AfterBurn for Vertigo E27

[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!

[FGA Office]

Posting on behalf of the handler:

---

A video plays, which begins with a clip of the coastline of Carmarthen Bay in South West Wales, shot from above. Within a few seconds, a female voice with a Welsh accent is heard.

Voiceover: Cyhyd ag y gallaf gofio, yr wyf yn breuddwydio am fod wrestler proffesiynol. Ac yn fy mreuddwydion, yr wyf yn esgyn.

After speaking in Welsh, the female then repeats herself, but this time she speaks in English.

Voiceover: For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of being a professional wrestler. And in my dreams, I soared.

The video changes to a clip that traverses the Brecon Beacons - a mountain range in South Wales.

Voiceover: Y llynedd, daeth yr amser i mi gychwyn ar fy ngyrfa yn reslo. Ond yr wyf yn unig oedd wrestler lled-broffesiynol - reslo yn unig oedd yr hyn a wneuthum ar benwythnosau, gyda fi gorfod gweithio swydd dydd i allu cefnogi fy hun. Yr wyf yn ofni y gallwn i fod yn gaeth am byth, fel y ddraig o dan y mynydd - yr wyf yn ofni y gallwn i yn sownd gorfod gweithio swydd arall am byth, byth yn wir yn gallu cyfeirio at fy hun fel wrestler proffesiynol.

As before, the female repeats herself in English.

Voiceover: Last year, came the time for me to embark upon my career in wrestling. But I was only a semi-professional wrestler - wrestling was just what I did at weekends, with me having to work a day job to be able to support myself. I feared that I could be forever trapped, like the dragon under the mountain - I feared that I could be stuck having to work another job forever, never truly being able to refer to myself as a professional wrestler.

The video switches to a view of Cardiff, showing the skyline in the Welsh capital.

Voiceover: Nid oedd angen i mi boeni fodd bynnag, am y tro mae'r amser wedi dod i mi i ledaenu fy adenydd ac yn hedfan. Dwi ar fy ffordd i'r fan lle yr wyf yn gwybod y bydd fy ngyrfa reslo wir yn dechrau i gymryd i ffwrdd.

Again, the preceding statement is repeated in English.

Voiceover: I needn't have worried though, for now the time has come for me to spread my wings and fly. I'm on my way to a place where I know that my wrestling career will really begin to take off.

The clips of some of the sights of Wales fade away to a blank, black screen.

Voiceover: Rwy'n ar fin i ddod â fy brand o steil cryf Prydain i Frontier Grappling Arts - I'm about to bring my brand of British strong style to Frontier Grappling Arts.

A three word motto is then uttered, first in Welsh.

Voiceover: Trên. Ymladd. Ennill.

Before being repeated in English.

Voiceover: Train. Fight. Win.

Four words subsequently appear on screen:

COMING SOON TO FGA

And after a few more seconds, the video ends.

[El Dragón]

The Venomous Virtuoso is walking backstage, head turned towards the ceiling, both hands on his hips. The look of disappointment is fresh on his face. He takes one of his hands and runs his palm down his face, as if he aims to wash the loss away from his record. It's a futile effort and he knows it. Still, there's nothing left to do but to soak himself in his second straight loss to Blake Rogers. Spencer Burke appears from out of nowhere with a ready microphone and a readier cameraman.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me, Julian? Last week, it seemed that you and Maria are over. Can we get confirmation on that rumor?

Julian stops, sighing. He turns to Spencer with a scowl, both hands back on his hips. Spencer, for his part, does his best to remain firm, though he melts at the continued, penetrating gaze of The Spanish Sweetheart. There's nothing sweet about Julian at this point in time. There's only the frustration, dominating his once always playful persona.

Julian Tijerina: Tonight was supposed to be different. Tonight was supposed to be the night I make Blake Rogers pay. Rogers stole a win from me at Final Frontier, during my first FGA Wrestling pay-per-view appearance, and tonight was supposed to be the night I take back what he stole from me. 

Julian shakes his head in disappointment. He sniffs the air angrily and heaves a frustrated sigh. Turning back to Spencer, he narrows his eyes, staring daggers into the interviewer's very soul.

Julian Tijerina: Tonight might not be my night, but one of these nights, I'm getting my hands on Blake Rogers. And for good measure, I'm getting my knee on his face as well. I'm going to make him...beautiful.

Julian continues scowling at Spencer, his eyes on the interviewer's, who slowly and awkwardly tries to avoid eye contact. Smirking, Julian walks away, leaving Spencer swallowing air. He turns to the cameraman, blinking uncontrollably, and gestures for them to cut the feed. As the scene fades to black, we hear laughter in the distance. The last thing we see is Spencer looking towards where Julian headed, fresh fear on his face.

[Brian Stryker]

Brian Stryker is backstage after Veritgo. He's sitting quietly as he bounces his foot up and down a bit. His debut in FGA was not how it should have went. He pushes his wet hair out of his face as he leans back against the stone wall and closes his eyes as he collects himself. 

Spencer Burke: Brian Stryker. How would you rate your debut tonight?

Brian opened an eye and looked at Spencer before shaking his head and closing his eye back up.

Brian Stryker: Not up there that's for sure.

Spencer Burke: You seemed to have the match won, but a few misdirections cost your team the victory. Do you blame any of the two for that?

Brian sighs heavily as he sits forward and opens his eyes.

Brian Stryker: What do you want me to say? That it was Julian's or Noelle's fault? Cause it's not. It's my own. I took my eyes off the game for a second and they managed to sneak one by me. All three of us have grievances with this match that we all need to get through. I've been doing this a long long time. Longer than I'd care to admit. I've learned that this stuff happens. You just gotta accept the lose, and come back next time better. It's not one and done in this business. Come next Vertigo, well, I'll be singing a different tune that's for sure. 

Brian gets up from his spot and gives another sigh as he rubs his head as he walks off, leaving Spencer alone.

[Owen Gonsalves]

The camera rolls through the corridor of the Adelaide Entertainment Center, passing by wrestlers taping their wrists, some having wrestled, others getting ready for their match later in the evening. Travelling all the way down the corridor into one of the locker rooms, the door is cracked open slightly. Sitting in the corner, still in his ring gear is the debuting Owen Gonsalves, his hair is soaked with sweet, wrist tape thrown on the floor. On a night that should've been the best in his career, it's been a rough one. Spencer Burke walks forward in front of the camera, looking for another interview having just talked to Ricky Valero. 

Spencer Burke: Owen, I...uh...I know it's not been the best of nights for you but I was wondering if I could just get a word from you, I'm not sure if you heard the words Ricky Vale-

Owen raises his hand, halting Spencer Burke's words right there. 

Owen Gonsalves: I get it...I get what you're here for, but...please...not right now. You want my thoughts? You'll get them soon enough. Just know that if Ricky thinks that I'm just going to let this slide, he's got another thing fucking coming. 

Owen closes his eyes in deep thought as the screen fades out. 

[The Mason]

Mere seconds after Spencer Burke leaves Owen Gonsalves’ locker-room, making his way into the corridor, we see an arm snake its way around his shoulders. We pan out to reveal Sadie San Francisco who wears a small smile. Evan Envi stands just off to her side, texting away at somebody on his phone.

Sadie San Francisco: Did you watch…?

Spencer Burke: The tag match?

Sadie smirks a bit.

Sadie San Francisco: Mmmhm. None of us could’ve been surprised by that.

Spencer turns toward Sadie, placing the microphone in front of her as she continues.

Sadie San Francisco: Stryker led his team to defeat in glorious fashion. I gave him the benefit of a doubt in Christchurch, thinking Brian Stryker meant shit in 2017 so I didn’t club him to death with a folding chair when he disrespected me in Evan’s locker room. His back was even turned but I gave him the respect he didn’t give me… that he didn’t give our Chief. I waited. I waited seven days until we got here to Adelaide to get a finger on Brian Stryker and for as smug and confident as he was a week ago, he didn’t look too hot tonight. He didn’t have the same stupid grin on his face that he had back in New Zealand. Maybe that’s just the story of his career.

Spencer Burke: Sadie, help me understand. What exactly did Stryker do that has you so incensed? He--

Sadie San Francisco: Fucking disrespect.

Sadie shakes her head, unable to wait for Spencer to even finish his sentence. She shoots a glance at Envi, who gives her a calm look in return. Sadie takes a breath and slowly turns back to Spencer.

Sadie San Francisco: I’ve met people like Brian. I’ve had people talk to me and look at me the way he does-- people that think I give a single fuck about their longevity in this business. In my eyes, Brian Stryker is worse than Noelle because Noelle still has time to get out before she takes a monstrous shit on everything real wrestlers have built in this business. But… Stryker? He’s already damaged it.

The camera pans in on the clearly-aggravated Sadie Jacks.

Sadie San Francisco: Stryker is already a stain on wrestling and we can’t undo him. We can only hope to bleach him out and I’m volunteering to do it-- because I’m not about having self-entitled, forgettable bottomfeeding cunts like Brian Fucking Stryker making me look like a goddamn moron on international television. Tonight was a preview. But I like to emphasize a point. I want him by himself.

Spencer Burke: So. Are you going to challenge him to a one-on-one match next week then?

Sadie glances at Evan for a second who simply raises a brow back at her. Sadie turns back to Spencer with an uninterested expression.

Sadie San Francisco: When I feel like it…

She moves past Spencer, turning on her heel to look back at Evan.

Sadie San Francisco: Wanna go grab our stuff? I’m gonna go make sure our Uber doesn’t leave without us… since… I know you’re weird about Ubers…

Evan visibly twitches each time Sadie says “Uber” but flashes a thumbs-up and turns, making his way toward the locker-room to gather their belongings. Spencer watches Sadie leave and turns, considering following after Evan. but stops himself, taking a small breath as we fade out.

[bmac]

Molly Reid is shown walking backstage, still sweaty from her match with Dom Harter. She’s holding her midsection as she walks gingerly, with her Pride Championship slung over her shoulder. She’s quickly approached by Spencer Burke with a microphone in hand, and he wastes no time in starting off an impromptu interview.

Spencer Burke: Molly, first off, congrats on the win. It must have felt pretty good to get a win over Dom Harter like that.

Molly Reid: Yeah, it was awesome. You know Dom is such an amazing wrestler, and he’s done so much in this business. He’s undisputedly one of the best. So to get a win over him was great. He kicked my ass most of that match honestly. But like I’ve said time and time again, keeping me down for a three count is not something that comes easy. You’ve got to push it and keep pushing it until you’ve pushed further than you’ve gone before to keep me down. I don’t die. So Dom hit me with a lot, but it wasn’t enough to kill me. And when I saw him there near the ropes, I knew that was my chance. So I took it. You know how wrestling is Spencer. All it takes is one mistake and your opponent to capitalize and you’ll lose. Well Dom made that mistake tonight and I capitalized.

Spencer Burke: Well is it really fair to call it a mistake all things considered?


Molly Reid: Huh?

Spencer Burke: I mean with Annie being there and then you possibly grabbing the tights?

Molly looks at Spencer with a genuinely confused look on her face, either honestly having no idea what he’s talking about or doing a very, very good acting job.

Molly Reid: What are you talking about, Annie?

Spencer Burke: She distracted him…

Molly Reid: Really?

Spencer Burke: Yes, look.

Spencer is handed an iPad from off screen, which he holds in front of Molly. It shows a replay of the end of her match where Annie Zellor climbed onto the ring apron, causing Dom to release Molly from the submission hold to check on her. Molly stares at the screen with the same surprised look on her face until it finishes.

Molly Reid: Huh, didn’t know that happened.

Spencer Burke: But you saw her and The Crimson Baroness out there after the match right?

Molly Reid: Of course I did Spencer, I’m not blind. That was after the match though, figured they just came out to screw around with Dom.

Spencer Burke: So you mean to tell me that you had no idea Annie would come out there during your match? And that you didn’t know that she was the reason you won?

Molly’s confused face turns to one of seriousness and possibly a hint of anger as she stares daggers into Spencer, who looks slightly taken aback.

Molly Reid: Hold up. I didn’t win because Annie was out there. I won because Dom made a mistake and I capitalized. No, Spencer, I didn’t ask Annie if she would help me out cause I know that’s what you’re thinking. I honestly didn’t even know she was out there. After the whole thing with Envi, I’ve been trying to tune out anything going on except the match. So all I know is that Dom had me in his inverted facelock, and then he didn’t. When I gathered myself, I saw him near the ropes. It’s Dom Harter, I figured he was showboating or something. So I took advantage. If he got distracted by Annie, that’s his own fault. You gotta pay attention to your opponent for the entire match or else this kinda stuff will happen. I learned that the hard way with Envi. But don’t you dare accuse me of setting this up Spencer! I’m a competitor, I want to win. And I don’t need any help to beat guys like Dom Harter!

Spencer Burke: Sorry Molly. But what about the grabbing of the tights on the rollup?

Molly Reid: The what?

Spencer again pulls out the iPad and they rewatch the finish. As when seen on the broadcast, there’s no angle that shows Molly definitively grabbing Dom’s tights, but it seems very clear that she did.

Molly Reid: I don’t see it, do you?

Spencer Burke: Well, you can’t see it happening but just from seeing where everything is positioned it’s a fair assumption…

Molly Reid: And you know what happens when we assume?! Come on Spencer, you’re better than that. Look, maybe I grabbed his tights, maybe I didn’t. To be honest I don’t remember. I don’t think I’d do that though. I rolled him up, he wasn’t kicking out of that no matter what happened. Trust me. Plus if I really did it I think the referee would’ve noticed. That’s like, his job you know. He gets paid to see things like that and he didn’t see anything clearly so I guess I didn’t do it! Look, Spencer. I’m not a cheater and I think everyone knows that. Do I push the limits of the rules sometimes? Maybe. But I don’t break them! I don’t need to break the rules to win my matches. Let’s just stick to the facts. Dom got distracted. He made a mistake. I saw my opportunity and I rolled him up for the win. That’s what happened. None of those other things matter. If Annie never came out, I still would’ve found an opening to take and beat Dom. I guarantee that.

Molly takes a deep breath as she stops her ranting and looks at a silent Spencer.

Molly Reid: Honestly Spencer, I’m starting to understand why Annie really doesn’t like you. Do you have any good questions for me?

Spencer Burke: Ummm, just one more. Your future opponent, Chris Madison, pulled off a victory earlier tonight against Annie. That match was also full of strange developments. Any comment on that?

Molly Reid: Thank you Spencer. Yeah Chris was exactly as good as I expected him to be. Annie’s a phenomenal wrestler and he handled literally everything she threw at him. And since I know you’re going to ask me about it, no, I don’t know anything about Annie trying to leave early. She knows the consequences though, getting the countout loss. I guess she felt like she didn’t need that match. I don’t know. It’s her own choice. Dom coming out and throwing her back in, I guess he just wanted to make sure the match finished. But Chris, like I said, he looked really good. He’s going to be an incredible challenge for me at Grapple Kingdom. But I’m not scared or anything. Everything he showed in that ring against Annie, I know I can overcome it. I know that I can throw down with him in that ring step for step, and when the time comes, I’ll take that extra step and come away with the victory. This is MY Pride Championship. I worked hard to get it, I worked hard to defend it, and I’m sure as sh*t not going to lose it now. I’ve started on my path to be the greatest Pride Champion in FGA history, and nobody, not Chris Madison or anyone, is going to stand in my way!

With that, Molly Reid adjusts her title on her shoulder and walks away from Spencer, still holding her ribs in discomfort. The camera lingers on Spencer for a little bit before fading out.

[Noelle Smith]

We cut to the backstage area where Evan Envi can be seen gathering Sadie San Francisco’s belongings in his locker-room. He remains completely silent in the few seconds he’s on the frame before slinging the duffel bag over his shoulder, turning to make his way to the doorway-- but freezes in his tracks as he sees something, or someone, beyond the frame. He visibly tenses up and his grip on the bag loosens.

Evan Envi: …

A shadow falls across the doorway, there’s a squeak of a sneaker on tile...and Noelle Smith steps into the light of the frame, her face shows remarkable calmness as she leans against it. Her lips part and she blows a bright pink bubble with the gum she’s chewing, pops it and keeps chewing silently for a moment before she speaks, as if she knows the smacking of the gum will make him crazy.

Noelle Smith: I just wanted to say Evan, no hard feelings. I mean, really, low key how did I not see that coming? I’d hoped that your recent adventures had maybe gotten you all introspective on yourself, that you were going to...well, nevermind what I thought, right? I really just want this to not turn into yet another thing, haven’t we had enough of that? All those words, back and forth… then this.

She sighs a little, and shakes her head.

Noelle Smith: I just want things to be set right, and since you’re apparently unable to speak or communicate after what Molly did to you, just nod okay? Let me know you’re at least hearing what I’m saying.

There are seconds of uneasy silence between the two; Noelle chewing the gum and Evan looking toward Noelle with a certain unsteadiness about him. His head turns just a bit, but beyond that, he doesn’t react to Smith.

Noelle Smith: Oh. I see how it is. Well, thanks for your time Evan. I’ll be seeing you around I guess.

Noelle sighs and turns away, walking out of the line of sight quickly, even her shadow vanishing. Envi lingers behind, looking in the empty doorway for another few moments.

Evan Envi: …

With a small sigh, Evan kneels down to pick up the duffel bag again. He pauses again, looking toward the empty doorway as if contemplating-- before shaking the idea out of his head, marching through the doorway and into the corridor without another second of hesitation.

POP!

The sound of another popped bubble, a whistle in the air and then one almighty set of THWACK THWACK THWACKs! Is caught by the backstage cameras, which scramble quickly through the feeds to get the best view of a worked up and breathless Noelle Smith, a split screen replays Evan coming out of his locker and the look on his face as she swings for the homerun with a kendo stick… a glorious, brightly spangled and Bedazzled kendo stick at that, connecting it with his upper back, then behind his knees, then across the back of his neck, and finally his head.

Noelle Smith: ARE WE EVEN YET, EVAN?

Evan breathes heavily, palms planted against the floor of the hallway. We can see one of the closed wounds on the back of his neck opened from the shot, blood immediately beginning to trickle down his back. With a glare, he reaches up with his right hand, attempting to rip the stick out of Noelle’s grip.

Noelle Smith: Ah, ah ah Evan! Don’t be so grabby, this is mine. You’ll have to ask really nicely but I bet Kamijo would Bedazzle one for you too.

She’s smart enough to dance back while she says this though, holding the stick back like she intends to brain him with it, but she stops. Whether it’s because she can hear the running feet of security coming or something else, she pauses and then she smiles almost serenely.

Noelle Smith: I wish I knew what it was about you that brings out the worst in people. Well, me at least…

Noelle quickly tucks the kendo stick under her arm and backs away, though she does pause for a second.

Noelle Smith: Hey! Hey we need a medic back here! Someone needs to help Evan!

With another shake of her head she disappears out of view of the camera, leaving Evan to his own devices. Evan shaking, pushes himself up using the duffel bag as a base-- though he sighs aloud as he falls back against the wall, into a seated position. Two security guards stop short of him in the corridor, paging for a medic. Envi glares in their direction, pushing himself up successfully this time, but leaning against the wall-- now stained with his own blood-- for support as we fade away.

[Deleted]

The scene opens with The ‘Tenacious Little Bastard’ Dom Harter heading towards the exit of the Adelaide Entertainment Center. He’s dressed casually now, just jeans and a black ‘Gaslight Anthem’ t-shirt, when Jessie Pederson stops him.

Jessie Pederson: Dom! Before you leave would it be possible to get your thoughts on what happened earlier tonight?

Dom Harter: Bitches gon’ pay….

He says in a deadpan voice, staring straight into the eyes of Jessie who doesn’t seem to know how to respond.

Dom Harter: Nah, but seriously; that loss is all on me. I can cry foul about Molly playing grabass and holding the tights, but that wasn’t the problem. I can bitch and moan that Annie came out to distract me…

Harter scoffs as he runs a hand through his hair.

Dom Harter: I shouldn’t have jumped at her. I shouldn’t have let go of Molly. I should’ve just hit the Silent Machine and got the pin fall while Annie had to watch me pin her best friend.

Jessie Pederson: Seems like you’ve been thinking about this–

Dom Harter: Really? Almost like I’ve spent years blaming people who get distracted in their matches, and then suddenly, I make the same damn mistake! So, like I said, this one’s on me. But congratulations to Molly on the win, she’s got to keep that momentum up if she’s going up against Chris Madison in a few weeks. Especially since he picked up a big win himself tonight…

Harter runs a hand down his stubbled jaw, smirking to himself as he continues speaking.

Dom Harter: But I’m not done with her. I’m not done with The Crimson Baroness either; she doesn’t get to stick her nose into my business and escape scot free. So she can enjoy getting one over on me tonight, the low blow, the attack, everything until things went South. And things are only going to get worse for her, because she wants to get involved in my business? I want to face her in the ring…

With that, Dom walks away. He pushes the doors open and exclaims “bitches gon’ pay!” once again, leaving a bewildered Jessie Pederson behind. She quickly turns and walks away as the scene comes to an end.

[Deleted]

The scene opens as Jessie Pederson is hurrying down the hallways of the Adelaide Entertainment Center, until she catches up with the members of the Small Boob Wrecking Crew. Both Annie and The Crimson Baroness are dressed in match SBWC tees, and jean shorts; TCB doesn’t seem to be best pleased to be seen out of her ring attire, but she grins and bares it as Jessie approaches.

Jessie Pederson: Annie! Baroness! Can I get a few words with you about what just transpired tonight?

The Crimson Baroness: Of course, sweetie…

Jessie Pederson: Well lets start with you, Baroness; you attacked your mentor Dom Harter after his match earlier tonight–

The Crimson Baroness: One of my mentors, sweetie. Don’t give him sole credit.

She scolds Jessie, shaking her head as the interviewer gathers her thoughts.

Jessie Pederson: Ok, sorry. But we didn’t even know you were here in Australia. What caused you to be here and attack Dom like that?

The Crimson Baroness: Well, I’ve never been to Australia before – such a beautiful country, really. And I couldn’t exactly let this one have all the fun now, could I?

The Baroness gestures towards her tag partner, wrapping an arm around Annie’s shoulder as they both smirk at Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: So this was planned all along?

Annie Zellor: You gotta have a backup, Jessie.

The Crimson Baroness: The only shame is we didn’t put him down this time. That tenacious little bastard still had the wherewithal to fight us off.

Annie Zellor: Do we need to use the bat next time?

Annie nudges her partner, causing TCB to cackle, throwing her head back as the sound echoes throughout the halls.

The Crimson Baroness: Next time, sweetie…

Jessie Pederson: About that–

Annie Zellor: Aww yeah. ‘Cause I know tonight wasn’t our best night. What with Dom causing me to lose to Chris Madison, and then he fought us off after his match against Molly.

The Crimson Baroness: We’ll take small solace in the fact he lost that one.

Annie Zellor: It kinda helps.

Jessie Pederson: Ok, but–

The Crimson Baroness: It’s important he knows what he’s up against. I’d hate for someone to bite off more than they can chew, especially when we already have a Siren out of her depth. We don’t need a Little Bastard not knowing what lies ahead.

Jessie Pederson: It seems like he knows what’s coming, and he might be looking to pre-empt some things, because I just spoke to him and … he’s challenged The Crimson Baroness to a match.

The members of the Small Boob Wrecking Crew look at one another; the smiles fading off their faces as they stand there in silent contemplation for a moment.

The Crimson Baroness: Oh my…

Annie Zellor: Looks like you’ll get a chance to use that bat sooner rather than later. But Dommy, listen up; you’re probably happy with yourself right now, huh? ‘Cause you cost me a match, ’cause you got away from us after you lost to Molly – and what’s one match to Dom Harter, huh? When you’ve got the Young Guns Cup; when you’re this close to the Grand Slam you want so bad; when you’re in the finals of the Destiny Cup and everything’s just falling into place for you…

Annie pats the belt on her shoulder before continuing.

Annie Zellor: I dunno what game you’re playing when you challenge The Crimson Baroness to a match, but if you think you’re gonna walk away from this with my title. If you think you’re beating us, Dommy, then think again. You mighta waited a year to get this chance. You mighta beat everyone they put in your path. But I just put a stop to that tonight, and at Grapple Kingdom, I’ll do it all over again.

She says before pulling a #grrface, as the scene comes to end.

[Jerry]

Following Vertigo going off air, Anthony Rother is overjoyed with the result of the tag team championship match. The cameras catch him walking behind Jason Marx and Chris Tryon, dressed in street clothes. Each man has one half of the tag team title belts draped across their shoulders. Rother, singing to himself, and belting out the chorus to Queen’s “We are the Champions” when he’s quickly interrupted by Spencer Burke.

Spencer Burke: Rother!

He screams, almost confrontationally.

Anthony Rother: Oh Spence, looks like you and all of the other mutants now have to eat your words! Behold, your new, and now, two time FGA Tag Team Champions – Jason Marx, Chris Tryon, The Usual Suspeeeecccctttsss!!!

Rother dramatically continues hissing the word Suspects, much to Spencer’s annoyance, and too close to his face as he begins wiping the spit off with a handkerchief.

Spencer Burke: So I’m sure that you and your guys are pleased with yourselves. But let the record show that once again, your men had to cheat their way to victory.

Rother sneers at the accusation.

Anthony Rother: Let’s be clear about one thing here, Spencer. I told you before the match, just like I told all of the trolls and mutants watching at home that I would give my left nut in order for these men to leave Australia as tag team champions. Who knew that all I’d have to do was take a shot to the face from that smelly Peaches.

Rother cups his hand over his mouth, only to knowingly whisper loud enough to Spencer so the audio picks it up.

Anthony Rother: She still hasn’t bathed I don’t care what she says.

Rother clears his throat and adjust his tie.

Anthony Rother: So what? I interfered. Who cares! I’ve never minced words that we will accomplish our goals by any means necessary.

Spencer Burke: I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about the help you received.

Anthony Rother: Excuse me?

Spencer sighs in annoyance.

Spencer Burke: I’m talking about the help that your men received from Zero McHannon! You needed him to beat the Status Quo, you couldn’t even get it done with your own cheating.

Rother chuckles in defiance.

Anthony Rother: Good lord, Spence! I’ve heard it all now. Zero McHannon? Please, that didn’t happen! I never saw it!

Spencer Burke: That’s because you were out cold, courtesy of Peaches!

Anthony Rother: I didn’t see it, *Rother shakes his head* did you see it, Chris?

Chris Tryon: Nope…

Spencer Burke: That’s because he was eating canvas at the time!

Anthony Rother: What about you, Jason?

Jason Marx: Well…

Rother quickly interrupts him.

Anthony Rother: Exactly my point! You Spencer Burke are now making up lies because you’re a sore loser! It’s no secret that you’ve always had it out for me! Any personal differences that we have do not involve The Usual Suspects!

Spencer Burke: Well, I just happen to have the video of it on my iPad here…

Burke reaches for his tablet, but Rother quickly grabs his arm.

Anthony Rother: I know what you’re trying to do! I was just around the corner when you presented Molly Reid with edited video on your tablet.

Spencer Burke: What?!?!?!

Anthony Rother: I’m not up on all these apps, but I know that you can transpose Zero’s image as if he were actually there! But let’s not fool ourselves, Spence. Zero McHannon can’t stand me, he’s said as much on Twitter. He doesn’t assist anybody because he’s a man who stands by himself, he doesn’t need anybody. So it wouldn’t make sense for him to involve himself in our match. Besides, he’s still mad at me for trying to steal the legitimate FGA World Championship out of his bags in Germany. So please, spew your conspiracy theory lies to somebody who will believe it!

Spencer Burke: But---

Anthony Rother: But NOTHING, Spence! I don’t want to hear it. You’re interviewing me, which means I speak and you listen! It’s not that hard of a concept to understand. What I will tell you is this! Next week on Vertigo, there will be a coronation!

Spencer Burke: A what?

Anthony Rother: You heard me, a coronation for Jason Marx and Chris Tryon. We will use this time to proudly and officially proclaim them as two time tag team champions. If you’re nice, I might even invite you.

Spencer Burke: I think I’ll pass…

Anthony Rother: There’ll be punch and pie!

Spencer Burke: No thanks.

Anthony Rother: Everybody loves punch and pie!

Spencer Burke: I said, no!

Spencer realizes that he’s not going to get anywhere with the interview other than the denials and lies that Rother has already spewed. Deciding that it’s better for his own sanity to just move on and let Rother have his moment, he walks away from the shot. Rother just shrugs his shoulders.

Anthony Rother: I like pie, Chris…don’t you?

The two Suspects ignore Rother and begin walking off with the tag team titles in hand. Rother screams for them to wait as he runs off after them.

[ChrisMadison]

The AfterBurn production cuts back Jessie Pederson who is standing at the door of Chris Madison’s locker room with a camera crew in tow. She raises her fist and knocks on the door, patiently waiting to be acknowledged.

Chris Madison: Come on in Spence!

Jessie reaches down, grabbing the door by its handle and pushes her way into the locker room. Madison is sitting on a steel folding chair, wearing only his fight shorts, with a white towel draped around the back of his neck. He turns his head to see Jessie Pederson flashing a friendly smile and greeting him with a dainty wave.

Chris Madison: You're not Spencer Burke.

Jessie Pederson: No. He just wrapped up with someone else. I'd like to get some thoughts from you on tonight's Vertigo, if you don't mind.

Chris sat upright in the chair, pressing his flesh against the cold steel. He reached across his chest with his left hand and grabbed the end of the towel hanging over his right side, wiping down his face with it.

Chris Madison: Nah, I don't mind… The change of pace is nice.

With a firm grip on the microphone with her right hand, Jessie Pederson brought her left hand up to her mouth in a fist, covering it as she cleared her throat.

Jessie Pederson: Tonight was a big night for you. You picked up a huge victory over the current Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Annie Zellor, earning a bit of redemption. Has to come as a bit of relief…

Chris Madison: In the days leading up to this match it became apparent how much I wanted to make up for my own mistakes during the Wildcard Lottery tournament. I let my guard down, expected better out of a woman who had become one of the best in the business. Annie Zellor got the best of me, and took away an undefeated streak that I was very proud of; she did it by taking advantage of an out of position referee. This match, the rematch, it meant more to me than it did her. She made that clear as day when she tried to walk out of the match. Luckily for me, Dom Harter was keeping a close eye on Annie. Now, I can move on and solely focus on what's to come!

Jessie Pederson: Well let’s talk about what's to come. Grapple Kingdom is approaching and you have a date with the FGA Pride Champion, Molly Reid, who was also successful tonight.

Chris chuckled and tried to fight the grin from appearing on his face.

Jessie Pederson: I’m assuming from your reaction that you saw how her match with Dom Harter played out.

Chris Madison: Played… that's part of the problem. Annie, The Crimson Baroness, and even our Pride Champion see this as a game. If Molly had any pride in herself and that championship she’s carrying around she'd tell Annie and The Crimson Baroness to steer clear and keep their antics out of her matches. Whether Molly knew what was going down or not, we probably won't truly know. But she sure as hell had no problem grabbing a handful of tights for added leverage to put Dom away. And the sad thing is, she doesn't need it. Molly Reid is a hell of a competitor, just like her good friend Annie. They're the caliber of talent that can go to any promotion, stand on their own two feet, and do more than hold their own!

Jessie Pederson: Earlier in the night we saw your interaction with Molly while arriving to the arena…

Chris chuckled, getting a sense of Jessie’s train of thought.

Jessie Pederson: Can't help but wonder if this show of respect is genuine or mind games being played on your part.

Chris Madison: I get it. I get that it's damn near taboo in the industry these days to respect your opponent and want to compete solely on that premise alone. But I truly don't have an ulterior motive. I came to FGA to prove myself by competing with the best. That Pride Championship she carries around makes her one of the best. It's that simple...

Jessie Pederson: At Grapple Kingdom you'll get your chance. Are you concerned at all that she may travel down the same path as Annie, utilize some underhanded tactics like she did against Dom Harter, or even rely on the help of her friends?

Chris Madison: All factors that I've considered but have absolutely no control over. If Molly is really looking to go down as one of the best Pride Champions to ever grace an FGA wrestling ring, tainting her reign isn't the way to do it. Molly has reached a fork in the road. Her desire to hold onto that belt may have to be weighed up against carrying herself with dignity and pride. If she feels outmatched, will she grasp for straws just to retain? We all saw how she handled Evan Envi. Facts seem to be pointing to her retaining that belt by any means necessary, regardless of how it affects everyone's opinion of her. Just don’t expect me to roll over and pave the way for her rise to stardom!

Madison pushes off of his knees and rises up to his feet. He takes a step towards Jessie Pederson; once against wiping the sweat away from his face with the end of the towel.

Chris Madison: Respect isn’t going to stop me from bringing a war to her doorstep; pushing her beyond her limits. I just hope she realizes the rabbit hole she’s tumbling down before it’s too late.