Charlotte DVD Taping (7.12.14)

[FGA Office]

NOTE: What you're seeing below is what is left of the Charlotte show. The doc was saved and ready to go. I went to x out of something that was playing in another tab when my pc froze on me. I then did a hard reboot. After everything loaded back up, I went to open up the doc and say nothing but rows upon rows of squares. I tried opening the doc up in different word processors. I tried highlighting the squares and switching to a different font (I was using a standard font anyway, but I was grasping at straws at that point.) I tried a system restore. Nothing seemed to work, so all the matches were lost. And with the second show of our double shot tomorrow, rewriting every match on this show wasn't going to be an option. I'm deeply sorry to all of those who roleplayed for this show. Especially Pip, Benny, Bondo, Adam, Dion, Spiro, Paully, Christine and Sam, all of whom I wrote five entertaining matches for (IMO). Once again, I'm sorry that this happened. This frustrates me to no end...

[FGA Office]

(The show cuts backstage, where Jared James is sitting in a hallway. Dexter Wolfe stands above him, a hand on his back, as his mentor works through a series of stretches before tonight’s match.)

Dexter Wolfe: I have a good feeling about tonight, Jared.

(His words, to some degree, come across as a little forced. Despite this, Jared glances up at his protégé and responds with a gentle smile.)

Dexter Wolfe: I’ll give you a moment, Jared…

(His body is already starting t move off camera as he speaks.)

Dexter Wolfe: Just remember, one loss doesn’t define you.

(With that final statement, Dex moves off camera. As he wanders away, Jared simply shakes his head as his student walks away from him. For a moment – no longer than two or three seconds – we sit in silence as Jared begins to stand up.)

Jared James: Legacy.

(He runs his left hand through his hair.)

Jared James: Legacy is something that I’ve been concerned with a lot lately, especially after yet another seemingly career-defining loss to Riley Owens in Philly. I wanted to walk out of All-Star Showdown III as your FGA Pride Champion, after all. Yet, as you all know, it seems that my career trajectory has me destined to always be the bridesmaid…”

(He tilts his head slightly to the side, avoiding eye contact with the camera.)

Jared James: …Never the bride.

(Jared’s gaze meets the camera once more, with a slight smile revealed in the process.)

Jared James: Hope glimmer’s in the distance, though, and it has a name: the Young Lion’s Cup. Four victories – such a small amount in the grand scheme of a single career – could single-handedly shift the trajectory of my legacy. No longer would I be just be the guy who couldn’t win the big one: I’d be the winner of FGA’s most prestigious tournament…

(With this pause, Jared body language has shifted. He seems to stand a little bit taller – with his shoulders back and his head held high – and his eyes sparkle with the prospect of success looming.)

Jared James: Tonight is the start of all that. Chris Bond, a man who seems to be in a similar position to me at the moment, is the one person standing between me and an automatic trip to Above & Beyond III in Miami. A legend, in my mind, like Bond would leave many performers anxious at the prospect of facing him. Not me. Not now. ‘Cause, as you will hear me repeat over and over until my arms are lifted high in Miami: I’m hungry. I’m hungry for the success that I know I deserve. I’m hungry for the big wins that seem to elude me. And, ladies and gentlemen, I’m starving at the chance to compete for the FGA World Heavyweight Championship.

(Jared throws his head back in excitement, his hands sitting at his gut as he imitates actual hunger. Then he returns his gaze to the camera, a eyes never wavering as a stoicism washes over his face.)

Jared James: And it all starts tonight.

[FGA Office]

(We’re backstage, in the women’s locker room - currently occupied by three people (well, four if you count the camera operative, but since when do they count?). Both Annie Zellor and Evangelista are in their ring gear, having just finished getting ready for their matches tonight. Their mutual tag team partner Laurel Anne Hardy is leaning against a bank of lockers, in her plain old regular street clothes - which comprise nebula-print tights, an eye-bleedingly bright zigzag design longsleeved tee, and lime green trainers.)

(She pops a couple of painkillers into a styrofoam cup full of coffee.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: First show as members of the official, full-time roster! You excited, ladies?

(As she talks, she pours something into the coffee from a hipflask, then stirs the whole lot around with a lollipop before taking a sip.)

Annie Zellor: I’m sooo excited, oh my God, I can’t even! This is like a dream come true for me.

(Annie speaks in a voice so full of wonderment and whimsy you’d have trouble accepting it could come from anyone else.)

Annie Zellor: Are you excited too, Leanne?

(Evangelista tilts her head a little, looking ambivalent, as she thinks about her response. While Annie and Laurel have both been looking back and forth excitedly, Evangelista’s focus has been almost exclusively on the floor tiles.)

Evangelista: I am… nervous too, though. Big chance like this, y’know. Butterflies… debuting straight into a tournament, especially against a guy as fucked in the head as Chaths, even before you add in the X-factor of Cami - that’s a lot of stuff to be worried about.

Annie Zellor: I know, but you’re gonna do amazing in it, I can just tell. I’m so nervous about facing Larkyn though, ‘cause … well he’s kinda freaking me out with all these mixed messages.

(Annie grimaces; she’s cottoned onto the flirty nature of some of the messages Larkyn has been sending her and is beginning to worry about where her opponent’s head is at right now.)

Annie Zellor: But I’m gonna go out there and give it everything I’ve got, ‘cause nothing worth doing is ever gonna be easy.

Evangelista: Heh. That’s true. The higher you wanna climb, the more obstacles you’ll have to be prepared for.

(Laurel plonks herself down between them, placing her coffee on the floor and wrapping an arm around each of her friends, pulling them in tight.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: You are both gonna go out there tonight, take this opportunity, an’ shoot it into the goddamn cosmos. Life is all about risks. If you try, you might fail… but if you don’t try, you’ll definitely fail.

Annie Zellor: That is so true.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Exactly. You want something, you go for it. If you fall short, you pick yourself up an’ go for it again. Two years in a row I’ve fallen at the last hurdle of Dynamic Duos, but you better bloody believe I’ll be doin’ all I can to make up for that next year. An’ Annie-kun, we might’ve missed our chance at the Tag Team Championships at All Star Showdown but I promise you it’s only a matter of time before we earn ourselves a match with the Marios.

(Annie’s face lights up at the prospect of a title match; she squeals excitedly and claps her hands together as Leanne looks at her, confused.)

Annie Zellor: Really?! You really think we can earn ourselves a title shot at them?

Laurel Anne Hardy: I don’t think - I know. We stumbled once, Annie, but we’re stronger than that. We can stand back up an’ get our momentum back soon enough. I’m sayin’ this here an’ now - before summer’s out, all three of us are gonna be champions here in FGA. Me an’ you, babe, we’re gonna be the World Tag Team Champions together, and Ell, you’re gonna be the World Heavyweight Champion. All we need to do is take the chances to make it happen.

Annie Zellor: Oh my God. That would be amazing!

Evangelista: It would be… let’s hope it happens. Good luck tonight, Annie.

Annie Zellor: You too, Leanne.

(Annie chirps, a huge smile present on her face. Laurel pulls them both in even tighter, so close their heads are almost touching.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: Good luck to both of you! Kick some arse, ladies!

(And on that, we mix back to ringside.)

[FGA Office]

Mark Storm vs. Charlie Rossi vs. Ethan Cross
Rossi def. Storm and Cross with the Decapitation on Cross.

[FGA Office]

[We’re backstage, where Johnny Karma is psyching himself up ahead of his Frontier Lions Cup match with Pierre J. Harris]

Karma: I am the Karmic Lion. I am the Karmic Lion. I am the Karmic Lion. I am the Karmic Lion…

[The camera turns away, revealing that Karma isn’t looking into a mirror – but into the eyes of a cuddly lion that Cherry Baum is holding in place]

Karma: I am the Karmic Lion. I am the Karmic Lion. I am the Karmic Lion…

Cherry: Errrm…J-K?

Karma: I am the…

[Karma looks up at Cherry]

Karma: Yes, Miss Baum?

Cherry: We’ve been doing this for the last twenty minutes. Shouldn’t you be working on your strategy to qualify for the quarter finals?

Karma: Why you may have a point, Miss Baum.

[Karma turns to face the mirror]

Karma: You are the Karmic Lion. You are the Karmic Lion. You are the Karmic…

Cherry: I mean other than psyching yourself up for the match.

Karma: Hmm…

[Karma takes the cuddly lion from Cherry and places it under his arm, then Cherry snatches it back from him and gives him a stern look]

Cherry: Don’t put Mr Snuggles under your arm!

[Cherry scritches Mr Snuggles’ head and starts whispering to him, as Karma subtly takes a couple of steps back]

Karma: So what…uhhh…what do you suggest I do? Get into his mindset by thinking like a Miami momzer with ugly tattoos and his pants halfway down his tuches? I’d need you to clock me around the head with a frying pan before I got that stupid.

Cherry: No, I mean plan to deal with his offence.

Karma: Oh, I already have that well in hand. Allow me to demonstrate.

[Karma grabs a clean towel off the bench, folds it into a thin strip, then hands it to Cherry]

Karma: Now wrap it around your hand]

[Cherry lovingly puts Mr Snuggles on the nearest chair and pats him on the head, then wraps the towel around her hand]

Karma: Now swing it around your head.

[Cherry swings it around, and whips Karma in the arm]

Karma: Ow! Not that hard!

Cherry: Sorry J-K.

[Cherry starts to whip the towel around again, picking up a good rhythm…and then Karma casually catches it with one hand]

Karma: See? It’s easy to make this towel flip, flop and fly when there’s nobody trying to stop it, but the second somebody applies the slightest bit of resistance…

[Karma tugs on the towel to prove his point]

Karma: …not only do I own them, but I have them right where I want them for as long as I want them there.

[Karma lets go of the towel, as Cherry tries to cover the fact she’s blushing, before he goes back to looking at himself in the mirror]

Karma: You are the Karmic Lion. You are the Karmic Lion. You are the Karmic Lion…

[FGA Office]

Annie Zellor vs. Larkyn
Zellor def. Larkyn with the Rough 'n' Tumble

[FGA Office]

(The show cuts backstage to where former FGA World Champion, Dom Harter, is standing in front of a lion’s head backdrop. He obviously isn’t dressed to wrestle; instead he is wearing a plain white tee and some light colored jeans.)

Dom Harter: Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you now as a former World champion. You see, at All Star Showdown I made a fatal error that ended up costing me greatly…

(Harter shakes his head dismissively, sighing under his breath as he does so.)

Dom Harter: …and I know nobody will believe me, but that match cost me more than a title; that match cost me a tremendous deal of my pride, it cost me a friend. I’m not sure exactly which is worse, but I know for damn sure that seeing Jimmy Page walking around as the FGA World Champion isn’t sitting well with me.

(Dom runs a hand through his blonde fauxhawk as he looks down at the ground.)

Dom Harter: I lost, you won – there’s no denying that…you walked out of Philadelphia as the FGA World Champion, just like you wanted, right?

(Pause. A sneer appears on Dom’s face as he lifts his head up to face the camera.)

Dom Harter: That’s what mattered, isn’t it, Jim? So when people say that you won the title belt, that you became the champion, that you beat Dom Harter…only…we know that last bit to be a lie, right? You didn’t beat me, Jim. I may have lost, but that accolade, that victory goes to Dan Herrera. He beat me. He did what you have consistently failed to do, Jim…

(Pause.)

Dom Harter: At All Star Showdown, Dan Herrera beat Dom Harter.

(Harter chuckles to himself as he, once again, runs a hand through his hair.)

Dom Harter: I know, the truth hurts. Fortunately, Jim, I’m here to give you the good news. The two words that will delight you beyond belief: REMATCH CLAUSE! You see, Jim, way back at Only The Strong Survive when I won the Gold Rush Rumble, I made sure that if I were to lose that belt I’d get myself a rematch this time. No waiting ten months for this time, no. This time, I’ll be getting my rematch – a ONE ON ONE match against you, Jimmy Page, at Above & Beyond III!

(The trademark crooked grin slowly but surely appears on Harter’s face.)

Dom Harter: See you in Miami.

(He says, that grin still on his face as we cut back to ringside.)

[FGA Office]

Frontier Lions Cup Qualifier
Chaths vs. Camellia D. Magna vs. Evangelista
Evangelista def. Chaths & Magna with the Headbreaker on Chaths

[FGA Office]

Cameras cut back ringside where "Champagne" by Tracy T flares up causing a mixed reaction from the fans as Pierre J. Harris steps onto the ramp dressed in a blue and white Cavalli T-shirt with grey denim Ysl jeans. Instead of having on about three gold chains tonight Pierre decided to wear just one with a King Tut pendant. He makes his way to the ring with microphone in hand. Showing love to some of the fans who extend their hands out. He slides under the ropes and gets to his feet; making sure to wipe himself off before he looks to his right where he see's a fan holding a All-Star Showdown poster. He cracks a smile before pulling the microphone up to his lips and pointing out to the fan of FGA.

Pierre J. Harris: I'm pointing out to this lovely fan right here because she's holding up a sign to a day that I will always remember. All-Star Showdown Three where I made my FGA debut in a battle royal in which was a bout the boy realized something. I was out there enjoying every minute I was in that ring. Doing my thang, getting as much as experience as I can. Though of course we saw Tony Carmine win, but...

He's cut off due to the boos after the sound of Sunshine Tony's name. Pierre nodding his head in agreement with the crowd.

Pierre J. Harris: Preach, but what a youngin realized out there was that I really wanted to have you guys on my back. The fans of FGA because you all show something that I place above allot of things and that's loyalty.

He pauses before leaning up against the ropes and continuing to speak.

Pierre J. Harris: Because loyalty is one of the best things you can have in life, and since day one of Frontier Grappling Arts you fans have come and shown that. That's why when I step out here from here on out I'm going to have you guys on mind. When I'm out there giving it my all imma have you all on my mind. When I grow and begin to rise through the ranks you guys will be a big part of that. All I'm sayin is get behind Pierre J. Harris. Hop on this ride we can live together.

There are some nods in the crowd as Pierre begins to walk around the ring. Hand on his pendant as he looks down.

Pierre J. Harris: What about the show you done seen so far though?

There is a tremendous cheer from the crowd.

Clement: The crowd is still hot, especially after that Triple Threat Match with Chaths, Cami and Evangelista.

Pierre J. Harris: And what about the line up for tomorrow in Spartanburg?

Another pop from the crowd.

Clement: It sounds like a lot of this card will be traveling to Spartanburg to see Page/Owens III!


Pierre J. Harris: Yes lawd, I see yall already excited, and that's exactly how you should be when I step in the ring with Johnny Karma tomorrow night. Especially the ones of you who gone be in the building at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

Of course there were a few jeers for Johnny Karma.

Pierre J. Harris: I'm sure the former Pride Champion is anxious to step out there and claim himself a spot in the Frontier Lions Cup. I was giving a shot last week at getting in the tournament and I came up just a lil bit short, but tomorrow night with you guys on my side we will show Johnny Karma why he isn't the reason you're watching. Instead you'll be out there watching for the upset as me and J-K due battle.

Finally Pierre's getting some reception from the crowd as he gets some sort of cheers.

An excited buzz immediately fills the Grady Cole Centre as the crowd all turn their attention towards the entranceway in expectation of seeing a true icon of the wrestling business make an appearance.

Clement: What in the...?

With expectation at fever pitch, a true icon of the wrestling business duly appears at the top of the ramp…as Johnny Karma struts onto the ramp, waving to the crowd, while Cherry Baum stands beside him with a face like thunder.

Grayson: It's the Karmic Lion, Kev!

Karma: Good evening, Charlotte, I hope you are having a fine evening.

Karma turns to Cherry, who whispers something in his ear.

Karma: He called me what???

Cherry whispers into Karma’s ear again.

Karma: Okay, okay…it seems like Puff Harry is having a little bit of a problem when it comes to understanding the concept of boundaries, and needs a little refresher course. Now, Miss Baum here, she can call me J-K because she’s earned the right by being just so darned great at her job.

Karma begins to walk down the ramp, still talking.

Karma: Now, the fans, they can’t call me J-K, because there’s so many names they can use for me. Off the top of my head, they can call me The Star of the Show, The Highlight of the Night, The Light of their Lives, or The Reason They’re Demanding a Refund Because I’m Wrestling in Spartanburg Tomorrow Night. But, again, those are names they have earned the right to call me, and to reward their loyalty I have shown up here…in Charlotte, North Carolina!

Karma pauses at ringside, flashing a smile to the crowd, before climbing onto the ring apron.

Karma: But as for you…

Karma steps between the ropes, with Cherry glaring at Harris.

Karma: …there are things that you are allowed to call me, and you know what’s on top of the list? Here’s a hint, it’s not J-K…

As soon as Karma says it, Cherry tries to rush Harris, with Karma quickly catching her and lifting him onto his shoulder as she flails her arms and legs wildly, before carrying her to the corner and placing her on the top turnbuckle and exchanging a few calming words.

Grayson: Only person gets to call our Karmic Lion "J-K." And I'll give you a hint - it's not Pierre J. Harris!

Clement: Karma needs to be less worried about his nicknames and more concerned about getting past Pierre tomorrow.

With Cherry calmed down, Karma turns back to face Harry.

Karma: As I was saying, you don’t get to call me…that certain abbreviation, but there are things you do get to call me, for example…

[Karma takes a step back, looking over Harris for a moment]

Karma: …you can call me Somebody Who Doesn’t Have Their Jeans Around Their Tuches. Seriously, didn’t your mother ever tell you there’s this invention known as “a belt” that keeps your pants around your waist where they belong?

Karma looks at Harris like he’s a complete putz.

Karma: Most of all, though, there’s only one thing you can call me when Above & Beyond comes around: The Reason You Got The Night Off.

Pierre looks over at Cherry before he looks at Karma with a slight mean mug.

Pierre J. Harris: That's where you wrong brah.

Pierre laughs while pointing at Karma.

Pierre J. Harris: You know this year Above & Beyond gone be in Miami right? My hometown, so you best believe that I'm gone be in the building at the James L. Knight Center when we there.

Harris glances over at Cherry once more who rolls her eyes.

Pierre J. Harris: And I'm gone be there competing in the Frontier Lions Cup. J-K.

Pierre taps his chest before nodding his head at Karma.

Karma looks over the Cherry, making sure she doesn't try to bum rush Harris a second time, before placing a hand on Harris' shoulder

Karma: Listen, bubbe, I understand how you don't want to disappoint your friends and family by coming up short in your hometown so you're running your mouth, but you needn't worry as that's not going to happen - because you're not even going to make the quarter finals, because you'll be coming up nothing after I qualify at your expense.

Karma pats Harris on the shoulder, then backs away towards the ropes and ushers Cherry Baum to ringside before following her to the floor as the camera begins it's slow fade.

[FGA Office]

Frontier Lions Cup Qualifier
Cyncity vs. Joshua Black
Cyncity def. Black with the Standing Ovation

[FGA Office]

(Evangelista is backstage, standing before an FGA logo. She's in jeans and a hoodie now, her still-damp hair tied back in a simple ponytail.)

Evangelista: Tonight I wrestled my first match in FGA in almost a year, and I'm touched and honoured by the reception you all gave me. Thank you. I mean that. An' even though I came out with the win tonight, I know that to win the Lion's Cup there are a lot of challenges still ahead. But I promise that I will face those challenges with the exact same drive an' the exact same integrity I put into every Commonwealth Championship match over in the UK. This means just as much to me. It means just as much to me to test meself against one of the very best rosters in all of professional wrestling, too. And if don't go all the way in this tournament, I'll still fight here with just as much dedication. I'm not here to just give up and bail out the first time some'n doesn't go my way. I'm here to contribute as much as I can to FGA, and to push myself to be the best wrestler I can be. I'll see you all again very soon. Peace, guys. Take care.

(She nods once as we cut away.)

[FGA Office]

Frontier Lions Cup Qualifier
Chris Bond vs. Jared James
James def. Bond with The Hawk Drop.

[FGA Office]

The cameras cut to the backstage area where Cordelia Stevenson is seen anxiously pacing back and forth. With her match a mere moments away, she looks primed and ready to hit the ring.

Cordelia Stevenson: I can feel it in the air.

She stops pacing and turns her eyes towards the camera, a soft smiling forming on her face.

Cordelia Stevenson: There’s a certain buzz; a certain excitement that’s permeating around these parts. Tonight here in Charlotte; tomorrow night in Spartanburg, South Carolina; this entire weekend in general has major implications and ramifications for the future of FGA...

She points down towards the floor as she takes a step forward.

Cordelia Stevenson: and it all begins here, tonight. I doubt you can see them, but I literally have goosebumps right now, because in just a few moments, I am heading out there for my biggest match to date here in FGA and I couldn't be more excited. I couldn't be more focused. I couldn't be more ready. There's a lot at stake tonight Blake, but then again that doesn't need to be said. Cause if you're anything like me, then you've sat in anticipation, waiting for this night to come; you've mulled over what this means, and just what it could lead to. This isn't something that I'm ready to let slip through my fingers.

She vehemently shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: No. In life, you've got to make the most of the chances you're given because there are no guarantees that you'll ever be given any more, and that's what I'm ready to do. I know you're going to come out full force, Blake. I know you're seeking redemption and I know that after All Star Showdown III, you've got a fire lit under your ass. Well tonight my friend? Tonight I play the role of the extinguisher. You said it yourself Blake, you're running into this thing head first. It just sucks that I have to be the brick wall that puts you on your ass.

She folds her arms across her chest, and shifts her weight from one leg to the other.

Cordelia Stevenson: it won't be easy. I would never disillusion myself to think that. You are as dangerous as they come out there in that ring, Blake. You've proven it time and time again. You've got more heart than most and I know for a fact that it may just take everything in the arsenal to put you down, but that's ok; because I know I have enough in the arsenal to get the job done. In a perfect case scenario, both you and I would qualify tonight. Both you and I would head on to Above and Beyond and take our shots at FGA glory. But how often does the world really offer up perfect case scenarios? Unfortunately, chances are that one of us will let an opportunity slip right through our fingers, and you damn sure have your work cut out for you if you plan on it being me.

She glances off to the side.

Cordelia Stevenson: But the time for talking is over. It's time to take action, and Cordelia Stevenson has always been a woman of action. There's an arena full of people out there that came to see you and I tear the house down.

She glances back at the camera and winks.

Cordelia Stevenson: It's time to give them what they came for.

With that said, she walks out of the shot, leaving the camera focused on an FGA banner before the scene fades away.

[FGA Office]

Main Event
Frontier Lions Cup Qualifier
Cordy Stevenson vs. Blake Jones
Stevenson def. Jones with The Allure.