Vertigo (12.28.15)

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!

Hello hello
(Hola)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
(Donde esta?)
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something
I can feel, feel

Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea

Vertigo E06
Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center
New York City, NY

The feed pans around the Palumbo Center, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd while we transition to the ramp...



“Same Old War” by Our Last Night hits the speakers as the crowd pops up with excitement and some confusion as to who this may be. As the lights survey the arena, it finally falls onto the ramp as Zero McHannon steps out from behind the curtain with the FGA World Championship strapped tightly around his waist.

Kris Cruise: And here comes our FGA Champion! Listen to that crowd!

Stephy Auger: I don’t think anyone is more proud of Zero than these fans. He made it a mission to get that championship of people he considered “scum”, and he did just that. Off Chandler Scott of all people as well.

He begins to make his way down the ramp with his arms extended as the fans reach over to tap his shoulders and his newly captured gold. When he reaches the bottom, he wastes no time sliding into the ring underneath the bottom rope and popping right back up to his feet, unlatching the title from his waist and holding it up high to the cheering crowd. An employee reaches him a microphone from under the bottom ropes as McHannon takes a few steps back towards the middle of the ring with a slight smile across his face.

Zero McHannon: Ladies and gentlemen… YOUR FGA World Champion!

The crowd explodes as McHannon holds up the title for everyone to see, then starts to nod his head to the chant of “Ze-Ro” filling the arena.

Zero McHannon: And we can’t forget who the real people were that supported me the whole time during this climb. Let’s not forget who walked tall behind me when I walked out of Final Frontier to make this moment happen. YOU guys deserve just as much credit as I do, because I honestly wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. I might’ve even gave up on myself, but you guys opened my eyes to what accomplishing this was really worth. What walking out of Final Frontier really meant, besides just a piece of gold to take home with me. You guys deserve this moment just as much as I do. So.. take your time. This one is for you.

The fans pop once again, but Zero’s smile fades away as he waves his hand and continues on.

Zero McHannon: Normally… I’d be out here with my buddy, Gambino. He’s also a key person that we can’t forget about, even through the rough patch that he took that put him in a hospital bed. He isn’t going to be forgotten that easily, because Gambino has stood by my side ever since my return to wrestling six months ago. Gambino stood by my side when I returned to wrestling three years ago. And Gambino has stuck it out through the best and worst parts of my career, never putting himself in front of doing his job. Although he isn’t here with me today, this is his win as well… We can’t forget that, but only give him support on his road to recovery, because Gambino is a TROOPER. It won’t be long before he joins me again and actually able to enjoy this victory that all us picked up together.

McHannon pauses for a moment as he has some silence for the injury of his manager, Gambino. He slowly looks around the ring, realizing that he is really on his own besides the fans that came there to watch him tonight.

Zero McHannon: But what does being FGA World Champion really man? Well, for one, it means that we actually have a champion that you guys can cheer for and be proud of. It shows that newcomers can walk into this business, pick themselves up, and make something of themselves within this business. It means that I didn’t have to downgrade, cheat, or play dirty to win this title… I brought the heat to Chandler Scott, because that’s what an athlete of his caliber deserves… the absolute best from his opponents, which is what I’m looking forward to the most. I’m going to take anything away from Chandler, I’ve always thought he was one of the best athletes to ever step foot into a ring. I didn’t appreciate the person he was, but you can NEVER take away the greatness that he has created on his own. Love him or hate him… you have to respect his ability.

He looks over to the title in his hand as he holds up to his eye level, the fans stirring. There’s an emotional face that crosses, but he keeps it together as he raises the microphone back up with his other hand.

Zero McHannon: The road was tough getting here, but it’s only going to get tougher. Everyone is going to throw their best at me. Good thing I’ve been facing the best talent this company has to offer me to prepare me for this moment. For this run. I’m not delusional to think that I’ll hold this title forever, or even as long as Chandler did, for that matter. Beating the DNA of FGA is rewarding enough, but to walk away with the FGA World Title? I’m blessed. Truly truly blessed to be here. Blessed to be YOUR FGA World Champion. And I’m blessed to know that you guys are here to support me every step of the way, even though the world wants to turn their backs on me. Like I said, I remember who was here for me on the climb, and you will not be forgotten.

The crowd stands up and begins to cheer as Zero takes in the emotion from the fans. They start up another “Ze-Ro” chant, but McHannon walks over to the ropes and leans on them, looking towards the rampway.

Zero McHannon: The next stop on that road…. The number one contender to this belt. Cindy Parker!!

The fans start to get riled up again, but Zero waves his hands quickly to calm them before he was interrupted.

Zero McHannon: There’s no denying that Cindy has been a longtime friend of mine. She has been there to lend an ear when I’ve needed her the most. She has been there to pick me up by the arm when I’ve fallen. Cindy is one of those people that I’ve confined in ever since she decided to give me the time to do so, and for that, I’m grateful. I’m also pleased that she has this chance in front of her, because I wouldn’t want it to be against anyone else other than her. She has busted her ass week in and week out for this company to get this chance that she hasn’t received, but now that dream is brought to life. She has been someone I could ALWAYS rely on. And while everyone might be turning their backs on me, Cindy stays true to herself, and stands tall beside me… BESIDE ME! Because I’m not going to be like every other world champ here in FGA to think that I’m better than anyone. I let my wrestling do the talking, not a jackhammer attached to my mouth. Beating Chandler Scott was the first step. The next step is getting to watch someone who really deserves a shot at this.

Zero holds up the FGA World Championship.

Zero McHannon: It’s time to watch them get that chance they worked their ass off for. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you, the number one contender, CINDDDDYYY PARKKKKKER! There’s no one else I’d be more humbled to defend this world championship against, other than her.

“Dam Didi Do” plays over the arena speakers as the number one contender to the FGA World Championship comes out to a big ovation from the crowd. Cyncity is already in her ring gear as she saunters down the ramp, slapping some of the fans hands on her way toward the ring.

Kris Cruise: Didn’t take long for Cyncity to come out here, did it?

Stephy Auger: Nope. I don’t think it ever has either, Kris. She always answers the call whenever someone comes out here and calls her out.

Cyn walks up the steps and skips across the apron before she pulls a microphone out from the pocket in her gear. Cyn climbs up the corner and sits down on the top turnbuckle, motioning for her music to be cut as the crowd chants her name.

Cyncity: Two years…

The crowd goes quiet just as Cyncity begins.

Cyncity: It’s been exactly two years to the day since I signed with the Arts of Frontier Grappling. These two years have really, really flown right the heck by and I’ve seen so many crazy things in this company! I’ve seen so many people come, and I’ve so many people go. But throughout those two years, a handful of names carried this company on their back, and my name? Cindy Parker aka Cyncity aka #4Cyn aka No DVD Tapings off? Was one of them.

The crowd gives Cyn a nice ovation, but she continues over them.

Cyncity: Those people who came and went? Just a tincy, incy, wincy footnotes in FGA’s history, and you, Zero?

She points at the FGA World Champion.

Cyncity: Some peoples out there were saying that you were gonna be just like them. Like the RJ Palmer’s and the Dante Anglais’ of the world who came to the Arts of Frontier Grappling, talked a big game, and then took their ball and went home. But I knew better, Zero. I, unlike most of the people in FGA, know you and know how you are. I knew it was only a matter of time before you climbed up the ranks in FGA so when you won the the championship off of Chandler at Final Frontier? Everyone was surprised, but me? Not at all.

Cyn hops off the turnbuckle she was sitting on and leans back against the ring ropes.

Cyncity: Two years…

She points at herself.

Cyncity: Six months…

She points towards Zero.

Cyncity: In six months you managed to accomplish something that I never even came close to in the two years that I’ve been here! Something that I never really had a shot aside from the Gold Rush Rumble, but now… after becoming the first ever FGA Iron Woman… after wrestling 2014’s match of the year and becoming 2015’s fan favorite of the year… after shaving Dom Harter’s head and wrestling Sean Sands in his last match ever… I finally have my shot. My shot to make SURE that I’m remembered for years to come as FGA’s first ever female World Champion!

Some of the members in the audience applaud, but a lot of the Zero supporters remain quiet.

Cyncity: Two years, Zero…

She takes a step forward, glancing right at the FGA World Championship.

Cyncity: For two years I’ve been waiting on this moment, and I’m not going to wait any longer to make sure that my name goes down as one of thee best the Arts of Frontier Grappling has ever seen! Congratulations though, Zero. You did something that sooo sooo many dream to achieve. Heck, even me!

She takes another few steps forward, now raising her gaze to Zero’s.

Cyncity: But on the night that it’s Cyncity versus Zero McHannon for the FGA World Championship… my dream? It’s becoming a reality.

Zero smiles to her as he holds up the title high and backwards, facing the fans instead of Cindy.

Zero McHannon: And I wouldn’t expect it any other way…

He slowly lowers the championship down onto his shoulder as the fans are popping.

Zero McHannon: Like you said, you’ve waited this long, and now is your chance. And if anyone hopes your hard works pays off for you, it’s me. IF I happen to lose this championship to anyone, it’s you. At least this title won’t be falling back into the hands of another Dom Harter or Chandler Scott. It won’t have to see brighter days under the fingernails of Jimmy Page. At least this championship will be held by someone with a little pride in their work. Someone with some dignity. Someone who won’t hold this title back from shining as bright as it really should.

Zero keeps the title over his shoulder as he holds out his hand to Cindy, giving her the same sign of respect that he tried to give Chandler Scott the Vertigo before Final Frontier. One that ended badly on his part, shortly after. Cindy glances down at Zero’s hand, and a split second later, meets him halfway for the handshake, holding his arm up in the air afterward. Zero’s music hits and Cyncity takes one final glance at the FGA World Championship before she exits the ring, letting Zero fully take in his first appearance as FGA World Heavyweight Champion.

Kris Cruise: A sign of respect? When was the last time we saw one of those that didn’t end… well… badly?

Stephy Auger: Yep, but Zero has more pride in himself than that. Can’t judge Cindy Parker by Chandler’s book. Him and Cindy are pals.

Cyncity turns her head over her shoulder and looks back the FGA World Champion holding the belt high, taking in the energy from the crowd. McHannon climbs the nearest turnbuckle with the title at hand as he puts it back around his waist, then looking over to Cindy making her way up the rampway as their eyes meet halfway, before the scene cuts away.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: … and we’re back! Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got a ton of action for you tonight. Our new FGA World Champion, Zero McHannon will take on Izzy Anders in our main event! It’s going to be champion vs. champion!

Stephy Auger: The titles will not be on the line. But Pride will be. Izzy has taken great pride in her work as the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. She’s done quite a bit in her time here in FGA. But the fans have continued to put her behind the likes of Zero McHannon. If you think that Izzy doesn’t have a chip on her shoulder heading into this match, think again.

Kris Cruise: Also here tonight, Cyncity goes one on one with Jimmy Page! That should be a wild one.

Stephy Auger: Cindy Parker never forgot what Jimmy Page did to her over a year ago. Tonight, Cyncity gets some long overdue revenge on the “The King of the F’N World”

Kris Cruise: Also here tonight, Spencer Burke we’ll be conducting an exclusive interview with Chandler Scott. I wonder what that’s going to be about?

Stephy Auger: I could only imagine. But if it involves the former World Champ, it must be important.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of Spencer, he’s actually standing by backstage right now. But before we send it over to him, we’ve got to talk about the contendership for the World Tag Team Championship. A few weeks ago, FGA announced a Joker’s Wild Tag Team Tournament. To spice things up a bit, eight grapplers would be chosen at random. The order in which they were chosen would determine who teams with who. For example, if Wrestle C and Wrestle G are the first two names chosen, then they make up a tag team in this tournament. Now, the eight competitors for this tournament have been chosen. However, FGA teased us by releasing only four of the eight names. They were: Luke Jackson, Yun Goeun, Danny Diamond and Camellia D. Magna. Now throughout the night, we’ll be revealing who is going to be teaming with who. First up, Camellia D. Magna will be teaming with… Yun Goeun! What do you think of that?

Stephy Auger: If you had told me this two or three weeks ago, I would’ve said that there’s no way those two could coexist. But now, given Yun’s recent attitude change… I still don’t think they’re going to coexist. I have no idea where Yun’s head is at these days. If Yun and Camellia get on the same page, then there’s no telling how far this tandem could go. But that’s going to be the question for all these teams. Can they coexist for the greater good?

Kris Cruise: That’s right. The winners of this tournament will go on to challenge for the World Tag Team Championship at Canadian Stampede. Of course, Dexter Jacobs is currently partnerless at this time. So Dex may be going it alone. We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments with that situation.

But right now, let’s send it to the back where Spencer Burke is standing by. Take it away...

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm here with….

[Off screen there's a clearing of the throat as the camera pans back slight to show Aries Reed with a large smile on his face and a pair of black shades over his face. Closing the gap between himself and Spencer as he shakes his head slowly. He reaches into the inner pocket of his black suit jacket and produces a single index card handing it to Spencer with a nod of his head.

Spencer Burke: Aries, what's this? Are we are really going to do this again?

[Aries slowly pulled the shades down to the bridge of his nose and only pointed towards the index card as Spencer looks down at the writing on the other side and shrugs his shoulders slightly]

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen...it’s my esteemed pleasure to bring to you the Man…

[Aries hands in another index card.]

Spencer Burke: ...the Myth…

[Another card.]

Spencer Burke: ...the Legend…

[Holding a stack of index cards in his head, Aries just smiles and hands Spencer yet another card.]

Spencer Burke: ...the greatest thing to ever happen to FGA Wrestling…

[Another index card.]

Spencer Burke: ...The Ring Tactician…

...The Suplex Suivant…

...The Match Strategist…

...The Blackest Sun of FGA…

...I have the prestigious honor of introducing you to Aries Reed.

[Spencer rolls his eyes as Aries takes back the index cards, stuffing them back into the pocket of his jacket. His large smile has yet to fade as he nods his head with a sense of approval.

Aries Reed: Spence, Spence, Spence...once again an introduction that’s only fitting of the Gods.

Spencer Burke: But you wrote…

Aries Reed: Shhhhhhh…..Shhhhhh...you just shut that pretty mouth of yours. It doesn’t matter who wrote it, you’re asking the wrong question.

Spencer Burke: But I didn’t ask a question…

Aries Reed: Shhhhhhh…..Shhhhhh...just shut your whore mouth...tonight, you’re going to see that Aries Reed is everything that he’s been billed as. I come as advertised because what I say I that I’m going to do...I’m going to do exactly that. Ricky Valero wants to think that because of his 15 years in this business that he’s got me beat already but what he fails to realize that I’m going into the match with the mindset of picking off the old-timers like him because of the fact that this business needs growth.

It needs to evolve…

...and it’s going to do exactly that either willing or through force. But change is inevitable...it’s coming whether you like it or not. You can try to fight, I expect the likes of Ricky Valero to exactly that. Fight for as long as your old, broken body will allow you because it’ll only prove to be a greater example of what’s to come, Spencer.

There used to be a phrase that was thrown around quite a bit that others didn’t want to hear but it seems to fit so well right before my match tonight.

Spencer Burke: Okay, I’ll bite...what phrase is that?

[The smile on Aries face slowly fades as he wraps his hand around the FGA microphone, pulling it close to his mouth.]

Aries Reed: Evolve. Or Die.

[FGA Office]

Aries Reed vs. Ricky Valero

'The following thoughts and ideas are not those expressed by FGA, its Sponsors, or its Affiliates.

Viewer Discretion is advised."

Suddenly, the lights in the arena dim, and all we hear is one voice.

As the sun falls, darkness shall come...

The opening rant Tech N9NE gives to begin "Blackened the Sun" by him begins, the crowd jeering as Aries Reed emerges from the entrance way! In a long black jacket and sunglasses, he smirks as he slowly takes the walk down the small ramp to glance over the crowd before chuckling.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia! Weighing in at 237 pounds! He is “The Silver Tongued Devil” … ARIES REED!

Without hesitation, he makes his way to the ring, all before hopping onto the apron and wiping his boots off before stepping into the ring. He quickly reaches a corner and climbs the turnbuckle to get a reaction, only getting jeers before he hops down and sneers as he starts getting himself ready for the match mentally.

Kris Cruise:: An opening contest with two debuts. There’s the former EXODUS Pro wrestler, Aries Reed, looking to make a fresh start.

Stephy Auger: He’s got the looks, he’s got the silver tongue, and he’s certainly got the talent to back it all up. Aries Reed might well have a bright future here in FGA, but tonight he’ll have his hands full with his opponent…

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Staten Island, New York, weighing in at 227 pounds… RICKY VALERO!

"Cinderella Man" by Eminem blasts throughout the arena. White and pink strobe lights flash as Ricky makes his appearance and stands through a cloud of fog bouncing on his toes with a sly grin on his face. He makes his way toward the ring high fiving fans along his route. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and leans his back against the ropes, bouncing against them a few times with his arms wrapped over top of them before spinning on his heels and hopping into the ring…only to have Aries attack him with a clubbing blow!

Stephy Auger: Ricky Valero not even getting the chance to enter the ring before Aries gets this one started.

Kris Cruise:: The fifteen year veteran has finally landed here in FGA, when he’s not on tour in Japan that is. And he’s making his debut here in his hometown, New York!

The bell sounds to officially start the match as Aries aggressively pursues his opponent, raining down clubbing blows across the back of Ricky Valero. Reed backs his opponent into the corner before unleashing several chops to the chest, only for Valero to duck under and push Aries back against the turnbuckles. Valero fires off a couple of chops of his own, but on the fifth one, Aries blocks and tosses Ricky back into the corner. A few boots to the gut follow and Reed goes for the Irish whip, sending Ricky from pillar to post.

Valero hits the far turnbuckles and stumbles out towards the center of the ring, right into the waiting arms of his opponent and a belly-to-belly suplex. The Silver Tongued Devil immediately transitions into a front facelock, kneeling over his opponent as he wrenches it in tight.

Kris Cruise:: Aries starting this match the way he means to go on; I have the feeling he’s going to give this match everything he has.

Stephy Auger: I think he’s going to give every match everything he has, Kris. But just listen to these fans getting behind their hometown hero.

The chants for ‘Pretty’ Ricky can be heard throughout the arena as the veteran begins to battle his way out of the hold. He makes it up to a kneeling position himself as Aries stands up to keep the leverage, only to get caught by a Northern Lights suplex counter! Valero tosses his opponent overhead, but both men scramble back to their feet as Valero takes his opponent down with a drop toe hold. He floats over to apply a front facelock, but Reed counters with a double leg takedown as he’s rising. He keeps hold of the legs, only to see Ricky Valero kick him away with both feet, and again both men scramble to get back to their feet first.

The crowd give a round of applause as both men circle the ring momentarily. They come together in the center of the squared circle, grappling collar and elbow as Valero goes behind with a hammerlock. Reed struggles to break free, finally firing off a couple of back elbows before reversing into a hammerlock of his own. But Valero quickly counters that with a sitout jawbreaker.

Kris Cruise:: Still jockeying for position, both men trying to get the upper hand and keep it here in the early goings.

Valero is back on his feet first; he doubles over the rising Reed with a toe kick to the gut before he bounces off the ropes for momentum. He returns with a spinning neckbreaker and covers with a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Aries Reed kicks out.

Valero wastes no time in applying a front facelock, however, as he brings The Silver Tongued Devil up to all fours. He keeps the hold applied as Aries rises to his feet, still in the facelock; Valero fires off some knees to the face before the facelock transitions into a butterfly hold, and Aries Reed is flipped up and taken down with a backbreaker. Another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Aries kicks out!

Kris Cruise:: An impressive double underhook backbreaker there for the two count.

Stephy Auger: Rickey Valero is going to have do more than that if he wants to win tonight though. Aries isn’t a slouch in that ring.

Reed is slow to his feet this time, however, so he’s helped along by his opponent. Pretty Ricky grabs him up and drills him with European style uppercut, staggering Aries. A quick Irish whip sends the Atlanta native running towards the corner as Valero follows him in with a running forearm. Another Irish whip sends Reed from pillar to post as Ricky charges in after him again, leaping across the ring…

Kris Cruise:: Aries Reed getting the hell out of dodge there!

He dives out of the way, but Valero lands with both feet on the middle rope. Reed saunters out of the corner thinking he’s got one over on his opponent, but as he turns around Valero leaps off the ropes with a corkscrew roundhouse knee to the face!

Kris Cruise:: Dream Street connects!

A hook of the leg by Ricky Valero!

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

Stephy Auger: Aries stays alive! But his relative inexperience almost cost him there; Aries has to remember that his opponent has seen it all over his fifteen years inside the squared circle.

Kris Cruise:: And he’s done it all as well, Stephy.

Aries rolls out of the ring, trying to shake the cobwebs away as Valero stands tall in the center of the ring. The two of them staring at one another; Valero, whilst being cheered on, beckons Aries back into the ring, but The Silver Tongued Devil is having none of it. So Valero head out of the ring, and Reed back away. He rounds the corner as Valero gives chase, sliding into the ring under the bottom rope as Valero follows … and gets stomped down.

Stephy Auger: Oh ho, Aries Reed just outsmarted the veteran.

Reed drags his opponent back to his feet after several stomps, hooking Ricky by the waist band as Reed performs a snap suplex. But he keeps hold and swivels the hips, helping himself back to his feet. Another snap suplex follows before Reed rolls through, bringing Valero to a seated position and trapped in a butterfly hold. The referee checks for a submission, but Pretty Ricky’s momma didn’t raise a quitter! The veteran tries to fight his way out of the hold, getting back to his feet – albeit double over – as Reed fires off a couple of knees to the face. A double underhook suplex takes Valero down, and Aries floats over into the pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ricky kicks out!

Stephy Auger: These suplexes may begin to wear Ricky Valero down, Kris, and fast.

Kris Cruise:: You’re right, Stephy. He’ll have to find a counter to them otherwise this’ll be more painful than he’d like.

Aries grabs his opponent in a rear chinlock, trying to wear the veteran down with the rest hold; the fans here in New York are beginning to rally behind Valero again, urging him on. And with a clenched fist raised, he does just that. Valero battles back to his knees, then up to his feet, whereupon he fires off a couple of elbows to the gut. It’s enough to weaken Aries’ grip as Valero pushes him away and against the ropes. The veteran swings with a lariat, but Reed ducks under the arm and jumps up to counter with a neckbreaker!

Valero stays down holding his neck as Reed takes a moment by the ropes to catch his breath. A quick rub of the ribs to show he’s feeling the effect of those elbows, before he sits Ricky up in the center of the ring. Aries lashes out with some soccer kicks to the spine, each one causing Valero to howl in pain, before Aries goes against the ropes, coming back with a dropkick to the face! He makes the cover with a forearm across the face.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ricky kicks out.

But Aries throws the shoulder down again, and makes another pin attempt.

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

Kris Cruise:: A disrespectful couple of covers there by Aries Reed.

Stephy Auger: But he’s making his opponent exert the energy needed to kick out each time, Kris.

Aries doesn’t bother arguing with the official, instead bringing Ricky Valero back to his feet and up across the shoulders with a fireman’s carry. But Valero fights his way out of the precarious predicament after a few moments, shooting off some elbows to the face before sliding down the back. He grabs Reed with a rear waistlock and throws him overhead with a German suplex – NO! Aries manages to land on his feet with an impressive display of athleticism. Valero gets back to his feet a moment later, only to get caught from behind by a lungblower!

Stephy Auger: Three Second Delay! This could be it!

The pain is evident on the face of Ricky Valero as he’s laid out in the middle of the ring. Aries crawls towards him and hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise:: He kicked out!

Aries Reed can’t believe his luck after that one, but the official assures him it was just a two count. Undeterred, The Silver Tongued Devil drags his opponent back to his feet once more. An Irish whip sends Valero towards the corner, as Reed follows him in with a running back elbow to the face. Valero staggers out of the corner as Reed hits the ropes, coming back with a facebuster. No pin attempt this time, however, as Reed drags his opponent up again. Another suplex looks to be in store, but as Aries lifts his opponent up high, Ricky drops down the back again. This time, however, he hooks the leg and takes Aries over with his patented Pinnacle Plex!

Kris Cruise:: What a move by Ricky Valero! And he might have just saved himself from certain defeat there!

The fans are on their feet as they watch Aries Reed get folded up like an accordion, but Valero can’t capitalize! Both men are down momentarily. Aries is laid out, but Ricky is beginning to stir as the referee looks ready to start the countout.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!


FOUR!

Ricky grabs hold of the middle rope, using it to get back to his feet as his opponent is still down in the center of the ring. Valero is up, and Aries begins to stir. He sits up, but Valero meets him with a soccer kick to the spine. Reed yells out in pain as Ricky drags him back to his feet and catches him with a boot to the gut. Valero goes against the ropes, looking for the spinning neckbreaker, but Reed dodges the attack. As both men spin around to face one another, Ricky leaps up with a standing enzuigiri! Reed is out on his feet as Ricky gets back up and runs against the ropes, leaping up to springboard back in with a corkscrew crossbody – NO! Reed catches him with the t-bone suplex!

Stephy Auger: Full Censorship by Aries Reed! Surely now…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NOOO!

The crowd breathe a sigh of relief as Valero gets the shoulder up in the nick of time.

Kris Cruise:: A split second later and Aries Reed would have won this match, but Ricky Valero is still in this one for the time being.

The Silver Tongued Devil sits up in shock, wondering what he’ll have to do to put Pretty Ricky away. The frustration showing on his face as Reed forces himself back to his feet. He paces around the prone veteran, stomping occasionally before he drags Valero up by a handful of hair. A forearm strike to the face lands before Aries goes for the Irish whip, sending Ricky towards the corner once more. He charges in after him, but Valero dives out of harm’s way! Aries hits the turnbuckle chest first and staggers backwards into the waiting arms of his opponent; Valero hooks his arm around the neck, locking arms with a cobra clutch before turning it into a suplex! Reed hits the mat head and shoulders first as Valero drags himself and hooks a leg.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, RICKY VALERO!

Kris Cruise:: An impressive victory in his FGA debut for Ricky Valero, but he had to give that everything he had. And it still took The Franchise Tag for him to get the three count.

Stephy Auger: And Aries may not like the result, especially after dominating long stretches of this match. But with what we saw here, I think he has what it takes to make it big here in FGA.

Kris Cruise:: Both of these men certainly have bright futures, but tonight is Ricky Valero’s night.

Valero rolls out of the ring to celebrate with the crowd as, in the ring, Aries Reed is beginning to come to after The Franchise Tag. He glares out of the ring at Ricky Valero, who returns the stare as he makes his way back up the aisle.

[FGA Office]

[Following his defeat, “The Silver Tongued Devil” himself stays kneeled in the ring, catching his breath and feeling a bit disappointed. But soon the lights dim, and the opening cords to “My Funny Valentine” begin to echo throughout the arena. A red hue encompasses the ring and its surrounding area. The fans are all silent. The Alice Fredenham version of “My Funny Valentine” continues to play, with Aries Reed left befuddled in the ring.

Everyone in attendance is left unsure of what exactly is going on. Red rose pedals soon begin filling the ring, Aries looks up at this crimson shower of pedals falling from the heavens above. His face sours, unsure of what exactly all of this means. The music slowly begins to die out, her beautiful raspy voice soon is replaced by that of an unfamiliar voice. One who’s tone falls upon the ears of the FGA Nation for the very first time.]

“My darling Aries…”

[His voice begins, which sends any male-female romantic notion out of the minds of all in attendance, including Aries Reed who rushes out of the rose pedals and onto the floor below, circling, readying himself, fists in air, for whatever is about to come.]

“My strong, beautiful Valentine, I come to you tonight, not out of malice, but out of lust... a lust so strong one might even call it love. Those eyes glisten, so full of life—like a sky full of stars on a cloudless night. Those luscious lips of yours, the way they sit so perfectly across your face, like two pillows of ecstasy, just waiting to be engulfed. Your hands, how I long for them to caress my face… Mmmm… my darling Aries, I hunger for your touch.”

[Aries looks disgusted, still circling, waiting for whatever this may be. He’s constantly shouting, telling this freak to “Shut Up!”]

“Oh dear, where are my manners? I don’t want to come across as some run of the mill stalker, Aries. Oh no, you deserve much better than that. You are my muse! My beautiful, virile, Herculean reason for living. Before I found you, my darling, I was floating aimlessly, lost amongst the waves of this godforsaken world. But I heard your words, I listened to you speak, almost as if you were a Siren calling me… begging for me to follow your tune and come and find you. To come… and be with you.”

[His words linger throughout the air, The Silver Tongued Devil himself ready now for a fight.]

“I don’t want you to think that I’m here to harm you, my sweet, silver tongued Adonis… no, I’m here to help you open your eyes, to experience the oyster that is my being. I want you to know that I’m not some Trollope, looking for a quick bang and then I’m gone. It’s as if Cupid himself hath struck me with a golden arrow… I’m here because you are my everything! You are the music to which my fiddle plays, Aries. And as the world around us burns, the two of us will continue to make sweet music throughout the night.”

[The lights go out completely, after a few moments the lights come on and Aries Reed stands outside the ring, staring into rose-pedal covered combat zone... and it's new content. A small box that sits atop a black end table. A bright red bow covers the tiny box. The fans in attendance shout to him, telling him to open it. Aries shakes his head defiantly. "Hell No!" But after a few more moments of the fan's relentelessly chanting "O-PEN-IT! O-PEN-IT!", the Silver Tongued Devil relents and slowly, hesitantly slides into the ring. He keeps an eye out, looking around the arena, searching for whomever is up to this theatrical charade. After taking a few steps, Aries cautiously reaches out and places a finger on the present, but pulls it away quickly. He rubs at his face, unsure of what exactly is inside the small box. The crowd awaits on the edge of their seats... the anticipation building. Aries shakes his head and goes to walk away, brushing off the moment. But again the fans return to their "O-PEN-IT" chant after a small boo. Aries Reed finds himself being called out by the fans in attendance. The eerie voice remaining quiet throughout the entire situation. Finally, Aries turns his attention back to the box and picks it up. Nothing happens, and so he just laughs it off and pulls the ribbon off. He pulls the lid off and turns the box over into his hand. He looks on in horror as a large, bloody heart falls into his hand. The Silver Tongued Devil looks sick to his stomach and he drops the blood-pumper.]

“My darling Aries, you mustn’t worry. You are mine now, forever and always. And soon, you will come to know my gentle touch and you will come to enjoy my whispers in the wind. All I ask is that you love me as much as I love you. Together, we will watch the world burn, as our music plays throughout the night. Say you’ll be mine, my funny Valentine…”

[The camera pans into Aries’ face, a look of horror and fear painted across it.]

“I’ll see you soon, darling. Forever yours… Nero.”

[The camera continues to focus on Aries, who’s seriously freaked out, concerned for his wellbeing, as he struggles to try and understand who this man was and why he was targetting him. The disgusting "present" and the over-dramatic entrance has got the newly signed FGA competitor seriously considering what it is exactly that he's gotten himself into. The camera pans into the heart laying in a puddle of what appears to be blood, amongst the rose pedals, the empty present box mere inches from it.]

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke is standing by, backstage.

Spencer Burke: My guest at this time is returning FGA superstar, Danny Diamond.

The audience lets out a mixed reaction, heard even in the backstage area, as the camera pans out to reveal Danny. Danny isn't quite dressed to wrestle yet, as he's in black jeans, sneakers and his signature gold "Diamonds Are Forever" v-neck.

Spencer Burke: Danny, first of all, welcome back to FGA.

The Englishman nods and smiles.

Spencer Burke: Now, tonight you'll be making your return against Noelle Smith. What do you think of this being the challenge management has chosen for your return match?

Danny Diamond: Well, it's no secret that I'm not exactly the most respected wrestler in the FGA locker room. Despite my many accomplishments elsewhere, nobody gives a rat's arse about me because none of that happened here. That said, I like Noelle. I find her to be a very talented wrestler and think it was a bit of a showcase of confidence in me to let me face somebody that talented in my return instead of scrubbing the bottom of the barrel. Well, either that or they expect me to lose and go crawling out of FGA again. I can assure you, however, neither of those things will happen tonight.

Spencer Burke: So, you're confident that you're going to beat Noelle, then?

Danny Diamond: Absolutely. Don't get me wrong, as I said, she's a very talented wrestler. The problem here is, I'm even more talented. I mean, let's compare accomplishments here. In FGA, we're both one-time Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champions. Outside of FGA, I've won two World Championships and around ten others between 2WWF and XWA, the latter of which I entered the Hall of Fame of earlier this year. As for her, she's ... what ... won a couple matches? I'm not saying she isn't capable, because she is. What I'm saying is she's moderately unproven. Of course, you ask anybody around here and we're about even in terms of accomplishments because what matters in FGA is what happens in FGA. That's beside the point, though. Yes, I am confident that I'll beat her.

Spencer Burke: Okay. Earlier this month, it was announced that there will be a Joker's Wild tournament where individuals are paired off entirely randomly to be tag team partners and fight together for a chance at the gold. You were selected and announced as one of the first four of eight participants in this match. I've been instructed to inform you that your partner was chosen and is FGA newcomer Genevieve Tate.

Danny looks at Spencer a bit quizzically.

Danny Diamond: Who the bloody fuck is that?

Spencer Burke: Uhm, well, that's going to be your new tag team partner.

The Englishman continues to stare at Spencer, seemingly at a loss for words.

Spencer Burke: She's new, as I mentioned ...

Danny Diamond: Randomly paired, huh?

Spencer Burke: Yes, sir. The teams were randomly paired.

Danny Diamond: ... Fuck it, I can make this work. I am Danny Diamond, after all. Give me a partner I know nothing about and I'll give you your company's next star. Yeah, this'll be easy. Anything else, Spencer?

Spencer, a bit taken back by Danny's sudden change of mood, shakes his head.

Spencer Burke: No, that's it.

Danny Diamond: Excellent, I got a return to win. Take it easy, Spencer.

Diamond winks at the interviewer and walks off to finish getting ready for his match, leaving Spencer behind in the usual obligatory post-interview awkward close-up of the interviewer.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where former FGA World Tag Team Champion, Annie Zellor is getting ready for her match against Johnny Karma later in the night. The youngster is just finishing her stretches when a figure approaches; the leggy blonde stands next to the unsuspecting Zellor as the camera zooms out. While Annie is clad in her ring attire, the figure beside her is looking to be a picture of casual elegance, wearing a blue and white sleeveless floral print dress with a pair of classic black heels. Her blonde tresses are pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She glances down at the younger woman and clears her throat a bit.

Savannah Taylor: Surprise.

Zellor jumps in shock at the sound of another person - she must have been in the zone - and quickly turns around to see the last ever EXODUS World Champion, Savannah Taylor standing before her. The smile on Annie’s face widens as she sees Savannah standing there, and the youngster embraces the blonde with a tight hug.

Annie Zellor: Oh my God, Savannah! I didn’t know you were gonna be here tonight.

The hug is released.

Savannah Taylor: Well you know, I was in town and figured I would take in a show. It just so happened to be this one.

Annie Zellor: Well it’s only the best show in town!

Annie nudges her playfully with one elbow.

Savannah Taylor: Oh I don’t doubt that. Which is why I’ve signed a contract here.

Annie’s jaw drops in shock.

Savannah Taylor: In all honesty, FGA seemed like the ideal fit for me. I wanted a change of pace and I wanted to challenge myself, wanted to become a better wrestler. What better place to do that than here in FGA?

Annie Zellor: You’re gonna be in FGA too?! Savannah Taylor, here!?

Savannah nods.

Annie Zellor: Oh my God, that’s amazing!

Savannah Taylor: I had a feeling you’d enjoy that fact. But Annie, don’t be getting any ideas of adding me to your list of former World Champions that you’ve beat.

Annie Zellor: I wasn--

Savannah Taylor: I’m only kidding, Annie. I’m here to make an impact and I couldn’t think of a better way to do that than with a match against a former World Tag Team champion. So what do you say to a little dance at Canadian Stampede? That is, if you’re up for it.

Annie Zellor: A match against you? Of course I’d love that!

Savannah Taylor: Excellent. Well, I’ll let you finish getting ready for your match. Good luck out there by the way. I’ll be watching

Savannah turns and slowly walks away, her heels clicking on the floor as Annie goes back to warming up.

[FGA Office]

Johnny Cannon vs. Chris Bond

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.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! 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!

"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"

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 I'm a voodoo child
cause I'm 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’s looking to bounce back from that tough loss at Final Frontier.

Stephy Auger: Since stepping foot in FGA, The British Mamba had made it his goal to become the Pride Champion. But when he finally got his chance back at Final Frontier, he was unsuccessful as he lost to Tony Carmine. Now Cannon finds himself against a familiar foe in Chris Bond. Can Cannon pick up another win against the Battle-Hardened vet?

"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 in the smaller facility, and multi-colored lights soon flicker throughout the filled-to-the-brim center. The crowd jumps to it's feet, blowing the roof off from the much smaller 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. 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.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, now residing out of Greensboro, North Carolina! Weighing in at 242 pounds! He is “The Battle-Hardened Veteran”... CHRIS BOND!

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

Kris Cruise: Bond may not have had the best 2015 overall. But Bond had some very good performances against the likes of Laurel Anne Hardy and this man standing across the ring from him. Bond still feels he’s got something left in the tank. Will Bond be able to gain some momentum tonight to carry over into 2016?

Stephy Auger: He did beat Luke Jackson at Final Frontier. If he can pick up another win over the likes of a Johnny Cannon, who knows what will happen next. Title talk, maybe?

The bell sounds as Cannon and Bond circle the ring before locking up. Bond quickly gains the advantage with a side headlock. But Cannon’s able to shove Bond off of him and into the ropes. When Bond comes back, he knocks Cannon down with a running shoulder block. He then runs into another set of ropes. When he comes back, Cannon turns over onto his stomach. So Bond hops over him and runs into the far ropes. When Bond comes back, Cannon returns to his feet and hops over him. Bond then continues to run into the ropes. When Bond comes back, Cannon goes for a hip toss. But Bond hops through it and throws him down with an arm drag. Cannon gets back up, but Bond throws him back down with another arm drag. When Cannon returns to his feet, Bond throws him down with an overflow arm drag. Cannon gets back up, but Bond runs over and delivers a clothesline, sending him over the top rope and to the floor to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Bond got the better of that exchange!

Stephy Auger: And Cannon just took a hard fall to the floor!

Cannon returns to his feet and slaps the apron out of frustration. He then places his hands on his hips and begins circling the ring. After climbing back up onto the apron, Cannon wipes his feet off and then steps into the ring. He then sizes up Bond before marching over to him and locking up. After jockeying for position, he moves Bond across the ring and into the corner, where the ref gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE.... TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men make a slow, clean break. But while Bond’s arms are still in the air, Cannon nails him with a right hook to the body, eliciting boos from the crowd. He then rocks Bond with an elbow strike, followed by a back elbow smash. Cannon then delivers a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then takes Bond by the wrist and goes for an irish whip. But Bond reverses, sending him into the corner. Bond runs across the ring and connects with a clothesline. He then takes Cannon, whips him across the ring, follows him into the corner and delivers another clothesline. After bringing Cannon out of the corner, Bond kicks him in the midsection and follows up with a vertical suplex. The crowd cheers as he turns over and makes the cover.

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

Bond picks up Cannon and whips him into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, Bond sets up for a back body drop. But Cannon hurdles over him and runs into the far ropes. When Cannon comes back, Bond throws him down with an STO. He makes the cover.

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

Bond pulls him up, scoops him up from the side and delivers a jumping backbreaker to cheers from the crowd. He makes the cover.

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

Bond pulls up Cannon, lifts him up and delivers a belly to back suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Bond looks to be in rare form as he is taking it to Cannon!

Stephy Auger: We haven’t seen Bond like this in months. He talked about being reinvigorated and we’re seeing it first hand.

Bond picks up Cannon, wraps his arms around him from behind and lifts him up for a German Suplex. But Cannon nails him with an elbow to the face. After performing a standing switch, Cannon runs into the ropes and goes for a backward roll into a German Suplex. But Bond nails Cannon with an elbow to the face. After performing a standing switch, Bond goes for another belly to back suplex. But Cannon rolls over his shoulder, lands on his feet and shoves Bond into the ropes. Cannon throws out a Roundhouse Kick. But Bond hangs onto the ropes. After Cannon whiffs, he turns to run at Bond. But Bond pulls down the top rope, sending Cannon tumbling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Once again, The British Mamba has been sent to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Cannon and Goodrich better come up with a new strategy and fast because nothing thus far has worked.

Kris Cruise: Cannon certainly got the better of Bond the first time around. But it looks as though Bond has learned from all of his mistakes from their last encounter.

Cannon gets up on the outside and kicks the guardrail out of frustration. After circling the ring, Cannon climbs back onto the apron and enters back in through the ropes. The two men then circle the ring before motioning for a lock up. But Cannon nails him with a kick to the midsection. He then nails Bond with an elbow strike. He then nails Bond with another elbow strike… and another… and another. Each strike knocks Bond closer and closer towards the ropes. After shoving Bond into the ropes, he traps Bond’s arms in the ropes, resulting in boos from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: This isn’t good, Kris...

After he yells at Bond, Cannon slaps him across the face before delivering a series of European Uppercuts. He then unwraps Bond’s arms, positions his upper body through the middle and top ropes and applies a guillotine choke. The ref gives him until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Cannon lets go, turns and runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, The British Mamba charges forward and connects with a big boot, knocking Bond to the floor. The crowd boos as Bond is sprawled out on the floor.

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Cannon has taken control of this contest while Bond looks to be all but out of it.

Stephy Auger: It wasn’t that long ago that Bond was in control. But that’s how quickly Cannon can turn around a match.

Cannon drops and rolls out to the floor. After picking up Bond, Cannon rams him back-first against the side of the ring. Cannon pulls him back… only to ram him back-first against the side of the ring. After a knee to the midsection, Cannon grabs Bond and whips him into the guardrail. Cannon then runs down the ringside area and nails Bond with a European Uppercut, knocking him over the guardrail and into the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Those fans in the front row just got up close and person with Bond!

Cannon reaches down, pulls up Bond and places him in a half nelson. The British Mamba keeps the submission applied while the ref is telling him to bring the match back into the ring. But Cannon pays him no mind as he continues to try and put Bond to sleep.

Kris Cruise: Cannon’s got the submission applied. But submissions don’t count outside the ring, so I don’t know what he’s doi-

After keeping the hold applied for a few more minutes, Cannon takes Bond and hurls him over the guardrail, delivering a half nelson suplex. The crowd boos as Bond lays face down on the ground.

Stephy Auger: He nearly got dropped right on his head!

Cannon picks up Bond and rolls him back into the ring. After rolling himself back in, he makes the cover.

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

Bond gets his shoulder up.

Cannon pulls him away from the ropes and makes the cover.

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

Cannon sits up Bond and places him in a sleeper. The ref asks Bond if he wants to give up, but Bond refuses to quit.

Kris Cruise: Bond came into this match with guns blazing. But now, it’s all Cannon. Can Bond fight his way back into this match?

Bond begins to shake his fists, feeding off the energy from the crowd. He slowly turns over onto his knees. After getting back to a vertical base, he nails Cannon with four elbows to the midsection. Once the hold is broken, Bond turns and runs into the ropes. When he returns, Cannon hoists him up, nails him on the way down with the Cardiac Arrest and follows up with the Cannon Driver II. The crowd boos as h2e makes the cover.

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

Bond gets his shoulder up.

Cannon picks up Bond and whips him into the corner. He then runs across the ring and connects with a corner high knee strike. After hopping down, he places Bond in a side headlock and goes for a running bulldog. But Bond shoves him off of him and into the ropes. When Cannon comes back, Bond throws him down with a spinning spinebuster. The crowd cheers as he rolls across Cannon and hooks the leg.

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

Bond picks up Cannon and goes for an irish whip. But Cannon reverses, sending Bond into the ropes. When Bond comes back, Cannon knocks him down with a reverse roundhouse kick. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

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

Cannon picks up Bond… then quickly grabs him run behind, runs into the ropes and delivers a backward roll into a bridging German Suplex.

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

Bond gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How close was that one!?

Cannon picks up Bond and whips him into the ropes. When Bond comes back, Cannon sets up for a back body drop. But Bond stops, grabs Bond and tosses him through the ropes and onto the apron. He then goes over, grabs Cannon, drags him across the middle rope and then plants him with the Rejection.

Kris Cruise: There it is! Cannon just got planted with The Rejection!

Stephy Auger: You know what comes next, Kris...

Bond picks up Cannon, hooks him and brings him down with the End of Days to an explosion of cheers. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“You Know My Name” plays to cheers from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, CHRIS BOND!

Bond gets his arm raised as the crowd continues to cheer.

Kris Cruise: Bond does it! He even up the score with Johnny Cannon as he picks up the win!

Stephy Auger: Bond was loo-

When Bond turns around, Cannon nails him with a Roundhouse Kick to the side of his right knee. Bond’s knee immediately buckles before he crumbles to the mat.

Kris Cruise: Bond’s down!

Stephy Auger: Bond just got kicked in that surgically repaired knee of his! He looks he be in some serious pain, Kris!

The bell rings as Cannon goes over and repeatedly stops the hell out of the knee. Bond can be seen howling in pain as he clutches his knee. The ref pulls Cannon away from Bond. But Cannon isn’t done. So he shoves the ref out of the way before marching back over to Bond. He begins stomping away at the knee again.

Kris Cruise: What’s gotten into Cannon!?

Stephy Auger: I wish I knew, Kris...

After rolling to the outside, Cannon grabs Bond by the ankle and drags him into the corner. From there, Cannon pulls the leg back, then swings it as hard as he can...

*THWACK*

Bond’s knee collides with the ring post. Cannon pulls his leg away from the ring post… then swings it as hard as he can…

*THWACK*

Bond’s knee collides with the ring post again. Bond lets out a guttural groan as he lays on the canvas in agony.

Kris Cruise: Could we get someone out here to stop this!? The match is already over! Move on, Cannon!

Cannon rolls back into the ring. After dragging Bond out of the corner, Cannon lifts up his right leg and turns him over into a Single Leg Crab.

Stephy Auger: Now he’s just adding insult to injury!

The bell repeatedly rings as Cannon keeps the hold applied. All three referees are in the ring yelling at Cannon to let go of the hold. But Cannon keeps the hold applied. So they latch onto him and pry him off of The Battle-Hardened Veteran.

Kris Cruise: First he headhunts against Evangelista! Now he attacks the surgically repaired knee of Chris Bond! This is the guy that’s supposed to be the best pure wrestler in FGA!? There’s nothing pure about what he’s done over the past month! Not at all!

Once Cannon has been removed form the ring, referees and officials tend to Bond in the ring. Bond closes his eyes as he slowly punches the canvas in pain...

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Noelle Smith vs. Danny Diamond

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Cheshire, England, weighing in at 212 pounds … DANNY DIAMOND!

The HBO instrumental edit of 50 Cent's "Ready For War" hits, as gold fog covers the stage, with a silhouette seen in the middle of it. After the first few seconds, once the beat kicks in, Danny Diamond jogs out from in the midst of the fog, with a grin on his face and his hands held up; his fingers forming a diamond. He stops on the top of the entrance ramp, where he takes a moment to view his surroundings before making his way down to the ring. While walking there, he ignores the jeers coming from the fans as he maintains his signature arrogant smirk, eventually making it to the squared circle, which he slides in under the bottom rope. Upon entering, Danny walks over to the nearest turnbuckle and ascends to the middle rope, repeating his diamond pose from the stage. He, afterwards, jumps back down to the canvas.

Kris Cruise:: Danny Diamond set to return to an FGA ring after an extended hiatus, but judging by the reaction these fans remember him.

Stephy Auger: Do they remember him, or Mirage?

Kris Cruise:: They’re the same person, Stephy! But he is a former Mid-Atlantic Champion no matter which of his personalities won the title belt from Chaz Holiday. Tonight, though, he has his hands full with another former Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion…

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Orlando, Florida … NOELLE SMITH!

“Lose My Breath” by Destiny's Child 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.

Can you keep up?

Baby boy, make me lose my breath

Bring the noise, make me lose my breath

Hit me hard, make me lose my (hah hah)

Can you keep up?

Baby boy, make me lose my breath

Bring the noise, make me lose my breath

Hit me hard, make me lose my breath (hah hah)

She does an athletic somersault 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: We didn’t see Noelle in action at Final Frontier, but she did accompany the tag champions during their defense. But I assume after all she’s been through this year, Noelle will be looking to end the year on a high note.

Kris Cruise:: I’d say so. It’ll be interesting to see which of these former champions can come out on top of this one.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring momentarily; the fans inside the arena are all backing Noelle as she starts a clap to encourage them – only to have Diamond charge in and boots her in the stomach. A few right hands find their mark before Diamond applies an arm wrench, going under once to apply more pressure. But Noelle uses her athleticism to roll through and counter, flipping Danny down to the mat. Noelle tries to capitalize, applying an arm bar, but her opponent reaches up and headscissors her, forcing Noelle to release the hold.

Both competitors scramble back to their feet as Diamond gets up first; he runs at his opponent, but Noelle is ready with a Japanese arm drag. The fans cheer as Diamond hits the mat, but he gets right back up and runs in again, getting hit with another Japanese arm drag. This time Diamond is slower to his feet, popping up near the ropes as Noelle charges at him with a running dropkick that knocks the Briton out through the middle rope, all the way to the outside.

Kris Cruise:: Noelle had some harsh words in response to Danny Diamond earlier in the week, telling him that she’s not a stepping stone.

Stephy Auger: And if she keeps up this ferocity then she’s got this one in the bag.

Noelle steps out onto the apron and leaps off with a flying axe handle smash to the back of her opponent. Diamond stumbles down to a bended knee as Noelle grabs him by the back of the head and takes him near the guard rail. As she goes to slam him face first down across the steel, however, Danny puts his hands down to block. A quick elbow to the midsection and he’s able to counter, slamming Noelle face first into the guard rail.

Kris Cruise:: Oh, that had to hurt.

Noelle staggers away, but her opponent sticks close. Diamond spins her around and delivers a stinging knife edge chop to the chest, causing Noelle to stagger away further. He shoots an uppercut to the throat off, drawing an ooh from the nearby fans before he rolls Noelle back into the ring. She immediately rolls towards the center of the ring, gasping for air after that last shot as Danny Diamond climbs back up onto the apron. He even takes a moment to show boat to the fans before leaping up onto the top rope; he springboards into the ring with a high angle leg drop…

Stephy Auger: Nobody home!

The fans pop as Noelle rolls out of the way, and Danny Diamond lands ass first! He pops up to his feet almost instinctively as Noelle catches him with a schoolboy!

ONE
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Danny kicks out!

Both competitors scramble back to their feet again as an increasingly frustrated Danny Diamond charges in with a clothesline attempt. But Noelle ducks under it, bridging back before popping her legs up to catch her opponent with a headscissors takedown! Diamond flips through the air and lands with a thud, but once again pops right back to a vertical base. He’s stumbling, though, and Diamond gets caught by a running forearm shot from Noelle. She backs her opponent into the corner, her attack of choice switching to kicks as Noelle fires off several vicious shoot kicks to the chest. Followed by an Irish whip to send Danny from pillar to post. He hits the turnbuckle hard and staggers out; Noelle has taken the opportunity to run against the ropes behind him, catching her opponent from the back with a bulldog! She hooks the leg.

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

Stephy Auger: Noelle Smith taking no prisoners inside that ring tonight.

Noelle looks to the official, but he assures her it was only a two count. Undeterred, she lifts Diamond back up to his feet – and gets raked across the eyes. The official admonishes Diamond, but he shrugs it off.

Kris Cruise:: He hasn’t changed a bit.

Noelle regains her sight in time to see the European uppercut coming, but can do nothing to avoid it. Diamond has her reeling back against the ropes as he performs an Irish whip. Noelle hits the far ropes and rebounds, coming back into the waiting arms of Diamond and a Samoan drop. With authority. No pin attempt, however, as Diamond drags his opponent up and rests her throat first across the middle rope. With a knee against the back, Diamond puts all his weight down to try and choke Noelle out.

Kris Cruise:: A blatant choke by Danny Diamond. It doesn’t look like he’s interested in fighting cleanly tonight.

Stephy Auger: After what we saw earlier at the end of the Bond versus Cannon match, I’ll take something minor like this any day of the week, Kris.

The referee calls for a break, which he gets at the count of four. Diamond backs away, but Noelle is still hung up on the ropes as Diamond rebounds off the far ropes, coming back with a leapfrog body guillotine. As he releases this time, Noelle falls away from the ropes, right into Danny’s waiting arms and a bridging back suplex.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Noelle kicks out.

Undeterred, Diamond applies an arm bar. His knee being driven down across the shoulder as he wrenches the arm upwards; Noelle yells out in pain, but won’t quit just yet. As her opponent moves his knee, however, Noelle seizes the opportunity and flips forward, then a second time, before countering with a leg sweep. Diamond falls to the mat and Noelle drops down to cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Diamond kicks out!

Both competitors scramble to get back up again. As Diamond charges in, Noelle leaps up and catches him with a dropkick. He drops to the mat, but gets up again. Noelle catches him with another dropkick that sends Diamond rolling backwards towards the ropes. As her opponent regains his vertical base again, Noelle charges in, only to get caught with a back body drop…

Kris Cruise:: What athleticism from Noelle there.

Stephy Auger: And I don’t think Danny Diamond knows what happened.

The Briton is showboating as he thinks Noelle flew over the top rope, but he doesn’t know she landed on the apron. As he turns around, the crowd’s boos not warning him at all, Diamond gets caught by a forearm smash to the face! And another! The cheers from the crowd driving Noelle on as she leaps into the ring with a missile dropkick!

Diamond is down on the mat before Noelle takes him by the hair and brings him up to his feet, doubling him over with a boot to the gut. She bounces off the ropes for some momentum, but Diamond lunges upwards with a lariat – NO! Noelle ducks under the arm and hits the far ropes, coming back with a hurricanrana into a pin!

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

Kris Cruise:: So close there!

Both competitors rush to their feet again as Noelle charges at her opponent, performing a wheelbarrow bulldog. Diamond’s head bounces off the mat and he, almost instinctively, stands back up. But he’s out on his feet as Noelle grabs him and executes the Flip Trip! This time she hooks the leg!

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

Stephy Auger: Danny Diamond kicking out at the last possible second!

Kris Cruise:: And you have to imagine Noelle is getting frustrated now.

The fans are cheering her on, though, as Noelle stands back up once again. She waits for Diamond to get up, which he does with the assist of the ropes. And Noelle quickly levels him with another forearm smash. An Irish whip follows, sending Danny towards the corner – NO! He reverses, sending Noelle against the turnbuckle as he runs in with a jumping double knee lift! Diamond crushes Noelle against the corner with that one as she staggers forward, right into a Tiger Driver ’98!

Stephy Auger: Holy hell, Noelle’s head bouncing off the mat just there. And this could be it, Kris.

But Danny is too exhausted to make the cover.

Both competitors are down; the referee starts the count out as the fans are urging Noelle to get up first. But as the official reaches the count of five, Danny Diamond sits up. A boo sounds out among the crowd as the Briton uses the ropes to drag himself up. He climbs out onto the apron as he waits for Noelle to get back up, before slingshotting back into the ring with a DDT! And a hook of the leg as Diamond goes for the cover.

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

A sigh of relief from the crowd as Noelle gets her foot on the bottom rope. The referee points it out to Danny Diamond, telling him it wasn’t a three count. But the Briton is livid. He’s in the referee’s face demanding to know how that happened, but the official is standing his ground.

Kris Cruise:: Danny Diamond better keep his eye on his opponent…

Stephy Auger: His temper is getting the better of him here, and he can’t afford to lose focus.

Behind him, Noelle Smith is getting back to her feet. As she reaches a vertical base, Noelle spins her opponent around and catches him with a mule kick to the gut, followed by a roundhouse kick to the head. Diamond is staggered; he falls to one knee but gets back up, albeit doubled over in the center of the ring. Noelle goes against the ropes for some momentum, coming back with a swinging neckbreaker…

NO!

Diamond avoids the attack! Noelle turns back around to face him, and she gets caught by a superkick to the throat!

Stephy Auger: The Sudden Death Superkick out of nowhere! And the cover!

Diamond hooks both legs and a handful of tights.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, DANNY DIAMOND!

Kris Cruise:: Give the assist to the handful of tights, but Danny Diamond emerges victorious tonight!

Stephy Auger: What a return to FGA for him, but Noelle won’t be pleased she got caught at the end like that.

Kris Cruise:: Probably not, and that’s not how she wanted to end the year. She had Danny Diamond right where she wanted him, but he escaped her clutches.

Kris Cruise: Well right now, we’re about to send it to the back where I’m being told Luke Jackson is standing by.

Stephy Auger: Luke Jackson was one of the names chosen to compete in the Joker’s Wild Tag Team Tournament. Well earlier today, we found out that Luke’s partner for this tournament is going to be none other… than Ricky Valero.

Kris Cruise: Luke and Ricky teaming up? Given their history, that’s got to be a recipe for disaster, right?

[FGA Office]

Luke Jackson is walking backstage and he sees Ricky Valero exiting the trainer’s office after a competitive matchup with Aries Reed earlier in the evening. He walks up to him and pats the unsuspecting newcomer on the back.

Luke Jackson: Hey man, how is it going?

Caught off guard, Ricky’s head swings around to find a familiar face standing in front of him. He’s a little uncertain of the situation, however, as the last time the two stood toe-to-toe, war was imminent. Now, it appeared the two would be paired together in the upcoming tag team title tournament.

Ricky Valero: Hey… Luke… so far, so good, man.

Luke Jackson: Good, man. Welcome to FGA and all of that jazz. Look, I know we had our issues and all of that and I probably wanted to knock you out and stomp on the grave that I would make for you. But thanks for taking the chance on me in this tournament.

He smiles and nods his head as he extends his hand for a handshake. Ricky is hesitant. He cracks a nervous grin.

Ricky Valero: That’s an awfully descriptive plot you had in mind.

He chuckles, taking a deep breath and meeting Luke halfway with a firm handshake.

Luke Jackson: Who could blame me though?

He laughs then smiles.

Luke Jackson: But don’t worry, that is water under the bridge Ricky. All we gotta worry about now is the tournament. One that I hope will help me make my name here in FGA a little bit more important.

Luke smiles and starts to walk off. Ricky watches as he does, doing his best to shake off the doubt sitting in the pit of his stomach.

Ricky Valero: Right, water under the bridge…

Luke turns around and nods.

Luke Jackson: Unless you are hiding something.

He laughs. As he walks looking back to see Ricky looking at him.

Ricky Valero: I’m an open book, Luke. You know that.

Luke Jackson: That’s the scary part. But anyway man nice to see you here.

Ricky laughs, shaking his head as Luke disappears around a nearby corner. He mutters to himself…

Ricky Valero: This is going to be interesting...

[FGA Office]

Johnny Karma vs. Annie Zellor

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena, and just as it reaches a crescendo Cherry Baum emerges at the top of the ramp, standing to one side so she can present The Man, The Myth, The Johnny Karma to His adoring public, and at the exact moment Jimmy Page's riff begins making love to the crowd's ears He arrives at the top of the ramp, strutting to a vantage point where the entire crowd can see Him and, as Cherry applauds Him, He blows a kiss to the arena.

Karma strolls down the ramp with Cherry stood by His side, chatting and waving to the fans who have paid to see Him do His thing tonight while making sure that every single hair on his head is in the exact place it should be.

As the pair reach ringside, Cherry quickly climbs onto the ring apron and sits on the middle rope to hold it open, as Karma climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron, turning to face His audience and slowly raising an arm before raising his index finger to let everyone know that He is #1, before he steps through the ropes into His ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from QUEENS, NEW YORK! Weighing in at 233 pounds… JOHNNY KARMA!

Once inside His ring, Karma climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle and unzips his ring jacket, looking out over His crowd and nodding in acknowledgment that they are all there to see Him, and that He is grateful for this.

If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
When The Levee Breaks I'll have no place to stay

Karma climbs down from the turnbuckle and crosses the ring, climbing onto the opposite turnbuckle to salute His followers.

Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
It's got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home
Oh well, oh well, oh well

An assortment of purple and blue strobe lights illuminate the entrance aisle, flashing in time with the music, as Annie Zellor bursts through the curtain. She poses momentarily, 'flexing' her biceps for the fans, before running down the aisle, her arms outstretched to slap hands with the willing fans on the way down. However, there’s a smattering of boos than can be heard from the crowd. Whether it’s because of the Alex Rodriguez Yankees jersey she’s wearing or due to her actions from the PPV, we don’t know.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 110 pounds… ANNIE ZELLOR!

The youngster slides in under the bottom rope and runs to the furthest away turnbuckle, climbing to the middle rope, whereupon she raises a fist in the air before jumping down off the turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: Hard Knox Annie tries to break out in singles competition as she takes on former Pride Champion, Johnny Karma.

Stephy Auger: We all know how much those Tag Team Titles meant to Annie. But her friendship with Laurel Anne Hardy meant so much more. With Hardy taking a step away from the FGA ring, Annie now finds herself without a permanent tag team partner. But it’s okay! She did beat the likes of Chris Q and Jimmy Page last year! Those are two heavy hitters.

Kris Cruise: Some will call those wins flukes. But only time will tell if Annie Zellor can cut in in the single ranks.

The bell sounds as Zellor and Karma lock up. Zellor quickly places Karma in a side headlock. But Karma’s able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock. He then quickly spins Zellor around and tries to plant her with Instant Karma. But Zellor’s able to slip out and scurries back towards the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Annie nearly got sent head first into the canvas there.

Stephy Auger: She’s got plenty of energy stored up now. But give it a couple of minutes and we’ll see how quick Annie is to escape after she’s been worn down.

The two grapplers circle the ring before going for a lock up. But Zellor ducks under, goes behind Karma and wraps him up with a waist lock. But Karma reaches down, pulls Zellor’s arm from around him and reverses into an arm wrench. He then delivers another arm wrench. After blocking out the pain, Zellor rolls forward, leans back, kips up and counters into an arm wrench of her own. But Karma quickly reaches over and reverses into another arm wrench. The ref asks Zellor if she wants to give up. But she refuses to quit. She then runs over towards the ropes and counters with a springboard arm drag. Karma gets back to his feet, but Zellor knocks him down with a dropkick. Karma gets back to his feet, but Zellor knocks him down with another dropkick. As Karma gets back to a vertical base, Zellor runs over and connects that sends him tumbling through the ropes and to the floor as the crowd cheers. But there’s a smattering of boos that can be heard.

Kris Cruise: New York is definitely Karma Country. But the fans are just as equally behind Annie Zellor?

Stephy Auger: Are they? I hear a few boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Well, Karma is the hometown hero. She is wearing that Yankees jersey, which definitely isn’t going to go over well with the Mets fanbase that’s in the crowd. Of course, her actions at Final Frontier, where she saved Dom Harter, haven’t exactly gone over well with a lot of people.

As Karma pulls himself up using the edge of the apron, Zellor is seen taking off into the far ropes. When she comes back, she readies herself for a dive to the outside. But Karma wisely scurries out of the way, forcing Zellor to put on the brakes at the last minute.

Kris Cruise: Smart move there by Karma. Annie wants this match to be quick and high flying, which is a not the way Karma likes to fight. He wants this match to be fought at his pace.

After climbing back up onto the apron, Karma steps back into the ring. The two grapplers circle the ring before initiating a lock up. Karma then quickly uses his strength advantage to move Zellor into the corner. The ref then gives them until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers make a clean break. Karma then nails Zellor with a stinging knife edge chop. He then nails Zellor with another chop… and another chop… and another. Karma takes Zellor and whips her into the opposite corner. Karma charges across the ring, but Zellor nails him with an elbow to the face, sending him stumbling back. Karma shakes off the blow before running back into the corner. But again, Zellor nails him with another elbow to the face. After stumbling back, Karma runs right back into the corner. This time, Zellor nails him with a boot to the face. After Karma turns and staggers away from the corner, Zellor runs from out of the corner and brings him down with a two-handed bulldog. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma kicks out.

Zellor picks up Karma and places him in a side headlock. But Karma is quick to shove Zellor off of him and into the ropes. When Zellor comes back, she slides through Karma’s legs. When Karma turns around, Zellor gets up to her feet and throws out a kick to the gut. After Karma catches her foot, Zellor goes to follow up with an enzuigiri. But Karma ducks, reaches down, grabs Zellor and yanks her back up to her feet. He then quickly goes for a belly to back suplex. But Zellor rolls over his shoulder, lands on her feet and shoves him into the ropes. When Karma comes back, Zellor brings him down with a headscissors takeover. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Karma wants this match to be fought slow and on the mat. But Zellor continues to push the pace.

Stephy Auger: She can push the pace all she wants. But what happens when she gets tired? Laurel won’t be there on the apron with her hand out for a tag.

Zellor picks up Karma and goes for an irish whip. But Karma reverses, sending Zellor into the ropes. When Zellor comes back, Karma bends over to set up a back body drop. Zellor counters with a sunset flip. But Karma rolls through it, aims down and connects with Check Your Chiclets. The crowd cheers as he drops down with a lateral press on Zellor.

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

Karma picks up Zellor, turns and brings her down with the Bum Trip. While Zellor remains grounded, Karma heads into the corner, hoists himself up onto the middle ropes, jumps off and connects with a second rope fist drop. He makes the cover.

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

Karma picks up Zellor, moves her over towards the ropes and goes for a slingshot suplex. But after Zellor ricochets off the top rope, she slips down from behind and delivers a dropkick to the back, knocking Karma down across the middle rope.

Stephy Auger: Uh oh...

Zellor’s eyes widen once she sees Karma in position. She then looks around at the crowd before throwing up the devil horns.

Kris Cruise: #GRRFACE!

Zellor turns and takes off into the far ropes. When Zellor comes back, Karma quickly gets off the ropes, scoops her up from the side and delivers a backbreaker. He then keeps Zellor held across his knee before lifting her up and tossing her through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: He just told her to get out of his ring!

As Zellor gets up on the outside, Karma turns and takes off into the far ropes. When Karma returns, he goes goes This Is For The Front Row. But Zellor ducks. After Karma lands on his feet and turns around, Zellor runs over and plants him with All That Glitters!

Kris Cruise: Down goes Karma! Annie just drove him head-first onto the floor with that DDT!

Zellor picks up Karma and rolls him back into the ring. After rolling herself back in, she makes the cover.

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

Karma gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Zellor picks up Karma and moves him into the corner. After a series of shoot kicks to the midsection, Zellor takes Karma and whips him into the opposite corner. Zellor then runs across the ring, hops onto Karma and monkey flips him out of the corner. While Karma’s down, Zellor steps through the ropes and begins scaling the turnbuckles. Once she gets to the top, she crouches down and waits for Karma to get up. Once Karma slowly returns to his feet and turns around, Zellor stands up, leaps off and throws out a missile dropkick. But Karma steps back and swats her down.

Kris Cruise: The high risk didn’t pay off that time and now she’s at Karma’s mercy.

While Zellor’s down, Karma circles her before delivering the Karmic Stomp, stomping on parts of her limbs before finishing up with a stomp to the chest. He then reaches down, pulls up Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor returns, Karma throws her down with a snap powerslam. He hooks the leg.

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

Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Karma picks up Zellor and goes for an irish whip. But Zellor reverses, sending Karma into the ropes. When Karma returns, Zellor goes for a leap frog. But Karma catches her, turns and throws her down with a spinebuster. He then rolls across her as he hooks the leg.

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

The crowd gasps as Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Karma pulls Zellor back to her feet and rattles off a series of snapping jabs before throwing out a right hook. But Zellor ducks and counters with a sitout jawbreaker. While Karma’s dazed, Zellor gets up and runs into the ropes. When she returns, she goes for a wheelbarrow bulldog. But Karma shoves Zellor off of him, sending her soaring through the air and landing back-first on the canvas. Karma goes over, picks up Zellor and whips her into the corner. He then runs across the ring and goes for an NYC Uppercut. But Zellor moves out of the way, causing his arm to collide with the turnbuckle. As Karma stumbles back, Zellor turns him around and delivers another sitout jawbreaker, sending him stumbling back into the corner. After Zellor returns to her feet, she runs into the corner and connects with a discus clothesline, followed by a running bulldog out of the corner. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd cheers as Karma gets his shoulder up.

Zellor picks up Karma and goes for an irish whip. But Karma reverses, sending Zellor into the ropes. When she returns, Karma throws her down with a back body drop. He goes over, pulls Zellor back up and whips her into the corner. Karma then runs across the ring and follows up with an NYC Uppercut. He then brings Zellor from out of the corner, snapmares her to the floor and follows up with a rolling neck snap. He makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps as Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: What a back and forth match this has been. Zellor is really holding her own in there against Karma.

Stephy Auger: She is. But there’s only about five minutes left in this match. Which of these two grapplers is going to win?

Karma picks up Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor comes back, Karma throws out a clothesline. But Zellor ducks and runs into the ropes. When Zellor comes back, Karma runs over and knocks her down with a running high knee. While Zellor’s down, Karma steps through the ropes and climbs the turnbuckles. When he reaches the top, he leaps off, going for From The Stars Above. But Zellor rolls out of the way, causing Karma to crash elbow-first onto the canvas.

Kris Cruise: Karma’s got to be in a lot of pain after missing that flying elbow drop!

Stephy Auger: A miss like that could dislocate his elbow.

As Karma slowly gets up, Zellor grabs him and sets up for a Shinarui. But Karma grabs her from behind and then tries to throw out Hard Times. But Zellor ducks. When Karma turns around, Zellor delivers a wheelbarrow bulldog. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd cheers as Karma gets his shoulder up.

Zellor picks up Karma and goes for an irish whip. But Karma reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Zellor comes back, Karma knocks her down with Check Your Chiclets. He makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs as Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Karma got all of that superkick. But Annie was somehow able to get her shoulder up!

Karma picks up Zellor and goes for a vertical suplex. But Zellor slips down from behind, reverses into an O’Connor Roll and bridges back with a prawn hold.

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

After both grapplers get back to a vertical base, Karma rattles off three snapping jabs before socking her with a right hook.

Stephy Auger: Sugar Ray Karma! He makes the cover!

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

Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Karma picks up Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor returns, she counters with a sunset flip.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma reverse, rolling on top of Zellor…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zellor pushes forward, pinning Karma…

Karma gets his shoulder up.

After both grapplers get up, Zellor throws out the Sparkle Princess Special. But Karma ducks, hooks her arms from behind and brings her down with a backslide.

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

Karma grabs Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor returns, Karma knocks her down with an NYC Uppercut. He then goes over, lifts up Zellor’s leg and goes for a figure four. But Zellor reaches up and rolls him up with a small package.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma shifts his weight over onto Zellor…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zellor reverses the small package…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma shifts his weight over onto Zellor..

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
The bell sounds.

Kris Cruise: What just happened!?

Stephy Auger: Did Karma pin her?

Kris Cruise: I don’t think he did.

Stephy Auger: The ref has just relayed something to J.A. Let’s hear what he has to say..

J.A. Aldridge: Since a fall could not be one within the allotted time, this match… has been ruled a DRAW!

The crowd voices their displeasure at the time limit draw result. Karma and Zellor aren’t thrilled about the outcome, either.

Kris Cruise: It looks like these two are going to have to settle this on another day.

Stephy Auger: That match seemed like it was just getting started, Kris. Oh well. I guess we’ll have to wait for the rematch down the line. I just hope they get more time during their next match.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

"Solarflare" blasts through the PA system and the arena erupts in boos. Moments later Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine emerges from the curtain with his signature pink mink coat. The FGA Pride Championship was draped over his shoulders as a group of women accompanied him down to the ring. Tony yelled out "ANNNND STIIIIILLLLLL" out to the crowd as he made his way down the ramp. The Scandalous One grabbed a microphone from the timekeeper table before his women lead him up the stairs and into the ring. The Pride Champ stands tall in the middle of the ring blowing kisses to the crowd with a sweet smile on his face.

Sunshine Tony: It's becoming almost a given. The Scandalous One shuts down another mighty mouth then comes out here and tells you all I told you so. I know one of these nights you're expecting me to come out humbled and actually give my opponent credit for giving me a tough fight. Well all of you are shit out of luck tonight BECAUSE I....TOLD...YOOOUUUU.....SO! I told you all Johnny Cannon was no match. I told you he would need miracles GOD couldn't grant if he wanted this Pride Title. I didn't say it would be easy, but I sure as hell never let any of you ingrates think there was ever the slightest chance I'd lose. I must say one thing though...Honey, Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine is TIIIEEEED. More than tired. I'm TIIIIEEED as the uneducated urbanites of southern America say. TIIIIEEED of listening to these overrated assholes wanting to take what's mine. Talking the same trash as the idiot before them, not learning from those same mistakes.

Tony speaks as if the thought alone annoys him.

Sunshine Tony: Then I have to emotionally demolish their spirit before I kick them in the face. Rinse repeat. You have to admit that's tiring and if any of you knew what it was like to win, you'd be tired too. With that said, I'm done with that. I'm not acknowledging the little whispers in the wind who think they can talk their way into a title match. The Scandalous One knows exactly who deserves his time, a shot a his title and most importantly...an apology.

The crowd is obviously confused.

Sunshine Tony: I'd like to ask Noelle Smith to come join me out here. Come here sweetie, I promise I mean no harm I just want to talk to you baby.

"Lose My Breath" by Destiny's Child begins to play over the PA and Noelle comes almost reluctantly out from behind the curtain and stands on the stage a moment as she looks down the ramp at Tony.  The fans shout at her not to listen to Tony, but she finally nods and walks down the ramp.  She climbs the steps and then enters the ring, turns and holds up her hands and the timekeeper tosses her a microphone.  Her voice is soft, with a sweet lilt and the fans hush when she holds up her finger to them.

Noelle Smith: Hi all you sweet people, I hear you... but Tony promised, and...

She pauses, bites her lip then releases it slowly.

Noelle Smith: Tony's lots of things, but he promised y'all.  

Noelle takes a breath and turns to fully face The Scandalous one.

Noelle Smith: Hey Tony.

The Pride Champion takes Noelle's hand and kisses it.

Sunshine Tony: My oh my. Doesn't she look just lovely everyone?

The crowd cheers, not being able to deny Smith's beauty.

Sunshine Tony: See hun? I'm not here to hurt you I'm here to say I'm sorry. Lately we've been going at each other, saying some nasty things we don't mean to say. Subtweets, the shade throwing all of it needs to stop. We're friends truthfully because we're both pretty and we both kick ass in the ring. I may not have admitted it then but I was so proud of you for making it to the finals of the Lion's Cup. I was so proud of you for almost winning Round Robin. And even though she's my friend too...I was even PROUDER to watch you beat Annie fair and square! She deserved all of that honey and I don't blame you for letting her have it. Sometimes these people think they know you and they try to pry into your personal business. Sometimes you just need to shut those people down and you did just that.

Silence starts to overcome the audience not sure where Tony is going with this.

Sunshine Tony: I'm sorry I've been mean to you. I didn't take the time to realize you just had enough of people taking advantage you. I can relate to people taking my kindness for weakness that's why I put up such a hard shell. I refuse to let this business hurt me or my friends. You should feel the same way. I just don't know how else to repay you other than giving you something no one else in this company but you deserves...

He holds up his Pride Title.

Sunshine Tony: No beating around the bush. Sweetie you don't have to run your mouth like Johnny Karma and beg like Johnny Cannon. You deserve a shot at this. You deserve to share the ring with The Scandalous One since our last meeting ended out of your control. What do you say baby boo? Accept my apology for the Stampede?

Noelle almost gasps, her eyes go wide and she shakes her head.  Her voice is shaky but she gently reaches for his wrist and pulls on his arm.

Noelle Smith:  Tony ....you...

She pauses, clearly a little choked up and tears well up in her big eyes as she looks right in his face.

Noelle Smith:  You don't have to do that, to put your title up like that... you never needed to put up a title shot for me to accept your apology.  Tony, you've always been sweet to me 'cept for lately so yes, it did hurt and yes I snapped back when I really shouldn't have, and we both said things.  It wasn't ever just you, Tony.  You knew I'd forgive you no matter what, right?

She watches his expression and then gives him a little nod.

Noelle Smith:  But if that's what you need to do, to make things 'right' I won't say no.  Because I respect you Tony, and I don't see you as just some guy holding a title belt.  I see you as a champion.

Tony's eyes gleam as he smiles at Noelle.

Sunshine Tony: Even if you would've accepted it anyway, it's the season for giving. Consider this a token of my appreciation.

He drops the mic and opens his arms for a hug.  Noelle hesitates a mere second before she steps in for the hug, the microphone in her hand catches the small 'thank you Tony' before her microphone drops as well.  The fans are cautious but there is quick applause and cheers at this, even a quick cut by the camera to the announcers table sees them seem genuinely moved. Tony takes Noelle's hand as they make their way to the ropes. The Pride champion sits on the second rope, gesturing for Smith to exit first. As she steps onto the apron, Tony throws her down to the ground. Half of the crowd starts to boo and the other half sits in shock. He takes his title from over his shoulders and starts whipping Noelle with it while stomping on her back and ribs. Carmine lifts Noelle by her head and screamed "THIS IS WHAT YOU GET YOU LITTLE DISRESPECTFUL BITCH!!!" Tony's hos grab his belt and mink coat as the Pride champ nails Smith with It's Always Sunny in Sicily. He then moves her lifeless body over and applies the Sprinkle Lock. Noelle screams in pain vigorously tapping on the floor. Tony Carmine relentlessly wrenches the hold as officials run down to break it up. Tony gets up off of Noelle before any of the officials can touch him. "None of you better touch me or my hos! Make sure I didn't break that bitch ankle that's what y'all do!" He yells at the refs as he walks backwards up the ramp to a mountain of boos. Carmine snatches his belt from one of his women before holding it up for everyone to see. He blows a kiss and waves down towards Noelle who was surrounded by medical personnel and referees.

[FGA Office]

We cut backstage at the Manhattan Center to see Johnny Karma walking out of the locker room after having a post-match shower, a gym bag that he would normally have slung over his shoulder being carried at arm’s length due to it containing his sweaty ring gear, and as he steps out of the locker room and into the corridor Cherry Baum looks up from her phone, having been waiting for him all this time

Cherry Baum: So J-K, I was wondering about New Year’s, about whether we should meet at the venue or maybe meet up somewhere first.

Rather than answer, Karma puts a finger to his lips

Johnny Karma: I may have had my post-match shower, Miss Baum, but I need a little time to ease down.  After all, there’s still a couple of gallons of adrenaline surging around my brain right now, so I’m going to be a little bit touchy about just about every subject.

Cherry Baum: Even Star Wars spoilers?

Johnny Karma: Let’s be honest, even the most militant of fanboys are wishing somebody said “SPOILERS: they turned Anakin Skywalker into an irritating iungatsh with the Jedi skills of a three day old frittata, and if you thought he was annoying wait until you see Jar Jar Binks” before The Phantom Menace came out.

Cherry Baum: So what’s the plan for the rest of the night?

Karma pauses for a moment as he considers his options

Johnny Karma: Hmm, maybe get a spot of prime real estate to watch the rest of the show, and when that’s done go and grab a spot to eat, and maybe after…

As Karma talks, he spies Quinn Godrich walking towards him, wearing a smug expression on his face as he approaches

Quinn Goodrich: You two lovebirds can spend the rest of the evening typing up an angry letter to Disney about how they ruined such a fantastic franchise.

Karma shoots Quinn a side-eye, as the Briton smirks briefly. Following an adjustment of his tie, and a clearing of the throat, he looks him right in the eye.

Quinn Goodrich: Because isn’t that what people with no futures do anyway - waste their time on a Monday night doing absolutely nothing? I mean, sure dinner and a movie sounds lovely - if you’re still in high school with the world at your feet, and youthful optimism burning in your soul. But that’s not really the case for you, is it Mr. Karma?

The tension in the air thickens as Karma continues to stare daggers at his current agitator, while Goodrich merely carries on with his unprovoked verbal assault.

Quinn Goodrich: No, you’re a man in his late twenties - possibly early thirties - running in place with nowhere to go, and no progress to show, something like an old musician whose albums did not age well overtime. A forgotten man. Nobody important. You’re just that guy dating that woman who’s too stupid to see that she put all her chips down on an Average Joe with no potential. And Ms. Baum you’re not getting any younger yourself. Sure the makeup takes off five years give or take, but you’ve got to start asking yourself some tough questions.

Karma’s scorn grows more intense as Goodrich sets his tongue lashing on Johnny’s beau.

Quinn Goodrich: I mean, it’s obvious your plan was to hitch your ride to this guy and ride his success straight to the top - and it’s just as obvious that your dream didn’t pan out so well. So how much longer can you pretend to be happy, pretend to care for this charity case? Unless of course he’s holding you against your will, which in that case darling blink twice.

After listening to so much from Goodrich, it’s Cherry who has reached her limit first as she takes a deep breath before she interjects

Cherry Baum: You're talking an awful lot of smack for somebody who has less in-ring experience than I have, Goodrich.  Didn’t you get the memo, only the boss’ daughter is allowed to verbally run down the entire roster without ever having to step into the ring and wish they kept their lip buttoned.

At this point, Karma takes a small step towards Goodrich before taking a moment to look him up and down, and then looks Goodrich in the eye

Johnny Karma: You know, Quinn, I never knew that your personal meal ticket to somewhere marginally higher than the middle was such a fan of Karmic TV.  After all, I can see you're here all on your lonesome, so perhaps you could stop being a koch-leffel for a second and tell me whether or not Johnny Cannon has visited Bronx Zoo today so the organ grinder could take my advice and replace you with an actual monkey.

Karma pauses to look over his shoulder

Johnny Karma: ...sorry, just had to check he wasn’t sneaking up behind me to sucker punch me again, like the manly man at the height of his manliness that he is.

Goodrich chuckles softly to himself, buttoning his suit jacket as a shadow suddenly casts over him like.

Johnny Cannon: It's not so much that you got sucker punched more than it is you just being the sucker who got punched.

The British Mamba pulls up right next to Goodrich, white towel hanging around his neck, still in ring gear save for the “Team Cannon” sweatshirt hugging his upper body, a size small enough to show off his strapping physique.

Johnny Cannon: But that's really a minor technicality, depending upon what side of things you're on of course. And, unfortunately for you, which has often been the case, you've been on the wrong end of the spectrum. And here you are again, barking at cars like a lost dog looking for a home. And I understand it Karma, I really do.

The British Mamba pokes Karma right in the chest, whilst he flashes his usual cocksure grin.

Johnny Cannon: Stockholm Syndrome. Isn't that what it's called when you beat up on a tart and they keep coming back for more, Quinn?

Cannon glances at his confidante who nods and laughs.

Johnny Cannon: That's what I thought. You're not the first man I've danced with that wanted to waltz with a real man for a second time. It's not your fault really, I simply have that effect on people. I step into the ballroom and outshine everyone on the dance floor, and those who don't envy my grace simply want to be around it. They want to touch it. They want to feel what it's like to truly be a class above the classless.

Cannon’s hand now finds its way on Karma’s shoulder, which causes an eyebrow to raise from the recipient of the gesture.

Johnny Cannon: The thing is Johnny, while our first time was something magical, I'm just over you. There's nothing to be gained by rekindling old flames, and revisiting past events. As I've said many times, I'm a man who only moves forward.

Karma looks Cannon in the eye and, without breaking eye contact, he reaches up to pluck Cannon’s hand off his shoulder and lets it drop to Cannon’s side

Johnny Karma: I’d be careful where you put that hand, as you’ll need it later tonight when you have to remove the monkey’s head from your tuches.

Karma looks from Cannon to Goodrich and back again, before flicking a hand on the same shoulder that Cannon had his hand on to wipe some of the implied grime from his jacket, before he gestures in the direction of Cannon’s waist

Johnny Karma: Wait a minute, what's that I don't see around your waist?  Would it be a complete and utter lack of any title whatsoever?

At this point, Karma gives Cannon a remarkably sarcastic pat on the arm

Johnny Karma: I know it must be tough for you to accept, but even though you’re so deluded that you not only tell yourself how great you are but you also have to keep Ampersand over there around so he can tell you how great you are in those blessed moments you have to take a breath and keep your mouth shut for a microsecond, but no matter how much crowing you do you’ve done bupkes in FWA, and everybody knows it.  After all, your name wasn’t in the pot for the Frontier Lions Cup, so how can you “only” move forward when nobody thinks you're worth the effort?  Oh, wait a second, talking face-to-face isn’t like you…

Karma pulls out his phone and opens the Twitter app, and rather than look at Cannon he looks at the screen

Johnny Karma: …this is where you prefer to do your talking, because when you’ve listed what you’ve actually achieved, you’ll end up with 140 unused characters.

Karma looks up from the phone screen and raises an eyebrow

Johnny Karma: I think that’s worth half a dozen sadface emojis, don’t you?

Karma puts his phone back in his pocket and looks Cannon in the eye

Johnny Karma: If you want to throw shade, why not board a flight to the Carolinas and run your mouth to some of the rookies in Lions Den?  After all, they’ve won as much as you have - but at least they’re not telling themselves otherwise.

The smug look on Cannon’s face suddenly disappears for a moment, as he steps closer to Karma, peacocks getting in his face now.

Johnny Cannon: You want to know a secret, Karma?

The Britton asks, his tone of voice changing along with his disposition, sounding less supercilious and much more truculent.

Johnny Cannon: Lately I’ve been on edge. I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress, things in my personal life have been weighing on my mind more and more. Like the consummate professional that I am, I've done my best to keep my issues outside of this business from effecting what I do inside of it. But things are starting to spread like a cancer.

Cannon continues to glare at Karma as the tension in the area now reaches a fever pitch. Noticing the baleful gaze, Quinn grabs his client by the arm, trying to calm him down and prevent any fireworks from going off prematurely.

Quinn Goodrich: Forget this wanker, Johnny. We’ve got bigger fish to reel in -

The self-proclaimed “Baddest Man On The Planet” forcefully pulls away from Quinn. Karma now has his undivided attention.

Johnny Cannon: No… no it's too late for cooler heads, Goodrich. That ship has sailed. And you're right, Karma. I’m naked. Every day I wake up without the Pride Championship makes me angry. Every day I hear people run their mouths about me, saying what I can and can't do makes me angry. I've got a lot of pent of frustration, and unresolved issues that, well, need to be addressed. But in my family, we never talked about our problems. My old man never raised me that way. I'm not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but I don't really care to be honest.

Cannon’s fists begin to clinch, his neck muscles tensing as the veins climb to the surface from beneath his skin. Karma however, holds his ground.

Johnny Cannon: The only way I know how to deal with my issues, is to take them out on people like you, people who get in my way, people who open their mouths to spite me, and tarnish my name, thinking nothing will come of it. But I'm here to tell you otherwise, because while I don't believe in karma, I do believe in violence.

The smirk returns now, like a flash of light as Cannon’s vision descends to the floor.

Johnny Cannon: And I can become extremely violent when provoked. I've sent a few people to early retirements recently, and whether they deserved to have their necks broken, their livelihoods destroyed and their careers cut short is completely irrelevant. The point is it happened. And unless you want something bad to happen to you -

Johnny suddenly face palms Karma, shoving him back with the utmost disrespect.

Johnny Cannon: I suggest you stay out of my bloody way.

At first Karma wipes the sweat from Cannon’s palm off his face, and he looks ready to throw down - but instead he has a few choice words

Johnny Karma: And doesn't that say a lot about you?  You go out of your way to injure anyone who can stand in your way, but even when you've done that you still can’t win squat.

With that said, Karma steps forward and shoves Cannon in the chest, which causes Cannon to stumble back a couple of steps, and quickly Karma side-eyes Quinn Goodrich to make sure he doesn't try anything underhanded while Cannon is getting his bearings

Johnny Cannon: You're treading on dangerous waters, Karma. Back the hell off.

Johnny says, shaking his head in slight shock as he refs there himself - just to return fire and shove Karma back a few feet. Now it's Karma who's the one reeling, and in need of a moment to gather himself.

Once he regains his balance, Karma pauses for a split second, almost as if he senses that he’s running the risk of dropping down to Cannon’s level and going against all that he’s said about certain members of the roster taking the low road to get that little bit ahead.  In that briefest of moments, however, Karma looks from the smirking face of Goodrich, to the smug sneer of Cannon, and then he glances at Cherry, almost as if he’s looking at her to gauge what he should do next - and it doesn’t take an expert in body language to read what's on Cherry’s face, so Karma lets out a deep sigh...and then slaps Cannon full-force in the face, the sound of the impact echoes through the corridor

Johnny stands still for a moment, a hand gingerly holding his cheek, Goodrich standing beside him in utter shock. A smile and a nod follows, before Cannon suddenly reached at Karma, a hand grasping at Johnny’s throat while another tries to take his head off.

Quinn Goodrich: HEY! ALRIGHT!

Shouts Goodrich, but his cry merely reaches deaf ears. Karma in turn grabs Cannon by the collar as well, dodging what could have been a nasty left hook as he returns a facepalm from early. Igniting his rage, Karma finds himself being shoved back, forcing Cherry to step in a try to peel Karma away - not even seeing a right haymaker coming full speed ahead.

*POW*

Right in the kisser.

Johnny Karma: CHERRY!

Baum crumbles to the floor, slumping down into Karma’s arms as Goodrich’s jaw practically descends to his feet. The damage already done, Cannon stands still - slightly dumbfounded, not much of look of concern on his face more than a look of “Shit.”

Thinking quickly, Quinn gets in between Cannon and Karma, pushing him back out of camera view as the feed focuses on Cherry, Karma helplessly attending to her condition as a few backstage staff rush to the scene...

[FGA Office]

Fujiko Mine vs. Yun Goeun

A short electro-pop beat hits the arena, and the lights plunge to a deep purple The crowd cheers in response.

“MONEY!”

Shouts a feminine electronic voice, and a split second later the beat of “Money” by Lido drops. Fujiko leaps through the curtain as if propelled forward by a slingshot; 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. Blue, yellow, and pink lights dance around the arena. She takes a few steps to position herself on the ramp, and then poses cutely as a few fans throw blue and yellow streamers around her on the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, now residing out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Weighing in at 140 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, still smiling. Once she reaches ringside, Fujiko leaps onto the apron from the floor, balancing with one foot for a moment. She jumps from the apron to the top turnbuckle, and stabilizes herself a second before throwing her hands up in the air, and throwing her head back. Fans throw more blue & yellow streamers around her, which are quickly removed by ringside personnel. Fujiko points at the Ball & glove logo on her attire, then hops down. She then bounces on her heels, ready to start the match.

Kris Cruise: It wasn’t that long ago that Fujiko Mine was the talk of FGA. With her creativity and skill, Fujiko was able to achieve success and even win the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. But these last few months haven’t been too kind to Lady Luck. The former champion is looking to get back to her winning ways in 2016. But the competitive is as stiff as ever.

Stephy Auger: Yes it is. She also has to get past Yun Goeun. If you can remember back to their last encounter, there wasn’t a decisive winner. Tonight, Fujiko is looking to change that in this rematch.

"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. But her wide smile is now gone and the crowd isn’t going crazy for her like they usually would. Yun stops to look over the arena from the top of the ramp. She then begins to walk down the ramp. As Yun walks down the ramp, she pulls her arms away from some of the fans in the front row.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Seoul City, South Korea! Weighing in at 122 pounds! She is “Seoul City’s Baddest Female”... YUN GOEUN!

Yun reaches the ringside area as the chorus to "Clap Your Hands" begins to play. She paces back and forth in front of the ring for a second then rushes in sliding under the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: People have been talking about Izzy’s attitude as of late. But another young lady that has had an attitude adjustment is Yun Goeun.

Stephy Auger: Saying that Yun had an attitude adjustment is probably an understatement. She literally told the fans that they could go F themselves! The same fans that have supported her over and over again. I also heard the rumors that she fired her bodyguard, Joe Shamrock. But I see those were just more than rumors.

Kris Cruise: From what we’ve gathered, Joe had always been there for Yun through thick and thin. But I can’t say that I’m too surprised at the breakup of that partnership. Shamrock was less than thrilled about what Yun did to Maurice Graham at Final Frontier.

The bell sounds as Yun slowly circles the ring. She then heads over to Fujiko to lock up. But she stops at the last second and backs away.

Kris Cruise: Is Yun trying to play mind games with Fujiko?

Fujiko motions for Yun to bring it. But Yun looks less than enthused about engaging with Fujiko. The ref then heads over towards Yun and motions for her to get the match started. But Yun is clearly paying him no mind.

Stephy Auger: Why is she stalling? I know she said she didn’t care about this match. But she didn’t really mean that, right? Right?

Yun finally relents and makes her way out of the corner. She begins to circle the ring. Yun then inches over towards Fujiko. But again, she stops at the last second and walks away. Yun then slips through the ropes and exits to the floor. The crowd begins to boo as Yun takes her sweet time walking around the ring.

Kris Cruise: I don’t know what has gotten into Yun as of late. The old Yun would’ve been more than eager to mix it up with Fujiko.

Fujiko’s had enough to Yun’s stalling. So she slides to the outside, rounds the ringpost and runs up behind Yun. After she spins Yun around, Yun rakes her across the eyes, eliciting boos from the crowd. She then slams Fujiko face first onto the apron before shoving her back into the ring. After rolling herself back in, Yun returns to her feet and begins to stomp away at Fujiko. Yun reaches down, picks up Fujiko, marches into the corner and slams her face first into the top turnbuckle. She then turns Fujiko around and delivers a knife edge chop. But Fujiko grabs her tosses her into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops of her own. The crowd cheers as Yun’s getting a taste of her own medicine. She then takes Yun and goes for an irish whip. But Yun reverses, sending Fujiko into the corner. Yun then charges across the ring, but Fujiko nails her with an elbow to the face. She then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, hops off and delivers a flying hurricanrana. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Yun kicks out.

Fujiko picks up Yun and whips her into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, Yun slides through her legs. When Fujiko turns around, Yun runs over and nails her with a knee to the midsection. Yun then nails her with another knee… and another… and another. The crowd boos as she takes Fujiko and tosses her through the ropes and onto the apron. As Fujiko pulls herself up onto the apron, Yun runs into the corner and goes to knock her off with a springboard rebound dropkick. But Fujiko ducks the dropkick. After Yun returns to her feet, Fujiko knocks her down with a gamengiri. Fujiko then pulls herself back up before delivering a slingshot somersualt senton. She turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Yun gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Fujiko pins her with another lateral press. This time, she hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Yun grabs the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s looking pretty good so far, I must say.

Stephy Auger: Well she won’t be looking good for much longer if she keeps barking up Jimmy Page’s tree. Just what was she thinking? The road to proving herself goes through him? I’m not sure how smart that is. If she keeps testing fate, Lady Luck’s luck will run out.

Fujiko picks up Yun and goes for an irish whip. But Yun reverses, sending Fujiko into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, Yun sets up for a back body drop. But Fujiko hurdles over her before running into the far ropes. When Yun stands up and turns around, Fujiko brings her down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover. Yun gets back up, but Fujiko knocks her down with a dropkick. After Yun returns to her feet, Fujiko goes for another dropkick. But Yun side steps, swats her down and follows up with a punt kick to the ribs. While Fujiko curls up in pain, Yun slowly circles the ring.

As Fujiko gets up on one knee, Yun darts over and connects with a standing side kick to the face. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

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

Yun picks up Fujiko, snapmares her over and follows up with a dropkick to the back of the head. She makes the cover.

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

Yun picks up Fujiko and whips her into the corner. She then charges into the corner and nails Fujiko with doubles knees to the chest. After leading Fujiko out of the corner, Yun throws her down with a fireman’s carry and follows up with a standing moonsault. She hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Yun now starting to regain control on this countess. Yun is another grappler in FGA who has all the tools in the world to be a top champion.But for one reason or another, she’s never been able to consistently put it all together.

Stephy Auger: Well I know one thing. She’s putting one heck of a beating on Fujicakes.

Yun picks up Fujiko and whips her hard sternum-first into the corner. After Fujiko collides with the turnbuckles, she stumbles back. Yun then hooks her arms from behind and goes for a Tiger Suplex. But Fujiko reverses into a wheelbarrow victory roll. The crowd cheers...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Yun kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble to get back to their feet. But Yun gets up first and beats Fujiko to the punch with another knee to the midsection. She then grabs Fujiko from the side and throws her down with The Billboard Bust. The crowd boos as she pulls Fujiko over and makes the cover.

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

As Yun picks up Fujiko, Fujiko begins to nail her with rights and lefts to the midsection. But Yun stops the comeback with a knee lift that knocks her down. As Yun reaches down and slowly pulls up Fujiko, Fujiko begins to hit Yun with another series of punches to the midsection. This time, Yun knocks her down to one knee after a clubbing shot to the back of the neck. She then takes pulls Fujiko back up, delivers four forearm strikes and throws out a roundhouse kick. But Fujiko ducks and counters with a headstand calf kick to cheers from the crowd. While Yun is dazed, Fujiko grabs Yun and goes for an irish whip. Yun reverses and sends Fujiko into the ropes. Fujiko uses the momentum to go for a handspring Ace Crusher. But Yun turns and walks out of the way, causing Fujiko to land on her back. While Fujiko’s down, Yun heads over, rests her forearms on the ropes and smirks over the evasion.

Kris Cruise: Yun isn’t exactly endearing herself to this crowd with her antics.

Stephy Auger: She told the fans that they could go F themselves. Do you really think she cares about what they think anymore?

As Fujiko sits up, Yun heads over and begins nudging her on the back of her head with her boots. The crowd boos this blatantly display of disrespect. She then reaches down, picks up Fujiko and whips her into the corner. Yun changes across the ring. But Fujiko nails her with an elbow to the face, sending her stumbling back. Fujiko then steps through the ropes and climbs the turnbuckles. Yun then dives into the corner and tries to shove Fujiko’s legs out from under her. But Fujiko dives off. After rolling back up to her feet, Fujiko turns, runs into the corner and connects with a corner splash. After lifting Yun up onto the top turnbuckle, Fujiko climbs the ropes, hops onto Yu’s shoulders and delivers a top rope hurricanrana to cheers and applause from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off as Yun is sent down to the mat!

Stephy Auger: But does Fujiko have enough left to make the cover?

While both grapplers are down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!








TWO!








THREE!







FOUR!








FIVE!








SIX!


Yun slowly gets up in the middle of the ring while Fujiko pulls herself up using the ropes. When Yun turns around, Fujiko runs from out of the corner and brings her down with the Sling Blade. The crowd cheers she makes the cover.

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

Fujiko picks up Yun and whips her into the ropes. When Yun comes back, Fujiko sets up a back body drop. But Yun stops, lifts up Fujiko across her shoulder and then plants her with a Hurricane DDT. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Innovative DDT there by Yun. But it only gets two.

Stephy Auger: It may have only gotten a two count. But you can’t tell me that Fujiko’s bell is ringing right now.

Yun picks up Fujiko and whips her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, Yun knocks her down with a Lou Thesz Press. She then grabs Fujiko by the hair with both hands and repeatedly rams the back of her head against the canvas. While Fujiko is down, Yun slowly walks over and steps out onto the apron. Once Fujiko slowly turns over and then gets back to her feet, Yun goes for a springboard clothesline. But Fujiko counters with a jumping Complete Shot to cheers and applause from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: What a counter that was by Fujiko!

Stephy Auger: That was a pretty athletic move Fujiko just pulled off.

While Yun’s down, Fujiko starts to do the wave and the crowd joins in.

Stephy Auger: What’s she setting up for here?

Once Yun gets back to her feet, Fujiko runs into the ropes, springboards back and knocks her down with S.W.A.K. She then heads out onto the apron and springboards onto the top turnbuckle. When Yun returns to her feet, Fujiko begins to walk along the top rope before diving off and knocking her down with Yount’s 3000th Hit. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

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

Yun gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko with a count of two and a half there.

Stephy Auger: She’s coming in from all angles, Kris. Yun needs to do something because this match is getting away from her.

Fujiko picks up Yun and goes for an irish whip. But Yun reverses, sending Fujiko into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she turns Yun inside out with the 4-Play. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs, then boos as Yun gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: So close.

Stephy Auger: That was what, two and three quarters, Kris?

Kris Cruise: She barely to her shoulder up, I know that much. It looks like Fujiko’s about to put this one away...

Fujiko picks up Yun and whips her into the ropes. But instead of coming back, Yun hangs onto the ropes. She then drops to her back and rolls to the outside. After staggering around the ring, she heads towards the timekeeper's table. Back in the ring, Fujiko stands in the ring watching her. She’s debating whether to go after Yun. Fujiko decides to stay inside the ring, not wanting to fall into Yun’s trap like she did before. Yun grabs a water bottle off the table and sits down in a chair next to the table and splashes the water into her face.

Kris Cruise: She gets water breaks now?

ONE!

The referee starts his count.

Yun tosses the water bottle away and shakes out her hair a bit, leaning back in the chair.

TWO!

Yun just sits there looking up in the ring at the referee and Fujiko who both look a bit confused.

THREE!

Yun does not move. She mouths to the referee "I'm taking a break"

FOUR!

Fujiko has had enough and slides out of the ring. Before Yun can get back to her feet, Fujiko grabs her and yanks her back to her feet, dragging her over to the ring and throwing her back in. Yun gets back to her feet quickly as Fujiko slides back into the ring. As Fujiko gets back into the ring, Yun goes for the One Hit Wonder, but Fujiko ducks out of the way. When Yun returns to her feet, Fujiko goes for the S.W.A.K. But Yun rolls out of the way and the rolls out of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Yun’s hightailing it out of the ring again!

Yun shrugs and starts heading up the ramp, walking away from the ring.

ONE!

Yun is moving pretty fast and has already cleared half the ramp, as she turns back to the ring to wave to Fujiko who has now gotten back to her feet.

TWO!

Yun turns back around and starts to head back up the ramp.

THREE!

Fujiko asks the referee if he knows what Yun is doing as he just shrugs at her and continues to count.

FOUR!

As Yun gets to the stage she looks at the camera and smiles telling the camera "She's tired."

FIVE!

Without a second look back, Yun heads through the entryway and back into the backstage area, leaving Fujiko in the ring without an opponent.

SIX!

Fujiko stays alert incase Yun is playing some sort of game, half expecting Yun to come charging down the ramp hoping to take Fujiko off guard. It was not a tactic Yun would usually use, but was unsure if it was now because this was new for her also.

SEVEN!

Still no Yun.

EIGHT!

...


...

Again, still no Yun.

NINE!

...


......


.........

The referee holds the count as long as he can, just staring at the entry ramp before finishing.

TEN!

The referee calls for the ball.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner as a result of a Countout, FUJIKO MINE!

Fujiko gets her arm raised. But she pulls it away as she’s not pleased over winning by countout. Especially an intentional countout by Yun.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko picks up the win. But you can see she’s not happy. I can’t say I blame her.

Stephy Auger: Yun knew that match was slipping away from her. She knew she was seconds away from losing. So she did the smart thing and got lost. Was it honorable? No. But I don’t think this new Yun cares about honor.

Kris Cruise: In any case, Fujiko picks up the victory. It wasn’t decisive victory that she wanted. But I don’t think Fujiko’s going to let this stop her or her journey. The road to proving herself continues...

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Salem Cartier vs. Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine

Kris Cruise:: This is one I’ve been looking forward to all evening, Stephy. Two weeks ago both of these competitors emerged from Final Frontier victorious in their respective matches; Tony Carmine defended his Pride Title against Johnny Cannon in what could possibly be a Match of the Year contender for 2016.

Stephy Auger: And Salem Cartier defeated her rival, Camellia D. Magna. Now she has what could be the biggest match of her young FGA career against the Pride Champion.

Kris Cruise:: That’s right. So without further ado, we’ll hand it over to J.A. Aldridge in the ring…

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Laval, Quebec, Canada! Weighing in at 130 pounds! She is  “The Witch” SALEM CARTIER!

The funky drum beat and riff of 'Phenomena' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs fills the arena and the quirky yet energetic Salem Cartier appears at the entrance, tapping her foot and bopping her head to the beat...

"Hey!

Don't touch kid, sleep with the lights on.... Touch kid, how you surprise me...

Now roll kid, rock your body off!"

She raises both hands and motions for the fans to get hyped, then bops her way toward the ring in time with the song, popping her shoulders up and down, swaying her arms around with a coy smile and wink to the audience.

"You're something like a phenomena.... Something like an astronoma...

Now roll kid, rock your body off!"

She steps up the ring steps, throws her hood back, clutches the top rope and puts her feet on the bottom rope, gazing around and rocking up and down on the ropes...

“Something like a phenomena, baby.... You're gonna get your body off"

She slides through the ropes, twirls off her jacket with a flourish and drops to a knee in the center of the ring, extending her arms out and playing to the crowd as the music fades.

Kris Cruise:: She looks ready to go tonight.

Stephy Auger: Like I said, this is the biggest match that Salem Cartier has had so far here in FGA. A win over the Pride Champion could propel her up the rankings and maybe put her in line for a title shot.

Kris Cruise:: Maybe a win over Jimmy Page would help too, instead of two draws. But let’s not forget that Tony Carmine has defended that belt against Evangelista, Johnny Cannon, and Johnny Karma. He may not take kindly to the next challenger.

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

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, Tony Carmine comes with a microphone in hand. The Scandalous One in full ring gear looks down the ramp at Salem who's in the ring ready to go. The Pride Champion looks at the ladies by his side.

Sunshine Tony: Cut the music! See these hos all over me? Trust me honey, I got one for each and every one of your boos.

He holds his arms out as the booing gets louder. The women rub their arms all over Tony as he raises the mic.

Sunshine Tony: The Scandalous One will not stoop below to the levels of these FGA interiors by stepping in the ring with this garbage. This bitch calls herself a witch and couldn't mix a potion to make any of us give a damn if her life depended on it. You really think Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine wants to break a sweat embarrassing you before your career even gets off the ground? That doesn't benefit anyone involved now does it?

The crowd continues to boo as Tony snaps his fingers to make his women back off of him.

Sunshine Tony: Well say sexy sweet daddy Sunny Tony, if you didn't plan on wrestling why are you out here glistening and shining in your gear? Well sweetie I came for the photo opp. Things champions get paid for and people like Salem Cartier never get asked to do. I suggest you make yourself relevant and maybe JUUUST MAYBE we can do this again. Toodles!

Tony blows Salem a kiss from the stage before motioning for his music and leaving the stage.

Kris Cruise:: What was that?! Tony Carmine doesn’t want to face Salem?

Stephy Auger: He has some nerve = saying she isn’t relevant.

Meanwhile, inside the ring, the referee and the timekeeper are discussing what to do. The camera picks up the referee telling the timekeeper to start the match, and he’ll just start a count out.

Kris Cruise:: I’m guessing Salem wins by count out tonight then, unless Tony is going to surprise us all by reappearing.

Stephy Auger: This isn’t what these people want to see, Kris. They came to see a show.

But before the referee can start the match, Salem accosts him, and tells the official not to start the match. She can be heard saying that she doesn’t want a count out victory over Tony Carmine; if he wants to make excuses about how Salem isn’t fit to fight him, then she won’t take an easy win like this.

Kris Cruise:: Salem Cartier seems to be refusing to even start the match though.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the referee that this match has been ruled a NO CONTEST. And we apologize for the situation.

Stephy Auger: Tony Carmine not only robbing Salem of a match, but he’s robbing these fans of a match they all want to see.

Kris Cruise:: That’s our Pride Champion…

“Phenomena” starts up again as Salem leaves the ring; a disgruntled look on her face as she makes her way back up the aisle without getting the satisfaction of smacking Tony Carmine’s smug little face around the ring.