AfterBurn for All-Star Showdown VI Weekend

[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!

[Brian Stryker]

The feed cuts to Brian Stryker who is clearly limping around backstage, his hand holding an ice pack to his lower back as each step makes his face wince in clear pain. A few medical personnel are asking Stryker if he needs to go to a hospital but he just waves them off. He slowly sits himself down on a crate as he lays himself out on his stomach, giving off a small sigh of relief.

BRIAN STRYKER: I could sleep here for days if I wanted too….

He grabs the ice pack and places it back on his lower back as he takes a moment to enjoy the cooling relief.

BRIAN STRYKER: Well I didn’t exactly walk away the champion like I hoped to. Hell I’m happy to just be able to walk away period. Ladders have a tendency to end careers more than they help as everyone learned tonight in one way or another. But I did accomplish one thing tonight. That was prove why I’m one of the better mad men in wrestling. It may have cost me the match, but I doubt anyone can question my abilities in the ring anymore.

Blake Rogers enjoying his daily recommended dose of iron when I drove that ladder into his face. AMIRA got to enjoy a nice face lift when she collided headfirst into a ladder. Might have finally knocked some sense into that feeble little mind of hers too. And finally poor Julian. He had a rough night start and it just got worst. A 20 foot fall straight to the back of your head is not fun nor is it exactly a tickle. Doesn’t feel good when you land on your ass either.

But in the end, I came up short but that doesn’t bother me as much as it should. I fought my hardest and just wasn’t enough, so is life. Move on and get better. Next time I get that chance for a title, you know I’m not gonna make the same mistakes and I will walk away a champion.

Brian shifts a bit as he groans as his back aches wildly.

BRIAN STRYKER: That wasn’t smart….Anyways, don’t think this is the end of things for me. Not by a long shot. I will get my title shot again. I will get my one of one. I will win. It’s just a matter of time and one thing that I am, is patient. So enjoy the night Sadie. You may be champion now, but we may be facing off again in the not too distant future. But for now, find me a chiropractor.

Brian shoos the camera away as he takes the ice pack off his tailbone and places a hand on it.

BRIAN STRYKER: Yeah that’s bruising up already…

[David]

While Night One of All-Star Showdown VI is still going on out in the ring, a camera finds Lowri Moss backstage at the Staples Center. Sat on a crate, with a bottle of water in one hand, Lowri is staring off into the distance, in an almost trance-like state. In addition to the presence of the camera, Jessie Pederson soon arrives on the scene, and approaches Lowri.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri?

Lowri ignores Jessie, instead continuing to stare off into the distance.

Jessie Pederson: I spotted you sat here by yourself, and I just wanted to check how you are, after what happened during your match.

There is a deep sigh from Lowri, who then responds to Jessie.

Lowri Moss: I’m gutted.

That causes Jessie to frown.

Jessie Pederson: What?

Smiling meekly, Lowri finally turns to look at Jessie.

Lowri Moss: Sorry, Jessie. It’s a British term. It means, extremely disappointed.

Jessie Pederson: Oh, right. What I actually meant though was, I wanted to check how you are after that big fall you took, off the ladder and through the tables.

Lowri runs her free hand through her hair.

Lowri Moss: I’m okay. I’ve suffered some bumps and bruises, but thankfully nothing worse than that - no sprains or tears, and nothing’s broken. I’m sure I’ll be very sore in the morning, but I’ll live.

She then lets out a gentle laugh, to Jessie’s surprise.

Jessie Pederson: What’s so funny?

Lowri Moss: When I spoke to you earlier, before the match, I considered making a jokey comment about how I had never previously had to practise for a ladder match, and how the wrestling school where I trained hadn’t taught me how to fall off a ladder, but I thought better of it, because I didn’t want to jinx myself. As it turns out though, even without jinxing myself, I still ended up being sent flying off a ladder. Or perhaps I jinxed myself simply by thinking about it.

Lowri shrugs, indifferently.

Jessie Pederson: Well, it’s good to hear that you weren’t hurt too badly by that fall.

A momentary silence then follows, before Lowri asks Jessie a question.

Lowri Moss: Do you remember earlier, Jessie, I talked to you about my goal of winning a title in my rookie year, and how time was running out for me to accomplish that?

Jessie nods her head.

Lowri Moss: You asked if that made it a do or die situation for me tonight, and I said I wouldn’t go quite that far. However, sat here now…

Lowri’s sentence trails off. She then glances down at the floor, before looking back up at Jessie.

Lowri Moss: I had been sat here for several minutes before you and the cameraman found me, deep in contemplation. I wasn’t prepared for how disappointed I would feel at not winning. I wanted to win - I mean, I really wanted to win - but that wasn’t enough, and here I am now, sat feeling - dare I say it - empty, with nothing to show for my efforts.

Lowri leans back against the wall, letting her body sag.

Lowri Moss: I feel like a contestant on a game show, who has gotten all the way to the final round, only to then miss out on all the prizes, and be left with just their bus fare home.

Jessie Pederson: So where do you go from here?

Lowri looks away from Jessie, and gazes elsewhere briefly; she then looks back to the reporter.

Lowri Moss: I suppose I’ll get showered and changed, and then I’ll go back to my hotel room, to try to sleep off the effects of the match.

A wry smile crosses Jessie’s face.

Jessie Pederson: I didn’t mean it literally. I meant, what’s next for you following the outcome of tonight’s match?

There is another sigh from Lowri, although it is not as profound as the previous one.

Lowri Moss: With the mood I’m in at the moment, I hadn’t given that any thought. I guess the first thing I ought to do is to be magnanimous in defeat, and congratulate Sadie on winning the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship.

Jessie Pederson: Would it be fair to assume that you still harbor ambitions of holding that title yourself?

Now it is Lowri’s turn to nod.

Lowri Moss: Yes, I would like to think that what has occurred tonight has only delayed me becoming the champion, and not stopped it entirely from ever happening. I still hope to one day be able to call myself the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, but how long will it be before I next get a shot at the title?

She shrugs again.

Lowri Moss: Who knows? As the former champion, AMIRA is of course entitled to a return match for the title, and I presume that she will indeed invoke her rematch clause. Although, knowing AMIRA, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she tries to claim that she is still the champion - I mean, she still has that gaudy Magnificent AMIRA Legacy Championship belt of hers. But as for me, I guess I’ll just have to wait my turn, and deal with whatever comes my way in the meantime.

She then leans forward.

Lowri Moss: Would you help me to get off this please, Jessie? I’m a bit stiff after having been sat here for a while.

Jessie Pederson: Yeah, sure.

Lowri extends her free hand towards Jessie, who obligingly helps her.

Lowri Moss: Thank you.

Jessie Pederson: You’re welcome.

Jessie offers Lowri a smile.

Lowri Moss: Right, Jessie, I'm going to go and have that shower I mentioned, so enjoy the rest of All-Star Showdown, and I’ll see you...whenever.

Jessie gives a nod of acknowledgement.

Jessie Pederson: Bye, Lowri.

Lowri then walks off, albeit gingerly, and the scene cuts away.

[The Mason]

We cut to the backstage area, moments after the conclusion of the events of Night Two. At first, we only see Spencer Burke, pacing, texting somebody as he stands in front of the Camp Envi locker-room… and finally the door bursts open! The large, imposing Frank Martel steps out first, looking down at Spencer with a blank expression before moving past him. A few seconds later, Evan Envi trudges out from the room with an equally blank expression-- a far cry from the typical, animated grin or scowl.

Spencer Burke: Evan…!

Evan makes a tired noise, rolling his eyes toward Spencer.

Evan Envi: Don’t you have some crows to chase or something, bruh… I’m not in the mood.

Spencer Burke: I understand that. I just wanted to congratulate you on an incredible match out there in front of Los Angeles, Evan. After watching you and Noelle Smith spend the better part of 2017 at each others’ throats, to see it culmin--

Evan Envi: What?

Envi looks at Spencer with a look that illustrates confusion before shaking his head, a bitter chuckle escaping his mouth.

Evan Envi: Congratulations for what, Spencer? I left… everything… out there, but I still feel like I was wrestling somebody else’s match. Living in somebody else’s moment. So after a year, underappreciated in this-- this place-- nothing has changed. I could’ve started my run in FGA frickin’ yesterday and there would be NO visible difference. I…

Evan takes a breath, looking directly into Spencer’s eyes.

Evan Envi: I’ve wasted so much time. For four years I’ve been like… caught up… in everyone else’s business. In Sin City, I spent months and months trying to embarrass Rex Evans and trying to cripple Lucy Jones. I got here and I tried to use Molly Reid as like, a fast-pass to the Pride Championship. I got here and tried to make sure I didn’t have to exist in the same company as Noelle Smith. And like…

Evan shakes his head once more, running a palm over his eye as if trying to rub away the bloodshot appearance-- obviously to no avail-- before lowering his hand again.

Evan Envi: Maybe I shoulda assembled an army like Dom or Izzy, y’know? Maybe instead of trying to get the people I cared about most on the same page, I should’ve been trying my best to recruit people like Heather Lasiewicz and Yun Goeun and Fenrys to fight my battles.

Frank can be seen confusedly mouthing ”...Fenrys?” to himself in the background.

Spencer Burke: Well, speaking of armies… or at least groups… we have to finally address what happened yesterday evening at the first night of the All-Star Showdown.

Envi takes a breath and continues, now rubbing at his temples.

Spencer Burke: After months of abuse, mainly at the hands of NEON, a lot of people say Sadie San Francisco finally “snapped” last night. After watching the emphatic end of Camp Envi before your eyes, where do you stand with them now?

Envi looks up at Frank and then over at Spencer, conflicted Several seconds pass, and it becomes clear that Envi is at a loss as his gaze travels floorward.

Spencer Burke: Do you have anything to say about the situation?

Envi glances at the interviewer again, donning a thoughtful expression.

Evan Envi: Welp…

The best Evan can do is offer a mild shrug.

Evan Envi: Can only fight karma for so long, I guess.

Envi’s gaze grows a bit distant. He gives Spencer one, single pat on the shoulder and moves past him without another word. Frank Martel looks down at the interviewer for a moment before he adjusts the bag on his shoulder and walks past Envi. The camera fades as Spencer watches the two trudge down the hall, toward the exit.

[Susan Kent]

Fresh off her victory over Hercules Cortez, Susan sits in her locker room, she is feeling a little beat up from the match, but no pain can stop the high she’s on, her phone rings.

Susan: Hey mom, I won, do you see the match, awesome hopefully I can get home soon, I miss you and Keller.

Susan’s conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Kendra, and Jessie Pederson.

Susan: Okay mom, i have to go, I’ll talk to you later, love you.

Susan hangs up her phone.

Susan: Hey, Kendra, hey Jessie.

Kendra just nods and begins to text on her phone.

Jessie: So big win out there tonight, how do you feel.

Susan: I feel good, a little beaten up, but good.

Jessie: Predictions were split on your match, do you think this win will propel you further up the card.

Susan: I hope so, but that’s not up to, I just have to keep going out there and doing my thing, hopefully things work out.

Jessie: Anyway congrats on your win, and good luck going forward.

Susan: Thanks Jessie.

Jessie then leaves and Kendra looks up from her phone.

Kendra: This will do great for your profile, companies want to back winners, and producers will want to hire you, ABC was interested in you for a part on Agents Of Shield, I think they will definitely be calling now.

Susan was listening to Kendra talking a mile a minute, about ad, commercials t.v and movies, Susan just wanted to change.

Susan: Can you excuse for a moment Kendra I’d like to get changed.

Kendra: Okay.

Kendra walks to the door, she was seeing dollar signs, if Susan could keep winning, she knew the money she could make.

Kendra: Nice going.

Kendra exited Susan’s locker room, Susan took a deep breath, then changes into her street clothes she exited the arena and was greeted to television cameras and media covering the event, Susan made her way through the crowd, and her eyes caught Carter standing by his car, Susan waved then walked over, she hugged Carter and gave him a kiss completely unaware of the flashbulbs that were going off.

Carter: You did great, how about I buy you a late dinner.

Susan: I would love that.

Carter opened the door for Susan she climbed into his car and they drove off. Kendra observed the encounter between Carter and Susan. Kendra dials her phone.

Kendra: It appears that Susan has a boyfriend, look into it and get back to me.

Kendra hangs up her phone and climbs into her limo and drives off.

[Top Tier Terry]

Triple T is seen backstage after All-Star Showdown Night 1. He is in his street clothes which consisted of sneakers, jeans, and his own Triple T t-shirt. He’s pulling his gear bag behind him with one hand and holding the FGA 15 Championship over his shoulder with the other. He is soon greeted by Jessie Pederson who seems eager to talk to the new champ. 

Jessie Pederson: Triple T first off congratulations on the title win. This is now your second time holding the 15 title, and it has to feel good to have it back.


TRIPLE T: Jessie, this year has been absolutely insane. I won this belt against all of the odds put in front of me. And for the short time I held it I tried to make it a title worth holding. And then it was taken from me. It became a punchline for a joke of a power trip. Macy Dover became the champion and aside from bringing it with her to FGA, she did nothing for this belt other than trying to convince everyone that she deserved it…and you see where that got her.


But you know what? Even though this closes a chapter of foolishness and drama stemming back to the 3GW, it opens a whole new chapter. And as much as it feels good having this title back where it belongs, times have changed and with the new rules for this belt in play, I can’t plan on having this belt to long.


Jessie Pederson: You are referring to the new stipulations put on the title that after 4 successful defenses, you get a title shot at the FGA Pride Championship.


TRIPLE T: I am indeed Jessie. The world is watching. Its high risk, high reward. I have the opportunity to push myself into the upper echelon of the FGA by getting a shot at the Pride Championship, but in order to do that I have to defend this belt with every fiber of my being. I lose this…I lose my chance. The pressure is on, but I refuse to crack. The truth is…I’m more confident than I’ve ever been.


You see I have to admit something. I was afraid. I knew I was good. I busted my ass to be good. But I didn’t know how good, and I wasn’t always eager to find out. That changed when I won this title the first time. Being a champion gave me purpose, focus and confidence. And that confidence grew even more when I debuted here in the FGA. But it wasn’t until I was invited to take part in the Pride of Puroresu Crown Tournament that I realized just what type of competitor I’ve become and what kind of competitor I could be. I’ve faced off against some of the best in not just the FGA but the world! And even when the results weren’t in my favor I left every match so far better than when I walked in. And this title is proof of that.


I have said it time and time again and now it’s never been truer. I am the future of this business…the future of FGA and the future FGA Pride Champion!

With a smile on his face Triple T winks to the camera before heading towards the exit. 

[ChrisMadison]

The Flashpoint production cuts to one of the rear corridors of the Staples Center and catches up with Spencer Burke and his camera crew. The groups attention is drawn to a loud crashing sound around the corner. Metal clanks against the concrete walls and Spencer turns the corner to find an agitated Chris Madison. One of the large cases for the production equipment was flipped over and a steel chair laid by his feet, slightly bent. Frankie Morrison stood in front of Chris, with a hand on his shoulder, and seemed to be attempting to keep his client somewhat under control. Spencer cautiously approached, announcing his presence, hoping to get a word with the former FGA Pride Champion.

Spencer Burke: Chris! Frankie! That loss has got to be a tough one to swallow.

Chris’s head jerked to the side and he snarled while glaring at FGA’s most prominent backstage reporter.

Chris Madison: What gave it away? Was it the fact that Savannah went against everything she said, and need the help of Heather Lasiewicz in order to win. Or was it maybe the imprint left on my forehead after being laid out with the championship?

Spencer Burke: Sorry, I didn’t mean an offense.

Chris Madison: I don’t buy that for a second. I busted my ass to win that championship, only to have it ripped from my hands by a woman who depicts the exact opposite of what that championship represents. My FGA career has been riddled by poor officiating. Back when I first got here, Tommy Knox and I, the Black Hand, made a push for the tag team championships only to be denied by a referee whose feelings were hurting more than his ribs after being speared by Laurel Anne Hardy. I come back, riding an impressive undefeated streak, only to have it thrown away because the official happened to not see a low blow from Annie Dupree. My first shot at the Pride Championship against Molly Reid and the official is conveniently out of position and missed the handful of my shorts that was in her grasp. And now, after finally getting over that hump, once again, my destiny is in the control of someone else. Savannah used a foreign object to give her a leg up, tying me in the corner, and then the masked individual shows up in the nick of time. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the FGA committee and its officials may have an agenda against me.

Spencer Burke: You’ve definitely caught some tough breaks throughout your FGA career.

Chris Madison: Yeah, I would say so. Unfortunately, there’s nothing that I can do about it. Savannah Taylor is the new FGA Pride Champion while I’m left to try and pick up the pieces, and figure out where to go from here.

Frankie Morrison: Chris is a fighter in every sense of the word. But even fighter can only do so much when the odds are constantly stacked against him. We knew Savannah wasn’t going to be able to beat Chris by herself. Hell, he had harped on it in the weeks leading up to the match. But we expected Izzy Anders to be the one getting her hands dirty. As for what’s next. Keep one foot in front of the other and push on. Dynamic Duo’s is going to be starting very shortly. Chris and Mark Storm are taking this tournament very seriously and feel confident that they won’t only leave a lasting impression, they’re leaving as number one contenders to the FGA World Tag Team Champions!

Frankie smirked as he turned his attention from Spencer Burke to the camera lens that was filming the impromptu interview.

Frankie Morrison: That is of course, if the officials don’t feel the urge to screw Chris over once again!

It was easy to see that Spencer Burke wasn’t amused by the accusations being tossed around; he tried his best to keep Madison and Morrison from seeing him roll his eyes.

Spencer Burke: I think it’s safe to say that there’s no agenda. Unfortunate yes… But I’m fairly certain that all of these instances happen to be a coincidence.

Frankie Morrison: I guess only time will tell Spence. Does Chris and Mark get a fair shake at this thing or do the officials come up with another way to screw him over.

Morrison shakes his head and walks off with Chris Madison leading the way as the feed cuts away.

[Deleted]

Peaches: An’ new…

The Southern drawl sounds out as the scene pans upwards, eventually showing the members of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad with their newly won FGA World Tag Team titles held up above their heads. They look refreshed after that gruelling match, probably because they’re showered and now dressed casually in their new PCLAS t-shirts, courtesy of IWC. Big smiles on both their faces as they stand there like that for a couple of seconds, before returning the belts to their shoulders.

Dan Herrera: That’s right everyone. The long awaited time it took to make things right has finally come. On your screen, before you stands the new FGA World Tag Team Champions--

Peaches: --The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad!

Peaches punches the air in giddy joy as Dan laughs to himself.

Dan Herrera: Now, instead of brow beating… I got more important matters to impress upon the fans. Elysian Empire, you put up one hell of a fight. Hell, even the Keisters did too as much as it pains me to say it. It was a night… and a title fight to remember. Me, Peaches, the fans… we won’t soon forget this one.

Peaches: But these belts? They’re right where they belong, right where we said they’d be after All Star Showdown! But just like Dan said, that was a damn tough match. An’ I ain’t gonna take nothin’ away from none of ‘em! Elon an’ Emery brought it tonight. Kimmi and Kalli fought with everythin’ they’ve got.

Dan Herrera: And this right here…

He pats the belt on his shoulder.

Dan Herrera: When Zero McHannon and The Usual Suspects screwed Status Quo out of these belts, I vowed I’d get them back one day. Anyone that know Dan Herrera knows that he’s not a quitter. Throw whatever you want on the path in front of me and I do what I have to to get the job done. And I surround myself with people that do the same. Cordy and I… we won Dynamic Duos last year and turned into the tag team of the year. And when Cordy had other business to attend to, there was no other pick than my beautiful girlfriend Peaches. We had already done it elsewhere and I knew we could bring it back here too. And damn it feels sweet. Better than our first… better than our second… third set of tag titles is the charm.

Peaches: ‘Cause now we’re the FGA World Tag Team Champions! An’ at a moment when the tag scene here in FGA is blowin’ up! But if The Elysian Empire wanna try again, they’re welcome to try. Even The Keisters, Through Diamond Eyes, Serpent’s Touch, the Harbingers of Apocalypse, The New Murder, or Pedro & Maritza.

Dan Herrera: We’re fighting champions. We won’t back down from anything. Whomever is thrown in our path next… we’ll be ready for them. And we’ll do what we have to to prove what we say. This is our time, and we’re not letting anyone take this from us. And with the Dynamic Duos tournament looming; with 24 of the best tag teams around all vying for a shot at these belts--

Both members of the PCLAS pat their belts this time.

Dan Herrera: --we’ll be here when the dust has settled on Dynamic Duos. We’ll be standing tall as the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions.

Peaches: An’ just like tonight, when we did exactly what we said we would. Next time we step into that ring we’re gonna do it all over again. You think we fought tooth an’ nail to win these belts? We’re gonna go twice as hard to keep ‘em. ‘Cause that’s how The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad do things!

The pair high five enthusiastically before giving each other a quick kiss, just as the scene comes to an end with a fade to black.

[Noelle Smith]

Cleaned up, bandaged up but clearly walking slowly because of the limp (and the firm wrap around her foot and ankle) Noelle is seen making her way out of the building. Outside her ride was waiting, and that seems to be her total focus until Spencer Burke comes hustling up to her, microphone in hand.

Spencer Burke: Noelle! Noelle, can we get a few words with you?

She sighs softly, one hand up to toy with a damp curl, her eyes close as she gathers some small modicum of energy before she opens her eyes and gives Spencer a wan smile. Her voice is soft, and sort of blurry.

Noelle Smith: Sure, but walk with me... I'm getting out of here.

Her lips quirk.

Noelle Smith: I'll catch the rest of the show at the hotel.

Spencer Burke: So can I ask how you feel, after all this time... to have it finally over?

Noelle blinks and gives him a little side-eye.

Noelle Smith: I don't know.

At his confusion, she continues, her slow pace staying the same as the door inches closer.

Noelle Smith: He's been a part of my life, and then a peripheral for four years. I mean... how does anyone process something like this? He was ready to end this. I was ready to end this. Now it's done...

She looks over at Spencer and then sort of lifts her hands and her shoulders go up with the motion.

Noelle Smith: I haven't had time to process it I guess. Don't worry though, when I'm ready... I'll come talk to you.

She pats his shoulder, leaving him a little confused as she limps on to the exit and slips out of the building.