Bluegrass Stampede PC: Hanako/STRiFE Vs Zolo/Hanna

[Kira Izumi]

We're in Triangle Park, a local park inside downtown Lexington, Where a press conference like area is set up for SSS. There are multiple media correspondents and journalists as well as some fans around. There's a background with the SSS Logo, IJWF Logo and XHF Network Logo on it as well as some sponsors too. There's a long table in front of the background with multiple chairs. Sitting in the middle is GM of SSS, Yuuko Koizumi who has the contracts for the match. To her left is Hanako Takeuchi and STRiFE and to her right is Zolothach and Hanna Rockford.

The mic is open to both sides for their opening statements before questions begin.

[Mav.]

Hanna grabs the mic first.

HANNA ROCKFORD

I'll say this once... and once only. This contract isn't for just the match, this will mean that myself and Zolothach can do whatever we want. We'll hurt you two until we seem satisfied. And by the words of my fiance... You will all Fade... To Black... by the Blackheart herself.

Hanna grabs the contract and signs it.

[STRiFE]

The fearsome woman known as STRiFE sat and listened as Hanna Rockford spoke. Her words were, humorous, to say the least. However, they did little to distract STRiFE from what she had intended to speak about. That’s when she motioned for the microphone.

STRiFE: Good talk, Hanna. Riveting.

STRiFE’s English was followed by three sarcastic hand claps that floated throughout the open air. Afterwards, she adjusted the microphone to her personal height and began to speak in Japanese.

STRiFE: I know that you all were told to show up here with questions in hand. And I bet that you conducted your research with diligence and all that jazz. But honestly? I’m not in the mood to field any questions.

She paused for a moment. Ballpoint pens swiped across memo pads as she waited a couple of seconds.

STRiFE: However, I’ve got some things that are on my heart and my chest. I’m going to share that with you all. It should suffice for all your quotable needs. And I want you all to pay attention—especially you, Ms. Koizumi.

She gave the general manager a half-glance before her attention returned to the reporters.

STRiFE: If you’re privy to SSS, then you’re probably aware that I’ve been speaking pretty candidly about the promotion over the past month or so. Most of my comments have referenced my Idols of Sakura Championship defense against Lisa Seldon. I haven’t held my tongue. I’ve expressed my anger; I’ve expressed my rage. And to a lot of you, it probably sounds like I’m being bitter...

There was a second’s pause.

STRiFE: Well, I am bitter.

A great deal of the reporters scrambled to write down her words. She waited a bit for their benefit.

STRiFE: People in this sport always say that if you work hard, then you’ll get what you deserve. Well, the fact of the matter is, I’m one of the hardest working women in SSS. That’s not a hot take. That’s not an opinion. It’s just a fact. Ever since I returned to professional wrestling, I’ve dragged myself to the gym nearly everyday in order to become a human weapon. I constantly study myself and my opponents on film in order to gain a better understanding of what it takes to get things done in the ring. I’ve traveled to places like Rose City and Legacy Pro to increase my skill set. And lastly, I’ve given maximum effort each and every time I’ve stepped inside of a SSS ring.

She pauses for five seconds.

STRiFE: Alexis Grace has been the most dominant champion that SSS has ever seen. I beat her to win the Idols of Sakura Championship. That alone should be an indication of my work ethic. But if you need more concrete proof, consider the following. I was nominated for five SSS awards last year. I won three of them.

STRiFE paused for a second.

STRiFE: When I show up to a SSS event, I show up to work. I show up to be the best—

She nodded her head.

STRiFE: So yeah, it pisses me the fuck off that any old random bitch can waltz and cost me a title that I spent months trying to obtain. It pisses me the fuck off that anyone can interfere in my matches and no one even bats an eye. Because allowing that shit to happen? That goes against what this company is supposed to stand for, right Yuuko?

The South Korean woman turned her head in the general manager's direction for a moment or two. Her eyes rested there for a little bit. After some time had passed, her gaze turned back towards the reporters.

STRiFE: Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty…

STRiFE turned her head towards Zolothach.

STRiFE: You’ve got the right to be bitter too. But not towards me. I beat you for the Idols of Sakura Championship at XHF Supremacy. I beat you under the rules that were set in place. You want someone to blame? You want someone to be mad at? Direct all that towards Yuuko. Me? I showed up to work and win, just like I always do.

For the first time that day, STRiFE let out a tiny laugh.

STRiFE: But you decided jump into the middle of my match and cost me a championship I’d spent months trying to get. So, Zolothach, here’s what’s about to happen to you—

She paused.

STRiFE: This isn’t a New Years Dash. This is a regular tag team match, where real fighters thrive. You won’t have any cheap lighting tricks to hide behind this time. And so, I’m going to take this elbow of mine...

She lifted up her right arm and patted said elbow.

STRiFE: And I’m going to drive it into your skull. Over and over again—until that pale face turns crimson. You’ll try to crawl away; you’ll try to make it to Hanna. That’s when I’ll break your knee-caps. You’ll reach that arm of yours high into the sky, hoping and praying that the pain will stop. And that’s when I’ll snap your arm. Oh, and I know for a fact that Hanako is with me all the way.

A sternness laced her voice.

STRiFE: You took something from me. I plan to take everything from you.

STRiFE’s attention made its way to Hanna. She addressed her in English.

STRiFE: If you were smart, you would have shut your mouth. Everyone knew that I was coming after Zolothach. But you want to be Billy Big Balls? Fine. Me and Hanako are going to give you the same beating that Zolothach is going to get. And I hope all that fade to black bullshit runs through your mind while you are laid up with your fiancé feeding you nasty ass hospital applesauce.

Eventually, the contract made its way over to STRiFE. There was no hesitation in her movement as she signed her birth name on the document. Afterwards, she folded her arms and sat back in her seat.