Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22)

NEW

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:04:45 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:04:45 GMT -5

FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP
© Julian Tijerina vs. Ace Voltage

The arena goes dark and "Thunderstruck by AC/DC starts blaring over the sound system. As the words "THUNDER" are shouted into the arena each time, the lights flash yellow.

I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAILROAD TRACK

A white spotlight shines on the ramp and Ace Voltage appears from backstage, once the lyrics start going. He is wearing a black jacket with his name on the back and his light blue tights. He shines a smirk to the crowd, zips open the jacket to show off his torso and the rest of the lights come on, with yellow and blue lighting flashing around. He walks down the ramp, nodding his head to the music, laughing to himself when he hears the boos and insults from the crowd.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is for the FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger, from London, England! Weighing in at 15.8 stone... ACE VOLTAGE!

As he's going down the entrance ramp, he walks close to the guardrail ready to slap the hands of the one or two fans. Before he can slap their hands, he quickly rips his hands away, smirks to the booing fans and walks down to the ring. He jumps up onto the apron and steps into the ring. He walks to the corner, jumping on the second rope, looking out into the crowd. He raises an arm in the air, smirking and smiling to the fans. After a few seconds, he jumps down, takes his jacket off and waits for the match to start.

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage was in the midst of a historic reign as Pride Champion until he was defeated by Julian Tijerina. Now, the self-proclaimed Main Event of FGA is looking to regain the Pride Championship for a record second time.

Stephy Auger: There's nothing "self-proclaimed" about it, so get that right. Second of all, Ace Voltage will once again prove why he is the greatest Pride Champion ever when he wins back his gold here tonight.

The lights go out. A few seconds later, Tití Me Preguntó by Bad Bunny plays, the lights go back on as soon as Bad Bunny begins to sing, and "El Guapo, Julian Tijerrrrrrrrriiiiiiinnaa!!!" comes out as he is introduced by the lovely Maria, bathed in red and yellow spotlight and holding his championship, which he takes the time to smooch. He then pivots slowly for the benefit of the crowd before offering the championship to Maria on one knee. Finally, he gets back up to his feet, offers an arm to Maria, and with Maria carrying his title on her shoulder, they both make their way to the ring.

Melanie Sierra: His opponent, from Extremadura, Spain! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is the reigning and defending FGA Pride Champion! He is "El Guapo" JULIAN TIJERINA!

Julian helps Maria on the apron before he himself gracefully climbs inside the ring. Sitting on the middle rope, he helps Maria enter the ring, admiring her assets. Once inside the ring, Julian spins Maria on her toes, touting her for everyone to see, before he does the same on his toes with both arms stretched to either side and his head towards the ceiling. He stops and slowly, almost dramatically, shows off his attractive grin.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina has never lacked confidence. But that confidence is on a different level now after becoming the new Pride Champion.

Stephy Auger: He ended things with Brian Stryker, once and for all. To pour salt in the wound, he did the one thing that Stryker could never do and that's win the Pride Championship. With Maria and now Betsy Gallagher by his side, he's as dangerous as ever. But I still think that Voltage has what it takes to win here.

Kris Cruise: Voltage did successfully defend the Pride Championship against Tijerina at the Royal Albert Hall event earlier this year. Can he win this rubber match between the two of them tonight?

Julian then takes to the turnbuckle, which he climbs, and again stretches both arms to either side before applauding the fans, randomly pointing at people and then at Maria still carrying his title, blowing kisses at Maria, and occasionally winking at Maria. Finally, he goes back down, stretches with the ropes' help, and assists Maria and his title out of the ring before waiting for his opponent to get in the ring with him.

Tijerina and Voltage stare each other down. After the ref motions for them to shake hands, champion and challenger reluctantly extend their hands towards each other and do just that.

Tijerina motions to turn away from Voltage until Voltage yanks him back over towards him. The crowd boos as Voltage gets right in Tijerina's face and tells him that the Pride Championship is coming back home. He then delivers a smirk before turning away. But not just yet. Tijerina returns the favor and yanks Voltage back over towards him. The crowd cheers as Tijerina uses his free hand to wag his finger in Voltage's face. Voltage's eyes narrow as Tijerina uses his free hand to do the belt motion around his waist. Tijerina then turns to leave until Voltage yanks him into a short-arm punch to the face!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

The crowd erupts with boos over Voltage using a closed fist during a match with Pride Rules. The ref immediately warns Voltage that if he does it again, he's docking him a rope break. But Voltage doesn't care and nails Tijerina with another short-arm punch to the face. This time, Tijerina drops to the mat.

Kris Cruise: Voltage just costed himself a rope break there. That wasn't smart.

Voltage gets reprimanded by the officially while he keeps hold of Tijerina's hand. He then uses his free hand to deliver clubbing strikes across the back of the neck. Voltage continues to unload on Tijerina with strikes before finally letting go. He quickly backs up towards the ropes, then rushes forward before flattening Tijerina with the Ace of Spades (Shining Wizard)! The boos continue as he picks up Tijerina and lifts him up for a brainbuster. Tijerina counters by kicking his feet on the way up, which forces Voltage to lower him back down. Voltage tries to muscle him up for another brainbuster. This time, Tijerina blocks by dropping to a knee. Voltage quickly notices Tijerina's positioning, so he lets go, takes a couple steps back, then runs forward before hitting him with another Ace of Spades! NO! Tijerina rolls out of the way in time. Voltage scrambles back to a vertical base and sees Tijerina running towards him. So he lifts him up, turns and throws him down with authority with a spinebuster! Tijerina immediately grabs the back of his head with both hands before Voltage pulls him back up.

Kris Cruise: Tijerina got rocked on that spinebuster. The back of his head smacked hard on the canvas.

Voltage goes to hoist Tijerina up for another brainbuster. This time, Tijerina knees him in the head on the way up. After being lowered back down, Tijerina turns and takes off into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, he comes to a stop when he sees Voltage run past him towards the same set of ropes. Voltage returns off the rebound before getting dropped with a superkick. NO! Voltage catches the foot, swings the leg away from him and takes control of Tijerina's back. Voltage then tries for a German Suplex, but again, Tijerina kicks his legs on the way up. After being lowered back down, Tijerina catches Voltage with four back elbows to the face before nailing him with a Pelé Kick! Voltage stumbles back while Tijerina gets up and hits the far ropes. Tijerina returns off the rebound before Voltage grabs him, runs and chucks him over the top rope!

Luckily for Tijerina, he lands safely on the apron.

Voltage runs over to attack, but Tijerina doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Tijerina then takes control of Voltage and goes for a suplex to the outside!

Stephy Auger: Oh no!

Voltage is able to slip down from behind. The crowd gasps when Voltage immediately takes control of Tijerina's back and tries to chuck him off the apron with a German Suplex. Tijerina can be seen hanging onto the ropes for dear life. He's eventually able to catch Voltage with a well-placed back elbow to the jaw, breaking the hold.

Tijerina staggers over towards the ring post. He then rushes over to attack, only to get caught with a back elbow to the face. After a boot to the midsection doubles him over, Voltage lifts him up for a brainbuster on the apron. Tijerina's able to slip down from behind, hop up onto Voltage's shoulders, flip back and spike him with a poison rana on the apron!

*THUD*

The cheers continue as Voltage crumbles to the floor.

Kris Cruise: What a counter from Tijerina! Voltage kept going for the brainbuster over and over until it eventually backfired on him.

Tijerina rolls to the floor, picks up Voltage and rolls him back inside. After rolling himself back in, he jumps up and down before frantically waving Voltage back to his feet. Once a groggy Voltage gets up on one knee, Tijerina gives him a finger gun taunt before rushing over and flattening him with the Brillante Knee (Shining Wizard)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Julian Tijerina - 1
Ace Voltage - 0

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Tijerina finds himself up 1-0. Voltage's back is against the wall now, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: We've seen people come back down 0-1 to win these matches. I still trust Ace. My faith in him hasn't wavered.

Kris Cruise: I still give Voltage a chance, too. But even he din't expect to lose a fall this quickly. You've got to wonder if he can recover from that rana on the apron and the Brillante Knee.

Once the bell sounds to end the mandatory rest period, Tijerina runs over and connects with a front dropkick, knocking Voltage through the ropes to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Voltage gets sent back to the outside! Tijerina isn't wasting any time.

Stephy Auger: He's moving with urgency. I'll give him that.

Tijerina cups his hand to his ear. Upon hearing the reaction from the crowd, he takes off into the ropes. The Spanish Sweetheart returns off the rebound and executes a baseball slide into a headscissors takeover, sending Voltage staggering into the ring post! Voltage bounces off the post, turns around and gets a tilt-a-whirl headscissors that sends him back into the ring under the bottom rope.

Tijerina leaps up to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Down below, Voltage turns over to a knee and tries to shake out the cobwebs. Once he gets back to his feet and turns around, Tijerina stands up, leaps off and knocks him down with a Shotgun Dropkick!

NO!

The crowd boos when Voltage swats him down before turning him over into a Sharpshooter!

Stephy Auger: YES!

Kris Cruise: Voltage countered the dropkick off the top before applying the submission!

Stephy Auger: I told you not to count him out!

Tijerina can be heard screaming in pain while he remains trapped in the hold. The ref quickly gets down and asks him if he wants to give up. Tijerina doesn't want to give up this fall. He doesn't want to give up his championship. He refuses. So Voltage pulls back, increasing the pressure of the hold.

Stephy Auger: He's really got it sunk in now!

Kris Cruise: Just as quick as Tijerina was up a fall, this match can quickly get tied 1-1 if he can't get to the ropes in time.

Tijerina continues to cry out in pain. The ref keeps constant dialogue with Tijerina and gives him every chance to give up. But Tijerina won't take it. The champion wants to continue to fight. Maria can be seen on the outside slapping the apron and cheering him on. So he reaches forward, plants his palm on the mat and slowly pulls himself forward. Tijerina lets out a grunt as he struggles to pull himself forward again. The crowd gets louder and louder as they rally behind Tijerina and try to will him towards the ropes. Voltage can be seen looking around with worry as Tijerina continues to scratch and claw his way towards the side of the ring. Tijerina reaches out... and grabs the bottom rope, forcing a rope break!

Kris Cruise: Tijerina got to the ropes!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Voltage reluctantly breaks the hold. He then quickly grabs Tijerina by the ankle, drags him back towards the center of the ring, turns him over onto his back and delivers stomps to each limb. He then pulls Tijerina up, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner, connects with a clothesline and follows up with a running bulldog. Voltage pulls Tijerina back to his feet before planting him with a DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Voltage pulls up Tijerina, lifts him up and plants him with a Cradle DDT! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Voltage grabs Tijerina by the hair and pulls him back to his feet. He then lifts Tijerina up before finally planting him with a brainbuster! Voltage makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: Voltage finally hit in!

Stephy Auger: Now it's over.

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

The crowd applauds when Tijerina gets the shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How the hell was that not three!?

Voltage yanks up Tijerina and whips him into the corner. The former Pride Champion rushes over and blasts him with Thunderstruck (Helluva Kick)!

NO!

Tijerina slips out of the way. Voltage's right leg hangs over the top rope before Tijerina grabs him from behind and fully sits him up on the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: What does Tijerina have in mind here?

Tijerina climbs up to the middle ropes, grabs Voltage and brings him down with an avalanche belly to back suplex!

NO!

Voltage turns in mid air and crashes down on top of Tijerina!

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

The crowd applauds when Tijerina gets the shoulder up.

Voltage sizes Tijerina up. When Tijerina turns over to a knee, Voltage returns the favor and flattens him with a Shining Wizard!

Stephy Auger: Ace of Spades!

Voltage drags Tijerina into position before stepping out to the apron. He scales to the top, flips off and crashes down on top of Tijerina with High Voltage (450 Splash)!

NO!

Tijerina rolls out of the way, causing Voltage to crash onto the mat!

NO!

Voltage lands on his feet before his moment sends him rolling toward. Voltage turns around, runs over and gets knocked off his feet with a superkick! Tijerina picks up Voltage before bringing him down with the Four Amigos (Vertical Suplex rolled into a Snap Suplex rolled into a Brainbuster rolled into a Cross-legged Fisherman Buster)! The cheers continue as Tijerina pulls him up to a knee before knocking him back down with a Brillante Knee! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Kris Cruise: Tijerina's done it!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOO!

The crowd cheers as "Tití Me Preguntó" blasts over the PA.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner and STILL the FGA Pride Champion, JULIA TIJERINA!

The cheers continue as Tijerina gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Tijerina won in two straight falls, Stephy! I can't remember the last time that happened.

Stephy Auger: I don't think it has happened.

Kris Cruise: I can't remember. Julian Tijerina, though. What we did tonight by beating a man of Voltage's caliber in two straight falls, that's no easy feat.

With Betsy Gallagher now in the ring, Tijerina and Maria celebrate with a group hug. After Maria places the Pride Championship around Tijerina's waist, her and Gallagher raise Tijerina' arms in victory. The celebration ends up being cut short as "Step into a World (Rapture's Delight)" starts to knock through the speakers. Out from the back steps TJ Techniques.

The Funky Technician bumps fists with the few lucky fans on each side of the aisle while he approaches the ring. Upon reaching the edge of the aisle, he calls for a mic. Melanie Sierra is quick to hand her microphone over to him. Once the music dies down, Techniques takes his time circling the ring. He doesn't take his eyes off of Tijerina. Inside the ring, the trio of Tijerina, Gallagher and Maria look on. TJ looks out to the cheering crowd before turning back to the man of the hour.

TJ Techniques: Julian, Julian, Julian. That was a nice lil performance you just put on, boy. Was it the classic that me and my man Sparrow gave to the people just a lil while ago? Nah, not at all. BUT... but, you did your thing, and that should be congratulated.

Tijerina stands back and spreads his arms out. Gallagher and Maria quickly take their cue and applaud the reigning Pride Champion.

TJ Techniques:... and that's where the congratulations stop. I ain't out here to kiss your ass. I ain't out here to throw a bunch of confetti for you. I'm here... for what you got around that waist of yours.

The crowd cheers at that line. A quick cut to Tijerina shows the smile quickly leaving his face.

TJ Techniques: I'm gon' make this brief. Once upon a time, there used to be a man by the name of Brian Stryker.

The mention of Stryker's name gets a mixed reaction from the crowd.

TJ Techniques: That man went on a "Quest for 4", a quest for four successful title defenses of his 15 Championship. If he made it to that magic number, he was given two choices. He could either keep his title... or he could cash it in for a guaranteed shot at the Pride Championship. Brian, bein' the man that he is, went on to cash in that title for a shot at the Pride Title. Unfortunately for Brian, he never got around to gettin' that title shot. Why? Because he was on the wrong end of an attack that was set up by the man that's currently wearin' the Pride Title right now.

There's a mixed reaction over Tijerina's former ways.

TJ Techniques: Earlier tonight, I was faced with a similar decision. I could either keep my 15 Championship, or I could trade it in for a shot at Sparrow's US Title. As you can see by title that's on my shoulder, I decided to keep championship.

TJ looks down at the 15 Championship before turning back to Tijerina with a smirk.

TJ Techniques: ... but who said anything about keepin' it for good.

The crowd pops over the hint that TJ just dropped.

TJ Techniques: Jules, once upon a time, you denied Brian Stryker his rightful shot at the Pride Championship. You ain't about to deny me. So referee...

TJ takes the 15 Championship off his arm and holds it out for the official. The crowd roars with cheers over The Funky Technician handing over the title belt. After giving up the 15 Championship, TJ makes his way up the steps. He takes in the "TJ!" chants before turning his attention back to Tijerina.

TJ Techniques: Consider yourself put on notice. You gon' see me real soon. So I suggest you and this lil throuple you got goin' on...

TJ smirks as he points between Tijerina, Maria and Gallagher.

TJ Techniques: I suggest y'all take all the photos and make all the memories you can with that title, cause I'm comin' for that Pride Championship! Now peep that.

With that, TJ flicks the mic down over at Tijerina's feet before dropping off the apron. Tijerina can be seen shaking his head before unbuckling the Pride Championship from around his waist, walking over towards the ropes and raising it high in the air. TJ simply shakes his head and makes the belt motion around his waist.

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 14:59:27 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:04:51 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:04:51 GMT -5

We cut to the backstage interview area to find John Carmichael standing there, resplendent in a sharply-tailored suit and a pair of dark aviator sunglasses, but the most telling part of his attire is the FGA World Championship belt which he is carrying on his shoulder which is holding the weight of the title effortlessly – and it is not the physical weight that his shoulder is carrying

John Carmichael: Oh, this thing…?

Tapping his finger against the belt’s faceplate, Carmichael lets the viewers know that this is no cheap, plastic replica

John Carmichael: $349.99 on ShopFGA, and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it is money well spent – which is why somebody in Talent Relations will be receiving an expenses claim for every last cent first thing in the morning

With one hand still on the title belt, Carmichael uses his free hand to remove his aviators and tuck them between a couple of buttons on his white dress shirt, and after adjusting the belt on his shoulder he continues

John Carmichael: So tonight’s the night. The night that so many people of this company will have dreamed about for years. The night which, a few years ago, I dreamed about because it looked like all the long drives along interstates that look the exact same, the long hours in airport departure lounges waiting for the red eye to get me somewhere close to home once more, the morning where I woke up and found myself trying to work out if those were new bruises or the ones from the show before last still hadn’t healed up, every single time I set foot in the ring and gave my heart, my soul and my youth for this company, I thought that it was finally going to mean something. There was I, with each and every one of you easily-distracted hypocrites behind me, willing me onto victory, willing me to my moment in the sun, and for what? So you could say you got your money’s worth before you switched your attention to the next shiny object, be it Kol, be it Evan Envi, be it Fujiko Mine, be it…Lowri Moss

Already tiring of the bit, Carmichael pulls the replica title off of his shoulder and places it under his arm

John Carmichael: I’m sure that you have plenty to say about me taking you out a few shows ago, Lowri. I’m sure you already have, in fact, said plenty about me. But you know what you haven’t done? You haven’t asked why I decided to make my move and remind you that I am here, and I am not going away

A beat

John Carmichael: I’m an easy guy to find, Lowri. If nothing else, all you had to do was stand in the ring and say my name and I would have come right out and told you, but you never did. No, you kept your distance, said what you thought but never considered asking. And I have to say, Lowri, I am very disappointed that is how you decided to go about things, because while there are a lot of words people have used against me ever since I realised that trying to please people who are only ever interested in spitting you out when they have extracted every last drop of flavour from you, not one of them has been able to say that I was not being honest with them the whole time. So here is why I decided that it was time I reminded you that I am here: because it was time

Once again, a beat

John Carmichael: I know that sounds like some kind of copout, “It was time”, but it only seems like a copout if you don’t look at the wider picture. Why was it time? I’ll tell you…actually, no, I’ll ask you: what were you doing on 19th November 2019?

The look on Carmichael’s face as he looks directly down the camera lens, practically burning a hole into it and, by implication, Lowri Moss makes it abundantly clear that this particular date is important

John Carmichael: Maybe that’s not fair, after all you probably do vaguely remember that date, because you and your former partner happened to be occupied with a match of your own that night, but that also proves my point: that date was a date where you were somebody that the crowd were starting to latch onto, even though you were one half of a tag team, while I was headlining that night, in a three-way match for the International Heavyweight Championship. And do you remember something about that match? I stated, in the buildup to the match, that it was time for me to prove to myself I could win and was willing to put my career on the line because, if I couldn’t win, then what was the point of carrying on if I couldn’t even save my own career. And yet…and yet…

Mulling over those two words brings a rueful look to Carmichael’s face, or at least it seems that way as he begins to grit his teeth together

John Carmichael: …what did I hear in that match? “LET’S GO CORDY”, because apparently I wasn’t good enough anymore, instead the crowd decided I was yesterday’s news and wanted Cordy Stevenson to emerge victorious, my career be damned. Cordy Stevenson. Another helicopter talent who stayed away until their ego and their bank balance needed a boost, and the fanbase lapped it up every single time. Oh, they chanted “Please don’t go” at me at the next show, when I was intending to be true to my word, but in that moment their hypocrisy told me that putting my heart and soul into one match didn’t matter, so what needed to happen was the heart and soul of this company were rotten and I had to at least try and do something about it. And I did, I sent the self-proclaimed heart and soul of this company out the door on a stretcher, and why? Because it needed to be done

Pausing for a moment to take a breath, Carmichael places a hand over his mouth before wiping it down his chin, and once he has done that he continues

John Carmichael: Ever since I decided that this company needed to change its way of thinking, I have been met with resistance. I have had Izzy Anders go out of her way to prevent me from winning a Gold Rush Rumble. I have had Chandler Scott stand in my way because he’s Chandler Scott and his word is law – vox populi, vox dei indeed…

Carmichael can’t help but let out a chuckle at that one

John Carmichael: I knew there would be resistance to telling a few dozen hard truths to swallow, but when people make it their mission to stop me taking that final step forward because they don’t like what they hear, that is why I decided to act, and that is why I attacked you to make sure that I had your full attention. You should count yourself lucky, Lowri, that I didn’t enlist two or three or four people to back me up while I put a beatdown onto you, because that would’ve maybe been the most perfect moment of irony considering how so many of those hypocrites think of me as the guy getting kicked around on the mat by one faction after another, so maybe I should have tried to see how the other half live for a change. But then again, as I said, I have always been honest with people, no matter how much they don’t like it

For a moment it looks like Carmichael is going to continue on this track, as he raises a finger as if to illustrate a point – but then he shakes his hand a couple of times and, after a moment of silence as he does so, changes tack completely

John Carmichael: So how have you felt things have been going for you this year, anyway? Have you noticed the noise from the cheap seats has been consistent? Have you noticed it, if anything, growing in intensity? Or has there been a voice in the back of your mind noticing there seems to be a wave of apathy beginning to swell? Maybe those cheers last a second or two less than they used to? Maybe when they are chanting your name to rouse you off the mat they sound less enthused and more than they are doing so out of habit? Can you look me in the eye and say, with conviction that what you are saying is true, that you still have their interest – or do you find yourself finding it hard to get to sleep at night as you wonder if there is somebody in the wings waiting to bump you off your pedestal in the most undignified manner possible, leaving you in a place where you can at least point to the record books and say you have done X, Y and Z – but every time you say that you notice those happened that little bit longer ago than the last time you said it?

A beat

John Carmichael: I’ve been there. I know. That’s why I was willing to put my career on the line to stop myself becoming one of those vets who can never quite get to where they once were

The shrug that Carmichael gives after saying this is almost apologetic, rather than anything malicious

John Carmichael: Ultimately, this is why I sought to grab your attention. Because it has been three years since that day when I realised that it is not worth trying to please a group of people who are only ever interested in Whose Next, and that is too long. You and I both know there is a big reason why that gap is so wide, because everybody who showed up paid the price a hundred times to keep walking forward in 2020 and into 2021 because we all knew the risks we were taking to set foot inside the building, but I have spent 2022 watching those faces in the crowd fall back into their old patterns of doing what they are told and cheering for the person who is placed on a pedestal before them, as if what I have shown them was for nothing. And it’s time for that to end, and the reality is that you are in the one position where I can make that end, because you were the anointed one and everything was made so easy for you ever since the 19th of November 2019, while I have faced resistance from far too many people who want to maintain everything that is sick inside the heart of this company. And that is why this…

Carmichael holds up the replica title, raising it with a suddenness that causes the strap to swing wildly as it dangles below his hand

John Carmichael: …this is something which represents the idea of being a champion, something that people aspire to from the day they walk in the door of this company for the first time, but the problem is that the belt which you carry, the one which I raised into the air after leaving you laid out so that you knew that I was demanding your attention, that has become just as fake. Just look at the title history and you’ll see what I mean: there’s an asterisk in the lineage thanks to the International Heavyweight Championship, a title which only existed because Evan Envi only deigned to put in half the workload that he could have, was merged into the one you hold. And you can guess who the first person to hold that title was. That’s right, Mr Heart & Soul himself…

Taking a deep sigh, Carmichael looks at the camera with a “Really…?” expression writ large across his face, and with a shake of the head he continues

John Carmichael: And yet that clarity is so beautiful in its simplicity. You were the first person to hold this unified championship who did not have a part in the twisted lineage that came before you, and that is why I decided that if this company was going to try and stop me competing for it the honest way, I would have to bend the rules a little so that you would give me a shot at the title as close to the third anniversary of me being so stupid to put my career on the line for what could only ever be called half a championship as I could get. Because this is the point, Lowri: I do want to lift that title once again, not because of thoughts of personal glory or any of those reasons that took me to the title what almost feels like yesterday but a glance at the title history will tell me was five years ago, but because it is the logical end point for what I have said ever since that fateful day. This company has needed somebody to take it and shake it out of some bad habits, and there is only one way to make sure that they are listening: by holding the most valued prize in this company, because when the one person carrying the company on their back tells them how things will now be, there is not a single person who can impede their progress because they have already got what those people wasted so much time and effort to try and stop

Dropping the replica title to the floor, Carmichael looks straight down the camera as if he is addressing Lowri Moss directly

John Carmichael: I hope that you feel that the title has been good to you this entire time you have held it, Lowri, because the time you have had together is coming to an end tonight. Not out of malice, not out of spite, but out of necessity. I am sure that you will have good memories of your reign…most of it, anyway, and I am not going to take those from you. What I am going to take is the belt you currently hold and everything that it means, and if those people on the wrong side of the ringside area have a problem with me doing so then I shall let them know right now: I don’t care what they think, because this is going to have to happen and it has to happen now. And remember, as I have already said, I have only ever been honest when I say what I am going to do and why I am going to do it.

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 14:59:54 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:04:55 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:04:55 GMT -5

FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
© Lowri Moss vs. John Carmichael

The arena lights dim as the unmistakable sound of Ray Manzarek's keyboard intro to When the Music's Over fills the arena, and as it builds The Lizard King himself speaks.

Yeah, c'mon

The intro continues to build and build, to the point where it starts to feel more than a little self-indulgent that the crowd are being kept waiting that little bit too long in a darkened arena, that is until the song decides it's had its fun and kicks into gear.

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

And as the dirtiest of Bobby Krieger riffs rings out across the arena we see John Carmichael standing at the top of the ramp with his eyes closed and head tilted back for a second as he lets his arrival wash over those in the crowd and their immediate response wash right past him like water off a duck's back until he's good and ready and decides to start strolling to the ring.

When the music's over
When the music's over, yeah
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Yeah

Taking his time as he walks down the ramp, Carmichael makes sure that anyone and everyone within earshot who wants to say anything to him is met with a condescending look to remind them of their place in relation to his, namely he's the guy they paid to see while they're people who can shout a lot but nothing else.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! From Queens, New York! Weighing in at 233 pounds! He is "The Backbone of FGA"... JOHN CARMICHAEL!

When the music's over
When the music's over
When the music's over
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights

Once he makes his way to ringside, Carmichael climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron, coming to a halt halfway along where he turns to face the crowd before he slowly raises his right arm, taking his time to milk the crowd response before doubling down on riling them up by raising the index finger on his hand even more slowly, and judging by the look on his face he's loving every second of taking up their time before he steps between the ropes into the ring.

When the music's over
When the music's over
When the music's over
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights

Once inside the ring Carmichael simply shrugs the leather jacket off of his shoulders and folds it over his arm for a moment before shoving it into the chest of the referee and turning his back on him, and once he's done that Carmichael climbs the nearest turnbuckle and climbs to the middle rope where he stands, not to pose or appeal to the crowd but just to make sure that they know he's there and he's the focus of their attention.

For the music is your special friend
Dance on fire as it intends
Music is your only friend

For a split second the song cuts out, and in that second Carmichael hops off the turnbuckle and walks to the middle of the ring, where he once again stands with no pose or appeal, just a spotlight which is on him the entire time.

Until the end
Until the end

Finally Carmichael drops to a knee and lowers his head, knowing what's coming.

Kris Cruise: In John Carmichael's mind, his attacks on Lowri Moss haven't been personal. He targeted her because it was time. According to John Carmichael, FGA is rotten and the only way to change this company's way of thinking is by holding the top championship. But in my mind, Stephy, the attacks on Lowri have made it personal, for her.

Stephy Auger: The truth hurts, Cruise, and over the past number of years, Carmichael had told some harsh truths about this company. Tonight, though, he finally gets back the championship that was wrongfully taken from him in the first place. He says it's not about personal glory. But getting back that World Championship, the same championship that was stolen from him at this very event, deep down, just the thought has to feel good. And it's going to feel even better when he gets crowned champion again.

Until the...END

Right on cue with that Jim Morrison bellowing that last word, Carmichael once again raises his right arm and with it the index finger on his hand, at which point he raises his head to reveal the look of the cat who got the canary, or more accurately somebody who is looking the crowd in the face and outright laughing in their faces knowing they can't and won't do a damn thing about it.

“Loner Boogie” by Boy Azooga plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, Lowri Moss walks through the curtains, out onto the stage, with a broad smile on her face and her title around her waist.

Melanie Sierra: His opponent, from Llanelli, Wales! Weighing in at 142 pounds! She is the reigning and defending FGA World Champion, LOWRI MOSS!

Lowri takes a moment to scan the cheering crowd, before making her way towards the ring, and as she does so, she slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to her.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael says that Lowri has had it easy. But there's been nothing easy about Lowri's rise to the top. On three separate occasions, she's been a double champion. She's been on record-breaking and record-tying runs as both one half of the World Tag Team Champions, as well as World Champion. She's defeated multiple Hall of Famers since being crowned World Champion. Tonight, she may very well add another name to that list.

Stephy Auger: But here's the thing. Carmichael isn't being driven by ego. He isn't being driven by personal glory. He's taken any and all emotion out of this. Carmichael is like no one that Moss has been in the ring with before.

Kris Cruise: I'll agree that Carmichael could very well end up being Lowri's toughest test to date. He isn't like anything she's faced thus far as World Champion. But if you listened to that spiel from Carmichael, you will quickly realize that this is about his ego, this is about personal accolades and that he's very much emoti-

After arriving at ringside, Lowri climbs the steps up onto the ring apron. The crowd erupts with boos when Carmichael runs over and socks Moss with a haymaker as she's stepping through the ropes.

Kris Cruise: What the hell, Carmichael!

Stephy Auger: Protect yourself at all times, Cruise. That's "Combat Sports 101" right there!

The bell sounds as Carmichael grabs the top rope with both hands before putting the boots to Moss. Carmichael continues to stomp a mudhole in Moss before applying a foot choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Carmichael steps off of Moss' neck... only to step back on it with the opposite foot and apply another foot choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Carmichael puts his hands in the air and steps away... only to rush back over, drops to his knees and apply a two-handed choke.

Kris Cruise: Enough's enough, ref! Come on!

Stephy Auger: Enough's enough? I'll tell you what's enough. John Carmichael has seen enough of his efforts go to waste. He's had enough of putting his body on the line for these idiots, only for them to turn their attention to the next big thing. He's had enough of dedicating his life to a company that never respected his efforts.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIV-!

Carmichael breaks the choke. He then grabs Moss by the hair with both hands, yanks her back to her feet and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Carmichael turns her around before doubling her over with hard right hands to the midsection. He then steps back and sizes Moss up before rushing back over and dropping her to her back with I Am Wrestling (Mr. Wrestling II Knee Lift)!

Stephy Auger: Did you see how her head snapped back! I bet she doesn't even know where she is right now!

Carmichael stomps Moss partially underneath the bottom rope before reaching down and hooking both arms around her legs. He then looks out to the booing crowd before dropping back, catapulting Moss throat-first against the bottom rope. Moss quickly clutches her throat with both hands before turning over into the prone position. Carmichael is quick to drop and roll to the outside. He then grabs Moss by the back of the neck with both hands before pressing down and choking her against the edge of the apron. The crowd lets Carmichael have it while the ref gives to to the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIV-

Carmichael purposely breaks the choke late again. He then steps back, sizes Moss up, heads over and nailing her with another high knee lift. Another high knee lift connects. The boos grow louder when Carmichael unloads with rapid knee lifts to the face.

Stephy Auger: I bet you didn't see this coming!

Kris Cruise: John Carmichael taking the cheap route? No, I unfortunately did see this coming. It's just a shame that Lowri was jumped before she could fully get into the ring.

Carmichael climbs up to the apron before reaching down and fully pulling Moss out to the apron with him. He then brings Moss back to her feet and hooks both arms before throwing her off the apron with a double underhook suplex to the floor!

Kris Cruise: What a suplex from Carmichael!

Stephy Auger: Did you hear that thud after her back smacked against the floor? I'm sure that rattled her insides.

Carmichael takes Moss and rolls her back inside. He quickly rolls himself back in, drags Moss away from the ropes and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael makes another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael covers her again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael snatches up Moss, brings her towards the side of the ring and chokes her across the middle rope.

Kris Cruise: Another damn choke by Carmichael! He can't keep getting away with this.

Stephy Auger: "He can't keep getting away with this." That's what a helpless Karma would say after spending years getting jumped over and over, only for the crowd to rally behind their favorites instead of rallying behind him. Now, it's Carmichael that's dishing out the punishment. He's far from helpless now.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Carmichael breaks the choke before taking off into the far ropes. He picks up speed off the rebound before bashing Moss in the face with the 718 (with an opponent lying on the ropes, Carmichael runs in and swings a knee through the ropes to knee them in the head)! He drops down and makes the cover.

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

Carmichael grabs Moss by the hair and pulls her up to a seated position before hitting the ropes. When Carmichael returns, he flattens Moss with a running dropkick to the shoulder. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss gets her other shoulder up.

Carmichael snatches Moss up off the mat before throwing her down with a scoop slam. After pulling her back up to a seated position, Carmichael scales up to the middle turnbuckle, leaps backwards for a diving back elbow drop... and gets countered with a cross armbar!

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss with a perfectly timed counter!

Stephy Auger: It's about time she started to fight back.

Kris Cruise: Maybe if she wasn't jumped before the match even started, this would have been more of a fair fight.

Stephy Auger: Oh boo hoo. She's the World Champion. She should know the drill by now.

Carmichael immediately locks his hands as Moss desperately tries to hyper-extend the arm. He then turns over to a knee, returns to a vertical base as he hoists Moss off the mat and then slams her down hard on the mat to break the hold.

Stephy Auger: HA! So much for that submission!

Carmichael returns to his feet, hooks his arms around Moss legs and leans back to catapult her into the corner. The crowd cheers when Moss lands on the middle ropes before stepping up to the top turnbuckle. Once Carmichael returns to his feet and turns around, Moss flips back and knocks him down with a moonsault! NO! Carmichael catches her across his shoulder. He then runs forward to lawn dart her outside the ring. At the last second, Moss slips down from behind, pushes him against the ropes, rebounds back and brings him down with an O'Connor Roll!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base. The crowd cheers when Moss strikes first with a roundhouse kick. She then sets up for an irish whip until Carmichael reverses, sending her crashing hard into the corner. The turnbuckles clatter while Moss drops down to a knee.

Moss remains down while Carmichael steps out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael looks to be going to the top here...

Carmichael starts to climb the turnbuckles. As soon as he gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Moss quickly gets back up, runs up to the middle ropes, hooks one of Carmichael's arms and throws him down with an avalanche japanese arm drag!

Kris Cruise: What a counter from the champion! She needed to do something to keep him down.

Carmichael be seen arching his back in pain while he lays on the mat. After he slowly turns over onto a knee, Moss is right there to flatten him with a Shining Wizard! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Moss picks up Carmichael, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Moss looks out to the cheering crowd before slamming him face-first into the top turnbuckle again. She hears the loud cheers before doing it again. Moss then repeatedly slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FIVE!"

"SIX!"

"SEVEN!"

"EIGHT!"

"NINE!"

"TEN!"

Moss turns Carmichael around and starts to light up his chest with multiple shoot kicks to the chest. After the last shoot kick doubles Carmichael over, she cups her hand underneath his chin and stands him back up before unleashing another series of shoot kicks to the chest. The thud from each kick can be heard throughout the arena.

Kris Cruise: Moss is unloading on Carmichael with those educated feet. This match was a mauling after that cheap shot before the opening bell! Now it's Moss' turn to give it right back to him!

Moss takes Carmichael, delivers an irish whip, follows him across the ring and connects with a running European Uppercut. She then delivers another irish whip, follows Carmichael back across the ring and connects with another running European Uppercut. Moss grabs Carmichael, delivers another irish whip, follows him across the ring and...

*CRACK!*

Blasts him with a bicycle knee strike! She then delivers another irish whip, follows Carmichael back across the ring and connects with a spinning heel kick in the corner. The cheers continue as Carmichael crumbles to the mat. Moss then steps out to the apron. She starts to scale the turnbuckles. She then stops once she sees Carmichael slowly roll away from the corner.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Stephy Auger: Good on Carmichael. That's that veteran ring awareness right there.

Carmichael gets up on all fours before finally returning to a vertical base. When Carmichael finally turns around, the crowd cheers when Moss leaps off the top and knocks him down with a diving crossbody!

NO!

Carmichael rolls through it, keeps Moss held as he gets back to his feet, hoists her up onto his shoulders and then brings her down with Spite (fireman's carry into backbreaker)! The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

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

Moss gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael picks up Moss and whips her hard into the corner. After Moss staggers away from the corner, Carmichael slams her down with authority with the Salt of the Earth (tilt-a-whirl over the shoulder powerslam)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Moss gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael tries to throw Moss through the ring on that one.

Stephy Auger: It's a shame that he didn't!

Carmichael takes Moss and sends her for the ride. Moss returns off the rebound before getting brought down with Life's A Bitch (pop up sitdown powerbomb)!

NO!

Moss gets hosted in the air before countering with a dropsault to the face!

Kris Cruise: What a counter from the champion!

Stephy Auger: Shake it off, Carmichael! Don't let her take back control of this one.

Moss lands on one knee and narrows her eyes as she waits for Carmichael to get in position. As soon as Carmichael gets back to a vertical base, Moss rises to her feet, marches off and nails him with a hard shoot kick to the chest. Another shoot kick connects. A third shoot kick finds its mark. After Carmichael gets caught with another shoot kick to the chest, Moss follows up with a Brazilian Kick that drops Carmichael down to a knee. Carmichael gets caught with another shoot kick to the chest. He then drops down to all fours before Moss flattens him with a Switchblade Kick! Moss picks him up and pulls him into a standing headscissors. Before she can plant him with a Cradle Piledriver, Carmichael counters with a back body drop, sending Moss over the top rope to the floor!

But Moss lands safely on her feet! She quickly reaches back in, yanks Carmichael down to the mat, drags him to the outside, spins him towards her and then throws him down with an STO!

Kris Cruise: Moss just threw him down with authority!

Moss climbs up to the apron before pointing to the top turnbuckle. Upon hearing the cheers from the crowd, Moss scales the turnbuckle hooks. Once she reaches the top, she flips back and knocks Carmichael back down with a moonsault!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for the World Champion!

Carmichael gets rolled back inside. Moss climbs up to the apron. Instead of getting back inside and making the cover, Moss walks over towards the ring post before scaling the turnbuckles again.

Kris Cruise: She's going back to the top!

Stephy Auger: Lowri's getting greedy here. We've seen the high risk end up not paying off for her in this match, too, Cruise.

Carmichael gets back to his feet, looks up and gets knocked down by a diving crossbody!

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

The crowd boos when Carmichael gets the shoulder up.

Moss sets up for an irish whip before Carmichael reverses. When Moss returns, the crowd boos when Carmichael catches her off the rebound in a Sleeper Hold.

Stephy Auger: That'll slow her down!

Moss grips Carmichael's arm and tries to counter with a Judo Throw, but Carmichael hangs on. Moss then reaches out for the ropes, but she's nowhere near them. Moss eyes widen as Carmichael squeezes even tighter. The ref asks Moss if she wants to give up. The champion refuses. She reaches out for the ropes again... before dropping down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: Lowri's got to fight through this!

Stephy Auger: She's fading, Cruise!

Seconds later, Moss slumps down to a seated position. Carmichael squeezes even tighter. The more Lowri writhes, the more Carmichael cinches down on the hold. The Backbone of FGA is determined to squeeze the fight out of Moss.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss could be seeing the World Championship slowly slipping away from her! She's got to get back to her feet and find some way to escape!

Stephy Auger: There's no escape!

Moss keeps her arm stretched out before it eventually goes limp. The crowd gasps when they see Moss' eyes shut. Carmichael can sense it. For him, victory is right around the corner.

Stephy Auger: She's out like a light, Cruise! We're seconds away from a new World Champion being crowned!

The ref checks in with Moss, both she doesn't respond.The official tries to talk to Moss but again, she doesn't answer. So the ref raises Moss arm before letting go. The crowd boos when it falls down. The ref raises Moss' arm again before letting go. Sighs and boos are heard when the limp arm falls down again.

Kris Cruise: C'mon Lowri!

Stephy Auger: It's over, Cruise! Just accept it!

Carmichael can be seen feverishly nodding his head. He's seconds away from finally holding the FGA World Championship again. The anticipation mounts as the ref takes Moss' arm and lifts it up. She then let's go. The crowd gasps when the arms falls... before it suddenly stops halfway.

Kris Cruise: LOWRI'S NOT DONE YET!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

The crowd erupts with cheers as Moss keeps her arm from falling all the way back down. Carmichael shakes his head in disbelief. Moss can be seen shaking her arm. The crowd starts to rally behind the champion by chanting her name at the tops of their lungs.

"LOWRI!"

"LOWRI!"

"LOWRI!"

"LOWRI!"

Kris Cruise: Lowri isn't going to go down! Not without a fight!

Stephy Auger: Well I guess Carmichael is just going to have to stomp the fighting spirit right out of her!

Moss continues to pump her fist in unison with the chants. She slowly turns over to a knee. Seconds later, she returns to a vertical base. The Standard Bearer clasps her hands together before burying a back elbow into Carmichael's midsection. The crowd cheers when Carmichael gets nailed with another hard back elbow to the torso. After a third back elbow doubles him over, Moss turns and makes a run towards the ropes.

NO!

Carmichael reaches out, grabs Moss by the back of the tights and yanks her into a forearm strike to the lower back.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Carmichael keeps a hold of the back of Moss' tights as he nails her with multiple forearm strikes to the lower back. He then hooks both arms from behind before bringing her down with the Tahara (full nelson slam over the knee)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd applauds when Moss gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael pulls Moss back up by the hair before taking off into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Moss down with the Queens Road (clothesline to the back of the head followed by a running lariat)! The boos continue as Carmichael pulls Moss over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd applauds when Moss gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another two count for the challenger.

Stephy Auger: He's getting there. Carmichael is getting closer and closer to that three count. Don't you see it? With each pin, it's taking Lowri longer and longer to kick out.

Carmichael pulls up Moss and takes control of her back again before throwing her down with a Half Nelson Suplex! Moss' momentum sends her rolling backwards onto her knees. Carmichael quickly rushes, drops down, goes behind Moss and clamps on another Sleeper!

Kris Cruise: He went right back to the Sleeper!

Stephy Auger: There you go, Carmichael!

The ref asks Moss if she wants to give up. The champion refuses. Moss slowly gets back to a vertical base, turns, grabs Carmichael by the leg and delivers a shin breaker to break the hold. The champion turns and hits the ropes. Moss returns off the rebound before Carmichael quickly swings behind her and clamps on yet another Sleeper!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

This time, Moss reaches back with one hand. After reaching back with the other hand, she grabs Carmichael by the head before bringing him down with a sitout jawbreaker, breaking the hold. Carmichael's head snaps back before he stumbles backwards.

Kris Cruise: Lowri's finally free of the Sleeper.

Carmichael turns and doubles over while he clutches his jaw. Once he finally stands back up and turns around...

*CRACK!*

Bicycle knee strike!

Carmichael stumbles backwards before turning and falling across the middle rope. Moss then turns and hits the far ropes. The World Champion picks up speed as she returns off the rebound before...

*CRACK*

Bicycle knee strike!

Moss picks up Carmichael, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Carmichael around, the crowd cheers as Moss unleashes the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! She then delivers an irish whip, follows Carmichael across the ring and sends him slumping down in the corner with Just for Kicks (running big boot to a cornered opponent followed by a running facewash)! The cheers continue as Moss turns and hits the far ropes. She picks up speed as she runs back across the ring before blasting Carmichael with another bicycle knee strike! Moss takes off into the adjacent set of ropes. Moss runs back over, throws herself at Carmichael and snaps his head to the side with yet another bicycle knee strike! She then pulls Carmichael back to his feet, pulls him towards the center of the ring and places him in an inverted front facelock. The crowd explodes with cheers when Moss brings him down with Nos Da (Rolling Cutter)! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps when Carmichael gets the shoulder up. Moss looks over to the ref in disbelief.

Stephy Auger: Thank you! THANK YOU!

Kris Cruise: That wasn't three!? I could've swore that was three!

Moss eventually snaps out of it. She grabs Carmichael and brings him back to his feet. After applying another inverted front facelock, she flips forward and brings him down with Nos Da II (standing somersault cutter)! The cheers continue as Moss makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd sighs and boos when Carmichael gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael got out again!? How? That should've put him away!

Moss doesn't waste any time with arguing the count. She quickly drags Carmichael into position before stepping out to the apron. Moss steps out to the apron and scales the turnbuckles. Once she reaches the top, the crowd explodes with cheers when she flips off and crushes Carmichael with a 450 Splash!!!

NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when she bounces off of Carmichael's knees.

Moss is seen turning back and forth on the mat while she guards her midsection. Once she's finally able to return to a vertical base, Carmichael doubles her over with a hard kick to the midsection. He then pulls her into a front facelock before hooking Moss' arm.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kris Cruise: Oh come on! Not this!

Stephy Auger: Yes! YES! Put her away with it!

The boos continue as Carmichael lifts up Moss before planting her with the Bloodline (swinging lifting single underhook DDT, aka swinging DNA Driver)!!! He makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: DAMN HIM!

Stephy Auger: IT'S OVER, CRUISE! THE REF CAN COUNT TO A 100!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Kris Cruise: NO!

Stephy Auger: WHAT?

The crowd gasps, then erupts with cheers when Moss gets the shoulder up at 2.99!

Kris Cruise: LOWRI GOT THE SHOULDER UP!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

Kris Cruise: LOWRI MOSS GOT HER SHOULDER UP AT THE VERY LAST SECOND!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?!?

Carmichael grabs Moss by the hair and rips her up off the mat. He then pulls her into another front facelock before planting her with a second Bloodline!!!

NO!

Moss grabs his arms, spins out and counters with a short-arm bicycle knee strike!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Moss turns and hits the ropes. When Moss returns off the rebound, the crowd boos when Carmichael throws her down with a pop-up sitdown powerbomb! He then picks up Moss and scoops her across his shoulder for the 27 Club (jumping tombstone)! Moss is able to block by kicking her legs while she's across his shoulder. After slipping down from behind, she takes control of Carmichael's back. Carmichael counters with a back elbow to the eye before performing a standing switch. He then takes control of Moss' back before she counters with a back elbow to the jaw. She then performs a standing switch before hooking both arms from behind. She tries to bring him down to place him in the Severn Bridge (Tiger Suplex transitioned into a Bridging Double Chickenwing)! Carmichael blocks by hooking one of his legs around Moss'. He then breaks free of Moss' clutches before catching her with another back elbow to the face. He then performs a standing switch, takes control of Moss' back before knocking her down with a ripcord transitioned into a short-arm lariat! NO! Moss ducks, floats over across his back and spikes him with a crucifix driver!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when Carmichael slips out.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael barely beat the three count!

Carmichael falls onto his knees. The moment he turns to get back to his feet, he gets blasted yet another bicycle knee strike from Moss! The cheers continue as Moss catches him with a right Buzzsaw Kick, then a left Buzzsaw Kick before clobbering him with the Skull Kick!

*CRACK!*

Kris Cruise: GOLDEN BOOT!

An exhausted Moss drops down, pulls Carmichael onto his back and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as "Loner Boogie" blasts over the PA.

Kris Cruise: She's done it! Lowri's done it! She's turned away the challenge of John Carmichael!

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner and STILL the FGA World Champion, LOWRI MOSS!

Kris Cruise: What a match we just saw. These two threw everything they could at each other. John Carmichael was one of the biggest challenges of not just this reign of Moss', but in her entire career. But somehow, someway, Moss was able to overcome everything thrown her way to retain the World Championship.

The cheers continue as Moss gets her arm raised in victory before being handed the World Championship.

Kris Cruise: With that win, Moss has broken the record for most successful defenses of the World Championship. Not only that, but that now marks four Hall of Famers that Moss has successfully defended the World Championship against. Whoever wins the Gold Rush Rumble, they're going to have a tall task ahead of them when they eventually challenge Moss for the title.

An exhausted Moss slowly heads to the corner, climbs onto the middle turnbuckle and raises the World Championship with both arms.

Kris Cruise: Now let's hear some pre-recorded comments from some of tonight's competitors in the Gold Rush Rumble...

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 15:29:35 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:05:00 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:05:00 GMT -5

A dimly lit pre-recorded video is in an alleyway, where Piper Lennon is tossing a tennis ball back and forth against the brick wall, appearing deep in contemplation. She catches it off the rebound, then whirls to face the camera.

Piper Lennon: Listen, I’m gonna keep this quick and not gonna ramble. Most everyone’s gonna be saying similar things, having similar goals here, right? And most of them are gonna end up really frickin’ disappointed.

She shrugs.

Piper Lennon: So take everything I say with a big ol’ grain of salt, but for those that don’t remember? I was a disruptor, a titleholder, dangerous and made a hell of a deep run once upon a time in this very match. All that while drifting along, doing whatever. Which is why this isn’t about reminding anyone of who I am, anything like that.

A pause, staring straight ahead.

Piper Lennon: Because I am in a different place now. Which is all great to say, but it’s about putting my money where my mouth is when I say I’m focused and say I want more

Piper Lennon: So let’s just leave it at that. Put a smile on your face kiddos, grab that pigskin to play catch, because Daddy’s finally ready to be there for you.

****

Mark Bisley: They say that opportunity knocks. Really? It knocks? So I'm supposed to sit at home, waiting eagerly for that long-overdue knock at my door as if opportunity has been moonlighting as an Amazon delivery driver? Oh no, waiting is for people who want to feel sorry for themselves, tonight what I'm going to do is head over to opportunity's house and kick the door down, because the Gold Rush Rumble is in the bag as I am not going to wait for an opportunity, I am going to make my opportunity

****

Theodore Harris: One of the biggest nights of the year in FGA, Only the Strong Survive, with one of the biggest matches of the year, the Gold Rush Rumble, with one of the biggest prizes of the year on the line, a match for the FGA World championship.

Theodore Harris: And none of that means a thing to us tonight.

Theodore Harris: Logan's not here to win the rumble. I'm not here to tell you he's going to win the rumble. There are at least twenty other people that are going to lie to you about that, so why should I?

Theodore Harris: No. Logan is going out there tonight to fight and push himself in the right direction. The Gold Rush Rumble is still a big challenge and probably the best trial by fire you have in this company until the Frontier's Lions Cup makes its return.

Theodore Harris: Tonight, Logan is there to pit himself against the best in this company while in the worst of situations, put on the best showing he can, survive for as long as he can, let some people know they have unresolved business and then make sure a particular bird doesn't swoop in and take another one from him.

Theodore Harris: So sit back and enjoy the upcoming showcase, cause the Quiet One intends to do his part to make it a good one.

****

Erin Mariani: I hear that some insects are feeling like tonight will be their night, and they will be taking their first steps towards glory. Fools, one and all, because what tonight represents is their golden opportunity to feel pain, humiliation and despair at my hands. And if they are wise, they will thank me for it...

Sara Mason: So you're telling me that you're going to chuck a bunch of victims my way until the supply runs out? Cool, where do I sign up...?

****

TJ Techniques: I can remember my first Gold Rush Rumble like it was yesterday. You see, I was the second man to enter that night. Standin' across the ring from me was one of the men that was instrumental in stiflin' my career. Standin' across from me was the man that didn't hold the door open for me but instead, slammed it in my face. I guess you could say that payback's a mother because the same man that denied me all those years ago... was the same man I denied goin' on to All-Star Showdown by throwin' his ass over that top rope! I outlasted him, as well as name after name that came out after me for the better part of 34 minutes.

A beat

TJ Techniques: Now here I stand two years later. I'm wiser, stronger, faster, more accomplished, but still determined as ever to make it to the end. For far too long, The Funky Technician has been overlooked. For far too long, Kool G. Grap has been taken for granted. But y'all won't take me for granted no more. Y'all ain't about to overlook me anymore cause after tonight, I'm gon' make sure that the spotlight is on me. See, when I go out there to take ring, I don't care if it's Cassius Reed or if it's my main Sparrow, if you step to me, you gon’ get dropped. Right about now, I got a lot of irons in the fire. But the ultimate goal is the same: to win that Gold Rush Rumble and to go on and challenge... and beat... the World Champion.

TJ smirks.

TJ Techniques: I don't give a damn who you are. I don't give a damn about your resumé. No matter if I'm number 1 or number 30, I'm gon' go out to that ring and send every man, woman, Theytriarch, Ant, Kodiak, Goddess and Siren over that top rope until I'm the last man standin'. Tonight, only the strong survive and by the end of that Gold Rush Rumble, you will understand that yours truly is the fittest to survive. Now peep that.

****

Seth Iser: This year…I’ve endured.

He just closes his eyes for a brief moment thinking back on things before reopening them.

Seth Iser: I’ve endured someone attacking my sobriety. I’ve survived and endured the worst Izzy Anders could do to another human being. And this is the kind of match that’s about surviving. It may make people do primal things to stay in that ring. But tonight is my night. One, thirty, anywhere in between…surprise opponents, it doesn't matter to me.

Then there’s just that glare that is truthfully quite intimidating, especially from a man that size.

Seth Iser: I will do what I must to who I must to survive…and add the elusive Rumble victory to my trophy case and there isn’t a damn thing anyone can do about it.

Kris Cruise: Right now let's take you to some pre-recorded comments from some of tonight's Gold Rush Rumble participants...

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 15:32:15 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:05:10 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:05:10 GMT -5

282: the numbers of entrants that will have participated in every Gold Rush Rumble after tonight!

65: the record amount of minutes Lowri Moss spent in the 2020 Rumble!

47: the average number of minutes lasted for the Rumble's Ironman!

26: this number has produced four Gold Rush Rumble winners, more than any other number!

19: the number of total eliminations by John Carmichael, a Rumble record!

8: the record number of eliminations set for a single Rumble in 2017!

6: the number of previous Rumble winners that didn't go on to win the championship from the title shot earned with their Rumble victory!

2: the number of people that have won two Gold Rush Rumbles!

1: the grappler that will leave the ring tonight with a guaranteed Championship Match at Grapple Kingdom V!

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 15:33:51 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:05:31 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:05:31 GMT -5

Kris Cruise: Alright, Stephy, it's main event time! What is arguably FGA's signature match, the Gold Rush Rumble, is about to get underway. We saw that montage of some of tonight's participants. We've heard from other participants throughout the night. We just saw the Rumble Facts video. We're just a couple of minutes away from the start of the match. Who are you going with?

Stephy Auger: Nina Stokes! I feel like The Kodiak is going to maul the competition out there tonight. She's driven. She's focused. She's dangerous out there. Her sole goal at this point in time is winning the World Championship and winning the Gold Rush Rumble puts her directly in line for a shot. You also can't rule out Seth Iser. I wouldn't be surprised if he used some of his Wildcard Lottery winnings from a couple of years ago to pay off someone to switch numbers with him. Savannah Taylor is my darkhorse. She's hasn't had the most memorable year. She's been low on people's radars. This is the time to jump back into the spotlight and get arguably the biggest win of her career.

Kris Cruise: Stephy, I asked you for a pick and you gave me three!

Stephy Auger: Well, who are you picking then!?

Kris Cruise: I think Sparrow has a real good shot. I know that him and TJ Techniques have this tag team on the horizon. But as we saw after the Pride Championship match, TJ isn't putting a pause on his single pursuits by any means. We all know how much getting the record for most eliminations in a Rumble would mean for The West Indian Whirlwind. But with his skills and the crowd solidly behind him, I think he could do it.

Stephy Auger: There's also three mystery entrants.

Kris Cruise: That there are. We don't know if one of those entrants in someone like, for example, a returning Cordy Stevenson or Ashlyn De Luca. Or it could be from someone outside of FGA. We do know that those three individuals have selected their respective numbers.

Stephy Auger: Interesting.

Kris Cruise: Right now, though, we're going to send it back into the ring where J.A. Aldridge is ready to give the introductions for the Gold Rush Rumble. J.A., take it away!

Ring Announcer J.A. Aldridge is standing by in the center of the ring.

MAIN EVENT
Gold Rush Rumble

*DING! DING!! DING!!!*

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the GOLD RUSH RUMBLE!!!

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause in anticipation of the main event.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are the rules! Earlier today, 30 grapplers drew from numbers one through thirty. The two individuals who drew numbers one and two will start off the match. Every two minutes, a new participant will enter the match. This process will occur until all 30 participants have entered the ring. Eliminations can only occur when a participant has been thrown over the top rope and both feet have touched the floor. The last grappler standing will be your 2022 Gold Rush Rumble and will go on to challenge for the FGA World Championship at Grapple Kingdom V!

The fans inside Dickies Arena cheer and applaud the announcement.

J.A. Aldridge: Now, let us all find out who drew number one!

The beginning of Biffy Clyro's "The Captain" blasts throughout the arena as HENNY makes his way through the curtain, reaching his mark before posing in time with each break in the music.

Kris Cruise: It's HENNY!

After holding the final pose for a few moments, HENNY takes a confident glance across the crowd after performing a slow 180, breaking into an assured saunter.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Weighing in at 225 pounds... HENNNNNNYYYYY!!!

HENNY proceeds down the ramp, jawing with most of the fans leaning over the guardrail, and even threatening a member of the audience with a sudden movement and a cocked fist, causing them to flinch. HENNY laughs loudly at the fan before making his way to ringside, now waving a dismissive hand at the crowd before climbing up the steel steps.

Kris Cruise: This isn't the most ideal spot for HENNY or anyone, for that matter. Since the Gold Rush Rumble field was expanded to 30 participants in 2015, we've only seen entrants 1-4 make it to the Final Four of a Rumble three times. Last year, when Chandler Scott lasted 63 minutes from number one, 2020, when Lowri Moss lasted a record 65 minutes to win from number three and 2019, when Kendall Kingham lasted 60 minutes from number three.

Stephy Auger: Well I'm not worried. Do you think HENNY is sweating over the idea of going an hour or more? Stamina has never been an issue for HENNY Heartache. As a matter of fact, I have it on good authority that the man can go all night long if need be.

Kris Cruise: Good authority? Just how in the hell would you know that?

Stephy Auger: Research.

Kris Cruise: What kind of research.

Stephy Auger: ... independent research.

Kris Cruise: ...

From the apron the Swede scales the turnbuckle, his left foot planted on the second rope whilst his right is on the turnbuckle. He then begins to casually shrug off his jacket, allowing it to slide off his body to the floor before holding his arms out to his side again and tensing his muscles, inciting an extremely loud negative reaction from the audience in attendance once more.

After hopping into the ring HENNY jogs across to the diagonally opposite turnbuckle before blowing a mocking kiss into the crowd as high pitched jeers rainout from a large contingent of the FGA faithful. As the music slowly fades, HENNY hops off the turnbuckle backwards into the ring and struts to his corner, making himself comfortable on the turnbuckle as he waits for the match to begin.

J.A. Aldridge: Now let us all find out who drew number two!

The hard bass of Run The Jewels’ “Blockbuster Night Part I” causes the floor to vibrate as the crowd instantly come to their feet, knowing fully well who is about to make his entrance. All eyes are on the curtain as they wait for his arrival. A white bright light flashes at every beat, and the fans in attendance are slamming anything they can to the beat.

'Bunches and bunches
Punches is thrown until you’re frontless
Oodles and oodles
Bang bullets at suckers' noodles
Last album? Voodoo!
Proved that we was fuckin' brutal
I’m talking crazy, half past the clock is cuckoo'

J.A. Aldridge: Hailing from Melbourne, Australia! Weighing in at 205 pounds! He is "Indestructible"... OOOOOWENNNNN GONSAAAALVESSSS!

As soon as the incomparable Killer Mike kicks into his verse, the white flashing light stops and Owen Gonsalves bursts through the curtain before racing down to the ring!

Kris Cruise: Owen is sprinting down to the ring!

Stephy Auger: Look at this idiot! He's wasting his energy!

The moment Gonsalves gets into the ring, the bell sounds just as he tackles HENNY down to the mat with a double leg takedown!

Kris Cruise: Gonsalves hasn't forgotten about what happened earlier tonight!

The crowd cheers as Gonsalves mounts himself on top of HENNY before firing off a flurry of right hands. He then grabs two handfuls of hair before repeatedly ramming the back of HENNY's head against the canvas. The cheers continue as Gonsalves pushes HENNY over into the prone position, grabs two handfuls of hair and repeatedly rams his face into the mat!

Kris Cruise: Owen is like a man possessed in there!

Stephy Auger: He's clearly snapped!

Gonsalves yanks up HENNY off the mat, marches into the corner and repeatedly slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FIVE!"

"SIX!"

"SEVEN!"

"EIGHT!"

"NINE!"

"TEN!"

The cheers continue as Gonsalves turns HENNY around in the corner before nailing him with a shoot kick to the chest.

"YES!"

Then another shoot kick!

"YES!"

And another!

"YES!"

And another!

"YES!"

And another!

"YES!"

Gonsalves climbs up to the middle ropes before raining down right hands on HENNY. The crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FI-"

The crowd boos when HENNY grabs Gonsalves, runs out of the corner and doubles him over with an inverted atomic drop.

Stephy Auger: This is your opening, HENNY!

With Gonsalves doubled over, HENNY turns and takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, he turns Gonsalves inside out with a Busaiku Knee Kick!

Stephy Auger: If U Seek HENNY!

The boos continue as HENNY pulls Gonsalves up to his knees before blowing him a kiss. He then takes control of Gonsalves' wrist before blasting him with Heartache’s Kiss (Kamigoye)!

NO!

Gonsalves rolls backwards to a vertical base and counters with a bicycle knee strike before throwing HENNY overhead with a release Northern Lights Suplex! HENNY arches his back as he's slow to return to a vertical base. When HENNY turns around, Gonsalves runs forward and connects with a clothesline, sending them both over the top rope to the floor!

(HENNY - ELIMINATED)
(Owen Gonsalves - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: HENNY! NOOOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Owen just sent HENNY to the outside while accidentally eliminating himself! But I don't even think he cares that he's eliminated. He's still going after HENNY.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#3 - "I Won't Back Down" hits as Patrick Jones steps out through the curtain.

Back at ringside, Gonsalves isn't done. He grabs HENNY and delivers an irish whip, sending him down the ringside area before crashing hard against the guardrail. Wristlock Sinatra charges down the ringside area to attack before getting countered with a back body drop!

*THUD!*

The crowd boos when Gonsalves lands hard on the arena floor!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, did you hear the impact from that back body drop!? Owen could be hurt!

Stephy Auger: Good! That's what he gets for attacked HENNY. He already eliminated the man. What more does he want!?

HENNY climbs over the guardrail, looks to his right and sees a smitten HENNY fan. The crowd boos when the HENNY fan willingly gives up her seat for him.

Kris Cruise: What's this?

HENNY quickly snatches up the chair and slams it shut before whacking Gonsalves across the body with it over and over and over again!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Stephy Auger: Hit him! Hit him again!

HENNY throws down the chair before picking Gonsalves back up. He then lifts Gonsalves off the floor with a double leg pickup before ramming him back-first against the arena wall! Gonsalves gets rammed back-first against the wall again. HENNY then pulls Gonsalves away from the wall before setting up for a vertical suplex. Gonsalves ends up blocking it before reversing into a vertical suplex of his own!

NO!

HENNY slips down from behind, hooks both of Gonsalves' arm and brings him down with a release Dragon Suplex on the arena floor!

Kris Cruise: Owen just got dropped on the back of his neck!

Stephy Auger: There's no padding all the way out there, Cruise. Just solid, unforgiving concrete.

Kris Cruise: We need to get some officials out there and separate those two. The last thing we need is one of them causing a fan to get hurt.

The boo birds surround HENNY as he places Gonsalves in a side headlock before wading his way through the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Where's he taking Owen now?

Stephy Auger: Probably out back so he can get discarded with the rest of the trash.

Kris Cruise: Well, we're going to make sure that our cameras follow them. But right now, we've still got a Gold Rush Rumble going on. Patrick Jones has been waiting impatiently for the next entrant.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#4 - “Never Fight A Man With A Perm” blares throughout the arena. Spotlights circle wildly until one of them finds Mara Jade Miller standing amongst the crowd, a leather jacket with the sleeves torn off over their gear, a flannel shirt around her waist and wearing the Legacy Championship around their shoulder and under their arm opposite, sort of like a royal sash. The Kaiju of Seattle makes their way through the people, walking at an intense pace befitting the entrance music accompanying them.

Kris Cruise: The brand new Legacy Champion is about to make their way down to the ring for their first-ever Gold Rush Rumble.

Stephy Auger: If Patrick was smart, he'd hop over the top rope right now and save himself the trouble.

After reaching the ring, Mara undoes the belt and tosses it over to the announcer. Mara lifts themselves up onto the apron and steps into the ring, making a b-line for Jones. The crowd cheers when Jones ducks a right hand before countering them with a series of knife edge chops.

Kris Cruise: Jones isn't cowering away. He's taking the fight right to Miller!

Jones sets up for an irish whip, but Miller reverses, sending him into the ropes. Jones returns off the rebound before sliding through Miller's legs. When Miller turns around, Jones pops back to his feet before knocking them back with a dropkick. A running dropkick knocks them back further. Jones then hits the far ropes, comes back, leaps across the ring and sends Miller stumbling back with a flying forearm!

Kris Cruise: Jones has them reeling!

Jones pops back to his feet, rushes over and drops Miller with Zoned Out (superkick)!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Miller catches Jones' foot, swings the leg away from them before taking control of his back. The Legacy Champion goes for a belly to back suplex, but Jones rolls over their back, lands on his feet, spins them around and blasts them with three right hands. Jones then turns and takes off into the ropes. When Jones returns, the crowd gasps when Miller latches onto his throat.

Kris Cruise: Oh boy.

Stephy Auger: See? See!? What did I tell you?

Miller muscles Jones over towards the ropes before lifting him up and chokeslamming him over the top rope to the floor!

(Patrick Jones - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: Patty is out of here, Cruise!

Back out in the crowd, HENNY keeps Gonsalves in the side headlock before raking his face across the railing as they make their way up the steps.

Stephy Auger: They're going up the stairs now!

Kris Cruise: This could turn ugly here, Stephy.

HENNY stops about halfway up the steps. He then grabs a hold of Gonsalves before slamming him face-first against the railing. The crowd boos as he places Gonsalves throat-first across the rail before choking him by pushing down hard on the back of his neck. The ref that's in the crowd with them desperately pleads for HENNY to let go. But the ref's pleas fall on deaf ears. He continues to choke Gonsalves before finally letting go.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#5 - "You Suck" hits the speakers. The crowd boos as Cassius Reed jogs down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Here comes The Funky Dragon!

Kris Cruise: Cassius Reed is ready for his latest Gold Rush Rumble appearance.

Once the Funky Dragon hits ringside, he leaps up to the apron, springboards to the top rope and brings Miller down with a diving huracanrana!

NO!

Miller blocks, leaving Reed hanging upside down.

Kris Cruise: ... his strategy started off well...

Miller grabs onto Reed's legs, lifts him back up onto their shoulders and counters with a powerbomb!

Kris Cruise: That'll rattle your insides

Miller reaches down, latches onto Reed's throat and yanks him back to his feet before throwing him back down with a chokeslam!

Stephy Auger: What power! They're making it look easy.

Miller reaches down, pulls Reed up off by the mat by the hair and raises them up high over their head with a Gorilla Press.

Kris Cruise: Miller's got him high above their head!

Miller keeps Reed held up before running across the ring and throwing him over the top rope to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Poor Cassius.

(Cassius Reed - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: That's now two in the books for Mara Miller Miller!

Stephy Auger: Everything has literally gone right for them tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if they do this to the next 25 names that come out.

Back in the crowd, HENNY continues to get admonished by the official, but The Pinnacle pays him no mind. He then steps on the other side of the railing, grabs a hold of Gonsalves' wrists and places his foot on the railing. He then pulls back as hard as he can, keeping Gonsalves' face pressed hard against the railing. After 10 or so seconds, HENNY finally lets go. But he's not done with Gonsalves just yet. He steps back over next to Gonsalves and tries for a vertical suplex. Gonsalves blocks it.

Kris Cruise: Woah, woah, woah!

HENNY goes to muscle up gonsalves for another suplex attempt. Gonsalves kicks his feet on the way up, which forces HENNY to lower him back down. After catching HENNY with two quick punches to the ribs, he then lifts HENNY up, turns and throat him down hard with a front suplex across the railing! HENNY lets out a loud grunt as he bounces off the top of the railing before hitting the steps.

Kris Cruise: Good God! HENNY might have broken a rib!

Stephy Auger: A rib? Try several! What the hell is that ref doing, anyway? Grab Owen and take him the hell out of here!

HENNY guards his midsection before Gonsalves takes control of his ankles. The cheers continue as Gonsalves drags HENNY up the steps.

Stephy Auger: He can't do this to HENNY!

Kris Cruise: Who's going to stop him?

HENNY eventually reaches out and grabs onto another section of the railing to stop Gonsalves. So Gonsalves lets go and delivers multiple soccer kicks to the back. He then continues to drag HENNY up the rest of the steps and into the concourse.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#6 - "Revolt" hits the speakers. The crowd boos as Gareth Prichard Jr slowly makes his way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Gareth Prichard Jr is in no rush to get down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: That's smart, Cruise. Why waste all of your energy racing down to the ring. You don't get a prize for making it to the ring the fastest. Besides, if Mara Jade Miller was waiting for me in the ring, I wouldn't be in a hurry, either. If Gareth were smart, he'd intentionally wait on the outside. Then, when #7 arrives, he could team up with that person to try and take Mara out. That's what I'd do.

The camera cuts back to the concourse, where HENNY has retaken control. The fans up in the concourse area boos as Gonsalves is thrown violently against the wall. HENNY then runs over and delivers multiple soccer kicks to the ribs.

Stephy Auger: There you go, HENNY! Kick him. Kick him!

Once Prichard reaches the ringside area, he starts to roll into the ring, only to roll right back out. The crowd boos over Prichard's intentional stalling. Miller continues to stalk him from inside the ring.

Kris Cruise: Gareth isn't trying to mix it up wit the new Legacy Champion.

Stephy Auger: He's not a dumb man, Cruise. He knows what he's doing out there.

The refs at ringside can be seen motioning for Prichard to get back into the ring, but he's in no hurry. After being admonishes by multiple referees, Prichard motions for them all to calm down before pointing to the ring. Prichard takes is time making his way up the ring steps. The boos continue as Prichard wipes his feet off on the apron. He then steps halfway into the ring before stepping back out and hopping down to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Remember that idea you had, Stephy? The one where Prichard would keep stalling until #7 came out? I think you're onto something.

Stephy Auger: I'm always onto something.

Prichard makes his way over to Aldridge and motions for him to get up out of his chair. Once the ring announcer gives up the chair, Prichard brings the chair over towards the end of the ramp before taking a seat.

Kris Cruise: Well isn't this just nice? He's just going to kick back and relax, huh

Stephy Auger: What are they going to do, disqualify him?

Kris Cruise: Well, what they should do is threaten a participant with an automatic elimination if they don't enter the ring within a certain time after their number is called.

The camera cuts back to HENNY as he bodyslams Gonsalves onto the concrete. He turns and spots a booing fan. So he marches over and slaps the cup of beer right out of his hand.

Stephy Auger: HA!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on! That beer probably cost that fan $15!

HENNY makes his way over to Gonsalves before Gonsalves scrambles back to a vertical base and doubles him over with a punch to the midsection. He then takes control of HENNY, runs over and slams him face-first onto one of the tables. Gonsalves makes his way over into one of the merch areas and rips down a HENNY t-shirt from a hanger. After twisting the shirt up, the crowd cheers when Gonsalves chokes HENNY with his own shirt. Gonsalves tries to choke out HENNY. Ultimately, FGA backstage officials make their way into the are and physically pry Gonsalves off of him.

Stephy Auger: Finally! What took them so long?

Kris Cruise: Well, I'm sure FGA officials didn't expect these two to brawl all over the area.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#7 - "Rockit" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Max Powers runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: One half of the Super Mario Wrestling Bros is on his way to the ring!

The cheers grow louder when Powers hits a running dropkick from behind, sending Prichard tumbling out of his seat.

Stephy Auger: What the hell!

Kris Cruise: There's no love lost between Powers and Prichard.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, I see SOMEONE is still a sore loser.

Powers grabs a hold of Prichard, runs and rolls Prichard into the ring. Prichard gets up, runs over and kicks the bottom rope. Powers can be seen smirking while Prichard points at him.

Stephy Auger: Um, Gareth... Gareth!

The moment Prichard turns around, Miller hits a discus lariat, knocking him over the top rope to the floor!

(Gareth Prichard Jr - ELIMINATED)

Powers can be seen scaling up to the top turnbuckle in an adjacent corner. When Miller turns their attention to him, Powers leaps off and knocks them down with a diving crossbody block!

NO!

The crowd gasps when Miller catches Powers in mid air.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

Miller shifts Powers across their shoulders before throwing them down with authority with a front powerslam!

Stephy Auger: They nearly slammed Powers through the ring!

Powers gets yanked off the mat before getting whipped hard into the corner. Powers then staggers out of the corner until Miller turns him inside out with a running big boot.

Kris Cruise: Powers got knocked into next week with that big boot.

Stephy Auger: Even if Landon Knight was out here, I don't think Powers would fare would better than he is right now.

Miller yanks Powers up off the mat, delivers an irish whip and follows him across the ring. As soon as Powers' back hits the ropes, Miller connects with a pump kick, knocking Powers over the top rope to the floor!

(Max Powers - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: That's four straight eliminations for Mara Jade Miller!

Stephy Auger: They can't be stopped, Cruise! What did I tell you? I told you my favorite would go all the way.

Kris Cruise: Your favorite? You picked Nina Stokes, Seth Iser and Savannah Taylor!

Stephy Auger: ... I don't recall.

Kris Cruise: Sure you don't...

Back in the concourse, Gonsalves breaks free and goes after HENNY with repeated stomps. The stomps don't last for long as Gonsalves is once again apprehended by the officials. They keep Gonsalves held in place by gaining control of his arms.

Kris Cruise: Owen still hasn't had enough of HENNY!

The officials think that they're helping Gonsalves by holding him back. Unfortunately for Gonsalves, HENNY ends up taking advantage of the situation by getting back to his feet and nearly knocking his head off with Shot Through the Heart (Superkick)! A limp Gonsalves falls out of the officials' arms to the floor.

Stephy Auger: You could hear that superkick from all the way down here!

The boos continue as HENNY immediately pushes Gonsalves over into the prone position before placing him in another Crossface Oblivion Wing (Arm Trap Crossface) to pour more salt in the wound!

Stephy Auger: You don't hear that, Cruise?

Kris Cruise: Hear what?

Stephy Auger: Owen screaming, "UNCLE! UNCLE! UNCLE! I GIVE UP!"

Kris Cruise: ...

The officials pry HENNY off of Gonsalves before ushering him out of the arena.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#8 - "Unsainted" blares throughout the arena. The crowd erupts with boos as Seth Iser makes his way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: WOAH HO HO!

Stephy Auger: Now THIS should be good.

Like Prichard before him, is in no rush to step into the ring. In fact, he kills time circling the ring.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser is making his way down to the ring. How do you think Iser plans on handling this?

Stephy Auger: If I know Seth as well as I do, I know he's done his homework on every single participant in this match. He's always prepared. He's always got a plan, as well as a trick or two up his sleeve.

Back in the ring, Miller continues to stalk Iser. The Morgantown Mauler stops circling the ring before making his way up the steps. He looks across the ring at Miller before stepping in through the ropes. The crowd is at a fever pitch as Iser and Miller make their way towards the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: This is the beauty of the Gold Rush Rumble. You get confrontations that you thought you'd never seen.

The 6'5" Iser looks down at Miller. It's one of the few times in their career where they weren't able to tower over an opponent. But Miller doesn't back down and gets right in Iser's face. The crowd is rabid as the two lean their foreheads into each other.

Kris Cruise: This is going to be good, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Who's going to strike first?

Miller shoves Iser back.

"OOOOOOOOOOH!"

Iser comes back with a punch. NO! Miller blocks and counters with a punch of their own. Miller socks Iser with another right hand... and another... and anoth-NO! Iser ducks and counters with a jab. Another jab connects. Iser then rattles off three straight jabs before dropping Miller with a discus clothesline!

NO!

Miller blocks the clothesline by latching onto Iser's throat.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

The crowd gasps as Iser gets lifted up for a chokeslam!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

On the way up, Iser counters with an elbow to the side of the head. Iser then takes Miller and whips them into the ropes. When Miller returns, Iser drops them with a big boot.

NO!

The big boot only rocks Miller. So Iser turns and hits the far ropes. When Iser returns, Miller returns the favor and stuns him a big boot of their own. Miller turns and hits the ropes. When they return, they go for a pump kick. Iser catches the foot and swings their leg away from him, but Miller uses the momentum to spin around and nail Iser with a discus elbow!

*CRACK*!

Iser stumbles back.... before flopping face-first to the mat.

Kris Cruise: Good God, what an elbow!

Stephy Auger: Iser just got RRRROCKED!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#9 - "Killin It" blasts over the PA. The crowd explodes with cheers as Antoinette races down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It's Antoinette!

Stephy Auger: No way!

Miller's head quickly turned to the side the moment they heard Antoinette's theme.

Kris Cruise: Antoinette's got revenge on her mind with how that legacy Championship match played out!

As soon as Antoinette slides into the ring, Miller rushes over and throws out a pump kick. Ant narrowly avoids getting her head kicked off by rolling underneath the kick. When Miller turns around, Ant doubles them over with a spin kick before knocking them up right with a boot to the face. The cheers continue when Miller gets doubled over with another spin kick before getting knocked upright with another kick to the face. Ant turns and hits the ropes. When she returns, she hurls herself at Miller with a crossbody block, but Miller catches her in mid air.

Stephy Auger: That's like the fifth time tonight someone threw themselves at Miller like that, only for the champ to catch them with ease. You would think they'd learn by now.

Ant fights to get out of the hold with elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down, Ant pulls Miller into a front facelock, runs over towards the ropes and plants her with a Tornado DDT!

Kris Cruise: Ant brought her down!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

Iser marches over to attack, but he gets doubled over with a spin kick too! Ant then pulls Iser into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes and goes for a Tornado DDT! Iser counters by pushing Ant off mid-turn. Ant runs over to attack, but Iser brings her down with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse)!

Kris Cruise: That nearly broke her in half!

Stephy Auger: I'm surprised that Iser didn't try and help that little RugrANT eliminate his biggest competition.

Iser grabs Antoinette by the hair before slowly pulling her back to her feet. He can be seen telling Antoinette that she has much to learn. Antoinette responds by swatting Iser's hands off of her and follows up with a step-up enzuigiri!

Kris Cruise: Ant-zuigiri!

Iser staggers across the ring before stopping and flopping face-first to the mat.

Antoinette marches back over towards Miller before getting dropped with a hard elbow smash!

Stephy Auger: Miller has been lethal with those elbows.

Kris Cruise: Yes they have.

Miller takes Antoinette, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle.

NO!

Ant gets her foot on the middle turnbuckles, elbows Miller and slams them face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FIVE!"

"SIX!"

"SEVEN!"

"EIGHT!"

"NINE!"

"TEN!"

Antoinette turns Miller around in the corner, climbs up to the middle ropes and starts raining down right hands while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FO-"

Iser marches over, takes control of Antoinette's back from behind and throws her down with a release German Suplex!

NO!

Antoinette rotates and lands on her feet. After Iser gets up to his feet, the crowd cheers when Antoinette runs over and connects with a front dropkick, knocking Iser backwards into the corner and squashing Miller!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#10 - "Dusted" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Betsy Gallagher runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Out next is Lady Gallagher!

Back in the ring, Antoinette turns Miller around in the corner before wrapping her arms around one of their legs. As soon as Gallagher gets in the ring, she rushes over, grabs Miller's other leg and tries to help Antoinette dump them over the top rope.

Kris Cruise: Smart move there by Gallagher.

Stephy Auger: I have to agree. There's no point in going after Ant when you can try and eliminate the one person that has dominated this Rumble.

The crowd cheers when they've got Miller parallel to the ropes. Miller hangs on for dear life until Iser marches over and doubles Gallagher over with a punch to the midsection. Miller then lets go of the ropes with their left hand before reaching back and raking Antoinette across the eyes.

Iser takes Gallagher, moves her into the far corner and lights up her chest with multiple knife edge chops. He then fires off three jabs before following up with a discus clothesline that crushes Gallagher in the corner. Iser looks behind him and sees Miller giving Antoinette a foot choke in the far corner.

Miller looks behind her and sees Iser. Once they see Iser giving them a nod, they nod in return.

Kris Cruise: What do these two have in mind?

Miller grabs Antoinette while Iser gains control of Gallagher. They then deliver an irish whip, sending Gallagher and Antoinette crashing into each other.

Stephy Auger: NO!

Antoinette and Gallagher reverse, sending Iser and Miller colliding! The crowd explodes with cheers when the two larger grapplers smack hard into each other.

Kris Cruise: Did you hear that thud!?

Iser stumbles back until Gallagher drops him to a knee with the Knightmaker (Elbow Smash to the back of the opponent's head)!

Across the ring, Miller stumbles back before Antoinette brings them down with the Sugar Crash (Backstabber)!

Miller remains down while Antoinette steps out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Is Antoinette going to the top?

Stephy Auger: Is she crazy? Is she trying to pull this off in a Rumble?

Back inside the ring, Gallagher pulls Iser back to his feet before going for the Queen's Lariat (Wristlock transitioned into a Short-Arm Lariat)! The cheers turn to boos when Iser counters with with a hard right hand to the face before bringing her down with an Icebreaker.

Out on the apron, Antoinette is seen scaling the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Ant's heading to the very top.

Stephy Auger: You know just as well as I do that this is a terrible idea!

Before Antoinette can hit the Candy Crush (Swanton Bomb), she sees Iser rushing across the ring. She then switches targets and goes for a diving crossbody, but Iser catches her in mid air.

Stephy Auger: LIKE I SAID!

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 16:09:42 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:06:03 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:06:03 GMT -5

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

11 - “Do You Wanna Taste It” hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Piper Lennon charges down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Here comes Piper!

Stephy Auger: Well isn't this just perfect timing.

Kris Cruise: We've seen Antoinette make the save for Piper before. Will Piper return the favor?

Lennon slides into the ring, runs over and delivers a front dropkick to Antoinette, causing Iser to fall and drop her right on top of him.

Kris Cruise: She does!

Lennon returns to her feet with a kip up before balling up her fists to fire up the crowd.

Stephy Auger: I can't believe she's turned into this try hard fan favorite. What happened to her?

Kris Cruise: Maturity, that's what!

Stephy Auger: Tuh, Please!

The cheers quickly turn to boos when Miller takes control of Lennon's back and goes for a German Suplex. Lennon counters with elbows to the face on the way up. She then hits the ropes. When Lennon returns, Miller turns her inside out with a pump kick. The boos continue when Miller reaches down, grabs Lennon and throws her down with a deadlift German Suplex!

Miller yanks Lennon back up before going for a delayed vertical suplex. After holding Lennon up for about five seconds, Antoinette pulls Lennon down from behind. When Miller turns around, Antoinette and Lennon double them over with kicks to the gut before bringing them down with a double vertical suplex. Gallagher heads over before she gets doubled over with a double kick to the midsection. Lennon and Antoinette grab her before bringing her down with a double suplex!

Kris Cruise: Piper and Antoinette are working well together in there.

Iser marches over to attack, but Antoinette doubles him over with a spin kick to the midsection. Her and Lennon take control of Iser before bringing him down with a double suplex!

Kris Cruise: Now Iser gets a double suplex for his troubles.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#12 - "Hey Man, Nice Shot" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Zack Gall jogs down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: What is he doing out here? Was he one of the two mystery entrants left?

Kris Cruise: He is not. From what I've just been told in my headset, this spot was the number that Ace Voltage drew earlier this afternoon. However, in some unfortunate news, Voltage picked up an injury during his Pride Championship match. Thus, Zack Gall is serving as a substitution.

Stephy Auger: Well, this is a chance of a lifetime for Gall. Going from not even being in the Rumble at all to an injury replacement? He better make the most of this!

Gall rolls into the ring, runs over and gets dropped with a double dropkick from Antoinette and Lennon. The cheers continue as the pair knock Gallagher back down with a double dropkick. They then switch their targets to Miller and knock them back with a double clothesline. They then connect with a double dropkick, which knocks Miller further back. The crowd cheers as Miller gets knocked closer towards the ropes with a second double dropkick. Antoinette and Lennon nod to each other before hitting the far ropes.

Kris Cruise: We might be seeing the last moments of Mara Jade in this Gold Rush Rumble!

When they return, the crowd boos when Iser connects with a clothesline to both of them, knocking them down. Miller then marches over before them and Iser put the boots to Antonette and Lennon.

Stephy Auger: These were the wrong two people to piss off, Cruise. If Piper and Antoinette were smart, they would've tried to dump Seth or Mara Jade when they had the chance.

Miller yanks Antoinette off the mat before dropping her back down with a headbutt. They quickly yank Antoinette off the mat by the hair before sending them back to the mat with another headbutt. The Legacy Champion pulls Antoinette back to her feet before scooping her up across their shoulder. The crowd gasp when they see Miller run towards the side of the ring before trying to throw Antoinette over the top rope with a front powerslam. At the last second, Antoinette reaches out and grabs onto the top rope with both hands to block. Miller continues to try and muscle Antoinette over the top rope, but Antoinette fights like her for her survival in the Rumble.

Kris Cruise: Antoinette's hanging on for dear life!

Stephy Auger: Dump her, Mara! Get her over the top rope!

Across the ring, Iser scoops up Lennon across his shoulder before heading towards the corner. Iser goes for a snake eyes, but Lennon slips down at the last second before pushing him into the corner. Iser hits the corner and stumbles back while Lennon hits the ropes. Lennon returns off the rebound from behind before catching him with a running double axe handle to the back. Iser stays on his feet, so Lennon hits the near ropes. When Lennon returns, she catches Iser with a running double axe handle to the chest. Iser stumbles back, so Lennon hits the ropes again. When Lennon returns, the crowd cheers when she knocks Iser down with a leg lariat.

Kris Cruise: Piper got the big man off his feet!

Lennon turns and sees Miller trying to eliminate Antoinette, so she runs over and nails Miller with a double axe handle to the lower back. After Antoinette slips down from behind, her and Lennon double team Miller with clubbing strikes across the back.

Stephy Auger: What is she doing!? She should've helped Mara eliminate Antoinette! That's what the old Piper would've done!

The two continue to go to work on Miller until Miller fights through it. They then stand up and nail Lennon with a back elbow before doubling Antoinette over with a knee strike. They then grab Antoinette, spin around and chuck her hard through the ropes to the floor.

Stephy Auger: YES! Ant's eliminated!

Kris Cruise: She is not! She went THROUGH the ropes, not over the top.

Lennon heads back over before Miller drops her with a hard European Uppercut.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#13 - "Gold Watch" blasts over the PA. The crowd explodes with cheers as Sparrow runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: The reigning United States Champion is making his second Gold Rush Rumble appearance.

Stephy Auger: Nice job with the Sparrow pick, Cruise. Your pick to win it all chose the unluckiest number of them all.

Kris Cruise: Well, if anyone can number 13 from a bad number into a good one, it's The West Indian Whirlwind.

Sparrow leaps onto the apron, springboards to the top turnbuckle, flies off and knocks Gallagher down with a diving crossbody! He then rolls off of Gallagher and hits the ropes. Sparrow returns off the rebound and ducks a running roundhouse from Gall before continuing to run the ropes. The West Indian Whirlwind comes back and brings Gall down with a running hurricanrana. Gall gets up, turns around and stumbles back before Sparrow rushes over and connects with a running clothesline, sending him over the top rope to the floor!

(Zack Gall - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Sparrow's got his first elimination of the night. He's barely been in the match for a minute and he's already making an impact.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, that's one elimination too many for me.

Sparrow backs away from the ropes... and right into a rear waistlock from Gallagher! Lady Gallagher tries for another Queen's Lariat, but she whiffs again! Sparrow ducks the strike before hopping onto her shoulders from behind. The crowd explodes with cheers when he executes a victory roll, leaps out of it and follows up with The Notorious K.I.C.K. (Standing Double Foot Stomp)! Sparrow reaches down, pulls up Gallagher, runs and throws her over the top rope to the floor!

(Betsy Gallagher - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Now that's two eliminations for Sparrow! He's racking them up!

Stephy Auger: Could someone stop him, please!?

Sparrow turns around and is quick to duck a clothesline attempt from Miller. The crowd cheers when Sparrow grabs them and tries to dump them over the top rope, but Miller counters with an elbow across the back of the head. The boos continue as Miller goozles Sparrow before muscling him into the corner. They continue a two-hand choke before switching to a foot choke. After this, Miller takes Sparrow, delivers an irish whip and follows him across the ring. Miller goes for a strike, but Sparrow turns them around with a boot to the face. Sparrow quickly takes advantage of their positioning and tries for a German Suplex into the turnbuckles. Miller blocks and counters with two back elbows to the face. After a third back elbow frees them, they quickly step to the side to avoid the running strike from Antoinette. The crowd gasps when Antoinette ends up accidentally sending Sparrow into the corner with a front dropkick!

Stephy Auger: Finally, Antoinette did something right!

Kris Cruise: That was clearly an accident.

Stephy Auger: Suuuuure.

Antoinette gets back to her feet, only to get grabbed by the throat by Miller. Miller turns and sees Lennon charging towards them, so they reach out with their left arm and grab Lennon by the throat. The crowd erupts with boo when Miller delivers a simultaneous one-handed chokeslam to both Antoinette and Lennon!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#14 - "Rockit" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Landon Knight runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: The other half of the SMWB is on their way to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Let's see if he fares any better than that nerd loser partner of his.

Kris Cruise: Please, Stephy, be nice to Max.

Stephy Auger: Oh, that WAS me being nice to him.

Kris Cruise: ...

Knight slides into the ring before sliding underneath a pump kick from Miller. When Miller turns around, Knight fires off three knife edge chops before knocking them back with a dropsault.

Kris Cruise: Knight set his targets right on Miller after they eliminated Powers earlier in the match.

Stephy Auger: That's a bad move. He's letting his emotions get the better of him.

Miller shakes off the strike, marches back over and gets stopped with a kick to the gut. Knight takes control of their arm before catching them with a Chain Chomp (Arm wrench into a short-arm forearm smash)! The crowd cheers when Knight catches them with another Chain Chomp... and another... and another. Knight then lets go and takes off into the ropes. When he returns, he hurls himself at Miller with a Tail Attack (Flying Hip Attack)! The crowd gasps, then boos when Miller catches him in mid air before throwing him down with a release German Suplex. The boos continue as Miller goes over, reaches down, grabs Knight and throws him down with a deadlift German Suplex!

Stephy Auger: How many times are these idiots going to keep chucking themselves at Miller? They catch them every time!

Miller pulls Knight back to his feet and catches him with a headbutt. After a knee strike doubles him over, Miller places him in a front facelock before lifting him in the air. Five seconds pass as Miller keeps Knight held in the air. Antoinette runs over to attack, but Miller counters with a big boot while keeping Knight held up! Lennon runs over to attack, but she meets the same fate. After 15 seconds pass, Miller finally falls back to complete the delayed vertical suplex. Miller turns over to a knee and soaks up the boos.

Kris Cruise: What Power!

Stephy Auger: I told you, Cruise. They're making this look easy.

Knight can be seen arching his back before rolling over towards the ropes. Miller motions over to attack until Sparrow runs over and leaps onto their back. He quickly slips on a Sleeper.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow's trying to put Miller to sleep!

Stephy Auger: Quick! Get him off of your back!

Sparrow tries to clamp down, but Miller reaches up, grabs him by the hair with both hands and throws him down in front of them. Miller goes to follow up with a jumping stomp to the face, but Sparrow's able to roll out of the way. He then gets back to his feet and nearly gets caught with a kick, but The West Indian Whirlwind counters with a Windmill Kick, knocking them back. He then turns and hits the ropes. When Sparrow returns, Miller brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Another challenge gets snuffed out by the Legacy Champion!

Stephy Auger: You sound surprised. I knew what I was doing when I picked them to go all the way.

Kris Cruise: Well, despite you picking FOUR people to win...

Stephy Auger: I only picked one...

Kris Cruise: ...two of your choices are still alive and well as we are just about near the halfway point of the match. Miller's got the most eliminations thus far with four. They've also been in the match the longest at just over 20 minutes.

Miller backs up into the corner before sizing Sparrow up. They can be seen waving their arm up and down while Sparrow struggles to get back to his feet. Once Sparrow is back to a vertical base, Miller charges out of the corner and motions for a spear. The crowd cheers when Sparrow counters with a knee lift. Miller gets knocked upright while Sparrow hits the ropes. He returns off the rebound before getting dropped with a pump kick!

NO!

Sparrow catches their foot, swings the leg away from him and hops onto their shoulders from behind. Before he can deliver another victory roll into The Notorious K.I.C.K., Miller counters with an Electric Chair Drop!

Stephy Auger: He might's caught Gallagher with that, but not Miller.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#15 - "I Bring the Darkness (End of Days)" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as AMC runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Ashley Marie Chase is now out for her fourth Gold Rush Rumble appearance.

Stephy Auger: Great, now we're going to have two thirds of AAA out here.

Kris Cruise: Well, it is every man for themselves. We did see AMC and Ashley Sands challenge for the 15 Championship at the same time a couple of years back. They don't mind battling each other if it comes down to ti.

As soon a AMC slides in, she ducks a big boot from Miller before hitting the ropes. AMC returns off the rebound and ducks a pump kick before continuing to run the ropes. When AMC returns, she ducks a forearm smash from Miller before hitting the ropes. AMC returns off the rebound, ducks a lariat and continues to run the ropes. When AMC comes back, the crowd explodes with cheers when she lunges forward and tackles Miller down with a spear!

Stephy Auger: What?

Kris Cruise: The Walk of Fame!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

The cheers grow louder when AMC takes Miller and pulls her into a standing headscissors.

Stephy Auger: She isn't about to... is she!?

Kris Cruise: She's already knocked Miller off their feet with a spear. Why not a powerbomb!?

AMC goes to lift Miller up for powerbomb, but she can't do it. After multiple clubbing strikes across the back, the crowd gasps when AMC starts to lift her up.

Kris Cruise: AMC's got her up!

Stephy Auger: NO, NO, NO!

Miller kicks their legs, forcing AMC to lower them back down. The crowd boos when Miller follows up with a back body drop.

Kris Cruise: AMC almost had them.

Before Miller can continue her attack, Antoinette runs over and tackles Miller against the ropes. She unleashes a flurry of right hands before trying to dump Miller over the top rope. Miller counters with clubbing strikes and elbows before ultimately shoving Antoinette down to the mat. Antoinette rolls back to her feet, runs over to attack and ends up getting grabbed by the throat.

Stephy Auger: Once again, we're seeing someone let their emotions get the better of them when it comes to Miller.

The crowd boos as Miller hoists Antoinette up with a two-handed choke. Miller tries to choke Antoinette out while Antonette kicks her legs. Miller then turns, positioning Antoinette over the top rope.

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: Drop her! DROP HER!

Before Miller lets go, Antoinette counters with a bell clap, breaking the hold. The crowd gasps when Antoinette lands on the apron. She starts to fall back, but ultimately lunges forward and grabs onto the middle rope with both hands!

Kris Cruise: That was a close call there for Antoinette!

Stephy Auger: That lucky little RugrANT.

Miller goes to knock Antoinette off, but Antoinette counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes to the midsection. Miller stands up before getting doubled over with another shoulder thrust. After a rope-assisted gamengiri knocks Miller back, they turn and sees Lennon charing towards them. Miller then sidesteps, causing Lennon to knock Antoinette off the apron with a running double axe handle! The crowd boos when Antoinette falls to the floor.

(Antoinette - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Ant's gone!

Stephy Auger: YES! YES YES YES YES YES! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

Kris Cruise: That was an accident, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Oh no, that was no accident! Piper could've slowed down if she wanted to. I guess the old Piper was in there the entire time just waiting for the perfect opportunity to come back out.

The moment Lennon turns around, Miller looks to knock her over the top with a pump kick. Instead, Lennon ducks and dumps Miller over the top!

Stephy Auger: NO NO NO!

The crowd cheers when Miller goes over the top, but they lands on the apron. After Miller pulls themselves up using the ropes, Antoinette quickly wraps her arms around Miller's leg.

Stephy Auger: What the hell is she doing!? These zebras at ringside need to get her out of here! She's already been eliminated!

Miller tries to shake her off, but it's to no avail. Back in the ring, Lennon hits the far ropes. She picks up speed as she runs back across the ring, dives forward and ducks with a front dropkick, knocking Miller off the apron to the floor to an explosion of cheers!

(Mara Jade Miller - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Miller's out!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Mara Jade Miller has officially been eliminated!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon, with a small assist from Antonette, just eliminated the person that's dominated this Rumble since they walked out.

Stephy Auger: This isn't fair!

On the outside, Miller gets back to her feet and crushes Antoinette with a hard elbow smash. The boos continue as they grab Antoinette, run forward and fling her against the ring steps!

Back inside the ring, Lennon slips down from a vertical suplex attempt from Iser. When Iser turns around, Lennon doubles him over with a throat cross chop before hitting the ropes. When Lennon returns, Iser scoops her up from the side and brings her down with a pendulum backbreaker. Iser then scoops up Lennon before dropping her across the top turnbuckle with a snake eyes. Lennon stumbles back and turns around before getting caught with three jabs. Iser motions for the discus lariat, causing Lennon to duck. Lennon ends up falling for the feint as Iser quickly pulls her into a front facelock and twirls his finger before planting her with the Deprivation DDT! The boos continue as Iser takes Lennon and tosses her over the top rope to the floor!

(Piper Lennon - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#16 - The crowd erupts with boos as Logan Alexander calmly walks down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: This is what I like to see out of Logan. He's taking his sweet time getting to the ring. These matches are old hat to him. He knows exactly what needs to be done in there.

Kris Cruise: I will say that Logan, even at this advanced age for wrestling, is still a threat out there.

Stephy Auger: Advanced age!? You act like he's 80!

Alexander makes his way up the steps before entering through the ropes. The Quiet One quickly catches the attention of Iser.
The crowd murmurs as Alexander and Iser have a stare down.

Kris Cruise: What's this?

Stephy Auger: I've always wanted to see this. These two have more experience than the rest of the roster combined. Could you imagine if these two ever linked up?

The two veterans share a nod... before darting over and double teaming Sparrow!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kris Cruise: I think they heard you, Stephy.

The boos continue as Iser and Alexander hit Sparrow with clubbing strikes, and forearms. Iser eventually holds Sparrow's arms from behind, allowing Alexander to light up his chest with multiple knife edge chops. Alexander returns the favor before Iser gives The West Indian Whirlwind a series of chops of his own. Iser keeps Sparrow's arms held from behind while Alexander hits the ropes. When Alexander returns, he comes to a stop, turns to his right and gets knocked down with a dropkick from Knight.

The cheers continue as Knight sends him for the ride. When Alexander returns, Knight knocks him off his feet with a spinning heel kick. He then takes control of Alexander and whips him into the corner. Knight runs across the ring, hurls himself at Alexander with a Tail Attack... and gets caught in mid air.

Alexander keeps Knight held up as he makes his way out of the corner. The crowd boos as Alexander brings him down with A Long Pause (multiple rolling German Suplexes)! After the fifth suplex, Alexander rolls back to his feet. Instead of hitting a sixth German, he places Knight in an inverted front facelock before bringing him down with Dead Air (inverted Implant DDT)! Knight gets yanked up off the mat before Alexander runs and tosses him over the top rope to the floor!

(Landon Knight - ELIMINATED)

Back in the ring, Iser whips Sparrow into the ropes. When Sparrow returns, Iser throws out a big boot! The crowd cheers when Sparrow catches the foot, throws the leg down and follows up with the Leaf Hurricane (Counter Scorpion Kick followed by a Pele Kick)! Iser stumbles back, stops and flops face-first on the mat to the delight of the crowd.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#17 - " Storms End" hits the speakers. The crowd boos as Mark Bisley jogs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Out next is "Smart" Mark Bisley!

Bisley climbs up to the apron before knocking AMC down with a springboard lariat!

Kris Cruise: Bisley immediately goes after an old rival!

Bisley gets back to his feet, rushes over towards Alexander and drops him down to a knee with You Didn't See That Coming (high speed running dropkick to the knee)! After a rolling solebutt to the face knocks Alexander down, Bisley reaches down, hooks Alexander's leg and delivers a KneeDT (foot DDT)!

Stephy Auger: Now Bisley's taking it to another old rival. It's a shame that him and Logan don't see eye to eye. You take the two of them, add Iser and you've got a trio of arguably the smartest men in all of wrestling.

Bisley and Sparrow then rush over towards each other before trading forearm smashes.

Kris Cruise: Bisley goes after yet another old foe!

The crowd cheers as the two continue to trade strikes. Sparrow starts to gain the upperhand before turning to take off into the ropes. When Sparrow returns, the crowd boos when Bisley throws him down with an overhead belly to belly suplex.

Bisley heads over, pulls up Sparrow by the hair, runs and tosses him over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: YES!

Sparrow lands safely on the apron, but Bisley is right there to catch him with a triangle enzuigiri!

Kris Cruise: Ace Kick!

The crowd gasps as Sparrow starts to swing his arms wildly as he leans back. He then leans forward and grabs onto the top rope with both hands. Bisley is right there to nail Sparrow with repeated clubbing strikes to the arms. The crowd gasps as Sparrow slips off the ropes before quickly reaching down and grabbing the middle rope with both hands! Bisley is booed when he nails Sparrow with a kick to the forearm, which knocks Sparrow off the middle ropes. The crowd gasps when Sparrow leans forward and grabs onto the bottom rope with both hands!

Stephy Auger: He's got nowhere to go now! Bisley's got him dead to rights!

Bisley starts to kick Sparrow through the ropes. He then places his foot on Sparrow's chest and tries to nudge him off the apron!

Kris Cruise: Sparrow's hanging on for dear life!

The crowd shrieks when Alexander heads over and tries to help Bisley nudge Sparrow off the apron. Sparrow is hanging on with all his might

The crowd erupts with cheers when AMC comes from behind, grabs Alexander and Bisley and slams their head together with a double noggin knocker.

Stephy Auger: What did she do that for? She should've helped them eliminate Sparrow!

AMC nails Alexander with a right hand. She then tuns to Bisley and catches him with a right hand. The cheers continue when she catches Alexander with another right hand. AMC turns back to Bisley and catches him with a right hand. Alexander is then dropped with the Kick of Doom (superkick)! Bisley motions to attack before getting a Kick of Doom for his troubles.AMC steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: AMC's heading to the top!

Stephy Auger: Apparently she didn't learn from her buddy Antoinette.

Alexander and Bisley slowly return to their feet. They do a double take as they look up and see AMC leaping off the top turnbuckle!

Kris Cruise: It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A Chase!

The crowd cheers as AMC brings them both down with a high crossbody block! However, the cheers soon turn to gasps as both Alexander and Bisley roll through it.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

Alexander and Bisley return to their feet with AMC in their clutches. AMC tries to break free, but Alexander and Bisley lift her high over her head and run towards the ropes.

Kris Cruise: This isn't good for AMC.

Stephy Auger: It wasn't good the moment she decided to go to the top rope!

Sparrow's eyes widen when he sees them charging at him. So he quickly pulls himself forward with the middle ropes and dives through the ropes, which is just before Alexander & Bisley chuck AMC over the top to the floor!

(AMC - ELIMINATED)

Alexander and Bisley turn to each other before trading right hands. Alexander starts to gain the upperhand until Bisley doubles him over with rolling solebutt. Bisley hits the ropes, comes back and gets stunned with a superkick. Logan then turns and hits the ropes. When he returns, he throws Bisley down with the Full Stop (STO)!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#18 - “One Way or Another” hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Gwen Margolis runs down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Well looky here. If it isn't Sparrow old flame. If she were smart, she'd eliminate him the first chance she gets.

Back in the ring, Sparrow finds himself being cornered by both Iser and Alexander. The two veterans size him up until Margolis runs around ringside, rolls herself into the ring and pops up in the corner right next to Sparrow.

Sparrow & Margolis exchange a nod before charging out of the corner and taking the fight to Iser and Alexander!

Kris Cruise: Gwen's got Sparrow's back!

Stephy Auger: Why? She should have tripled teamed him with Seth and Logan! But wait. I see what's going on now. She must want that old thing back!

Sparrow knocks Alexander back with multiple forearms while Margolis hits Iser with wild rights and lefts. Margolis is eventually doubled over with a knee strike to the midsection. He then pulls her into a front facelock to set up a deprivation DDT! The crowd cheers when Margolis counters with an inverted atomic drop. Iser then gets caught with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut connects, then a third. With Iser rocked, Margolis turns and hits the ropes. When she returns, she sends Iser tumbling to the mat with a basement dropkick. Iser sits up and favors the leg while Margolis hit the ropes again. When Margolis returns, the crowd cheers she flattens him with a Penalty Kick!

Across the ring, Sparrow moves Alexander against the turnbuckles before unleashing multiple corner chest kicks. He then sets up for an irish whip until Alexander reverses, sending him into the far corner. The Quiet One runs across the ring to attack, but Sparrow turns him around with a boot to the face. Alexander staggers out of the corner until Bisley doubles him over with a rolling solebutt. He then takes control of Alexander and delivers the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head) before bringing him down with Greetings from the Twin Cities (hangman's neckbreaker over the knee)!

Bisley goes to turn his attention back to Sparrow, but Sparrow strikes first with a jumping sidekick. He then takes control of his old rival, moves him against the turnbuckles and unleashes corner chest kicks. Bisley then fires off a forearm smash, tosses Sparrow into the corner and delivers the Minnesota Buzzsaw (repeated shoot kicks to a cornered opponent's chest). After an irish whip sends Sparrow into the far corner, Bisley runs across the ring to attack. The crowd cheers when Sparrow ducks and dumps him over the top rope...

but Bisley lands safely on the apron. Bisley goes to follow up with a rope-assisted gamengiri, but Sparrow swats it down and counters with a mule kick through the ropes.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#19 - "Gets Me Through" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Julia Braddock runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Julia Braddock is looking to make the most of her first Rumble appearance.

After hopping through the ropes and taking a couple of steps back, the crowd cheers as Sparrow rushes forward before sending Bisley off the apron to the floor with a running hurricanrana!

(Mark Bisley - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Bisley's gone! That's now three eliminations for Sparrow!

Braddock rolls in, rushes over and catches Sparrow as he slides back into the ring with the Curb Stomp!

Kris Cruise: Excommunication!

Stephy Auger: There you go!

Braddock pulls up Sparrow and slams him face-first onto the top turnbuckle before trying to dump him over the top rope. Braddock's nearly got Sparrow parallel to the ropes until Margolis stops her with a forearm to the back.

Margolis turns Braddock around and catches her with a forearm smash. Braddock answers back with a forearm of her own. Margolis catches her with another forearm smash. Braddock answers back with another forearm of her own. She then beats Margolis to the punch with another forearm smash. Another forearm smash from The Kensington Knockout knocks Margolis further back. After a superkick dazes Margolis, Braddock hits the ropes. When she returns, Margolis brings her down with a Samoan Drop. The crowd cheers when Margolis turns her over into the Lasso from El Paso, but the cheers turn to right back to boos when Alexander comes from out of nowhere and brings her down with an Ace Crusher!

Kris Cruise: The Silencer!

Sparrow gets up and tries to make his way over in time, but he's too late. Alexander takes Margolis and tosses her over the top rope to the floor!

(Gwen Margolis - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: Gwen saved Sparrow time and time again, but he couldn't save her. Awww, poor thing. HA!

The crowd cheers when Sparrow spins Alexander around and fires off a flurry of right hands.

Kris Cruise: There's no love lost between these two.

Sparrow takes Alexander and goes for an irish whip. But again, Alexander reverses. He then takes off into an adjacent set of ropes. When Sparrow returns, he comes to a stop, turns to his left and nearly gets speared out of his boots!

Stephy Auger: That spear nearly broke him half!

Iser takes Braddock and whips her hard into the corner. Braddock staggers out of the corner until Iser drops her with a Stun Gun across the top rope. The boos continue as he picks up Braddock and dumps her over the top rope to the floor!

(Julia Braddock - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 16:28:05 GMT -5 by FGA Office

FGA Office
Administrator

Posts: 11,300

Only the Strong Survive (12.05.22) Dec 31, 2022 2:06:07 GMT -5

Post by FGA Office on Dec 31, 2022 2:06:07 GMT -5

#20 - Iser stops dead in his tracks when "Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)" blasts over the PA.

Stephy Auger: What the?

Kris Cruise: Is that who I think it is?

Stephy Auger: No way. No way!

The crowd explodes with cheers as Tyler Storm steps through the curtain.

Kris Cruise: Yes way! It's Tyler Storm! The former two-time Pride Champion is back!

Storm points down at the ring before charging down the ramp.

Stephy Auger: Is he pointing at Seth!?

As soon as Storm slides in, he gets up, runs over and starts bashing Iser with a forearm smashes! He then catches Iser with a jumping knee strike before dropping him with a spinning forearm! Iser returns to his feet before a second spinning forearm drops him to the mat. Storm takes Iser, runs over and tries to throw him over the top rope, but Iser wisely wraps his arms around the top rope. Storm follows up with clubbing strikes before whipping Iser into the far ropes. When Iser returns, Storm brings him down with a spinebuster! He picks up Iser, runs over to another set of ropes and tries to throw him over the top. Iser wisely drops to a knee and wraps his arm around the middle rope.

Kris Cruise: Tyler's been going right after Seth since the moment he entered the Rumble.

Stephy Auger: Well, he isn't the first grappler to go after an old rival in tonight's Rumble.

Storm tries to pull Iser up until Alexander rushes from behind and dumps him over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: YES!

The crowd breathes a sigh of relief when Storm lands on the apron. Alexander sees this, so he takes off into the far ropes.

Kris Cruise: We've seen this huge spear through the ropes from Logan before...

While Storm pulls himself back up using the ropes, Alexander comes charging across the ring. He tries to pick up as much momentum as he can to spear Storm off the apron to the floor, but he gets cut off with a springboard flying thrust kick from Sparrow!

Stephy Auger: Where the hell did he come from!?

Storm goes to step into the ring, but Iser is right there to intentionally yank up the middle rope, hitting him below the belt.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Storm immediately crumbles to the mat before Iser puts the boots to him.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: What? It's all legal in a Gold Rush Rumble!

Across the ring, Alexander reverses another irish whip from Sparrow. When Sparrow returns, Alexander goes for a back body drop. Sparrow slips down and takes control of his back, but Alexander is quick to catch him with a back elbow to the face. He the turns around before bringing Sparrow down with a reverse STO!

Iser takes Storm and slams him face-first into the corner. After turning Storm around, Iser delivers a series of back elbow strikes, followed by a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of shoulder thrusts. He then hoists Storm up onto the top turnbuckle and tries to push him off to the floor, but Storm counters with a front kick to the face. After another front kick connects, Storm grabs Iser and goes for a Tornado DDT! Iser blocks by pushing Storm off mid turn. Once Storm lands on his feet, he runs over to attack before Iser drops him across the top rope with a Stun Gun!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#21 - "Tití Me Preguntó" blasts over the PA. The crowd erupts with cheers as Julian Tijerina runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina successfully retained his Pride Championship earlier tonight. Now, he's trying to put himself in line for a World Championship match with a Gold Rush Rumble win.

Tijerina slides and sees Storm across Iser's shoulders. The crowd boos as Iser tires to dump Storm over the top rope with a fireman's carry. Iser's nearly got him out until Tijerina runs over and delivers a kick to the ribs.

After Iser drops Storm, Tijerina takes control of Iser and goes for an irish whip. Iser reverses, sending Tijerina into the far ropes. Tijerina ducks a clothesline before continuing to run the ropes. When Tijerina returns, he slides through Iser's legs. After Iser turns around, Tijerina catches him with a Shoot Kick to the left leg, followed by a Shoot Kick to the left side, followed by a Roundhouse Kick. Tijerina then gives him a finger gun gesture before a Superkick.

Kris Cruise: Rompiendo El Hielo!

The crowd cheers when Iser stumbles back before flopping face-first to the mat.

Tijerina takes Iser and drags him over towards the ropes. After struggling to lift Iser off the mat, Tijerina leans him against the ropes before hooking his arms around the right leg. Storm makes his way over and hooks his arms around Iser's other leg. The crowd cheers as Tijerina and Storm try to lift Iser over the top rope.

Kris Cruise: They've nearly got him out!

Iser quickly wraps his arms around the top rope as he tries to stay alive. Tijerina and Storm have Iser parallel to the ropes until Alexander comes from behind and delivers a bell clap to Storm's ears. The boos continue as he grabs Storm from behind and tosses him through the ropes to the apron. Back inside, Iser rakes Tijerina across the eyes. The boos continue as Iser and Alexander muscle Tijerina into the near corner and try to dump him over the top.

Stephy Auger: Tijerina doesn't like it when the shoe is on the other foot.

Iser and Alexander nearly have Tijerina out until Sparrow comes from behind with a clubbing strike across Alexander's neck. He then pulls Alexander away from the ropes and nails him with multiple right hands. Alexander responds with a European Uppercut that drops The West Indian Whirlwind. After he pulls Sparrow back to his feet, he sets up for an irish whip. Sparrow reverses! The crowd then erupts with boos when Alexander uses the momentum to lunge forward with a spear through the ropes, tackling Storm off the apron to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a spear!

Stephy Auger: I'm sure that knocked the air right out of him!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#22 - "Short Change Hero" hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Mark Storm runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Your Hero and Mine is out next for his fifth Rumble.

Stephy Auger: He's no hero of mine, let's get that straight.

Inside the ring, Iser grabs Sparrow from behind, runs and chucks him over the top rope. The crowd gasps as Sparrow hooks his arm around the top rope. Sparrow's about to pull himself up onto the apron until Alexander wraps his arms around Sparrow's leg and tries to rip him off the apron.

Kris Cruise: Logan's trying to yank Sparrow to the floor!

Shrieks are hard a Sparrow hangs on for dear life. He then uses his free leg to repeatedly kick away at Alexander. The last kick is able to knock Alexander down. After reaching up with his left hand and grabbing onto the top rope, Sparrow gets back into the ring by skinning the cat.

NO!

Iser catches Sparrow's legs across his shoulder before pushing him back down!

The crowd boos as Iser leans over the top rope and gouges Sparrow's eyes while Alexander tries to yank him off the apron.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow's hanging on with everything he's got! But I'm not sure how much more of this he can take!

Iser starts to hammer away on Sparrow with punches across the top of the head. After a knee strike to the back, Sparrow drops to a seated position on the apron! He quickly hooks his arms around the middle rope as Iser and Alexander continue to try and eliminate him. Alexander continues to try and rip Sparrow off the apron until he gets blindsided with a bicycle kick from Tyler Storm!

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm with a big of payback after that spear off the apron!

Tyler Storm rolls back inside and knocks Iser away from Sparrow with multiple European Uppercuts. While Sparrow swings himself back into the ring, Tyler sets up Iser for an irish whip. Iser is quick to reverses, sending Tyler into the far ropes. When Tyler returns, he sees Iser setting up for a bad body drop. So he stops and pulls Iser into a front face lock.

Mark Storm heads over to Tyler Storm’s left side and grabs a hold of Iser. Tyler and Mark share a look before bringing Iser down with a double vertical suplex!

Stephy Auger: Dammit!

Iser arches his back before turning over to his knees. He looks around and quickly finds himself surrounded by Tyler Storm, Mark Storm, Julian Tijerina and Sparrow.

Stephy Auger: This isn't fair. They should be targeting each other, not Seth!

Iser slowly returns to a vertical base and calls for a timeout. Tyler Storm shakes his head. He then motions for everyone to calm down. Again, his pleas get turned down.

Kris Cruise: Seth's found himself on the wrong end of this 4 on 1!

Iser resigns to his fate… before quickly turning to deck Sparrow with a hard right hand.

NO!

Sparrow blocks and counters with a punch of his own. The punch turns Iser over towards Tyler Storm, who nails Iser with a punch of his own. That punch turns Iser towards towards Tijerina, who rocks Iser with a right hand. That strike knocks Iser over towards Mark Storm, who blasts him with a hard right. Iser stumbles back... before flopping face-first to the mat.

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Iser looks around and frantically shakes his head once he's grabbed by both wrists and both ankles. Tyler Storm, Sparrow, Mark Storm and Tijerina take Iser and hoist him up in the air before letting go. The crowd cheers as they step back and watch Iser land face-first on the mat.

Stephy Auger: This is cruel and unusual punishment, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Seth is getting exactly what he deserves.

Stephy Auger: I don't see how! That man has never done anything to anyone!

Kris Cruise: ...

A hurt Iser tuns over and sits up before scooting himself backwards towards the corner. He gets stalked by the four grapplers... until Mark Storm grabs Tijerina from behind, runs over into the far corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Sparrow and Tyler Storm quickly turn away and sees this. When Sparrow turns back, Iser swings his arm up and nails him with a low blow.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Tyler Storm turns around and nearly gets caught with a low blow, but he reaches down in time and catches Iser's arm. Tyler pulls Storm back to his feet before doubling him over with the Hybrid Crackdown (Inverted Headlock into Rolling Elbow)! The cheers continue as Tyler lifts Iser across his shoulders before lifting him up higher in the air. Storm yells out at the crowd, "TIME TO..."! The crowd responds with "BE WITNESS!" before bringing him down with Bite Wound (Crucifix Cutter)!

NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when Alexander runs over and tackles him down with another spear!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#23 - "The Baddest" blasts over the PA! The crowd explodes with cheers as Fujiko Mine races down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: At number 23, it's the Apex Goddess!

Stephy Auger: Of course she'd pick number 23. How appropriate. She thinks she's Jordan. She thinks she's the greatest.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko's got a hell of a case.

Iser returns to his feet. The moment he turns around, the crowd erupts with cheers when Fujiko sends him twirling down to the mat with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick)!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko put something extra behind that kick!

Stephy Auger: I see someone's still mad that Seth Iser got the better of them.

The Apex Goddess grabs Iser by the back of the tights and pulls him back to his feet before bringing him down with Eriana's Vow (Lumbar Check)! While Iser turns over onto his knees and arches his back, Fujiko hits the ropes. When she returns, the crowd cheers when she spikes Iser head-first onto the mat with a basement hurricanrana!

Fujiko takes Iser, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FIVE!"

"SIX!"

"SEVEN!"

"EIGHT!"

"NINE!"

"TEN!"

Fujiko hooks her arms around Iser's leg before trying to dump him over the top turnbuckle in the corner. Iser quickly reaches out and grabs onto the top turnbuckle hook.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko's almost got him out!

Iser gets lifted higher and higher off the ground until Alexander nails Fujiko with a superkick to the back of the head. The boos continue as he grabs Fujiko from behind and chokes her across the top rope.

Stephy Auger: Thank you, Logan. Thank you!

Iser takes Fujiko from Alexander and pushes her into the corner. From there, he unleashes a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. Iser then takes Fujiko, delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the turnbuckles, Fujiko runs up to the top turnbuckle, backflips over the oncoming Iser and takes off into the far ropes.

NO!

Alexander catches Fujiko as he runs towards the ropes with a spear!

NO!

Fujiko executes a split-leg jump over Alexander, causing him to whiff on the spear. Alexander rolls across the mat, gets back to his feet, turns and runs at Fujiko. The crowd explodes with cheers when Sparrow springboards onto the top rope, leaps over her and drives Alexander down with The Notorious K.I.C.K. II (Top Rope Double Foot Stomp)!

Stephy Auger: Where in the HELL did he come from!? How is he not eliminated yet!?

Iser rushes over towards Sparrow and throws out a running big boot, but Sparrow catches his foot before knocking him down with a Windmill Kick! The cheers continue as Sparrow & Fujiko take Alexander, run and throw him over the top rope to the floor!

(Logan Alexander - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: For the second year in a row, Logan Alexander has been eliminated at the hands of Sparrow!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Kris Cruise: Logan and Seth seemed to have each other's back. Now Iser's all alone in there!

Sparrow & Fujiko turn their attention back to Iser. The two grapplers pick up Iser, run and try to throw him over the top, but Iser wisely wraps his arms around the top rope.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#24 - "BBB" blares throughout the arena. The crowd erupts with boos as Erin Mariani makes her way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It's one half of the reigning World Tag Team Champions!

Mariani runs over, immediately runs over towards Fujiko and gouges her eyes from behind.

Stephy Auger: Yes, Erin! Yes!

Kris Cruise: Erin Mariani clearly still feels a way about Fujiko Mine.

Stephy Auger: As she should!

The boos continue as Mariani pulls her old rival away from the ropes and towards the center of the ring. Fujiko is then placed in a front facelock before Mariani hits her with multiple knee lifts. After she lets go and knocks Fujiko upright with anther knee lift, she takes off into the ropes. Mariani returns before knocking Fujiko down with a running elbow tackle. Fujiko is then whipped into the ropes. The Apex Goddess returns off the rebound before Mariani sends her flipping down with a kitchen sink. Fujiko remains in the seated until Mariani hits the ropes, returns and hits a running hip attack to the back of the head. The boos continue as Mariani hits the ropes, returns and flattens Fujiko with the Libertine (running double stomp to a seated opponent)!

Over in the corner, Iser applies a foot choke to Sparrow before delivering multiple shoulder thrusts. On the last shoulder thrust attempt, Sparrow blocks and counters with a front facelock. He then climbs up to the middle ropes before planting Iser with a Tornado DDT.

NO!

Iser counters by pushing him off mid turn. Sparrow then turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, the crowd boos as Iser counters with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)!

In another corner, Mark Storm hits Tijerina with a barrage of clotheslines to the point of exhaustion. Once Mark gains his second wind, he quickly sits Tijerina up on the top turnbuckle, claps his hands and follows up with a dropkick. The crowd gasps when Tijerina falls off the top turnbuckle!

Stephy Auger: There he goes!

Tijerina hits the apron before quickly wrapping both arms and legs around the bottom rope. Mark gets up and puts the boots to Tijerina before trying to nudge him off the apron to the floor.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#25 - "Voodoo" blares throughout the arena. The crowd erupts with boos as Sara Mason makes her way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: You've got to be kidding me? The tag champs come out with back to back numbers? Who did they intimidate to pull this off?

Stephy Auger: I'm sure it was just the luck of the draw, Cruise.

Mason slides into the ring and helps Mariani put the boots to Fujiko. The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide deliver the Canto V (Mariani goozles the opponent before Mason hits a spinning leg sweep, allowing Mariani to drive the opponent to the mat) before bringing Fujiko back down with the Vow (one-handed bulldog by Mason over Mariani’s knee)!

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have gone right at Fujiko.

Silk & Cyanide set up for a double suplex until Mark Storm pulls Fujiko down from behind.

Stephy Auger: What are you doing, Mark!?

When Silk & Cyanide turn around, the crowd cheers when Mark Storm knocks them both down with a pair of right hands.

Mark Storm hits the ropes, returns and brings Mason down with a Sling Blade. He then sends Mariani for the ride before catching her off the rebound with a Sling Blade. The cheers continue as Mark hits the ropes. When he returns, Storm gets brought down with a double hip toss before Silk & Cyanide follow up with Bad Things (Mason wishbones the opponents legs as Mariani hits a double stomp to the opponent's "midsection")!

After Silk & Cyanide bring Mark Storm over towards the side of the ring, the crowd erupts with boos when Silk & Cyanide throw him over the top rope to the floor with Haute Tension (double team inverted crucifix powerbomb)!

(Mark Storm - ELIMINATED)

Silk & Cyanide turn their attention back to Fujiko. Mariani holds Fujiko's arms back from behind while Mason hits her with multiple headbutts.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#26 - "Step into a World (Rapture's Delight)" blasts over the PA. The crowd explodes with cheers as TJ Techniques races down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Here comes The Funky Technician!

Stephy Auger: I was wondering when Hip Hop Harry would make an appearence.

Mason turns around and does a double take as Techniques springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks her down with a diving Tornillo! Mariani throws Fujiko down before attacking Techniques with a knee strike. She goes for a irish whip, but Techniques motions to reverse before knocking her down with a short-arm rolling koppu kick!

Techniques gets back to his feet before Iser spins him around. Iser throws out a right hand, but Techniques ducks and counters with a right hand. After another right hand connects, he sets up for an irish whip. Iser is quick to reverse, shooting him into the far ropes. When Techniques returns, the crowd cheers when he brings Iser down with a double tilt-a-whirl headsicssors. Iser gets back to his feet... before flopping face-first to the mat.

Tijerina turns Techniques around and hits a Shoot Kick to the left leg, followed by a Shoot Kick to the left side, followed by a Roundhouse Kick, followed by a finger gun gesture. Tijerina goes for the superkick to complete Rompiendo El Hielo, but Techniques catches his foot. He then swings the leg away from him. After Tijerina swings back around, Techniques catches him with alternating palm strikes, followed by a shoot kick to the leg, followed by a spinning backfist, followed by a discus lariat that turns Tijerina inside out!

Kris Cruise: Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em!

The cheers turn to boos when Silk & Cyanide grab Techniques from behind, run and toss him over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: YES!!!

Techniques reaches up and grabs the top rope with both hands. Mariani turns back around and sees this, so she marches over to knock him off. The crowd cheers when Techniques pulls himself up and wraps his legs around Mariani's neck.

Mariani tries to fight him off, but Fujiko comes from behind, hooks her legs and lifts up, helping Techniques send her over the top rope to the floor!

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: ERIN!

(Erin Mariani - ELIMINATED)

Tijerina runs over to knock Techniques off the ropes with a baseball slide, but Techniques avoids it by skinning the cat. He then takes off into the far ropes. When Techniques returns, he leaps through the ropes and knocks Tijerina down with a suicide dive! The Funky Technicians then starts to run around the ring. Once he nearly laps the ring, he runs straight towards the ring post, leaps through the turnbuckle hooks and plants Tijerina with a Torpedo DDT!

Kris Cruise: What a maneuver by The Funky Technician! I don't know how he does it!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#27 - “Come Together” hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Monty Margolis jogs down to the ring.

Back in the ring, the crowd cheers when Tyler Storm catches Iser off the rebound before bringing him down with a Blue Thunder Bomb!

Kris Cruise: Big time move there by Tyler Storm. We haven't seen much from Tyler since he got hit with that second spear from Logan Alexander.

Stephy Auger:

Tyler Storm takes Iser, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and nearly knocks his head off with a bicycle kick! The cheers continue as Tyler climbs up to the middle ropes and sets up for a Tornado DDT. Iser blocks by grabbing onto the rope. After wrestling himself free, Iser nails Storm with a hard uppercut. Another well-placed uppercut connects. Storm knocks him back with a front kick to the face. Iser shakes off the blow, charges back in and shoves Storm, sending him flipping backwards off the top turnbuckle and falling hard to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

(Tyler Storm - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: That looked AND sounded like it hurt.

Back inside the ring, Techniques delivers an inverted atomic drop to Tijerina that drops him to a knee. Sparrow quickly takes advantage of Tijerina's positioning and knocks him down with Love TKO (Shining axe kick on an opponent crouched)! The cheers continue a Sparrow & Techniques take Tijerina, run and throw him over the top rope to the floor!

(Julian Tijerina - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: The Pride Champion's gone! Thats now five eliminations for Sparrow!

Back inside, Mason notices that's it's her and Iser on one side of the ring while Fujiko, Sparrow, Techniques and Margolis are on the opposite side. She then motions her index finger between her and Iser before pointing across the ring. Iser nods. They get back to back while the other four grapplers surround them. Iser and Mason brace for an attack... until Mason runs over and rolls out of the ring! The crowd cheers when Iser is all alone!

Kris Cruise: Sara Mason decided to get the hell out of dodge!

Stephy Auger: Sara! No!

The cheers continue as Fujiko, Sparrow, Techniques and Monty attack Iser with clubbing strikes.

Kris Cruise: They are teeing off on Seth!

Iser gets whipped into the far corner. The Funky Technician runs over and catches Iser with a clothesline! The cheers continue as Fujiko runs over towards the corner before connecting with a corner dropkick! Iser starts to stagger out of the corner until Sparrow sends him right back into the corner with a front dropkick. Monty then runs over to attack, but Iser ducks and dumps him over the top rope. The crowd boos when Monty smacks face-first off the steel steps just before hitting the floor!

(Monty Margolis - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

28 - "Just Close Your Eyes" blares throughout the arena. The crowd boos as Savannah Taylor makes her way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It's the Las Vegas Siren!

Taylor gets to ringside and does the math. Fujiko, Sparrow and Techniques are all zeroed in on her. As soon as Taylor climbs up to the apron, Fujiko motions over towards her. So Taylor quickly hops back down. She slowly walks around ringside before slowly rolling in underneath the bottom rope. The moment Fujiko heads over towards her, The Las Vegas Siren rolls right back out.

Kris Cruise: Savannah isn't in any rush to get in there, especially after she saw what happened to Seth.

Taylor smirks as she motions for Fujiko to shoo. The Apex Goddess can be seen motioning for Taylor to get in the ring.

Stephy Auger: Who is Fujiko to think that she can demand anything from Savannah?

Also on the outside, Iser can be seen pointing his finger and yelling at Mason for leaving him hanging. The crowd murmurs while Iser and Mason are focused on each other. The moment they turn their attention towards the ring, the crowd explodes with cheers when Sparrow and Techniques leap through the ropes and knock them down with stereo suicide dives!

Kris Cruise: Iser and Mason just got wiped out on the outside!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

The moment Fujiko turns her attention to look at the dives, Taylor slides in from behind.

Stephy Auger: Get her!

The crowd gasps when Taylor throws out a spinning back fist just as Fujiko turns around. Taylor whiffs! Fujiko's able to duck out of the way just in the nick of time. When Taylor turns around, Fujiko doubles her over with a spinning back kick. After a kick to the face knocks Taylor upright, Fujiko hits the ropes, bounces back and knocks her down with a handspring enzuigiri.

Back on the outside, Sparrow & Techniques take Iser and Mason and roll them both back into the ring. The fan favorites bring Iser and Mason into opposite corners. From there, Sparrow nails Iser with corner chest kicks while Techniques hits Mason with multiple knife edge chops. In another corner, Fujiko lights up Taylor with repeated shoot kicks in the corner.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#29 - “Warrior” hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Ashley Sands runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Here comes the last member of AAA to enter tonight's Rumble!

As soon as Sands slides in, she sees Sparrow, Fujiko and Techniques holding their respective opponents in their corners. So Sands takes off across the ring before blasting Mason with the Wind Kick (corner big boot)! The cheers continue as she runs across the ring into the opposite corner and nails Iser with a Wind Kick! She then turns, runs over into the adjacent corner and nearly knocks Taylor's head off with a Wind Kick!

Kris Cruise: You get a Wing Kick! You get a Wind Kick!

Stephy Auger: This isn't funny, Cruise!

Sands motions for Fujiko to bring Taylor over towards her. The Apex Goddess obliges, whipping Taylor over towards Sands. The crowd cheers when Taylor finds herself on the receiving end of Into Dust (Codebreaker)! The Las Vegas Siren bounces off of Sands' knees before Fujiko brings her down with Eriana's Vow! The cheers continue as Fujiko takes Taylor, runs and tosses her over the top rope!

Sighs are heard when Taylor reaches up, grabs onto the top ope with both hands and pulls herself back up onto the apron. Fujiko runs over to knock her off with a forearm smash, but Taylor's able to duck and counter with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. The crowd gasps when Taylor goes for a suplex off the apron to the floor!!!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

On the way up, Fujiko nails Taylor with a knee to the head. Once Fujiko's been lowered back down on the apron, she nails Taylor with a forearm strike. Taylor answers back with a forearm of her own. Fujiko nails her with another forearm strike. Taylor answers back with another forearm of her own. The Apex Goddess connects with yet another forearm.

"YES!"

The Las Vegas Siren answers back with another forearm of her own.

"BOOOOOOO!"

Fujiko connects with another forearm.

"YES!"

Taylor fires back with another forearm.

"BOOOOOOO!"

Fujiko motions for another forearm, but Taylor knocks her back with a front kick to the face!

"BOOOOOOO!"

Sands runs over to knock Taylor off the apron, but The Las Vegas Siren low-bridges the top rope, sending Sands tumbling to the floor!

(Ashley Sands - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: There goes Sands!

Taylor quickly slips back in through the ropes. As soon as Fujiko steps back in, Taylor is right there to knock her down with a high knee lift. Mason then makes her way over and starts to put the boots to the Apex Goddess.

Over in the far corner, Sparrow returns the favor by holding Iser's arms from behind while Techniques delivers multiple knife edge chops. He then takes off into the ropes. When Techniques returns, the crowd boos when Iser turns the table and low blows Sparrow!

Techniques runs over to Iser, but Iser's able to scoop him up across his shoulder.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

Kris Cruise: There's no surprise as to who this is.

#30 - “Sei to Shi to Kimi” blares throughout the arena. The crowd erupts with boos as Nina Stokes marches down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: There she is, Cruise! My pick to win it all, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: Yeah, you also picked Mara Jade Miller, Seth Iser and Savannah Taylor. The last two are still alive in the match.

Stephy Auger: Well, between those three, I can't lose!

Kris Cruise: ...

Back inside, Iser goes to lawn dart Techniques over the top rope! The Funky Technician is able to block by reaching out and grabbing the top rope with both hands. After multiple failed attempts to muscle Techniques over the top rope, Iser pulls him away from the ropes before bringing him down with a front powerslam! Once Stokes gets inside, she immediately attacks Sparrow with a rolling solebutt. After a rising knee to the chin knocks him upright, he finds himself on the receiving end of arm-trapped headbutts before getting brought down with a Snap Saito Suplex.

Kris Cruise: What a suplex from The Kodiak!

Across the ring, Taylor and Mason whip Fujiko into the corner. Taylor runs in to attack, but Fujiko knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. She then quickly hoists herself up to the middle ropes before bringing Taylor down with a diving hurricanrana. As soon as Fujiko gets up, the crowd boos when Mason delivers the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat) before following up with the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent)!

Stephy Auger: Yes, Sara, Yes! Stay right on top of her!

Mason pulls Fujiko back up, sizes her up and nearly knocks her head off with Aphrodite’s Sweet Dream (heel kick to the back of an opponent's head)!

NO!

Fujiko ducks the kick. When Mason turns around, she blocks a kick to the midsection by catching Fujiko's foot. She then swings her arms up, sending Fujiko flipping in the air. Fujiko is then able to land on her feet before quickly flipping back again to catch Mason with a backflip flash kick)!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko caught her with The Bliss!

Mason stumbles back until Fujiko runs over and delivers a clothesline, sending her over the top rope to the floor!

(Sara Mason - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Sara's out of here!

Taylor runs over to attack, but Fujiko ducks and dumps her over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: And so is Savannah!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Taylor lands safely on the apron. Before she can get back inside, the crowd cheers when Fujiko knocks her off the apron to the floor with a triangle dropkick!

(Savannah Taylor - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Fujiko gets back to her feet, turns around and gets caught with a running lariat from Stokes, sending her over the top rope to the floor!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(Fujiko Mine - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Fujiko's gone!

Stephy Auger: Yes! That's what I want to see. The Kodiak didn't let her emotions get the better of her. It didn't matter if you were friend or foe, you were all the opposition and she wouldn't hesitate to run over and anyone that was standing in her way!

Iser turns around and sees it's just him, Techniques, Sparrow and Stokes left. The final four are met with cheers and applause from the crowd,

Kris Cruise: Well now it's down to four, Stephy. The number 8, 13, 26 and 30 entrants are all that are left. TJ Techniques came in at number 26, which is a number that has produced the most winners ever. Nina Stokes entered at the most desirable number at 30. Sparrow, despite being "unlucky" #13, has been in there for 35 minutes and counting with five eliminations. Seth Iser, somehow, has lasted 45 minutes and counting with four eliminations.

Stephy Auger: Both of my picks are still alive and well, too!

Techniques and Sparrow are quick to make their way over to same side of the ring. The United States Champion and his future tag partner survey the lay of the land. Across the ring, Iser and Stokes stare them down before turning towards each other. The Kodiak and the Morgantown Mauler look at each other with narrowed eyes before turning back over towards Sparrow and Techniques.

Kris Cruise: It looks like we've got our two sides heres.

Stephy Auger: If they were smart, they'd either all turn on Iser, who's been in there the longest, or Stokes, who is the freshest of them all.

Iser and Stokes slowly inch towards the two fan favorites. Iser peeks over to make sure Stokes isn't going to leave him high and dry for a double team. Stokes does the same.

After each side partake in a staredown, the crowd explodes with cheers as Sparrow & Techniques take it to Iser & Stokes. The fan favorites knock Iser and Stokes back with a flurry of forearms before turning to hit the ropes. When they return, Iser and Stokes each go for a back body drop. The crowd cheers when Sparrow & Techniques are able to land on their feet before continuing to run the ropes. When they return, they bring Iser and Stokes down with stereo running hurricanranas. The cheers continue when stereo dropkicks return Iser & Stokes to the mat. Iser and Stokes return to a vertical base before Sparrow & Techniques knock them down with stereo Shaolin Sidekicks (jumping sidekicks)!

NO!

The crowd boos when Iser and Stokes duck. Stokes brings Techniques down with an STO while Iser brings Sparrow down with a spinebuster. The crowd gasps when Iser hooks his arms around Sparrow's legs, drags him into position and catapults him! The crowd gasps when Sparrow bounces off the top rope before falling over it!

Stephy Auger: Sparrow's in trouble!

Sparrow reaches up with both hands and grabs the top rope with both hands, but his right foot ultimately hits the floor! His left foot then hits the floor...

Stephy Auger: That's it, Cruise! He's gone! Both feet hit the floor!

... but not before raising up the right foot. He then grunts as he skins the cat. The moment Sparrow turns around, Iser is right there to deliver a discus clothesline over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: NOW he's out!

Kris Cruise: Wait!

Luckily for Sparrow, he lands on the apron.

Back inside the ring, a high roundhouse drops Techniques to a knee. Stokes then hits the ropes, returns and catches Techniques when he stands back up with a running roundhouse. The Kodiak grabs Techniques by the wrist and holds his arms up by the wrist before nailing him with repeated stomps to the chest neck and head. The boos continue as Techniques gets yanked up off the mat before getting whipped into the corner. Stokes runs across the ring, hurls herself at him and crushes him with running doubles knees! After Techniques gets whipped into the far corner, Stokes charges across the ring, hurls herself at him and delivers another pair of running double knees!

NO!

Techniques dives out of the way, causing Stokes to crash into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Stokes missed!

On the other side of the ring, Iser goes to knock Sparrow off the apron, but he slides in through the bottom rope between Iser's legs. When Iser turns around, he throws out a hard right handed punch. Sparrow ducks and doubles him over with a mule kick. After a kick to the face knocks him upright, Sparrow follows up with a step-up enzuigiri. A leg lariat sends Iser stumbling backwards into the corner. The cheers continue as Sparrow takes Iser and brings him down out of the corner with a Tornado DDT!

Sparrow checks to see if the coast is clear before stepping out to the apron through the ropes. The crowd cheers as he makes his way to the top.

Kris Cruise: We've seen this burn many grapplers here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Get up Seth! Knock him off!

With Iser still sprawled out on the mat, Sparrow leaps off from the top turnbuckle before crushing Iser with The Notorious K.I.C.K. II!

NO!

Iser rolls out of the way in time. After Sparrow lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Sparrow rolls back to his feet, turns around and gets caught with a Mandible Claw!

Stephy Auger: The Injection of Poison!

Sparrow can be seen hitting Iser with multiple clubbing strikes to the arm, but he's unable to break the hold. Iser then clamps down.

Stephy Auger: He's fading, cruise!

Sparrow tries to best to pull Iser's off of him, but he's unable to escape. The crowd boos when Iser muscles Sparrow across the ring before pushing him over the top rope to the floor!

(Sparrow - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: After 39 minutes, Sparrow is out!

Stephy Auger: It's now down to three!

Techniques finds himself outnumbered with Stokes to his right and Iser to his left.

Kris Cruise: This is a bad spot for TJ Techniques to be in.

Stephy Auger: Being stuck between these two? Yeah, I'd say the odds aren't in his favor.

As soon as Iser and Stokes come towards him, Techniques hits first and delivers alternating strikes. The crowd cheers when he catches Stokes with knife edge chops and Iser with right hands.

Kris Cruise: TJ's fighting back!

Techniques takes Stokes, delivers an irish whip, follows her into the corner and executes a Tiger Wall Flip. After landing on his feet, Stokes runs out of the corner to attack before getting caught with a rolling koppu kick. The cheers quickly turn to boos when Iser catches Techniques when he gets up with a running big boot that knocks him back down.

Stephy Auger: He just got flattened with that big boot!

Iser takes Techniques, runs and tosses him over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: TJ's gone!

... but Techniques lands safely on the apron. Iser heads over to attack, but Techniques catches him with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. When Iser stands back up, Techniques brings him down with a Slingshot Flatliner! He then takes Iser and delivers an irish whip. When Iser returns, the crowd cheers when Techniques brings him down with a forward roll into a jumping Cutter! Techniques then takes Stokes and whips her into the ropes. Stokes returns off the rebound before Techniques brings her down with a forward roll into a jumping Cutter!

NO!

*CRACK!*

The crowd boos when Stokes counters the jumping cutter with a bicycle knee strike!

Kris Cruise: Good God!

Stephy Auger: Stokes just obliterated him with that knee!

The boos continue as Stokes takes Techniques, runs and tosses him over the top rope to the floor!

(TJ Techniques - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Then there were two!

Stephy Auger: Yes, and it's the two that I picked to win it all! I can't lose!

Stokes turns around and sees Iser up on one knee. So she runs across the ring to catch him with a running roundhouse. At the last second, Iser catches her leg, stands up and brings her down with a dragon screw leg whip. Iser pulls Stokes back up and catches her with three jabs before turning her inside out with a discus clothesline. He then pulls Stokes back up by the back of the tights before throwing her down with a release German Suplex!

NO!

Stokes rotates and lands on her feet. The Kodiak charges over to attack before Iser chucks her across the ring with a release belly to belly suplex! The crowd boos when Iser returns to his feet and twirls his finger in the air.

Kris Cruise: Seth's calling his shot!

Stephy Auger: Iser could be seconds away from winning the Gold Rush Rumble!

Iser heads over, grabs Stokes and pulls her into a front facelock before planting her with the Deprivation DDT!

NO!

Stokes grabs his arm, spins out of the front facelock and counters with a hook kick that knocks Iser back. Stokes hits the far ropes, comes back and...

*CRACK!*

Iser gets knocked back with a bicycle knee strike. The Kodiak then turns, hits the far ropes, comes back, picks up speed and blasts him with a running bicycle knee that knocks Iser into the ropes.

*CRACK!

Kris Cruise: Iser looks like he's n his last legs!

Stephy Auger: Or he could be luring Stokes into a trap!

Stokes turns and takes off into the far ropes. The Kodiak returns off the rebound, charges across the ring and hurls herself at Iser with a lariat! The crowd gasps when both grapplers tumble over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: There they go!

Stephy Auger: NO NO NO!

While Iser hits the floor, Stokes hooks her left arm around the top rope before pulling herself back up to the apron. The ref calls for the bell.

(Seth Iser - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: After 55 minutes, Seth Iser has been eliminated! The Kodiak is the last one standing, providing that she was the strongest to survive!

The crowd erupts with boos as “Sei to Shi to Kimi” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2022 Gold Rush Rumble… NINA STOKES!

The boos continue as Stokes gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes gets her biggest FGA win to date by winning the Gold Rush Rumble. She'll now challenge Lowri Moss for the FGA World Championship at Grapple Kingdom V!

Stephy Auger: Stokes is going to show Moss what a real striker looks like at Grapple Kingdom V!

Kris Cruise: Can Stokes go on and do what four Hall of Famers couldn't do and defeat Moss for the championship?

Stephy Auger: The last two times that Stokes and Moss were in the same match, Stokes laid her out. This time, Moss won't be able to hide behind her tag team partners. It'll just be her and Stokes in there and let me tell you something, Cruise. The Kodiak will be out for blood.

Stokes' attention is turned to the Video Tron, which is now showing a graphic of her vs. Moss for the World Championship at Grapple Kingdom V. Stokes points to the Tron before doing the belt motion around her waist...

Last Edit: Mar 14, 2023 18:08:17 GMT -5 by FGA Office