Defiance RP - Who I am

It was a strange occurrence that such a large group of people would be gathered in the Sakura Joshi Gym during the 11 o'clock hour. Not for purposes other than training at least. Seldom was it that even training would have brought the assemblage of nearly two dozen together in the morning. A good number of the wrestlers who did train here had part time jobs and came in either before or after their shifts. This was a special occasion, though. Makoto, the son of gym owner Aya Nishiyama, was debuting for the American WFWF on this day. Judging by the groans of the small mob crowded around a hastily erected projector screen, it wasn't going so well.


Aya Nishiyama herself was over by the makeshift catering table pouring herself a glass of whiskey. Normally she didn't drink, much less this early, but she had her reasons to make an exception. Sousuke was on the road with his promotion and far more active in the ring than a man his age ought to have been. His absence by her side left the aging joshi wrestler searching for some faint reminder of his reassuring presence. With the sunset flip powerbomb and near pinfall in her son's match a moment before, reassurance was something she needed. Turning her attention back to the screen caused a slight flare up of pain in her back; she'd worked a show the night before. The abuse from that match had left her aching all night, not that she'd let on in front of these youngsters. A kick to Makoto's face from his American opponent caused her to flinch, which in turn caused another flare of pain.


“That looked painful,” one of the joshi in the crowd stated the obvious.


Another added, “Don't know if Mako can keep going.”


“Don't you doubt my boy,” Aya chided them, as much to distract herself from her back problems as anything. Makoto had more in the tank than that. One more kick wouldn't doom him.


“What the hell's Bison doing now?” a masculine voice called out from the direction of the gym entrance.


Aya glanced over her shoulder to see the broad-shouldered form of Sousuke Hirata. He wasn't supposed to be here, and her expression challenged him to explain his sudden arrival. Happy though she might be she did not see why or how he could have gotten away from his contractual obligations to come here. For his part the man gave no immediate explanation but rather nodded toward the screen everyone else was watching. Ambivalent reactions turned into subdued excitement as the bearded combatant turned his attention away from Makoto to throttle the senior citizen in the match. What was there to cheer about? Just in the frame Aya could see her son back on his feet. This could be a turning point.


As he kicked Brandon Bison square in the face, the small crowd cheered. Someone ran their own commentary, calling out, “END THEME! END THEME! It's over!”


Aya's eyes were glued to the screen as Makoto's opponent collapsed to the mat. Others were cheering, but she was keeping tabs on her son's form in the match. With it seemingly over she'd have to compile her mental notes to send to him as advice for the future. Still a lot for the kid to work on even if he had won this first match. As he went for the pin, Aya could see her son looking the fallen Bison in the eyes and mouthing the words 'I told you!'.


“One! Two! Three!” the assemblage counted with the referee, erupting into further jubilation as the match ended.

After mild applause, Aya turned to Sousuke as he asked, “What's the verdict?”


The woman shrugged, “Mako can control parts of a match but not the whole thing. He relies too much on his strikes and that might cost him against experienced opponents. More holds would wear down opponents more. But.. not bad. He won.”


Sousuke smirked, “That's high praise coming from you.”


A pause as he glanced over to the food and drink, “Is that-”


Aya nodded, “Your favorite whiskey. Want a glass?” She knew that he'd be just as over worried about her back as her son had been. Better to distract him by changing the subject than have him ruin the mood with concern.


“Sure thing,” the man agreed, as he hadn't had his glass for the day.


“Coming right up,” Aya replied, then turned to the girls who'd come to watch the match, “All right ladies, showtime's up! Get back to work!”


While they grudgingly began to return to their training, Aya reminded herself to send that advice to Makoto. She had a feeling he was going to need it.






“JJ, what's up?” Makoto asked as Skype opened up on his phone to reveal the indie wrestler. There was a grin on his face as he flopped down on the couch in his brand new apartment.


For a few days after Exodus he'd gone through the usual aches and minor discomfort which went with the profession. His victory over Brandon Bison and Mantis Toboggan had kept the adrenaline going for a while, but eventually it'd worn off. Despite the physical reminders of the match he'd gone through at the Target Center he was doing very well over all. Not only had he shown everyone just what Beautiful Strong Style was about, but he'd been cleared to move into his new home. It wasn't really much by western standards – one bedroom, a kitchen, private bath and living room – but it felt pretty spacious to him. Traversing it this morning had reminded him of the fact that he'd arrived. He was in America. It was happening.


“Heya Mako, just getting ready for the next show I'm working. How's life in Portland treating you?” his friend replied, the visible elements of her surroundings suggesting that JJ was at the gym.


“Pretty good; I'm glad I decided to move somewhere that actually has trees and doesn't have a bunch of highway overpasses. A place this relaxed helps me keep my cool and focus everything on training,” he explained about the place he now called home.


There had been a number of cities suggested to him by friends and family. Honestly he'd never been a big fan of living in a metropolis of any kind, especially after spending time in Tokyo. Too many cars, too much noise and too many people in far too much of a hurry to give you the time of day. Plus on the salary he was making at the moment a smaller place in a smaller city was more economical. It was certainly more than he'd been paid in Japan but even so he tried to be careful how he spent it. Being the prettiest wrestler in the world necessitated he budget a certain amount each month toward costumes. Without those he felt as if he'd be missing an arm or a leg; they were integral parts of what made him the person he was. Therefore Portland had been his choice – just affordable enough on his salary to afford other things, just quiet enough to satisfy his preferences.


He thought for a moment and added, “Though there is this weird obsession with beer that I don't get here.”


JJ rolled her eyes, “Welcome to America, Mako. Beer's as much a part of our culture as football and pointless action movies with an explosion every five minutes mandated by law.”


“Seriously though, it tastes like crap,” Makoto remarked, then decided to drop it. JJ drank the stuff herself sometimes and claimed to like it, so pushing the issue might lead to an actual argument.


“You're just not trying the right stuff,” came the indie wrestler's response, “Next time you're in Minneapolis, we'll get you a proper drink. Maybe you can come to one of our shows and see the American bush leagues in action.”


With a shrug he replied, “Maybe. I don't know if WFWF will be okay with me appearing at anyone else's show even if I'm just in the crowd. They've got to protect their product after all, and I'm part of that product now. Which reminds me, there's something kind of.. annoying that I just heard yesterday.”


“Huh? What's that? Did the latest wig get put on back order or something?” JJ teased, which only slightly made the Japanese wrestler smirk in response.


“No, that's going to come through fine,” Makoto related before sighing, “I got an email from my old promotion in Japan.. they said that because they still own the rights to my entrance theme, I can't use it in WFWF. Of course they're gracious enough to hold onto it for me in case I ever work for them again.”


“So you've gotta find some new music? Big deal, I've already used a good half dozen songs,” JJ answered, her tone suggesting this wasn't anything too earth shattering.


Insistent, Makoto said, “That doesn't bother me, I've already got something else lined up. The way they worded it was kind of weird.. like they don't think I've got very much staying power in WFWF. It's like they're keeping the door open for me because they expect me to fail or something. Not like 'just in case' but more like 'when it happens, we're here'.”


“Come on, they probably didn't mean it that way,” his friend tried to convince him, “You're just reading more into this than you should.”



“I don't know,” he shrugged, still flummoxed by the message which he spoke of, “Did they not see Exodus? Did they not see me kick Brandon Bison's head off?”


“Let's keep this in perspective, Mako. You went out there and won your first match,” JJ began, but added, “And that's a pretty big accomplishment for someone who's never even set foot in America before. Just remember that even though you won, it wasn't against any big names. Mantis Toboggan and Brandon Bison aren't exactly contending for the World Championship.”


“But I still won,” he said, rolling his eyes as JJ had earlier.


“What I'm saying is they're not sure what's going to happen for you out here. You're a bigger name in Japan and they probably just want to have first dibs on you if something happens,” she went on, “It's hard to tell how good someone is when they kept having someone interfere with pins. I think they'll be more convinced after you get a couple of singles matches under your belt.”


“Now you're sounding like them a little. JJ, I had Bison on the ropes in that match. And sure they got some offense in, but I won,” Makoto continued, focusing on the lingering doubts he knew some people had about him after Exodus. He'd heard enough of it online already to last a good decade if not a lifetime.


JJ both looked and sounded annoyed, “All I meant was that triple threats are chaotic and some one-on-ones will be a better showcase, okay? Remember I'm on your side, Mako.”


“Right,” Makoto nodded, then decided not to dwell on it too much. He did add, “I just want to be taken seriously in this business. You know how it is – no matter many times people hit you, how much your body hurts the day after or people write you off because you work in an industry they consider a joke, you keep coming back day after day. It's a passion people on the outside don't understand.”


“True enough,” she answered, smiling as she related, “You know what my dad said when I told him I wanted to be a wrestler? He told me 'I didn't raise my daughter to work in a circus sideshow!' We argued, he hit me.. I left. Now here I am, working one dead end job to keep myself afloat while I'm trying to make a living wrestling. Even if I have to pay more for gas to get to a show than the show pays me.”


He could've said something about how rough that was, but he didn't have to. He'd seen a similar situation growing up; only difference was that for him this was a family business. Instead he just nodded and added, “So you can understand why it's rough that even people inside the business don't treat me like a wrestler. I'm just as passionate about it or I wouldn't be here. But it's like you have to do things a certain way or nobody's going to give you a second look.”


“Mako.. you're different. I don't think anyone knows what to think about you yet,” she answered, glancing off to the side as if trying to avoid eye contact. Her gaze returned to the screen, “So don't let it get to you. I'll admit I didn't know what to think about you at first, but now I understand that you kind of defy definition. That's not a bad thing at all.”


Makoto actually laughed at the remark, “Defying definition? That's a good one. I'll have to use that sometime! Who knows maybe your real talent is writing for this business. You could be a manager or something when you're not busting heads.”



“Meh, it's better to be in the ring,” JJ asserted, then mentioned, “Hey it's getting a little late and I've got an early shift tomorrow, can we continue this conversation another time?”


“I'll do you one better. Our next show is in Oklahoma City, but I'll get a flight or a bus up to Minneapolis after that. Since I'm the big professional here, I'll be happy to continue this dinner over dinner or something. I hear there's a big mall in Minnesota, so maybe we can hit that up too,” Makoto offered, thinking it'd be nice to treat such a hard working woman to something nice.


JJ hesitated, then replied, “You've got yourself a deal. I'll see you after Defiance then.”


“Absolutely,” he confirmed, “Sleep well.”






As promised before his debut, Makoto sat at his laptop again to record the first of his video series. He'd been thinking a lot about that conversation with JJ and his own concerns over others' perceptions of him. The problem with technology was that it allowed you to easily access insulting but anonymous opinions right along with useful information. While preparing a list of talking points for the first episode of his web series Makoto had dared to look up articles about his match at Exodus. Everything from calling him a joke to talking about the opening match as a throwaway had gotten him mulling that perception even more. Ultimately what JJ had reminded him of got Makoto's head back in the game; he was different and defied definition, and that could make people uncomfortable. With that in mind he had a lot to say, but some of it would have to wait for an official video package for Defiance. This video being for a more general purpose, he'd try not to stray too much into addressing Defiance itself.

He did, however, have a shoulder length brunette wig just in case any of those critics ended up watching this later. Just to annoy them or keep them guessing.

With that mindset he looked into the camera and energetically announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.. to the Makoto Nishiyama Show! I'm your elegant-as-always host, the prettiest wrestler in the world, Makoto Nishiyama.”


“Thanks for tuning in and for your continuing support, I appreciate it! Without too much ado, let's get this thing rolling,” he covered his other blanket statement before getting on with his talking point, “First up, let's bring Exodus to a proper close. As everyone watching this video is probably very aware, my promise came true in that ring. It ended up being Brandon Bison that heard the End Theme, and as I predicted Beautiful Strong Style emerged victorious. Honestly it was a rush just coming out onto that stage, seeing all the faces of people who came to see the show, and knowing in one moment that I'd arrived. Not for any indie promotion, but in the big time. WFWF is the premier promotion in the United States and knowing that I was a part of it was way more powerful than I expected it to be. I'm very grateful to everyone at WFWF for giving me the opportunity to go out and do what I do in that kind of environment.”


Makoto raised an eyebrow and added, “As you also know our next show is coming up in Oklahoma City, so I'll be getting my frequent flier miles early and often. I just got settled in Portland, Oregon, and it's right out the door again to continue my quest to make this a more beautiful sport. That's how wrestling is, guys – you don't get all that much time at home before you've got another arena to light up, another guy to kick in the face to the delight of the fans. If you've got any questions about the lifestyle, go ahead and leave those in the comments below.”



“Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let me tell you about something awesome that happened yesterday. Like I said I only just got settled here in my new home away from home, and it's been pretty hot out here. Nothing as bad as the humidity Japan gets in the summer but it's enough to turn a fair skinned person into a lobster. That made me start looking for a beverage to cool off with, but there are a lot less vending machines here than we have in Japan. So I had to hunt. I had to go from place to place all over this area, get lost a number of times and finally when all hope was lost.. I found something. A drink that's just right for the Prettiest Wrestler in the World and something that reminds me of home too,” Makoto related, then reached out of the camera's view for something. He soon produced a small blue can with Japanese writing on it underneath the stenciled image of a middle aged gentleman with a pipe.


Grinning in triumph Makoto explained, “Ta-daa! You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find this little guy. Nobody has it in stock except for some specialty grocery stores I had to drive out a good hour to find. However! I present to you not just any coffee, but the best iced coffee in the entire world bar none. The one and only.. Suntory Boss Coffee! Nestled in the back corner cooler of an Asian grocery store here, hard to spot with all the other beverages, but still 'boss of them all since 1992'. Now I know what you're thinking – 'Makoto, what the hell does this have to do with pro wrestling'? There's a point to this story, I promise.”


Makoto set the drink down and added, “Because just like finding that special coffee, finding success and respect in this industry is a great challenge. It's not the best comparison but it'll do. You'll be seeing a video in the coming days where I'll talk more about Defiance and Dex. For now let me tell you that this job is one of the hardest to do even without going into extra stuff. You remember every kick, every slam you take in that ring the morning after. Every little ache and pain in your body is a constant reminder of the damage you took at the hands of your opponent. When you've been wrestling for six years like I have, that's a lot of stories and a lot of reminders. Even when you're able to shrug that off, work through it, it takes a lot to get noticed and make it to the big time.”


“As hard as it is, moments like that first step onto a WFWF stage make it worth it. Hearing a mass of people react to everything you do, good or bad, makes it worth it. I know it's not going to be easy. No amount of cosplay or social media presence will get me to the top any faster than grinding it out with the rest of them. I keep going because I know that this is where I belong, this is something that I love and something that I risk my health and well being to pursue. Of course, everything I do is what makes me Makoto Nishiyama and not some stiff who makes everyone else look good. Proving I belong here is what I fully intend to continue doing,” Makoto added, then he switched from serious to his usual, more playful self.


He motioned to the wig, “Alright then, let's get to some more exciting news. These lovely locks you see here are part of my ring gear for the next show. In between moving into my new place, keeping in touch with people and prepping for Defiance I rewatched some episodes of a favorite anime of mine. I won't go into too many details but the heroine is someone that gets talked about a lot, people know her more from rumors than actual experiences. She's kind of small so enemies think she's not such a big deal, but then things get real. The girl is focused, driven to get what she wants and no enemy – no matter how monstrous – gets in her way of achieving it. They all get knocked down just the same.. and isn't that the sort of thing I'm trying to do in WFWF? So because of that, I decided she'll be the next character I cosplay as on the way to the ring.”


“That's going to be it for this episode, guys. There's a lot of stuff I've got to get done before Defiance and not as much time as I'd like to do it. Thanks for watching, keep an eye out for that next video I mentioned. If you like what you see, subscribe to this channel and follow me @makostyle. Be sure to watch WFWF Defiance and of course.. stay beautiful,” Makoto concluded before posing just as the recording ended.






People say a lot of things. They say that I'm an embarrassment to this business, that I don't belong in that ring with the big names. They say that I'm just in this for the entertainment and care more about getting attention than actually wrestling. They claim I'm all bark and no bite. They question my identity, ask if I'm just going to prance around and give out massages that make the volleyball scene in Top Gun seem manly. They take my very existence in this industry as an insult to everything they work and stand for. Sure, people say a lot of things about me. I'll let you in on a secret – they're all full of crap. Make sure you pay attention to what I'm about to tell you.. especially you, Dex.


Because all that stuff people say about me doesn't hurt me, it makes me stronger. They rush to criticize what is foreign and alien to them, what flies in the face of convention. I'm sure that you've had those very same thoughts about me, Dex, as you were lying in that hospital bed after Exodus. Maybe you' were p****ed off just knowing that the next time you climb into that ring it's going to be against someone you don't take seriously. Someone that you think is all about the style and has no substance. That's fine. You're not the first to think that and you're not the last.


Me? I take those words and turn them into motivation. I take insults and use them as ammunition to shoot down naysayers and opponents alike. Because I'm not just here for show. I'm not just here to make a mockery of everything you hold dear. This is a sport that I have devoted my entire life to; every waking moment of my life is devoted to perfecting my craft so that some day I will be on top. As a kid I got my a** handed to me every time I got in the ring with more experienced wrestlers in Japan because I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't know who I was. It would've been a hell of a lot easier to just pack up my bags, go get an office job and leave this sport to the big and hairy. But I didn't. I dug deep, found out who I really was and why I wasn't as successful as other guys.


The answer is that I'm not other guys. I don't look like a bodybuilder or a lumberjack, I'm not someone who's so focused on being angsty and edgy that I lose sight of joys in life. I'm like the characters I honor by dressing as them on the way to the ring every show. Smaller, faster, prettier and absolutely determined to prove that I belong. And that's a battle I continue against you, Dex. A battle to get the respect that some people – maybe even you – would deny me based on the fact that I don't fit their definition of a professional wrestler. What you don't realize is that I defy definition. You've never seen anyone like me before and that scares you.


You've got a right to be scared, Dex. A man who knows himself is one you can't disregarded; I know who I am. I'm the Prettiest Wrestler in the World. Do you know who you are? After that beating you took at Exodus from David Brennan and Penny Shannon, I wonder. Maybe you think that coming out tougher and more vicious is going to help you. After all if I'm a joke then you can beat me hands down even if you're battered and bruised. And that's fine – in fact, I want you to think that way. Please think that I'm a joke, that I'm going to be a pushover. Because that underestimation will make it all the sweeter when I kick your a** all over that ring. Brandon Bison thought just the way you do, and I showed him clearly what happens when you doubt Beautiful Strong Style.


Whatever condition you're in, if you somehow manage to hobble down to the ring in Oklahoma City, I'll be happy to show you too. You've never been in the ring with someone like me before. You may have studied judo but you've never experiences the storm that is Beautiful Strong Style. I'm extra motivated too.. because even though I beat him at Exodus, Bradon Bison gets to be in the main event instead of me. So as a reward for getting to Defiance, I'll be sure to make every strike extra forceful just as a reminder of who I am. While I'd be happy to knock you out with the End Theme, if there's a chance to cinch in the Mako-Lock, I'll do that. Because as little as you think of me, as much as people out there fail to understand who I am, it would be that much more poetic to make you tap. And as you're looking up at the lights once again, the air escaping from your lungs and your consciousness drifting, you'll have no doubt who I am. I am a professional wrestler. I am Makoto Nishiyama, and I am your worst nightmare.