L.A.W. - League of Anime Wrestling

With the recent signings of a few veterans to a part-time role in LAW, Eiji Matsumoto was looking forward to promising news. He had long held the belief that LAW's talent didn't know what it meant to be proper wrestlers, and that they were too content to goof off and try to get attention on themselves. What they needed were a few respectable names backstage to teach the promotion's developmental talent how true stars handled things - and with the news that Jonathan Steele, Ryan "Fireball" Brown, and William Ashworth would all be participating in helping with training in the Young Lioness Program, as well as competing in the occasional match, he felt like his prayers were finally answered. All three men had noted careers in the business, ranging from top positions in major companies to notable runs on the independent circuit, and all would surely have the experience and expertise that LAW could only benefit from.

He had seen many of their matches before, but he'd never had the chance to sit down to talk to them - until now. But now that they'd made their presence in LAW known, it was time to strike when the iron was hot. That's why he had used his position in LAW Magazine to call them for a round-table discussion, in order to hear their thoughts on the business and how they intended to contribute to LAW - as well, of course, to present their thoughts to the fans.

Eiji wouldn't be alone in this. Seated by his side was LAW Magazine's intern, Haruka Seizawa, better known as the anonymous writer S-chan. In order to separate her contributions to the magazine from her personal life, she made all public appearances wearing a mask and under her pseudonym, and this was no exception. To Eiji, of course, it was something that made him roll his eyes. "Do you have to do that here? I guarantee none of these people are going to recognize you."

"Better safe than sorry," Haruka added. "Besides, just in case there's any photos taken with us. I'm sure the press would want a good shot of us alongside some big names in the business. Lend us some credibility, y'know?"

"God knows we need it..." With a huff, Eiji sat back in his seat, his eyes looking up at a door on the wall across from him that led into the boardroom. All he needed now was for their guests to arrive.

Eiji Matsumoto

S-chan

Jonathan Steele

Ryan “Fireball” Brown

William Ashworth

Three veterans. Three men who knew the business inside and out and now, they were going to relay their knowledge to the world. Jonathan, Ryan, and William exited an elevator and made their way shortly for the boardroom as Jonathan grabbed ahold of the bronze doorknob and tried opening the door. However….it seems the door was locked and he jimmied with the knob a few times failing to open the door.

“Who the hell locks the door on their interview subjects?”

“Maybe we got here early. They might not even be here.” Ryan suggested as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

“That’s not right. Mr. Matsumoto said to be here at 11 AM sharp. It must be jammed or they lost track of time.” Jonathan clarified as he checked his phone for the email he received this morning.

“Let me try…” William stated as he pushed his best friend aside and reached for the doorknob, but instead, put his head through the wooden door and yelped in agony before reaching through the hole. He reached in the open hole for the doorknob on the other side and unlocked the door before opening the door himself. His head pounded as he went to his knees to have a moment to himself.

“I want to clarify we could’ve knocked and they would’ve let us in.” Jonathan stated as he and Ryan walked in order to shake the hands of the people they were meeting today.

"Dammit, what's..?" When Eiji saw the door handle jostling around, he raised an eyebrow curiously. Were the interviewees he'd scheduled for this discussion having trouble getting in? He thought that he'd made it clear that they were supposed to go, and he hoped that they knew well enough to knock. Nonetheless, he let out a sigh, getting up from his seat and proceeding to the door to get ready to open it...just in time for William's head to put a hole straight through the wood.

"What in the-!?" Taken completely off-guard, Eiji hopped backward, holding onto his glasses to keep them from falling off his face. He stared in disbelief as William reached through the hole to find the handle and open the door. Even when the three men entered the room, however, he was no less dumbstruck. Though he'd heard of the group's exploits before, he hadn't expected to deal with this when the time came to meet them face to face. He let out a sigh - if this was what he had to look forward to, he was in for an...interesting experience. "You're paying for that door now, y'know..."

Haruka was more forthcoming, walking to the men as they entered with a short bow. "Welcome, welcome!" she said. "Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable. And you, uh..." She let her eyes settle on William. "Are you...okay?"

She still exchanged a handshake with all of the arriving veterans, as did Eiji, before he sat back in his seat grumbling under his breath. "Could've just knocked..." he muttered before looking back up. He tapped some papers against the counter, making sure they were all straightened out before he cleared his throat. "Anyway...I hope that all of you had an easy enough time getting into Japan. You've made plenty of history competing all around the world, and you've racked up a resume enough to make plenty of wrestlers jealous. Just for the tape, why don't you all introduce yourselves?"

Haruka also chimed in with a question of her own. "And how do you feel about what lies ahead of you, working with LAW?

“Yeah, I figured that was going to come out of our wallets” Jonathan groaned as he facepalmed himself before shaking his head and greeting the two reporters.

Ryan and William did the same as the big guy held his head and shook the impending headache away. “Sorry about the door, Mr. Mathematics. I’m sure Brian can come help. That’s the handyman’s name, ain’t it?”

“Don’t ask. He’s got a concussion or something of his own making. Let’s just proceed.” Jonathan encouraged as he and his friends sat down at the table as Haruka passed out their brown folders and notes that Eiji took of all of their matches, results, title accomplishments, and footnotes for those interested in reading.

When they were asked to present their names for the record, Jonathan and Ryan fully said their names aloud, but William called himself Godzilla before Jonathan chimes in to correct him. Haruka then asked about what they feel is ahead for them in LAW.

“Well, lots of teaching. We are with the Young Lioness program and we are supposed to start helping with classes in two weeks. Though, that’s not all the reasons we are in Japan. We figured we could wrestle and earn some money as well. I know intergender wrestling isn’t the most popular form of wrestling, but we take on any comers that are interested. Really, we are looking to help train the next generation and even meet up with some friends that signed up here. It’s been a year since we have seen them.”

As he lowered himself into his seat, Eiji could only stare blankly back at the three men as William blurted out the latest incomprehensible tirade. What Jonathan said next did little to calm him. The discussion hadn't even begun, and already one of the interviewees had given himself a concussion. He searched the deepest recesses of his brain for the right words to speak before Haruka passed him some folders, and as he cleared his throat, he lifted a stack of papers from inside, tapping them against the surface of the table in the hopes of doing something that might divert his attention elsewhere. This discussion wouldn't be a very productive one if he let himself be dumbfounded by his subjects.

Eiji nodded his head to Jonathan as he explained his intentions for LAW, discussing both his role in teaching the company's trainees as well as competing in an occasional match. "All good things, if you asked me," he commented. "The Young Lioness Program could use a couple of old hands to set the matter straight about what real wrestling is all about - that Meiyun girl, all I've seen her do is call out anime noises, and the less said about Cardona the better. Frankly, so could the intergender division! Maybe once you're around, people will see that it's not all about getting up close and personal with a lady who could outlift them, and actually give a damn when it comes to the effort they put in in the ring rather than letting themselves get manhandled. But I digress. You're big names at what you do - and I'm sure you've got plenty of stories about your years in the business, stories that LAW fans and wrestlers alike should know about."

Haruka rolled her eyes as he went on another one of his tirades. But Eiji then noted what Jonathan said about being out of touch with old friends - a matter that could only provoke his curiosity, as he leaned forward across the table. "I'm sure with all the work you've done around the world and over the years, you've run into many big names in our sport. It doesn't surprise me that you know a thing or two about some of our talent, too. If it's not too personal to ask - who is it you're most excited to see again?"

Ryan noticed that Eiji spoke negatively of a new friend he had made on social media here at LAW named Nico Cardona, a soccer player turned professional wrestler from Barcelona. Ryan had interest in training her ever since they first spoke on Twitter and he researched her matches very impressed that the young star could move fast in the ring. Ryan crossed his arms and looked at Eiji with an unimpressed look.

“First off, chico, her name is Nico. I’ve only known her a short time, but she’s fine where she is. Plus, she’s feuding with a former contender to the heavyweight champion. I think you would do well to show others a bit more respect before judging them.”

Jonathan tensed up as he didn’t want to increase the burning remarks made by Eiji and the shots fired from Ryan’s mouth so he diverted the conversation to their origin stories.

“For me, personally, back in the day where it was the early 2000s, there was only once place to go. I went through developmental and did my fair share of work for the best seven years of my life. In 2011, I left the wrestling world, because I thought I had done all I could have done for the industry and while some would consider a young retirement at 25 years old, I was just on hiatus to live a normal life after all I went through. Recover from injuries and play the field with other hobbies. Spend more time with family in Ohio. I eventually went back to wrestling in 2018 and stuck to the indies to see what young wrestlers wanted guidance. Many people never expected my first match to be inside a high school gym in Michigan, but I wanted to respect the foundation of independent wrestling.”

“I started in a promotion called Lucha Libre Unlimited and all wrestlers were required to wear a mask. I went by Inferno Rapido and then I just went on the indies to boost my career and name. It’s where I got the nickname “Fireball” at, because I was a fast rising star on the circuits in America, Canada, and even here in Japan.” Ryan added to his own story.

“I started out as a amateur wrestler in state tournaments, but I accidentally injured one of my opponents which did get me banned. Trainers saw something in me and a few took me under their wing teaching me to hone my powerhouse abilities. I’m very old school with just mere Powerslams and Bodyslams with a good right hook as my finisher.” William explained as he held his head to speak clearly.

“I ran my own faction starting in 2009 and we called ourselves The Bloodline. It was me, Will, Daniel, Paco, Josh, John, and Jack. Eventually, we went our separate ways when I left the industry and they scattered about looking to make names for themselves outside of our team. I met back up with Will and Daniel, who called himself Preston by then and that’s his middle name mind you, in our current employment in United Supreme Pro Wrestling. It’s a promotion ran back in America by a veteran wrestler named Hank Strongbow Williams. In fact, me and Will were the inaugural USPW Global Tag Team Champions.” Jonathan added.

Eiji then pried into the point about some old friends to meet and Jonathan rubbed his chin as he was asked who they were excited to see the most.

“The British Bunnies, Marzia Servelli, Cecelia Lombard, and Astrid Ostberg. We have some unfinished business shall we say. Like I said, it’s been over a year since we last saw them,” Jonathan replied.

“I’m actually Marzia’s husband. We got married a couple years ago in Mexico,” Ryan interjected as he showed the wedding ring on his left hand.

“I am Astrid’s boyfriend of close to three years now. She’s been busy with press tours and she’s currently coming back from a string of interviews in Romania. I’m meeting her at the airport,” William added as he adjusted himself in his seat.

Hearing Ryan's speech in defense of Nico, Eiji paused for a moment before letting out a sigh and sinking against his desk, rubbing at his temples with the end of his pen. He had to ask himself, who let her, of all people, go after such prominent names? Nevertheless, it clearly wasn't the time for this. He cleared his throat, and as Jonathan picked up the offer to introduce what brought them to wrestling, he turned his attention to his notes, recording what they said.

"Interesting, very interesting. Jonathan, if you ask me, your decision to turn down fame and fortune in favor of being able to guide the next generation of wrestlers says a lot about you, and I think it's worth commending. It shows that you're not in the business for yourself, but that you have a love for the sport and you want to see it reach its full potential in finding the next up-and-coming talents and giving them the boost they need to succeed. That's something that's all too rare these days, I feel." After Ryan and William had introduced themselves, he took a look around at them, noting how they both had come from humble beginnings, which showed Jonathan's commitment to lifting up others - even if he had to wince a little when William mentioned getting banned from competition and still finding work. He began to mutter something under his breath, but Haruka reached out to touch his arm, giving him the cue to settle down.

Then, when they mentioned their dealings with other wrestlers currently in LAW, Eiji nodded his head with some interest - particularly as Ryan and William revealed their personal connections to some of the names they mentioned. He scratched at his beard as William introduced himself - someone who was in a relationship with the Heavyweight Champion most definitely would be of interest to many a fan. "I see, I see. It sounds like some of you go back some time - if I may ask, how did you all meet?"

Jonathan could sense the tension rising and the patience of Eiji could only be so much. He told his story as truthfully as he could to hopefully put a rest to those concerns the journalist had and he saw Haruka easing her fellow reporter’s anger. Jonathan perked up as Eiji praised him on stepping aside and letting younger talent flourish on the card.

“I felt I did everything I wanted to do. Sure, there was still opportunities, but I got a lot of what I wanted and I was still young so the door was always open to come back. It was best to let these younger rookies understand the industry and the world of wrestling. To see it outside of watching on weekends with their friends. They wanted this dream to become a reality and who am I to stop them? I’m all about making dreams a reality.”

Jonathan was then asked when he met the other girls and he cleared his throat tugging on his jacket.

“They came to the local gyms and everyone just sort of connected. Though, they were more younger and inexperienced having only done indy shows. I took a lot of them under my wing and helped enhance their abilities. Then, they found LAW and seem really happy here. They visited every few months or so when they had time, but they got real busy so they decided to stay in Japan a little longer. Boy, the improvements they have made. The British Bunnies separated, but they got their own identities now. Astrid’s world champion and thriving. Cece will get there I’m sure and….Marzia….what the hell happened to her?”

Eiji nodded to Jonathan as he went on to describe how far he went back with some of LAW's talent. He had been around to see their beginnings on the independent scene, and how they had all gone to greater things. The reporter couldn't help but smile a little - when Jonathan spoke of how far they'd come, he could tell he was speaking with pride. He couldn't say he'd blame him - he had, after all, helped train them, and in some way, the success they now enjoyed could be attributed to his hard work.

"I'm sure it must be something, huh? Seeing the people you used to know as rookies who looked to you for guidance and to shape their careers, and looking at where they are now and what they've achieved. Particularly in Astrid's case, that must be an honor. I know that she trained plenty back in Norway, but seeing how far back she goes with some of you," he nodded to William, "I'm sure she has you to thank as well. If you have these ladies as your credentials, I'm sure you can do good for our Young Lionesses - and it'll be interesting to know what you think of the current crop. First, though, what do you think of Astrid's reign as champion? She must be your biggest success story."

Haruka picked up on the opportunity to ask a queston of her own. "And if I may ask, you don't seem to be as convinced when it comes to Cecilia. Any reason for that? I'm sure you're staying abreast of the developments with her teaming with Skylar Jones; do you think that will benefit her in the long run?"

It was when the topic turned to Marzia, however, that a dampener was thrown over the mood in the room. For a moment, the two reporters paused, looking between each other and wondering how to proceed. In terms of the recent developments with Marzia Servelli, they were sure that the three men would have plenty to say - they had known her longer than anyone else, and no doubt they were closest to her when she was still the meek, soft-spoken classical underdog she had been before she'd tried to grow more assertive under Gail Whittaker. Now, it was clear that it had come as a shock to them. It wasn't long ago that they had collided when Jonathan and Ryan had made their arrival in LAW during one of her promos, leading to the Italian girl agreeing to face her trainer in the ring. Eiji was sure that they'd have a lot to say on the matter - and, finally, he cleared his throat, looking back up.

"Ryan, being as close to Marzia as you are, I'm sure that's something that impacts you most of all. From how you two acted in the reunion, it seems like she'd been fairly distant from you while all this was taking place. I can only imagine how that must feel to you - have you been keeping up with the new Marzia, and what were your thoughts on it? Going into this match as special referee, do you feel like your relationship with her is going to impact your capacities, one way or another?"

"And as for you, Jonathan," Haruka added, "How do you feel about facing one of your old students? Is it going to be difficult at all?"

Jonathan did have to make a small smile when he mentioned how far the girls had come. They mattered in how each of them were different from one another in background and wrestling style. However, Jonathan did manage to take them to new heights despite the number of years they had trained previously and a lot of them were apart of a different promotion entirely before meeting Jonathan and attending LAW. He got to know so much about them all and what made them want to transition into wrestling. Even after a year of not talking, they seemed to be the same like they never lost contact. Well….almost all of them were the same. Like Astrid, for example.

A girl that grew up primarily in Norway and had a father and grandfather that breathed life into the sport. She’s a third generation wrestler and the first female in her family to do so. Tremendous strength and a good head on her shoulders even accepting his best friend, William, as her lover. Those two don’t get to spend a lot of quality time together since Astrid became LAW Heavyweight Champion and she had to do press tours for LAW to gain more recognition for the promotion. Jonathan grinned widely as Eiji would ask him how he felt about Astrid’s first title reign.

“The kid has done well for herself. Before me, she had done a lot of training and heavy lifting while starting out in the indies. I can tell you this. Astrid has had a great reign as champion and has taken on all comers. That’s a fighting champion right there! A role model for younger girls to look up to.”

“What about Molly Forster? Dating Harmonia Eldelstein, a former supermodel. That has collectively raised her own profile as well. Now, they have branded themselves as The Superstars and recently won their first match together. Things are looking up for the snenioritas.” Ryan added with his own observations.

Molly and Astrid were mainstream in LAW and even grew stardom outside the world of wrestling into news outlets across the country. Their names even reached fans across Europe and even some in America. The boys even pitched them as main stars for a new sitcom they were filming for called House of 9. The three guys could only applaud mentally for the women that they have grown into and the achievements that they have received thus far. However, Haruka bursted their bubble when she mentioned Cecelia and her partnership with this other girl named Skylar Jones.

“It’s whatever for me regarding her tag team. She can do what she wants. I’m hoping for the best for her, but she’s too busy trying to make people fear her. Cece has been a laughing stock in Japan and even back home in USPW when people caught word of her losing to a blonde girl that shoved her ass in people’s faces. She blocked all of us from her contact list. Shoved away the friends she had and now, she’s got nothing left to lose besides more dignity.” Jonathan replied as he rubbed his temples to soothe his anger.

Then, there came Marzia Servelli….or this new tough girl persona she crafted with the help of Gail Whittaker. Jonathan seriously wanted to find this Gail and beat the shit out of her for what she did. Marzia doesn’t even sound the part and Jonathan can tell she doesn’t want this, but Marzia, being oh so stubborn, just can’t let go of a failing idea. Ryan bowed his head choosing not to answer the male reporter’s questions and keeping his own thoughts to himself.

“It’s bullshit. That’s how I feel. Bullshit….I shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t have to knock some sense back into her. But because of one person’s influence, we lost Marzia. I’m not even mad at Marzia to begin with. I just want my fucking friend back. Ryan just wants his wife back. Can we move on? Ask us about the people we don’t know. Who we think is good in LAW.”