AfterBurn for Vertigo E20 + First Wave

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on AfterBurn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on AxxessNet!

[The Mason]

Our scene opens up in the backstage area where Spencer Burke is standing outside of the locker-room of Evan Envi, waiting for him in order to begin an interview.

Spencer Burke: Spencer here, and I'm not entirely sure where--

???: HEY! HEY!

Spencer looks at the cameraman with a perked brow before they both turn to look down the corridor toward the owner of the voice, Evan Envi who stomps toward Spencer, redfaced, still in his wrestling gear.

Spencer Burke: Evan... what happened out there?

Evan: IT WAS A CONSPIRACY! That referee had absolutely no regard for ME or MY wellbeing! Every time I got some good offense in on Mark Storm-- WHO STILL SUCKS, SPENCER-- here comes the ref, pullin' me off, makin' sure I can't get my licks in on his favorite wrestler! Who was that ref, Spencer?! Huh?! Who was that guy?!

Spencer Burke: It--

Evan: And it's not even just that clown, whoever he is! Did you SEE what went down tonight? Huh? Did you HEAR the way Molly Reid spoke to me?! HAVE YOU EVER IN YOUR ACTUAL LIFE, SPENCER?

Spencer Burke: Well, I--

Evan: There are people in this business that consider me a legend, Spence, at twenty-seven years old, and they would KILL to have me in their corner. But I was so frickin' distracted by the horrible things Molly Reid said to me that I couldn't even focus on the task at hand! I was so overwhelmed and the referee was such a Mark Storm fan that the unthinkable happened.

Spencer Burke: You mean, Mark Storm pinned--

Evan: Don't you dare.

Spencer Burke: Right. Well. Speaking of Molly Reid, with you guys competing for a Pride Championship opportunity in two weeks, what can we--

Evan: Imma punch her in her throat. First her, and then Savannah Taylor. Then Storm. Then Imma bust out the bell clap on Noelle. Then I'mma backhand her right in her throat. ALL THEIR THROATS, SPENCER, BECAUSE I HATE IT WHEN THEY BREATHE.

Evan takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.

Evan: I'm leaving now. Because I need to reflect.

Evan turns away. And then he promptly turns back to Spencer.

Evan: Mark Storm STILL sucks.

He glares at Spencer. And pivots. And walks away. We fade to black on Spencer.

[Ryan LeCavalier]

FGA’s Vertigo had already gone off the air that meant it was time for Afterburn on the Axxess Network. The shot was focused on the corridor somewhere within the Bren Events Center. The camera pans backward just enough to show miscellaneous things lined against the wall; there are tables, chairs, and various other things to throw a party or an event. A shadow looms on the outside of the show to reveal Ryan Lecavalier who’s still dressed in her ring gear, t-shirt fixed against her skin, with a towel around her neck. She’s holding both ends of the towel in a firm grasp while it rests on the back of her neck; she shifts into view and has a confident look on her face.

Ryan LeCavalier: On the last episode of Afterburn, I remarked about the near perfect ending to my night on the previous episode of Vertigo. I remember saying something akin to that I’d go out there “Vertigo after Vertigo beating the very foundation of what makes FGA great.” Savannah Taylor just might be ‘one’ great thing that makes FGA…great. You see tonight, I took her best shot. After all that speculation surrounding her Above and Beyond V match within the Frontier Lion’s Cup against Fujiko, I prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was only a one trick pony – actually, that’s not entirely true.

Ryan gave a questioning look at the camera, while she adjusted the towel pulling down on it just a bit.

Ryan LeCavalier: See that’s alluding to too much, it’s assuming she had any tricks to begin with. It’s giving her way too much credit. I witnessed her match against Fujiko live in person, she didn’t seem like she as championship material when she barely almost squeaked past Fujiko. On top of that, she comes out there earlier in the night on Fujiko’s time and requests a Pride Title opportunity? I’m pretty sure losing to me axes her chances of getting anywhere near an opportunity for a title shot. I don’t think she deserves it. [she points towards to the left, off camera] I think proved that in the ring tonight; and that was just a little over an hour ago. I guess what I’m getting at is I’m a little underwhelmed.

Ryan gives a faux sad face somewhat to support her point, but she didn’t seem to be the type to cry over spilled milk. That quickly faded to a look of someone who’s slightly angry with their ‘current’ situation.

Ryan LeCavalier: I’m not satisfied with what transpired tonight. I might’ve won tonight against Savannah, but something tells me there’s something wrong with his picture. You can always win a match; it doesn’t mean you’ve truly defeated someone. Just ask someone like Mark Storm, who defeated Evan Envi earlier tonight.

She paused for a second, thinking about that last bit.

Ryan LeCavalier: I’m not saying that I should be in the running for the Pride Title. That’s not saying I wouldn’t want to be a champion here in the future, because it’s going to happen. Fujiko’s a very credible champion. Facing her would fulfill some masochistic code of honor within me; unrivaled machismo, and all that jazz. We’re friends; we might even make for better rivals. If any of FGA’s top brass is watching…I’m after one thing, a rematch. I know that might sound a little deranged. I’ve already won the first one, why take her on again? I’m after something she has and it goes further beyond the Pride Championship. I want to see what made her so hell-bent on surviving the hurricane that is Fujiko; I want her to further push me past my own limits, like everybody talked about. I want a Frontier Lion’s Cup caliber match to call my own.

Ryan shrugs her shoulders empathizing with what she said about Fujiko in part.

Ryan LeCavalier: It doesn’t have to be next week, the week after, or even next month. Heck, if we’re trying to market these things why not book it next year. At the next Above and Beyond event? We might as well get something out of it. Getting to the point, I dropped her on her face already. Next time, I submit her. Not because I want to, but because I can. It’s very imperative that I get this out of the way now. How else am I going to be able to wash away the sheer and utter confusion? She’s making really bad career decisions.

[Noelle Smith]

Noelle has finally gotten back to her locker after her match, juggling a few items from catering along with a bottle of water and as she starts to try and open the door presumably so she can get a highly desired hot shower Spencer Burke closes in, microphone in hand once again and a harried air about him.

Spencer Burke: Noelle, a moment?

Noelle Smith: Again?

A gentle laugh as she shakes her head.

Noelle Smith: Sorry Spence, go ahead but hurry I’ve got hot water, vanilla sparkle scented shampoo and relaxation waiting for me on the other side of this door.

Her lips curve to a smile as she waits and he laughs a little nervously.

Spencer Burke: I just wanted to ask what you thought about what Evan had to say about you, and the others who are looking to challenge Fujiko Mine for the Pride Championship?

Noe’s smile doesn’t falter though her eyes narrow just a touch.

Noelle Smith: I think he’s just trying to get in all our heads, including Fujiko. He’s always sort of oblivious, or rather… he seems oblivious. Like he happy-go-lucky stumbles into good things, or bad things but he acts like it’s all an accident, instead of his great big inside cosmic joke on everyone else. He’s crafty, Spencer. Digest that a moment, or rather..ugh… don’t try to digest that. He’s probably smugly laughing at everyone, even Mark who sort of made a pretty big point in their little debate, and I’m getting all worked up at the very idea of having to be in a ring with him.

She pauses, and shakes her head.

Noelle Smith: He can call me a groupie all he wants. He can say Mark Storm sucks. He can say Savannah should have to wait. He can say Molly made a mistake in not letting him ‘help’ her. He can say a whole lot of stuff, he’s really, really good at that. But mark my words, Spencer. Evan Envi is broken, and he wants to break everyone else around him to get even for it.

She leans in towards Burke.

Noelle Smith: He doesn’t get to break me though. Now if you’ll excuse me… I’ve got all those goodies waiting.

She opens the locker door and both are met with a blast of music, Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” as she slides into the locker without letting the cameras see the interior and shuts the door firmly.

[Fujiko Mine]

First Wave was over.

Fujiko pushed aside the exit door to the Stan Sheriff center and gingerly made her way out to her car. She was feeling the effects from her Pride Rules match with Riley Owens, and the only thing on her mind was a massive meal and an even more massive date with her pillow.

Riley had pushed her pretty far in their match, but Fujiko was able to show that she was prepared. Even so, that backfist had caught her pretty hard, and she was likely going to feel that in the morning.

She adjusted the strap on her gym bag as she walked along the concrete path to the parking lot for the performers and staff. Her shoulder stung in protest, but she pushed back the pain.

The sound of the fans chattering, yelling out, and interacting filled her ears as one big sea of noise that she was able to ignore after she initially acknowledged it. She kept moving towards the sanctuary of her car, until her name rung out over the cacophony.

“YO! It’s FUJIKO!”

She felt pins and needles as adrenaline spiked her system. She went from being semi aware to being fully conscious in the time it takes an ant to move forward an inch. Turning her head towards the sound, she realized that a low fence separated her and the fans that were moving towards her, in order to get a better look.

Once the shock of the adrenaline subsided, a smile spread across her face. It was an involuntary, but welcoming smile. These people were rushing over to see her. It warmed her heart to know that a good chunk of them were convening near the fence not out of curiosity or boredom, but an an active attempt to be near her. Just that act warmed her more than any comment by her detractors ever could.

"HEY, IT’S YOU GUYS!" She blurted out, hardly heard by the people who had by now reached the fence and were vying for her attention. After a few seconds a “FUJIKO” chant broke out, and she placed her hand over her heart. She knew she probably sounded a bit corny, but she didn’t care.

She bent over, and pulled out the black sharpie that she’d kept in the side of her gym bag. At the same time, she placed her free hand on the back of her left knee. That was her ‘I’m fine’ signal to the security that she knew where lingering around, ready to whisk her away at a moment’s notice.

After she did so, she approached the crowd and began to sign and chat away.

She made her way down the line, with one of the FGA officials making their way over and establishing rules, to keep Fujiko from getting ambushed. It seemed like a blur and a crawl at the same time, with Fujiko smiling, joking, and laughing with those who came by.

That was, until one fan stood out.

Fujiko remembered her face. It was a happy one, until she was singled out. She remembered the shirt. It was a fan made shirt, not one of her originals. It was the picture of her that was placed on the “First Wave” promotional posters, but the words “Boob Goddess” were placed in pink and yellow font. She took a step back after signing an autographs, and moved towards her. There were fans that tried to ask what she was doing, but Fujiko was on a mission. She had to talk to that girl. She waved the girl forward, causing some confusion. She followed it up by pointing at her, and then at security. After a few fumbling attempts at communication, event security escorted the girl towards the fence. She looked about fourteen or fifteen years old, and appeared to be a combination of ecstatic and sad.

"Hey there! Nice job on the shirt! What’s your name, sugar?"

A part of Fujiko was surprised that most of the people nearby were more interested in their conversation than they were shouting their own comments at the Pride champion. Fujiko turned her ear towards the girl, to try and catch her name the first time.

"T-Thank you. I’m...Kyla."

Fujiko turned her head back to face the girl. She still seemed a bit timid, so Fujiko did her best to make her feel at ease.

"Kyla, It’s great to meet you! Did you enjoy the show?"

She nodded, but the look on her face told Fujiko everything she needed to know. Beyond the star-struck face was the hurt of a girl who got singled out amongst a crowd.

"Kyla, I know you’re probably bummed by what that mean jerk had to say to you…" Fujiko made a motion for her to stay where she was, and then took a few steps back to her bag. She unzipped it, and she took out the “You Can’t Stop Fujiko” shirt she wore down to the ring. The crowd murmured a bit seeing her grab something, and then walk back towards the girl. Flattening the shirt on the top of the fence, she wrote.

Kyla, I <3 you 4eva, Fujiko

"Kyla, this is for you, so you never forget. I won’t let their words get to me, so you shouldn’t either, okay?"


A couple of moments later, Fujiko felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Riley standing there.

Riley Owens: Hey you.

"Riley! Just a second."

Fujiko turned towards him, and smiled. She noticed that someone came up behind Kyla with a phone outstretched. Fujiko grinned widely, her arms around the girl. She noted the huge smile on Kyla’s face. Once the picture was taken, she placed her hands on Kyla’s shoulders and turned her around.

"You’re the reason I do this, Kyla. Thank you."

Fujiko then handed the signed shirt to her, making her grin run off the charts. Fujiko waved to the crowd, and then backed away from them to place her attention towards Riley.

Riley Owens: Didn’t mean to interrupt. Just wanted to say congrats on the match. You fought well out there.

He opens his arms up for a hug. She accepts without hesitation.

"Thank you Riley. And hey, it’s nice to have a match with a friend without having to worry about getting stabbed in the back."

Riley Owens: Never that, love. Fact of the matter is, you didn’t have to give me that match, but you did. So, thank you. The ball is in your court now. Go out there and wreck shop, alright?

Fujiko nodded, and then moved over to her bag. She pulled out the Pride championship, and then raised it over her head to cheers from the crowd. Moving back towards Riley, she grinned.

"That’s the plan. I’m not letting the twitter warriors dictate my actions anymore. I run the Pride division, and if they don’t like it? They can get in line. They can call me scared, but I don’t remember seeing them coming out stating their case last week. They can criticize my reign, but I don’t remember ANY of them seeking out challengers. They sat back and waited for challengers to come to them. So they can talk long walks off short piers as far as I’m concerned."

She glances at her title again.

"I’m going to continue to do this, and you, proud. I promise."

Riley Owens: The attacks will come. But, you’re strong. Just stand tall, and remember to fight for what you believe in.

Riley’s phone began to buzz. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the screen. He then returned it to his pocket.

Riley Owens: Well, looks like I’ve got to head to the airport; going to visit Kayden for a couple of days.

Fujiko giggled from behind a covered mouth.

"You just gonna laze about?"

Riley Owens: Something like that...and eat all her food while she’s at work.

She giggled again.

"You have a good time. I’m gonna destroy a late night buffet, sleep, and start to prepare for this Pride title match. See you later, Riley...and thanks again."

Fujiko flashed a peace sign to the crowd, before pushing her title back into her bag, and she began to make the rest of her walk back to her car.

[Deleted]

The scene opens as an irate Annie Dupree is walking backstage; her face still has the remnants of that Pepsi drink dripping down it, but it doesn’t mask the scowl at all. Her Mid-Atlantic Legacy title trailing by her side, held only in one hand. Annie slows her pace as she comes face to face with Spencer Burke.

Spencer Burke: Annie, is it possible to get a word wi–

Annie Dupree: No.

The interviewer seems taken aback by the bluntness of the answer, as well as the fact he didn’t even get to finish asking his question.

Spencer Burke: But we–

Annie Dupree: No.

Spencer Burke: The fans ju–

Annie Dupree: No, Spencer, no. You’re gonna wanna know why I did that, and the thing is, I don’t wanna explain myself to you.

She stares at him straight in the eye.

Annie Dupree: So if you can get outta my way so I can go wash this Pepsi off my face, that'd be awesome. Or you can get another interviewer and I’ll talk to them. But not you. Never again, Spencer. You got everything you ever wanted from me, now just leave me alone…

Annie steps around Spencer Burke, leaving the confounded interviewer watching her leave in bemusement as the scene ends.

[Deleted]

Off Camera
The scene opens in the car park of the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, where the first ever Axxess Special, First Wave, has just finished. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion looks a lot more refreshed than the last time we saw her; a shower has done her world of good, removing any remaining traces of Pepsi from her hair or face.

She pushes through the exit as a heavy sigh escapes her lips. Her head hung low, a dour expression having replaced the angry one she wore when she met Spencer Burke earlier. Annie sweeps the hair out from in front of her face as she looks up to see where she’s going … only to find a group of fans waiting for her. Three of them, and she can recognize one – he’s the one who threw the Pepsi at her during her match with Salem. Who got ejected from the arena by the security staff after Annie chewed him out.

“Well look what we’ve got here,” he says to his friends as if he’s the evil villain in a movie. They both chuckle to themselves as the fan, a young male aged somewhere between eighteen and twenty-five based on the looks of him – although the bad blonde dye job ages him terribly – steps up to Annie. “If it isn’t the bitch who got me kicked out of the show…”

“Shame. You missed some amazing matches,” Annie snipes back with a wry smirk as she goes to walk around them. But the three guys side step to block her. Annie rolls her neck to look up at the leader as he speaks again.

“That all you’ve got to say for yourself? Because you had so much to say for yourself earlier,” he barks.

“You threw a drink at me.” She states. “Like, what were you thinking? Do you know how stupid that was? How dangerous that was? What if an ice cube hit me in the eye, huh?” Annie asks in a raised voice. “What if the match continued and me or Salem slipped on some of the drink, or an ice cube and we slipped? We coulda broke our necks…”

“It’s just a drink,” he defends himself, “don’t be so dramatic.”

“Don’t be so stupid then!” Dupree yells back, flinging her arms upwards to emphasise the statement.

“That’s no reason to get him kicked out,” one of the friends chimes in. He looks rather proud of himself, but Annie just glares at him.

“Seriously?” she asks before scoffing. “Nah, he’s lucky he only got kicked out–” she points a finger in leader’s face, “–he’s lucky nobody’s kicked his butt for being so stupid! Do you even know how to dress yourself in the morning? Does somebody tie your shoes for you? I’m just wondering how stupid you are to think you can throw a drink at somebody who’s wrestling.”

“I bought a ticket,” the leader brags, “I can do what I want.”

“Yeah,” his other friend adds, “and he didn’t even get to see the whole show.”

“‘Cause he’s stupid,” Annie retorts, “and yeah you bought a ticket, so did everybody else there. And they were watching the show, and enjoying the show like they’re supposed to. They didn’t feel the need to try and make any of the matches all about them, like this idiot did!” She points a finger in his face while looking at his friends. “Nobody else felt the need to disrupt the show like this idiot. Nobody else was selfish enough, or stupid enough to try and ruin the match for every other fan who bought a ticket just like he did! Nobody else tried to endanger the wrestlers like he fuckin’ did!” By now Annie is bright red as she yells at the three guys. “Stupid!”

The three of them are taken aback somewhat, possibly because Annie Dupree just dropped the f-bomb in front of them, or possibly because Annie Dupree just chewed them all out again. The few other people who are in the parking lot have begun to take notice of what’s happening, looking on from a distance as the guys begin to feel embarrassed.

“You can’t talk to me like that,” the leader says as he shoves Annie with both hands. The Legacy champion is pushed back a couple of steps – she’s giving up a good seventy plus pounds to this guy. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” He asks before pushing Annie again. She drops her bag and clenches both fists as she steps forward, a stern expression on her face…

When the leader is dropped by a wild right hook. He slumps to the floor, his legs giving way beneath him as his friends stand there in shock. They look up from their unconscious friend to see The 'Tenacious Little Bastard' Dom Harter standing in front of them. “You two, pick him up, and get the fuck out of here,” Harter demands, “And never let me see any of you put your hands on a wrestler ever again. Now fuck off!”

They do exactly that, scrambling to help their friend up to his feet as Annie picks up her bag again. She and Dom head off towards where their cars are parked as Dom grumbles under his breath, “fucking idiots…”