DELUXE Grand Tournament Finals – from Chicago, IL

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BONUS Chapter 2 – Winners' Press Conference

At the Press Conference in Chicago, Byron Saxton was doing the introductions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, to start off this Survivor Series Press Conference, the winner of the first-ever Women's Grand Tournament, accompanied by Amadeus Krain, she is Akari Hanao."

Byron introduced Akari, and she and Krain take their seats. The press applauds, as Akari placed the trophy down. Byron announced, "Let's open for a few questions to Miss Hanao."

(Reporter 1): Yes, Chicago Tribune… Miss Hanao, how does it feel to win the Grand Tournament, after all these years?

Akari responded, "All these years… I started since 2016, and… and well, I have been on top with Enju. But still, I was hoping someday I could take the tournament, as Enju has won before. But I have been dreaming of it. And I did. For nearly 7 years, I wanted to pull myself to the top, as I had. Been a road for me in my career. I was in Solid Storm, Imperium, and went solo… I took on Roman Reigns, and lasted 30 minutes, and I even competed in Money in the Bank. That is why I prove to the UCPW Universe why I am a future star."

(Reporter 2): So, how did it feel to beat Enju Saion-Ji, who was a heavy favorite to win this tournament, tonight?

"Tonight… Well, Enju and I are still buddies… In JWW, we're still strong, and… and you know, one of us is going to win, and we agreed… May the best woman wins."

(Reporter 3): "Given the match dynamic you had, and all that rage, why did you attack Enju with 7 powerbombs? Was it personal, or was it all out of your feud with Damage CTRL?"

Akari whispered to Krain, and he said, "Akari… has proven to Damage CTRL that she's… dangerous. And so, Akari Hanao has smashed a Role Model, and slain a Dragon. And now, she's going to skin alive… Mashiro."

Akari stated, "Just so you know, I am going to go after the UCPW Women's Championship. And when the time's right, I will use this… and cash-in on Mashiro."

(Reporter 4): "Yes, CBS Sports. Speaking of Damage CTRL, you had a clean sweep tonight at Survivor Series, winning the Grand Tournament, and winning in WarGames. How was the dynamic between you and Hanako Kosaka?"

"So, we're now shifting to WarGames? Well… Hanako and I are not friends. But… Anything to eliminate the cause of the problem. Beating Nico, Enju, Behoimi, and Mashiro… and I'm still beaten up from it, but I am glad that I had Kotori and Hanako on my side. Nanao, on the other hand, we've been friends since forever. Glad to have a winning night, especially with the Grand Tournament, and the moments I had inside. But still, Kotori, Hanako, and I… We have a lot to go through, before we become friends."

(Reporter 5): "This is to Akari… Miss Hanao, aside from Mashiro, who's next on your radar, if and when you win the UCPW Women's Title?"

"I, uh… I don't know. Damage CTRL is one thing… but if I get the job done, maybe I will give Enju a title opportunity, in the future."

Krain replied, "Yeah. Enju Saion-Ji was a definitive talent, but tonight, after pushing The German Bear… Akari Hanao can give her a title opportunity, as a way of saying thank you."

Akari replied, "I'm in no rush on a cash-in. And I plan for one more run as champion."

(Byron): Akari, congratulations, the winner of the first-ever Grand Tournament for the Women's Division. Thank you for your time, Akari Hanao and Amadeus Krain.

She got up and said, "Thank you very much."

Krain and Akari leave, as Byron went to the table, after a round of applause.

"And now, we move on to the winner of the Superstars' Grand Tournament, and 11 years in the making, and a storybook ending in a Grand Tournament, please welcome, from Tampa Fight Club… Lara Gonzalez."

Lara appeared, as she was with Farra Stevens & Cy, holding her trophy. Lara nodded, "Thank you. Chicago, thank you."

Byron said, "A few questions for Lara Gonzalez…"

(Reporter for Tribune): Yes, Miss Gonzalez, congratulations on your Grand Tournament victory, and you shocked JWW, too. What's next for Gonzalez?"

Lara replied, "Well… Good question. You're gonna have to wait Wednesday, then. However, we all know what it is that I want." They chuckled, as she continued, "Well, there's only ONE goal I wanted… and that's the UCPW Universal Title, and yes, I wanted that prize, badly. So, yes, I wanted to face Peter Giese, one more time."

(Reporter 3): Miss Gonzalez, are you confident about defeating Peter Giese? You were 0-for-3 against him.

Lara nodded and said, "Well… I have a bad track record…" Farra added, "Yeah. A lot of people start off that way." They agreed, as Lara said, "Well… Giese has been a worthy contender… dating back to 2018, of when we first met, and then at WrestleMania Backlash… and then TWO Grand Tournaments. Now, here I am. Even if it means I'd risk everything, I'm not always perfect. I started as a youngster in Mexico, became a pro wrestler, then my basketball team, and now here I am, with my friends, fighting for what I believed in."

(Reporter for CBS): Lara… Speaking of, you had your career started here at Survivor Series, alongside Subaru Mikage and Xion Motley (Akane Serizawa), and making it through an entire decade, culminating to this. How has it been, after 11 years?

Lara stated, "Well, Giese started in Survivor Series, too… So… Better than ever. Now that I can call myself immortal… becoming Grand Tournament winner, and to finally win big. I competed in these tournaments, a lot, never won one, until tonight."

(Reporter 7): Gonzalez, what about the ending, with Bell Reigns interfering? Is this a sign of Tampa Fight Club fighting PXGZ of JWW?

Farra replied, "I'll answer this. It is. Bell Reigns made a crucial mistake. So, if Bell wants a war, the five of us, we'll bring in Armageddon."

Lara added, "She's right. Bell and I are uniquely the same. I have trained under the Anoa'i Clan, she was a test tube Powerpuff." Cy hushed her, and Lara said, "Sorry… That came out wrong. Bell's more of a wannabe Lara Gonzalez. But she and I are evenly matched. I hope one day we match moves."

(Reporter for WrestleTalk): Hi. WrestleTalk… What is it like to fight against a Faunus? This Grand Tournament saw you and Blake Belladonna in the finals.

Lara replied, "Tough, but very crucial. I mean, we both met in the Fearless Tournament… me, Blake, Mukuro, Weiss, Hinata, Shuichi, Ruby, Emerald, everyone that competed there. And to fight Blake Belladonna, it's like fighting a werecat." Farra chuckled, "Werecat?" Lara continued, "But still, even if the odds were against me, I'd still rise up in the battle… And I've been through it before. I was the underdog in this tournament final."

Farra stated, "Welcome to my world." They laughed, as Cy giggled. "I kid. I kid."

Lara replied, "But still… To face a Faunus? Try fighting an android. I mean, Cy."

Cy said, "Yeah, I could beat Blake."

Lara replied, "Not how I pictured how the Finals would go, but… Blake is open for a rematch with me, any time. She was a proud fighter, and a good competitor. And if we ever meet again, down the line, Let's hope it's for a title, or maybe a main event spot."

(Reporter for ESPN): Excuse me… ESPN. How will your Grand Tournament cash-in affect you, now that Ran Kotobuki and May have returned to UCPW?

Farra chuckled, "We're doing this now?" She said, "I'll speak for this one… I knew Ran Kotobuki, since 2006. And I knew she was a heavy hitter in wrestling. And the way she left, it was like she wanted to possibly rejoin the sport she never left. I mean, forget what happened in 2011… and forget AEW… forget all the media scrum bullshit, and forget the audacity that follows, Kotobuki is a future Hall of Famer. And she's from Shibuya, not Chicago. Kotobuki's tough, but I knew her, and I'd like to see where that goes.
And as for Haruka, or May, it's been how long? Over a year? I knew May, too. But May is very hostile. It's good to see her back, and great that she's now a part of the UCPW Family again. Hell, I was gone for a year and a half. But to see them return, make Survivor Series completely memorable, I'd say The Viper wants to play? Let's play."

Lara replied, "As long as Kotobuki & May stays on Red, I'm okay with that. But I'd dream of fighting Ran Kotobuki again, someday."

Cy added, "You forgot May. She's very tough. RKO, outta nowhere?"

Lara asked, "Didn't Neo stole her move? Or was it Riddle?"

They laughed, as Lara chuckled. Farra barked, "Damned if I know!" Cy said, "It doesn't matter." She added, "I'd like to say, about Kotobuki and Haruka… As long as they stay away from our business, we're fine. UCPW Blue, we have top stars. But if there is a date when Kotobuki and May fight us, we'd be ready."

(Byron): Last question… Top row.

(Reporter 9): So, what's next for Tampa Fight Club? Is 2024 your year, and if so, could we see WrestleMania?

Lara said, "I don't know. I mean, we want all the gold, right?"

Farra stated, "Let's see… We know Homura Akemi's the United States Champion, The Judgment Day is Tag Team Champs (we want a rematch!), and Peter Giese's the Universal Champion. We'll have to map out our plans for next year."

Lara said, "Yeah, 2024 is going to be our year. I won the Grand Tournament, and I'm proud of my accomplishments. So all that's left… is possibly WrestleMania 40." Farra said, "And Peter & I fight there, in Philly."

Lara agreed and stated, "But even so… It doesn't change the fact that I'm still the Big Dog here. I went through hell to get to where I am now, and I want to finish what I started." Farra chuckled, "That's the spirit."

(Byron): Ladies, Thank you very much. And congratulations, once again, to the WINNER of the 2023 Grand Tournament, Lara Gonzalez.

Lara gets up and said, "Chicago! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!" They raised their fingers high, and the crowd applauded. Farra & Cy take the trophy, and Lara follows them.

Meanwhile…

It was dark, as Blake was by the limo of Mr. Nevins. She was upset, as she failed her match. The window rolled down and Mr. Nevins was in the seat.

"You almost won… You failed me." He hissed.

Blake bowed, "I'm sorry."

He said, "We're not defeated yet. Get in." The Wild Claws entered the limo, and Nevins responded, "You didn't get the job done, and you failed to get the JWW Universal Title Shot. But I know friends that can make it so. First, we eliminate Noam Dar at Deadl1ne… then we worry about Marin Kitagawa… and then, we take care of our Bloodfang problem. Perhaps I can give you… … …Ophelia?"

Blake smirked, as he grinned, "Well, then, ladies… Let's talk business."

The limousine drives off, leaving Chicago.