Vertigo (11.25.17)

[FGA Office]

As we find ourselves back in the backstage area, where we see both SHOOTCAMP members, Ace Watson and Owen Gonsalves. Owen is on his phone, seemingly on FaceTime with his wife, while Ace is busy...complimenting Tuck? A knock on their locker room door forces both men to turn towards the door before Ace walks away from Tuck and towards the door. He opens it to reveal none other than one of his HKW co-workers, Kol.

However, before Ace can say anything, Kol cuts him off.

Kol: “Kol, what a surprise! I didn’t think you’d bother visiting us! Please, come in!”

Kol steps into the locker room, smiling as he looks at Ace.

Kol: Don’t mind if I do, Ace. Don’t mind if I do.

After taking a few more steps into the locker room, he notices Tuck and politely waves at him, only for Tuck to growl back, getting an eyeroll from Kol.

Kol: Looks like Tuck is truly a dog of the people. That’s a shame.

The New Yorker then spots Gonsalves on his phone, mockingly waving at him before he speaks again.

Kol: Hello, Owen. I assume you’re speaking to your wife. Tell her congratulations on the baby for me. Childbirth is a real bitch and a half to go through once, let alone multiple times.

The Australian native eyes Kol for a moment having paused his conversation.

Owen Gonsalves: Hey love, I'm gonna have to call you back in a bit, yeah it appears as though I've got company.

He turns the phone around in Kol’s direction so his wife can see who exactly walked in.

Ashley: Who the hell is that? Hi, hunny, why the long face?

The comment is audible for the live audience to hear as they pop at the insult. Owen’s eyes widen as he immediately turns the phone back around.

Owen Gonsalves: I'll call you later, bye love!

And with that Owen swiftly ends the conversation and lightly throws his phone on his gear bag sitting on the floor. Ace does his “best” to hide a smirk.

Owen Gonsalves: Kol...To what do we owe the displeasure of your presence?

Kol feigns being emotionally hurt.

Kol: “Displeasure?” Wow, that’s just rude, Owen. At least Ace over here kindly invited me into your locker room. Tuck...well, I’m not going to insult a dog. I’m not that horrible.

Ace rolls his eyes before Kol claps his hands together and gets right to the point.

Kol: Your wife insulting me and his dog growling at me aside, I’ve decided to not be as hostile and extend an invite to you both...for next Vertigo! You see, I want you two, myself, and Magnum to all be in the ring at the same time and really air everything out. Maybe make our intentions very well known and offer some thoughts as to future matchups.

Kol turns to Ace.

Kol: Like what could happen if the longest reigning HKW Global champion and the biggest signing in FGA history takes on a guy who’s last title reign was when I was still named Colton Sterling?

The audience boos this insult towards the fan favorite Ace Watson, but Ace seems to not be fazed too much by it. Kol then turns to Owen Gonsalves.

Kol: Or what could happen if one of the best in the world takes on someone who did not put him down as someone on the level of Chandler Scott?

Owen and Kol stare each other down, Kol half expecting a reaction, but Owen refusing to give him one. Realizing that this does nothing to either man gets Kol to force a fake smile before he heads for the door.

Kol: So this is your official invite..to the both of you. Hopefully it’s not just myself and Magnum in that ring and you two decide to show your faces. See you around, boys.

Kol turns towards the growling Tuck and smiles before he looks over at Ace.

Kol: Do me a favor. Make sure you neuter him. And I mean Tuck, not Owen.

The New Yorker then grins.

Kol: Though Owen might need to consider doing that as well what with the multiple kids and all.

He begins to laugh as he exits the locker room, closing the door shut behind him as he does so.

Ace Watson: You first, yeah?

Ace rolls his eyes and shakes his head, as Tuck then runs up and sits at Watson’s feet. Ace looks to his Shootcamp tag partner.

Ace Watson: He was just “Kol” when I had the ZG title… Anyway, I can't help but be curious as to why he REALLY wants us there… If it's just to take shots at us all then I’ll have wished we didn't bother. But I guess we’ll wait and see.

Owen Gonsalves: I might kick that smug look off of his face if he keeps running his mouth. But we've got a match with Madison and Mine to worry about right now...We'll deal with Kol in two weeks.

Gonsalves shakes his head as both men go back to preparing for their match later in the night.

[FGA Office]

• TAG TEAM MATCH •
Serpent's Touch vs. Firing Squad

During the ring introductions, Luke Jackson and Ymir Ocampos - the newly christened “Firing Squad” - played to the crowd. However, Serpent’s Touch pretended not to see them, going so far as to mimic looking through binoculars and trying to find them. This does nothing but rile up the fiery Ocampos, who went after Faye Valentine & Kimiko. But she’s quickly restrained by her more even-tempered partner. After a conversation between the two, Jackson is finally able to settle Ocampos down. She then offered to start off the match. But Jackson felt it was better that he set the pace for them. Ocampos reluctantly agrees.

The action finally began in minute two with Jackson and Valentine trading holds until both get tangled up in a collar-and-elbow tie up. The tussle brought both grapplers into the corner, where they made a break by the ref’s count of five. However, Valentine was quick to paintbrush Jackson across the face with slaps. This angered The Kid, who went after Valentine. Valentine backed away from Jackson before stepping halfway through the ropes. Her positioning in the ring forced the ref to move Jackson back. Valentine then gained control with a side headlock takedown in minute four. Jackson was quick to counter into a headscissors. After a bit of a struggle, Valentine escaped with a kip up. Both grapplers continued to trade holds until Jackson went for an irish whip. But Valentine reversed, charged into the corner and bashed Jackson with a flying forearm smash in the corner. When Jackson crumbled to the mat, Valentine turned her attention to Ocampos and began to taunt the young rookie. Ocampos tried to go after Valentine, but again she’s held back. This time, by the referee. While the ref scolded Ocampos for being in the ring illegally, Kimiko took advantage of the distraction and helped Valentine put the boots to The Kid!

Kimiko kept control of the match in minute seven with rapid knife edge chops, followed by multiple shoots kicks in the corner. An irish whip sent Jackson crashing into the opposite corner. Kimiko went for a running hip attack in the corner. But Jackson dove out of the way at the last second, causing Kimiko to crash into the turnbuckles! While Kimiko is down, Jackson dragged himself across the ring using the bottom rope and tagged in Ocampos! The crowd cheered as the fiery newcomer unloaded on Kimiko with a flurry of stiff kicks to the chest, knees and calves. She then lit up Kimiko’s chest with knife edge chops before capping off the attack with a rope-aided gamengiri. An irish whip sent Kimiko into the opposite corner. Ocampos was quick to follow up with a corner hesitation dropkick for a count of two!

Ocampos stays on the attack with rapid knee strikes in minute ten. A scoop slam/2nd rope moonsault combo gets a count of two. A Satellite DDT also gets a two count. Ocampos sent Kimiko into the ropes for an irish whip. Instead of returning, Kimiko hung onto the ropes. With Kimiko on the same side of the ring as the Serpent’s Touch corner, Ocampos rushes across the ring to keep Kimiko from tagging out. Kimiko ended up going for a back body drop. But Ocampos landed safely on the apron. Valentine tried to attack Ocampos while she was on the apron. But Ocampos knocked her back with a back elbow before dropping Kimiko with the Black Reign (springboard clothesline) for a count of two!

Ocampos taged Jackson back in. Firing Squad then began to unleash some double team maneuvers on Kimiko. First a double snap suplex! Then a double flapjack! Then finally, a catapult into a DDT for a count of two! Kimiko reversed an irish whip in minute twelve, sending Jackson into the ropes, where Valentine pulled down the top rope to send him tumbling to the floor! This caused Ocampos to rush into the ring. But again, she’s held back by the referee! While Ocampos and the ref argue, Serpent’s Touch took advantage of the distraction and repeatedly tossed Jackson against the steel guardrail! Once the action was brought back inside, Valentine made the cover. But it’s broken up at two by Ocampos!

Valentine sent Jackson flying backwards into the corner with the Heartseeker I (running front dropkick). She went to follow up with a somersault senton in the corner. But at the last second, Jackson rolled out of the way, causing Valentine to crash into the turnbuckles! Jackson tried to crawl over towards the Firing Squad corner when Kimiko drags him back towards the center of the ring before Valentine followed up with a double foot stomp across the back for two! During minute fifteen, a hard European Uppercut dazed Jackson before Valentine ran into the ropes. She threw out the Kiss of Death (running bicycle kick). At the last second, Jackson caught her foot, swung her leg away from him, lifted her up from behind and delivered a belly to back suplex! Jackson then rolled forward, dove over towards the Firing Squad corner and tagged Ocampos back in!

Ocampos came in like a house of fire, knocking Kimiko off the apron with a running front dropkick before knocking down Valentine with a rolling koppu kick for two! Valentine is then irish whipped into the corner and placed in the Tree of Woe before Jackson dropped down on all fours. Ocampos ran across the ring, springboarded off of Jackson’s back and knocked Valentine down out of the corner with a dropkick to the face for a count of two! A springboard wheelbarrow bulldog also gets two! An irish whip gets reversed, sending Ocampos into the ropes. When she came back, she went for a cross bodyblock. But Valentine caught her in mid air and countered with the Faye-away Slam (fallaway slam) for a count of two!

Tag out to Kimiko in minute nineteen. Once Kimiko got back in, Serpent’s Touch rushed across the ring and knocked Jackson off the apron! While Valentine went to take out Jackson on the outside, Kimiko had her way with Ocampos, hitting a back fist, a spin kick and a snap bridging German Suplex for a count of two! After delivering an elevated sitout powerbomb, Kimiko scooted back before ascending to the top turnbuckle. She jumped off, crashes down on Ocampos and made the cover. But that also got two! Kimiko’s had enough. She yanked Ocampos up by the hair and slapped on the Kimiko Lock (crossface chickenwing)! Kimiko flungs Ocampos from side to side while the rookie howled in pain. The ref asked if she wanted to submit. But she refused! Kimiko cinched in the hold while Ocampos tried to fight out of it. The rookie eventually staggered her way over towards the corner. She walked up onto the middle ropes, pushes off the top turnbuckle and collapsed on top of Kimiko. Ocampos quickly bridged up while pinning Kimiko’s shoulders to the canvas for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

After the match, Valentine rushed into the ring while Ocampos rolled to safety on the outside. Ocampos clutched her shoulder while her and Jackson celebrate the upset win.

Firing Squad 0 || Pinfall (21:36) || Serpent’s Touch X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

“Rusty Halo” by The Script begins to play in the Landers Center and the crowd cheer as Ace Watson walks out from behind the curtain, a smile on his face. He looks around at the crowd for a moment, before heading down the ramp and entering the ring.

The cheers continue, but slowly fade out as Watson makes it clear he wants to speak, by raising a microphone to his face.

Ace Watson: Hello, Vertigo.

Ace grins as the crowd cheer. Watson had turned cheap pop attempts into a regular occurrence in recent times.

Ace Watson: It's great to be here, and I'm looking forward to competing as a part of Shootcamp against Madison and Mine later tonight!

The crowd pop again.

Ace Watson: That match is sure to be a great challenge for myself and Owen. While our opponents are far from a tag team, the two of them are very good singles wrestlers, their accomplishments speak for themselves… So getting in the ring with them will be another chance for Shootcamp to show why we deserve to win Tag Team of the Year.

Watson smirks, proud that his cheap plug for the awards worked into his promo smoothly and effortlessly.

Ace Watson: And perhaps we’ll even see the judges behind the FGA End of Year Awards will be regretting not waiting a few more days to announce the Match of the Year nominees…

He shrugs, a smirk on his face still.

Ace Watson: Regardless of that though, myself and Owen are very much looking forward to this match. If even to get a chance to shut Madison up and hinder his chances at holding onto that Pride Championship of his when he defends it later in the show.

The fans make noise, clearly excited for the title match scheduled for later this evening.

Ace Watson: While of course my focus lies in this match versus Chris and Fujiko, I can't help but have a thought or two lingering in the back of my mind. Thoughts about the Frontier Lions Cup…

Ace pauses, knowing the fans would know what he was referring to and would likely react with even more noise. Faintly, “Let’s go Ace!” chants can be heard, and in response to those, equally as faint for the moment, “Let's go Owen!” chants filter through the cheers. As the rest of the crowd picks up on them they join in. Ace chuckles to himself as he looks around at the fans duelling with each other (well, the duelling of the fans NOT chanting for Ace and Owen.) in their chants. He lets them slowly fade out before speaking again.

Ace Watson: Well I can tell you're excited! And as am I. See, I'm sure a lot of you know of the past between myself and Owen, I feel all that noise gave away that at least some of you must… But every time me and Owen have faced off, and we've done it a hell of a lot, the matches are incredible… See, we know the ins and outs of everything each other can do in the ring. Almost nothing can surprise us when it comes to one another competing in this ring. That comes from experience facing off, the experience we took advantage of and turned into one of the hottest new tag teams in the world of wrestling.

Watson pauses, nodding.

Ace Watson: We've known each other for seven years now. We’ve been friends and we've been enemies. But now we’re brothers. Highly… so so very highly competitive brothers. I'm sure we probably both believe we want to win this match more than the other. We've both got our reasons for wanting it, and to be honest those reasons are incredibly similar. We both wrestle all across the world to build a living for our families, our children. The children that are and will grow up without their fathers there twenty-four seven. We work hard and put in everything we can into everything we do, so that we can be perfect role models for our children. And, well, it's been a while, at least for me, that I had something to show for all my work. I had a title, my first championship gold in a long time, and its prestige as an active Championship was taken from me this time last year when VoW closed. And for someone as hungry as me, that's far too long. I've had chances at getting something that I could say ‘this is what I worked for’, but things haven't gone my way. Whether it be outside interference or my personal life distracting me and taking my eye off the ball… Things haven't gone the way I've wanted to. The formation of Shootcamp seemed to have sparked a change for the better, though. Shootcamp brought me here. To FGA. A place where I am free of distractions, free of old enemies and foes. I mean, I’m sure I'll have no trouble making new ones, that's just the way things go, especially for me, but it's still a brand new start. A new stage, new competitors, a new audience to show my craft to and grow in front of.

Watson pauses and looks out at them, hearing the small beginnings of another “Let’s go Owen! - Let's go Ace!” chant that faded before it could really pick up this time.

Ace Watson: The Frontier Lions Cup is my opportunity. My opportunity to show that not only is my mind in the right place now, but that I am on the top of my game. The past few months has seen the best of Ace Watson there's been in a long time. And that's why I have to beat Owen. To prove it all to everyone. To show them. It's like Owen’s wife Ashley said. See, when she sent Owen a picture of me and him prior to our television debuts, along with the caption “Show them”... she sent me one too. And it said the same thing. And honestly, when it comes to the match against Owen, it's pretty much all I'll think about. Showing everyone what I can do. Showing everyone why I deserve to be in the next round of the tournament. Showing that Ace Watson is far removed from his controversies and personal life issues getting in the way of things. And that now, the things that matter to him, his daughter, his legacy… Those are the things that drive him. Those are the things that will push him to go beyond what anyone has ever expected he could.

Watson looks to the camera lens.

Ace Watson: When it comes to it, it will be two brothers fighting with everything they have to prove they can do it all. Neither of us will hold back, neither of us will give up. But regardless of the outcome, we’ll still be brothers. And regardless of the outcome, we'll have shown you.

“Rusty Halo” hits again as Ace holds his look down the lens of the camera for a moment. He drops his hand that held the mic by his side and turned to leave the ring and head backstage, the camera following him and picking up the cheers in support of Ace Watson.

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns to a close up on the locker room of the FGA Pride Champion, Chris Madison. The shot stays steady on that door, until it backs out to see someone leaning against the wall next to it. The crowd cheers loudly as Fujiko Mine has her focus locked on the door. She draws in a breath, her thoughts that she laid bare earlier in the night still on her mind.

Fujiko Mine: Here we go.

She reels up a deep breath, and then lets it loose before moving to knock on the door.

Fujiko Mine: Hey, Chris; We--

The door swings open, and Chris Madison is there, the Pride Championship over his shoulder. She glances at it, then at him.

Chris Madison: Yeah I know, we’re just about up…

Madison casually steps around his tag team partner for the night and begins walking down the corridor. Fujiko catches up to her partner, staring a hole into the side of his head as they walk side by side.

Fujiko Mine: More than just that. I already know you aren’t giving this match against Shootcamp any thought, as your mind is on defending that championship tonight. But if you take your eyes off these two tonight, both you and I are going to pay for it.

Fujiko moves into his path, forcing him to come to a complete stop as her eyes locking with his.

Fujiko Mine: I know that you probably don’t care, but I’m sure Owen and Ace are going to revel in softening you up for Brian Stryker to take that title from you. Especially after you decided to provoke them on social media.

Chris Madison: Up until a week ago, I was takin’ this match very seriously. Owen seems to have forgotten his place and needs to be reminded. Unfortunately, there’s more pressing issues.

Madison lets out a deep sigh, Fujiko seemingly waiting for him to continue as she watched with wide eyes.

Chris Madison: Our title match at Final Frontier is no longer a guarantee. When you came out and made your intentions of challengin’ for this clear…

He patted the main plate of the Pride Championship as it rested steady over his shoulder.

Chris Madison: ...I saw an opportunity to build this division back to where it should be. No matter the outcome at Final Frontier, you and I were goin’ put on an instant classic. Brian Stryker, he poses a threat to everythin’ I’ve been tryin’ to accomplish from the moment I started chasin’ Molly Reid for this belt.

For the first time, Fujiko gives Chris Madison a sympathetic look. She takes in air, and nods.

Fujiko Mine: Look, Chris...I get it. Not just saying that. When I beat Johnny Karma for the Pride Title, that was my exact goal. Taking the division back to where it should be. I wanted to take that title to greater heights. I even wanted to forego the Frontier Lions’ Cup to focus on the Pride championship.

She looks away, the flood of memories coming back.

Fujiko Mine: Obviously, none of that worked out how I’d planned it.

She motions to the championship that was once hers, on the shoulder of Chris Madison.

Fujiko Mine: You don’t need to tell me what that championship means to you. I already know. And when this night is over...I want to personally present my argument that it means more to me. But that’s another night. Tonight, you and I have to survive shootcamp before you get your chance to defend against Brian. And I don’t care that nothing but momentum and pride are on the line. I’m giving one hundred and ten percent into beating Ace and Owen.

Chris Madison: As am I…

Madison readjusts the Pride Championship, drawing Fujiko’s eyes to the belt as it bounces from one shoulder to the other.

Chris Madison: When that bell rings, Owen and Ace are goin’ to find themselves in the fight of their lives. Owen wanted this… The two of you are just caught up in his struggle to feel adequate. Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t back down from a fight. With Stryker cashin’ in, I could have simply had Frankie get this match moved back. But that’s not me. That’s not how I operate.

She looks away from him a moment, not wanting to admit the following.

Fujiko Mine: It’s not how I operate either. I would’ve done the exact same thing, in your shoes. All I’m asking is that you watch my back, and you can be sure as anything else that I’ll watch yours tonight.

Chris Madison: I think that’s somethin’ I can manage…

She presents him with a warm smile.

Fujiko Mine: Then let’s go show shootcamp why we’re the best on Vertigo.

Another long glance at the Pride championship from Fujiko. A hungry, wanting glance.

Fujiko Mine: And good luck to you after.

Madison follows her eyes to his own championship belt and he smirks as the feed cuts away.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Lowri Moss vs. Fenrys

The match began with Fenrys getting the jump on Lowri from behind! The Wolf brought Moss into the corner and unleashed multiple European Uppercuts. An irish whip sent Moss into the opposite corner. Fenrys followed up with a running European Uppercut before delivering a running bulldog for a count of two.

As the match continued in minute two, Fenrys stayed in control, bringing Moss down with a pulling backbreaker before delivering two standing sentons in a row. He made the cover. But Moss was able to get her shoulder up at the count of two. An irish whip reversal sent Fenrys into the corner. However, he was able to knock back the oncoming Moss with a back elbow to the face. The New Murder member quickly followed up by hoisting himself up onto the middle ropes, diving off and bringing Moss down with a flipping neckbreaker! He made the cover, but Moss got her shoulder up at the count of two.

Moss finally turned things around in her favor in minute three. After being whipped into the ropes, she saw Fenrys throw out a front dropkick. But he did so too early, allowing her to hang onto the ropes. After Fenrys landed on his back, he turned over and tried to pick himself up. But she flattened him with a Shining Wizard for a two count! A series of headbutts knocked Fenrys back into the corner. Moss positioned herself on the ropes for a Diamond Dust. But Fenrys was able to power out and counter with a corkscrew enzuigiri! Fenrys then scaled up onto the top rope, hopped onto Moss’ shoulders and brought her down with an avalanche hurricanrana! He made the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO Moss got her shoulder up.

As the match waged on during minute five, Fenrys whipped Moss into the ropes. Upon her return, she brought him down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. She followed up with a dropsault that knocked him through the ropes and to the floor. While Fenrys was picking himself up on the outside, the crowd leapt to their feet after Moss climbed to the top turnbuckle, flipped off and took him down with a moonsault to the outside! The Welsh wrestler mounted herself on top of Fenrys before hammering away with a flurry of right hands to the face. Moss brought the fight back inside and made the cover. But it only got two.

Moss stayed in control during minute seven, knocking Fenrys down with a spinning heel kick for a count of two. An inverted DDT also garnered her a two count. Moss then set up Fenrys for a German Suplex when he countered with multiple elbows to the face. Once free, The New Murder member howled at the moon before taking off into the ropes. When he returned, he threw out a Rolling Elbow. But Moss ducked, doubled him over with a kick to the midsection and pointed straight at the hard camera before delivering a cradle piledriver (a clear message to her nemesis, Dom Harter)! She made the cover. But Fenrys got his shoulder up at two and ½.

Fenrys took control after an eye rake during minute nine. After an irish whip sent Moss into the corner, Fenrys ran in full steam and sent her crumbling to the mat with a corner bicycle kick. With Moss sprawled out on the mat, Fenrys stepped out onto the apron and scaled to the top turnbuckle. After standing up on the top turnbuckle, Fenrys howled at the moon before flipping off for the Moon’s Light Splash (corkscrew 630 senton). However, Moss got her knees up just in time, causing Fenrys to crash down across them! Fenrys howled in pain as he bounced off of Moss’ knees. She crawled over to make the cover. But Fenrys got his shoulder up at two and ¾. An irish whip reversal sent Moss into the ropes. Upon her return, Fenrys threw out a clothesline. But Moss ducked, floated over across his shoulders and brought him down hard with a Crucifix Driver! She then brought Fenrys back to his feet, hooked his arms from behind and hit a bridging Tiger Suplex. Without letting go of Fenrys, Moss turned him over onto his stomach before flipping herself over into the Severn Bridge (bridging double chickenwing). With nowhere to go, Fenrys was forced to verbally submit.

Lowri Moss 0 || Severn Bridge (11:18) || Fenrys X

[FGA Office]

Camera cuts to Brandon McDonald in his office. He is busy reading over some papers as he hears a knock on the door. He tells the person to come in and Brian Stryker pokes his head in.

Brian Stryker: You wanted to see me?

Brandon looks up and smiles.

Brandon Macdonald: Ah yes, Brian, just the man I wanted to see. Come in. Match is coming up, feeling the jitters?

Brian Stryker: Nah, just like every other match.

Brandon Macdonald: Calm, collected. I like that. Now look, I know that Hadley is expecting you to return to Flashpoint with the title. I mean, who wouldn’t? That would be a major part of FGA history. First time a title changed brands and you’d be the man to do it. Yet another etch in your still growing legacy in this company. A legacy….we could use here at Vertigo.

Brian Stryker: What are you getting at?

Brandon Macdonald: I’m saying, stay on Vertigo. Win or lose tonight. I looked over your contract extensively when it was clear that you were gonna come here to challenge for the Pride Title and I discovered a nice little loophole in your contract. You have, buried deep in the fine print, and out clause in your contract that let’s you leave Flashpoint with no payments from you.

Brian Stryker: And that means?

Brandon Macdonald: It means that you can opt out of this contract and sign this new contract with us here at Vertigo. Think about it Brian. You are clearly top level talent. You were a top 10 draft pick. You have defied expectations that anyone would have predicted when you first signed. And that should reflect in your contract.

Brandon reaches back and grabs a stack of papers and holds it up.

Brandon Macdonald: Right here is the exclusive contract for Vertigo. You sign this, and you’ll be richer than you ever imagined. Picture it. Your wife getting diamonds every week. Sending your children to the best private schools this country has to offer. Not one, but three expensive cars in your garage. All of it can be yours, if you sign on the dotted line. Vertigo won't be the only winner. You’ll be too.

Brandon hands Brian the contract and Brian looks at it. His face clearly shows he’s impressed with the numbers as he flips through.

Brian Stryker: I don’t know what to say. Thanks….but no thanks.

Brandon clearly wasn’t expecting that answer as he has to blink a few times.

Brandon Macdonald: Pardon?

Brian Stryker: You keep talking about how Flashpoint is the “B-Show”, when it’s not. If it was, well you wouldn’t be trying to snake their talent. Flashpoint is the show of FGA and it’s my show. I’ve represented that show the moment I was drafted. And if you recall, you had 4 chances to draft me, but you didn’t. But I’m not holding that against you. I mean, you roll out the red carpet and treat me like A-List talent. But at the end of the day, you think I’d just jump at the sign of a dollar sign. Flashpoint is my home and where I’ll be staying. They treated me right right from the start.

Brian hands Brandon the contract back as Brandon sighs.

Brandon Macdonald: Not gonna lie, this hurts and doesn’t make me happy Brian. But you are your own man and you stand by your convictions. I can respect that. Best of luck tonight.

Brandon holds his hand out and Brian shakes it. Brian nods his head as he turns and head out of the room, leaving Brandon alone, looking at the contract as he shakes his head.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The Mississippi crowd wait in anticipation for the next contest. Cameras pan around the arena and show off various signs, but turn to the entrance ramp once the screen goes black and white.

Kris Cruise: Seems we’re having some kind of difficulty with the video.

Stephy Auger: Holy hell, is this what it was like to live in the fifties?!

The crowd has no idea what’s going on with the television video feed, but everyone in attendance starts to stir once the lights in the arena begin to flicker. They finally go off completely, a few screams heard amongst the audience until…

HEEEEERE I STAAAAAND, HELPLESS AND LEFT FOOOOR DEAD…

The crowd pops once they hear the iconic intro to the infamous Reapers In Pride theme song blares through the arena. The fans began to look around the building in search of them and ironically so does the camera. The camera pans around the arena until Ryder McKnight is seen standing on top of a staircase gripping the inner edges of his cut as he scans through the fans. Ryder looks over his shoulder and stepping into the light was RIP’s Vice President Joey Perello! McKnight chuckles to himself a little before his smirk fades away and he starts to lead Perello down the staircase. The two Reapers push anyone who dared get in their way on the way to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Oh boy, The Reapers have arrived!

Stephy Auger: Why are they out here? Are they scheduled for a match and Bobby forgot to tell us again? I swear that kid is going to get fired.

As they reach the barricade, Perello is seen saying something to Ryder before hopping over. Perello walks up the steel steps to head into the ring while Ryder retrieves a couple of microphones for himself and the VP. Ryder walks pass the announcers table and gives them both a cold hard stare before he rolls into the ring. The two Reapers walk around the ring looking out to the fans studying them for a minute as their theme song dies down.

Ryder McKnight: Well...Hello there.

A roar of boos and cheers come from the crowd.

Ryder McKnight: What? You thought we was never gonna come out here? So you can see us in the flesh? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Who do you take us for?

Perello leans back into the corner closest to the ramp and stares toward the entrance.

Joey Perello: We are growing frustrated. We aren’t the most patient bunch, and since our arrival to Frontier Grappling Arts, we have yet to be in in-ring competition. We have yet to have any sort of altercation, and the question we’ve been wondering is...why?

Perello sniffles and moves out of the corner to face the top of the entrance ramp.

Joey Perello: In this line of work, when people appear and claim that they’re going to turn a company into their turf, every crusty bastard in that locker room would voice their grievances. They would state how so many people have claimed this and that, but they were the ones who stood tall. They are the ones who continue to fight for their company and continue to raise the bar each and every night. But, when the Reapers show up? Silence.

Perello sneers as he backs up to the center of the ring.

Joey Perello: This isn’t something we’re going to take for too long. We didn’t come to FGA to stand back idly while everyone wondered whether or not they should step toward the Reapers. Whether or not it would be healthy for their careers and their very being if they brought the fight to the Reapers. Well… if none of you sonsabitches decide to step forward and be the first tragedy on our trail of ruination?

The RIP VP turns to face the hard camera and gives off a nonchalant shrug.

Joey Perello: We’ll be making the choice for you.

Ryder McKnight: We get it might’ve been easy for you all to do when The Mur--The NEW Murder have done this -- because they’re not us. They’re led by a man who fears us so in entirety they just as scared sh*tless as the rest of you’s. I don’t like when my prey is scared...Sometimes. Sometimes I love seeing you tremble in the fear I make pour out of you…

Ryder stays silent for a moment and then shrugs.

Ryder McKnight: But where is the fun in that when you want a challenge? Even when scared it’s only natural for humans to want to fight back and protect themselves. Don’t tell me...We intimidate you all that much to the point we have rendered you all paralyzed in fear?

McKnight looks up the ramp the ramp then around to the fans.

Ryder McKnight: I guess so..

Perello turns toward the entrance ramp and gestures for someone to come out. Ten seconds pass, then twenty seconds, and finally, a half a minute before Perello raises his microphone up.

Joey Perello: Have it your way. This is your only warning…

Perello drops his microphone, his gaze still locked on the entrance ramp. He shakes his head in disappointment, then looks out at the crowd. The surprisingly pro-RIP audience starts a non-PG “They all pussies” chant, getting a laugh out of both Perello and McKnight.McKnight nods as he laughs.

Ryder McKnight: Don’t worry; we’ll bring their litter boxes to them soon enough. Mark my words, it’s going to be a goddamn sh*t storm.

Ryder drops the microphone and “Dance With The Devil” by. Breaking Benjamin hits the PA System once more as the two look around at the crowd then to the ramp. Perello gives one last shake of the head and hops out of the ring with Ryder following behind. While making his way to the barricade Ryder says something to the two commentators as he passes them.

Stephy Auger: Think he was talking to you, Kris.

Kris Cruise: The hell he was! He was talking to you!

The scene begins to fade away as RIP heads up the staircase in which they came, and their fans continuing their chant towards the FGA locker room.

[FGA Office]

Jessie Pederson: Kol! Kol!

The scene cuts to the backstage area, where we see Jessie Pederson chasing down none other than Kol, one of the Frontier Lions Cup quarterfinalists. Kol, dressed in his ring gear and seemingly warming up for his upcoming match with Flavia Rocha. However, he puts a stop to that when he sees Jessie getting close by.

Kol: Relax, Jessie. This is how you scare people off and want them to not do any interviews with you. Screaming my name isn’t necessary, I can hear out of both ears quite well.

Jessie rubs the back of her neck in embarrassment.

Jessie Pederson: Sorry, sorry. Just wanted to make sure you knew I was looking for you!

Kol: Well, you found me. What do you want right now? I’ve got a match coming up soon, so if it’s stupid little chit chat like this then find someone else. James Edwards might be more obliged, just be careful. He’s got a little bit of an anger issue, you know?

Jessie Pederson: Actually, that’s what I’m here for. Is it possible that we can talk about what happened in your match, especially the interference of James Edwards?

Kol chuckles.

Kol: Yes, let’s talk about that clown nearly costing me a match because he can’t hold his emotions back. Let’s talk about me having a permanent residence in James’ head, where I’m like Dave Chappelle as Rick James and am stomping all over his couch, leaving my mud tracks on there. Let’s talk about how his mind is so wrapped around me that he can’t even keep his mind on his match when he hears MY MUSIC.

The New Yorker waves Jessie off.

Kol: That bozo lost his match because he’s not focused enough while yours truly? My mind is on that trophy and only that trophy when it comes to FGA. My mind is only on who is standing before me, trying their best to keep me from that trophy. James Edwards can simply f**k off now and leave me alone. He’s never been on my radar and he can feel free to finally realize that so that he can get rid of this weird obsession he has with me. I have bigger fish to fry and he needs to go back to being just the average hand he is around these parts.

Jessie Pederson: Well, speaking of the Frontier Lions Cup...could we possibly get any words from you about your upcoming match with Magnum?

Kol shrugs.

Kol: It’s a match he’s been waiting quite awhile for, so that means he’ll probably bring out as much of the artillery as he can. Will it be enough? I guess we’ll see. He knows that’s what it’s going to take to put me down, but I’m not going to talk about this now. In two weeks time, you’ll likely see myself and Magnum in the same ring so we’ll end up talking more in-depth about this matchup.

Jessie Pederson: What about SHOOTCAMP, Ace Watson and Owen Gonsalves?

Kol: They’re invited too.

Jessie shakes her head.

Jessie Pederson: I’m talking about what you think about either of them possibly facing you in the semifinals?

Kol: You already know either of them will bring the fight that I require, but will either of them have enough? We’ll see. And since I’ve invited them out there as well next Vertigo, so you know, we’ll see just how ready they actually are. Now, I think that was enough questions that I’ve answered. Enjoy the nice scoop you just got there, Jessie. I have a match to win and a statement to make.

With that, Kol walks out of the shot, leaving a somewhat annoyed Jessie behind as we fade out to elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

• TAG TEAM MATCH •
Chris Madison & Fujiko Mine vs. SHOOTCAMP

The match started off with The Pride Champion and Ace Watson. But before the two could lock up, Madison immediately pointed over to Gonsalves. Watson teased each side of the crowd by pointing over to Gonsalves. When Watson turned to his partner, Gonsalves gladly put his hand out and asked for the tag. As soon as the tag is made in minute two, the crowd came unglued as Gonsalves got in the ring with Madison. Madison and Gonsalves continue to trash talk each other as they circled the ring. The talking came to a stop when Madison tackled Gonsalves with a double leg takedown! After shifting over into a full mount, Madison began to swing down with rights and lefts on Gonsalves! The Australian tried to cover up. But some of the blows still connected. Gonsalves was eventually able to roll over on top of Madison and fire off a flurry of punches of his own! The two grapplers continued to roll across the ring until they returned to a vertical base. A snug collar-and-elbow pushed Gonsalves against the turnbuckles in the corner. Gonsalves was able to overpower Madison and pushed him against the turnbuckles. At the ref’s count of four, both men made a clean break. Madison then blasted Gonsalves with an elbow strike that sent Gonsalves stumbling back towards the center of the ring. As Madison approached, Gonsalves fires back a European Uppercut! Madison nailed Gonsalves with another elbow strike! But again, it’s quickly answered with a European Uppercut! Both grapplers continued to trade elbow strikes and European Uppercuts until Gonsalves nailed him with a shoot kick to the leg! Madison returned the favor with a low leg kick! Gonsalves came back with another shoot kick to the leg. Madison fired back with another low leg kick. The two continued to trade kicks until Madison checked one of Gonsalves kicks and followed up with a flying knee that doubled him over! The Pride Champion then brought Gonsalves down into a Calf Crusher! Madison cinched in the hold and tried to get Gonsalves to tap. But The Indestructible is able to fight his way to the ropes!

While Gonsalves tries to shake off the pain in his legs, Madison stepped back and called for Gonsalves to come back at him. But before the two can lock horns again, Fujiko reached over the top rope and slapped Madison on the back to tag herself in during minute seven. Gonsalves then turned and tagged in Watson. It was now the speed & agility of the Apex Goddess against the striking and technical ability of Watson. Fujiko got the better of Watson early on with a side headlock transitioned into a hammerlock transitioned into a snapmare. The snapmare was followed up by a dropkick to the back of the head for two. An irish whip attempt by Fujiko was reversed. When she returned, Watson went for a back body drop. But Fujiko was able to land safely on her feet before running the ropes. When she returned, she sent Watson down to the outside with a running hurricanrana. A topé con giro to the outside on Watson got the crowd on their feet! Fujiko brought the action back into the ring and made the cover. But it only gets a count of two.

At the match continues on in minute ten, Watson quickly scooped up Fujiko with a double leg pickup and rammed her into the corner. A series of shoulder thrusts led to a series of a series of back elbows. Watson sent Fujiko into the opposite corner with an irish whip. He charged in for an attack. But a boot to the face knocked him back. Fujiko then brought him down with a running tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown from out of the corner. Fujiko knocked Watson back down with a dropkick, then a second. She went for a third. But she went to the well one too many times. Watson was able to side steps swat her down and follow up with a Shining Wizard for a count of two!

After Watson tags out to Gonsalves, SHOOTCAMP began to get off some of their double team maneuvers in minute twelve. A wheelbarrow assisted DDT into a bridging wheelbarrow suplex got a two count! After a tag back out to Gonsalves, SHOOTCAMP delivered a scoop powerslam into a seated Meteora for a count of two! After a tag back out to Watson, SHOOTCAMP delivered a double suplex for a count of two! After a tag back out to Gonsalves, Watson delivered an elevated waistlock on Fujiko as Gonsalves headed into the ropes. He went for a springboard corkscrew uppercut. But Fujiko elbowed Watson before rolling out of the way, causing Gonsalves to knock Watson down with the Sky Uppercut! Fujiko then headed towards the ropes as Gonsalves helped up Watson. As soon as SHOOTCAMP turned their attention back to Fujiko, she brought them down with a simultaneous handspring Ace Crusher!!! She made the cover on Gonsalves, but Watson dove over and broke it up with a diving double ax handle smash.

At minute fifteen, Watson picks up Fujiko, delivered an irish whip and followed her into the corner. But instead of crashing into the turnbuckles, Fujiko ran up to the top turnbuckle and backflipped over the oncoming Watson. As soon as Fujiko landed on her feet, she quickly flipped back and caught Gonsalves with a Pelé Kick! Watson came out of the corner to go after Fujiko, but she doubled him over with a spinning back kick before taking off into the ropes. When Fujiko returned, SHOOTCAMP brought her down with an Alabama Slam/Lungblower combination!!! Gonsalves makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NOOOOO

Madison dove over and shoved Gonsalves off of Fujiko!

Gonsalves stood Fujiko up on her knees and threw out shoot kicks to the chest. Fujiko was able to catch the last kick and brought him down with a kneeling dragon screw leg whip. After Gonsalves got up on his knees, Fujiko planted him with a headscissors facebuster! She then kipped up, rolls forward, dove over and tagged Madison back in during minute eighteen. Mayhem quickly rushed over, picked Gonsalves off the mat with a standing guillotine and spun in place before lifting Gonsalves off the mat for the Helicopter Guillotine. The crowd began to count with each rotation. After they reach TEN, Madison let go, sending Gonsalves tumbling across the ring. A dizzy Madison stumbled over towards the corner. As soon as he regained his balance, he charged into the corner and went for a running yakuza kick. But Gonsalves was able to catch his foot at the last second before shoving him down to the canvas. As Madison rolls up, he’s met with a jumping knee strike from Gonsalves before being dropped on the back of his head with the Paroxysm (Snap Dragon Suplex)! Gonsalves pulls him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NOOOO!

Madison got his shoulder up.

Tag out to Watson at minute twenty three! A series of European Uppercuts in the corner, followed by a running bulldog out of the corner got a two count. A snap DDT got a two count. An irish whip into a snap powerslam also got a count of two. Watson went for another irish whip. But Madison reversed. When Watson returned, he brought Madison down with a Slingblade! As Madison tried to get up off the mat, Watson knocked him down with the STSK (running scissors kick)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

Fujiko dove over and broke up the pin!

Tag back out to Gonsalves! SHOOTCAMP delivered a double back body drop before delivering double pointed elbow stomps. Gonsalves locked on a head & arm sleeper. But Madison was able to battle back to a vertical base. So Gonsalves assaulted him with multiple knees to the ribs that double him over. Gonsalves took advantage of Madison’s positioning and locked on the double arm octopus stretch. Frankie Morrison could be seen shouting words of encouragement to Madison while Fujiko got the crowd to rally behind the Pride Champion. Gonsalves continued to fight for the submission. But Mayhem would not give up and Morrison would not throw in the towel. A discouraged Gonsalves then tried to go for the Final Gambit (double underhook piledriver). But Madison was able to counter with a back body drop! Madison rushed into the ropes. When he returned, he got stunned by a European Uppercut. Gonsalves then turned to run into the ropes. When he returned, Madison lifted him up, turned and threw him down with a spinebuster! He rolled across Gonsalves and hooked the near leg for the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO!  Watson dove over and broke up the pin!

Madison with a Muay Thai Clinch during minute twenty five. He moved Gonsalves against the ropes and assaulted him with knee strikes. The last of which dropped Gonsalves down to a knee. Madison dragged him towards the center of the ring and lifted him up onto his shoulders for an Electric Chair. Before Madison could drop Gonsalves down into a bridging German Suplex to complete the End Game, Gonsalves countered with multiple pointed elbows to the top of the head. He then slipped down from behind, grabbed Madison and hit a Sleeper Suplex. As soon as Gonsalves got up and turned around, Madison rocked him with a bicycle knee to the face, turned him around and deliverd a sleeper suplex of his own! When Madison got up and turned around, Gonsalves charged at him. So Madison brought him down with a Pop-up Codebreaker! With Gonsalves down on all fours, Madison pulled him up from behind. Before he could lift Gonsalves back up onto his shoulders, Gonsalves hit him with three elbows to the face, performed a standing switch and then knocked Madison down with the Darkest Lariat (wristlock short-arm lariat)! The crowd went wild while both men are down. Fujiko and Watson rallied behind their teammates until their attention turned to Kol, who slowly made his way down the aisle. He continued his walk until he stopped halfway down. Both Fujiko and Watson dropped down from the apron and made their way to the end of the aisle. But Kol didn’t preoccupy himself with them. Instead he looked right past them and at the action in the ring. The presence of Kol in the aisle caught Gonsalves’ attention. Kol put his hands up innocently. Before Gonsalves could turn around, Madison lifted him up onto his shoulders and dropped him with the End Game for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Chris Madison & Fujiko Mine 0 || End Game (27:49) || SHOOTCAMP X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo cuts backstage from the action to the interview area. A smiling, suit-clad Spencer Burke stands next to James Edwards, a contrast in his Wranglers, plain green t-shirt, and black Pittsburgh Pirates ball cap. Edwards' attention is somewhere off in the distance like a man keeping an eye out for the law.

Spencer Burke: James it has been two weeks since you not only fell in defeat in the first round of the Frontier Lion's Cup but also cost Daniel Widdel his opportunity in the tournament as well.

James Edwards: I didn't cost him jack sh*t. It was an accident.

Despite his gaze being elsewhere, the Burning Heart is still alert as ever.

Spencer Burke: James, your back fist knocked him out. It allowed KOL to---

James Edwards: I wouldn't say that name around me right now, Spencer.

Edwards' curt interruption and wild-eyed disposition are more than enough warning for the backstage interviewer to heed the Kentuckian's advice.

Spencer Burke: Well that man, had some rather distasteful comments about you earlier, what do you have to say in response?

James Edwards: Let him keep talking. Let him keep thinking he has my number. Let him keep feeding my anger because sooner rather than later he is gonna find out that back fist I threw at him in a blind rage ain't nothing like the beating I'll give him with my fury chained and under control.

V/O: Hey man, couldn’t help overhearing your interview.

A perplexed look from Edwards and Burke welcomes Daniel Widdel into the picture. Daniel briefly stares James up and down. Daniel hovers over Spencer’s microphone, not taking his eyes away from James.

Daniel Widdel: I see you were in such a blind rage that you happened to forget that back fist you threw didn’t connect Kol. It connected me. You see, your beef with Kol cost me my match last week in the Frontiers Lion’s Cup and I’m pissed about it.

James Edwards: It was an accident, but what the hell do you want me to do about it?

Daniel Widdel: I understand that feeling of despising someone so much, the only thing on your mind is to end them. I’ve been there. But James, intentional or not, I can’t sit aside and allow you to get away with costing me my match. You and I are out of Frontier Lions Cup, and unfortunately Kol still is in the running. There is nothing you can do about that. So I’m setting it down. You and I fight it out at Final Frontier since we are both free that night. Unless you have still have plans to be Kol’s number one fan.

James Edwards: You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, man.

Daniel Widdel: I’ve been through way worse. I can certainly handle myself inside that ring and I still have a lot more to prove. I think you should be more concerned about yourself more than anything because I can see your head isn’t in the right place. You just need to take care, because the only thing you have been doing is proving Kol right.

James Edwards: Fine, it is your funeral.

Daniel takes a few steps back and proceeds to exit the frame

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Kol vs. Flavia Rocha

The match started with Sean Sands’ current protegé trying to size up the man that Sands had a hand in training way back when. After a lockup, Kol took control of Rocha’s arm with several arm wrenches. Despite the pain, the Brazilian refused to give up. She then rolled forward, leaned back, kipped up, reversed into an arm wrench of her own and quickly caught Kol with Face Meets Mat (leaping DDT) for a count of two!

Rocha kept control of the contest in minute two, pulling Kol up onto his knees and nailing him with repeated shoot kicks to the chest. She then knocked Kol down with a running knee lift before hitting a jumping elbow drop (with theatrics) for a count of two!

An irish whip was reversed, sending Rocha into the ropes. But instead of returning into Kol’s clutches, Rocha leapt across the ring and knocked him down with a flying forearm before returning to her feet with a kip up! The crowd was firmly behind Rocha as she climbed to the top turnbuckle. Once Kol returned to his feet and turned around, Rocha brought him down with a diving crossbody. She hooked the leg. But Kol got his shoulder up at the count of two!

Rocha then brought Kol down with a hurricanrana in minute four. The Brazilian went to follow up with a bicycle kick. But Kol caught her foot, swung her leg away from him and followed up with a russian legsweep for a count of two. Kol remained in control in minute five, bashing Rocha with three Bionic Elbows before tossing her through the ropes onto the apron. The HKW Hall of Famer made his way out onto the apron and put the boots to Rocha before pulling her up by the hair. He then lifted her up before delivering a belly to back suplex onto the apron! Rocha wailed in pain after slipping down to the floor. Kol continued his assault, delivering a neckbreaker on the floor! After rolling Rocha back into the ring, Kol pulled Rocha back out onto the apron in the prone position before delivering repeated knees to the head. He then slid back into the ring and dragged Rocha back towards the center of the ring and made the cover. But it only got a count of two.

Kol kept the pressure on when he applied a cobra clutch during minute seven. He cinched in the hold as he tried to make Rocha tap. To her credit, the young upstart didn’t give in. Instead she fought back, delivering repeated stomps to Kol’s foot. Once the hold was released, Rocha delivered a pelé kick and followed up with a Sling Blade for a count of two. She then knocked him back with repeated forward palm thrusts before following up with a bicycle kick! Kol nearly slipped through the ropes and to the floor. However, Kol swung himself back into the ring and went for a rebound lariat. But Rocha was able to duck. When Kol turned around, he was caught with yet another pelé kick! Rocha tried to go for Face Meets Mat. This time, Kol caught her in mid air and countered by catching her, charging into the corner and ramming her back-first into the turnbuckles. Kol stepped back towards the center of the ring, charged back into the corner and went for a high knee. But Rocha dove out of the way, causing Kol to crash into the turnbuckles! As Kol stumbled back, Rocha ran towards the ropes and went for Sands’ pattened Lip Buster (Flying Chuck)! But Kol was able to duck and run into the ropes. When Rocha turned around, she got turned inside out with a running single leg dropkick (aka the Sands Kick)! Kol then planted her with an Evenflow DDT before bringing her back to her feet, placing her in a standing inverted facelock and bringing her down with the Kol Kutter (rolling cutter). Kol made the cover for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Kol 0 || Kol Kutter (8:29) || Flavia Rocha X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The Vertigo feed cuts backstage and we find Chris Madison sitting down on a steel folding chair in his locker room with Frankie Morrison pacing back and forth in front of him. Madison rests with his elbows pressed against the top of his knees, buried underneath a large terrycloth towel. Frankie comes to a stop and stares at his client before letting out a deep sigh.

Frankie Morrison: I know it feels like your back is against the wall. After a grueling tag team match against Owen Gonsalves and Ace Watson, you’ve got no choice but to go back out there and defend the Pride Championship against Brian Stryker. Even though Brandon MacDonald might not have faith in you, scrambling around, desperately trying to get Stryker on board to join Vertigo, I know that if anyone can go out there and get the job done, it’s YOU! You’ve never ceased to amaze me. Here you are, pushing thirty-eight with no sign of slowing down!

Morrison chuckles as he begins to pace back and forth again.

Frankie Morrison: Brian Stryker… He’s riding this wave of momentum that has brought him a chance to capture the Pride Championship and potentially bring it back to Flashpoint with him. But to do so, he needs to beat you at your game, in your house! That whole quest for four was a nice touch; captivated people and got them talking, but by the night’s end it will all be for naught! You are the face of the Pride Division! You are the embodiment of what it’s supposed to mean to be the Pride Champion. The wars with Molly Reid, inevitably overcoming the odds against Savannah Taylor and Heroes Never Die, lesser men would have gave up. But you stuck with it, allowed your virtues to guide the way, and have undoubtedly proven that Chris Madison is hands down one of the best this company has to offer.

Madison continues to keep himself covered by the towel despite Frankie holding his steady pace just a few feet from where he sits.

Frankie Morrison: That championship deserves stability. It deserves someone that can carry it with honor and respect. You began to lay down the groundwork of restoring the Pride Championship, valiantly fighting for what was rightfully yours and then standing up to any and all challengers. Fujiko Mine called you out, without hesitation you accepted. Brass brought in Sydney Christensen to test you, and you overcame her. Tonight, with Brian Stryker, there’s no reason the rhetoric changes… Chris Madison is the FGA Pride Division; a fighting champion that will stand toe to toe with anyone who foolishly opposes him!

He stops and looks over at his client who still hasn’t budged an inch.

Frankie Morrison: ...he thinks he’s deserving. He thinks he has earned this.

Morrison couldn’t contain the smirk that grew on his face.

Frankie Morrison: El Stravito.

He nods.

Frankie Morrison: Noelle Smith.

He nods again.

Frankie Morrison: The Crimson Baroness.

He shrugs his shoulders.

Frankie Morrison: And Terrence Tillman.

He shook his head.

Frankie Morrison: This is the road he took that he believes has prepared him to beat you tonight and take your championship away from you.

Morrison’s concentration is drawn to a sudden knock on the door. He looks down at his watch and lets out a deep exhale, staring at Madison with his hands pressed on his hips. Chris reaches up and pulls the towel from on top of his head and swings it over his shoulder. He rises to his feet, snarling as he glares at Frankie.

Chris Madison: It doesn’t matter who he is, what he’s done, who he’s beaten to get here. Nothin’ is goin’ to prepare him for the war he’s about to go through! I’m goin’ to Final Frontier to defend the Pride Championship against Fujiko Mine and there isn’t anyone out there that can stop me.

Madison reaches into the wooden locker behind him and pulls the FGA Pride Championship belt out; the camera zooms in on the main plate of the championship before the feed cuts away.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Dom Harter vs. Sadie San Francisco

Sadie came out strong, rocking Harter right out of the gate with left-handed forearm strikes to the face! The flurry of strikes knocked The Tenacious Little Bastard into the corner. From there, Sadie began to hit him with knife edge chops to the throat, followed by clubbing strikes across the back. An irish whip sent Harter into the opposite corner before Sadie nailed him with a running knee strike. She went for the cover and got a count of two.

The Pope stayed on offense in minute two, doubling Harter over with a throat punch before placing him in a front facelock and delivering pointed elbow strikes to the back of the neck. The last of which dropped Harter down to a knee. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ took advantage of Harter’s positioning by running into the ropes, coming back and driving him down with a diving knee drop from behind! Sadie continued her assault with repeated stomps to Harter’s fingers! With Harter still down in the prone position, Sadie then locked in a Surfboard Stretch! The ref asked Harter if he wanted to give up. But The Tenacious Little Bastard hung on, refusing to quit. Sadie then lowered him down to his knees before transitioning into a surfboard chinlock. The Pope repeatedly yanked back on the hold while the crowd cheered. Unfortunately for Sadie and the crowd, Harter continued to hang on. So The Pope let go of the hold and waited for Harter to get into position. As a hunched over Harter tried to get back to his feet, Sadie brought him down with a Fameasser for the count of two!

As the match continued on in minute six, a running high knee knocked Harter through the ropes and to the ropes. When Harter picked himself up, Sadie leapt through the ropes and sent him crashing into the guardrail with a suicide dive! Sadie rolled back into the ring before running back into the ropes. When she returned, she dove through the ropes and knocked Harter down with another suicide dive! The crowd was firmly behind the champ as she waited in the center of the ring for Harter to get in position. When Harter finally got back to a vertical base, Sadie went for a third suicide dive. This time, Harter countered with a powerslam into the guardrail!!!

Harter then picked up Sadie and sent her crashing into the steel steps! Harter then scooped Sadie up across his shoulder and threw her like a lawn dart into the ring post! The crowd booed as Sadie’s right shoulder collided with the ring post!! Harter then rolled Sadie back into the ring before swinging her right arm against the ring post three times!!! The Tenacious Little Bastard rolled back into the ring and kept up his assault in minute eight, delivering multiple stomps to the back of the right shoulder! He then dragged Sadie back towards the center of the ring, brought her back to her feet… and sent her crashing down right shoulder-first with an arm wringer!

The Tenacious Little Bastard stayed in control with several forearm smashes that dazed the champion. He then stepped back before knocking her down with a yakuza kick to the right shoulder. Harter dropped down into a lateral press and held down the left arm, forcing Sadie to use the right shoulder to escape the pin! Harter brought Sadie back to her feet before bringing her down with a single arm DDT to the right arm! Harter made the cover and held down the left arm. Sadie struggled to get her right shoulder up at the count of two.

The Pope began to fight back in minute ten, delivering a kneeling jawbreaker out of nowhere! With Harter dazed, Sadie ran into the ropes. But when she returned, Harter threw her down with a Pop-up Powerbomb for a count of two and a ½! A fisherman buster got Harter another count of two and a ½! Harter scooped Sadie up across his shoulders to set up for a Samoan Driver. But Sadie countered with multiple elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Sadie went after Harter’s arm by applying a crossface chickenwing! The crowd exploded with cheers as they wanted to see The Pope tap him out. But Harter leaned forward, lifting Sadie across his back. He then ran backwards into the corner multiple times until the hold was broken. While Sadie leaned against the turnbuckles, Harter stumbled back towards the center of the ring. After catching his second wind, he turned around, charged back into the corner and went for a running double knee lift. But The Pope moved out of the way, causing him to crash into the turnbuckles!

Sadie went back on offense in minute twelve. The champ knocked Harter across the ring and against the ropes with a flurry of forearms. She went for an irish whip. But Harter reversed. When Sadie returned, she dropped Harter with Palo Alto (running corkscrew roundhouse knee strike)! A dazed Harter got back to his feet when Sadie snuck up from behind and hooked his arms to set up Vanity (inverted double underhook facebuster). Before Sadie could hit the move, Harter spun out, countered with a boot to the midsection, hooked both arms and dropped Sadie with The Last Exit (lifting double underhook facebuster)! The crowd fell silent when Sadie was driven face-first into the mat. Slumped over, Sadie rolled over onto her back as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Harter just sat there and smiled. Boos started sounding out throughout the arena as Harter ran a hand through his hair.

The Tenacious Little Bastard crawled over towards Sadie so that their faces were mere inches apart. The cameras picked up on him telling her “call me a creep again, I dare you…” before rolling her over into the front position. With a rear waistlock applied, Harter hoisted her back to her feet, rolled her out in front of him and knocked her down with the Mors Proditoris (Rainmaker)!!! Harter swaggered over towards the ropes. He folded his arms across the top rope and smirk at the crowd before turning his attention to the timekeeper.

The timekeeper ran for safety before Harter scooped up the chair that was under him. He folded the chair and rolled back inside. The crowd became agitated and booed loudly as the ref stood in front of Harter. He warned The Tenacious Little Bastard about the looming DQ if he used the chair. But Harter doesn’t seem to care and responds by palming the ref’s face and shoving him down. He moved past the ref and raised the chair high in the air. He was about to send it crashing down across Sadie when a figure lept over the guard rail, slid into the ring behind Harter and grabbed the chair out of his hands.

The crowd exploded with cheers when LOWRI MOSS made the save! After the chair was swiped from his hands, The Tenacious Little Bastard spun around in shock… and ate a chairshot to the head! The crowd pops when Harter dropped down to a knee. Moss dropped the chair before bringing Harter down with the Nos Da (rolling cutter)!!!

Moss mocked Harter’s signature pose before setting him up for a piledriver. However, Lowri escaped the ring when The Crimson Baroness and Fenrys slid in! Moss and Sadie made their way up the aisle, leaving The New Murder to stew in anger.

Sadie San Francisco 0 || Disqualification (14:01) || Dom Harter X

[FGA Office]

Brian Stryker made his way down the halls. The former 15 Champion continued to talk to himself as he pumped himself up in preparation for his Pride Championship Match. This was a huge opportunity for Stryker. He had spent the past four months making the 15 Championship what it is today. But after four successful title defenses, Stryker felt it was time to cash in the 15 Championship for a guaranteed shot at Chris Madison’s Pride Championship. Before Stryker could make his way to the ring, he came to a sudden stop. A cautious Stryker began to scan his surroundings. The camera panned to the left, revealing Faye Valentine. The camera slowly panned to the right, revealing Kimiko. The camera then panned all the way around, revealed a smirking Julian Tijerina as Vertigo faded to black.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

• FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH •
(c)Chris Madison vs. Brian Stryker

Vertigo came back from break with Chris Madison making his way to the ring for the second time tonight. Once Madison entered the ring, Frankie Morrison gave him some words of encouragement before wishing him luck. Madison began to pace the ring as he eagerly awaited his challenger.

“Dark Horse” by Switchfoot hit the speakers as the crowd turned their attention to the entrance way. Everyone waited for the arrival of Flashpoint’s Brian Stryker. But Stryker didn’t come out. After the music faded out, “Dark Horse” started up again. The crowd cheered when the theme hit the speakers for a second time. Madison could be seen psyching himself up as he waited for Stryker. But after 20 seconds, Stryker still didn’t come out. Morrison looked confused and asked Madison what was going on. But Mayhem didn’t have any answers. Madison then turned to the ref and asked him what was going on. But the referee was just as confused as they were. Once Stryker’s music faded out, the crowd began to speculate amongst themselves until the Video Tron came to life with live footage from backstage.

The cameraman raced down the hall. The further he traveled, you began to see more and more backstage personnel on both sides of the hall. The cameraman slowed down and came to a stop when he saw a circle of officials and medical personnel. The cameraman got an overhead shot of an unconscious Stryker being attended by local medical personnel. Kneeling down next to Stryker’s motionless body is GM Brandon Macdonald, who shook his head in shame. Macdonald asked the lead tech how bad is it. He wanted to know if Stryker could still compete. But the lead tech tells Macdonald that he would advise against Stryker competing tonight until he’s brought to a local facility. Macdonald sighed before telling an unconscious Stryker that he’s sorry, but he had no choice but to look out for his best interest. Because of that, he’s forfeiting the match on Stryker’s behalf!!! The feed immediately cuts to inside the arena. The crowd erupted with boos when Madison is announced as the winner and still FGA Pride Champion!!! Morrison looked disappointed while Madison was furious that this counted as a successful defense. He wanted to walk out of the arena still Champion. But not like this!!!

Chris Madison 0 || Forfeit (0:00) || Brian Stryker X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •