Inaugural World Openweight Championship Coronation

[winner3]

It was finally time.

The stage and the setup for LAW's largest pay-per-view special were absolutely gorgeous. Red carpets, bright lights, banners, a roaring crowd; setting the tone alongside all of these things was a video package playing on the big screen detailing the trials and tribulations of the dozens and dozens of decorated LAW superstars that put everything on the line as they vied for World Openweight Title Contention all by competing all over the world in LAW's Apex Tour. The lights dimmed and the cameras focused on the screen with the footage playing through various wrestler's efforts in the qualifiers. We then saw images of all the matches that took place for women who earned the right to compete in their final Apex match during the climax of the tour.

The lights began to fill the arena. All eyes focused on the ring and the podium within it. With a mic set up on the podium and at the ready, LAW CEO and General Manager Dan DeFranco adjusted his tie and got ready to speak. Behind him was a clear trophy case that housed the most coveted prize in wrestling today: The LAW World Openweight Championship. The lights reflected off the golden title belt as DeFranco spoke, accentuating its look, feel, and prestige.



"LAW Management has gone through painstaking efforts both to arrange an event of the magnitude of LAW Apex and to select a credible Inaugural World Openweight Champion."

"Unlike a traditional contest or a tournament, competitors don't win or lose at Apex. The champion is crowned by decision. That means getting selected is just half the battle. It will be the champion's job to prove she's worthy of carrying the most prestigious title in pro wrestling. Dozens and dozens of women emerged from Apex as worthy contenders. And the champion will have to contend with them as she works to prove that she can represent this company and this sport." The Man would point to the entrance ramp.

"Ladies and Gentlemen...the moment you've all been waiting for....our Inaugural World Openweight Champion is...."

[skip-stop]

"For your information, if we weren't on the same team, I would have taken it from you today, you owe me a drink!"

"One hard road has ended and now a new one is beginning, but we will be there to support you, my friend."

"Your ancestors are proud of you, but I want you to know that I'm just proud of you no less, it's your day and don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

After words of support from her closest friends, the blonde took a deep breath and opened her lavender eyes. It's time.

Thanks to the smoke machines, a thick fog appeared over the titantron. Thanks to the speakers on the ceiling, a prolonged thunder sounded. Thanks to the hidden Tesla coils, lightning began to flash in the air. The combination of these three things created a symbolic atmosphere that allowed the audience to feel that a real storm was approaching. And it was true. In every sense. This day will change a lot. This day will change the rules of the game. Just like an inescapable storm changing the landscape and forcing geographers to draw new maps.



A few seconds of increasing tempo, and then dynamic music burst out of the speakers, forcing almost all the audience to literally jump up from their seats. A mighty thunderclap sounded, and so huge lightning flashed through the air that sparks fell from some metal structures. Amid a deafening flurry of applause and shouts, Astrid came out from behind the curtains. When she stopped at the top of the ramp, her eyes full of joy ran through the arena. Looking at everyone who welcomed her, it seemed to her that her heart was ready to burst out of her chest.



Without changing traditions, Astrid raised her hands above her head and joined her palms together in the manner of a crown. Flames rose on either side of the Norwegian woman, and huge wings appeared on the screen behind her. All this formed into a single picture, the meaning of which was extremely clear. The Golden Dragon, the first Openweight champion, has arrived.

The blonde started down the ramp. And this time the sensations were a little unusual, because she was walking on the red carpet. The blonde started down the ramp. And this time the sensations were a little unusual, because she was walking on the red carpet. She tried to keep her emotions under control, but there was a smile on her face. Few people were able to understand how she felt at that moment, surrounded by the support of the audience.

There was a real fire inside Astrid. Her every step was confident, but in fact, the descendant of the great Vikings was dizzy. No matter how strong she was, it was hard for her to believe that this was happening to her. There were a thousand thoughts and a thousand questions in her head. It was all so sudden for her that she just didn't get enough time for it all to settle down in her mind.

However, despite all this, there was no doubt in her soul. She believed in one rather simple thing. Anyone can doubt the fighter. Viewers, friends, rivals, parents, anyone. But if the fighter doubts themselves, then this is the end. Doubts inevitably lead to defeat. That's why she never doubts. The general manager has already said the most important thing. Yes, getting the Openweight title is a great honor in itself. But ahead of her were not carefree days, but hard and painstaking work. After all, despite the fact that LAW Management considered her worthy, now she had to prove it to everyone else.

But what doubts could there be at all at the moment when the audience from the front rows reached out to Astrid? The Golden Dragon spread her arms out to the sides, high-fiving everyone who extended hands to her. Today she wanted to share this moment with them, because she would never have been here without their support. Every match she went through was a real challenge for her. Every time she entered the ring, the chants of her name became louder. Like every fighter, it took her a while, but the Golden Dragon managed to win their hearts.

"Oh, cool tattoo, champ, huh!" Astrid said as she reached the last fan in the front row on her left.

Among the spectators, she saw several faces with obvious signs of disappointment. Without a doubt, not everyone was happy that Astrid was in front of them, and not someone else. Victoria said she would have to face it anyway. However, instead of paying attention to them, Astrid preferred to pay attention to a little girl who spent time not only making a costume similar to Astrid's attire, she even used paints as she could to she draw a dragon on her left arm. And perhaps Astrid has never seen something more inspiring. The Golden Dragon signed the poster, which the young fan handed to her, and then hugged her, thanking her for the support.

Climbing up the metal steps, Astrid grabbed the top rope and pushed off from the mat. Jumping over the ropes, she immediately felt a shiver run through her body. It happened every time she was in the ring because that was where she belonged. Being more than a straightforward person, she always said that she was only here to fight. Astrid believed that everyone is capable of a lot, but, unfortunately, not everyone knows what exactly they are capable of. That's why the Golden Dragon loved to fight so much. She wanted to find out what she was really capable of, where her boundaries lay and whether she was able to cross those boundaries. All this she could find out only in the ring.

The General Manager was waiting for her in the center of the ring, and next to him was what everyone who took part in Apex was eager to get. The LAW World Openweight Championship rested in a clear trophy case. A striking in its beauty belt of two types of gold and decorated with diamonds, symbolically indicating that this was the highest award in their world. The world where thousands of fighters strive to become the best through sweat and blood every day. Astrid was a part of this world. But today she had to find out what it was like to be there, where many only dream of getting to. At the top.

No one could have noticed it, but Astrid's lower lip trembled slightly. Everything was kept so strictly secret that she found out only a few hours ago that the management had chosen her. It was difficult for her to control her emotions. Especially now. Before she found herself in the ring, she had the feeling that it was just a dream. However, now she has fully realized that all this is reality and that all this is happening to her, and not to someone else.

And so it was not the time to give in to emotions. The Golden Dragon walked confidently to the center of the ring, stopping in front of the General Manager. For those who were close to her, it was well known that Astrid is not one of those who likes to waste time on big words. But today she was going to give a speech. However, not before the golden belt is on her waist. And definitely not before she tells the General Manager what she felt at that moment.

"It's an honor for me, sir," Astrid said, holding out her hand to Dan for a handshake.

[winner3]

The reactions all around the arena said everything. There were an array of LAW wrestlers in the crowd, many of them competed at Apex, themselves. When the moment finally came, it finally felt real. Everyone recognized Arvidsson's music right away. The woman appeared and made her iconic hand motion. From this day forth, the immaterial crown she placed upon her head during her entrance would be that much heavier. The wings from the special effects in her entrance were that much more vibrant. DeFranco clapped along with the fans and smiled as The Golden Dragon made her way toward the ring. Tonight was very much the champ's night.

Though she was able to smile, Arvidsson was not overwhelmed with emotion. Astrid carried herself with all the resolve and fiery spirit that LAW had come to know her for. The torrent of emotions she was no doubt feeling matched the range of loud reactions from the crowd. There was fanfare. There were cheers. There was excitement. There was disappointment. But one indisputable fact was that there was LAW's very first World Champion. And she embraced this moment wholeheartedly.

Inside the ring, the general manager had the staff lift and remove the glass from the trophy case. When Astrid entered the ring The Man was happy to greet her. He shook her hand with a smile on his face. His expression was cool and collected.

"The honor is all mine." The suited man nodded.

He then turned towards the belt, which was propped up in the case. Just as he did with Kyoko when she was awarded the Middleweight Championship, Dan collected the belt, carefully taking one of its straps in each hand before facing The Golden Dragon.

"May I?" He offers to fasten the belt around her waist to give her and this ceremony his seal of approval.

Should Astrid accept the gesture, Dan would secure the belt over Astrid's defined waist and core. He would then motion the podium he was using just minutes ago.

"The floor is yours, champ." He would nod once more. It was indeed a fact that Astrid wasn't one for tomp and circumstance and mincing words. But tonight was special. If any event in pro wrestling history called for a speech, it would be the coronation of LAW's new World Champion!

[skip-stop]

After shaking hands with the general manager, Astrid barely restrained herself from holding her breath. The reason for this was more than obvious. Dan took the belt off the stand and turned to Astrid. Not so long ago, the Golden Dragon had already seen something similar, because she watched the coronation ceremony of Kyoko as the new Middleweight champion. Could the Norwegian woman imagine that in such a short future she would be in the same place as one of her strongest rivals?

And then she heard the question. Perhaps the simplest question, which for many meant absolutely nothing. But the question meant so much to her that she could hardly put it into words. Astrid was absolutely sure that this question was not about whether she would allow him to put the belt on her waist, but about whether she was ready for the responsibility that would fall on her after that.

Astrid has never been a philosopher with a habit of talking about life while looking at the sunset. However, she knew that not everyone takes this or that belt seriously enough. Many perceived it simply as an accessory that allows you to get a big salary and have a very inflated ego. The Norwegian woman looked at it differently. The general manager's question was more than fair because such an astute man probably knew that Astrid, unlike many others, was fully aware of the responsibility he was offering her.

The Golden Dragon pointedly nodded, then turned her back to Dan.

If she wasn't ready for responsibility, she wouldn't have taken part in Apex. If she wasn't ready for the responsibility, she would never have moved to Japan for LAW. If she wasn't ready for responsibility, she would never have entered the ring. The Golden Dragon knew that the second the belt was on her waist, she would officially become the first Openweight champion. At the same time, she will become a target for the strongest women of the federation, some of whom even now looked at her with hungry eyes from the audience. Yes, there are definitely hard times ahead of her. But... who said Astrid doesn't like difficulties? But more on that later.

Contrary to expectations, when the general manager threw the gold belt over Astrid's waist, the noise in the arena did not become louder, on the contrary, the audience became quieter. They could be understood, because in fact, it was probably the most tense moment since the announcement of the openweight title. The descendant of the great Vikings felt as if something was beginning to put pressure on her. So much that she even closed her eyes. At that moment, all sounds seemed to have completely disappeared. She could only hear the beating of her heart, but then it also dissolved into emptiness. Absolute silence reigned. And then there was a click, which meant that the belt was finally on her waist.

The blonde opened her eyes. All this took no more than three seconds. Funny. When she closed her eyes, she was just Astrid Arvidsson. But when she opened her eyes, she became the First Openweight Champion. In almost complete silence, thousands of eyes were fixed on her. She felt every one of them. It was as if she was at the bottom of the ocean under the pressure of thousands of meters of water. And they all seemed to be waiting for her to react to it. Well…

The Golden Dragon placed her left palm on the belt at her waist, and then the right corner of her lips began to rise up. And the very moment when her smile became really cheeky, the blonde waved her right arm, bending it at the elbow. Still keeping her hand on her gold belt, the First Openweight Champion pointed at herself with her thumb, officially accepting her new status. The builders of this arena clearly knew their work well, because if the walls were not strong enough, they would surely collapse due to loud shouts from the audience.

When the audience calmed down at least a little, the Norwegian woman nodded to Dan and walked up to the podium. She tried not to show that it was uncomfortable for her. In most cases, she preferred to communicate with her fists. But the commitments she made included speech, among other things. So... ah, well, Astrid wasn't going to deceive anyone, this time she really had something to say. Perhaps many people thought that the most difficult part of speech is the beginning. But, despite everything, Astrid had no problems with this, because she knew exactly where she should start.

"First," she began, after which her lips curled into a playful smile. "I would like to thank my best friends, Charlotte and Nerissa, for telling me that I wasn’t going to get it, so don’t bother to prepare a speech."

Joke or not, it caused a wave of good-natured laughter, especially after Astrid pointed to the first row of spectators to her left. Charlotte, Nerissa and Victoria have already joined the rest of their team. And while the Native American woman was laughing at the top of her voice, the Frenchwoman covered her face with her hand, clearly feeling Spanish shame because the Golden Dragon started her speech with this. Victoria just adjusted her glasses, trying to pretend that she didn't hear it.

"But maybe it's not even a bad thing because now I can speak from the heart," Astrid continued, winking at her friends. "My father always told me that no one will ever give you what you want, and if you want something, then you have to go to it no matter what it costs and no matter what obstacles you meet on the way."

The Norwegian woman looked around at the audience, a little regretting that her parents could not be here today. However, she was sure that they were looking at her right now. And that was enough for her. She would still have time to feel their embrace, but in the meantime she was going to talk about how she felt, because today she was going to be sincere.

"I met a lot of obstacles on my way, the amazing women in the face of my rivals took care of it, huh," Astrid's eyes quickly darted to several places in the arena, where she noticed familiar faces. "Yes, I'm not going to deny that I didn't manage to overcome all the obstacles." For a moment, her gaze seemed to fix on the blonde with slightly less long hair than Astrid herself. "But this is another lesson that my father taught me, your strength is determined not by how hard you hit, but by whether you were able to get up after you were hit hard." Lightning, shrouded in flames, flashed in lavender eyes. "As you can see, I have risen, and I am here."

Astrid once said that if she lost, she would try again. And then again and again if necessary. Someone would probably call her just a ram who set out to demolish the gate. However, for the Golden Dragon, it was a matter of principle. Having reached the limit of her capabilities, she was going to do the only thing that in her opinion was right, namely to overcome this limit. Because she believed that this was the only way to truly become stronger.

"Although I wouldn't have been able to do this without support, so I want to express my gratitude both to my friends who are constantly breathing down my neck, not letting me forget that if I relax even for a moment, then I will have to catch up with them," Astrid looked at Charlotte and Nerissa again, but then her the gaze shifted slightly to the side. "And to my manager, Victoria Palmer, I ask you to give this amazing woman, who prefers to stay in the shadows, stormy applause." When the audience complied with Astrid's request, Victoria blushed like a tomato. "They say that you will never have a second mother, but I think this is absolutely not true, Victoria believed in my goals and dreams from the first day we met and continued to support me even in the darkest days when it seemed that there was nothing more ahead, thank you for being proud of me."

"Thank you..." doing everything in her power to hold back tears, the Englishwoman said, looking at her ward.

"And, of course, thank you, the audience," Astrid continued on a more cheerful note. "Perhaps at the moment I will allow myself to speak on behalf of the entire federation, because it's not just about me, if it weren't for you, all this would simply not have happened, so on behalf of every wrestler I want to thank you for supporting LAW."

She took advantage of their applause to catch her breath, because she wasn't used to talking so much. The last time she said so many words was during the promo with Katherine Hart, after which she kept her mouth shut for almost a month because she had exhausted the entire available limit. However, Astrid could not deny that with each new promo it became easier for her to share her feelings, especially now, because she finally got to the most important thing.

"Now..." Astrid's gaze became more serious. "I know that there are those among the audience who wanted to see someone else in my place." For some, the short pause she made was too dramatic, but it was exactly what Astrid wanted to focus on. "And I am sure that every woman who has passed through Apex has longed to be in my place." Astrid smiled so widely that she even bared her teeth. "Everyone who thinks that someone else should be in my place, listen carefully because I'm not going to repeat it twice!" Emotions gradually began to overwhelm her, it was not difficult to notice given her fiery temperament, which finally began to break out. "I am the First Openweight Champion and Helheim will melt sooner than I will lose it easy!" Astrid's fists involuntarily clenched, and her nostrils began to inflate with every breath. "My great ancestors lived on the principle of take it and don't give it back, do you want to guess if I am in solidarity with them?!" Astrid looked up at the ceiling with pride and although she couldn't see her ancestors now, she was sure they were looking at her. "I am not used to making promises, but today I will make an exception and I promise that I will make everyone who doubts me go through fire, water and copper pipes." The descendant of the great Vikings ran her palms over her gold belt. "Here's my message, whoever you are, an honored veteran or a rising star..." if someone had taken care of the special effects, then surely at that moment tongues of golden flame would have started dancing around Astrid. "If you want it..." with a smile on her face and passion in her eyes Astrid hit her straightened left palm. "Then come and get it!"

[winner3]

In a dignified manner, and perhaps holding back much more emotion than the world would ever come to know, Arvidsson accepted the Openweight Championship. The blonde turned her back and allowed Dan to do his thing. In much the same way he had endorsed management's decision to crown Kyoko Akan LAW's Middleweight Champion, he was standing by the decision to crown Astrid Arviddson as LAW's Inaugural World Champ!

Fans cheered after hearing the click that rang out from the sound of the belt being fastened around the statuesque woman's waist. The lights glistened. Confetti rained. It was a big moment for Astrid. It was a big moment for LAW. It was a big moment for wrestling. Years ago, many had only known LAw to be a new fledging Japanese promotion that got too big, too fast for its own good. Today it was the premiere wrestling promotion in the world, operating not just out of Japan, but internationally all over the world, towering above all others. And now that it had a proper world champion, the summit in this sport was clear. The target heights everyone would be aiming for rested in what that golden belt around The Golden Dragon's waist represented.

Arvidsson assumed a stance and pointed to herself in a show of celebration and recognition. Surely there would be many notable World Champions and contenders in the company's future. But this was Astrid's time to shine. This was her moment. And she commemorated this moment by obliging her boss and the fans by giving a speech. It was true that Arvidsson didn't often give promos. The audience didn't often get to hear the Norsewoman speak from the heart. But if there was ever a moment that called for it, that moment was now.

Astrid spoke of her past, of her many great rivals and supporters, of the many great men and women that helped get her here today, from her very own father to her dearest friends. And of course, she needed to address her hardworking manager Victoria Palmer by name. The moment was a tender one. But after giving those feelings just enough time to breathe, business would pick up again!

It took no time at all for the Inaugural Champ to find her fire and speak on the lengths she was willing to go to defend the top belt in the promotion! The fire in her voice and in her eyes, the special effects that surrounded her both on the titantron and in the ring, all emanated with the spirit of her resolve. She was ready and willing to fight anyone! To defend against anyone. And DeFranco smiled as she spied the chance to put those words to the test. One of the cameramen slipped him a live mic. And he took this chance to interject just as the champ finished up!

"Oh, they will! They very much will, I promise you that, champ." Dan smiled.

"I'd like to call everyone's attention to a few things. A few very important things."

"Apex was special. It wasn't a tournament. It wasn't a ranked bracket. Many qualified and capable women spent their time and effort building their cases for that title." He pointed to the golden belt Astrid likely still held her palm fast to.

"Many of them are more than deserving of a chance to become Openweight Champion, themselves. Astrid, this is your moment, absolutely. But this is also We Are LAW....I couldn't let it end without a proper main event match, could I....?" DeFranco raised his eyebrow and looked around at the crowd before turning his gaze back to Astrid.

"Championships in this sport aren't just a privilege that the athletes earn. They're also a responsibility. And right now, I'm tasking you with the responsibility of defending that belt against a challenger we've handpicked for you! In the main event of this pay-per-view!"

"There is no shortage of challengers willing to step up. And the woman we've selected for you knows that well. Now, because I try my best to be a fair boss, I'm going to let you choose your stipulations after meeting her. You are the champion. This is a surprise match I'm dropping on your, after all. I feel I owe you that much, BUT...."

"Take care to make sure that your first title defense isn't your last."

With that, DeFranco began ordering the staff at ringside to clear the ring. The Man smiled at Arvidsson and began to take off. And no sooner than he exited the ring did another woman's theme music hit. And with that music, the realization hit everyone all at once.

We were all in for a bombshell of a main event world title match!

[CaptainL]

If We Are LAW 6 had ended here, everyone would surely have gone home happy. It had been an incredible show, one that had brought plenty of action and some unforgettable moments, and it had all culminated here, with Astrid Arvidsson announcing a bright new future for the company. Her speech told everyone she was ready to take the path forward with the seriousness and the commitment it deserved, and no one could deny that she had all the makings of a model champion in her. She had worked hard for this honor, and now, she was going to keep that spirit alive, and to elevate the title and the promotion to even greater heights. Her speech would have been a fine moment to end on.

But anyone who knew Dan DeFranco knew that in his mind, LAW was all about the action. And in his mind, LAW's flagship pay-per-view event simply wouldn't be complete without a match worthy of a main event. Luckily, they had that covered. It wasn't just the first Openweight Champion who would be revealed tonight, but her first challenger, too. And when the fans heard the music playing over the speakers, they instantly knew what was to come.

Music

From the first few notes, the stands burst into cheers and applause. They already knew who would come to the ring next. The first contender for the Openweight Champion wasn't just another heavyweight, or another blonde, or another Norwegian, or even another Astrid, but another champion. It wasn't long ago that Astrid Ostberg had lost the LAW Heavyweight Championship to Alaina Sanders - and yet here she was again, marching down the ramp to no shortage of fanfare herself! She smiled and nodded her head to a few faces in the crowd, taking the time to flex her muscles and pose for a few pictures, but her main focus was on the newly-crowned champion. And, as she climbed into the ring, that was who her attention was on.

Spoiler

"Astrid Arvidsson!" the former champion announced, stepping forward with her hand extended for a shake. "You'll doubtlessly hear plenty of praise before the night is up, but let me be the first to congratulate you. Not only on the honor of becoming the first World Openweight Champion, but on a speech to remember. You've truly ushered in a bright new era of LAW history, and you're here at the helm for it. You have every right to be proud - and it shows. Listening to what you have to say, I can already tell you that they couldn't have picked anyone better for the honor. You've got the dedication to the sport, and to the belt, that a true champion needs to succeed in the business. You've got that drive to keep improving, and to take control of your own fate."

"I can't help but see myself reflected in your words. I, too, had a father who told me I would have to prove myself through my own merits, not by his family name, or even by his training, because he knew there was no way he could objectively measure my strength. I took those words to heart, and I used them to inform me and motivate me through everything I did. That took me far." She pat her hand on her waist, where she had once worn the Heavyweight Championship. "I look back at my time with the belt with nothing short of pride - to be considered for the honor in the first place, to have earned it, and to be the force living up to what it means to be a champion in every match I went into. I see all that same motivation in you, and I have no reason to doubt that you'll be much the same.

At the same time, there was a note of wistfulness in what Ostberg had to say. She glanced down briefly with a sigh, noting that, yes, she had lost her title. She'd tried to tell herself that it didn't matter, reminding herself that Alaina had certainly earned it just as she once had, and that she was happy for her accomplishments. Yet, she couldn't quite shake the thought that in letting herself lose the championship, she had let it down, and that she'd let all her fans and supporters down in the process. In light of what Arvidsson had said - about how true strength came from being able to get back up and move forward - Ostberg bit at her lip. Was she able to do that? Was she failing? Did that call all her strength into doubt?

But whatever the case may have been, Ostberg couldn't lose sight of the goal. She had been selected to test Arvidsson's worthiness of holding onto the championship. She wanted to be the sort of opponent such high stakes deserved, and to put forth a challenge it would truly take a champion to overcome. No one had any doubt that she could. But, for Astrid Ostberg, it also meant there was a chance she could win, and a chance she could come away with an even greater prize than what she had just lost. She knew, deep in her heart, that she shouldn't think of it this way. It wasn't about that. She should have been happy for Arvidsson. But that desire to prove herself, to silence all her doubts, was motivating her just as well.

At last, she cleared her throat, standing up a little straighter. She looked back at her fellow Norwegian with a smile on her face, as though nothing had happened. "But I'm not just here to talk you up. I'm here to give you a challenge - a challenge that will prove once and for all whether or not you can defend the title. What happens next lies with you. The ball is in your court, now - the stipulations will be yours to decide. So, champ...what's it going to be?"

[skip-stop]

It was certainly her moment of triumph. Many wanted to be in her place, even literally longed for it. And, of course, each of those who claimed the right to become the first openweight champion deserved it. But now the rules have changed. Now all those who wanted to take ownership of the most significant belt of the federation had to go through qualification and other things. Now they had to go through Astrid Arvidsson. This is exactly what the Golden Dragon wanted to convey with her speech, because whatever trials awaited her ahead, she intended to meet each of them with fire in her heart.

After the champion's speech, the General Manager took the floor again. And despite the fact that Dan started with a little abstract things, Astrid was sure that she knew where the wind was blowing from. No one had warned her about anything, but from the very beginning, her intuition told her that this night would not end just like that. No, there wasn't a chance for that. The descendant of the great Vikings felt that her internal organs began to tremble the moment Dan spoke about a proper main event.

The blonde tilted her head slightly forward, and her lips stretched into a smile again when the General Manager mentioned that they had personally chosen the first contender for her. This was far from the most standard practice, but today's events could not be called anything other than exceptional. Therefore, it was not surprising that the federation's management took such an unusual step. They wanted this night to go down in history.

Astrid was sure that they had made sure that her first defense was the toughest test for her. An additional piquancy was the fact that they, respecting her champion status, gave her the opportunity to choose the type of match in which she would defend her title today. Dan heated up the situation as much as possible with his last words, making it clear to everyone, first of all Astrid, that the first contender would not hesitate to take away the championship from her if she did not show why she was chosen the first openweight champion.

"Someday," Astrid replied, because unlike many, she had no illusions about this and she knew that someday she would face an opponent who would take away her right to call herself a champion. "But not today, huh."

With these words, the Golden Dragon turned her head towards the ramp. The Norwegian woman was sure that she would not have to wait long. It was about the openweight title and there would hardly be a single wrestler who would not want to be in this ring immediately after Dan announced that the first defense would be held right now. Perhaps some wondered how Astrid felt at that moment? Many probably thought she should be nervous. Well. The blonde really had goosebumps running down her back, and her mouth was filled with saliva. But not because of nerves, and certainly not because of fear. At that moment, the Golden Dragon felt nothing but anticipation. She wanted to know who exactly would be her test today. She wanted to know who the management had chosen to check if she could really carry such a huge ship as LAW!

"By Odin's beard..." Astrid muttered the moment when the music started.

Although she didn't hear her own words because of the amazingly deafening shouts and applause from the audience. It is unlikely that there was at least one person in this arena who did not know whose musical theme it was. Astrid knew, too. The Norwegian woman was not one of those who spends time on a thorough study of the almost endless LAW roster. However, there are those whom it is simply impossible not to know. Astrid had her own list of those she intended to fight no matter when exactly it happened. And Astrid Ostberg was in the top three of this list.

Her breathing quickened. And even though she made an effort to contain it, her body was still trembling slightly. There was nothing Astrid could do about it. LAW management made perhaps the best choice possible.

Blonde vs blonde. Norwegian vs Norwegian. Astrid vs Astrid.

Damn. When it comes to the openweight title, everyone understands that each defense will force both the champion and the challenger to give more than one hundred percent. But today the management has made sure that Astrid's first defense will either secure her the right to be worthy of this title, or will throw the crown off her head in such a harsh way that no one will ever forget it.

When the former heavyweight champion reached the ring, Astrid took a firm step forward in order to meet her opponent face to face. Was it worth saying that she treated this woman with deep respect? Perhaps this was not necessary because the Golden Dragon accepted the handshake with a smile on her face, firmly shaking the other blonde's hand. She had a few words she would like to say to the other Astrid, but no doubt the first contender also had something to say.

Funny or not, it was probably the first time Astrid had heard praise rather than something offensive. Despite the fact that, compared to honored veterans, her career began not so long ago, she managed to fight with many outstanding women. And from most of them she heard far from the most flattering words. Many believed that she was just an upstart who was trying to jump over her head and bite off too big a piece of pie at the same time. And every time she had to use her fists to change their opinion of her. But right now, for the first time, she got the opportunity to simply nod gratefully in response to her rival's words. It was a great honor for the Golden Dragon to receive praise from such a great woman as Astrid Ostberg.

The first contender also made it clear that she sees more in common between them than just hair color, origin and names. They were both influenced by the words of their fathers. And from the other Astrid's words, the Golden Dragon understood that her rival, as well as she, sought to find out where the limits of her strength lay. Listening to all this, Astrid became more and more convinced that today's match would be, without exaggeration, legendary. Why was she so sure? When there are two women in the ring who share the same principles, it always leads to something great.

The blonde narrowed her eyebrows slightly when her rival started talking about legacy. In fact, she didn't have the ability to look into other people's souls. But it was not difficult for her to understand exactly what the former heavyweight champion was thinking at that moment. Her reign was truly great, and she certainly raised the prestige of the heavyweight title to an indescribable level. Astrid could only hope that her strength would be enough to do the same with the openweight title. However, she saw that the fact that the other Astrid had recently lost her title left a scar on her soul. The Golden Dragon could understand her because a warrior would always understand another warrior. Victory is victory. And defeat is defeat. No reign lasts forever. But in that match, the most insulting thing was that Astrid lost not because she was pinned, but because another woman was pinned. It really left a mark on both her and her legacy. And yet...

"Astrid Ostberg!" said the Golden Dragon, when the other blonde symbolically passed the ball to her court. "I have to say that I always knew that this would happen someday, but I couldn't even imagine that it would happen under such circumstances!"

The Norwegian woman put her hands on her belt to the applause of the audience, who, like her, were obviously happy about the circumstances under which these two women met today. She had seen a lot of polls on fan sites and she knew that a lot of people wanted to see such a match. However, everything has its time. There is a perfect moment for every match. And it was hard to think of more suitable circumstances than those that brought them together today.

"I thank you for your words," Astrid nodded her thanks once more. "And even though you came here to take it away from me, I want you to hear it from me personally!" The blonde smiled at her rival. "I will defend it to the last drop of sweat and blood!"

Despite the fact that the Golden Dragon was an infinitely proud woman, she was well aware that such a rival as Astrid Ostberg could end her reign right now. To think that she would easily defeat this woman and go to drink beer would be the height of imbecility. No, Astrid knew that today she would have to appeal to all her powers in order not to let the other blonde take away what she deserved with such hard work. But even if her reign was destined to end today, she intended to make sure that Astrid Ostberg would pay the highest price for taking the crown from the first openweight champion.

"As they say, keep your friends close and your enemies even closer," the Norwegian woman took a brief glance at the front row where their team members were sitting, but almost immediately she returned her gaze to Astrid. "And today I intend to keep you close." Unable to restrain this impulse, Astrid allowed a wave of trembling to run through her body. "You are a worthy candidate, Astrid, your reign was admirable, and you yourself are worthy of being considered a legend, I have a great honor to fight you today!" She made a short pause to give the other Astrid to enjoy the applause, because the audience absolutely agreed with the words of the Golden Dragon. "And I want our ancestors to smile at us!" The descendant of the great Vikings took a step towards her rival, looking her straight in the eyes. "Now, put aside all doubts because I'm not going to let you leave today with my belt!" The champion's fists involuntarily clenched. "Put aside all doubts because today I will give you a fight much tougher than your match with Katherine and Alaina!" It was difficult for her to contain her emotions because she wanted to find out with all her heart if she was capable of defeating such an outstanding warrior as Astrid Ostberg. "Put aside all doubts because today I intend to check how far you are willing to go in order to prove that you lost the heavyweight title just to get the openweight one!" She slightly tilted her head forward and at that moment everyone realized that she had reached the most important point. "Put aside all doubts because it will be a hardcore match with the Russian chain!" Amid shouts, applause and chants, the first openweight champion bared her teeth, showing that she is not just ready for this challenge, but that she really wants to find out which Astrid deserves to be a champion in this ring today.

[winner3]

"Russian Chain Match. You got it, champ." The General Manager's voice emanated from the stage at the top of the entrance ramp. His co-signing of the match drew a crowd reaction. It seemed the head honcho hadn't entirely disappeared just yet.

"Let's get a referee out here. And please get both wrestlers everything they need to conduct the match properly, chain and all." The staff scrambled upon hearing the GM's request. Business picked up quick, fast, and in a hurry! And with a match of this magnitude being set to get underway, that was to be expected! Feelings of tension and pride filled the arena with everyone from the fans in attendance to the commentators behind the desk to the women in the ring right now! With the greatest prize at LAW and in the sport of wrestling in the line, there was no bigger or better stage that anyone could ask for!

As the multiple officials struggled to get the heavy chain to the ring and to set up camera equipment and so on, DeFranco set the stage further.

"Ladies and Gentlemen...this will be your Main Event Match of the evening!" The crowd roared in response to this declaration.

"I'll be observing this contest with great interest. I'll be rooting for you both. May the best Astrid win. Take it away, Announcer!"

With that, Dan took his leave and headed backstage to meet the production staff so that he could go over logistics for the PPV event thus far, and so that he could observe the match with the rest of the world.

It was now time for both the newly crowned champion and her highly formidable challenger to continue earning their keep at the top of the card of this highly decorated wrestling company!

Continued here