Ryu Yoshikazu vs Adam Jones

[Mighty Man Millson]

Match Four
Singles Match
Ryu Yoshikazu vs Adam Jones
Ryu Yoshikazu returned with a bang to EVPW last week, but this week he faces the former Knockout title contender, Adam Jones. This match is sure to be a slobber-knocker..
Referee: Alan Johnson

Promo round ends on Tuesday

[Ryu Yoshikazu]

Ryu Yoshikazu has been successful ever since stepping foot into an EVPW arena. His undefeated streak, stretching back to a few matches in old EVPW continues, coming off a victory against a worthy adversary in Liam O'Donnell. As he continues to move through the ranks he finds himself pitted against another formidable foe in Adam Jones. In the Hardcore Hero, and former Knockout Title contender is a superstar very capable of defeating the young upstart Japanese star. And of course Ryu is relishing in this opportunity; another change to prove himself against better competition, and a more established star. Not to say O'Donnell wasn't, but for Yoshi, defeating a wrestler the caliber of Jones would definitely be something to hand his hat on. Speaking of the wrestling machine, we find him in his lockeroom, suspended upside down, hanging from pull up bars he set up on the wall. The door suddenly opens, Lizzie Morna stepping in, looking eager to get a few words from him.

Lizzie: "Ryu, I'd like to just get a few thoughts from you as you're slated to do battle with Adam Jones next."

Still hanging, he nods. Lizzie recoils slightly, having regather herself due to the unorthodox nature of her interviewee.

"Considering the success you've had in EVPW thus far, are you and management still in contract negotiations. Bleacher reports suggest that they want you to give up your tour commitments, likely because a superstar with your skill set is one they would love to have permanently locked up."

Yoshikazu smiles, gradually lifting his upperbody and grabbing the bar. From there he pulls his legs free and drops down, landing feet first on the ground. He stretches his neck and takes a breather, slowly turning to Lizzie.

Ryu: "Japan, Asia, that's my home. Both parties have leverage in these negotiations, but we'll compromise, well hopefully. My plan has always been to wrestle on all continents. Right now I'm in EVPW. But to answer your question, I plan to take one of these championships and take it back over and defend it in Japan, making it a world championship. And that's all I'll say about the matter."

"Fair enough. As for your opponent. He's on a bit of a losing streak, but he'd love nothing more than to break it, and your undefeated streak."

"I never take my opponents lightly Lizzie. You know, a superstar with, eh, the talent level of an Adam Jones, you know, you can never let your guard down. He's a great competitor, and a very talented mat wrestler. I've wrestled some of Japan's greatest stars, and now I'm here in EVPW, with the opportunity to compete against North America's best wrestlers. I'm ecstatic to have this match, and hopefully Jones and I can put on a quality match for the fans. But to better answer your question Ms. Morna, I intend to win tonight."

"The reputation your're building here in EVPW is second to none, your streak, competitive spirit. You've been turning heads Ryu. Does something like that ever sit in the back of your mind?"

"Yes and no. I always think about the universe surrounding me, and how I impact things, and how certain things impact me. But I'm always building to the future, I don't rely or think much of the past. A lot of times people in this industry think because you've done something previously or before, that things should be a breeze for you. I'm not like that. I take every match one at a time. I pay attention to details. I study my opponents. I work on my craft daily. Do I ever think about being undefeated, or if the fans are happy with my performances? Absolutely. We can't do what we do without these fans. But do I dwell on it? No. These fans love a winner, and I want to be a winner, so I have to focus on every challenge as they are presented to me. The easiest way to get your head kicked in Lizzie, is to start thinking about Yesterday. Tonight I'm facing Adam Jones. I won't be thinking about Liam O'Donnell, or Bryan Hawk, or anybody else that I've faced. I'll be one hundred percent focused on Adam Jones, and rightfully so."

"Very enlightening, well thank you for your time Ryu and good luck tonight."

Ryu smiles and bows as the feed fades out.

Ryu's Contract

---

All the plebeians, the fans who pack the arena for the annual Saturday Knockout show remain in their seats, still on edge and utterly excited by the violence that has already transpired, and the action left to take place.

LM: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall."

The gymnasium lights suddenly dim, causing the venue to go deafly silent. A small spotlight in the rafters suddenly cuts on, prompting a crimson shadow to bleed across the arena. The crimson hues float over the steel of the stage and entryway, and are somewhat absorbed the white white canvas of the squared hell. A fast paced, engergetic guitar riff follows, greeting the spectators, thus taking you into Abingdon Boys School's "Storm To Pass." The udience turns its attention to the entryway, the familiar tune raising their anticipation and eagerness to substantial heights. The curtains dividing ringside and the backstage area are violently thrown back, as the superstar behind the music emerges. Lizzie Morna struts her way back into the middle of the squared circle, drawing the fans attention as she continues her introduction.

"Introducing first, standing at six feet, one inch, and weighing in at two hundred and five pounds, from Soka, Saitama, Japan.... this is Ryu Yoshikazu!"

A night sky full of cries
Hearts filled with lies
The contract...
Is it worth the price?
A soul pledged to the darkness
Now I've lost it
I know I can kill
The truth exists beyond the gates

Yoshizaku makes his way down the ramp with a steady march. His squinted eyes remain in front of him as he reaches ringside, "Howling" continues to blare through the speakers. Ryu knees up onto the apron, quickly pulling on the top rope before using the elasticity of the ropes to propell himself off the apron and into the air. The Asian somersaults into the ring, immediately exploiting the momentum into a roll before springing to his feet, further exciting the crowd with his athletically flashy entrance.

fusagareta mabuta kara nagaredashita namida
kurikaeshi mushibamareru risei to chi no kakeraa


JP: "And here's Ryu Yoshikazu. The kids always rearing for a fight Ray, and tonight he's gonna get one."
Ray: "Yeah. Adam Jones is gonna kick his teeth down his throat, making him that much harder to comprehend."
"Funny, he articulated himself well in that interview with Lizzie earlier."
"Maybe so. All I know is I have a hard time understanding anyone who thinks chop sticks are a suitable eating utensil."

Don't want anything anymore
I don't feel the way as before

Ryu ventures to the nearest corner, slowly ascending it before perching himself up on the top, slowly removing his vest in the process. He tosses it into over ropes to the floor, before taking his towel from around his neck and hanging it over the ropes. As he sits a top the top turnbuckle he turns his head to the entryway, beginning to contemplate strategy as he awaits the arrival of his opponent.

[Mighty Man Millson]

The scene opens backstage, with the camera facing a locker room door, the words 'Hardcore Icon' emblazoned on the face. After a few seconds of stilness, the door creaks open and the aforementioned Adam Jones burts through the heavy metal and is greeed with plenty of cheers from the watching EVPW audience. AJ walks down the corridor, unsmiling and focused on the task in hand, before a microphone is thrust in his face as he turns the corner. Adam irritably turns to face the wielder of said microphone and views the smiling face of Lizzie Morna, before reacting in a way that seems very peculiar.

Adam, can I get a few words on your upcoming match?

Jones merely stares a hole through the interviewer and shakes his head, relinquishing the chance to speak his mind like he so often does before a big match, instead opting to walk past Morna and approach the curtain. After a curt nod to the music technician, Adam throws open the curtain, his music plays and his entrance formally begins.



The crowd erupt in cheers as their beloved Hardcore Icon shows his face, throwing his hands skywards in a sign of appreciation to the loyal EVPW fans. AJ paces down the ramp, taking time out of his deliberate walk to slap hands with the front row crowd members, before reaching the squared circle and sliding underneath the bottom rope, quickly clambering to his feet and scaling the nearest turnbuckle, raising his arms high once again, to another large pop from the audience. Jones then jumps down from his pedestal and walks over to the far side of the ring, leaning over the top rope and reaching out for a microphone, which is handed to him by Jimmy Pate. Adam then wastes no time in adressing his opponent, Ryu Yoshikazu.

Last week, John Simmons did what he thought was a favour to me. He gave me the night off, let me lick my wounds from the Falls Count Anywhere match I had with Matt Violence at Prelude to Madness. But, John, you know me, I'm always a stickler for competition and I never take days off. I will bust my ass in this ring every single day of the week if it means I can entertain the fans of this great company. And I'm sure that Ryu, you'll appreciate that. The only problem is, I haven't wrestled for nearly two weeks now and I'm pretty pissed off about that. That's kind of my attitude when I'm stopped from doing what I love to do the most, and Ryu, that means that you could be in a pretty perilous position. You see, I respect the hell out of you. You're a veteran in Eagle Vision and you're one hell of a great competitior in Japan and all around the world, but when I'm angry, people get hurt. I've made a living out of hurting people in innovative ways and I've made a living out of bruising people left, right and centre. So I'm just giving you fair warning, Ryu, because I like you and I'd really hate to hurt you so badly that your wrestling skills are hampered. But just be warned, it might happen. Good luck, kid.

Jones throws the microphone out of the ring and gives a short bow to his Japanese opponent, as a sign of respect, Yoshikazu replying with one of his own, before the bell is rung and both men start to circle each other, looking for an early advantage.

An ominous message from the Hardcore Icon, but he'd better not underestimate Yoshikazu. Like he said, Ryu is a star all over the world and he has some mean skills.
But have you seen the face of the man he's facing tonight. When you look like that, you can do anything to me. I mean, to the rest of the roster.

TBC- Good luck, mate.

[Ryu Yoshikazu]

The two technical wrestlers meet in the center of the ring as the bell sounds, clasping their hands together, matching technique with a Grecko Roman Knuckle Lock. Both men lower their torsos in an attempt to get leverage in other's center of balance. Though giving up the size advantage, Adam Jones is the stronger of the two, and slowly causes Yoshikazu to lose ground. With the balance being tipped, Ryu is forced to take evasive measures, as he quickly kicks away one of Jones' arms before performing a backwards roll, whilst maintaining his clutch. The Japanese Wrestling Machine suddenly springs to his feet, and in dong so, bends Adam's elbow, his wrist being hyper-extended, his arm being compromised in the process. Jones moans and winces from the agony of the expertly applied Top Wristlock, before Ryu suddenly maneuvers around him before wrenching his arm behind his back. The wincing continues from here, Jones left immobilized by Hammerlock hold, Yoshikazu allowing himself to strategize as he subdues his adversary. The time he takes to contemplate sparks his unraveling, as the equally adept ring technician, Adam Jones, spins out of the hold, ending him behind Ryu before executing a rear waistlock. From there he hoists Yoshi into the air before slamming chest first into the canvas. With his opponent lying prone Adam transitions his hold, swinging around to the top of his body before applying a side headlock. Adam Jones grits his teeth, the intensity in his eyes immense as he continues to compress Ryu's head in between his biceps. However Yoshikazu keeps his composure, knowing that he would be in a battle against a formidable mat wrestler. He scans Adam's body, looking for limb, an extremity to grab and twist, something to create an opening he can use to escape. Lifting his belly off the mat, the window of opportunity is presented to him as he sits through and rolls, simultaneously grasping Jones' nearest arm. With his head freed from the headlock, Yoshikazu celebrates his liberation, twist Adam's and climbs to his feet, whilst dragging the Bostonian to a vertical base. He extends Adam's arm away from his body before lifting his leg. In one fluid motion Jones swings his arm free and captures Ryu's protruding foot with cupped hands. With the leg held parallel to the mat, Jones spins inward, the momentum sending Yoshikazu twisting forward and into the air. He lands supinely on the mat, before quickly springing to a knee. Jones quickly scrambles to his feet smiling confidently, tapping his temple to intimate his in ring acumen, meanwhile the Japanese star gingerly stretches his leg, somewhat injured by the artful leg sweep.

JP: "And that's the type of exchange that embodies what EVPW is all about. These two are at the top of their respective fields when it comes to mat wrestling."
Ray: "And that field is boring. These people came to see blood and stiff bumps. Enough with the headlocks!"

With the EVPW faithful cheering their recent exchange, the two competitors being circling around the ring. After a brief moment of game planing the two collide once again in the center of the squared hell. Ryu once again takes the initiative, sliding to the canvas knee first and lunging at Jones' lower body, quickly encircling the Bostonian's legs. Not expecting the maneuver, the Hardcore Hero is able to properly defend himself, allowing Ryu to coerce him to the canvas with a Double Leg Takedown. His basic instincts cause him to roll onto his stomach, his chance in positioning forcing Ryu to change his approach. He has no problem improvising, as he crawls beside Adam's upperbody, quickly scissoring his legs around his unprotected arm before wrapping his hands around his face. The yelps of pain convey the story as Jones' neck is cranked back awkwardly, Ryu Yoshikazu attempting to end things early with the deadly Crossface submission. Realizing time is of the essence and that he has to act quickly to avoid succumbing to the physical trauma, Adam Jones begins squirming backwardly, managing to slide his body underneath the bottom rope. Alan Johnson immediately steps in, forcing Yoshikazu to relinquish his hold, meanwhile Jones exits the ring, shaking his arm repeatedly and cautiously massaging his neck, both aforementioned body parts having been somewhat debilitated during his tenure in the maneuver. Yoshikazu grins from cheek to cheek, clapping his hands together in an effort to rile up the crowd. The positive response ushered suggests that the patrons are right behind him, prompting him to use their support to his advantage. The worldly renown grappler exits the ring and steps onto the apron, sneering down at a doubled over Adam Jones who took the moment to take a breather. Ryu looks to make him pay for his carelessness, quickly dashing across the apron as the oblivious Jones lifts his head. Ryu suddenly takes to the skies, leaping at his adversary, looking to take him off his feet with a seated senton. Jones thwarts his efforts, and by the swiftness of the counter, one could assume the astute Bostonian was playing possum. Nonetheless, he catches Ryu in midair, with the Japanese superstar straddling his shoulders. With tremendous might he swings Yoshikazu downward, thrusting him into the padded floor with a sickening impact.

"Good God Almighty what a counter. He may have broke him in half with that Powerbomb!"
"Which means Ryu won't be able to Pearl Harbor Adam Jones anymore in this match up. His sneak attacks have been emphatically foiled."

Smelling blood in the water, Adam picks Ryu off the ground with a grimace before swooping him into the ring and follows suit, slithering under the bottom rope, quickly executing a lateral press, executing the first pinfall attempt of the matchup.

"ONE"
"TWO"

Ryu convulses his shoulders and abdomen as Jones lay across him, managing to break the count. Going back on the assault, Jones lifts him up to a seated position before applying a Sleeper Hold, mightily choking the Asian with his biceps and forearm. Yoshikazu's face begins turning purple, the oxygen flow to hsi brain diminishing tremendously the longer he remains captured in the strangle hold. Aware of this, the Japanese Wrestling Machine maneuvers onto a knee, before raising up to a vertical base, causing Jones to follow, alleviating the pressure of the hold. From there he drills Adam repeatedly in the stomach, forcing him to release him. Jones fights through the pain however, refusing to allow Yoshikazu to muster any type of offense, quickly clubbing him over the back, effectively doubling him over. Having dictated the pace and slowed his antagonist down, Jones charges for the ropes. As he bounces off Ryu leans up, causing the former Knockout Title contender to violently swing his arm through the electricity filled ambiance. Yoshi avoids the guillotine like Clothesline, quickly circumventing Jones and ending up behind him. The Asian takes Adam's arm and stretches it across his throat, choking the Bostonian with his own limb. From there he places his head in Jones' armpit, and simultaneously hooks his leg. Upon bending his back, Ryu elevates Adam into the air, driving him head and neck first into mat with devastating force. With Jones' shoulder pinned to the canvas, and Ryu holding all the leverage, Alan Johnson drops down to make the count.

"What a Cutthroat Suplex. Hooked his leg, bridged his back, and slammed him. And that might do it!"
"You could lock that bastard in a straight jacket and he'd still find a way to counter you!"

TBCB Jones

[Mighty Man Millson]

Will have a post up later.