The cheers for Grant Austin's victory were still ringing in the arena when Noah leaned over the commentary desk and grabbed the Eden One smartphone.
"Before we dive into our main event, my boss insists I give this another shout-out," Noah said with a playful grin, pointing the device at the nearest camera.
Irvin chuckled. "Considering he just handed you a free phone, thirty seconds of airtime is a steal."
Noah opened the camera app, flipping the screen to capture the energetic crowd behind them.
As fans caught sight of themselves on the phone's camera, they jumped and waved excitedly. Noah snapped a quick picture, then turned the phone toward the main camera.
"Check out that clarity! You can make calls, send texts, browse the web, and snap high-res photos to embarrass your friends later."
Just as Noah was about to continue, the arena lights dimmed, instantly changing the vibe.
Diego Cortez made his entrance to a thunderous roar.
This was the high-flyer's first IRW appearance since his incredible victory over Victor Cross at All In.
But tonight, the stakes were even higher: Diego was competing for the Men's Championship for the very first time.
At just 5'5", he was overshadowed by most of the roster, but his speed, aerial skills, and fearless style had made him a fan favorite.
Moments later, a powerful mix of violins and driving drums filled the arena. Eddie Prince stepped out, the Men's Championship proudly draped over his shoulder.
While a few scattered boos lingered, the crowd's reaction had noticeably warmed in recent weeks.
Eddie's brutal title defense against Hogan Hornet, his newfound respect for his opponents, and his heated rivalry with Mason Brooks had gradually won over the audience. Clad in his signature purple tights, the champion's expression was cold and focused as he locked eyes with Diego.
"Eddie's got quite the martial arts background," Noah remarked as the referee wrapped up his final instructions. "Before he got into pro wrestling, he was all set for MMA, and he still dreams of fighting professionally someday."
"Diego better keep moving, then," Irvin chimed in. "Standing still in front of a striker like Eddie is a recipe for disaster."
"Good thing," Noah replied, "Diego's not the type to stand still."
With the championship belt held high, the referee passed it to the ringside official and rang the bell.
Eddie charged forward right away, but Diego was lightning quick. Every time Eddie swung, Diego slipped away, landing low kicks on the champion's lead leg.
The crowd erupted as Eddie's frustration mounted.
"Catch him first, Eddie!" a fan yelled from the front row.
Diego kept chipping away at Eddie's leg, ducking under wild punches and using his speed to stay just out of reach. When Eddie finally caught him, Diego dropped low, delivered a sharp kick to the knee, and sprinted toward the ropes.
Bouncing back with incredible speed, Diego launched into a high dropkick that hit Eddie square in the chest, sending the champion crashing to the mat.
Seizing the moment, Diego dashed to the corner, climbed the turnbuckles, and leaped off with a flying crossbody onto the recovering champion.
Both men hit the mat hard. Diego quickly hooked Eddie's leg.
One! Two!
Eddie kicked out, but Diego was right back on his feet, keeping the pressure on with quick strikes and targeted leg kicks.
"That's the danger!" Noah shouted. "Eddie's got the size and power, but Diego's not giving him a moment to breathe!"
Realizing that chasing the agile challenger was a losing game, Eddie backed toward the ropes, trying to lure Diego in. Diego took the bait and charged from the opposite side, launching himself into another crossbody.
This time, Eddie was ready.
Instead of crumbling under pressure, Eddie caught Diego mid-air, effortlessly cradling him across his chest.
Diego gasped, thrashing around in a desperate attempt to escape, but Eddie smoothly lifted him onto his shoulders and slammed him down with a devastating Prince Bomb.
The ring trembled.
Eddie bent Diego's legs back and pressed down hard.
One! Two! Three!
The referee called it, ringing the bell. Eddie rolled off, his chest heaving as the audience sat in stunned silence at the abrupt conclusion. Diego had been in control, but one slip-up had given Eddie the chance to turn the tide and finish the match in a heartbeat.
The official handed Eddie his championship belt. Standing tall in the center of the ring, he raised the title high, basking in the thunderous applause from the crowd.
Then, out of nowhere, a strange, piercing melody blared through the PA system—something completely different from the usual tunes at IRW.
Eddie froze, and the crowd fell silent, equally confused.
From behind the curtain emerged Yokozuna.
The massive Japanese wrestler strode in with a commanding presence, draped in traditional robes. In an instant, Eddie's confidence evaporated; he recognized the formidable figure standing before him.
"Unbelievable," Noah murmured, his voice low. "Eddie thought he had left his past with NPJW behind."
Yokozuna stepped through the ropes, the ring creaking ominously under his immense weight.
Eddie stood firm, the championship resting on his shoulder. Yokozuna approached, towering over the champion, and slowly raised a hand to point directly at the title belt.
The crowd erupted.
Fuming at the blatant disrespect, Eddie hurled the championship onto the mat and slapped Yokozuna hard across the face.
The crowd went wild.
Yokozuna's head turned slightly, but he barely flinched.
Eddie raised his guard, and the brawl was on. Eddie threw a flurry of rapid forearms, but Yokozuna absorbed the blows, grabbed Eddie, and launched him over the top rope to the floor below.
As Eddie struggled to his feet outside, Yokozuna looked down at the Men's Championship lying on the canvas.
He bent over, scooped up the belt, and raised it high above his head to a chorus of deafening boos.
Yokozuna had not won the title, but his message was unmistakable: he had come to IRW to take everything Eddie Prince held dear. Outside the ring, a furious Eddie glared up at his new rival, realizing his reign was now facing its greatest threat yet.