One Big Mess. - 4 on 4

23.02.21 Osaka, Japan

*You could feel as if someone simply did not realize that such a play with feelings can lead to a tragedy. What for the bosses was building tension, for the participants of the match was not only a torment, but also a kind of building even bigger distance and hatred towards each other. Especially since there were already quite bad relations on both sides. Some were built on disrespect and betrayal, while the other was for fear of losing the championship or wanting to win it. Both teams were like a ticking time bomb and it was hard to say if this match will start at all. They might as well throw fists at each other right from the very beginning. If not humane, it would probably be the best solution for each side. However, at the moment it was necessary to make the assumption that they must find a consensus and give each other a minimum trust. Was it possible? It was "no" for various reasons, especially for Arata. He and Animus went through too much to just hold hands like nothing happened. As far as Layne Driver is concerned, he just had the opportunity to see what kind of a human he is and that it is not even worth making any agreements with him. So how did the Japanese man feel about what was going to happen during Chapter 28? Angry, anxious, distracted. There were a lot of emotions in him that he could only deal with in one way. Namely, standing in front of the camera and saying what he really thinks about all this situation.*

*Arata, dressed in black sweatpants, a black T-shirt and black sports shoes, stands leaning against the edge of the ring. The man has his hands in the pockets of his pants, while his eyes are looking empty on the floor. Finally, the former Shogun Champion sighs heavily and unleashes all his frustration towards this match. Even though he tries to control the tone of his voice, everyone can easily hear that it is raised.*

What the hell is it even supposed to be? I'm asking seriously, because at first I thought it was some kind of unfunny joke, but apparently after all these weeks or rather months of harassment, someone thought it was a great idea for me to be on the same team with Animus. The same can be said for Chris and Layne's situation. The thing is, this is ridiculous, because everybody knows how this bullshit will end. As always, they will care more about dragging us down than winning for their own benefit. To be fair, it would be more convenient for Chris and me to be in a handi-cap match, because with both of them it won't even be a numbers disadvantage. It will be a fucking sabotage. There is no chance of winning here, since this clash is already lost. It doesn't even matter who's on the other side, because me and Chris have enough enemies on ours. Why am I saying "we"? After all, I should have limited my trust towards Sabertooth as well. However, unless I call us friends, recently I have learned to treat him as some kind of partner in crime. I can say that we have a common interest, or rather, we are a target of the same people. So I doubt that he wants to wage war with me too, despite all that happened on Kingdom. Sometimes it's better to just forget about the past for a while, so you don't get bogged down in even more shit. Right, Chris? Since we can't rely on the other two, I'd like you to know that at least I watch your back. Well, as long as it's beneficial for me, but winning this match is definitely what I want, as it is the first time that I am in the ring after War of the World. This is the first time between the ropes since I lost my championship.

*Arata runs his fingers over his beard, then sighs heavily. He still hasn't quite come to terms with what happened a few weeks ago during a Shogun Championship match.*

Everyone knows that I'm not especially happy, as I still don't think Emmanuelle is a good representative of what I've been building for the last two years, but I also can't sit in a corner and cry like a baby. While it's hard for me to say it, I just have to move on, because there are some things I need to finish, which is this shit with Animus. What happened between him and me makes it even more difficult for me to think about this match. You see, it is not that easy to focus on winning and at the same time know that this vile and fake motherfucker is my tag team partner. However, the other thing that makes me feel slightly disturbed is Hana on the other side. You see, we've always been on the same page, even when she shocked the world and brutally beat up Cynthia. You probably wonder why I did it, since I am all about honor and so on? I would say it is sentiment. As you all know, I actually "raised" her to be a wrestler, because when I met her, she was just a stupid, spoiled brat who couldn't understand the word "no". During this time she grew up and changed a lot, but what has remained the same is that she will never be above me. That's why, as much as I love you, Hana, you should know your place. Do you remember what I told you that night when you chose a new path? You can do whatever you want, as long as you meet two conditions. First, you don't bring shame at me, and second, you don't bother me, which is happening right now. Our paths cross here and I am not saying that you should give up the match. I'm just politely reminding you that if there are any hairsprays, chairs or other shit in the game, you will regret it. I know you're not stupid enough to actually go against me, kiddo, but in case something unreasonable comes to your mind, remember one thing. You should not bite the hand that feeds you. I am not like Cynthia and I will not expect an apology. One thing towards me that goes beyond the rules, and I will personally kick you out of the Dojo. It's enough for me that everyone else is constantly trying to fuck me over, I don't need a rat in my ranks. So you better show me that the time I spent with you wasn't wasted. Both in terms of trust and your skills.

You may think that I'm naive since she was able to betray even people who were supposedly her friends. Although, this is quite an objective opinion from the World's Finest. The thing is, there is a slightly different relationship between us. We are like a family and that makes me believe that no matter what she will be on my side. It makes me sure she won't put a knife in my back, no matter how much April manipulates her.

Surprising isn't it, April? You always thought that everyone saw your behavior as caring for a little friend...a little sister? However, has it always been this way? Looking from the side, I always had the impression that you were just using Hana's good attitude to improve your image. You know, you could be doing some fucked up stuff, but at the same time you were this sweet girl's 'big sister', so you can't be bad. Blah, blah, blah. Let's be honest at least once, April. I'm not saying you never cared about her, but on the other hand, someone like you wouldn't be doing something without having some benefit. We all saw this perfectly clearly on Odyssey. There is only a question in my head, whether Hana stops being a source of benefits for you, will you leave her like Diantha? Since you've been able to treat someone you know for so long like trash, it probably wouldn't be a problem for you to kick her in the ass as well. Why do I get the feeling that it would happen if you lost this tag team belts? Well, it's good that this tag team would go away on its own, without any crying or attempted murders. I may be unfair in your opinion, but I'd like to see if you really care about this relationship and Sweet Melody, April. I wish I knew that I didn't throw this sheep between the wolves by putting her in your hands. You can say that you looked after her so many times, but are you sure these weren't just excuses to hide your weaknesses? Like this one time during the King of the World Tournament. Did you really care that the Professional attacked your tag team partner, or maybe you just knew you couldn't win this match? I remember that day like it was yesterday and that you were already weakening. You know I respect you as a fighter, because you can give better fight than half of this roster, but everyone has their limits, April. Anyway, it ended up as it should. I moved on and you continued being the adoptive mom and fighting The Underworld. At the same time, naively thinking that it will bring you some profit. You thought it was you who would dethrone Claudia Michaels. However, due to blind vision of victory, you forgot that it was all about Cloud from the start. Is it different this time? You think people finally took notice of Sweet Melody, while most are just fascinated by what happened to Hana. You're relegated to the background again, April.

*The man just shrugs his shoulders at these words and then moves on with his speech. Namely towards the current Campeonatos de Parejas.*

Since I mentioned the tag belts, it is probably worth paying attention to Campeonatos de Parejas, or rather what is left of them. Don't get me wrong, because I'm glad you want tag team wrestling to reach new heights, but one match together doesn't make you a real team yet. Nice, that you defended it once, but who cares if it shouldn't even happen. I understand that Wrestleworld didn't want to take your chance, Teddy, after Jag was attacked, but the fact that you literally handed someone a championship is fucking pathetic. You see, on the one hand I understand and on the other hand I don't want to do this, because it's completely unfair to the rest of the roster, which is working hard for its success. It would be a difference if you would come right away and make a good impression as the new big superstar, Travis, but you didn't even lift a finger. Where is the sense, logic, or at least respect for your employees in this? Sometimes Architects or Jaywalker himself make such non-ironic stupid decisions that it's hard to accept it. Especially since we are talking about tag team titles, the value of which should be built by two people, and not the third one that appeared out of nowhere as a replacement. Sorry, Travis, I'm not even saying that you're a bad wrestler or whatever, I just don't think you deserve the position you are in, and Teddy is lucky that someone took pity on him at all and didn't take those belts for a vacant one. Although, I don't know if the vision of the easy title gain has not blinded you too much. Watching Teddy easily turning his back on Nobi and treating him like shit, I'd be scared if I were you, Travis. There is not real trust in this team. There is no proper contention. There is one big mess, because someone tried to cover the hole. That is why, I don't see a bright future for you as a team for many reasons.

Looking at the fact that there is more hostility in our team based on personal matters, and there are two tag teams against us, it may seem that the result is obvious. However, in reality it is much more complicated and it's hard to tell what will happen on Sunday. Will this match take place at all? Will we be able to keep short-term peace from one bell to the next? Or maybe it all turns into one big mess in the middle of the clash? I do not know. Simply put, I cannot answer any of these questions. I don't think I've ever felt so insecure before, because I have no idea who I can trust for even five minutes. That's why I don't know what it will be. I will just go over there and what's about to happen will happen, because I can't stop it, or change what might take place at Chapter 28. So all that's left to do is wait and see who takes the first step to start a war.

*After this short summary, the video ends and the screen fades black. Arata, feeling a little better after what he said, returns to his daily activities. However, he still has at the back of his head what torments him so much.*