Zorana Blair: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall... and it is a SEMI-FINAL MATCH of the Super J tournament!

[Deafening cheers.]

Zorana Blair: Introducing first...

[The lights in the arena dim down.]

[A loud crash is heard, and a big guitar riff.]

[Disengage the Simulator by CKY begins to play over the PA system.]

# With the error that's in my mind

And in my soul

I'm driving blind... #

Zorana Blair: Standing 6'1" and weighing 204 pounds... accompanied to the ring by Parker Smith... he is one half of the WMW Tag Team Champions... JON SMITH!

[Parker his nodding his head to the beat. Jon is dressed in his wrestling gear, rocking a Smith Club Headband. He points into the crowd.]

[The Brothers walk down the aisle towards the ring. They have decided to wear their WMW Tag team titles around their waist to represent their region. A few high fives with the fans, before Jon rushes under the bottom rope and pops up in the middle of the ring. He slaps his chest a bit, while rocking out a bit to his theme music.]

[Jon takes off his tag team title and hands it over the top rope to Parker. They exchange a high five, as Jon begins to ready himself for the match.]

[The crowd cheers as Parker motions for them to give some credit to his older Brother. The camera gets a close up of Jon Smith who is all business and ready for action.]

Zorana Blair: And his opponent... standing 5'10" and weighing in at 220 pounds... he is MASAFUMI SATAKE!

["Ali -vs- Frazier" blares over the sound system as Masafumi Satake enters the sea of fans for the third time tonight. A look of fatigue is apparent on his face, but he realizes his task at hand and stays focused. He walks with a sense of urgency and soaks in the reactions of the crowd. Throughout the night the crowd has began to get more and more on Masafumi's side. He then slides into the ring and gets prepared for his upcoming semi-final battle.]

[Ding, ding, ding!]

Jimmy Peckman: These two men are sizing each other up as this match gets underway, Larry... Smith and Satake have both overcome some tough opponents to get this far, and the prize is just over the horizon -- but only ONE of them will be advancing to the final match!

Larry Dots: And the OTHER one gets to go home with the shame of dropping the ball, Jimmy.

Jimmy Peckman: Oh please. At this stage of the tournament, NOBODY can be ashamed of their hard work so far.

[Jon Smith is circling around Masafumi Satake, darting in and out to gauge his opponent's reactions. Also circling, Satake easily keeps his distance, watching Smith warily.]

Jimmy Peckman: Satake has expressed a good deal of respect for his opponents tonight, and Smith is no exception. He's taking Jon very seriously indeed, and for good reason, as we all saw Smith's prowess in winning a VERY close first-round matchup against Justin Sane. And you can bet that Satake has Smith's respect as well; nobody who has seen Masa in action can doubt what HE can do in that ring!

Larry Dots: Pfft, respect is overrated. Losers toss around "respect" to save face. Winners don't have to respect anybody.

Jimmy Peckman: That's a despicable attitude.

Larry Dots: Yet oh so true.

Jimmy Peckman: ANYway...

[Finally closing the distance, Smith and Satake lock up in the middle of the ring. Satake immediately breaks the collar-and-elbow tie-up and counters into an armwrench, ducking behind Smith into a hammerlock. Smith quickly twists low and under Satake's grip, switching behind him and reversing the hammerlock. Before Satake can maneuver out of it, Smith ducks his head under the Japanese legend's other arm and grabs him around the waist, heaving him up for a backdrop suplex. Satake rolls through and lands behind Smith, grabbing him around the waist and continuing the backward roll, pulling Smith into a reverse roll-up pinhold.]

Jimmy Peckman: Whoa!

[Before the referee can even drop to start a count, Smith thrusts his legs out and breaks the hold, sending Satake toward the ropes. Smith shoots to his feet as Satake returns at speed, ducking a lariat by Masafumi, countering with a reverse waistlock. Satake quickly switches behind him to reverse, attempts to lift Smith in a belly-to-back suplex, but Smith reaches back and takes hold of Satake's head and throws his weight forward, countering with a flying snap mare.]

[Both men snap back to their feet at the same time, and Smith lunges at Satake, immediately slapping on a front facelock. He goes for a vertical suplex, but Satake blocks by hooking his leg behind Smith's knee. Satake digs a fist into Smith's midsection, and a second time, and counters out of the facelock with an attempted Fujiwara armbar. Smith stays on his feet though, and ducking low, he slips an arm between Satake's legs and throws him over with a fireman's carry -- but Satake controls his fall, twisting and rolling Smith down into another pinhold!]

[But again, Smith bursts free before the count of one, and both men are again on their feet. Smith swings a lariat at Satake, but Satake ducks it and goes behind with a reverse waistlock. He quickly heaves Smith into the air for a backdrop suplex -- but Smith nimbly rolls through, and nails Satake with a falling dropkick to the upper back, sending Satake stumbling into the ropes! Moving fast, Smith scuttles up behind Satake and takes him down with a schoolboy -- but Satake breaks out of the hold while the referee is on the way down.]

[Both men quickly rise to their feet, start toward each other at the same time, then halt -- their gazes locked in mutual wariness. Then Smith and Satake both crack a small grin, and reach out and exchange a brief handshake of respect.]

[Every fan in attendance roars in approval.]

Jimmy Peckman: Ho-lee smokes, Larry. That was an AMAZING rally, and even more amazing is that show of respect between these two HIGHLY skilled men! You don't see THAT every day!

Larry Dots: Yeah, yeah, so they're good... can we move on to the bloodletting now?

[That brief interlude over, Smith smirks and makes a come-on gesture; Satake goes into a defensive posture. They meet again in the middle of the ring, Smith taking the lead with a side headlock. Satake pushes him off, and Smith runs into the ropes. Rebounding, Smith launches a running forearm at Satake's head, but Satake ducks it and gives him another shove from behind. Again bouncing off the opposite ropes, Smith returns -- COLLIDING with a back elbow smash by Masafumi Satake to the face!]

Larry Dots: OUCH! Did I see a tooth go flying?

Jimmy Peckman: He really ATE that one, didn't he?

[The blow staggers Smith momentarily, and Satake takes advantage. Measuring up Jon Smith, Satake BLISTERS his chest with a knife-edge chop!]

Fans: WHOO!

[And a second one!]

Fans: WHOO!

Jimmy Peckman: Jon Smith just FOLDING UP in pain from those blows!

[A third knife-edge chop--]

Fans: WHOO!

[--backs Smith into the ropes. Satake takes him by the arm, shoots him into the opposite ropes -- but Smith reverses the whip. Rebounding off he ropes, Satake unleashes a strident war cry and CLOBBERS Smith across the face with an elbow smash!]

Jimmy Peckman: Roaring Elbow! JEBUS! Satake CONNECTING with that attack, and Smith goes down! And Satake quickly makes the cover!

1...

Jimmy Peckman: Strong kickout at one by Jon Smith.

Larry Dots: I guess that show of mutual respect doesn't mean they can't still try to break each other's faces in, huh?

Jimmy Peckman: It's about giving your all in this competition, Larry. It'd be disrespectful to hold anything back!

[Assisting Smith to his feet, Satake measures him up again, and--]

[SMACK!]

Fans: WHOO!

[--proceeds to tenderize his pectoral muscles with another knife-edge chop!]

Jimmy Peckman: MAN! You see the way Jon Smith flinches at that stinging shot, and no wonder!

[SMACK!]

Fans: WHOO!

Larry Dots: I think that one might've drawn blood!

Jimmy Peckman: Wouldn't surprise me, but-- oh wait, Smith fixing a look of absolute INTENSITY on Satake here, and--

[SMACK!]

Fans: WHOO!

Jimmy Peckman: Jon Smith STINGING Masafumi Satake with a knife-edge chop of his own! And he grabs Satake by the hair -- starts pounding at him with STIFF forearm shots to the head!

Larry Dots: Hah! I knew this was gonna pick up at some point!

[Leaving Satake staggered, Smith hooks him up in a front facelock, grabs the tights -- and delivers a SHARP snap suplex. Rolling through and still holding onto the facelock, Smith pulls Satake to his feet and goes for a second suplex -- but Satake blocks it, lands a couple of punches to the abdomen, and counters by lifting Smith up for a suplex of his own! But Smith rolls through it midway and lands on his feet behind Satake, and charges into the ropes. Satake spins to find him -- and is promptly LEVELED by a spinning heel kick by Jon Smith!]

Jimmy Peckman: CONNECTS! And Satake is down!

[Smith scuttles over to make the cover, but Satake is already starting to get up, shaking his head to clear it a little. Smith goes behind with a reverse waistlock, attempts to heave him up in a German suplex -- but Satake instinctively blocks it, and throws an elbow back at Smith's head -- but Smith ducks it, and Satake spins right around. Immediately, Smith locks his arms around Satake's head and launches himself backward, PLANTING Satake face-first with a Flatliner!]

Larry Dots: JEBUS! THAT was nice!

Jimmy Peckman: Sure stopped Satake in his tracks! Smith rolls him over and makes the cover!

1...

2--

Jimmy Peckman: Masafumi Satake kicks out at two.

[Smith pulls Satake to his feet, and wisely keeping the pressure on, he traps Satake's arms under his own, and proceeds to batter the Japanese star in the face and temples with ruthless headbutts!]

Jimmy Peckman: Obviously Jon Smith has found a target, and he's directing all his attention to wearing that target down.

Larry Dots: I guess this'll come down to whose skull fractures first, huh?

Jimmy Peckman: It'd be tough for ANYBODY to keep their thoughts straight under this kind of head-to-head onslaught, and you can already see Masafumi Satake going a little weak in the knees here.

[Suddenly, Satake lunges his own head forward, bonking Smith directly between the eyes!]

Jimmy Peckman: Satake fighting back!

Larry Dots: It's like a couple of horny rams dueling or something.

[Momentarily stunned, Smith doesn't react -- and Satake uses the opportunity to return the headbutt a second time, and a third, making Smith loosen his grip on Satake's arms. Satake pulls himself free, but doesn't immediately charge at Smith, instead pausing a second to squeeze his eyes shut and shake his head, still clouded from the trapping headbutts he'd sustained. Jon Smith, likewise, is taking a moment to recover, blinking slightly unfocused eyes.]

[But it's Smith who regains his faculties first. Stepping up, Smith hoofs Satake hard in the midsection, and feeds him a knuckle sandwich to the side of the mouth. Taking Satake by the arm, Smith whips him toward the ropes -- but Satake executes a forward handstand, springboards the back of his legs off the ropes, and launches himself backward -- NAILING Jon Smith with a SHUDDERING back elbow!]

Jimmy Peckman: BEAUTIFUL move by Satake! Smith got FLATTENED! If Satake can take advantage here, the tide of this match may turn!

[Indeed, Satake, seemingly shaking off any lingering fog in his head, gets to his feet and pulls Smith off the canvas. He grabs Smith in a front waistlock -- and HURLS him overhead with a belly-to-belly suplex!]

Larry Dots: Man, Smith BOUNCED when he hit!

Jimmy Peckman: And Satake is going for the pin!

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: No such luck, as Smith gets the shoulder up at two.

[Getting up, Satake moves to Smith's legs. He grabs hold of them, and tries to turn Smith over, but Smith resists, kicking his feet. Finally Smith kicks Satake away completely, and quickly scrambles to an upright position, rubbing his lower back a little.]

Jimmy Peckman: Satake was looking to keep Smith grounded and wear him down with a Boston Crab or something similar, but Smith obviously wanted nothing to do with it.

Larry Dots: If Satake thought he was going to have it all his way in this match, I think Jon Smith is telling him: nuh-uh!

[Undeterred, Satake moves right in, muscling Smith into the ropes. He measures him up, and once again, CUTS him across the chest with another knife-edge chop.]

Fans: WHOO!

[Abruptly, Smith lashes out with a fist, smacking Satake on the side of the face, and with fierce intensity reverses positions, throwing Satake against the ropes and pounding away at his face and chest with clubbing forearm shots.]

Jimmy Peckman: I think Smith has had JUST about enough of that!

[The sudden and furious attack leaves Satake momentarily stunned, and Smith uses the opportunity to back away a step, then lunge forward with a clothesline -- only for Satake to dodge it at the last moment! Smith hits the ropes chest-first, briefly disoriented, and Satake slips behind him with a rear waistlock... and with a grunt of effort heaves him up and over with a German suplex!]

Jimmy Peckman: NICE move by Satake! He holds the bridge for the pin!

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: Kickout by Smith at the two count!

Larry Dots: You know, I've always thought that Jon Smith must've been dropped on his head as a child. I guess that turned out to be early preparation for tonight's match!

Jimmy Peckman: You're an idiot, you know that?

[Not letting up, Satake is right on Smith as both men get back on their feet. Satake whips him into the corner, and quickly follows him in. Measuring Smith up, Satake hits him yet AGAIN with an umpteenth knife-edge chop--]

Fans: WHOO!

[--raising yet more red welts on the Smith Brother's chest, and inducing a spasm of agony in the cornered man. Satake follows up with stiff kicks to the midsection and the side, and as Smith tries to cover up against the strikes, Satake kicks him in the arms as well. Backing off a pace, Satake does a one-step charge in and PLASTERS Smith with a jumping side kick that whiplashes Smith's skull like a bobblehead!]

Larry Dots: JEBUS! He kicks him any harder and some fan's gonna be taking home an especially gruesome souvenir!

Jimmy Peckman: You're not kidding!

[As Smith staggers drunkenly out of the corner, Satake slips through the ropes and quickly ascends to the top turnbuckle. Shaking his scrambled head, Smith turns around to find his opponent -- and Satake launches himself with a flying bulldog lariat!]

Jimmy Peckman: This is gonna hurt-- OOHH!

[--But gets force-fed the soles of two wrestling boots instead, as Jon Smith counters with a high-elevation dropkick in midair! Both men drop to the canvas, Smith still trying to clear his head, Satake falling farthest and hitting hardest and immediately cradling his head in his arms.]

Larry Dots: DENIED!

Jimmy Peckman: Of all the ways that could've gone wrong for Satake, that's GOTTA rank near the top! Had to be pure instinct on Jon Smith's part, because his head CAN'T be fully in the here and now!

[Smith fights his way to his feet; but showing his tenacity, Satake is also unsteadily trying to gather himself up, still stooped over. Immediately, Smith lunges toward him, grabs him in a front facelock, and DRILLS him into the mat with a snap DDT!]

Jimmy Peckman: Jon Smith grabbing his chance! Satake is down, and Smith makes the cover!

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: No! Satake gets the shoulder up!

[Staying on him, Smith pushes Satake over on his front side and straddles his back, going for a camel clutch. Satake fights it, getting up on hands and knees, and back-crawls out from underneath him. Satake takes hold of Smith's feet again, up on one knee and trying to climb upright -- but Smith twists and kicks his way free again, lashing out with his foot and landing a kick to Satake's jaw. With Satake staggered half-kneeling, Smith scrambles to his feet, uses Satake's knee as a springboard -- and BRUTALIZES the Japanese star with a THUNDEROUS enzuigiri!]

Larry Dots: MAN! These guys really swing for the fences, don't they?!

Jimmy Peckman: They're BOTH going to need neck braces after this match at this rate!

[Knocked senseless, Satake flops forward to the canvas. Smith hesitates a second, as if pondering his options; then, visibly reaching a decision, he turns away from Satake's prone form and runs to the corner.]

Jimmy Peckman: No cover here, surprisingly... but Smith may have something even more devastating in store for Masafumi Satake!

[Slipping through the ropes, Smith scales the ropes until he's perched on the top turnbuckle. He measures the distance... and leaps!]

Jimmy Peckman: HIGH RISK MOVE HERE--

[--and LANDS a 204-pound flying legdrop square across the back of Satake's head! The violence of the impact literally makes Satake jump!]

Jimmy Peckman: --AND HE GOT ALL OF IT! Smith rolling him over and hooking the leg! This is gonna do it!

1...

2...

3-- NO!

Larry Dots: How did he kick out?!

Jimmy Peckman: I have no idea, but Satake is NOT ready to say uncle just yet! Smith looks astonished that he didn't get the job done with that top-rope offense!

[Smith doesn't hesitate in keeping the pressure on. Bringing Satake to his feet, Smith applies a front facelock and grabs a handful of tights... and SLAMS him with a snap suplex! Not letting go, Smith rolls Satake over and brings him to his feet again... and executes a SECOND snap suplex! Again not letting go, he rolls the other man over and brings him upright again for a third go -- but abruptly Satake snakes his leg behind Smith's and shifts his weight, rolling Smith down with a small package!]

Jimmy Peckman: Pinhold counter out of nowhere!

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: Smith breaking the pin attempt at the two count, but that HAD to catch him by surprise!

Larry Dots: Bah, I wouldn't give Satake too much credit there; it's just the last feeble throes of a man who's getting creamed in the ring.

Jimmy Peckman: That's his fighting spirit, Larry. Something BOTH of these men have in quantity.

[With a handful of Satake's hair, Smith again brings him to his feet, and hoofs him solidly in the gut. Smith lowers his shoulder, boosts Satake across his shoulders...]

Jimmy Peckman: Jon Smith going for the Death Valley Driver here!

[...but as Smith moves to drive him, Satake flips over and takes him down with an armdrag throw!]

Larry Dots: NO such luck!

[Disoriented, Smith rolls onto hands and knees -- and Satake, with a burst of effort, flings himself off the canvas and NAILS him with a low dropkick to the face, knocking Smith down!]

Jimmy Peckman: Masafumi Satake is fighting tooth and nail for EVERY inch of ground here!

[Satake scuttles over to Smith's legs, takes them up, then does a forward roll onto Smith's chest, using his weight to hold him down for the cover!]

Jimmy Peckman: Jackknife pinhold by Satake!

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: No! Smith gets the shoulder up!

[Both men separate, and both struggle to their feet as fast as possible. Smith gets there first, and charges Satake -- but Satake dodges it, and Smith goes into the ropes. Smith rebounds -- but Satake, with a battle cry, CHOPS him down with a SHUDDERING lariat across the face!]

Jimmy Peckman: AXE BOMBER by Satake! He is making an INCREDIBLE comeback here, Larry!

Larry Dots: Last throes, I tell you!

Jimmy Peckman: Yeah, right...

[Now taking the initiative, Satake approaches Smith -- who is still down and trying to pick himself up, shaking his foggy head -- and pulls him upright. Instinctively, Smith lashes out with an elbow, but Satake slips under the strike and goes behind, locking on a cobra clutch. Smith struggles in the hold, but is unprepared when Satake effortfully heaves him up... and over... and DOWN into a DRIVING cobra clutch suplex!]

Larry Dots: Right on his friggin' head!!

Jimmy Peckman: HOLY SMOKES, that's GOT to be it for Jon Smith!

[As if in agreement with the sentiments of the announcers, Satake stands up, peers out into the crowd, and makes a fierce throat-cutting gesture.]

Jimmy Peckman: Satake's calling for the end, right here!

[Gathering up the groggy Smith, Satake lifts him up into a fireman's carry, preparatory to his patented Matsuzaka Cutter, a running fireman's carry spun into a reverse neckbreaker!]

Jimmy Peckman: Matsuzaka Cutter coming up, and Smith will NOT be able to get up after this!

[Satake goes into the run -- but Smith kicks himself free, and using Satake's own momentum, shifts his weight to drop Satake with a sharp falling inverted DDT!]

Larry Dots: NOT SO FAST, Satake!!

Jimmy Peckman: COUNTERED by Smith! Satake is down, and he looks stunned by that move!

[Not wasting a second, Smith hurries to the corner, climbs to the top rope, and and makes himself airborne!]

Jimmy Peckman: SMITH GOES FOR "OWNAGE" TO FINISH THIS! THE FROG SPLASH!!

[~WHAM!~]

Jimmy Peckman: ...DOES NOT CONNECT!! Satake rolled out of the way at the last possible moment and Smith got NOTHIN' BUT CANVAS!!

Larry Dots: What an idiot!

[His face contorted in agony, Smith is on his side, hugging his ribs after the failed frog splash. Satake, picking himself up and seemingly in denial of his own pain, hauls Smith off the canvas, picks him up in the fireman's carry again!]

Jimmy Peckman: Satake going for the Matsuzaka Cutter again!

[~WHAM!~]

Jimmy Peckman: AND GETS EVERY BIT OF IT! Smith has been LAID OUT! Satake drops to make the cover, desperately hooking the leg!

1...

2...

3!!!

[Ding, ding, ding!]

[The arena explodes with cheer and applause for the incredible match they've just seen.]

Zorana Blair: Your winner... and the man who will move on to the FINAL MATCH... MASAFUMI SATAKE!

Jimmy Peckman: A hard-fought and well-deserved win at that, Larry! Wow!

Larry Dots: Okay, okay, that was a damned good showing by Satake. But let's give Smith his props too, huh? He just about took the match home too.

Jimmy Peckman: Oh, no question about that. Jon Smith definitely showed HIS heart tonight, and after fighting through two rounds of the tournament, he has nothing to feel ashamed of.

[Masafumi Satake allows his hand to be raised by the referee, weak from the exertion of the match. Across the ring, Jon Smith is picking himself up, holding his neck in visible pain. Satake spots him, and moves across to meet him. Smith eyes Satake warily, but Satake takes Smith's hand and raises it in the air, peering out into the audience and encouraging them to applaud the man's efforts. They do so, gladly and loudly.]

Jimmy Peckman: Look at that, Larry. How can you not admire Masafumi Satake? He's still gracious in victory, showing his respect for his opponent. And how about these fans? Jon Smith can absolutely hold his head up high knowing his efforts have been appreciated and respected by this crowd and by that man, Masafumi Satake, one of our final contenders in this year's Super J Cup.

Larry Dots: I think I'm going to hurl.

Jimmy Peckman: Look what is about to go DOWN!

Zorana Blair: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall... and it is a SEMI-FINAL MATCH of the Super J Cup tournament!!

[The stands erupt in anticipation.]

Zorana Blair: Introducing first... Standing an even 6 feet and weighing 230 pounds... JUSTICE!!

[Audioslave's "Show Me How To Live" blasts over the sound system as a lean figure emerges through the entranceway. He's clad in biker shorts, with matching boots (covered in kickpads), kneepads and elbowpads. He wears wrist bands and a mask, and a sleeveless hooded jacket adorned with white flames, with the words "Beast to Pray" written along the shoulders of his jacket.]

[Exuding a no-nonsense demeanor, Justice makes his way up the aisle and slips into the ring. He removes his jacket and drops it over the ropes, then stands in his corner, mentally preparing himself for battle.]

Zorana Blair: And his opponent... Standing 6'3" and weighing in at two hundred and seventeen pounds, hailing from Roseville, Michigan, he is the current TSW Mid-West Heavyweight champion! HERE IS "THE WIZARD" BRYAN SMITH!!

[Once again, Eminem's "Lose Yourself" throbs over the PA system...]

# His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy

There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti

He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready..." #

[Now emerging from the curtain is "The Wizard" Bryan Smith. Smith, he is wearing a pair of baggy blue jean pants, and has no shirt on. His tattoos are showing, along with his ripped body. He has his beloved TSW Mid-West Heavyweight championship across his right shoulder.]

# No more games, I'ma change what you call rage

Tear this mothafuckin roof off like 2 dogs caged

I was playin in the beginnin, the mood all changed

I been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage... #

[He gets into the ring and poses with his championship title, before the referee takes it and hands it to the time keeper.]

[Justice and Smith peer at each other across the ring, their eyes locked.]

Jimmy Peckman: These men have had their encounters in the past, Larry, and you could hardly call them anything like friends... But as unlikely as it sounds, it was Bryan Smith who approached Justice and invited him to participate in this event. The fact is, enemies or friends, it's clear that they hold a certain wary respect for each other. And there's nothing that Smith wanted more than to tangle with Justice once more in this, the 2005 edition of the Super J Cup!

Larry Dots: Yeah, well, I think there is ONE thing Smith wants more -- he wants to BEAT Justice tonight, which is something he has yet to do, and then grab the Super J Cup for himself. Settling a rivalry is one thing, but there's a real prestigious prize at the end of the road!

Jimmy Peckman: Don't think for a second that either of these men is unaware of the stakes here... But it should be positively explosive when they lock horns, I guarantee.

[Seeing that the wrestlers are ready, the referee calls for the opening bell.]

[Ding, ding, ding!]

[Justice and Smith saunter out of their respective corners and meet in the middle of the ring. Smith has some heated things to say to his masked adversary, and Justice listens wordlessly, his poise intact, a small smirk playing on his face. Finally Smith shouts "Come on, bring it!" and gives Justice a solid shove, pushing him back a step. Justice gets back in Smith's face, his smirk still in place, as if taunting him to try again. That causes a sneer to break out on Smith's own visage, and "The Wizard" rears back, throws a punch right at Justice's jaw, eliciting a meaty SMACK as the shot connects.]

[Justice's face snaps to one side, then turns to smirk at Smith again. Then Justice returns with his own right-handed shot to the face of Bryan Smith. A moment later, and the two men are trading violent blows like a pair of prizefighters.]

Jimmy Peckman: Isn't this EXACTLY what I told you to expect, Larry?

Larry Dots: You see me complaining? Guys pounding the living snot out of each other amuses me.

[The scuffle ends up at the side of the ring, with the taller Smith in control, holding Justice up against the ropes and pounding at him with closed fists. Justice gets in a shot of his own, and rams his knee up into Smith's abdomen, before rearing back and--]

[SMACK!]

Fans: WHOO!

[--stinging Smith in the chest with a knife-edge chop!]

Larry Dots: Here we go again!

[Grabbing Smith in a side headlock, Justice runs him toward the middle of the ring in a bulldog attempt, but Smith pushes him off. Justice hits the ropes, and Smith swings a lariat -- but Justice clings to the ropes, halting himself. Smith charges at him, but Justice lowers a shoulder... and backdrops him over the ropes!]

Jimmy Peckman: Smith taking a ride! Wait, no!

[Rather than going all the way to the floor, Smith grabs the top rope and lands instead on the apron. Justice spins around to find him -- and Smith reaches over, grabs Justice's head, and snaps his neck down across the top rope!]

Larry Dots: Haha! Now that's my kind of action!

[Reeling from the side of the ring, Justice is choking a bit. Bryan Smith slips between the ropes and charges at him -- but in a quick move, Justice scissors Smith's ankle and fells him with a drop toe hold. Quickly jumping back on his feet, Justice drops an elbow across Smith's back, and attempts to apply a crossface-like hold -- but Smith scuttles out from under him, grabbing Justice's arm and, rising to his feet, twists the arm behind him in a hammerlock. Justice ducks under Smith's grip and reverses the lock, then holds him around the waist, lifts Smith up -- and puts him down in painful fashion with an atomic drop!]

Jimmy Peckman: Ouch! There's no pleasant way to take a move like that!

[Nursing his tailbone, Smith turns around -- and Justice vaults up, clamps his legs around Smith's head, and takes him down with a hurricanrana that flings the "Wizard" halfway across the ring!]

[Smith rolls to his feet almost immediately, as much from the momentum of the move as from his own skill, and uses the ropes to rebound at speed just as Justice is getting upright. Smith catches Justice by the head -- and WRENCHES him down with a swinging neckbreaker! And Smith immediately straddles Justice's chest, grabbing a handful of the other man's mask and laying into him with a series of fierce punches to the face.]

Jimmy Peckman: Jebus, Smith is SERIOUS about getting the best of Justice tonight!

Larry Dots: Good thing Justice is wearing that mask, I'd be afraid to see how deformed his face might be after the "Wizard" is done with him.

[The referee admonishing Smith to let Justice up, the "Wizard" relents and hauls Justice to his feet. He takes Justice by the head and starts to run him up to the ropes -- but Justice pushes him off, sending Smith into the ropes instead. Smith grabs the ropes to prevent himself from rebounding, smirking at his own intelligence -- but Justice dashes in and NAILS him with a superkick to the chin that flings the "Wizard" clear over the top and down to the floor!]

Jimmy Peckman: Smith did NOT see that one coming!

[Outside the ring, Smith picks himself up, pain evident on his face... but inside, Justice runs into the opposite ropes, returns, and dives THROUGH the ropes -- CRASHING into the unprepared Bryan Smith! Both men hit the barricade and fall to the floor in a heap as the ringside fans go freakin' nuts!]

Larry Dots: Justice is suicidal, isn't he?

Jimmy Peckman: I think the word is "fearless", Larry! But you could as easily say "reckless", because that dive might have done as much damage to Justice as it did to Smith!

[In fact Justice is the first to extricate himself from the mess of limbs on the floor. Leaving Smith, he climbs up on the apron and starts to step through the ropes -- but Smith scuttles over and grabs Justice's leg, pulling him back out. Justice tries to kick him away, but Smith has a firm grip on his opponent's kickpads, and he succeeds in yanking Justice back down to the floor. Immediately Smith puts his shoulder into Justice's midsection and rams him back-first into the ring apron, drawing a grunt of pain from the masked wrestler. A second ram into the apron makes Justice clutch at his back, and Smith uses the opportunity to deliver a hard right hand to the man's face. Justice fires back with an elbow to Smith's forehead, and a kneelift to his abdomen, and then he clamps Smith in a side headlock, signalling for a bulldog.]

Jimmy Peckman: Justice about to bulldog Smith right on the concrete floor! This is gonna be messy!

Larry Dots: Yesss!

Jimmy Peckman: No!

[Before Justice can execute the move, Smith grabs him in a rear waistlock, and heaves him back -- SLAMMING Justice on the floor with a belly-to-back suplex!]

Jimmy Peckman: The "Wizard" finding an effective counter right there, and that's GOT to do some harm to Justice's spine!

[Sensing an opportunity, Smith gets up again, quickly hops up onto the barricade, and flips backward with a moonsault!]

Jimmy Peckman: Smith with a-- NOOO!

[--And lands square across Justice's raised knees!]

Larry Dots: Yee-ouch!

[Nursing his back a bit, Justice gets to his feet, grabs the fallen Smith by the head, and throws him under the bottom rope into the ring. Justice climbs up on the apron as well, and stands waiting as Smith picks himself up, hugging his midsection. Spotting his chance, Justice slingshots himself up onto the top rope, then vaults off -- CUTTING Smith down with a springboard lariat!]

Jimmy Peckman: HIGHLY agile move by Justice, and he makes the cover!

1...

Jimmy Peckman: Only a one count on that one.

[Justice hauls Smith to his feet and whips him into the corner, where Smith hits the turnbuckles hard, back-first. Justice follows him in, measuring Smith up for--]

[SMACK!]

Fans: WHOO!

[--a blistering knife-edge chop! He follows up with a sharp kick to the thigh, to the side, to the ribs, the blows getting through despite Smith's best efforts to cover up. Backing off a few steps, Justice runs in with a superkick aimed right at Bryan Smith's face -- but Smith ducks out of the way, and Justice goes into the corner in an awkward splits position. Quickly going behind, Smith slams his forearm into the back of Justice's neck, and then grabs him by the head -- and SPIKES him down with an inverted DDT!]

Jimmy Peckman: Bryan Smith starting to get back on track!

Larry Dots: Or at least, getting really lucky!

Jimmy Peckman: Smith going for the cover...

1...

Jimmy Peckman: Only a one count there.

[Smith hauls Justice back on his feet. With a handful of Justice's mask, Smith runs him into the corner, and RAMS his head into the top turnbuckle. And a second time, making Justice stagger backward, holding his head. Smith slips through the ropes and goes to the top turnbuckle, perches upright, and launches himself... BLITZING Justice with a picture-perfect missile dropkick!]

Jimmy Peckman: Smith scoring with ANOTHER big move! Justice is flattened, and Smith goes for the pin!

1...

2--

Jimmy Peckman: Justice again kicking out.

Larry Dots: I don't know how these guys take the punishment they do and keep coming back for more.

[Again assisting Justice forcibly to his feet, Smith whips him into the ropes -- but the whip is reversed by Justice. Smith rebounds, Justice drops prone and Smith jumps over him and runs toward the opposite ropes. But rather than rebound again, Smith hops onto the second rope and springs back with an Asai moonsault!]

Jimmy Peckman: Nobody home!

[Indeed, Justice is no longer on the canvas, and Smith deftly lands on his feet, jerking his head to and fro in confusion, trying to find the masked wrestler. Suddenly Justice charges in from behind, hooks him by the head, and FACEPLANTS Bryan Smith with a running bulldog!]

Jimmy Peckman: GOOD ring tactics by Justice! Smith NEVER saw it coming! And Justice quickly rolling him over and hooking the leg...

1...

2--

Jimmy Peckman: Kickout at two.

[Justice pulls Smith off the canvas with a handful of hair, goes behind with a reverse waistlock, and throws him back with a bridging German suplex, holding the bridge for the pin.]

1...

2--

Jimmy Peckman: Smith kicks out at two. The attacks directed at his head and neck must be starting to take their toll, though!

[As both men get to their feet, Justice moves right in and swings a hard kick into the ribs of Bryan Smith, momentarily knocking the breath out of the TSW Mid-West Heavyweight champion. Justice quickly slips through the ropes to the apron, nimbly vaults up onto the top rope, and springboards off -- hooking Smith's head for a flying tornado DDT! But Smith spins through it, grabbing hold of Justice's waist -- and brings him down HARD with an inverted atomic drop!]

Larry Dots: YOWZA! There ain't gonna be any more little Justices at this rate!

Jimmy Peckman: That's an extremely PERSONAL form of agony he's in right now, that's for sure!

[With Justice stunned and holding himself in, indeed, PERSONAL agony, Smith executes a vertical leap, clamps his legs around Justice's masked head, and DRIVES him to the canvas with a SPIKING hurricanrana!]

Jimmy Peckman: WHAT a move by Smith! He stays on him, hooking the legs for the cover!

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: Justice kicking out before the three!

[Grimacing in mild frustration, Smith drags Justice off the mat, whips him into the ropes. Justice rebounds -- but Smith follows him in with a SHUDDERING elbowsmash to the face, draping the masked man partially over the top rope! Smith grabs a handful of mask, pounds him with a closed right hand, and another, and a third, thoroughly staggering Justice... Then he backs off a few steps, charges in, and delivers a BEAUTIFUL standing dropkick to the head, and Justice tumbles right over the top rope!]

Jimmy Peckman: Didn't quite knock him to the floor; Justice apparently having the presence of mind to hold onto the rope and land on the apron.

[Seeing this, Smith snarls aloud, dashes into the opposite ropes, rockets back -- and SPEARS Justice mightily through the ropes! Justice is flung off the apron, to land BACK-FIRST on the top of the barricade!]

Larry Dots: JEEEEBUS!!

Jimmy Peckman: HOLY SMOKES, he has been broken in HALF!!

Larry Dots: Anyone got a SPINE they can donate to this poor bastard?

[Outside the ring, Justice spills to the floor in a twisted pile, his hand feebly grasping at his back. Up in the ring, Bryan Smith allows himself a satisfied smirk, and then he slips through the ropes and drops to the floor. Gathering up Justice, he grasps him in a front waistlock... and RAMS his back into the ring apron! Justice literally ROARS in agony at the continued trauma to his damaged spine.]

Jimmy Peckman: This is getting BRUTAL, Larry... the referee should make Bryan Smith bring this fight back inside the ring, where it belongs.

Larry Dots: Bah, you're no fun. Just when it's getting INTERESTING!

[Smith rams Justice's lower back into the apron a second time, eliciting a chorus of disapproving boos from the fans, and another anguished cry from the masked cruiserweight, whose legs collapse underneath him. Smith stoops to heave Justice upright again, lifting with effort, and starts to bring him toward the ringpost... but Justice lashes out with a desperate elbow to Smith's solar plexus, and a second one. Suddenly, Justice grabs a handful of the "Wizard's" hair, vines the leg -- and HURLS Smith backward with a Russian legsweep -- making Smith's skull CRACK against the ring apron!!]

Jimmy Peckman: GOOD GRIEF!! Somebody's going to leave here in an AMBULANCE if this keeps up!!

Larry Dots: Yes, keep it up!

[Slowly, ponderously, Justice drapes himself onto the apron, pulls himself under the bottom rope, grimacing at every flex of his abused back muscles. Bryan Smith, cradling his head in one arm, reaches up with the other and starts to drag himself back into the ring as well.]

Jimmy Peckman: I'm telling you, Larry, the intensity of this tournament just keeps heating up with every successive match... Who can even GUESS what kind of carnage we'll see in the final?

Larry Dots: That's assuming one of these guys actually SURVIVES until the final!

[Using the ropes for support, both Justice and Bryan Smith gingerly haul themselves upright. Glancing sideways and spotting Justice, Smith lunges at him with an elbow smash, thumping him in the side of the head. Justice reels, but returns with a kick to Smith's lower back. Smith lunges again with another elbow, but Justice ducks back out of the way -- and brings the point of his own elbow down RIGHT into the back of Smith's neck. Bryan Smith cries out in a shock of pain, going momentarily limp. Rallying his own energies, Justice grabs him in a rear waistlock, spins around to put his own back against the ropes, and lifts Smith up--]

Jimmy Peckman: Oh no...

[--and back--]

Jimmy Peckman: Don't do it!

Larry Dots: No! DO it!

[--and OVER!]

[A collective gasp of horror emanates from the stands, just before a sickening thump is heard from about floor level.]

Jimmy Peckman: JESUS CHRIST!! JUSTICE JUST GERMAN SUPLEXED BRYAN SMITH OUT OF THE FRIGGIN' RING!! BRYAN SMITH COULD BE DEAD!!

Larry Dots: You hear that sound, Jimmy? That's the sound of a WHOLE lot of people having their dreams come true!

[The exertion seemingly draining the last of his resources, Justice all but collapses, hanging by the arms from the top rope, breathing hard. A camera down on the floor gets a shot of Bryan Smith, who is lying in a heap, arms and legs in awkward positions, not moving. The referee peers outside the ring, and begins a ten count.]

[1...]

Jimmy Peckman: The referee's started the count, but I think he'd be better advised to call in some medical help.

[2...]

Larry Dots: Meh, give him a few seconds.

[3...]

Jimmy Peckman: The POINT here is, Smith took a BAD, BAD fall, and I'm not convinced he can resume this match!

[4...]

Larry Dots: Well, you know, if he's dead down there... whether they check on him NOW or six seconds--

[5...]

Larry Dots: --FIVE seconds from now, it's kind of a moot point, right?

[6...]

[The camera focused on the floor spots movement from Bryan Smith's fallen form. Up in the ring, Justice finally gets his feet under him once again, and weakly glances down at his opponent.]

[7...]

Jimmy Peckman: Well, Smith is showing signs of life, but that's still no indication of the severity of the injury he might have suffered... and I think it's registering to Justice just what he did!

[8...]

[Smith is slowly getting his hand and knees under him, agonizingly trying to pick himself up.]

Larry Dots: Yeah, he more or less won himself the match here, Jimmy. If he waits another couple of seconds, the ref's gonna count Smith out and Justice gets a pass to the final!

[9...]

[Then Justice steps through the ropes and drops to the floor, causing the referee to stop his count.]

Larry Dots: Idiot, what'd he do that for?

Jimmy Peckman: Justice doesn't want to win it that way, Larry! No wrestler with any integrity would want it on a count-out!

[Weak as he still is, Justice uses what strength he can to assist Smith to his feet and then roll him back into the ring.]

Larry Dots: I still say he's an idiot.

Jimmy Peckman: I wouldn't expect you to understand it. But in any case, Justice has slid back in the ring, and he's going for the cover! Probably academic at this point!

1...

2...

3--

Jimmy Peckman: NO! BRYAN SMITH GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Larry Dots: It was a muscle spasm! He's done for!

Jimmy Peckman: No, Larry, that's Bryan Smith telling the world that he is NOT done for just yet!

[Justice kneels up, shaking his head in utter disbelief. But not wanting to waste time with hesitation, he gets to his feet, dragging the unsteady "Wizard" up with him. Taking Smith by the arm, Justice whips him toward the corner -- and Smith CRASHES into the turnbuckles like dead weight, hanging by his armpits. Mustering his forces, Justice dashes in after him, and literally runs UP Smith's chest and perches over him on the second rope!]

Jimmy Peckman: Justice obviously benefiting HUGELY from the breather he got, as he shows off the agility he's famous for!

[Taking a moment to soak in the awe of the crowd, Justice leaps again, clamping his legs around Smith's head and throwing himself back in a hurricanrana!]

[--but Smith doesn't go anywhere, as his arm is locked firmly on the top rope!]

Jimmy Peckman: What the...

[Smith's distant, vague expression changes to one of furious determination. With Justice still hanging upside-down from his neck, Smith lets go of the ropes, clamps both arms around Justice's waist, takes two trembling steps forward--]

[WHAAAM!]

Jimmy Peckman: GOOD LORD, JUMPING PILEDRIVER!! HE PLANTED HIM LIKE A FRIGGIN' FENCE POST!!

Larry Dots: WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM?!

Jimmy Peckman: I don't know, but this could be a new lease on life for the "Wizard"!!

[Both men lay flat after the move: Justice on his front, both hands clutching at the back of his neck; Smith on his back, sucking in huge lungfuls of breath. The referee looks over them critically, and starts to issue another ten-count, but Smith seems to tap into some energy reserve -- he pushes himself to a seated position, gets his legs under him, and shakily stands up. Smith stoops over, grabbing Justice's arm and leg, and rolls him onto his back. Then he goes to the corner and starts climbing.]

Jimmy Peckman: No way, Larry... he's not going to try this!

Larry Dots: Kid's lost his mind if he thinks this is going to work!

[As the roar of the crowd reaches critical mass, Smith stands up on the top turnbuckle... crosses himself in silent prayer... and LEAPS!]

Jimmy Peckman: WIZARDTON BOMB!!

[WHAAAM!]

Jimmy Peckman: NOOO!! JUSTICE ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY!!

Larry Dots: I TOLD YOU!!

Jimmy Peckman: Justice JUST BARELY saved himself there! But Smith is down once again, and he's sustained yet MORE impact to his neck!!

Larry Dots: And where the hell is Justice going?

[At first crawling, then limping, Justice slowly rises from the canvas and starts climbing the very same turnbuckles Smith had jumped from.]

Jimmy Peckman: Gimme a break! Now Justice is gonna go airborne!

Larry Dots: Why not? He may not get another chance to try!

[Now perched on the top rope, Justice measures the distance to his opponent on the canvas... and LAUNCHES himself with a frog splash!]

Jimmy Peckman: WHOLE GALE!!

[WHAAAM!!]

Larry Dots: I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!

Jimmy Peckman: SMITH ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY!! LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT!! AND JUSTICE GOT NOTHIN' BUT CANVAS!!

[At this point the fans are on their feet, whipped into a screaming frenzy. In the ring, Justice is writhing on the mat, both clutching at his back and hugging his ribs; and Smith is hitched up on his elbows, blinking at the shuddering ropes as if he can't believe he survived.]

Jimmy Peckman: I think we've officially entered No-Man's-Land, Larry... God only KNOWS where we go from here!

Larry Dots: I give up, Jimmy. This one's a crap shoot!

[As if enlivened by his close escape, Smith fights to his feet, stumbles over to Justice, and hauls him up off the canvas. Smith hoofs him in the gut, takes him in a front facelock, and gives the signal for his patented swinging diamond cutter finisher!]

Jimmy Peckman: FATAL DROP COMING UP!! NO!! JUSTICE IN DESPERATION PUSHES HIM OFF!! Smith whips around--

[SMACK!]

Jimmy Peckman: SUPERKICK BY JUSTICE!! SMITH ATE *ALL* OF IT AND HE IS *DOWN*!!

[Shaking at the limit of his resources, Justice again goes to the corner, climbs to the top like a man possessed, stands upright as cameras flash all around the arena -- and jumps again!]

Jimmy Peckman: He goes for Whole Gale take two--

[WHAAAM!]

Jimmy Peckman: AND NAILS IT BUT GOOD!!

Larry Dots: WHAT IMPACT!!

Jimmy Peckman: HOOKS THE LEG!!

1...

2...

3!!!

Jimmy Peckman: AND THAT'S IT!

[Ding, ding, ding!]

Zorana Blair: Your winner... and the man who will move on to the FINAL MATCH... JUSTICE!!

[Already on their feet, the fans are literally BOMBASTIC at the finish of this semi-final bout.]

Jimmy Peckman: That was a HELL of a battle, Larry. A HELL of a battle. That's what Bryan Smith and Justice wanted out of each other, and by God, that's exactly what they got!

Larry Dots: You're right, Jimmy, that was WILD!

Jimmy Peckman: Bryan Smith proved himself one INCREDIBLY tough competitor here, no question about it... and perhaps on another day, he might well have taken this one home! Still, making it to the semi-final round is a HELLUVA good day's work! And Justice, in defeating that man, proved himself worthy to enter tonight's main event and compete for the prize that EVERY cruiserweight in the WWA would cherish on their mantelpiece -- the 2005 Super J Cup!

Larry Dots: As hard as it is for me to say... Good on ya, Justice. And Wiz... maybe next year, huh?

Jimmy Peckman: Indeed, indeed. Well, folks, we'll take a short break here... but when we return, we will bring you the FINAL MATCH of tonight's SPECTACULAR event!

Voice Over: It happens every year...

[The World Wrestling Alliance proudly presents...]

[S U M M E R  G A M E S  V I]

Voice Over: The winner of the greatest tournament on earth to face off against the WWA World champion...

Jimmy Peckman: HERE WE GO!!!!

Zorana Blair: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall... and it is the FINAL MATCH of the 2005 SUPER J CUP TOURNAMENT!

[This is met with a mind-blowing ovation from the pumped-up fans. The ring announcer has to wait until it fades slightly before she continues.]

Zorana Blair: Introducing first...

[Bane's "Ali -vs- Frazier starts up over the sound system as Masafumi Satake walks out from behind the curtains for the last time tonight. He has a smile of disbelief on his face as he walks confidently towards the ring. He has come this far, and doesn't want to turn back now.]

#how many more days will you sit

#and talk about your ambitions

#all that you can be

#the person you are dying to be

#the place you want to get to

#but always out of reach

[Masafumi stood at the edge of the ring with a complete look of determination on his face. His time was now. It was now or never, and he realized how much this match would mean to him.]

#before that fury swells inside of you

#grows so big that it forever quiets you

#stand up to your demons

#make a run at your goliath

#find the best, find the worst

#waiting in both of you

#it's not the who or the what that is lasting

#but how you fight

#that is the fight

[He circles the ring, and thought of all the people that has helped him on his journey this far. He thought of Nyoko and all of her encouraging words. He thought of that shady promoter that got him into this tournament. And most of all he thought of his father, a man so important in his life that he has dedicated his entire wrestling career to him. This was it. This was the culmination of everything.]

#the only mark that will not leave you

#and i will feel my heart drum its final beat

#if it meant that i have given this my all

#there's nothing left for me to believe in

#if not you, if not this...

[He took a deep breath and rolls into the ring. He threw both of his hands into the air and lets out a scream of determination. Masafumi Satake then went to his corner, and awaited for the beginning of the match. Despite his focus, there's no mistaking the physical fatigue in his expression, evidence of the energy spent in his three other fights tonight.]

#what else is there but death?

#(it's your call...it's all on you)

#give more

#give everything

#give blood

Zorana Blair: And his opponent...

[Audioslave's "Show Me How To Live" blasts over the sound system as a lean figure emerges through the entranceway. He's clad in biker shorts, with matching boots (covered in kickpads), kneepads and elbowpads. He wears wrist bands and a mask, and a sleeveless hooded jacket adorned with white flames, with the words "Beast to Pray" written along the shoulders of his jacket.]

Zorana Blair: Standing an even 6 feet and weighing 230 pounds... JUSTICE!!

[Exuding a no-nonsense demeanor, Justice makes his way up the aisle and slips into the ring. He removes his jacket and drops it over the ropes, then stands in his corner, mentally preparing himself for battle. As with Satake, the fatigue of Justice's three previous matches tonight is visible on his face.]

Jimmy Peckman: This is what it comes down to, Larry... Three rounds of action, fourteen wrestlers eliminated, all leading to this moment. Two men. One fall. The FINAL MATCH -- where the BEST man in tonight's tournament will be crowned the 2005 Super J Champion!

Larry Dots: They both came a LONG way to get here, and it'll suck to be the guy who falls short.

Jimmy Peckman: No matter WHO wins, just by being here, both Justice and Satake have proved themselves to be among the top cruiserweights in the WWA. But indeed, you can see it in their eyes -- neither of them came to be the runner-up. Masafumi Satake and Justice, meeting each other's gaze across the ring, and Larry, you can feel an almost tangible intensity building in the space between them as they await the opening bell...

[The referee glances one more time at one man and the other, and then signals to the timekeeper.]

[Ding, ding, ding!]

[Both men linger in their respective corners, eyes still locked. Then Satake gives a small nod of respect. Justice returns it.]

[And then they charge simultaneously, clashing in the center of the ring!]

Jimmy Peckman: This thing has started in a big way! Satake and Justice locking horns, and there is NO give from either side!

[Indeed, the two men are jockeying back and forth in a violent collar-and-elbow tie-up, wrenching each other around in an effort to gain the upper hand. The referee has to sidestep frantically as the scuffle careens into the ropes, bouncing off again toward the middle of the ring.]

[It's Satake who breaks the lock-up first, wrenching Justice's arm against the shoulder joint with an armbar. But Justice grabs Satake's hand and deftly reverses the armbar, trying to twist it into a hammerlock. Satake ducks through Justice's grip to counter, applying a hammerlock of his own, and ups the ante with a belly-to-back lift. Justice kicks his legs mid-move, disrupting Satake's leverage, and rolls his weight forward -- countering into a hiptoss -- but a nimble Satake manages to roll through it and right up to his feet again.]

[Some of that forward momentum remaining, Satake runs into the ropes and rebounds. Justice quickly takes him over with an armdrag -- but again Satake lands on his feet, spins around, and catches Justice in an armdrag of his own! Equally agile, Justice also lands on his feet, and keeps going: into the ropes and bouncing off. Satake starts to charge in at him, but Justice drops low and slides right between Satake's feet. Not stopping, Satake ricochets off the ropes as Justice leaps back on his feet. Justice catches his running opponent with a back body drop -- but Satake flips through it and AGAIN lands on his feet!]

[As if sensing this, Justice swings around with a high roundhouse kick -- at the same time as Satake spins with a roundhouse kick of his own! There's an audible smack of boots as their simultaneous kicks meet halfway, and both men stumble back a few steps, knocked off-balance.]

[The fans go BALLISTIC for this, as Satake and Justice steady themselves. A look of professional approval passes between them.]

Jimmy Peckman: Good GRIEF.

Larry Dots: You said it, Jimmy.

Jimmy Peckman: You're watching two masters of their craft in the ring, folks. And it's only just begun.

Larry Dots: That's all fine and good, but they can't be wasting their energy on flash and spectacle. They've both already fought THREE TIMES... whatever they have left in their tanks, it has to get them through this fight.

Jimmy Peckman: Good call, Larry. Pacing will definitely be an important factor here.

[Taking the initiative, Justice advances on Satake and lunges toward him, looking for a grapple, but Satake dances sidelong, brushing away Justice's hand while reaching out to grab an arm in turn. He takes hold of Justice's wrist and starts to wrench it, but Justice resists, bodily pushing Satake into the ropes and then whipping him toward the opposite side. Satake stops on a dime and reverses the whip -- pulling Justice toward him short-arm fashion and STINGING him across the chest with a knife-edge chop!]

Fans: WHOO!

[Justice flinches, but then he gives Satake a shove, cocks his arm, and returns with a knife-edge chop of his own!]

Fans: WHOO!

[Satake grimaces at the pain, but steps up once more and chops Justice a second time!]

Fans: WHOO!

[And before Justice can retaliate, Satake rams a knee up into the masked wrestler's abdomen, grabs him in a side headlock, and goes for a bulldog -- but Justice shoves him off, sending Satake into the ropes. Rebounding at speed with a battle scream, Satake launches himself back -- and CLOCKS Justice with an elbow to the face!]

Jimmy Peckman: Roaring Elbow!

[As Justice teeters dizzily, clutching his head, Satake takes him by the arm, twists, and throws him HARD over his shoulder with an ipponzei. Keeping hold of the arm, Satake drops to the canvas and transitions right into a cross armbreaker, cranking roughly against the elbow. With a quickness born of instinct and a burst of new pain, Justice scrabbles on the mat, using the heels of his boots for leverage, and gropes madly for the ropes. He gets his hand on the bottom rope, and the referee calls for a break. Satake cleanly releases the hold.]

Jimmy Peckman: Justice looks like he isn't quite sure how he went from standing up to lying on his back and having his arm hyperextended, but that's a testament to the speed and versatility of Masafumi Satake... give him half a chance and that's more than enough for him.

Larry Dots: Justice has to watch out for that. At this stage of the tournament, all it'd take is one good submission hold to do either of these guys in, Jimmy.

[As Justice is picking himself up, Satake moves right in again, taking Justice by the same arm and wrenching it again. He forces Justice into the ropes and whips him across, but Justice stops and reverses the whip. Satake goes into the ropes and returns, and executes a vertical leap to clamp his legs around Justice's head and throw his weight down in a hurricanrana attempt! An attempt is all he gets, though, as Justice keeps his footing, closes his arms around Satake's waist, and heaves him back up -- into powerbomb position! Justice thrusts him down -- but mid-move, Satake uses the downward momentum to throw his own body weight, countering the bomb BACK into a hurricanrana!]

Jimmy Peckman: Holy Jesus!

[But as soon as Justice's back hits the canvas, he rolls with the motion and sits up, pushing Satake down on HIS back, into a pinhold! The referee starts to drop to the mat for the count, but Satake continues the rolling motion -- tumbling backward and out of Justice's grasp, to a squatting position. Immediately he launches himself forward, throwing a low dropkick at Justice's face -- only for Justice to roll sideways a half-second before, getting up on his knees.]

[As Satake falls on his back, Justice immediately drapes himself over the Japanese star for the cover. Before the referee can tap the canvas even once, Satake makes a strong kickout. Moving quickly, Justice clasps both of Satake's hands and leans his weight over them to hold him down on the mat, kneel-straddling him. The referee slaps at the canvas again, but Satake makes a nimble move: pulling his knees in and slipping both feet up from under Justice, then planting the soles of his boots in Justice's belly and shoving him forcefully up to his feet. The momentum of Justice's upward motion pulls Satake up too; he puts both feet into Justice's midsection again and rolls himself backward, tossing Justice head over heels with a monkey flip!]

Larry Dots: They just keep GOING!

[But amazingly, Justice lands on his feet! The motion keeps him running into the ropes, then bouncing off. Satake kips up to an upright position and whirls around to find his masked opponent--]

[THWACK!]

[--and eats EVERY LAST BITE of Justice's SUPERKICK!]

Larry Dots: OHHHH! That's GOTTA hurt!

Jimmy Peckman: What a KICK! Satake got FLATTENED! Justice drops to make the cover--

1...

2--

Jimmy Peckman: Shoulder up by Satake. Justice got just a two count after winning that INCREDIBLE series of counters and reversals, Larry.

Larry Dots: I half believed that superkick was gonna do it, especially after we saw Justice use it to lay out Bryan Smith in the semis... but Satake's sure here for the long haul, no doubt. I have to wonder how much energy that little rally took out of both these guys, though.

[Kneeling up, Justice runs a hand about his neck, sliding his fingers under the seam of his mask; his body is dripping and shiny with sweat. His chest is heaving as he sucks down big lungfuls of breath. Satake rolls a few feet away to put some separation between himself and the other man; he's also drenched with sweat and breathing hard.]

Jimmy Peckman: Looks like it wore them BOTH out a bit, Larry. But that kind of back-and-forth action can't be avoided -- they're both looking to hit that big move, but they're both so damn GOOD, they can't break each other's defenses without a real effort.

[Justice gets to his feet and goes over to where Satake is picking himself up, giving his head a shake in an effort to clear it. Justice grabs him by said head, positions him upright, and immediately buries a mid-height kick right in the Japanese star's abdomen, folding him over. Clamping on a side headlock, Justice charges a few steps and goes for a bulldog--]

[--But as Justice kicks his feet out from under himself, Satake grabs him around the waist and lifts him into the air! With a grunt of effort, Satake THROWS Justice -- and the masked wrestler folds over the top rope like a newspaper, flailing his arms in a panic to keep from going right over!]

Jimmy Peckman: Yeesh! He didn't see THAT coming!

Larry Dots: ALMOST out of the park. ALMOST.

[Satake backs off a step, watching intently as Justice awkwardly extricates himself from the ropes. Finally back on his feet, Justice whips around -- and Satake steps in, boosting him up into a fireman's carry. He spins away from the ropes--]

Jimmy Peckman: Airplane spin!

Larry Dots: Now that's old school!

[--and then hurls Justice overhead -- letting him fall six feet to smack face-first on the canvas! The impact makes Justice bounce a good foot before finally flopping to rest. Satake runs up, uses Justice's back as a springboard, and drops a BIG elbow across the back of Justice's head! Hooking the leg, Satake rolls Justice onto his back for the cover...]

1...

2--

Jimmy Peckman: Justice kicks out at two.

[Justice pushes himself up to a sitting position, but that's as far as he gets -- Satake hooks Justice's neck with one arm and claps his other arm into place, locking on a tight sleeperhold.]

Larry Dots: Uh-oh... here we go!

Jimmy Peckman: Satake has the right idea here!

[Immediately Justice digs at the forearm lodged against his carotid with one hand, while shifting purposefully toward the ropes with the other hand and both legs. Satake leans all of his weight on Justice's back, squeezing hard; this impedes Justice's progress, but he strains harder, and gets his knees under him, and starts to force the weight of both men upward. Actually making it to his feet, Justice throws an elbow back at Satake in hopes of jarring him loose -- but Satake jumps up and locks his legs around Justice's waist, riding him like a monkey, and turning up the pressure on the sleeper even further! Already weakening, Justice staggers and nearly falls under the full weight of his opponent!]

Jimmy Peckman: Justice is in a BAD position! Just like my broadcast partner said -- with these guys in the condition they're in, all it'll take is one good hold to take one of them out, and this could be it!

Larry Dots: I'm not just here to look good, Jimmy.

[Satake is visibly cranking at Justice's neck as if it was a stuck bottle cap, Justice stumbling in an effort to keep his legs from collapsing. Justice swings around, and then suddenly runs backward -- the referee having to dive out of the way -- and CRUSHES Satake into the turnbuckes! Satake's legs come loose from around Justice's waist, but he continues to hold the sleeper locked on. Justice RAMS him backward a second time, and then a THIRD -- and finally the wind is knocked out of Satake, forcing him to release the hold and leaving him stooped in the corner, gasping for breath.]

Jimmy Peckman: Justice gets free!

Larry Dots: Yeah, but HE'S in no better shape than Satake is, Jimmy!

[Indeed, Justice can't capitalize right away -- he pauses a moment and massages the raw soreness in his neck, gulping air like a fish out of water. Just like that, the opportunity passes: Satake, recovering first, boosts himself up to stand on the second rope, and reaches out to grab Justice by the mask. He pulls Justice around and into a front facelock--]

Jimmy Peckman: Larry! Tornado DDT coming up!

[--But Justice resists, throwing a punch into Satake's kidney, and a second one, making Satake let him go. Justice backs off a step, then runs in, uses the middle rope as a springboard, and swings a foot--]

[THWACK!]

Larry Dots: JEEBUS!

[--CONNECTING a roundhouse kick RIGHT to the side of Satake's head! An audible gasp rises from the audience!]

Jimmy Peckman: Masafumi Satake just about DECAPITATED right there, folks!

[Dazed, Satake lurches violently to one side, and nearly falls over the ropes -- but some instinct makes him grab hold with one hand and save himself. Taking advantage, Justice runs up the ropes a second time -- scissors Satake's head with his legs -- and HURLS the Japanese star through the air!]

Jimmy Peckman: HURRICANRANA!

[WHAAAM!]

[And Satake crash-lands halfway across the ring, bouncing up and then flopping down again!]

Larry Dots: How many Frequent Flyer Miles did Satake earn there?

Jimmy Peckman: Beats me, but I can't see him wanting to fly too soon after THAT! Justice scurries over and makes the cover!

1...

2...

3--

Jimmy Peckman: NO! Satake gets the shoulder up before the three-count!

Larry Dots: I could've sworn that would be it.

Jimmy Peckman: I think Justice thought so too.

[Kneeling up, Justice is shaking his head in disbelief. But he doesn't spare much time on that; he pulls Satake into a seated position, entangles him with arms and legs, and begins torquing the Japanese star with a seated abdominal stretch.]

Jimmy Peckman: GOOD strategy by Justice now, maybe borrowing a page from Masafumi Satake's playbook. He has his opponent grounded, and now he can wear the man down further while conserving his own energy.

Larry Dots: And hey, maybe he'll pick up the win by submission while he's at it!

[That very thing seems to be on Justice's mind: there's nothing half-hearted about the way he's stretching Satake, wrenching on the man's body in much the same way Satake did earlier. Satake's expression is contorted with pain barely held in check, but with every moment in Justice's grasp, that control is slipping more and more. Sensing this, Justice REALLY turns on the juice -- twisting hard, and roughly, determined to tear ligament or snap bone -- and a scream of pure agony bursts out of Masafumi Satake!]

Jimmy Peckman: He's gonna do it, Larry! Satake can't take much more of this!

Larry Dots: That ref is hovering close by, Jimmy... any second now!

[The referee is practically in Satake's face, demanding to know if he submits. Suddenly, Satake's arm snakes out and hooks one of Justice's legs, and Satake kicks his weight over -- rolling Justice on his back with Satake on top of him! Fighting his own flagging energy, Satake braces this position with both legs!]

Jimmy Peckman: Wait! Satake countering into a pinhold!

1...

2...

3--

Jimmy Peckman: And Justice releasing the hold and getting the shoulder up JUST before the three! I think it took him a second to realize what Satake had just done!

Larry Dots: I have to say, that was quick thinking by Satake!

[Nevertheless, the time he spent in the abdominal stretch has taken its toll, and Satake isn't quick to get up. Justice gets there first, visibly frustrated. Pulling Satake the rest of the way up, he goes behind with a rear waistlock, heaves him up... and delivers a PERFECT German suplex, bridging into a pin!]

1...

2...

Jimmy Peckman: Satake kicks out at two!

Larry Dots: I don't know, Jimmy... I don't think Satake has a whole lot left at this point.

Jimmy Peckman: Last dying throes, I presume?

Larry Dots: I'd say so, yeah.

Jimmy Peckman: We'll see, Larry... if we've learned one thing, it's that Satake has NO quit in him.

[Again assisting Satake to his feet, Justice pushes him against the ropes, then whips him away. But Satake stops in place, reverses the whip -- and twists Justice's wrist into an armwrench. And--]

[SMACK!]

[--PLASTERS him with a roundhouse kick!]

Jimmy Peckman: SEE!

Larry Dots: Where did THAT come from?

[Justice goes down flat -- but Satake sags down to hands and knees, still weak and heaving for breath, unable to capitalize.]

Larry Dots: Heh. There you go.

Jimmy Peckman: At this point they're BOTH suffering fatigue, Larry. You'd have to be a machine not to be feeling all that exhaustion piling up!

[This time, though, it's Satake who gets up first. He stoops and grabs Justice by the head, drags him to his feet. Instinctively Justice fights back with a kneelift, and nails Satake with a forearm to the face. Justice whips Satake toward the far ropes, but Satake stops and reverses the whip. Justice rebounds from the ropes, swinging a lariat -- which Satake ducks -- and Justice continues toward the opposite ropes. But rather than bounce off, he leaps up and springboards backward off the middle rope!]

Jimmy Peckman: ASAI MOONSAULT! --NO! Satake CAUGHT him!!

[Nearly collapsing under the flying weight, Satake does indeed catch Justice over his shoulders! He takes two unsteady steps--]

[WHAAAM!]

[--and then DRILLS the masked wrestler with a Death Valley Bomb!]

Larry Dots: YOWZA!

Jimmy Peckman: DEVASTATING! Justice is DONE FOR! Satake throws himself on him for the pin!

1...

2...

3--

Jimmy Peckman: Kickout! Unbelievable!

Larry Dots: Man! How'd he survive that?

Jimmy Peckman: Hell if I know...

[Justice's eyes are looking unfocused, though, as Satake kneels up, his face sweat-streaked and grim. But there's a determination in his eyes now. He gets up, and hauls a groggy Justice up with him. Satake boosts Justice up across his shoulders in a fireman's carry, and lets loose a battle cry that rings throughout the arena!]

Jimmy Peckman: Satake is calling for it! The Matsuzaka Cutter! And if he hits this, it's DEFINITELY over!

[Justice is kicking weakly in Satake's grasp, but Satake ignores this. He runs two steps -- and suddenly Justice slips free and twists around -- and DROPS Satake with an inverted DDT!]

Jimmy Peckman: COUNTERED! Justice somehow finding his way out of that move!

Larry Dots: Had to be luck, Jimmy! You can see he's not totally with us right now! Neither of them is!

[Both men are flat on their backs, staring dazedly at the lights, chests heaving up and down. They remain unmoving for a few seconds. Then a ripple of applause spreads through the audience, and grows in volume, becoming loud and rhythmic -- the fans showing encouragement and support for the men in the ring.]

[Slowly, both Satake and Justice start to pick themselves up, to a rising chorus of cheers from the appreciative fans. As they finally stand upright, Satake winds up -- and STINGS Justice across the chest with a knife-edge chop!]

Fans: WHOO!

[Justice reels, gasping. But he returns with a CRACKING chop of his own!]

Fans: WHOO!

[Which sends Satake recoiling in pain! Yet he steps up and nails ANOTHER one to Justice's scabbed-up chest!]

Fans: WHOO!

[Satake follows up by wrenching Justice's arm, and he goes for another short-arm roundhouse kick -- but Justice ducks it, and Satake's momentum spins him right around. Justice grabs him by the wrist and whips him into the corner, where Satake RAMS the turnbuckles full in the chest. Justice charges in after him -- but Satake dodges sideways, and it's Justice's turn to ram himself in the corner! Satake swings his leg high -- and CLOCKS Justice in the back of the head with a well-aimed kick!]

Jimmy Peckman: Masafumi Satake is taking control!

[As Justice stumbles out of the corner, Satake again boosts him up into a fireman's carry!]

Larry Dots: Uh-oh! Matsuzaka Cutter coming up again!

[Satake tries to run toward the middle of the ring, but he's held back -- by Justice's hand clinging to the top rope!]

Jimmy Peckman: Wait! Justice not wanting any part of that!

[Satake tries to yank Justice away from the ropes, but now Justice gets BOTH hands gripped. Finally it's Justice with a thrash of the legs who kicks Satake away, maneuvering himself to sit on the top rope. Satake whips around and charges in -- only to get a merciless mule kick to the face! Satake staggers back, and Justice climbs up to stand on the top rope... but Satake lunges in again, knocking Justice off-balance. Rallying his forces, Satake climbs to the second rope, grabs Justice in a front waistlock--]

Jimmy Peckman: Oh no! Belly to belly suplex off the top?!

Larry Dots: Ref, get that countin' hand ready!

[--but Justice is delivering right-fisted blows at Satake's head, trying to avert an unwilling flight and a painful landing! Three, four, and the fifth punch makes Satake sag... and Justice takes his head with both hands -- and HURLS him backward off the turnbuckles!]

[WHAM!]

Jimmy Peckman: That was a HARD landing for Masafumi Satake!

Larry Dots: Look out for Justice!

[The masked wrestler regains his footing, stands upright, and flies!]

Jimmy Peckman: WHOLE--

[WHAAAM!]

Jimmy Peckman: --GALE!

[Justice lands the frog splash -- but at the point of impact, Satake kicks his legs up, and rolls Justice over and under!!]

Jimmy Peckman: NO, WAIT! SATAKE REVERSES IT INTO HIS OWN PIN!

[But Justice is kicking too -- and using the momentum, he rolls back on top of Satake, hooking the head and leg!]

Larry Dots: NO! JUSTICE BACK ON TOP!

1...

2...

3!!!

[Ding, ding, ding!]

Jimmy Peckman: IT... IS... OVER!

[Simultaneously, every single man, woman and child in the arena spontaneously explodes with ovation.]

Larry Dots: Wow! I mean... wow!

Jimmy Peckman: You said it, Larry!

[The two wrestlers, separating after the bell, stay down on the canvas for a few moments to catch their breath. Finally they each climb back to their feet: Masafumi Satake by the ropes, Justice more in the center part of the ring.]

Zorana Blair: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner... and the 2005 SUPER J CUP CHAMPION... HE IS JUUUUUUSTIIIIIIIICE!!!

[Intercepting the masked wrestler as he stands up, the referee raises Justice's hand in the air. Deafening cheers fill the arena. Justice seems almost shocked to hear that reaction.]

Jimmy Peckman: That's it, Justice... that's all for you, man, and every bit of it deserved!

Larry Dots: Hell of an achievement for Justice tonight, no doubt about it!

Jimmy Peckman: Not only will his name go into the record books as the winner of the 2005 Super J Cup, but he is now considered the number one contender to the WWA World Cruiserweight Title! How about THAT, huh?

[Justice treads in a circle in the ring, arms in the air, as the approving cheers rain down on him. But then he pauses, his gaze caught by the man standing at the ropes. Masafumi Satake peers intently at Justice, and steps purposefully forward. Justice automatically adopts a defensive posture, unsure what to think.]

[And then Satake offers his hand.]

[Justice hesitates only a moment. Then he clasps it, smiling.]

[Another round of ovation booms overhead.]

Jimmy Peckman: A handshake of respect. What a class act Masafumi Satake is, Larry. What an incredible athlete, too. This honor was very nearly his, but he's absolutely earned the cheers of the crowd tonight. And with that show of respect, I'd say that the honor belongs to BOTH of them. This is truly a night to remember.

[With a slight nod, Satake steps away and climbs through the ropes to the outside, leaving the ring all to Justice.]

Jimmy Peckman: And that man, right there -- that's your Super J Cup Champion, at the end of this TREMENDOUS event!

[Fade to SWF Logo as Justice celebrates with his trophy presented by Tai Haven.]