Here Comes A New Challenger? (Diamonds)

[Jamie Fury]

"Their Law" begins to play over the PA, and the still Pearl Champion named Jamie Fury makes her way to towards the ring. Dressed in a suit jacket & matching skirt. she's the picture of professionalism as she steps into the ring with the title slung over her shoulder.

Hello Tokyo. Or should I say Konnichiwa, right? I think that I speak for all of us here in the XWA when I say that it is an honor to be in this country competing and performing for you all. It's said that the best wrestling in the world happens in Japan...well we would like to think that we're pretty high on the list of bringing the best wrestling in the world to venues and living rooms around the world.

That brings me to why I'm out here. Since I've won this Pearl title, I made a promise to myself. That promise was to be a fighting champion, to bring prestige to the title that might have been lost in the hands of it's former holder...and most importantly to hold this title as long as I can. Last week in Saitama I defeated a former Pearl Champ in Cosette Grace for the second time in as many weeks...and the way I did it should probably have turned a few heads backstage. Like I said before, I always have a gameplan...and when I execute, I'm not the easiest person to beat, as you yourself can concur with Cosette.

Now as much as I want to face the woman again, last week was a title match, and we can't have the same people going after the same belts week after week now can we? I have made a commitment for each and every time I step in this ring to compete for it to be for the title I'm in possession of...and that is what's going to happen tonight. There'll be another time and place for you and I, but for now I want to see who else is out there. Who else amongst the Diamonds wants a shot at the Pearl?

Channelle perhaps? Oh I know you've been saying things about how you don't care who won at March Madness, but we all know you do. Maybe Marisol Cardinale, a chance to win gold in the conutry where you trained? Maybe even Amber Gianni...it would be a pleasure after seeing your performance last week. I'm only naming names for the sake of naming names...it really doesn't matter who steps up to bat, just know that this will be a tough out for any of you taking this belt away, or trying to for that matter. So who's it gonna be?

She lowers the mic and stands tall, waiting for the answer to her question.

[Amber Gianni]

The answer comes in the form of the sounds of "Pick Up", the themesong of the one and only Amber Gianni! She comes out onto the stage to the resounding applause of the Tokyo crowd, smiling and waving as she struts down the aisle towards the ring. She steps into the ring and looks over towards the proud champion, giving her a nod and a smile.

Now Jamie, it's funny you mention my name because to be honest with you, you beat me to the punch here tonight. You see, just like you I've been fighting hard over the last month in some pretty hot and heavy matches against one certain British lass, and like you I'm looking for a little change of pace. What better way to do that than facing off for the Pearl Title?

This is going to be a big deal for me because while you know how it feels to have championship gold, that's one thing I haven't had the privilege of doing just yet. Not in a one on one matchup for that matter, and tonight I want to change that. I want my opportunity to see whether or not I can be the one to take the Pearl and win my first title. A very, very big deal if you ask me...so much so that I'll forego another classic with Kiss for one with you, with the Pearl Title up for grabs, and yes...it will be a pleasure.

[Jamie Fury]

Jamie smiles back cordially at her next challenger.

Well, we're in agreement on one thing then. Amber, title or no title you're one of the most well-known and probably the most recognized female in all of pro wrestling today. That's not something to just scoff at like it's nothing. For someone to have done the things you've done, help the people you've helped get to the top of their game without once looking for a title opportunity, that's quite an amazing feat I have to say. It shows a lot of selflessness and dedication to this business, two things I have the utmost in respect for.

You don't deserve just a title shot as far as I'm concerned, you deserve title shots many times over until you finally get one for your own. You're a pioneer believe it or not, one of the ladies who girls like me have sat back and watched do her thing for a while now, and I must say that I've always been impressed with what I see.

She readjusted the title on her shoulder and continued.

But just like I said to Cosette, because I respect you doesn't mean that I'm going to go easy on you. This Pearl Title is going to be on the line, which means that I'm going to be putting it all on the line as well. Expect nothing less than my best...and I should expect the very same.

[Amber Gianni]

Oh I've seen your 1on1s with Cosette Grace, so I know that you can bring it. Don't you worry about me though, I'm definitely going to be giving it my all tonight with that title one the line.

You're right, about the only thing I haven't done is be a champion. I've been a manager, a valet and a wrestler...and everyone who's ever been under my wing so to speak has gone on to win not just championship gold, but WORLD Championship gold, so I consider myself to be something of a good luck charm. Tonight we'll see if some of that Gianni luck can rub off on me, now won't we?

Another grin.

If you've paid any attention to my matches, you'll know that I've changed my game some as well. This is going to be a knock down, drag out...and if you do come out with your title intact, you better believe you're going to earn it against me tonight sweetie. With all due respect to the rest of the Division, you're probably the hottest Diamond on the block right now. You've been nothing short of dominant since you arrived, and I know myself that beating you is not going to be easy, but like I said...I'm giving it my all.

[Jamie Fury]

Jamie nods again. Not a lot more left to say here...

I make it my business to know who I'm up against. I watch all of the Diamonds do their thing...and you know what? You're right. I have been quite the Diamond Dominator since my first match here, but I'm not going to let that get to my head.

I've seen this "change" your talking about. You're a lot less flashier than I remember you to be in your first matches of the year, much more grounded and focussed. That's going to make things much more interesting here tonight. To correct you though Amber, tonight's not going to be about luck. It's going to be about desire. It'll be about who wants this *pats title* the most, and I assure you that nobody in the Diamond Division wants it more than I want to keep it.

I'll see you later on tonight, Ms. Gianni.

With those last words, Jamie's hand outstretches towards Amber's in the center of the ring in a show of respect...

[Amber Gianni]

Amber graciously accepts the gesture. Jamie's grip was strong and firm, confident and deliberate. You can tell a lot of a person from their handshake and what Amber surmised from Jamie's was she about to face a confident champion who had no plans on becoming an ex-champion anytime soon.

The fans inside the Budokan Hall applauded the show of sportswomanship in the ring, but as Amber looked up into Jamie's eyes she could see the focus, the drive, the determination.

No more words were spoken. She knew at that point that she was going to have to exceed her own expectations if she were to become a champion for the first time in her career tonight.

END