Challenger

[pollox]

Following a previous segment, Overload cuts backstage to "The Master Manipulator" Pollox Troy and his protege "The Samoan Monster" Toa joined by Joe Beakman in the interview area.

In what's already been once busy and highly eventful night, I'm joined by Pollox Troy and Toa, who requested this time for...well...why did you request this time?

The answer's simple my pudgy friend. We stand here to issue two individual challenges to two men.

Two challenges? Shweet!!! Who are they for?

The first challenge is one I issue to one of Overload's newest competitors, and the most high profile international signing in XWA history. Mr. Mihashi Naozane.

The fans roar in cheer following the statement from Pollox.

Naozane-san is without a doubt one of the top 10 competitors to come out of Japan in the last decade. The most decorated international superstar outside of Magnus Von Schwartz in XWA. He holds three championships in two companies in the far east. He is as you would say "the real deal". Only the best of the best earn the challenge of Pollox Troy. And Naozane-san is in very, very elite company. So tonight, live on Overload, I challenge him to his 1st televised match on American soil. His official XWA debut. What better way to welcome a man of his wrestling caliber to the XWA, then with one of the best veterans this company has to offer?

Pollox grins his famous grin as Beakmen responds.

I know I'd love to see that match happen. So what's the 2nd challenge?

Well, I think I'll let Toa handle that one.

[toa]

Beakman turns the mic the direction of Toa, who adds...

!!!JONNY PUNCH!!! Tonight, you're ass belongs to THE SAMOAN MONSTER!!! Bring your little Kendo stick and your beer. I bring your destruction.

The scowling Toa pounds his fists together in angst.

[pollox]

Beakman turns back to Pollox.

Two challenges. Two men. Now here's a challenge for you too, Beakman. Go find them, and find out what there answers are. I they're watching, they shouldn't be hard to find.

Pollox and Toa then leave the interview area.

[naozane]

The show continues on, and a few segments later, Joe Beakman ventures into the dressing room of XWA's newest import Mihashi Naozane. He's flanked my a small entourage with included several associates from Japan as well as his wife Ginchiyo Tanaka and manager/translator Ishi Kawada. Beakman approaches them with regards to the challenge made earlier by Pollox Troy.

Mihashi, earlier tonight, Pollox Troy offered to "welcome" you to the XWA in a one on one match. While his intentions sounded strictly competitive, I'm sure you know of what kind of competitor he really is. What's your response to the challenge?

Ishi turns to Mihashi and translates in their native tongue. Mihashi then speaks his response, and Ishi relays it back.

Naozane san is well aware of Pollox Troy's status as being the master manipulator. But that does not change the fact that he graciously accepts his challenge. He has come to the United States for the sake of become XWA's 1st Japanese World Champion, and he cannot do so by avoiding the challenge of anyone, Pollox Troy included.

Great to hear, I'm personally looking forward to it. Will you be joining him at ringside?

No. I am here merely as his median between XWA management and the promotions he's employed by back home. Mihashi has expressed to both sides he wants to rise up the ranks in XWA with as little aid from them as possible.

Mihashi then speaks once again. Ishi translates;

Mihashi san welcomes the chance to compete here in XWA, and looks forward to showing the American fans what kind of competitor he is.

Beakman replies;

Best of luck to you tonight then.

Ishi relays what's said back to Mihashi, who response in saying...

Arigatou gozaimasu.

...and bows respectfully to Beakman. He then takes leave of the dressing room. As the camera follows him, Beakman mutters to himself...

Now to find Punch. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat.

Overload returns to ringside for the next match.