Three Minute Challenge: Astrid Ostberg vs. Nashi Dragneel

[CaptainL]

Match Type: Three-Minute Cage Challenge
Rules: Match takes place inside a cage. If Nashi can survive three minutes without being pinned, submitted, or knocked out, she will win the challenge.

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It wasn't every day that LAW fans had the chance to see the reigning Heavyweight Champion, Astrid Ostberg, in the flesh - but whenever they did, it certainly made an impact. As the main event of tonight's LAW show came to a head, the arena waited on the edges of their seats for when the Norsewoman would arrive on the scene. And when her theme music began to come over the speakers, the fans had already begun to cheer!

Spoiler

As had become customary for her in her championship run, Astrid emerged wearing a furry robe, open to show the Heavyweight Championship draped across her waist. She strode toward the ring with her back straight and her chin raised, keeping her arms held out at her sides to display the belt - and getting plenty of cheers and camera flashes as she did. But tonight, Astrid wasn't defending her title. Tonight, she had something else in mind - a test to see if one of LAW's up-and-coming talents could put her money where her mouth was.

When Nashi Dragneel, a famous idol and the daughter of an esteemed wrestler, had signed with LAW, her first opponent had been none other than Astrid herself. It seemed like a grave mismatch for a rookie like Nashi to take on the champ for her very first match - but when Astrid heard that an idol was coming to LAW, she wanted to see if Nashi had it in her to succeed. She wanted to see if she could stand up to such steep odds in order to see if the pink-haired girl had the drive and dedication she needed to go anywhere in the wrestling business, or if she really was just a pretty face getting by on her name alone. While Nashi had lost that match - and her hair in the process - Astrid had been impressed with what she saw. If she put the work in and improved her skills, Nashi had the potential for greatness in her.

It had been Nashi who called out Astrid for a rematch - one last match before Astrid left for America to join Fight the LAW, and before she married William Ashworth at the end of the year. And Astrid had named the terms. She was hesitant about how well Nashi could fare against her; even with the potential she had, she was still just getting started in her career. But Astrid knew of the perfect test. The idol probably didn't stand a chance at pinning her - but if Nashi could be locked in a cage with her and last three minutes, that would be enough to tell her she was going somewhere.

Astrid reached the ring, which had now been set with a steel cage just outside the apron. She took off her robe, passing it and the belt to the referee manning the door - unlike her defenses, she didn't show the belt off; this match wasn't about the championship. This was about Nashi, and about whether or not she could realize the potential Astrid knew she had. Once the belt was secured, Astrid took a microphone from the ref, turning back around to face the entrance ramp.

"All right, Nashi...you wanted it, and you'll get it! One match with me before I defend my title at Fight the LAW. The rules are simple. When I faced you in your first match, I may have beaten you without much of a fight...but I saw your determination, and your will to fight back. You knew you were up against the Heavyweight Champion, and you didn't even break a sweat. That tells me you've got guts, kid - and now that you've had time to train, and grow stronger, I know you're going to surprise me with how much more you can take. But this time, I want to see things eye to eye. I want to see how long you can last in the ring with me, with nowhere to run! If you can go three minutes in the cage, Nashi...then that'll be all I need to know I can count on you to go places. But I'm giving you one warning here - I will not hold back. If you want to show me you can take me...I expect to be impressed!"

With that, Astrid climbed through the door and into the cage. She stood there stretching, watching the ramp for when Nashi would arrive...

[SRG]

Nashi was in the locker room tonight was the night she was going to be in the ring again with Astrid. While yes the heavyweight champ saved her ass against Cecilia Lombard, she still wanted she can prove her own in the ring with her. To make sure Nashi can focus she asked Diluc and Yukino to not accompany her, she didn’t want them to be concerned getting a front row seat to Astrid bending her back a training dummy.


When Astrid was done she was informed it was her turn and with that, Nashi stood up and began to walk to the ring.

“COMING TO THE RING NEXT!!!! THE FIERY IDOL…. NASHI DRAGNEEL!!!!!

Spoiler

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers as Nashi came out to the top ramp. What made people shocked was there no music accompanying Nashi, no dancing, no posing, nothing just Nashi….. The idol would March down to the ring keeping her eyes on Astrid the entire time.


When she got the ring she opened the cage door and walked up to Astrid and gestured for the mic. If Astrid allowed her the mic she would take a few steps back and say”I just wanna say…. It’s truly an honor for this to be a main event” she has to wipe away a tear that came from her left eye before continuing”and because that fact….” she paused taking a second to look at everyone in the stands”I wanna give the crowd something they’ve never seen from the champ…. We’re already in a cage soo…. WE DO A CAGE DEATHMATCH!!!!!” the crowd freaked out into cheers with Nashi giving a smirk”now don’t worry will do the challenge but the match will be longer then just 3 is this okay with ya Astrid? You’re going into a 3 person match so you better have a deathmatch before hand” she said with a playful wink before putting her hand out for a shake.

[CaptainL]

From the moment she arrived, Nashi's entrance stood out. Not because of what it entailed, but because of what it didn't. Nashi was a former idol, and she was well-known for carrying the same energy she carried through her concerts into her wrestling career, dancing her way down the aisle and striking plenty of poses for the cameras of the fans. But tonight, there would be none of that. Tonight...Nashi was out to prove that she could succeed as a wrestler, without any flashy entrances or adoring fans to carry her. Astrid looked out at her from the cage with an eyebrow raised; this certainly wasn't the Nashi she knew. But at the same time, she smiled. If Nashi was willing to forego all the theatrics, focusing on pure, unrestrained athletic potential, it told her she was taking this challenge seriously - and she was eager to see what she would bring to the table!

Astrid watched as Nashi entered the cage, stepping back to give her space. But if she hadn't expected Nashi to step back from her usual theatrics...she really wasn't expecting her to request a cage deathmatch against Astrid instead! The champion let out a gasp, her eyes wide. Nashi was already facing an uphill battle when she had insisted on a match against Astrid herself. Now, she was going to face her in one of the most brutal and grueling matches in all of wrestling?

Even the crowd was taken aback, with a few gasps ringing out from the stands - along with quite a few cheers from those who were impressed by the determination and courage on display from Nashi! Clearing her throat, Astrid stood a little taller. "Well! I can't say I anticipated this turn of events. But it seems as though our three-minute challenge isn't going to cut it for my opponent..."

She then looked Nashi in the eye. "Nashi Dragneel. I hope you realize, I chose these stipulations because I wanted to give you a fighting chance. You have a lot of spirit and a lot of drive - and believe me, I appreciate that. But your career is still just getting started. You've trained, you've had your fair share of matches, but no one can deny that there's a big gap in skill and experience between you and I. You're a rookie - a promising one, but a rookie all the same. And I am the single highest-ranked woman in my weight class. That's why I felt I would even the odds by giving you a challenge not to beat me, but to survive. At the stage you're at, no one would ever expect you to win against me - but I felt that you just might have what it took to go the distance. And I wanted you to have that opportunity to prove you did to the world, so that no one could say otherwise."

"That being said...if it is, truly, a deathmatch you want...I can't say it's my favorite style of wrestling. But when I look at you, I see a lot of courage, and a lot of will. You're someone who would challenge Astrid Ostberg to a deathmatch in a cage, with full confidence in yourself that maybe, just maybe, you could manage a win. That takes guts. And I came out here tonight to test those guts. So, because of that...I'm willing to entertain your request!"

The crowd let out a gasp again - the idea that Nashi would want this was already incredible; now, it seemed it just might happen! But Astrid went on. "I'm going to warn you one last time. I don't intend to hold back, and I don't intend to treat you any differently than any other opponent. The match will only end when one of us gets pinned, submits, or is knocked out. Nashi, you're putting yourself up for a deathmatch against a woman who your chances of beating are all but infinitesimal. No holds barred. No referee to save you. You stand a serious risk of injury, which could threaten your entire career - or worse. I won't think any less of you if you decide it isn't worth it. But I'll leave that decision with you. Do you think you can take it?"

With Nashi's hand extended, Astrid held her own hand out to match, but came just shy of grabbing on. She would leave it with Nashi if she was to decide she could handle this!

[SRG]

Nashi knew that her request would cause a shock for everyone including the heavyweight champion herself! However despite everything Nashi knew that this was what she had to do. When Astrid finished her speech, Nashi extended her hand to grab it accepting anything that can come from this!

Nashi would gesture for the mic and when Astrid gave it to her she said”Astrid…. I know compared to you I’m not as skilled… but I knew that you were disappointed from our last match. You wanted a match that could truly live up to what our parents did, so tonight I’m giving you the match you wanted, and also the whole point of law is for everyone to show what they’re made off… and if I’m not good enough and take a career ending injury…. I NEVER SHOULD’VE CAME HERE!!!” she yelled into the mic give appalled from the crowd showing that tonight Nashi was dead set on the best match she can give the champion.


Nashi would take a few steps back as the bell ringed. Knowing that how powerful Astrid is, she forgone going for a lockup, instead keeping her eyes dead set on Astrid to see what she’ll do.

[CaptainL]

Now that Astrid had said her piece, it was time to hear Nashi out. The Norsewoman took a step back to give her opponent room to make her case, her arms crossed as she looked the smaller girl over with a watchful eye. Astrid had to be impressed with Nashi's dedication if she was truly this willing to put herself up to such a challenge, one no one could have possibly expected her to win - but she had her reservations that the idol would cripple her career by placing herself in such a dangerous situation. But when Astrid listened to the conviction in her voice now, as she stood her ground...a smile began to creep across her face. That told her all she needed to know. Nashi was willing to push herself to her very limits...even if it broke her body in doing so. That was how committed she was to showing the world what she was truly capable of. Above fame, above money...she put her faith in her own strength, and she wanted the world to see.

Astrid nodded her head to her. "That's the answer I was hoping to hear from you," she said. "If it's a challenge worthy of proving yourself you want...then on my honor as champion, I'll give that to you! So there's only one thing left to say, Nashi Dragneel..." As she spoke the words, Astrid smiled a little wider, and she got lower into a stance.

"I'm ready."

*DING DING DING*

The bell sounded, and the match was on - joined with a raucous cheer going up from the fans! Some were eager to see if Nashi had what it took to rise to the challenge. Others just wanted to see the champion do what she did best. But no one could deny the courage and the willpower on display from the idol turned wrestler! But Astrid wouldn't go easy on her - far from it! At the sound of the bell, the Norsewoman charged toward Nashi with her shoulder extended to ram into her. If Nashi was going to keep her distance, Astrid would just bring the fight to her instead!

[SRG]

Nashi was ready to show the world what she can do against the heavyweight champion! When the bell rang, her plan was to keep her distance and think of a plan to beat her at her own game!

Unfortunately for her Astrid wasn’t thinking of that. As soon as it started the Norwegian woman came charging like a bull! Nashi stayed in the corner until Astrid was close enough toward her. The pink haired idol went to grab a hold of the rope and move out of the way! If successful Nashi wanted to win for a powerful hit to knock the heavyweight champ down! The idol woukd go to grab the ropes and swing her body over aiming to kick Astrid in the stomach with a 619!

Spoiler

[CaptainL]

Just looking at the two women in the ring would be enough to convince anyone this was a mismatch. Even putting aside Astrid's accomplishments and status as the champion, she easily dwarfed Nashi when it came to her size and her muscular build, and she could overpower her with ease. But Nashi was smart enough to know what her limitations were. She knew it was hopeless for her to try and outmuscle Astrid in a test of strength...but instead, she could use her mobility to her advantage! Astrid had her in her sights, and she was coming straight for her. Nashi would only have a few seconds to slip out of the way - but she could use those few seconds to set up a trap, and she grabbed hold of the ropes, flinging herself through the air in an arc to land a kick against the Norsewoman's side!

Seeing Nashi's acrobatic prowess - not to mention her defiance in the face of danger - the crowd sent up a cheer, as her legs plowed into her opponent with the sound of a loud smack. Astrid skidded to a stop, hissing through her teeth; her body tensed from the aftershocks of the impact. "That...was good," she muttered under her breath. It was smart thinking on Nashi's part to see that Astrid would have a lot of forward momentum going into the charge, and that she could use that against her by striking once it was too late to correct course! But Astrid was too tough to let even something like that take her down. She doubled over with a hiss, digging her feet into the mat...and then looked back up at Nashi, where a smirk crossed her face.

"But...it's my turn," she added. While Nashi was still hanging off the ropes, Astrid would grab her by the legs, going to pull her off! There, she would whip herself around in a circle to spin her with a Giant Swing - but she would only go around for a single revolution. Her aims were to daze Nashi so that she could set up her next move - which would be one of her signatures, as she reeled the pink-haired girl in close against her chest, latching her arms around her sides to lock in a bear hug!

[SRG]

Nashi was proud she landed a successful blow to the heavyweight champion! What made it even better was the crowds approval. The idol had a confident grin that nothing could stop her at this point…… Until Astrid grabbed her and used a giant swing! “AHHHh!!! PUT ME DOWN!!!!” the idol screamed loudly as she felt like Astrid was going to throw her into the cage itself!


When it was over Nashi moved her head dazzlingly. Astrid wasn’t finished she pulled Nashi to her chest and put her in her signature bear hug!”OWWW!!!” Nashi let out as she clenched her teeth to hold in her screams. Nashi had to do something she had to fight back no matter what! The pink haired girl went to headbutt her opponent in the head. If not successful Nashi would aim to put her hands up to Astrid’s sides and use her claws on her!

[CaptainL]

Astrid, as a matter of fact, wasn't going to put Nashi down. Not even to hurl her against the walls of the cage! The crowd cheered at the Norsewoman's showy display as she whipped her opponent around in an arc, but that was only a prelude to what was yet to come - as she hoisted Nashi higher and pulled her in against her chest, locking her arms around the girl's sides to apply the pressure of a bear hug! If the fans were cheering before, their cheers grew even louder now - this was Astrid's signature move, and it looked as though Nashi was just about ready to burst under the pressure as the blonde grit her teeth and flexed her muscles to summon all the force she could! If Nashi couldn't break this, the match could be over quickly - and everyone was hesitant to suspect Nashi could break such a hold!

But Nashi was determined. And if this match had proven anything, it was that she wouldn't let the odds keep her down. Just then, her head shot out forward, as she struck the champion in the head with a headbutt! Crying out in pain, Astrid's head cracked back, and her grip on Nashi began to ease as she took one half-step back and began to bend at one knee. But even if her hold was looser now, Astrid wouldn't let go. She was tougher than that - but then, Nashi had a way of testing that, as she dug her nails into Astrid's sides!

Astrid wasn't prepared for such tactics. They might have been underhanded, but they were enough for Nashi to turn the tide! As a burning sensation ran through her, Astrid let out a pained roar, her hold on Nashi finally going loose as she dropped her to the mat. Then, panting for breath, she took a step back, rubbing at the soreness in her side where Nashi had clawed her. "Not...a bad start," she muttered, as though she was evaluating Nashi's performance in the middle of the match. "But surely you can do better than that?"

The champion wasn't going to give Nashi much time to act. She quickly pushed herself back to her feet, closing in on her foe. If she could get in range, her hands would shoot for Nashi's shoulders, trying to ram her against the wall behind her!

[SRG]

Nashi was fighting through the pain of Astrid’s strong muscles. The idol was able to fight through the pain and give the heavyweight a headbutt and brutal claws! This was enough for Astrid to release Nashi as she fell down to the mat. Nashi plopped to the mat holding her back in pain.

“welll Astrid we gotta start somewhere” She chuckled as the hold began to stand up properly. What she wasn’t excepting was astird charging at her and ramming her into the turnbuckle”AHHh!!!” Nashi screamed as Astrid had her trapped in between her and the turnbuckle!