Flashpoint (05.04.19)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

★★★ Recorded Earlier ★★★

Dragging the U.S. Championship isn’t for show, James Edwards does it even when he thinks that the cameras aren’t watching, even when approaching the catering area. As he closes in on the spread of cold cuts, fruit, yogurt and for some reason plates of pickles, he unceremoniously lets go of the strap and leaves it lying unattended while he gazes at a plate of ham sandwiches. While the Burning Heart begins to fill his plate, he doesn’t notice, or perhaps care, that his arrival has drawn some scrutiny from others already there.

???: Perhaps when you leave, you would be courteous enough to pick up that item you care so little about and not let the strap drag across the ground. It’s quite annoying listening to the sound when the metal studs drag along the floor.

Edwards shakes his head and sneers, still with his back turned and facing the catering table

James Edwards: Who the hell is the assh*le with the op---

James turns and immediately shuts his mouth. Sitting at one of the tables behind Edwards, we find Logan Alexander sitting at a ninety degree angle to the US champion, with his right side facing him. He’s holding a book up in front of himself and doesn’t appear to be paying attention to Edwards at the moment as he reads. Edwards disposition instantly changes. He approaches the table quietly, expecting to be invited to sit down. A few moments go by and Logan continues to ignore him, forcing Edwards to take the initiative.

James Edwards: Logan, what’s going on man?

Logan Alexander: Just trying to enjoy a little quiet time here... champ.

The response is offered with Logan not even bothering to glance up at Edwards. For his part, James is confused at the cold greeting from his only friendly acquaintance in the locker room.

James Edwards: I feel you, man, that’s why I try and get here early. You don’t get much quiet once the crowd comes and I’ll be damned if I’m going to have to deal with anymore judging ass looks from people that don’t get what I’m trying to do right now. It’s good to see somebody who does get it, though.

Logan Alexander: To be fair, no one gets what you’re doing James. Not the people in the crowd. Not the people at home. Not the people backstage. And certainly not the one sitting here talking to you right now.

James Edwards: It’s simple. This is a protest. Management wouldn’t give the rematch I deserved. They wouldn’t give me a shot at Page even though I’m still damn well the best choice to get the world title off that bi-polar lunatic. Instead, they give me a shot at a championship I didn’t want; one I tried to give back almost two months ago so somebody who wanted it could have it. I thought that was more than fair. Then I get told to defend the damn thing. So I did and Max Power wouldn’t do the right thing. I do what they ask and they threaten to fire me. The people that run this company are a joke. You should know that better than anyone. So I’ll make this title a joke. I’ll drag on its face as long as I have it. I’ll leave it layin’ in random places hoping some fan will steal the damn thing. Hell, I might throw it off a bridge. Then maybe, just maybe they’ll come to their senses, just like they did after you walked out at All-Star Extravaganza to get the process of getting Hadley gone rollin’.

Logan remains quiet as Edwards’ rant comes to a close. There’s then an awkward silence that stretches between them as Logan doesn’t offer a response, he just continues reading. Edwards starts to look impatient.

James Edwards: What you’re going to sit there and ignore me?

Logan pulls the bookmark he has stashed between the back cover of the book and its last page, marks his place in the book with it and then closes it and sets it on the table.

Logan Alexander: Okay… now you have my undivided attention because you have given me a lot to wade through. I’d ask if you really believe any of what you just said… but I’m pretty sure you do, which is a bit baffling I must admit.

Logan folds his hands together and sets them on the table in front of him, but still doesn’t look up at Edwards. James slams his hands down on the table, anger rising within him.

James Edwards: What? You can’t even give me the damn respect of looking at me when you talk?

Logan smirks at that.

Logan Alexander: Respect? Really? That’s an ironic word to be coming from your mouth given your actions over the last two months James.

He now turns and looks towards Edwards.

Logan Alexander: You’re standing here bitching because management isn’t giving you what you seem to think you’re entitled to. You assume that you deserve another shot at the International championship. The funny thing is… you never earned the first one you got. As I recall, Savannah Taylor handed you that title match because she wanted to stick it to Salem. Remember where you were when that happened? I do. You were knocked out on the mat, moments away from Salem pinning you clean.

Edwards rolls his eyes.

Logan Alexander: Do you remember what happened on the following Flashpoint after that? Hmmm? You acknowledged that you hadn’t won that match cleanly and you didn’t want to accept what you felt you hadn’t rightly earned. Then Chandler Scott came out and goaded you into following through on it. That was something you almost made him regret. Almost.

This time Alexander’s arrow finds its mark and James starts to grips the edge of the table, turning his knuckles white.

Logan Alexander: So… we get from that match, where you lost clean to Chandler, which is not something to be ashamed of mind you, you walk around demanding another title match.

Logan frowns ever so slightly

Logan Alexander: Now… I know I’m a bit old school in my thinking here, but… usually when the champ beats a challenger, the challenger does not get any sort of automatic rematch. You, mister Edwards… are owed nothing.

Edwards begins to sneer.

Logan Alexander: You had your chance and you put up a really good showing at Final Frontier. You did well enough that management was fine with you getting another match with Salem for the United States championship. She had you beaten the first time you two faced off, so she was doing you a favour by putting up the belt. She didn’t have to, and management didn’t have to allow it, but they did. And you came through on that opportunity. You are arguably the number two, maybe three, wrestler on this brand, because you… well, I was going to say carry, but that’s not really accurate… because you are recognized as the US champion.

Logan glances past Edwards and over to where the United States championship lies in a heap on the floor where its owner had left it.

Logan Alexander: You figure your cause is better served by demeaning the championship you carry. Like that is going to make your case. Do you really think that treating the US title like garbage is going to encourage FGA management to put you in position to carry the championship for this brand? As for Hadley… I didn’t agree with a lot of what she did. I didn’t like her nepotism. She kept throwing opportunities to her family like they deserved them. But while I didn’t agree with it, I still went out there and did my job. I went out and wrestled like I was supposed to. I didn’t throw a tantrum and refuse to compete or take the easy way out of matches. I went out, beat people up and picked up victories. I kept on earning my way.

Logan locks eyes with Edwards.

Logan Alexander: No one talks about it… but after Final Frontier, I was in a position to request an International Heavyweight championship match. I made it to the finals of the Frontier Lion’s Cup. I was the last competitor standing on Flashpoint when that tournament ended. I could’ve claimed that I earned a shot… but I chose not to. So, listening to you go on about how you should be facing Jimmy Page for his title… I’d laugh if I didn’t think it was so sad to hear.

Edwards shakes his head and when he speaks his answer sounds like the low hiss of a snake.

James Edwards: You don’t understand. I went through hell my first year and a half here. I got screwed over, talked down to and denied opportunities. I kept quiet and kept winning. I didn’t get any reward. I got more bullsh*t. More bodies in front of me when it was obvious I deserved better. I’ve had it. I’m not second or third best. I’m the best on this show. Maybe the entire damn company.

Logan shakes his head slightly without offering a reply to Edwards. He slowly stands, picks up his book and starts to walks away.

James Edwards: Hey! I’m not done talking to you. Don’t you walk away from me you self righteous old bastard.

Logan keeps walking. Edwards runs after him, catches up and grabs him by the arm. On instinct, Logan swings around and swats James’ arm away, also catching him with his book in the process. Seeing red, Edwards charges forward and boots Logan hard in the stomach. Alexander doubles over James grabs him by the hair and pulls him up to where the two are face-to-face. Edwards looks into the old timer’s eyes for a moment.

*CRACK!*

Edwards head butts Alexander. The skull-on-skill contact makes a sickening thud. Alexander drops to his knees and Edwards stumbles backward, somehow keeping his balance. James staggers around for a moment or two, then eyes Alexander on his knee. He doesn’t hesitate, running forward and laying Alexander out with the Violent Gospel! James can’t keep his balance and falls forward onto the ground. He spring back up, looking like a spooked horse. His eyes settle on the U.S. Championship, he goes over to it and scoops it up.

On the other side of the room, stage hands are gathered around Logan Alexander, a pair help him up his feet, even though Logan is still loopy. Someone calls for a medic...and Edwards blasts Logan from behind with a belt shot to the head. Momentum takes the pair forward and to one of the catering tables. Logan stumbles and falls against the table while Edwards catches himself with both hands, dropping the title in the process.

Logan starts to push himself back up and Edwards steps back from him. Edwards measures his groggy target and then dashes forward to smash Logan in the back of the head with a Violent Salvation. Logan’s head snaps forward and into the table, before bouncing back and falling to the floor. Both hands come up to his face as Logan cries out in pain. Some of the stage hands are starting to move in to help Logan, but Edwards whirls back around and stops them with a glare.

He can be seen muttering to himself as he approaches Logan, and leans down to say something to him.

James Edwards: If this is the way it is going to be. Then you’re the first example of what’s going to happen to people if management doesn’t give me what I want.

Edwards then reaches down, pulls Logan back up to his feet, and turns to put his own back to the catering table. He quickly grabs hold of Logan and hoists him up to deliver a Foxfire through the catering table!

Security suddenly swarms into the picture, knocking the camera out of its operator’s hands. The last thing the viewers at home see from a sideways angle on the floor is Edwards being knocked to the ground, a cold expression etched on his face.

[FGA Office]

"Perfect Insanity" by Disturbed plays as a video package is shown of various FGA grapplers making their way through various entranceways. The video then switches to various FGA grapplers getting kicked, punched, slammed, suplexed and dropped onto the mat....

Come inside and be afraid
Of this impressive mess I've made
If you take a look now you will find

I have thrown away my vice
Done away with paradise
See what's going on inside my mind
Please let me out
Please let me out
Please let me...

After dramatic slow motion shots of various grapplers flipping off the top turnbuckle, the video switches to the Flashpoint logo as the chorus kicks in.

The video fades to an outside shot of the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd…

Geoff Penzer: Hello, wrestling fans and welcome to another installment of Flashpoint! I am Geoff Penzer and earlier today, we saw James Edwards attack Logan Alexander unprovoked! The Burning Heart has done nothing but disrespect the United States Championship since winning it. This is supposed to be some type of “protest” for not being given another shot at the International Heavyweight Championship that he feels he deserves. Edwards thought that he would get some sympathy from the one person in the locker room he actually likes in Logan Alexander. But Logan Alexander set him straight. Alexander gave Edwards the cold hard truth that he needed to hear. But instead of reflecting and realizing he’s in the wrong, he lashed out at the one true ally he had on this brand! That attack was uncalled for! Alexander didn’t deserve it! Not at all! Flashpoint was envisioned as the wrestling show. But this place has turned into a madhouse! Jimmy Page was pushed to the brink and did the unthinkable at A New Odyssey! Now this! We’re going to see if we can get an update on Alexander over the course of this program. I would ask if we could get Amanda Johnson to track down Edwards and get some answers out of him. But the last think we need is another member of the broadcast team getting caught in the line of fire. This is not the way that we wanted to start tonight’s show, fans and I truly apologize on behalf of everyone here on Flashpoint. Let’s try and see if we can get some order as we throw it to Melanie Sierra for the introductions for our opening bout….

★★★ FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP ★★★
(c) Sadie San Francisco vs. Zola Star

“Stars” by Marshmello plays on the sound system in the arena and out comes Zola Star. She smiles as she hits the stage paparazzi snaps pictures of her as she graces the arena with her presence. She raises her hands in the air and poses for pictures before strutting down the ramp. She does a spin before heading to the left apron.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois… ZOLA STAR!

She climbs the apron and raises her hands posing again before sliding into the ring through the second rope. She points a finger in the air to the crowd and smiles before putting her hands on her hips for a superhero like pose as the paparazzi snaps pictures of the STAR!

Geoff Penzer: Despite getting the victory in that Triple Threat Match stolen from her by Jaelynn Ramsey back at A New Odyssey, Zola Star will be getting a crack at the 15 Champion before Jaelynn. I’m sure that’s something that has annoyed Jaelynn to no end. At “Only the Strong Survive”, Jaelynn will either face a new 15 Champion in Zola Star or the woman that has been her sworn enemy over the past year.

The lights in the arena fade to a rose-gold color as the familiar sound of smooth jazz echoes throughout the building. “Young Nation” hits the PA system and a roar surges throughout audience. Sadie San Francisco steps out to the top of the ramp, offering a quick wink to the camera nearest before continuing past. Sadie pauses at the bottom of the ramp, performing a full turn as she gazes at the masses surrounding her.

Melanie Sierra: Her opponent, from The West Side! She is the reigning...defending… FGA 15 Champion! “The Pope” SADIE SAN FRANCISCO!

Nodding a bit to herself, Sadie strides around to the side of the ring facing the hard camera. She climbs onto the apron, narrowing her eyes at the camera is it pans closer to her, capturing only a cold gaze from Sadie as she spends a few seconds staring into the lens-- before slinking through the ropes, sliding seamlessly back into the ring. Sadie makes her way toward the turnbuckles, slowly ascending to the second rope, shooting a broad smile out toward the raucous audience before raising a single “V” above her head with her left hand. Sadie casually drops down from the turnbuckles and turns, leaning against the turnbuckles as she awaits competition.

Geoff Penzer: Sadie San Francisco will defend her title here tonight for the first time since her third match in the trilogy with Kendall Kingham. That match didn’t have a winner thanks to a time limit draw. This time, The Pope is looking for a definitive win in her young reign as champion!

The bell sounds as San Francisco and Star start things off with a handshake. Both champion and challenger are met with applause over the show of respect. The two grapplers step back and size each other up. They then push forward and engage in a lock up. San Francisco and Star jockey for position until Star gains the advantage and sends the champion to the mat with a Judo Throw! San Francisco returns to her feet, only to get quickly returned to the mat with an arm drag! Another arm drag brings San Francisco back down before Star transitions into an armbar. The referee is quick to get down and ask San Francisco if she wants to give up. But The Pope refuses. She battles back to a vertical base and then moves Star into the near ropes. Star is then shoved off into the far ropes. When Star returns, she runs over San Francisco with a running shoulder block! Star then turns and runs into another set of ropes while San Francisco gets back to her feet. When Star returns, she knocks San Francisco down with another running shoulder block. This time, Star poses with her hands on her hips. She then heads into another set of ropes while San Francisco gets back to a vertical base. When Star comes back, she goes for a third shoulder block. But this time, San Francisco avoids it with a leapfrog. Star’s momentum sends her into the ropes. When Star comes back, the crowd cheers when San Francisco throws her down with a snap powerslam! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Star kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Star was able to throw and knock Sadie down multiple times. But it was The Pope that got the last word in that exchange with a two count.

San Francisco takes the challenger and moves her into the corner. From there, San Francisco lights up Star’s chest with knife edge chops. After the fifth chop, Star is sent into the far corner with an irish whip. San Francisco charges in to follow up with an attack when Star counters with a back elbow to the face. She then switches positions with the champion in the corner before returning the favor with chops of her own! After the fifth chop from Star, San Francisco pops Star with a forearm strike across the jaw. She then switches positions with the challenger in the corner and delivers four more forearm strikes before followed up with a rope-assisted gamengiri! After Star is sent back into the previous corner with an irish whip, San Francisco rushes in, connects with a running knee strike and follows up with a bulldog out of the corner! She pushes Star over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Star kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: I know that Star has received training from some of the best back when she was a prospect down in RISE. However, she can’t trade blows with Sadie San Francisco. There’s few in FGA that can strike better than The Pope.

San Francisco pulls up Star and wrenches her arm. The Pope gives a hard tug to the arm. She then holds the arm out before delivering a hard clubbing strike across it. San Francisco executes another arm wrench before sending Star down to the mat with a somersault arm wringer. The Pope is quick to stay on top of Star and apply a grounded hammerlock. The ref is quick to get down and ask Star is she wants to give up. When Star refuses, San Francisco keeps the hammerlock applied while dropping a knee across the arm. Star kicks the mat out of frustration. The official is right there to ask Star again if she wants to give up. But she gives him the same answer as last time: no! Star uses her free hand to try and push herself up off the mat. Once she’s got her knee on the mat, Star uses her free arm to nail San Francisco with a back elbow to the face, breaking the hold.

Geoff Penzer: That’s one way to get out of a submission.

While San Francisco turns away to hold her mouth, Star gets back to her feet before running into the ropes. When San Francisco turns around, Star tackles her down with a Lou Thesz Press! She then mounts on top of the champion before raining down right hands to the face. The cheers continue as San Francisco rolls over, gets on top of Star and starts raining down forearm strikes to the face! Star’s able to slip out of the way of one forearm, rolls back over on top of San Francisco and continues hitting her with right hands! Star grabs San Francisco by the hair, pulls her back to her feet and then doubles her over with rights and lefts to the gut. She then takes control of San Francisco’s left arm and brings her down with a Hammerlock DDT! She pushes the champion over before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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San Francisco kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Star only got a two count there. But she was wise to target Sadie’s dominant arm!

Star pulls up San Francisco, takes control of the left wrist and wrenches the arm. Star wrenches the arm a second time, then a third! Star then delivers a hard clubbing strike across the arm before wrenching it again. After Star delivers yet another arm wrench, she gets caught by San Francisco with a forearm strike to the face with her free arm. While Star appears dazed, San Francisco throws out a spinning back elbow. However, Star swats the elbow away, quickly takes control of San Francisco’s back and brings her down with a German Suplex!

ONE!
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TWO!
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San Francisco gets her right shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Star hasn’t let go of her waist!

Star turns over before pulling San Francisco back to her feet. San Francisco tries to fight out of the waist lock with back elbows to the face. But Star fights through it before throwing San Francisco back down with another German Suplex!

ONE!
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TWO!
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San Francisco gets her right shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Star still has the waist lock applied!

The crowd gasps while Star slowly turns over before pulling San Francisco back to her feet. Instead of delivering a third German, Star spins San Francisco towards her, scoops her up and throws her down with a Michinoku Driver! The ref slides into place for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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San Francisco kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Oh, she almost had it! Zola Star is showing some fight here tonight, ladies and gentlemen!

Star picks up San Francisco before pulling her into a front facelock. Cheers come from the crowd when Star calls for the Three Amigos! She then brings San Francisco down with the first vertical suplex! Star rolls over, pulls the champ back up and delivers a second vertical suplex. After San Francisco is pulled back to her feet, San Francisco goes for a third vertical when San Francisco slips down from behind. The crowd gasps and cheers when she hooks Star’s arms from behind.

Geoff Penzer: The Pope’s got Star set up for Vanity!

San Francisco starts to slowly turn Star in place for Vanity (Unprettier). But at the last second, Star slips out before shoving San Francisco into the ropes. When San Francisco returns, she knocks Star down with a bicycle kick to the face! She then drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Star gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Only two!

San Francisco takes Star and whips her into the corner. The Pope then rushes in, jumps on top of Star and goes to monkey flip her out of the corner. To the amazement of the crowd, Star flips through the air and lands on her feet!

Geoff Penzer: How did she do that!?

Cheers quickly follow while Star runs into the ropes. When the challenger comes back, she goes for a cross body clock. But San Francisco’s able to catch her in mid air before throwing her down with an Exploder Suplex! While Star gets back to a vertical base, San Francisco comes up from behind and connects with another bicycle kick. This time, to the back! The kick sends Star stumbling forward before collapsing in the corner. The Pope stays on the challenger as she charges in and connects with a Northern Lariat! She then pulls Star away from the corner before bringing her down with a Dragon Suplex!

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

The crowd cheers when Star kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Star just beat the three count!

San Francisco pulls up Star and doubles her over with a knee to the midsection before heading into the ropes. When San Francisco comes back, she jumps up for a Fameasser. But Star’s able to slip out of the way. When San Francisco lands on her feet, she turns to face Star… and gets quickly lifted up on Star’s shoulders! The crowd cheers when Star turns and swings San Francisco down hard with an Alabama Slam! She drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when San Francisco gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: The back of Sadie’s head smacked hard on the mat on the way down! But she still had the wherewithal to get her shoulder up in time! What a competitor!

Star picks up San Francisco, throws her down with a scoop slam and follows up with a split leg drop. Instead of staying in place for the cover, Star rolls off of the champ and heads out to the apron.

Geoff Penzer: What is Star looking for here?

Star begins to scale the turnbuckles. Once she reaches the top, she leaps off and comes crashing down hard across San Francisco with a Frog Splash! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when San Francisco gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Sadie gets the shoulder up in time! I’m shocked that Frog Splash didn’t knock the wind out of her! What a match we’re seeing right now! This is what Flashpoint is all about! This is it right here! The spirit of competition, not people jumping each other backstage and whining about “deserved” title shots!

Star heads over and crouches down in the corner. She starts to wave her arm up and down while The Pope stirs on the mat. Star then begins to wave both arms up and down while San Francisco slowly turns over on all fours. San Francisco can be seen guarding her midsection as she tries to get up on one foot. In the corner, Star is seen jumping up and down while she impatiently waits for the champ to get in position. The crowd starts to murmur as they sense what’s coming next. Once San Francisco gets back to her feet and turns around, Star charges from out of the corner. She lunges forward for a spear… only to get countered with a bicycle knee to the head! The crowd cheers as Star crumbles to the mat.

Geoff Penzer: What a knee to the head! Sadie just saved herself and her title reign with that counter! WOW!

San Francisco pulls up Star. She then bashes Star in the face with a spinning back elbow before bringing her down face-first to the mat with a Downward Spiral! The Pope then makes her way into the corner. After climbing up onto the middle ropes, she waits for Star to get in position. As soon as Star pushes herself up on all fours, San Francisco jumps off and drives her down with a diving knee drop! She then pulls up Star before sending her into the ropes. When Star returns, San Francisco knocks her off her feet with Palo Alto (corkscrew roundhouse knee strike)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner and sti-

The crowd erupts with boos when Jaelynn Ramsey knocks down San Francisco from behind with a superkick.

Geoff Penzer: Jaelynn Ramsey!?!? What the hell!?

Ramsey kicks San Francisco over onto her back before putting the boots to her. She then reaches down, grabs the 15 Championship and fastens it around her waist.

Geoff Penzer: Jaelynn Ramsey is assaulting her opponent before their big match at Only the Strong Survive! Now she’s got the nerve to strap the championship around her waist! She isn’t 15 Champion! She hasn’t earned the right to wear that belt!

Ramsey heads into the corner. After scaling up to the top turnbuckle, she flips off and comes crashing down across San Francisco with Down by the Jaw (diving moonsault)!!! The boos continued while San Francisco is curled up in pain on the canvas. Ramsey then takes the belt off from around her waist before tossing it down across The Pope.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★
Cassius Reed vs. Olé Anderson

It’s not my fault your girlfriend like me,

I do her hard like fucking warp speed,

Your Dad’s mad, it’s not my fucking fault,

That your Mom wants to fucking fuck me!

As the intro to “You Suck” by Pour Habit blasts throughout the arena, out from the back bursts Cassius Reed! Slowly rotating in his gold lined black ring robe Cassius soaks in the atmosphere for just a moment. Spinning to face the ring, he shadow boxes at the top of the ramp a short time more, before posing, spreading his arms wide, and sprinting down to the ring at full pace!

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, fighting out of Funkytown, USA, and tipping the scales tonight at 205 pounds… CASSIUS! REED!

Sliding in under the bottom rope, he quickly rolls onto his back before kipping up! Giving a quick smirk and raised eyebrow to the referee, he turns and leaps to the top of the nearest turnbuckle, before whipping off his ring robe with a flourish.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, already in the ring… Olé Anderson!

Reed poses just a moment at the top of the turnbuckle, smug grin on his face, robe hanging from his hand, before dropping back to the mat, consigning his entrance gear to the outside whilst he finishes warming up for the match with more shadow boxing.

Anderson can be seen tugging the ring ropes while the opening bell sounds. Reed makes his way across the ring full of confidence towards Anderson. The crowd boos The Funky Dragon once he reaches his hand out towards Anderson and offers a handshake. Anderson points towards himself. Reed responds with a nod. Anderson shakes his head ‘no’, but Reed forcefully puts his hand out a second time to offer a handshake. Anderson puts one hand on his hip while scratching his head with the other. He then turns to one section of the crowd.

BOOOOO!

Anderson walks across the ring. He gestures towards Reed while looking at another section of the crowd.

BOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Anderson heads back over towards Reed and again shakes his head ‘no’ at him. Reed tries to convince Anderson that he doesn’t have ulterior motives by placing one hand behind his back. Anderson then turns towards the crowd and motions towards Reed with one hand while using the other to place it behind his back. After turning back to Reed, Anderson sighs. He slowly reaches hand out for a handshake… only to have Reed pull back at the last second. The crowd boos Reed when he moonwalks away from Anderson while running his hands through his afro. Anderson can be seen stomping his feet after getting fooled by Reed. He’s had enough! He charges over towards The Funky Dragon, only to end up thrown down to the mat with an arm drag. Another deep arm drag returns Anderson to the mat. Anderson slaps the mat with frustration and returns to his feet… only to get greeted with a Pimp Slap from Reed! The boos continue as Reed takes Anderson, delivers an irish whip and follows him into the corner. Instead of crashing into the turnbuckles, Anderson grabs the top ropes and vaults himself over Reed. When Reed turns around, Anderson tries to throw him towards the center of the ring with a hip toss. But Reed blocks the move. So Anderson tries to muscle Reed up with another hip toss attempt. Again, Reed blocks the move. Reed then uses his free arm to double over Anderson with a punch to the midsection.

The Funky Dragon takes Anderson, moves him into the the corner and delivers alternating jabs to the head and body. He then switches to a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the midsection. After Anderson is sent hard into the far corner, he slumps down against the turnbuckles. Reed then charges across the ring and launches himself at Anderson, causing Anderson to flinch and curl up in the corner. Instead of crashing into Anderson, Reed lands in a handstand. He then pushes himself himself back up to his feet and mocks Anderson for flinching. After once again getting fooled by Reed, Anderson slowly reaches back up and pulls himself up using the ropes. He charges ahead at Reed, only for the 2018 Rey del Aire to double him over with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch). Reed rolls out of the way as Anderson drops down on all fours. Reed gets back up next to Anderson and looks out at the crowd… before flipping back and flattening Anderson on the mat with Funky Knee, Funky Do (standing moonsault double knee drop) across the back! Reed goes after the back again, delivering an inverted facelock backbreaker. After pulling Anderson back up by his mask, Reed nearly dumps him on the back of his neck with a high angle belly to back suplex. The boos continue as The Funky Dragon drags Anderson over towards the corner. After scaling to the top turnbuckle, Reed comes crashing down across Anderson’s back with the Plan C (Split-legged Corkscrew Moonsault)! He pulls Anderson over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, CASSIUS REED!

[FGA Office]

We're greeted by Amanda Johnson, who is standing by backstage in front of the Flashpoint backdrop.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, the SMWB!

*GARLP-GARLP-GARLP*

Amanda turns to her left as the familiar sound of someone entering a green Mario Pipe is heard. Her face brightens with joy when Max Powers and Landon Knight walk into the picture. The crowd roars with cheers at the sight of the Super Mario Wrestling Bros!

Amanda Johnson: Before we get to tonight, Max, I want to talk about the match you had with James Edwards several weeks ago. After winning the United States Championship, Edwards tried to lay down and let you pin him for it in his very first defense. We all know what happened from there. Can you make heads or tails of what's been going on with Edwards lately.

Max scratches his head

Max Powers: Well Amanda, I think it's about time somebody send Jimmy Edwards a manual because he clearly has no idea what he's doing!

The crowd laughs and cheers.

Max Powers: It would have been easy to just pin Edwards and win the title while he laid down. But doing that would be the same as popping in a Game Genie or a Game Shark to beat a game. There would be no challenge in it. If I was gonna win that title, I was gonna win it the right way. Unfortunately for me, I lost. It was Game Over and I was all outta coins. Instead of learning from that and carrying the title the right way, Edwards has continued to disrespect that belt. If you ask me, his treatment of the US Title is just as trashy as his attitude! Someone needs to put him in his place and gosh dangit, I sure hope Salem is the one to do it!

The crowd roars with cheers at the mention of the former United States Champion.

Amanda Johnson: Alright guys, let's talk about tonight. Tonight is a big one. You have a Title Eliminator coming up against Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands of Triple A. If you guys lose, it's to the back of the line. But if you win, you're in good position for a shot at the Tag Titles! What are your thoughts as you head into tonight's match?

Landon Knight: Manda, Max just talked about Edwards disrespecting the United States Title. Well I think the Chaotics, or should I say specifically Ashlyn De Luca, has been the one disrespecting the Tag Titles as of late. We can't take any credit away from them. At one point, you used to see the SMWB's initials on the high score screen for the World Tag Titles. But now, The Chaotics have smashed that record. They've push themselves past us and every other team that has ever held those titles. But lately, De Lucz has been acting like a total butt! I cant believe that this was the same cool chick we used to see back when we used to work in HKW. But people change, man. Sometimes for the worst, as you can clearly see. Now me and Max here? We don't know what's going to happen between Chaotics, Pendragon and the Tag Titles. But we do know this. Tonight, we've got an opportunity to jump towards the front of the line for Tag Title shots. Ashley? Antonette? You beat us last time. You got us good. Congrats. But can you do it again? The powers that be wanted to see us run it back. Now is your chance, as well as our chance, to make our case. Whether it's The Chaotics that are still holding the titles or if Pendragon somehow end up with the gold, the World Tag Team Champions deserve a team that's going to give them 110 percent. They deserve a team that is going to be focused and it's clear as day that the two of you are focused on everything but this match!

Amanda Johnson: They were focused enough to be you guys last show?

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Amands mouths "sorry". The SMWB don't take it personal, though.

Max Powers: Fair point. But can they do it again?

Landon Knight: I don't think so!

Max Powers: Me and Landon didn't return to FGA to reminisce. We didn't come back here for a nostalgia run. We came here, Amanda, to win back those World Tag Team Titles! We got screwed over by Silk & Cyanide on the other show! We got beat last time by AAA! We're not getting the short end of the stick again. This time? The Red n Green Machine are gonna 1-Up the competition and cement themselves as one of the top teams on Flashpoint with a win here tonight!

Landon Knight: Ash, Ant, look on the bright side. At least you'll have the Rumble to fall back on.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

★★★ PREVIOUS RECORDED ★★★

The scene opens up high above the main floor of the arena, where the crews down below are hard at work getting everything set up for the show later on in the evening. Sitting in the top row of seats just before where the private skyboxes and VIP suites are sits the figure of the number one contender to the International Heavyweight Champion, Savannah Taylor. She sits back in her chair and looks out at the scene below her before her blue eyes turn towards the camera standing there.

Savannah Taylor: What a difference a couple of years makes. My first year here in FGA, I was pretty much at the bottom of the totem pole. When I first came along, I was lucky enough to string together a couple of wins in a row, which was one of my professional low points. From the days of fighting a triple threat match against Izzy Anders and Annie Zellor to now, I’ve come a long way since then. I know that my actions have been called into question in the past. Whether it was as a member of the seemingly ill fated Heroes Never Die or going even farther back to the days of EXODUS when Gods & Monsters ran roughshod over everyone, wrestlers and fans alike have taken issue with me. They have taken issue with how I have gone about my business. Hell, they even take issue whenever I breath or look at someone the wrong way.

She shakes her head and extends her middle finger towards the camera.

Savannah Taylor: I don’t effing care. I’ve been pissing people off since day one, and I’m not going to stop anytime soon. I am not here to please the fans or make them happy. I am not here to placate them or tell them that all of their hopes and dreams are going to come true if they believe enough. I am here to do one thing and one thing only, and that is to win by any means necessary. Everything that I have done has brought me to this very moment. Winning the Pride Championship was nice. Being the first ever, not to mention GREATEST United States Champion was great. Getting one up on that whining teenage girl James Edwards? Fantastic. But with everything that I’ve done and all the titles that I’ve won…..it’s left me wanting more. I’m not happy with just being known as a former Pride champion or a two time United States champion. I want THE championship. I want the International Heavyweight Championship.

She leans forward and rests her arms on the back of the chair that was in front of her.

Savannah Taylor: I bet I was the last person you thought you’d be defending your title against, Jimmy. Out of EVERYONE on the Flashpoint roster, you could have faced anyone. You could have had an easy first title defense against the likes of Cassius Reed, James Edwards, Salem or even Ashlyn DeLuca. Instead you are going to be in for a long night when Only The Strong Survive rolls around. Now I am very much aware of the level of brutality that goes hand in hand with you. I’ve seen the bodies left in your wake. I’ve seen what happens to people when they get into a war with you. But you need to understand something, Jimmy. While others may view you in the same light as the final boss in a video game or the ultimate evil on a television show, I do not share their sentiments. While others may cower in fear at the mere MENTION of your name, I’m not. Oh, you’ve heard that before? You’ve heard others say the same thing before you bashed their heads in? Tell me, if you are such a big and powerful man who has seen people like me come and go, what did Emily say right before you bashed her head in and caused a family grief? Did you look in her eyes before putting her in the hospital and out of action for a long time? I always knew that you were a few mariachis shy of a full fiesta, but putting your hands on, at that time, a relative rookie just because you wanted to send a message to her brother? That is low, even for you.

She stands up and folds her arms across her chest.

Savannah Taylor: If you were to look at this match on paper, then I would be the ultimate longshot. But even the biggest longshot has come through and pulled off the massive upset. It worked in the two thousand five Kentucky Derby. You may be the champion for now, but like it or not, Flashpoint is MY show. I want you to look into my eyes come Only The Strong Survive. I want you to see the one person who doesn’t buy into your changed man bullsh*t. I want you to look at the one person who you know deep down is very much capable of doing the impossible. You had better hold your title close to that black hole you call a heart. You had better keep an eye on it twenty four seven. Get a good image in your mind of what that title looks like, because Only The Strong Survive is going to be the last time that title will be in your possession. All it takes is one slip up from you and I’ll knock your lights out….and become the NEW International Heavyweight Champion. By any means necessary.

With that, Savannah just stares at the cameras as she sits down, the cameras cutting off and switching elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up in the backstage area on Amanda Johnson, apparently captured in a rare moment of downtime, typing away on her phone, leaning against the wall in the typical designated interview area.

??: Ahhhuumm…

Amanda’s eyes slowly drift upwards. They narrow in confusion for a moment but she shifts her phone into her pocket and stands upright, looking on as World Tag Team Champion, Ashlyn De Luca moves into frame, drawing a deep chorus of boos from the occupants of the Pepsi Center.

Ashlyn De Luca: You know what’s weird?

Amanda hesitates, seemingly undecided on whether she even wants to engage, but with a small, defeated sigh she shrugs her shoulders.

Amanda Johnson: What’s weird?

De Luca calmly brings the World Tag Team Title belt onto her shoulder, making a step closer to Johnson, offering a small shrug of her own-- mocking.

Ashlyn De Luca: Every time you accuse me of not giving a hundred percent against your favorite wrestlers, Lowri Moss and Neal-- every time I do something that you don’t approve of, like against Page in the main event last episode-- you’re sooo quick to stir stuff up, as long as it fits your narrative. You’re so desperate to paint me as a bad guy.

The interviewer sighs and shakes her head a little.

Amanda Johnson: That’s not true at all. I just think a lot of your actions, as of late, have been noteworthy. So--

Ashlyn De Luca: So now that I’m in the main event against the International Heavyweight Champion, why haven’t you been coming out of the woodwork to stick a microphone and a camera in my face?

Amanda Johnson: You have those things now.

She gestures toward the camera, but the Tag Team Champion keeps her gaze locked on Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: Was this what your plan was during the display in the tag team main event alongside Logan and Savannah? Was the endgame to land yourself a one-on-one shot against an incensed Jimmy Page? Cast yourself into the spotlight?

De Luca scoffs, looking at Amanda with a look that lingers somewhere between disgust and amusement.

Ashlyn De Luca: Logan Alexander and I, whether as a team, or as singles competitors are the best wrestlers in FGA. Hands-down. We should be in the main event every single week. It’s only right. So-- no, Amanda, this wasn’t my plan. I told you already, my plan was simple as hell; divide and conquer, but everybody tried to put their own spin on it. They tried to complicate it. But just because I gave Jimmy Page absolute hell in that ring and showed Savannah Taylor exactly what an International Heavyweight Champion should be doing doesn’t mean I was looking for a spotlight, Amanda.

A grin.

Ashlyn De Luca: But hey. De Lucz will definitely take it.

De Luca adjusts the championship belt on her shoulder and starts to walk off, but Amanda Johnson speaks up behind her.

Amanda Johnson: What James Edwards did to your partner before the show started-- is that going to be weighing on your mind at all?

Ashlyn sighs and raises a brow, turning to look back at Amanda, who waits patiently before blinking a few times.

Amanda Johnson: I mean. Have you seen Logan at all since the attack?

A scoff from De Luca.

Ashlyn De Luca: Of cour… of course I have. What kind of stupid question is that, Amanda? Like-- ugh-- don’t ask me such stupid questions right before such an important match IF you don’t mind. I have so much to worry about already, like my tag team partner, who I’m very concerned about, without you asking me stupid stuff. Move.

Ashlyn pushes past Amanda, still audible as she storms off down the corridor.

Ashlyn De Luca: STUPID.

This earns a few scattered chuckles from those in the audience but Johnson simply shakes her head, unimpressed as we fade away.

[FGA Office]

★★★ TITLE ELIMINATOR ★★★
AAA vs. SMWB

"Rockit" begins to play over the speakers as the the lights in the arena dim. Two individuals step through the curtains wearing jackets that flash red, blue, green and yellow colors. At the 28 second mark, the lights come back on, revealing the SMWB to a positive reaction from the crowd. Max Powers and Landon Knight slap hands with the fans on their way down the aisle.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 373 pounds! They are the team of Max Powers and Landon Knight, the SMWB!

After sliding underneath the bottom rope and into the ring, they push themselves up and head into opposite corners. After climbing up onto the second rope and throwing their index fingers in the air, they climb to the top turnbuckle and backflip off, landing safely on their feet in the ring to cheers.

"I Bring the Darkness (End of Days)" by Jim Johnston featuring Tommy Vext
begins to play as the aisle way fills up with smoke. AMC rises up from the smoke in full face paint and is trying not to cough from all the smoke.

”Who do you think you are?
You’ve now gone much to far!”

AMC steps through the smoke and looks around at the crowd she then slowly walks toward the ring basically strutting with a smirk as she fist bumps some of the fans

“Killin It” by Krewella hits the P.A system and the fans erupt in cheers. Pink and purple lights zoom around the arena as Antoinette Sands comes skipping out from the back. With a perky smile as ever, she jumps up and down amping the fans up before she delivers one final jump slapping her shoes down on the ground before running down the ramp. As she runs, she slaps the hands of some fans, glitter spewing from her hands as she slaps theirs.

Melanie Sierra: Their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of 241 pounds! They are the team of Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands… TRIPLE A!

AMC walk up the steps, taking a moment to wipe her feet on the apron before getting into the ring. AMC then drops to her knees in the middle of the ring and stretches out her arms and looks out toward the crowd.

Sands approaches the ring as she climbs up the ring apron she stands up and removes her sparkly jacket tossing it to the side as she enters. Once she’s in the ring, she bounces up and down, screaming out to the fans who encourage her before playfully slapping hands with the ref as she awaits the arrival of her opponent.

Geoff Penzer: Alright, wrestling fans! We are back with another match here on Flashpoint. This one, with championship implications! This match is a Title Eliminator! The SMWB got the win over AAA when they showed up as Ashley and Antoinette’s surprise opponents several months back. However, during the rematch, AAA were able to get back a win over the SMWB. While Pendragon looks for another shot against the reigning World Tag Team Champions, The Chaotics, both AAA and SMWB are looking place themselves in championship contention. A win here tonight will put one of these teams one step closer towards a world Tag Title Title match!

Knight and Sands start things off with a lock up. Knight quickly gains the advantage with a side headlock before getting pushed off of Sands and sent into the ropes. When Knight comes back, Sands knocks him down with a spin kick! A second spin kick returns Knight to the mat! Sands throws out a third spin kick. But this time, Knight is able to duck before countering with a dropsault. Once Sands returns to her feet, Knight takes her and sends her into the ropes. When she returns, Knight goes for a back body drop. But Sands slips down from behind before bringing him down with an O’Connor Roll.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Knight kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Sands rushes over before bringing Knight down with a headscissors takedown. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
Knight kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Two quick nearfalls there for Antoinette Sands.

Sands places Knight in a side headlock. But Knight is quick to bring her down with a backdrop. He then heads over and tags in Max Powers. Once Powers gets in, the SMWB takes Sands and whips her into the ropes. When Sands returns, the SMWB throw her down with a double hip toss. They then cartwheel over and goes for a double dropkick to the face. But Sands leans all the way back on the mat to avoid the kicks. Once SMWB get back to their feet, Sands scrambles back to a vertical base and throws out a kick to Powers. After Powers catches her foot, Sands quickly follows up with an enzuigiri. Powers is able to duck the kick. But it causes Knight to get caught with the kick and knocked down! While Powers turns to check on his partner, Sands is quick to bring him down from behind with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Powers kicks out.

Once Powers gets back to his feet, Sands takes him and whips him into the ropes. When Powers returns, Sands knocks him off his feet with a spin kick. When Powers gets back up, Sands feints a second spin kick before knocking Powers down with a dropkick. She then takes Powers and sends him into the AAA corner with an irish whip. Sands rushes in, jumps on Powers and then sends him flying out of the corner with a monkey flip. The cheers continue as Sands tags in Ashley Marie Chase.

Geoff Penzer: Chase is wasting little time heading right to the top turnbuckle.

Chase scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Powers down with a high crossbody block!

Geoff Penzer: It’s A Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Chase!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Powers kicks out.

Chase takes Powers and goes for an irish whip. But Powers reverses, sending Chase into the ropes. When Chase returns, she throws out a clothesline. Powers ends up ducking the clothesline as both grapplers head into opposite sets of ropes. When they both return, the crowd cheers when Powers knocks Chase off her feet with a spinning heel kick! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase kicks out.

Powers takes Chase and whips her hard into the corner. As Chase staggers away from the corner, Powers rushes over and brings her to the mat with a headscissors takedown. Powers gets back to his feet, turns away from Chase and goes for a standing moonsault when Chase rolls out of the way. Instead of crashing on the mat, Powers lands on his feet. He then quickly sends Chase flipping down to the mat with a step-up enzuigiri before following up with a standing moonsault! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Powers didn’t miss on the second moonsault attempt! But it only gets two...

Powers heads over and tags Knight back in.

Once Knight gets in, the SMWB takes Chase and whips her into the ropes. When Chase returns, the SMWB goes for a double hip toss. The crowd gasps when Chase flips through it and lands on her feet. She then quickly turns around and brings the SMWB down with japanese arm drags when they rush towards her! Powers is then knocked back down with a standing dropkick, followed by Knight! Chase then takes Powers and whips him into the corner. She then takes Knight and whips him into Powers. After taking a few steps back, Chase runs forward and leaps from near the center of the ring. Knight moves out of the way, causing Powers to get hit with a diving forearm smash! Knight then grabs Chase from behind as she backs away and goes for a belly to back suplex. However, Chase rolls over his shoulder, lands on her feet and follows up with a Scorpion Death Drop! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Knight kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: AAA have continued to get the better of the SMWB more times than not in this contest!

Chase heads over and tags Sands back in. Once Sands gets in, AAA takes Knight and whips him into the corner. After Chase rushes in and connects with a diving forearm smash, Sands heads over, climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Knight and plants him with a Tornado DDT! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Knight kicks out.

Sands picks up Knight and doubles him over with a knee to the midsection. She then goes for a running bulldog when Sands shoves her off and into the ropes. When Sands returns, Knight brings her down with a bridging northern lights suplex. He then floats over, pulls Sands up to a seated position and follows up with a front dropkick to the face! He then flips over into a jackknife pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sands bridges up, turns, grabs Knight and brings him down with a swinging neckbreaker. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Knight kicks out.

Sands takes Knight and whips him into the corner. She then rushes in to attack when Knight knocks her back with a boot to the face. While Sands is dazed, Knight hops out onto the apron through the ropes. He then starts to climb the turnbuckles. As soon as he reaches the top, Sands dives over and yanks down the top rope. The crowd gasps when Knight slips, drops down and ends up crotched on the top turnbuckle! Knight howls in pain as he slowly leans forward before flipping down into a seated position in the corner. Sands steps back before running forward and delivering the Alien INVASION (Bronco Buster)! Sands then heads over and tags Chase back in. After Chase gets in, she heads over, pulls up Knight in the corner and delivers repeated kicks to the chest. She then takes Knight by the wrist before sending him into the far corner with an irish whip. Chase then runs across the ring and motions for a clothesline when Knight lifts her up and counters with a flapjack across the top turnbuckle! Chase’s face bounces off the top turnbuckle before she stumbles back and crumbles to the mat.

Geoff Penzer: Chase is down! Chase is down! This is the SMWB’s chance to get back in this match! A title opportunity is on the line here! Can Max Powers and Landon Knight seize this moment!

Knight slowly rolls out onto the apron. After he pulls himself up using the ropes, he starts to climb the turnbuckles. Back down in the ring, Chase can be seen stirring on the mat. AMC then turns over on all fours. When Chase gets back to a vertical base and turns around, Knight leaps off and knocks her down with a missile dropkick to the face! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: NO! Only two!

Knight pulls up Chase, takes her by the wrist and throws out the Chain Chomp (short-arm forearm strike). The crowd cheers when Chase ducks the blow and goes to counter with a Floatover DDT. But Knight’s able to quickly counter her counter with a northern lights suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Knight was able to counter Chase’s counter, but only for a two count!

Knight takes Chase and whips her into the corner. He then charges in before hurling himself at Chase with a Tail Attack (flying hip attack). The crowd cheers when Chase slips out of the way, causing Knight to crash into the corner!

Geoff Penzer: Nobody was home on that one!

Chase rushes in before going for another diving forearm smash. Knight’s able to roll out of the way, causing Chase to crash into the corner! After Chase stumbles back and turns around, Knight doubles her over with a boot to the midsection before throwing her down with a Butterfly Bob-omb (sitdown double underhook powerbomb)! The ref gets in place for the count.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Sands breaks up the pin with a kick to the back.

Geoff Penzer: What a save by Sands!

While Sands heads out to the apron, Knight picks up Chase. He goes for another Chain Chomp. This time, Chase ducks before running into the far ropes. When Chase returns, Knight leaps up before driving her down with the Thwomp (diving double knee drop)! He then rolls forward, dives into the corner and tags Powers back in. Powers climbs up to the top turnbuckle and leaps off for a body splash… only for Chase to get her knees up!

Geoff Penzer: Chase countered! Chase got the knees up at the last second! Powers might be hurt!

Powers bounces off the knees before curling up on the mat. Chase gets back to her feet and pulls Powers into a standing headscissors. She’s got Powers positioned for the Name Dropper (Pedigree) when Powers counters with a back body drop. When Chase gets back to her feet, Powers doubles her over with a kick to the midsection before bringing her down with It’s-A-Me-DT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sands dives over and breaks up the pin!

Geoff Penzer: Sands with another save!

Knight rushes in and goes after Sands! The SMWB then takes Sands and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, the SMWB throws her down with a double hip toss, cartwheels over and follow up with a double dropkick to the face! They then take Chase and whip her into the ropes. When Chase returns, the SMWB throws her down with a double hip toss, cartwheels over and flattens her with a double drop. Knight heads over, grabs Sands and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. While she tries to get back up, Powers runs into the far ropes. He then runs across the ring, leaps through the ropes and knocks Sands down with a suicide dive! Knight runs into the far ropes while Powers pulls up Sands. He holds her in place and then lets go just before Knight flips over the top rope and knocks her down with a somersault senton! When Powers rolls back in, Chase doubles him over with a kick to the midsection. She then lifts him up for a powerbomb. When Powers is up on Chase’s shoulder, he delivers multiple hammer fists to the top of the head. He then spins on Chase’s shoulders, flips back and spikes her with a reverse hurricanrana! Knight rolls back in, picks up Chase and lifts her up across his shoulders while Powers runs into the ropes. When Powers comes back, the SMWB brings her down with a samoan drop/running corkscrew neckbreaker combo! Knight picks up Chase and delivers a backbreaker while Powers heads back into the ropes. When Powers returns, the SMWB delivers a backbreaker hold/somersault leg drop combination! Powers heads out to the apron while Knight pulls Chase back up. He then lifts her up across his shoulders, runs forward and delivers a rolling fireman’s carry! Powers then springboards to the top turnbuckle, flips off and delivers a 450 Splash before Knight follows up with a springboard Phoenix Splash! The cheers continue as he hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“Rockit” hits the speakers while the crowd breaks out into cheers.

Melanie Sierra: Here are your winners, the SMWB!

The cheers continue as the SMWB get their arms raised in victory.

Geoff Penzer: Max Powers and Landon Knight have done it! The SMWB have gotten themselves one step closer to a World Tag Team Title shot! You’ve got to give credit to Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands! They put up one heck of a fight and controlled the match at several points throughout. But in the end, it was the SMWB that came out on top! We’ll be back with more action here on Flashpoint right after this...

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The Flashpoint feed cuts backstage and we see Chris Madison sitting in solitude inside of his locker room. Glued to a steel folding chair, the former two time FGA Pride Champion remains silent, keeping his bowed, looking at the ground between his feet. With an upcoming match against Sloan Talbot looming, Madison looks to be focusing on the task at hand.

Chris Madison: Sometimes… Sometimes you just need to take a step back and simplify things.

Madison lets out a sigh as his head slowly rises up and he glances at the cameraman standing across from him.

Chris Madison: My return to FGA has been underwhelmin’ to say the least. It started with so much hype and expectation, bein’ taken first by Flashpoint. But what have I done with that opportunity? ABSOLUTELY NOTHIN’!

Madison is overcome with a look of disgust.

Chris Madison: Goin’ up against Savannah Taylor, a competitor that I was familiar with, I looked out of place. So much so that when a Beat The Clock challenge was thrown together, I was left off of the docket. I can sit here and be pissed off, feel slighted, but the fact of the matter is that even I don’t think I deserved to be thrown into the mix. I have failed. I have failed myself. I have failed Flashpoint. And I have failed the FGA fans.

Madison’s posture begins to change as he sits straight up and holds his head up high.

Chris Madison: But here’s the thing about me. Label it what you will, I don’t know how to just roll over and die. These failures, they fuel the fire that’s burnin’ within. I may have missed out on the opportunity to compete in the Beat the Clock challenge, but rest assured, I’m not goin’ to let another opportunity slip on by. Dynamic Duos… Gold Rush Rumble… I’m goin’ to make sure that my name is on the top of the list of people that brass wants involved in these big events. I do that by making an example out of Sloan Talbot, just like I did Jillian Clay a few weeks ago!

Madison pushes himself up to his feet and takes a step towards the camera crew.

Chris Madison: I will not be overlooked again!

Madison walks passed the camera crew and exits the locker room as the feed cuts away.

[FGA Office]

★★★ JAMES EDWARDS OPEN CHALLENGE ★★★
© James Edwards vs. ?

The crowd erupts in boos as "My Name is Human" by Highly Suspect plays over the arena sound system. An angry James Edwards storms through the curtain and slings the U.S. Championship down the entrance ramp. He doesn't bother to pick it up as he storms to the ring, signaling for a microphone as does, and receiving one once he is settled in the ring.

Geoff Penzer: This crowd is really giving to James Edwards here tonight. They haven’t appreciated his attitude of late, his actions since becoming United States champion, and quite likely his attack on Logan Alexander earlier tonight hasn’t endeared him to anyone.

The hostile crowd continues to let him known what they think of his earlier altercation with Logan Alexander. For his part, the United States Champion is not content to ride out the wave of noise.

James Edwards: Yeah, yeah I get it! Y'all don't like me right now. Well sit down and shut the hell up, let me talk, and I'll be gone

Edwards is almost shouting over the crowd, who won't back down.

James Edwards: I can be as loud as you assholes!

The boos start to shake the arena, and in his fury, James knows to be silent, even when "Edwards Sucks" chants break out. While they do, he unzips his ring jacket, removes it and chucks it out of the ring, waiting for the chants to die down. They don't, making Edwards look like he is about to explode.

James Edwards: You think I like any of this? Do y'all think I want to be the guy dragging around a title belt and spittin' in the face of everything I believe in. I don't! Do you think that I like attackin' one of the few people in this company that I respect? I sure as hell don't! But don't blame me. Blame the people that run this company. Blame them for not giving me the title shot I deserve. Blame them for not letting me give up the United States Championship. Blame them for making me defend it week after week, all while I have to listen to bullshit from you, Salem...and even Logan Alexander. Blame them for that attack earlier. They put me in an impossible situation, and now, I don't have any other choice than this.

Edwards sits down.

James Edwards: Someone, please, come out here and pin me. Take the championship and be a hero. Free me from this damn prison of a title reign.

Edwards lays down.

James Edwards: If you don't, what happens is blood on your hands!

Geoff Penzer: Edwards seems like he might be close to some sort of breaking point out here tonight. He’s throwing the blame for what has happened as of late on anyone other than himself. At this point… I think it would be best if someone did come out and just took the United States title from James Edwards before things escalate any further with him.

There is a lengthy pause as no one seems intent on answer James Edwards’ challenge here tonight. The United States Champion doesn’t seem pleased with the delay as he climbs back to his feet and raises the microphone once again.

James Edwards: Someone get the hell out here now!

Again there is a pause as Edwards and the crowd wait for a response to the challenge.

Geoff Penzer: Hold on… I’m getting word that there is some activity backstage… Apparently, someone is coming out…

“Endless Possibility” begins to play out through the arena and the crowd gives out a supportive cheer as a referee and a pair of trainers step out through the curtain ahead of the bruised and battered Logan Alexander. He’s not dressed to compete. His shirt is smeared with stains from blood and food, and there are stitches visible on his forehead.

Geoff Penzer: And it looks like these two may not be done here tonight! Logan though looks like hell right now. He wasn’t expected to compete and then got attacked by James Edwards. He’s been tended to by the trainers since the incident occurred, but he stuck around regardless and now he’s here for a piece of the United States champion.

Logan stops near the top of the ramp as the trainers and referee talk, seemingly trying to reason with him. For his part, Logan appears to be listening as he regards them quietly. Finally, he looks to the referee and then points to the ring. The crowd cheers in response to this, quite excited at the prospect of Logan getting a measure of retribution on James Edwards. With that, Logan shoves the trainers apart from in front of him and takes off at a sprint down the ramp. Edwards is quick to toss the microphone aside, as Logan slides into the ring. Edwards steps forward to meet him, only for Logan to drop low and take Edwards to the mat with a double leg takedown.

Geoff Penzer: They aren’t waiting! This fight is on!

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
© James Edwards vs. Logan Alexander

Logan moves to a mount position and begins raining punches down on Edwards as the referee climbs into the ring and immediately signals for the bell.

Even on the ground, Edwards tries to thwart the World Tag Champion with forearm strikes, but Logan strikes harder and faster from the full mount! Edwards gets his legs beneath Logan’s torso and throws him overhead with a loose Monkey Flip!

Geoff Penzer: Edwards is frantically trying to fight his way to a vertical base!

Both competitors scramble to their feet. Logan strikes first with an elbow, but Edwards is swift with a knee to the gut. He grabs Logan’s neck and pulls him into a clinch, but before he can fire off another knee strike, Alexander rips himself out of the clinch and lands a European Uppercut! Edwards staggers back-- but Alexander yanks him back by the ear, into another European Uppercut, then a third, a fourth, a fifth!

Geoff Penzer: Logan Alexander is completely beside himself!

Logan swings for a sixth European Uppercut, but Edwards is already off-kilter! He stumbles to the ropes, falling over the bottom and landing on his feet on the outside!

Geoff Penzer: Alexander is hellbent on making the United States Champion regret his actions from earlier tonigh-- LOOK OUT!

Edwards pulls himself up to his feet using the apron-- right in time to catch a Baseball Slide with Alexander driving both boots square into Edwards’ face! Edwards stumbles back into the barricade as Logan slips out of the ring, pivoting before rushing the U.S. Champion, nailing him with a chop across the chest, before forearm after forearm to the face! Edwards covers up, prompting Logan to grab him by both wrists and swing him violently to the ground before laying into him with a series of stomps!

Geoff Penzer: There is nothing technical about this! Logan Alexander is assaulting James Edwards right now and he very well may have every right!

The referee administers his ten count, but the crowd grows louder as they realize that Logan hasn’t relented in his stomping of the body of James Edwards for a second!

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

Edwards wraps his arms around the left ankle of Logan Alexander in an attempt to stop the barrage of stomps, but Logan pulls away and delivers a punt to the sternum! Edwards staggers up to a knee and Logan secures the base of Edwards’ neck before charging forward-- and he launches Edwards shoulder-first into the steel ring steps! Edwards cries out, but he’s ripped back to his feet a second later, turned around… and thrown back into the ring steps! This time, the two halves of the steps separate and Edwards howls out in agony.

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

Edwards regains some composure, now in a seated position on the bottom half of the steps…

...and Logan shakes his head before blasting Edwards with a Super Kick! The shot sends Edwards flipping off of the steps, landing on the back of his head and neck on the floor to the delight of the crowd!

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

Logan rolls into the ring beneath the bottom rope… and then slides right back out under the adjacent bottom rope, striding toward the writhing United States Champion again.

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards is seriously regretting hosting this Open Challenge tonight. If I were in his shoes, with the gift of foresight, I would have let Logan finish his book, but this is where we are now and James has to deal with this! If Logan can keep his emotions in check, James Edwards might be counting the seconds on his title reign.

James Edwards crawls away from Alexander, staggering up to his feet… but just as quickly, he’s taken face-first to the ground with a Running Bulldog! James kicks his feet out in pain, clutching his face. He gets up to a knee, and Logan takes a step back before smashing into the United States Champion with a Shining Wizard-- and transitioning almost seamlessly into a Triangle Choke! Edwards audibly gags, gasping for air on the outside, reaching for the ring skirt for some type of support!

Geoff Penzer: Chaos Theory on the outside of the ring!

The audience erupts at the unhinged display, and the referee rolls out of the ring, compelled to physically pry Logan away from the champion! Logan refuses, and at a loss, the referee begins to administer another ten count!

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

With Edwards seemingly fading, Logan relinquishes the hold, pulling himself to his feet. He grabs Edwards by the arm and back of his tights, rolling him into the ring beneath the bottom rope, a glare still locked on his opponent as he slides in behind him at the ref’s nine count.

Geoff Penzer: The adrenaline is coursing through Logan Alexander right now. The official was anticipating having to monitor this match for Logan’s safety but it’s looking like it’s the U.S. Champion that needs help!

Edwards rolls away from Alexander until he’s able to get his knees beneath himself in the middle of the ring. He coughs for air, but as Logan draws near, looking to pull Edwards into a facelock, Edwards fights off with closed fists to the ribs! With a grunt, Logan takes a step back, and Edwards hits a knife-edged chop to the chest, staggering Logan back! A second one audibly cracks throughout the arena! Then a third takes Alexander all the way back to the ropes. Edwards Irish Whips Logan, sending him to the far side of the ring. Alexander rebounds into an Outside Crescent Kick from Edwards! Both men go down as a result, but Edwards pushes himself up first.

Geoff Penzer: And now Edwards might’ve found his opening!

Logan climbs to his feet in a daze as Edwards lines him up, striding forward for a Discus Roundhouse Kick-- and swiftly, Logan snatches his leg out of the air, synching in the Ankle Lock!

Geoff Penzer: ANKLE LOCK!

The Pepsi Center erupts as Edwards flails, his left leg picked. He loses his balance entirely, screaming out as he finds himself on his belly with Logan leaning back to add torque to the Ankle Lock!

Geoff Penzer: On the mat, Edwards gives himself more of a chance to crawl for the ropes or maneuver for an escape, but the pressure is so much worse now that Logan has the advantage of leverage!

Edwards turns in every which direction, with Logan bending the champion’s ankle into impossible positions! Hissing in pain, James pushes himself up onto his palms… before tucking and rolling forward, trying to force Alexander off, but the Chaotic hangs on! Now on the ground, Logan transitions to a Grapevine Ankle Lock! Edwards cries out again, digging his elbows into the canvas, crawling… crawling, reaching...!

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards has got the ropes! He’s there!

The Pepsi Center is filled with boos as Edwards grabs the bottom rope. Logan tries to roll himself over-- and manages! The move twists Edwards’ fingers off of the bottom rope, but the referee waves Logan off, demanding that he break the hold immediately!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Geoff Penzer: These fans don’t like it, but James Edwards fought for that rope break. Logan Alexander pulled him off the ropes, but the official isn’t going to allow it.

Begrudgingly, Logan releases the hold. He climbs to his feet, immediately making a beeline for Edwards as he pulls himself on the ropes, but the official backs him off.

Geoff Penzer: Logan isn’t springing up as quickly as he was a moment ago. That adrenaline has to be starting to wear off and that’s exactly what James Edwards was hoping would happen sooner rather than later.

James holds up a hand, glaring at Logan as the ref continues to create space. Finally, Logan obliges, giving the official an unhappy, but understanding nod-- and in that split second, Edwards lunges and shoves the official aside, holding onto the ref’s shirt for support as he blasts Logan between the eyes with a side kick, sending him to the canvas!

Geoff Penzer: Wha-!

The ref scolds Edwards, but the United States Champion drops into a cover, hooking both legs!

Geoff Penzer: Edwards just used the referee as a shield! As a distraction! He targeted the head of Logan Alexander and he’s gonna steal this!

With no choice, the ref drops down to make the count!

ONE
.
.
.
Geoff Penzer: Reversal!

Logan hooks the arms of Edwards, pulling him into a Crucifix Pin! The ref immediately counts Edwards’ shoulders down!

ONE
.
.
.
.
Kickout!

Startled, Edwards rushes to his feet. He goes for a boot to the jaw of Alexander-- but Alexander swivels out of harm’s way and picks Edwards’ leg, tripping him to the canvas with a Drop Toehold! Quickly, Logan steps over the locked leg and drops again, driving an elbow between the champion’s shoulder blades before looking to secure the facelock!

Geoff Penzer: Logan’s looking for the STF! The Abridged Chaos Theory! But the United States Champion is fighting it!

Edwards throws an elbow back, catching Logan in his cheek! He throws a second, and a third-- and Logan responds with an elbow to the back of Edwards’ head, followed by a second! A third! Edwards cries out in pain as Logan finally locks in the Crossface, completing the STF! Chants of “TAP!” echo throughout the Pepsi Center, drowning out Edwards’ voice as he tries to pry Logan’s fingers off of his face!

Geoff Penzer: Edwards is stuck! Abridged Chaos Theory is locked in!

Edwards tries to maneuver his legs beneath his body, but Alexander wrenches the hold, throwing himself back and forth, flattening Edwards out on the mat! Edwards pulls at a handful of Logan’s hair, pulling the veteran’s head back, but Logan wrenches the hold tighter as a receipt. Edwards finally gets a knee under his body, trying to push himself off the mat…

Geoff Penzer: Edwards is looking for some leverage.

Finally, Edwards shifts his weight and rolls Logan onto his back, albeit still stuck in the STF! Regardless, Edwards plants his feet, locking his weight on top of Logan!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
Logan releases the STF and shoves Edwards off of him!

Geoff Penzer: Logan was left with no choice! He didn’t have the energy to roll back into the submission properly, so he had to break the hold to avoid his shoulders getting counted down.

Again, it’s James Edwards who reaches his feet first. Logan makes a swipe for Edwards’ leg-- but Edwards leaps into the air, crashing down on Logan’s ribs with a double foot stomp! Logan howls out in pain and Edwards falls to a seated position next to him before forcing Logan onto his back, hooking the far leg for a cover!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
Kickout!

Logan throws the shoulder up, and Edwards hooks both legs, leaning back to pin him again!

ONE
.
.
.
.
Kickout!

Geoff Penzer: Logan kicks out again! And-- oh, no!

James Edwards climbs atop Logan in a full mount before firing away rapidly with alternating forearms! The first shot and the second land flush before Logan covers his head. Edwards switches for hammerfists instead, each one smashing against Logan’s attempted guard. The referee warns Edwards, who shoots him a glare before rising to his feet, forcing Logan upright by the wrists. Logan fights back, yanking an arm free and nailing a right hand to Edwards-- but Edwards blasts the seated Alexander with a knee strike! Logan reels… and a second knee between the eyes takes him to the mat!

Geoff Penzer: God…

Logan instinctively rolls onto his stomach and Edwards shakes his head. He forces Logan up into a rear waist lock before driving him to the canvas with a Release German Suplex. Logan clutches the back of his head, but Edwards floats over into another full mount, raining down forearms! Again, Logan covers up, and again, Edwards stands upright, trying to pull Logan to his feet by his wrists. Logan grapevines the standing Edwards’ leg, halting his movement. Edwards lets go of Logan’s arms-- but Logan switches his grip, now grabbing Edwards by the right arm! With his leg hooked, Logan slowly begins to wrestle James to the ground!

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards is down to a knee!

James reaches for the bottom rope, fingers twitching as Logan straightens out the champ’s left arm and finally brings him flat to the ground! Logan begins to move his arms around James’ neck to transition into an STF, but James grabs the bottom rope as soon as the hold is locked in! The official gives Logan a five count warning.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Logan relinquishes the hold and immediately, Edwards pulls himself to the outside, collapsing to his knees outside of the ring. Logan uses the ropes to pull himself up to his feet-- right as James rises to his and turns, grabbing Logan’s ankles, tripping him to the ground! Edwards takes a step back and pulls Logan as hard as he can beneath the bottom rope-- and Logan’s face strikes the rope before he’s roughly slammed to the ground outside! The audience groans in sympathy as Logan writhes on the thin mats outside the ring.

Geoff Penzer: These two are relentless. Logan’s face caught that bottom rope and-- is he?-- yes, Logan Alexander’s lacerated. That wound that James Edwards created earlier in the night just got reopened.

As the ref checks on Logan, Edwards lingers in the background, an indistinguishable look on his face… before he shakes his head and steps past the ref, forcing Logan upright. Edwards drills Logan to the mat with a Half-Nelson Suplex!

Geoff Penzer: Half Cut! Half Cut on the floor!

Edwards runs his hands over his own face, sitting beside Logan for a moment before he shakes his head again, as if willing the thought away. He taps the ref’s shoulder and rolls into the ring, demanding that he starts counting Logan out.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

Geoff Penzer: Logan is not moving!

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

Some in the crowd count along with the ref, but many scream in approval as Logan groggily rolls onto his stomach, pushing himself up to his hands and knees.

Geoff Penzer: He’s stirring! But can Logan beat the ten count and stay alive in this championship match?!

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

Edwards shakes his head, rubbing at his eyes in frustration as Logan grabs onto the ring skirt.

“NINE!”

With little flare or fire, Logan pulls himself into the ring beneath the bottom rope.

Geoff Penzer: He beat it! But Edwards is right back on the attack!

Edward lets out an audible cry of frustration before rushing his challenger, applying a front facelock. Logan fights back with clubbing blows to the body. Edwards pulls at Logan’s shirt, pulling it over head, obscuring Logan’s vision before nailing a thunderous elbow strike to the head! Logan rips the shirt off of himself and casts it aside before retaliating with an elbow of his own! Edwards applies the cravate and rushes the ropes, throwing Logan awkwardly against them. Logan bounces off-- right into a forearm smash to the temple! Edwards pulls the stunned Logan onto his shoulders, nailing his larger opponent with a Death Valley Driver! The energy seems to be sucked out of the arena as Edwards forces Logan up by the hair, shaking his head at his rival before hooking him for a Fisherman’s Suplex-- only to bring Logan down in the form of a Brainbuster!

Geoff Penzer: Foxfire… and this one’s over.

Edwards hooks both legs of the motionless, bloodied Alexander.

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THR--!

A roar surges through the Pepsi Center as Logan throws a shoulder off the mat! Edwards grins bitterly, shaking his head at the referee.

“LET’S GO LOGAN!”

“LET’S GO LOGAN!”

“LET’S GO LOGAN!”

“LET’S GO LOGAN!”

Edwards’ face fades to a distraught one, but he wipes it away and climbs to his feet. The deafening reaction of the Denver audience is quelled as Edwards drops down beside Alexander, hammering away with forearms at the re-opened cut on his head-- before trapping the challenger in the Anaconda Vise! Logan’s actions are much less pronounced than they were just moments ago, even as he weakly waves the ref off as he asks if Logan wants to submit.

Geoff Penzer: Logan Alexander is fading. James Edwards looks like he regrets that this match has come to this point. We know how much respect these two have-- or had-- for one another, but now James Edwards has blood on his hands.

The crowd claps rhythmically behind Logan, who’s been motionless for several seconds. The referee squeezes Logan’s hand and then looks ready to call for the bell-- but Logan jolts to life! He maneuvers the lower half of his body, essentially turning himself ninety degrees to touch his boots against the bottom rope! Edwards takes advantage of the uncomfortable angle Logan’s contorted himself in, switching to a side headlock, putting all of his weight on Logan’s skull as he crushes it against the canvas!

Ref: ONE! TWO!

Edwards forces Logan upright, still in the side headlock…

...before sweeping his leg and spiking him with a Headlock Driver! The audience falls hushed as Logan rolls onto his side, reaching out, seemingly for anything, completely disoriented. Edwards shouts “STAY… DOWN!”, glaring into the glassy eyes of Alexander before shoving him onto his back and hooking the far leg.

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.

.
.
THR…

Logan’s shoulder comes off the mat without much enthusiasm and Edwards shouts in frustration. He clenches a fist, prepared to strike Logan… but he shakes his head and stands up. Pacing, Edwards runs his blood-stained fingers through his hair, backing into the corner as Logan begins to pull himself up to his knees. The referee motions for the ringside doctor to come inside, but Logan shoos them away.

Geoff Penzer: This was already ugly but this is starting to get uncomfortable. Logan has no quit in him though, and neither does our-- conflicted-- United States Champion.

Chants of “LOGAN!” echo throughout the Pepsi Center again as Logan stumbles up to his feet, beckoning Edwards forward. Edwards shakes his head, muttering again to Logan, this time something along the lines of “this is a mistake…”, looking down at the canvas for a moment, sighing heavily-- before sprinting forward with a Bicycle High Knee!

Geoff Penzer: Dead Lights-- NO!

Alexander stands upright, swiveling out of the way with milliseconds and millimeters to spare before hooking Edwards, taking him down with a Backslide Pin!

Geoff Penzer: Backslide pin attempt! Edwards slides through!

Edwards rolls through the attempt and back up to his feet before the ref can make a count! A split-second earlier than Logan, Edwards goes for the Bicycle High Knee again-- but Logan moves out of the way again! Edwards pivots and blasts the challenger with a Spinning Backfist, then a second! Logan reels from the Double Tap, falling back against the ropes… before bouncing back and blasting Edwards with a Super Kick! The shot sends a CRACK! echoing through the Pepsi Center as Edwards’ head snaps back. He stumbles back-- before regaining composure and charging at his challenger for a Lariat… which Logan counters into a Reverse STO!

Geoff Penzer: Chaotic Impact! Logan’s slow getting into the cover!

Logan lies next to James, shaking out the cobwebs before he crawls toward the champion. Feeling Logan’s arm, James rolls onto his stomach to a groan of disappointment from the crowd. Logan looks defeated, burying his face in the canvas… before he shakes his head and pushes himself up, pulling James upright by the back of his tights and into a rear waistlock. James reaches out for the ropes… but Logan lands a German Suplex!

Geoff Penzer: Every second that passes, I’m still shocked that Logan is in this! And the fingers are locked. Logan’s going for another!

Logan pries Edwards off of the mat. Again, Edwards reaches desperately for the ropes-- but Logan slams him to the mat with a second German! Edwards breathes heavily, reaching feebly for the ropes and Logan refuses to relinquish his grip. He forces Edwards off the ground and upright into a rear waistlock. This time Edwards throws an elbow back, catching Logan clean in his eye! It takes a second, third, and finally fourth elbow for Logan to release the hold!

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards with four, stiff, unrelenting shots to the face!

A hand over his eye, Logan turns away from Edwards for just a second…

...and turns around into a headbutt! The shot sends a stomach-churning THUD! through sections of the arena as Edwards’ skull connects with Alexander’s jaw. With a grunt, Logan crashes to the canvas.

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards is putting his own body on the line to end this now.

Boos wash over the men in the ring as Edwards kneels beside Alexander, staring down at him in silence for a moment before shaking his head, looking up into the rafters, mumbling something to himself.

“YOU SUCK!”

“YOU SUCK!”

“YOU SUCK!”

“YOU SUCK!”

Rising to his feet, Edwards steps over to the fallen and bloody Alexander. He looks down at him with regret, then looks out towards the crowd who boo loudly in response. Edwards reaches down, taking hold of Logan and pulls him back up from the mat. Logan looks out on his feet as Edwards hold him in a doubled over position. Edwards then steps around to Logan’s left side, grabs onto his right arm and pulls it upward, setting him for a pump handle lift.

Geoff Penzer: This might be it! Edwards is looking for the Long Way Round!

Pausing for a moment to mentally survey the situation, Edwards then hoist Logans up off the mat and up into a fireman’s carry, then immediately following with a snap Death Valley Driver. Logan hits the mat with force enough that he rolls up into a hunched forward sitting position. Edwards is quick to roll back to his feet and upon seeing Alexander like that, he takes off for the ropes and comes back with the Violent Gospel: the Running PK Kick! Logan drops to the mat once more and Edwards quickly follows him, hooking both legs for a deep cover.

ONE!
.
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
.
THREE!

Geoff Penzer: It’s over.

The bell sounds and Edwards rolls over, sits up and pounds the canvas in frustration as a loud chorus of boos greets his third title defense.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner and STILL the FGA United States Champion… James Edwards!

James takes in the boos and nods his head like he understands the crowd’s sentiment toward him. He scoots over to check on Alexander and mouths “I’m sorry”, whether or not Logan hears him doesn’t matter, because medics hit the ring and crowd James out of the picture.

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards walks away with the victory here tonight, but it’s visible on his face-- even he’s here wondering, “at what cost”? James Edwards crossed a line here tonight and Logan had no intention of taking it lying down. He put up a hell of a fight. I guarantee this isn’t the last time James Edwards has heard from Logan Alexander.

Edwards sighs and watches the medical staff attend to Logan. The official hands him the title belt and James unconsciously puts it on his shoulder. The same official tells James he can leave the ring, but Edwards just stands there, staring at his handiwork with a sickened expression on his face as we fade away.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Flashpoint returns from the commercial break to the sight of Amanda Johnson stood somewhere backstage, microphone in hand.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… one half of Pendragon… Lowri Moss!

The camera pans out, and the audience respond with a loud cheer, as the popular young woman from Wales comes into view. Dressed casually, “The Girl With The Heart Of A Dragon” is wearing her latest t-shirt from Irish Whip Clothing, as well as a pair of jeans.

Amanda Johnson: Well, Lowri, I guess I ought to start by wishing you a happy birthday!

Lowri Moss: Thank you, Amanda. And where better for me to spend the final few hours of my day than here in the Flashpoint Zone?

With a pleasant smile on her face, Lowri continues.

Lowri Moss: Having said that though, it isn’t quite as happy a birthday for me as it could be.

That statement causes Amanda to frown slightly.

Amanda Johnson: Oh? Why’s that?

Lowri Moss: Because I’m not getting to spend my birthday doing the one thing that makes me happiest - I’m not getting to spend it out there in the ring, competing in front of all the great FGA fans, who are here tonight in Denver.

The mention of the show’s location of course earns a cheap pop.

Amanda Johnson: I know that last weekend, when the card for tonight’s show was released, you tweeted your disappointment about not getting to wrestle on your birthday, so with that in mind I wonder, given that in the last match we saw James Edwards once again put the United States Championship on the line, did you give any consideration at all to maybe answering his open challenge?

Lowri Moss: You know, it’s funny you should bring that up, Amanda, as someone did suggest to me that I answer the open challenge.

The reporter is quick to put forward a name.

Amanda Johnson: Neal?

It is probably the most logical guess, but a shake of the head from Lowri indicates that it is also an incorrect one.

Lowri Moss: No. Of all people, it was Dom Harter. I mean, can you believe that? Dom Harter actually encouraging me to try to win more gold. Wonders never cease.

A wry smile crosses her face.

Lowri Moss: Some people might not be aware of this, but James Edwards and I do have history, going back to before either of us had ever set foot inside an FGA ring. He has gotten the better of me each time that we’ve been opponents, although it has been over two years since we last met, with us not yet having faced one another here in FGA, which I would like that to change at some point. However, while I do want to have the chance to avenge my past losses to James Edwards, I also don’t want to deny Salem the opportunity to beat him at Only The Strong Survive and become a two-time United States Champion, and so for that reason, Amanda, I wasn’t interested in answering his open challenge.

Lowri turns her head to look directly at the camera.

Lowri Moss: Broomsticks and Superkicks.

She then gives a wink to the camera, before turning back to Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: On the subject of you possibly competing for a singles championship, the last time I spoke to you was prior to your match in the Beat The Clock Challenge, when you narrowly missed out on becoming the number one contender for the International Heavyweight Championship; how do you reflect on what happened that night?

Lowri lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: “Narrowly missed out” is spot on. After my victory against Zola Star, I remember watching the rest of the show, including Savannah Taylor beating Ashley Sullivan in the main event, following which I heard Geoff Penzer talk about feeling for Salem, who missed out by a second, but let’s not forget that I was only a further four seconds behind. And falling short of a shot at the International Heavyweight title by all of five seconds wasn’t exactly easy to take. If it had been fifty-five seconds, or even fifteen seconds, it would’ve been much easier to accept, but five seconds? What can anyone even do in five seconds? Five seconds is nothing-- but for me, a few weeks ago, it might as well have been an eternity.

There is another longer, more drawn-out sigh from Lowri. She then smiles once more, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: The Beat The Clock Challenge may not quite have gone my way, but my time at the top will come eventually, Amanda. You can trust me on that.

Amanda Johnson: Of course, on the last episode of Flashpoint, you and Neal Durden teamed with the International Heavyweight Champion, Jimmy Page, against the winner of the Beat The Clock Challenge, Savannah Taylor, and the World Tag Team Champions, the Chaotics. Now, you told me previously that you were frustrated with the way your match with the Chaotics at A New Odyssey ended, and that you hoped to get a rematch with them, but do you think that being on the losing side against Logan Alexander and Ashlyn De Luca in that six man tag team match - especially with Neal being the one that was pinned - will have harmed your prospects of receiving another shot at the tag titles?

Lowri responds with a shrug.

Lowri Moss: I don’t know, Amanda. I really don’t know. Yes, the Chaotics got one over us three weeks ago, but it was Savannah who pinned Neal, not either Ashlyn or Logan, so as far as I’m concerned, I don’t think anything has changed: Pendragon and the Chaotics still have unfinished business. We may not have beaten them at A New Odyssey, but they didn’t beat us either, and I’m sure the fans want a rematch almost as much as we do… It’s not up to me or Neal - or the fans, for that matter - to decide whether we get a rematch though, so I suppose we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

She puts her hands on her hips and glances downwards at her new t-shirt. She then looks back up at Amanda.

Lowri Moss: I can say for definite that I’ll be at Only The Strong Survive in one form or another. However, whether I’ll be there as a competitor, or whether I’ll be there merely as a spectator, like I am tonight, remains to be seen. Obviously I want it to be the former, and I want to get one more shot at the Chaotics and the tag titles, but… like I just said, I’m going to have to wait and see what happens.

With something of a look of uncertainty on the face of Lowri, the camera cuts elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

Our cameras cut to the backstage area where the Denver audience boos loudly at the sight of Ashlyn De Luca, pacing back and forth with her half of the FGA World Tag Team Championships clutched against her shoulder. We appear to be fading in during the midst of a conversation, evident as De Luca’s gaze drifts off to someone toward her left.

Ashlyn De Luca: And again, the WHOLE point of last week was for us to get Page out of the picture early. Put him down. Hurt him, whatever it took, and then spend the rest of the match tearing Pendragon apart-- all three of us. It was supposed to benefit all of us, but instead I have Geoff Penzer out there making it seem like I’m some sort of showoff, going into business for myself. Like, can you BELIEVE that?

The camera pans over and the crowd lets out a more positive, supportive cheer as Logan Alexander is brought into the picture. Fresh off his match with James Edwards, Logan is being tended to by one of FGA’s trainers, who is tending to the cut on his forehead that had been opened early in the night by Edwards and then reopened by him during their match. The trainer is standing between the FGA Tag Team champions for a few moments, then steps aside, letting the two face one another directly. Logan finally opens his mouth to respond…

Ashlyn De Luca: And then-- and then for Page to get on social-freaking-media right before the gates open and say that I don’t have a spine? Me? Like-- hellloooo, I’m not the one that was so afraid of Chandler Scott that I tried to kill him just so I wouldn’t have to keep wrestling him. I’m a strategist and I’m treated like an absolute villain because of it. And it’s not fair, Logan.

Logan lets out a breath. He remains quiet while he glances aside and seems to consider his reply. He looks back at Ashlyn, seemingly to share his thoughts…

Ashlyn De Luca: But tonight, I have the chance to make Pendragon and Savannah and Jimmy all look so stupid, all at the same… damn… time.

She taps a finger against her head, giving Logan a wink.

Ashlyn De Luca: I’m gonna boost our stock so hard, dude. I’m gonna pin the International Heavyweight Champion clean on live televis… no-- I’m gonna tap him out to the Storybook Ending. I’m gonna stand tall at the end of this show with this title, the most important title in FGA above my head. Like-- what a STATEMENT, right? And coming out of this, every single news story about Flashpoint, about FGA, is gonna be about m… us.

She takes a long, deep breath, evidently fond of the idea.

Ashlyn De Luca: Yes…

Logan glances aside again as the trainer moves back over and resumes his work. He then looks back to Ashlyn.

Logan Alexander: Go out there and get it done then Ash. Opportunities like this don’t come along very often. We both know that you have the talent to put Jimmy Page down in the middle of the ring. Make it happen.

Ashlyn nods for a moment-- before she furrows a brow and quickly turn toward Logan. Her eyes travel from Logan, to the trainer, and back to her partner before she takes a step toward him, eyes hesitantly moving toward the cut on his head as the trainer tends to it.

Ashlyn De Luca: He didn’t like-- hurt you-hurt you, did he?

Logan arches an eyebrow at Ashlyn, which draws a look from the trainer since it shifted the skin around the cut he was attending.

Logan Alexander: Somewhat. I should’ve known better than to turn my back on James. I did a rather thorough job of provoking him after all. Going out to pick another fight with him wasn’t exactly the smartest idea either. I’d like to think I gave as good as I got… even if I egged him on a bit more out in the ring too.

Ashlyn moves closer to Logan, leaning toward him, a focused look on her face as she seems to study him for a moment. Though there’s a moment where her face softens… it seems to fade just as quickly as she narrows her eyes at her tag team partner.

Ashlyn De Luca: Maybe it’d be awesome if you made, like, less selfish choices and remembered that your actions…

Ashlyn lifts the Tag Team Title into frame, inevitably drawing a deep chorus of boos from the crowd.

Ashlyn De Luca: ...affect this... knowwhatimean?

Logan Alexander: You have no need to worry about that. Since we’ve been carrying these titles for over a year and weathering just about every kind of storm in the process. I’m quite well aware that everything we do is likely going to impact us in some way, shape or form down the line. That being said… when someone decides to cross a line with me, I’m not going to just let the matter drop. Edwards picked a fight with me and I gave him one in return, whether he really wanted it or not.

The live Denver crowd pops at the words, but Ashlyn takes a deep breath, raising a brow at Logan before nodding her head a bit.

Ashlyn De Luca: Noted.

Ashlyn turns her back to the wall, leaning back against it as she gives Logan a smirk, ignoring the trainer that tends to him.

Ashlyn De Luca: For the record… I told you there was something I didn’t like about him.

Logan seems about to nod, but remembering where he is, he halts himself and casts a glance at the trainer, who meets his gaze.

Logan Alexander: Of course.

He then looks back over at Ashlyn.

Logan Alexander: In his defense… it’s easy to become unlikable when you get full of yourself and start boasting about how you’re so much better than you’ve actually shown yourself to be.

The Denver audience immediately responds with a deep “OOOOOHHH…” and the comment seems to freeze Ashlyn in her tracks. She slowly turns toward Alexander, eyes narrowed for a few seconds…

Ashlyn De Luca: Ahah…

Ashlyn looks down for a moment before slowly making her way back toward Logan’s side. She seems to linger there for a moment, considering her words before she looks up toward the other half of the World Tag Team Champions.

Ashlyn De Luca: Logan, I swear to God…

There’s a silence there between the two as De Luca fixes a cold, unwavering glare on Alexander for a few seconds… until her face softens and she gives Logan the tiniest hint of a smirk.

Ashlyn De Luca: ...strike me dead if I ever become that person.

She gives Logan a liberal jab to the side after she says it, albeit giving him a playful wink before making her way to the doorway of the trainer’s room. Still wincing from the jab, Logan watches as Ashlyn makes her way to the doorway.

Logan Alexander: I’ll… keep that in mind.

Ashlyn De Luca: Mmhm. Next time you see me, Logan, our stock is gonna be sky-rocketing.

A deep exhale before Ashlyn backs out of the doorway, giving Logan a gentle smile.

Ashlyn De Luca: You’re welcome.

She blows her partner a kiss as she pivots, clutching the FGA World Tag Team Title to her right shoulder. One second and two steps later, and De Luca is out of frame, leaving Logan alone with the trainer. Logan sighs softly then glances up towards the trainer. The trainer glances back down at him and then shakes his head.

Logan Alexander: Yeah… That’s what I’d be doing if I could. Whether tonight or some other night later on, this isn’t going to end well…

With that, the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Chris Madison vs. Sloan Talbot

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Saint Michel, Monaco, weighing in at 248 pounds … SLOAN TALBOT!

The first few bars of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” begin to play as the lights pulsate in time with the music. Slowly the curtains part, and Sloan Talbot steps through - his pace slow and methodical.

“You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down...”

Sloan runs a hand through his hair as he makes his way down the aisle, a stoic expression on his face. Completely ignoring the fans either side of him Talbot reaches ringside, placing a knee on the apron before pulling himself up using the middle rope. He takes a quick glance around the arena before stepping into the ring and making his way to the corner.

Geoff Penzer: Last time we saw Sloan Talbot in action he defeated Night Train Ayano in a hard fought contest, but some people might say he’s got a tougher challenge on his hands tonight. But not before he staking his claim to the Gold Rush Rumble. He’s certainly one of the biggest men in the rumble match, but that might just mean he’ll have a target on his back. Even enemies might work together to eliminate him.

The arena's lights dim to black as the opening guitar riffs to "War Machine" by KISS begin to screech over the P.A. system. The video screen lights up with visual static noise. Suddenly in the center of the screen a black handprint begins pulsating to the beat of the drum that has began to play. A spotlight shines on the entrance ramp and we see Chris Madison standing with his head bowed under a black towel, wearing an official FGA licensed t-shirt that says, "Always Ready For War," across the chest. He nods his head to the music and as the chorus breaks he rips the towel from his head and tosses it into the live audience, starting his way down the ramp toward, the ring.

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent. Coming to the ring from Long Island, New York, weighing in at 220 pounds and standing six feet tall, "Mayhem" CHRIS MAAADDIISSOONN!!!

Madison makes it to the base of the steps and places one foot down before scoping out the fans directly behind him by peering over his shoulder. He smirks as the live audience sings along to the entrance music and then marches up the steps and climbs through the ropes. He immediately leaps up onto the middle rope and faces out towards the crowd. He brings his fists up to his face and punches his jaw with each hand before shooting his arms out horizontally with his hands wide open, welcoming whatever challenge is coming his way. Madison hops backwards, bouncing off of his feet and turns towards the center of the ring, snarling and ready to go…

The bell sounds to start the match as both men step towards the center of the ring; Talbot towering over his opponent by a good five inches, with that twenty pound weight advantage too, but Madison isn’t backing down. The jaw jacking starts up as Madison tells Sloan exactly what he thinks of him – before Chris fires off a couple of European uppercuts! He has Talbot reeling right off the bat, stumbling towards the ropes as Madison catches him with a boot to the gut before throwing Sloan out through the middle ropes.

The action heading outside early on as Sloan picks himself up off the protective mats. Madison follows him out, but Mayhem quickly runs into a clothesline as he’s taken off his feet. The slap of skin hitting the mats rings around the arena before Madison is brought back to his feet. Sloan grabbing him around the head before sending his opponent crashing back first into the steel guard rail!

Geoff Penzer: Sloan Talbot getting the better of his opponent early on here.

The referee starts the count out as Talbot puts the boots to his opponent on the outside. But neither man stays there for long. Talbot bringing the action back into the ring as he rolls Chris under the bottom rope – or most of him, as Sloan take the opportunity to drive an elbow into his face before climbing into the ring himself.

Madison manages to stand up on his own this time as Talbot slowly lurches towards him, but he still gets caught by a big forearm smash to the face. Madison stays on his feet though, and fires a forearm strike right back. And it’s not like Sloan Talbot is going to take too kindly to that! He fires one right back, knocking Madison back a step, before he lunges forward with another forearm to the jaw of the Monaco native! The crowd beginning to roar in excitement as the two men trade shots back and forth; ten, twelve, fourteen forearm strikes before finally Talbot looks to be gaining the upper hand. With his opponent stunned, Talbot runs back against the ropes. But Madison drops to the mat and Sloan jumps over him to hit the opposite ropes, coming back to a huge powerslam from Mayhem!

Geoff Penzer: What a powerslam! And that’s not an easy task for anybody.

Madison gets back to his knees, looking a little worse for wear after those forearm strikes. But he’s doing better than Talbot is right now; the Monaco native holding his back as he remains down, until Chris grabs him by the head and brings him back to a vertical base. Talbot is backed against the ropes before the chops start flying, as do the European uppercuts as Chris Madison brings the heat. An Irish whip follows as Sloan is sent across the ring, coming back to find himself on the receiving end of a back elbow strike! He stays on his feet, however, but spins around enough that Madison is able to grab him in a rear waistlock and take him down with a German suplex! No bridge, but Madison does move towards his opponent to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Talbot gets the shoulder up in plenty of time, and Madison knows he didn’t do enough to secure the fall. Undeterred, he brings Talbot back to a vertical base once again, and fires off some more European uppercuts. Talbot is staggered, but stays standing until he stares Madison square in the eyes. The two men standing still for a moment, staring at one another as the crowd cheer in excitement again. Madison fires off another European uppercut, rocking the big man, before he runs against the ropes. But Talbot is ready for him with a huge powerslam of his own! And into the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Madison throws the shoulder up, and this time it’s Sloan’s turn to glare down at his opponent.

Talbot stands back up, and he brings Chris with him, moving Mayhem back into the corner. From there, Sloan unleashes some fierce chops to the chest before going for an Irish whip. It sends Madison from pillar to post, and Sloan is in hot pursuit as he follows him in with a running clothesline! All 248 pounds put behind that one, and Madison staggers out of the corner, right into the waiting arms of his opponent for a sidewalk slam!

But Madison doesn’t stay down for long. He’s back to his feet as quick as humanly possible, only to get tagged by a couple of elbow strikes to the face. Another Irish whip follows, this time sending Madison against the ropes, before Talbot throws him down to the mat with a Samoan drop. With authority! But he can’t make a pin attempt as Madison rolls away to safety. Or as safe as the apron is. Talbot reaches over the top rope to grab his opponent under the chin, bringing Chris to his feet, albeit facing out towards the fans – the perfect position for some clubbing blows to the chest!

Geoff Penzer: Good grief, I can feel those shots from here!

The official calls for a break, but Talbot isn’t in the mood to obey anyone’s orders at this moment in time. Instead, he spins Madison around on the apron and hooks the head and waistband, hoisting him up overhead for Enter Tragedy! With a show of strength, Talbot keeps his opponent up in the air for a few seconds before finally bringing Madison crashing to the mat again, before rolling over and hooking the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Madison gets the shoulder up in time again, and Talbot almost shows a flicker of emotion there. He doesn’t let up at all though; Talbot bringing Mayhem back to his feet and throwing him back into the corner. From there, Sloan unleashes a barrage of shots to the midsection, wearing his opponent down further. An Irish whip follows sending Madison across the ring before Sloan runs in after him – NO!

Geoff Penzer: There’s still some fight left in him!

Madison gets the boot up, driving it into the face of Sloan Talbot as the big man staggers back a couple of steps. He tries again, running towards Madison, who thrusts a knee upwards into the jaw of Sloan Talbot! Feeling that second wind, Madison pops up to the middle rope and applies a front facelock, before delivering the tornado snap suplex out of the corner!

Geoff Penzer: Chris Madison may have just found a way back into this match!

Both men are down momentarily, but it’s Madison who reaches his feet first, followed close behind by Sloan Talbot. Madison lunges forward, connecting with a bicycle knee strike that rocks Talbot – but still he stays on his feet! It takes a moment to catch his breath, but Madison doesn’t let up; he fires off a series of low kicks to the legs of his opponent, before running against the ropes for momentum, coming back with a flying knee attack!

But still Talbot stays on his feet!

He staggers back against the ropes though, and bounces back right into the waiting arms of Chris Madison and an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! The ring shakes again as Talbot bounces off the mat, all the way across the ring and out under the bottom rope it would seem. Almost as if he’s escaping the inevitable pin attempt. On the outside, Talbot picks himself up and tries to shake off the cobwebs. But he has very little time to relax and find his center before Madison flies out of the ring with a suicide dive!

Geoff Penzer: Madison going airborne!

Sloan is sent crashing back against the guard rails, but Chris is on him in a flash, sending Talbot head first into the ring post mere moments later. Again, Talbot staggers away holding his head as Chris grabs him from behind and hurls the Monaco native head and shoulder first into the steel steps! They break off into two separate pieces upon impact, and Madison takes a moment to play to the crowd, getting more of them behind him as he rolls Sloan Talbot back into the ring – or most of him, anyway.

With his head and shoulders hanging out of the ring, Sloan finds himself at the mercy of his opponent, and the knee drop that follows – NO! Sloan rolls out of the way, and Madison hits nothin’ but apron with that one!

Geoff Penzer: That’s the hardest part of the ring right there!

Talbot manages to get back to his feet and brings Madison in through the ropes after grabbing him by the head. He unleashes a series of elbow strikes to the face, rocking Mayhem where he stands, before an Irish whip sends the New Yorker against the ropes. He’s caught by a big boot upon his return, knocking him down. But Madison bounces off the mat and gets back to his feet as Sloan grabs him around the throat, and throws him down with a huge chokeslam! With one hand on the chest, Sloan makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Geoff Penzer: A lazy cover by Sloan Talbot there.

Talbot grabs his opponent around the throat again, this time to bring Madison back to his feet before he throws him back into the corner. Sloan follows him in with a running back elbow, followed by some shoulder thrusts to the midsection before the referee finally intervenes. Not that Talbot wants to relent, however, so he opts instead to go for an Irish whip, sending Madison from pillar to post. He hits the far turnbuckle with force and Sloan follows him with a running clothesline!

Kris Cruise: Nobody home!

Madison dives out harm’s way as Talbot hits the turnbuckle chest first! He staggers back a step, right into the waiting arms of Chris Madison and a German suplex! The crowd cheer as they see Mayhem still has the arms hooked; he pops the hips and drags Sloan back to his feet for a second German. And a third one before he finally releases his grip.

Geoff Penzer: Impressive strength there by Chris Madison, but what can he do from here?

Both men are down momentarily, and the referee has no choice but to start the count out, even reaching a five count before either man stirs. But it’s Madison who gets up first, with Sloan just behind him. Madison launches himself upwards with a knee strike – but Sloan still has the wherewithal to dodge the attack and grab Madison in a rear waistlock. But Mayhem manages to find a way out with a go behind, and promptly hit the Comatosed again! This time Sloan stays on his feet though, so Chris uses what’s left of his energy to pick the big man up onto his shoulders in an electric chair position, before slamming him down with the German suplex!

Geoff Penzer: End Game! This has to be it!

Madison bridges it for the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!!!

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, CHRIS MADISON!

“War Machine” starts up once more as the crowd cheer, but Madison remains down on the mat for a few moments, his chest heaving with every breath.

Geoff Penzer: He did it! Chris Madison returns to form, defeating Sloan Talbot in a hard hitting contest! Neither man wanted to give an inch, but it’s Chris Madison who continues on his way towards the Gold Rush Rumble with a huge victory tonight.

After a few moments, Madison is able to get to his feet as the referee raises his arm. On the other side of the ring, Sloan Talbot sits up and stares at the man who just beat him. Emotionless, Sloan rolls out under the bottom rope to head backstage as Madison celebrates in the ring.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

As the lights in the arena dimmer down, there’s a sudden change to the atmosphere. All eyes fixate on the entrance ramp and the fans become quieter and quieter, patiently waiting for the inevitable.

Short Change Hero by The Heavy begins to play through the speakers, the silence quickly being broken with victorious roar that echoes through the arena. On the top of the stage, smoke begins to rise as appearing on the screen above reads;

YOUR HERO, AND MINE

A massive pop ensues as emerging from the returning Mark Storm; who keeps himself composed as he stands at the top of the entrance ramp. He can't help but allow his sadistic signature smirk to appear upon his lips as he closes his eyes and spreads his arms out wide, soaking in the energy that the audience are giving him as they applaud and cheer.

Geoff Penzer: The long awaited return of Your Hero and Mine!

He begins his walk down the entrance ramp, acknowledging a few of the fans in the front row, nodding his head and fist-bumping a young fan wearing his merch. Storm climbs the ring steps before stepping through the ropes, hoisting himself up onto the top rope and raises his fist high up in the air.

This ain't no place for no hero.
This ain't no place for no better man.
This ain't no place for no hero

Geoff Penzer: The former FGA Fifteen Champion has been out of action since October, with a cruciate ligament torn in his ACL keeping him sidelined. But Your Hero and Mine is back here on Flashpoint tonight, and I’m getting the impression that the fans are glad to see him back too!

“WELCOME BACK! … WELCOME BACK! … WELCOME BACK!”

For a few seconds Storm doesn’t say anything, instead choosing to appreciate the ovation he’s receiving from the fans, nodding his head in appreciation. As the chants begin to die down, Storm brings the microphone closer to his lips.

Mark Storm: I’m bigger. I’m better. I’m faster. I’m stronger.

He pauses, lowering his head for a second before turning to face directly at the camera.

Mark Storm: And only, the strongest survive. Your Hero and Mine, will be competing in the Gold Rush Rumble this year ladies and gentlemen.

A round of applause ensues as Storm comes to a halt with his speech.

Mark Storm: Last year, I captured my first ever championship here in Frontier Grappling Arts. It took me a hell of a long time to get to that stage but I did it, when I said I would. This year, I'm adding another championship belt to the list of accolades and it all starts at the Gold Rush Rumble. There's new grapplers who have come to Frontier Grappling Arts who are hungry, determined and have a bunch of talent unlike anywhere else in wrestling today. But there's one thing those new grapplers should know and that's that Flashpoint, is my domain.

Cheers and applause follow.

Mark Storm: Always has been and always will be, and as long as I'm here, there's no one who can tell me otherwise. Ladies and gentlemen, YOUR HERO AND MINE... I'll see you at Only the Strong Survive.

[FGA Office]

Page is sitting on top of a production crate with the FGA International Heavyweight sitting on his lap. He looks off into the distance, the title feeling almost like a bittersweet reality than a dream. Jimmy looks down at the title and then begins to convey his thoughts.

Jimmy Page: When I first came back after doing some soul searching, I didn't know what people would think of me. Deep down, I was scared, not knowing if people would take to me or throw me away again. Walking on eggshells, that's what some people would call it. But then people started to like me, they started to get behind my path of rehabilitation, and since then I've been grateful. And yes, I've done some things since I've come back that I'm going to regret the better half of my life; But I'll never regret turning to the fans for help.

Page nods, a bit content with his words. His eyes look up at the ceiling as more thoughts begin to swarm in his mind.

Jimmy Page: Most people wanted me to keep a level head during that entire ordeal. People wanted me to turn away, to not go down that road. What would people do if something important was taken from you? What would people do if that loss was rubbed in your face? I had to get my hands dirty to get this title. I did a bad thing, that had severe consequences. People won't let me forget, and I guess that's for the best. Being reminded of where my actions can take me--of the type of person that I was before--was what I needed. Because now I have the conviction to strive to be better than my past self. Chandler Scott despite his venom and his hatred towards me...it opened my eyes. There will be a time to fight, and sometimes you have to fight back, and I did. I fought and now I'm the FGA international Heavyweight Champion.

Page's expression turns serious.

Jimmy Page: And I'm going to keep fighting for this belt until someone takes it from me. Savannah Taylor's got all the momentum in the world, but even she's gonna see climbing my mountain is a hell of a lot tougher than her past campaigns. She told me that she's been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time. I have sympathy for that you see because it took me nearly 3 years to get that FGA Heavyweight Championship only to have it snatched from me. I know what it feels like to wait for a very long time for an opportunity like this. And each time I stepped through those ropes, I dedicated it to reach this point in my career!

So when Savannah Taylor shows me those hungry eyes, she better realize I've been starving since I even stepped in FGA...!! I'm going to go into Only The Strong Survive and I'm retaining this belt. And Taylor can bring up my past, she can make it seem as if she's faced bigger monsters than me, HELL laugh off the idea that maybe you've got a real fight on your hands! That just gives me more motivation to send you back down the mountain you've had to climb up for the last year. I will do what I have to do to win, and yeah, that means going to a certain place you might not like. Because you don't run away death. You don't write a check your ass can't cash. And you don't get in a land war with Jimmy Page...

Page leans in.

Jimmy Page: You really, really, really don't want to get in a land war with me Taylor.

He hops off the crate and sling the title over his shoulder. The camera catches his back in the shot as the scene begins to fade away to black.