Long Overdue (Ina & Bull)

[ashley]

Paramore's "Decode" plays over the PA, and the O2 Arena explodes in cheer to welcome the new XWA Onyx Champion.

Matt: Here comes the woman who did what no one thought was possible. At Ring Rage, Ashley Diamond shocked the world and defeated Bull Nagano for the Onyx Title. The same Bull Nagano who since her debut in XWA has been nothing short of dominant. Bull's defeated a who's who of XWA's best female competitors, including Ashley. But at Ring Rage, Ms. XWA would not be denied.

Buzz: There's nothing else that needs to be said about this woman. She's just "it". The pinnacle of professionalism. Without a doubt the best pure talent in women's wrestling. And if I were a betting man, I'd bet on Ashley Diamond being Onyx champion for a long...LOOOOOOOOOONG time.

After making her way down to the ring, Ashley stands triumphantly in the center, the Onyx Title draped over her shoulder. He brings the mic she'd been provided to her lips and speaks.

This ladies and gents, has been a loooooooooong time coming. Can you believe it's been close to three years since I've held a championship in XWA? *Peers around the arena* I KNOW!!! It's crazy right? But here I stand, the XWA Onyx champion. A title that has a lineage that goes back a few years. A title that you could consider the most prestigious in this company, because it's birth wasn't in this company. This belt's been held by some of the best female wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots in it's past incarnation. And I can stand here and tell you all that this right here is the defining moment of my career. Because this title here means more to me then even the Diamond Title, because of what this belt signifies. The history and tradition of it. And I intend on carrying this title with the poise, grace and dignity that it deserves.

A rousing applause from the fans follows.

Which leads me to my 1st order of business. And that's the former champion Bull Nagano and her partner in crime, Ina Morifuji.

The cheers quickly turn to boos from the London fans.

Bull naturally has a rematch for the title. And I'm naturally ready, willing and able to give it to her. But it's Ina I have a bone to pick with. Ina's been all mouth as usual, and for some odd reason, no one's been able to shut her up all year. Well Ina, tonight's your lucky night. Because I damn sure didn't come here to Europe to see the sights. I'm here to wrestle. And the way I see it, you and I have some catching up to do. Which is the reason I'm calling YOU out to a match, right here, tonight.

Buzz: Now that's what I call setting the stage

At Ring Rage, you said you'd make me pay for insulting you, Ina. Well, here's your chance to make good on that lil' promise.

Ashley lowers her mic and waits for the arrival of Ina & Bull.

[rbn]

Ina steps out from backstage shortly after, uncharacteristically without Bull by her side. With a displeased scowl and a mic in hand, she answers the challenge of Ashley Diamond.

You must take me for a fool. Since when are you the one to make such demands? Challenging me? Here tonight? You must not value the Onyx Title as highly as you say, because facing me all but seals the deal of Nagano-San taking it back. Because after I'dve had my way with you, all she'd have to do is blow on you gently and you'll crumble like a building. A fool you made of me once, but tonight won't be the same. What makes you so sure I wouldn't just take my payback on you outside of the ring, hmmm? What makes you...believe that I'll step in the ring against you on your terms and not my own?

With a devious grin, Ina waits for Ashley's answer.

[ashley]

Ashley looms upwards as if in deep thought over the matter. She then comes back with an interesting answer.

Maybe if I make it worth you while. Dangle a carrot over your nose a bit. You get in the ring with me tonight, and you and Bull can name your challenge for Only The Strong. You don't even need to win, all you need to do is come off of that high horse of yours long enough to get back in the ring with me one on one, so I can beat the crap out of you. Because winning is something you WON'T be doing tonight. Earlier I said be holding a title in XWA was long over due. Well, so is me kicking your ass over all four corners of this ring. Way overdue if you ask me. So what's it gonna be there, Ina? Are you gonna stand there and keep squawking, or are you gonna knuckle up for once in your life?

[rbn]

It doesn't take Ina long to figure there was potentially a means to sway things in Bull's favor, even if it meant getting in the ring against Ashley. She pondered there may be a means for her to get something out of the deal as well.

I'll go you one better, gaijin. If I agree to the terms of facing you tonight, not only do Nagano-Sam and I get to choose what match the Onyx Title is defended in at Only The Strong, but on the off chance you actually do manage to defend the title against her, I get the next shot at it.

Matt: She can't be serious, can she?

Buzz: It's INGENIOUS!!! We all know Ashley wants nothing more then to stick it to Ina. This is Ina returning the favor. If Ashley wants her that badly, she has to agree to Ina's demands.

With a deviously satisfied grin on her face, Ina awaits Ashley's response to her counter challenge.

[ashley]

Initially, Ashley smirks at the proposal. Then something dawns on her.

You know what, Ina? You're ON. But since I'm handing out freebies it seems, I think I'll give myself one as well. If I get past Bull at Only The Strong and defend this title, you'll get the next shot at Devil's Night. But it's going to be MY match...

...a SUBMISSION match.

Buzz: I stand corrected. THAT'S ingenious! Ashley Diamond in a Submission Match? That's like playing Micheal Jordan in a pick up game back in 1998, or trying to hit Adrian Peterson in the open field, or trying to stop Didier Drogba in space for all of our London viewers. It's pretty much over before it even starts.

Again, Ashley turns the tables on Ina. She grins waiting to see how Ina planned on weaseling her way out this one.

[rbn]

With a grimace of reluctance on her face, Ina realized she'd been backed into a corner. If she backed out now, she'd never hear the end of it from the rest of the Diamond roster. Though she had only limited skill in submissions, she figured she might be able to pull of the upset of the millennium.

*Hmmph* Very well then. A Submission match it will be. But that's if, and a very big if, you manage to survive Nagano-San a second time. A feat that I doubt even someone like you can do. Enjoy your reign as champion, Ashley. It won't last long.

Ina waits for Ashley's final response.

[ashley]

Ashley gives that response in kind.

Oh,we're going to see about that, Ina. Tonight's just the precursor. A little warm-up to my greatest performance. A performance that by the time the show's over, the only people who won't be applauding is you and Bull.

Ashley lowers her mic to the tune of her theme cuing over the PA system once more.

Matt: An interesting situation it seems. Ina's worked her way into a potential Onyx Title match should Ashley defeat Bull Nagano at Only The Strong, but it'll be a match Ashley's never lost in her career. A match she's the best in the sport at, a Submission match.

Buzz: That's a big if though, Matt. Remember, Bull beat Ashley the 1st time out. And we still have another week before the title match. Who's to say Ashley even makes it to Only The Strong in one piece? Ashley's as good as it gets, but don't count Ina & Bull out, they ARE Black Diamonds after all.

Matt: A fact I'm more then certain Ashley's well aware of, Buzz. More Takedown action is on the way people. Don't change that channel.

Buzz: You'll hate yourself in the morning.

Takedown goes to commercial soon after.