Mile High Cup Battle Royal

“I'm fuckin' worried about you dad!”  Craig spoke with frustration and love in his voice. “Ever since Rachel died all you've done is work behind this poxy bar, you stand there in this shithole pulling pints for scumbags all day night and now this? THIS?”



“I fuckin' told you Craig, YOU JUST LISTEN! Don't make me tell you again, son!..." Bobby took a moment to compose himself before continuing. "I stand behind that bar over there every day and night, back where I started when your mum first fell pregnant with you... And all I've got is memories and questions. Memories of what I've had and lost, built and destroyed, and questions of what could have been... I can't get back what I had Craig, but I can do something.”

“What?” Craig asked, clearly not yet swayed by his fathers passionate speech.

“I can change the fuckin' question! Instead of standing behind that bar asking what could've been I can step out and start asking, what's going to be?”

“I think you've lost the plot, dad.”

“No, son." Bobby replied firmly, shaking his head in defiance. "I lost it thirty years ago. What I've done now is find it... Now drink your drink or fuck off.”



"Dad, I really think you should reconsider this." Craig interrupted, concern growing within him.

We find Katrina “Hairicin” Knox walking through a field. Dressed in her colors, her MHW Hardcore Title over her shoulder, she continues to walk along, the background blurry from the sun but occasional shadows can be seen. As she walks along, one could hear the grunts of exertion, followed by the clanging of metal, and splintering of wood. Katrina moves the camera away from the sun and we see what appears to be a renaissance fair of sorts, in the middle of it all, a fighting ring. Katrina sits down on a small cliff to admire the festivities below.

“Delusions. That’s what I hear and see when most of the people in this match have spoken up over time. They use their looks to get noticed. They use bald-faced lies to get others to believe them. Some even use selective memory. Who among you can actually FIGHT?!”

Katrina turns to the camera with a pained and agitated look on her face.

“Bruiser, you know damn well I don’t include you in my question, because I’m sure you’ve asked the same question. Aye, if they wanted US to fight, they could have easily just booked a Champion vs Champion showcase match and left the others to fend for themselves. The thing is, of ALL the matches on this show, this is the only thing that will be for certain.

A Shieldmaiden is walking away with the win.”

Katrina turns the camera back to the action as she continues to talk.

“The last time there was a Battle Royal of this magnitude, it was won by Reaper. I was barely in the picture during that time, but the stories I heard about the intensity of the man are remarkable. Sometimes it takes someone to raise that sword and shield, and become that dominant force. Someone whose intensity becomes the stuff of legend.

That force… is me.

Meizumi Kirigawa. Honey, if you spent half the time you spend trying to be a thirst trap on social media, you’d likely be a contender. No disrespect to you, lass, but you need to focus just a little bit. You’re stepping into a wrestling ring with two champions and a lot of hopefuls. You’re gonna need to keep your head on a swivel, step out of the just being glad to be here, and get your hands dirty. THAT is how you get noticed in Mile High Wrestling.

Talia Areano. I expected more of you, but so far, you’ve done little of note, and that saddens me because I’ve seen what you could do in WWA, and then you come here and it’s like somebody is doing a bad cosplay or something because I refuse to believe it’s the same person. Sadder thing is, it IS the same person. You could do SO much better, lass. I invite you, for this match, to prove to these people you belong here.”

Katrina sighs and turns the phone back to herself, as she tilts her head, giving a look of confusion.

“Anastasia Baudelaire, je ne savais pas que je t'avais frappé si fort pour que tu m'oublies. Let me remind you, little girl. ThrowDown Rise when I pinned you to win this…”

Hairicin holds up the Hardcore Championship to the camera.

“So, you can quit lying to the world by saying you don’t know what, and who, I am. I thought maybe after the last time, you’d have learned a bit of respect. I catch you this time? I’ll make sure you remember me for the rest of your miserable life.

Annie Tran. For somebody with many faces, not one of them has bothered to show themselves since you signed your damn contract. Respect the business, respect the roster, respect the fans. Or get out. That’s all I have to say to you.”

Hairicin gets up again and starts to pace with her phone in her hand.

“Mr. Sutton, you are the enigma in all of this. On one hand, I’ve been raised to respect my elders. On the other, I cannot enter any match looking to be second-place. I listened to your story, I was empathetic to it until I started thinking about it, and you’re effectively asking us to put you out of your misery. That is a slippery slope that I will not descend, I won’t give you the mercy killing you desire. What I will do is yeet your old and broken ass out of the ring if you get in my way.”

Katrina cringes at something she saw and rubs her chest like she was wounded, before shaking her head.

“They’re going to feel that tomorrow, I felt that all the way up here.

Last but not least, we have the other Maguire in the match, my sister Bruiser. Funny how we have wives called Psycho and Banshee, and yet we’re the protectors, huh? You are probably the only one in this match who is going to make things interesting. I almost predict the others will be sent over that top rope in the first two minutes, and it’ll be you and I throwing hands like we do when we’re training. We know each other’s styles, we know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. It’ll be size against grit. As much as I said I don’t go into any match expecting to be second, if I end up second to you, I’m fine with that. As I also said, a Shieldmaiden is walking out of this match a winner.

Make no mistake about it, though. I hold my title like it’s the World Title. I defend it like I’m main-eventing. And I carry myself, and train myself, to be able to do that successfully. While it may not be on the line, I’m not going to allow anyone, including you, the ability to say they bested me. And when I have faced everyone and beaten them, I’ll trade this title for something more prestigious, and carry THAT title the same way I carry this one.

Denver, it’s Hurricane Season.”

Just before Katrina can turn off the video, her phone rings.

“Yes, this is she… oh, hello, Una… yes, was just filming it on my camera phone, I’m watching medieval fighting… I think so?... yes, ma’am.”

When Katrina ends the call, so too does the video with it.

Though the cameras hadn’t caught it, Eikichi left the ring with the biggest grin on his face. Once both he and Meizumi were both backstage, he pulled his daughter into a tight hug.

“Becoming your manager was a good enough honor as it was. Watching you walk in your own footsteps plus my own? You don’t know how beautiful of a display that was.”

"Actually, I think I have a pretty good guess," Meizumi replied quickly, grinning as she lifted her head to look up at her father. Ever since their mother had passed away, he’d lost a certain shine. But tonight … it was definitely back. And that was more than enough to make Meizumi’s own grin widen.

“Just know that as long as you go in and give each fight your all, I’m not gonna demand you have to win every fight. But definitely don’t half-ass any of your brawls, either.”

”Pfft, please. Who do you think you’re talking to? I’d kick myself before you got a chance if I dared started resorting to those sorta tactics.”

From behind them both, a feminine voice cleared her throat. The father-daughter duo turned to see Mile High’s backstage interviewer, Abi Rose, standing with a mic in hand and a smile on her own face.

“Sorry. I didn’t want to interrupt. May I ask you a few questions, Miss Kirigawa?”

”Of course! Go for it!”

Meizumi turned so she was standing beside Eikichi. By the time her posture changed, Abi had the first question enter her head.

“Is there any particular person you want to face one of these days?”

”Hmm …”

Meizumi’s fingers gently tapped her jaw as she thought about her answer.

”Not going easy on the rookie, I see,” she teased gently, earning a small chuckle from Abi.

“It comes with the job, somewhat unfortunately.”

”Well … the short answer is everyone. Every person will have different fighting styles, and I’ll be able to learn best by thus fighting every person on the roster at least. If you want some specific names for the immediate future? Any of the Shieldmaidens and, actually … El Diablo Blanco. He seems like a very fascinating and honorable fighter. He has a genuine love for this sport, much like this sport, and I’d love to give him a much more respectable fight than Leah did.”

“So you did see that episode?”

Meizumi’s eyes narrowed slightly as she nodded.

”Call me old fashioned, but that was uncalled for. Even less so now that we’re out of the Feudal and Medieval days. She can use ‘War Queen’ to describe herself all she wants, but I just see her as another Tyrant. A competent one, mind you, but still … those types of leaders …”

Meizumi purposely allowed the thought to trail off. Sure enough, the nod Abi gave hinted she put together the unfinished sentence.

“Bold words. But I respect you for voicing them all the same. So what even got you into fighting, if I may ask? You said you weren’t new to this, so what inspired you?”

A stoic look immediately appeared on Meizumi’s face. Eikichi gently rubbed his daughter’s shoulder as his eyes met Miss Rose’s.

“That’s a sensitive topic. But you can know the simplest answer without saying too much is self-defense.”

“Ohhhh. Is that why she primarily knows Aikido?”

Meizumi gave an affirmative nod.

”What a lot of people don’t know, however, is you actually can make Aikido a very offensive martial arts if you pay close enough attention and adapt it well enough. In fact, Nina Williams from the Tekken video games is a perfect example of this.”

“ … Really? So all of her moves are …?”

Meizumi grinned, nodding.

”Offensive Aikido throws and techniques, yes ma’am. They absolutely are. Obviously, I don’t aim to kill like she does, but ---”

“Wait, it can kill too?”

”Well … if you make that your intentions, yes. But that’s why she’s just a video game character. I’m a real person.”

“Thank goodness indeed,” Abi agreed, chuckling slightly nervously. Thankfully, she had a swift way to change topics once more, “So … I noticed a lot of quicks. I didn’t think Aikido was known for that, or … am I wrong?”

Meizumi shook her head.

”Like Azurine noticed, I also have taken some Muay Thai and Brazilian Jui Jitsu. First and foremost, I’m an MMA fighter. Including wrestling moves has been a very interesting but welcome challenge.”

“And given how tonight’s performance went, I’d say your training is paying off thus far. Do you think you’ll be booked for Mile High Spectacular Three?”

”I certainly hope so. But if push comes to shove, I’ll earn my spot for the next Pay-Per-View. That’s a promise!”

“Last one for now, then I’ll let you two head off. I know you said things like championships were secondary on your to-do list here. However, if you could pick which title you want to try fighting for first, which would it be?”

Another pause lingered before Meizumi nodded and swiftly revealed her answer.

”The Hardcore or Phoenix Championships … at least to start with. Naturally, the Ultimate is its own goal, but I understand one match doesn’t yet make me worthy of being able to look at that as my first option. So I’ll work towards it.”

“Fair enough. Thank you both very much for your time.”

Both Eikichi and Meizumi gave Abi Rose a respectful bow of their heads then turned to leave. Eikichi would be the first to turn to his daughter and ask, “What sounds good for dinner?”

”Olive Garden. It’s been forever since we’ve had any type of pasta that wasn’t ramen.”

That earned a chuckle as Eikichi patted her chuckle. “You’re going to work off whatever weight you get from tonight then. Understood?”

”Perfectly. Already ten steps ahead of you, otou-sama.”

---

As the camera turns on, we see Meizumi sitting near the water, smiling happily.

”If I had to say my favorite part of this sport outside of the fighting aspect? It's traveling. Japan is lovely in its own rights. But being able to explore and take in new sights like this? Absolutely breathtaking.”

Her finger presses against her lips as she smirks.

”Buuuut … we’re not here for that. Fair enough.”

As quickly as the happier expression appeared, a more stern one replaced it.

”I’ve already heard some of your words and, frankly, I’m disappointed. With some more so than others. The Shieldmaidens have basically already declared this to be their victory because their brother-in-arms won the previous Mile High Cup. And admittedly, the fact there are two of them in this fight does suggest numbers can easily play a part …”

Meizumi crosses her arms.

”But before you two go screaming such things, maybe look around the battlefield more carefully, hmmm? I’ll save you both for last and instead talk to the other opponents here real fast. And since you’ve already opened your mouth to me on E-Fedder, you’ve volunteered yourself, Anastasia.”

“Another model like me … or, as she liked to point out, supermodel.”

Meizumi merely grins as she continues.

”Good thing this is a wrestling company and not a modeling one, yes? Look, if you wanna care about the hierarchy of my side job, feel free to. I’ll focus on shocking the whole world. See, I have heard some of your other promos. You … really thought Bruiser was gonna be easy … why now?”

Her eyebrow raises, as if she’s waiting to hear that reply.

”No, seriously. I wanna know that reason. She’s not only a veteran, but has held the AMMO Championship - and kept it - for really good reasons. To hear you just … talk her down …”

Meizumi shakes her head.

”That’s as foolish as trying to say I’m out of the equation. I haven’t been a professional for the longest, no. But the fact is … I have stood across from numerous men and women who, at first, had a lot more experience than me. Starting with Aikido. That’s what our belt tests are for; to prove we’re ready to advance. And maybe you might not care, but … getting to third dan black belt is no simple task.”

“Then again, what more can you expect from some rich woman who seems to have everything in life?”

Her eyes roll as she scoffs.

”I hate going to those types of lines. I really do. But you get what you give. And for the record, yes. I did hear the commentary team. Did I care? Not really. I noted the praise, sure, but I’m not worried about whether I’m the sexiest woman here or not. I’m here to make my own name for myself; nothing more, but nothing less.”

“Awareness … it really does wonders, particularly in this industry. Try paying attention to the details that matter. Don’t worry though; I’ll show you how to do that when we meet in the ring.”

Meizumi flashes a sly wink before shifting her attention.

”I actually want to address the new dark horse for this match next; Bobby Sutton, who is making his debut at this pay-per-view..”

Her hands tuck under her jaw as a pensive look now appears on her face.

”You claimed to be a broken man, but frankly? I disagree. If you’re willing to come here and fight, you can’t be too shattered. I’m not going to say you aren't at all, just not as much as you’re claiming. Regardless, I do know the pain of losing someone you care about. And if for no other reason than I know the type of pain you speak about … I want to at least offer you my condolences.”

Meizumi remains silent for at least a minute before chiming up again.

”Only those foolish enough will think you could easily be the weakest link, but no. I won’t be one of those people. If anything, it’s those with nothing else to lose that are easily some of the most dangerous people. Age is but a number, so while you’re not the youngest among us, that also doesn’t mean anything to me.”

“I don’t know if you can be fixed by coming here … but maybe I can see about helping you find a path to start walking down should you want - or need - that type of help.”

Meizumi bows her head respectfully before moving to the next name.

”Miss Talia … you’ve been around quite a few other feds in addition to Mile High Wrestling. Now … I realize that I admitted being fine with playing double duty when - or if - GCC returns. But that’s only two places. From what I’ve seen you’re in … what? Four? Five?”

Her eyebrow raises again.

”It’s definitely way more than two. That I know for sure and the issue that comes with you being in so many places is your focus and concentration. Are they even here? Or are you eyeing another championship opportunity elsewhere? While your mind is wandering when Mile High Spectacular airs, I’ll have my complete attention divided among each and every one of you.”

“It’s a bit of a shame you’re being as reckless as you are. Loving this sport and wanting to participate … that’s all well and good. But when you get too many wounds and injuries, then what? You can’t fight if someone puts you out of commission, after all.”

“That someone won’t be me, granted. But I know and have met others who won’t hesitate to go to those lengths. Your weakness is something you need to be incredibly cautious of. Because if you go against the wrong people, you could find yourself in very real and legitimate danger.”

“Annie-san .. hello again.”

Meizumi elicits an awkward chuckle.

”I hope you don’t hold any grudges. There’s always a winner as well as a loser. That’s just how this industry works. I saw my opportunity and decided to seize it. Nothing more, nothing less. With that being said, you’re likely hoping to regain some momentum from that last fight, yes? Fair enough. Just remember …”

Meizumi gestures around herself.

”I’m not the only person you gotta look out for. Let’s put another good fight on for the audience, shall we?”

“And last .. but certainly not least … the Shieldmaidens in the form of Bruiser and Haircin. Both current champions. Both certainly live up to their nicknames and reputations. And that’s exactly why it was you two … who disappointed me the most.”

“Oi. Haircin. You wanna call me a thirst trap? What the hell is this then?!”

Meizumi pulls her phone out of her jeans pocket and, after swiping it open, turns it towards the camera.


”Quite the cleavage shot, isn’t it? I guess it’s a good thing you’re spouse is understanding of you posting up such pictures, particularly when - last I checked - you weren’t working for any modeling companies. That also isn’t the only pretty risque image of you on social media, either. And then, if that’s not enough, you Maidens have some company … Bras d’Or. Right?”

After finding a post mentioning the company on E-Fedder, Meizumi nods, glaring at the camera again.

”You yourself may not work there. But you and your sisters own, run it, whatever. So … remind me. Who the hell do you think you are to call me a thirst trap? I don’t give a damn the correct answer is technically The Hardcore Champion, you’re a horrible one. Next time you wanna try to judge me, look at yourself in the mirror just like you did in that same picture. Gizen-sha o kuso.”

Though the words are muttered, the tone by itself is enough to hint they weren’t anything close to nice words.

”And you, Bruiser. You have my congrats on re-earning and retaining the AMMO Championship once again, but that’s as far as it goes. You really think you can end me?”

A knowing smirk crosses Meizumi’s lips.

”As someone who had several close calls with that, are you really going to sink to the same degrees as Adrian Blackthorne and whoever almost ended your career first did?”

She gives a firm nod.

”Mhm, I do know about Adrian. And that truly must have been an unfortunate encounter. So just as I asked Haircin who she was to try to judge me, who the hell are you to try to walk in the same footsteps as your past assailants? You may be perfectly capable of achieving such a feat. But after all the Hell you must have gone through?”

Meizumi shakes her head in disgust.

”I’d have thought you’d be better than being fine lowering yourself to those standards. On the flip side, it does confirm something I’ve been wondering about you for a while now. You are absolutely terrified of the third - or whatever time - being the final one. I can at least understand you don’t want your career to end. But that desperation you’re now reeking of? Yeah … no …”

Meizumi’s head continues to shake.

”It is not going to do you any favors. It may very well end up resulting in you losing that title you so proudly hold, in fact. Just need the right opponent because, admittedly, you have been put against bakas who have assumed you would be an easy target. Why? Hell if I still can get that. But all you need to know is should our paths cross, I won’t make that same mistake. Guaranteed.”

Meizumi exhales, letting out a breath that prior till now, she’d been holding.

”The Shieldmaidens may want this, but they sure as hell aren’t the only ones gunning for that Cup. Come Mile High Spectacular 3, you all will see what I can really do. And I hope at least some of you learn that I’m much, much, much more than just ‘another pretty face’.”

With that, the camera fades.