"They cheer. They fight. In the end, they kneel."
The crowd rose to their feet. Lights dimmed. Silence fell.
In a grand hall bathed in gold, beneath velvet curtains and flashing cameras, a sea of applause rises. At the center of the stage stood a woman, graceful yet hardened by time, in a flowing navy-blue gown.
It's Mylene Dawn.
"Before she arrived, before titles followed her like shadows... she was a name the world whispered... not screamed. Ten years ago, that whisper was like thunder..", said Mylene.
Ten years earlier... the wrestling world stirred with whispers of an empress.
The wrestling world is buzzing with speculation that "The Empress" is set to sign with the International Wrestling Federation (IWF) and will debut at the Regal Shuffle Pay-Per-View. Following the expiration of her Elite Wrestling Championship (EWC) contract that ended last year, wrestling forums, social media, and insider reports have been overflowing with whispers about Aki Kanagawa's next move.
While many initially expected a return to Japan or another international tour, the sudden conclusion of her independent appearances at the end of the quarter last year sparked immediate curiosity among the most dedicated fans and wrestling journals.
On a sports news channel, a sports analyst was interviewed and discussed his analysis of Aki Kanagawa's possibility of debuting on IWF:
"Well, if you look at Aki's contract, it has already expired, and she is now one of the hottest free agents on the market. The lack of immediate new long-term commitments fueled speculations that a major player like IWF was in the running. After a flurry of highly praised matches throughout the year, she mysteriously went on an unannounced hiatus from social media and independent bookings. This blackout is a classic sign of a wrestler signing with IWF, which often includes a non-disclosure agreement..."
On Facebook, X, Reddit, and other social media platforms, wrestling fans posted...
"Aki Kanagawa vs Aoi Shiranui! It's a dream match! Come on, Aki! Sign with IWF!"
"A storied rival from Stellar Japan. With Aoi Shiranui in IWF as a top star, the possibility of their legendary rivalry being rekindled on a global stage is a massive draw. Can't wait to witness!"
"IWF clearly shows interest in Aki Kanagawa, of course! Bringing a top international talent over the past few years is money!"
While neither IWF nor Aki Kanagawa has confirmed anything, the sheer volume and persistence of these rumors suggest that the wrestling world is bracing for a truly imperial arrival at the Regal Shuffle. Could "The Empress" soon be reigning over the IWF? Only time tells, but anticipation is at an all-time high!
On the popular YouTube channel WrestleField, a video featuring renowned wrestling analyst Ryan Stan has also gone viral.
"Hello, everyone, this is WrestleField! I am Ryan Stan, and oh my G! If you've been on social media, if you've been breathing near a wrestling fan, you'll exactly know what we're talking about today. The whispers, the murmurs, the full-blown shouts from the rooftops. Aki Kanagawa to IWF for the Regal Shuffle!"
(Ryan leans into the camera, wide-eyed)
"Now we all know "The Empress". Well, we know her from her legendary run in Stellar Japan, her absolute dominance there, the classic bouts with Aoi Shiranui, and then her pivotal role in elevating the women's division in JCW (Japan Championship Wrestling), and of course, her undeniable performance in EWC. This woman is a global phenomenon, a technical wizard, a striking machine, and frankly, just pure class in that beautiful royal kimono she wears!"
(Ryan gestures enthusiastically)
"Her EWC contract, as we all know, expired. And ever since then, it's been the classic, where is she going? game. Will she go back to Japan? Will she show up in TKW (Total Knockout Wrestling)? Will she just take a break?"
(He punches the air, showing his frustrations.)
"NO! The internet, my friends, has decided she's going to IWF.. And not just IWF, but the Regal Shuffle!"
(Ryan points a finger at the screen)
"Think about it. The timing is a chef's kiss. Her contract is done.. She's gone on that very, very telling social media blackout. We haven't seen her on the indies since late last year. What does that usually mean? It means Hubert Hawk Hillson has probably got her locked away in the Development Center, working her theme music, deciding what colors her new Regal Shuffle attire will be!"
(He claps his hands together loudly)
"But the biggest point, and let's be honest, the one everyone is absolutely drooling over, is the Aoi Shiranui factor! The thought of "The Empress" Aki Kanagawa stepping into that Regal Shuffle, and coming face-to-face with "Aerial Wizard" Aoi Shiranui, rekindling that legendary rival on the biggest possible stage... of, it gives me goosebumps, it truly does! That is a Wrestling Eternal main event waiting to happen, folks!"
(Ryan leans back at thoughtful expression on his face)
"IWF needs top-tier women's talent. They've always looked to Japan. Aki Kanagawa is arguably the top-tier female talent globally who wasn't tied down. She brings credibility, she brings a legitimate fighting style that blends perfectly with what IWF likes to showcase these days, and she brings that "Empress" aura that is just money!"
(He shrugs, smiling)
"Now, look, it's all rumors right now. But these are the good kind of rumors, aren't they? The ones that make you genuinely excited for what's next. If this happens, if we hear that magnificent music theme hit at the Regal Shuffle and out walks Aki Kanagawa.... well, you can just imagine the pop! The roof will come off that building!"
(Ryan throws his hands up in mock annoyance)
"So, what do you think? Is it happening? Is "The Empress" truly about to make her imperial entrance into the IWF World? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to like this video, subscribe to madness! For WrestleField, I'm Ryan Stan... and you're welcome!"
(The video cuts)
Mylene let out a breath and set the tablet down on the coffee table.
"Wow! This Aki Kanagawa thing is overhyped all around the internet now!" she said, wide-eyed.
Nera, seated beside her with a warm cup of coffee, gave a knowing smile.
"Well, she's talented — no doubt about that."
"Ooooohh?" Mylene leaned in, her expression full of disbelief.
Nera raised a brow. "Don't tell me you've never seen any of her matches?"
Mylene lowered her gaze, almost embarrassed.
"Well... honestly... not really."
"Oh, come on, Mylene!" Nera gasped. "You need to explore the wrestling world beyond IWF. Her matches are all over the internet! You'd learn so much just watching them."
Mylene gave a sheepish nod.
"There are a lot of world-class wrestlers outside of IWF," Nera continued. "And her brother's one of them. A real fighter, a former IMMAC (International Mixed Martial Arts Championship) Heavyweight Champion."
Mylene's eyes went wide.
"Wait... You mean—GENJI!? I'm a BIG FAN of GENJI!"
Nera chuckled. "You're a big fan, but you didn't even know he has a sister?"
"...Sorry," Mylene muttered.
Nera reached over and softly tapped the top of her head.
"Alright, let's go. Time to hit the development center... so you can become a wrestler like Aki."
Nera, my mentor and in-ring partner, has been with the IWF for a long time and now trains rookies like us. Well, I'm an IWF superstar too. But ... Not as you imagine...I... I mostly do comedy segments on air... Oh well... The funny one. The talentless one... I like it, though. I really do...
(Back to the present)
"Some moments feel like destiny.. And some feel like the start of a storm... Regal Shuffle ten years ago... That was the night the world met Aki..." said Mylene on stage.
(Ten Years Ago..)
Regal Shuffle, February 2, Live at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
It is absolutely electric. The roar of the crowd is deafening as the lights dim.
Jackson Cane: Welcome, everyone, to the 35th Regal Shuffle! We are live here at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas! And it's time to kick-start the show with the Women's Regal Shuffle Match! The Rules are simple. Thirty-three women will enter this ring. One every 90 seconds. Eliminations occur when a competitor is thrown over the top rope till both feet touch the floor! The last woman standing will earn the right to headline Wrestling Eternal, the most prestigious stage of them all, for the IWF Women's Championship or for the IWF Women's Global Championship Title, whichever she chooses. And with surprises, betrayals, and rivalries sure to explode in that ring tonight, this is more than just a match.
Paul Marrow: Well, you've got veterans, rookies, champions, and legends all looking to make history. But only one will survive the chaos and outlast 32 other competitors. This is more than just a title opportunity. This is legacy. And tonight... Let the Ragal Shuffle... BEGIN!
Familiar music plays, a driving symphonic metal theme blaring through the arena, its powerful Japanese vocals sending a jolt of energy through the crowd. It's Aoi Shiranui's theme music, and the crowd goes wild. Aoi, looking focused and ready for battle, spirits down the ramp, slides into the ring and immediately takes a ready stance in the center.
Paul Marrow: Here we go! Starting at #1, "The Aerial Wizard", Aoi Shiranui! What a competitor to kick off this entire match! She has her eyes on Wrestling Eternal, Cane. You can bet on it!
Jackson Cane: She certainly does, Paul. And now, the attention turns to who will be entering at #2. Who will Aoi Shiranui face off against to begin this monumental match?
A momentary pause as the crowd buzzes with anticipation. An unfamiliar, powerful orchestral swell begins to fill the arena. It's a grand and sweeping theme that commanded attention. The arena faded to black, and only the entrance ramp remained lit. Bathed in purple and crimson hues. As the music's intro reached its final note, the word "EMPRESS" popped on the screen, and a ripple of recognition spread through the crowd, quickly turning into a building roar.
Paul Marrow: WAIT A MINUTE! IS THAT?! NO WAY!
Jackson Cane: MARROW, ARE YOU HEARING THIS?! ARE YOU SEEING THIS?! IT CAN'T BE!
The camera pans to the entrance ramp, and AKI KANAGAWA emerges from the center of the stage, clad in a flowing black kimono with royal blue linings, adorned with an Empress crest and golden flower patterns. Bathed in the spotlight, "The Empress" moves with serene, regal confidence, draped in a magnificent flowing royal kimono. The crowd erupts in absolute shock and excitement, a truly visceral reaction. Many fans are on their feet, hands on their heads in disbelief.
Jackson Cane: OH MY GOD! IT IS! IT'S AKI KANAGAWA! "THE EMPRESS" HAS ARRIVED IN IWF!
Paul Marrow: UNBELIEVABLE! THE RUMORS WERE TRUE! I'M GONNA LOSE MY MIND, CANE! AKI KANAGAWA! WHAT A MOMENT!
Aki proceeded down the ramp with a dignified, almost ceremonial walk, her eyes fixed intently on Aoi, who stood motionless in the ring, her face a mixture of profound shock and fierce determination. Aoi smiles in excitement. The intensity between them is palpable, even from a distance.
Jackson Cane: This is a debut of monumental propositions! "The Empress" Aki Kanagawa, one of the greatest technical wrestlers and strikers on the planet, a former multi-time champion across promotions worldwide, is here in IWF! And she's starting the Regal Shuffle against her legendary rival, Aoi Shiranui!
Paul Marrow: This isn't just a debut, Cane, this is a clash of the titans right out of the gate! These two have a history, a storied rivalry in Japan, exchanging titles, tearing the house down! And now, they're starting the Regal Shuffle together in an IWF ring! This is what dream matches are made of!
Aki reaches the ringside and, with deliberate grace, sheds her elaborate kimono, revealing her ninja-inspired yet regal athletic gear and modern wrestling attire with Japanese influence. She hands the kimono to a ringside attendant, her gaze never breaking contact with Aoi.
Jackson Cane: "The Empress" is ready for war! The respect is undeniable, but so is the rivalry! The atmosphere in the Alamodome right now is absolutely electric, Paul!
Paul Marrow: You can feel the anticipation, Cane! Forget the other 31 women for a moment, this is the main event right now! Aki Kanagawa versus Aoi Shiranui, Part... Whatever number it is, it's the biggest one yet!
Aki steps onto the apron, then through the ropes, never taking her eyes off Aoi. Both women stand in the center of the ring, facing each other, the history between them radiating throughout the arena. The referee signals for the bell, and the Women's Regal Shuffle officially begins with an immediate, intense stare-down between two of the world's absolute best.
We are all watching backstage as Aki steals the night. I.. I was amazed by her presence... I was attracted to her from the first time I saw her, just by how she looks and presents herself... Even though it is her first time here... The crowd was deafening... The Empress has arrived...