The crowd was cheering in the arena as the announcer ranted. Backstage I was doing pushups getting my arms pumped up, while Horace Hogan was tightening up his boots. Sonny Ono was straightening his suit in the mirror; while Nikita and the Priestess were doing last minute make up touches. It was almost show time, adrenaline pumping, muscles bulging; we all had only one thing on our minds -- SUSHI!

Sonny had asked Sushi Uokura to stay open late for us, so as soon as the show was over we piled into the cars and headed for the restaurant as fast as possible. After a hair-raising car chase with Nikita in the lead we arrived safely but a little shaken. The Priestess proclaimed Nikita was no longer her friend, while Sonny, Horace, and myself stood pale and silent. Hunger prevailed over fear and finding our legs, we headed inside. Five beautiful Japanese waitresses showed us to the bar where four very friendly sushi chefs greeted us. It had been a hard show and I was starved so while Sonny exchanged greetings with the staff in Japanese I filled out my sushi order. There were many of the usual things to choose from, as well as a few interesting rarities like, uzura (quail eggs) and clam miso soup. I opted for unagi (fresh water eel), amaebi (Sweet raw shrimp), and my favorite: hamachi (yellow tail). While I waited for my order, I took in my surroundings. Along one rock-covered wall was an antique wood stove, which kept the place nicely warmed. A tree appeared to grow through the ceiling; bamboo adorned every corner and little puffer fish mobiles hung above the bar (no they weren't raw).

The Priestess and I were laughing about a few spots in our match; Horace recounted tales of wrestling in Japan; Sonny was talking with the owner in Japanese; and Nikita was on the cell phone with Magnum. It was business as usual, or so it seemed, and then it happened! Sonny suggested I try the toro (tuna belly), but I hadn't had good toro since I left Hawaii. The way I see it is simple, there are lots of wrestlers who can't wrestle, and tattooists who can't tattoo, and I don't have a beef with any of them. But a sushi chef who serves bad toro is unforgivable! So rather than continue being tortured I had given up the search. On top of that, most wrestlers are notorious for practical jokes so I was more than a little apprehensive, but ordered anyway. One bite and I was blown away: it was by far the best I had ever eaten! It was smooth, firm, and very light. I ordered more and more until my original order came! Fresh wasabi was served with my order making an already awesome night even better.

The eel was marinated to perfection, the shrimp tails were sweet and served with deep fried heads, the yellow tail was fresh and light, everything on the plates in front of me was great, but I kept thinking about the toro. I ordered some more when I was finished then a little more with my tea. Finally finishing off the night with a little toro for desert. Too much toro is like too much sex ... if you're getting too much you're getting the wrong kind! All in all it was a great ending to a wild evening. Who knows where we will go after the next show? But one thing is for sure: if you think you can get better sushi somewhere else, "I'LL MEET YOU IN THE SQUARED CIRCLE AND WE WILL SEE WHO WALKS AWAY WITH THE BELT -- OOOHHH YEEEAH!" A+

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