Eliza Harenwood (W/Clyde) Vs Shido - Fanning the flames

Standard Match won via pinfall or submission.

This was it, Eliza's first match of 2016. The fans of Tension had eagerly awaited the return of one of their favourite women, the dancing passion. She wasn't much of a social media person, but there had been questions as to when she'd start in this year. That was going to come to an end, and starting would be Eliza's dominance in the squared circle. The opponents would matter little, they would merely add fuel to the blazing glory.

In her locker room Eliza had looked herself over in the mirror once more, dressed in a long black dress with red trimming. It was her entrance attire of course, her wrestling costume was as always under it. However she was sharing this room with another person, none other than Tension's very own cowboy Clyde T Gastin! Perhaps the person Eliza had known the most since arriving to Japan, indeed he was one that Eliza liked to believe helped her develop from how she was then to how she was now. The pair had made an agreement to have each other's back as the saying went, and as it was Eliza's start of the year she had brought him to this match.

"Well Clyde.....Guess I'm up now. I am thankful you are here. I don't mean to sound overconfident, but we're about to bear witness to the best year of the dancing passion~ Now let's go." Eliza remarked with a wry grin, she had looked up the first dancing partner of 2016. Shido, known as the fanboy. A rather short bloke, but full of energy. No doubt he'd have scouted Eliza as she was pretty much a Tension brand name at this point, but that fazed her little. After all one couldn't get too close to the fire without being burned.

With that she'd be at the entrance ramp with the cowboy, the arena's lights going out as a large red velvet curtain was lowered. The large crowd began to cheer as the song that was known as Pena Flamenca!

And shortly after the song played Eliza would emerge from the curtain, with Clyde surely in tow. To quite the thunderous applause, Ms Harenwood smiled and waved to the crowd. Taking in the chance to bask in the adoration of the masses, akin to the times she performed her dance routines to many back home in Britain. She would proceed to make her way towards the ring, slapping the hands of fans and even doing a quick autograph. With a nod to the cowboy Eliza would enter the ring and grin before standing at her corner to await her opponent, she wanted the chance to size up Shido. To see what her in-ring dance partner was, and if he knew what she was getting into.

Eliza must have trusted Clyde quite heavily to allow him to join her in her dressing room. Granted when he got in she was fully dressed but still, he was a guy and she was a very approachable young woman. It was a honor and he took their friendship very seriously. And while she was in the mirror fixing herself up, Clyde was looking at his phone, not wanting to just be sitting there and staring but eventually Eliza was ready to go!

"Yer gonna do great, Eliza! Knock 'em dead!" Clyde exclaimed as he winked at Eliza and gave her a thumbs up before following her to the gorilla position where they'd soon step onto the stage to be greeted by the thousands of fans that littered the Tension arena.

Behind Eliza, Clyde emerged, wearing the black tailored suit Eliza got for him with matching loafers to boot!

"Get ready ta' get rocked, Tension! Whew!" Hollered the Cowboy as he raised his fists over both their heads as they strolled down the velvet red carpet with Clyde high fiving fans, smiling at screaming girls before making his way up to the ring apron where he'd sit on the middle rope and push up the top one to allow Eliza to easily slip inside.

He then walked on the apron, going around two ring posts until he was standing on the apron directly behind Eliza while she stood in her corner, giving the dancer a light massage on her shoulders while he'd look towards the entrance ramp with her, waiting for the guy she was going to be fighting tonight.

"Alright Eliza, Ya got this! You a total pro and dinners on me when ya win." He muttered into ear.

There was a short pause following Eliza and Clyde's entrance. The theme song faded out and the roaring of the crowd began to die down a bit as they awaited Shido. After a few moments, the young kid would emerge from the back of the arena to the tune of silence. He'd charge down the ramp and dive into the ring, flying between the bottom and middle ropes, with great speed and full of energy! One might mistake him for a fan that happened to sneak backstage if it weren't for his immediately visible athleticism.

"Phew! Very sorry to keep waiting! Would you be upset with me if I told you I made a wrong left turn at Albuquerque? haha...I've no clue what beef management has with me, but they refuse to play my theme song. I always waste time arguing with them."

Spoiler:

He laughed weakly at his own joke, trying to play it his lateness without seeming rude about it. Shido followed up by explaining his lateness and then offering an introduction. "I'm Shido! It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Eliza!" He extended his hand to her for a handshake and his courtesies with it.

Eliza was feeling very, very confident in herself right now. She had Clyde watching her back and providing moral support, she was certain that Shido wasn't going to attempt any sort of chair attacks or anything like that. Nevertheless having a sort of wingman provided a huge morale boost to the dancing passion, she was smirking as Clyde massaged her shoulders. It wasn't the same as having her legs massaged, but it made sure that the British woman avoided becoming too tense and pulling something.

Shido seemed to have arrived shortly, Eliza thought it was some sort of stage hand as there was no music or lighting or anything like that. That is until the opponent introduced themselves as Shido, she was able to know that he was quite talkative too it seemed. Refusing to play the theme song of the fanboy? Perhaps it was due to how intricate Eliza's entrance was, she could get away with that due to being a known and well liked name whereas Shido still hadn't earned his stripes so to speak.

Nevertheless Shido seemed polite, going up to Eliza and referring to her as Miss and everything. Ms Harenwood smiled and accepted the handshake while saying "Indeed. Mr Shido this is my first match of the year. I ask you don't disappoint."

The audience of course had wasted no time in favouring Eliza, her style of fighting combined with her attire had earned her many fans. Speaking of attire once Shido went to his corner Eliza would effortlessly remove her dress and hang it on the iron corner post, with her attire being a red leather corset and matching stockings. She'd then do some light stretching as Clyde would probably make his way out the ring, balancing her left leg on the top rope and then pulling it behind her back so the foot reached up to her head. Just to give the opponent a warning of what could await them of course, wouldn't be long till the bell rung.

"Ask and you shall receive! Here's to kicking off your year with a five star match!" Shido would reply with enthusiasm. He'd casually walk to his corner and hop in place, making sure he was warmed up and raring to go. Shido wasn't the showiest soul at AFW, and he had only just started making a name for himself, but he lacked in bravado or showmanship, he more than made up for in his attitude and willingness to give it his all in the ring.

He'd give a nod to Clyde to acknowledge the guy as he left the ring. Normally Shido would take the time to introduce himself to everyone he met, but with Eliza demanding a challenge, he didn't want to risk getting distracted. He had noticed Eliza slip into something more suited for the match. At this point, it didn't even surprise Shido. He had seen her entrance on the monitors backstage and he had made a habit of researching his opponents before his matches. Over the top, yet elegant seemed to be Eliza's shtick since forever ago. Shido was more impressed to see how flexible Eliza was. His eye widened a bit as she stretched her leg up to her head. He would quickly look away, as he was sure it might seem awkward to stare while she stretched.

Despite his shy behavior, he was no slouch. He had promised to make it a fun and well fought match and he had intended to do just that. As soon as the bell had run, he'd wear a face of determination and confidence and make his way to the center of the ring. He knew his greatest strength going into the match were that odds are, he would be underestimated. And he intended to take full advantage of that.

Clyde raised his brow at the guy who came running down the ramp, the cowboy already saw him as a bit of an odd ball but he seemed like the friendly sort as he went over to greet Eliza before going back to his corner.

"Good luck, kid." Clyde teased as he whispered in Eliza's ear before slipping off the apron, not putting himself ringside while Eliza stretched out her legs, displaying her flexibility.

Clyde just looked off to the side, smiled and sighed. "I never get tired of that..." He mused with a sly grin before turning back to the action.

"LET'S GO, ELIZA!"

Now it was go time, Shido was clearly energetic. And had made something of a name for himself in Tension, not bad Eliza would think. But her focus and concern was ensuring that victory was hers, no doubt the fanboy had scouted the dancing passion out beforehand if he had any intention of trying to win. A good thing that Shido had revealed himself a recent tag match, small but can hang with the best. Nothing really major in Tension escaped Ms Harenwood's notice even if she wasn't present, in her life beforehand that was important to do so.

It was good that Shido could do fine in the ring, Eliza didn't bother with the men who only came to Tension expecting an easy time. They were like those who tried to gain her favour back in England, only to be all boast and bluster. She merely gave a smile to Clyde before turning her attention back to Shido.

The bell rung and the dance had begun, Eliza was now calmly focused on the task at hand. She had been settled into her usual fighting stance, knees slightly bent with both arms coming inwardly. And of course the crowd was wasting no time in favouring the dancing passion. Shido looked to be going into the centre of the ring, Eliza would step forward and forward again. Pacing her steps she'd attempt to get the ball rolling here, with a strike of course.

A pirouette was done and then another, swiftly with practised motions. No matter the opponent Eliza knew that always took them aback, and then she suddenly rushed forward jumping into the air and going for a beautiful butterfly kick to blast right into the fanboy. One of the things that Tension missed was the acrobatics of the British dancer, now they would see it once again.

The formalities seemed to have come to an end and both combatants seemed to be prepped and ready to go. Shido had some inkling of what he was going up against. The crowd was pumped and staunchly in favor of Eliza and crowd's presence at ringside merely drove that point home. Still, none of that seemed to bother the fanboy. He stood there in the center of the ring, smiling at his opponent, completely undisturbed. If anything, all that energy seemed to resonate with him. He'd keep his hand in front of him and wait for Eliza to come to her.

Spending time on defense might not be the veteran decision to make, but it would help Shido learn exactly what it was he was up against. Despite his research, Shido didn't know too many specifics about Eliza. But he had the constitution, endurance, and analytical skills to get a good idea of these before forming a plan. He'd watch her carefully, studying her movements as she closed in.

He'd observe her pirouettes. They were executed with intensity and precision, her form was on point. Shido didn't know a ton about dancing, but he knew enough to identify moves such as those. She followed up immediately with a butterfly kick that seemed to come from absolutely nowhere! Shido's eyes would widen as he barely perceived the wind up and telegraph for the move. The kick would graze his hair as he spread his legs and ducked very low, just in the nick of time! His head barely above the mat, he'd voice his concerns aloud "Nice moves! I hadn't planned on attending a dance class, today!".

Shido made with the banter like he usually would, but he understood the gravity of the situation. Strikers don't throw one punch or kick and call it a day. Many more blows were likely to follow the butterfly kick, and Shido needed a game plan. He'd try to hope backwards to get some distance and engage her again, hopefully he could follow the coming strikes and find a weakness or an opening!

Eliza prepared herself for this, several moves had been practised. Since coming to Tension and taking time off Eliza had been expanding her array of moves, sure she focused on strikes. But there was other so called routines that the dancing passion had under her belt, some things that Shido might not expect. And speaking of that Eliza had hoped that Shido would be taken aback by this sudden butterfly kick enough to be struck down like she had hoped.

But that didn't happen, not only had her legs only caught thin air but Shido made a little crack about her style of combat. Such words wouldn't, couldn't go unopposed. If the fanboy required a lesson in manners Eliza would be happy to administer it, wouldn't be the first time she had done so. With practised control Ms Harenwood quickly landed and had turned to face the fanboy after she had flown over him.

Without a word Eliza continued her attack, Shido was still down even if it wasn't caused by the British woman. And she quickly rushed forward to press the attack, the dancing passion would try to clip the fanboy in the side of the head with a quick enziguri from behind. Eliza knew that she must keep on the offensive, she just needed that one blow to try and start things off.

Shido was quick on his feet, but he hadn't anticipated that Eliza might be as well. She came at him quickly and vindictively, as if his mouth annoyed her. This would work to his advantage, as Shido was one to talk during matches. But the discourse would have to wait until he could get a handle on her attacks.

Before Shido could turn his head to acknowledge Eliza relocating herself behind him, her enziguri would already begin. Her foot was set on course to collide with his temple in a way that was sure to do some serious damage! Shido had only seen it coming for a split second, but it was enough for him to take some action! He'd very quickly raise his hand to the side of his head, mitigating some of the the damage as the impact from her kick made a sound audible enough for Clyde to hear at ringside!

While the instinctive block may have helped, it sure didn't stop Shido from feeling the blow. He'd stagger back a few steps, recoiling from the enziguri. While creating some distance might have been a sensible reaction, Shido couldn't tell which direction he was retreating to at the moment and unfortunately for him, he'd be taking steps towards the corner of the ring, which is the very last place you'd want to be against such an opponent!