Summer Splash 2020: Rising Star Title: Mika Kaminashi(c) vs Mia Yukari Wilson

The Avatar of Justice had been waiting in the gorilla position for a while, the last match already come to its conclusion. It was the usual fair of her preparations, lacing up her boots as she sat on a nearby box. This was more than just a match, this was more than just her career, it was her life; as integral to who she was as the air she breathed. She was born into the entertainment industry, bread into it by her parents. She had succeeded all that she could do in the worlds of sports and had done the same in pro wrestling. It was as if the stars have decided that she would be a wrestler. A performer is what she was meant to be before she could even process that fact. The Englishwoman was doing nothing today that she had never done before. The names changed, the matches changed, but it was all some combination of something she’d done before. She was ready. She had to be ready.

So why the blooming heck was she so nervous?  

It could’ve been what this match represented for her. Or to be more specific, the fate of the Rising Star title itself. There had been a wrestler who was a champion before her who spoke something that stayed with her all this time. Whenever Mika’s career was over, and people compiled all the highlights of her career, she had hoped to have made so many memorable moments for everyone to see. It was the same with her streaming career, her track career and her cosplay career. Everything in her life would be brought together and would be shown to celebrate how much of an impact she made wherever she went. At least, that was the idea. She definitely would say that she started out strong with the Rising Star Title, carrying on Yukina’s dreams to create a legacy that shined bright as the stars above. And Mika was on the right track, selecting quite the competitor that would have made the Snowmaker proud. Even still, there was a chance that the star can burn just as bright before things would peter out on her road to bring prestige to the title.

This was her first-ever title defence. And although the stipulation wasn’t something crazy, Mika had to raise the bar in some way. The Rising Star Title deserves much better than what most would think, and that is all down to those that carried it. Could the woman who was about to face Mika deserve it? The Twin-Tailed Wonder would certainly think so. Not many challengers would come to a meet and greet to challenge the champion, so she definitely has guts. At the very least, she was thankful that she wasn’t beaten badly and left to rot while they parade the title like they owned the thing as how most signings seem to go with curious regularity. Just shows how most rookies act a lot better than the veterans. Tough and respectable. A true Mustang. The kind that Mika would be happy if they win.

If.

”Ms Kaminashi?” One of the stagehands walked over, a clipboard in her hand and a nervous gaze behind her thin glasses. “Sorry, but are you ready?”

She caught the stagehands signal from the corner of her eye and stood up, breathing deeply as she rose. She could already hear the crowd’s chants on the outside, the thudding drumbeat of thousands of feet, calling to her. So many people, so many faces, so many eyes fixed on the entrance, waiting for the Second Rising Star to emerge. Millions across the world, leaning towards their screens in anticipation.

“JUSTICE! JUSTICE! JUSTICE!”

It was ironic, really. Mika isn’t fighting an evildoer like her last opponents. But even still, she had the crowd chanting for her, a sign of a growing fan favourite. They were ready for a show. And Mika was prepared to perform. “Ready.”

The crowd have loved the spectacle that the Avatar of Justice brings, and in her first-ever pay-per-view, they would not be disappointed. With things being outside this time, she had to change things up with her entrance, making a few tweaks here and there. All she could hope is that the crowd loves it all the same.

“MY FELLOW LIGHTBRINGERS!!!”

The crowd gave a raucous cheer as the voice of the Rising Star Champion would ring out, finally getting to see their idol. The bass to a well-known theme would play on the speakers, but it wasn’t a backing track. The actual band of the song came to play for the masses, giving their live rendition of her theme. Though instead from coming out from the ramp, their attention would soon be laid on top of the titantron itself, the bright white lights shining on the woman as she stands tall. Her coat billowed in the wind as she stands on what feels like the top of the world. Microphone in hand, she looks around at her fanbase, the thousands upon thousands that came to see her. She loved them. And they loved her.

“I HAVE HEARD YOUR CALL!! BUT NEVER FEAR!! FOR JUSTICE HAS ARRIVED!!!”

Her call never failed to bring the hype to everyone who is in attendance, and almost deafening cheer given to the Avatar of Justice. Mika would strike a pose; her title would be adorned around her waist. How she was able to keep her balance was awe-inspiring to the crowd as Mika pointed to the skies. And with that, Mika would give a thumbs up and the nod down below. The crowd wondered what would happen next, but they wouldn’t wait for long as the Briton would leap off the titantron before finding herself flying around the venue! As if she had wings, she zoomed around over the crowd, pumping her first as she does. The crowd followed with shouts of “Justice” over and over, no longer needing her to coax it from them. Mika Kaminashi would do a lap around the ring, wishing she could have high fived some of them along the way before she would find herself “levitating” over the ring, slowly lowering like the superhero she was. Her infectious energy seemed to have touched a few more people today, she counted far more people reaching out to her tonight. It felt good. It felt right. As she landed on her own two feet, she took off her coat before striking another dramatic pose mid-ring to an uproar of applause. Everything was as perfect as it could be, hitting the last big note with the live band. With a twirl, she spun to face the entrance, detaching the belt ff her waist and placing it on her shoulder, standing proud as a champion ought to be. But as the spectacle had just finished, it left people wondering how on earth could it be followed up. Mika was interested to see for herself what Mia has planned.

“You made quite a scene with that intervention of yours...” Masako began. She didn’t even want any tea because of how displeased she was at Mia.

“Well, I think it worked out quite we...” As Mia wanted to make her retort her manager cut her short. “Nonsense! Not only you decided to take action by yourself, you also did it without consulting me before nor informing me after!” Masako found herself lifting her voice more than she intended. The situation was quite tense already, but the Mustang wasn’t one to take that kind of treatment from anybody. “Look: I just had a hunch about it and followed it, and things turned out to end up pretty well.”

Masako looked back at Mia with an icy cold glance, worthy of someone known as the Ice Queen. “You think my job is easy? Maybe you should try managing yourself for one week. You wouldn’t survive it.” Maybe the manager wanted to scare her client, but Mia wasn’t one to be easily affected by that kind of things. “Well, maybe you should try doing your job and complaining less! Manage my matches instead of trying to be some bossy mother to me! I have a title match to prepare for. I’m out of here.” The Mustang left the room without giving her manager any time to retort.

---

Sitting in the locker room Mia reflected on what happened some days ago with her manager. The Mustang wasn’t one to dwelve in the past too much, and she definitely didn’t like the past coming to haunt her in crucial moments like the one she was in, but the experience had been quite unpleasant as Mia thought that Masako has stepped over the boundries of her duties as a manager. Mia hated feeling controlled by anyone. She could take advice from her manager since she wasn’t stupid, but in the end the one making the important decisions would be her. Apparently people as controlling as Masako weren’t happy with that, and hence the conflict.

Mia shoved all those thoughts away from her mind. After all, she stood before the biggest challenge she had tackled so far in her career. It was true that her career was on a good roll lately, and she took off really well in popularity, reach and fighting skills, but facing a title match so early got an overwhelming pressure on her shoulders. The Mustang wasn’t one to let despair or unease sink in her, but for that time she couldn’t avoid feeling nervous. Even if the Rising Star title was one awarded to rookie wrestlers, aimed to promote the new talents in the AFW, being there was a real business and she valued the opportunity and didn’t want to blow it. She was modest about it, knowing that she would do her best to prove herself worthy of the belt, but still happy with the possibility of losing. For Mia, proving herself would be enough.

The Mustang gave the final touches to her attire. From the hair to her boots everything was in place. For this special ocasión Mia would also get a leather jacket for her entrance. It was something special she got ready for the match, and she remembered with a smile how utterly happy she felt when the more than helpful stagehands gave her zero problems when she asked about everything. The AFW wasn’t sparing any expenses on this.

Mia walked to the backstage area and watched through the multiple screens what her rival had in store for her entrance. It was absolutely undeniable that Mika had a very good knack for the show. From the very first instant she had the crowd on her pocket, and even before she appeared on stage everyone was already cheering for their champion. When she finally made her entrance it was as if a mix between a hollywood star and a superhero had arrived. People exploded in cheers and applause as the woman made her way to the ring in an elegant and powerful way. Mia had a lot to do if she wanted to live up to that entrance, but luckily she had a plan for hers.

One of the stagehands gave Mia her cue, making her know that her turn was close. The woman made her way to a small booth in which some big, really big bulk waited covered in a piece of cloth. Removing the sheet, Mia’s eyes widened and a smile formed on her face as she noticed how the AFW had decided to indulge her. Under the cloth rested a wonderful Yamaha MT-10, one of the flagships of the Japanese motorbike company. It was one of Mia’s dream bikes and just having the chance of hearing it roar made all that worth it. Moreso, she settled for a Yamaha to appease her Japanese fans.

When her entrance theme started and the neighing horses echoed through the arena Mia ignited the engine as she donned her leather jacket and her aviator sunglasses. Hearing that engine roar was amazing, and Mia could only wonder what that bike could do in a road. Slowly but surely, she made some noise as she rode the bike towards the entrance ramp.

Obviously the crowd would support someone as charismatic as Mika. She was also the champion so it was Mia’s duty to prove herself worthy of the people’s support. The reaction wasn’t as big as it was with the champion herself, but when the challenger appeared riding a powerful Japanese bike people erupted in cheers. Mia had some fanbase now that she had some matches, and making a powerful entrance like that would definitely help her getting the attention of even more people. When her short ride was clear she parked the bike at the end of the ramp and took away her jacket and glasses before stepping in the ring with a powerful jump.

Once inside the ring Mia pointed at every corner of the arena thanking the people for their support and finally she gave her rival, the champion, a gesture of challenge. When she walked towards the center of the ring she smiled confidently at Mika. “So, the day has come. Amazing entrance by the way. These people love you and you earned it, but I will do my best to take that belt home. May the best one win.”, Mia finished as she offered her rival a handshake.

As far as she could remember, Mia didn’t seem like she was the type to know how to please a crowd. From her initial impressions upon meeting the Mustang, she seemed like the type of woman that would let her actions speak for herself, rather than using mere words. Which was fine, actions do speak louder than words, and you got to back up your claims somehow. But it was an aspect that Mika was curious to know how well she does that day. She was challenging for a title fight. It won’t do her right if she doesn’t know how to talk on the microphone. It may seem unimportant of a trait to have for a Rising Star Title, but Mika wanted to make sure that she was leaving it to the right hands.

Mika did her bit to pump the crowd. It was nice to see more people caring for the belt than when it was initially revealed to the public. And that was thanks to the title holders and the rookies that made it essential as it is now. There seemed to be more eyes on this match than there was back in Germany. Might have helped that this year’s Summer Splash is not taking place overseas but staying within the land of the rising sun. Or the fact it’s an anniversary edition. Either way, the Twin-Tailed wonder was happy that there was a lot of attention on this belt and would have made Yukina proud to see the Rising Star Championship going to great heights.

It would eventually be Mia’s turn to show up, and she definitely got the crowd pumped as she rode down the ramp in a Yamaha. An actual Ford Mustang was something Mika had in mind, but a real Japanese made motorcycle did earn her points with the Japanese crowd, and many bike lovers as the roar of its engine can be heard over the cries and cheers of the audience. Mika’s entrance may have been way too over the top, but she wasn’t going to expect Mia to jump over that high bar. The opening was terrific still, and Mia definitely has a future.

So, there’s at least something for Mika to be comforted in. But as Mia hopped inside, now she has to be all business. The Avatar of Justice stood there with her hands on her hips, just like a superhero in every way. She may not ooze the badass air that Mia does, but she has her own appeal to the fans. No point in not being who she is. “It certainly has. And yours is amazing as well. Maybe after this, I can try the bike?” She talked in a way that sounded like Mika Kingsley rather than Mika Kaminashi, but in a volume that wouldn’t be heard from the crowd. It was all candid, genuine, and she wanted to show as much support for her challenger. The Mustang deserved the excellent sportsmanship. When it came to the handshake; however, the alter ego would appear soon after, giving that hand a firm shake. Even she hated noodle handshakes. “Indeed, Mustang! I shall not hold back one iota! Come at me with everything you got!”

Mia wasn’t that sure about her wrestling gimmick. She knew really well at that point that having fightint skills meant close to nothing if one didn’t have a good story and persona behind them. She wanted to be worthy of that good story and that would eventually bring more love from the crowd, it was just she didn’t really know what to do to fit in the world. For some people like Mika it was as easy and simple as breathing, the woman exuded charisma, and that brought everyone to her side, but even if she was confident in her fighting skills she wasn’t really sure about what to do to be loved.

Despite those concerns making her mind unease it was a fact that Mia’s popularity had been on the rise for some time. Her last matches gave a good show and people in general was happy with her mix of attitude and fighting prowess. Both the crowd and the management considered her a suitable candidate for the belt, and that was exactly what brought her there. She really knew that was the day she could cement her popularity and her status as a wrestler, and that was why she went all out with her entrance. Every little detail was well-thought in order to please the audience while maintaining the Mustang’s character. After all, she wasn’t going to leave her principles behind in order to get popularity.

In the end it looked like her appearance on stage caused quite an impression in both the public and the crowd. Going for a brief ride in her dream bike was also a pleasant sensation that got Mia in the best of moods for when she joined the ring and confronted Mika. The champion looked in her element, and for a moment she asked about taking a ride in the bike. “Heh, when we are done with this you can give it a try.”, said Mia granting her rival’s wish. She liked that one, and even if her objective was taking that belt for herself that didn’t mean they couldn’t be friendly with each other.

After exchanging a friendly handshake Mika challenged Mia to go at her with everything she has. “You can count on it, sister.” The bell rang and Mia nodded at her rival as if checking if she was ready to start. As soon as confirmation was received the Mustand would open with a kick to her rival’s stomach to test how her defenses were. It was her day to shine and she didn’t want to lose time.

Mika sighed as the charge of adrenaline dissipated through her body, coming down, just a little from the high of her extravagant entrance. The Twin-Tailed Wonder found herself harking back to Germany, where she was in Mia’s shoes. Not as the champion but as a number one contender. Entrances such as these were one way for her to express herself, show off her creativity. She seeks not to be too predictive, changing thing up and making sure the crowd got to see something that was unique. But at the end of the day, she had to prove herself in the ring. Yukina pushed her when she was the champion. Mika hoped that she would do the same for Mia. There may be some uncertainty in regards to what her wrestling gimmick really is, but the competitive fires would help forge it.

Just like the indie circuits, people were starting to pay attention to the two Rising Stars, the announcer giving it the ‘Big Fight Feel’ that it deserved. While both were as amicable as they can be, both were still driven to success, even if the match didn’t have that ‘edge’ to it. Which was okay with Mika. A great performer she may be, the Avatar of Justice was not sure how she would cope when things get too personal and heated.

The crowd gave a massive cheer as both give one more handshake before the match gets underway, the Brit lowering into a crouch, waiting for all of that energy bundled inside to explode. A nod towards the referee the signal and the Mustang came in fast. A quick boot the gut was seen by Mika, the Avatar of Justice stepping to the side to evade, but would only reply with a simple chop to the chest. Nothing extravagant, considering she was quite close to the Mustang. Plus, she did want to feel her out a bit while keeping pace.

The air was electrifying with excitement. The crowd was fully aware of what was in play that day. It wasn’t only about the Summer Splash event or the special ocasion that was the anniversary, it was also about a loved champion clashing against a relatively unknown wrestler that was getting quite popular lately. Everyone wanted to see Mika try and defend her belt against the rising Mia, and check if the Mustang’s willpower was as untameable as she had stated in the past. It was a golden day, a wonderful day to shine and Mia knew that. No matter how nervous she could feel at the chance of getting that title for herself, she would rise to the occasion.

And to do so the American wanted to tackle the match from the very beginning. The match was very young yet but the Mustang wouldn’t be running around the bush while giving her rival time to think on her strategy. Mia launched a quick kick to her rival’s stomach to test her reactions, and the champion didn’t disapoint when she evaded to one side with a rush of excitement coming from the crowd. Mika’s retaliation wasn’t severe though, only some chop to the Mustang’s chest.

Mia wanted to evade, but her rival was too quick and she wasn’t expecting a strike like that. The chop hit her chest, but wasn’t enough to stagger her since the match was just starting. Without any time to let Mika follow up she would rush forward this time with a knee to Mika’s groin. If impacting and making the champion bend, Mia would go for a DDT, making a statement: she wouldn’t go down easily, and any chance she was given she would use it to strike.

There was a slight grin that crept up on Mika’s face once they started to battle. As the Twin-Tailed Wonder began to step forward, she realized that this had the chance to become a game of inches. Mika was at least aware of her foe’s similar tempo to her; a change of approach was in order. She entered in with a size up, trying something alternative to her usual MO. To see how the Mustang could cope with a change in what the conventional assumptions of Mika could be.

Contrary to popular belief, Mika wasn’t all about using her butt. It was around 97% of the time. The other would be Mika trying to outwit Mia, not revealing her opening hand too quickly against a foe with such an explosive offence.

The Avatar of Justice was quick on the draw, landing a chop that had the crowd wincing from the sound. Of course, this was far from being able to make Mia stagger. But she’s starting to get a good feel out of her opponent. That is until she felt a knee hitting near the breadbasket, Mika instantly doubling over, arms wrapped around that part. That would turn out to be a big mistake as Mia capitalized on the opportunity, landing a hard DDT. Mika grunted, feeling the throbbing pain on the top of her head. The Avatar of Justice began to roll onto her stomach, pushing up to her hands and knees.

At the very least, she doesn’t want to stay down on the ground for long. But the DDT was a lot more painful than some chop to the chest. Still, Mika wasn’t going to fall to pieces, it had only just begun.

Mia was observant enough to notice Mika’s smirk of satisfaction as their bout started. It was against rivals like that when the Mustang stood up to the challenge. Mika was a proficient and proud fighter but she was also respectful about her rivals. The blonde posed also a great hurdle to surpass for Mia as defeating her would give the rookie a title belt and some reputation. And above all, the Rising Star Champion favored a healthy competition, but a competition still.

The match started in a positive way for Mia. Even if Mika got a chop going it was a weak move for a start. Mia decided to take things her way with a kick to the champion’s gut and then a DDT to start softening her and she managed to get it. The crowd responded with a mild combination of enthusiasm and hesitation. After all, Mia was just the challenger and it was only logical that the people were on the champion’s side.

Just after successfully executing the DDT, Mia decided to keep going with the pressure. Mika hadn’t showed her best hand yet, but if the Mustang didn’t allow her to do so that wouldn’t be a problem, so the best course of action for her was to keep the fight going. That was why she immediately dragged her rival on her feet and executed an Irish whip to make Mika rebound on the ropes and then go for a lariat to keep the punishment going.

In the grand scheme of things, Mika could have gone with something more significant. That had usually been her MO when it came to her matches, opting for the high-speed tempo that sets the game into her own momentum. A single chop would have been considered the more lacklustre thing to start off with, especially with an opponent like Mia. The Mustang showed the champion how it’s done and would land a DDT that rocked Mika’s brain a bit.

It wasn’t something that would end the match right there and then, but it still hurt her noggin. The Twin-Tailed Wonder didn’t come out of the gates as favourably as she had hoped, being helped up by Mia herself. Mika shook the cobwebs out of her head before finding herself being slung towards the other side of the ring, ricocheting off the ropes. The Avatar of Justice fully expected something from Mia as she comes back to her, and if she doesn’t act then the Brit will fall behind once again!

That was something Mika can’t have, primarily as she is representing as a champion! So Mika would suddenly unleash a burst of speed that had her coming closer than what the Mustang expected. Pumping her legs, she’d leap up in the air, twisting her body round to let her Butt of Justice lead the charge, seeking to make amends to the mediocre start of her offence! “Butt of Justice! ASS CANNON!!” She yelled out, aiming to strike Mia straight in the face!