Return to the Ring: Carmen Rodriguez vs. Gato Blanco!

Singles Match:  Carmen Rodriguez vs. Gato Blanco, w/ Holly Matheson
Winner determined by one fall, pin or submission



The pre-fight feel in the AFW gorilla position was electric.  The anticipation running through the fans tonight was palpable, as they waited for the next pair of wrestlers to take to the ring.  Meanwhile, however, one of said wrestlers was trying to keep himself from feeling that same anticipation.  If Gato Blanco let that electricity carry through, he wasn't sure if he could keep it from taking control.

Behind him, his partner Holly Matheson was massaging Blanco's shoulders.  The two AFW wrestlers had been away from the ring for some time, and the unexpected announcement of their return made waves, and drawn the eyes of fans.  An eagerly-awaited return was one thing, but Blanco was returning to face off against Carmen Rodriguez: a fighter, a former champion, and one of the best pure competitors in AFW's Tension league!  Blanco got the signal from the ring crew, telling him it was time.  Shaking his head, Blanco pushed away all thoughts of pressure, of anticipation, just trying to get his head into the space he needed to be in, if he was going to be stepping up to the plate.  There was no other choice, he reminded himself.

Blanco and Holly approached the entrance ramp.  Their lives had changed significantly, in their time away from AFW.  Changes significant to bring them back to the ring, in fact: when Blanco looked back at Holly, he wasn't just looking at his beautiful girlfriend, manager and protege: he was looking at the mother of his child.  In their time away, Holly had given birth to their first child, a daughter, an event that had drawn even more fan attention their way!  Blanco knew that there was only one business that the couple had made enough money in, to support a family.  And only one company that would pay both Blanco and Holly enough to provide for their family: thus, the two were ready to step back into the Tension ring, and show the fans that they could still hold their own.

Stepping out onto the entrance ramp, his music blaring over the loudspeakers, Blanco took a moment to soak in the fans' reception.  They cheered and chanted, ready to see the high-flying daredevil luchador take to the skies once again!  Blanco rolled his fists, trying to loosen up.  Blanco's ring gear still fit him perfectly.  His snug red trunks hugged him tight, his white and red leather boots looked worn-in and supple, as he walked down the ramp toward the ring.  He rolled his shoulders, shuffling his black leather jacket.  The white tape around Blanco's hands and forearms was crisp, immaculate, but not as much so as his mask.  Gleaming in the arena lights, Gato Blanco's signature mask looked resplendent, his former glory returning with every step toward the ring.

Holly followed close behind, smiling and waving to the fans.  The British Bombshell looked as gorgeous as ever, clad in a clinging, low cut red cocktail dress that clung to her buxom figure.  Blanco shrugged off his leather jacket, and wrapped it around Holly's shoulders as she took her place in his corner.  The luchador then jogged up the ring steps, wiped his boots respectfully on the mat, and looked out across the packed arena- so many there, waiting to see how the new father would fare in his return to the ring!

After a moment, Blanco walked backward, skanking his way across the ring apron in his signature style!  Blanco spun back, mounting the turnbuckle and raising a fist to the cheering fans.  Grinning widely, Blanco hopped into the ring, taking his position at the center.  He lifted both arms, welcoming the fans cheers as they welcomed him back to AFW.  The entire time, however, Blanco and Holly's eyes were all fixed on the entrance ramp, awaiting the arrival of his opponent, waiting to see how Carmen Rodriguez would make her way down to the ring ...

Carmen Rodriguez was nervous.

That might not have sounded like a big thing by itself, but as she stood in the gorilla position and waited for her music to play and her cue to be called, it was an unfamiliar sensation. Certainly not one that she would’ve felt in her boxing career or while she was the 24/7 Champion. Not that she didn’t get jitters every now and then like any normal human, but her father had always taught her to push those aside before the match. There was no room for doubt. No time for hesitation. If she didn’t believe in herself when she hit the ring, she would lose. Every time.

It could’ve been because of the fact that she needed a win this time. Needed. She’d wanted to hold off on her return after she’d lost the 24/7 Title in humiliating fashion, but she’d been pushed to get back in after Dasher Inoba’s little stunt at the PPV. She’d lost. Made a good showing, but lost. Rumors were starting to spread, people were talking, saying that she’d lost her edge.

It could’ve been due to her opponent. Gato Blanco was a big name in Tension, but a bigger name in her home. Boxing was big in Puerto Rico, but so was wrestling, and there wasn’t a native-born soul on the island who didn’t know the name. In many ways, this was a dream match, the chance to see two legacies collide, fighters who likely never would’ve stepped into the same ring if not for the AFW. And with Gato’s new child bringing him into the news, there was a lot of buzz surrounding this match, buzz that had been building steadily since Carmen called Gato at his little event with Akamatsu siblings.

For Carmen, though, it was a new chance. A new start. She had no intention of letting it slip by.

Her music played and filled the arena with the rhythmic, soulful sounds of Ana Tijoux.

Vengo
En busca de respuestas con el manojo lleno y las venas abiertas,
Vengo
Como un libro abierto, anciosa de aprender la historia no contada de nuestros ansestros
con el viento que dejaron los abuelos y que vive en cada pensamiento de esta amada tierra, tierra
Quien sabe cuidarlo es quien de verdad la quiere

As the trumpets blared, Carmen emerged from the curtains, clad from head to toe in her black robe with the red trim, her face covered in shadow. Even with that, her frame was unmistakeable, and the crowd roared with their appreciation - even if her faith in herself wavered, theirs hadn’t disappeared just yet. Not completely.  

She raised her taped fist to the sky and began to make her way down the ramp with Army coming in behind, following a few steps behind. He wasn’t dressed to compete, only wearing his blue jeans and a Gundam Wing t-shirt that was probably a size too small for his bulk. He’d just wanted to come along to watch her, give some emotional support. He likely would have done that just as easily from a ringside seat, but after Inoba debacle, he’d became more protective than usual. When he asked to hang out at ringside, she didn’t fight him on it. A little well-meant cheering wouldn’t hurt.

She made her way up the steps and came in through the ropes, approaching Gato as Army took up his place in her corner. When she reached him in the center, she reached down, undid her sash, then tossed the robe to Army with a quick flourish, revealing her towering form in full, three inches over her male opponent, even with her hairless head. Her time away from the ring hadn’t been spent away from the gym, it seemed. She was just as cut as ever, with a ripped upper body that her bandeau top did little to hide.

For a moment, she looked down at Gato with a iron, emotionless glare, and it looked like she would give him the silent treatment. That changed with a small, soft smile, however, and she extended her hand towards him. [“Gato Blanco. It’s an honor meeting you.”] She spoke in their native language, not wanting to miss the chance to do so with someone who wasn’t her brother or her cousin. [“Heard  about the baby, congratulations. She’s healthy?”]

Waiting, Blanco paced around the corner of the ring while he waited for his opponent to make her appearance. The luchador let the referee make the obligatory pre-match checks, ensuring that no weapons, fist packs or other “accessories” made their way into the ring, tonight. All a formality, for course. Blanco wouldn't have dreamed of tarnishing a night of this magnitude. Not just his return to the ring, but also the clash of two wrestling dynasties. Besides, it was his first match since the birth of his daughter. Regardless of what she did with her life, being the fourth member of the Blanco wrestling legacy, the fans would certainly be thinking of her- and her future- as they watched this match.

Blanco paced near Holly, and offered her a wink as they waited. When the lights lowered and Carmen's music hit the speakers, the two fixed eyes. Blanco tried to play things off, shrugging as his opponent made her way down to the ring. The cheers of the fans pounded in his ears, making him all too keenly aware of how much anticipation was behind this fight. For every person that wanted to see the new father fly high and triumph, there were probably just as many fans waiting to see Carmen take him down and dominate him. Hopping up and down lightly on his boots, trying to loosen up, Blanco felt like he could understand Carmen's position.

He respected the hell out of her, but he was catching Carmen on a bit of a downswing. Loss of championship, loss of hair … The young Puerto Rican was coming into this fight with a lot to prove. A lot that she likely wouldn't mind proving over Blanco's own broken and bloodied mask, if she could. Slowly, he turned his gaze up the ramp as Carmen made her way down. Blanco kept himself bouncing, kept himself loose, as he watched Carmen's march to the ramp.

Holly kept her eyes fixed on Carmen, as well. The buxom British Bombshell hugged the black leather jacket tight around her body. Holly had seen her man grapple with several women over their time in AFW, and she couldn't help but notice how many of them were the complete opposite of her. Holly's cocktail dress clung tight, perhaps tighter than ever since she'd had their child. Carmen, meanwhile, was taut, muscular, firm. Admittedly a bit insecure, Holly hugged her arms beneath her ample chest, pulled her head up high, and stood with her hips swayed out wide. Holly was watching her man's back, but she still put every effort into not looking like a slouch, as she did so.

Blanco turned toward the center of the ring, as Carmen joined him. He gave a respectful nod to Army, the robust young man joining them at ringside. “So, this is going to be a family affair,” he muttered to himself.

Blanco raised his masked head when Carmen addressed him. Her initial glare was enough to get the hairs on the back of his neck standing, brushing against the base of his mask. When Carmen's expression softened, however, Blanco couldn't help but smile.

“[It's good to meet you too, Carmen],” Blanco said in reply, extending a respectful hand. “[I've heard a lot of good things. For my sake, I hope only half of them are true.]” If she took his hand, Blanco would give it a firm shake, smiling widely the entire time. “[And our little Yves is doing well, thanks. Her mother still won't let us get her a little mask yet, but I'm working on it.]”

From there, Blanco would pull off, bouncing back on his heels. The veteran luchador hopped on his boots, trying to keep himself loose and free in the final moments before the ring bell sounded. “[All that said, I hope you'll understand if I don't take it easy, tonight!]”

So, they were off to a good start. A match with a man where things were cordial right from the start and there wasn’t any worries about being ganged up or ambushed or anything like that. What a novel concept.

”Yves?” She chucked as she took Gato’s hand and gave him a firm shake. Maybe with a little more power than necessary, just to bring a sliver of intimidation into the mix. Never too early to start some mind games, boxing boilerplate. [”Cute name, I bet she matches. And maybe I can help with the mask after the match is over."] She leaned forward and whispered. ["A little girl talk with Holly.”]

She looked over her shoulder and gave Holly a wink and a nod, glad she’d come along, too. The Bombshell had no way of knowing, but Carmen was a small fan of hers. While she didn’t win much, she admired the Briton’s courage and resolve - she didn’t back down, even when it might’ve been a really good idea, too, and considering her experience she could’ve been a lot worse.

Plus, she was extremely hot, and her baby hadn’t done much to change that, if her memory was any indication. Lucky man.

Not wanting to leer at a married woman, she brought her focus back to Gato and motioned back to Army, who threw the peace sign Gato’s way. She’d caught the glance earlier, and she figured it was best to cover all her bases. [”Army’s just here for a little moral support, don’t pay him any mind. It’s just you,”] She pointed to her chest, then poked him in his. [“And me.”] As if to illustrate the point, Army raised his hands and dropped to the floor, giving them all the space they could ask for.

With that established, she took a step back as the referee got between them, preparing to call for the bell and get things underway. Her smile faded back to stone as she raised her guard and started to bounce on her heels, taking on her tight orthodox stance, swiftly moving from foot to foot, left to right. While she liked to be aggressive, her plan today was to see if she could make Gato bring the fight to her, get a feel for his style before she made any big moves. She’d seen him fight before, studied him, but that was no substitute for being in the ring with him. Besides, it was the only way to know how much he’d changed in the last few months.

Blanco continued to roll his shoulders, nodding his head side to side, as Carmen loomed over him. The impressive young woman cut an imposing figure, all lean muscle and professionalism. Blanco wanted to keep himself limber before the fight, but he also knew how important it was to keep himself looking and feeling confident and casual. Especially after Carmen's vice-grip of a handshake!

Blanco smirked, letting her go ahead and give it a squeeze. Gato Blanco's reputation was built off his cat-like grace, certainly, but he liked to think there was a certain degree of cool that went into it, as well.

Meanwhile, Holly was still down at ringside sizing up the competition. Somehow, though all the video she and Blanco had watched of Carmen's fights, it didn't really strike her until she actually saw Carmen, how imposing she was. Holly crossed her arms beneath her ample chest, and leaned her head to the side. Her man had her work cut out for him, taking this one down. And all of that was before Carmen leaned in, muttered something to Blanco, and gave Holly a wink!

“Hmph!” The Brit pouted, trying to hide how intimidated she felt even as she shifted in the large leather jacket. Holly approached the ring slowly, wanting to do the opposite she could of backing down.

“[Crazy cute, you have no idea,]” Blanco said, nodding. “[I left pictures in my other mask, unfortunately. However, I will forgive you for whatever happens in this match, though, if you can talk Holly into a tiny crochet mask!]” When he watched Army drop from the ring apron, Blanco gave a respectful nod. He was roused from his chuckling, though, when he heard Holly pound on the ring apron!

“Come on, mister,” Holly called out, forcing herself to smile, “take her down quick, so we don't have to pay the sitter for extra time!”

“Hey,” Blanco said, backing off from Carmen and winking under his mask, “I had plans for that extra time!” He watched the young fighter tense up, and slip into her stance. It was the reminder Blanco needed that tonight was deadly serious. Every fight was, of course, but this was his big return. So much was riding on his prowess tonight, for him, for the woman at ringside, and for the little one back home. It was time to buckle down.

The opening bell rang, drawing a cheer of anticipation from the fans. Tightening up, Blanco leaned in, with a low stance. He was already giving ground to Carmen on height, but he had a plan. Reaching out, the luchador offered her a lock-up, extending the fingers of each hand, leading with the one Carmen had just put the squeeze on. Blanco was offering to start things off with a grappling contest. All that remained was to see how she'd react ...

Carmen wasn’t going to admit it out loud - not now, at least - but she liked Gato’s poise most of all. The man just carried himself like a professional, like nothing that was in the ring right now had any potential to surprise. Total cool, total control. You could tell from the first moment that he wasn’t some newcomer and that he wasn’t just a fool in a neat mask. This was an expert at the craft - possibly the most experienced wrestler she’d gone up against, with the exception of Dasher.

Which would make it all the more impressive when she took him down.

[”Deal.”] She gave one last glance to Holly as she voiced her support for her husband. It was a cute dynamic they had going on, and it almost made her feel sorry for sending him home to her with a bunch of bruises.

She’d apologize after. And offer her services as a babysitter, perhaps. She’d taken care of her little cousins when she was younger, and she kind of missed it.

Thoughts for another time. For now, Carmen cleared her mind and focused on the man in front of her, the one who started nearing her when the bell ring, and was extending his hand for a lock-up. For a long second, Carmen eyed that open hand, not sure how to proceed. Gato seemed trustworthy...before the bell. After it, anything could go.

With some small trepidation, she locked fingers with him, gripped tight, and held out her own hand, prompting him to complete the chain.

Holly hated looking so nervous at ringside, but she couldn't help it. What was he thinking, trying to lock up with her? Carmen was taller than him, toned as hell, and a close-quarters fighter. She'd seen Blanco hold is own in chain wrestling before, but this felt like hubris! Holly hugged herself tight beneath the leather jacket, and waited to see how things might play out.

Back in the ring, Blanco accepted Carmen's grip gladly. Fingers interlaced with Carmen's, Blanco still kept things loose. The fighter was a fierce one, and Blanco knew he couldn't afford to take her lightly lightly. Someone with Carmen's striking power could put him down in a flash, with the right shot. Blanco could only imagine how badly that would go for his career: hotly anticipated return, high-profile fight … only to have it end with him put down in one stiff shot!

No time to think about that now. The luchador was going to need to impress, if he was going to keep drawing big enough checks to support his recently expanded family. The muscles of his arm tensed as Carmen locked fingers with him. The squeeze wasn't as hard as the handshake earlier. At least, it wasn't as hard yet.

Blanco looked as Carmen offered the other hand, waiting for him to take it. No cheap shots, no quick switches. The two of them were doing this right, it seemed. Beneath his mask, Blanco smiled.

Then, he extended his second hand, answering Carmen's prompt with a fingerlock of his own. With the two of them locked up, Blanco began to apply pressure. Gently at first, with a steady increase as he laid it on. Blanco leaned in, letting his body inch closer to Carmen, going up to his toes. For all the tension in his upper body during this contest of strength, Blanco kept his lower body limber. He just needed to see where the next few moments were going to go!

Fingers locked. Pressure applied. So far, so good. Army watched from ringside, occasionally looking over across the ring to see how Gato’s girl - Holly, if he remembered right - was reacting to things. She seemed understandably nervous, and he got why right away. Whatever game plan Gato was going for with this lockup, he was playing with fire. Carmen wasn’t the strongest wrestler in Tension, but she was certainly up there, with more strength than most women and even a fair chunk of the men. If he thought her having ladybones would swing things in his favor, he was in for a painful wake-up call.

Carmen’s thoughts were mostly the same as she held out the other hand, curious to see what Gato would do next and if the lockup was genuine. She was ready for a counter - maybe an armdrag or some kind of throw, maybe a segue into some chain wrestling. Never her forte, but she’d buffed up in it recently and was confident she could hold on if the ride went that.

None of that happened. Instead, Gato took the most unexpected route: he accepted her hand.

Now came the pressure, and she was surprised for the outset. Gato was no powerhouse, but that didn’t make him a weakling, as he pressed against her with some real force. She took a step back from the sheer surprise and grunted as she had to bring her own muscles to bear, needing to resist.

But then she began to do more than resist. She pushed back. Hard. Increased the pressure in their hands to match his and went further than that. Muscles tensed, her body hardened, and she pushed back with serious pressure, summoning power from a body that had been honed for over two decades.

They were only in the opening minutes of the match, but the fans were hushed with anticipation. The test of strength seemed to be going against Gato Blanco, as Carmen leaned in forcefully and bent the man backward.

Blanco's legs trembled as he kept giving ground to the young woman, a slight groan escaping his throat as he doubled over. Carmen seemed to be dominating him in these early moments, proving her physical superiority over the veteran male.

“Come on, mister!” Holly called out from ringside, approaching the apron. The concern on her face was clear as day, watching her man buckle beneath Carmen's toned body. “You've got this!” she called, slapping the mat. Her voice, however, sounded unconvinced.

Blanco said nothing in reply, however, only letting Carmen double him over. Once she was committed enough, Blanco allowed her to press him down, continuing her domination until he was completely doubled over and pressed down toward the mat! Not that there was much “allowing,” Carmen didn't need any help in proving her physical prowess. Blanco was expecting her to have the edge in this contest of strength, but he hadn't been prepared for how adeptly she would control him!

Gritting his teeth, Blanco tried to keep his cool. Bending back, the luchador bent until he was in a full bridge! Back arched upward, Carmen looming over his trembling body, Blanco planted his head against the mat and stayed there! All until he snapped up from his toes, his legs tucking between his and his opponents body! The movement was quick an attempted reversal, as Blanco moved to plant his boots against Carmen's toned abs so that he could monkey flip her, and hopefully send her tumbling!

Gato Blanco was no weakling, Carmen could tell that right away. Despite obviously not having any sexual interest in the male body, she’d been fighting against and training with men her whole life, and she could tell right away that this one was in top form. Solid muscles resisted her, unyielding as she pressed against him. A firm base that made her work for every inch she gained.

But, all the same, she was gaining inches. She was pushing him back. As strong as Gato was, Carmen was stronger, and she was steadily overtaking him. Back and back and back and…

”Huh.” Carmen had a quick chuckle through her grunts, as she realized that Gato had bent all the way back, showing the flexibility of his namesake. It would’ve been an impressive move all by itself, but the ring veteran showed his prowess in an instant - that was all the time he needed to shot his legs up and send her flying with a swift monkey flip. Up and over and onto her back.

Carmen went tumbling after the move, and while she was able to rise to her feet quick enough - it wasn’t like the move hurt anymore than falling out of bed - it was disorienting. She came up fast, too fast, and spun back around to Gato with her fists raised, but no idea what to throw them at. She needed a second to lock on, and that was a second a man like him could use wisely.