Akashi Tanikaze Vs. Masane Tajiri

Standard Match
Winning Conditions: Pinfall, submission or knockout

The lights dimmed and the crowd hushed as they anticipated the first fighter of today's match. The main event was between two top contenders in the AFW. The twang of "Blooming" by Yoshida Bros. Signalled that Akashi was the first contender of the night.

The crowd cheered as she came out but she had a more determined look than usual, sparing only a few glsnces to the crowd. Clad in her traditional spotted green mawashi sash and a dark green sports bra, she climbed into the ring and performed her sumo ritual. As she finished and went to her corner, she let out a sigh and gave a wink to the crowd, smiling and giving a thumbs up. Her last match had a shocking ending she wanted to let her fans know she was doing alright.

Masane's music began to play afterwards, and Masane briskly stepped out towards the top of the ramp, and had one fist pumped in the air, to which the crowd responded wildly. She gave them a small smile before walking down the ramp with her fist still in the air, until she made it to the ring.

She then climbed in through the middle of the ropes, and looked over at the black haired woman, and gave a friendly smile.

"Hi" She greeted while moving to her corner. "Lets have a good match, all right?" She asked, standing in a pair of white martial art pants, and a matching white obi with a black belt secured around her waist.

Akashi smiled when she saw Masane step through the ropes. As she was greeted, she stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Masane-San. It is an honor to finally be facing you in the ring. I have been wanting to fight you for a long time now." She then stepped back and lifted her foot up high and slammed it down, putting herself in a crouching position as she waited for the bell to ring. There was a look of determination on her face. She was a little worried she might take her last match out on Masane but she cleared her thoughts. Masane was a champion and Akashi intended to be as well. She had to beat Masane unfettered to prove herself worthy.

Masane's smile faded for a moment as Akashi bowed deeply to her, replaced by a look of confusion. She watched her bow deeply to her, and watched as she shifted into a crouching position. "Sumo?" She started to feel bad, like she should know this woman.

"Don't.. Don't take this the wrong way, but um... should I know you? I don't really watch too many matches or anything.." She said, scratching the back of her head for a moment. "I don't really know anyone here unless I've met them face to face somewhere."

Akashi tilted her head at Masane's words. She straightened up and smiled. If it was true that Masane didn't watch many matches then she probably wouldn't know who she was. Instead of angering her, it put a fuel in her to work harder so that everyone knew she was a tough contender. She bowed again, this time only slightly. "Oh! How rude of me. I shouldn't have been so informal. I am Tanikaze Akashi." She gave her last name first in traditional japanese style. "I am going to become the champion of the league so I must know who the strongest opponents are. If you do not know me then I must be dishonoring myself with my performance in the ring. I will restore that honor by making sure you do not forget me Tajiri-San." She said giving a grin to Masane.

Masane smiled when she introduced herself, and nodded a little. "Ah... I see... well, it's nice to meet you, Tanikaze-san." She replied. "I'm not the champ though, for the record. Kirin Sumomo is right now." She explained. "I feel I do not deserve the respect you are giving me." She added, her smile fading just a little.

Akashi smiled at Masane's words. "No matter what, you should be proud to have been one." She said and took a fighting stance. "If you don't think you deserve the respect I am showing you, you have one last chance to earn it from me!" The bell clanged and Akashi dashed forward in a low crouch and brought her hands up to push Masane backward and keep her off balance as she prepared for a real attack. She knew she couldn't take Masane lightly.

Masane took Akashi's words into consideration, and nodded a little at her challenge. "..All right." She decided, right before the bell sounded to start the match. She brought her fists up in a karate stance. She braced herself as the sumo darted forward, and prepared for an attack.. only to be pushed backwards. She was unfamiliar with the style of sumo, confused as she stumbled backwards, trying to keep her footing.

Akashi pressed forward. Once she saw that her style had caught Masane off guard, she pushed herself in close to try and grab Masane by the waist and toss her to the ground while she was still off balance.

Masane saw Akashi moving in, and would try for a quick strike at the side of her head as she was grabbed by the waist, and then ended up with her feet off the ground, and let out a grunt as she landed on her back.