Eliza Harenwood vs Yoske Ishimi - Dancing With The Stars

Match Rules: Standard

In the back of the Tension arena was a series of locker rooms, most belonged to the wrestlers to share. However the top talents of the establishment could have their own private ones, such as the dancing passion Eliza Harenwood. She was a wrestler that could always be counted on to face all that stood before her to the best of her ability. And tonight was no different. She was fighting a supposedly new face to Tension by the name of Yoske Ishimi, this was to be his debut match from the look of things. Eliza pondered it to herself as she stood in her locker room, stretching and lifting her leg upwards above her head and holding it in place for a few seconds.

"Hmmmm.......Well I hope they provide good sport all the same." Eliza muttered to herself, a stage hand knocked on the door and informed the dancing passion that it was time for her to make her way to the ring. Wasting no time Ms Harenwood would don her entrance attire dress, a classical black short masquerade dress with red trim and lace and procure her feathered fans and masquerade ball mask to boot as she elegantly strode out her locker room and through the hallways of the tension arena.

The lights in the arena would dim to black, then the all too familiar theme of the Dancing Passion known as Bailie De Batalla would blare from the speakers as the crowd burst into excited cheers at the fusion of dubstep with Spanish guitars as Eliza strolled out to the entrance ramp performing a series of graceful spins as her dress and blonde hair flowed with the movements of the British aristocrat! Then after having the ref open the ropes for her Eliza would grace the ring and spin into the middle of it and then bow gracefully to the fans in attendance, before stepping to her corner and waiting patiently with a fan covering her lower face as her masked gaze loomed on the ramp for her opponent........

Spoiler:

Tension Arena; late afternoon:

Yoske arrived early to get a look over the setup.  It was for nostalgia primarily.  He wasn’t sure if it was the same Arena he remembered from 14 years ago.  This also gave him a chance to meet a few individuals.  Staff mostly.  Yoske was given a tour of the facilities.  Dressing Rooms, production trucks, directions to the Gorilla Position, stage, ring.  He took this time to run through the motions mainly.  Yoske timed how long it took for him to reach the backstage area, Gorilla Position, then to the stage.  He felt uneasy when he reached the ring.  However, based on everything he ran through with the production team, Yoske was able to gauge and time his entrance properly.  This way he didn’t feel like a rookie.

Showtime, that evening:

Yoske set his duffle bag down and started to take a quick shower to soak and ponder.  For the first time in a very long time, he had butterflies in his stomach.  A lot of concerns surfaced in his mind.  Would they remember him?  What if there were crickets in the crowd?  So many things rolled in his mind.  

Shutting off the water and dabbing himself, Yoske suited up for his match.  Dark Tights slid over his lower frame followed by the red shin guards, kneepads and boots.  He fixed the hems of his tights to go over his boots which was unusual, but that's how he liked it.  Yoske slipped on the forearm bands he brought with him before taking the time to put his contact lenses in.  They had a yellowish hue to them.  Not a lot, but enough to look somewhat menacing.  Finally, he took a few seconds to stretch his body.  Hearing each bone pop in his spine and neck.  A courtesy was made to him indiciating he was up.  Yoske nodded and made his way out taking a deep breath.  

‘It’s no different from before...’ he thought to himself while heading to the Gorilla Position.

Outside, the lights dimmed down to create some darkness.  The music picked up with the tar (lute) providing the introduction portion to the hit “Temptation” by The Tea Party.  Some images and clips were played on the screen.  As the music picked up, the strobes started to move around hitting the ceiling.  With the drum beat setting the pace, Pyro Pods shot off from the stage to give the audience some anticipation and the lights started to brighten.  Finally, he appeared.  

Stepping out into the stage, Yoske, much like he did many times before, paused to take in the ambience.  The crowd roared like thunder upon realizing who it was making their debut.  Well…  Technically, their return.  Yoske looked around, seeing the audience before moving in rhythm to the drum beat.  His physique is on display for all to see.  Those who did follow his career, or remembered him would recount how very recluse and conscientious he was about his physique.  Yoske paused at ringside looking at the person he was to face.  This woman, he never met before.  That’s okay, in time he’ll be able to determine who are his allies and who are his enemies.  

Climbing into the ring, Yoske allowed the ring announcer to introduce him.  Yoske stood in the middle of the ring listening to the crowd taking the ambience in.  Slowly, his right hand raised into the air to encourage the audience to cheer louder.  Almost like a conductor to an orchestra.  Finally, he walked to his corner climbing to the second rope and glanced around at the audience.  Again, soaking the ambience.  Yoske climbed down from the second rope and turned around facing the woman who was to be his break in dance partner so to speak.  Earlier in the day he worked out the geometry of the ring and what he could do.  But he needed to see what she could do first.  He gave the woman a nod before stepping closer to the center of the ring to meet her halfway.  This was it.  The moment of truth.  Either it was going to be a blockbuster, or a flop.

Spoiler:

Eliza stood calmly in her corner there as she waited for her opponent for tonight's dance, her expression well hidden underneath her elegant masquerade mask there as she looked every bit the refined lady that was a hallmark of the Tension roster. Regardless the dancing passion wouldn't have long to wait here as before her opponent would reveal himself. He was indeed well built, taller than Eliza though that was to almost always be expected when she faced the men of Tension. Still his frame was well built and admirable to gaze at in Eliza's estimation.

He looked calm and composed here too, no doubt he must be a rather disciplined fighter. The dancing passion kept a polite smile to her lips as he entered. The ring announcer would speak in their Japanese, Eliza had been around in Kyoto enough to understand what he was saying there. A 14 year hiatus huh? It seemed that Yoske had indeed been around in the wrestling scene at the very least then if this was anything to go by, it didn't deter Eliza in the slightest however. She had been on her own progress route in wrestling and was now a top card talent here as the announcer also spoke aloud with "However Yoske has a tough foe looming ahead of him here. He faces one of the greatest ladies......no, THE classiest lady in all of Tension. She is the Dancing Passion! Eliiiiiiizaaaaaaaaaa Haaareennnnnnwoooooooooood!"

At this Eliza would, in one swift motion fling her masquerade mask away to the crowd to catch. Followed by spinning in place with her feathered fans elegantly moving into the folds of her dress, which after another spin would be slipped out of and gently shuffled under the bottom turnbuckle of her corner to reveal her ring attire. That being an elegant black leathered corset with red lace trim and stockings, she bowed gracefully to her opponent and those in the front row before making to ready herself in her wrestling stance. That stance being her arms tucked inwardly under her navel, her legs poised in a classic ballet pose as she looked confident as ever as she waited for the bell to ring!

Hearing the ring announcer introduce the woman he was facing, Yoske took the time to measure out the geometry of the field.  He was patient and adjusted his armbands making sure they didn’t slide down and adjusting the waistband of his tights.  He cracked the joints in his knuckles to release the air pockets then popped the joints in his neck.  He still had a few stiff spots physically due to stress, but he showed no signs of it.  Not even hinting how much his nerves were hitting him right now.  Not that it was helping him at this stage.  He took a deep breath–inhaling from his nose letting his chest rise up then exhaled slowly to calm his nerves.  You would think that one would be used to this by now, but for some reason, it wasn’t the case for him.  Maybe it was just the expectations.

Nodding to Eliza when she bowed, Yoske didn’t move yet.  His eyes showed how he was itching to kick things off; like a German Shepherd being held back by its leash itching to attack.  All bark, but the bite was refrained.  The referee took the time to check over Yoske to make sure he had no hidden objects or illegal items with him.  Yoske extended his arms letting the referee frisk him–lifting one leg at a time so the referee didn’t have to get down too far.  Yoske’s eyes never left Elizas.  He watched her take her stance and noted her positioning.  Yoske on the other hand, was more traditional.  

After the referee frisked him, Yoske bounced up and down a few times to loosen his body some.  Finally, the bell rang just as Yoske brushed his nose and brought his arms forward in a catch wrestling position–left foot forward right foot extended behind him, most of his weight leaning to his left leg.  His arms out in front of him but loose and relaxed with hands out ready to catch anything coming his way.  This was a preferred stance introduced by Martin Burns in the United States and was utilized in the early days by men like Karl Gotch, Lou Thesz, Frank Gotch and Billy Robinson.  Some say it’s a lost art but practiced still in the United Kingdom where it originated.   During a few bounces he started to circle clockwise around the ring to get a better idea of its radius.  It may look like a waltz per say with how his movements imitated a dance--his feet galloping slightly to a rhythm in his head.  Perhaps this might encourage Eliza to do the same and maintain her distance for now.  

Meanwhile, Yoske took the time to size her up and down to get a rough idea what he was dealing with.  For the sake of this bout, he may just take a couple of shots from Eliza to see where her strengths and faults were. It would also look good for her too, giving her shots in, and providing a show for the audience.  He was in no hurry, however.  Yoske wanted the audience to get their money’s worth.  It may be possible that the audience would chant his nickname but doubtful.  It's been fourteen years after all.  Still, the welcomed reception when he walked out just fueled him more.

Alright. This was it. The time had come, the bell was rung. It was go time, just as it had been in all her matches the dancing passion was ready to entertain the masses of Tension and her opponent. Eliza was often known to blast out of the gate in the opening exchanges of any of her matches, however it seemed here Ms Harenwood was going to let it be a bit more.......conservative as it were.

Eliza still had her confident, elegant expression and demeanour on her face as they circled each other in the ring. In a way it seemed almost like dancing to the British aristocrat, a rare moment of seeming serenity despite the intensity that both fighters had in their minds no doubt. Still Eliza was known for being aggressive and even here in this conservative opening she couldn't deny herself this urge, it was time to bring her offence to get Yoske a real introduction of what she could do.

Suddenly bouncing on her heels Eliza would rush towards the ropes behind her, making to bounce off of them. It was clear that the dancing passion was making a possibly predictable assault towards Yoske yes, however the instant she was sent forward from the ropes Ms Harenwood would suddenly burst into a series of explosives cartwheels and elegant flips back to back to back! Eliza was becoming little more than a blur of strawberry blonde hair and black with red corset and stockings, all in order to build massive amounts of momentum and attempt to snipe Yoske right with a hesitation dropkick aimed right at his ribs!

Yoske's feet shifted from galloping to side stepping--rotating around the ring until they were in opposite corners watching her every move. So far neither one of them made a move as of yet. In fact, he was assessing. Taking the time to evaluate her while working out all the mathematics in his head. The ring was about the same as others he was in. It seemed very surreal for him to be here again after all of this time. Yet, he knew he couldn't be too distracted. Since this was a foe he never faced before, he needed to focus and watch for anything. At the same time he should at least try something that might catch her off guard.

Yet, as they moved around the ring, it seemed like very well-choreographed dance between the two. Yoske keeping his pace with the aristocrat across from him looking for an opportunity to make the first move or be ready for one. In any case, he needed to move closer--push his way to grappling range. If he could do that he could--

Yoske stopped witnessing Eliza dash for the ropes behind her bringing his defensive up anticipating something big with the ropes giving more speed. However, he was surprised to she her performing some impressive acrobatics. The only problem was the woman was moving too fast for him to really react fully. Unfortunately for him, the shot aimed at his ribs hit their target forcing the Silent Wall to double over and stagger back a few steps away from her towards the ropes behind him. Wow, did that shot pack a wallop! The shot forced Yoske to double over clutching his ribs, but not fully knock him down. The unfortunate downside is that Yoske lacked the speed which Eliza was in no short supply of. The levels which she performed were higher than what he could do. But that's okay. For the time being, he can use this opportunity to see what she was really capable of. Her limitations, her faults. Maybe determine some holes in her overall performance.

Slowly, he felt the pain subside as he took deep breaths through his nose. It took a little bit of time and unfortunately, left him open for another potential offensive tactic on Eliza's part. Despite this, he would need to find an opening of his own to surprise her in some way. But if she was too fast, he may be playing a cat and mouse game with the dancing passion.

The match was now properly underway and Eliza was firing out with an opening shotgun blast salvo, Eliza was known for one thing in particular and that was making attempts to bowl her opponents over right out of the gate. The crowd always salivated in anticipation of the attack that Miss Harenwood would try to apply against her foe, usually it was an elegant series of ballet spins followed by a swift roundhouse kick that rocked her opponent's world.

Yoske warranted something more heavy duty in her mind with a build like his, the British aristocrat's kick would find its mark there for sure and the crowd roared. Yet the man still stood, Eliza recovered quickly after her dropkick with an elegant kip up but knew there'd not be time to try and admire her handiwork.

Giving a sharp intake of breath Eliza would make to try and continue her assault there, by making to swiftly advance to her red headed opponent and bust out into an elegant pirouette spin jump. However no strike would come just yet out the spin, it wasn't until Eliza's feet landed on the mat again that she'd spin again and attempt to fire out a spinning left roundhouse kick aimed at Yoske's midriff!

Slowly the pain was starting to settle for him during the small window he had.  In a way this was a David vs Goliath kind of match.  Yoske was Goliath and Eliza was David and the slingshot at the same time.  The crowd indeed roared when the first shot hit its mark on him.  She was the favorite it appeared and Yoske had his work cut out for him.  The problem was catching her at the right time.  Since her first shot packed a punch, it left a window for another shot.  He needed to recover.  

As he finally started to recover, he noticed movement from the corner of his eye and in a flash, the Dancing Passion was back on her feet performing another dance towards him.  Jumping in the air performing a signature spin used in ballet, Yoske's guard dropped again for a second and was almost in awe with her elegance.  However, that was short lived when she landed near him and spun around again.  Yoske's eyes dilated for a second as he instinctively tried to block the attack.  However, he miscalculated what her intended target was.  Normally, a roundhouse kick was aimed for the head which he impulsively brought his arms up to protect.  But in this particular case, he didn't take into consideration that she would aim for his mid-section again.  This time, the midriff was wide open, and he felt the full force applied to her roundhouse kick. His upper body doubling over and his mouth formed a small o shape with his pupils dilated from the surprise and the pain.

Normally, someone would actually fall down after taking two shots in a row like this.  In this case, Yoske almost did.  Thankfully, he was close enough to the ropes that he could use them for support while trying to soak in the pain he felt from the second shot.  He started panting from the amount of damage he was taking.  Leaning against the ropes as way to keep himself firm.  

'She's both elegant, and deadly,' he thought.  'I need to shut this down before I lose control completely.'

Taking a second, Yoske turned his body to face her while still using the ropes for support.  An idea came to him while trying to evaluate and assess the dancing passion.  She aimed for his lower body twice.  So far, Eliza didn't aim for his head or his chest.  Perhaps he could coax her into getting her final shot to knock him out of the ring.  It was a big risk but might help buy him some time and possibly surprise her if she fell for it.  So, he played it out that he was practically a wounded animal, wide open for another attack.  Already the pain was starting to settle while he watched her with one eye closed and panting.  His mind thought back to the night he faced Chigusa Yuuki fourteen years ago.  She tried to overplay her injury on him as though he used too much power on her.  It nearly worked.

The thing is, this wasn't Chigusa Yuuki he was facing.  This was someone else who was very fast.  Still, he tried to leave himself open purposely to entice the Dancing Passion.  If it worked, he would be ready for her next move and brace for it.

Eliza was making some steady progress there in trying to implement her main gameplan in a match for the most part, which was to dismantle her opponents piece by piece. She had managed to deliver two of her patented strikes towards Yoske there, serving to wow the crowd with her acrobatics and displaying to this supposed newcomer to Tension that her strikes were nothing to sneeze at.

The crowd cheered as they always would when bearing witness to the dancing passion's elegant nature in the field of battle, Eliza would spin backwards after landing her strike. Her leg that delivered the strike arched upwards and backwards as she gracefully poised momentarily, but Eliza knew that Yoske looked to be reeling from the strike and was on the ropes. The dancing passion would see that he was still standing, Eliza knew that a cornered beast was at its most dangerous. Yet still her style drove her to press the assault.

Glancing to the side quickly Eliza would swiftly step and rush to the side, to Yoske's left. In order to sprint up the turnbuckles and leap backwards off to the top, to attempt a swinging side kick aimed at the redhead's noggin to try and decapitate him if he didn't handle it quickly in time. Still it was high risk and high reward for Eliza there......

Yoske watched Eliza's every move from this point. It appeared she was actually falling for the opening and not wasting it. In the back of his mind there were some doubts about how this would be pulled off. Would he be fast enough to at least soften the blow? He didn't know, but he did have a few other tricks to aid him with his next move. So far, the offensive was relentless, powerful and fast. But that didn't mean there was a loophole in the rhythm. If he played his cards right, he might be able to exploit a few faults to the dancing passions patterns and methods.

Although he appeared to be reeling from the damage so far, it was slowly subsiding for him. There was plenty of gas in the tank. The audience seemed to be enjoying him getting nearly taken out like this. But, they wanted to get their money's worth out of this fight, and that was what his objective was. He watched Eliza who seemed to have taken the bait for this tactic. He was very cautious about his movements. Only when she started to make her next move is when he prepared to put his strategy into motion.

While Eliza rushed to his left, Yoske followed with his eyes as the woman made her way to the turnbuckle. In his mind he started calculating what her next move would be. His body started to relax and put more weight on the ropes behind him, his knees bent, and his feet positioned for the next action he was plotting. His arms slowly shifted to rest his wrists on the top rope getting ready for a big move. Her movements were indeed graceful. Yoske watched Eliza leap off the top and noted her body shifting to an offensive strike. Another kick. This time, Yoske was ready for it. Based on the trajectory, speed, height and angle, Yoske quickly processed what her move was aimed for. This time, he didn't miscalculate.

Instead, with his body shifted and relaxed, Yoske pushed his body backwards bringing his arms up to absorb the blow from her swinging side kick. At the same time, his body would use the momentum and energy put into the attack to fall backwards out of the ring. Timing was everything here and if he calculated this correctly, she would still successfully make contact, but with his block instead of his head. If he was off by a fraction of a second however, the kick would make contact, but the blow may not be as devastating as it would have been if he was still prone. The damage would be possibly halved since he was moving in practically the same direction her kick was aimed for and, like a cat, Yoske's feet would find their place on the ground and Yoske standing still now looking at Eliza. Ideally, this would be the better option since it showcases why Yoske's nickname is "The Silent Wall". Walls don't make any sounds when hit and it takes more than a few shots to crumble a wall.

However, if he was off with his timing and his reaction was delayed, Yoske would tumble out of the ring and land on the hard surface from the third shot. In either case, the crowd may go crazy over how much punishment the Silent Wall was taking. The real secret, however, was in the timing. A fraction of a second with his defensive tactic is plenty to create that illusion to not only the audience, but to Eliza on how devastating her blow looked this third time around. Specifically, how well Yoske timed his action to fall backwards out of the ring when her leg was about to make contact with him at the same time.