Sanae Saitou vs. Alizeh Midori III - POW Match

[CaptainL]

Continued from here

Match Type: Two out of Three Falls POW Match
Rules: Victory by pinfall, submission, or knockout. The loser will become property of the winner for the next 24 hours.

----

Sanae Saitou had a long history with Alizeh Midori, dating back quite literally to her very beginnings on the LAW main roster - her first match had been against Alizeh, and what a first match it had been. The Emerald Storm had kept Sanae on her toes the whole way through, forcing her to adapt to greater and greater challenges through three grueling falls of a match where Alizeh was determined to challenge her by bringing the highest levels of competition she could muster - and leaving Sanae striving to live up to the precedent she had set every step of the way. In the end, Sanae had lost, but she had showcased her skills in an exhibition no one was going to forget, and endeared herself to thousands of fans. Perhaps most importantly of all, though, in that match Sanae had won Alizeh's respect, and the middleweight wanted to kindle their bond even further.

They crossed paths several times since - at a LAW Magazine photoshoot, and forming a brief tag team run. But the next chapter of their intertwined fates came when Toshimi Minami challenged her to a match at Apex, and personally selected Alizeh as her first opponent in the qualifiers. That seemed like an uphill battle for Sanae - not only was she facing an accomplished wrestler in Alizeh, but she was also doing so in a submission match, and Alizeh was particularly gifted when it came to submissions. Nevertheless, Sanae had put herself up to the task, and when that match came, Sanae ultimately defeated Alizeh, proving she had grown even further beyond the promise she had shown in their first encounter.

But now, they were tied. When they ran into each other at a post-Apex party, they realized they would need to schedule a final match to truly set the record straight. And in order to truly bring the best out of them, it would have to be a match where the stakes were higher than ever before. That was why they had arranged their third match to be a POW match - a match where both of them would need to put forth all their skills and talent to fight for their very freedom itself. That was the only way they could possibly top what they'd started.

Now, Sanae stood behind the curtains at the Gorilla position, awaiting the moment she'd be called to face off with Alizeh. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She knew this would be a greater challenge than anything she had ever faced before, and one that would put everything she knew to the test. Alizeh had been a formidable foe every time they had crossed paths, and now she would surely have trained for this very moment, growing stronger than ever. But Sanae was determined, not only to stand up for himself, but to prove once and for all that she had it in her to best one of LAW's top stars. When her name was called, all would be answered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the main event of the evening! The following match is contested under POW rules, and is scheduled for two out oof three falls! Coming first to the ring, from Itoshima, Japan! At 5'2, weighing 115 pounds...SANAE!! SAITOU!!!"

Spoiler

Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuxUU0RO4nY

From the moment Sanae's name was called, the arena was echoing with cheers. Sanae, always eager to show off like the idol she was, stepped through the curtain under a kaleidoscope of bright multicolored lights, a microphone in her hand as she sang along with her theme song. She pointed out into the crowd on her way to the ring, as fans threw up their hands in the hopes of scoring a high-five on her way down the aisle. Since her last match, Sanae's fame had only grown - she had successfully leveraged her in-ring success to sign a deal with a music studio, and she had achieved new heights of popularity as both an idol and a wrestler. And all her fans were eager to turn out for what was sure to be one of the greatest matches of her career - when Sanae was up against Alizeh, with this much on the line, it could hardly be anything else!

When Sanae got to the apron, the music cut, and she stopped and threw her hands to the sky, taking a moment to bask in the cheers of all the fans. But then, she slipped through the ropes to head to her corner, stretching and rolling out her shoulders. All she needed now was Alizeh to show herself...

[Bare]

Alizeh sighed softly in preparation as she sat backstage for her match against Sanae Saitou. It was... a big match to say the least. Maybe not in terms of titles, or accolades or anything material like that, but something even more. They were after all a rather close duo, with a complicated nature to it to say the least, tangled up with passion, intimacy, admiration, and most of all pride. Pride that would be the driving force in this match here. After everything they had been through already, their first two matches, their tag team run, however brief it may be, even the fight they had on the beach that preceded this and the promo that had led to this very match getting more intense than Alizeh thought either of them intended.

This would be a match build on their past, in which one would gain control of the other, mind, body, and soul, even if for only one night. Still, all that being said, it was because this match was built so heavily on the shared history between them that Alizeh would make a special choice for tonight concerning her outfit. After all she had an array of choices in her wardrobe, but there was one that she hadn't worn in a while, in fact, not since her and Sanae's first clash against each other in a match with similar stipulations as their one today.

Spoiler

Standing up and making her way through the backstage halls Alizeh would sigh softly to herself, taking several deep breaths to hype herself up. All the personal matters not withstanding this would be an intensely difficult match. Sanae wasn't wrong when she said that she had drastically improved every time they fought. Physically Sanae was fast, very much so, stronger than she looked as a lightweight, and far more skilled then one would expect, their submission match that saw Alizeh's first defeat at the idol's hands proved as much.

More than anything though Sanae was the type of person to improve under pressure, which meant she'd only get better as this bout progressed, but in that regard Alizeh and the lightweight were the same. Stopping at the entrance ramp as Sanae finished her mini concert Alizeh would smile fondly as she listened to the closing notes, of course aware of the leaps and bounds Sanae had made in her career, and immensely proud as a result. Even so as the lightning cracked to signal Alizeh's entrance she would sigh and nod in anticipation to herself, ready to do this.

Spoiler

https://youtu.be/2lw8kuZYC14?si=7_FflIUvnd9Xf4RT

Music now strumming in earnest Alizeh would put on a bright smile on her face and pose for the fans who cheered loudly as a result, though, if one listened closely, they may notice it actually wasn't as loud as the reception for Sanae. A subtle, but immensely impressive feat for the girl to manage against the more established middleweight. Of course it didn't bother Alizeh one bit though as she made her way down the ramp, looking confident but with her eyes locked firmly ahead, right on Sanae's visage until she made it to the ring apron. Jumping up on the apron Alizeh would lift her leg up and slip between the ropes into the ring proper. Taking light, ginger steps towards the center of the ring Alizeh would lock eyes on Sanae, fully prepared for the bout ahead and just waiting for the bell.

[CaptainL]

Sanae's career had come a long way since her first match with Alizeh, too. She had first seen wrestling as a stepping stone in order to launch her idol dreams, but it was her dedication and her skills in the ring that had endeared her to the fans and propelled her career even further, getting her signed to an idol agency and kicking off a successful musical career. This time, when Sanae greeted the fans, it was as a bona fide singing sensation. But even if wrestling had only been a means to an end for her at first...now, it was something so much greater. In the ring, she had tasted her true potential, and decided that she wanted to pursue it even further. She had realized that wrestling was a calling to her just as much as singing was - and if there was anyone out there who had helped her realize that potential, it was Alizeh Midori. The woman she'd be sharing the ring with tonight.

The moment Alizeh entered the arena, everything changed. Through her own career, and all its highs and all its spectacular moments, Alizeh had attracted a following just as devoted and passionate as Sanae's, and now, she was greeted by cheers just as loud as her opponent had received. And it wasn't lost on anyone that Alizeh had shown up in the same outfit she had worn in that first match, all that time ago - both girls might have gone on to greater and greater things since then, but neither of them were about to forget where they had started. Both of them were ready to make this match well worthy of a culmination to the rivalry that had propelled them both onward and upward.

A moment ago, Sanae had been as happy as ever to do what she'd always done - entertain the crowd, and put on a performance that everyone would be eager and hyped up to hear. But as soon as Alizeh came to the ring, she grew stoic, her eyes narrowing in a steely glare. She sucked in a deep breath, turning around to face her foe as her fists curled tightly at her sides. Sanae and Alizeh might have been friends, and they might have both loved doing the things they did - but both of them knew how important this match was to them, and both of them were prepared to do it justice.

"Well, Alizeh...we're here," Sanae began. "I don't know how long it's been since we first met, but...I think that was the single most important moment of my life." A cheer went out at that mention - after all, it was that first match with Alizeh that had told Sanae she had a future, and set her on her road to stardom. "We've both come a long way, and we've both made strides in our careers. We're coming right back to where we started, but we've got years of growth and experience on our sides. But this time, Alizeh..." She made a fist and planted it against her palm, sinking into a stance. "...this time, things are going to be different! I'm gonna win!"

Already, the arena had broken into a loud cheer, even before the bell rang. Everyone was just too hyped up to see such a spirited performance from two passionate wrestlers who were going to give it their all. But only moments later...

*DING DING DING*

The bell did ring - and Sanae took a determined stride to the center of the ring, holding her hands up to take Alizeh in a test of strength! There, the middleweight would see how far she'd come!

[Bare]

Finishing her entrance Alizeh would turn to the woman standing across from her in the ring. Sanae Saitou. This was it. The match she had been wanting and waiting for since Apex concluded. A match going all the way back to one of her first bouts in LAW against one of her closest friends in the promotion. A battle of pride and will to determine who is indisputably the better woman between the two of them.

Walking to the center of the ring and staring Sanae down Alizeh couldn't help but smile softly as the smaller girl spoke and nodded in response to her. "Indeed we are and honestly? Same. Just like this moment will be for me as well." Alizeh said with a nod in Sanae's direction while raising her fists up. "I couldn't agree more... tonight.. we settle things once and for all.. and see who's the best between us!" Alizeh said with determination laced in her voice!

Stomping her foot against the mat Alizeh would move forward, looking to close the distance between herself and Sanae to lock up and engage in a test of strength! "That's why I'm sorry to say.. but I'm going to win!" Alizeh would roar with sheer determination in her voice, pressing her chest against Sanae's full force while pushing against the girl's arms with everything she had, determined to try and overwhelm the girl with everything that she had!

[CaptainL]

There were no hard feelings at all between Sanae and Alizeh. Both women respected each other as fellow competitors and admired the effort they put into their drive for excellence in everything they did. But they knew that there could only be one between them who could claim to be the better of the two - and both Sanae and Alizeh were determined to claim that title for themselves. Now, in the last moments before the match, Sanae stood a little straighter, the muscles in her body firming up as she kept her eyes locked onto Alizeh with unwavering focus. The air was thick with tension - not the tension that could only exist between two hated enemies, but the tension of knowing that they were only seconds away from their most anticipated bout yet. Neither wanted to miss even a second of it.

And both girls were, just as equally, bringing that energy to the forefront as the match began - neither wasted a second in throwing themselves into a test of strength! Alizeh might have been the larger of the two, but what Sanae lacked in size, she more than made up for in her unwavering spirit - she had to prove she was on Alizeh's level; beyond it, even! With just as much fury, she rammed her chest and shoulders up against Alizeh's own, and the two of them were pressed so close they could feel their foreheads rubbing against one another, their eyes locked in a mutual stare. Neither of them wanted to yield even an inch. And Sanae would not let herself be moved!

"You should know by now how strong I am, Alizeh," Sanae noted, matching every push and thrust Alizeh made with one of her own as they found themselves at a stalemate. "But you'll never believe some of the things I can do!" As she held down her leverage over Alizeh, Sanae would suddenly turn to whip her across the ring, trying to run her to the ropes! If that worked, she'd chase after her as she rebounded off, throwing herself forward to catch her with a dropkick to the gut!

[Bare]

This was it. No more time for talk. Just action. The bell had officially rang, starting the final match between Alizeh and Sanae in earnest and the first action they took was no surprise for many who had seen their previous bouts as the two green haired girls immediately raised their hands and locked up in a test of strength! Naturally neither wanted to be overwhelmed or pushed into a submissive position early on and that's exactly what this test of strength could accomplish, but neither cared, all they wanted was the chance to prove their strength to the other and this was simply the best way to accomplish that!

"Damn right I do... that's why its so fun to compete with you!" Alizeh said in response to her words as the two remained in a deadlock, their bodies pressing distractedly into each other, but Alizeh kept her focus, better than the crowd did at least. Still at Sanae's next words Alizeh raised a brow, thrown for a loop as well as pulled now literally as she was sent running at the ropes!

Eyes widening as she rebounded off them Alizeh could do nothing as she was met by Sanae with a dropkick to the gut! "Guah!" Alizeh out in pain, immediately taken off her feet and down to the mat, cringing in pain and holding her stomach... But she couldn't succumb to that pain. Immediately rolling backwards to get her feet under her Alizeh would take in a sudden gulp of air as she then dashed the short distance to a hopefully still rising Sanae, leaping up and aiming to slam her feet into Sanae's chest with a shotgun dropkick of her own!

[CaptainL]

Alizeh Midori's accomplishments were legendary. She was without a doubt one of LAW's most accomplished wrestlers, and a fan-favorite in her own right. Many women would have felt intimidated by the thought of staring her down...but not Sanae. Sanae had trained hard to elevate herself to Alizeh's level, and she had matched her for every height she lifted herself to, coming into her own as a veritable superstar. Sanae wasn't the least bit afraid of Alizeh...in fact, she was thrilled to be able to test herself against her in such a pitched battle! The whole time they faced each other in the leadup to the bell, Sanae had no regrets - only eager anticipation!

And perhaps nowhere would that come across more than in how Sanae opened up the action by whipping Alizeh into the ropes! She was the smaller of the two, but that did nothing to slow her down - in fact, she was able to hurl Alizeh headlong across the ring as though it meant nothing! That alone was a feat that won Sanae some cheers, but more importantly, it would set her up for the sort of fast-paced, high-flying offense she excelled in - which she was about to put to good use in hurling herself at Alizeh with a dropkick that sent her to the mat!

The crowd cheered as the two girls landed; Sanae flashed a grin, holding up a fist in triumph as she began to roll back up. But Alizeh was quick on the recovery - practically the moment Sanae was back up on her feet, the middleweight hammered her with a dropkick of her own! She fell back with a gasp, toppling head over heels. A few fans gasped too, just at the fact that Alizeh could be back in action so quickly! But Sanae was finding that out the hard way!

Still, if a little resistance wasn't going to stop Alizeh, it wouldn't stop Sanae either! When she came to a stop, the idol looked up to see she had fallen beside the ropes - and she could use that to her advantage. She quickly hopped to her feet - but then, she leaned against the ropes, letting them spring herself back toward Alizeh for a running clothesline! The two of them were firing off one move after another in rapid succession. They couldn't give each other a moment to breathe! But in part, it was a way to test each others' reflexes and reactions - Sanae wasn't sure if Alizeh could respond that quickly or not. But if she could, she wanted to make her prove it!

[Bare]

Alizeh and Sanae's match had only just begun yet both green haired girl's were firing on all cylinders right from the get go, neither willing to give the other any time to rest or plan, they were just flowing from one move to the next. Sanae starting out with a dropkick that Alizeh matched right back against her and as Alizeh rolled backwards to her feet she would look up and notice that her opponent was back up already as well, coming at Alizeh with her arm raised for what seemed like a clothesline!

Eyes narrowing in response to this Alizeh would push forward just as Sanae was about to connect, turning in response and reaching out to grab at the idol's arm and turning, trying to catch Sanae and use her own momentum against her to bring her down with a sudden arm drag! Should she manage this on her Alizeh would turn suddenly, holding onto Sanae's arm by the hand as she did so and falling backwards, throwing her legs up as she did so in order to try and trap Sanae in a armbar submission!

[CaptainL]

Sanae's speed had always been a key point in her strategy. She knew that her fast-pased style never failed to excite and energize her fans, but she also knew it was what she was good at, and she had leaned into that fact in her training. Now, though, the culmination of that training was on full display. Sanae had just floored Alizeh with a dropkick, and without skipping a beat she was already off to the other side of the ring, throwing herself against the ropes and rebounding back at her opponent. The idol had always been quick on her feet - but now, Alizeh was going to bear witness to what it looked like when Sanae decided to take things to the next level!

However, as fast as Sanae could be, it seemed that Alizeh was capable of keeping time with her! Just as she came near, in those split-seconds before she hit, Alizeh reached out and caught her by the arm! Sanae came skidding to a stop, her mouth dropping open in a gasp. She couldn't believe it - could Alizeh's reflexes truly be that quick?

She wouldn't have long to ponder that. Just seconds later, borne by her own momentum, Sanae's body lurched forward, and she toppled onto her face! She let out a yelp as she fell - but when Alizeh proceeded to wrench her arm behind her back and torque on it from between her legs with a brutal armbar, her cries grew even louder, and she threw back her head with a shrill scream! Alizeh had her specialties as well - and her keen knowledge of submissions was one of them. Now she was putting that to the test!

A hot, throbbing sensation shot through Sanae's arm. But then, she grit her teeth, hissing under her breath. No matter how much it hurt, she couldn't let it stop her now. She had managed to beat Alizeh herself at a submission match - there was no chance in hell Alizeh's submissions could take her down now! She twisted her hips from side to side, trying to writhe her way across the canvas; at the same time, she reached out and grabbed at the mat with her free hand to try and haul herself closer to the ropes, in the hopes of scoring a break!

[Bare]

Alizeh and Sanae had decided to get this match started in as heated and fast paced as possible, dealing high speed blows after blows to one another with no rest for the opening exchange between them. Against anyone else Alizeh would have been fine with this and used it to her advantage with her higher than average stamina and endurance.

Sanae however was one of the people Alizeh knew for a fact could match and maybe even surpass her endurance and stamina which made her the worst person to match this pace against. As such Alizeh knew she had to slow things down and luckily she was presented with the perfect opportunity as Sanae rushed her, giving Alizeh the chance to catch Sanae and flip her over herself before locking in a arm bar submission!

The greenette's cry of pain was all Alizeh needed to hear to know that the hold was working effectively against her as Alizeh pulled back and stretched the girl's limb out. However Alizeh could feel the two shifting and moving across the mat which was no surprise so Alizeh just kept pulling and stretching on Sanae's arm, trying to get as much out of it as possible before Sanae could reach the ropes! Of course though, once Sanae did manage to grab hold Alizeh would of course release her grip on Sanae's arm right away before getting up after with a roll of her neck.