Chicago Ridge DVD Taping (8/8/15)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Chicago Ridge DVD Taping

Frontier Fieldhouse

Chicago Ridge, IL

The sound of an organ plays throughout the arena, capturing the attention of all the fans in the crowd. They all turn their attention to the entrance way, preparing for the man that’s about to walk out. As "Perfect Strangers" by Deep Purple kicks in, the crowd begins to boo, jeer and heckle loudly. The camera dolly slowly rolls up towards the curtain. At around the 30 second mark, Chandler Scott pushes through the curtain as the crowd really begins to let him have it. Chandler looks over and can be seen mouthing at the camera while he points an accusatory finger at it. He then turns his attention towards the ring as he thrusts his arms in the air, resulting in another round of loud boos from the crowd.

Chandler keeps his index fingers in the air, letting everyone know who is truly "number one” around this joint. He keeps a smug look planted on his face as he swaggers down to the ring. After climbing up onto the apron, Chandler steps through the ropes, climbs up onto the second ropes, kisses his FGA World Championship belt and raises it in the air in the air as he absorbs the crowd's disdain for him. After stepping down to the canvas, he can be seen making the yapping mouth his hands towards some unruly fans in the front row. Chandler then makes his way over towards the ropes, where he motions for J.A. Aldridge to hand him a mic. After Aldridge heads over and extends a microphone to the champion, Chandler snatches it from out of his hands. As his music dies down, the boos become even more evident. But Chandler just stands tall with a smirk on his face.

Chandler Scott: Aw, I’m sorry. Disappointed much?

(The World Champion snickers as the crowd begins to jeer and boo him. Chandler can be shaking his head at the crowd.)

Chandler Scott: Yeah, I bet you all were expecting Cordy Stevenson to walk down to this ring with the belt around her waist when you bought tickets a few weeks back, didn’t you? You thought that Chicago Ridge was going to be the sight of the Cordy Stevenson celebration party. You thought that she, of all people, was going to be the one. Heh…

(Chandler shakes his head at the thought of Cordy Stevenson beating him. Despite coming away with the win, that match was a lot closer than he wanted it to be. Truth be told, he was lucky to escape with his title.)

Chandler Scott: Let me ask you people something. Exactly what in her history made you think that she was going to be the one to take this strap off me, hmm? Oh, don’t get me wrong, I get it. She talked the talk. She was real slick with the tweets and her little barbs in that interview. Cordy Stevenson sold you all a dream and, in turn, you guys all bought in. But at the end of the day, Cordy over promised and under delivered. And she’s got no one to blame but herself. Well, actually, that’s a lie. She’s got me to blame for it because I beat her in the center of the ring, just like I said I would!

(Chandler holds his World Champion in the air, circling the ring for all to see. But instead of fawning Chandler, the crowd continues to show its disdain for the cocky champion.)

Chandler Scott: I hate it had to be you, boo. But you brought this all onto yourself. You had been running your mouth since January about how I was afraid of you and how I ran away. You told everyone that stuck a microphone in your face that I couldn’t beat you. Well, I answered that question back in May but still, you kept on running that smart ass mouth of yours. Oh, “the eyes never lie”... “you can lie to yourself but you can’t lie to me.” You never passed up an opportunity to take a shot at me. And to make it worse, you said it with that cocky little smirk on your face, too. I don’t know if it was that idiot Kerry Windsor putting the battery in your back… I don’t know if it was all of your famous for nothing friends who were all in your ear… or maybe, just maybe, you thought getting some inside information from your newfound blonde buddy in Vegas was going to seal the deal. But you were so full of yourself that you were going to win. You felt that, after winning the Gold Rush Rumble, you were destined to win the title. But you see, I don’t believed in destiny. I don’t believed in predetermined fate. I believe in the tangible. I believe in reality. And once you finally woke up, and you could hear “Perfect Strangers” bellowing throughout the arena, you finally accepted the harsh reality that everyone else had been living in since February. It’s the reality where Chandler… Reigns… Supreme!

(Chandler nods his head as he mouths “oh yes” over and over.)

Chandler Scott: You talked about the eyes never lying, Cordy? Well I can look into your eyes right now and I see a woman that’s defeated. I see a woman that had her dreams broken right before her very eyes. I see a woman that’s dejected after coming within inches of winning the title, only for it to be snatched away from her by a much better wrestler... again. Though this time, you won’t be able to use the excuse that you were too busy being out for blood instead of winning the match. This time, you’ve got to swallow your pride and say loud and proud that “Chandler Scott is better than me”. It’s okay, Cor Cor. You won’t be the first to have stated such a fact. And as long as I feel like wrestling, you certainly won’t be the last.

(Chandler looks to the side and smirks at an unruly fan in the crowd.)

Chandler Scott: Miss Mouth Almighty, it’s time for you to face the facts. You can win the Gold Rush Rumble. You can win the Frontier Lions Cup for the second year in a row for all I care. As long as this belt is still around my waist, you’re only going to get so close to this title. Because as soon as you reach your grubby little paws out, I’ll be right there to knock you back down.

But let me say this, though. Cordy… thank you.

(Those last two words cause several members of the crowd to gasp. Is Chandler serious? Is this the setup for another joke?)

Chandler Scott: You see, there’s a lot of people back there, about 95% of them, that don’t like me. And with good reason. I’m better looking than them. I’m a better wrestler than them. I’ve got what they want. But unlike them, you didn’t just run off at the mouth. You actually got in the ring and tried to do something about it. There’s a lot of people in the back who are talented wrestlers. But then there’s you, Cordy. For all the trash I’ve talked in the past and even tonight, I’ve never once denied your talent. Denied you this title? Sure. But I’ve never denied your skill or your passion. This may be premature, but I’ll say that our match at All Star Showdown IV was the hardest I’ve ever been pushed in my entire career.

(Chandler looks down as he scratches his jaw. He then looks back up.)

Chandler Scott: I’ve been in the ring with plenty of wrestlers. Some big, some small. Some male, some female. Some were big and strong, others were small and quick. Some brawled, some flew through the air. Some were young guns looking for their big break. Others were veterans looking to put me in my place. But you, Cordelia, gave me a fight that none of them ever could. So thank you for pushing me. Thank you for making me dig deep within myself. Thank you for giving me the match of my life.

(A “Cordy!” chant breaks out, but Chandler doesn’t try and shut it down.)

Chandler Scott: And if somehow you and I cross paths in the ring again, it’ll be my pleasure to face you again…

(The crowd leaps into cheers at the prospect of another match between Chandler and Cordy.)

Chandler Scott: … and defeat you, just like I always have.

(As quick as they were to cheer, they’re just as quick to boo Chandler as he chuckles to himself.)

Chandler Scott: Which brings me to our next order of business. Who is left? You know, I look up and down this roster and I can’t think of a single sole that actually deserves a shot at this championship. I can’t think of one person that deserves this title shot more than anyone else. But then I remembered… the Lions Cup.

That’s right, the 2015 Frontier Lions Cup kicks off this weekend. There’s what, four qualifying matches tonight and three more tomorrow? When it’s all said and down, the field will be whittled down to just eight of you. Who is going to want it more? Who is willing to go through three matches in a single night to get a shot at this championship? We’re going to start finding out the answers to those questions here tonight. So to all of you in the Frontier Lions Cup, I wish you the best of luck.

You’ll need every last bit of it.

(With that, “Perfect Strangers” kicks in as Chandler exits the ring. But not before holding his FGA World Championship in the air for all to see.)

[FGA Office]

FRONTIER LIONS CUP QUALIFYING MATCH
Yun Goeun vs. Kurosawa Chavez

REACH OUT AND TOUCH FAITH

Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" cues up and Kurosawa Chavez bursts from behind the entrance curtain, one hand holding a cowboy hat firmly atop his head as the other "conducts" the music. He swaggers his way down the ramp and stops dead in his tracks before jumping onto the apron.

Kris Cruise: Kurosawa Chavez heads into this match as the underdog. But he can’t let what the fans think get to him. This is an opportunity that doesn’t come often, so he’s got to make the most of it if he wants to advance.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Frontier Lions Cup Qualifying Match! Introducing first, now residing out of Providence, Rhode Island! Weighing in at 185 pounds… KUROSAWA CHAVEZ!

After intentionally nearly falling off, holding on with barely one hand, Kurosawa thrusts his pelvis into the air to the beat of the song and then slingshots himself into the ring. With a spin, Chavez tosses his cowboy hat into his corner, backing up into it with his hips moving in an exaggerated manner.

"Clap Your Hands! Clap Your Hands!
Everyone raise your hands up high!
Let them talk to the sky above!
Clap Your Hands! Clap Your Hands!
This is just the beginning...
K - O - R - E - A"

"Clap Your Hands" by Pink Dolls starts to play over the P.A. system as Yun Goeun emerges from the backstage area. She is smiling wide as the crowd goes crazy for her. The camera pans through the crowd to show there are more than a few fans wearing gear or holding up signs supporting Yun, as well as a few fans with Pink Doll's Merch. Yun stops to look over the arena from the top of the ramp, taking in the moment. As she stands there, her bodyguard Joe Shamrock finally emerges from the back. He pats Yun on the back, Yun smiles and raises her hands for a loud pop from the crowd, as she now starts to walk down the ramp. As Yun walks down the ramp she holds out her hands to give high fives to the fans she walks by.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Joe Shamrock! From Seoul, South Korea! Weighing in at 122 pounds! She is “THE BILLION DOLLAR BABY” YUN GOEUN!

Yun reaches the ringside area as the chorus to "Clap Your Hands" begins to play, causing Yun to clap her hands in time with the rhythm, laughing a bit as she does. She paces back and forth in front of the ring for a second then rushes in sliding under the bottom rope. Yun walks to the center of the ring and raises her arms high to another roar of the crowd as her music dies down.

Stephy Auger: Yun Goeun was unsuccessful in her attempt at winning the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship back at All-Star Showdown IV. But tonight presents another chance at championship gold. If she wins here tonight, she’s one step closer to a match with the World Champion.

The bell sounds as both grapplers lock up. Yun quickly places Chaves in a side headlock. But Chavez shoves her off of him and into the ropes. When Yun comes back, Chavez knocks her down with a running shoulder block. He then runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Yun turns over onto her stomach. So Chavez hops over her and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Yun leapfrogs over him. Chavez continues to run into the ropes. When Chavez comes back, Yun goes for a hip toss. But Chavez steps through it and counters with an arm drag. Yun gets back up, but Chavez brings her down with another arm drag. As Yun gets back up, Chavez runs over and throws out a clothesline. But Yun counters with a Japanese arm drag. Chavez gets back up, but Yun sends him back down with another arm drag. When Chavez gets back to his feet, Yun grabs him and goes for an irish whip. But Chavez reverses, sending Yun into the ropes. When Yun comes back, Chavez goes for a back body drop. But Yun slips down from behind. She then grabs Chavez around the waist. But Chavez elbows her in the face, breaking the hold. He then runs into the ropes. But before he can even come back, Yun runs over and nails him with a knee to the midsection. While he’s doubled over, Yun takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, Chavez grabs the top rope and drops down, sending Yun tumbling to the floor to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Chavez was playing possum the entire time and Yun fell right into his trap.

As Yun gets up on the outside, Chavez steps through the ropes. When Yun turns around, Chavez connects with a back kick to the face, followed by a springboard quebrada. He then picks up Yun, rolls her back into the ring, rolls himself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Yun kicks out.

Chavez picks up Yun, moves her into the corner and bites her nose as the crowd boos.

Stephy Auger: The ref’s got to get in there and stop that! There’s no place for those antics inside the ring!

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Chavez lets go. He then takes Yun and whips her into the opposite corner. After pointing over at Yun, Chavez takes off across the ring and goes for double knees in the corner. But Yun moves out of the way. After Chavez bounces off the turnbuckles and falls to the mat, Yun picks him up and whips him into the opposite corner. Yun then runs across the ring and connects with running knees into the corner. The crowd cheers as she brings Chavez from out of the corner and delivers a Shinarui before connecting with a standing moonsault.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Chavez gets his shoulder up.

Yun picks up Chavez and whips him into the ropes. When Chavez comes back, Yun bends over to set up a back body drop. But Chavez counters with a knee lift, sending Yun stumbling back. He then turns and runs back into the ropes. When Chavez comes back, Yun knocks him down with a standing side kick. Yun then turns to the crowd as she points to the top rope. Once the crowd cheers, Yun nods as she heads out onto the apron. After making her way across the apron, she begins to climb the turnbuckles. But once she gets to the top, Chavez dives over and pushes her legs out from under her to boos from the crowd. While Yun is crotched on the top turnbuckle, Chavez climbs up to the top rope and delivers an avalanche hurricanrana. He then turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
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Yun gets her shoulder up.

Chavez picks up Yun and whips her into the ropes. When Yun comes back, Chavez bends over to set up a back body drop. But Yun counters with a single knee facebuster. While Chavez is stunned, Yun turns and takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, Chavez knocks her down with a spinning backfist. He makes the cover.

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

Chavez picks up Yun and whips her into the corner. He then charges across the ring, but ends up eating an elbow to the face. As Chavez stumbles back, Yun runs from out of the corner and throws out a clothesline. But Chavez ducks. When Yun turns around, Chavez hops onto her shoulders, spins and delivers the Time Traveler. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Yun gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Chavez. He’s not been able to put away the Billion Dollar Baby and his frustration is starting to show.

After a scoop slam, Chavez points to the top turnbuckle as he walks over towards the ropes. He then steps out onto the apron and scales the turnbuckles. But once he reaches the top, Yun runs into the ropes, causing Chavez to slip and fall. After being crotched up on the top turnbuckle, Chavez falls and flips down to the mat. As he begins to crawl away from the corner, Yun steps out onto the apron and scales the turnbuckles. When Chavez gets back to his feet, Yun dives off and drives him down with a flying bulldog. She turns him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Chavez gets his shoulder up.

Yun picks up Chavez and goes for the Billboard Bust. But Chavez blocks the move. So Yun lets go and throws out a roundhouse kick. But Chavez ducks and counters with an Enzu Lariat. He then picks up Yun and whips her into the corner. From there, Chavez charges into the corner and connects with Reel to Reel. He then brings Yun from out of the corner before lifting her up and planting her with the Negative GOLD. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“Personal Jesus” plays throughout the arena as the crowd boos.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, KUROSAWA CHAVEZ!

Chavez gets his arm raised as the crowd continues to boo.

Kris Cruise: We’re one match into the Qualifying Round of the Frontier Lions Cup and we’ve already got our first upset!

Stephy Auger: Yun Goeun was the odds on favorite to advance here tonight. But Chavez at other plans as he gets the surprise victory in his FGA debut. With Yun now out of the tournament, what other upsets are in store?

[FGA Office]

(Somewhere in a warren of office rooms we find Laurel Anne Hardy and Annie Zellor, in the process of exiting a door into the corridor. Annie has a sparkly pink ring binder in her hands with a couple of sheets of paper on top of it. She grins excitedly as she displays them to Laurel.)

Annie Zellor: I can’t believe it’s officially official!

Laurel Anne Hardy: Sure is.

Annie Zellor: Like, I guess we already knew that we’d be facing Whiskey Dex again at Above & Beyond IV, but now that the contract’s actually in my hand, it’s like...

Laurel Anne Hardy: Makes it real?

(Annie grins as she carefully files their carbon copies of the contract.)

Annie Zellor: Exactly! Oh, do you want yours?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Nah, babe, can you hang onto it right now? I better get go changed for my match now.

(Annie nods and finishes putting them away.)

Annie Zellor: I can’t wait!

Laurel Anne Hardy: Me either.

(There’s a light chuckle as a certain masked man walks onto the scene. His form is massive and towers over the former tag team champions. Upon his body is a baby blue suit that looks as though it was removed from time. The man pats Laurel on the shoulder and looks forward to reveal his identity. It is Nirvana, The Midnight King. Laurel and turns and grins, and puts an arm around the giant’s waist - at least, as far as it’ll go.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: Nurvy!

Annie Zellor: Hi, Nirvana!

Nirvana: Don’t act surprised. You both know I was standing to the side the entire time.

(Nirvana sneaks a look at the paperwork and flashes a smile. A massive arm wraps around Laurel’s shoulder, pulling her into the equally as massive form of The Midnight King.)

Nirvana: So a rematch, huh? I find that interesting since Whiskey is also in your invitational, Laurel.

Laurel Anne Hardy: She was in the first one, too. Zack Lifer, Suzume Mitsuyoshi, Matt Kail, Jamie Steel, Whiskey Ayano an’ yours truly. I can’t believe the things we did that night. For almost an hour we just went out there and did anything and everything that came off the tops of our heads.

Annie Zellor: I still don’t understand how you can like being in matches like that. It took me so long to heal up the last time I was in one...

Laurel Anne Hardy: Nooo, it was magical. What a night that was… an’ Ocean City’s gonna be even better.

Nirvana: Well, my dear, a night with you is worth more than gold. However, a night with you spent taking part in our favorite pass time; Hardcore Wrestling? I can’t really think of the words to describe such a situation. Well, I can think of one word. Perfect.

Laurel Anne Hardy: You old charmer.

(She winks.)

Nirvana: Oh come now, baby doll. Everyone already knows I’m charming. Everyone already knows my status. Hell, I bet there’s already dozens of rumors backstage about what Nirvana and Laurel are or are not. I’m going to make this simple.

(Nirvana turns, dips Laurel over and gives her a quick kiss. Annie glances away, blushing slightly.)

Nirvana: Satisfied? Now…

(The giant lifts Laurel back up.)

Nirvana: With that out of the way, I think we can focus on more important things.

(Laurel seems to have come alive a little - maybe it’s Nirvana, or maybe it’s the talk shifting from the Tag Team Championship to the upcoming eight-way deathmatch. Perhaps it’s both.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: Just remember, it ain’t just you an’ me at this party. The guest list is finalised now...

Nirvana: Oh, do tell….

Laurel Anne Hardy: Well now, let’s see - it’ll be you and I, my dear… Whiskey, of course… Chris Bond…

(A massive pop echoes down the corridors of the Frontier Fieldhouse for The Battle-Hardened Veteran, the two-time Pride Champion.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: ...PKA...

(Another cheer, for the WARPED icon and multi-time world champion.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: ...Artemis Kaiser…

(And another, for the reigning GPW West Coast Champion.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: ...Sofia King…

(Yet another, for the GFP Triple Throne winner. Laurel pauses for a moment after mentioning King’s name, and a strange smile takes over her face.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: ...and Jimmy Page.

(No cheer this time… instead, we can hear the distant fans letting out a collective “ooooh” at the news that the former FGA World Champion will be rounding out the line-up. Nirvana looks around after hearing the response for the former champion.)

Nirvana: Well I guess we know who the fans support.

(Nirvana pauses for a moment.)

Nirvana: Obviously The Midnight King and The Most Must See Installation Event of All Time…. Till the end of time.

(The fans give a mixed reaction.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: Well… lot of choices there. Lot of all-time greats when it comes to the art of the deathmatch.

(Nirvana lets out a hearty laugh.)

Nirvana: Okay, first, let me tell you about this Whiskey girl.

(Expecting Laurel to say something, Nirvana starts running a hand through Laurel’s hair.)

Nirvana: I’m sure you could tell the people a lot about your relationship with Whiskey. To me, though? I’m the guy that steps in when her family has issues, you see. Something Beer Beer said about the tradition of having a masked geriatric settle their issues. Once you see that side of someone, there’s no turning back. I don’t see her as a threat because I know who she is outside of this… Industry? Yeah, that works.

(Laurel’s mouth twists into a slight grimace. Annie takes a step back, eyes widening.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: Listen… Whiskey is one of the closest people I’ve ever had to me in my life. I know a lot about her that nobody else knows, not even her brothers and sisters and cousins. And I feel pretty fucking confident that whatever you know about her, you don’t know the whole story.

Nirvana: Baby Doll, there’s no reason to get upset. I respect her as a wrestler, a woman and whatever else she desires to become in this life. I’m talking about mental preparation. Whiskey has the effect of psyching out a good portion of her opponents. Some people even consider her a legend. Those of us who see behind the curtain are not phased or psyched out. A skilled competitor she may be, but I’m not scared.

(Laurel takes a deep breath.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: I… okay. Look. I need to go and get changed for my match with Bondo tonight. I’ll… I’ll catch you both afterwards, okay?

Nirvana: Will you?

(Nirvana perks a brow.)

Laurel Anne Hardy: Yeah. Just… lemme go do this match. I’ll be fine afterwards.

(She gives them a curt wave and heads off. Annie turns to look up at The Midnight King.)

Nirvana: And this is why we never talk about work.

(Nirvana sighs sadly and pulls a cigar from his front suit pocket. Annie points to the no smoking sign on the wall.)

Annie Zellor: Sorry. They’re really strict about that.

Nirvana: …Dammit.

[FGA Office]

FRONTIER LIONS CUP QUALIFYING MATCH
Noelle Smith vs. Maurice Graham

“Breathe” by Fabolous hits and the lights begin to strobe. Maurice Graham walk out to the stage wearing a black towel over his head. Behind him is his manager Victoria Sinclair in high heels, a mini pencil skirt with matching low cut blazer. After doing a few air jabs to loosen up, he lifts up the towel revealing a devilish grin before he heads to the ring with his left fist in the air.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Frontier Lions Cup Qualifying Match! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Victoria Sinclair! From Springfield, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 233 pounds! He is “THE MACHINE” MAURICE GRAHAM!

Victoria claps and points to her client demanding the fans cheer and appreciate him. As he arrives to the ring he rolls underneath the bottom rope, opens the middle and top ropes to allow Victoria to enter. He then makes his way to the corner climbing to the second rope to look down on the fans as Victoria points to him.

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen a more aggressive Maurice Graham in recent weeks. But it’s amounted to mixed results. Do Graham and Victoria Sinclair have the formula to help Graham advance in the Frontier Lions Cup? We’ll find out shortly. But he’s got a tough task ahead.

“I'm Good At Being Bad” by TLC starts to play over the PA, and the lights dim as Noelle steps from behind the curtain, a wide smile on her face as she waves to the fans before doing a few provocative dance moves as the lyrics cue up.

Sorry I turned you out (you out)
I guess I didn't know
That a man could be so soft (hmm)
Well I guess I have to give you back
The flowers, the candy (what?)
The diamonds (Oh no, not the diamonds)
Oh, hell no, wait a minute....
I'ma keep that (Better keep it girl)
Hope that you don't mind
I'm not the mushy kind
The mushy kind.........
Unh, check it

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Orlando, Florida! Weighing in at 125 pounds… NOELLE SMITH!

She does an athletic handspring forward to take her half down the ramp and then rushes the ring, using her hands to push her up onto the apron as she slides under the bottom rope and pops up, giggling and blowing kisses to the fans, winking at the referee and waving to the ring announcers cheerily.

Stephy Auger: Noelle Smith is fresh off her Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship loss to Izzy Anders at All-Star Showdown IV. But Noelle, who you can always see with a smile on her face, is still in good spirits. She would love to still be champion. But tonight gives her a chance to potentially win another championship. The FGA World Championship.

The bell sounds as Graham and Noelle motion to lock up. But Graham cheap shots her with a kick to the midsection. After moving her into the corner, he places her in a Muay Thai clinch and follows up with a series of knee strikes to the body. He then takes Noelle and whips her into the opposite corner. Maurice then runs across the ring, but Noelle nails him with an elbow to the face. While Graham stumbles back, Noelle hoists herself up onto the middle ropes. But Graham quickly reaches over, grabs her by the ankle and yanks her off, sending her crashing back-first to the canvas to boos from the crowd.

Graham puts the boots to Noelle before dropping down for a lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Noelle kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Quick pin attempt there by Graham. But he’s got to do more than that to put Noelle Smith away.

Stephy Auger: I agree. But at least he’s being aggressive early on. He knows he’s not the favorite to win this match. But after seeing Kurosawa Chavez bounce Yun Goeun in tonight’s opener, anything’s possible.

Graham picks up Noelle and tosses her through the ropes and onto the apron. He then reaches over the top rope, grabs Noelle by the hair and begins to slowly pulls her back up to her feet. He then steps up onto the bottom rope, wraps his arm around Noelle’s neck and applies a Dragon Sleeper. Noelle can be seen flailing her free arm as she tries her best to break free from the hold. But it’s to no avail. However, Graham is applying the move through the ropes, so the ref gives him until the count of five to break the hold.

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Graham breaks the hold. He then turns around Noelle, places his arm around her neck and delivers a vertical suplex. He quickly rolls over to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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Noelle kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Graham’s having his way with Smith in the early portion of this match. And Sinclair is liking what she sees.

Stephy Auger: She’s loving it, Kris.

Graham picks up Noelle and knees her in the midsection, doubling her over. He then runs into the ropes. When Graham comes back, he knocks her down with a knee lift. He then picks up Noelle, delivers an arm wrench and follows up with a hook kick to the face, knocking her back down. From there, Graham backs up into the ropes. When he comes back, he goes for a jumping fit drop. But Noelle rolls out of the way. So Graham gets back up and goes for another jumping fist drop. But again, Noelle rolls out of the way. So Graham gets up and tries for a third jumping fist drop. But Noelle rolls underneath the bottom rope and out onto the apron. As both grapplers get up, Noelle delivers a shoulder thrust through the ropes, followed by a sunset flip.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Graham kicks her in the head to break the hold.

As both grapplers get up, Graham reaches over, grabs Noelle by the wrist and throws out a short-arm clothesline. But Noelle ducks and counters with a school boy roll up.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
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Graham kicks out.

As both grapplers get back up, Noelle quickly brings him down with a Fruit Roll Up.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Graham kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Yet another nearfall from the former champion.

Stephy Auger: Graham keeps escaping these pin attempts by the skin of his teeth.

After both grapplers get up, Noelle takes Graham and goes for an irish whip. But Graham reverses, sending Noelle into the ropes. When she comes back, she brings down Graham with a running hurricanrana. Graham gets back up, but Noelle delivers a dropkick that sends him through the ropes and out onto the apron. As Graham gets up on the apron, Noelle runs into the corner and connects with a springboard dropkick, knocking Graham off the apron and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Graham’s down on the outside and Sinclair is giving him an earful!

Stephy Auger: Someone’s hard to please...

While Graham stirs on the outside, Victoria Sinclair can be seen shouting at him to get up. As Graham begins to get up to his feet, Noelle runs into the ropes. When she comes back, she delivers a baseball slide into a headscissors takeover. She then picks up Graham and rolls him back into the ring. As she goes to climb up onto the apron, Sinclair purposely trips her up.

Stephy Auger: Wait just a minute!

While Noelle points at Sinclair and begins to argue with her, Graham takes advantage and connects with a superkick, knocking Noelle off the apron and to the floor. The crowd boos as Sinclair can be seen snickering at Noelle.

Kris Cruise: That was blatant interference there by Sinclair! The ref should toss her.

Stephy Auger: He never saw it, though...

Graham then motions for the ref to start his count.

ONE!




TWO!




THREE!



FOUR!



FIVE!




SIX!




SEVEN!



EI-

Noelle can be seen slowly climbing up onto the apron. But Graham quickly nails her with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. After dragging Noelle back into the ring, he whips her into the ropes. When Noelle comes back, Graham throws her down with a spinebuster. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

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

Graham picks up Noelle, grabs her from the side and delivers an Angle Slam. He makes the cover.

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

Graham picks up Noelle, hooks his arm around her neck, hooks her leg and plants her with a fisherman buster. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Noelle gets her shoulder up to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Graham’s holding up three fingers at the ref. But it was clearly a two count.

Stephy Auger: The pressure might be starting to get to him. He’s throwing pretty much everything at Noelle, but she won’t stay down.

Graham picks up Noelle and throws out a roundhouse kick. But Noelle bridges back, evading the move. She then bridges back up, kicks Graham in the midsection and goes for an irish whip. But Graham reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Noelle comes back, he knocks down Graham with a flying forearm smash to cheers from the crowd. Graham gets back up, but Noelle knocks him down with a dropkick. Graham gets back up, but Noelle brings him down with an enzuigiri. When Graham gets back up, Noelle knees him in the midsection, brings him down with the Flip Trip and follows up with a dropkick to the back of the head. She makes the cover.

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

Noelle picks up Graham and connects with a spinning back kick, doubling him over. She then connects with a knee lift and follows up with a roundhouse kick, dropping Graham down to one knee. From there, Noelle takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she connects with a front dropkick to the face. Noelle then picks up Graham, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and connects with a forearm smash. After moving Graham out of the way, she hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, grabs him and delivers the Beauty Mark. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“I’m Good At Being Bad” plays over the PA to cheers from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, NOELLE SMITH!

Noelle gets her hand raised to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Noelle Smith picks up the win, becoming the second grappler tonight to advance in the Frontier Lions Cup!

Stephy Auger: Graham certainly gave her all he could. He even dominated Noelle at times throughout this match. But Noelle has proven throughout her tenure here that she’s one tough cookie and she proved it once again here tonight.

Kris Cruise: We’ve got two Qualifying Matches down and two more to go? Who will join Kurosawa Chavez and Noelle Smith in the Quarterfinals of the Frontier Lions Cup?

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

“This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold hits the speakers as the bass picks up, then drops, leaving the crowd to cheer in silence some before picking back up again. A white lights hits the top of the entrance way and out walks Zero McHannon to the blinding light, taking his place at the top of the ramp. He’s wearing an FGA shirt that had the sleeves cut off them and blue jeans on as he takes in the atmosphere, then making his way down the ramp.

There’s no Gambino behind him this time as he is seen carrying a microphone in one hand, and slapping hands with some of the fans as he makes his way to the bottom of the ramp. Zero wastes no time touching hands with the fans leaning over the barrier and slides underneath the bottom ropes into the ring, popping back to his feet. He doesn’t climb the turnbuckles like normally, but takes some light steps around the middle of the ring instead. The fans were supporting him and didn’t calm down for a few minutes as Zero nods his head to the music, letting the fans get it out of their system.

Once the music calms, the crowd begins to settle down when McHannon starts to speak.

Zero McHannon: Thank you. Seriously. Most of you have probably kept up with the news and know that All Star Showdown didn’t exactly go the way it was planned. While everyone else finished their matches for the night, I finished mine in a jail cell. No one to blame for it, I made the mistake, and I came out to a press conference to talk about that only a few days ago. I might not think what I did was wrong, but it is… No matter how much I was to try and twist it in my own mind, there’s no excuse for leaving everything I loved behind. There’s no explanation I can make that will make everyone really understand what was going through my head at the time. I got caught doing something illegal, and it caught up with me.

Some of the fans show support, others still brewing it over. Zero continues on to explain his side.

Zero McHannon: I don’t expect you guys to be okay with that, I’m barely okay with it. Instead of embracing the people I loved, I pushed them away. Instead of taking my mind off things with wrestling, I walked away. I wanted to live a new life, and got exactly what I asked for…. but that isn’t me, is it? I belong right here…. right where I’m standing.

McHannon reaches down and starts to slap the canvas of the ring several times before raising the microphone, stepping towards one of the turnbuckles.

Zero McHannon: It took me a year to realize it, but I am who I am… nothing will change that. Not a new name. Not a beard or a couple of new tattoos. Wrestling in this ring is where I belong. Caring about the people I call my family is a responsibility that I shouldn’t be avoiding. Caring about my fans…

The crowd begins to cheer on Zero as he looks around the arena to the encouraging faces that are supporting him forward.

Zero McHannon: But there’s still one thing missing… Since our fight got out hand and carried into the streets, I couldn’t exactly finish that match from my jail cell. Me and Jimmy Page aren’t finished… He isn’t going to luck his way out this. I hope he doesn’t think that our problems ended at All Star Showdown, because that’s just the beginning, the worst has yet to come for Page.

“Fuck-You-Page! Fuck -You-Page! Fuck-You-Page!” starts to fill the arena as McHannon is nodding his head to the sweet music from the fans.

Zero McHannon: Everyone deserves to see me put Jimmy Page back into his place. You will get to watch that opportunity, I promise you that much. Page can walk out here tonight and we can end this right here, right now… If he isn’t ready tonight, I’ll let him get himself together for a few weeks from now, or….---

The eerie cue up to “They Are Lost” by The Last Remaining Pinnacle plays. The lights flash on and off and Zero is on edge. He looks around, making sure to watch his back now after learning a harsh lesson weeks ago to never turn your back on someone like Page. Out comes Jimmy from the back, stoic, with a hair in his hand. The fans don’t like the looks up this. Zero backs up and tells Page to bring it on. Page looks around the arena, then walks around the apron and climbs up the steel steps. Page enters the ring, and Zero goes to throw a punch, but stops. Zero tilts his head to the side, confused, along with the crowd. Page unfolds the chair, sits it down in the corner, and sits down in it. He pulls a microphone from his hoodie he wore to the ring. Zero stands there, telling Page to get up and fight. Page looks at him surprised, and forms a toothy grin…

Jimmy Page: Really? You wanna fight? Well let’s just say I don’t FEEL like it. Let’s just say I don’t have anything to really prove to someone like you, “Zero”. Let’s just say that for once in my life, I’ve got some CLARITY, and I know what you are?

Page leans forward in his seat, and points out towards the crowd.

Jimmy Page: See, I might be delusional, I might be not all there for some people, but I understand common sense. I understand a flawed human being is a good one, and that people who RUN from their problems, who mask their insecurities with a false sense of entitlement o-or vanity are nothing but liars in my book. See when you came to FGA, people liked to TALK about you. And see after your performance in the Gold Rush Rumble, I know a lot of people would get on the Zero bandwagon. Because Zero McHannon went from a tan, muscle-headed, skinhead with a three o’clock shadow; To this brooding, rugged, version of ME. And you can deny it kids, but the fact of the matter is, you wanna be the best COPY the BEST!!!

Page pauses and looks towards Zero.

Jimmy Page: And so, I went into your match against Colton Sterling, and I wanted to see what the big deal was. I wanted to see what the hype was about. And after you tried to take my manhood, after you tried to punk me out, after you tried to prove you’re a STREET DOG; I realized in that match...you’re nothing but a PUSSY.

The crowd is getting rowdy as Page glares into Zero’s eyes who’s pacing back and forth with a grin on his face. He strokes his beard in a violent manner and tells Page to stand up.

Jimmy Page: WHY SHOULD I?! Give me a good reason why I should waste my energy on you?! Tell me that?! Why should I waste my energy on a guy who’s ashamed of who he is?! Huh? What do I have to be AFRAID of when I know that you’re so fuckin’ broken you’re USELESS!!! I don’t care what your name means in HKW, in EXODUS, or even here YOU. ARE. WORTHLESS!!!! So much so…

Page takes a plastic card out of his hoodie and holds it up for Zero to see. Zero turns pale, confused, and angry all at the same time. Jimmy nods his head.

Jimmy Page: You gotta use a secret identity because you’re such a fuckin’ pariah. YOU want to say I’m not a MAN?! Well, I’m man enough to say to you, that you are a pathetic excuse for a man!! I AM WHO I AM! I’M JIMMY FUCKIN’ PAGE!!! NO ONE ELSE!!! WHO ARE YOU?! WHO ARE YOU TO ME?! NOBODY!!! And to keep yourself relevant you wanna pick a fight with a shark so you can get out of the small pond and into the deep...wide...ocean. But that’s not gonna happen, because I’m gonna see that you drown in your small, lonely, irrelevant little pond.

Page smirks and tilts his head, finally standing up. He steps into Zero’s face, with such audacity, holding up his I.D. card.

Jimmy Page: But hey, at least you can go about your life living a different one like the spineless, yellow, coward you are. Ain’t I right MAKO?

Page shakes his head, dropping the microphone, and mouths “You’re pathetic.” into Zero’s face who looks as if he can’t say anything. Page flicks the I.D. card into Zero’s face. Zero stands there, almost catatonic. Page gets out of the ring and heads to the back. Zero slowly looks down at his fake I.D. card and goes to pick it up. He looks around at the crowd who tries to get behind him. Zero paces the ring then takes the chair Page sat in and CHUCKS it out of the ring in fury!! The camera’s last scene catches Zero, beside himself and looking down at the ground, deep in thought and talking to himself.

[FGA Office]

FRONTIER LIONS CUP QUALIFYING MATCH
Fujiko Mine vs. Joey Miles

Kid Cudi's "Maniac" hits the PA System as Miles makes his way onto the stage, once the song really kicks in. He smiles sadistically at the crowd, raising both fists into the air and then makes his way to the ring, slapping hands with various fans in the front row.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Frontier Lions Cup Qualifying Match! Introducing first, from Miami, Florida! Weighing in at 183 pounds! He is “SATAN’S PROTEGE” JOEY MILES!

Upon reaching the ring, Joey rolls in and pulls himself onto the nearest turnbuckle. He raises his hands on the middle rope and then pops back down.

Kris Cruise: Joey Miles has shed his ties with the Church of Illusionism and is now looking to be his own man again. You can hear it in his voice whenever he talks. He badly wants to make something of himself and a win here tonight could be his ticket to accomplishing that.

A short static burst rings out, following by a high pitched buzz. It warps into a funky beat that tells the crowd who is on their way. The crowd begins to cheer for Lady Luck, as pink and purple lights dance around the entrance area. As the beat drops, Fujiko leaps through the curtain, jumping into the air and whipping her head forward. Her hair flows through the air around her head, and when she lands she has a large grin on her face. She poses cutely as a few fans throw multicolored streamers around her on the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, now residing out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Weighing in at 145 pounds! She is “LADY LUCK” FUJIKO MINE!

She begins bobbing her head to the music for a moment before posing. She high fives some of the fans that have their hands outstretched. Once she reaches ringside, Fujiko leaps onto the apron from the floor. She walks over to the turnbuckle, and hops up onto it, singing along as some of the crowd members throw more multicolored streamers around her. She then hops down, and places the belt down in her corner. She then bounces on her heels, ready to start the match.

Stephy Auger: Fujiko Mine is coming off of a tough loss to Johnny Karma. But she isn’t letting that get her down. She’s more determined than ever to get to the top of FGA. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Fujiko with this type of focus. If she’s able to advance, she could very well be the individual to look out for in the Frontier Lions Cup.

The bell sounds as both grapplers circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Miles moves Fujiko into the ropes, causing the ref to give them a five count to break it up.

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers make a clean break. After Miles backs away towards the center of the ring, Fujiko makes her way off the ropes, heads over to Miles and locks up with him. After jockeying for position, Miles moves Fujiko across the ring. But at the last second, Fujiko switches positions with Miles and presses him against the turnbuckles. The ref then goes over and gives both grapplers until the count of five to break the hold.

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR....

Both grapplers make a clean break. After Miles steps back towards the center of the ring, Fujiko makes her way from out of the corner and locks up again. Miles quickly gains advantage with a side headlock. But Fujiko is able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock. But Miles reaches back with his free arm and applies another side headlock. After some resistance, Fujiko shoves Miles off of her and into the ropes. When Miles comes back, he knocks Fujiko down with a shoulderblock before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Fujiko kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Miles throws down Fujiko with a side headlock takeover. Fujiko then reaches up with her legs and reverses into a leg scissors headlock. But Miles is able to escape with a kip up. After Fujiko gets back up to her feet, Miles throws her back down with another side headlock takeover. After shifting around on the mat, Fujiko is able to reverse into a leg scissors headlock. Miles tries to escape with a kip up, but he can’t. The ref then kneels down and asks him if he wants to give up. Miles refuses. After turning over onto his knees, he slips out between Fujiko’s legs and follows up with a jackknife pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fujiko bridges up and turns over. But Miles quickly applies a front facelock. Miles cinches in the hold, causing Fujiko to groan in pain. The ref then goes over and checks to see if Fujiko wants to give up. But Fujiko waves him off. She then presses forward and moves Miles against the ropes. The ref then gives Mile until the count of five to break the hold.

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Miles slowly breaks the hold. As Fujiko slowly stands back up, Miles catches her with a forearm strike to the face. He then nails Fujiko with another forearm strike… and another. After a kick to the midsection, Miles takes Fujiko and whips her into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, Miles goes for a back elbow. But Fujiko ducks and runs into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, Miles goes for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. But Fujiko counters with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover to the crowd’s delight. Miles gets back up, but Fujiko brings him down with an arm drag. Miles gets back up, but Fujiko knocks him back down with a dropkick. When Miles gets back up, Fujiko goes for another dropkick. But Miles side steps, swats her down and follows up with a kick to the ribs. He then makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fujiko kicks out.

Kris Cruise: What a back and forth contest this has been.

Stephy Auger: For as good as Fujiko is, Mine has done a good job keeping up with her hold for hold.

Miles picks up Fujiko, whips her across the ring and follows her into the corner. But instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko vaults herself over the oncoming Miles and then follows up with a forward roll. When Fujiko rolls up to her feet and turns around, Miles charges at her and throws out a clothesline. But Fujiko ducks. When Miles turns around, he turns into a series of right hands. She then grabs Miles and whips him into the ropes. When Miles comes back, Fujiko bends over to set up a back body drop. But Miles counters with a sunset flip.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s waving her arms! She’s trying not to fall...

Once Fujiko regains her balance, she jumps up and connects with a double foot stomp to the chest to cheers from the crowd. She then drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Miles kicks out.

Stephy Auger: I’m surprised Miles didn’t have the wind knocked out of him after that double stomp.

After moving Miles into the corner, Fujiko unleashes a series of knife-edge chops. She then goes for an irish whip. But Miles reverses, sending Fujiko into the corner. Miles then charges across the ring, but Fujiko nails him with an elbow to the face. As Miles stumbles back, Fujiko hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and takes down Miles with a diving hurricanrana. While Miles gets back to his feet, Fujiko runs into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, Miles hoists her up into the air. But on the way down, Fujiko knocks him down with a dropkick. When Miles gets back to his feet, Fujiko connects with a handstand calf kick. She then goes over, grabs Miles and goes for an irish whip. Miles is able to reverse and whip her towards the ropes. But Fujiko counters with a handspring rebound ace cutter. She then returns to her feet before running into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she connects with a running SSP. She hooks the leg…

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

Fujiko picks up Miles and whips him into the ropes. But instead of coming back, Miles hangs onto the ropes. So Fujiko runs over towards him. But Miles nails her with an elbow strike. While Fujiko is stunned, Miles quickly steps through the ropes and doubles her over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. From there, Miles slingshots himself in the air. But Fujiko is able to counter with a gamengiri in mid air, sending Miles falling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: What a well-timed counter there by Fujiko!

Stephy Auger: It doesn’t look like she’s done, either. She might be taking it to the air...

While Miles slowly returns to his feet, Fujiko runs into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, Miles slides back in and cuts her off with a falling clothesline. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

Mile spicks up Fujiko and delivers a pendulum backbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Miles picks Fujiko, delivers a snap suplex and floats over into a Butterfly submission.

Kris Cruise: He’s got Fujiko locked in.

Stephy Auger: And there is nowhere for her to go.

The ref asks Fujiko is she wants to give up. But Fujiko won’t quit. So Miles pulls back, increasing the pressure.

Kris Cruise: You can see the pain written on Fujiko’s face. But she can’t give up. There’s too much at stake.


The ref checks on Fujiko. But Fujiko still won't give up. So Miles turns her over onto her stomach and applies a camel clutch.

Stephy Auger: Miles now with another submission. Not only is he keeping Fujiko grounded, but he’s wearing her down as well.

The ref kneels down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. But Fujiko doesn't want to quit. So Miles pulls back, causing Fujiko to groan in pain.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s trying to fight through the pain. But how much longer can she hang on for?

Miles continues to pull back as Fujiko can be seen cringing in pain. The ref then asks her again if she wants to give up. But Fujiko will not quit. So Miles begrudgingly breaks the hold, brings Fujiko back to her feet and whips her hard into the corner. As Fujiko stumbles away from the corner, Miles throws her down with a belly to belly suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Miles sits up Fujiko and places her in a rear chinlock.

Kris Cruise: There goes Miles with yet another submission.

Stephy Auger: I don’t care how much determination Fujiko has. Sooner or later, she’s going to reach her breaking point and tap.

The ref asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. But once again, Fujiko refuses to quit. She then turns over onto her knees before getting back up to her feet. After a series of elbows to the midsection, Fujiko turns and takes off into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, Miles delivers a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: That tilt-a-whirl backbreaker halted Fujiko’s comeback. But she still has enough left in her to get her shoulder up.

Miles picks up Fujiko and delivers a double underhook suplex. He then heads into the corner and goes for the Gravity Defied. But Fujiko rolls out of the way.

Stephy Auger: Nobody’s home!

After Miles crashes onto the canvas and rolls over onto his back, Fujiko gets up, steps through the ropes and scales the turnbuckles. Once she reaches the top, she goes for the Hot Spring Skinny Dip. But she crashes onto his knees after Miles gets his knees up.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko was already being worn down by those submissions. But that looked to have taken a lot out of her.

After Fujiko gets up and turns around, Miles runs over and delivers the Traumatic Experience. He makes the cover.

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

Fujiko gets her shoulder up as the crowd cheers.

Miles picks up Fujiko and lifts her up for a belly to back suplex. But Fujiko rolls over his shoulder and lands on her feet. When Miles turns around, he turns into a step-up enzuigiri. After Miles drops down to one knee, Fujiko takes off into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she plants Miles with a headscissors facebuster. She then picks up Miles and whips him into the ropes. When Miles comes back, she knocks him down with the 4-Play. Fujiko then returns to a vertical base and begins waving up Miles. When Miles gets back to his feet and turns around, Fujiko runs over and connects with the Lucky Shot. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“Imperium” blasts over the PA as the crowd cheers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, FUJIKO MINE!

Fujiko gets her arm raised to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: That was a hard fought match these two just took part in. But Fujiko was just a step faster and got the win.

Stephy Auger: Miles definitely made things interesting. I know Fujiko was the favorite heading into this one. But Miles definitely gave her a run for her money. Now Fujiko joins Kurosawa Chavez and Noelle Smith in the Quarterfinals. We’ve got one more Qualifying Match here tonight. Will it be the new Pride Champion, Tony Carmine advancing or will The Lingster make a statement in here FGA debut?

[FGA Office]

The scene opens up to the backstage area of the Frontier Fieldhouse, displaying a lockeroom door with a "Team Cannon" designation. Speaking of the dashing duo, they suddenly exit the room with Quinn Goodrich leading the charge as always. As Cannon steps out behind him, dressed to the nines as usual in a Petrol Blue Wool and Mohair-Blend Soho Travel Suit from Paul Smith's London Collection, the former looks into the camera.

Quinn Goodrich: Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to formally and properly introduce myself as well as my client, for those of you who are unfamiliar with who we are and what it is that we do.

He says, adjusting his silk tie, dressed equally as dapper as his counterpart in a Polo Striped 3 Piece from Ralph Lauren, while the British Mamba simply stands tall, looking straight into the lens with a cocksure grin etched on his mug while his eyes remain hidden behind a pair of Saint Laurent's.

Quinn Goodrich: My name is Quinn Goodrich, and I am the professional and personal advocate to the real number one contender to the Frontier Grappling Arts Pride Division Championship!

Cannon nods in approval of the distinction, as Goodrich continues.

Quinn Goodrich: This is a man who is climbing up the ranks in this company with a speed and ferocity never seen before. In just his third professional bout for the promotion, my client is already in the Main Event, headlining one of our DVD taped events. That speaks volumes about his ability, and his credentials, but even more than that it speaks to the eye that FGA officials possess when it comes to scouting talent. They have good eyes, and with those eyes they've seen my client take Tony Carmine to the distance, and knock Johnny Karma senseless!

The Britton says sternly, whilst Cannon shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly in the background.

Quinn Goodrich: But they're still lacking the conviction to pull the trigger and do what obviously needs to be done. People are already talking about it, it's the first thing they mention when they bring my client's name up in discussions around the water cooler. They want to see my client challenge for the Pride Championship, not because we think we're entitled to the opportunity, but rather because we've earned it with our two hands.

Cinderella Man brandishes his fists, as Quinn continues to sing his praises.

Quinn Goodrich: These are the most dangerous weapons in the world today, because my client is the most dangerous man in the game today. And this man is hungry, and determined, more than I've ever seen him. FGA, you're now swimming with a Great White Shark in the water, and he smells blood. When he makes something a goal, he sets out to achieve it, and my client will not rest until a real wrestler is holding the championship that accentuates the traditions this sport was built on.

Quinn turns his attention toward the man of the hour, pointing at him.

Quinn Goodrich: FGA deserves a better class of wrestler, and he's going to give it to them. FGA, you're looking at the man who should be contending for, and should quite possibly be considered as the next FGA Pride Champion - Johnny Cannon.

The camera focuses on the aforenamed Britton as he removes his sunglasses, clipping them on the breast pocket of his suit jacket as his arrogant smirk turns to a stern scowl.

Johnny Cannon: People have a lot to say about me. Whether they're trying to diminish and disregard my skills and accomplishments, or talk me up and point out my greatness, everyone who's been around me long enough to form an opinion always feels inclined to give their two cents - even when I tell them that they can keep the change because a man of my stature only carries big bills. Despite what they're saying, the one thing that nobody can take away from me is the simple fact that I am a real man.

He says with the utmost belief and conviction.

Johnny Cannon: I'm a man who carries himself like a consummate professional, like a sophisticated gentleman, and like a distinguished human being but when it comes time to prove my physical worth, and defend my honor, I carry myself like an animal, like a brute, and like a backyard brawler. And this bonafide bare knuckle behemoth beats on lesser men who don't respect his game, or are too dense in the brain to fear his abilities. And while you fall into the former, I know you don't fit into the latter's mold, Zero.

He proclaims, staring daggers into the camera lens as he fiddles with his cuff links for a brief moment before speaking again.

Johnny Cannon: I know that because you listened to every word I had to say about you, even though you pretend not to, that you pretend like what I say doesn't matter but it clearly does. That's because when a real man talks you shut your bloody mouth and you give him your undivided attention, whether he's entertaining you for a non-sequitur filled five minutes or he's chewing your ear off for an hour about politics. Regardless of the topic, you listen and you hear what he has to say. And I can tell that you did, Zero. From the very second you put your face behind a camera I knew that you had taken everything I said about you to heart, wearing your emotions on your sleeve like the sensitive wrestler who needs to be tucked back into his cheap pajama clothes.

He scoffs, before continuing.

Johnny Cannon: You acknowledged what I had to say, and what anybody outside of your sycophant filled inner circle has to say - that your tenure in FGA thus far has been a joke, and that your return to professional wrestling has been filled with nothing but misery and misadventure. But let's not pretend that you were admitting something that wasn't already obvious. The elephant in the room doesn't need you to point at it, it knows it's there. You know despite the big game you've been talking that you haven't lived up to your hype or expectations. Yet despite this knowledge, you still talk like you're the one with nothing to prove when in fact, you have everything to prove.

He claims, whilst Quinn mutters "That's Right!"

Johnny Cannon: That's your ego running wild and unchecked, and when you don't check yourself, you get wrecked - and specifically when you're dealing with someone of my expertise, you get your bloody head kicked off. You would know that if you weren't too busy talking about things that don't matter, about your little consolation prizes and pointless statistics - like how you eliminated a record amount of participants in the Gold Rush Rumble, even though you yourself got eliminated, or about how you've only been bested by the World Champion, ignoring the fact that you haven't pinned or submitted anyone in any of your other bouts. But tonight's going to be different, because tonight you're suddenly going to get off the snide that you only acknowledged the existence of after I told the world about it because that's what I do. I say what needs to be said. I do what needs to be done. I can step into a room full of frauds and not become one of them because I know who I am.

He says, gritting his teeth intensely as Goodrich edges his on.

Johnny Cannon: Unlike you, Zero. Unlike you I don't have to bring up past triumphs because I can stand on my own two feet and don't need to use yesteryear as a crutch. That's why instead of simply building this up as a match between two skilled competitors you've coined this as a contest to prove who the better EXODUS World Champion is and for that, I pity you. I pity you for constantly needing to bring up old accomplishments because you've become irrelevant in the here and now. And that's why you and I are not the same. A real man doesn't need to talk about what he did way back when because he's constantly progressing and moving forward like an unstoppable force and that's exactly what I am - a force, while you are just a man running in place, who constantly runs back to a point in time when he was worth the price of admission. But now, now I'm not even certain if you should be on the card, let alone in the ring with me.

He says wholeheartedly, as he places his sunglasses back on his face.

Johnny Cannon: But honest to God I hope that you've found yourself, because win or lose, I need you to be at your best so that I can continue to be at my best, and my best makes me THE best in the world. I honestly pray that you've taken to being called washed up personally, and that you've used it as motivation to bring your 'A' game tonight because if you don't, and you step out of that batter's box with that 'Triple A' rubbish you've been trotting out to the ring with over these last few months - well, you're going to face the same fate in the present that Johnny Karma received in the past and what Tony Carmine has coming to him in the future.

The British Mamba looks right into the camera, offering his final declaration before tossing up the vulgar two finger 'V' salute.

Johnny Cannon: And that's you lying in the ring unconscious, right after I've knocked you the f*ck out!

[FGA Office]

Laurel Anne Hardy vs. Chris Bond

J.A. Aldridge: The following match is set for one fall...

"If you take a life, do you know what you'll give...
Odds are, you won't like what it is...
When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me...
By the merciless eyes I've deceived...
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights...
But you yourself are nothing so divine...
Just next in line..."

The house lights dim, and multi-colored lights soon flicker throughout the filled-to-the-brim center. The crowd jumps to its feet, blowing the roof off from the arena as Chris Bond makes his way out from behind the curtains. As he emerges from behind the curtain, there is a small burst of excitement from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: You can feel how excited the Illinois fans are to see The Battle-Hardened Veteran again!

With a spotlight lighting his way, Bond makes his way down the aisle and towards the ring, even slapping a few hands on the way down. Soon enough he jogs up the stairs, and walks along the ring apron before wiping his feet. Chris Bond steps over the second rope and into the ring. The self-proclaimed legend of the wrestling world walks to the center of the ring and stands there for a moment, as flashes go off through out the waves of fans. He circles the ring, arms outstretched, as the fans cheer loudly once again. Bond enjoys this, as his trademark smirk re-emerges on his face.

J.A. Aldridge: From San Antonio, Texas, weighing two hundred and forty-two pounds... CHRIS! BOND!

Heading to his corner, Bond does a few stretches as he waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: The Lion's Den head trainer and his young protégé Jason Bronco set to headline LDFC's second supershow, 2nd Impact, against Hans Kuntz and Liesl Albrecht on the 19th of this month at Gibsonville's New Mid-Atlantic Sportatorium.

Stephy Auger: I can't wait for that show, Kris. But here tonight in Chicago Ridge he's in one-on-one action, and here comes his opponent!

The opening beat of Faith No More’s ”Midlife Crisis” comes across the speakers, prompting a mixed reaction. After a few bars, shortly before the lyrics kick in, Laurel Anne Hardy emerges - and for once she's smiling! And in place of her usual ring attire is an outfit a world apart from her usual stencilled jeans and sleeveless indie band tee; she's dressed for battle in a chainmail bikini.

Kris Cruise: We've seen a depressed and conflicted Laurel Anne Hardy in recent months, but it seems like tonight she has a little of that old spark again!

Stephy Auger: We know #Sparklebuddies will meet FGA World Tag Team Champions Whiskey Dex in a rematch at Above & Beyond IV, where she and Annie Zellor will hope to regain their titles. Perhaps that's why.

Kris Cruise: Or maybe she and Nirvana just had a private "training session"...

Regardless of where her energy has come from, Laurel slaps some hands as she heads for the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, weighing one hundred and forty-eight pounds... LAUREL! ANNE! HARDY!

She leaps under the bottom rope, making no attempt to time her movements to the music, and heads for the centre of the ring where she and Bond shake hands.

Stephy Auger: A lot of respect between these two competitors.

Kris Cruise: And they'll meet again in that huge deathmatch in Ocean City on the 22nd, along with a host of some of the most dangerous individuals in wrestling including our World Tag Team Champion Whiskey Ayano, special guests like PKA and Artemis Kaiser, and former World Champion Jimmy Page.

Stephy Auger: Tonight's match between Chris and Laurel is a little preview of that huge event - a little taste of the intensity they'll be bringing that night.

Kris Cruise: And it looks like Laurel's got something on her mind...

Indeed, as Aldridge is about to leave the ring, Hardy stops him and asks if she can borrow his mic. he passes it over to her.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Chris - two weeks from tonight, us and six other competitors bring some anarchy to FGA. Eight fighters. One fall. No rules.

The crowd pops for the huge impending match, and Laurel and Chris both grin at the sound of it.

Laurel Anne Hardy: I wanna say thank you for helping me put this together. It means a lot to me. And I also wanna say... in the spirit of what we're gonna unleash in Ocean City... why don't we give the world a little preview of what Chris Bond and Laurel Anne Hardy can do together in a hardcore environment? If you're up for it, if the ref's down with it, and if the people of Chicago Ridge want to see it...

A wall of cheers indicates that yes, they do want to see it.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Why don't me and you make this right now a hardcore match?

Hardy hands the mic over to Bond, whose face is beaming with a wide smirk.

Chris Bond: They say great minds think alike... there must be something to it, because I was about to suggest exactly the same thing.

Another huge pop. The referee confers with J.A. Aldridge, who after a few seconds reclaims his mic and announces:

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen... this match will now be held under hardcore rules! No disqualifications, no countouts, and falls count anywhere!

Bond and Hardy both grin again at the confirmation. They clap their hands a few times, then break into fighting stances and start to circle.

Kris Cruise: Well! I guess we got a hardcore match right now!

Bond and Hardy skulk around each other tentatively, come together in a collar and elbow tie up, and sink their stances...

...then they both shake their heads and break apart. Laurel laughs. Evidently in accord, they both back away to opposite sides of the ring and exit to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Clearly not in the mood for starting this match with some catch wrestling!

Chris flips up the curtain and crouches down, taking stock of whatever the ring crew have stored there. On the other side, Laurel's just a pair of legs sticking out from under the apron as she rummages. After a moment, objects start flying into the ring from both sides: chairs, lengths of cabling, and boxes of light tubes!

Kris Cruise: I guess they're serious about embracing the impromptu hardcore rules!

Simultaneously, Bond slides something out of his side while Hardy does likewise from hers. They both swing their respective hauls up onto the apron. Their eyes lock, they both smile enigmatically, and Chris slides in his table while Laurel slides in her ladder to a huge cheer. They both roll under the bottom rope and to their feet, come up at the same time, and swing tandem chairs at each other's heads!

Kris Cruise: They had the same idea! Grabbing those chairs as they got to their feet.

Stephy Auger: They're both long-established veterans of this type of match, Kris. They both know all the tricks.

With his near hundred-pound weight advantage, Bond's swing is harder, and Hardy's chair buckles. Bond swings again knocking it clean out of her hands. But Hardy is quick to react, slicing her heel into his historically weak knee and then leaping into a gamengiri as his head lowers!

Stephy Auger: A huge echoing kick to the head there!

Kris Cruise: And Laurel didn't waste any time in going for that knee of Chris Bond there. There's a reminder that all the respect these two have for each other is going to be expressed in being as violent to each other as possible!

Laurel measures Chris as he regains his composure, and as his head rises again, she launches a spinning heel kick at it - but he catches it! He swings her up across his shoulders; she bounces off him and flips into a wheelbarrow bulldog, but Bond sandbags and catches Hardy's weight as she comes down, denying the facebuster, and runs into the corner to throw her across the top ropes. She's left straddling the corner, and Bond delivers a couple of shoulder thrusts to her spine before backing out, letting her fall into the tree of woe. He grabs a box of light tubes and upends it, letting them tumble across the canvas, then places a couple across the bottom rope right by Hardy's head. He backs out, then runs into a low dropkick that smashes the tubes into her face!

Kris Cruise: Hardy surely must be busted open from that! She wanted violence, and that's what she's getting...

Bond lifts Hardy from the corner over his shoulders. He turns towards the chairs and light tubes and hefts her up for a spinebuster... she flips him off his feet with a huracanrana! The back of his head crashes into metal and glass, and she holds on for the cover.

ONE!

He powers out, sending her sprawling across the ring. She manages to keep her balance though and runs onto the middle rope, then vaults out in a twisting attack. As she spins towards Bond, Hardy throws a back uppercut towards his face. He manages to sidestep it, pushing her away, and this time her foot comes down on a light tube. It rolls and skids and she falls onto her behind. Chris is quick to rush in and stomp her between the shoulderblades, and as she cries out in pain, he pulls her off the mat with a full nelson. He turns to face the pile of weapons again, then drops her into a sitout facebuster that sends her through another light tube!

Stephy Auger: She's definitely busted open now.

Kris Cruise: It looks like Chris is bleeding from the top of his head too.

A shot of Bond as he stands up confirms that he has a couple of seams of blood in his buzzed hair. As Laurel rolls onto her back she has red rivulets all over her forehead, eyes and cheeks. But as she realises that she's bleeding, she smiles, and a rush of energy seems to come to her. She kips up, and despite her bare feet landing on the shard-strewn canvas, she manages to keep her footing. Bond charges at her, chair in hand - and she manages to back body drop him over the ropes to ringside!

Kris Cruise: Ouch! I think his head may have collided with his own chair there.

Laurel grabs the table and heaves it up and over the ropes, tossing it down on top of bond. Then she grips the ropes and throws herself over onto it, driving it into The Battle-Hardened Veteran and causing it to crack slightly. Hardy rolls off Bond and sets up the table - but as he back is turned, he's pulling himself up on the guardrail. As she goes back to get him, he manages to catch her with a running lariat that flips her inside out! After ramming her against the guardrail, he crosses to the ring steps.

Stephy Auger: Just like that, he regains control. Any match can change on a dime but when you throw weapons into the mix there becomes so much more again to try to keep track of.

Kris Cruise: And we've seen both Bond and Hardy's skill at using ringside furniture to their advantage in the past. Now it looks like Chris is going to being those steps into play!

He pulls them away from the ring a little, then grabs Laurel and brings her over to them. She swings a punch into him but he grits his teeth, fighting the pain of the impact, and wraps his hands around her waist... gutwrench powerbomb! He bombs her into the steps, leaving her splayed over them, then climbs up and lifts her again. He flips her round so she's hanging doubled over one of his broad shoulders.

Kris Cruise: What's he's got planned for her now?

Stephy Auger: Whatever it is, it's surely going to- oh my god, CRADLE DRIVER!

He drills the crown of her head into the stairs with a cradle piledriver! He winces as his own tailbone takes damage too, but shoves Hardy onto the floor and then drops across her, hooking a leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-

She kicks out!

Stephy Auger: Time and time again, we've seen Laurel Anne Hardy kick out of the most insane moves. At All-Star Showdown she kicked out from Dexter Jacobs' And Hell Followed With Him, deep in the match, before even the one count! That's the kind of toughness Chris Bond has to deal with here tonight!

Kris Cruise: But if anyone can match Laurel in terms of toughness, it's this man!

Bond pulls Hardy to the corner of the ring and slams her headfirst into the apron, leaving a crimson stain on the canvas. He feeds her under the bottom turnbuckle so she that her spine is to the ringpost, then wraps one arm around her head and the other around her waist and hauls backwards with all his weight!

Stephy Auger: He's about to snap her spine!

Laurel screams, but refuses to submit. Chris's hands transition further out; his left is now gripping one of her ankles, while the right has a fistful of her long black hair wrapped around it. He plants a foot on the ringpost and pulls back as hard as he can, veins in his forehead bulding. A trickle of blood rolls down his face, and he doesn't even seem to notice it. Laurel's arms are wrapped around the bottom rope as she tries to fight the unbelievable pressure in her spine; the referee asks her if she wants to quit, but she yells out a 'no'. Chris finally drops her, but only to apply a new plan of attack; he drags her back out from the ring by the head, until her feet are all that's left balanced on the apron. From there, he drops her into the floor with a DDT!

Kris Cruise: REJECTION! Rejection on the outside!

He rolls across her and covers.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-

She manages to claw her way up using the ring curtain for leverage. Chris rolls to a sitting position and takes a breath. Slowly, Laurel begins to climb onto the apron. Bond rises after her, and grips his arms around her waist. She throws back elbows into his head, but with the amount of pain her spine's in, she can't put much into them and he manages to shake them off. He redoubles his grip... German suplex off the apron!

Kris Cruise: They both go flying!

Stephy Auger: Right into the barricade!

Fans scatter back from their seats as the two wrestlers smash into the guardrail and send it tipping over. Bond holds the back of his head with both arms, as Hardy's body sandwiched it against the steel - but Hardy's faring no better, as her stretched spine also collided with the steel. a semicircle forms around them as she crawls away out of Bond's reach... he comes after her and makes a grab for her, but reels back as something splashes into his eyes! Hardy crushes a soda can into his forehead, sending cola flying everywhere!

Stephy Auger: One way to turn a match around!

Kris Cruise: I guess one of the fans must have left that when they evacuated their seats!

While Bond staggers backwards trying to get his vision back, crimson mask starting to spread across his face, Hardy kicks out his knee again and follows it up with a Battlegrounds uppercut. She lays his head across a steel chair, then steps up off another and drops into a senton across the back of his skull!

Kris Cruise: With that chainmail bikini Laurel's wearing, Chris just became the filling in a steel sandwich.

Bond is left out of it, lolling across the chair. Hardy grabs her back for a second and winces, then snaps the chair closed around Bond's neck and lets it and him both fall to the floor. She gestures for the ranks of fans to stand back, then leaps onto the chair with a double foot stomp!

Stephy Auger: Hardy now looking to repay the spinal damage, it looks like.

She begins dragging him back towards the ring, pausing every couple of steps to drive a knee into the steel surrounding his neck. Finally she gets him back to the table she set up earlier, and she rolls him onto it. Then she heads into the ring and snatches up a handful of stuff - some cables, and a couple of light tubes. She throws them down to ringside, then scouts Chris as she grabs ahold of the top rope. He doesn't seem to be stirring, so she picks up the ladder and begins to set it up!

Stephy Auger: Bond all the way down at ringside, and Hardy wants to fly that whole distance!

Kris Cruise: They said that as a mark of mutual respect they weren't going to hold anything back, and they have not!

As Laurel is positioning the ladder, Chris rolls off the table and staggers to the ring. He pulls himself in and clutches her round the waist, but she reaches up and pulls him into the rungs with a reverse STO! Her own shoulder collides with the metal too, however, and they both fall away in opposite directions. But they quickly make a grab for each other. Laurel ducks Chris and catches him with an elbow to the throat, then slides him down into a front butterfly. She places her knee against his windpipe then drops down to deliver the Winter Garden Photograph! As he stumbles back gasping for air, she catches him with a low dropkick to the knee that sends him right into the ropes, then flies at him in a kitchen sink that sends them both over!

Stephy Auger: Both wiped out again. These two aren't holding anything back against each other.

Hardy smashes another light tube across Bond's cranium then stumbles to the guardrail and leans against it for a second, trying to blink the blood out of her eyes. She wipes her face, then turns and scouts Bond as he pushes himself up. He gets to a doubled over position, and Hardy runs in, stepping up off the back of his head and leaping into the ropes.

Stephy Auger: Asai moonsault!

She sails down at him - but he catches her!

Kris Cruise: Damn!

The impact of her weight makes him sag, but he manages to stay upright. He starts to muscle her into position for a tombstone.

Stephy Auger: A tombstone piledriver on the outside! Can even she withstand that!?

Her squirming as she tries to block it is too much however - so instead he wheels her upright and throws her into the guardrail with an allez-oop bomb! She's left folded in half over it, all the wind driven from her, and Bond hops the rails and grabs her in a headlock.

Stephy Auger: Oh my god, a second Rejection on the outside?

He steps backwards until her feet catch on the top of the guardrail, fans backing away quickly all around him. He lets them get clear, then drops backwards to spike Hardy on her crown! For a moment the two wrestlers vanish beneath the sea of abandoned chairs, then suddenly seats start flying as Bond clears a space around them. He places a chair down and rests Laurel's head onto it, just as she did to him earlier, then backs away from her...

Kris Cruise: What does Bond have in mind now?

Stephy Auger: I will guess... something nasty.

Kris Cruise: That's a safe guess.

He charges in and leaps up to drive his foot through her head with a curb stomp! But Laurel rolls away, and the chair folds around his foot as it smacks down! He yells out, and Laurel turns to grab him - but she's too slowed from the pain in her spine, and Chris catches her with a metal-clad kick to the head. She stumbles away and Bond kicks again, despite being out of range - this time letting the chair fly at her! She gets her shoulder up to deflect the worst of it, but she still drops to one knee. Bond kicks another chair up towards her, then charges in with a lariat. He sinks to his knees, panting, but then drags her under himself and covers.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
,
.
THREE-

Kickout! He takes her towards the railings again and drops her across them stomach-first to drive the wind from her. Then he kicks her off, and despite his wince, he climbs over after her.

Kris Cruise: Bond's leg clearly in agony right now, but he's pushing through it!

Bond drags Hardy to the table and rolls her onto it, then snatches up the cable she herself brought out. He whips her bare belly with a length of it, then starts tying the wires so they go all around the table and pin her ankles down! He rests a couple more light tubes on top of her, then rolls into the ring and repositions the ladder. The fans let out a huge cheer as he begins to climb.

Stephy Auger: When's the last time you saw Chris Bond take to the sky!?

Kris Cruise: But he promised to pull out all the stops tonight, and if this is what it's gonna take to put Laurel away, this is what he's gonna do!

He pulls himself up rung by rung, but with the blows he's taken to his bad knee, it's slow going. Laurel slowly comes around and soon realises her predicament. She reaches down and starts to untie herself.

Kris Cruise: Tick tock... she needs to get free before Bond reaches the apex of that ladder!

Her she seems to be having some trouble as her hands are sticky with blood. But finally she manages to tear her feet free, and quickly slides into the ring, with the length of cable trailing behind her. She whips it up into Bond's spine, and a crack echoes throughout the arena.

Kris Cruise: He almost lost his grip, and that would be a nasty fall from that height!

Stephy Auger: And this is what they're doing just with the normal objects you find around the ring. God only knows what they'll come up with when they can plan their weapons in advance!

Laurel throws a light tube into Chris spine; it bounces off without smashing, but it still leaves a mark. She starts to climb the ladder, and - being much lighter - manages to get up behind Chris quite quickly. She loops the cable and pulls it around his neck, and starts choking him! The fans go ballistic, knowing that if he passes out all the way from the top of the ladder, it's over. But Bond knows this too. He swings elbows back, headbutts, anything to get his opponent off him. His frantic motions start rocking the ladder... and Hardy's counter-motions to keep her hold applied don't help matters...

...with a creak, the ladder tips over, and both competitors are sent plummeting all the way down to ringside and through the table! A cloud of splinters and light tube dust erupts around the fallen wrestlers, then slowly settles onto the blood and sweat coating them. They both remain still amongst the wreckage and the referee checks on them. A chant starts up..

This is awesome! This is awesome! This is awesome! This is awesome!

Kris Cruise: I agree with our fans, Stephy. This is awesome!

Stephy Auger: It's been a while sense we've seen this level of violence here in FGA. And this is a match featuring two competitors that have nothing but love and respect for each other!

Both grapplers begin to stir around on the ground amidst the debris. Bond tries to push himself up onto all fours. But he collapses, falling face-first onto the ground. Meanwhile, Hardy turns over and tries to sit up. But a jolt of pain is sent throughout her body, causing her to fall back down to the ground.

LET'S GO, HARDY!
LET'S GO, BOND!

LET'S GO, HARDY!
LET'S GO, BOND!

LET'S GO, HARDY!
LET'S GO, BOND!

Kris Cruise: These FGA faithful are trilling to will these grapplers back into this match. But it might not happen.

Stephy Auger: These two have thrown everything including the kitchen sink at each other tonight. Hardy may be a Hardcore and Deathmatch veteran. Bond may be Battled Hardened. But these two may have reached their limit in this one.

Both battered, bloodied and bruised competitors begins to slowly return to a vertical base as the crowd breaks out into cheers and applause.

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: I might have spoken too soon...

As Bond slowly turns around, Hardy charges over towards him.

Kris Cruise: Oh no, no, no, no, no...

Stephy Auger: LOOK OUT!

Fans in the front row, sensing what's coming, quickly trip over themselves as they try and scurry out of the way. She then hurls herself at Bond, spearing Bond through part of the guard rail.

Kris Cruise: They broke part of the guard rail! Hardy just speared Bond through the guard rail! 

Stephy Auger: And neither of them are moving, Kris!

The explodes in cheers as Hardy's prone body lays on top of Bond. Bond, meanwhile, is sprawled out across the broken guard rail. The referee sees that, with Hardy's positioning, she technically has Bond pinned. So he drops down to his knees and slaps the concrete floor.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, LAUREL ANNE HARDY!

The referee raises Hardy hand to victory to cheers from the crowd. But Hardy's arm drops back down as soon as the ref lets go of it. After a few moments, she muster sup just enough strength to roll off of Bond. Despite the bruising, the blood, the cuts, the debris and the damage they both inflicted, Hardy's still able to crack a smile. But not because of the win. But because they pushed each other to their limits, as well as the art that they created in the process.

Kris Cruise: Unbelievable, Stephy! I can't think of a better word to describe what we just saw.

Stephy Auger: If this was a preview of what's to come, then I pray for all parties involved in that match because not everything is going to be about respect in that one. But this match right here? These two gave it their all for the fans, as well as each other. I have nothing but the utmost respect for these two. Hats off to the both of them.

Hardy slowly turns her head to the right and looks over at Bond. Bond, who is also still on his back, slowly opens his eyes. He rapidly blinks his eyes as he tries to move. But he still can't. After a few moans and groans, he turns his head to the left and sees Hardy staring back at him. The two then slowly reach other towards each other and lock hands, showing each other a sign of respect. The crowd continues to applaud at the spectacle they've just witnessed.

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

FRONTIER LIONS CUP QUALIFYING ROUND
Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine vs. Ling Ling

Popular 4Minute song "Heart to Heart" blared through the venue signaling the arrival of The Lingster!

Ling busted out from the behind the curtain to a good decent amount of cheers lifting up both her arms making "L" symbols. Nothing too major considering she was still fairly new to the FGA crowd. Still, the reaction didn't slow her down, she turned to the right blowing kisses to the crowd. Then she blew one to the mass of people to her left before finally making her way down the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Frontier Lions Cup Qualifying Match! Introducing first, from Seoul, South Korea! Weighing in at 114 pounds! She is “THE LINGSTER” LING LING!

As she walked down the ramp she could be heard yelling out loud passionately. She barged up the stairs before entering the ring over the third rope. Finally she jumped up to one of the four top turnbuckles before stepping down to await her opposition.

Kris Cruise: The always positive and popular LING LING is making her FGA debut tonight and this crowd is definitely showing her love.

Stephy Auger: She may have only been wrestling for a year. But The Lingster has quickly become a fan favorite in wrestling. She’s making her FGA debut here tonight. But it’s not just any debut. She has a chance to advance in the Frontier Lions Cup tournament. Her opponent? The brand new Pride Champion.

When "Solarflare" by Yung Lean hits, the lights dim and eventually the crowd will begin to jeer. Pink and purple strobe lights starts to flare. Once the bass drops, Scandalous Tony emerges from the curtains with his arms spread out, accompanied by 3 full-figured women following behind him(never the same group of women). He pops the collar on his furry vest before turning his back the ring and utters something to the women behind him. Suddenly he swings back around and slowly struts down the ramp, repeating the lyrics. He takes his purple pick out and starts picking his hair out.

"The molecule that's me won't go without a fist
I'm a molecule but I stand in the mist
Bitch don't cut your wrists, I'mma kill to live
Solar flare, I can see the skies opening, I'm almost there"

After putting the pick away, he then pulls out a nail filer and starts filing his nails, all the while taking his sweet time to get to the ring as he instructs the females to have the ropes held for him by the time he gets to ringside. With the ladies seated on the middle rope, Tony ignores them and walks up the steps and into the ring on his own. Tony laughs as he stands on the middle rope and looks out to the fans while slowly and seductively taking his furry vest off and throwing it to the group of females as they step off the apron. He backflips into the ring as his music slowly fades.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, now residing out of Boca Raton, Florida! Weighing in at 179 pounds! He is the reigning FGA Pride Champion… SUNSHINE SCANDALOUS TONY CARMINE!

Kris Cruise: Tony Carmine became a two-time Pride Champion after defeating Mia Scott at All-Star Showdown. There’s an inevitable showdown with Johnny Karma, who became the #1 contender to the title at the Pay Per View two weeks ago. But he can’t focus on Karma right now. He’s got to focus on Ling Ling.

Stephy Auger: Carmine was able to qualify for last year’s tournament. Can he do it again here tonight?

As Carmine and Ling Ling stand in their respective corners, the referee turns to call for the opening bell...when he's interrupted by the familiar sound of John Bonham's drumming that causes him to stop in his tracks, and coincidentally also draws the attention of both competitors in the ring, and all three look towards the entrance ramp as Jimmy Page's riff heralds the entrance of the man, the myth, the #1 contender to the Pride Championship - the man named Johnny Karma, who just so happens to be the man strutting onto the top of the ramp, Cherry Baum by his side, with a mic in hand.

Karma takes a moment to stand on the ramp and remove his sunglasses, before looking straight at Carmine in the ring

Karma: I hope I'm not interrupting anything important...

Karma takes a moment to let that hang in the air, which irks the referee no end as he's only trying to get a match started

Karma: ...but I've got a message for the scuzzball that's stood in the ring right now. Sorry, maybe I should be more specific: that scuzzball...

Karma points directly at Carmine

Karma: ...the scuzzball who has something that I want, namely the Pride Championship. And if you haven't noticed I'm the top contender for that title, so it's not like you can put your fingers in your ears and go "la-la-la-la-la" over and over and pretend that you can't hear me, because you're going to have to put the belt on the line against me sometime - so if were hoping to take some selfies of you with the belt, you’d best take them now because you won't be holding that belt much longer bubbe.

Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine turns back to referee, almost ignoring Johnny's comments. Then out of sudden rage he yells "GET ME A MIC!" The announcer hands Tony a microphone and the Pride Champion leans over the ropes towards the ramp. 

Sunshine Tony: You know what, you AREN'T interrupting anything important. This match won't be a marathon. 

Tony looks back at Ling Ling with disgust, before turning back to Karma. 

Sunshine Tony: So this whole thing you do to people. This whole coming out before the match and running your mouth trying to get them off their game thing you do? Doesn't work on the Scandalous One. As a matter of fact, I invite you to come join us at ringside. Watch me leave bootprints all over this worthless piece of trash's face. I want you and your third cousin playing the role of girlfriend to come down to this goddamn ring. 

The champ waves them down before pointing back to Ling Ling. 

Sunshine Tony: Keep your hands to yourselves. Take notes, Karma. Better yet, take a little trip sweetheart. Watch how the Scandalous Freakyshina breaks apart this spring roll. Fantasize about being half as good in this ring as the Scandalous One. Let your mind go, honey. Then I want you to look at Sing Sing here. Watch me ruin her singing voice as I snatch her throat, then realize this is what you're signing up for. 

Tony throws the microphone out to the ramp, throwing up a middle finger to Karma before turning around. He yells, "NOW RING THE DAMN BELL!"

The bell sounds as Tony runs over and knocks down Ling with a clothesline. The crowd boos as Tony puts the boots to her. He then reaches down, picks up Ling, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. Tony then drops and rolls to the outside. He reaches down, picks up Ling, lifts her up and rams her back-first against the side of the ring. He then throws Ling down with a scoop slam before delivering a vertical suplex on the outside. Tony picks Ling, rolls her back into the ring, rolls herself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ling kicks out.

Kris Cruise: It didn’t take long for Tony’s mean streak to come out, did it?

Tony picks up Ling, grabs her by the throat and moves her into the corner as he chokes her. The crowd continues to boo as Tony continues to choke her while pressing her against the turnbuckles. The ref then goes over and gives Tony until the count of five to break the hold.

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Tony lets go. He then takes Ling and whips her into the opposite corner. Tony then runs across the ring, but Ling nails him with a boot to the face. After shaking off the blow, Tony runs back into the corner and lunges at Ling, but Ling moves out of the way. She then turns Tony around and unleashes a series of knife edge chops as the crowd “WOO”s after each chop. She then brings Tony from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But Tony reverses, sending Ling into the ropes. When Ling comes back, Tony knocks her down with a back elbow to the face. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ling kicks out.

Tony picks up Ling and goes for a vertical suplex. But Ling slips down from behind and shoves Tony into the ropes. When Tony comes back, Ling brings him down with a Japanese arm drag. Tony gets back up, but Ling sends him back down with another Japanese arm drag. Tony gets back up, but Ling delivers a headscissors takeover before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tony kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Quick nearfall there from Ling. What does The Lingster have to do to win this match?

Stephy Auger: She’s got to fight her fight and not be naive. She fell for Tony’s trick to start the match, so I doubt she falls for another one. But she’s got to keep the pace quick. Tony can fly as well. But Ling’s got him beat in both the speed and the aerial departments.

Ling picks up Tony and goes for an irish whip. But Tony reverses, sending Ling into the ropes. But instead of coming back, Ling hangs onto the ropes. So Tony runs over at her. But Ling ducks and dumps Tony over the top rope…

… but Tony lands on his feet on the outside. He quickly yanks Ling down to the canvas and yanks her hard to the floor. As Ling slowly gets up, Tony rolls back into the ring before running into the ropes. When he comes back, he goes for a rolling suicide dive. But Ling slides back into the ring, causing Tony to crash on the outside.

Kris Cruise: Nobody’s home and Tony lands hard on the floor.

Stephy Auger: That had to hurt. I’m sure the fans all the way in the back heard that thud when his back collided with the floor.

As Tony slowly gets back up, Ling takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she knocks down Tony with a dropkick through the ropes. Ling then picks up Tony and rolls him into the ring. She then rolls herself back in before making the cover.

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

Ling picks up Tony, brings him down with a snapmare and follows up with a hard kick to the back of the head. She then makes the cover.

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

Ling picks up Tony and whips him into the corner. She then charges across the ring. But Tony nails her with an elbow to the face. As Ling stumbles back, Tony follows up with the Rainbow Kick. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ling kicks out.

Tony picks up Ling and whips her into the ropes. When Ling comes back, Tony grabs her by the back of the neck, runs and tosses her over the top rope and to the floor. As Ling begins to slowly get up on the outside, Tony runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Ling down with a rolling suicide dive. He then picks up Ling, rolls her into the ring, rolls himself back in and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Tony was able to connect with the high risk move the second time. But The Lingster was able to get her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: As much as Tony loves being Pride Champion, you know he wants to get back into the Frontier Lions Cup. He wants to erase what happened last year when Cordelia Stevenson knocked him out in the Quarterfinals.

Tony picks up Ling, delivers a snap suplex and then rolls over for the lateral press.

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

Tony picks up Ling, snapmares her down and follows up with a dropkick to the back of the head. He makes the cover.

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

Tony picks up Ling, throws her down with a scoop slam and then steps on her hair. From there, Tony reaches down, grabs Ling by her wrists and then pulls up. The crowd boos as Ling can be see flailing her legs. Tony then lets go before reaching down and pulling Ling up by her hair. After a spinning back kick doubles her over, he places Ling in an abdominal stretch. The ref asks Ling if she wants to give up. But Ling refuses to quit. While the ref continues to check on Ling, Tony reaches back and grabs the middle rope for added leverage.

Kris Cruise: Hey! He can’t do that!

Tony lets go right before the ref looks over at him. He then kneels back down to check on Ling. While the ref’s focused on Ling, Tony reaches back and tugs on the middle rope again, eliciting boos from the crowd. He then quickly lets go just before the ref looks over at him. The ref then looks over at the rope, which is still shaking. He then looks back at Tony before checking in on Ling.

Stephy Auger: How has the ref not DQ’s him yet!?

While the ref is asking Ling if she wants to give up, Tony reaches back to grab the middle rope. But this time, the ref catches him red handed. So he gets up, runs over and slaps Tony’s hand from off the ropes to cheers from the crowd. Tony takes offense to the ref touching him. So he shoves down Ling to the canvas and gets in the ref’s face.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good.

Stephy Auger: Tony better watch out before he ends up getting himself DQ’d...

While Tony and the ref argue, Ling rolls up Tony from behind with a school boy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tony kicks out.

As both grapplers scramble to get back up, Ling quickly rolls up Tony with a small package.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tony kicks out.

After both grapplers get up, Tony rakes Ling across the eyes. He then takes Ling and whips her into the ropes. When Ling comes back, Tony throws out a clothesline. But Ling ducks, floats over across Tony’s back and brings him down with a crucifix.

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

After both grapplers get up, Tony delivers a knee to the midsection. He then takes Ling, runs and tosses her over the top rope…

… but this time, Ling lands on the apron. Tony turns around and sees Ling on the apron, so he runs over at her. But Ling catches him with a forearm to the face. While Tony stumbles back, Ling knocks him down with a springboard seated senton. The crowd cheers as she turns over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Tony got Nuked, but he was somehow able to get his shoulder up.

Ling picks up Tony and goes for an irish whip. But Tony reverses, sending Ling into the corner. Tony then runs into the corner. But Ling nails him with a superkick. She then steps through the ropes and delivers a feint springboard moonsault, followed by a standing moonsault. She hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Some great athleticism shown there by Ling Ling, but Tony was able to get his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: He’s a jerk, but he’s also a tough competitor.

Ling picks up Tony and goes for an irish whip. But Tony reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Ling comes back, Tony bends over to set up a back body drop. But Ling stops, kicks him square in the face and follows up with an enzuigiri. She then picks up Tony, grabs him from the side and delivers a front russian leg sweep. After stepping out onto the apron, Ling can be seen waving up Tony. Once Tony finally gets back to his feet and turns around, Ling goes for the Rainbow Rage. But Tony counters with a powerbomb to boos from the crowd. After dragging Ling into position, Tony marches into the corner before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Tony reaches the top, he flips off and connects with a Phoenix Splash.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“Solarflare” blares throughout the arena as the crowd boos.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, TONY CARMINE!

Tony gets his arm raised to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Tony Carmine advances to the Quarterfinals, joining Kurosawa Chavez, Noelle Smith and Fujiko Mine!

Stephy Auger: The Lingster may not have won here tonight. But she’s got to be proud of the way she performed out there.

Kris Cruise: Half of the Frontier Lions Cup Quarterfinals have been determined. Three more spots will be determined tomorrow here in Chicago Ridge. Who will advance?

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT

Zero McHannon vs. Johnny Cannon

A yellow spotlight suddenly shines down across the black curtain of the entrance way, whilst the house lights begin to dim down. Slowly, almost in unison with the change in lightning does "Voodoo Child" (Jimi Hendrix" Cover) by Brick + Mortar begins to play. A small ebb of yellow smoke ascends from the ventilators to grace the ramp. The Brit's silhouette emerges behind the curtain, only backed by another daintier image.

"well i stand up next to a mountain
well i stand up next to a mountain
well i pick up all the pieces
maybe even make
maybe make a little sense"

Finally, bursting through the curtain emerges "The British Mamba", Johnny Cannon. The Englishman stands before the live audience in all his strapping glory; as per usual, his cocksure, megalomaniacal grin is etched on his face as he pauses on the ramp, his head raised high and snobbishly to the sky above as he surveys the masses. Standing just behind him is none other than Quinn Goodrich, who edges on the crowd to incite their scorn. Wearing yellow and black MMA style trunks, with matching boots and a black knee brace (on his left knee), the Brit appears ready for action - not due to his attire, but due to the belligerent look in his eyes which is only revealed as he removes his Aviator Sunglasses. His eyes are those of a cold, and calculating individual. Johnny places his shades in his black track jacket with numerous insignias sewn on it, and begins his haughty strut to the ring.

"well i stand up next to a mountain
and i chop it down with the edge of my hand
well i stand up next to a mountain
and i struck it down with the edge of my hand
cause I'm a voodoo child"

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is your main event of the evening! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Quinn Goodrich! From London, England! Weighing in at 245 pounds! He is “THE BRITISH MAMBA” JOHNNY CANNON!

Cannon struts to the ring, marching with an undeniable swagger, whilst Quinn continues to taunt the audience, by swinging his arms up, and shouting whatever obscene remarks he can think of. Johnny ignores the audience on either side of him, showing complete indifference towards their opinions. He spurts forward toward the ring, and slides in under the bottom rope, before launching himself to his feet and suddenly spinning to the center of the ring in a very Shawn Michaels-esque fashion, before positioning himself carefully in the middle. He unzips his track jacket, lowering it down his hands and to the canvas below him like a male stripper, before throwing up the offensive, British, two finger salute, eliciting tremendous heat from the crowd.

"lord knows im a voodoo child
cause im a voodoo child"

From there, Johnny slowly backs into the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, beginning his mental preparations and prerequisites as Quinn looks on from ringside; Cannon nods his head several times, as his eyes flicker with a hundred different ideas and strategies to carry out in the match.

Kris Cruise: Johnny Cannon has staked his claim for the Pride Championship. But he’s got a ways to go to prove himself in the eyes of the FGA Officials.

Stephy Auger: Running out on one opponent and sucker punching another doesn’t sound like someone that’s Pride Champion material. But then again, look at Tony Carmine.

Kris Cruise: Fair point. But tonight, he’s got to put his championship aspirations on hold as he takes on Zero McHannon.

“This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold hits the speakers. The music picks up a little bit, but eventually slows back down and to a complete stop after half a minute. The bass hits again, this time it lights up the top of the ramp in a bright white light as Zero McHannon walks through the curtain with his manager, Gambino, walking out shortly after him.

“Hide my face again, habor in the shadows,
Feel this weight of sin, hammering away...

DIEEE!! With the guilt of a thousand AWOL soldiers,
DIEEE!! Watch the scythe usher me astray…”

Gambino is standing on one side of the ramp, trying to pump the crowd up as Zero makes his way down the rampway. He reaches out to his right, letting the fans reach over the barrier to touch him, then he does the same with his left. Zero makes his way to the bottom, touches the ring post, and slides into the ring on the side. He instantly bounces to his feet after sliding in, while Gambino takes the steps to the ring.

“I can’t go on this way,
Not as I am today,
The ugly side of me is strong....

Take aim a loaded gun,
Pulls back on all who run,
A coward’s truth inside the wrong...”

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Gambino! Now residing out of Long Island, New York! Weighing in at 210 pounds… ZERO MCHANNON!

Zero McHannon climbs the nearest turnbuckle spread his arms and begins to yell towards the crowd as they do their best to cheer over him. He freezes for a moment, taking in the atmosphere, then hops from the corner ropes, and tests the mat under his feet. He is talking to himself as he crosses the ring and stands up on this turnbuckle, pointing to the crowd, and slapping himself in the chest. Finally, he hops down and meets up with his manager in the middle of the ring.

THIS MEANS WARRRR!!!

In the middle of the ring, his manager gives Zero some hard taps in the head, trying to psych him up for the match ahead. Once it seems like he is ready, he goes to his corner to wait for the start of the match, stretching himself out at the turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: Zero’s gone through his fair share of trials and tribulations as of late with Jimmy Page and the identity scandal. But he can’t let Jimmy Page get into his head, especially with a guy like Johnny Cannon standing across the ring from him.

Stephy Auger: Page certainly had a lot to say out here earlier on. He loved rubbing Zero’s face in all of this. The thing is, these fans love Zero McHannon. He admitted his mistakes. He owned up to them. He’s not running anymore. He’s staying right here and because of that, these fans support him. You know that’s got to bother Page.

The bell sounds as McHannon and Cannon make their way towards the center of the ring. It doesn’t take long before Cannon starts to smack talk McHannon. But McHannon just tells him to keep it going. So Cannon does just that. But this time, he begins poking McHannon in the chest with his finger while he runs him down. McHannon takes offense, so he quickly swats Cannon’s finger off of him. But Cannon comes right back. This time, he points directly at McHannon’s face as he runs him down. But again, McHannon swats Cannon’s finger away from him. Cannon then comes back and delivers a hard slap to McHannon. A collection “OOOOOOOOH!” can be heard from the crowd.

McHannon turns back to Cannon and slaps the taste right out of his mouth, eliciting cheers from the crowd. After Cannon touches the side of his face, he comes back to McHannon and tugs on his beard while he runs him down. McHannon then smacks Cannon’s hand from off of him and knocks him down with a right hand. Cannon gets back up, but McHannon knocks him back down with another right hand. As Cannon tries to return to a vertical base, McHannon delivers a double leg pick up, runs across the ring and rams him back-first into the corner. From there, McHannon delivers a series of shoulder thrusts that nearly drive the air out of McHannon. He then brings Cannon from out of the corner and whips him into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, McHannon throws him down with a back body drop. Cannon gets back up, but McHannon runs over and knocks him down with a clothesline. Cannon gets back up, but McHannon runs over and knocks him down with another clothesline. When Cannon gets back to his feet, McHannon knocks him down with a dropkick and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cannon kicks out.

Kris Cruise: McHannon’s come out swinging!

Stephy Auger: Cannon poked the bear, so he’s getting exactly what he deserves.

McHannon picks up Cannon and places him in a side headlock. Cannon then tries to shove McHannon off of him, but McHannon doesn’t budge. So Cannon reaches up, grabs McHannon by the hair and moves him into the ropes. He then tries to shove McHannon off of him. But McHannon drops down to one knee while keeping the side headlock applied. After battling his way back up to his feet, Cannon is able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock. But McHannon leans forward and reverses into a hammerlock of his own. But Cannon is quick to reach back with his free arm and elbow him in the face. He then follows up with a snapmare takeover, followed by a stiff kick to the back, causing McHannon to cringe. Cannon then reaches down, picks up McHannon and delivers an arm wrench into a top wrist lock. The ref asks McHannon if he wants to give up. When McHannon refuses, Cannon delivers another arm wrench. The ref again asks McHannon if he wants to give up. When McHannon refuses, Cannon tries to yank the arm from out of its socket. He then follows up with another arm wrench. But McHannon is quick to reach over and delivers an arm wrench of his own. He then gives Cannon a taste of his own medicine by trying to repeatedly yank the arm from out of its socket. After being placed in a top wrist lock, Cannon is asked if he wants to give up. After Cannon refuses, he rolls forward, leans back, kips up and follows up with an arm wringer, sending McHannon shoulder-first onto the canvas. The crowd boos as Cannon turns him over, keylocks the arm and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
McHannon kicks out.

Cannon picks up McHannon, brings him into the corner and unleashes a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He then takes McHannon and whips him into the opposite corner. Cannon then charges across the ring. But McHannon runs from out of the corner and knocks him down with a shoulderblock. Cannon gets back up, but McHannon runs over him with another shoulderblock. As Cannon gets back up, McHannon grabs him and whips him into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, McHannon bends over to set up a back body drop. But Cannon stops and counters with a hammerlock legsweep DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
McHannon kicks out.

Cannon picks up McHannon, moves him into the corner and delivers a series of forearm strikes, followed by a discus back elbow. He then takes McHannon and whips him into the opposite corner. Cannon then charges across the ring, but McHannon nails him with a European Uppercut. As Cannon stumbles back, McHannon runs from out of the corner. But Cannon knocks him down with a Roaring Elbow before making the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: McHannon started off hot early but now Cannon has taken control.

Stephy Auger: He has. These two men are heavy hitters and we’ve seen some bombs thrown already.

Cannon picks up McHannon and throws out a reverse roundhouse kick. But McHannon ducks and counters with an inverted STO. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

McHannon picks up Cannon and goes for an irish whip. But Cannon reverses, sending McHannon into the ropes. When McHannon comes back, he knocks Cannon down with a flying forearm smash. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

McHannon picks up Cannon and goes for a vertical suplex. But Cannon slips down from behind. He then grabs McHannon around the waist before running into the ropes for a waist lock backward roll into a German Suplex. But McHannon hangs onto the ropes and jerks back, sending Cannon down to the canvas. After Cannon rolls back up to his feet, McHannon runs over to attack. But he runs right into a reverse roundhouse kick, sending him stumbling into the ropes. Cannon then goes over, traps McHannon in the ropes and delivers a series of European Uppercuts. While McHannon is rocked, Cannon turns and takes off into the opposite set of ropes. When Cannon comes back, he connects with a big boot, knocking McHannon through the ropes and to the floor. The crowd boos as McHannon is sprawled out on the floor.

Kris Cruise: McHannon looks to be in another world after that big boot to the floor.

Stephy Auger: He’s already been hit with forearms and elbows. But that big boot, followed by that hard fall to the floor, seems to have taken a bit out of him.

Cannon heads to the outside, picks up McHannon and rolls him back into the ring. After rolling himself back in, he drags McHannon away from the ropes and then makes the cover.

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

Cannon picks up McHannon and whips him into the ropes. When McHannon comes back, Cannon delivers a bridging hammerlock northern lights suplex.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
McHannon kicks out.

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen Cannon target the arm of McHannon at times throughout this match and he’s done it again.

Stephy Auger: It’s gotta hurt having all the way slammed down across your arm.

As McHannon slowly turns over and gets back to his feet, Cannon runs over and brings him down with a flying cross armbreaker to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: And now Cannon’s got the submission locked in!

The ref asks McHannon if he wants to give up. But McHannon refuses to quit. So Cannon repeatedly pulls back, trying to hyperextend McHannon’s arm. After shifting around on the canvas, McHannon is able to reach out with his foot and places it on the bottom rope, forcing Cannon to break the hold…

ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Cannon breaks the hold. He then picks up McHannon and sends him into the corner. From there, Cannon runs across the ring and connects with a charging high knee strike. After bringing McHannon from out of the corner, Cannon sets him up for a half nelson suplex. But McHannon blocks it. So Cannon again ties for a half nelson suplex. But McHannon still blocks it. So Cannon lets go, spins McHannon around and kicks him in the midsection before lifting him up for a powerbomb. But McHannon nails him with an elbow to the head. After McHannon slips down, he grabs Cannon and delivers an Olympic Slam. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

McHannon picks up Cannon and goes for an irish whip. But Cannon reverses, sending McHannon into the ropes. When McHannon comes back, Cannon connects with a running European Uppercut, sending McHannon stumbling into the ropes. McHannon then bounces off the ropes and comes back with a running European Uppercut of his own, sending Cannon stumbling into the ropes. Cannon then bounces off the ropes and comes back with a rebound lariat, knocking McHannon down. The crowd boos as he then makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: McHannon tried to go tit for tat there, but Cannon got the better of that exchange.

Cannon picks up McHannon, pulls his arm back and throws out a burning lariat. But McHannon ducks and counters with an inverted facelock backbreaker. The crowd cheers as Cannon arches his back in pain.

After both grapplers get back up to their feet, McHannon grabs Cannon and whips him into the corner. He then runs, jumps and connects with a Stinger Splash. McHannon then grabs Cannon and whips him into the opposite corner. He then runs, jumps and connects with another Stinger Splash. After bringing Cannon from out of the corner, McHannon lifts him up and brings him down with a Side Effect. He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: McHannon’s looking over at the ref, but the ref is telling him that was only two.

McHannon picks up Cannon and goes for an irish whip. But Cannon reverses, sending McHannon into the ropes. When McHannon comes back, Cannon throws out a Roundhouse Kick. But McHannon ducks. When Cannon turns around, McHannon hoists him up onto his shoulders before delivering a fireman’s carry gutbuster. He then crouches down, waiting for Cannon to get back up. When Cannon eventually returns to his feet and turns around, McHannon delivers a Codebreaker. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: McHannon’s slapping the canvas. You can see the frustration mounting, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Cannon flat out mocked McHannon over his ability to get a credible win. I personally don’t agree. But it’s got to annoy a grappler when someone is questioning your wins.

McHannon picks up Cannon and positions him for a Teardrop Suplex. But Cannon counters with an elbow to the head. From there, Cannon delivers a forearm strike. After shaking off the blow, McHannon returns with a forearm strike of his own. Cannon then nails McHannon with another forearm strike. After shaking off the blow, McHannon returns with another forearm strike of his own. Cannon then delivers a European Uppercut. McHannon responds with one of his own. Cannon then delivers another European Uppercut. McHannon then responds with another European Uppercut of his own. He then nails Cannon with another… and another… and ano-NO! Cannon moves out of the way of the last one, quickly grabs McHannon from behind and delivers a half nelson suplex. He makes the cover.

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

McHannon gets his shoulder up to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: How close was that?

Stephy Auger: Cannon counters the European Uppercut with the half nelson suplex. But McHannon wouldn’t stay down for the three count.

Cannon picks up McHannon and goes for an irish whip. But McHannon reverses, sending Cannon into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, McHannon throws out a clothesline. But Cannon ducks and runs into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, McHannon goes for a back elbow. But again, Cannon ducks and runs into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, McHannon throws him down with a spinebuster. The crowd cheers as he rolls across Cannon and hooks the leg.

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

The crowd sighs as Cannon gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another close call there. This time, for Cannon.

Stephy Auger: This is a highly anticipated match for both men. This is the first time they’ve been in the ring one on one. You can see just how badly they want to beat each other. But only one of them is going to walk out tonight with their arm raised.

Kris Cruise: … unless this ends in a tie.

McHannon picks up Cannon and tosses through the ropes and onto the apron. He then reaches through the ropes, grabs Cannon and drags him along the middle rope to set up a rope hung DDT. The crowd cheers as they sense Cannon being seconds away from being driven face-first into the canvas. But Cannon quickly unhooks his legs, lifts up McHannon and delivers a hotshot across the top rope. Cannon then picks up McHannon and sends him into the ropes. When McHannon comes back, Cannon delivers delivers the Cardiac Arrest before planting him with the Cannon Driver II.

Kris Cruise: McHannon just got spiked right on the mat!

Stephy Auger: And it looks like Cannon’s ready to knock his head off with that Roundhouse Kick!

Cannon steps back into the corner as he frantically waves up McHannon. Once McHannon gets to his feet and turns around, Cannon heads over and throws out a roundhouse kick. But McHannon ducks and counters with a Teardrop Suplex. He then picks up Cannon and lifts him up for a twisting brainbuster. But Cannon kneels him in the head on the way up. Once he slips down, he throws out another Roundhouse Kick. But again, McHannon ducks. He quickly counters with an Olympic Slam. But Cannon slips off his shoulders. When McHannon turns around, Cannon delivers a series of open hand slaps, followed by an elbow strike to the head, followed by a discus forearm, and ending with a running single leg dropkick. He then picks up McHannon, lifts him up and plants him with the Cannon Driver.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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THREE!

“Voodoo Child (Jimi Hendrix Cover)” blares throughout the arena as the crowd erupts in boos.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JOHNNY CANNON!

Quin Goodrich steps into the ring and shoos the ref out of the way. He then raises his client’s arm in the air to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Johnny Cannon picks up his biggest win to date here in FGA by defeating Zero McHannon!

Stephy Auger: What a way to cap off day one of this double shot than with a main event like that? Those two hit each other with everything they had. But in the end, it was Johnny Cannon that was able to walk away the winner.

[FGA Office]

Saturday, September 19

Matthews Arena

Boston, MA
LIVE on PAY-PER-VIEW