The Puppets Dance (CVerse '20 - 5SSW)

ampulator · October 15, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. local competitor

Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu vs. Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta

Zofia Jankovic vs. Yukiko Matsumara

Paige Croft / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. Erin Marcelin / Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Alicia Strong vs. Thea Davis

Simony Sentinel / Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink vs. Lady Lotus / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Romi Yamato / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Shiori Jippensha / Megumi Nakajima / MAYA

Mokoa · October 15, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. local competitor

Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu vs. Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta

Zofia Jankovic vs. Yukiko Matsumara

Paige Croft / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. Erin Marcelin / Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Alicia Strong vs. Thea Davis

Simony Sentinel / Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink vs. Lady Lotus / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Romi Yamato / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Shiori Jippensha / Megumi Nakajima / MAYA

Teasenitryn · October 15, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. local competitor

Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu vs. Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta

Zofia Jankovic vs. Yukiko Matsumara

Paige Croft / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. Erin Marcelin / Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Alicia Strong vs. Thea Davis

Simony Sentinel / Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink vs. Lady Lotus / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Romi Yamato / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Shiori Jippensha / Megumi Nakajima / MAYA

So Erin is still not going to get that many wins even in tag matches, though her stock is high enough that she is getting some offence in so face in peril before the hot tag, getting an early or late surge herself before taking the pin to protect her teammates is a pretty good gig for how long she's been doing this. Welcome to the midcard Erin.

KyTeran · October 15, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. local competitor

Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu vs. Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta

Zofia Jankovic vs. Yukiko Matsumara

Paige Croft / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. Erin Marcelin / Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Alicia Strong vs. Thea Davis

Simony Sentinel / Pinky Perez / Mystery Pink vs. Lady Lotus / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Romi Yamato / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Shiori Jippensha / Megumi Nakajima / MAYA

White Dolphin · October 16, 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 Wrestle Challenge Tour Night 1

Monday/Week 4/May/2020

Shohoku Academy Gymnasium

Kobe, Japan

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The show opens, as it generally does, with 5SSW VP Kaiya Kuwahara coming out to give the fans an update. She thanks them for their support on the prior tour and goes over business on this new one. Besides welcoming Alicia strong to the fold, there is the issue of the next World title match to deal with. At the final show of the Wrestle Challenge tour, there will be a 4-way scramble match for the World championship. It will be 30 minutes of free-for-all action, whoever gets the most pinfalls or submissions over the 30 minutes wins the match. Yuma Maruya is in as champion, and much to her chagrin, Fuyuko Higa is in as the first challenger, due to the fact she did kinda come close to winning the title. Two more spots will be contested for, and Kaiya will wheedle out contenders over the next few shows depending on who has the most impressive record. Kaiya encourages everyone in the company to go for it and put their best foot forward for a title shot, before handing the mic to the ring announcer and heading back down the entranceway. This was fine.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 65

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<img alt="erAE3w5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/erAE3w5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="XdYX3Ot.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XdYX3Ot.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Ursula Saez vs. Rei Chikanatsu</div>

Rei Chikanatsu makes a return looking for a contract again, but gets more than she bargained for with Saez. Early attempts at technique and working the leg are met with a vicious short knee to the face and laughter, and Saez is in business. Saez pounds unmercifully on Chikanatsu, throws her around the ring, destroys her with a lariat, and then sets up for the big one...... Leaping Side Suplex! That gets an easy 3 to start Saez off 1-0 in 5-Star with a watchable squash.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Ursula Saez def. Rei Chikanatsu via pinfall at 5:33

Rating: 48

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Fuyuko Higa cuts a promo in a shady area backstage. She's frustrated over the loss to Yuma Maruya, saying Maruya got lucky and played possum to beat her. But Higa knows that Maruya's played her one trick, and isn't talented enough to pin her again otherwise. The 4-way scramble is a cheap ploy to get Higa off her game by dealing with 3 opponents instead of 1, but it won't work. Higa will gain what is rightfully hers regardless of the world's machinations, and what is rightfully hers is the World championship.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 66

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<img alt="xlNkAyS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xlNkAyS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fzlESSC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fzlESSC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="AFBofo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AFBofo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tWGT8UZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tWGT8UZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Gamma War Unit (Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu) vs. The TermiNation (Unstoppable Tai / Toku Kijmuta)</div>

The Gamma War Unit come out in their usual outfits of military fatigues and eye black, looking ready for a battle, and they get one. Unstoppable Tai is not in a happy mood today, and takes out her aggression on the military-themed duo early.

Surprisingly, the Gamma War Unit weather a fair amount of punishment at the start instead of folding instantly under pressure, and they manage to fight back a bit. Tai gets angrier about that, but that leaves her open to taking a big backdrop driver from Kaori Takenouchi that gets some approval from the crowd, as Tai rarely leaves her feet for anything

Gamma War Unit keep fighting hard after that, but the TermiNation manage to find a way to prevail. Kijmuta takes the Headshot (Yakuza Kick) from Takasu, but Tai's the legal woman, and she bundles Takasu out of the ring. Takenouchi tries to take out Tai with a running shoulderblock, but Tai stuffs it and crushes Takenouchi with the Tai Bomber (Double-Handed Choke Bomb) for the 3 count. Not a bad effort from the Gamma War Unit though.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: The TermiNation def. the Gamma War Unit via pinfall at 10:35 (Tai pins Takenouchi)

Rating: 57

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<img alt="wQ9Yzya.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wQ9Yzya.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="BjC1KJ8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BjC1KJ8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Zofia Jankovic vs. Yukiko Matsumara</div>

A surprisingly decent match, using a rip-off version of some of the Yoshifumi All-Asian title defenses over the past few months. Jankovic's striking proves largely superior to Matsumara's speed in bursts, but there are moments when Matsumara rallies the crowd behind her.

One such moment comes when Jankovic unleashes a brutal kick combo complete with soccer kicks, only for Matsumara to weather the storm, picks one kick, and manages to trip Jankovic and send her to the outside, following it up with a big dive over the ropes that almost sends Jankovic and Matsumara tumbling into the crowd.

Matsumara tries to follow that up, hauling Jankovic into the ring, hitting a sequences of dropkicks and headscissors, before going up for the Matsumara Press (Twisting Moonsault Press), only for Jankovic to sidestep it and send Matsumara crashing and burning. Jankovic hits a Spinning Back Kick to the body, then hauls Matsumara up for the Demon's Bane (Go 2 Sleep), connecting the knee right on the button for the 3 count. Energetic little undercard match here!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Zofia Jankovic def. Yukiko Matsumara via pinfall at 10:41

Rating: 61

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Yu Hashimoto checks in via promo next. She admits its been a frustrating up-and-down year for her, but she plans to turn things around with something big on this tour. Perhaps it'll be a title, perhaps it'll be taking down a big name to cap off the tour. In the meantime, her friend Maki Yoshifumi will defend her All-Asian title and prove she the most dangerous woman in Japan, and tonight they'll cut the careers of their young gaijin opponents short before they become a problem.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 59

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<img alt="Ut6aCND.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ut6aCND.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="zUFAzFy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zUFAzFy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="K34xbzQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/K34xbzQ.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="kEWkdko.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kEWkdko.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mzVF5wy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mzVF5wy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Paige Croft / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. Erin Marcelin / Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder</div>

Well Torment and Sorrow don't cut any careers short, but they do beat the crap out of their opponents at various points. Synchro Wave show good teamwork as usual, and Marcelin is slowly becoming a bit less of a pushover to the veterans.

The gaijin trio try hard, but end up being no match long-term for the veteran team's refined technique combined with some unrefined brutality. Torment and Sorrow take care of Synchro Wave on the outside, isolate Erin Marcelin in the ring, and hit her with The Affliction (Thunder Valley), only for Paige Croft to sneakily blind tag Yoshifumi and steal the pin from her. Torment and Sorrow aren't particularly pleased about that one, but they still get on the winning team nonetheless.......

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Tormenting You def. Team Gaijin via pinfall at 9:37 (Croft pins Marcelin)

Rating: 57

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Next up we get a well-done video package, breaking down Alicia Strong's career and containing some highlights from a press conference she did fresh off the plane from America. Strong says that, like her father before her, she's happy to spread her wings and fly outside of America, and is keen on testing the best in Japan for the very first time. Strong aims to be successful, and says she will add to her family's legacy with her own special touches (with highlights showing her using high-flying and technique, constrasting with her father's straight-forward showman brawling.). Alicia welcomes any and all challengers from the 5-Star ranks, and says she'll blow by all of them to get to the top of the ladder.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 67

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<img alt="yTxuXfo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yTxuXfo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="gUw5uvp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gUw5uvp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Alicia Strong vs. Thea Davis</div>

There is some real buzz for this match. Alicia comes out looking all business, and Davis lunges at her from the opening gong to get the pace of the match right away. Alicia sidesteps the lunge and plays matador with Davis for a little while, before taking her completely apart with superior athleticism and technique.

Davis tries to use her size and some down-and-dirty catch wrestling to keep Alicia down, and it fails. Alicia wrestles as if she's seen this all before, countering about 60% of what Davis throws at her and sidestepping any desperate high-risk moves. Alicia ends the match swiftly by hitting a gorgeous middle rope rebound twisting dropkick on Davis right to the teeth, and while a dazed Davis makes it back to her feet, Alicia revs up the crowd for the big one....... Strong Arm Tactic (High-Impact Running Elbow to the Temple)! That gets an easy 3 to start Alicia Strong off with a win in 5 Star!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Alicia Strong def Thea Davis via pinfall at 6:21

Rating: 59

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<img alt="7aqiaVS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7aqiaVS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4LKURYk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4LKURYk.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" /> vs. <img alt="etOqb5w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/etOqb5w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" />

Simony Sentinel / Mystery Pink / Pinky Perez vs. Lady Lotus / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo</div>

Sentinel with Double Pink makes a bit of sense in terms of similar colour schematic, but Sentinel's disposition doesn't necessarily jive with Double Pink. Nonetheless, the team does work together okay in an odd couple fashion. Which is more that can be said for Lady Lotus with the Stone Soldiers, whio do not work together well and cannot show the slightest bit of positive cooperation thanks to Lotus's antics. The Stone Soliders try to wrestle their own way, but Lotus keeps butting in with surprise tags and ruining things.

Pinky Perez really steps her game up in this match while everyone fades into the background, wiping out all three members of the opposition with a cannonball dive, then getting back up on the apron and doing a middle rope Moonsault onto the pile. Perez is here, there and everywhere throughout, a dynamo of energy, and the crowd appreciates the effort.

The Lotus and Stone Soliders team eventually completely disintegrates before the viewers eyes, and mis-communicate a simple double clothesline that ends up missing Mystery Pink entirely. Pink suplexes Mushashibo and Lotus, knocks a recovering Sugiyama off the apron, and tags in Perez for the Twisting Crossbody/Vertical Suplex combo on Lady Lotus for the win in a surprisingly watchable co-main.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Pink def. Team Stone Lotus via pinfall at 12:12 (Perez pins Lotus)

Rating: 64

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Before the main event we get quick little promos from Shiori Jippensha, Megumi Nakajima, and MAYA. The first two are focused on the World title chase, while MAYA wants a piece of the Triangle champion's partner Romi Yamato.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 49

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<img alt="z4uBriK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z4uBriK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /> vs. <img alt="ytBvNDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ytBvNDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Tlz7Qa6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Tlz7Qa6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sJhu7eb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sJhu7eb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Romi Yamato / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Shiori Jippensha / Megumi Nakajima / MAYA</div>

A surprisingly good six woman tag main event, as it comes off well and important even without Maruya and Higa involved. All six women seem to have something to prove, and a good match is the result.

The power and size of Yamato and Quinzel enable them to control early, with Svelte doing hit-and-run tactics when needed to keep control. Jippensha, Nakajima, and MAYA fight back with technique, whatever suplexes they can muster, persistence, and working the leg to take out the base, as is expected from them in these matches.

Jippensha takes over the match singlehandedly in the middle section, handing suplexes and backdrop drivers out to everyone and clearing the ring. Unfortunately an unwelcome guest appears as Jippensha is building momentum: Fuyuko Higa. Higa pops right up at ringside with a chair and a security detail in tow and takes a seat ringside, rooting Jippensha on. This throws Jippensha off a bit, causing her to fight more aggressively and leave more openings, as noted by Umeko Karube on commentary.

Eventually, Higa's seen enough and blows a kiss to Jippensha from ringside before exiting, but now the pendulum has swung back to the Uprising and Yamato team. MAYA tries to mount an offensive, only for Quinzel to powerbomb her way out of a Triangle Choke attempt and work her over with quick tags. MAYA does get fired up against Romi Yamato though, and manages to duck a wild lariat and make the big tag to Nakajima! Flying Forearm! Wheel Kick! Hurricanrana! Nakajima blasts both member sof the Uprising off the apron, and hits the Exploder Suplex on Romi Yamato!

Jippensha is now on the apron begging for a tag, and Nakajima shrugs and obliges. Execution Day (Scoop Brainbuster) on Yamato! 1......2.......3! Good win for the face trio!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Jippensha def. Team HellRising via pinfall at 19:31 (Jippensha pins Yamato)

Rating: 76

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OVERALL SHOW RATING: 73

ATTENDANCE: 357</div>

White Dolphin · October 17, 2020

<div style="text-align:center;">OOC SHOW NOTES:</div> -The booking for this tour has been really weird for whatever reason, as I'm once again struggling to get everyone their wins and stuff. Gonna re-think the entire process and maybe start making lists of who needs to win more than once on a given tour and go from there. -This is part of what really annoys me about face/heel alignment sometimes, because maybe you want to go heel/heel or face/face cause all your planned jobbers on a given side of the alignment are taken up elsewhere. Expect some local competitors to cameo on tour show #2 (which has had 5 different undercards in 5 test bookings. At least the main event will be great though, now that thats all figured out.) -I do sort of want a bigger roster, but I don't feel I'm a big enough company to justify it. (BCG is bigger than us and has 37 on their roster, and this is with TEW AI owner roster expansion logic.) -Ursula Saez is not as good as Queen Amazon, but she's serving her purpose I guess, and it's not like she'll go over anyone important (BTW, I'm considering Saez/Amazon as a team at some point, except they'd have to do jobs and that sucks) -Gamma War Unit have excellent random chemistry as a team, in case I forgot to mention that last tour. I like the both of them, but they don't have great top rows and Mio Takasu is running out of time. -Zofia's gonna start more of a singles deal, but I doubt she'll get to World title level anytime soon. It is time to de-couple her from Davis a bit though, more on that later. I liked Lethal Strike a lot more in TEW 2016, I feel like either Thea was better or the game treated her better. Their feud with Double Pink was their peak though, and it was an okay feud considering it got no promo time. -Yu Hashimoto's been in an interesting position for me in both 2016 and 2020. I feel like in 2020 she was 20 menace and 20 star quality away from being a top heel, but she started with the All-Asian belt and i believe was a recent winner, so she had to hang onto the belt for the same reasons that the Uprising had to hold onto their belts. So she got strong booking, ran Maki Yoshifumi out of the company, and then ended up basically being jobber to the stars. Here, she's being outshined by her partner on occasion due to her partner's legendary level gimmick and great momentum and right place in the right time-ness and general credibility upgrade, so shes the fall taker in that team, but can also cut a promo kinda so has to be the mouthpiece for Maki who cannot talk. Plus there's honestly at least 4 teams in this ridiculous-ass tag division that I like better (whether they ARE better is open for debate). So Yu, who might be the recipient of a push to some people in games where Maruya/Nakajima/Jippensha calcify quickly, ends up being in that weird midcard role where you lose to top people more than you win sometimes. It kinda sucks and is a bit of a waste of a good talent, but I'm telling a story here. Kinda. -I'm getting the feeling now that readers are not gonna like the direction that this Alicia Strong thing is heading. It might be a surprise, it might not, but I feel like a lot of people would do things differently given the setup I used to get her into the company, even if some of the on-screen results will be the same. Can't go into it more without spoiling things. -Pleasantly surprised at the co-main. Shocking story: Pinky Perez is a great wrestler. Having difficulties getting Sentinel over, but its a momentum thing, and that'll alleviate itself by the time Sentinel is needed (I hope). -This main event was not the one I came up with the first few times I've booked this card and seems sorta random and out of place. Re-reading it again I'm not sure why I had Nakajima get the hot tag, especially because this main event ripped off the finish a bit from the Torment and Sorrow/Croft six woman tag. Also, how did the Uprising end up doing a job here? Not even I know and I booked this. Ah well, kinda weird match, but it hopefully came off ok to the cyber people in the cyber venue. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So Erin is still not going to get that many wins even in tag matches, though her stock is high enough that she is getting some offence in so face in peril before the hot tag, getting an early or late surge herself before taking the pin to protect her teammates is a pretty good gig for how long she's been doing this. Welcome to the midcard Erin. </div></blockquote> I know card-rising is probably a bigger deal in the Japanese world but I assure you Erin being in the midcard today was accidental. Maybe could've flipped the TermiNation match but Gamma War Unit are unknown and not getting strongly pushed, plus the TermiNation are in a bit of a rough patch lately. <div style="text-align:center;">--- PREDICTION STANDINGS: ampulator: 78/83 KyTeran: 60/76 Teasenityrn: 14/15 medla: 14/23 Mokoa: 10/16 joshbrady91: 8/8 Strech: 8/8</div> -Backstage check-in on Sunday! Stay safe out there!

Teasenitryn · October 17, 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'm getting the feeling now that readers are not gonna like the direction that this Alicia Strong thing is heading. It might be a surprise, it might not, but I feel like a lot of people would do things differently given the setup I used to get her into the company, even if some of the on-screen results will be the same. Can't go into it more without spoiling things.</div></blockquote> I believe I have some idea where this is going, I know how I would do it if I am right but honestly whether I am lurking or posting for the predictions I'm here for the ride, no backseat booking! Only speaking for myself of course <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> And because I didn't say it earlier, another quality show, this is one of my must reads when it gets updated, I like the joshi scene and adding in Erin and everything happening around her is a really nice touch that prevents it being card, results and ratings, booking notes which a lot of diaries can fall into.

ampulator · October 17, 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>-The booking for this tour has been really weird for whatever reason, as I'm once again struggling to get everyone their wins and stuff. Gonna re-think the entire process and maybe start making lists of who needs to win more than once on a given tour and go from there.</div></blockquote>Don't beat yourself up over it. Not everyone can be a star. <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>-Yu Hashimoto's been in an interesting position for me in both 2016 and 2020. I feel like in 2020 she was 20 menace and 20 star quality away from being a top heel, but she started with the All-Asian belt and i believe was a recent winner, so she had to hang onto the belt for the same reasons that the Uprising had to hold onto their belts. So she got strong booking, ran Maki Yoshifumi out of the company, and then ended up basically being jobber to the stars. Here, she's being outshined by her partner on occasion due to her partner's legendary level gimmick and great momentum and right place in the right time-ness and general credibility upgrade, so shes the fall taker in that team, but can also cut a promo kinda so has to be the mouthpiece for Maki who cannot talk. Plus there's honestly at least 4 teams in this ridiculous-ass tag division that I like better (whether they ARE better is open for debate). So Yu, who might be the recipient of a push to some people in games where Maruya/Nakajima/Jippensha calcify quickly, ends up being in that weird midcard role where you lose to top people more than you win sometimes. It kinda sucks and is a bit of a waste of a good talent, but I'm telling a story here. Kinda.</div></blockquote>I understand why she ends being a midcard worker. Just looking at Hashimoto's skills and popularity, there's always someone slightly better or slightly more over. <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'm getting the feeling now that readers are not gonna like the direction that this Alicia Strong thing is heading. It might be a surprise, it might not, but I feel like a lot of people would do things differently given the setup I used to get her into the company, even if some of the on-screen results will be the same. Can't go into it more without spoiling things.</div></blockquote>Direction? The only thing I'm shocked about is her rather "meh" grade against Thea Davis. Davis isn't great, but she isn't that bad. <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>-This main event was not the one I came up with the first few times I've booked this card and seems sorta random and out of place. Re-reading it again I'm not sure why I had Nakajima get the hot tag, especially because this main event ripped off the finish a bit from the Torment and Sorrow/Croft six woman tag. Also, how did the Uprising end up doing a job here? Not even I know and I booked this. Ah well, kinda weird match, but it hopefully came off ok to the cyber people in the cyber venue.</div></blockquote>Well, I might have booked it the same way. -This is a trio match, which is not a specialty of *any* involved -Yamato was not with her partner -Uprising had a third worker they do not normally work with -Jippensha and Nakajima are main-event level workers -MAYA is a former title holder You *could* have justified any result in my opinion. You could have either team or even a draw. Had this been a one-on-one match or a tag-team match and who was in the match, I might expect something different. But in any case, despite what you feel is weird booking, the fans of the show clearly loved it. Jippensha and Nakajima are main-event level talents working with other good workers. Also, another good show, keep up the good work.

White Dolphin · October 19, 2020

<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> A lot of people in the gaijin locker room were tense. This was D-Day, this was the moment. Alicia Strong, the front page headline grabber on every wrestling dirtsheet in the world of wrestling, was coming to 5SSW, and there wasn't a goddamn thing anyone could do about it other than hope for the best. If it was two Higas in the company, they'd just have to suck it up and deal with it. But Alicia came in, full of respect, chatted in Japanese with Kinuye Mushashibo, the foreign worker liaison, and greeted everyone in the gaijin section of the locker room heartily. Alicia even shook Erin's hand and praised her talent, saying she had promise. It made Erin feel warm and fuzzy inside, although everyone else suspected it was flattery to the naivest person in the locker room. They doubted Alicia could even spell Marcelin, let alone watch one of her matches. But Alicia caused no trouble, got dressed with everyone, seemed like one of the girls, and had a solid, pretty energetic squash match with Thea Davis. Alicia didn't miss a beat with the style changeover and looked ready for longer matches for sure. "I guess it makes sense." Simony said to Erin. "It would be beyond stupid to cause trouble on the first day." "I don't think she'll cause trouble at all though." Simony wanted to retort, but she let that one pass, just like the other 3 times Erin had said it. Simony really liked Erin, for many different reasons, but she was the youngest person here and the more mature people here wanted to just scream at her naievete. How could the person who had spent the past 5 months causing the biggest trouble the womens wrestling world had ever seen come into 5SSW and cause no trouble? It just couldn't happen, right? But still, Simony let it pass. No sense starting a fight when one was probably going to happen in two shows anyways. Besides, there was the chance, however small it may be, that Erin was right...... <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 lay on his bed in the Osaka boardinghouse, staring at the tablet that gave him a window into his future. He had just clicked off his stock transactions for the day (portfolio and bank account growing), he had gotten a text message with a nice picture of Layla trying on a red dress that she looked great in, he had seen another pretty good wrestling card, and he even won some spare change in the guys pre-show poker game. Life was good this week. Of course, things weren't so good elsewhere in the 5SSW locker room. The gaijin side was tense because Alicia Strong was coming to town, presumably with all her emotional baggage being brought over on the flight to Osaka (although Alicia didn't unload it in the middle of the gaijin locker room, not yet anyways). The Japanese side of the locker room was tense too, as Ted overheard a snippet of conversation that was a bit worrisome. Fuyuko Higa was talking about how it was bad that Alicia Strong was coming in, because after all she would just cause problems for Higa like the rest of the gaijin, and maybe prank her with that stupid glitter bomb trap the gaijin rigged up for her earlier. Several people asserted that Higa had no proof of the gaijin having anything to do with it, but Higa was past petty things like evidence or innocence until proven guilty or anything like that. Maruya then commented about how it would be nice to have Strong aboard, cause it gave them another main event talent to work with to freshen things up a bit. And Higa took that only slightly better than you'd expect. Meaning no actual fight, but liberal uses of the Japanese pronounciation of words such as "idiot", "bastard", or "bitch". Still though, good day for Ted, and it was good to focus on the positives. There were good days ahead too, as the Initial Public Offering for CommPlanet was coming up soon, and Ted was planning on getting his fingers in that pie...... <div style="text-align:center;">---</div> OOC: Thanks for the kind words Tea! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Don't beat yourself up over it. Not everyone can be a star.</div></blockquote> It isn't that I want to make everyone stars, its that a bunch of people need wins to seem semi-credible going into the J Grand Prix, or the Triangle title contendership match, or because I plan on doing something with them later. It's a helluva jigsaw trying to fit it all in. Second card coming up in a couple days was even worse: it took 5 rebooks before I was satisfied with it. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49448" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Direction? The only thing I'm shocked about is her rather "meh" grade against Thea Davis. Davis isn't great, but she isn't that bad. </div></blockquote> The direction thing was more about what Strong will be doing rather than the quality of what she'll be doing. The grade I sorta expected, because it was a 6 minute match with decisive win road agent note and no Open Match. Strong gets around mid-high 70s in test sims for longer matches, she'll be fine there. Prediction key up Tuesday! Stay fresh kids and squids!

White Dolphin · October 20, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Wrestle Challenge Tour Night 2

Friday/Week 4/May/2020

High-quality action continues leading into the summer months! Its the second round of the Wrestle Challenge Tour, eminating from the Karasuno High School Gymnasium in Kyoto, Japan, and only airing on Shogun TV!

In our opener, Mexican brawler Ursula Saez takes on Canadian young lion Erin Marcelin.

An unconventional alliance of four does battle next, as Yu Hashimoto, Talia Quinzel, Unstoppable Tai, and Zofia Jankovic team up to take on Hana Ajibana, Kinuye Mushashibo, and the veteran duo Shining Force.

Singles action next sees a high-flying star reaching her prime in Miwako Katsukawa take on the armed forces brawler Mio Takasu.

Six woman tag action follows, as Pinky Perez allies with the Kanto Express to take on Lady Lotus, Thea Davis, and Toku Kijmuta.

Alicia Strong's second match in 5SSW awaits, as she'll take on an experienced cagey vet in Kaede Sugiyama.

All Heart fell short in their bid to claim the Tag Team championship, but they'll get back on the horse, taking on the promising American tag team Synchro Wave in the co-main.

And finally, our main event sees a high-profile six-woman tag bout, as Queen's Castle Cup finalists Megumi Nakajima and Team SUB take on Fuyuko Higa and the Hell Raisers, in what should be a great main event match!

---

PREDICTION KEY:

Ursula Saez vs. Erin Marcelin

Yu Hashimoto / Talia Quinzel / Unstoppable Tai / Zofia Jankovic vs. Hana Ajibana / Kinuye Mushashibo / Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Mio Takasu

Pinky Perez / MAYA / Machiko Matsuda vs. Lady Lotus / Thea Davis / Toku Kijmuta

Alicia Strong vs. Kaede Sugiyama

Gemmei Oonishi / HEART Saitoh vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Fuyuko Higa / Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa

KyTeran · October 21, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. Erin Marcelin

Yu Hashimoto / Talia Quinzel / Unstoppable Tai / Zofia Jankovic vs. Hana Ajibana / Kinuye Mushashibo / Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Mio Takasu

Pinky Perez / MAYA / Machiko Matsuda vs. Lady Lotus / Thea Davis / Toku Kijmuta

Alicia Strong vs. Kaede Sugiyama

Gemmei Oonishi / HEART Saitoh vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Fuyuko Higa / Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa

Mokoa · October 21, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. Erin Marcelin

Yu Hashimoto / Talia Quinzel / Unstoppable Tai / Zofia Jankovic vs. Hana Ajibana / Kinuye Mushashibo / Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Mio Takasu

Pinky Perez / MAYA / Machiko Matsuda vs. Lady Lotus / Thea Davis / Toku Kijmuta

Alicia Strong vs. Kaede Sugiyama

Gemmei Oonishi / HEART Saitoh vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Fuyuko Higa / Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa

ampulator · October 21, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. Erin Marcelin

Yu Hashimoto / Talia Quinzel / Unstoppable Tai / Zofia Jankovic vs. Hana Ajibana / Kinuye Mushashibo / Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Mio Takasu

Pinky Perez / MAYA / Machiko Matsuda vs. Lady Lotus / Thea Davis / Toku Kijmuta

Alicia Strong vs. Kaede Sugiyama

Gemmei Oonishi / HEART Saitoh vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Megumi Nakajima / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Fuyuko Higa / Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa

White Dolphin · October 23, 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 Wrestle Challenge Tour Night 2

Friday/Week 4/May/2020

Karasuno High School Gymnasium

Kyoto, Japan

---

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

The shows opens with announcer spiel and 5SSW VP Kaiya Kuwahara coming out. Kuwahara runs down the card and some of its future possibilities, and reminds everyone that title shots are still up for grabs. Kaiya thanks the fans for their support and walks back down the entranceway. This was fine.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 67

---

<img alt="erAE3w5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/erAE3w5.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" />

Ursula Saez vs. Erin Marcelin</div>

Surprisingly watchable contest here. Marcelin is still green, but does a passable job of exchanging fisticuffsmanship with Saez early on. Saez starts responding with some vicious clotheslines and clubbing blows. Sae then starts throwing Marcelin for distance, and reels off some good power moves in succession. Marcelin's in trouble here........ Leaping Side Suplex! That gets the 3 count and Saez continues her run.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Ursula Saez def. Erin Marcelin via pinfall at 5:31

Rating: 50

---

<img alt="zUFAzFy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zUFAzFy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UqJvBag.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UqJvBag.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AFBofo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AFBofo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wQ9Yzya.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wQ9Yzya.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs. <img alt="EgHhLyR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EgHhLyR.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" /><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" />

Yu Hashimoto / Talia Quinzel / Unstoppable Tai / Zofia Jankovic vs. Hana Ajibana / Kinuye Mushashibo / Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara</div>

An eclectic tag match here, and one that does not work out, as the audience sees the outcome as fairly obvious once Unstoppable Tai runs through the entire opposing team early on and roars with an air of dominance.

Things don't get too much better for the face-ish contingent after that, although there are some efforts. Mushashibo combines with Ajibana for an improvised Stone Fall (Springboard Hart Attack), and Ajibana and Matsumara get in a few suplexes and lucha-esque takedowns and the like.

Little good it does them in the end, however, as the heel-ish contingent shows their power by manhandling Mushashibo for an extended period towards the end and sinking her with Talia Quinzel's Spinal Trauma (Overhead Press Front Slam Backbreaker) for the 3 count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Quinzel def. Team Jobbers via pinfall at 9:34 (Quinzel pins Mushashibo)

Rating: 53

---

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

Yuma Maruya checks in for a promo, talking about how she still has niggling injuries from the match and unwarranted post-victory assault by Higa, but shes working through them and is ready for action next week. Maruya promises a win in the scramble match at Wrestle Challenge and another successful defence. Usual good promo form Maruya.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 71

---

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

Miwako Katsukawa vs. Mio Takasu</div>

Pretty decent match here, if a little short. Katsukawa meshes well with the veteran brawler Takasu and the two produce a quite watchable display of hard-hitting vs high-flying that 5SSW fans are accustomed to.

Takasu tries multiple times through the course of the match to take Katsukawa out with the Headshot (Yakuza Kick), but Katsukawa alertly gets away from the threat each time. Katsukawa responds with fast paced offense, and slowly Takasu begins to wear down.

One final desperation Headshot from Takasu gets countered by Katsukawa grabbing the leg and smoothly transitioning into a Fisherman's Neckbreaker. Katsukawa then drives Takasu into the corner, crushes her with the Ultraviolet Beam (Twisting Handspring Flying Forearm), then finishes Takasu with the Katsukawa Bomb (Sunset Flip Powerbomb) for the 3 count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Miwako Katsukawa def. Mio Takasu via pinfall at 9:27

Rating: 56

---

<img alt="QPFYrDH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFYrDH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sJhu7eb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sJhu7eb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Tlz7Qa6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Tlz7Qa6.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" /></div>

We hear from several people via brief promos next. Miwako Katsukawa says she's happy with her win, and is hoping for either a title shot or a place at the table for the J Grand Prix. MAYA says she wants a win bad to get back into contention for the Triangle title she lost. Megumi Nakajima chimes in and says she needs to win the main event with her team to get back in the title hunt, and Shiori Jippensha doesn't say much, but says she'll win at all costs and shut some critics up.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 54

---

<img alt="mXmc58q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mXmc58q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sJhu7eb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sJhu7eb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="APlokTw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/APlokTw.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" /><img alt="gUw5uvp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gUw5uvp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tWGT8UZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tWGT8UZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Pinky Perez / MAYA / Machiko Matsuda vs. Lady Lotus / Thea Davis / Toku Kijmuta</div>

Another eclectic tag, but this one comes off really, really well. Everyone involved works hard, theres plenty of effort, and theres some good threads of storytelling involved.

Pinky Perez keeps stealing the show lately, and today is no exception, as she does the work of 6 people and really shines in this match. MAYA also wrestles in a fired-up manner, as shes hungry for a crack at the Triangle title she lost. Lady lotus is inconsistent and blows some spots badly in the match, but adds a nice heel thread to keep her team focused on bending and sometimes outright breaking rules.

Perez being such a dynamo of energy and MAYA being motivated means that Matsuda is in peril and targeted for much of the match. Lotus's team uses all manner of cheap shots to keep her cornered. A wicked combination Superbomb gets 2, but Perez saves and a giant pull-aprt ensues, giving Matsuda time to recover. Eventually Kijmuta gets back to business, beats Kijmuta up, whips her into the corner, and prepares for a body avalanche, only for Matsuda to dodge and tag in Perez!

Perez runs roughshod on Kijmuta, and gives some to Davis too when she comes in. Lotus stays on the apron and its to her benefit. Headscissors and hurricanranas abound for the heel team. Rube Goldberg DDT to Kijmuta! Perez knows she can't get Kijmuta up for the finish, so in comes MAYA for a Double Spinebuster! 1......2......NO! Lotus breaks it up!

MAYA keeps on the attack, but gets cut off by a cheapshot knee to the kidneys by Lotus while running the ropes. Kijmuta beats on MAYA for a bit, and tags in Lotus. Lotus gets in a couple move and goes for a Springboard clothesline, only for MAYA to grab the arm and counter into a Triangle Choke! Perez and Matsuda bolt off the apron to brawl with Kijmuta and Davis! Lotus fights to escape.......but passes out in the choke! Ref Odaka calls the match and awards it to the babyfaces!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Pink Express def. Team Heels via stoppage at 13:02 (MAYA submission hold on Lotus)

Rating: 67

---

<img alt="yTxuXfo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yTxuXfo.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" />

Alicia Strong vs. Kaede Sugiyama</div>

Strong comes out for her second match, with still some buzz surrounding her as she enters. Sugiyama battles hard, and takes it to Strong early with some techniques straight outta Canada, using Stone-influenced technique and high-flying to try and mount an offensive.

Alicia seems to let Sugiyama feed into her, before sidestepping a risky Stone-Sault from Sugiyama and going to work. Back Suplex, Atomic Drop, Strong Punches put Sugiyama down. Sugiyama keeps trying to comeback, but Alicia wrestles as if she's seen it all before, countering Sugiyama mostly at will.

Eventually, Alicia blocks a desperation wheel kick from Sugiyama, keeps hold of the leg, ducks two enzuigiris, and blasts Sugiyama with a lariat. Alicia revs up her engine as Sugiyama rises to her feet...... Strong Arm Tactic (High-Impact Running Elbow to the Temple)! Sugiyama's out and the 3 count is academic.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Alicia Strong def. Kaede Sugiyama via pinfall at 6:34

Rating: 59

---

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

Afterwards, Alicia Strong cuts a promo, saying she's had the appetizers, and is ready for the main course whenever 5-Star wants to serve it up. Alicia Strong has a legacy to maintain, and beating the best 5SSW has to offer will go a long way towards fufilling it. Alicia's a glib talker who sounds natural even in Japanese and this was fine.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 68

---

<img alt="S5zYtKU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5zYtKU.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="kEWkdko.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kEWkdko.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mzVF5wy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mzVF5wy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

All Heart (Gemmei Oonishi / HEART Saitoh) vs. Synchro Wave (Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder)</div>

This match has some expectations behind it amongst die-hards, who regard Synchro Wave as being one of the most promising tag teams in the world (Not just promising women's tag teams mind you), and they're going up against two quality wrestlers staying together in spite of their loss during their tag title challenge two weeks ago.

Unfortunately, HEART Saitoh and Ava Anderson are really off tonight, especially when working against one another, and some sloppiness disrupts things a bit. Still, Oonishi really impresses, showing some fire and riding the crowd's wave of support, and Lily Snyder does her best to pick up the slack on Synchro Wave's end.

The match isn't bad, especially when Anderson gets to double-team a member of All Heart with Snyder and show that natural chemistry together that the gaijin duo possesses. Synchro Wave tries their best double team as the match passes the 11 minute mark, going for the Wave Motion Cannon (DWI), but a desperate chop block from Saitoh breaks up the move, allowing Oonishi to be free and headscissor Anderson right into the corner.

Synchro Wave lose the momentum after that, and end up falling to All Heart when Snyder is bundled out of the ring, leaving a dazed Anderson alone to take the Flying Dagger Legdrop (Top Rope Front Flip Rough Ryder) from Oonishi for the 3 count. Good win for All Heart, and Synchro Wave continue to pick up a few new fans with each appearance.

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: All Heart def. Synchro Wave via pinfall at 12:28 (Oonishi pins Anderson)

Rating: 62

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<img alt="Tlz7Qa6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Tlz7Qa6.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" /><img alt="I5FBwBx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I5FBwBx.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="z4uBriK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z4uBriK.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" />

Megumi Nakajima / Etsuko Arihyoshi / Chiyeko Kita vs. Fuyuko Higa / Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa</div>

This one is an appropriate main event for sure, antoher one in a good spell of tour show main events lately. Nakajima and Higa renew their prior issue, and the Hell Raisers and Team SUB have a pretty good battle throughout. Theres a good amount of quality and some heat to go with it.

The story, however, has some confusing undertones. Team SUB do okay for themselves in the match, but over time, commmentator Umeko Karube notices that Team SUB seem to be constantly looking to Higa for a signal of some sort, which she doesn't give them. Team SUB also have a tendency of tagging in Nakajima quite often, and Nakajima starts to wheeze a bit as the match progresses and she takes more damage from the opposing team.

Higa of course is in rare form, even managing to outwrestle the dangerous Arihyoshi at one point. Higa regularly taunts Nakajima in any situation, whether it's wrestling her, standing on the apron, or wrestling while Nakajima stands on the apron. Nakajima lets action do the talking, and does her best to get back at the top heel in the company. A good slick technical sequence, dropkicks, headscissors, and a hurricane DDT take down Higa, before Nakajima grabs Higa from behind........ Nakajima Straight Jacket (Straitjacket Suplex)! 1......2.....Akutagawa saves!

Nakajima presses, but Higa gets time to escape and Nakajima starts to run low on stamina. Nakajima tags out to Arihyoshi, who does several light moves then tags an exhausted Nakajima back in. Nakajima looks incredulous at this, but hits some suplexes and dropkicks on Romi Yamato before tagging in Kita. Kita does barely anything and tags to Nakajima again. Nakajima's eyes narrow at that one, but she goes back into the ring and gets hammered by a Yamato lariat!

Nakajima desperately tries to recover and fight through it, and manages to battle through both Hell Raisers. As Nakajima heads to her corner for the tag, Higa screams "NOW!"...... and Team SUB jumps off the apron and to the outside before Nakajima can tag! What the hell? Nakajima looks shocked, but shes not shocked for long, as the Hell Raisers wheel her around and blast her with the Kaenhousha (Total Elimination)!

Akutagawa then literally kicks Nakajima while she's down, before hauling up a loopy Nakajima to her feet so Higa can give her the badmouth. Big slap from the apron by Higa! Odaka's not happy with any of this, but Higa tells him to shut up and get ready to count as Akutagawa ragdolls Nakajima with a sleeperhold for a bit. Higa then tags in, hauls up the lifeless Nakajima, preens for the crowd and...... Perfection Sweep (Skull-Crushing Finale)! 1......2.......3!

<div style="text-align:center;">Result: Team Higa def. Team Nakajima via pinfall at 19:32 via pinfall (Higa pins Nakajima)

Rating: 75

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Post-match, Higa thanks Team SUB for seeing the light and aligning themselves with the winning horse. Higa then taunts Nakajima and says this is the end result of what happens when you go against her, and a few other people in the company would do well to remember that. Higa then urges the talented members of the 5-Star roster to make their choice now of whos side they're on, specifically mentioning Shiori Jippensha by name at one point as someone who needs to choose her loyalties. Higa then promises once again to survive the scramble match and win her 5SSW World title, before dropping the mic and walking off with a seeming faction in tow as the show fades to black.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: 68

---

OVERALL SHOW GRADE: 73

ATTENDANCE: 368</div>

White Dolphin · October 23, 2020

OOC SHOW NOTES:

-Once again, thanks to everyone for the comments and predictions. If you like this diary please pop by the DOTM thread and give some votes in the google poll to The Puppets Dance. Next Prediction Key will be on Monday, with a backstage bit in-between.

-Another filler tour show with some predictable semi-squashes. Crowd probably liked it at least.

-Saez feels farther below the level of Queen Amazon than she should be. The reason her match ratings have been better though is because I have her going 6 minutes instead of less than 5, which is a big deal in TEW-land. (I think they set rating limiting barriers at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes.

-Second match was the end result of the multiple re-bookings I did for this card. Had to get all these people their wins, and the resulting mishmash was a surprisingly terrible match. Choosing when to go Open Match and not go Open Match seems to have a big effect on certain ratings, but I've gotten above 60 on some of these big tags without going Open Match or using overpowering personnel. Weird.

-Katsukawa/Takasu got the chemistry note! Don't think I used Open Match though or it would've been better rated.

-Pinky Perez is starting to really heat up now, consistently doing over 70 for personal match ratings. With hindsight perhaps I shouldn't have bothered with Mystery Pink and run Perez as a single, but what can ya do.

-Alicia Strong's starting to get things down promo-wise in other saves. This was another average match because it was all supposed to shine Alicia, but she may get a more competitive match soon enough.......

-All Heart vs Synchro Wave was disappointing. Probably because of time, but I think I had a hard time getting All Heart's ratings high enough to bring the match to a 65 like I thought. I like Synchro Wave still though and they'll be hanging around a bit.

-Main event might've fallen a little flat. I did have Nakajima ally with Team SUB twice before, but they weren't like a formal faction or anything so having them turn on Nakajima suddenly wasn't well executed.

-Still though, Higa's building a little group of supporters. Hell Raisers are in, Team SUB is sorta backing her too. I wonder if this is leading to a big summer angle that was talked about in the TEW.com dirtsheet reports? Nah, its probably Higa not feeling safe with just her police escort and wanting to beef things up so no wayward Gemmei Oonishis come to attack her or something.

-Meanwhile, Higa's promo ability is tanking a bit because of this morale thing. I think a couple prior boosts of Higa being happy with good booking disappeared, and Higa's still really salty over being asked to do the broadway with Gemmei Oonishi on the Hall of Fame show. You know too that Maruya would put Higa over a dozen times without complaint, but heaven forbid Higa doing that for someone else. She's Miss Perfection!

-Probably gonna end up giving Higa a raise later though to smooth things out. After all, Higa's got what people in the negotiation world call "significant leverage". Best worker in the company. Best heel in the company. Most interesting character in the company. Takes up all the oxygen in the room. Wrestling is supposed to be about larger-than-life personalities duking it out for supremacy, and that's what Higa exemplifies. No wonder the forums hate her and think shes overrated.

-Test sims for the J Grand Prix are looking great! Also, a couple of my later test sims shows have beaten USPW weekly TV, and I'm sure if that happens again we'll hear Alicia Strong crowing about it.

---

PREDICTION STANDINGS:

ampulator: 85/90

KyTeran: 65/83

Teasenityrn: 14/15

Mokoa: 16/23

medla: 14/23

joshbrady91: 8/8

Strech: 8/8

White Dolphin · October 26, 2020

(OOC: Just a short character update today, prediction key for show #3 will be tomorrow afternoon/evening!)

---

Erin and Simony's feet were a whirlwind as the J-POP song from the Dance Dance Revolution machine picked up tempo. Ted was watching from the side, keeping an eye out for the two women in the foriegn land.

It was the 4th or 5th or....... who knows how many, but it was another trip that Erin and Simony took post-show to explore their surroundings a bit. Through the powers of Google, they found the best arcades in 5-Star's 3 city loop, and proceeded to regularly hit them up for a couple hours after a show, before Ted would usher them home on the last subway train to Osaka and the boardinghouse.

Erin and Simony were having fun and becoming friends over the course of these past couple tours they worked together. They both had weird hair, they both had similar love for arcade games of various types, they both had athletic backgrounds, they were both social animals, and they both loved the business they were in, warts and all. Ted suspected there was also more than that keeping them close together, but there was no sense prying. Besides, he was still doubting his instincts a bit, given the absolute ass-kicking he received at poker today with the male 5-Star staff. (Referee Isao Takemura cleaned out 2 people with a full house, beating Ted's smaller full house and Referee Odaka's flush.)

Still though, Erin and Simony were happy at least, and Ted was watching over them ensuring that they didn't get into any scrapes with mobsters or mobsters wearing police uniforms. It was another pretty good 5SSW card, if a little disjointed, Alicia Strong went a second show of being nice and not causing drama, and things were looking up.

.........Well, there were some unhappy camps heard from today. Fuyuko Higa was still bitter about Alicia showing up and possibly taking her shine, and Ted also heard Higa ranting again about the fact she had to do the time limit draw with Oonishi. Ted wanted to shout at Higa to just grow up sometimes, but it wasn't his place to do such things, and from the looks of it, it wasn't going to be 5SSW owner Ogiwara's place to do anything about it either, other than let it slide and continue to push Higa as if nothing was happening. So annoying that Higa would get a free pass for all of this just beause she was a hell of a talent. But hey, at least she was a hell of a talent, and not Peter effin Valentine....

Meanwhile, another member of the rabble was also heard from, as the rumour going around was that Unstoppable Tai was disciplined in some way tonight, for the crime of needling poor Hana Ajibana about her push, and the fact that Tai was winning matches on TV and Hana wasn't. What kind of classless bully would you have to be to lord your accomplishments over a hard-working jobber? Why did Tai and Higa get born into this country with negative two out of 100 in terms of social awareness skills? Ted couldn't understand it.

As Ted watched Erin and Simony argue over their Dance Dance Revolution machine being rigged for one player or the other, Ted smiled and sipped his questionable Japanese soft drink. Dealing with assholes like Higa, Tai, and whatever Alicia Strong might become would be worth it though. It was still better than being back in the office in Canada..........

White Dolphin · October 26, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Wrestle Challenge Tour Night 3

Wednesday/Week 1/June/2020

---

From the Nekketsu High School Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan, a 3rd night of high level action awaits on 5SSW's Wrestle Challenge tour! Join us live at the venue or watch along on Shogun TV!

In our opening match, Ursula Saez continues her rise through the ranks, taking on veteran martial artist Ochiyo Iijima.

Next up, the veteran tag duo Shining Force take on the armed forces-inspired tag team known as the Gamma War Unit.

Machiko Matsuda gets some singles action next, taking on the Canadian young lion Erin Marcelin.

A group of people of unpleasant dispositions team up next, with Unstoppable Tai, Paige Croft, and Team SUB taking on Synchro Wave and the Stone Soliders in a 4v4 tag match.

Gemmei Oonishi, Miwako Katsukawa, and Selina Svelte team up in the 5th match, taking on Lady Lotus, Toku Kijmuta, and Hana Ajibana.

Two of 5SSW's possible future main players face each other in the co-main, with the striker Eri Sato against the technician MAYA.

Finally, our main event sees former champions from three countries ally in a special 4-on-4 tag match. Alicia Strong, Mystery Pink, Yuma Maruya, and Shiori Jippensha team up, but they've got two tough teams opposing them on the other side: The Hell Raisers and Lethal Strike. Can the North American and Japanese blend come out on top, or will the physical Japanese and European duos take the win?

---

PREDICTION KEY:

Ursula Saez vs. Ochiyo Iijima

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu

Machiko Matsuda vs. Erin Marcelin

Paige Croft / Unstoppable Tai / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Gemmei Oonishi / Miwako Katsukawa / Selina Svelte vs. Lady Lotus / Toku Kijmuta / Hana Ajibana

Eri Sato vs. MAYA

Alicia Strong / Mystery Pink / Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha vs. Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa / Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic

KyTeran · October 27, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. Ochiyo Iijima

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu

Machiko Matsuda vs. Erin Marcelin

Paige Croft / Unstoppable Tai / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Gemmei Oonishi / Miwako Katsukawa / Selina Svelte vs. Lady Lotus / Toku Kijmuta / Hana Ajibana

Eri Sato vs. MAYA

Alicia Strong / Mystery Pink / Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha vs. Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa / Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic

ampulator · October 27, 2020

Ursula Saez vs. Ochiyo Iijima

Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara vs. Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu

Machiko Matsuda vs. Erin Marcelin

Paige Croft / Unstoppable Tai / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Gemmei Oonishi / Miwako Katsukawa / Selina Svelte vs. Lady Lotus / Toku Kijmuta / Hana Ajibana

Eri Sato vs. MAYA

Alicia Strong / Mystery Pink / Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha vs. Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa / Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic

White Dolphin · October 29, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Wrestle Challenge Tour Night 3

Wednesday/Week 1/June/2020

Nekketsu High School Gymnasium

Osaka, Japan

---

We get the intro spiel from the announcers, and Kaiya Kuwahara comes out to run down the card and highlight important matches and thank the crowd for their support as per usual. This was fine.

Rating: 64

---

vs.

Ursula Saez vs. Ochiyo Iijima

A one-sided mugging masquerading as a match here, with Iijima getting the hell beaten out of her throughout. A couple attempts at striking and fighting back are met with indifference, and Saez counters a desperation Paralysis Thumb Strike (Samoan Spike) from Iijima by grabbing the arm and reeling her in for a spinning belly to belly suplex. Saez follows that up with some clubbing strikes, a ripcord forearm, and then the Leaping Side Suplex for an easy 3 count fall.

Result: Ursula Saez def. Ochiyo Iijima via pinfall at 4:33

Rating: 37

---

vs.

Shining Force (Otsune Tsumura / Yukiko Matsumara) vs. Gamma War Unit (Kaori Takenouchi / Mio Takasu)

Not a bad little match here. Even with two lower teams on the pecking order, it's kept close and has some decent action throughout. Otsune Tsumura looks better in this match than she has in quite a while, and Matsumara tries hard to rally her fanbase into the swing of things with some big high-flying.

The Gamma War Unit show some good chemistry as usual, working together well, and it leads to them getting a big win, when Takasu dodges a Tsumura crossbody thanks to a shouted warning from Takenouchi, and then Takasu nails Tsumura on the rise with the Headshot(Yakuza Kick). Takenouchi tackles Matsumara before she makes the save, and the Gamma War Unit take home a win!

Result: Gamma War Unit def. Shining Force via pinfall at 9:54 (Takasu pins Tsumura)

Rating: 55

---

Yuma Maruya is backstage for a promo, and she's excited for the chance to team with Alicia Strong and see what America's best is capable of. Maruya also wants to give the Hell Raisers a piece of her mind for allying with Higa, and is looking forward to tonight's main event.

Rating: 71

---

vs.

Machiko Matsuda vs. Erin Marcelin

A chance for Matsuda to spread her wings in a rare crack at singles action, but the match isn't given a ton of time and is very basic. Erin still struggles with inexperience and not stiffing the bejesus out of Matsuda, but her technique and fundamentals are improving.

Erin rallies late in the match after a period of sustained selling for Matsuda, lighting her up with a few flurries and a big Bus Driver Uppercut, but makes a misguided attempt to go up top for some type of move, and gets forcibly hauled down by Matsuda via a middle-rope DDT that spikes Erin into the canvas for a 3 count.

Result: Machiko Matsuda def. Erin Marcelin via pinfall at 7:33

Rating: 53

---

vs.

Paige Croft / Unstoppable Tai / Chiyeko Kita / Etsuko Arihyoshi vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

5SSW midcard tags are like a potluck lunch; you never know what you're going to get, it generally isn't completely horrible, and theres at least one or two good things minimum. Sometimes though it's surprisingly good all-around, and this is one of those times.

Everyone brings their working boots, everyone tries hard, and despite a bit of a perceived power level imbalance the match works just fine. Synchro Wave impress with double teams and some natural chemstiry, although the Stone Soliders put in some work too with some fast-paced double teams to try and take the initiative from the heel-ish teams.

However, its ultimately not enough to take the win. The heel-ish team takes back control forcibly, with a combination of sneaky cheating from Paige Croft, physical dominance form Unstoppable Tai, and technical prowess form Team Sub sinking the Synchro Wave and Stone Soliders plans in the end.

PAige Croft keeps trying to blind tag herself into the match to steal a win, but Team SUB put paid to that when Kita slaps the bejeezus out of Croft on the apron, tags in Arihyoshi, and they finish Mushashibo with the combination Superkick/Tiger Suplex for the 3 count.

Result: Team Heels def. Team Stone Synchro via pinfall at 12:21 (Arihyoshi pins Mushashibo)

Rating: 63

---

Chiyeko Kita is backstage for a brief promo, where she taunts Megumi Nakajima over their betrayal and calls her out for a match whenever she feels like it, and Team SUB will beat her again just like Higa did. We also cut to brief promos from Gemmei Oonishi and Miwako Katsukawa talking about their upcoming match.

Rating: 51

---

vs.

Gemmei Oonishi / Miwako Katsukawa / Selina Svelte vs. Lady Lotus / Toku Kijmuta / Hana Ajibana

This tag match is not as good as the prior one and falls to pieces for several reasons. Part of it is the match not getting enough time and being rather one-sided, part of it is the weird dynamic with Katsukawa and Oonishi being paired with the heel-ish Svelte (who goes through the motions in this match big-time), and part of it is Lady Lotus and Toku Kijmuta getting lost on a few double teams and other weird sequences.

Hana Ajibana works hard to try and rally her team with a string of suplexes, and Lady Lotus gets back into it with some cheat-at-all-costs tactics that isolate her favourite opponent, Miwako Katsukawa, for quite a while. However, Katsukawa finally manages to break free from their grasp by flipping out of an Ajibana Back Suplex and tagging in Oonishi, who cleans house, bundling Kijmuta and Lotus out of the ring with lucha-inspired offense, landing a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker followed by a running single foot dropkick on Ajibana, then going up for the finish...... Ajibana staggers to her feet....... Flying Dagger Legdrop (Top Rope Front Flip Rough Ryder)! That gets the 3 count.

Result: Team Oonishi def. Team Lotus via pinfall at 11:22 (Oonishi pins Ajibana)

Rating: 59

---

MAYA cuts a brief promo, saying she respects her opponent but needs the win here to get a shot for her Triangle title again.

Rating: 52

---

vs.

Eri Sato vs. MAYA

A match between two possible future ace candidates, and boy is it a good one. No special chemistry or anything, just two talented gals on the come-up, given 15 minutes to work hard and have the best match possible. The work is hard and the best possible match might've very well been achieved.

It starts fast, with MAYA using amateur style techniques mixed with modern chain wrestling, working Sato down to the canvas and riding her like a bucking bronco. Sato is outgunned in technique, and has to physically muscle out of the hold. The two get back to their feet, Sato throws a vicious rib kick, MAYA catches it and ankle picks Sato back down to the ground in a leglock, and Sato breaks it up by punching MAYA hard in the head.

The match continues in that theme. Sato has to win by striking, MAYA has to grind Sato into the mat to exploit her main advantage in the match. MAYA takes a ton of damage before getting Sato down, but shes playing the long game, trying to wear down Sato's striking capabilities with attacks to the joints and general depletion of stamina.

Eventually, it starts working when Sato tires late in the match, and falls prey to MAYA's deadly Triangle Choke! Sato fights it....... fights it...... and makes a desperation effort to get out of it with a massive Powerbomb from guard! Sato is fatigued and takes a while to make the cover though...... 1......2.....NO! MAYA kicks out!

Sato tries to press the advantage and win, but a risky new Capoeira kick aimed at MAYA leaning against the ropes backfires, and Sato ends up hung up on the ropes after MAYA dodges. MAYA plucks Sato off the ropes for a big Backdrop Driver, before setting Sato up for her newly christened finish...... Steel Tower Drop (Slingshot Spike DDT)! 1......2......3! MAYA gets a big win en route to a rematch for the Triangle title!

Result: MAYA def. Eri Sato via pinfall at 14:42

Rating: 69 (nice)

---

Backstage we see Alicia Strong cutting a promo, and shes very interested in what her partners have to offer, and hopes for a good win tonight to add to her legacy.

Rating: 70

---

vs.

Alicia Strong / Mystery Pink / Yuma Maruya / Shiori Jippensha vs. Romi Yamato / Sae Akutagawa / Zofia Jankovic / Thea Davis

There's some buzz for this match for sure, as fans are curious as to how Alicia Strong would do on the same side as Yuma Maruya, although this match received some criticism from the magazines when announced, as people were wanting Strong vs Maruya instead of having them team.

For what it's worth, there are teamwork problems on the Team Maruya side of things. Shiori Jippensha is the chief problem causer however, seeming to frequently want to tag in and get the win for herself in situations where Maruya or Strong are rolling along. Jippensha also seems wary of her two other partners. Maruya tries to alleviate this by chatting up Jippensha on the apron, but it doesn't always work.

The match starts with Strong strutting her stuff against the Hell Raisers. Both try to use their power and size advantage to keep control of the match, but Alicia's seen this all before and counters pretty much everything they try, whether its Yamato's strikes or Akutagawa's technique.

Zofia Jankovic comes in and gives Strong some serious pause with her brutal striking, and even manages to get out of close combat when Strong tries to trap her with technique. Strong has to rely on her athleticism and speed, but Jankovic puts paid to that with a wicked spin kick to the ribs that catches Strong dodging the wrong way. Jankovic hauls up Strong for the Demon's Bane (Go 2 Sleep), but Strong slips out of it, applauds Jankovic for her abilities, and then tags in Maruya.

As the teamwork issues start to flare up, the Hell Raisers and Lethal Strike work their way back into the match, although both teams seem to be working at 3/4 speed, very methodical, and not necessarily in a good way. Still, the action is fine, and theres a good sequence where Lethal Strike isolates Mystery Pink and renews their issue from last tour, working her over in the corners of the ring with ruthless brutality.

Pink finally escapes the clutches of Lethal Strike, when she breaks free from a Decapitator Elbow combo and tags in Maruya. Hurricanranas! Dropkicks! Wheel Kicks! Flying Cross Chop to Akutagawa sends her out of the ring! Handspring flip into a Reverse DDT on Davis! Split-Legged Moonsault gets 2 on Davis, before Jankovic saves. Strong jumps the ropes and cuts her off, clotheslining her out, and then following with a big running back plancha off the apron, taking out both Hell Raisers and Jankovic!

Maruya prepares to go up to the top for the finish, but Jippensha begs for a tag to get off a bigger move for the pin. Maruya hesitates, but obliges. Jippensha lifts Davis as Maruya goes up...... 5-Star Finish (Back Suplex/Flying Flip Neckbreaker)! 1......2...Maruya blocks a save from Akutagawa.....3! Jippensha gets a win to cap off a fairly good match, but there was room for improvement......

Result: Team Maruya def. Team Akutagawa via pinfall at 19:44 (Jippensha pins Davis)

Rating: 75

---

OVERALL SHOW GRADE: 72

ATTENDANCE: 369

White Dolphin · October 29, 2020

OOC SHOW NOTES:

-Another okay-ish tour show. This was another one that required a bunch of re-booking to get everyone their wins, hence some of the random team-ups.

-Iijima was miserable in the opener holy moly. Needless to say her momentum has cratered and shes just past her sell-by date.

-Gamma War Unit win seemed like a bit of a surprise, but I'm setting up for something, and also the two have good team chemistry. I also kinda like their gimmicks and the finisher name I came up with for Takasu. They'll never be tag champs because the division is so deep, but they'll be competitive with some teams.

-Matsuda/Marcelin might seem a bit random but I'm doing a Triangle title contender match, so I gave Matsuda an extra win to justify her presence in it.

-I still find it dumb that tag chemistry bonuses sorta disappear in tags beyond 2v2. I've had to put Synchro Wave in a couple multi-woman tags that limit what they can accomplish (They were supposed to take on Team SUB in a 2v2 but that fell through when I needed more winners.). At least the match turned out well due to the heel team collectively bringing their working boots.

-The other multi woman tag was bad and I'm not sure why. I may have accidentally put open match into the 4v4 or something. I feel like Katsukawa's gotten lost in the shuffle a bit since her draw against HEART Saitoh earlier, which was supposed to be the start of her elevation into bigger things. But I left her out of the trios tournament because she would have lost in the first round most likely, and she got lost in the May tour too for whatever reason. She'll be in the mix though for the big event and the J Grand Prix.

-Sato vs. MAYA was a masterpiece, as I've now progressed the roster far enough to have a main event quality match without relying on the usual suspects. Awesome that this was as good as Nakajima/Maruya to start the dynasty, which says a lot about momentum's influence on match ratings.

-Strong is starting to catch on with the promos now, and I think her gimmick is improving too.

-Main event tag match was a bit weird. A lot of the re-sims gave this a 74/73 rating, and eventually a 75 popped out, but the Hell Raisers and Zofia were not as good as they could've been. A 77 probably could've been possible if everyone in the match didn't get pinged for consistency and if I high-rolled all 8 workers otherwise. As it is though, it wasn't a terrible in-game main event, although I do think there are people who would wonder why Alicia is teaming with Maruya when the money is with them feuding. Well........we'll see what happens later.

-I am sorta worried that I may have peaked the diary with the Women of Wrestling tour, cause a lot of those shows from a writing perspective were "instant awesome, just add Higa". I do know from tests though that the J Grand Prix is gonna be terrific. JoshiMania is also going to be a fairly cut-and-dried tour and big show. It'll be great from a ratings standpoint, so hopefully the writing lives up to it.

-Next update might be a while to come out. Some big backstage happenings will be taking place over the next couple tours, and the next one will be the first check-in with Alicia Strong. This will probably go in a different direction than y'all probably expected, but it'll be a good character update....

---

PREDICTION STANDINGS:

ampulator: 91/97

KyTeran: 69/90

Teasenityrn: 14/15

Mokoa: 16/23

medla: 14/23

joshbrady91: 8/8

Strech: 8/8

White Dolphin · October 31, 2020

(OOC: No idea how this one will come off, but here's Alicia's side of things. Next prediction key on Monday. Stay safe out there, and Happy Halloween!)

---

Wednesday/Week 1/June/2020

Ghost Ultra Lounge

Osaka, Japan

Some of the 5SSW gaijin had gathered for some post-show drinks at the awesomely named Ghost Ultra Lounge in Osaka (OOC: Actual IRL Osaka bar, not kidding.). A section was cordoned off and bottle service was paid for...... but this wasn't a party, this was business.

The gaijin had gone 3 shows without some type of issue from recent noted headcase and newest 5SSW signing Alicia Strong. To some of them, that was 3 shows more than they were expecting. So something was up, and this meeting was to determine what it was.

Erin and Simony were off to the side doing their own thing, blissfully unaware of the proceedings. Well, Erin was the unaware one, as she had drank a mere two beers and was re-enacting what appeared to either be a drunken square dance or Big Smack Scott's signature taunt in SWF 2K21. Simony was aware of the talk going on, but chose not to be a part of it, and was in the process of trying to herd Erin back to her seat.

Paige Croft and Talia Quinzel took a minute to bemusedly look on the antics, before Talia picked up the conversation.

"Look Alicia, Paige is being nice to you because she's nice to everyone, and she doesn't want to say it. So I will. We've been on pins and needles since it was announced that you were coming here, we've got a good thing going here that doesn't need to be screwed up, we've been waiting for the meltdown we all know is coming, and I'm sick of it. So I want to know two things. Why did you really leave USPW, and are you gonna cause us trouble and drama down the line like you did over there?"

"I'm not here to cause trouble, I'm here to wrestle awesome people in a main event spot and have a good time. As for why I left, read the dirtsheets."

"Read the dirtsheets. Right. Cause they've never lied before."

"The guys at TEW didn't. I should know, I gave them a lot of the source material for my exit. They put their own spin on things, but the reasons there are true."

"So you gave up a spot that all of us would kill to have, to what, wrestle Yuma Maruya and Fuyuko Higa? Why not just bring them over to America?"

Alicia cackled at that.

"Do you think I HATE them? God no! I wouldn't bring anyone over to USPW, because they'd just pay you for doing nothing and make you overweight off catering."

"You still walked away from a spot that all of us would kill to have. You made millions, you won the Womens title like 50 times, you had it all. And you threw it all away for what, some stupid drama?"

"So you want my spot, is that it? You want the money, the TV time, the prestige? Is that it? Do you have any idea how shallow that is? Do you know what you have to deal with to get that spot?"

Alicia slammed back a shot of cognac before continuing.

"For one, you have to deal with the fact that you can have the best match every night, be the best worker on the card, have the most entertaining skit or angle or whatever on the show, and you'd still be a sideshow. This happened even when my Dad was running things. People say oh but Sam Strong set the women's division up for his daughter to succeed! No, we were a sideshow. We worked hard, we did everything right, we were still a sideshow."

"And then here comes Allen Packer, and the move to Reverie and a big on-demand audience, and Reverie making noise about being a progressive, inclusive, forward-thinking company. We think we'll get more exposure, we think the women's division will be taken seriously and what happens? They hire a bunch of the AAA girls to sit around and eat catering instead of wrestle, they give us one big main event of me vs. Jaime Quine, and then nothing."

"So I go to Allen Packer's office, and say that the one big show with a women's main event did well, and Reverie is pushing female-centered content lately, and I just want us to get a fair shake. Give us another shot at the main event. Give us more time on the shows. Use that new one-hour show USPW Unexpected to get all the underneath girls they hired over. And Allen gives me the big corporate buzzword speech and the run around and says hey, maybe we'll do it again, but probably not, and the impression I get is that the reason they aren't giving us what we want is because we're women, and we need to stay in the corner with our little 6 minute matches and our one promo a show, and let the men sell the tickets and get the credit."

"Then they force Robbie Sanchez off the head booker spot, the ONE GUY who gave a damn about the company from an in-ring perspective. They give the book to Rich, and Rich won't let anyone mess with his main event spots and his precious feud with Nicky Champion. So we're just left adrift. We're better than any of those steroid freaks they hire. We're better than Steve Frehley, we're better than Running Wolf, we're better than Rich Money, we're better than Enygma. We're as good as Nicky Champion, but thats a wash cause he has no one to work with. We're better than all the other guys. So why is it that every time we keep reaching for that brass ring, we get our hand slapped away from it?"

Alicia sighed deeply and drank another shot of cognac.

"Oh but hey, if you still wanted my spot so bad, here's another thing you'd have to deal with! When you go backstage, you notice a few of the guys there like to play grab-ass! No one did that to me, thank God, not even guys like Redwood when they were around. But that was because I had the last name Strong, so the blowback would've been huge. But I've heard AND seen Atlas, Anthony Trask..... I think a couple others..... they get creepy with the girls sometimes, and I didn't like that. I wanted to stand up and do something about that for quite a while, but the girls either thought it was harmless locker room guy stuff, or they were worried about losing their job for speaking out. So I had to sit through that."

Alicia threw back another shot of cognac, while shaking her head in frustration.

"People would say I went insane, and just started a bunch of drama for no reason to get out of a good spot with the biggest company in the world. I spent almost 15 years, 15 YEARS watching the company screw us over! ANYONE would go insane if they had to work there, but I put up with it and put up with it and thought "Maybe tomorrow will be different.". It almost NEVER was. At least when I work over here in 5-Star, I know that if any guy plays grab-ass with us backstage, Ogiwara would slap them, stretch them, and fire them. At least when I work here, I won't lose my spot to some oiled-up steroid freak.......... I should've left years ago......."

Alicia looked on the verge of tears almost, but shrugged it off a bit and downed some more cognac, before nodding in the direction of a plastered Erin Marcelin, seated in the booth a few meters away.

"Look at Erin over there. She's so young, she's got so much potential. Erin has NO IDEA how good she could be. If she went to USPW tomorrow, they'd chew her up, they'd spit her out, they'd waste her. Erin's better than some of the talent they're trying to push already, and she hasn't even been in the business for a year yet! My heart would BREAK to see that kid go into USPW. She'd eventually get hot over something like a guy playing grab-ass or a booker playing jack-ass, and maybe decide to solve her problems with that left hook of hers. And maybe get sued over it or something. It's all bull****. To hell with them."

Alicia raised yet another shot of cognac.

"Here's to us. At least over here, we can reach for that brass ring, and not get our hand slapped away, and get told "No, you can't have that brass ring cause you're a woman." We can put on better shows than ANYONE in the world. We can show USPW what a women's division is really supposed to be. I won't screw things up for any of you. You have my word on that......."

Paige raised her glass to that. Talia did too, but was a little more reticient. Talia really wanted to believe Alicia, and felt her pain through her words, but......... reputations took years to create, and seconds to undo. Alicia had spent many, many seconds undoing her reputation in 2020.

Truth be told, there was always suspicions of how Alicia was a jerk in the business, and it was a longstanding rumour in AAA that Joanne Rodriguez didn't get a USPW contract because Alicia was worried about being overshadowed. Plus her dad was a real politician back in his HGC days. This could all be carefully calculated bull****.

But, Talia made the decision to trust Alicia, and believe her.

For now.

The three ladies toasted, while Simony prepared for the Herculean task of getting a completely bombed Erin to her feet so they could go back to the boardinghouse......

Teasenitryn · November 1, 2020

Oh, wow. Yeah, to be honest, I kind of believe her, more so with fairly recent events.

Now if that is all there was or if she was looking for an out anyhow or if she won't still cause trouble, who can say? I still feel just a little suspicious of her. At the same time, yeah, USPW more or less shut down AAA, you can't really even start them up again without gutting QAW in turn or adding workers from mods (I tried, I'm waiting for the Thunderverse mod to make one big database for more that can work America and have name recognition), and it was a while ago since I played USPW, but I can well believe that half of the women there, including new to the business joined as an undercover sting Pariah are better than a chunk of their main event.

White Dolphin · November 2, 2020

Shogun TV Presents:

5SSW Wrestle Challenge Tour Night 4

Monday/Week 2/June/2020

---

The penultimate event of the Wrestle Challenge Tour is here! Pieces can still fall in place for the title dreams of various wrestlers, so watch along only on Shogun TV, or attend the event live at the Seishuu Academy Gymnasium in Osaka!

In our opening match, the veteran team of Ochiyo Iijima and Hana Ajibana take on the American duo known as Synchro Wave.

Up second is a Triangle title eliminator. Sae Akutagawa will defend, and MAYA has a rematch lined up, meaning that the open spot will be battled for by Machiko Matsuda, Unstoppable Tai, and Mio Takasu!

A North American team-up is up next, as the 5SSW Tag Team Champions Talia Quinzel and Selina Svelte ally with bruising Mexican powerhouse Ursula Saez to take on Otsune Tsumura and the Stone Soliders.

Next up is singles action featuring Shiori Jippensha's quest for another title opportunity, as she takes on the wily Lady Lotus.

Back to six-woman tag action again in the 5th card, as we'll see MAYA team with the luchadoras Double Pink to take on Kaori Takenouchi and the European team known as Lethal Strike.

Gemmei Oonishi is in singles action in the co-main, and she'll be doing battle with the punk rocker gaijin Simony Sentinel!

Finally, our main event sees Fuyuko Higa teaming with the dangerous duo Torment and Sorrow, taking on the trio of HEART Saitoh, Miwako Katsukawa, and Eri Sato. Saitoh has no love for Higa after Higa's brutal turn on her tag team partner Gemmei Oonishi, so expect some explosive tension in this main event!

Also, we will finally hear the other two participants of the Wrestle Challenge World title scramble match announced by 5SSW VP Kaiya Kuwahara! Don't miss it!

---

PREDICTION KEY:

Ochiyo Iijima / Hana Ajibana vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Triangle Title Eliminator: Machiko Matsuda vs. Unstoppable Tai vs. Mio Takasu

Ursula Saez / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Otsune Tsumura / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Shiori Jippensha vs. Lady Lotus

MAYA / Mystery Pink / Pinky Perez vs. Kaori Takenouchi / Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic

Gemmei Oonishi vs. Simony Sentinel

Fuyuko Higa / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. HEART Saitoh / Miwako Katsukawa / Eri Sato

ampulator · November 3, 2020

Ochiyo Iijima / Hana Ajibana vs. Ava Anderson / Lily Snyder

Triangle Title Eliminator: Machiko Matsuda vs. Unstoppable Tai vs. Mio Takasu

Ursula Saez / Talia Quinzel / Selina Svelte vs. Otsune Tsumura / Kaede Sugiyama / Kinuye Mushashibo

Shiori Jippensha vs. Lady Lotus

MAYA / Mystery Pink / Pinky Perez vs. Kaori Takenouchi / Thea Davis / Zofia Jankovic

Gemmei Oonishi vs. Simony Sentinel

Fuyuko Higa / Yu Hashimoto / Maki Yoshifumi vs. HEART Saitoh / Miwako Katsukawa / Eri Sato

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