ChocoPro Emi vs. Mei Special: One Last Master Vs. Student For The Road

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Sports Argument Stadium > The Hammer House: Stinger Splash Zone > ChocoPro Emi vs. Mei Special: One Last Master Vs. Student For The Road

«‹›3 »

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

ChocoPro Special: Mei Vs. Emi
Date: 9th of August (Japan)
Time: 10am (JST) / 2am (BST) / 6pm (PDT) / 9pm (EDT)

Stream Live For Free: HERE

Nobody loves a master vs. student match more than Emi Sakura and as part of her farewell to ChocoPro she's demanded one last match with her protege Mei Saruga.

Tale of the Tape

Emi Sakura
Age: 44
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 154 lbs (Cage Match may be out of date here)
Debut: 17.08.1995
Trainers: Akio Sato & Gran Apache
In Ring Career: 25 years
Total Career Matches: ~2115
Win Percentage: 49.8%
Titles Held: 15
2021 Singles Record: 7 Wins 1 Losses 2 Time Limit Draws 1 No Contest

Mei Saruga
Age: 22
Height: 4' 10"
Debut: 27.05.2018
Trainer: Emi Sakura
In Ring Career: 3 years
Total Career Matches: ~384
Win Percentage: 45.2%
Titles Held: 2
2021 Singles Record: 12 Wins 6 Losses 1 Time Limit Draw

Meeting History
Total Meetings: 6
Emi Wins: 5
Mei Wins: 1
Total In-Ring Time: 48:88* except for an untimed exhibition match in China
Last Meeting: 31 October 2019 (1 Year and 10 Months Ago)

ChocoPro single match episodes tend to be their best episodes. Emi and Mei will absolutely not hold back from trying to destroy each other. Expect intensity. Get your tissues ready ChocoManiacs, It will end in tears!

Stream for free: HERE

In lieu of tickets please support the event by buying merch and sponsor's bouquets HERE

ChocoPro also has a Patreon HERE

# ? Aug 8, 2021 22:03

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? May 14, 2024 19:02

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Off Site Match Guides

DoggleSnake on Reddit

quote:

CHOCOPRO SPECIAL "THE FINAL: EMI VS MEI�

Emi Sakura, the Oni of Ichigaya, the Master of Gatoh Move

VS

Mei Suruga, the Ace of Gatoh Move, the Red Devil of ChocoPro

Emi Sakura is on her way out of ChocoPro, for now. While the roster is already happily singing about how life will be like �Without You� to the cruel Oni, everyone knows how important she is. That harsh intensity is what makes everyone so good. That ruthless fire she instills in each of her students and friends makes them better in the ring...and in life, for that matter. This world is a dark place, so sometimes a little bit of your own darkness goes a long way! Ichigaya is often called a �Goblin Factory� because of the amount of vicious (and charismatic) wrestlers it has produced, but it really isn't the building that holds that claim...it is Emi herself. This nearly 26 year veteran of the scene has been putting in the work for decades, honing her craft and passing it on to as many as she can. She has created an army of champions and mythical figures across the globe (in many promotions), while somehow staying under the radar of the general public. While I believe someday that will change, even if it doesn't...her impact on wrestling will be felt forever. Mei has quite the challenge on her hands. While Emi might be favoring a shoulder right now, that doesn't mean her chops don't still hurt just as much! She can still do those breathtaking back breakers, show off that technical ability that is so fluid it doesn't seem real. We might not see this pure version of her for a while, as American audiences usually require more simplified versions of characters (when faced with so many at once) so expect to get a lot more of the Queen than the Oni from this point forward. When she and her her Pencil cohort leave for America, Ichigaya may never be the same. But that is always the case anyway! ChocoPro evolves. Change is part of life, we have to be able to accept it when it comes. It is part of growing. The chaos will remain, the excitement will remain, her presence will remain...just through the lives she has already touched. The knowledge she has passed on. Thank you, Emi! Good luck in AEW.

Mei Suruga is arguably the Ace of Gatoh Move. She is one half of the Asia Dream Tag Champions. She's a charismatic, brilliant, and immensely skilled at wrestling. But is she ready to evolve? The Apple Girl really has come into her own over the past year. She really never stops improving! Mei was made for wrestling. She debuted after 21 days. She's got incredibly complex pins (she considers herself a Pin Specialist, a rare thing in the modern wrestling landscape!), a collection of nasty submissions (each of which having their own variants!), and a personality that does not accept failure. Mei's pride has been both a curse and a blessing, driving her forward through dangerous situations, pushing through monsters in her path until she has arrived at this moment. She will need all of those skills, her massive in ring IQ, and plenty of goblin tactics in order to bring the Oni down. (A rare feat in Japan!) If there is anyone in ChocoPro that can even slightly hope to beat Emi Sakura in a fair fight, it is Mei Suruga. Has she progressed enough to bring down her teacher? Can she do what many have tried and failed to accomplish? This battle will probably be an emotional one, as the many elements of the Teacher & Student relationship spill into the bout. All those livestreams, all those matches, all those stories, all that time together...it all has come to this. It is important to note: regardless of outcome, Mei has more than made us proud. She is a gift to this world, in and out of the ring (or Chocolate Square)!

Robbie Sutter from Last Word On Sports

quote:

Emi Sakura vs Mei Suruga: What to Know

The Development of Mei Suruga

To fully understand the importance of this match, wrestling fans must turn back the proverbial clock to 2018. It was during this period when Mei Suruga began her wrestling training. Prior to this, Suruga was hesitant. Standing at 4�10�, she believed that she was too small to be a wrestler. Nonetheless, she learned under Emi Sakura via Daredemo Joshi Pro Wrestling, a platform that also served as a safe space for those with little to no prior wrestling experience. In other words, in theory, anyone could be a wrestler.

Only a short time after her training began, Suruga made her official debut, fittingly enough against Sakura. They faced each other in May of 2018, with the latter picking up the victory over her protege. This was only the beginning of Suruga�s journey in wrestling, however. Though she lost the bulk of her matches early on, slowly but surely, she built a solid reputation for herself. She even competed in promotions such as Sendai Girls and PURE-J; this indicated both rapid growth on the part of Gatoh Move�s �Apple Girl� and undeniable trust from Sakura.

This trust became further evident in 2019 when she started to travel outside of Japan. For instance, in November of that year, she participated in the SHE-1, a women�s wrestling tournament held by Pro-Wrestling: EVE. In Block C, she earned 2 points, defeating Jetta. She also competed in a special singles match against Lulu Pencil; Suruga�s future tag team partner, Baliyan Akki, served as the referee. Following the COVID-19 pandemic the year after, Suruga was more than ready to step up and assist Sakura and the Gatoh Move crew.

ChocoPro and Elsewhere

In March of 2020, Gatoh Move launched its new initiative known as ChocoPro, a YouTube wrestling show with no crowd that contained the same Gatoh Move action fans have come to expect. As one would expect, Suruga became a prominent part of the show, making her debut on episode #2. This proved to be an excellent platform for �Mei-chan,� too. In addition to wrestling well-received matches against the likes of Yuna Mizumori and ASUKA, the latter also known as VENY, she was able to flesh out her personality, which was equal parts energetic and mischievous. Sakura needed assistance in building ChocoPro and Suruga was up for the task.

Suruga�s hard work would be rewarded further when both her and Sakura were invited to be part of the AEW Women�s World Championship Eliminator Tournament this past February. This was Suruga�s first appearance on All Elite Wrestling programming, exposing her to a brand new audience. Though her first-round effort was a valiant one, Suruga lost to Yuka Sakazaki. Meanwhile, Sakura fared better, besting VENY in the first round before falling to Sakazaki in the semifinals. These matches were filmed off-site in Japan. AEW fans would have to wait several months before Sakura�s return to American soil.

Meanwhile, in ChocoPro, Suruga and Sakura became fierce rivals. This was evident the December prior; on New Year�s Day, Sakura and Kaori Yoneyama, the reigning Asia Dream Tag Team Champions, lost their titles to Suruga and Akki, also known as Best Bros. As of this writing, Best Bros remain standing atop the mountain of Gatoh Move, having successfully defended the purple belts on 7 occasions. On the occasions when Suruga and Sakura faced off, in tag team competition or otherwise, the intensity and respect shared were evident. In only a few short years, �Mei-chan� evolved from the uncertain rookie to a confident, well-rounded wrestler, one that has since proven her worth in Michinoku Pro, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling, and elsewhere.

Emi Sakura vs Mei Suruga � In Closing

Emi Sakura vs Mei Suruga is an important match for numerous reasons. First, and foremost, it will be Sakura�s last official match before she bids farewell to Gatoh Move. Second, and just as importantly, it will be a showcase of Suruga�s evolution. As stated earlier, she underwent an evolution since her debut. She might not have began as the most confident wrestler, but as she continued to train and put in the work, it was evident how much she was meant to wrestle.

�Mei-chan� has often been considered a wrestling prodigy and it�s difficult to deny this sentiment. The fact that Suruga was ready to help train wrestlers, alongside Sakura, roughly one year after her official debut is evidence of this. This match will be just as much of a test for the pupil as it will be for the teacher. Can Suruga pick up that elusive singles victory over Sakura before the latter begins her excursion? Will Sakura prove, once again, why she is the mentor? This will be a match to tune into on the official Gatoh Move YouTube channel.

fez_machine fucked around with this message at 22:10 on Aug 8, 2021

# ? Aug 8, 2021 22:03

Insertnamehere31: Jan 23, 2012; This could be the most one-sided fight since 1973 when Ali faced an eighty-foot tall mechanical Joe Frazier. My memory isn't what it used to be, but I think the entire Earth was destroyed.

Sad I won�t be able to watch this live, but I�m sure it will be a great show!

# ? Aug 8, 2021 22:15

Penguin Patrol: Mar 3, 2005; by Fluffdaddy

emi sakura gonna keep making me cry this weekend, top notch heeling

# ? Aug 8, 2021 23:11

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

10 minutes to go!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 01:52

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Akki waxing nostaglic

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:03

karmicknight: Aug 21, 2011

are those sirens in the background?

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:06

Penguin Patrol: Mar 3, 2005; by Fluffdaddy

Is Masa coming to America as well? His insistence on wearing orange could be a problem.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:11

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Mei is more anxious than ever

Emi is calm as hell

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:13

Duke Pukem: Oct 23, 2010; Three cheers for dark beer!

wow, that is quite a wall of choco bouquets

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:17

TV Zombie: Sep 6, 2011; Burying all the trauma from past nights
Burying my anger in the past

That wall and my heart is full.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:21

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Most of these are hold overs from the weekend but it's touching seeing a full wall anyway.

including one from Rina:
https://twitter.com/EmiSakura_gtmv/status/1424326840760426498

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:24

TV Zombie: Sep 6, 2011; Burying all the trauma from past nights
Burying my anger in the past

fez_machine posted:

Mei is more anxious than ever

Emi is calm as hell

She's at peace at her decision. Mei has got to be nervous/excited about the future.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:26

karmicknight: Aug 21, 2011

Chie being incredibly bad at Yunamon's choreography is very solid.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:30

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

MEI is here!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:32

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Emi going full Queen gimmick!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:33

TV Zombie: Sep 6, 2011; Burying all the trauma from past nights
Burying my anger in the past

Yunamon looks very pretty.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:33

TV Zombie: Sep 6, 2011; Burying all the trauma from past nights
Burying my anger in the past

Akki as ref? oh no!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:34

Penguin Patrol: Mar 3, 2005; by Fluffdaddy

whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa starting hot

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:34

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Emi is full heeling

those kicks!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:36

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Mei is just throwing Emi around

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:38

Penguin Patrol: Mar 3, 2005; by Fluffdaddy

lmao this is a good bit

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:40

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

good idea with the curtains spot but it needed better execution

can't see illegal moves if it's covered in sponsors

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:40

Pinwiz11: Jan 26, 2009; I'm becom-, I'm becom-,
I'm becoming
Tana in, Tana in my mind.

OUT OF THE WAY BRYAN

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:40

TV Zombie: Sep 6, 2011; Burying all the trauma from past nights
Burying my anger in the past

Funny stuff now so that we can have the serious stuff later.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:40

Duke Pukem: Oct 23, 2010; Three cheers for dark beer!

the glass gags are funny

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:40

Cavauro: Jan 9, 2008

i know it's all or nothing
but we will make it alright
so live your life shining like a star
and i will be your moonlight

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:40

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

these head bump spots are fun

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:42

TV Zombie: Sep 6, 2011; Burying all the trauma from past nights
Burying my anger in the past

Cavauro posted:

i know it's all or nothing
but we will make it alright
so live your life shining like a star
and i will be your moonlight

is this kpop

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:42

Duke Pukem: Oct 23, 2010; Three cheers for dark beer!

lol the umbrella

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:43

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

Mei Sant Michelle references. nice!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:43

Cavauro: Jan 9, 2008

technically

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:44

HMS Beagle: Feb 13, 2009

Not the Queen poster!

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:44

karmicknight: Aug 21, 2011

mei out here doing prop comedy, setting herself up to fall.

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:44

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

if you can't bring it with you. Bump through it

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:44

PotatoJudge: May 22, 2004; Tell me about the rabbits, George

Holy poo poo! That wall bump was sick

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:46

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

chocogodzilla in the dust

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:46

Penguin Patrol: Mar 3, 2005; by Fluffdaddy

gently caress that looked nasty

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:46

Duke Pukem: Oct 23, 2010; Three cheers for dark beer!

mei just got wrecked by the romero special

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:46

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? May 14, 2024 19:02

fez_machine: Nov 27, 2004

oof Emi's not holding back at all

# ? Aug 9, 2021 02:47

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Sports Argument Stadium > The Hammer House: Stinger Splash Zone > ChocoPro Emi vs. Mei Special: One Last Master Vs. Student For The Road

«‹›3 »