Post by UNION of SPORTS! on Jul 2, 2018 12:09:15 GMT -5
Presented by UNION OF SPORTS! ~ #maxjmondays
ATTACK OF THE BISON TOUR (2/4/18):
Ōkuninushi Divine Memorial Tournament Final
川俣正毅 ｖｓ。グリム
(Masatake Kawamata vs. GRIM)
During February 2018, MAXIMUM Japan Pro-Wrestling traveled north to Hokkaido to deliver a series of shows in snowy Sapporo known as ATTACK OF THE BISON. The tour was centered around the Ōkuninushi Divine Memorial Tournament, meant as a means of honoring Ōkuninushi, a Shinto deity representing nation-building and one of the three kami of the famed Hokkaidō Shrine.
Eight fighters competed over two days and it was Masatake Kawamata and GRIM who made it to the finals. Heightening the tensions surrounding the match, the fans were divided among the Kawamata-aligned K-Squad Punks and Filth Parade versus the GRIM-supporting Demon Brigade. The night of the fight, the Demon Brigade held a rally in downtown Sapporo which drew a crowd of 1,000 fans. The fans were raucous throughout the night as we sped towards the main event which we will now re-broadcast in full. Enjoy!
After the commercial break we return to ringside where the starts are out. James Edwards, as promised, sits at ringside. Julian Cutlass sits alongside Mike Musket, the two of them sharing a HELLO~POLLO fried chicken feast. Zenki and Tokyo Zombie sit amongst the horde of Demon Brigade zealots dressed in black. Chrenshaw sits with the MAX-J Heavyweight title on his shoulder and nods as the camera finds him. AJ is next to him with his arms crossed, seemingly ticked off that he’s not in the finals. Mitsuo Shimada and Noah Reigner are found still signing autographs with fans.
Tim Floss and Albert Mordecai have the camera trained upon them.
TIM FLOSS:
Well, a lot has gone down tonight. We had the major bombshell from Julian Cutlass announcing he has signed a contract with MJPW. Matt Pulver just completed a trademark comeback to make his V1 defense of the title. And now we are here we are in the finals of the Ōkuninushi Divine Memorial Tournament. It’s GRIM versus Masatake Kawamata. The King of the Dead versus the King of the Death Match.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Timmy, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m f***ing terrified.
TIM FLOSS:
Well, I’m not sure that kind of language is called for…
ALBERT MORDECAI:
No, I’m pretty sure it is. I mean, look, Kawamata grew up on the death-match scene. You know he’s capable of making things ugly out there. But with GRIM… it’s like a Wes Craven movie. He makes Jason and Freddy look like Cheech and Chong! I think he’s going to bring out the worst in Kawamata.
The lights dim…
TIM FLOSS:
Well, we’re about to find out! Take us away, Burton!
The camera presents an image on-screen of the tournament trophy as the fans applaud and shout.
BURTON FASK:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finals of the Ōkuninushi Divine Memorial Tournament where we honor the kami who once ruled over Izumo Province and reigns over the realm of magic…
The Okinawan folk song “Min’yo” plays over the PA system. A swirling cascade of sadness and madness seems to accompany GRIM as he ponderously stalks down to the ring. Demon Brigade zealots sway to the mournful rhythm.
BURTON FASK:
Ladies and gentlemen, the first finalist… standing 5’10” and weighing 243lb… he is the King of the Dead… GRIM!
GRIM stands in the ring ready for battle.
"Midnight Violence Rock 'N' Roll" by Guitar Wolf blares and Masatake Kawamata saunters from behind the curtain to a wave of cheers with a steel chair in hand and a lit cigarette hanging from his lips. He's wearing plain black tights, knee pads, and boots. “反賊心” is written down his left leg and “BACKSLIDE GENIUS” down the right in white letters. "PUNK ROCK ULTRAVIOLENCE" is sewn into the back of his leather jacket in white letters. Of course, one can't miss his fascist black military officer hat and sunglasses. Kawamata pumps his fists in the air and high-fives fans along the entryway.
Hanako Takeuchi follows from behind. She has a bit of a show-woman's strut in her black leather Doc Martens boots. Hanako wears black leather short shorts, a black mesh shirt with a black bra seen underneath, and a black leather jacket that matches Kawamata's with “反賊夢” sewn on the back in white lettering.
Masatake and Hanako walk around the ring and work up the rowdy punks in Korakuen Hall. Kawamata slides into the ring with his chair. He then takes off his jacket, officer hat, and sunglasses and hands them to Hanako at ringside. Masatake takes one last drag of his cigarette before handing it off to Hanako.
BURTON FASK:
Your second finalist… standing 6’0” and weighting 228lb… 反俗心… the Rebel Heart… MASATAKE KAWAMATA!
The two men stand in the ring as the referee gives them the usual routine about fairness, a clean fight, and the honor of competition...
TIM FLOSS:
See, Al? The ref is making sure they understand that in a tournament like this decency and good manners…
... GRIM takes a swing at Kawamata! Kawamata responds with a punch of his own as the referee ducks the dueling haymakers as the bell starts the match!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
You were saying, Timmy?!
The two men are going blow for blow until eventually Kawamata starts to slow, perhaps due to fatigue since GRIM has had an extra fifteen minutes to recover since he wrestled first. GRIM runs Kawamata against the ropes – inverted atomic drop! GRIM bounces against the ropes – Kawamata bum rushes with a spear and begins laying in the punches! The crowd counts along: 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! 7! 8! 9! 10! And he jumps up to his feet with a howl. He snatches up GRIM by his ponytail and sends him back down with a snap suplex! He goes for a quick pin.
1…
2-NO! Shoulder up.
TIM FLOSS:
The action has been so quick and intense that I’m dizzy!
Kawamata lays in a few elbow drops into GRIM’s chest before he attempts to roll out of the ring – but Kawamata has him by the ankle and pulls him back into the center of the ring! He sends a few kicks into the hamstring and then tosses the leg aside to drop a knee into GRIM’s face! GRIM finally is able to roll to the outside and drops as Kawamata stands in the ring rallying the fans. The dazed GRIM struggles up to his feet – FLYING CROSS BODY TO THE OUTSIDE!! Kawamata lands on GRIM!
TIM FLOSS:
Why does everyone tonight think they should be flying around?! We are not birds, people!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
But look how much air he got! I think he got higher than Pulver!
Kawamata gets up to his feet and stalks over toward his downed opponent. On the way, he takes a swig of a fan’s beer and wipes off his lips before locking GRIM in a front chancery – snap suplex on the outside! He floats over into mounted punching one more time! 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! He sits up and gets GRIM up to his feet. He’s got him in a piledriver position! WAIT! GRIM kicks his legs… he reverses it, but has Kawamata’s feet still on his shoulders, his head pounded straight to the outside…
TIM FLOSS:
Is GRIM gonna do what I think…
GRIM nods his with sick glee… he drops to his knees – AXE GUILLOTINE DRIVER ON THE OUTSIDE!!! Most of the fans recoil with shock, except for the Demon Brigade zealots who laugh and applaud and cheer GRIM on. A shot pans to Cutlass and Musket, both of whom exchange grimaces as they watch Kawamata get dropped on his head and fall motionless on the outside.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Timmy, you don’t see the Axe Guillotine Driver very much. Cause it’s a damn heinous invention and tough to pull off from the belly-to-back piledriver position. And you folks at home just saw it now – onto the outside!
The referee pleads with GRIM to bring the action back to the ring. The King of the Dead complies and shoves Kawamata’s limp body under the bottom rope and goes for the pin.
1…
2…
3-NO!! Kickout from Kawamata.
GRIM picks Kawamata up to his feet only to drop him with a Saito suplex almost immediately. GRIM sits up and then begins digging his elbow into Kawamata’s face! The ref pulls him off and GRIM cackles to himself as he slithers up to a knee, waiting for the Rebel Heart to stir. He gets a running start, he – SLIDING D!!!!!!!!!! The sliding elbow smashes nearly decapitates Kawamata!! GRIM has got a pin!!
1…
2…
3-NO!! Kawamata gets a shoulder up!
TIM FLOSS:
Impressive display from GRIM!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Both these guys are just plain ruthless!
Kawamata grabs at GRIM’s ankle and takes him down to the ground, suddenly flipping the momentum of the match! Kawamata is back in the mount position but this time brings a double-axe handle down across the bridge of GRIM’s nose, sending the back of his head bouncing off the canvas! Kawamata gets up and kicks GRIM in the head as he does so, just for good measure. He runs GRIM against the ropes – kitchen sink knee to the gut! Gets him up one more time – Russian Leg Sweep! He hooks a leg for a cover.
1…
2…
NO!! GRIM kicks out.
TIM FLOSS:
Al, I’ve never understood why a guy would attempt a pin after a move you know is not gonna take a guy out.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
It’s simple, Timmy. Kicking out of a pin takes energy. You want to force the opponent to expend his energy reserves as fast as possible.
TIM FLOSS:
That’s a pretty good explanation.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
And you’re welcome.
Kawamata throws GRIM into a turnbuckle. He softens him up with a few shoulder-thrusts and then backs up for a STINGER SPLASH! He hits it! GRIM comes stumbling out the turnbuckle… DISCUS LARIAT! THE HANZOKU KOUGEKI! GRIM GOES DOWN! THE PIN!
1…
2…
3-NO!!! GRIM gets a kickout.
Mitsuo Shimada looks on with his arms crossed seemingly unimpressed, perhaps because he scored a win over Kawamata on the first day of the tour. Back in the ring, Kawamata raises his arms to the get the fans on their feet. He runs GRIM into the turnbuckle and sets him up on the top rope. Kawamata begins to climb and lands a few punches to GRIM’s face on the way up. He appears to be going for a superplex, but GRIM nails a few short punches to the gut to break it up. Kawamata still stands before him when GRIM puts a hand around his throat… he lifts him for an AVALANCHE-STYLE CHOKESLAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! My gawd! He just chokeslammed Kawamata from the top rope!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Where do these guys come up with this stuff??
GRIM goes for the pin!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!
WAIT!!! Kawamata’s got a foot on the rope!
GRIM can’t believe it and shouts a few unkind words to the ref before getting back to work. With Kawamata stunned – GRIM LOCKS IN THE GRIM CLUTCH!! HE’S GOT IT LOCKED IN TIGHT!!
TIM FLOSS:
THE GRIM CLUTCH! THE GRIM CLUTCH! BARBECUE SAUCE!
Kawamata has head in his hands, gripping his hair and trying not to keep himself from tapping…
He reaches out from the ropes…
He reaches out a hand…
He grabs his head!
“Do you wanna tap?”
“NO!”
TIM FLOSS:
Kawamata is holding on for dear life, but there is nowhere for him to go!
ALBERT MOREDECAI:
He can only hold out for so long!
The camera pans over to Chrenshaw and AJ. We can see Chrenshaw leaning over to AJ and saying, “He can’t make it.”
Kawamata struggles…
He lifts himself up on his palms, his eyes burning with rage…
He drops back to the mat!
TIM FLOSS:
The ref may have to call this thing, folks!
Kawamata pulls himself toward the ropes…
Inching forward…
He reaches out…
He grabs the bottom rope! The fans applaud his courageous effort.
TIM FLOSS:
Kawamata did it! He escaped!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I can’t believe it!
GRIM doesn’t want to let go of the submission but the referee pulls him off. Kawamata and GRIM face off… Headbutt from Kawamata! Headbutt from GRIM! Headbutt from Kawamata! Headbutt from GRIM! Kawamata! GRIM! Kawamata! GRIM! Kawamata! GRIM! KAWAMATA kicks GRIM in the gut – DROPS HIM DOWN HARD WITH THE SHOUTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He covers for the pin!!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAIT! GRIM gets the shoulder up at the last possible minute.
Kawamata sits up and brings GRIM up to his feet. He goes for it again… he’s got GRIM in the air… SHOUTEN!!!!!!!!!!! He pins him again!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO!! WAIT A SEC!! GRIM lifts his shoulder up with the ref’s hand less than a sheet of paper’s breadth from the canvas.
TIM FLOSS:
Jesus H. Brisket! GRIM’s just survived two consecutive Shoutens! He must be running out of gas!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I don’t know, Timmy. I think GRIM runs on evil! And not the unleaded stuff, we’re talking premium evil, baby!
Kawamata has GRIM by the ponytail as the two men are on their feet. He kicks GRIM in the gut and gets him with the double-underhook… he lifts him up – KAWAGASKI CRASH!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRIM’s head gets dumped into the canvas as his body folds like a switchblade as he crumples to the canvas. Kawamata flips him onto his back and drapes an arm across his chest for the pin!!!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAIT!!! GRIM HAS A FOOT ON THE ROPE!! The referee spots it and waives off the bellman. This match is gonna keep going!
TIM FLOSS:
Are you f***ing kidding me?!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Language, Timmy!!
Kawamata gets up with the assistance of the ropes as the match nears the half-hour mark. GRIM is motionless on the canvas. Kawamata is exhausted with his hands on his hips and breathing heavily as he contemplates the next move. His head turns slowly towards the turnbuckle… the fans go into an uproar! KA-WA-MA-TA! KA-WA-MA-TA! The Rebel Heart begins climbing up the turnbuckle as GRIM begins to stir up to his feet… GRIM has his back turned… the Rebel Heart leaps with a flying cross body! It connects! But GRIM flips it over into an inside cradle pin!
1…
2…
3-NO! The hold is broken up as both men jump to their feet – GRIM WITH A SUPER KICK!! Kawamata stumbles back into the ropes, he’s knocked out and helpless with his arms at his side! GRIM WITH THE POISON MIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIM FLOSS AND ALBERT MORDECAI:
OH NO!!!!
WAIT!!!!!!!!! The cloud of mist flies in the air but Kawamata ducks to get back-to-back with GRIM and hooks the arms – KAWAMATA HAS THE BACKSLIDE PIN!!!!!!
1…
2…
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE BELL SOUNDS!!!
TIM FLOSS:
My gawd! My gawd! The Backslide Genius has done it again and won here tonight!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
In the end, the death-match king wins the tournament with the surprise pin!
Kawamata’s longtime girlfriend, Hanako, has entered the ring and embraces her man. Outside of the ring, the camera pans to a shot of Cutlass and Musket exchanging impressed glances. James Edwards has stood up to his feet, despite the knee injury, to applaud the valiant efforts of the competitors. Soon Chrenshaw, the MAX-J title ever-present on shoulder, and AJ join him.
Zenki and Zombie have also elected to stand but they do so with their arms crossed over their chest. GRIM has joined them in shame, but Zenki puts a hand on his shoulder and seems to offer some type of encouragement as the exhausted GRIM takes his place next to Zenki. The Demon Brigade zealots imitate the way of their leader and remain silent and stone-faced, refusing to cheer the results of the match.
MJPW General Manager, Masaaki Sano, enters the ring carrying the Ōkuninushi Divine Memorial Tournament Trophy and passes it off to Kawamata. The Rebel Heart gives a shallow but appreciative bow and then raises the trophy in the air to the roar of the fans! He kisses Hanako on the lips before he ascends a turnbuckle as thousands of smartphones flash and record the event
BURTON FASK:
Ladies and gentlemen… the victor and winner of the Ōkuninushi Divine Memorial Tournament… MASATAKE KAWAMATA!!
TIM FLOSS:
Al, I think you’re looking at the toughest man in MAX-J.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I have no doubt about it, Timmy. Hats off to GRIM, of course, and all the competitors.