The booming bassline of B-Jam's jungle classic soon faded away, as
a different entrance theme began to swell through the arena speakers. The dissonant guitars and furious drums of Meshuggah's "Combustion" confirmed what the fans already knew: Bengal was making her way to the ring!
The Blaze Tiger emerged from a cloud of smoke and sparks, and straight into a chorus of angry boos. The fans hadn't forgotten the way Bengal had disrespected Ruby during
her last match, or the shocking way she'd bitten Cassandra
when the Lioness had confronted her. But the Indian woman didn't seem to have a guilty conscience - or at least, if she did, it wasn't showing on her face. Her expression was relaxed, almost serene. As she stalked down the entrance ramp, fans on either side of the aisle screamed insults at her, but the Tiger wasn't falling for the bait. Her bright blue eyes remained fixed on her opponent, cold and unblinking, like a pair of distant stars.
Bengal, the Blaze Tiger
Bengal vaulted nimbly into the ring, then smirked at Cassandra, her gaze drifting to the bite-shaped bruise on the Lioness' muscular shoulder. She bared her teeth, then snapped them together with a low growl, as the ring announcer's voice boomed out:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a No Disqualifications match, scheduled for one fall! Introducing first..." he gestured toward the other corner.
"From Phoenix, Arizona...standing at a height of five feet, nine inches, and weighing in at 142 pounds...she is the Pride Leader of Big Cats Wrestling! THE LIONESS! CASSANDRA! WILLIAMS!" The crowd roared their approval.
"And her opponent," the announcer continued.
"From Kolkata, India...standing at a height of five feet, seven inches, and weighing in at 140 pounds...THE BLAZE TIGER! BENGAL!" The jeers and catcalls from the audience were even louder than the cheers for Cassandra had been, but Bengal seemed to take this as a compliment. She blew a mocking kiss at the stands, then leaned back against the ropes, stretching her toned legs, getting ready to pounce.
She wouldn't have long to wait. The referee was already in the ring, looking back and forth between both wrestlers. "OK, ladies, let's have a good, clean match," she called out. Her tone was firm and even, but Bengal couldn't help but notice the way the official glanced at her as she said the last few words. The Tiger rolled her eyes at the empty threat. She had no intention of keeping her offense "clean", and thanks to the No-DQ stipulation, she wouldn't have to. That was why she'd insisted on this match type in the first place.
DING-DING-DING! The opening bell sounded, and the two feline fighters began to circle each other, searching for an opening. Cassandra was the first to step forward, arms raised, no doubt looking to lock up with her opponent and test her strength. Bengal made the same motion - but as her hands clenched onto the Lioness' brawny forearms, she suddenly drove up her knee, attempting to strike Cassandra between the legs! If her sneak attack was successful, the Tiger would follow up with an STO, stepping over her opponent's leg and throwing her to the canvas with a single, fluid motion.