Sayumi Arai vs. Valley Doll - Turn the Page

As much as Valley hated it, she automatically started to rationalize her defeat the second after the bell rang. Sayumi released the hold and she flopped to her back, staring up at the ceiling lights as the crowd roared, piecing everything back together. She did a mental replay of the events, scanned over things she could have done better, areas she could’ve had a stronger response, opportunities that should have been capitalized on. A mental examination of the last ten or so minutes, rewinding and fast-forwarding and rewinding again.

In the end, there was only one conclusion she could come to - Sayumi had gotten the better of her. She could make all the excuses, but that’s all they would ever be. They wouldn’t change reality or cheapen the younger wrestler’s accomplishments. She shook her head, letting it go with a long sigh as she stretched out on the canvas.

In all of it, she’d almost forgotten Sayumi was next to her and their limbs were still tangled up, making her jump a little when the woman spoke. She closed her eyes, chest rising for a small chuckle, and she reached over to take the fledgling wrestler’s hand in her own. ”You were greater. Today. Next time, we’ll see.” She winked, eager to lay down that gauntlet. Someday, she wanted a rematch. Not any day soon. But someday.

For now, though, there were important matters to attend to. Traditions to observe. ”Come on, let’s get you up. It’s your time to bask.”

With Sayumi and the referee’s support, Valley rose up, planted her feet down, and raised her opponent’s arm in the air, presenting her to the crowd while she pointed at her chest.

"Today." Sayumi had a breathy chuckle at that, repeating the veteran's words. It was true. The rookie could have lost several times throughout… but she hadn't. Cherry Bomb had pulled out the win on her redebut. Barely. It wasn't the fact that she had come out on top that had her smiling though, it was the fact she had done it in a way she could be proud of herself. Salvaging their match from a possible deflating countout, managing to reverse Valley's big move, and earning the respect of someone she admired. It had been an honor just sharing the ring with someone with a historied career as Valley Doll. She blushed faintly at the squeeze of her hand, glancing over to give the woman an appreciative smirk.

Even in defeat she was so humble. What a class act.

With a small nod, Cherry Bomb staggered to her feet, hand and hand with Valley to stand tall… relatively tall. She was having trouble standing as well, leaning against Valley as the veteran did the same to her. As her hand raised and finger pointed to her, an endorsement had been made. Fans on both sides of the fence began to stand up, cheering and clapping for the display of sportsmanship on display. Sayumi forced herself to stand taller, prouder. She hoped Cicilia was watching, had been cheering her on, was there waiting for her when she nibbled through their apartment door. This moment marked something new, something great for her, nearly moving her to tears.

"Thank you." She spoke softly, just loud enough that Valley could hear as she put on a big smile for the crowd.