HEART AND GOLD: BEGINNINGS IN TOKYO KICKOFF PRE-SHOW
Venue: Ariake Arena
Date: July 23rd, 2023
State/City: Tokyo, Japan
(The beginning melody of "MEGITSUNE" by BABYMETAL starts as two silver round rectangles started swinging back and forth over a gold background. Once the music really kicked off, the two rectangles connected with two gold ones connecting and all four connected forming a circle. A red heart slammed into the middle and bold white lettering with a gold trim spelled "HEART AND GOLD" as the show name came into view. This would be the logo for the show as the scene faded into the Ariake Arena where a sold out crowd of 15,000 fans were in attendance owing to Japan's popularity for professional wrestling. The fans were screaming and cheering as they were shown holding up various signs for their favorite wrestlers. About 100 fans were seated ringside in rows of five on the white tile floor while everyone else were seated in the rafters. The main stage had a small titantron screen for entrance videos hung up in the far right corner near the entranceway. There were two sets of black curtains serving as the entrance into the main room with the Heart and Gold logo embedded on them with a small WFPW logo on top. A long black curtain displayed the bigger WFPW logo on it. The entrance way would be a little narrow and have black padding all the way down just in case for moves performed outside. Around the ring would be black padding for the safety of the wrestlers and metal guardrails separated everyone with four black pads hanging off the rails with the WFPW logo etched on them. The ring itself had four pairs of four white ropes with neutral white pads in the corners. Blue apron coverings surrounded the ring and the canvas was a natural white, but each corner had the kanji symbol for "woman" on the canvas and the WFPW logo is also sketched in the middle. The lone commentary table would also be located ringside as the covering had the Heart and Gold logo atop it along with wires attached to the camera monitors. Sara Lewis sat in one of the chairs available wearing a black dress and her hair in a long ponytail while the other chair remained empty. A large steel cage hung over the ring from the ceiling suspended by long black cables.)
Heart and Gold Commentator
Sara Lewis ( SalemSara)
"Welcome everyone in attendance and watching at home to the first special show of Heart and Gold. Right now, we are live on the WFPW YouTube Channel with the kickoff pre-show and then we go live on pay-per-view for the main show. For those that are curious about this brand, it's an all-female wrestling brand where women can take the spotlight for once and become stars taking center stage to make everlasting impressions for the crowd. What a beginning for us here in the heart of Japan in the big city of Tokyo. This is where women's wrestling is made important and the stamp of approval will only seal things further tonight. However, as you can see, I'm a lonely bird right now and I can't be expected to do all the commentary for the night. That's why I have a special guest set to take the other seat next to me," Sara explained to the camera zoomed in on her with a bright smile as a wide screen shot of the arena was shown next.
("You Can Look (But You Can't Touch)" by Jim Johnston)
(A big cheer came alive from the crowd as WWE Hall of Famer and game show host Nikki Garcia makes her way out raising her arms. She does her normal swaying of the hips and turning around before coming towards the aisle and down it.)
Entrance Video: A bright red background with Nikki's name in bold white lettering with a red trim and it shows various shots of her on the red carpet and during her game show.
Nikki Garcia ( NikkiandBrie)
"That's right, ladies and gentlemen! My partner for this broadcast will be former wrestler and now, a vibrant personality of the airwaves Nikki Garcia!" Sara exclaimed.
(Nikki wore a beige t-shirt, skinny blue jeans, and black sneakers as she slapped fives on both sides of the aisle cheering with the crowd. She came ringside shaking hands with smaller children before coming to the announce table giving a big hug to Sara.)
"Welcome Nikki! Grab a headset," Sara encouraged as the Hall of Famer grabbed some headphones putting them on and checking her sound.
"Thanks for having me, Sara. This is one of the only times I've been out here to Japan so it feels wonderful to be back in this beautiful country. I'm also here to support the start of a new franchise for the women that enter that ring," Nikki explained as she sat down.
"We certainly have a lot on deck as tonight concerning the crowning of our first Heart and Gold Champion. The tournament will have six first round matches where the winners of those matches advance to our main event for a six-pack challenge to crown our champion," Sara added.
"I've also been briefed that we have other non-title related stuff on deck. We have Astrid Ostberg taking on interviewer Lexy Alan as they will be trapped within a steel cage. The people here in Japan apparently have a severe hatred for Lexy and they see Astrid as the hero for the job," Nikki stated.
"We also have another six-pack challenge later on to determine our first #1 Contender to the Heart and Gold Championship which will cumulate in a match at the next Heart and Gold PPV for the main title," Sara stated.
"I'm super excited to see who will compete in the tournament and who may get that fated shot. We have a lot to look forward to," Nikki expressed with a bright smile.
("Down Under" by Men At Work)
Entrance Video: The video shows Shiela Chihara climbing some rocks in her home country before she reaches the top watching the sun rise and then it switches to some shots of her matches and some hardcore spots.
(The crowd give a mild cheer to Sheila Chihara comes out raising her left fist in the air as she punched it into her right open palm. She had her long black hair lied in a long ponytail with a grey bow attached and she wore a short yellow sleeveless jacket with a fur collar, a golden necklace, colorful wristbands, a black sports bra, a black belt with a gold buckle and buttons, a white sash, golden tint tights, and black boots. Sheila slapped some fives before skipping down the aisle.)
Sheila Chihara ( SheilaC_QLD)
"The following contest is a tag team match set for one-fall! Introducing first, from Cooktown, Queensland, Australia, this is Sheila Chihara!" Leslie Mable , an African-American woman announced with a rose flower black dress and black heels on, announced.
"続く試合は一転タッグマッチ!まずご紹介するのは、オーストラリア・クイーンズランド州クックタウン出身のシーラ・チハラです!" Misa Otomura, Japanese announcer wearing an orange dress and white high heels, translated for the Japanese crowd with a bright smile.
"And let's give a warm welcome to our American announcer Leslie Mable flying in from Charlotte, North Carolina and Japan's very own Misa Otomura for being our language announcers. Leslie for the people watching at home and Misa translating for the crowd here tonight," Sara explained.
"A nice bit of tag team action to kick off our pre-show. I do hear that the participants are very new to the sport and haven't done much on the big stages yet. Sheila does seems to be filled with boundless amounts of energy," Nikki explained.
"We have only seen a little bit of her compared to her partner or opponents, but she is an outback and adventurous girl so there isn't too much that probably fazes her," Sara added.
(Sheila slapped hands running down the aisle before hopping on the west apron and heading to the lower left corner climbing to the top as she flexes her muscles front flipping to the mat.)
("Galaga Medley" by Galaga)
Entrance Video: Colorful Tetris blocks start falling down and they spell out Chiaki's full name in different sequences over a light green background.
(The crowd cheered a little bit to see Chiaki Nanami step out as she was a little shorter with short brunette hair wearing a hot pink sports jacket, a black bra with red straps and colored Tetris blocks on the bra, red trunks, and hot pink sneakers. She also carried a blue knapsack on her back as she smiled waving to the crowd before coming down to slap some hands.)
Chiaki Nanami ( GamerChiaki)
"And her partner, from Kyoto, Japan, Chiaki Nanami!" Leslie announced.
"そして、京都出身のパートナー、七海千秋さん," Misa translated
"And here comes a home country wrestler in Chiaki Nanami. She's an avid video game player and I can only imagine the antics she will bring to the ring tonight. She's probably got controllers galore inside that sack," Sara stated.
"We got an outdoor adventurer and a gamer girl. Can you name a more random duo in this sport?" Nikki teased.
(Chiaki came down to ringside before taking off her sack and swinging it into the ring before rolling in as she fist-bumped with Sheila. She unzipped her jacket and threw it outside and grabbed the sack to throw in the lower right corner.)
("Playing The Saint" by Digital Summer)
Entrance Video: White tribal symbols appearing over a green background and her name showing up in bold white lettering. Other symbols show up and more words appear saying "CARRYING THE NEXT DYNASTY" in more bold white.
(Teuila Masina comes out in her yellow jacket and yellow leotard raising her right fist in the air uttering a battle cry as her partner Joyce Hilda, a short brunette woman with contacts in her eyes wearing a teal blue spandex bra with a pink trim, long teal blue and pink fingerless gloves, pink trunks with a teal blue trim, long pink socks, and teal blue wrestling boots with pink bottoms, came out cheering as she raised her fists in the air. Teuila slapped a five with her partner as they nodded coming down the ramp with Teuila leading.)
Teuila Masina ( RedMoon_22) and Joyce Hilda ( HotDoc)
"And their opponents, the team of Teuila Masina and Joyce Hilda!" Leslie announced with a big smile.
"そして対戦相手は、テウイラ・マシーナとジョイス・ヒルダのチームです!" Misa finished herself as Leslie helped usher her out of the ring.
"Both of these women are unknown themselves, but Teuila is greatly apart of the Samoan dynasty that has infiltrated wrestling for many years," Sara stated.
"We do have a lot of those famous names that carried the family through the years with people like The Wild Samoans, Umaga, Solo Sikoa, Roman Reigns, and of course, The Rock. I bet Teuila is ready to etch her name among them as well," Nikki added.
(Teuila comes ringside as she goes to the steels steps as Joyce runs in under the bottom rope sitting up on her knees. Teuila comes in through the third and fourth rope before climbing the upper left corner raising her fists in the air before unzipping her coat. Sheila has her hands on her hips and Chiaki goes out on the apron as Victoria Ashlen is ready to officiate.)
Teuila wants to start and high-fives Joyce again as Joyce is out on the apron hyping up the people as Sheila takes off her jacket and grins ready for action unclenching her fists. The bell rings as Teuila and Sheila start circling each other before they lock up as Sheila gets Teuila in a tight headlock, but Teuila falls on the mat and mounting Sheila for her own headlock as she wrenches hard making Sheila puff her cheeks. Sheila rolls out grabbing the left arm of Teuila getting her down for an armbar, but Teuila breaks the hold going behind Sheila for a waist lock and then she sends a hard right knee into Sheila's back. Sheila cringed and grabbed her back before Teuila goes back into another headlock before tackling Sheila down in the middle of the ring as the referee is getting on one knee surveying. Teuila wrenches hard before getting Sheila up hitting various chops to the delight of the crowd as Sheila goes all the way back into the upper right corner.
"A nice bit of chain wrestling to demonstrate these girls learning their way through the sport. Teuila wins the exchange as Sheila is now cornered," Sara stated.
Teuila knees Sheila in the corner and sends a few right elbows into the Australian's head before whipping her to the opposing corner as Sheila grunted upon hitting the pad. Teuila runs, but Sheila slips out onto the south apron as Teuila grabbed the top rope to stop herself. Sheila hit a Rope-Aided Enzurgiri stunning Teuila as the Samoan lioness goes on her knees. Sheila gets on top of the lower left corner jumping to hit a Missile Dropkick right on Teuila's back as Teuila grits her teeth in pain. Sheila then throws up her fists before running to hit a Standing Shooting Star Press on Teuila's back as she puts the Samoan on her back hooking one leg!
"1…2…" The ref counted as Teuila kicks out at 2.5!
Sheila held her head getting up before running over to tag Chiaki in as Chiaki stalks into the ring and gets ready making fists as Teuila rises holding her back. Chiaki runs hitting a Running Dropkick sending Teuila back first into the lower left corner as Teuila is dazed shaking her head. Chiaki comes in hot with a left knee to the Samoan's gut before she hits three more hard knees buckling Teuila further. Chiaki then sends Teuila into the middle of the ring before running to hit a Standing Leg Drop as Teuila coughed turning on her side. Chiaki then got Teuila up before she tried for a Vertical Suplex grabbing the edge of Teuila's leotard to hit the move as Teuila's back was getting decimated! Chiaki pushes her down and covers her opponent!
"1…2…" The ref counted as Joyce got in to break the count after 2!
"Chiaki and Sheila both working in tandem on Teuila's back. What a strategy that makes Teuila hurt more as this match continues," Nikki observed.
Chiaki grabbed her back before grabbing Teuila up by the hair as the gamer goes over to tag in Sheila as the Australian gets in the ring kicking Teuila up in the gut, but Teuila caught Sheila's leg pushing her down before wrenching down hard on the leg slamming it into the canvas. Sheila buckled and grabbed her leg fighting back some tears forming in her eyes. Teuila hits an elbow drop on the chest as Sheila rolls out on the apron. Teuila makes a note to elbow Chiaki down off the apron to prevent her interference as Teuila reaches out to grab Sheila's hair. She hits a hard elbow knocking Sheila out on the mats as Teuila runs over to finally tag in Joyce as the crowd cheered as Joyce hops in place running the north ropes before rebounding to fly with a Somersault Plancha right on Sheila outside to mega cheers! Sheila gasped going down as Joyce broke her fall on her opponent as she sat up.
"Plancha right to the outside! There goes the neighborhood!" Nikki shouted.
Joyce gets up as the referee started the count as Teuila drops off the apron running around slightly wincing at her back. Teuila comes past Joyce before shoulder blocking Chiaki into the ring post as Chiaki cried out in pain holding her head. She dropped to her knees as Joyce nodded her thanks getting Sheila up and back into the ring at 6 before she rolled in at 7. Joyce went over to grab Sheila up as Sheila groaned getting whipped north before Joyce hits a Discus Back Elbow making Sheila spit out saliva and stumble. Joyce goes for a rollup pin right after!
"1…2…" The ref counted as Sheila powered out after 2!
Joyce gritted her teeth nervously as Sheila gets up hitting a Spin Kick to stop Joyce further before she grabs Joyce by the neck pointing to the rafters hitting a Snap DDT on the mat. Joyce covered her face and rolled around hurt as Sheila ran south hitting a Basement Dropkick that rolled Joyce right out of the ring! Sheila put her hands together clapping it up with the crowd before running south again heading into collision with Joyce with an impactful Suicide Dive! Joyce got pushed into the guardrail hanging on for dear life as Sheila was quick to land on her feet. Sheila then grabbed Joyce to hit an impactful Exploder Suplex right into the steel steps tearing off the top half! Joyce's screams filled the air as the crowd felt bad for her as the referee scolded Sheila on that move!
"Right into the steel steps and that is not a tasteful sight!" Sara exclaimed.
Sheila got up and whispered an apology as she got Joyce up, but Teuila came around the corner as she was keeping Chiaki at bay stalking Sheila. Joyce was rolled in as Sheila diverted to punching Teuila as the two younger girls got into a scuffle. Sheila sent Teuila right into the guardrail as Teuila hit a WFPW pad loosening it a bit. Sheila then whipped Teuila right into the ring post as Teuila goes on her back. Sheila rolled in at 5 before encouraging Chiaki up on the apron as Chiaki obliged having recovered. Chiaki scored the tag as she gets in the ring and Joyce looked down on the canvas in pain as Chiaki kicks her down on the ground and then lifted the legs of Joyce in a Reverse Boston Crab before hooking them under her shoulders and then locking her hands around Joyce's chin for the Infinite Combo (Rocking Horse Submission) as Chiaki sways with Joyce screaming as the referee got down on one knee. Sheila saw Teuila get up as Sheila stood back running for the Samoan, but Teuila was able to catch Sheila with a crushing Spear as Sheila flew off the apron! The crowd grimaced as Teuila wasn't able to get up due to her back hurting.
"Spear! Sheila goes down and I also think Teuila had herself a little relapse of pain as well," Sara stated.
Chiaki puffed her cheeks as Joyce screamed, but shook her fists defiant to give up and this only made Chiaki annoyed. She lifted Joyce slightly more bringing her back into an unbearable arch as Joyce screamed "GIVE! GIVE UP! I GIVE! SURRENDER!" making the referee called for the bell accepting Joyce's surrender!
("Galaga Meldey" by Galaga)
"Here are your winners by verbal submission, Chiaki Nanami and Sheila Chihara!" Leslie announced while Misa announced the winners in Japanese.
A brief replay is shown as Teuila has lifted herself up to catch Sheila in a Spear as Sheila tried performing a move off the apron.
"Teuila and Sheila were taken out last minute and I bet Teuila could've kept the match alive had her back been in better condition. She had to rest, but Joyce was pulled back into an unbearable position and had no choice, but to call it quits," Sara stated.
"Joyce did well on her own and it was a ruthless affair on the outside as all four girls were brawling all over," Nikki added.
(Chiaki released Joyce as the Young Lioness quickly rolled to the outside on the south direction and Chiaki got her hand raised. Sheila grimaced and rolled in to join her partner as they shook hands cheering for their victory as the crowd cheered the home country girl getting the victory tonight.)
"Well, we have a lot to come on this PPV and it's only getting started for the night. I'm also hearing that we should be expecting a special appearance from Mickie James. Mickie James has decided to become a leader for this brand and help elevate it with her passion for getting women more time and more exposure. We also have WFPW Commissioner Hank Strongbow Williams in the building tonight as well," Sara explained.
"I've also just been briefed that Kia Stevens, formerly known as Awesome Kong, has decided to make her way here tonight in a place where she dominated the landscape. Kia is here tonight and has made her return to Japan," Nikki added with a bright smile.
(Backstage, there are three screens spilt between each other as Mickie James is currently in the locker room talking with some offscreen wrestlers set to appear as she wears a white cowboy hat with diamonds embedded in the top part, a glittery black suit jacket, white t-shirt, white dress pants, and black heels. Hank is seen walking in the garage wearing a blue suit, white dress shirt, red tie, and black dress shoes. Kia is shown in a black dress with diamond earrings as she is talking to some production workers as the crowd cheers on all three guests for the night.)
"We'll surely hear more on them for the actual show. Right now, we have more action set for the pre-show. It's time for our last match here!" Sara exclaimed.
("Indestructible" Exile ft. Flo Rida)
(A big cheer came from the crowd as Eveline Barbers comes out rocking a black leather jacket and a Juri Han Street Fighter cosplay attire. She outstretched her arms as she has long red hair wearing a purple spandex bra, white tights, and light purple boots with white laces. Eveline pointed to the crowd and clapped her hands coming down.)
Entrance Video: It shows off her independent circuit matches as well as showing her name over a vibrant purple background along with 3D animation of her riding a motorcycle.
Eveline Barbers ( BARGAMES)
"The following contest is set for one-fall! Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia, she is The Fighting Game Princess, Eveline Barbers!" Leslie announced as she smiles at the first wrestler.
"次のコンテストは一発勝負です!まず、ジョージア州アトランタ出身の彼女は、格闘ゲームのプリンセス、エブリン・バーバーズです!" Misa translated as she closed her eyes.
"Here comes Twitch streamer and fighting game enthusiast Eveline Barbers. She's known for entering competitions for these activities and her favorites are Killer Instinct, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and she also dabbles in a little wrestling universe game considering them no different than what she plays," Sara explained.
"Not much of a video gamer myself, but I do know she's cosplaying the Street Fighter character Juri Han and the people are loving it," Nikki added.
(Eveline slapped many fives and she ran towards the ring going for the steel steps heading up them as she slides between the ropes ready for action taking off her jacket.)
("The Ghost" by NIVIRO)
(Morgan comes out of the curtain letting it drape across her shoulders as she wore a black hoodie with the hood covering her short blonde hair as she also had a painted skull on her face. Morgan wore a sleeveless black tank top with a pure red trim, black baggy pants with skeleton legs on the side, and black boots. Morgan also wore black fingerless gloves with bone symbols on them and her nails were painted black. She walked out as the crowd stayed a little more silent.)
Entrance Video: A black background with Morgan's name appearing, but eyes started popping all over the screen where there could've been holes inside the letters.
Morgan Romero ( TheDeadGirl)
"And her opponent, from Cardiff, Wales, Morgan Romero!" Leslie announced.
"そして、ウェールズのカーディフ出身のモーガン・ロメロ!" Misa translated for the Japanese crowd as she started making her way to the ropes as Eveline widened her eyes a bit at Morgan.
"This girl right here is actually my style. My days as The Witch allowed me to look very intimidating and she seems to fit it better than I could've," Sara stated.
"At least there isn't any shortage of creepy girls that will be on this roster," Nikki added.
(Morgan just avoided the fans walking down the aisle as she went south after diverting from the stairs as she climbs on the apron grabbing the ropes tightly. She throws back her hood and she licked the second rope before spilling into the ring sitting cross-legged.)
The referee is once again Victoria Ashlen as she asks Morgan to back up and does the same to Eveline as Morgan removes her hoodie dumping it outside. The bell rings as Eveline circles Morgan, but Morgan immediately goes right into a headlock digging her left hand in Eveline's face as the referee separates them scolding Morgan and giving her a warning. Morgan hits a Superkick to Eveline before looking down on the fighting game streamer and she bends down smacking Eveline's head to multiple boos from the crowd. Morgan gets her opponent up by the head before barely holding the chin tickling under it with a cold touch as she ran south bringing her left leg up to barely miss her opponent's face, but then connect with Black Death (Shining Axe Kick)! Eveline went down holding her face as Morgan pushed her over and pinned down her opponent.
"1…2…3!" The ref counted as that was it and Morgan licked Eveline's forehead for the creep factor!
("The Ghost" by NIVIRO)
"Here is your winner, Morgan Romero!" Leslie announced as Misa did her announcing soon after.
An instant replay shows Morgan barely missing Eveline's face to eventually bring down the leg connecting Black Death for the pin
"Surprisingly quick, but I suppose that means Morgan doesn't like to play around," Sara stated.
"She definitely ate her greens as a kid and didn't beat around the bush," Nikki added.
"Regardless, that seems to be all the time we have here on the pre-show. Catch us on PPV as we get set for a spectacular first showing of Heart and Gold!" Sara cheered.
(Morgan sat up as the referee checked on Eveline and Morgan rolled slowly to the outside as she smacked the apron and fluffed up her hair getting set to head back up the ramp as a pitch black screen with the WFPW logo flashing over the background was shown and the livestream ended.)
Show Results:
Sheila Chihara and Chiaki Nanami def. Teuila Masina and Joyce Hilda via verbal submission (11:14)
Morgan Romero def. Eveline Barbers (0:38)