Vertigo (4.2.16)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

2300 Arena
Philadelphia, PA

“Same Old War” by Out Last Night hits the speakers as a light shines on the rampway, the crowd caught in between a mixture of cheers and boos for the former FGA World Champion. Zero McHannon shows up on the ramp with the smoke slowly forming around him, and with a hoodie covering his head as he turns around quickly with his arms extended to the rest of the arena. He stares at the audience from the top of the ramp as the mixed signals get louder, then he makes his way slowly down the ramp.

Zero stops short of the ring before sliding in and bouncing right up to his feet, then pulling the hood down from his head. He unzips his jacket and motions over the ropes for a microphone, in which a member of staff is happy to give him.

McHannon waits for the mixture of boos and cheers to die down before he raises the microphone to his lips, forcing a smile across his face.

Zero McHannon: That’s alright. That’s the welcoming that I expected from a crowd that loves their hometown hero, Cindy Parker. You’re not hurting my feelings, I’d expect the same ovation for her if this episode of Vertigo took place in Miami. Mostly because the people from Miami have a little more sense than the lot of you from this s***hole of a town.

The crowd goes into a frenzy as Zero looks sideways towards the audience. He holds up a hand to them as they all start to go a little more silent.

Zero McHannon: First, hear me out before you jump to the worst conclusion. I didn’t come out here so that you all could express your feelings, because none of that matters right now. This isn’t about how you guys feel about me. This isn’t about whether or not you’re going to support Cindy over me. It has absolutely nothing to do with you at all. This is between me and Cindy Parker. I’ve got a rightful rematch for the FGA World Championship and I want my damn match. But I’ve been talking about this rematch nonstop. To show Cindy Parker that when I step into this ring, I can beat her on any given night that I feel like it. When I’m not trying to give her a donation to the Salvation Army, that is. I’ve been talking about the rematch, but where is Cyn, besides to just talk smack behind my back when I’m not there to say something back, or say anything about us stepping back into the ring at the Gold Rush?

McHannon waits as he puts up a finger to his lips to keep the crowd silenced.

Zero McHannon: So let’s get Cindy Parker down here right now and settle this whole mess. I want to hear her say to my face that she’s going to give me the rematch that I deserve. I want her to walk her happy ass down that ramp, step into this ring, look me in the face, and say that I’m getting my shot to take that FGA World Championship back off her shoulder, because it should’ve never left mine to begin with. So enough of the child’s play, GET OUT HERE CINDY!!

The light forms on the ramp, but there’s no Cindy Parker walking out from the backstage area as the fans in the arena are trying their best to cheer her on. McHannon stands in the middle of the ring with a hand on his hip and patiently waits, but the waiting seems to be for nothing.

Zero McHannon: What’s wrong, Cindy? Should we give Cordy Stevenson a call so that she can hold your hand and walk you down to the ring? You can’t do this on your own? What do we have to do to get you to show yourself in front of your hometown crowd? Are you just going to leave them hanging?

He turns slightly to the fans and shrugs as they are trying to jeer over him talking into the microphone.

Zero McHannon: Cindy Parker, everyone. She has been given chance after chance to be the FGA champion that this company wants and needs, but what does she do with her opportunity? S**t’s it away. This is what YOU all wanted in a champion, and look where it has gotten you now. So last chance, Cindy… bring your ass out here before I come back there and drag your ass out here by your hair and make you say that I’m getting my rematch.

The light shines back to the rampway once again, but still no Cindy Parker as Zero McHannon looks like he’s getting a bit impatient. Zero bites his lip and shakes his head.

Zero McHannon: Looks like you want to do this hard way then. When I embarrass you in front of your city, you’ve only got yourself to blame.

McHannon drops the microphone, drops to his back, and rolls out of the ring. The hometown of Philly is showing Zero their disgust as he ignores them and starts to make his way up the ramp to retrieve Cindy from the backstage area. Then out of nowhere, a golf cart comes zooming down the rampway, aiming right as Zero as he dives into the fans just in time to avoid taking a hit. The golf cart stops inches away from the ring as Cindy Parker is seen stepping out of the driver seat and grabbing the microphone from the ring that he dropped only moments ago, the FGA World Championship gleaming from the passenger seat of the golf cart.

Cyncity: Did you really, really, think I was gonna miss a show in the place that I call home?

The Philadelphia crowd explodes as Cyncity walks back toward her golf cart and takes a seat inside of it. Zero, on the other hand, was already lost amongst the sea of fans, looking as if he were ready to throw down with the Philadelphia faithful.

Cyncity:[/b] Really sickens me to see what you’ve become, Zero. Really grinds my gears knowing that you willingly threw away a friendship just so that you could save face. Just so you could keep the spotlight on yourself.

The picture turns into a split screen of Cyncity sitting in her golf cart and Zero McHannon in the crowd.

Cyncity: And you know what? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this piece of poop human being you’ve become? It’s nothing new. You’ve always been a sneaky one, Zero. A shadester! A conniver! But there was a difference! See, back then…

The FGA World champion shrugs.

Cyncity: ...those nasty, dirty little schemes of yours were actually created to benefit others. There was once upon a time where you genuinely cared about these fan and all the boys in the back, but these days? It’s totally different. You’ve become what you hate, Zero. A self-centered, maniacal, egotistical, good for nothing prick!

The crowd gasps after hearing Cyn say something close to a curse word. Zero’s even shocked as he continues to stare on from the crowd.

Cyncity:[/b] Trust me when I tell you, Zero… I know I haven’t been acting like myself. Heck, I don’t even feel like myself right now. The happiest time of my life. The dream come true... turned into a nothing more than nightmare… and now it’s time for me to wake up.

Cyn stands up out of her golf cart, grabs the FGA World championship out from the passenger side seat, and makes her way onto the apron. She climbs up to the middle turnbuckle, holds the FGA World championship up high in the air, and pulls the microphone to her chin.

Cyncity: You want your stinkin’ rematch, Zero?! YOU GOT IT! At Gold Rush, I’m gonna show you that me beating you at Canadian Stampede wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t an act of kindness on your part. It was me simply BEATING you and proving that I AM the best this company has to offer right now, and you are nothing… NOTHING but a one hit wonder!

Cyncity drops her microphone as “Dam Dadi Do” fills the arena speakers, the crowd inside the building showing their hometown girl all the love and respect in the world. Zero on the other hand appears livid.

Kris Cruise: Well it’s official! Cyncity will be defending the FGA World championship against Zero McHannon at Gold Rush!

Stephy Auger: Biggest mistake she ever made. Never thought I’d see the day where someone scheduled the date for the end of their title reign.

Kris Cruise: It’s astonishing to me that you’re already counting Cyncity out. She’s the FGA World champion! First female to hold that title.

Stephy Auger: And she’s only that because Zero let it happen.

If looks could kill, Zero and Cyncity would be six feet under. Cyn holds the FGA World championship high over her head as Zero smugly smirks, spins around, and gets away from the sea of fans.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Backstage in the locker room is Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine performing his pre match rituals.

Sunshine Tony: Mirror mirror on the wall. Who’s the sexiest, baddest and most ‘dangerous future hall of famer of them all?

As Tony blows kisses to himself, he’s interrupted by The Last Real Man in FGA.

Johnny Cannon: You know, I hear too much vanity can be a bad thing. But I’m also pushing forty, so I’ve been hearing a lot of things these days. Old folk problems I suppose. Too many sleepless nights, bar fights, and such.

The British Mamba stands beside Carmine, rambling apparent nothings as Sunshine continues to admire his appearance.

Johnny Cannon: Then there’s those summers I spent in Venice, chasing after whatever vibe I could get, breaking up homes and what not. There was this one particular woman that I came across on my travels. She was something else. She truly knew how to treat a man. I’m talking the whole nine yards. Sipping wine on the beach as we watched the sunset, then we’d make love passionately, hours flying by as her husband wondered where’d she been all night.

Carmine shoots Cannon a side eye, as the Brit keeps on going.

Johnny Cannon: And then there was this thing, this trick that she could do with her tongue that would make any man -

Finally, Tony interrupts him.

Sunshine Tony: Ok ok I get it. The Seventies were a great decade. Trust me it’s when all my favorite movies and music were made. But…

Tony turns around cracking his knuckles.

Sunshine Tony: Tonight's the night. It’s the night Johnny Karma finally gets put to rest. I’m sick of this little rascal and worst of all HE HAS MY BELT! And...wait. Where’s Diamond?

Cannon shrugs a shoulder at the question.

Johnny Cannon: Honestly, I don’t even know. He said he got pretty banged up in that Tag Match. Or I think he said he pulled his hammy messing around with that waitress after we left Waffle House. I don’t recall. I’ve had a little much to drink since then.

Tony shakes his head, as Cannon removes his shades.

Johnny Cannon: That just means we’ll have to clock in a little overtime while the bastards indisposed. No biggie. We’ll just be an army of two in the meantime. The two of us combined have more than enough firepower to light this place up like the fourth of July.

The Scandalous One laughs.

Sunshine Tony: Well duhhh! If the poor thing isn’t ready by the time Gold Rush comes around, we’ll just do without him. One thing’s for sure: we’re cleaning house. Then after that, hey it’s the best man wins, sweetie. Just saying...you’re ‘O’ for two.

Tony winks.

Sunshine Tony: But that’s not important right now. What’s important is making sure we make a statement out there. From the ones we know who’ll be in? Piece of friggin’ cake. But it’s those damn curveballs. Last year it was Zero. This year we need to be ready for whoever.

Taking a comb to his hair, Tony turns back to the mirror.

Sunshine Tony: And whooooo’s gonna be the three time Pride champ? You are! Oh yes you arrrreee!

Cannon tucks his glasses on the collar of his track jacket, pondering for a second.

Johnny Cannon: I’m not even worried about Gold Rush. I was born ready. I’ve had the date penciled on my calendar for months, hell, I would’ve been in last year’s but the numbers weren’t right. FGA was playing hardball. So I sat out for a more lucrative deal.

Cannon says matter of factly.

Johnny Cannon: A calculated risk, but it seems like it’ll pay off. This year’s field doesn’t scare me one bit. Just a bunch of nobodies, and the usual suspects who will hype this up as their big opportunity to be something - just to fail like they always do - you know Fujiko Mine, Noelle, all the other losers.

Tony nods.

Johnny Cannon: And I don’t care what has-been walks through that door, or whoever else has chosen to come over here hoping to reignite their stagnant careers. We’ll embarrass them. Send them packing. Mop the floor with them until it’s just the two of us dancing under the lights . And then, well, as you so eloquently pointed out, I’ll have to put a point up on the scoreboard. I owe you after all. Hehe.

The Scandalous One smiles.

Sunshine Tony: Sound strategy, comrade. Sidebar, speaking of Zero. Let’s save the doll an extra something special shall we? Sick of how he’s been disrespecting Cindy lately. We’re going to teach his ass a lesson in chivalry my fellow King. But first...tonight...I know you want Karma’s head just as badly as I do for different and many of the same reasons. But I need to break him out there. I need to be the one who squashes this cockroach.

Rubbing his chin, Tony wags his finger.

Sunshine Tony: However, after the bell rings he’s fair game.

Tony winks. Cannon grins devilishly at the notion.

Johnny Cannon: I have no problem with that. Tonight’s your night after all. Hell, I must just mail it in early tonight with what’s his name, so I can get a good seat for the show. It’s about time we finished Karma off once and for all anyway. Back in Cannon household my mum used to say she hated two types of people: liars and thieves, because a liar will steal and a thief will lie. And that hypocritical kleptomaniac stole your belt, and he’s stolen too many of my opportunities.

Cannon stresses, gritting his teeth at the thought of it all.

Johnny Cannon: So tonight, empty the whole canister of Raid on that wanker.

Cannon says, tapping Sunshine on the shoulder.

Sunshine Tony: Sho’ ya right honey! Now I think we both have meals prepared. Let’s eat like kings tonight.

Cannon throws the shades back on, smiling as he shoots Tony a passing remark.

Johnny Cannon: The New Kings of FGA.

And with that, the Brit leaves Carmine to his devices, as Sunshine looks back in the mirror, just talking to himself.

Sunshine Tony: New Kings… New Kings… New Kings...but he’s so old...hmph still has a ring to it.

[FGA Office]

The Blood Brothers vs. Team Nox

“I am Home” by Massive Attack begins to play as “The Hubristic Fox” Zorro del Castillo burst through the back. He lets out a roar to the crowd as he beats his chest rapidly, instantly causing them to boo. “I Am Home” then transitions into “Seven Light Years” as Stoney Stone leisurely, yet purposefully, makes his way from behind the curtain

J.A. Aldridge: The following is your opening contest and it is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Troy dawes! Weighing in at a total combined weight of 635 pounds! They are the team of Stoney Stone and Zorro del Castillo… TEAM NOX!

Stone takes the stairs before climbing over the top rope and entering the ring. Raising a fist into the air, he heads to his corner.

'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.

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.

The lights in the arena slowly dim to a subdued level. Smoke starts erupting from the entranceway. After a few moments, drums begin to beat out an intro. Then:

I AIN'T LIKE YOU

On the word "you", bright lights snap up on the entranceway, as GRENDEL emerges through the cloud. He stops at the top of the ramp as he surveys the ring and the crowd before him.

AND I DON'T WANT YOUR LOVE

AND I DON'T NEED YOUR RESPECT,

I JUST CAN'T HATE ENOUGH,

BUT I GOT NO TEARS OR REGRETS

He sets off down the ramp, ignoring the boos and jeers of the crowd, occasionally responding with a snarl, or a threatened backhand.

I WILL NEVER LIVE LIKE YOU,

AND YOU WILL NEVER WALK THE PATH I DO,

I WILL NEVER BE LIKE YOU,

AND NEVER BE A PART OF YOUR SOCIETY OF LIARS AND FOOLS

He approaches the ring, and climbs the apron, before stepping over the top rope, pushing it down slightly to do so. In the ring, he stops once more, and surveys the scene before him.

I WILL NEVER LIVE LIKE YOU,

AND I WILL NEVER WALK THE PATH YOU DO,

I AM YOUR WASTED YOUTH SO,

FUCK YOU AND YOUR SOCIETY TOO 'CAUSE,

MY KIND JUST AIN'T LIKE YOU!

GRENDEL stands in the centre of the ring, and slowly raises his hands out besides him, looking down at the mat.

I'M A KING OF NOTHING,

'CAUSE NOTHING'S WHAT I AM AND NOWHERE'S WHERE I'LL BE,

BUT I'D RATHER BE A KING OF NOTHING THAN A SERVANT IN A SICK SOCIETY,

'CAUSE PRETTY LITTLE CHILDREN PLAYING PRETTY LITTLE GAMES IN THEIR PRETTY LITTLE WORLD IS ALL I'VE EVER SEEN

YOU'VE NEVER FELT MY PAIN,

AND I JUST GOT TO SAY TO YOUR FACE

GRENDEL's head snaps up.

I AIN'T LIKE YOU

GRENDEL stands, in the centre of the ring, waiting, the hate palpable as it emanates from him.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of 537 pounds! They are the team of Aries Reed and GRENDEL… THE BLOOD BROTHERS!

Kris Cruise: We’re kicking things of with tag team action as Team Nox take on The Blood Brothers. Of course, The Blood Brothers were the latest team to be announced for the upcoming Dynamic Duos tournament this afternoon. But there’s been no word on Team Nox’s participation.

Stephy Auger: Why would they be announced? Those two can’t even stay on the same page! If they’re not in sync tonight, Aries Reed and GRENDEL are going to make short work of them.

The match starts with Zorro and Aries circling the ring. They then motion for a lock up. But Zorro ducks. When Aries turns around, Zorro pops him with a cross before stepping back. Aries moves his jaw around and then touches it before circling the ring. They then motion for another lock up. But again, Zorro ducks. When Aries turns around, Zorro nails him with a shotei.

Kris Cruise: Zorro with another strike.

Stephy Auger: He may think he’s being cute. But all he’s doing is drawing the ire of Aries Reed.

Aries can be seen getting more and more agitated. The two men then circle the ring before motioning for another lock up. But again, Zorro ducks. When Aries turns around, Zorro throws out a left cross. But Aries ducks. Zorro then goes for a right cross. But Aries ducks. When Aries stands up, Zorry catches him with a throat thrust. He then nails him with right and lefts shoteis before dropping him with a spinning backfist. Zorro then mounts on top of Aries and nails him with hammerfists before transitioning into a lateral press.

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

Zorro picks up Aries and whips him into the ropes. When Aries comes back, Zorro goes for a spinning clothesline. But Aries ducks. Both men run into opposite sets of ropes. When they come back, Zorro knocks him down with a crossbody.

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

Kris Cruise: Zorro’s gotten the better of Aries thus far. Maybe Aries’ head isn’t totally in this match. Though how could you blame him after the events from two weeks ago with Nero.

Zorro picks up Aries and places him in a side headlock. But Aries is able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock. Zorro then reaches back, grabs Aries and brings him down with a jumping snapmare. As Aries gets up, Zorro runs into the ropes. When Aries comes back, he connects with a front dropkick to the thigh, which sends Zorro flipping down to the canvas. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
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Zorro kicks out.

Aries picks up Zorro and wrenches his arm. Zorro then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and brings him down with a leg scissors takeover. As Aries gets up, Zorro takes off into the ropes. When he comes back, Aries knocks him down with a flying calf kick. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zorro kicks out.

Stephy Auger: That one stopped him dead in his tracks.

Aries picks up Zorro, wrenches his arm and drags him over towards the corner. As Zorro tags in GRENDEL, Zorro’s able to yank back and free himself.

Kris Cruise: And here comes the big man GRENDEL. We’ve seen what the man has done in ExPro and SSWA. Now he’s bringing his special brand of destruction to FGA.

GRENDEL slowly steps over the top rope and begins to stalk Zorro around the ring. Zorro tries to keep his distance. But he inadvertently gets himself caught in the corner. Zorro then motions to his left. But GRENDEL cuts him off. Zorro then goes to his right. But again, GRENDEL cuts him off. As GRENDEL marches into the corner, Zorro slingshots out onto the apron and nails him with three shoulder thrusts through the ropes. He then sunset flips over the top rope and tries his hardest to bring GRENDEL down. But the big man doesn’t even budge. Zorro can be seen kicking his feet as he tries to pull GRENDEL down to the canvas. But again, GRENDEL will not budge. He then lunges down, grabs Zorro by the throat and yanks him back to his feet. Zorro then repeatedly nails GRENDEL with hammerfists to the wrist, breaking the hold. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Zorro comes back, GRENDEL latches onto his face with a clawhold.

Kris Cruise: GRENDEL’s got Zorro caught in that vice-like grip of his!

The ref asks Zorro if he wants to give up. When Zorro refuses, GRENDEL throws him down with a clawhold STO. He makes the cover.

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

GRENDEL picks up Zorro and whips him into the ropes. When Zorro comes back, GRENDEL throws out a clothesline. But Zorro ducks and runs into the opposite ropes. When Zorro comes back, GRENDEL catches him by the throat, lifts him up with one arm and throws him down with a chokeslam. He drops down and makes the cover.

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

Stephy Auger: GRENDEL just threw Zorro down withe ease with that chokeslam!

GRENDEL goes over and tags Aries back in. Once Aries gets in, The Blood Brothers take Zorro and whip him into the ropes. When Zorro comes back, The Blood Brothers deliver a double thrust spinebuster. Aries makes the cover.

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


Kris Cruise: Zorro may have had the advantage early. But that seems like ages ago. He needs to make the tag to Stoney Stone.

Stephy Auger: But will he? Will he ice Stone out?

Aries picks up Zorro and whips him into the ropes. When Zorro comes back, Aries delivers The First Amendment. He makes the cover.

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

Aries goes over and tags GRENDEL back in. As GRENDEL gets in, Aries picks up Zorro, whips him into the corner and connects with a body avalanche. He then takes Zorro and whips him over towards GRENDEL, who knocks him down with a big boot

Stephy Auger: Blood Express!

He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
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Zorro gets his shoulder up.

GRENDEL picks up Zorro and whips him into the ropes. When Zorro comes back, he goes for a crossbody block. But GRENDEL catches him in mid air.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good...

GRENDEL walks across the ring as he lifts Zorro over his head. He then delivers military presses with Zorro as he looks directly as Stoney Stone. GRENDEL then careless lets Zorro fall behind him with a military press drop. Stoney can be seen motioning for GRENDEL to come at him.

Stephy Auger: GRENDEL with a loud and clear message to the big man.

While Zorro gets up in all fours, GRENDEL heads over and flattens him with an elbow drop to the back. He then turns over Zorro and makes the cover.

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

GRENDEL goes over and tags Aries back in. Aries gets in, picks up Zorro and whips him hard into the corner. As Zorro staggers out of the corner, Aries lifts him up for a Death Valley Driver. But Zorro repeatedly elbows him against the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, he hits Aries with a German Suplex.

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

ONE!





TWO!






THREE!






FOUR!








FIVE!

After both men get to their feet, Zorro runs over and tries to leapfrog over Aries. But Aries catches him in mid air. He then turns, runs forward and drives him back-first into the corner. After stepping back, Aries runs back into the corner. But Zorro hoists himself up onto the middle ropes, kicks him square in the face and follows up with a tornado DDT. After getting up on all fours, Zorro rolls forward, dives over and tags in Stone.

Kris Cruise: Stone’s in!

The crowd cheers as Stone steps over the top rope and gets in the ring. Aries gets up, but Stone knocks him down with a right hand. Aries gets back up, but Stone knocks him down with another right hand. As Aries gets back up, Stone kicks him before whipping him into the ropes. When Aries comes back, Stone throws out a clothesline. But Aries ducks and runs into the ropes. When Aries comes back, he goes for a crossbody block. But Stone catches him in mid air, hoists him up across his shoulder and delivers a samoan drop. He makes the cover.

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

Stone picks up Aries and whips him into the ropes. When Aries comes back, Stone lifts him up and delivers a military press into a spinebuster.

Kris Cruise: Stonewalled!

Stone sets back into the corner and waves up Aries. Once Aries gets up and turns around, Stone comes from out of the corner and turns him inside out with a bicycle kick.

Kris Cruise: Kick Rocks!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Aries gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: We saw GRENDEL tossing around Zorro before. Now we’re seeing the raw power of Stone in action.

Stone picks up Aries and whips him into the ropes, where GRENDEL makes the blind tag. When Aries comes back, he slides through Stone’s legs. When Stone turns around, Aries points behind him. When Stone turns back around, he’s face to face with GRENDEL.

Kris Cruise: Here we go!

Stephy Auger: Both men stand 6’10”! Both men well over 300 pounds!

The two big men stare each other down while the crowd is at a fever pitch. The two continue to stare each other down until GRENDEL nails him with a right hand. Stone then responds with a right hand of his own.

GRENDEL nails Stone with a right hand.

Crowd: BOO!

Stone responds with a right hand of his own.

Crowd: YES!

GRENDEL nails him with another right hand.

Crowd: BOO!

Stone comes back with another right hand of his own.

Crowd: YES!

GRENDEL nails him with another right hand.

Crowd: BOO!

Stone comes back with another right hand of his own.

Crowd: YES!

GRENDEL nails him with another right hand.

Crowd: BOO!

Stone comes back with another right hand of his own.

Crowd: YES!

GRENDEL nails him with another right hand.

Crowd: BOO!

Stone comes back with another right hand of his own.

Crowd: YES!

Stone then nails GRENDEL with another right hand… and another… and another… and another… and another. He then reaches out and grabs GRENDEL by the throat.

Kris Cruise: Are we about to see a chokeslam?

Aries runs over to Stone. But Stone reaches out with his right hand and catches Aries by the throat.

Kris Cruise: Are we about to see TWO chokeslams?!

Stone shoves Aries down to the canvas. He then turns his attention back to GRENDEL. GRENDEL can be seen cringing as Stone has his hand firmly clasped onto his throat. GRENDEL lets out a loud groan as he reaches out with his left hand and grabs Stone by the throat. The two men try to outmuscle each other.

Stephy Auger: Something’s got to give, Kris!

Stone reaches out with his right hand and pulls GRENDEL’s hand off of his throat… but GRENDEL latches back on.

Stephy Auger: GRENDEL won’t back down!

Stone pulls GRENDEL’s hand off his throat… but GRENDEL latches back on.

Stephy Auger: He won’t be denied!

Stone lets go of the choke and pulls GRENDEL’s hand off of him with both of his hands…. But GRENDEL latches back on, lifts up Stone and throws him down with a chokeslam to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: I think I just saw the ring shake!

Zorro runs across the ring towards Zorro. But GRENDEL catches Zorro by the throat with both hands and hoists him into the turnbuckles with an overhead choke suplex

Stephy Auger: Whiskey Jack

As Stone turns over on all fours and tries to shake out the cobwebs, GRENDEL marches over, pulls him up to his feet and then lifts him up for a powerbomb. Aries then gets in, runs over and the two deliver a powerbomb/double knee backbreaker combo.

Stephy Auger: The Blackest Sun! That’s all she wrote, Kris!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, THE BLOOD BROTHERS!

After the match, The Blood Brother continue their assault on Stone.

Kris Cruise: What are they doing?! They won the match!

Stephy Auger: Clearly they aren’t satisfied with just the win.

While Stone continue to get doubled teamed, Zorro looks back at the ring. But instead of rushing back in to help his partner, he turns his back and walks up the aisle.

Kris Cruise: What is Zorro doing?!

Stephy Auger: He’s leaving Stone high and dry, what do you think he’s doing?!

The Blood Brothers take Stone and sit him down on the top turnbuckle. After Aries climbs up onto the top rope and grabs Stone, GRENDEL stands underneath Aries and grabs his legs. The Blood Brothers then deliver the Tower of Hate (powerbomb/superplex combo). The crowd boos as Stone has been left a broken mess.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Starting April 30

[FGA Office]

Ruby Tyler vs. Camellia D. Magna

As "The Bitch Came Back" begins to play, Cami steps onto the ramp, gazing out over the crowd. Pausing for only a moment, she slowly makes her way down the ramp avoiding eye contact.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Charlotte, North Carolina, CAMELLIA D. MAGNA!

When about halfway down the ramp, she takes off running, sliding into the ring under the bottom rope. After entering the ring, she moves to one corner, waiting patiently for the match to start.

Kris Cruise: A tough loss against Zero McHannon a few weeks ago, and now Cami Magna is set for action against one half of the infamous RubyWay, Ruby Tyler.

Stephy Auger: Not Hardaway, as someone incorrectly labelled her earlier in the week. Later on tonight we’ll see their partners – if that’s what we can call Ruby and Hardaway?

Kris Cruise: I think it’s more complicated than that. But later on we’ll see Yun Goeun take on Kevin Hardaway as these two alliances try to get one over on each other.

The lights dim just before “Heavy” by The Glorious Sons starts playing throughout the arena.

Come heavy or don't come at all,
You leave your piece at home that's your call,
It never paid to be merciful,
Come heavy or don't come at all

The lights come up as the music rises and Ruby Tyler bursts through the curtain, running down the ramp and high-fiving fans along the way.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Barstow, California, RUBY TYLER!

Come heavy or don't come at all,
Been here before and watched a better man fall
I smell the fear on you boy
Come heavy or don't come at all

Tossing her jacket aside, Ruby turns to face the crowd and pumps her fist in the air before sliding underneath the bottom rope, grinning as she heads to her corner and climbs the turnbuckle, her head bobbing as the chorus plays out. Once the music fades, she hops down and turns, waiting for the match to start.

Kris Cruise: And following her tough loss against Annie Zellor on the last show – with the assist from Yun Goeun – Ruby Tyler will surely be looking to restart her winning ways here in FGA.

Stephy Auger: Yun really stuck it to her on the last show, and we know Ruby was pissed after that match. Now she has a chance to gain a measure of revenge, if she can get past Cami Magna.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring; the fans here in Philadelphia are already cheering for Ruby Tyler, much to the chagrin of her opponent, as Cami tells them all to shut the hell up. Ruby rushes in to try and catch her from behind, but Cami turns back around in time and ducks under the attack. She fires off a couple of chops to the chest, forcing Ruby back against the ropes.

Stephy Auger: You’ll have to try harder than that, Ruby.

Magna goes for the Irish whip, sending Ruby against the ropes before Tyler gets hit by a back elbow. It’s enough to knock her down to the mat as Cami drives an elbow down across the sternum of her opponent, and she goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Ruby kicks out.

Cami sits her opponent up and delivers several soccer kicks to the spine of Ruby Tyler, before she runs against the ropes. Cami comes back with a flipping neckbreaker, sending Ruby’s head snapping forward before she falls back. And Magna stands over her opponent, taunting The Huntress as the crowd continues to boo.

Kris Cruise: Cami starting off as the aggressor here; we can’t forget that her and Yun started the tension that has been building here when they attacked Kevin Hardaway after a match last month.

Stephy Auger: And nobody can hurt him except for Ruby Tyler, or so she claims. We’ll find out how true that is when he takes on Yun later.

Ruby is dragged back to her feet, and subsequently sent towards the corner with an Irish whip. Cami follows her in with a running clothesline, followed by a rolling snapmare out. Ruby is left sitting on the mat as Cami pops up and runs against the ropes, coming back with a basement clothesline. She gets right back up and performs a standing moonsault for the pin attempt.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ruby kicks out.

Magna looks at the referee with disdain as she questions the count speed, but he maintains it was only a two count. Undeterred, Cami drags her opponent back up again before she throws Ruby throat first across the middle rope. With a knee placed across the back of the neck, Cami proceeds to choke out her opponent as the referee begins a five count to force a break. It’s released at four before Cami runs across the ring, coming back with a leapfrog body guillotine – NO!

Kris Cruise: Ruby getting out of harm’s way, and Cami lands awkwardly in the ropes.

As Magna untangles herself from that mess, Tyler has managed to find a way back to her feet. She shoots off a couple of European uppercuts, rocking Cami where she stands. An Irish whip sends Cami across the ring – NO! She reverses it, feinting into a knee lift to the midsection. Magna hooks her opponent for a suplex, lifting her up high before Ruby drops down the back and lands on her feet. Magna spins around with crescent kick, but Ruby ducks under it and runs against the ropes, coming back with a slingblade! The back of Cami’s head slamming against the mat as both competitors are momentarily down.

It’s Ruby who stirs first, moving towards the ropes as she gets up. Cami pushes herself back to a vertical base in the center of the ring as Ruby approaches, firing off some chops to the chest before an Irish whip sends Cami towards the corner. Tyler charges in after her with a leg lariat, but she’s quickly back up as Ruby Tyler unloads with a combination of chops and punches.

Stephy Auger: We saw her do this to Annie on the last show, and I know Cami is feeling all of these shots.

Finally, Ruby relents and switches her attack to a northern lights suplex, with a bridge.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cami kicks out.

Magna grabs hold of the ropes, using them to pick herself up as Ruby charges in with a clothesline, sending Cami tumbling all the way to the outside. Tyler moves towards the center of the ring as the crowd continue chanting her name; she’s biding her time, however, waiting for Cami to appear over the top of the apron. As she does so, Ruby hits the ropes and performs a baseball slide!

Cami flies across the way, crashing into the guard rail with a thud as Ruby rolls to the outside. She stomps at Cami as the redhead tries to cover up. Ruby lifts her opponent back to her feet, slamming Cami head first into the ring apron before moving towards the ring steps.

Kris Cruise: What does Ruby Tyler have in store here?

She points towards the steel steps and slams Cami’s head down – NO! Cami puts a boot up to block it before she rakes the eyes of her opponent! The crowd boo as Ruby is temporarily blinded, but the opportunity is just what Cami needs to slam Ruby Tyler face first against the steel steps. Tyler staggers away, only to get rolled back into the ring. Cami follows her in and goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO
.
.
Ruby kicks out!

Stephy Auger: A near fall there, and Ruby could be in trouble here, Kris. Cami has her exactly where she wants her.

Magna lifts her opponent back to her feet again as she sends Ruby against the ropes with an Irish whip. Cami lowers her head for the back body drop, but Ruby has it scouted. She counters with a boot to the face, sending Cami into an upright position with arms flailing. Tyler staggers back a step before charging in, ducking under the clothesline attempt before she springboards off the ropes with a roundhouse kick!

Through sheer force of will, Ruby gets back to her feet as Cami manages to pusher herself up to a kneeling position. Tyler runs in with a hurricanrana attempt, keeping hold of the legs as she makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Cami kicks out!

Stephy Auger: She’s got some fight left in her, Kris.

Ruby is slow back to her feet, but she still manages to beat Cami to a vertical base before the two of them collide in the center of the ring. Ruby shoots off some forearm shots before Cami manages to block one, countering with a knee lift to the midsection. Magna fires off some knees to the torso, keeping Ruby doubled over as she goes against the ropes for momentum. Cami goes for the scissor kick, but she misses! The crowd cheer as Ruby moves out of the way, coming back with a roundhouse kick! With enough force behind it to cause Camellia to spin around on the spot, before Ruby picks the perfect moment to hit a falling double knee jawbreaker!

Kris Cruise: The Crimson Kiss connects! This could be it!

Ruby hooks the leg.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, RUBY TYLER!

The referee helps Ruby Tyler back to her feet before he raises her arm in victory, and the crowd continue cheering.

Kris Cruise: A hard fought victory for Ruby Tyler, and score one for RubyWay tonight, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Camellia D. Magna brought it, but it just wasn’t enough to beat Ruby Tyler tonight, Hopefully Yun will have better luck later tonight against Kevin Hardaway.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

In 1849, California Gold Rush era....

Treasure seekers the world over streamed to California looking for a quick fortune. 

Just over 150 years later, Frontier Grappling Arts witnessed the event again. 

This time, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Over 20 FGA grapplers will meet up in the ring for one night only. 

It's a shot at glory. 

It's a shot at gold. 

There can only be one.

Saturday, April 16, 2016.

Who will be the last grappler standing?

[FGA Office]

Noelle Smith vs. Sara Cochran

"Classic" by MKTO hits, and the top of the ramp fills with smoke. Sara Cochran bursts through the curtain, and emerges from the smoke to a tepid reaction from the FGA faithful.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Bellevue, Washington, this is Sara Cochran!

Kris Cruise: Sara Cochran is an interesting one, on first glance she seems to possess many of the same characteristics of FGA competitors who have become fan favorites. But, there seems to be something about her that's not quite resonating, whether it's a sense of entitlement, or her energy is just too much for people.

Stephy Auger: I don't know about all that, but what I do know is she's got this weird freaky obsession with being entered into the Gold Rush Rumble. Which is good to a degree, every competitor should be goal oriented. I just think it's a bit offputting the way it's consumed her, and she had better focus on Noelle Smith first and foremost, or that smile is going to get wiped off her face.

She bounces on the balls of her feet with a smile on her face before sprinting down the ramp to get a head of steam, then leaping into the ring between the bottom and middle ropes, doing a lucha roll up to one knee as she takes the center of the ring. That draws a small pop with a tiny smattering of boos mixed in, and she pops to her feet. Heading to her corner, she climbs up to the second turnbuckle, and blows a kiss towards the stands before hopping off. As her music starts to fade out, she calls for an extra mic, which gets handed off to her by J.A. Alridge. She takes the center of the ring, beaming widely.

Kris Cruise: Well, apparently she has something to say, and we're going to have to wait a bit for Noelle Smith's entrance.

Holding the mic up to her lips, Sara bellows out.

Sara Cochran: Heelllooooo Philadizzle!!! Who's ready for some wrestling!? What what!

Ignoring the lack of a response she gets, she continues.

Sara Cochran: I know, I'm as pumped up and jacked as the rest of you, I've just got a few things to say before my match! And don't worry, I'm not here to talk about saving the otters, I think everyone knows how important that is by now!

She giggles lightly.

Stephy Auger: I think they are all ready for some wrestling, which is why they're waiting for this goof to get off the mic.

Sara Cochran: First off, and this isn't a big deal, but I just had to get this off my chest ... Noelle, I read your blog, and it's Sara with no "h" at the end. I'm sure autocorrect just got the best of you there, and I'm not going to judge you for that mistake. Buuuuttt since in some cases that could be taken as being disrespectful, I think that means we're at least even now for miscommunications and little "oopsies" that might get taken out of context. So I say that means we can start with a clean slate, and have a good clean, tear the house down wrestling match! And what a match it should be!

The notoriously harsh Philly crowd is starting to grow restless, and let her know it by now.

Sara Cochran: Especially to have it right here in a great wrestling city like Philly, where the energy is just palpable! It's that kind of energy that I think all of us as performers feed off of, and that make me think back to when I was younger. I remember one of the first shows I ever went to with my Gramps, it was just the most magical, incredible thing. The action, the larger than life performers, the energy at the arena. It just sucked me in, and filled me with this sense of wonder. I think my Gramps could sense it too, he could see it in my eyes. Because he sat me on his lap, and he --

A loud chant of "SHUT THE FUCK UP" breaks out accompanied by rhythmic clapping. Cochran's eye twitches, but she smiles, tries to keep her composure and simply starts to speak louder into the mic.

Sara Cochran: -- AND HE SAID TO ME! "Whatcha thinking, kiddo?" And I looked straight up into the eyes of Grandpa Cochran, those old wise eyes that had seen so much over the years. Enough to where I believe, he rest his soul --

She points to the sky and sniffles, the crowd unmoved by her display.

Sara Cochran: -- where I believe he knew that I meant this more than I had ever meant anything in my young life up to that point. As I looked at him, I pointed to the ring, then looked straight back at him. And it was then that I said, "Gramps ... that's gonna be me one day."

WIth a deep breath, she adds.

Sara Cochran: Thanks for letting me have that moment.

After handing the mic off, she bounces in place awaiting the start of the match as the crowd continue to voice their displeasure at the monologue she treated them to.

Stephy Auger: My god, I thought she would never shut up.

Kris Cruise: Come on Steph, I know that was a bit much, and probably ill-conceived but she clearly means well.

“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.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing next, her opponent! From Orlando, Florida, this is Noelle Smith!!!

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)

Kris Cruise: Noelle Smith is an interesting spot career wise as she returns to a city she's got some history in. She came up short against the then Pride Champion Tony Carmine, and suffered yet another injury setback in the process. This is a chance for her to send a message to the rest of the Gold Rush Rumble field that she's good as new, but you have to wonder where her head is at.

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: I think she made it clear where her head's at, and I don't like it. I mean it's great to be able to look yourself in the mirror, but being able to look yourself in the mirror doesn't get you wins and championships. She might be able to get past Sara Cochran here, but I think she needs to put her foot down against a girl who called her a gatekeeper.

Kris Cruise: I don't think Cochran meant that as an insult, even if it came off as one, but as for confidence a win here could be exactly what Noelle needs to get a head of steam going into the Rumble.

The bell sounds as the two grapplers circle each other, and then approach for a collar and elbow tie up. The taller grappler Cochran is able to use her leverage advantage to gain the early edge, walking Smith backwards. She then releases, and delivers a crisp knife edge chop across the chest before grabbing a side headlock, then performing a takeover on Noelle Smith. The former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion walks her way up, and after a side elbow, tries to back suplex her way out of the hold. Sara lands on her feet behind her, grabbing a rear waistlock. Before she can take Noelle down again, Smith performs a standing switch, and takes Cochran down instead. Sara walks back to her feet, and grabs Noelle's hands to slowly pry the grip loose. As she does so, she goes for a spinning elbow on the break that Smith dodges with a bridging evasion, drawing a few "ooohs" from the crowd. Noelle then pops up, drilling Cochran with a forearm smash. She sends Sara off the ropes with an Irish whip, performing a Japanese arm drag as she comes back on the rebound. Cochran wears a forced smile on her face as she pushes her way back to her hands and knees, keeping her eyes locked with Noelle's.

Kris Cruise: Noelle Smith seems to be a bit quicker in the grappling exchanges thus far, but it should be noted that Cochran has been known to be a slow starter at times in her pre-FGA days.

Stephy Auger: I think Smith is getting in her head a bit; maybe not maliciously, but that's not the smile of someone who's happy with how the match is going.

After Cochran is back to her feet, they square off again, and the FGA newcomer engages in another lock up. Again she walks Smith backwards, this time driving her all the way back into the corner. Only then does she release, and start unleashing hard knife edge chops. They're methodical at first, and then she speeds them up, lighting Noelle's chest up with rapid fire machine gun style chops until the referee backs her up.

Stephy Auger: See, right there she's trying to use her two inch and twenty pound edge to bully Smith around. That's already a dramatic shift from that silly friendly chain wrestling business they started out doing.

Noelle grimaces from the series of chops as Cochran receives some words of instruction from the ref. Sara then lines her opponent up, and builds a head of steam for a running corner dropkick. Smith dodges out of the way, causing Cochran to fall ass over tea kettle as she hits the turnbuckles. After the hard tumble to the mat, Noelle Smith dives on top, bridging over into a jacknife pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sara Cochran bridges up out of the pinning predicament. She spins out, then goes for a backslide which Noelle over rotates to avoid, landing on her feet in front of Cochran. An upward kick to the face, followed by a forearm shiver rock Sara enough for Smith to leap, delivering a hurricanrana into another pin attempt.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sara pops the shoulder off the mat again.

Kris Cruise: You may be right about Cochran being a bit rattled right now.

Stephy Auger: Of course I am, Cruise; she's not setting anything up properly, and a grappler the caliber of Smith is going to take advantage of that every time.

Kris Cruise: On the other side of the coin, Noelle Smith certainly appears to be on her game after the brief layoff.

After the kick out, Noelle begins dragging Sara back up to her feet.

Stephy Auger: Listen, win or lose, facing someone the caliber of Tony Carmine is going to make you a better wrestler coming out of the match.

Cochran breaks free with a quick, short elbow strike, and then goes to Irish whip Noelle into the corner. She gets reversed, but controls her momentum enough to run the turnbuckles, and perform a misdirection diving sunset flip out of the corner.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Noelle gets her shoulder up, and rolls through, shifting her body so she can push herself up while stacking Sara's shoulders onto the mat with a prawn hold.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cochran kicks out again, and scrambles up to her feet. She starts to step forward, but puts on the brakes, snaking her arms backwards to grab the top rope. That slows her momentum down, causing Noelle to come up empty, hitting the mat hard as she was going for an anticipatory dropkick.

Stephy Auger: Smart.

As Smith staggers up, wincing, Sara checks her positioning before hitting the adjacent ropes for a beautiful springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT! She drives the back of Noelle's head hard into the mat, then places a leg across the chest while reaching out to hook one leg with each hand.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Smith rolls her shoulder off the mat at the count of two and half!

Kris Cruise: A beautiful aerial display from Sara Cochran, and Noelle Smith just barely stays in it.

Stephy Auger: That's why it frustrates me that this girl isn't all there upstairs. She's got all the talent to be one of the premiere grapplers here. Stamina for days, and a high flying game that's effective, not just a bunch of flips for the sake of it. But it takes more than just talent to stand out here in FGA.

Noelle pushes herself back up to her feet after the pin attempt, but is a bit rubbery legged and gets snapmared back down. Sara hits the ropes before delivering a running boot to the face, and dropping down into a back press while hooking the far leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Noelle stays alive again.

Stephy Auger: That was not a strong kick out, I think Smith is in rough shape.

Cochran looks up at the referee with a pleading expression on her face, saying that was three, but gets refuted. Meanwhile, Smith tries to shake the cobwebs out as she shakes her head, before rolling out of the ring with a glassy eyed look on her face.

Kris Cruise: You hate to speculate, but she was concussed recently, and just got dropped on the back of her head and kicked square in the face -- hopefully she just got her bell rung.

As Noelle walks around, trying to get her bearings back, Sara Cochran circles all the way back before delivering a suicide dive that drives Smith backwards into the dasher boards. The athletic Cochran lands on her feet, and sprints back into the ring. She backs all the way up, bouncing on her toes and raising her arm to rally the fans, drawing a smattering of cheers but mostly boos. Sara sprints, then performs a second suicide dive, this one getting sidestepped by Noelle, who collapses to the ground as Cochran hits the barricade head and shoulder first! Both competitors are down, and the referee starts a count on them.



ONE!





TWO!





THREE!




FOUR!



A wobbly Noelle Smith dives back into the ring, staying down on the mat. Meanwhile, Sara Cochran is still down on the outside, holding the back of her neck. The ref leans out over the ropes, doing the customary check to see if she can continue. Cochran responds by gingerly throwing her arms into an 'X' sign before quickly grabbing her neck again.

Kris Cruise: Did she just --

The official heads outside to make sure there's no confusion over what Sara wanted. As he approaches her, she informs him "Yes, stop it, I broke my neck." The Philly crowd boos loudly as the ref signals for medical personnel, and goes over to whisper something to the ring announcer.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, Sara Cochran has informed the referee she is unable to continue, therefore the winner of the match is Noelle Smith!

Stephy Auger: She just waved her own match off for an injury stoppage, have we ever seen a grappler do that before?

Kris Cruise: Not that I can think of, and this crowd is not happy with it, but Sara Cochran knows her own body, she must have been able to tell something was wrong right off the bat.

As a backboard and stretcher are brought out for Sara Cochran, Noelle Smith is in the ring, clearly shaken up still as well. The referee is trying to explain the situation to her, as Cochran gets carefully strapped down and loaded up.

Stephy Auger: This is legitimately the most bizarre match ending I've seen. I mean, obviously you hope there's something seriously wrong, but we've got a winner who has no idea what happened and a loser who waved their own match off after possibly concussing their opponent.

Kris Cruise: You certainly also have to hope that Noelle Smith isn't seriously concussed or anything along those lines, because all the attention right now is on this possible broken neck of Sara Cochran.

The cameras focus on Sara Cochran as she's carted out, the Philly crowd showing no sympathy for her plight whatsoever.

Kris Cruise: We'll be right back, but rest assured we'll try to get you a health update on these grapplers as soon as we're able to.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Yun Goeun vs. Kevin Hardaway

"They say, I have no answers...
They see me as a problem child.
I'm just young and free. (Ay Ay)
They say, I don't listen.
I should say the same thing.
What chu know 'bout me? (Huh?)

They say that I'm crazy.
Its okay, everybody is crazy.
Why not me? (Ay Ay)
They say, that I'll never make it.
But all I want to be is my self."

"FxxK Wit Us" by Lee Hi plays over the PA system as Yun Goeun comes out from the back to a chorus of boos. Yun smirks and ignores the boos as she walks down to the ring. As she hits the ramp, her new bodyguard Yoshihiro Gotoh steps out from the back and just stands there, keeping his eyes on the fans around her as Yun continues to make her way to the ring, not once even so much as looking to the fans.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Seoul, South Korea , YUN GOEUN!

As Yun reaches the ring she slides in and quickly walks to her corner and sits down, crossing her legs as she does, leaning back against the lower turnbuckle. With Yun now in the ring, her bodyguard walks down to the ring and takes his position in her corner.

Kris Cruise: Just listen to these fans, Stephy, they don’t like Yun one bit.

Stephy Auger: Well Philadelphia fans aren’t renowned for their good taste, Kris.

Kris Cruise: Earlier tonight we saw Yun’s partner, Camellia Magna lose to Ruby Tyler. Now it’s a battle of the partners as Yun is set to go one on one with the man who recently returned to FGA…

The lights go out. Complete blackness, with the only lights shining being the random cellphones and a few cameras going off. An odd hush fills the crowd as the beginning few piano notes and guitar strums of “Free Bird” hit. As the drums enter the fray and the guitars enter louder, the lights start coming back on slowly, as a dim rather than just full-blown. To a point where you still can’t tell who’s coming in or out. The crowd isn’t restless, sure, but they’re concerned at what’s going on as finally when the song reaches its first major crescendo, the lights fully come back on and standing at the entrance ramp without any sign of coming through the curtain, is none other than Kevin Hardaway, just looking on at the crowd, a hoodie on over his gear as he smiles at the crowd and starts the long walk down to the ring as the lyrics start up.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Baltimore, Maryland, weighing in at 223 pounds … KEVIN HARDAWAY!

”If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on now
'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.”

As the chorus hits, Kevin walks up the ring steps and climbs on top of the turnbuckle. Usually in past iterations of himself, he would perch up on it like a hawk looking for his prey. This time however, he doesn’t perch. He just stands on top, looking out at the crowd with a grin and a smirk as he jumps down into the ring and walks over to the corner, where he stays as he waits for the bell.

Stephy Auger: Hardaway has managed to defeat Rev Ellion and Johnny Cannon since his return, can he add another name to that list tonight? Or will the mean streak of Yun Goeun prove too much for him?

Kris Cruise: You can never count her out, but I think she’ll have her hands full tonight.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring for a few moments before towards the center of the ring. Hardaway reaches over for the collar and elbow tie-up, only to find himself on the receiving end of a boot to the midsection. She fires off a couple of hard rights to the face, rocking K-Hard where he stands before Yun attempts an Irish whip. It’s reversed, though. Yun is sent against the ropes and is soon knocked down by a back elbow.

With his opponent down on the mat, Hardaway seizes the chance to stomp a mudhole in the torso of Yun Goeun. The crowd cheering him on as he does so, relentless in his pursuit of pain. He drags Yun back to her feet before landing a couple of European uppercuts, forcing Yun back into a corner. An Irish whip sends the Korean from pillar to post before Hardaway charges in after her with a running European uppercut!

Kris Cruise: He got all of that one.

Yun staggers out of the corner, right into a snapmare takedown, before K-Hard delivers a stiff kick to the back. Goeun screams out in pain, and does so again as the second kick connects. Hardaway lifts his opponent back to her feet again and sends her against the ropes with an Irish whip, only to find Yun cling onto the top rope to stop herself. She rolls out under the bottom rope to put some distance between her and her opponent, and the crowd boo her again.

Yun shakes her head to try and lose the cobwebs as her bodyguard makes his way towards her, only to get cut off by K-Hard. He flies through the ropes with a suicide dive, sending Yun tumbling back against the guard rail!.

Stephy Auger: GTFO~! By Kevin Hardaway, and he’s taken firm control here in the early goings, Kris.

Kris Cruise: Like I said, Yun is going to have hands full tonight.

Hardaway rolls his opponent back into the ring as this Philadelphia crowd starts up a “Fuck her up, K-Hard, fuck her up!” chant. A lateral press for the cover.

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

Undeterred, Hardaway lifts Yun back to her feet again as he hurls her towards the corner. He follows her in with a running clothesline, putting all his weight behind it. Again, Yun staggers out of the corner, and right into a toe kick to the midsection. Hardaway places his opponent in a standing headscissors before lifting her up onto his shoulders, as he promptly plants Yun with a sit out powerbomb. And the cover.

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

But there’s no break for Yun Goeun as she’s lifted back to her feet again. She’s positioned against the ropes as her opponent lashes out with several chops to the chest. An Irish whip sends Yun against the ropes; Hardaway lowers his head for the back body drop, but Yun has it scouted. She counters with a single knee facebreaker, and both competitors are down!

Stephy Auger: A terrific counter by Yun Goeun, and she might have just found a way into this one.

Hardaway moves towards the ropes, holding his nose as Yun pushes herself back to her feet in the center of the ring. Hardaway gets up first, though, and moves towards his opponent as Yun reaches up to rake his eyes! The crowd boo in disgust as Hardaway staggers away, allowing Yun time to stand back up. As her opponent turns back around, Yun shoots off a roundhouse kick! K-Hard drops to one knee but stands back up – the lights are on but nobody’s home as Yun runs against the ropes, coming back with a tornado DDT! And the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Kevin Hardaway kicks out!

Frustrated, Yun sits her opponent up as she runs against the ropes, coming back with a stiff penalty kick to the face!

Yun Goeun: Aja! Aja!

The Korean superstar sarcastically chants, causing the crowd to boo her further as she stomps at the prone body of Kevin Hardaway. Revelling in the jeers, Yun steps out of the ring and onto the apron as she climbs towards the top rope. Hardaway begins to push himself back to a vertical base as Goeun leaps off the turnbuckle with a picture perfect missile dropkick! Hardaway rolls backwards, flipping over to land in a kneeling position as Yun rushes to her feet, running against the ropes before coming back with a bulldog! Slowly, she crawls back towards her prone foe and rolls him over for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another kick out by Hardaway, and he’s found himself on the wrong end of the stick lately.

Stephy Auger: Yun found her opening and she took full advantage, Kris. If K-Hard wants a way back into this match, he’s going to have to work for it.

But Yun appears to be growing increasingly frustrated as the referee assures her it was just a two count. Some Korean words escape her mouth, which the referee fortunately doesn’t understand, before Yun helps her opponent back to his feet. But K-Hard fires off a punch to the gut! The crowd cheer, and he connects with another punch to the stomach. He stands upright and grabs the back of Yun’s head, holding it there as he fires off several forearm shots

The crowd are rallying behind Hardaway as he bounces back against the ropes for momentum, coming back with the decapitation lariat – NO! Yun ducks the lariat, catching the arm as she counters with a Billboard Bust! Hardaway’s head bounces off the mat before Yun kneels over her opponent, soaking up the jeers as the crowd turns her against her once again. A lazy cover as she presses two hands down across the chest.

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

Kris Cruise: Hardaway kicks out again.

And Yun doesn’t seem to like that whatsoever. She shouts down at Hardaway, telling him to stay down … before dragging him back to his feet. She shoots off a couple of elbow smashes to the face, sending K-Hard stumbling back against the ropes before an Irish whip sends him across the ring, before K-Hard returns with a flying shouldertackle!

Down goes Yun. Both competitors scramble to get back to their feet as Yun runs at her opponent, but K-Hard ducks under the clothesline before hitting the ropes. Coming back, he performs a running STO, sending Yun crashing to the mat! Hardaway stands back up, raising his fist into the air as the crowd cheer him again; he’s moving slowly, though, still feeling the effects of some of those moves as he waits for Yun to get back to her feet. As she does so, Hardaway charges in with the decapitation lariat, turning Yun inside out! And he drops down to make the cover!

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

Stephy Auger: I don’t know how she kicked out of that one, but Yun Goeun is still surviving as her opponent turns the tides here.

Kris Cruise: I felt that lariat from here, but it wasn’t enough to put Yun away. And right now Kevin Hardaway must be wondering what he needs to do.

Hardaway sits up and the frustration is beginning to show. He exhales deeply before pushing himself back to his feet one more time. He drags Yun up with him, and whips her towards the corner. She hits the turnbuckle hard, just managing to maintain an upright position as Hardaway charges in with a running clothesline. Yun staggers out of the corner towards the center of the ring as Hardaway sets off against the far ropes, bouncing off them for momentum as he comes back with a crossbody block – NO! Yun dives out of the way and Hardaway hits the referee!

Stephy Auger: The official is down!

Hardaway tries to revive the official, but he’s out cold apparently. Meanwhile, Yun rolls towards the edge of the ring as her bodyguard makes his way closer to her. He reaches out and hands something to Yun.

Kris Cruise: What was that?

Stephy Auger: What was what? You’re seeing things, Kris.

With his efforts to stir the official apparently being in vain, Hardaway turns his attention back to his opponent as he lifts Yun off the mat … only to get floored! One swing is all it took for Hardaway to collapse, unconscious, as Yun removes the brass knucks and hands them back to Yoshihiro on the outside. She drags herself over and drapes an arm across Hardaway’s chest as the referee begins to come to.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, YUN GOEUN!

Kris Cruise: Highway robbery! That’s what that was. Yun Goeun using the brass knucks to her advantage when the referee was down, and she just stole the victory out from under Kevin Hardaway.

Stephy Auger: It’s not that I can’t feel sorry for Kevin Hardaway, but he should’ve known that Yun would do–what now?

The crowd’s boos turn to cheers as Ruby Tyler is seen running down the aisle with a baseball bat in her hand. She manages to slide in before Yun can react, catching the Korean with a shot to the gut that doubles her over before bringing the bat down across Yun’s back!

Gotoh makes a move on the outside, which catches Ruby’s attention, so she doesn’t see Cami Magna running down the aisle. Cami slides into the ring behind Ruby as the crowd yell out for The Huntress to be careful. But she doesn’t even have time to swing before Cami catches her with a Crimson Kiss of her own!

Kris Cruise: Cami Magna just used Ruby’s own finisher against her!

With the crowd booing loudly, Cami and Yoshihiro gather up Yun and the trio make their way back up the aisle. The pairing of RubyWay begin to stir inside the ring, quickly turning their attention to the trio in the aisleway as they stare daggers at their foes.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Jimmy Page vs. Luke Jackson

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is set for one fall!

The eerie cue up of "They Are Lost" by Last Remaining Pinnacle plays for ten seconds...then dies down, along with the lights. Suddenly the sound of drums and a electronic melody plays. The lights flash in red to the melody of the song. The song, "Can You Feel My Heart" by Bring Me The Horizon plays as a silhouette appears from out of the red. In his signature controlled stagger, Page comes out, hands extended, head down. Slowly his raises his head, soaked in the red lights. Fans boo him as he makes his way to the ring. He whips his hair out of his eyes as he snatches away from of the extended hands, almost threatening to hit someone. Page stops from time to time, swearing at some of the fans who chant "FUCK YOU JIMMY!!" and "PAGE SUCKS!!!" getting in their face.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first… From Flint, Michigan… JIIIIIIIMMMYYYY PAAAAAAAAGE!

As Page finishes his march of ridicule, he stops at the top of the ramp. His eyes dead, his expression stoic as he glares around the arena, the lights still radiating that deadly red. Page goes in front of the ring, slides onto the apron on one knee and quickly gets inside. He goes to his right and climbs the turnbuckle and stands on top of it, swearing at the fans, pointing at himself, talking to them, taunting them, mocking them. He stands there for a moment, then routinely spits his gum at the crowd. Page leaps down, slides down into the corner, and sits on the middle turnbuckle. He rests his left hand on his cheek nonchalantly, waiting for his opponent to trot down to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent…

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem begins playing throughout the arena as Luke comes out with a huge smile on his face, basking in the glory of wrestling.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Oakland, California, weighing in at 165 pounds … he is one-half of the current Tag Team Champions … LUKE "THE KID" JACKSON!

He has a black wife beater on and backwards Oakland A's cap. He slaps the hands of fans on his way down to the ring, before sliding in under the bottom rope.

With both men in the ring, the referee gets to the center of the ring and calls for the bell! The opening bell echoes throughout the arena and the match is underway! Page charges right at Luke Jackson and pushes him back against the corner before he starts swinging away with haymakers and clubs. Jackson manages to push Page away, but the former FGA World champion was relentless with his attack! Page charges right back at Jackson and starts driving his elbow into the side of his face before he grabs Jackson by the head and launches him over the top rope.

Jimmy Page: WHERE ARE YOU, SCOTT?!

Page yells out as he slides out of the ring and goes right back on his attack. Page starts stomping away at Jackson’s downed body, but Jackson grabs a hold of Page’s legs and takes him to the ground!

ONE!






TWO!



The referee starts his ten count, but the enraged Page continues stomping away at Jackson while shouting out Chandler Scott’s name!

Kris Cruise: He is obsessed with Chandler Scott. It’s like that’s who he’s seeing as he beats the hell out of Luke Jackson!

Stephy Auger: Whatever works, Kris.

THREE!

Before the referee can count to four, Page rips Jackson up by his hair and slides him back inside the ring. Page goes after him, but Jackson pops up to his feet and drive a knee right to the side of Page’s head! Jackson continues by pounding away at the back of Page’s head before he pulls Page to his feet and delivers an atomic drop! Page hops around in pain, only to get caught with a crisp dropkick from Jackson! With Page down, the FGA Tag Team champion goes for the cover…

ONE!
.
.
.
TW--KICKOUT!

With Page kicking out before the two, Jackson realizes that he still had a lot of work ahead of him. Jackson tries to lock in a sleeper hold, but Page quickly pops up to his feet and starts driving his elbow into Jackson’s midsection. After that third elbow, Jackson finally breaks the hold allowing Page to run off the ropes and attempt a charging lariat….

… but Jackson grabs the arm and transitions it into a spinning neckbreaker! The crowd cheers on the fan favorite as Jackson bounces off the ropes and then drops a knee straight to Page’s face! He goes for the cover…

ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
KICKOUT!

Page gets his shoulder up before the three, but Jackson doesn’t let up on his attack! He mounts over top of Page and looks ready to deliver a fury of right hands, but Page pulls him Jackson in towards his body and locks in a guillotine choke!

Kris Cruise: Nice counter from Page there to block the attack from Luke Jackson!

Stephy Auger: Page is about to make Luke either tap or pass out right here!

Luke Jackson’s arms go limp as Page wrenches back on the pressure, but Jackson suddenly plants his hands firmly against the mat, pushes himself out of Page’s grasp and to his feet, then stomps right down on Page’s midsection. With Page gasping for air, Jackson repeats the stomps two times over before he pulls Page up to his feet and executes a big DDT!

Instead of going for the cover, Jackson steps toward the corner and begins climbing up to the top rope with his back turned to Page. Once he gets to the top turnbuckle, he spins his head back to see where Page was, but the former FGA World champion was already underneath Luke, lifting him up in the electric chair!

Jackson tries to punch his way down, but Page falls back and sends Jackson crashing to the mat! Not wasting any time, Page scatters up to his feet, pulls Jackson to a vertical base, and nearly decapitates Jackson with a pull forward lariat!

Stephy Auger: And just like that, Jimmy Page is back in control.

Kris Cruise: The man is STILL a wrecking machine, and he’s showing everyone just that right now.

Jimmy Page watches as Jackson crawls onto his stomach. The former FGA World Champion and HKW World Tag Team Champion stalks the current FGA World Tag Team Champion. He watches Luke grab hold of the bottom rope. Page steps on the back of Luke, the rough Chicago native jumps up onto the second rope then drops a hard boot right onto the spine of The Kid, Luke Jackson!

Page leaps up once more with the aid of the top rope then drives another hard boot right on to that upper back area. Which is now quickly becoming one of the main target areas for the former FGA World Champion in this match! Jimmy grabs Luke by the head, he looks to bring Jackson back up to a vertical base! Luke begins to jab! He jabs at the stomach of the House of Dyspathy member! Multiple stiff shots, Luke then leaps up and nails a surprise Hurricanrana - he traps Jimmy’s legs for the pin!

ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
KICKOUT!

Jimmy kicks out!

Kris Cruise: Lots of nearfalls for Luke here tonight, folks.

Stephy Auger: It’s almost like he’s just trying to catch page off guard.

Kris Cruise: Sound strategy if you ask me.

He gets back to his feet shocked! Luke dropkicks Page into one of the four corners of the ring. Jackson runs right into Jimmy with a hard corner splash! He then climbs up. The World Tag Team Champ lifts his fist up, signaling to the audience that it’s time to count along with him! Luke lays a fist right into the forehead of Page! ONE!

Another!

TWO!

Another!

THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!

The crowd counts along - Jimmy suddenly traps Luke in powerbomb position! He runs forward to the opposite turnbuckle DRIVING Luke right into it with a turnbuckle Powerbomb! Jackson crumbles down to the canvas!

Stephy Auger: Bucklebomb! This might be over!

Page shakes the cobwebs out of his head, takes in a deep breath, then falls on top of Jackson to make the cover...

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

Luke gets his shoulder up! The audience gets behind Jackson, proud that the young fan favorite still has fight left in him even after taking such a bone chilling move. Jimmy gets to his feet once again, it looks like he has regained control. He stalks Luke as Luke gets back to his feet. Jimmy then locks in a Full Nelson submission! He starts wrenching away at Luke Jackson! It’s clear that Page wants to make a statement.

Kris Cruise: Page going for the tapout with the full nelson?

Stephy Auger: Like I said before, Kris… whatever works.

Jackson struggles and tries to spin out of the full nelson, but Page tightens his grip and delivers a release dragon suplex! The FGA World Tag Team champion lands hard on the back of his neck, allowing Page to crawl forward to make the cover…

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

Luke Jackson gets his foot on the rope, causing Page to shout out in a rage filled fury! Page immediately mounts over Jackson and begins driving his elbow into the tag team champions face. Page pulls Jackson up to his feet and hoists him over his shoulders for the Paralyzing!

Kris Cruise: Page is looking for fireman’s carry neckbreaker!

Page moves toward the center of the ring and looks ready to execute the move, but Jackson comes out of nowhere with a fury of elbows! He continues elbowing the life out of Page until Page drops him, allowing Jackson to bounce off the ropes and connect with a running big boot to the back of Page’s head!

Page drops to one knee and Jackson sees his opening. The FGA Tag Team champion feeds off the ruckus Philadelphia crowd before he walks around to face Page and unleashes with a fury of kicks to Page’s chest!

ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN!

Jackson stops at seven, watching as Page looks ready fall onto his back. Instead, Jackson pulls Page forward by his hair, then backs up a few steps to charge forward and connect with the Oakland Drive-by! The crowd explodes as Luke hooks Page’s leg and watches the referee get into position to make the count!

ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
THREEEEE!

Stephy Auger: NO! Page got the rope!

The crowd begins booing as the referee waves the three count off, pointing at Page’s hand just barely grasping the bottom rope. Jackson crawls away from Page and stares at the crowd. Unsure of what to do next, Jackson uses the ropes to pull himself up to his feet, staggers around for a bit, then goes back toward his opponent.

Jackson pulls Page up by his hair, but before he could do anything, Page connects with a huge forearm to Jackson’s face! Jackson falls back against the ropes, only to bounce back and land a huge right hand square to Page’s jaw! Page drops down to a knee, but immediately pops back up and lands a european uppercut on Jackson!

Kris Cruise: Blow for blow, shot for shot! Neither one of these guys wants to give it up!

Stephy Auger: Didn’t know Luke had shots like this in him if we’re being honest.

Both men look like the next shot could take either of the out. Jackson fire away with a right hand, but Page ducks it, kicks his opponent in the midsection, and delivers his Aneurysm! Jackson hits the mat like a ton of bricks as Page crawls toward his opponents down body and drapes his arm across his chest for the weak cover…

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

Kris Cruise: How in the world did Luke kick out of that?!

Stephy Auger: I asked myself that the last two times he kicked out, Kris.

A frustrated Jimmy Page covers his face with his hands as the crowd cheers on Luke Jackson. Page yells for them to shut up as a surge of adrenaline comes over him, giving him the power to stand to his feet and rip Luke up with him.

Not wasting any time, Page pushes Luke into the corner and sits him up on the top turnbuckle. Page makes a cut-throat gesture as he climbs up to the middle rope, only for Jackson to catch him with an expected headbutt! Page holds onto the ropes so he doesn’t fall back into the ring, but Jackson’s relentless with his attack as he starts pummeling away at Page’s head with rights and lefts!

It takes six shots, but Page finally falls back into the ring, lying motionless as Jackson catches a breather. He looks down and sees how Page was laying before he perches up to the top rope, looks around at the crowd, and dives off with…

Kris Cruise: OAKLAND SPLASH!

… but Page’s gets his knees up!

Stephy Auger: NOPE!

The crowd boos as Luke bounces off of Page’s knees. Page slowly turns over onto his kneees. He looks over at Luke and smirks as he sees one-half of the tag champs curled up in pain. Once Luke gets up on his knee, Page darts over and blasts him in the back of the head with a Boma Ye.

Stephy Auger: Trauma Symphony!

The crowd boos as Jackson falls face-first onto the canvas. Page then walks over towards Jackson, reaches down and pulls him up from behind. He then spins Luke around, only to turn him inside out with the Concussion~Grade III. he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JIMMY PAGE!

The crowd continues to boo Page as he gets his hand raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Jimmy Page picks up the victory. But this was a tough match, Stephy. It was a tougher match than he’d like to admit.

Stephy Auger: It was. Luke foolishly didn’t back down from Page. So Page had to beat him down until he could no longer get up. Luke can tell himself that he didn’t quit. He can tell himself and his fans that he put up a fight. But at the end of the day, it wasn’t about how fought more valiantly. It was about who won and who lost and tonight, Page is the one walking out of here with his hand raised.

[FGA Office]

We fade in on Sara Cochran, laying on the trainer's table. The young grappler is a ball of emotions, babbling frantically to both herself and the FGA attending physician.

Sara Cochran: ... but fate's cruel like that I guess. All that pleading about being in the Rumble, and this is how I miss it.

She takes a big gulp, a lump is forming in her throat.

Sara Cochran: Just level with me straight, doc. I know this is just prelim and all that, but how bad is it? How long am I gonna be out?

Cochran's rate of speech becomes increasingly rapid the longer she speaks.

Sara Cochran: Am I even gonna make it next year's Rumble, is this ... is it a career ende --

Doctor: Well, that's the good news.

He cuts her off, perhaps hoping that will calm her down.

Doctor: I'm going to send you to Thomas Jefferson Hospital for tests to be safe, but I can pretty confidently say you just suffered a stinger.

She sniffles, looking up at him with a blank expression.

Sara Cochran: A what now?

Doctor: A stinger, it can feel scary at first, but as long as your MRI comes up clear you should be good to go in time for the next show.

As the camera pans in closer on Sara Cochran, he can be heard continuing to speak off camera.

Doctor: They'll print out some instructions for you at Thomas Jefferson, but you should be good to go before you know it.

The look on her face is not one of pure elation, rather a mix of conflicting emotions. She forces a small smile as the scene fades out and we go back to the announce desk.

Kris Cruise: Well that sounds like potentially great news, after a scary situation earlier in the night.

Stephy Auger: also realizes she just quit for no reason on a match where she had her opponent on the ropes, maybe concussed. She's trying to make a name for herself in FGA, and that's not only a black eye on her reputation here, but the type of display that's going to undo however many times in her career she's fought through pain to pick up victories and put on great matches. This is about as disastrous a start as you can have in a new company without being pinned or submitted in either of your first two matches.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Molly Reid and Nero Darling vs. Mark Storm and Danny Diamond

The lights in the arena dim as “Crazy Bitch” by Buckcherry begins to play over the loudspeakers in the arena. A spotlight appears on the stage as Molly Reid walks out in her wrestling gear, bouncing around with a happy grin on her face, singing along to the song. She walks down the ramp to cheers from the crowd, reaching out and high fiving some of them.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a tag team match and is schedule for one fall. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, MOLLY REID!

She slides into the ring and jumps up, holding her arms in the air as the crowd cheers loudly. Molly runs to a turnbuckle and jumps onto the second rope, posing for the crowd once more, before climbing down and moving to her corner.

The lights dim down before the opening strains of "Hate Me Now" by Nas sweep through the arena and the Nerolings begin screaming in anticipation. Teal blue lights sweep through the crowd and over the ring until they center on Nero Darling. She steps out onto the stage, her face and signature blue hair hidden under the hood of a black sweatshirt. Her head bowed so that her face is in the shadows of the hoodie as she pauses at the top of the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: And her tag team partner, from Louisville, in the Kentuckies... YOUR GLORIOUS LEADER... NERO DARLING!!!

As the beat picks up intensity, Nero stretches her arms out and walks slowly towards the ring. The lights pick up the words on the back of her hoodie, cursive and embossed in gold, "Ms. 502". She basks in the screams and cheers of the audience and hides a bright grin in the shadows of her hoodie.

She finally breaks into a run, sliding into the ring on her stomach and popping up to her feet as she throws the hoodie off and runs to the ring ropes, hopping up on the middle rope with her arms outstretched. She holds the pose as the beat picks up around her and she blows kisses to her fans, many of whom are holding up signs emblazoned with her name and hearts. Nero drops down to the canvas and bounces in place with a bright smile on her face as she waits for her opponents.

Kris Cruise: Both these competitors have found themselves as victims of theft in recent weeks; first it was Molly Reid who had her clothes stolen by Mark Storm, then later in the month, it was Nero Darling who fell victim as well.

Stephy Auger: Somehow they managed to co-exist with him in the six man tag match on the last show, albeit with some tensions. Now they’re on the opposite side of the ring from Mark Storm in this tag team match.

The lights in the arena begin to dim and the FGA audience rise to their feet, as the nostalgic melody of "Storm is Coming" by Junkie XL begins to play through the PA speakers. Smoke begins to rise from the stage and the audience begin to applaud, as emerging from the clouded mist is the self proclaimed spokesman of a generation - Mark Storm, who stands tall at the top of the entrance ramp. A smile is plastered on his face as he marvels at the scenery, embracing all the cheers as he close his eyes and widens his arms before coming down the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents, introducing first, from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at 225 pounds … MARK STORM!

Standing by the edge of the ring, he lets out a triumphant roar, with the audience roaring back to him as he jumps onto the apron before he slingshots his way over the top rope. Dressed in his usual wrestling attire; consisting on black boots, with black knee pads, wrestling trunks with his name written on them and with stars coming down both sides, tape wrapped around his elbows, and mixed martial arts styled gloves. He falls to his knees in the middle of the ring, looking up at the heavens as his theme music slowly begins to fade out.

Stephy Auger: Well there’s Mark Storm, but he has two opponents ready to tear into him. Has he found a tag team partner?

Kris Cruise: Nero and Molly look ready to start this match, but I don’t think anybody wants to see a handicap match…

J.A. Aldridge: And his tag team partner…

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.

Kris Cruise: Danny Diamond?! What’s he doing here?

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.

J.A. Aldridge: Hailing from Cheshire, England, weighing in at 213 pounds … DANNY DIAMOND!

Nero and Molly look at each other in astonishment as Danny Diamond takes his place in the corner with Mark Storm.

Stephy Auger: Danny Diamond knows something about mental illness, what with his history of dissociative identity disorder. Obviously he must feel some compassion for Storm, after these accusations in recent weeks.

Kris Cruise: Of all the people who might have turned up, I never expected Danny Diamond. But perhaps you’re right, perhaps he identifies with what Mark Storm has gone though in recent weeks. Whatever the reason, Nero and Molly are still angry at the invasion of their privacy, and here we go!

The bell sounds to start the match as Nero and Mark Storm are ready for action. The fans here in Philadelphia are firmly in the corner of Nero and Molly, cheering them on as the legal competitors lock up collar and elbow. Storm manages to overpower his opponent, pushing Nero back against the ropes before the referee calls for a break. Before the four count, Storm releases his grip and back away, allowing Nero to move away from the ropes also.

As they lock up a second time, Storm manages to apply a side headlock. With his tight grip holding fast, Nero is struggling to escape until she fires off a couple of elbows to the midsection. After the fourth shot, Storm’s grip is sufficiently weakened to the point where Nero can push him away and against the ropes. But he returns with a shoulderblock that knocks Darling down. He sets off against the ropes again as Nero rolls onto her front. Storm hops over her and hits the ropes once more, coming back as Nero delivers a hurricanrana!

Kris Cruise: Nero Darling catching her opponent by surprise with that one!

Both competitors scramble back to their feet as Darling strikes first, performing an arm drag on her opponent. Again, both competitors get back up as Nero hits another arm drag. A flustered Storm hurries to a vertical base and rushes his opponent with a clothesline attempt, but Nero ducks underneath and counters with an overflow arm drag that sends Storm towards his corner where Danny Diamond makes the tag in.

Diamond enters the ring and catches Nero with a boot to the midsection, followed by a couple of forearm smashes to the face. He applies an arm wringer, transitioning into a Russian legsweep, and Diamond rolls over to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Nero kicks out.

Stephy Auger: An early pin attempt by Danny Diamond barely getting a one count.

Undeterred, Diamond sits Nero up and applies a rear chinlock. The fans inside the arena continue cheering Darling on, giving her the extra push she needs to battle her way back up to a standing position. A few elbows to the midsection free her of headlock as she runs away against the ropes, coming back with a flying forearm that knocks Diamond down!

Both competitors get back up again, as Nero leaps up with a dropkick. It sends Diamond stumbling backwards and against the ropes, before Nero rushes in. Danny catches her with a back body drop. But she grabs hold of the rope and manages to land on the apron, only for Danny to spin around with a forearm shot to the face. He grabs Nero by the back of the head and brings her towards the corner; Diamond tells Storm to raise his boot up onto the top rope, which he does, before Nero gets sent face first into the boot. A tag out to Storm and he enters the ring, bring Nero back in with a suplex in from the apron. And a cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nero kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Storm and Diamond working surprisingly well together here in the early goings. But Nero needs to make that tag out sooner rather than later.

Undeterred, Storm drags his opponent back to her feet and promptly slams Nero back down. He performs a Garvin stomp, working over all of the limbs of his prone foe as Nero struggles to get back up. With a handful of hair, Storm helps her back up, firing off some forearm shots before doubling her over with a knee lift to the gut. He follows that up with a gutwrench suplex – but still the crowd are booing Mark Storm.

Stephy Auger: I think the crowd are beginning to get to him, Kris.

Kris Cruise: Since his return, Mark Storm has been something of a fan favorite. But these Philadelphia fans are firmly behind Molly and Nero tonight and you might be right, Mark Storm may not be used to it.

Storm makes the tag back out, allowing Diamond to come back into the ring and picks up Nero. A snap suplex takes her right back down before Diamond gets up, drops an elbow across the chest, gets back up, and drops another elbow down across the chest. With a wry chuckle, Diamond takes a moment to gloat to the fans as he drags Nero back up and whips her against the ropes. He lowers his head for a back body drop, but Nero has it scouted. She counters with a tornado DDT, spiking Danny’s head into the mat! The crowd pop as Nero slowly begins to stir, moving to all fours as Molly is in the corner desperately calling out for the tag.

Nero begins to crawl towards the corner as Diamond starts to get back up. He sees Nero inching closer to the corner and leaps, stopping her just before she can make the tag out to Molly Reid. He has her by the ankle as he drags Nero away from the corner, but Nero kicks him away with both feet and leaps again, making the tag out to Molly!

Kris Cruise: Here comes the fresh Molly Reid!

The crowd pop again as Reid enters the ring, catching Diamond with a spinning heel kick. Storm enters the ring, throwing a clothesline that’s easily ducked. Molly counters with a spinning back fist, followed by a double knee facebreaker! Storm rolls away as Danny gets back up. Molly delivers a boot to the midsection, but Danny catches the boot. He wags his finger in her face, telling her not to be so predictable, before Molly catches him with a dragon screw leg whip! And the pin attempt.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Molly gets dragged off her opponent!

The crowd boo as Storm reaches in from the outside, dragging Molly all the way out under the bottom rope. She lands on her feet and is immediately peppered by a couple of right hands. He lifts Molly up and delivers a snake eyes across the ring apron! Molly falls back, arms stretched out to her sides as she leans back against the apron; it’s the perfect position for Mark to unleash a series of knife edge chops to the chest…

But he’s caught by surprise by Nero Darling, leaping off the apron with a somersault senton! The crowd cheer the high risk move as Nero stands back up, helping Molly off the apron as they turn their attention to the ring, where Danny Diamond is charging at them, launching himself through the ropes with a suicide dive!

Stephy Auger: All four competitors on the outside, but only Danny Diamond is left standing.

Kris Cruise: The suicide dive taking out both of his opponents, and Diamond is back in control here.

Danny rolls Molly back into the ring, following her in as he goes for the pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Molly kicks out.

Diamond pounds the mat in frustration, but lifts Molly back to her feet regardless. An Irish whip sends Reid towards the corner, with Danny following her in with a jumping splash. He follows that up with an overhead belly to belly suplex, tossing Molly to the mat with a thud. Danny steps out onto the apron, from where he climbs towards the top rope. But he’s moving slowly. As he reaches the top rope, Danny finds himself on the receiving end of a high kick to the head!

Kris Cruise: Molly with a second wind, catching her opponent by surprise.

With her opponent dazed, Molly takes his legs out, causing Danny to crotch himself on the top turnbuckle! The crowd “ooh” in unison as Molly slowly climbs the ropes, until she’s standing on the top one; she leaps up again and performs a hurricanrana from the top, sending Danny Diamond sprawling across the ring!

By now, both partners are back on the apron in their respective corners, and both of them are calling out for the tag. Molly stirs first, crawling towards her corner as Danny Diamond is just stirring. Nero has her hand out as far as it’ll go, and it pays off as Molly makes the tag. But Diamond is up and leaps towards the corner to tag out to Storm!

Stephy Auger: Here we go!

Both competitors charge at each other; Nero ducks under the clothesline attempt and hits the ropes, coming back with a headscissors takedown! Storm rolls through and climbs back to his feet just in time to see Nero running in again, this time going for a wheelbarrow bulldog! Down goes Storm, and Nero makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mark Storm kicks out!

Both competitors get back up again as Nero fires off a few forearm shots before running against the ropes for momentum. But Storm catches her with a snap powerslam upon her return! He lifts her back up in a butterfly hold, using that to deliver a double underhook suplex, and Storm hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nero kicks out.

Storm lifts his opponent back to her feet and whips Nero towards a neutral corner. He follows her in with a running splash; Nero stumbles out of the corner as Mark springboards off the ropes, coming back with a sweet Superman punch!

Kris Cruise: The Punch of Life connects! This could be it!

Storm hooks the leg.

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

Molly makes the save in the nick of time. The referee escorts her back to her corner as Storm drags Nero back to her feet once again. He seems angrier now, as he hoists Nero up across his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. Mark calls out to Molly to make sure she’s watching as he tosses Nero up for the Dystopia…

NO!

Kris Cruise: What a counter!

Nero manoeuvres herself in mid air to counter with a DDT! And she spikes Mark Storms’s head off the canvas. Molly is calling out for the tag as Nero drags herself over towards the corner; Danny is on the other side, yelling at his partner to get up. But he does nothing to stop Nero from tagging out to Molly Reid!

Reid leaps over the top rope and charges in as Storm gets back to his feet. She catches him with a spinning neckbreaker. But she lifts Storm back to his feet instead of going for the cover. An Irish whip sends him to a neutral corner as Molly follows him in with a jumping high knee to the face, followed by a bulldog. Storm rolls over onto his back as Molly gets up and runs against the ropes, springboarding off the middle rope with an asai moonsault – NO! Mark lifts his knees, almost out of sheer instinct, and Molly crashes and burns!

Stephy Auger: There’s that veteran ring awareness kicking in, Kris. But Mark Storm desperately needs the tag out so Danny Diamond can finish this one off for his team.

Both competitors are slow to their feet as Molly moves towards her opponent, as Storm catches her with a superkick! She drops to her knees, and Mark moves back in with a shining wizard! The crowd are aghast as Molly drops to the mat, but Mark doesn’t make the cover. Danny is calling out for the tag and Mark is all too willing to oblige. He crawls towards the corner, reaching out to make the tag–

Kris Cruise: What the?!

But Danny Diamond drops off the apron, leaving Storm high and dry. He’s draped over the middle rope, staring out in surprise at Danny Diamond, who’s moving up the aisle as Nero enters the ring and charges at Mark with a tiger feint kick! She connects, driving her knees straight into his face as Storm staggers away from the ropes, right into a Molly Kick from the barely conscious Molly Reid! With that, Storm drops down and Molly makes the cover.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match, MOLLY REID and NERO DARLING!

Kris Cruise: Molly and Nero picking up the win, but what just happened, Stephy?

Stephy Auger: Danny apparently had had enough, and decided not to tag in…

The referee raises their arms in victory, but the music cuts out as, at the top of the aisle, Danny Diamond has been given a microphone.

Danny Diamond: Not so fast, ladies.

The crowd begins to boo.

Danny Diamond: Because as much fun as it’s been watching you two run around these last four weeks accusing poor Mark Storm of all kinds of hijinx; preying on his mental illness to try and blame him for stealing your clothes. For invading your privacy…

By now, Storm is beginning to wake up after the finish of the match as he joins the ladies in staring out at Danny Diamond.

Danny Diamond: When the truth of the matter is, he didn’t do a damn thing wrong. He didn’t black out and steal Molly’s clothes while she was in the shower. He didn’t do anything to you, Nero – it was all me! I wanted to wreak a little havoc around here, and what better patsy than Mark Storm. But I’ve had my fun, and I can tell by the expressions on all of your faces, that you want a bit of revenge. You two, Molly and Nero, for being duped. And you, Mark, for taking the blame for my antics. And the God’s honest truth is I want some more fun too, so in two weeks time at the Gold Rush Rumble…

He pauses, waiting for the fans to quieten down.

Danny Diamond: …we’re gonna have ourselves a fatal fourway match.

Diamond drops the mic, smirking grotesquely as he head backstage, leaving three bewildered bodies in the ring.

Kris Cruise: It was all Danny Diamond’s doing?

Stephy Auger: That’s what he said. And he’s challenged them all to a match at the pay-per-view in two weeks time. I can’t wait for that one, Kris!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Fresh in from a commercial break, the feed kicks up at ringside where Kris Cruise and Stephy Auger are…

Kris Cruise: Welcome back to Vertigo ladies and gentleman! It’s been a full night of action here thus far, and things only seem to be heating up.

Stephy Auger: That’s right Kris, with this being the final show before the Gold Rush Rumble, it seems that everyone is intent on making a statement here tonight and next up we…

All of a sudden, “Welcome Back” by John Sebastian begins playing, cutting Stephy off from finishing her sentence and obviously catching her off guard.

Stephy Auger: What the…

The music continues on through the first chorus, with the words Welcome Back echoing before it slowly fades out. The crowd is murmuring now, wondering exactly what is going on. That curiosity seems to be shared amongst the commentators as well as they still seem unsure of what is happening. After a brief second of silence, the opening to A$AP Ferg’s “New Level” cues up.

I’m on a new level

I’m on it, I’m on it

As the beat drops and thumps throughout the arena, a huge roar goes up from the crowd as they see who emerges through the curtain, bouncing and nodding to the music.

Stephy Auger: Oh…. My.... God.

Kris Cruise: Is that who I think it is Stephy?

Stephy Auger: It sure is Kris, and listen to this crowd!

The 2013 Frontier Lion’s Cup winner and last year’s Gold Rush Rumble winner Cordelia Stevenson stands atop the ramp, completely soaking in the thunderous ovation from the crowd. She playfully dances to the music and even hits a Milly Rock before making her way down towards the ring, reaching out and slapping hands with as many fans as she can along the way.

Kris Cruise: Talk about pleasant surprises. The last time we saw Cordelia Stevenson was back at Above and Beyond IV, where Chris Q savagely attacked her after her match with Sean Sands in the Quarterfinals of last year’s Lion’s Cup tournament.

Stephy Auger: And we’ve wondered when or if we would ever see her in an FGA ring again, and although she’s said that we would, she was pretty mum on letting a timetable be known, but here she is! What is she doing here? 

Cordy is on the apron now, her back to the ropes as she nods her head to the music and waves her arms for the crowd to get hype. She slowly enters the ring, almost in a tease as she steps through the ropes and the music slowly begins to fade out. However, a growing chant of Wel-Come Back emerges from the crowd that causes Cordy to genuinely blush with humility. You can see it in her face that she is truly touched by the moment. She nods and utters a thank you as she walks over and asks for a microphone. She taps it, making sure that it’s on before shaking her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: Wow, it really has been too long guys.

The crowd eats up her words, roaring in agreement and causing Cordy to giggle.

Cordelia Stevenson: I know, I know… and I just want to say thank you to you all, from the bottom of my heart, I truly do. Not just for this incredible reception and the overwhelming display of love, but for all the support you’ve shown me since I went down with that injury; for all the fanmail that poured in to my P.O. box, the get well wishes, the concerned e-mails, the forum posts on my website; I just want you to know that I saw it all, and I appreciate every bit of it. Thank you for all of that. You guys are truly amazing, man. You really are.

She glances at her arm and smirks.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yooo, I’ve legit got goosebumps right now, for real. This is crazy. But just know that as excited as you seem to be to see me; I’m feeling that times ten, hell times twenty even. There’s always been something about being here in front of you guys, about being here…

She stomps her foot

Cordelia Stevenson:… In this ring… it’s just… God, I can’t even explain it, you know? But believe me when I tell you that there’s absolutely no feeling like it in the world. Believe me when I tell you… that it’s good... to be… back.

The declaration that stems from her final few words prompts another loud pop from the crowd. Cordy allows them their moment of celebration as she paces around the ring.

Cordelia Stevenson: This? Me being here in this ring? It’s something I miss, and that’s something I’m looking to remedy. Now, from what I’ve been gathering… there seems to be a very very big event coming up soon.

Her words are coy, the smirk on her face is a devious one as she stops and surveys the crowd. She lets out a sigh and shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: Gosh, it really does seem like it was yesterday man. I remember it so perfectly. We were doing a show in Spartanburg, South Carolina, do you guys remember that show? I’m sure a good lot of you happened to see that DVD, right? Do you remember? It’s hard to believe it was almost one year ago exactly. But Spencer Burke was backstage conducting an interview with the then FGA World Champion… Chandler Scott.

The mentioning of her biggest FGA rival draws a surprisingly mixed reaction. A lot more cheers thrown in there than expected. She nods and smiles fondly as she reminisces over the moment.

Cordelia Stevenson: And it’s no secret the history Chandler and I have. Hell, that same history netted us feud of the year last year along with Zero and Jimmy. Needless to say, Chandler wasn’t too thrilled about me cutting in on his interview time. We all know how that man loves to talk… right?

The crowd can’t help but to agree with her there as she laughs.

Cordelia Stevenson: But on that night in Spartanburg? I called my shot. I stood there, in front of Spencie, and in front of Chandler and I announced to the world that not only would I be entering the Gold Rush Rumble, but I all but promised him, that when all was said and done… at the end of the rumble, I would indeed be the last… person…. standing.

The crowd roars once again. They definitely remember it; one of the many memorable exchanges between Scott and Cordelia throughout the course of the year.

Cordelia Stevenson: And we all know how it played out at Glory Road, don’t we? Despite a historic and record setting effort from Zero; despite a historic and record setting performance from my chica, Evangelista. Despite Tony Carmine declaring that his only goal in the rumble was just to see to it that I did not win… despite it all, I made good on my word and I was indeed the last person standing. I went on to headline All Star Showdown IV with Chandler, the event that you fans voted as the show of the year, in what many of you also voted as the match of the year…

Her voice trails off as she finally stops moving around the ring and takes a deep breath.

Cordelia Stevenson: Philly, I’m not only here to tell you that I’m back…. but I’m also here to call my shot…. again.

Her words are met with a thunderous approval, but she quickly clears her throat and adds in.

Cordelia Stevenson: But just not for the Gold Rush Rumble this time.

She admits with a shrug. The teasing part of her personality is as clear as day right here. This portion of her announcement is met with collectives sighs, groans of disappointment and a scattering of boos just as she pretty much expected. She holds up a finger.

Cordelia Stevenson: There is however, another event coming up that has caught my attention greatly; and I think you all know what it is. I haven’t necessarily been quiet about my eagerness to participate in it either. That’s right…. Dynamic Duos.

This causes a buzz of excitement and a pretty loud SEX SELLS chant breaks out amongst the crowd. Cordelia can’t help but notice it and points out at the audience.

Cordelia Stevenson: To be honest with you guys? That was the idea. When Cynderblock first mentioned Dynamic Duos to me, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to get the band back together so to speak. The last time she and I did Dynamic Duos? We were going through a rough patch. The tension between us was at an all time high and truthfully we didn’t give you, the fans, the reunion that you deserved. So when she mentioned Dynamic Duos, I also saw it as a way to make amends; to do things the way they should have been done the first time around. Teaming together again? On a consistent basis? God knows this was something we’ve talked about ad nauseum and something that we’ve both looked forward to, but timing is absolutely everything in this business and unfortunately, time hasn’t really been on our side. And that is the case now. Because as much as the thought of making a run through Dynamic Duos with my sister gets me hype… I realize and understand that now just isn’t the time. I know what that FGA World Championship means to her. I was there firsthand. I saw her journey and I watched her rise. I know the work she’s put in to get it, and I know what it’s going to take in order for her to keep it… and that’s where her attention should lie. Just like I told her, her time is now and her focus should be on being the greatest champion that this company has ever seen; and being the champion that I always knew she would be. So no, there’s no Sex Sells in Dynamic Duos this time around guys.

This is met with a sense of understanding from the crowd, although a few boos and sentiments of disappointment are still shared and heard.

Cordelia Stevenson: But this… was something that I still wanted to do. So I was faced with a dilemma. How could I enter a tag team tournament with no tag team partner? And I expressed that to a friend of mine, and she actually made a preeeetttyyy good suggestion. *She smirks* And it’s a suggestion that I honestly think you all will like. So I reached out to that certain individual; an individual that I have fought beside countless times before and that I know for a fact will have my back…. and I tossed the idea out there. Needless to say the person was all for it.

She turns on her heels, surveying the crowd and seeing that they’re hanging on to her every word. She walks over towards the ropes and leans over with an amused grin as she raises the mic and glances towards the ramp and the curtain.

Cordelia Stevenson: Hey…. you want to come out and say hello to the people?

Another murmur breaks out from the crowd as everyone turns their attention towards the ramp. Suddenly…

...Spoken...

"May I remind you again, this is a dream, and in dreams, you can do anything you darn please!"

“Dangerous Business Since 1979” by The Legion of Doom began to play over the PA system...

Stephy Auger: I don’t think this is a dream!

Kris Cruise: No way. Not twice in ONE night!

My knuckles have turned to white

There's no turning back tonight

Kiss me one last time

Once the music started to really begin thumping in the arena, out onto the ramp walked “Bossman” Dan Herrera walked out onto the ramp. He stood at the top with his arms crossed smiling at the crowd. They were all standing cheering and going nuts seeing Dan appear for the first time since the Frontier Lions Cup last year. As they continued to cheer, Dan gave them a wave as he began to head down the ramp. He stopped and walked slowly on one side slapping hands with the fans before moving to the other side to do the same.

Kris Cruise: There he is! We’ve not seen Dan Herrera in Frontier Grappling Arts since his departure from the Frontier Lions Cup last year.

Stephy Auger: And his sudden departure left these fans stunned and upset when it happened, but from the sound of it, all is forgiven! Wow, with Cordy in the ring and Dan on his way, this crowd doesn’t seem to believe this is happening.

Dan stops at the bottom of the ring looking up into it at Cordy who is standing at the edge of the ring ropes clapping for him. He gives a small salute to her before playing things up to the crowd pointing at Cordy. They cheered as he shook his head and smiled before climbing up the ramp and walking to the middle of the ropes before ducking through the middle and top rope. He then walked over giving Cordy a big hug. He held her hand in the air for a second before calling for a microphone. The crowd died down a bit before he spoke.

Dan Herrera: Feels good, man. Thank you!

The crowd broke out in another “Wel - Come - Back” chant as Dan put a hand up waving and thanking them. They continued for a moment before Dan began to speak again.

Dan Herrera: It’s been awhile FGA. And as you may or may not know, I’ve been calling myself retired for quite awhile now.

Small boos erupt from the crowd and Dan shakes his head.

Dan Herrera: I know. I know. The thing about that is, I never really believed it myself, just like many of you. I’ve felt the need to return to FGA, almost since the day that I left. But I never really felt that timing was right. Things have happened here in FGA since I’ve been gone that just never really made my return seem right. But as you all know, Cordy called me…

Dan looks over at Cordy and she smiled at him.

Dan Herrera: And I KNEW, the time was right. What do you think? This work okay for you all?

Dan is obviously trying to rile up an already raucous crowd as they begin to cheer once again.

Dan Herrera: When I came to FGA back at the new year of 2014, I came on a mission. I wanted to prove to the world that I was not only a world class businessman, but that I could also be a world class athlete. While I suffered setbacks, as many people do, I look back at my almost two year run here as a success. I fought my heart out in every match I was ever put in. I came this close…

Dan puts his hand up with his index finger and thumb right next to each other.

Dan Herrera: ... to winning the Gold Rush Rumble, not once but TWICE. And in the same token, was that close to winning the World Championship. And as I sat at home, as I’ve sat in the crowd of Portland Pro shows watching Peaches compete something started to bug me even more. In all my time in Frontier Grappling Arts, as much as I was a name people recognized, I never had the pleasure or privilege of winning one of FGA’s tournaments or championships. With Cordy and I standing side by side, we return to enter the Dynamic Duos with that goal in the forefront of our minds. We intend to further etch our names on the stones that build this company into what it is and always has been. The greatest wrestling promotion in professional wrestling today.

The fans of FGA cheer as he mentions their long running history and their ability to consistently and constantly put on amazing shows.

Dan Herrera: So from me and Cordy to you, the fans, thank you for the welcome back. We can’t wait to be back standing in this ring ready to fight anyone and everyone put in front of us. The STATUS QUO has returned to Frontier Grappling Arts!

With that said, Dan then pulls the microphone away from his mouth and put his hands into the air as the fans give the duo another thunderous ovation. “Dangerous Business Since 1979” cues back up again as Cordy and Dan make their way to opposite turnbuckles and play it up with the crowd a bit. After a few moments go by, the two finally hop down and make their way from the ring and head towards the back.

Kris Cruise: I honestly can’t believe it Stephy. Cordelia Stevenson and Dan Herrera, back in FGA and entering Dynamic Duos as a tag team! Who would have ever imagined?

Stephy Auger: I sure wouldn’t have Kris, but I do know one thing for sure. Dynamic Duos just got that much more interesting, that’s for sure.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Salem Cartier vs. Nero

Silence and darkness. There is nothing. But soon, there is a single clap. A slow clap... that soon escalates into the beginning of Lady GaGa's "Applause". Red and white lights change rapidly, fluttering throughout the darkness. As soon as the chorus begins, the lights go pitch black. That is until the fast pace of the music picks back up and a single light shines from beneath the entrance area. A silhouette stands, motionless, one hand upon one hip, the other throw to the heavens. As the song returns to the chorus, the lights regain their rapid fluttering between red and white lights, and the face of the man known simply as Nero begins his strut to the ring. His face is cold and stoic, absorbing the malice from the audience. They hurl insults and boos at him, and he drinks it up. O

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Arkham, Massachusetts, weighing in at 192 pounds … He is ‘THE LEPER MESSIAH’ NERO!

Once he reaches the ring the slides under and crawls to the center of the ring, remaining on his knees as the music continues and the lights continue to flutter around him. The boos and the jeers get louder and louder as he continues to stay there, on his knees, in the center of the ring, until the music stops. The lights go dark, save for a single spotlight lighting him from below and to the side, his shadow masking part of the audience. A microphone from above comes to rest just in front of his face as the Leper Messiah himself slowly begins his tirade against humanity.

Kris Cruise: Nero set to face off against Salem Cartier tonight, and you have to believe with the momentum Salem picked up with her recent victory over Jimmy Page that she’ll be a handful for Nero tonight.

Stephy Auger: Nothing that The Leper Messiah can’t deal with, Kris.

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.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada … SALEM CARTIER!

"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’s got an air of confidence around her, that’s for sure. And we know Nero has hit a rough patch since his debut victory, but there’s only one way to find out which way this match will go…

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring. As they lock up collar and elbow, Nero immediately gains the upper hand, applying a standing wrist lock. Salem paces around in a circle trying to find a way out of it, but has to concede as Nero wrenches the hold. She drops to one knee briefly, but rises back to her feet. As it looks like Salem might be finding a way out of it, Nero sweeps the leg, bringing Cartier crashing down to the mat.

Before he can capitalize, however, Salem performs a modified monkey flip, sending her opponent overhead and crashing to the mat himself. Both competitors scramble back to their feet as the quicker of the two, Salem, unleashes a series of chops to the chest. The last of which sends Nero staggering away, clutching at his reddening sternum. He turns back around as Salem throws a forearm, but Nero ducks underneath and dives around the back. He catches Salem with a belly to back suplex before sitting upright, smiling as he looks down at his opponent.

Stephy Auger: Where’s that momentum now, Kris? The Leper Messiah in firm control here.

Kris Cruise: He’s certainly come out swinging, but Salem doesn’t stay down for long.

Nero rolls up his opponent’s legs, positioning himself on top with a rather suggestive pin attempt.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Salem kicks out.

And she’s quick back to her feet, glaring at Nero as if to say “what the fuck?” as The Leper Messiah cackles with glee. But the laughter stops as Salem bursts forward, slamming into Nero with a couple of forearm shots to the face. She has him reeling, bouncing back off the ropes before Salem goes for an Irish whip. But Nero grabs hold of the top rope to stop himself, if only to see Salem charging in with a Cactus clothesline!

Both competitors tumble over the top rope as the crowd cheer on Salem. She’s back to her feet first and stomping at The Leper Messiah as he tries to crawl away. Nero gets up to a kneeling position as Salem runs at him from behind, performing a somersault cutter on the outside!

Kris Cruise: Oh, Nero driven face first into the mats on the outside, but I think Salem took a hit there too.

Stephy Auger: Those mats are thin and unforgiving, Kris.

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

The count-out is moving along as Salem gingerly picks herself up, holding her lower back after that move. She brings Nero to his feet and rolls him back into the ring. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nero kicks out.

Salem lifts her opponent to a seated position and unleashes several soccer kicks to the spine before she sets off against the ropes, coming back with a dropkick to the face. No pin attempt this time, though, as she drags Nero back up to his feet. An Irish whip sends him towards the corner as Salem follows him in with a springboard back elbow. Nero tries to stumble away, but Salem pushes him back into the corner and unleashes a series of chops to the chest again.

Kris Cruise: I think she’s making him pay for that lewd pin attempt earlier, Stephy.

Another Irish whip sends Nero from pillar to post and again Salem follows him in. But Nero vaults up off the top turnbuckle, leapfrogging over his opponent as he catches Salem’s arms and legs, trapping her in a tarantula submission hold! The crowd begin to boo as Salem looks to be in pain. But the referee’s five count forces a break before she can submit. She drops to the mat as Nero take to the outside, trying to recompose himself after that rough few minutes.

Salem gets back to her feet quite quickly, though. Nero turns his attention back to the ring in time to see Salem readying herself to slingshot over the top rope, which she does so as Nero ducks for cover. But Salem saw it coming and managed to manoeuvre herself to land on the apron, only for Nero to pull her feet out from under her! She falls and hits the apron face first!

Stephy Auger: The Leper Messiah outsmarting Salem there.

Nero whips his opponent across the way, slamming Salem back first into the guard rail before she slumps to the floor. With the opportunity presented, Nero takes to stomping at the lower back of his opponent, drawing more boos from the crowd. Which only intensifies as he lifts her up and drives the small of her back into the steel ring post, before dumping Salem back into the ring. He follows her in, climbing up the ring steps before entering the ring just as Salem is using the ropes the get back to her feet. She staggers backwards, holding her back in pain as Nero sneaks up behind her, catching Salem with the Fall From Grace! And the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Salem kicks out in the nick of time.

Stephy Auger: Admit it, Kris, you thought this one was over for a second there.

Nero is irate! He’s yelling at the referee not to slow count him, but the official is adamant he counted at normal speed. The Leper Messiah isn’t taking the slight lying down, though. He’s in the referee’s face, demanding that he do his job.

Kris Cruise: Nero needs to be careful not to lay his hands on the referee, otherwise that’s a DQ.

Fortunately, before that can happen, Salem sneaks up behind Nero with a schoolboy!

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

Nero kicks out! Both competitors move back to their feet, Nero reaching the vertical base first as he gets caught by a rising lariat from Salem! Again, both competitors get back to their feet as Salem dives around the back, catching Nero with a shin breaker, before transitioning it into a saito suplex! The Leper Messiah gets folded up, but Salem can’t capitalize just yet.

The fans are beginning to rally behind her again as the plucky Canadian stands up before her opponent. A knee lift to the midsection doubles Nero over, before he’s whipped towards the corner. Salem follows him in with a running clothesline, before going for a rolling snapmare. Nero gets brought out of the corner into a seated position as Salem pops to her feet and fires off a buzzsaw kick to the head. But still Nero just sits there, before a second buzzsaw kick sends him down to the mat. And Salem drops down to make the cover.

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

Stephy Auger: Nero stays in this one. And Salem is probably wondering what she needs to do to put him away right now.

Kris Cruise: A burst of offense by The Witch, but still Nero is still in it. And you’re probably right, Salem has to be thinking how much more can Nero take.

Stephy Auger: A lot, Kris. He can absorb more punishment than Salem can dish out.

Salem drags her opponent back to his feet and doubles him over with another knee lift to the gut. She hooks his arms with a butterfly hold, but Nero spins out of it. He even ducks under discus punch before raking the eyes as Salem turns back around. She staggers away in pain, temporarily blinded as Nero seizes the opportunity. He runs against the far ropes, rebounding off them – NO! Salem runs at him upon his return, nailing Nero with a New Hampshire Handshake out of nowhere! And the hook of a leg.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, SALEM CARTIER!

Kris Cruise: A decisive victory, wouldn’t you say, Stephy?

Stephy Auger: Not at all; Nero had her on the ropes at several moments throughout the match, but Salem managed to overcome it all to steal the victory from his grasp.

Kris Cruise: However you want to try and explain it, Salem Cartier continues her winning ways here tonight in Philadelphia. Up next we’ve got what’s sure to be a technical masterpiece as Ricky Valero and Johnny Cannon go one on one, and after the words these two have exchanged this last week I’m looking forward to this one.

As Salem heads up the aisle, there's a rumble in the crowd...

Kris Cruise: "What the hell is going on?!"

From the crowds, Aries Reed hops over the guardrail with a blink of an eye, he slides into the grabbing Nero with rear waist lock to his shock. The crowd boos as Aries rams Nero hard into the turnbuckle and hoists him over his head with a German Suplex as the thud echoes through the arena. But Aries keeps his hands lock and rolls through before pulling Nero through his legs for another German Suplex...

Stephy Auger: "The Silver Tongue! God damn, I love that move!"

Aries stands to his feet, looking down at Nero with a snarl on his lips. His chest heaves with each heavy breath as he looks over towards the commentary booth, demanding a microphone. A FGA stagehand slowly climbs into the ring to hand Aries a microphone as Aries snatches it away.

Aries Reed: "Get the hell out of my ring!"

Aries points out of the ring as stagehand quickly nods his head before sliding out of the ring. The Philadelphia crowd is full of boos as Aries looks around with a smirk before looking down at Nero.

Aries Reed: "Listen here you, lil' sh*t. You think that stunt you pulled off last week was cute? You figured it you smear your blood on me that it was going to make a difference? But look at you now?! Laying on the mat broken and beaten by yours truly once again! I'm going to end this Nero...I'm going to end this by ending you...I'm going to end this by making sure that you never get up again. Gold Rush Rumble...we are going to step into the ring and we're going to finish it!"

Nero moans incoherently as Aries huffs, reaching to grab a handful of hair to force Nero to look up at him.

Aries Reed: "And I'm going to finish you...and end this sadistic little fairy tale that you've stewed up in your head. Sleep tight, princess...because when you wake up, it's when you're nightmare begins."

With a hard thud, Aries smashes the end of the microphone into the face of Nero before standing to his feet once again and throwing his hands in the air as "Blackened the Sun" begins to play.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]