Post by Fujiko Mine on Jan 27, 2018 12:25:40 GMT -5
The theater at Madison Square Garden is still buzzing as the Spirit and Pride show “Don’t Drink From the Hudson” has just recently ended. But for one individual, the night ended pleasantly. Aleks Parker sits at the “Repercussions” set, the seat to her left empty.
Aleks Parker: Lots of twists and turns here tonight on the show, including brand new X champion: Jessica Sears. But right now, we want to get to one of the other surprises tonight. So please welcome our next guest, the new number one contender to what will be the North American Championship, Fujiko Mine!
Fujiko gingerly creeps into the shot, placing her hand on the large desk set to help her hoist herself into place. She picks up the microphone and brushes a rogue strand of her hair out of her face.
Fujiko Mine: Hey Aleks, cool to be here for this.
Aleks Parker: Thanks for joining us. You doing alright?
Right then, Aleks notices that Xena has slid in behind Fujiko, with her arms folded tightly. She seems a bit taken aback by her presence. Xena nods to Aleks, as if to tell her to continue.
Fujiko Mine: Yeah yeah. I got knocked real loopy towards the end there.
Aleks Parker: So Fujiko, first off: Congratulations. You now have the opportunity to face Brendan Samuels, the man who has held the National title since last July, for the opportunity to be the first ever North American champion.
The Apex Goddess nods along, before realizing that Aleks is looking for her response off that.
Fujiko Mine: It’s a real honor, for sure. I’m excited. I may be going into this match as an underdog. But that’s fine. I was an underdog going into this match tonight, especially after my first two matches ended in controversy. But tonight I proved that doubting me is a fool’s move.
Aleks Parker: Let’s talk about that match really quick, Fujiko. You, Nick Redfield, and Rachel Redding really tore down the house with one of the best matches of the night. How do you feel about your journey to this match, as well as your opponents?
Fujiko Mine: I mean, it’s certainly an “unconventional” way to get here, that’s for sure.
She pauses, seeming to have a bit of an issue focusing.
Fujiko Mine: Sorry, uh...but yeah. Getting to come into SAP with my first match being a title match is not what I expected coming here, to be honest. I wanted to make an impact, and I certainly got that opportunity. I didn’t come here because I thought the competition was slim, or because it would be a place I could “easily” stand out. The opposite, really. With it’s rising popularity, I wanted to accept the challenge of standing out in a place where the competition is high and it’d be difficult to do so. With Rachel being unable to contain herself a few weeks ago, I welcomed the opportunity for all of us to show what we can do. With such high stakes, I feel like we all pulled out the stops. But like I said, I wanted it more than they did. And I proved it.
Aleks seems pleased with the answer, and continues on.
Aleks Parker: By the way, I don’t know if you know this, but you are the first person to survive Rachel’s “Category 1” finishing maneuver.
Fujiko looks genuinely taken aback by the news.
Fujiko Mine: In SAP?
Aleks Parker: As far as we can tell, at all. The fact that you took two and still kicked out was insane.
She sits, speechless for a few moments.
Fujiko Mine: I uh...wow. I didn’t know that. I’ll tell you, my jaw really hurts right now. I imagine it’s going to be a bit before I can eat something solid, so kudos to her for that. She has serious power. How I didn’t go unconscious I don’t know, but thank everything that I didn’t. I can’t say enough things about how tough Rachel is as a competitor. She really, really made me work hard tonight. She’s definitely called “Big Match Rachel” for a reason, and I imagine she’ll be a champion here sooner rather than later. But like I said earlier, I wanted to prove that I wanted this more than them.
Aleks Parker: You sure did. Last question. Brendan Samuels has proven himself to be quite the force in SAP. He’s racked up an astonishing eight defenses since winning the title in July. Thoughts on how you might approach your upcoming match with him?
Fujiko runs a hand across her jaw, wincing a little from the friction.
She turns her gaze towards the camera fully.
Aleks Parker: Thank you for joining us, Fujiko.
Fujiko moves out of her chair and finds purchase on the ground. Gingerly, she begins to move off set. Xena gives the camera a cocky smirk before turning and moving behind the Apex Goddess, and the show takes a break.