Post by Chris Ravenna on Jun 29, 2019 1:37:26 GMT -5
OOC: Yup this Character Development RP is pretty rushed, 33 grammatical mistakes, pls. don't hate me 
So here’s the recap…
Chris Ravenna wins the J1 Summit. He still a jerk towards Ojima and Red Tiger Kid. (WHY RAVENNA WHY?! Ojima was a fresh graduate who loves fresh beverages!) Also, Ravenna appeared in the main event match where he and Shigeru Toyama met the exhausted Hammerstein. It ended up with Ravenna taunting the World Champion. On MAXIMUM’s DYNAMISM, Ravenna would face Hammerstein for the Unified World Heavyweight Titles. It was Ravenna’s first World Heavyweight Title since 2016.
Now, how’s Ravenna preparing for his match against the World Heavyweight Champion?
June 14, 2019
Backstage after the J1 Summit
10:45 pm
Ravenna and Toyama walked along with the backstage with Toyama holding the J1 Summit trophy and the Junior Heavyweight Champion with his championship belt to represent the Junior Heavyweights. It was the best night for Ravenna as he savored the moment like his victory against James Edwards in the Heritage Cup finals. Suddenly, both fighters met with Ravenna’s translator, Hikari Yoshino.
“Ravenna-san!” Yoshino uttered in upset. “What was that for?”
Ravenna respond, “What do you mean?”
“That disrespect towards Ojima-san and Tiger Kid, what was that for?”
Toyama stepped in and answered, “That was his cold heart, his very attribute. My student defeated the former champion, James Edwards with it.”
“But does Ojima deserve this?”
“Yes!” Toyama answered with deep hatred against his rival. However, Hikari wasn’t looking for his answer. It was Ravenna’s. So Hikari looked Ravenna in the eyes and glared at him in hope for him to spill the beans. “Well?”
Ravenna didn’t have one word to say about it. Guess it was his cold heart that prevented it. The only thing that Ravenna gave her was a pat on her shoulders. Then he walked along as Toyama followed leaving Hikari baffled about it.
June 22, 2019
MAXIMUM dojo
2:37 pm
“Okay, gentlemen. You know the rules here in shootfighting match. You are allowed to use kicks, headbutt, knee, and elbow strikes in this bout. Punches to the face, eye-gouge, and groin strikes are not allowed and will be considered a foul. However, open handed strikes to the face are still granted in this contest. Any throws or takedowns is legal even joint locks. But techniques against the wind-pipe is forbidden thus resulting in a foul.”
The referee finished explaining the rules as the two competitors were at the center of the sparring ring. The Junior Heavyweight Champion, Chris Ravenna faced off against his teacher, Shigeru Toyama in a shoot match. It was a sparring match in preparation for MAXIMUM’S DYNAMISM.
“This match will end via knockout or submission. Is that clear?”
“YES!” Both Toyama and Ravenna acknowledged the rules.
Before the referee signaled to start the match, Toyama had some words for the Junior Heavyweight Champion. “Ravenna-san, just because you beat me in sports-form rules match doesn’t mean you can beat me again. I’ve been improved since that night.”
Ravenna understood every word Toyama just said, “Okay Toyama-sensei. I’m well-prepared for you.”
“RING THE BELL!”
The bell rings and the two square off. Ravenna couldn’t rely on his punches during the match as the rule of shootfighting states. But he has his old long-range kicks as his primary weapon. Along with it was his catch wrestling background for close-range submission. Toyama had a Judo background, so Ravenna’s advancing strikes are his problem. But he had been in MAXIMUM (Japan) for a long time. Therefore, he knew how to deal with such kicks that Ravenna has. Also noted that despite the Judo background, Toyama didn’t wear his Gi. Guess he was aware of how that clothing would give advantage to the opponent.
Toyama had a hard time to find a spot for his throwing technique due to Ravenna long-ranged kicks. Adding to the problem was the number of low kicks stopping him from advancing. But in the few minutes, Toyama used his kick to trip Ravenna in a surprise. Ravenna flinched and stumbled to the mat making Toyama way for his ground control. He went for an armbar but Ravenna’s ground game prevented him.
Toyama and Ravenna were still on the mat trying to dominate the mat game as they went reversal after reversal after reversal for locks. That was until Ravenna mounted Toyama face down and proceeded to inflict knee strikes on the side of Toyama’s head. (Not illegal.) It dealt big damage but cost him some stamina which was enough for Ravenna to proceed his submission.
Ravenna was overconfident for Toyama reversed and locked with Ude Garami. Ravenna was in the uncomfortable position where he was kneeling facedown with Toyama applying the pressure on Ravenna’s arm. His lack of submission defense left him no option but to grab the bottom ropes. The referee forced Toyama to release his grasp.
Ravenna should be careful for he got 13 rope escape left to survive. One more after that, and he lost via knockout. Ravenna stood and squared off again. This time, he was careful for Toyama’s De Ashi Barai (Advancing Foot Sweep). However, Ravenna was so careful that he couldn’t foresee his opponent charging after his open strikes attempt. What’s worst is that Ravenna’s clinch would lead to Toyama’s One-arm Shoulder Throw then another Armbar.
Ravenna successfully reversed the submission and obtained a good position to mount Toyama for ground and pou— WAIT! HE CAN’T DO THAT! Ravenna thought. It was shootfighting contest, not an MMA fight, and punches on the face were forbidden. Ravenna spaced-out giving Toyama a chance to go for a Kimura lock. Again, Ravenna’s low defense against submission forced him to reach the ropes. (12 left.)
The half-time of their match was Toyama outsmarting Ravenna with takedowns and submission, making Ravenna waste his four rope breaks. But in a few minutes, Ravenna made a comeback with a high kick to Toyama’s neck giving his opponent’s a reason to worry. Toyama got up at the count of six which it made him adjusted his focus on the bout. Toyama tried to advance for another takedown but stopped due to Ravenna’s knee strike on the face. The referee had to check on Toyama if he could continue which he insisted.
The small crowd of students was hyped to see TIRADORES in action fighting in preparation for their upcoming matches. At that point, it was a back and forth with Toyama’s foot sweep takedowns and submissions and Ravenna’s swift and deadly strikes. During that time, Ravenna wasted four submission escapes via rope break (there’s more of that if worst) while Toyama got two knockdowns. That bout displayed Toyama’s improved skill after his student defeated him.
Toyama attempted for another leg trip. As Ravenna feel, he dragged Toyama’s arm down for some groundwork. Ravenna locked in with omoplata with Toyama standing up trying to roll his submission without damaging the arm. However, it was getting interesting because out of nowhere, Toyama grabbed a hold of Ravenna’s leg then twisted it into a Rolling Kneebar. Ravenna knew that he was in danger so he used his other foot to kick Toyama out of his face, which it proved effective since it was still allowed, and Toyama got weaker. However, Toyama still locked in.
Ravenna’s kicking became slower and less frequent. He was about to give in and tap out. Ravenna raised his hand—
“TIME’S OUT!”
Ravenna and Toyama looked at the referee telling them to stop. Toyama let Ravenna go from his Rolling Knee Bar submission as he tended his student to stand up.
“The sparring match has reached its time limit,” The referee announced. “Therefore, the match resulted in a draw.”
Toyama patted Ravenna’s chest asking him if he’s okay. Ravenna replied with a thumbs-up. The crowd of students in MAXIMUM dojo gave TIRADORES a standing ovation.
4:12 pm
Ravenna leaned on the back at the bench near the locker room for some rest. The towel covered his shoulders after he used to wipes the excess sweat. Ravenna was calm after some breathe-in and breathe-out. He seemed to be a good mood considering the depressive tone and darker tweets that he posted. Ravenna felt great as he wanted to keep shoot fights coming to cheer him up.
Toyama approached Ravenna as he greeting in Japanese, “You okay?”
Ravenna nodded as he kept his eyes closed while resting his head on the wall. Toyama sat beside him and began to comment on his performance in the prior match. “I’m surprised that you are very vulnerable to my submissions. Maybe we should start working with that then some reversals.”
Ravenna kept silent but gave him a nod for the response.
Toyama added, “Looks like we got ourselves some great matches: you as a J1 Summit winner against the World Heavyweight Champion and me against Naoki Ojima. You sure that you are ready for it?”
Ravenna opened his eyes and looked at Toyama. “To be honest, I’m not sure if it was the right time.”
“What do you mean?” Toyama was surprised. He thought that Chris was confident to beat Hammerstein for the title. Guess Toyama discovered the new side of Ravenna.
“Back when I won the LION’S ROAD Heritage Cup, I told Hammerstein that I’ll face him when I’m ready. And here we are. I thought the World Heavyweight Title shot was only exclusive for the non-Junior Heavyweight Champion.”
“Don’t worry, Ravenna-san.” Toyama patted his shoulders. “You already proved to everyone with your three straight wins in J1 Summit. GRIM didn’t win it, nor Billy Danielson, not even the poor excuse Naoki Ojima. Also, no one could have that since Tokyo Zombie’s win last year. You showed everyone in the MAXIMUM locker room who’s the winner.”
Ravenna didn’t buy his teacher’s words, but somehow it did encourage him. However, speaking of Ojima, Ravenna wanted him to ask. “Say Toyama-sensei, how confident are you with your match against Ojima?”
Toyama paused after Ravenna uttered it.
“Why do you hate Ojima so much? Is it true that you ripped off his tires?”
Ravenna noticed that Toyama remained silent in a few seconds. “I guess I shouldn’t ask those things. It could be personal.”
Toyama responded, “Sorry about that. I’ll just go and change.”
Toyama left the scene as Ravenna rested his head and recuperate.
…
That was awkward.
June 25, 2019
Tokyo, Japan
4:35 pm
In his small apartment, he found himself alone unpacking some of his boxes before settling here in Tokyo residence. Ravenna opened one of them and saw some of his belongings in the past, his collections from the road back when he traveled with Lolo Tasyo, Isidra, and Paco. He couldn’t believe that he could find a permanent place to settle for five months.
One of its belongings was something that caught his attention, a souvenir box. As Ravenna moved its lid, he placed a small figurine on the top of its surface foil, the music began to play. That chime made Ravenna smiles and but later, it dissipated as it turned into sadness. It was because that melody reminded of a memory that he longed for the past six months. It reminded of his (former) wife, Sakuya, and it became further when he heard a teenage couple having a good time while walking along the road adjacent to Ravenna’s apartment.
Divorcing his wife was one of Ravenna’s regretful decision that he has. But at least, she was in the better place in a good condition, he thought. All of the prize money that he won from the past few tournaments, was given to her for her father’s deteriorating health. Also, she could use that to finish her studies at the university. Ravenna didn’t want her to experience what he’s been through as a college drop-out.
Ravenna sighed as he put the music box down while it kept playing.
“Past is past. I guess there’s no forever,” he thought. Suddenly his watch beeped for him to give a reminder. “Well, time to go back to the dojo.”
June 27, 2019
MAXIMUM dojo
10:39 am
Toyama stationed himself on the corridor waiting for Ravenna. After a few minutes, Ravenna came into a scene with a duffel bag on his shoulder. “Toyama-sensei, I’m here. Is there something you wanted to ask before we head off to our training?”
Toyama smiled at him as he instructed to his sole student, “Follow me.”
That left Ravenna baffled but curious to know what it was. The pupil followed his sensei sauntering along the halls of dojo until they both arrived at one room. Toyama swung the door open and discovered some of its trophy, plaques and championship belts stored in the cabinet. Ravenna was surprised that Toyama brought him here. “So why are we here?”
Toyama paused, “Check this out.”
Ravenna looked at the item that his teacher pointed with his finger. “Hey, I know this belt,” he responded.
Indeed, it was the ROYAL ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP. Toyama discussed how the former general manager Maasaki “Genki” Sano commissioned the title. As a fan of technical wrestling, Sano had a vision that “fighters compete on the foundation of professional wrestling”. He reminded the roster what MAXIMUM is all about, to showcase pro-wrestling at its purest.
Ravenna became awestruck when he learned about it. As he saw what MAXIMUM had become, he realized that both he and Toyama were the only shoot wrestlers left. Thus, it gave them a purpose, a reason to work together. But also it gave them motivation for their upcoming matches. Ravenna had a chance to remind everyone in the roster what MAXIMUM was supposed to be while Toyama to prove that as a shoot wrestler, he was better than anyone else.
Toyama patted Ravenna’s shoulders telling him that it’s time for their training in preparation for their matches.
So here’s the recap…
Chris Ravenna wins the J1 Summit. He still a jerk towards Ojima and Red Tiger Kid. (WHY RAVENNA WHY?! Ojima was a fresh graduate who loves fresh beverages!) Also, Ravenna appeared in the main event match where he and Shigeru Toyama met the exhausted Hammerstein. It ended up with Ravenna taunting the World Champion. On MAXIMUM’s DYNAMISM, Ravenna would face Hammerstein for the Unified World Heavyweight Titles. It was Ravenna’s first World Heavyweight Title since 2016.
Now, how’s Ravenna preparing for his match against the World Heavyweight Champion?
June 14, 2019
Backstage after the J1 Summit
10:45 pm
Ravenna and Toyama walked along with the backstage with Toyama holding the J1 Summit trophy and the Junior Heavyweight Champion with his championship belt to represent the Junior Heavyweights. It was the best night for Ravenna as he savored the moment like his victory against James Edwards in the Heritage Cup finals. Suddenly, both fighters met with Ravenna’s translator, Hikari Yoshino.
“Ravenna-san!” Yoshino uttered in upset. “What was that for?”
Ravenna respond, “What do you mean?”
“That disrespect towards Ojima-san and Tiger Kid, what was that for?”
Toyama stepped in and answered, “That was his cold heart, his very attribute. My student defeated the former champion, James Edwards with it.”
“But does Ojima deserve this?”
“Yes!” Toyama answered with deep hatred against his rival. However, Hikari wasn’t looking for his answer. It was Ravenna’s. So Hikari looked Ravenna in the eyes and glared at him in hope for him to spill the beans. “Well?”
Ravenna didn’t have one word to say about it. Guess it was his cold heart that prevented it. The only thing that Ravenna gave her was a pat on her shoulders. Then he walked along as Toyama followed leaving Hikari baffled about it.
MAXIMUM dojo
2:37 pm
Shootfighting Match
Shigeru Toyama
vs.
Chris Ravenna
Shigeru Toyama
vs.
Chris Ravenna
“Okay, gentlemen. You know the rules here in shootfighting match. You are allowed to use kicks, headbutt, knee, and elbow strikes in this bout. Punches to the face, eye-gouge, and groin strikes are not allowed and will be considered a foul. However, open handed strikes to the face are still granted in this contest. Any throws or takedowns is legal even joint locks. But techniques against the wind-pipe is forbidden thus resulting in a foul.”
The referee finished explaining the rules as the two competitors were at the center of the sparring ring. The Junior Heavyweight Champion, Chris Ravenna faced off against his teacher, Shigeru Toyama in a shoot match. It was a sparring match in preparation for MAXIMUM’S DYNAMISM.
“This match will end via knockout or submission. Is that clear?”
“YES!” Both Toyama and Ravenna acknowledged the rules.
Before the referee signaled to start the match, Toyama had some words for the Junior Heavyweight Champion. “Ravenna-san, just because you beat me in sports-form rules match doesn’t mean you can beat me again. I’ve been improved since that night.”
Ravenna understood every word Toyama just said, “Okay Toyama-sensei. I’m well-prepared for you.”
“RING THE BELL!”
The bell rings and the two square off. Ravenna couldn’t rely on his punches during the match as the rule of shootfighting states. But he has his old long-range kicks as his primary weapon. Along with it was his catch wrestling background for close-range submission. Toyama had a Judo background, so Ravenna’s advancing strikes are his problem. But he had been in MAXIMUM (Japan) for a long time. Therefore, he knew how to deal with such kicks that Ravenna has. Also noted that despite the Judo background, Toyama didn’t wear his Gi. Guess he was aware of how that clothing would give advantage to the opponent.
Toyama had a hard time to find a spot for his throwing technique due to Ravenna long-ranged kicks. Adding to the problem was the number of low kicks stopping him from advancing. But in the few minutes, Toyama used his kick to trip Ravenna in a surprise. Ravenna flinched and stumbled to the mat making Toyama way for his ground control. He went for an armbar but Ravenna’s ground game prevented him.
Toyama and Ravenna were still on the mat trying to dominate the mat game as they went reversal after reversal after reversal for locks. That was until Ravenna mounted Toyama face down and proceeded to inflict knee strikes on the side of Toyama’s head. (Not illegal.) It dealt big damage but cost him some stamina which was enough for Ravenna to proceed his submission.
Ravenna was overconfident for Toyama reversed and locked with Ude Garami. Ravenna was in the uncomfortable position where he was kneeling facedown with Toyama applying the pressure on Ravenna’s arm. His lack of submission defense left him no option but to grab the bottom ropes. The referee forced Toyama to release his grasp.
Ravenna should be careful for he got 13 rope escape left to survive. One more after that, and he lost via knockout. Ravenna stood and squared off again. This time, he was careful for Toyama’s De Ashi Barai (Advancing Foot Sweep). However, Ravenna was so careful that he couldn’t foresee his opponent charging after his open strikes attempt. What’s worst is that Ravenna’s clinch would lead to Toyama’s One-arm Shoulder Throw then another Armbar.
Ravenna successfully reversed the submission and obtained a good position to mount Toyama for ground and pou— WAIT! HE CAN’T DO THAT! Ravenna thought. It was shootfighting contest, not an MMA fight, and punches on the face were forbidden. Ravenna spaced-out giving Toyama a chance to go for a Kimura lock. Again, Ravenna’s low defense against submission forced him to reach the ropes. (12 left.)
The half-time of their match was Toyama outsmarting Ravenna with takedowns and submission, making Ravenna waste his four rope breaks. But in a few minutes, Ravenna made a comeback with a high kick to Toyama’s neck giving his opponent’s a reason to worry. Toyama got up at the count of six which it made him adjusted his focus on the bout. Toyama tried to advance for another takedown but stopped due to Ravenna’s knee strike on the face. The referee had to check on Toyama if he could continue which he insisted.
The small crowd of students was hyped to see TIRADORES in action fighting in preparation for their upcoming matches. At that point, it was a back and forth with Toyama’s foot sweep takedowns and submissions and Ravenna’s swift and deadly strikes. During that time, Ravenna wasted four submission escapes via rope break (there’s more of that if worst) while Toyama got two knockdowns. That bout displayed Toyama’s improved skill after his student defeated him.
Toyama attempted for another leg trip. As Ravenna feel, he dragged Toyama’s arm down for some groundwork. Ravenna locked in with omoplata with Toyama standing up trying to roll his submission without damaging the arm. However, it was getting interesting because out of nowhere, Toyama grabbed a hold of Ravenna’s leg then twisted it into a Rolling Kneebar. Ravenna knew that he was in danger so he used his other foot to kick Toyama out of his face, which it proved effective since it was still allowed, and Toyama got weaker. However, Toyama still locked in.
Ravenna’s kicking became slower and less frequent. He was about to give in and tap out. Ravenna raised his hand—
“TIME’S OUT!”
Ravenna and Toyama looked at the referee telling them to stop. Toyama let Ravenna go from his Rolling Knee Bar submission as he tended his student to stand up.
“The sparring match has reached its time limit,” The referee announced. “Therefore, the match resulted in a draw.”
Toyama patted Ravenna’s chest asking him if he’s okay. Ravenna replied with a thumbs-up. The crowd of students in MAXIMUM dojo gave TIRADORES a standing ovation.
4:12 pm
Ravenna leaned on the back at the bench near the locker room for some rest. The towel covered his shoulders after he used to wipes the excess sweat. Ravenna was calm after some breathe-in and breathe-out. He seemed to be a good mood considering the depressive tone and darker tweets that he posted. Ravenna felt great as he wanted to keep shoot fights coming to cheer him up.
Toyama approached Ravenna as he greeting in Japanese, “You okay?”
Ravenna nodded as he kept his eyes closed while resting his head on the wall. Toyama sat beside him and began to comment on his performance in the prior match. “I’m surprised that you are very vulnerable to my submissions. Maybe we should start working with that then some reversals.”
Ravenna kept silent but gave him a nod for the response.
Toyama added, “Looks like we got ourselves some great matches: you as a J1 Summit winner against the World Heavyweight Champion and me against Naoki Ojima. You sure that you are ready for it?”
Ravenna opened his eyes and looked at Toyama. “To be honest, I’m not sure if it was the right time.”
“What do you mean?” Toyama was surprised. He thought that Chris was confident to beat Hammerstein for the title. Guess Toyama discovered the new side of Ravenna.
“Back when I won the LION’S ROAD Heritage Cup, I told Hammerstein that I’ll face him when I’m ready. And here we are. I thought the World Heavyweight Title shot was only exclusive for the non-Junior Heavyweight Champion.”
“Don’t worry, Ravenna-san.” Toyama patted his shoulders. “You already proved to everyone with your three straight wins in J1 Summit. GRIM didn’t win it, nor Billy Danielson, not even the poor excuse Naoki Ojima. Also, no one could have that since Tokyo Zombie’s win last year. You showed everyone in the MAXIMUM locker room who’s the winner.”
Ravenna didn’t buy his teacher’s words, but somehow it did encourage him. However, speaking of Ojima, Ravenna wanted him to ask. “Say Toyama-sensei, how confident are you with your match against Ojima?”
Toyama paused after Ravenna uttered it.
“Why do you hate Ojima so much? Is it true that you ripped off his tires?”
Ravenna noticed that Toyama remained silent in a few seconds. “I guess I shouldn’t ask those things. It could be personal.”
Toyama responded, “Sorry about that. I’ll just go and change.”
Toyama left the scene as Ravenna rested his head and recuperate.
…
That was awkward.
June 25, 2019
Tokyo, Japan
4:35 pm
In his small apartment, he found himself alone unpacking some of his boxes before settling here in Tokyo residence. Ravenna opened one of them and saw some of his belongings in the past, his collections from the road back when he traveled with Lolo Tasyo, Isidra, and Paco. He couldn’t believe that he could find a permanent place to settle for five months.
One of its belongings was something that caught his attention, a souvenir box. As Ravenna moved its lid, he placed a small figurine on the top of its surface foil, the music began to play. That chime made Ravenna smiles and but later, it dissipated as it turned into sadness. It was because that melody reminded of a memory that he longed for the past six months. It reminded of his (former) wife, Sakuya, and it became further when he heard a teenage couple having a good time while walking along the road adjacent to Ravenna’s apartment.
Divorcing his wife was one of Ravenna’s regretful decision that he has. But at least, she was in the better place in a good condition, he thought. All of the prize money that he won from the past few tournaments, was given to her for her father’s deteriorating health. Also, she could use that to finish her studies at the university. Ravenna didn’t want her to experience what he’s been through as a college drop-out.
Ravenna sighed as he put the music box down while it kept playing.
“Past is past. I guess there’s no forever,” he thought. Suddenly his watch beeped for him to give a reminder. “Well, time to go back to the dojo.”
MAXIMUM dojo
10:39 am
Toyama stationed himself on the corridor waiting for Ravenna. After a few minutes, Ravenna came into a scene with a duffel bag on his shoulder. “Toyama-sensei, I’m here. Is there something you wanted to ask before we head off to our training?”
Toyama smiled at him as he instructed to his sole student, “Follow me.”
That left Ravenna baffled but curious to know what it was. The pupil followed his sensei sauntering along the halls of dojo until they both arrived at one room. Toyama swung the door open and discovered some of its trophy, plaques and championship belts stored in the cabinet. Ravenna was surprised that Toyama brought him here. “So why are we here?”
Toyama paused, “Check this out.”
Ravenna looked at the item that his teacher pointed with his finger. “Hey, I know this belt,” he responded.
Indeed, it was the ROYAL ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP. Toyama discussed how the former general manager Maasaki “Genki” Sano commissioned the title. As a fan of technical wrestling, Sano had a vision that “fighters compete on the foundation of professional wrestling”. He reminded the roster what MAXIMUM is all about, to showcase pro-wrestling at its purest.
Ravenna became awestruck when he learned about it. As he saw what MAXIMUM had become, he realized that both he and Toyama were the only shoot wrestlers left. Thus, it gave them a purpose, a reason to work together. But also it gave them motivation for their upcoming matches. Ravenna had a chance to remind everyone in the roster what MAXIMUM was supposed to be while Toyama to prove that as a shoot wrestler, he was better than anyone else.
Toyama patted Ravenna’s shoulders telling him that it’s time for their training in preparation for their matches.
