DELUXE Grand Tournament Finals – from Chicago, IL
Commentators
Glynda Goodwitch (RWBY)
Oscar Pines (RWBY) (Women's Tournament)
Miranda Maynard (OC) (Superstars' Tournament)
Chapter 1 – Women's Finals
(Glynda): We are sold out here in the Allstate Arena in Chicago! Welcome to Survivor Series: WarGames! And we're kicking things off with the Deluxe Grand Tournament!
The announcer was in the second ring, as the arena has two rings, setting up for WarGames, later tonight.
(Announcer): Chicago, Illinois, your opening contest is the final match of the Women's Deluxe Grand Tournament! In accordance with tournament rules, the only way to win is by pinfall or submission. There MUST be a winner!
The entrances were made, as Damage CTRL's theme plays. A woman in black hair and a black ninja outfit appeared. She posed, and then headed to the ring.
(Glynda): And here comes The Dragon!
(Oscar): Enju Saion-Ji went through a tirade of superstars, when she defeated Vomi to punch her ticket to tonight's Final.
(Glynda): Folks, as the tournament begins, I'm Glynda Goodwitch. Sajuna Inui is on assignment tonight. She won't make it tonight. Joining me is my old partner from UCPW Blue, Oscar Pines.
(Oscar): Thank you very much. Great to see the finals of both tournaments being. This feud between these two ladies, it all comes to a boiling point. Who will win?
Enju entered the second ring, and posed again, as the crowd boos her.
(Oscar): Let's not forget Enju's sudden shocker, aligning herself with Damage CTRL.
(Glynda): She'll be a part of the Women's WarGames match, later tonight. She has time to prepare… as she faces her former friend.
The lights went out, as a man in glasses, wearing black, appeared on the stage.
"Ladies… and gentlemen… Die matte ist heilig!" He said. He was Amadeus Krain (aka Toya Kunitachi), Akari Hanao's manager and interpreter, "The following people… have been mauled, dissected, and mutilated by the woman you're about to see… Zoey Stark… Nico Yozawa… Scarlet Riley… and Shayna Baszler… They all fell victim and became the fallen… to the uncrowned Women's Champion… and the woman who VOWS revenge on Damage CTRL, especially The Dragon, Enju Saion-Ji. Show your loyalty, and rise up! To the NEXT Winner of the Women's Deluxe Grand Tournament, and the NEXT UCPW Women's Champion… The German Bear… Akari Hanao!" He stepped back.
Imperium's theme (Prepare to Fight) plays, and a woman in long blonde hair was walking slowly to the ring, wearing a black robe and attire.
(Oscar): Here is the uncrowned Women's Champion. The German Bear. Akari Hanao. Accompanied by Amadeus Krain.
Fans cheered, as Akari let out an emotionless scowl, and placed her hands behind her back.
(Glynda): These two have had history together. Both from Friday Night SmackDown, and both hungry for the UCPW Women's Champion, held by Enju's partner in Damage CTRL, Mashiro.
Oscar, Krain mentioned the women Akari defeated to make it to the finals. Let's not forget Enju's warpath, defeating the likes of Tamina, Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter, and Vomi, to advance to the finals.
(Oscar): One more match. NO Damage CTRL at ringside. Akari vs. Enju, finally finish their battle.
Akari & Enju stared down, as the announcer was in the middle of the ring. The referee separated them.
(Announcer): Introducing first, representing Damage CTRL, from Chicago, Illinois (by way of Osaka, Japan)… The Dragon, Enju Saion-Ji!
Enju gets a mixed reaction; mostly because they're in Chicago.
(Announcer): And her opponent, from Dresden, Germany… The German Bear, Akari Hanao!
Akari & Enju stared down, and the fans went wild.
(Glynda): And tonight, the finals of the Deluxe Grand Tournament begin. The first of TWO Tournament Finals. We start with the Women's Division, and a rivalry for the ages. Hanao, Saion-Ji, one-on-one. Bear vs. Dragon!
(Oscar): These two ladies will be a part of the Women's WarGames Match, later tonight. Enju, representing Damage CTRL, hopes to keep the Women's Title in good hands. But Akari wants to win the title she never officially won.
The bell rings, and both ladies lock arms. They break free and step back. Enju bows to her, as does Akari. Then they begin to fight.
(Glynda): These two ladies came here together in UCPW, back then, made history. Enju, a former RAW, SmackDown, and Women's Tag Team Champion, former UCPW Women's Champion, winner of the 2021 Evolution Tournament. She and Akari also appeared in the first-ever Women's Money in the Bank match. And tonight, more history, first-ever Women's Grand Tournament, and all the way to the Finals.
(Oscar): For both these ladies, it has been a ride through 30 other women. But now, it all comes down to one final match.
(Glynda): And later on, the Superstars' Grand Tournament Finals, in our Double Main Event. Again, Hanao & Saion-Ji will appear again later, inside WarGames.
Akari exchanges fists and Enju retaliates with a huge knee. She then hit a suplex, and then picked her up. She hit a knee and kick combination, and tossed her to the corner. Akari bounced off the corner, and Enju hits a sling blade.
(Oscar): Slingblade by the Dragon!
Enju covers Akari, but she powers out at 1. Enju kneels up and prepares. Akari shoved her down, and Enju ducked a clothesline. She hit a dropkick to the back, and Enju traps her in the corner. She pushed her foot to the back of her head, and the referee started the count, breaking the hold.
(Glynda): This is NO DQ, as par to Tournament Rules. But the officials are making sure that they play fair. Once they reach 5, they have to break the hold.
(Oscar): Par rules, since 2006, there MUST be a winner.
(Glynda): Later tonight, Blake Belladonna and Lara Gonzalez will meet in the Superstars' Final Match. But now, this match is the showdown between two former friends. And Akari is in trouble.
Enju hit an elbow to the head, and Akari drops to one knee. Akari is breathing in, and she rolled out of the ring. Enju dove over the ropes and hit a Suicide Dive.
(Glynda): And right off the bat! Things are going wild!
Enju grabbed Akari and threw her to the steel steps. Akari countered it, and Enju crashes into the steps. Akari roared, as the fans cheered.
(Oscar): And again, no disqualifications, and they're brawling all over the double ring.
(Glynda): They're fighting in Ring #2. And that's how they're going to fight.
Enju rolled back to the ring, as Akari walked around the two rings. She walked off, as Enju called, "COME ON!"
Akari broods, as she snarled, "Not yet…"
She returned to the second ring, and they brawled again. Enju hits a Hotshot onto the ropes, and Akari crashes into the barricade. Enju heads out of the ring, and slams her head into the apron. She hit a Belly to Belly Suplex, and then wrapped her legs around her head. She hit an elbow to the head, and she barked in Japanese, flipping off the crowd, as they booed.
(Glynda): Enju Saion-Ji receiving the Chicago crowd, and giving it to them.
(Oscar): Kandy Potter said it best, last Wednesday, she loves deep dish pizza, as do I, Glynda. Not everyone hates Chicago.
(Glynda): Enju has to pin and submit Akari inside the ring.
Enju choked her onto the apron, using a boot. She let go, and she throws her to the floor. Enju stated, "Wait until later tonight! You won't survive me, Akari!"
Akari punched her, trying to retaliate. Enju shoved her down and yelled in Japanese. She ran to her, but Akari ducked, and she crashed to the floor. Akari grabbed her and slammed her down with a German Suplex to the floor. She grabbed her legs and tossed her to the barricade.
Akari throws her back into the ring, and she went back in. Akari grabbed her by the neck, and hit a Uranage to her. She stomped her down, and grabbed her in a headlock. Enju broke out and she tossed her to the ropes, and hit a kick to the head. She ran to the corner, and jumped off the top rope, hitting a Body Splash. Enju pins Akari, but Akari kicks out at 1. Enju snarled, and she hits her with punches. She did an armbar to her, but Akari rolled up and picked her up. She tossed her to the corner, and she landed a massive chop to her chest.
(Glynda): And now the knife-edge chop! Akari's signature move!
(Oscar): And Akari comes back, as she is able to get back in the match. Remember what's on the line.
Akari tossed her to the ropes, and she hit a powerslam. She pins her, and Enju breaks out at 2. Akari gets cheers from the crowd, as she shouted at Enju in German, "I own you! It's my tournament!" She hit a press slam, then a huge facebuster. She lifted her up and signaled the end. She lifted her up high in a suplex, and Enju was dangling up in the air.
(Oscar): Oh, no… The power of The German Bear, unleashed! And she's held Enju high!
(Glynda): The blood rushed through her head, and Akari is showing the crowd how it's done!
Akari slams her down, and Akari kneels up. She raised her arms up and prepare another attack. She grabbed her, but Enju did a knee to the face, then a hotshot, and then tossed her to the first ring with a huge dropkick. Akari was badly hurt in the middle of the ring, and Enju revved herself up. She ran to the ropes and leapt over the ropes, flying to the first ring. Akari was hit with a huge diving attack.
(Glynda): TOPE ATOMICO!
(Oscar): Enju Saion-Ji, with so much agility and flight! Leapt to the ropes, and flew towards the bear! This dragon can fly!
(Glynda): And now, Enju has to bring Akari back to the second ring. Rules say that pinfall or submission inside the ring, just not the ring they're in.
Enju gets up and tosses Akari to the second ring. She climbed to the top rope, and Akari gets up. She lands a crossbody, but Akari caught her in midair. She landed a front press slam. She pinned her, but she kicked out at 2. Akari was annoyed, as she was almost winning the match.
Akari and Enju got up and exchanged blows. A chop to Enju, and a kick to Akari. Enju landed a huge barrage of kicks, but Akari caught her leg. Enju hits an Enziguri, but Akari ducks. Enju kicks her off, and she stumbles down. Enju ran to the ropes and performed a Spinning DDT. Enju sat up and sighed in distress. Enju signals the end, as she went to the legs. She grabbed her legs, but Akari shoved her off.
(Glynda): Going for the Sharpshooter. Enju almost had Akari on the ropes.
Akari got up, but Enju slapped her around. She gets shoved off, and Akari charges at her with a huge shoulder tackle. Enju bounces off the ropes, and hit a Hip Attack. Akari drops down, and Enju grabbed her arms, and stomped her down viciously. Akari pins her, but Enju kicks out at 2.
Enju grabs her head, and does a rear naked choke. Akari tries to power out, but she struggles to get out. Enju tightens her grip, and she pulls her to the center of the ring. And she did her submission again.
(Glynda): High-flier and submission specialist, against a powerhouse fighter.
Enju lifts her up, but Akari lifts her in a Fireman's Carry. She hit a Samoan Drop, and then a knee drop to the chest. She pins her again, but Akari kicked out. She lifted her up and hit a neckbreaker, and then lifts her up to a back suplex. Enju counters, flying over behind her. She did a Rolling Bridge Pin.
"1! 2!"
Akari powers out at 2, and then Akari did a School Boy pin.
"1! 2!"
Enju kicks out, and used a Headlock to Akari. She hit a DDT to her, and then lifted her up, launching her to the ropes. She hit a Hurricanrana to Akari. Akari got up, and Enju hit a Backfist.
(Glynda): Shades of Kairi Sane, the backfist!
Akari goes down, and Enju waved her arms out, and grabbed her legs. She did a Heel Hook, and Akari was trapped in the hold. She broke out of the hold, and then dragged Enju off to the apron. Akari prepares a suplex off the apron, but Enju hits an elbow to the face, and then a Springboard Crossbody. She landed on her, but Akari rolled over and picked up Enju, performing a Running Powerslam. Akari was on one knee, as she was tired out. All the damage she had was too much, but it proved useful in her chance to win the Women's Tournament.
Akari punched away at Enju, and then threw her to the corner, seated down. She stomped down and rubbed her boot to her face.
(Glynda): And now the power game of Akari Hanao comes to play. Hanao, a brutalizer.
(Oscar): Once upon a time, Hanao was in Solid Storm with Enju Saion-Ji, debuted together on SmackDown, until the faction split. Enju went solo, while Akari learned from Imperium, and the Ring General, Yuri Gunther, the Intercontinental Champion. You can tell how powerful Akari had become.
(Glynda): But in the mindset, Hanao has never been Women's Champion. She has before, but was interim champion. And if she wins, she's guaranteed a title opportunity against Mashiro, the UCPW Women's Champion. But if Enju wins, then the title stays within Damage CTRL, and she could go after Chiaki Nanami OR Kurenai Kato for the World Women's Title, which happens later tonight, OR Hijiri Utagawa for the NXT Women's Title, or better yet, Kandy Potter & Neo Politan for the Women's Tag Team Titles, and it's a good thing she has Behoimi on her side, also from Damage CTRL.
(Oscar): Behoimi returned at Crown Jewel, costing Bianca Belair the Women's Title, in what was her final match in UCPW, before returning to WWE.
Akari stomped down, and Enju was helpless. Fans cheered on, as the face Akari was in control over the heel Enju.
(Glynda): And Akari hasn't forgotten what Damage CTRL did to her, including what Enju did on SmackDown, weeks ago, the mist to the eyes.
Enju slipped away, and hit a Bulldog to her. She lifted her up by the hair, and hit a kick to the ribs. She stretched her arm back, and Akari cries out in pain. Enju pulls back, and lets go of the hold. She stomped the arm, and then the leg.
(Glynda): And the stomp to the arm by Enju! That's the arm Akari used for that rock hard massive chop, which she learned from Yuri Gunther, and sets up the Powerbomb finisher.
(Oscar): Since leaving Imperium, Akari Hanao has become more violent, more vicious, and more deadlier than ever. Hanao wants to finalize her ticket to a Women's Championship Match.
Enju did a cartwheel, and then a double leg drop to the back of Akari. She rolled out of the ring, and Enju went to the apron. She went to her, but Akari tripped her down, back first onto the apron.
(Oscar): OH! Right into the hardest part of the ring! And Hanao in control!
(Glynda): And Oscar, this is the right moment for Hanao. Enju is in pain, and that is bad for her. Akari Hanao has to signal the end. But she has to do it in the ring.
Enju crawled to the ring apron, and Akari chopped her in the back. Enju cries in agony, and Akari chops away.
(Glynda): AND THE BACK BY AKARI! THOSE KNIFE-LIKE CHOPS!
Enju turns around, and Akari chops her down to the ringside floor.
(Oscar): And the punisher as she is, the German Bear is in complete control of The Dragon. Weeks, no, months of frustration let out, to her former friend!
Enju slinks away, hiding under the ring, and Akari heads around the rings. She waited, and Enju appeared from the other side, as she was panting and heaving in pain. Akari was waiting for her on the other side, and Akari yelled out, "ARE YOU AFRAID? YOU HAVE MADE ME ANGRY!" Then she shouted in German. Enju was rubbing her face, and she snarled, "You…"
She rushed into Ring #1, and Akari heads to Ring #2, and they ran towards each other. They started to brawl again, and the fans go wild.
(Oscar): Like a proverbial tennis match, here in the Allstate Arena!
(Glynda): But the decision must be made in Ring #2! They're brawling like it's a boundary line!
Akari grabbed her hair and pulled her into the ring, over the ropes. Enju begged for mercy, and Akari lifted her up for a Powerbomb. But Enju leapt over her, and hit a high kick to the face. She turned Akari around and performed a Blue Thunder Bomb onto Akari.
(Oscar): THUNDER BOMB CONNECTS!
Enju rolled to the prone Akari for the pinfall.
"1! 2!"
But Akari powers out at 2, before the hand comes down.
The fans chanted "This is awesome!" and clapped along. Enju was in disbelief, and then went to the corner, preparing for her next move. Akari got up, and Enju charged at her, but Akari spears her in the middle of the ring. Akari roared in complete rage, and then chops at Enju's chest. She lifted her up and landed a powerbomb on Enju.
(Glynda): POWERBOMB!
(Oscar): German Bear has done it! Akari Hanao!
(Referee): 1! 2!
(Enju kicks out)
(Crowd gasps)
(Oscar): ALMOST does it!
Akari was shocked, as Enju broke out after a powerbomb.
(Oscar): Few had escaped the might of the Powerbomb, but Enju Saion-Ji may be on her last legs.
Akari slapped her, and then shouted, "It didn't have to be this way! YOU HEAR ME? You would betray me?" She shoved her down, and Enju was furious. Akari charged at her, but Enju avoided the shot. Enju hits a roundhouse kick, and then grabbed her legs, performing a modified Cloverleaf.
(Glynda): and Enju is not going to take this lying down! Thunder Lock locked in!
(Oscar): Enju Saion-Ji, last gasp for air, and locks in the submission! Enju can win the tournament, via submission!
Akari said NO, as she was reaching for the ropes. Akari grabbed the ropes, but Enju pulled her away, and continued to hold onto the move. Akari is reaching for help. She tried to power out, but to no avail. Akari grabbed herself, and lifted herself up. Enju saw it, and attempts to release the hold. She stomped her down and reapplied the Thunder Lock. But Akari kicked her away. Enju stumbled to the corner, and Akari was on spaghetti legs. Enju did a spinning roundhouse kick, heading towards Akari.
POW!
She hits it!
(Oscar): WHAT A BLOW!
Enju climbed up the top rope and prepared a huge Frog Splash. She dove off.
(Glynda): FROM THE HEAVENS!
Enju hits it! The referee counted, "1! 2!" But Akari's arm reached the ropes.
(Oscar): Shades of her husband, Kazuki Araya, the Five Star Frog Splash, and Enju STILL couldn't beat down Akari Hanao!
(Glynda): Desperation time for Enju Saion-Ji. She's running out of tricks.
Akari got up, and Enju prepared a punch and kick combination. She turned Akari around, and locked in a Kirafuda Clutch (Rear Naked Choke). Akari was locked tight, but in her strength, she powered out of the hold, and grabbed Enju, preparing an Airplane Spin. Enju was dizzy, and Akari lifted her up high, and hits a second Powerbomb.
Akari was livid, and she did a third powerbomb. She lifted her high, and slammed her down.
(Glynda): THREE POWERBOMBS! And The Dragon is down.
Akari was upset, as she was in tears. She goes for the cover, but Enju's leg was on the apron. Akari sobbed, as she lifted her up again, and she yelled, "YOU MADE ME DO THIS!"
Akari lifted her up high, and lands a fourth powerbomb. And then for the pinfall.
"1! 2!"
Enju kicks out again. Akari was livid. She grabbed her hair and yelled, "STAY DOWN! WHY WON'T YOU STAY DOWN?"
(Glynda): Enju Saion-Ji's a warrior! She won't go down!
Akari locked in the Rear Naked Choke and yelled, "I HATE YOU!" Enju was locked in tight. Her knee goes down, and was about to pass out. Enju grabbed her face, but her arms droop down. Akari prepares one final powerbomb.
(Oscar): An emotional Akari Hanao. She is brutalizing and butchering her former friend.
She lands ONE MORE powerbomb, and did the pinfall, over her frail body.
"1! 2!"
But…
Enju powers out again. Akari was devastated, as she was annoyed. Five powerbombs, and Enju won't go down!
Akari sniffled, as she wept, "You shouldn't have joined them! You made me do this, Enju! You had to do this… YOU WERE MY FRIEND!" She grabbed her hair and hollered, "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!" Akari kicked her in the gut, and prepared one more Powerbomb, but Enju was lifted high, and then rolled down over her body. She rolled her up in a Rolling Pin, but Akari powers out. Akari lands a massive chop, and prepares another Powerbomb.
(Oscar): Five Powerbombs, and Akari going for Number Six!
SLAM!
Enju goes down by Akari's sixth powerbomb, but lifts her up and hits a 7th Powerbomb. She then pins her, and Akari is angry.
(Glynda): The German Bear! Six Powerbombs! To The Dragon!
"1! 2! 3!"
DING! DING! DING!
(Glynda): AND FINALLY, IT'S OVER!
Akari was in tears, as she rolled to the side. She sniffled, as the fans went wild. Akari Hanao has won the Grand Tournament!
(Announcer): The winner… of the 2023 Women's Deluxe Grand Tournament… Akari Hanao!
(Oscar): What a battle! The German Bear… came, saw, and conquered her former best friend, The Dragon, and Enju Saion-Ji was out of juice! Akari Hanao… finally one step closer to her championship opportunity!
(Glynda): Tears rolling down in her eyes, Akari Hanao, the winner of the first-ever Women's Grand Tournament.
Akari's arm was raised high, and she laughed, celebrating. The fans cheered, "AKARI! AKARI! AKARI!", as she was over the body of Enju Saion-Ji.
Enju rolled out of the ring, and Akari was on her knees, laughing and celebrating.
(Glynda): Akari Hanao's MO has been completed. Akari Hanao now has a 1-year guaranteed Women's Championship Opportunity of her choice, and Oscar, we know she's after the UCPW Women's Title.
(Oscar): Nico Yozawa and Enju Saion-Ji vanquished. Mashiro, when the time comes, she's next.
The screen showed the text, as it said "Winner of the 2023 Women's Deluxe Grand Tournament – Akari Hanao". Akari was in the middle of the ring, in tears, sitting down, as she was very happy. She rolled out of the ring, and headed to the ramp, all while her theme played on.
(Glynda): Six, no, Seven powerbombs. And Enju Saion-Ji is finally slain. Akari Hanao vanquished The Dragon of Damage CTRL! Enju Saion-Ji, finally losing a tournament final… and to her former best friend, The German Bear.
(Oscar): Akari Hanao is now one step closer to Mashiro.
The fans chanted "You deserve it! You deserve it!". Akari was on the stage, as she was near the trophy of the Women's Grand Tournament. Her theme changed into "Symphony No. 9 in E Minor", as Amadeus Krain joined her.
"Ladies and gentlemen… the 2023 Grand Tournament Champion…" Krain called out, "The German Bear, Akari Hanao!"
(Oscar): And there is The German Bear's confidant, Amadeus Krain, congratulating his ally in arms. His own version of The Ring General.
(Glynda): Akari Hanao, winner of the 2023 Women's Deluxe Grand Tournament. Hanao demolished Saion-Ji, proving her dominance, but it was more than power. It was rage. The thought of betrayal from weeks ago, after Enju joined Damage CTRL.
(Oscar): It took seven powerbombs to annihilate the Dragon, and it paid off. Akari Hanao, now etched her name in the history books. A big win for Akari.
(Glynda): Tonight, here in Chicago, in a brutal effort, The German Bear vanquished The Dragon. Congratulations, Akari Hanao, winner of the 2023 Women's Grand Tournament!
Akari and Amadeus stood straight, with their arms behind their back, and pyro goes off. Fans cheered on, as Enju was in the ring, in pain, and in defeat.
(Glynda): But Oscar, give our applause to BOTH women, as well as the other 30 women that participated in this event. The Women's Grand Tournament was born, and it was here, in Chicago, history was made. Akari Hanao, the first-ever Women's Grand Tournament Champion.
(Oscar): The hierarchy in the Women's Division is now under the grip and the power of The German Bear, Akari Hanao. The decision is in her hands. Look out, Damage CTRL!
Exclusive Interview
Akari was with Tengge, as she was interviewed, "Akari Hanao, congratulations, the winner of the Women's Grand Tournament. And finally, one step closer to winning the Women's–."
Akari stated, "You know, I don't need to ask… but you already know what I want."
Tengge said, "Okay… What are your thoughts on beating Enju?"
Akari answered, "That's difficult to say… Enju Saion-Ji deserved all of that, tonight… and to send a message to Damage CTRL and its champion, Mashiro. Mashiro, she may have the title hostage, because of Nico & Enju, but in that tournament, I vanquished them all. I promised that I would destroy Damage CTRL, and go through Enju Saion-Ji and Nico Yozawa, all to get to you, Mashiro. And just like this, like that, in Chicago… … …I made that promise. So, now the question is, which title I go after, for winning the Grand Tournament. Mashiro… You tell your wounded dragon, and the rest of Damage CTRL, that you have poked the wrong German Bear.
MASHIRO! Dieses Turnier gehört mir! Und jetzt bin ich hinter dir her, ich bin hinter ihr her und deiner Women's Championship! Mashiro, Behoimi, Nico, Enju, Arale… I am The German Bear! This isn't your ring, anymore! It's MINE! I have defeated ALL of your minions. And now, I'm taking your title. Because die matte! Ist heilig…"
Akari walks off, as Tengge smiled, "Once again, congratulations. Akari Hanao, winner of the 2023 Women's Grand Tournament."