh" for a difficult semi-final matchup against the winner of the main event.

Maruya does have her moments, and towards the mid portion of the match, Team 5-Star finally gets some momentum going, as the Monsters are worn down a bit by hit-and-run tactics, basement dropkicks, and a lot of working the knees to take out the monster's base. The match comes off as an imitation of Destruction Inc. vs Ogiwara and Hike, but its a GOOD imitation, and fresh to the ever-present teenage girl demographic that makes up a significant part of the 5-Star fandom, most of whom were not alive when that old rivalry took place.

Finally, a Monster breaks down from the long-game battle tactics Team 5-Star uses, and that Monster is Ishimura. 5-Star seizes the initiative, knocks the TermiNation off the apron, and try to put Ishimura down with a double suplex.

Ishimura refuses to be lifted, and tries a 1-on-2 suplex to Saitoh and Maruya......only for Jippensha to clip her at the knees! This time 5-Star tries with 3 girls...... and bust out the old school triple-team Elitist Plex (Front Suplex) from Canadian Golden Combat! Ishimura lands with a thud, groggily gets up to one knee...... and is met with a Flying Tiger Knee (Top-Rope Busaiku Knee) from HEART Saitoh that knocks her out cold! Saitoh covers and gets the 3, and Team 5-Star is on to the semifinals!

Result: Team 5-Star def. Team Monsters via pinfall at 14:49 (Saitoh pins Ishimura)

Rating: 69 (nice)

Team 5-Star advances to the Queens Castle Cup Semi-Finals

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Before the main event we get words from Fuyuko Higa and Gemmei Oonishi. Higa thanks Kaiya Kuwahara for actually doing her job properly for a change and putting Miss Perfection where she belongs: in the main event, over Maruya. Higa assures the wiser 5-Star fans she hears cheering her on that Higa will not disappoint them, she will go to the semifinals, slaughter the 5-Star Defense, and conquer the Queen's Castle Cup.

Oonishi of course points out that they have a tough quarterfinal matchup ahead before that, and talks about how she respects their luchadora opponents, but they won't get past this quality team. Higa snorts at any sort of praise for the luchadoras, and Oonishi takes offense to that, and the interview goes to hell for a bit. Eventually it ends with Higa shouting to Oonishi to just stand on the apron and do what she's told while Higa wins it all. Oonishi meekly submits to Higa's wishes, as Higa walks off the interview shot in a huff.

Rating: 64

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vs.

Queen's Castle Cup Quarterfinal Match

Team Higa (Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa) vs. Team Mexico (Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink / Velvet Suarez)

Higa's bluster over the luchadoras not being on her level lasts about 30 seconds, as the match starts with Higa vs Perez and the arrogant Higa gets completely outworked by Perez's flashy offense. Higa is sent fleeing into the corner, where she tags in Akutagawa and tells her to deal with it.

Akutagawa fares a bit better, if only because she takes it seriously and has the size to impose herself in the match, but Double Pink's teamwork causes problems for the big face-painted technician. In particular a nice chop-block/side arm scissors takedown gets a nice pop from the crowd, and the casual park-goers in attendance take a shine to the pink-themed gals from Mexico as the match continues.

Velvet Suarez is greener and less impressive, and over time Team Higa begins to realize she's the weaker link. However, the Double Pink tag-ins provide a huge problem as they come in full of momentum and fire, and all 3 members of Team Higa have trouble containing them.

Higa's arrogance nearly undoes her team's path to the championship, as she takes the vertical suplex/twisting crossbody combo from Double Pink for a close 2 before Oonishi saves and buys her time to recover. Higa starts taking things a bit more seriously after that, but Perez is still giving her all kinds of issues, proving to be Higa's equal in terms of speed and technique.

Perez gets a close 2 on Oonishi, off of a couple rolling Butterfly Suplexes into the Pink Butterfly Powerbomb (Spinning Tiger Bomb), but Akutagawa saves. The crowd starts to stir to the possibility of an upset here. Velvet Suarez comes in with a Moonsault........ for 2, as Oonishi kicks out last-second. Suarez goes up-top for a desperation Phoenix Splash, but Oonishi uses the last of her willpower to roll out of the way and tags in Higa, who knocks Double Pink off the apron with forearms and quickly hits the Perfection Sweep (Skull Crushing Finale) on Suarez for the pin before Double Pink arrive to make the save.

Higa sprints down the entranceway in jubilation, as Double Pink make their way back into the ring to check on their countrywoman. Higa's team may have won, but it was some close stuff.......

Result: Team Higa def. Team Mexico via pinfall at 14:55 (Higa pins Suarez)

Rating: 72

Team Higa advances to the Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Finals

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OVERALL SHOW RATING: 72

ATTENDANCE: 811

White Dolphin · August 16, 2020

OOC SHOW NOTES:

-Thanks for the predictions as always, love you guys!

-Doing this show sorta makes me want to switch to shorter form matches from now on, it was hard to make all 4 matches seem like big deals without reusing a ton of sequences.

-Admittedly a lot of the lower-card was filler filler filler, but people in-game would've showed up for the tournament matches anyways. Plus I needed people to get wins in for the final show's midcard title matches.

-Noticed that some of the recent patches seem to be cratering overness gains and TV ratings. Might do some manual editing later. Suarez and Blake are at 9 and 8 overness in Kansai after the show which is very weird. Generally getting anyone over to 17 is easy as hell, but getting them over beyond that is when it slows.

-Team America vs Team Europe could've really gone either way, but I decided America was the more credible choice due to having the tag team champs. Thea Davis is becoming one of those classic workers with a bio that makes no sense compared to her character though, as she's really struggling in-ring to match up to everyone else.

-For a thrown together unit I thought I wrote Hashimoto's team fairly well. They were competitive but undone by a lack of cohesion, and that can happen.

-Monsters vs 5-Star match I thought came off well, and the casuals in the crowd might've actually bought the heels as a threat to the babyfaces, even though the TermiNation have really been lost in the shuffle lately.

-Main event was great, and Higa just writes herself at this point. My addiction to isekai light novels introduced me to my new favourite character trope: the arrogant nobility who gets completely clowned by the heroes, and Higa fits a lot of that, so I had her talk smack to Perez and then get outwrestled in 30 seconds like whaaaaaaaat? As I believe I've stated before, a Japanese heel is so easy to write compared to the straitlaced typical bland as oatmeal Japanese babyface. Higa's just the best, even if shes maybe chewing the scenery a little too hard and would turn herself babyface probably in America.

-BTW Suarez was in this tour specifically to take the fall here. It would've been Ursula Saez, but I decided against that to keep Saez untainted for another tour.

---

PREDICTION STANDINGS:

ampulator: 22/22

KyTeran: 18/22

medla: 11/15

(uh oh, ampulator's gotten three perfects in a row, better start needless swerve booking.)

ampulator · August 16, 2020

I have a recommendation: instead of editing workers, maybe create new independent broadcasters in the database editor, then importing them via the in-game editor?

For example, I would sometimes a create a regional PPV broadcaster that's available in one area only, but with good coverage in that region with lower broadcast requirements. The kicker is, the broadcaster is *only* in one area.

It gives you some wiggle room, yet limits your coverage growth to that area.

ampulator · August 16, 2020

As for my three "perfects" in a row, some of it was dumb luck.

Rika Tsujimura vs. Ochiyo Iijima? I was split on that one. Iijima is the veteran, but she's no spring chicken. Tsujimura is also no young lion and has decent (if not great) skills.

Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic / Steph Blake vs. Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft? I like Davis/Jankovic/Blake on paper, but Blake is getting up there and Davis and Jankovic haven't improved from database to database that much.

Yu Hashimoto / Romi Yamato / Lady Lotus vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi? Another hard one. Individually, I think Hashimoto and Yamato need more of a push, but I knew Nakajima/Kita/Arihyoshi were bigger names and more proven talent.

Sometimes predictable isn't bad. The tours aren't meant to be where the "big" matches happen. That's for the events.

ampulator · August 16, 2020

As for the workers....Thea Davis, is well, she's *almost* there, but not quite. Her problem is some of her "top row" (Brawling/Technical) stats are *almost* to 60 but not quite, and some of her "bottom row" stats (Psychology/Selling) aren't necessarily good enough to cover for that.

(Top Row stats are Brawling/Puroresu/Technical/Aerial. Hardcore is a top row stat, but some products ignore it).

Given 5SSW's product, you need to be *really* good at one top row skill (80ish), very good at one or two (70ish), or decent at multiple top row skills (60ish).

Top Technician: Fuyuko Higa

Top Brawler: Fuyuko Higa/Yu Hashimoto (!!!)

Top Puroresu Fighter: Megumi Nakajima

Top Aerialist:Megumi Nakajima/Yuma Maruya (!!!)

Top Hardcore Fighter: Yu Hashimoto (But this doesn't matter much given 5SSW's product)

Megumi Nakajima is also the only wrestler with at least 60 more in all relevant top-row stats (Brawling/Puroresu/Technical/Aerial).

On the other hand, only 5 workers don't have *any* "top row" stats at least 60

Kinuye Mushashibo

Monster Ishimura

Ochiyo Iijima

Otsune Tsumura

Thea Davis

3 out 5 are likely midcard fodder. One clearly doesn't fit the product or needs some serious improvement in all her skills.

The last is Thea Davis.

White Dolphin · August 18, 2020

OOC: <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I have a recommendation: instead of editing workers, maybe create new independent broadcasters in the database editor, then importing them via the in-game editor? For example, I would sometimes a create a regional PPV broadcaster that's available in one area only, but with good coverage in that region with lower broadcast requirements. The kicker is, the broadcaster is *only* in one area. It gives you some wiggle room, yet limits your coverage growth to that area.</div></blockquote> I mean, I'm not concerned about company popularity, and its not like I'd edit workers to a superhigh extent, I'm just pretty sure that Suarez and Blake would be like 11 or 12 overness in Kansai instead of 8 now in this post-patch world. I'll see how things go with my next tour hires that I decide to build up. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As for the workers....Thea Davis, is well, she's *almost* there, but not quite. Her problem is some of her "top row" (Brawling/Technical) stats are *almost* to 60 but not quite, and some of her "bottom row" stats (Psychology/Selling) aren't necessarily good enough to cover for that. (Top Row stats are Brawling/Puroresu/Technical/Aerial. Hardcore is a top row stat, but some products ignore it). Given 5SSW's product, you need to be *really* good at one top row skill (80ish), very good at one or two (70ish), or decent at multiple top row skills (60ish).</div></blockquote> I've actually heard only the best top row stat amongst Puro/Brawling/Technical/Flying matters for match quality, unless running a match where your second or third best stat is tied to the match type (like technical for a submission match), and that top row has a great effect on the match with psychology/basics/selling being "influencers" that bar certain matches from being great if they're lacking. I sort of end up justifying this as the low top row high fundamentals workers being slow-paced and methodical in their offense, instead of fast and exciting like the 5-Star style is implied to be. I don't necessarily think workrate is the KEY to a great match, mind, but it works for what this particular product and this particular fandom would consider good. Plus the few joshi matches I've seen do have quite a few workers with happy feet sooooo...... At any rate thanks for the comments amp! Prediction key will be up tomorrow fellas, feel free to chime in with any thoughts on the matches and the booking too! <div style="text-align:center;">--- <img alt="nr0H7y3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nr0H7y3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The Fan Appreciation Week had begun and Erin was in wonderment. She had never done an outdoor show before, and it was cool being in an old-style show, like what they had in black and white films of circus acts in the 40s, with wrestlers taking on all comers from the crowd. There were a few outdoor booths set up in the park, and Erin got a weird melon slushee and some Pocky from one stall, before joining Ted for a walk in Osaka Castle Park as the remnants of the 5-Star crowds and other civvies started to file home. It was a fun show in Erin's eyes, the tournament had started off well, and she had done okay in her tag match with Joy Ryder. The Kanto Express were really underrated and good to learn from, but Erin thought Ryder was even greener than she was and the match wasn't as good as it could've been with a slightly better partner. Of course, the match would be even better replacing Erin with 90% of the roster too, but that was beside the point. Erin was coming along, but she was starting to wonder: if she got on the next tour, would teaming with a veteran help her get even better? ........Oh well, there'd be plenty of time for that. Erin was 18 and had the best gig a young women's wrestler could have: Working 5 matches a month in Japan with the best in the world. This was great. And it was about to get even greater. Two schoolgirls from nearby Nekketsu High School named Shimada and Hasebe were walking in the park too, talking about the show. They noticed Erin and Ted walking towards them, recognized Erin, and their hearts almost stopped. The two had attended the debut of Erin in 5SSW, where she came out full of swagger and beat another nameless girl up with some strikes and a spinning left hook. No matter who else 5-Star brought in or how many matches Erin lost, they thought she was the COOLEST gaijin ever, with her hair, her swagger, her punching power, and her courage to face any opposition even if they were overwhelming appealing to them and a handful of other fans across Kansai. Unbeknownst to Erin, she had an unofficial fan club of sorts. And its top two members just saw their target of fandom walking towards them. A hurried scramble and rooting through purses ensued as Erin and Ted sauntered over, but eventually the two girls found a notepad and a pen between them, and Shimada and Hasebe went over to their favourite wrestler. "ERIN-SENSHUUUUUU!" Erin looked up and saw two girls running towards her. Erin noticed that one of them was wearing a wig........that looked like her haircut? What? "Can we have autograph purease?" <div style="text-align:center;">--- <img alt="rBQxkob.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rBQxkob.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> "Well, they tried" thought Ted to himself as he rescued Erin from the Engrish conversation and talked with the fangirls in Japanese for a bit. A rush of information came out that left Ted dizzy, but he got the gist of it. Erin signed an autograph and took a selfie with the two squeeing fangirls, with her eyes shining like the sun at the thought of having fans. The two girls waved to Erin and skipped off holding their mouths in delight and excitement. Ted couldn't help but grin at this. Erin just had her day made, and it was a delightful thing to see happen. "What else did they say besides asking for my autograph and stuff?" said a dazed Erin. "Oh nothing much, they were talking about being big fans of your and how they just saw you getting your butt kicked by the Kanto Express, nothing major." "Seriously though what did they say?" "I just told you!" Ted did tell Erin. Of course he left out details, like the fact Shimada and Hasebe were part of an unofficial Erin Marcelin fan club and that they saw her debut match and thought she was the coolest. That could be saved for later teasing and wasn't something Erin needed to know at the moment. Ted chuckled lightly to himself, but that action hurt his ribs...... His ribs had taken some punishment earlier when he was outdoors in the improvised backstage area. Ted had dropped a Solo cup behind a production case, and as he went to get it, Unstoppable Tai came roaring in screaming bloody murder over doing a job to Team Maruya. Apparently, Tai had delusions of being able to beat Maruya's team in the tournament and advance to greater things as a payback for agreeing to lose the tag titles. So the big klutz shifted a production case while on the warpath, and Ted got up in time to be forcibly sandwiched between the production case and a nearby bus, and Ted felt like a jelly donut pressed on both sides. Luckily he would probably be alright and it was likely just a bruise, but still, goddamn Tai. She had been getting a bit testy backstage lately due to her decreased push, and this was another episode of it. Ted wanted to offer some advice, such as learn to show more charisma and sell better so you can get a better push, but Tai would probably react to it with some shouting and/or violence, plus it wasn't Ted's place to point this stuff out. Best to let this stuff be resolved by professionals.

White Dolphin · August 18, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Fan Appreciation Week Part 2

Wednesday/Week 2/April/2020

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We're in the best 4 of the Queen's Castle Cup, here on the second night of Fan Appreciation Week. After an intense first round, which teams will fight in the finals? Find out only on Shogun TV, airing from the Osaka Castle Park!

In our opening match, the Gun Metal Gals aim for their first win of the tour against the young gaijin duo of Erin Marcelin and Joy Ryder.

Eri Sato is in singles action next, taking on young luchadora Velvet Suarez.

Two veteran tag teams wrestle next, as Shining Force take on the Stone Soliders.

Monster Ishimura has been lurking under the radar lately and has been up and down performance wise, but she'll be aiming to make a statement against the tall all-rounder Rika Tsujimura.

The dangerous Romi Yamato is in action next, against tough British veteran Steph Blake.

Two former arch-rivals renew acquaintances in the last match before the tournament semi-finals, as Miwako Katsukawa takes on Lady Lotus.

Semifinal number one sees Team America take on Team Nakajima. Team America boasts the tag team champions and an increasingly unhinged Paige Croft, while Team Nakajima is captained by a former world champ and supported by former multi-time tag champions. Who will prevail?

Semifinal number two sees a much-anticipated clash between Team 5-Star and Team Higa. Fuyuko Higa has made no secret of her desire to see the 5SSW "idol" Yuma Maruya fall, and Maruya is determined not to give in easily to the leather-clad renegade. With great decorated wrestlers on both sides, and the last meeting between the captains of the two teams ending in a time limit draw, it could go either way!

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PREDICTION KEY

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Eri Sato vs. Velvet Suarez

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Monster Ishimura vs. Rika Tsujimura

Romi Yamato vs. Steph Blake

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Lady Lotus

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa

ampulator · August 19, 2020

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Eri Sato vs. Velvet Suarez

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Monster Ishimura vs. Rika Tsujimura

Romi Yamato vs. Steph Blake

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Lady Lotus

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa

joshbrady91 · August 19, 2020

Predictions

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Eri Sato vs. Velvet Suarez

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Monster Ishimura vs. Rika Tsujimura

Romi Yamato vs. Steph Blake

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Lady Lotus

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa

KyTeran · August 19, 2020

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Eri Sato vs. Velvet Suarez

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Monster Ishimura vs. Rika Tsujimura

Romi Yamato vs. Steph Blake

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Lady Lotus

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa

medla · August 20, 2020

Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda vs. Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder

Eri Sato vs. Velvet Suarez

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Monster Ishimura vs. Rika Tsujimura

Romi Yamato vs. Steph Blake

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Lady Lotus

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

Queen's Castle Cup Semi-Final: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa

White Dolphin · August 21, 2020

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="GYUe7nb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GYUe7nb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Fan Appreciation Week Night 2

Wednesday/Week 2/April/2020

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka, Japan

---

<img alt="38BdHBV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/38BdHBV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

A great video package narrated by Kaiya Kuwahara airs to open the show breaking down the big semifinal matches on tap today, documenting the issues between Higa and Maruya, the period of dominance the Uprising have enjoyed in recent times, and the desire for Nakajima to fight back after being kicked down the ladder a bit by Higa.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 79

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<img alt="pZEDxvt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pZEDxvt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="cX3bnOv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cX3bnOv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="nr0H7y3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nr0H7y3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="W3BZowC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W3BZowC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Gun Metal Gals (Emiko Miyoshi / Nami Genda) vs Erin Marcelin / Joy Ryder</div>

The opening match of the show is mildly entertaining but sloppy, with the Gun Metal Gals still getting lost on spots and Marcelin and Ryder still being green. There's effort and hard work involved thats appreciated by pockets of the audience, but its not enough to fully save things and make the match any good.

Still, the finish is at least exciting, as the Gun Metal Gals get the win on Erin Marcelin with the debut of the Steel Ball Run (Genda Corner Cannonball/Miyoshi Springboard Leaping Face Crusher) for a 3 count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Gun Metal Gals def. Marcelin & Ryder via pinfall at 7:33

Rating: 46

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<img alt="kFF47yY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kFF47yY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="TSNdrc1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TSNdrc1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Eri Sato vs. Velvet Suarez</div>

Sato gets down to business against the relatively inexperienced luchadora, battering her across the ring with kicks and some suplexes. Suarez briefly rallies with some lucha-inspired offense that's casually swatted down by Sato. The Sato Tornado spinkick into the corner clobbers Suarez, and then Sato hauls Suarez up for the Buzzsaw Kick (Reverse Spin Roundhouse Kick), which knocks her out for the 3 count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Eri Sato def Velvet Suarez via pinfall at 8:31

Rating: 54

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<img alt="IVupCz6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IVupCz6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="S5zYtKU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5zYtKU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I5FBwBx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I5FBwBx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ytBvNDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ytBvNDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eqRIrjY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eqRIrjY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gUw5uvp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gUw5uvp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mXmc58q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mXmc58q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

We hear from various people in a rapid-fire promo package: Sae Akutagawa, Gemmei Oonishi, Chiyeko Kita, Shiori Jippensha, and HEART Saitoh all check in with stuff to say. Thea Davis and Pinky Perez appear to be having some type of confrontation in the background of some of these promos as well.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 45

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<img alt="iobILVo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iobILVo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BjC1KJ8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BjC1KJ8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="lL30Zqr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lL30Zqr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JGHhvtW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JGHhvtW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Shining Force (Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara) vs. Stone Soldiers (Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo)</div>

This match for whatever reason doesn't work out great and falls to pieces at various points, with the crowd not caring much for some of the slow methodical ringwork and basic high-flying on display. Kaede and Yukiko work a decent sequence to try and save it, but the match spirals into mediocrity whenevery Kinuye and Otsune are involved.

Kaede Sugiyama eventually gets the win with a Spinning Arm Breaker into a Reverse Sitting Armbar on Otsune Tsumura, and Tsumura taps out to prevent herself from getting injured.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Stone Soldiers def. Shining Force via submission at 10:04 (Sugiyama taps Tsumura)

Rating: 52

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<img alt="d9jSwtE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/d9jSwtE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="EgTzSr5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EgTzSr5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Monster Ishimura vs. Rika Tsujimura</div>

Monster Ishimura comes out with some fire, being frustrated at her lack of success lately, and she comes out with what you could call a flurry of clubbing blows if they weren't delivered so slowly.

However, Rika Tsujimura uses her size and untested toughness to weather the storm, and actually stands up to Ishimura, fighting back with some sharp strikes and a few holds. Ishimura retreats outside, and Tsujimura follows with a nice flip dive that gets a decent pop.

Unfortunately, thats mostly the highlight of the match, as while the crowd is interested in Tsujimura physically imposing herself on the monster, there isn't much in the way of action, with Ishimura almost working in slow motion at points.

Tsujimura eventually puts the match out of its misery by managing to stagger the monster, reducing her to her knees with leg kicks, and scoring with the Razor Knee Strike (Running Kenka Knee) for 3.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Rika Tsujimura def. Monster Ishimura via pinfall at 8:12

Rating: 47

---

<img alt="QPFYrDH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFYrDH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Miwako Katsukawa checks in with a promo talking up her match with Lady Lotus. Katsukawa seems to be really improving on the mic and is getting popular with the 5-Star fanbase, and this was some good stuff.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 62

---

<img alt="z4uBriK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z4uBriK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="GoExdDk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GoExdDk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Romi Yamato vs. Steph Blake</div>

Steph Blake hasn't gotten much of a chance to establish herself, and is getting a bit long in the tooth as well. Thus, this match suffers a bit, and is only decent instead of good, with Yamato getting a much bigger response for her more modern offense, and getting most of the spotlight for herself.

Blake controls early with a combination of chinlocks and DDTs, but Yamato takes charge with superior technique and athleticism, almost tying Blake into knots at various points. Blake fights desperately, but gets overwhelmed, and finally beaten with the Yamatotal (Cross-Arm Bridging German Suplex) that gets a 3 count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Romi Yamato def. Steph Blake via pinfall at 9:31

Rating: 55

---

<img alt="QPFYrDH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFYrDH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="etOqb5w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/etOqb5w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Lady Lotus</div>

After a very mediocre midcard to this point, the fans are finally treated to a good match. A lot of the milling park-goers are just here for hte main event, but find themselves getting into this one.

Katsukawa and Lotus had a prior rivalry over the past couple years for the All-Asian title, and the two gel together really well in-ring, complementing the other's style really well. They work their signature spots from the feud in in front of the new audience, such as the Chord Flip by Lotus off a corner whip, baiting Katsukawa to run in and take a corner Tornado Bulldog, Katsukawa countering a huracanrana into a reverse powerbomb stungun, and Katsukawa athletically reversing a piledriver into a Samurai DDT.

Lotus gets a close 2 off a vicious-looking springboard wheel kick, then slams Katsukawa and goes up for the Senton Bomb, but misses. Katsukawa takes over and lands the ever-popular Ultraviolet Beam (Handspring Twisting Forearm to a cornered opponent). Lotus does a great Chord Sell off that, but Katsukawa only gets 2.

Katsukawa goes for the Katsukawa Bomb (Sunset Flip Powerbomb), but Lotus stuffs it and counters into a Boston Crab. Katsukawa fights hard.......... and makes the ropes! Lotus tries to pull Katsukawa off the ropes, Katsukawa fights it...... and reverses into a Small Package! 1........2.....NO!

The match continues to go back and forth. Eventually, Lotus starts getting desperate for the win, and makes the fatal mistake of missing a springboard lariat. Lotus lands lightly on her feet, but turns around into the Katsukawa Bomb outta nowhere! 1.......2..........3! Katsukawa gets the victory!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Miwako Katsukawa def. Lady Lotus via pinfall at 13:23

Rating: 65

---

<img alt="Tlz7Qa6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Tlz7Qa6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

A quick video package plays hyping up Team America vs. Team Nakajima, focusing on Nakajima talking about how important a tournament win here would be to establish herself again.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 62

---

<img alt="UqJvBag.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UqJvBag.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NrU6NiP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NrU6NiP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Ut6aCND.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ut6aCND.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="Tlz7Qa6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Tlz7Qa6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I5FBwBx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I5FBwBx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="zaZg1I3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zaZg1I3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Queen's Castle Cup Semifinal Match

Team America (Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte / Paige Croft) vs. Team Nakajima (Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi)</div>

Theres a fair bit of anticipation for this match, but something is off from the get-go, and theres some notable blown spots from even good workers in the match like Nakajima and Croft.

Still though, there are some respected names involved, the match is still pretty good, and Team SUB and The Uprising show signs of being capable of a good feud.

The match starts with Croft amubshing Team Nakajima with her chain before the bell, as the Uprising, sorta stunned by Croft's actions at first, shrug and eventually join in. Referee Odaka takes back control of th ematch and wrests the chain away from Croft, confiscating it for the timekeeper to keep a hold of.

Team America controls early on Nakajima, who took the bulk of the damage from Croft's early assault, but Nakajima battles through and then Team SUB start taking over. Team SUB and the Uprising work some great back-and-forth sequences that seems to hint towards the team being capable of a feud. Team SUB bust out a surprise Double Demon Down (Double Side Slam) on Svelte for 2 before Quinzel saves. Quinzel almost pins Kita with her Spinal Trauma backbreaker, but Arihyoshi saves.

Then Croft and Nakajima then tag in and get into it with a technical sequence, ending with both girls get completely lost for some reason, to the point where the veteran viewers in the crowd start laughing. The match struggles to recover from there.......

Still though, things pick up with a better sequence towards the end, where a triple suicide dive by Team Nakajima turns things around and puts Team America on the back foot. Team SUB load up for their Superkick/Tiger Suplex combo, but Quinzel fights loose and leaves Arihyoshi to eat the Superkick instead. Quinzel tries to press the advantage, but Kita tags in Nakajima, who cleans house until being cutoff by a cheapshot from Svelte.

Svelte ends up having to deal with Arihyoshi on the outside, so Quinzel tags in Croft to improvise the Uprising's finisher known as the Rising Tide (Modified Sky Lift Slam), only for Nakajima to counter into a hurricanrana on Quinzel to send her out! Croft tries to ambush Nakajima before she gets to her feet with the Ace Crusher, but Nakajima reverses into a three-quarter nelson rollup! 1......2.......3!

Team Nakajima wins a somewhat messy match, but its good enough to be on route to the finals!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Nakajima def. Team America via pinfall at 19:33 (Nakajima pins Croft)

Rating: 65

Team Nakajima advances to the Queen's Castle Cup Finals

---

<img alt="ZoM1wH5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZoM1wH5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aDF3DSi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aDF3DSi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

While a furious Croft slaps the bejeezus out of the timekeeper to get her chain back, we cut to an EXCELLENT promo package for the Higa/Maruya rivalry as of late, building up the big-time semifinal match with some fired-up promo work from Higa and Maruya. Crowd loved seeing this on an improvised projector setup and were in full UWAAAAAHHHH state for the match.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 81

---

<img alt="aDF3DSi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aDF3DSi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ytBvNDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ytBvNDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eqRIrjY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eqRIrjY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="ZoM1wH5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZoM1wH5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="S5zYtKU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5zYtKU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IVupCz6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IVupCz6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Queen's Castle Cup Semifinal Match

Team 5-Star (Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh) vs. Team Higa (Fuyuko Higa / Gemmei Oonishi / Sae Akutagawa)</div>

The crowd is up for this, and everyone involved rises to the occasion with the best match 5-Star has seen almost since the heyday of the Magic Three. Maruya and Higa do not like each other, Higa has barely restrained contempt for Saitoh, and seems to have a bizarre respect for Jippensha brewing for whatever reason. Ooonishi is torn in loyalties between the two sides, and Akutagawa just wants to beat people up.

All the ingredients are there for a great match and it happens fast and furious. Higa and Jippensha start off with an electrifying technical sequence. Higa is respectful and fired up, Jippensha is cold and calculating. Jippensha tags in Saitoh and Higa immediately tags out, saying she doesn't need to waste her time with this. Saitoh takes it to Oonishi, and exchanges some words with Higa on the outside that Higa just ignores with disdain.

Oonishi does well against Saitoh, but struggles against the World champ Maruya once she tags in. Akutagawa eagerly tags in to face the champ and fares better, using her size and techniquie to bully the smaller girl. Maruya gets fired up by the crowd though, and eventually outmaneuvers her bigger opponent, sending her flying into the corner with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Maruya then angrily calls on Higa to tag in, and Higa obliges.

Higa takes out all her venom and anger on Maruya, battering her from pillar to post, suplexing the idol multiple times, and stopping every now and then to get some quality badmouth on the crowd, who are full of invective for the leather-clad gal hurting their idol. Unfortunately for Higa, one badmouth session too many gives Maruya time to fight back and create enough space to tag in Saitoh. Saitoh gets in some jumping clotheslines, a Rube Goldberg neckbreaker, and the big running Back Brain Kick!

Saitoh goes for the Flying Tiger Knee (Top-Rope Busaiku Knee), but Higa sidesteps at the last minute, and the camera gets a good shot of her horrified expression as she FLEES to the corner to tag in Oonishi. Team Higa loses a bit of their momentum as Oonishi stays isolated in the corner for a while, but Oonishi battles free from a Jippensha suplex attempt and tags in Akutagawa who runs wild! Wheel kicks for everyone! Its a 2-for-1 sale, and the 3rd one is thrown in for free! Akutagawa places Jippensha up top for the middle-rope Northern Lights Suplex, but Jippensha fights it off and shoves Akutagawa to the canvas. Top Rope Knee Drop! 1......2.....NO!

Akutagawa is isolated for a while, but works her way free to tag in Higa, who is furious at this point and simply destroys all 3 members of Team 5-Star at her leisure. Higa slaps the taste out of Maruya's mouth repeatedly, then tags in Oonishi for the Death From Above (Veg-o-Matic). Oonishi goes up for her part of the move, but Saitoh desperately shakes the ropes until she falls! Higa goes to attack Saitoh, but Saitoh lowers the rope and sends a charging Higa to the outside! Saitoh fights Akutagawa around ringside!

Maruya and Oonishi are left alone in the ring. Maruya gets a brilliant rope-walk Tornado DDT in, and tags in a recovering Jippensha........5-Star Finish (Back Suplex/Flying Flip Neckbreaker) on Oonishi! Jippensha covers! 1......2......Higa tries to make the save but is too far away......3!

Team Maruya win a hard and memorable battle to make it to the Queen's Castle Cup Finals!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Maruya def. Team Higa via pinfall at 21:20 (Jippensha pins Oonishi)

Rating: 81

Team Maruya advances to the Queen's Castle Cup Finals

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<img alt="ZoM1wH5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZoM1wH5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="S5zYtKU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5zYtKU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Post-match, Team 5-Star celebrate up the entrance and into the back area, while a furious Higa paces around the ring. Oonishi rises up to her feet unsteadily.....

........AND GETS SLAPPED BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS BY HIGA!

Higa brutally stomps and kicks her former tag team partner, and tells Akutagawa to fetch a mic. Higa lays Oonishi out with an STO!

Higa grabs the mic, tells Oonishi that she has outlived her usefulness, and picks her up...... Higa Green Driver (Emerald Flowsion Kai) to Oonishi!

The show goes off the air with Higa rapidly calming down from her rage....... and slowly getting a smile of satisfaction on her face as the crowd sits there stunned.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 74

---

OVERALL SHOW RATING: 79

ATTENDANCE: 851</div>

White Dolphin · August 21, 2020

OOC SHOW NOTES:

-Best card yet! Not sure it was written that way, but then it was a one match card that gave the fans what they paid to see.

-Had to do a lot of rejiggering of the undercard. A great 8 woman tag between Torment and Sorrow/Lethal Strike vs Kanto Express/Double Pink was left off the show. I feel like I need a better system to get everyone I want on the show but can't really figure it out. Hopefully things are better in the May tour cause its normal and I don't need to keep half the roster strong for a tournament.

-Just noticed that Maki Yoshifumi did not appear in any matches on the tour. Whoops! She'll be defending her All-Asian title for sure though.

-Stone Soliders got a mini-push they probably didn't deserve this tour simply because I liked them in my Local to Global feds and wanted them to have a tag title shot. Plus, they speak English and Japanese and thats great. In TEW2016 I used to have to editor Suzue Katayama into existence as a road agent to cover that.

-The high rating in the main event was due to me turning Spinal Impact moves off to give the match a burst of ratings, which I explained in-universe as being more everyone trying really really hard in front of the big crowd in the big feud match.

-Really disappointed that none of the predictors bought Team Higa as the winners of the semifinal. I felt I made Higa seem like a threat, she took Maruya-led teams to time limit draws before, but I guess people just thought MaruyawinsLOL

-I would like to think though that Higa turning on Oonishi was a surprise though, and something that might've been thought to get drawn out until May. Instead I just decided to have Higa cut that tie. It's a teased breakup angle that started in November and ran to April, with a false reconciliation teased a time or two, and I think it came off well. Oonishi's incompetence of falling to a deadly tag team finisher ruined Higa's vision of taking a trophy from Maruya, so that was enough for Higa to just be like "screw this" and driver her into the ground.

-Ratings shot up 6000 for this one but are still below the numbers i did during part 1 and 2 of the tour. I'll see how the finals go before I find out if this is due to me setting the semi-finals as a Lesser event instead of a TV show.

-One thing that disappoints me about the way I'm writing Fan Appreciation Week is that the festival atmosphere isn't emphasized enough. If this were Self writing it he'd have Higa adjusting Maruya's aim in a shooting gallery to be a jerk or something, or giving defective goldfish catching nets to some kid and laughing while they cry, or stealing someone's takoyaki. However, that's probably a little too Sportz Entertainment for this particular audience.

---

PREDICTION STANDINGS:

ampulator: 30/30 (Hey, like the ESPN show!)

KyTeran: 25/30

medla: 14/23

joshbrady91: 8/8 (Welcome aboard josh!)

ampulator · August 21, 2020

-Really disappointed that none of the predictors bought Team Higa as the winners of the semifinal. I felt I made Higa seem like a threat, she took Maruya-led teams to time limit draws before, but I guess people just thought MaruyawinsLOL

If it was a one-on-one match, I might have been more reluctant. It was Maruya/Jippensha/Saitoh vs. Higa/Oonishi/Akutagawa. Maruya and Jippensha are big stars. Saitoh hasn't developed as a worker as well Higa or Jippensha, but she's still star if not a big one. Oonishi is a good worker but isn't quite the level of Maruya/Jippensha/Higa. Akutagawa is also a good worker, but aren't quite the level of the others.

-I would like to think though that Higa turning on Oonishi was a surprise though, and something that might've been thought to get drawn out until May. Instead I just decided to have Higa cut that tie. It's a teased breakup angle that started in November and ran to April, with a false reconciliation teased a time or two, and I think it came off well. Oonishi's incompetence of falling to a deadly tag team finisher ruined Higa's vision of taking a trophy from Maruya, so that was enough for Higa to just be like "screw this" and driver her into the ground.

I felt it was going to happen, but I didn't have a good feel on when.

That said, I also sense something else is going on, but I don't want to spoil just in case it turns out to be true...

White Dolphin · August 23, 2020

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If it was a one-on-one match, I might have been more reluctant. It was Maruya/Jippensha/Saitoh vs. Higa/Oonishi/Akutagawa. Maruya and Jippensha are big stars. Saitoh hasn't developed as a worker as well Higa or Jippensha, but she's still star if not a big one. Oonishi is a good worker but isn't quite the level of Maruya/Jippensha/Higa. Akutagawa is also a good worker, but aren't quite the level of the others.</div></blockquote> I actually see Saitoh/Oonishi/Akutagawa on fairly similar levels in terms of kayfabe power, but I see your point. Either of the Hell Raisers in particular could HYPOTHETICALLY beat anyone, because fairly big and strong and stuff and that matters in Japan. Doesn't mean they SHOULD, mind you, but that they could. Jippensha's been in a weird spot for me in this diary because I can't use pre-show promo training magic to get her up to 70s easy in charisma/mic/acting within a few months, so it's hard to feature her as a character, and despite her dope-ass new render I don't think she's really allowed to portray too many characters in 5SSW other than "srs business wrestling machine" So I'm sure she resides in a "can beat anyone on the roster" spot, but its hard to use her that way. IDK, I didn't think Higa pinning Saitoh was out of the question, but maybe I could've built up the other two members of Team Higa better to really sell it. Also fellas next prediction key will go up Monday, then the final show of the tour will be posted Wed/Thurs. Who's excited for the finals? Any comments/questions/feedback is appreciated, have a good weekend! <div style="text-align:center;">--- <img alt="rBQxkob.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rBQxkob.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Ted had to say he was blown away by the show quality. Ted had been lucky enough to watch the second night of Fan Appreciation Week from the improvised 5SSW production truck and it was a doozy. Sure the midcard was filler-iffic, but Erin's match and a couple of the other matches were fun, and the main event was what everyone came for anyways. They had the 5-Star idol against the top villain in a six woman tag with other good wrestlers and high stakes, they delivered a fantastic match, right up there with the Higa/Nakajima bout, the good girls won, and the bad girl beat up and turned on her hapless partner to get her heat back. Classic. And man, seeing the expressions of the schoolgirls and otakus in the front row being either pissed or in shock at the Higa turn was great. They had the crowd RIGHT there, and Ted was interested to see what would happen next. The information network amongst the male 5SSW staff didn't yield anything for this card, as Ogiwara and Karube kept their cards close to their vest. Hell, Ted didn't even know before the card if Higa's team was winning or losing, let alone if the turn was happening. This show, especially seeing it from the backstage perspective, was so much better than USPW's offerings. Unfortunately it was just its own niche and no one from the US except the diehards would get to watch it and see it for being better than USPW's women's offerings on freaking Reverie. Someday..... Ted hoped that would change...... <div style="text-align:center;">--- <img alt="nr0H7y3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nr0H7y3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Erin watched the main event while wearing a hoodie and sitting high up in the makeshift bleachers. She loved it, and felt all the girls did a super job with the main event..... ........But once again she had this sense of frustration and wanting in her chest. Erin wanted to be the one in the ring doing the cool main event things with the big main event responses. Especially after the show two days ago where two big fans of hers asked Erin for an autograph. Erin was thrilled, but she suspected that they asked for her autograph and liked her because she LOOKED cool, not because she was cool, and not because she was a great wrestler. Higa, Maruya, Jippensha, THEY were great wrestlers, and Erin was nowhere near their level. It was frustrating. Was Erin really that much better than people like Juliette King or Glorious Gloria that coasted on their look above all else? The only reasons Erin would be hired were her look, and the fact she took good bumps for someone her age. So she was a jobber with potential, maybe, and King and Gloria were Enforcers with potential, maybe. Erin sighed. She wished Simony was here. Simony had become a friend of hers after the last tour, and Erin could feel some of her worries wash away when talking to her. Ted helped too when he talked to Erin and gave her an outside perspective, but it wasn't as helpful. Erin started to hit Simony up with a text, then realized she wasn't likely to be awake in that particular timezone. Ah well, it was likely she was being brought back for the next tour, or at least that was the word coming out of the gaijin locker room. As the crowd filed out, Erin began to file with them, intending to find Ted to take another walk around the park before heading back to the home away from home.......

ampulator · August 23, 2020

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="White Dolphin" data-cite="White Dolphin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I actually see Saitoh/Oonishi/Akutagawa on fairly similar levels in terms of kayfabe power, but I see your point. Either of the Hell Raisers in particular could HYPOTHETICALLY beat anyone, because fairly big and strong and stuff and that matters in Japan. Doesn't mean they SHOULD, mind you, but that they could.</div></blockquote> Goo point. However, I was thinking more in terms of product, which rewards the best workers rather than just popularity. Yamato/Akutagawa could beat them in terms kayfabe, but if I were booker, it's clear who the better workers are for the main event spots considering the product rewards in-ring work more than anything else (there's a reason why Maruya/Jippensha/Nakajima are the top three workers at the start). <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="White Dolphin" data-cite="White Dolphin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Jippensha's been in a weird spot for me in this diary because I can't use pre-show promo training magic to get her up to 70s easy in charisma/mic/acting within a few months, so it's hard to feature her as a character, and despite her dope-ass new render I don't think she's really allowed to portray too many characters in 5SSW other than "srs business wrestling machine" So I'm sure she resides in a "can beat anyone on the roster" spot, but its hard to use her that way. </div></blockquote> I can see why you this would be an issue. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="White Dolphin" data-cite="White Dolphin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>IDK, I didn't think Higa pinning Saitoh was out of the question, but maybe I could've built up the other two members of Team Higa better to really sell it.</div></blockquote> True. I definitely could have seen Higa beating Saitoh. Actually, I can see Higa beating Maruya and Jippensha as well at some point. However I was evaluating each team as a whole than as individuals.

White Dolphin · August 25, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Hall Of Fame Show 2020

Saturday/Week 2/April/2020

---

Concluding a great Fan Appreciation Week and a tremendous tour, 5SSW presents the Hall Of Fame 2020 Show from Osaka Castle Park, only on Shogun TV! The newest inductee into the 5SSW Hall of Fame plus the winner of the Queen's Castle Cup will be determined here! Don't miss it!

Opening the show after the Hall of Fame induction, we'll have tag team partners and young lions going at it, as Erin Marcelin takes on Joy Ryder!

Double Pink and Lethal Strike renew hostilities, but this time in singles action, starting with Zofia Jankovic taking on Mystery Pink!

Then the second half of this tag rivalry comes into play with Thea Davis battling Pinky Perez!

Next up we have a 10-woman tag, with Yu Hashimoto, Lady Lotus, Monster Ishimura, and the TermiNation taking on Miwako Katsukawa, Sae Akutagawa, Machiko Matsuda, Yukiko Matsumara, and Hana Ajibana! A lot of hungry wrestlers have something to prove in this match, so which team will come out on top?

The title matches then begin, with the Triangle title on the line first. Champion MAYA defends against big and tough challengers in Romi Yamato and Rika Tsujimura!

Next up isa tag title match, with the champions and Dynamo Tag GP 2019 winners The Uprising defending against the Stone Soldiers, who are on a good run on this tour and aim to cap it off with a win for the titles!

The 3rd title match will be an All-Asian championship showdown, featuring two tough kickboxers fighting it out: Maki Yoshifumi vs. Eri Sato!

Next is a non-title match, but one with serious stakes. Fuyuko Higa dramatically betrayed her former friend and tag partner Gemmei Oonishi after their loss in the semifinals of the Queen's Castle Cup, so Oonishi has requested and received a revenge match against her former partner! With tensions high, who will snap under the pressure first?

Finally we have the main event of the evening for the first-ever Queen's Castle Cup! It'll be a fierce showdown between Team 5-Star and Team Nakajima for the trophy, with an old rivalry to be settled amongst the team captains YumaMaruya and Megumi Nakajima! Who will come out on top?

---

PREDICTION KEY

(OOC: Yarr, forgot to mention thar possibly be draws on these here high seas matey)

Erin Marcelin vs. Joy Ryder

Zofia Jankovic vs. Mystery Pink

Thea Davis vs. Pinky Perez

Yu Hashimoto / Lady Lotus / Monster Ishimura / Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta vs. Miwako Katsukawa / Sae Akutagawa / Machiko Matsuda / Yukiko Matsumara / Hana Ajibana

5SSW Triangle Title Match: Maya © vs. Romi Yamato vs. Rika Tsujimura

5SSW Tag Team Title Match: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte © vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

5SSW All-Asian Title Match: Maki Yoshifumi © vs. Eri Sato

Fuyuko Higa vs. Gemmei Oonishi

Queen's Castle Cup Finals: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

BONUS QUESTION: Who gets inducted into the 5SSW Hall Of Fame: Nyoko Toshitara or Saori Nakadan?

Teasenitryn · August 25, 2020

Damn, we knew the betrayal was always going to be sudden and inevitable but even knowing that it was a gut punch for Oonishi's sake when it happened.

Erin, Erin, Erin, you'll get there, sharpening your skills is all part of the process, bonus if you can get a following while you do.

Erin Marcelin vs. Joy Ryder

Zofia Jankovic vs. Mystery Pink

Thea Davis vs. Pinky Perez

Yu Hashimoto / Lady Lotus / Monster Ishimura / Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta vs. Miwako Katsukawa / Sae Akutagawa / Machiko Matsuda / Yukiko Matsumara / Hana Ajibana

5SSW Triangle Title Match: Maya © vs. Romi Yamato vs. Rika Tsujimura

5SSW Tag Team Title Match: Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte © vs. Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

5SSW All-Asian Title Match: Maki Yoshifumi © vs. Eri Sato

Fuyuko Higa vs. Gemmei Oonishi

Queen's Castle Cup Finals: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

BONUS QUESTION: Who gets inducted into the 5SSW Hall Of Fame: Nyoko Toshitara or Saori Nakadan?

KyTeran · August 25, 2020

Erin Marcelin vs. Joy Ryder

Zofia Jankovic vs. Mystery Pink

Thea Davis vs. Pinky Perez

Yu Hashimoto / Lady Lotus / Monster Ishimura / Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta vs. Miwako Katsukawa / Sae Akutagawa / Machiko Matsuda / Yukiko Matsumara / Hana Ajibana

5SSW Triangle Title Match: Maya © vs. Romi Yamato vs. Rika Tsujimura

Fuyuko Higa vs. Gemmei Oonishi

Queen's Castle Cup Finals: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

BONUS QUESTION: Who gets inducted into the 5SSW Hall Of Fame: Nyoko Toshitara or Saori Nakadan?

ampulator · August 25, 2020

Erin Marcelin vs. Joy Ryder

Zofia Jankovic vs. Mystery Pink

Thea Davis vs. Pinky Perez

Yu Hashimoto / Lady Lotus / Monster Ishimura / Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta vs. Miwako Katsukawa / Sae Akutagawa / Machiko Matsuda / Yukiko Matsumara / Hana Ajibana

Fuyuko Higa vs. Gemmei Oonishi - Draw

Queen's Castle Cup Finals: Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh vs. Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi

BONUS QUESTION: Who gets inducted into the 5SSW Hall Of Fame: Nyoko Toshitara or Saori Nakadan? Saori Nakadan

White Dolphin · August 28, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Hall Of Fame Show 2020

Saturday/Week 2/April/2020

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka, Japan

---

The show opens up with Kaiya Kuwahara MCing the Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in some tasteful office lady attire. Kaiya makes a big introductory speech for the newest inductee into the Hall........ the first ever 5SSW World champion: Nyoko Toshitara!

A brief video package plays of her title winning moments against Crusher Ichihara and Namiyo Muro, and Toshitara makes her entrance to a decent pop. Even at 61 she still looks capable of throwing people around, but some of the newer fans are unclear on just who she is. Toshitara accepts a big trophy and a letter from Kuwahara and 5SSW owner Sensational Ogiwara, and makes a brief, nervous speech thanking the fans and 5SSW for their support over the years. Nyoko then says she'll take joy in watching the next generation do battle tonight, before taking a seat at ringside near the timekeeper to respectful applause from the audience.

Rating: 65

---

vs.

Erin Marcelin vs. Joy Ryder

A messy opener, but a fun one. Erin is still green, but has shown some small signs of improvement since her young lion debut three months ago. Ryder is greener still and not really respected by the crowd, so Erin is forced to carry the match. Joy takes to the air a bit and tries to keep Erin contained with holds, but Erin's striking rocks Ryder at various points. A simultaneous Bus Driver Uppercut by Erin and Springboard Clothesline from Joy knock both down, with Ryder getting the worst of it. Erin makes it back to her feet at 6, Joy barely beats the count at 9, but eats the Whirling Silver (Discus Left Hook) for the pinfall to get Erin her first win in a while.

Result: Erin Marcelin def. Joy Ryder via pinfall at 7:32

Rating: 41

---

vs.

Zofia Jankovic vs. Mystery Pink

The quality of the midcard immediately picks up from previous shows, as Zofia Jankovic goes to war with an all-heart opponent in a very watchable display, playing off the recent Maki Yoshifumi formula of striking versus speed.

Mystery Pink runs the ropes at impossible angles to disorient her opponent. Zofia stalks around the ring, throwing strikes with bad intentions constantly. Mystery Pink gets in a big sequence of headscissor-related moves before Zofia eventually counters by throwing Pink into the turbuckles and working her over with knees until Pink makes a desperate escape.

Pink changes tacks and goes to technique to beat the bigger girl, working the legs to mitigate the kicks. Zofia switches to some vicious punches and elbows, but can't match Pink for techinque when she goes to holds. Pink ties Jankovic into an almost literal pretzel with some sort of arm and leg lock, and Jankovic has no idea what to do with that, eventually managing to power out and making the ropes.

Jankovic battles hard to take back control, and hauls Pink up for the Demon's Bane (Go 2 Sleep). Pink counters with an O'Connor Roll, but Jankovic holds the ropes and stuffs the move! Jump Spin Kick to the face! 1......2.....NO! Jankovic beats down Pink some more before going for the Demon's Bane again, only for Pink to counter into a T-Bone Suplex, only for Jankovic to counter right back by landing on her feet! Jankovic goes for a spinning elbo-ducked! Dropkick by Pink to the knee! Diamond Dust! 1......2.....NO!

Mystery Pink goes up top for her Twisting Crossbody, but that proves to be a deadly error as Jankovic counters by hitting Pink with a backspin elbow to the face to pick her out of the sky, before finally scoring with the Demon's Bane to get the win in a tough match!

Result: Zofia Jankovic def. Mystery Pink via pinfall in 13:27

Rating: 63

---

We hear from Yu Hashimoto via promo next with a silent Maki Yoshifumi shadow-boxing beside her. Yu says this tour has been tough on her, but things are about to get better, because first she'll lead her team to victory in a 10 woman tag tonight, then Maki Yoshifumi will successfully defend her title tonight against Eri Sato. Hashimoto warns Sato that Yoshifumi's got something new for her, that she's been working on while being left off of the televised portion of the tour cards. Hashimoto says that Yoshifumi is hungry as a result, and Sato will be fed to her. Yoshifumi gives the camera a vaguely intimidating stare before kicking a nearby prop away as she walks off.

Rating: 52

---

vs.

Thea Davis vs. Pinky Perez

Another good match, although in this case the action is almost entirely provided by Perez instead of things being a team effort. Davis does try, but doesn't have as much to offer and looks like shes in slow-motion compared to the energy of Perez.

The match starts with a lengthy Wigan-style technical sequence, with Thea using underhanded tactics more than once, eventually taking control with a pair of hammerlock suplexes before throwing Perez out to do a big dive onto her.

Davis maintains control in the ring, working over Perez carefully and methodically. Perez manages to break free and use her speed, and eventually starts just outclassing Davis in technical battles, forcing Davis to rely on her size and more sleight of hand in front of Referee Takemura's eyes to take control.

Perez takes over with some big hurricanranas, followed by a SWANK double jump Tornado DDT for 2. Perez continues to apply pressure with her lucha offense, but Davis counters with the greco-roman thumb to the eye, bullies Perez into the corner, and hauls her up for a superplex.

Perez however busts out a sweet counter, managing to fend Davis off long enough to bust out a ropewalk into a flying armbar that has Davis freaking out. Davis powers through to make the ropes, but she's lost the flow of the match at this point, and Perez eventually puts her away with an impressive Pink Butterfly Bomb (Spinning Tiger Bomb) for 3 to cap off a good carry job.

Double Pink and Lethal Strike have honours even after these two singles encounters now, so who knows what will happen next......

Result: Pinky Perez def. Thea Davis via pinfall at 12:29

Rating: 62

---

vs.

Yu Hashimoto / Lady Lotus / Monster Ishimura / Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta vs. Miwako Katsukawa / Sae Akutagawa / Machiko Matsuda / Yukiko Matsumara / Hana Ajibana

This match starts out okay but goes haywire after the opening bell, being a confusing mass of bodies with surprisingly poor flow given the respectable talent involved on both teams. Other issues plauge the match throughout. Monster Ishimura either can't or won't move at this point, no one is sure which, Unstoppable Tai is in a particularly bad mood today and doesn't feel like selling too often, and Machiko Matsuda and Lady Lotus are in bad form today and blow many spots.

The lowlight (or highlight, for those particularly sadistic watchers of Botch Mayhem) comes when Matsuda overshoots everyone on a flip dive and almost breaks her backside on the rail, tumbling into the stunned audience as 4 girls watch her sail helplessly past their attempts to catch her. It's that kind of match, and things don't get much better from there.

Katsukawa and Akutagawa work sequences with Hashimoto to try and salvage it, but Hashimoto tagging out seems to make the match fall apart again. Eventually the finish comes out of nowhere when Katsukawa blasts Toku Kijmuta with the Ultraviolet Beam (Handspring Twisting Forearm to a cornered opponent), before managing to somehow get the big girl down with the Katsukawa Bomb (Sunset Flip Powerbomb) for the 3 count.

Result: Team Katsukawa def. Team Hashimoto via pinfall at 13:30 (Katsukawa pins Kijmuta)

Rating: 53

---

Next up we get a brief, generic promo package for the Triangle title match between MAYA, Romi Yamato, and Rika Tsujimura.

Rating: 42

---

5SSW Triangle Championship

V5 Defense

vs. vs.

MAYA (Champion) vs. Romi Yamato (Challenger) vs. Rika Tsujimura (Challenger)

As always, the Triangle title matches story centers around the constant, ever-shifting stream of 2v1 alliances. Rika decides to pair with Romi Yamato early, and then turns on her to get the win, allowing MAYA time to recover to prevent it, and that's the thread the match goes with.

Romi Yamato struts her all-around game with panache, hitting hard with strikes, showing off soem crisp suplexes, and crushing both girls with high-flying moves when she feels the need to. Tsujimura stands up to her to a degree due to size, and MAYA makes headway with her technique and craftiness, but eventually it takes a combined effort to bring her down.

While Tsujimura and MAYA do have to work together to contain Yamato, Tsujimura's chronic backstabbing disorder eventually kicks in again and Rika turns on MAYA with a big kick right as their about to double team Yamato down. Rika tries to steal the win, but Yamato is sufficiently recovered to beat down Rika, only to get almost rolled up by MAYA, and the cycle begins again.

Eventually MAYA and Yamato get fed up with Rika and double team her, ending with a double clothesline to send her over and out. MAYA tries a sneaky rollup and gets 2, which pisses Yamato off a bit, so she flexes on MAYA with some power stuff.

Yamato eventually has MAYA in position for the Yamatotal (Cross-Arm Bridging German Suplex), but Rika breaks it up with a high knee before working over Yamato in the clinch. Rika goes for the Razor Knee Strike (Running Kenka Knee), and it connects, but sends Yamato through the bottom rope and out to ringside!

Rika goes to retrieve Yamato, but MAYA revives and pulls Rika in for a Back Suplex to stun her, before hoisting the tall girl up for an impressive Slingshot Spike DDT for the 3 count, retaining the title in a hard-fought encounter!

Result: MAYA def. Romi Yamato and Rika Tsujimura via pinfall at 13:42

Rating: 63

MAYA retains the Triangle Championship (V5 Defense)

---

5SSW Tag Team Championships

V4 Defense

vs.

The Uprising (Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte) vs. The Stone Soliders (Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo)

This tag title defense isn't terrible by any teams, but it proves to be little more than an extended practise workout for The Uprising, who do sell somewhat for the Stone Soldiers. No one in the crowd really believes the challengers can really harm the champions during their defense, even though the Soliders try their level best.

A particularly ridiculous sequence sees Quinzel actually selling for Mushashibo in an amusing visual, as Quinzel had 8 inches and 40 pounds of muscle on Mushashibo. Nonetheless, Quinzel does work hard selling for both Stone Soliders, to her detriment, although she gets in her fair share of offense too.

In fact, the dynamic gets a little different compared to prior Uprising matches, with Selina Svelte getting some controlling periods on both Soliders and showing some fire in her ring work, instead of her usual role as a heel technician that hides behind her muscular partner whenever things go sour.

Eventually the Uprising start taking control of the match. Kaede shows some heart by escaping Svelte's Prawn Armlock submission finisher, but when she makes the tag to Kinuye, Selina tags to Quinzel and this time she gives Kinuye no openings to attack, ragdolling her with backbreakers and throws before finally pressing her into the air for the big Spinal Trauma backbreaker to get the 3 count and retain the tag titles.

Result: The Uprising def. The Stone Soliders via pinfall at 12:31

Rating: 63

The Uprising retain the 5SSW Tag Team Championship (V4 Defense)

---

We go to the outdoors back area next to get quickfire promo bits from Chiyeko Kita, Shiori Jippensha, and HEART Saitoh talking about the finals of the Queen's Castle Cup and promising victory for their teams.

Rating: 48

---

5SSW All-Asian Championship

V3 Defense

vs.

Maki Yoshifumi (Champion) vs. Eri Sato (Challenger)

Yoshifumi does not look particularly pleased today, having been left off 4 straight shows, and takes out her frustrations on a game striker in Eri Sato, lighting her up with kicks early and controlling the pace.

Sato fights back and shows no backdown whatsoever, answering Yoshifumi blow for blow and showing heart. The match degenerates into an MMA-type slugfest, and both girls seem to go for a knockout and treat it as informal shoot rules instead of a more conventional wrestling match. This confuses the crowd a bit, but they get into it despite reservations as the battle continues.

Sato gets some advantage early, landing a kick combo that has Yoshifumi down for 7, then a Sato Tornado (Spinkick to a cornered opponent) that puts Maki down for 8. Eri goes for the Buzzsaw Kick (Reverse Spin Roundhouse Kick), but hits nothing but air, and turns around right into a right hook from Maki that clips her jaw and puts her down.

Sato battles to her feet at 8 and continues, but Maki takes over from there, eventually wearing down Sato with clinch strikes and taking a surprise path to victory with a takedown from clinch into a Brabo Choke, and Sato is squeezed until she passes out. Referee Odaka stop the match, and Yoshifumi retains with a new, dangerous submission weapon in her arsenal......

Result: Maki Yoshifumi def. Eri Sato via referee stoppage due to a submission hold at 12:35

Rating: 61

Maki Yoshifumi retains the 5SSW All-Asian Championship (V3 Defense)

---

Next up we get a promo package for the Birds of Prey, a montage of their big moments, followed by Higa's descent into madness, and the eventual moment where Higa brutally turned on her partner out of vindictiveness for their loss in the Queen's Castle Cup Finals.

We then see a video of Oonishi that was released to YouTube yesterday to build up this match, and she talks about how Higa has been blinded by rage and grief, but she knows the Higa she was friends with for 9 years is not the Higa that exists now. The real Higa lies within, and Oonishi resolves to bring it out of her and resume their friendship. The video then cuts to Higa laughing like a demonic hyena over an images of the Birds of Prey facing each other.

This was a well-done little promo package and got the crowd hyped for the co-main.

Rating: 69 (nice)

---

vs.

Fuyuko Higa vs. Gemmei Oonishi

The crowd perks up for this, and the more casual ticket goers taking advantage of cheap ticket prices for an outdoor show make their presence felt, booing Higa unmericfully during her entrance, and cheering Oonishi louder than just about anyone on the roster not named Maruya. Higa does not have her usual gang of contrarian supporters in attendance, and revels in the heel heat, taunting the crowd repeatedly and even spitting on a kid before the bell even rings.

Higa deliberately holds back during the opening lockup, letting Oonishi overpower her and outwrestle her before grabbing quick rope breaks, and taunting her saying "Is this the best you can do?". Oonishi tries to suplex Higa, but Higa deadweights her, breaks free from Oonishi's cluthes, and starts slapping the holy hell out of her.

The match is stunningly one-sided in some ways, but open and competitive in others. The story becomes clear over time: Higa is the better wrestler by far, but is prone to folly, frequently taunting Oonishi and the crowd, and letting her guard down often enough for Oonishi to get in some offense.

The crowd roars with Oonishi's every burst of offense and she shows fire, even though it's clear to even the newest fan that Higa is simply better. Oonishi does come close with some flash rollups for 2 that only seem to make Higa madder and madder as the match progresses.

Oonishi goes for the Hail Mary pass later in the match, briefly stunning Higa and going up top for the Flying Dagger Legdrop (Top Rope Front Flip Rough Ryder), only for Higa to casually counter into a turning powerbomb that almost folds Oonishi in half. Instead of covering though, Higa starts........ laughing.

Higa's laughing gets out of control, and then she starts dancing in the middle of the ring, before eventually running a lap outside the ring to taunt the crowd in a bizarre moment. The commentators have no idea what to do with that one (aside from Umeko Karube who is just full of disdain and hatred for Higa).

Higa then gets back in the ring to haul Oonishi to her feet, before hitting her with the Higa Green Driver (Emerald Flowsion Kai). Higa then laughs some more, and hauls a half-dead Oonishi to her feet, screaming "I'M FREE FROM YOU!" repeatedly to Oonishi. Second Higa Green Driver!

Higa pauses for a moment to take some deep breaths with a grin on her face, revelling in her glory, but it backfires on her. Higa starts to haul Oonishi up for a 3rd Driver, but before she gets Oonishi in the air...... the time limit expires.....

Result: Fuyuko Higa drew with Gemmei Oonishi at 15:00 when the time limit expired

Rating: 77

---

Post-match, a relaxed Higa shoves the lifeless Oonishi to the canvas, grabs a microphone, and calmly says once more that shes free from Oonishi. Oonishi had been an anchor dragging her down into the depths of mediocrity for far too long, and now she's finally severed the tie. Furthermore, she will now do everyone in 5-Star a favour and sever Oonishi's spinal cord, right here in this very ring. Higa says that this will be true "Fan Appreciation" and walks off to get a chair.

Higa lays it down, shoves away a protesting Referee Odaka, and just and she's about to lift Oonishi for a Higa Green Driver onto the chair, Miwako Katsukawa and HEART Saitoh sprint down to the ring. Higa shoves Oonishi aside and manages to somehow escape into the crowd, as Saitoh checks on Oonishi while an enraged Katsukawa shouts in Higa's direction.

Rating: 67

---

We then see 5-Star Defense come down late to check on Oonishi as well, before the action cuts to a TV-only video package for the Queen's Castle Cup Finals, focusing primarily on the long-standing rivalry between Yuma Maruya and Megumi Nakajima, and how this Cup will represent yet another chapter in it, with both women showing respect for the other and their teammates, but resolutely promising victory for themselves.

Rating: 67

---

(pretend theres a dope-ass trophy image here)

Queen's Castle Cup Finals

vs.

Team 5-Star (Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha / HEART Saitoh) vs. Team Nakajima (Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi)

Tean Nakajima make their entrances while Team 5-Star is already in the ring. Oonishi has recovered a bit, and sits ringside with Miwako Katuskawa and Nyoko Toshitara to take in the action. Several other wrestlers come out to watch the match personally as well, and it helps add to the perceived prestige of this match.

The hype for this match is still below that of Higa and Oonishi, but the idol of 5-Star is present, and theres a lot of talent in this match amped to work in front of a thousand people again for the first time in a while. This match on a technical level could be considered a shade better than the hyped up co-main depending on your tastes, but either way its value for money and full-tilt action from the get-go.

The match breaks down into 3 1v1s early, with Kita fighting Saitoh, Arihyoshi trying to break a limb of Maruya's, and Nakajima fighting Jippensha. Eventually the match finally resumes as normal starting with Arihyoshi and Jippensha. Arihyoshi takes careful measure of her opponent, and the two have a breathtaking techncial battle. Arihyoshi and Jippensha exchange submission holds until Jippensha gets a rope break, which motivates Jippensha to outwrestle her right back and force a break of her own.

The two tag out and Maruya and Nakajima go at it in an abbreviated version of a typical 5-Star Defense vs ANTI sequence. The action is fast paced and technically sound, and the crowd is into it. Just as Maruya starts getting the upper hand, Nakajima counters a headscissors into an Air Raid Crash and starts controlling. Nakajima tries to lock in the Nakajima Crossface (Modified Arm Trap Crossface), but Maruya escapes, and then tags are made to Saitoh and Kita.

Saitoh and Kita have a considerably less exciting sequence, although the crowd does get behind Saitoh when she sells. Saitoh almost lands her Flying Tiger Knee (Top Rope Busaiku Knee), but Kita sidesteps and looks pants-crappingly scared afterwards.

Team Nakajima then pounce on the opportunity and isolate Saitoh for a length of time, giving Saitoh a chance to do what she does best, sell a beating in a tag match. Exploder Suplex gets 2, before Jippensha saves. Superkick gets 2, Maruya saves, and things break down as all 6 members of the match begin a big fight.

Nakajima gets the moment of the match when she tosses Saitoh with an Exploder Superplex from the second rope to the outside, sending Saitoh flying into the other 4 wrestlers in the match, before then coming off with a reckless spaceman plancha that knocks down everyone like bowling pins. A countout is teased, but Saitoh makes it back in at 18.

Saitoh continues to get the hell beat out of her, but FINALLY manages to make the big tag to Jippensha, who suplexes everything in sight! Execution Day (Scoop Brainbuster) to Nakajima! Execution Day to Arihyoshi! Kita tries a sneaky Superkick, but Jippensha catches it and hits a Clinching Slam onto Kita. Jippensha tags Maruya in for the big one......... 5-Star Finish (Back Suplex/Flying Flip Neckbreaker) to Kita! Maruya covers! 1......2......Nakajima can't get up in time....3!

Team 5-Star takes home the Queen's Castle Cup in a tough match!

Result: Team 5-Star def. Team Nakajima via pinfall in 21:30 (Maruya pins Kita)

Rating: 79

Team 5-Star wins the Queen's Castle Cup!

---

Post-match, Kaiya Kuwahara comes out to present the trophy to Yuma Maruya, Shiori Jippensha, and HEART Saitoh. Maruya gives the trophy to Jippensha, who lifts it overhead, then Saitoh gets her turn. Maruya grabs a mic and cuts a promo, praising the heart of those defeated in the tournament, and thanking the fans for making this tour a special one. Confetti rains down as the show goes off the ait with Maruya finally taking her turn with the trophy!

Rating: 78

---

OVERALL SHOW RATING: 76

ATTENDANCE: 1200

White Dolphin · August 29, 2020

<div style="text-align:center;">OOC SHOW NOTES:</div>

-Good ratings and attendance, thanks to the cheapo tickets throughout. I actually think this card was much better than the semifinals, but midcard don't matter in TEW lol.

-Surprised Toshitara wasn't inducted earlier by the game, she was the first ever 5SSW champion, a 3 time winner overall, and even invented the Mafia Kick! I wonder how good she is in CV97?

-Second Erin Marcelin win! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> More on this win later.

-Really wanted to use Double Pink more than I have been, but they get sucked into the pre-show vortex in favour of other people I need to keep strong too. Them and Lethal Strike will be getting more involved come May hopefully.

-Hashimoto had a rough tour, but I think I'll get the chance to use Torment And Sorrow a bit more in May as well aaaaaaaaaaaaand now I'm back to the problem of needing to keep too many people strong going into the big events. I should really ditch the Triangle title to mitigate this......

-Really don't know how some of these big tags with good talent fall apart so badly. Matsuda and Lotus weren't even off form, I just sorta made that up.

-Stone Soliders seem like lame tag challengers, but it was a thankyou shot for their months of service to me in TEW 2010 and 2013 Canadian local fed games, where you could always count on them for a passable match. Kinuye doesn't really have it, but she'll always get pushed slightly above her station due to being an English speaker with an outgoing personality (which is why in storyline I made her liaison to the gaijin.)

-Yoshifumi/Sato could've been written a little better maybe, but this writeup was tough and I sorta skimmed things. I feel stupid for not giving Yoshifumi a match somewhere, but for whatever reason I don't like champs working non-title singles that much, and I couldn't remember to work her into tags so welllllllllp. Hopefully my midcard will be more focused in May and June.

-I've got a lot to say about Higa/Oonishi, but I'll save it for the next backstage bit and the next show, cause what happened out there ties into it.

-I felt like the finals fell a little flat, but the bracketing had to be done to do the Oonishi/Higa breakup without getting in the way of Team 5-Star celebrating with the trophy. And hey, the main event was good, and blew off (for now) the Maruya vs Team SUB bit and the Maruya vs Nakajima bit, and I can imagine viewers were happy with it and see the company returning to mid-2000s form.

-Boy things are really coming up roses for 5-Star's idol Yuma Maruya aren't they? I bet it'll continue forever and she'll retire with the belt!

<div style="text-align:center;">---

PREDICTION STANDINGS:

ampulator: 38/38

KyTeran: 32/38

medla: 14/23

joshbrady91: 8/8

Teasenityrn: 8/8

Giving extra point to tea and KyTeran cause I forgot to edit in the draw notice before they posted. Also gj amp for the perfect run except the bonus question, even though theres no way in hell you actually predicted that draw, you just guessed <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

ampulator · August 29, 2020

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="White Dolphin" data-cite="White Dolphin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>-Hashimoto had a rough tour, but I think I'll get the chance to use Torment And Sorrow a bit more in May as well aaaaaaaaaaaaand now I'm back to the problem of needing to keep too many people strong going into the big events. I should really ditch the Triangle title to mitigate this......</div></blockquote> I recall there are some talent you can hire for squash matches, but some are getting long in the tooth...and there aren't even necessarily enough of them for squashes. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="White Dolphin" data-cite="White Dolphin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>-Really don't know how some of these big tags with good talent fall apart so badly. Matsuda and Lotus weren't even off form, I just sorta made that up.</div></blockquote>At least for me, I notice my 4-people or 5-people matches tend to fall apart as well. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="White Dolphin" data-cite="White Dolphin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Also gj amp for the perfect run except the bonus question, even though theres no way in hell you actually predicted that draw, you just guessed <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> It was an *informed* guess, I would have you know. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Honestly, it was a process of elimination. I didn't see why any of the non-major matches needed to be a draw. The midcard title matches being draws also made no sense - you would want to get your champions over, unless you were thinking about starting a new feud. That left the major matches. The finals wouldn't make sense for a draw. That left Higa vs Oonishi.

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