AV 17 Tag Title: Imperial Order (c) vs. Masuyo & Valley Doll

Preceded by: AV 17 Rookie tournament: Sheena Akan vs. Yuki Onna
Followed by: AV 17 Main Event World Title: Alison Seong vs Cecilia Northman (c)


Imperial Order


vs.

Masuyo & Valley Doll




Match Type: Elimination Tag match
Winning Condition: Pinfall or Submission eliminates a single wrestler

Wrestling between the last match of the tourney and the final match of the night? An interesting place to put a championship match. Granted, Valley Doll was no booker, but she was almost tempted to say that her tag match with Masuyo was being shoved off.  They both deserved better, even Imperial Order - jerks that they were - deserved better.

Water off a duck’s back. If there was one thing Valley Doll Sr. had taught her, it was that you could steal the show, no matter what spot they put you in the card. That was precisely the mindset Valley had going into this match tonight.

”Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen!”

Def Leppard’s iconic intro drew all eyes to the top of the ramp, immediately seizing their attention. They’d never heard this theme in the arena before, but they knew enough: it was hard rock, and it certainly wasn’t something that Gwen or Akiha or Masuyo were likely to come out to, so…

”Hey, Moscow! I got something to say!” Valley Doll came prancing out from the curtain, microphone in hand, singing in perfect time to the music. Better still, she had a new, one-time outfit to go with her one-time theme. A little number she’d had made a couple of years back, but never had the occasion to bust out...until tonight.


”It’s better to burn out, than fade away!”

Eager and willing, she came prancing down the ramp, skipping along to the beat and slapping any hands she could reach. Her short journey came to a stop right before the apron, where she took a moment to revel in her favorite part of the song as she shot her fist to the sky.

”Rock on!”
”ROCK ON!”
”Drive me crazier!
No serenade, no fire brigade
Just Pyromania!”

She rolled on into the ring and circled about, pumping her fist into the air as she danced to the music. It was already starting to fade, but she was fine with that - they had three more intros to get to, and she didn’t want to hog the time. Speaking of which...

The koto followed suit, steadying the electrified air with a refined rhythm. For a moment, it seemed Then all at once, powerful beats echoed through the instrument, filling the stadium with energy once again. The lights flashed up and down the ramp, and at its apex stood the rising talent.

This was it, Masuyo. The peak.

Masuyo Ai:

Her mentor’s scarf wrapped around her neck, she raised her hands from her hips and let them fly high in the air, giving am excited shout into the waiting crowds. What stood out most, however, was the elated expression on her face. This wasn’t mere excitement. The MMA maven was outright beaming, her perfect smile reflecting off every flash from a nearby camera. And why shouldn’t she? Everything she’d trained so hard for, day after day with lesson after lesson with the best of Shibuya, had all come to this. She was fighting with champions tonight.

She was going to make it last.

Sprinting down the ramp, she held out a hand, slapping a row of waiting hands as she went. With one deft leap, she slid into the ring and popped up to her feet. Rushing to the nearest turnbuckle and hoisting herself up to the top, she'd face their Russian audience, cupping her hands around her mouth.

“KONBANWA, MOSCOWWWW!” The crowd let out a cheer. “YOUR CITY IS AWESOME!”

Oh, this was Masuyo’s first time abroad, too. She’d only spent about an hour perusing the snowy streets before management called her back, but it may as well have been an entire evening in her mind. The sights, the people, the air. Everything was so different. Needless to say, she was psyched about all of this. More than that, she was on top of the world right now.

She hopped down and spun about on her heels, throwing her fists into the air once more as she made her way towards the center of the ring. She gave a few ardent waves, really taking in the sight of it all before her eyes grazed passed her tag partner.

“Hoi! Look at this place! Isn’t it awesome?! I never thought I’d make it somewhere this big so soon! It’s like-” Oh. Was that a new outfit? Even cooler. “Red and black, huh? Can’t ever go wrong with that, but it looks great on you, Val.” She punched her fist into her palm. “This is going to be so much fun! Let's go! Let's go!”

She just couldn’t stop smiling. Win or lose, nothing could bring her down today. Well, except maybe...

Scores of orchestra members and various musicians put into action what hundreds of rehearsals had drilled into their head as they scurried into their assigned places atop the ramp and off to the side of the main entrance curtain. They tuned up their instruments and added several seconds of antsy anticipation that made the stirring crowd grow increasingly restless. Eventually the sharply dressed musicians comprising drummers, violinists, and oddly enough electric guitarists amongst others, would have a spotlight shone upon them while the stadium went pitch black. Rhythmic drumming along with the low pitched and booming cello started playing concordance until other musicians all began playing their parts as the Imperial Order's theme began...

Imperial Order~...:

A well-timed light show gradually illuminating the ramp in blue, white and red as the imperial theme reached it's crescendo about a minute in, and the tag champions themselves would dramatically stride out to shooting fireworks, a now illuminated stadium, and an overwhelmingly negative reaction nearly nullified by the powerful music resonating around them and intensely amplified on the speakers. Both of the haughty bluebloods were adorned in their form-fitting ring attire with slight color variations and Queenly cloaks matching their outfits hooked around their shoulders. Their tag belts securely affixed around their waist in what was a subtle message sent to their challengers that Imperial Order was the epitome of tag-team competition, and these shiny trinkets were clear evidence of just that.

Neither heiress acknowledging the booing disdain sounding off to their sides through out their descent down the ramp, both of them exuding an aura of smug superiority that personified how little they thought of the common folk around them. Both of them striding in lockstep as an example of how in-sync they were as a team before finally entering the ring by a gap in the rope opened by their accompanying attendants. After a pompous strut around the ring to the jeering fervor of the Russian audience, Gwen would settle into their corner where their belts and robes would be removed.

"...Never fear...the pungent smell of grease and oil is hardly noticeable now~..." Gwen teasingly whispered out of the side of her mouth towards her crimson-haired compatriot beside her. She was lying of course...you could still get a faint whiff of Japanese squid if you were close enough to her.

Akiha had an ice cold look on her face. She had never felt so mad before, having been insulted in such a way, she wanted revenge. She had spent some time thinking of a way to do so. After coming up with all sorts of idea and plots, the crimson hair crusader had finally settled on one, a way to get even with Masuyo. She had been so caught up in getting revenge, she had actually forgotten to tell her partner Gwendolyn about it, though it was probably for the best. Knowing the other member of Imperial Order, the Blonde Aristocrat would have attempted to one-up Akiha.

When Imperial Order theme played and the duo came out, Akiha would keep her eyes on her target, Masuyo. The audience, the music and everything else didn't get to her, there was only one thing that mattered and that was getting retribution. In her hands, she had her usual water bottle but unknown to most people, it contained a special mix, that combined the effects of the red mist and the smell of squid, a perfect way to get payback.

Upon entering the ring, Gwendolyn would make a comment, as was expected from her. Usually, Akiha would have some kind of witty remark or would simply ignore it but this time it was different. “Do Not Patronize Me!” stated Akiha in a harsh tone, clearly still mad at the past events. Though she doubted that Gwendolyn knew the real reason for the smell was not her but the bottle that she had brought to ringside. She would lay it near the turnbuckle, ready to be grabbed within a moment notice. “Now Then, Do You Want To Start, Or Shall I?” asked Akiha in a serious tone but still giving Gwendolyn the choice to show that she was still cooperating and would work as a team.

The palpable feeling of schadenfreude made this entire situation oh-so-deliciously satisfying to Gwendolyn as she subtly poked and prodded the bubbling cauldron of animosity that was her tag-team partner. Especially considering that unlike Summerslam, this time around Akiha was the infuriated heiress seeking vengeance against their opponent for turning their illustrious promo segment into an impromptu cafeteria food fight. While having odorous squids splattered in your face may not have equated being buried under several layers of cake...Gwen could settle for now~...

"Hmm...in the interest of allowing cooler heads to prevail...and since it appears that bottled fury of yours could prove to be most advantageous if uncorked as a late-game turnaround...I do believe I will lead-off tonight's festivities, my dearest associate~..." Gwendolyn remarked with a preening smirk after having her queenly robe and tag-title belt removed by their steadfast entourage, the referee taking the time to showcase both title belts high in the air before handing them off to ringside officials.

Gwendolyn than taking the time for some elongated leg stretches against the middle rope to help limber her up before striding towards the middle of the ring with a dramatic flip of her golden curls off of her shoulders. Gwendolyn exuding supreme confidence and showcasing not an ounce of trepidation as she once again stepped onto the grandest stage of them all. The bombastic theatrics of both entrances settling down and allowing the tension to rise in the air for what felt like a main event caliber match. The stirring restlessness of the crowd adding to the buzz with the scattered claps and whistles of those wishing to get matters underway...

Not that Valley thought she wasn’t going to show, but all the same, she was glad when she saw Masuyo coming out from the curtains, accompanied by her slick music. Her first PPV. Her first title challenge. This was an important, momentous occasion in a wrestler’s life, the sort of thing they look back on decades from now, and she’d been chosen to participate in a crucial role.

It wasn’t something she took lightly, and even less so when she saw how ready Masuyo looked. Her potential co-Champion had a way of mixing bubbly friendliness with killer intensity, and that strange mixture was on display today.

”You like?” She spun about and gave Masuyo the full view, before the two of them went sliding into the ring.. ”Had this thing in the closet for God-knows-how-long. Was just collecting dust, but I thought I’d bust it out for a special occasion.” Her smile turned into  a frazzled frown, as Imperial Order’s fanfare began. ”Speaking of which…”

It was big, it was overblown, it was grandiose, it was perfect for Gwendolyn and Akiha. Valley just folded her arms and waited as their fated opponents came strutting and preening down the ramp. Soon - not soon enough for her tastes, there inside the ring, chatting, and it seemed clear that Bettencourt herself was going to take the lead. Good. Perfect.

She gave Masuyo a tap on the shoulder and stepped forward, eager to meet this woman. She’d wanted a piece of Gwen for years, ever since she robbed the title from Haley, and a little while beyond that. While that was ages ago, the idea of taking a belt from the one who stole a belt from her girlfriend? Too perfect. ”I’ll kick this off.”

She gave Masuya a thumbs up and strode forward with bold, prideful steps, getting ready to meet Gwendolyn the middle. ”Just you and me, princess.” She started to kneel, getting ready to go into full fight mode in a second. ”Try to keep up.”

Gwendolyn wanted to enter the ring, claiming that cooler heads would prevail. How hypocrisy of her tag partner seemed to know no bounds as just a while ago, Gwendolyn was the one who was furious and charging like a wild animal. Out of the two, Akiha always considered herself the calmer and more reasonable one. Even here, when she was furious, she was still willing to let Gwendolyn start the match and the blonde aristocratic reasoning did make sense. Though furious, Akiha was willing to wait, after all, revenge was a plate best served cold.

Akiha would get behind the ropes and wait to see who Gwendolyn would face. After a moment it seemed Valley would be the first to tango with Gwendolyn and even made a comment. “Typical foolish foreigners, have you not forgotten this is a tag match, so no, it's not just you and Gwendolyn.” said Akiha as she tried to distract her opponent a bit. If it worked, perhaps her tag partner could take advantage of the situation even though the match had not started.

For a second, Masuyo was admittedly confused by what she was seeing. One musician after another field in from the entrance and set up at an impressive pace. The next thing she knew, their opponents were making their way towards the ring, golden and red capes fluttering behind them, a small imperial march taking place right before the Russian audience’s eyes as color after color exploded into the air.

“Cool capes.” She muttered to herself.

Promptly, the two groups would find themselves in the same ring. Less than inviting atmosphere between the two teams, she had to admit. Not that it bothered the MMA maven. She just couldn't wait to get thing started. All of this standing around was making her tense. But she knew better than to just go charging like she was used to. This wasn't just her first title run, or her first pay-per-view, but it was her first tag match. She had a partner to take into consideration now and new strategies to make use of. Lot of firsts to be had here.

Either way, everyone seemed to be looking towards one another with anticipation. Well, perhaps three of them were. Masuyo couldn’t help but notice the look Madame Kosha had been giving her since she’d entered the arena. She’d been looking a little...no. There was no easy way to put this. Ahkia looked pissed. Fair enough, kind of. Masuyo possessed a calmer temperament than most and even she wasn’t immune to holding a grudge. But then again, that’s what you get for being stingy. Probably better if they just avoided each other for the rest of the match.

Things seemed to be heading that way too since Gwendolyn was offering herself up first. Masuyo was ready to make good on her promise to the heiress and was about to take a step forward when she felt Valley’s hand on her shoulder. Seems she had her own score to settle. She was about to say something until she got the thumbs up. Then she just gave a slight grin and returned the gesture in kind. She’d seen that look from plenty of fighters before. This was Val’s battle and hers alone.

Once the two made their way to the center, Masuyo would slip out of the ring and hang by the turnbuckle. As the referee stepped forward to kick things off, Masuyo would steal a glance over at Akiha at her corner. Lifting a hand into the air, she gave an innocent smile and wave to the crimson crusader in a salutary welcome. Awkwardness aside, she couldn’t wait for it to be her turn.

Memories of title matches past had overcome Gwendolyn once she stepped back into the ring for what would only be her second Avalanche skirmish. Having been scandalously omitted from last year's fight card, Gwendolyn instead recalled the hellacious fracas that was her Entropy Title ladder match. A match that stilled lived on in infamy to this for being the defining jumping off point for the heiress' wrestling career, and for sparking the debate as to whether or not Gwen used a chloroform soaked glove to kayo Ace, or a mere sleeperhold. Half the audience eagerly awaiting what new controversy could stem this night...

Gwendolyn appreciated her sage decision to voluntarily take the reigns of the match once she noticed who was going to be her preliminary dance partner for the evening. Valley having been just the wrestler she hoped to contend with first, and upon hearing Valley's comment it was reinforced how she appeared to still be the authority on keeping it short and sweet.

"To try is merely to have the intention to fail~..." Gwendolyn elegantly imparted with her fingertips on her puffed out chest and snooty head held high as she doled her words of wisdom. "For example...you will TRY to relinquish our titles...but you WILL fail miserably and merely demonstrate how utterly outclassed you are by our superior and refined pedigree~...*giggle*...See the difference?" Gwendolyn topped off her rebuttal with a preening grin on her smug face while adopting a solid grappling stance with her arms extended and a competitive glare with the ring bell sounding off.