Vertigo (5.14.16)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Freedom Hall Civic Center
Johnson City, TN

The show fades in to Chandler Scott stepping through the curtain to a large pop from the crowd. But Chandler is still exhibiting the same cold expression that was on his face two weeks ago. The former World Champion make his way down to the ring. Some of the fans reach over and try to grab him, high five him or pat him on the back. But Chandler ignores them while his gaze remains focused on the ring. Once he enters the ring, he goes to raise the mic to his mouth to speak. But he’s cut off by dueling “LET’S GO, CHANDLER!!! / CHANDLER SCOTT CHANTS!!!” After about 10-15 seconds of this, the crowd applauds. But Chandler doesn’t take in the newfound support from the crowd. He just continues to keep the same cold gaze.

Chandler Scott: … I know what my name is.

(The crowd surprisingly cheers this.)

Chandler Scott: Speaking of my name... with the amount of times that your last two World Champions kept my names in their mouths, it was like I never left.

(A “WELCOME BACK!!!” chant breaks again. But again, Chandler doesn’t play into it or acknowledge it.)

Chandler Scott: But I did leave. In fact, I’ve been on the shelf for the last five months recuperating from several injuries. When I had that sitdown interview with Spencer Burke last December, I told him that when I was medically cleared to return, I would be coming back to reclaim that World Championship. And as much as I would love to take that World Championship back… that’s going to have to wait.

(The crowd boos this announcement.)

Chandler Scott: You see, before I can deal with business, I’ve got to deal with some personal matters first. And these days, when it comes to me, it doesn’t get more personal… than Jimmy Page.

(A “F*CK JIMMY PAGE!!!” breaks out.)

Chandler Scott: Jimmy Page, I haven’t been hiding in some cave. I haven’t been hiding under my bed or in some closet. I heard you loud and clear. For months, I heard you calling my name. For months, I heard you issuing your challenge. But I never answered because I was afraid. I never answered you because you intimidated me. I never bothered to answer you because, simply put, you didn’t deserve a response.

You didn’t deserve to have the luxury of seeing your name across the marquee from mine. You didn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as me. You didn’t deserve the privilege and the honor of sharing a ring with me. So your little challenge wasn’t answered. And that didn’t sit well with you, now did it? No, you’re used to getting your way. You’re using to getting what you want. And when I denied you, that made you see red. And when you saw red, that’s when you decided to make things personal.

(The crowd boos. The images of Page’s assault on Chandler’s younger sister are still vivid in their minds.)

Chandler Scott: You want to drag my name through the mud? Fine. You weren’t the first and you won’t be the last. You want to jump me from behind? Go right ahead. But when you bring my family into this… that’s when we reach the point of no return, Page. You didn’t just cross the line. You didn’t hop over the line. You long jumped over that line and now… now I really have no choice but to break my foot off in your ass.

(The crowd cheers.)

Chandler Scott: But in order for me to do that, I need a match where there are no count outs. In order for me to do that, I need a match where the rules have been thrown out the window. I need a match where chivalry… is dead.

(The crowd pop at the announcement of a Chivalry is Dead Match.)

Chandler Scott: What I need is you and me in this ring, Chivalry is Dead. And I don’t want it on the next Vertigo. I don’t want it in four weeks. I don’t even want it at All Star Showdown. I want you in this ring… tonight.

(Cheers and applause can be heard throughout the crowd.)

Chandler Scott: Now I know you’re back there, Page. I know you’re listening to every word that’s come out of my mouth. So I’m going to give you until the count of ten to come out here. And if you don’t answer by the count of ten, I’m going to go back there and kick down every door until I find you. And when I do, I’m going to grab you by the mangy hair, drag you out here and beat the holy hell out of you. So what’s it going to be?

There was a dull silence throughout the arena. Some fans in the crowd kept up the “CHANDLER SCOTT” chants. Suddenly the curtains begin to flutter. But it wasn’t Jimmy Page that came out first. It was a group of police officers. The fans begin to boo, slightly confused and disappointed. But their boos begin to become larger however as Jimmy Page finally makes it way from the back. He’s dressed in a leather jacket, a T-shirt of the recently deceased Prince, jeans, and a pair of Chuck Taylors. However, the camera stays from his clothes, and goes to his face. Page has a pair of sunglasses on, trying to cover up the bruises as best he can. But the camera catches glimpses of his discolored face coated in bruises and scabs. Page tells the police to flank the ring where Scott was standing. Scott scoffs, and mouths something in Page’s direction. Page, feeling brash stands on the apron, pulls a microphone from his jacket, and then takes his glasses off. He tosses them to the floor and glares at Chandler.

Jimmy Page: I don’t get you, I really don’t Scott. You want to say, I don’t deserve to have the marquee besides your’s? Really, because the way I see it, you NEED IT as much as I do! I can lose a few matches, that’s the human attrition, I’ll take my lumps and come back for more. But you, you got beaten down like a dog, and lost the World Champion to that Judas of a man, Zero McHannon. You. For months on end, they gave you scraps, they pampered you, they wanted to GROOM you as the MAN of Frontier Grappling Arts. You can deny it all you want, but no one’s buyin’ it Scott.

Page holds up his hand in the air, as symbolism.

Jimmy Page: Imagine, if you will, God. God is all powerful, he can do no wrong, he’s a cult of personality. And in the world of wrestling, once upon a time, Chandler Scott was GOD. He could do no wrong, and had a FLOCK of worshippers at his feet. You had the world at your feet…!!! And then, the mystique of THE MAN...was shattered. So you went to go lick your wounds, you say you have several injuries, well HELL Scott, you’re a man aren’t you…? I challenged you, because some part of me thought that THE MAN and THE HUMAN were separate. I thought you were a human being capable of showing some bravado. So weeks pass by, and there’s no Chandler Scott to be found. I call you out, because knowing your ego having a scumbag like me call you out EATS you inside--IT DOES DON’T LIE…! It makes you sick to think someone like me can have the fortitude to call you out.

Page tilts his head to the side, leaning forward with his elbows resting on top rope.

Jimmy Page: Most would call you a coward, especially me. But to some, they said you don’t have anything to prove. Which, I disagree with, because if you were as big of a man as people like to pigeonhole you as such, you would’ve accepted it. So, a month goes by, and so me I sweeten the incentive, because EVERYBODY knows that Chandler Scott’s ain’t some cheap thrill. Gold Rush Rumble, you get me. No answer. Nothing. But I go on Twitter, and what do I get from you? Memes. Jokes.

Page chuckles, rubbing a hand across his face as he stifled laughter can be heard in the microphone. He turns his head to the side, shaking his head. He wags his finger up and down at Chandler Scott.

Jimmy Page: You, y-you are simply amazing. In the sense in that you, can call a bluff and have no idea what those ramifications could hold. And so, you saw...in full effect...those ramifications. Emily? Emily didn’t have to go through that. Emily has a bright future, doesn’t she? She didn’t have to go through that HELL you put her through. All it took was a 150 character tweet, that said you accepted. But you’re CHANDLER SCOTT, you’re too smart for that. And so Emily got what she did. And most people would vilify me, they would say what I did was heinous; But hey, you’re here right now aren’t you? You took it upon yourself to seek revenge on me right? Right. You came out here for an answer? You want me at All Star Showdown is that right? YOU PEOPLE WANT JIMMY PAGE VS CHANDLER SCOTT AT ALL STAR SHOWDOWN…?!

The fans begin to chant, “YES!!” which echoes throughout the arena. Page looks at Chandler Scott.

Jimmy Page: WELL...MY ANSWER IS...no.

The fans boo as Page looks at them all. He gives a small smirk at Scott who looks visibly pissed off as he scratches his jawline. He takes a swipe at Page, who drops down from the apron. His wall of police form upon him. Page begins to backpedal up the ramp, continuing to taunt his foe.

Jimmy Page: See, it’s not worth it anymore. What do I have to gain? See, I realize now that a match with you garners nothing for me. I just don’t feel like it, y’know?

Page’s eyes slowly cut towards Scott whose beckoning him to the ring. Page shrugs his shoulders…

Jimmy Page: Hell Scott, I’m feeling charitable. Don’t say I’ve never done anything for you. If you want it so bad, I guess I can face you...but only if you get on your knees...and beg like the pathetic dog you are. Then maybe, if I feel generous enough...I’ll let you know.

Chandler walks over towards the ropes and rests his forearms across them. He then takes the mic and raises it up towards his mouth.

Chandler Scott: Page, I’m not asking for a match against you. I’m demanding a match against you…

The crowd cheers at Chandler’s refusal to beg.

Chandler Scott: And I want it...tonight.

Another large pop is heard from the crowd as they’re ready to see this PPV-caliber match tonight.

Jimmy Page: No, no, no, no see, you aren’t calling the shots. I have the power, and if you want a match then I want to hear you BEG for it. Go on, do it!! Beg for me Scott!!!

The fans are beginning to chant, “NO!! NO!! NO!!” as Page looks around at the crowd in clear disgust. Chandler paces in a circle in the middle of the ring. He stops and glare down at Page.

Chandler Scott: Well… since you don’t want to come to me… I’ll just come to you.

And with that, the crowd lets out a loud pop as Chandler tosses the mic over his shoulder before dropping to his back and rolling out of the ring. But as soon as he rolls to the outside, he’s immediately faced by a wall of police. Chandler looks over the offers and glances up at Page, who can be seen taunting him from the safety of the entrance ramp. Chandler turns his gaze back to the officers. He can be seen looking at all of them, as if he’s counting the number of them in his head. Chandler then faces the offers that’s directly in front of him. This particular officer steps right in Chandler’s path. The officer in question has a bit of a smirk on his face. His demeanor suggests that he’s looking for shit to go down. Chandler motions for the officer to move out of his way. But the officer doesn’t budge. Chandler once again motions for the officer to move out of his way. But the officer tells Chandler to keep his distance and watch himself. Chandler looks away from the officer, almost in disbelief. The former Champion then motions to move past the officer. But the officer grabs him by the arm and nudges him back, which garners an “oooooooh” from the crowd. Chandler slowly runs his hand down his face before looking away… only to deck the officer with a right hand. Chandler goes to charge up the ramp. But he’s quickly wrapped up. He’s then tackled down by the officer that he decked. Chandler tries to get up. But the officer shoves him face first to the ground before forcefully putting his hands behind his back. A dueling “THIS IS BULLSH*T!” / “F*CK JIMMY PAGE!” chant breaks out while Page looks on with glee. After Chandler’s been cuffed, he’s yanked up to his feet before being lead up the aisle and to the back.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The scene fades in to Chandler Scott being escorted out of the building by the police Jimmy Page had brought to the ring earlier in the night. Chandler Scott can be saying obscenities to officers as he tries explain to them what’s going on. The police aren’t hearing it, as they continue to drag Chandler through the hallways. Page isn’t too far behind however as he walks behind the cops who are shouting at Scott to stop resisting.

Jimmy Page: HOW’S IT FEEL SCOTT? HUH?! HOW’S IT FEEL?! BIG TOUGH GUY HUH?! They’re gonna LOVE you in that precinct. I hear they like the ones with the most gab, they can fit a lot inside of their mouth! HAHAHA!!!

Chandler is still struggling to get to Page. He’s kicking his feet and brings himself down to the ground along with officers! Scott tries to go after Page who backs up two steps and lets the officers wrestle him to his feet. Page smiles, enjoying every last second of Chandler’s pain.

Jimmy Page: Hey Scott, hey Scott, where was that fight when I shoved Emily’s head through a mirror?! Huh?! Where was that fight then?! You’re pathetic!! You’re a coward!!! And now you’re gonna get what’s coming to you!!

Chandler is now cooperating with the cops as they head out of the arena. Page is still following close behind them. They finally get to the squad car where Page stops, smirking at Chandler. They open the door and tell Scott to watch his head.

Jimmy Page: Wait.

The officers stop, Page gets in Chandler’s face who now is stone-faced. Page looks Scott up and down, he chuckles. Jimmy looks to leave, but suddenly turns around and SPITS in Chandler’s face. Scott lunges at Page, the police stop him and shove him the squad car. Page backs up slowly, watching as the cops get inside and begin to drive off. Page waves goodbye, his smirk turning into a sneer. He looks around, stuffs his hands into his pockets, and makes haste for the building. The scene then fades to black...

[FGA Office]

Savannah Taylor vs. Asa Constant

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, our opening contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California … SAVANNAH TAYLOR!

The fans in the arena are in their seats, anxiously awaiting the start of the match. Before they have a chance to say anything, the lights suddenly fade to black. The noise of the crowd is replaced by a loud whistle emanating from the sound system. The whistle repeats, only this time it is accompanied by a few riffs from a synthesizer. As the synth pulses on for a few seconds, red strobe lights around the entrance begin to pulse in perfect synch with the music. The heavy guitar and drum tandem that follows truly signals the beginning of “Engel” by Rammstein. The black of the arena has been replaced by a vivid crimson as the song plays on. The fans immediately leap to their feet and show their displeasure at the arrival of the one and only Savannah Taylor. The blonde steps out onto the stage for a few seconds and glances to either side of her before walking purposefully down the aisle, an air of arrogance displayed in her gait. She climbs the steps and stands on the apron, scanning the crowd before shaking her head at the fans. Stepping into the ring, she stands in the center and raises her hands above her head, seeming to soak in the boos. She then rests her back against the turnbuckle and waits for the lights to return to normal and the music to fade out.

Kris Cruise: We’re all set for our opening contest tonight and Savannah Taylor is looking to bounce back after Gold Rush Rumble; she found herself on the losing end in the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title match, but now she’s taking on Nox Sports’ Asa Constant in single’s action.

Stephy Auger: Nox Sports’ replacement for the injured Stoney Stone; Asa debuted two weeks ago in the losing effort against the Status Quo, but what can he do in singles competition, Kris? We’ll find out soon enough.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Indianapolis, Indiana, weighing in at 180 pounds … ASA CONSTANT!

The opening notes of “Lunar” by David Guetta and Afrojack begins to play as a hush befalls the crowd. As the beat begins to build, so does the crowd's anticipation. Finally the bass drops and Asa Constant explodes from the back bringing about cheers from the crowd. He’s bobbing his head as he points to the crowd. He makes his way to the ring, slapping the hands of fans. He leaps onto the apron and clutches the ropes. He pumps his arm before throwing a fist into the air bringing about more cheers. He hops over the ropes into the ring and runs to the far corner and hops the turnbuckle. He spreads his arms out like he’s flying before hopping down.

Stephy Auger: Certainly a charismatic young man, but his start here in FGA is a tough one. I mentioned his match on the last show, and now he’s up against Savannah Taylor. I don’t envy Asa Constant, that’s for sure.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring for a few moments. As they come together in the center of the ring and lock up collar and elbow, Savannah gains the initial advantage with a side headlock. The crowd instantly boo and jeer as she wrenches the hold in tight, but Asa manages to fire off some elbows to the midsection to loosen Savannah’s grip. After the third elbow, he pushes her away and against the ropes.

Taylor hits the ropes and rebounds, only to get caught by a back elbow to the face. She drops to the mat, and Constant runs against the ropes himself. He skips over the prone body of Savannah Taylor before she pops back up to her feet, and Constant hits the ropes again. He comes charging in with a headscissors takedown, sending Savannah sprawling across the ring and out under the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Despite what you may think, Stephy, Asa Constant is holding his own in there. And he’s showing now fear in the face of Savannah Taylor.

Stephy Auger: As long as he doesn’t get cocky, Kris.

Taylor lands on the outside with a thud, but quickly picks herself up as Constant is already on the move. He hits the far ropes for momentum, charging back across the ring with a suicide dive! The crowd pop as he connects with the high risk move, knocking Savannah backwards and up the aisle. But he doesn’t waste any time, picking Taylor up and rolling her back into the ring. And the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Savannah kicks out.

Constant gets back to his feet and reaches down to grab Savannah by the wrist. He lifts her up and applies a standing wristlock, using the manoeuvre to run up the corner before performing an arm drag. Savannah is sent across the ring again, but she rolls back up to a vertical base as Constant runs at her, only to get caught by an inverted atomic drop. Asa holds his family jewels in pain as Savannah runs against the ropes behind her, coming back with a Yakuza kick that damn near takes Asa’s head off! She drops down and covers with a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Asa kicks out!

Stephy Auger: Did you hear that Yakuza kick, Kris? Savannah put everything she had behind that one.

Kris Cruise: Hear it? I practically felt it from here.

Taylor assumes a mounted position astride her opponent as she rains down right hands to the face; Constant tries to cover up, but he’s saved by the referee who drags Savannah off him. As she’s standing over her opponent, however, Savannah opts to put the boots in. With an inverted facelock applied, Savannah lifts her opponent back to his feet before promptly delivering a DDT.

No cover this time, though, as instead Savannah lifts Asa back to his feet. With a knee lift to the midsection, Asa is doubled over; Savannah hooks him by the waistband, looking for the suplex. But Asa wraps the leg to block. He fires off a couple of shots to the gut to break Savannah’s grip before going for the Irish whip. But Savannah reverses that, and Constant is sent towards the corner. Taylor follows him in with a running hip strike, and Asa drops down to a seated position.

Savannah takes a run up, heading back across the ring before she runs at the precariously positioned Asa Constant, leaping through the air with a hesitation dropkick. Savannah drags him out of the corner and covers with a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Asa kicks out!

Savannah looks to the referee, but the official assures her it was only a two count. Undeterred, she drags Constant back to his feet and tosses him head first into the top turnbuckle. With his arms spread and chest exposed, Asa is at the mercy of his opponent; Savannah unleashes some vicious looking chops before going for the Irish whip. Asa Constant is sent from pillar to post as Savannah follows him in, but Asa gets the boot up!

Kris Cruise: A counter by Asa Constant, and he might have just found a way back into this match, Stephy.

Savannah staggers away backwards as Asa takes a moment to compose himself. He lunges out of the corner, ducking under the clothesline attempt before countering with an arm-trap neckbreaker! The crowd cheer again as Savannah holds the back of her head in pain – but Asa can’t capitalize!

After a moment, Asa does manage to get back to his feet with the help of the ropes. With his opponent still down, Asa takes the opportunity to head up top. Slowly but surely he climbs all the way to the top rope before he leaps with a crude looking moonsault! It connects! And Asa makes the cover!

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

Stephy Auger: Savannah kicking out in the nick of time, and Asa looks so disappointed!

Kris Cruise: He must have thought that was enough to put away Savannah Taylor. But this match continues.

Constant paces around the ring, trying to rally the crowd behind him as he waits for Taylor to get back to her feet. As she does so, he rushes in with a kick to the midsection. An Irish whip follows as Savannah is sent towards the corner. Asa charges in after her with a corner splash – NO! Savannah dives out of harm’s way, and Asa hits the turnbuckle chest first. He stumbles backwards, doubled over in pain as Savannah grabs him and she executes a corkscrew neckbreaker! And the cover.

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

Asa gets the shoulder at the last second, and Savannah doesn’t look impressed. She kneels over him and cricks her neck to work out the kinks before pushing herself back up to a vertical base. The crowd continue to jeer as Savannah waits for her opponent to do the same. Asa has a smile on his face as he fights through the pain, getting back to his feet as Savannah drives a boot up into the gut. She hooks him in position for the Siren’s Song, and drives the rookie face first into the mat! A hooks of the leg by Savannah as she makes the cover.

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match … SAVANNAH TAYLOR!

Stephy Auger: A dominant performance by Savannah Taylor as she finds her winning ways once more. And I don’t think Asa Constant knew what hit him.

Kris Cruise: But he certainly seemed to enjoy the experience. But you’re right, Savannah had an answer for everything; the experience advantage may have paid off in the end, and she looked like she’s already put that loss at Gold Rush Rumble behind her.

Taylor rolls out of the ring and heads back up the aisle, leaving the fans to boo as she goes. In the ring, Constant starts to stir, smiling as he holds his throbbing head.

[FGA Office]

The scene faded in on Zero McHannon walking down one of the arena’s hallways with the FGA World Championship strapped tightly over his right shoulder. He tugs on it as Spencer Burke is standing off to the side, holding up a finger to get Zero’s attention and possibly a few words.

McHannon stops and looks at Spencer for a moment before brushing past him, only to get stopped in his tracks by a much more irritating figure.

Quinn Goodrich: Funny running into you, champ.

Goodrich grins as he keeps moving,just waiting for McHannon to bite. Zero stops for a moment, sighing as he looks up at the ceiling. He then turns around to Goodrich, giving him the attention he was looking for.

Zero McHannon: What's so funny about it, Quinn? Stopping by to get another glance at the championship that you'll never have the pleasure of telling the world your clients hold?

The dapper Brit smirks, playfully adjusting his bow tie. After brushing off his two-piece suit he turns to face the World Champion.

Quinn Goodrich: It's just, I happened to be discussing you with an interested party a few minutes ago, and then right on cue you appear.

Goodrich stretches his arm out toward McHannon.

Quinn Goodrich: Speak of the devil.

Zero McHannon: Well, this is basically my show, Quinn. My title. My main event coming up later tonight. My arena while Vertigo is live on television. Everything that you see here? It's mine. Until someone takes it from me. Do you have a reason for being here or are you lost? Women's bathroom is around the corner.

Goodrich grins, nodding his head as he grabs with his suit jacket.

Quinn Goodrich: And to think my client thought you never get straight to the point. Well since you’re in no hurry to go anywhere, let me say this. I just wanted to say that I hope you make it through the night in one piece. I don't know if it's this rotten town giving me bad vibes or what, but I've just got a really bad feeling that you won't.

McHannon smirked in his direction.

Zero McHannon: Is that a threat? You're making threats now just like you guys did on the last Vertigo?

This time Zero has a full blown laugh as he hikes the FGA World Championship higher on his shoulder.

Zero McHannon: Whatever you say, bud. There's a reason they didn't take their opportunity last show and that's because they already know that I can handle my own against the pair of them anytime they grow a pair of nuts for themselves. So, please, spare me the empty threats just to make them look like they're actually a threat to take what's rightfully mine away from me. Don't talk about shit that you can't back up.

McHannon slowly shakes his head.

Zero McHannon: Regardless, thanks for the laugh, Quinn.

Goodrich throws his hands up innocently.

Quinn Goodrich: Oh it's not me who was talking. I just listen, take things into account, set up a motion and then watch everything unfold. Listen, you shouldn't feel threatened. You're the two time FGA World Champion. You should feel like a million bucks.

Goodrich glances at the World Title, then smirks.

Quinn Goodrich: All I'm saying is that, regardless who you are, the two gentleman that you're crossing paths with - they're not really the type to let people provoke them and run them down - not for too long anyway.

Goodrich looks Zero right in the eyes now.

Quinn Goodrich: Angry dogs can only last but so long before they attack. I read that in a science magazine somewhere. Just a thought. Think about it or don't. That's your business. Actually forget I said anything at all. now that I think about it, it's useless information to a man like you Sorry for wasting your time, champ.

Goodrich turns away from McHannon now; eyes somewhat in a squint as he laughs under his breath. Whilst Zero looks on, his face curled up as if to say “yeah right” as Quinn walks off. 

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The camera fades up in the backstage area of the Freedom Hall Civic Center. As it scans the corridor, it comes to rest on Izzy Anders, making her way at quite a pace. As she comes to the dressing room door labelled “Blood Brothers”, she stops. After a second, she makes to knock on it, but pauses. She turns away… before turning around and barging right in.

Izzy Anders: Hey, GRENDEL, we gotta talk about...erh….

Izzy tails off as she notices the man stood before her, GRENDEL of the Blood Brothers, is totally naked, a towel draped over his shoulders, still wet hair hanging loosely on it, a digitally added modesty bar protecting the viewers from a full reveal. He looks at her, and raises an eyebrow, making no effort to hide himself. Steam and discordant singing from an adjoining room suggests that Aries Reed is still in the shower.

Izzy Anders: Aries can’t sing a lick, it seems.

Izzy takes a gander at GRENDEL for a moment, unphased by his nudity.

GRENDEL: What? I’m assuming you want something?

Izzy looks to the shower room. GRENDEL pricks up an ear.

GRENDEL: He’s just started Bad Bad Leroy Brown. You won’t be interrupted.

Izzy Anders: Your words on Twitter has peaked my interest. Most people in FGA treat me as a pariah. So for you to come forward and say anything remotely positive about me begs me to ask, what is it that you want?

GRENDEL: It’s simple, Isabella. Evolution. This industry has stagnated. Without change, it will die. As this business must Evolve or Die, so must we. And whilst these… people… resist the need to better and improve themselves, whilst they are content deluding themselves that their nepotism and acquiescence to the established tyranny is the correct order of things… I sense that you feel other wise. I feel you’re ready to evolve. You interest me, Isabella Anders.

Izzy Anders: You’re making him uncomfortable.

She motions to the camera operator, who had decided to set a tripod and linger around the corner.

GRENDEL: I am aware. Does it concern you? Get over it. My nakedness is insignificant, it is not the reason you came here.

He grabs a holdall from the floor, dropping it down hard on the bench in front of him.

GRENDEL: If you wish to fade into insignificance with the others, to deny that which you know to be true and to Die, then consider our business concluded.

He pulls a pair of boxers out of the bag, and starts slipping them on.

GRENDEL: But if you’re ready to accept that I am right… ready to accept who and what you are… to Evolve? Then I will assist you. Work with you. And together, we will ensure you are never the victim again.

He pulls the boxers home, pausing a moment to adjust himself.

GRENDEL: So what is it? Evolve? Or Die?

A grin grows upon Izzy’s face, her eyes narrowing to their now hostile form.

Izzy Anders: If you’ve been paying attention, then you already have your answer.

Izzy turns on her heel and takes her leave, shaking her head slightly as she did. He watches as she goes, a smile playing over his face.

GRENDEL: Excellent.

The camera fades.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (Quarterfinals)
Dragons Unleashed vs. Silk & Cyanide

The darkened arena is illuminated with the purple lights that pulse in time with How To Destroy Angels' "BBB" which is slithering its way across the arena's PA system

Get down

And with that line, the purple lights fully illuminate the arena as Erin Mariani & Sara Mason walk out at the top of the ramp, looking out across the arena like a pair of hunters that are toying with their prey

On the ground

The pair begin their walk down the ramp towards the ring, both walking with an air of assured superiority towards everyone in the arena, be it their opponents or the fans in attendance, to the point they simply do not register those fans nearest to them

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Quarterfinals Match in the Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! Introducing first, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 248 pounds! They are the team of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason… SILK & CYANIDE!

Don't move, make a sound

The pair reach the ringside area, and once they reach ringside Mason stops by the nearest set of ring steps while Mariani continues to walk to the set furthest along

No more
No control

Once Mariani reaches her set of ring steps, the duo climb their respective set of steps in unison, and once they step onto the ring apron they both immediately step through the ropes into the ring

You do what you're told

Once inside the ring, Mariani climbs onto the middle rope as she looks down at the crowd with a look of pure spite, while Mason climbs the nearest set of turnbuckles where she too looks down upon the crowd and laughs at them, before the pair both climb down and decide which corner is rightfully theirs, and that is where they stand.

Kris Cruise: Coming up next is our first of several tag team matches for the evening. It’ll also be our first Quarterfinals Match in the Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament. Silk & Cyanide shocked the world last week when they picked up the upset win over MagiCastle. But even more shocking than that was the return of Dragons Unleashed. We hadn’t seen Evangelista in an FGA ring since she was intentionally injured at the hands of Johnny Cannon. We also hadn’t seen Laurel Anne Hardy in several months. But what a joy it was to see those two reunited in the ring. It felt right, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: It was nice seeing Evangelista back.

Kris Cruise: And Laurel?

Stephy Auger: … it was nice seeing Evangelista back.

Multicoloured spotlights swirl around the entranceway as the martial-sounding intro to Glass Candy's "Candy Castle" comes across the PA. As the beat kicks in Laurel Anne Hardy bursts through the curtain, cavorting energetically and twisting a feather boa around like a dancing partner. A moment later Evangelista walks through and stands beside Laurel, placing her hands on her hips as she surveys the arena with a smile.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 281 pounds! They are the team of Evangelista and Laurel Anne Hardy… DRAGONS UNLEASHED!

The two young women share a good luck hug, then start down the aisle and head in opposite directions when they reach the bottom - Evangelista focused on the task ahead and absently tagging a few outstretched hands, Hardy dancing back and forth and interacting with the fans much more with hugs, high fives and handshakes. After completing a circuit of the ringside area they regroup and Evangelista slides under the bottom rope while Laurel leaps over her onto the apron, and somersaults over the top rope. They run up opposite turnbuckles and pose, then drop and repeat their actions in the other two corners. Hardy throws her boa into the crowd, prompting a scrum to catch it.

They both moonsault down to standing positions in the centre of the ring. Laurel takes a deep, theatrical bow while Evangelista crosses herself and warms up.

Kris Cruise: They look pumped and ready to go, Stephy. This is the one tournament that has alluded them. At the end of this journey are the one set of tag titles that have alluded them. They’re former WARPED Tag Team Champions. They’re former FRONTIER Tag Champs. But those FGA Tag Titles, that would complete the collection in their eyes.

Stephy Auger: But they’ve got to get through Silk & Cyanide first. I know everyone's counting them out. They see them matched against Dragons Unleashed and they figure that this match is a forgone conclusion. Well you know what? MagiCastle winning was a forgone conclusion, too, and you saw how that one went.

The bell sounds as Silk & Cyanide jump Dragons Unleashed from behind. Mariani takes Hardy and repeatedly slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Meanwhile, Mason takes Evangelista, places her in a side headlock and rakes her face along the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide aren’t wasting any time going after Dragons Unleashed!

Stephy Auger: Good for them. There’s a Tag Team Title shot on the line. They should be doing everything in their power to make sure that they advance.

After Evangelista stumbles into the corner, Mason comes up from behind and delivers a leaping back rake. In the opposite corner, Mariani turns Hardy around, steps back and chokes her while pulling down on the top rope. The ref goes over and gives her until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Mariani breaks the hold. After both members of Silk & Cyanide turn back and give each other a knowing nod, they run from out of their respective corners. Mason runs across the ring and connects with a jumping clothesline on Hardy while Mariani runs across the ring, hops onto Evangelista and throws her out of the corner with a monkey flip. As Evangelista slowly gets up, Silk & Cyanide runs towards her and knock her down with a running elbow tackle/chop block combination.

Kris Cruise: Look at them, immediately going after the neck of Evangelista!

Stephy Auger: They targeted Salem Cartier’s weak spot two weeks ago and they’re doing the same here against Evangelista. These two are showing that there isn’t a line they won’t cross.

Silk & Cyanide then turn and look at Hardy as she’s pulling herself up in the corner. So Mariani runs over to attack. But Hardy nails her with a back elbow to the face. Mason then runs into the corner. But she, too, gets met with a back elbow to the face. Mariani runs back over towards the corner. Hardy goes for a back thrust kick. But Mariani catches her foot. She then drags Hardy from out of the corner. She continues to taunt Hardy until Hardy turns her inside out with an enzuigiri.

Mason grabs Hardy and goes for an irish whip. But Hardy reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Mariani comes back, Hardy sets up for a back body drop. So Mason counters with a kick to the face. After Hardy stands up, Mason brings her down with a step up hurricanrana. As Hardy gets up and turns around, Mason runs over to attack. But Hardy dips her shoulder and dumps her over the top rope…

… but Mason lands on the apron. When Hardy turns around, Mason doubles her over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. She then executes a sunset flip on Hardy. But Hardy rolls through it, rolls to her feet and follows up with a front dropkick to the face that results in cheers from the crowd.

As soon as Hardy returns to her feet, Mariani knocks her down with a running elbow tackle. She proceeds to put the boots to Hardy before Mason gets back up and helps her double team Hardy. Silk & Cyanide then pick up Hardy and whip her into the ropes. But instead of coming back, Hardy hangs onto the ropes. So Mason runs over to attack. But Hardy dips her shoulder and dumps her over the top rope and to the floor. As soon as Hardy stands back up, Mariani runs over to attack. So Hardy pulls down the top rope, sending Mariani falling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: it looks like Dragons Unleashed might be setting up for something here...

Once Evangelista gets back to her feet, Dragons Unleashed run into the far ropes. When they come back, the crowd cheers as Evangelista knocks down Mariani with a tope con hilo while Hardy knocks down Mason with a no hands somersault plancha.

Kris Cruise: The Dragons have taken flight, Stephy!

Hardy picks up Mason and rolls her back into the ring. She then slides in and makes the cover.

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

Hardy picks up Mason, moves her into the corner and unleashes a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. She then takes Mason and whips her into the opposite corner. Hardy runs across the ring, but Mason knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. Mason then comes out of the corner. But Hardy doubles her over with a back thrust kick before planting her with an armlock DDT. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason kicks out.

Hardy picks up Mason, doubles her over with four knee strikes to the midsection and then runs into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks Mason down with the Punctum. Hardy makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: That hard knee strike to the side of the head knocks Mason down. But it only gets two. Now that Dragons Unleashed have revealed themselves as the mystery team, you’ve got to wonder how well they’re going to do under the pressure. You’ve got to think that they’re the odds on favorite to win it all. Will they be able to perform under the pressure? Can they recapture the magic that made them one of the best, if not the best tag team in the world?

As Hardy picks up Mason, Mason begins nailing Hardy with rights and lefts to the midsection. She then follows up with a kneeling jawbreaker that stuns Hardy. While Hardy’s still stunned, Mason gets up and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, Hardy knocks her down with a Legitimate Haafu Businesswoman Kick. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: We’ve got two more Quarterfinals matches after this one. We’ve also got Ricky Valero and Luke Jackson taking on the Rising Circus in non-title action. We know that the tag champs are focused on the Rising Circus. But this tournament has got to be in the back of their heads. One of these seven teams will be challenging them in short order for those World Tag Team Titles.

Stephy Auger: Who’s to say that Ricky and Luke will still be the Tag Champs by the time All-Star Showdown V rolls around?

Hardy picks up Mason, moves her into the Dragons Unleashed corner and tags in Evangelista. Evangelista gets in and delivers a series of knife edge chops before nailing her with a palm strike to the solar plexus. She then brings Mason from out of the corner and whips her into the ropes. When Mason comes back, Evangelista throws out a clothesline. But Mason ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Mason comes back, Evangelista knocks her down with a running knee. She drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason gets her shoulder up.

Evangelista picks up Mason, brings her down with a snapmare and then bounces into the ropes. When Evangelista comes back, she connects with Stevie G. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason gets her shoulder up.

After a scoop slam, Evangelia bounces into the ropes. But she gets kicked in the back by Mariani, resulting in boos from the crowd. Evangelista then turns around to attack Mariani, but Mariani hops off the apron. Before Evangelista can turn back around, Mason knocks her down from behind. She then places Evangelista across the middle rope and chokes her. While Mason continues to choke Evangelista, Mariani runs over and delivers a running apron dropkick to Evangelista’s face. The crowd boos as Mason knocks her down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Evangelista gets her shoulder up.

Mason goes over and tags Mariani back in. When Mariani gets in, Mariani delivers repeated knee lifts followed by a swinging neckbreaker from Mason. Mariani drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Evangelista gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Agan, Silk & Cyanide are attacking the neck of Evangelista.

Stephy Auger: She’s got a big target on the back of her neck, Cruise. Her opponents would be foolish not to go after it.

Mariani picks up Evangelista and whips her into the ropes. When she comes back, Mariani sends her flipping down to the canvas with a kitchen sink. She then goes over and tags Mason back in. Once Mason get in, Silk & Cyanide deliver a double suplex lift dropped into a sitout gourdbuster from Mariani. Mason then turns her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Evangelista gets her shoulder up.

Mason picks up Evangelista and delivers a kneeling neckbreaker. Mason picks up Evangelista and delivers another kneeling neckbreaker. Mason picks up Evangelista, delivers five knees to the midsection and then brings her down with yet another kneeling neckbreaker. She then goes over and tags Mariani back in. Mariani then scales to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and delivers a diving double foot stomp. She then crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Evangelista gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide continue to wear down Evangelista with attacks to the neck, as well as the ribs.

Stephy Auger: They’re cutting off the ring, they’re making frequent tags. They’re performing like a seasoned tag team and yet they still get overlooked.

Mariani picks up Evangelista and whips her into the ropes. When Evangelista comes back, Mariani delivers a bridging northern lights suplex.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
Evangelista bridges up, turns over, knees Mariani in the midsection and follows up with a bridging fisherman suplex.

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

Evangelista picks up Mariani and goes for an irish whip. But Mariani reverses, sending Evangelista into the ropes. When Evangelista comes back, Mariani knocks her down with another kitchen sink. She then heads towards the ropes and goes for a handspring moonsault. But Evangelista counters by getting her knees up.

Kris Cruise: Mariani comes down across the knees of Evangelista! This is the break in the action that Evangelista needed.

Evangelista gets up and tries to make her way into the corner and tag out to Hardy. But Mason grabs her from behind by the tights. She then yanks Evangelista over to her and goes for a German Suplex. But Evangelista counters with three elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Evangelista throws her down with a German Suplex of her own. Evangelista then rolls forward, dives over and tags Hardy back in.

Kris Cruise: The crowd is on it’s feet as Laurel Anne Hardy is back in!

Hardy runs over and knocks Mariani down with a front dropkick. She then gets up, runs over towards Mason and knocks her back down with a shining enzuigiri. Hardy goes over, picks up Mariani and moves her into the corner. After a knee to the midsection, Hardy unleashes a series of Battlegrounds Uppercuts. She then takes Mariani and whips her into the corner. Hardy runs across the ring, but Mariani nails her with a back elbow to the face. While Hardy stumbles back, Mariani runs out of the corner and throws out a clothesline. But Hardy ducks, lifts her up across his shoulders and delivers a double knee gutbuster.

As Mariani gets up and turns around, Hardy dives over and spears her down to the canvas. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason dives over and breaks up the pin.

Mason picks up Hardy and whips her into the corner. Mason then charges into the corner, but Hardy nails her with a boot to the face. She then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, grabs Mason and plants her with a Tornado DDT.

As soon as Hardy gets up, Mariani places her in a front facelock and delivers a multiple knee lifts. She then takes Hardy and brings her down with a half nelson facebuster. As Hardy slowly turns over onto her back, Mariani steps out onto the apron, climbs up to the top turnbuckle and goes for a diving double foot stomp. But Hardy rolls out of the way. After Mariani lands on the mat, her momentum sends her rolling forward. After Mariani rolls forward and turns around, Hardy charges over and motions for a spear. But Mariani counters with a high knee lift. While Hardy’s dazed, Mariani turns and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, Hardy spikes her with a frankensteiner.

While Mariani’s down, Hardy slowly turns over and begins to crawl towards her corner.

Kris Cruise: Can Hardy make the tag?

Hardy reaches over and tags Evangelista back in. Evangelista springboards to the top turnbuckle, flips off and connects with a moonsault. After bouncing off of Mariani, Evangelista slowly turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
.
.
Mason drags Evangelista off of Mariani.

Mason takes Evangelista and delivers a kneeling neckbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Another neckbreaker from Sara Mason!

Stephy Auger: Going after Evangelista’s neck won’t win them any popularity contests. But that’s okay. The only thing they’re concerned with winning is this tournament.

When Mason gets up and turns around, Hardy kicks her in the midsection, hooks both arms and brings her down with the Winter Garden Photograph.

Kris Cruise: Hardy just drove her knee right into the throat of Mason!

Mariani takes Hardy from behind, runs and tosses her shoulder-first into the ring post. Hardy then slowly slips through the ropes and falls to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Did you hear the thud from the impact?

When Mariani turns around, Evangelista runs over and delivers the Pinay Legsweep. Shen then picks up Mariani and sets her up for the Headbreaker. But Mason delivers Aphrodite's Sweet Dream to the back of the head. Once Mariani gets back to her feet, Silk & Cyanide pick up Evangelista and deliver the Sanctity. The crowd boos as they make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, SILK & CYANIDE!

The crowd boos as Mariani and Mason roll to the outside and get their arms raised in victory. Back in the ring, Hardy can be seen rolling back in before crawling over to the downed Evangelista.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide pick up the win! That’s two upsets in a row for these two!

Stephy Auger: I don’t think anyone’s going to be sleeping on these two anymore, Cruise...

[FGA Office]

(We fade in backstage to two figures standing in front of a plain black backdrop. The camera starts to pan out and we see a two people, one male and one female standing in front of it.. both with large smiles on their faces.)

Miguel Quesada: Ladies and gentlemen, my name… for those of you that don’t already know it… is Miquel Quesada. Now, I’ve been around. I started this whole wrestling thing almost twenty years ago! I was a damn teenager then! And yeah, I’ve taken quite a bit of time off. It’s been a good minute since I was last seen inside of a wrestling ring. But one thing you can be sure of, is you’re definitely not going to find any sort of “rust” on these tires.

(The woman leans in and kisses Miquel on the cheek.)

Miguel Quesada: Let me introduce you all to this incredibly gorgeous blonde bombshell here. This right here, is Andrea Darling. Now I know she’s beautiful, but don’t let her looks fool you. She’s quite capable of handling her own if need be. And that will come in quite handy, because I know how the game is played. Hell, I’ve played that game myself. I know what happens when someone gets the best of you. I know what it’s like to constantly have to watch over your shoulder because someone is trying to make a name for themselves and wants to make a statement.

That’s not me, though. I’m not about to go around jumping people backstage just to get my name out there. Nah. That’s not my style. What I do, is I go out into that ring, and I put on a show. Wait… scratch that. I don’t put on a show… I STEAL the show. Every. Damn. Time. Whether it’s match number one, or the main event. Trust me when I tell you all, the one thing you’re not going to want to do, is follow me.

So to everyone in the locker room, I’ll tell ya this. I don’t care who you are. I don’t care how long you’ve been here, I don’t care if you’re a main eventer or just some kid trying to make a name for yourself. The fact of the matter is I’m here to win. I’m here to carry gold. And, most importantly, I’m here to steal the damn show.

Andrea Darling: And there’s nothing that any of you can do about it. Sorry!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Izzy Anders and Yun Goeun vs. Sara Cochran and Nero Darling

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is a tag team match and is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Seoul, South Korea, YUN GOEUN!

"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. 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: We’ve seen Yun in recent weeks teaming with Cami Magna, as recently as their exit from Dynamic Duos two weeks ago in a double count out with The Good Guys. But tonight she has a different partner in the former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Izzy Anders.

Stephy Auger: A formidable team if they can work together, Kris. But these two have never really been on the same wavelength. As good as they are individually – and they are – they’ll have to work together to win tonight.

J.A. Aldridge: And her partner, from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia … IZZY ANDERS!

“Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant”’s (by Coheed and Cambria) opening guitar settles the crowd. They know who is coming, but remain unsure if they should cheer or boo. When the lyrics begin to come in, Izzy Anders makes her way from the back. She stands on the stage, looking out at the audience. She bathes in the rapid cascades of red, yellow, and orange. She looks up for a moment, devoid of any of the gleeful energy she once had. She shakes her head and lets out a war cry. She then takes down the walkway, taking somewhat heavy steps at a quickened pace.

Once she reaches the edge of the ring, she leaps onto the apron. There, she spins around the ropes, turning her back to them and hooking her arms around them. She lets out an excited yell, before flipping backward into the ring. She looks around the whole arena, not pandering nor alienating them. It’s sure that Izzy is only focused on the match at hand, not on anything else. She looks around the ring, showing her untrusting nature, but finally comforts herself. As she concludes her search, she crouches down to the mat, and begins to crack joints. She only waits for the bell to ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California … 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 fairly sizable pop, by far the best reaction she's gotten to this point, from the FGA faithful. 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 pop from the fans, 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 to await the start of her match.

Kris Cruise: What a reaction for Sara Cochran here! Perhaps saving Nero from that Izzy Anders attack two weeks ago has finally shown the crowd a side of her that they can get behind.

Stephy Auger: You mean claiming she can fill Cindy Parker’s slot didn’t do that for her?

J.A. Aldridge: And her partner, from Louisville, Kentucky ... YOUR GLORIOUS LEADER... NERO DARLING!!!

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. 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.

Stephy Auger: Well lets see what these four can do in tag team action…

The bell sounds to start the match as Sara looks set to start things off for her team, but Izzy and Yun are still arguing about which of them will be the legal competitor. After a moment, Izzy steps through the ropes onto the apron. But as Yun turns around she’s met by a running forearm smash from Cochran! The crowd even cheers as the Korean hits the mat, but she quickly gets back up as Cochran runs at her again with another forearm smash! Yun scrambles back to her feet again, stumbling back against the ropes to remain upright as Sara closes in. She goes for the Irish whip, sending Yun across the ring, but Sara lowers her head for the back body drop too early. Yun manages to scout it, countering with a single knee facebuster!

Stephy Auger: Sara Cochran started so brightly, but one mistake is all Yun Goeun needs to make someone pay.

Kris Cruise: She is a very dangerous competitor. Team her with Izzy Anders and Sara and Nero have their hands full tonight, even without making mistakes like that.

Cochran holds her nose in pain, but the referee assures her it isn’t broken even before she asks. Yun grabs her by the hair and lifts her back to her feet, pushing Sara back into the corner where Izzy is waiting. Goeun unleashes a series of chops to the chest before Izzy tags herself in. Taken aback slightly, Yun gives her partner the side eye stare as the pair of them double team Sara, stomping a mudhole in her midsection. The referee ushers Yun onto the apron, leaving Izzy in the ring.

Anders pulls her opponent out of the corner, only to send her backwards with a European uppercut. But a snapmare brings Sara out of the corner before a flipping neckbreaker by Izzy sends her down to the mat. And a cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
Sara kicks out.

Undeterred, Izzy stomps at her opponent a few times before dragging Sara back to her feet. Whilst holding her opponent in an abdominal stretch position, Izzy makes the tag back out to Yun. The Korean enters the ring and delivers a swift kick to the ribs. Sara stumbles away, but Yun remains close, peppering her with kicks to the midsection. A Russian legsweep follows and Yun head towards the ropes, stepping out onto the apron.

Kris Cruise: They didn’t seem like a unit at the start, but Izzy and Yun are starting to show they can work together, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: And that just makes this even more of a challenge for Sara and Nero; they’re not exactly an experienced team themselves, they were probably relying on Yun and Izzy not getting along. But that’s not the case here.

Cochran remains down for a moment after that Russian legsweep as Yun waits on the apron; she starts to taunt the fans, chanting “Aja! Aja!”, causing the crowd to boo her again. By this time, however, Cochran is beginning to stir as she moves towards the ropes to get back up. An annoyed Yun delivers an elbow strike to her opponent, causing Sara to moves towards the center of the ring before Goeun leaps in with a stiff springboard clothesline! And she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sara kicks out.

Yun looks towards the referee, asking him if he knows how to count to three. The official assures her it was only a two count, though. Yun brings her opponent back to her feet again, this time going for an Irish whip towards the corner. But Sara slides to stop herself before she hits the turnbuckle, coming back out of the corner with a clothesline! But Yun ducks under that and goes for a clothesline of her own. Sara ducks under that and goes to throw a clothesline; Yun lowers her head to duck under it, but Sara switches the pace, hitting her opponent with a spinning neckbreaker!

Kris Cruise: That might be just the opening Sara Cochran needs.

The crowd are cheering Sara on as both competitors are down momentarily, but it’s Cochran who begins to stir first. She gets back to a vertical base seconds before Yun does, and she’s ready to meet Goeun with some quick elbow strikes to the face. An Irish whip sends Yun towards the corner as Sara charges in after her with a running dropkick, before she makes the tag out to Nero Darling!

The crowd cheer again as Nero enters the ring; she and Sara work over Yun in the corner until the referee intervenes. Yun manages to stagger out of the corner in the ensuing fracas, but Nero lifts herself up to the middle rope and leap off with a diving bulldog! She drives her opponent face first into the mat and makes the cover.

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

Stephy Auger: You’ll have to do better than that if you want to win this, Nero.

Undeterred, Nero gets back to her before Yun follows suit. Darling rushes her opponent, catching Yun with a headscissors takedown, which sends the Korean sprawling across the ring. She ends up near the corner where Izzy is, and the former Legacy champion tags herself in again. Anders is anxious to get in the ring with Nero, but she’s quickly cut off by a dropkick! The crowd still cheering for Nero as both competitors get back to their vertical bases. Nero leaps up again, connecting with another dropkick that sends Izzy tumbling backwards through the ropes and out onto the apron. Darling takes the opportunity to deliver a triangle dropkick, springboarding off the middle rope to knock Izzy off the apron all the way to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Izzy thought she could get the better of Nero Darling again, but the youngster was ready for her this time!

With the crowd rallying behind her, Nero takes the opportunity to pose for them in the center of the ring; her opponent is beginning to stir on the outside, picking herself after hitting the guard rails. But as Izzy reaches her feet, she only has a secod to look upwards as Nero launches herself over the top rope with a plancha!

Kris Cruise: What a move there by Nero Darling!

The fans certainly liked it, but their cheers lessen as they see Yun moving around the ring to position herself nearby. With one eye on Nero, who’s picking herself up on the outside, Yun steadies herself before performing an Asai moonsault! She nails Nero with it, and the pair of them land on Izzy Anders. But the fans cheer again as Sara Cochran enters the ring.

Stephy Auger: What does Sara have in mind here?

On the outside Izzy and Yun begin to stand up as Sara hits the far ropes for momentum, hurtling across the ring before she throws herself through the ropes with a suicide dive! Another pop from the crowd as Cochran picks Anders up and rolls her back into the ring, before doing the same for Nero. She even urges Nero to make the cover as a dazed Darling drapes an arm across the chest.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Izzy kicks out!

Kris Cruise: Some high risk moves not enough to end this one.

Stephy Auger: That’s Izzy Anders, it’ll take a lot more than what these two have to put the former Legacy champion away.

Nero stands back up before attempting to lift Izzy to her feet, but Anders rakes the eyes, sending her opponent staggering back. It earns the Canadian an admonishment from the referee, but she doesn’t pay him any mind. She stands back up and applies an arm wrench to Nero, using the position to deliver some kicks to the chest, before transitioning again into a double knee armbreaker!

Izzy goes after the arm further, dropping some knees down across the elbow of Nero Darling before applying an arm bar. It takes a few seconds if scrambling, but Nero manages to drape a foot across the rope to force a break – only to see Izzy drag her towards the center of the ring. The referee warns her again, but Izzy drives a knee up into the midsection and hooks the arms, ready to Spin The Black Circle – NO! Nero manages to spin out of the precarious predicament, if only to get caught by a roundhouse kick! She drops to one knee as Izzy hits the ropes, coming back with a shining Yakuza kick! And the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sara makes the save!

Cochran storms the ring and continues hammering away at Izzy as the former Legacy champion stands back up. The pair of them trading blows until Anders goes South with a knee to the midsection. A quick DDT takes care of Sara, as she rolls back towards the ropes. But as Izzy sarcastically waves her good-bye, she gets caught from behind by PIKA PIKA PIKACUUUU!

Stephy Auger: Where did Nero get the energy to do that?!

Kris Cruise: What a move, and Izzy Anders could be in trouble here if Nero can capitalize!

But Nero is still feeling those kicks to the head from a moment ago, the adrenaline rush having been short lived. She’s slow to her feet, and can only watch in horror as Izzy moves towards the corner to tag out to the fresh Yun Goeun…

NO!

Stephy Auger: What are you doing, Yun?

The crowd are stunned as Yun drops off the apron, waving good-bye to Izzy as she makes her way back the aisle. The Canadian looks furious as she picks herself back up. But as the crowd begins to cheer again, Izzy turns around to see Nero and Sara standing across the ring from her.

Kris Cruise: This can’t be good for Izzy Anders. She pissed off Yun Goeun so much that her partner’s abandoned her, and now Izzy finds herself in a handicap match.

Stephy Auger: I always knew that Yun was no good, Kris. Just look at the mess she’s left Izzy in.

Izzy steels herself, getting ready for battle … before bailing out under the bottom rope. The crowd booing all the while as the referee has no choice but to start a count out; Anders keep glaring down the aisle at Sara and Nero, shaking her head in disappointment before she finally heads behind the curtain.

EIGHT!


NINE!


TEN!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match by count-out … NERO DARLING AND SARA COCHRAN!

Nero and Sara exit the ring and start to head towards the ramp as the crowd voices their vehement displeasure for the departures of Yun and Izzy. Darling takes a half-step ahead of Cochran, calling her opponents back, when the jeers of the fans turn to momentary silence. The back of her head slams against the unforgiving floor after being yanked down from behind by Sara Cochran.

Kris Cruise: What the hell?

Stephy Auger: Oh thank god, it looked like Nero was planning to turn around and cheap shot Sara, but she saw it coming!

The boos start back up as Sara Cochran begins stomping at her partner, then delivers a hard soccer kick to the ribs. She drags Nero back up by the hair, flinging her into the steel ring steps!

Kris Cruise: Cut the crap Stephy, after all the preachy soapbox stuff from Cochran, she's going to assault her tag partner from behind? She had just saved her from getting her arm broken last Vertigo!

Stephy Auger: Well maybe Nero should have been more thankful for it!

Cochran rolls Nero into the ring, continuing the unprovoked assault as she mounts her, dropping elbow strikes at a rapid pace -- slicing Darling's forehead open with one of them. She blows off the referee trying to get her to stop, rolling out of the ring once she's satisfied with her handiwork, retrieving a microphone from the ringside area. A front row heckler yells "YOU SUCK!" at the top of his lungs, to which she replies, "No, no I do not!" After a "Yes you do!" and "I disagree!" are exchanged, she heads back into the ring, pacing around as she brings the mic to her lips.

Stephy Auger: See! She's going to explain herself, Mr. Impatient!

Sara finally begins to speak.

Sara Cochran: You know ...

She raises her voice as the fans try to drown her out with their boos.

Sara Cochran: YOU KNOW, I was actually sort of okay with the booing, believe it or not! I mean, I didn't like it, but you guys had a right to your opinion and at least you were passionate in one way or the other. Then, then ... started late last show, and continued here, you all actually started to cheer me!

A scoff.

Sara Cochran: And why!? What changed!? Nothing except, I aligned myself with her.

She points to the now slightly bloodied Nero Darling.

Sara Cochran: Are you serious? I mean, like me or don't like me, but how screwed up are all over your priorities? Did all sorts of charity work, talked about good values and hard work, showed up early to the shows mingling with the fans, signing autographs all the way back to Canadian Stampede in the frickin' frozen tundra up there, before I'd even had a match! None of that was enough to cheer me, but suddenly putting myself alongside her got you all like --

Sara starts prancing in place, flipping her wrists about as she raises the pitch of her voice.

Sara Cochran: Oooh yay! Nero! We like Nero! She has funny hair, and talks in baby speak! Maybe they'll be friends now!

She stops, and her brow furrows.

Sara Cochran: Well too bad! You all had your chance to cheer me, and you blew it! Because I realized something when I heard you all cheering, acting all happy, and --

A woozy Nero Darling starts stirring, making it to her hands and knees, taking a wild weakened swing at Sara which is cut off with a hard microphone shot to the head accompanied by a loud crackle of feedback.

Kris Cruise: Just pure heart from Nero Darling, she had no clue where she was, but was still trying to give it her all -- probably why these fans actually like her.

With a scowl, Sara brings the now bloodied mic back up, and continues.

Sara Cochran: -- Ridiculous, the match is over, and she still tries to steal my spotlight. I am TRYING TO SPEAK HERE! So yeah! It hit me, I tried so hard to change your guy's opinions of me, or at least accept your right to your opinions? Then it hit me when I realized just what determines who you cheer, and who you boo ... YOUR OPINIONS DON'T MATTER! You all have no sense of morals, no sense of what actually matters in life! Newsflash, what happens in this ring isn't the end all be all! There's waayyyy more important things in this world, which I get you all want to ignore, you come here to escape your crappy lives! But that's just too bad, because I -- someone who in any other walk of life would be beloved -- am going to be your painful, constant reminder of that outside world you try to ignore. Why?

A slight cock of the head.

Sara Cochran: Because you're all bad, stupid, stupid people who deserve to have your nights ruined, to see your favorites fall, and to walk away wishing you hadn't spent that money on a ticket. Most of all to be reminded that I --

She jabs her chest with the index finger.

Sara Cochran: -- don't suck! YOU suck!

Sara tosses the mic at the fallen Nero, and starts to dramatically storm off before circling back, picking the mic back up and adding.

Sara Cochran: And your kids are all fat too!

Finally, she throws the mic back down and starts walking off, running her hands through the air as she receives massive heat and officials come out to check Nero.

Kris Cruise: That young woman has absolutely snapped.

Stephy Auger: Poor thing, she just wanted to be a good role model...

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage after the tag match to where Spencer Burke is standing by with Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion, Annie Zellor. The youngster is dressed ready for her match against the World champion, Zero McHannon later tonight, with a look of determination on her face as she hops from foot to foot.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion, Annie Zellor. Annie, last time we saw you in that ring was back at the Gold Rush Rumble when you defeated Izzy Anders and Savannah Taylor to become champion. How does it feel to hold a singles title here in FGA?

Annie Zellor: I won’t lie, Spencer, it feels amazing. Like, for two years I’ve been here and during that time I’ve had Laurel by my side as part of the #sparklebuddies. And we achieved great things together; two time world tag team champions, finalists of the 2014 Dynamic Duos, and we put on some awesome matches whether we held those belts or not … and I love being a #sparklebuddy, I do. But this belt…

Annie holds up the title that was slung over her shoulder a second ago.

Annie Zellor: I put my blood, sweat and tears into winning this, Spencer. I knew beating Izzy wasn’t gonna easy – nobody in their right mind would ever accuse her of being an easy win. But I dug deep, and I persevered. I went through tables and off the top rope, but I fought as hard as I could to win this belt. And next month at AS–-All Star Showdown V, I’ll defend it with the same amount of heart and determination as I showed at the Gold Rush Rumble. And Molly, she’s gonna catch these hands.

Annie jokes, bringing a smile to her face before Spencer asks her the next question.

Spencer Burke: You mentioned Laurel there, I can’t imagine you’re pleased about seeing Dragons Unleashed crash out of the Dynamic Duos tournament earlier…

Annie shakes her head; the smile fades instantly as she recalls watching Silk & Cyanide progress. She knows how much this tournament means to Laurel, and it’s never easy watching your friends fall short like that.

Spencer Burke: And we just saw Izzy Anders in action a moment ago. But in tonight’s main event you’re set to face Zero McHannon in a champion versus champion match. With wins over the likes of Chandler Scott, Jimmy Page, Chris Q, Tony Carmine, Sex Sells and Johnny Karma to your name – and the self proclaimed Giant Killer title to live up to – what’s going through your head before this match?

Annie Zellor: Right now, umm, it’s the nerves setting in. It’s the same thing that happened before I went into the triple threat match last month, it’s the same thing that goes on every time. Just, like, worse. It’s one thing to face the most dominant Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion in FGA history, or to face a former World champion. But this is the reigning World champion. This is the man who’s at the top of the company. One of the biggest stars we’ve got and one of the best wrestlers around today…

She pauses, looking to Spencer with an apprehensive stare.

Annie Zellor: And that can only mean one thing.

Annie says, a smile crossing her face briefly before she throws up the devil horns, snarling at the camera with a #grrface before speaking again.

Annie Zellor: I’ve gotta go out there and fight like my life depends on it. ‘Cause Zero isn’t gonna give me an inch, he’s gonna wanna prove that he’s the best champion we’ve got in FGA; that he beat Cindy for that belt ‘cause he deserves to be champion; that he can beat me and carry on his momentum going into All Star Showdown next month. But those names you mentioned, Spencer, the people I’ve beaten? None of those were flukes. I didn’t get lucky, I didn’t take a short cut along the way. I didn’t even swing a weapon on my way to becoming Mid-Atlantic champion. Whether they were tag matches or single matches, in all of them I gave it one hundred and ten percent. And that’s what I’m gonna do tonight against Zero. So after tonight, when he finds himself on that list of names…

Annie winks at Spencer.

Annie Zellor: He can know he’s in great company. But in this main event, I’m gonna prove that I can hang with the likes of Zero McHannon. And I’m gonna prove that I can compete on that level; that the former champions I’ve beaten over the last two years haven’t been by chance. And if Zero tells me I settled for this title belt on my shoulder, then after tonight he can worry about one more contender gunning for the belt around his waist.

Spencer Burke: Tough words from a tough competitor. Good luck out there tonight, Annie, and have fun next week.

Annie Zellor: Thanks Spencer.

She says, blushing slightly as Spencer hints at her impending wedding to Chase Dupree next week.

Spencer Burke: Back to you at ringside.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (Quarterfinals)
The Blood Brothers vs. Status Quo

The arena lights dim. As they go down, a deep, booming voice echoes around the arena.

The following thoughts and ideas are not those expressed by FGA, its Sponsors, or its Affiliates.
Viewer Discretion is advised.

Instantly, a drum beat cuts in, the crowd already breaking into boos with it.

Uh huh, yeah.

At the 5 second mark, as the guitars kick in, a puff of smoke erupts from behind the curtain, as Aries Reed and GRENDEL push through it, the curtain fluttering in their wake, the smoke clinging to their ankles as they enter. Aries instantly starts marching around the entrance way, mouthing off the to crowd, whilst GRENDEL merely stands there, stretching out his neck and shoulders, eyes focused on the ring. After about 30 seconds of this, GRENDEL sets off to the ring, stepping to the rhythm, Aries quickly catching up, still pinballing between the crowd barriers, shouting insults out at the crowd. As they reach the ring, Aries quickly hops on to the apron and swings in between the middle and top ropes in a fluid motion. GRENDEL, slightly behind, steps up onto the apron, and then over the top rope.

As the track continues GRENDEL makes his way to the middle of the ring, cracking his neck as he goes. Meanwhile, Aries has made his way over to the ring announcer, snatching the microphone from their hands, before calling for the music to drop in volume.

Aries Reed: Standing before you, at a combined weight of 537 pounds, is Natural Selection given human form. "The Blackest Sun" Aries Reed... the monster known only as GRENDEL... We're the Blood Brothers.

Aries smiles.

Aries Reed: Time to Evolve or Die, bitches.

Aries tosses the mic back to the announcer, as he and GRENDEL slowly make their way back to their corner, GRENDEL cracking his knuckles as they go.

Kris Cruise: The Blood Brothers were one of the four teams that received a bye into the Quarterfinals. But there won’t be any freebies this time as they take on Dan Herrera and Cordy Stevenson - Status Quo.

...Spoken...

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

When the first bass drum thumps, Dan pulls the curtain back and walks out from behind the curtain with his girlfriend Peaches hanging onto his arm. He gives a head nod to the fans before leaning over and giving Peaches a long kiss at the top of the ramp. He then begins heading towards the ring as a spotlight stays on them

My knuckles have turned to white

There's no turning back tonight

Kiss me one last time

As Dan and Peaches make their way to the ring Dan slaps hands with the fans on one side of the entrance-way while Peaches walks down the other side slapping hands with the fans there. At the bottom of the entranceway, Peaches leans in and gives Dan a peck on the cheek as the pair go their separate ways.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents… introducing first, now residing out of Raleigh, North Carolina! Weighing in at 200 pounds… DAN “THE MAN” HERRERA!

Dan gets to the ring and walks up the stairs. He swings around the ring post and ducks between the top and middle rope. Peaches on the other hand walks around the ring apron towards the commentary desk where she finds a folding chair waiting for her next to the ring announcer. Once in the ring Dan walks over showing his taped wrists to the referee who nods at him and sends him to his corner. He grabs the ropes on either side of the turnbuckle and leans in with his head down prepping himself for the match to begin.

The lights dim down and take on a purplish hue as a light smoky mist fills the entranceway. 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, the crowd gives a loud pop as Cordelia Stevenson emerges from the mist with a bounce in her step and dancing to the music. She comes to a stop atop the walkway, glancing around and taking in the reception before giving the crowd a warm smile. She rolls her neck around before bowing her head and letting her hair fall in front of her face. A few seconds go by before she snaps her head up, whipping her hair back from in front of her face.

J.A. Aldridge: And his partner, from Freeport, Long Island! Weighing in at 146 pounds… CORDY STEVENSON!

She continues on down the ramp, working from side to side with a big smile as she slaps the hands of fans along the way. She gets to the ring and hops up onto the apron, mouthing the words and bouncing to the music as she makes her way around the side, towards the middle. She turns and faces her crowd, stretching her arms out to the side and slightly tilting her head backwards as she soaks in their reaction. She gives them an appreciative nod and blows a kiss at them, before stepping into the ring and making her way over towards the opposite turnbuckle. She quickly hops up and holds her arms out, drawing a reaction from that side of the crowd as well. She unzips her hoodie and tosses it away before hopping down and making her way over to her corner as the music dies down.

Stephy Auger: Dan Herrera and Cordy Stevenson were impressive against Team Nox. I’ll give them that. But they’re not the cohesive unit that The Blood Brothers are. Dan and Cordy don’t share the same bond that Aries and GRENDEL do. Let’s also remember that one of these teams has a 6’10 giant that took how many people in the Gold Rush Rumble to take out? Exactly. Dan and Cordy, they’re seasoned vets. They‘ve accomplished a lot. But they don’t have it in them to topple The Blood Brothers.

The bell sounds as Dan and GRENDEL start things off. Both men size each other other before marching towards the center of the ring and locking up. GRENDEL is quick to shove Dan back into the ropes. Dan comes off the ropes and locks up with GRENDEL again. GRENDEL is quick to use his strength advantage to shove Dan down to the canvas. But Dan doesn’t stay down for long. He gets back up, lunges forward and engages in another lock up. But again, GRENDEL is quick to shove him down to the canvas. Dan slaps the canvas out of frustration before getting back to his feet. He marches back over towards GRENDEL and locks up with him. After jockeying for position, GRENDEL throws Dan down with a stalling scoop slam. GRENDEL then goes to deliver a stomp to Dan’s face. But Dan is quick to roll out of the way and over towards the ropes.

Stephy Auger: It’s cute that Dan Herrera thought he could actually outmuscle GRENDEL.

Dan pulls himself up using the ropes before circling the ring. He slowly inches back over towards GRENDEL and motions for a lock up. But Dan ducks underneath and wraps up GRENDEL from behind. He tries for a German Suplex. But before he can even lift GRENDEL off the mat, GRENDEL knocks him back with an elbow shot to the face. GRENDEL then goes over, palms Dan’s face and shoves him back into the corner. GRENDEL then marches into the corner and connects with a clothesline. He then takes Dan and whips him into the opposite corner. GRENDEL runs across the ring and throws out another clothesline. But Dan moves out of the way, causing GRENDEL to crash into the corner. After Dan turns GRENDEL around, he nails him with a series of knife edge chops. But the chops have little effect on GRENDEL. GRENDEL then grabs Dan by the neck with both hands and tosses him into the corner. He then lunges forward, but Dan nails him with a back elbow to the face. After slamming GRENDEL face-first into the top turnbuckle, Dan turns GRENDEL around and delivers a series of shoulder thrusts. He then brings GRENDEL from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But GRENDEL reverses, sending Dan into the ropes. When Dan comes back, GRENDEL knocks him down with a standing shoulder block. He then steps back and goes for an elbow drop. But Dan moves out of the way. After GRENDEL connects with nothing but the canvas, Dan picks him up and wrenches his arm. But GRENDEL answers with a right hand that sends Dan stumbling back into the ropes. GRENDEL then goes over, grabs Dan and whips him into the far ropes. When Dan returns, GRENDEL sets up for a back body drop. But Dan sees it coming, so he counters with a sunset flip. The crowd cheers as Dan tries his hardest to bring GRENDEL down. GRENDEL can be seen swinging his arms wildly to try and regain his balance. Cordy then gets into the ring, runs towards the ropes, springboards onto the middle rope and connects with the Beautiful Nightmare. GRENDEL then falls down as the crowd cheers.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
GRENDEL kicks out.

Dan picks up GRENDEL, wrenches his arm and brings him over into the Status Quo corner to tag Cordy in. Cordy gets in, grabs GRENDEL and delivers an arm wrench before tagging Dan back in. Dan gets in, takes GRENDEL by the arm and before another arm wrench before tagging Cordy back in. Cordy climbs up to the top turnbuckle, delivers a flying double ax handle across the arm and follows up with an arm wrench. She then tags Dan back in. Dan gets in, kicks GRENDEL in the midsection and wrenches his arm. He then wrenches GRENDEL’s arm again and again and again. But GRENDEL is able to use his free arm to move Dan back into the corner. The ref then goes over and gives both men until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men make a clean break. That is, until GRENDEL nails Dan with a knee strike to the midsection. GRENDEL follows up with a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of back elbow strikes, followed by a series of shoulder thrusts. He then grabs Dan by the neck with both hands and tosses him towards the center of the ring. As Dan slowly gets up, GRENDEL runs from out of the corner and knocks him down with a knee lift. He then goes over and tags in Aries Reed. Aries gets in, picks up Dan and whips him into the corner. He then runs into the corner, connects with a body avalanche and whips Dan over towards GRENDEL, who knocks him down with a big boot. Aries then runs over towards GRENDEL, who lifts him up with a military press. GRENDEL then drops Aries, who delivers a splash onto Dan. He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cordy breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: The Blood Brothers have stunned this audience, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Of course. They thought that Status Quo was going to run away with this one. But it’s just like I told you before, The Blood Brothers are a bad matchup against them.

Aries picks up Dan and whips him into the ropes. When Dan comes back, Aries knocks him down with a flying calf kick. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

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

Aries picks up Dan and whips him into the ropes. When Dan returns, Aries swings around him and applies a sleeper hold. But Dan is able to reach back, grab Aries by the head with both hands and counter with a sitout jawbreaker. While Aries is stunned, Dan gets up, heads over into the corner and tags Cordy back in. The crowd cheers as Cordy springboards onto the top turnbuckle. Aries runs over into the corner to try and knock her off. But Cordy jumps off the turnbuckle. After she lands on the apron, her momentum sends her rolling forward. After she rolls up to her feet and turns around, Aries runs from out of the corner and throws out a clothesline. But Cordy ducks and runs towards the ropes. She then uses the ropes to deliver a handspring enzuigiri. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

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

Cordy picks up Aries and goes for an irish whip. But Aries reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Cordy comes back, Aries goes for a back body drop. But Cordy slips down from behind and counters with a leaping reverse bulldog. While Aries is down, Cordy takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd cheers as she delivers a rolling senton. She turns over and hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: The Blood Brothers dominating things early. But Cordy’s really turning things around for Status Quo.

Stephy Auger: For now, Cruise. For now.

Cordy picks up Aries and blasts him with a knife edge chop before whipping him into the corner. She then runs across the ring and goes for a handspring back elbow. But Aries leans back and knocks her down with a double boot to the back. The crowd boos as he hoists himself up onto the middle ropes and waves Cordy up. Once Cordy returns to her feet, Aries leaps off and drives her down with a bulldog. Aries turns her over and makes the cover.

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

Aries picks up Cordy and knocks her back into the Blood Brothers corner after a series of forearm strikes to the face. He follows up with five boots to the midsection before tagging GRENDEL back in. GRENDEL steps over the top rope and delivers a series of knee strikes to the midsection before stepping back and choking Cordy with his foot.

ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

GRENDEL lets go on the hold… only to reach out and choke Cordy with his hand.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FI-

Kris Cruise: Come on, ref! Where’s the DQ?

GRENDEL lets go of the hold. The ref scolds him for not breaking the hold in time. But one look from GRENDEL causes the ref to wisely step back. When GRENDEL turns back to Cordy, Cordy nails him with a right hand. GRENDEL turns back to Cordy, so she nails him with another right hand. When GRENDEL turns back to her, Cordy nails him with another right hand… and another right hand… and another… and another… and another… and another… and another. She then turns and runs into the ropes. But Aries knees her in the back. After staggering away from the ropes, Cordy turns around and knocks Aries off the apron. When Cordy turns around, GRENDEL latches onto her throat, yanks her up and throws her down with a chokeslam. The crowd boos as GRENDEL reaches down, latches onto her neck and yanks her back up to her feet before throwing her down with another chokeslam. GRENDEL drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Timely save there by Dan after Cordy was nearly chokeslammed through the canvas by GRENDEL.

GRENDEL picks up Cordy and whips her into the ropes. When she comes back, GRENDEL brings her down with a flapjack. After she rolls over onto her back, GRENDEL heads over and tags Aries back in. When Aries gets back in, GRENDEL picks up Aries for an atomic drop and then leaps up, causing both men to deliver a double leg drop. Aries makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Cordy nearly got crushed there by both members of The Blood Brothers.

Stephy Auger: Nearly?

Aries picks up Cordy and delivers a snap suplex. He turns over and makes the cover.

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

Cordy gets her shoulder up.

Aries picks up Cordy and goes for another snap suplex. But Cordy blocks and counters with a small package.

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

After both grapplers get up, Aries doubles her over with a kick to the midsection before planting her with a Kickstand DDT. He makes the cover.

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

Cordy gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Status Quo tried to use speed to their advantage. But The Blood Brothers have been a step faster. They then tried to use power. But The Blood Brothers have outmuscled them. Face it, Cruise. It’s like I’ve told you again and again. Dan and Cordy, they’re good. But they’re not “Blood Brothers” good.

Aries picks up Cordy, brings her into the Blood Brothers corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle before tagging GRENDEL back in. When GRENDEL gets in, The Blood Brothers take Cordy and whip her into the ropes. When she comes back, the Blood Brothers throw her down with a double spinebuster. GRENDEL makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Another timely save by Dan.

Stephy Auger: He’s doing nothing but prolonging the inevitable.

GRENDEL picks up Cordy and whips her into the ropes. When Cordy comes back, GRENDEL throws out a clothesline. But Cordy ducks and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, GRENDEL goes for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. But Cordy brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover, resulting in cheers from the crowd. When GRENDEL gets back up, Cordy knocks him down to a knee after a dropkick to the leg. She then gets back up, grabs GRENDEL and plants him with a kneeling snap DDT. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
GRENDEL shoves Cordy off of him.

Kris Cruise: Talk about kicking out with authority, Stephy.

When GRENDEL gets back up, Cordy delivers a Foot Fetish to the midsection, doubling him over. She then brings him into the corner, slams GRENDEL face-first into the top turnbuckle and tags Dan back in. Once Dan gets in, he climbs up onto the middle ropes and punches him while the crowd counts along.

Crowd: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEV-

GRENDEL grabs Dan, brings him from out of the corner and delivers an inverted atomic drop. GRENDEL then grabs Dan by the throat with both hands before delivering an overhead choke suplex.

Stephy Auger: Whiskey Jack!

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

GRENDEL picks up Dan and whips him into the corner. GRENDEL runs across the ring, but Dan knocks him back with a boot to the face. After shaking off the blow, GRENDEL charges back into the corner. This time, Dan nails him with a back elbow to the face. Dan then hoists himself up onto the middle ropes, grabs GRENDEL and goes for a Tornado DDT. But GRENDEL shoves Dan off of him in mid air. After Dan lands on his feet, GRENDEL runs over and throws out a clothesline. But Dan ducks and runs into the ropes. When Dan comes back, the crowd boos as GRENDEL knocks him down with a big boot. He then reaches down, grabs Dan by the neck and yanks him back up to his feet. GRENDEL then lifts him up for a chokeslam. But Dan elbows him in the head on the way up. GRENDEL then grabs Dan by the throat again and yanks him back up for another chokeslam. But again, Dan nails him in the side of the head with an elbow. Dan then runs into the ropes, comes back and spears him down.

Kris Cruise: Dan Herrera with the spear! He’s knocked the big man down!

Stephy Auger: But it looks like that spear took as much out of him as it did GRENDEL.

With both grapplers down, the ref starts his count.


ONE!







TWO!






THREE!






FOUR!







FIVE!






SIX!




SEVE-

GRENDEL tags in Aries as Dan tags in Cordy.

Kris Cruise: Here we go!

Aries runs over and tries to cut Cordy off with a clothesline. But Cordy ducks and runs towards the ropes. She goes for the Beautiful Disaster. But the crowd boos as Aries catches her in mid air before delivering an exploder suplex.

Stephy Auger: The First Amendment! Aries is going for the cover….

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

Cordy gets her shoulder up.

Aries picks up Cordy and sets her up for a Death Valley Driver. But Cordy elbows him in the side of the head before slipping down from behind. She then shoves him into the ropes. When Aries comes back, Cordy knocks him down with the Foot Fetish and follows up with a moonsault double knee drop. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
TH-NO!

Aries gets his shoulder up.

Cordy picks up Aries and whips him into the corner. She then runs across the ring and connects with a headspring back elbow. Cordy goes to follow up with a running bulldog out of the corner. But Aries shoves her off of him and into the ropes. When Cordy returns, Aries throws her down with the Full Censorship!

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

Cordy gets her shoulder up.

Aries picks up Cordy and whips her hard sternum-first into the corner. As Cordy stumbles back, Aries goes for a waist lock roll into a German Suplex. But Cordy flips over his shoulder and lands on her feet. She then turns and runs into the ropes. When Aries gets up and turns around, Cordy plants him with Head Over Heels. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

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

GRENDEL breaks up the pin.

GRENDEL takes Cordy and whips her into the ropes. When she comes back, she slides through GRENDEL’s legs. When GRENDEL turns around, Status Quo kick GRENDEL in the midsection and go for a double suplex. But GRENDEL blocks and counters with a suplex on both Dan and Cordy.

Kris Cruise: What a counter by GRENDEL!

When Cordy and Dan get up and turn around, GRENDEL grabs them both by the throat and lifts them up for a chokeslam. But Dan and Cordy nail him with an elbow to the head on the way up. Dan then nails GRENDEL with a discus elbow strike before Cordy connects with a Foot Fetish. As GRENDEL stumbles back, Status Quo run over and knock him over the top rope and to the floor with a double clothesline.

Kris Cruise: Status Quo send the big man to the floor!

Stephy Auger: But he’s still on his feet!

While GRENDEL tries to shake out the cobwebs, Cordy heads into the corner, climbs up to the top turnbuckle, leaps off, knocking him down with a skytwister plancha to an explosion of cheers.

Kris Cruise: Wait Dan, watch out!

Back in the ring, the crowd boos as Aries runs up from behind and delivers the 3 Second Delay.

The crowd continues to boos as Aries stands tall over Dan. But just as Aries turns around, Cordy dives off the top rope and delivers Get Familiar. The crowd explodes with cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“New Level” blasts over the PA as the crowd explodes with cheers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, STATUS QUO!

The crowd continues to cheer while Cordy and Dan get their arms raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Status Quo advance to the Semifinals of the Dynamic Duos Tournament! The Blood Brothers weren’t just impressive, they were dominant at times in this matchup. But in the end, Dan Herrera and Cordy Stevenson were able to pull away with the win. We’ve got three teams in the Semifinals. There’s one spot left. Will it be Le Pacte de Immortels? Or will it be Justice Riot that advance? We’ll find out later on tonight!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Johnny Karma vs. Mark Storm

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena, and just as it reaches a crescendo Cherry Baum emerges at the top of the ramp, standing to one side to introduce the reigning Pride Champion, the man they call Johnny Karma, to the Frontier Wrestling Arts fanbase - and out he comes, Pride Championship title belt slung over his shoulder, as he walks out onto the ramp before coming to a halt and uses a couple of fingers to blow a kiss to the fans

As he and Cherry begin to walk down the ramp, Karma chats and waves to the fans who have paid to see Him do His thing tonight, while also talking some last minute preparation with Cherry as they get ever closer to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Queens, New York, weighing in at 233 pounds … He is the current Pride Champion, JOHNNY KARMA!

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

Once inside His ring, Karma unzips his ring jacket before he climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle and lifts the Pride Championship belt high above his head, pointing to himself as he holds it high, looking out over His crowd and nodding in acknowledgment

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

Once he climbs down from the turnbuckles, Karma crosses the ring and climbs onto the opposite turnbuckle to salute His followers

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

Climbing down once again, Karma saunters towards the centre of the ring and raises the title belt above his head, while Cherry approaches the centre of the ring as they await his opponent.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, 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.

Kris Cruise: Mark Storm looking to bounce back after his disappointment at the Gold Rush Rumble. He’s seen Molly Reid go on to become the number one contender for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title, but tonight he’s up against the Pride champion. Is this a chance to prove that he has what it takes to compete here?

Stephy Auger: It absolutely is, Kris. Mark Storm came to FGA as a champion in several promotions over the last few years, but has failed to replicate those successes. This is possibly his biggest match to date since his return, and we know Johnny Karma isn’t a slouch.

Kris Cruise: There’s a reason why he’s a two time Pride Champion, and why he managed to wrestle that belt away from Tony Carmine. Lets just hope he doesn’t take his foot off the gas here and underestimate his opponent.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring for a few moments. Storm starts clapping his hands together, rallying the crowd before he and Karma lock up collar and elbow. Karma gains the initial advantage, applying a side headlock before he takes Storm down to the mat. With the headlock still applied, Karma wrenches the hold in tight. But he can do little to stop Storm from countering with a headscissors, forcing a break.

Both competitors scramble to their feet as Mark Storm strikes first, hitting an arm drag. Karma gets right back up, only for Storm to take him down with another arm drag, keeping hold of his opponent with an arm bar. But Karma battles his way out; he works his way up to his knees before rolling through and countering with an arm wringer, causing Storm to flip though the air and land on his back.

Kris Cruise: Both men fairly evenly matched so far, who can take the lead here?

Karma leaps up with a knee drop down across the forehead before he goes for the early pin attempt.

ONE!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

But he doesn’t get far, managing to sit up before Karma catches him with a rear chinlock. The referee even bothers to check for a submission, but Storm forces his way back to his feet after a few seconds. He fires off some elbows to the gut, weakening Karma’s grip. Storm manages to break free, pushing Karma away and against the ropes, catching him with a hurricanrana upon his return! The crowd cheer at the athleticism as Karma gets taken over, rolling through to an upright position near the ropes. He appears dizzy, however, turning around just as Storm leaps up with a dropkick that knocks Karma through the ropes and all the way to the outside.

In the ring, Storm takes a moment to play to the fans as Cherry Baum rushes to her client to make sure he’s ok. Karma gets back to his feet and Storm hits the far ropes for momentum, coming back with a baseball slide! It’s enough to send Karma back against the guard rail as Cherry moves out of harm’s way in the nick of time. Storm stands back up on the apron as Karma dusts himself off on the outside, standing back up in time to see Storm moonsault off the apron, landing behind Karma before hitting a reverse DDT!

Stephy Auger: Oh my God, Johnny Karma may be dead after that one!

Kris Cruise: Those mats on the outside are notoriously thin; Karma’s head just essentially bounced off concrete.

Storm rolls his opponent back into the ring and hooks a leg.

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

Karma gets the shoulder up in the nick of time. Storm can’t quite believe it, but he stands back up regardless and brings him back to his feet. An Irish whip sends Karma towards the corner, but he still has the wherewithal to get the boot up as Storm follows him in! The crowd cheer as Storm staggers back a few steps; Karma takes a moment to compose himself before charging out of the corner with a clothesline, but Storm ducks under the arm and counters with a Pele kick!

Stephy Auger: Karma caught all of that one!

The Pride champion slowly drops to his knees as Storm positions himself in front of his opponent. He unleashes several hard kicks to the chest, leaving a red mark on Karma’s chest before Storm runs against the ropes. He comes charging back in – but Karma catches him by surprise with a huge spinebuster! With authority.

Kris Cruise: What impact; the ring shook with that one, and I think Johnny Karma may have just found a way back into this one, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Mark Storm started like a house on fire, but that one had to have hurt.

Storm is splayed out in the center of the ring as Karma rolls towards the ropes, using them to pull himself back to a vertical base. On the outside, Cherry is urging him to get back to his feet, but Karma is dazed, still feeling the effects of that reverse DDT most likely. But the crowd’s cheers alert him to the fact that Storm is rising behind him. Karma rushes in with a knee lift to the gut before applying an arm wringer, going behind with the hammerlock, before coming back round the front and suplexing Storm!

Kris Cruise: Dynamite Karma!

Mark’s clutching his arm in pain as both men are slow to get back to their feet. But as he staggers backwards, Storm finds himself on the receiving end of another hammerlock, before Karma slams him down to the mat. Again, Storm clutches at that arm as Karma performs the Karmic Stomp, focusing extra hard on that arm before he moves around, finishing off with a fist drop to the face. And a cover.

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

Both men get back up again, albeit with Karma hoisting Mark up by the head. An Irish whip sends Storm towards the corner before Karma rushes in after him with an NYC uppercut. Storm staggers out of the corner, falling to all fours after that impact as Karma stands over him. He places his opponent in a standing headscissors and hooks his arms around the waist – but Storm’s panic instincts kick in. He blocks the piledriver attempt and manages to counter with a back drop, sending Karma over head and crashing to the mat!

Stephy Auger: Mark Storm saving himself there. He was seconds away from being dazed and confused and all messed up.

Kris Cruise: That piledriver can come out of nowhere, but he had it scouted this time.

Storm pushes himself back up to his feet, the second wind beginning to pick up as he sees Karma rising. Storm approaches and unleashes a series of punches, elbow strikes and forearm shots to the face; the crowd count along as ten strikes connect, before Mark switches to martial art style kicks to the midsection. He then whips Karma towards the corner and follows him in with a step up high knee! Karma stumbles out of the corner as Storm grabs him and lifts him up into a fireman’s carry…

Stephy Auger: Dystopia!

NO!

Karma drops down the back and applies the world’s greatest abdominal stretch! He even adds in some shots to that shoulder he’s been working over, but still Mark Storm won’t quit. The referee is there checking for a submission, but it’s not forthcoming as Karma released the hold. He grabs hold of Mark’s wrist and Irish whips him against the ropes. Karma lowers his head for the back body drop, but Storm has it scouted. He slows his pace and counters with a spinning neckbreaker! And the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Kris Cruise: Johnny Karma manages to kick out in the nick of time. But I think Mark Storm is putting up more of a fight than he was expecting here.

Stephy Auger: I can’t blame him. Storm is having a hard time living up to the hype so far, but he’s bringing the fight to the Pride champion tonight. Imagine if he wins this one, Kris, and what that means in terms of him rocketing up the rankings.

As Storm sits up he’s once again clutching at that arm, taking a moment to get the kinks out before he stands back up, bringing Karma with him. An Irish whip sends Karma running against the ropes, coming right back into a powerslam. He arches his back in pain, but Karma forces himself back to a vertical base again. Another Irish whip sends him hurtling towards the corner. Karma slams into the turnbuckle back first and staggers out towards the center of the ring as Storm springboards off the middle rope with a sweet Superman punch! And a hook of the leg as he makes the cover.

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

Storm sits up in disbelief, looking towards the referee ho only holds up two fingers to signify a two count. Frustrated, Mark runs his hands through his hair and stands back up. He stomps at the prone body of the Pride champion before hoisting him back to his feet with a rear waistlock applied. The lights are on but nobody’s home as Karma stares vacantly out across the crowd, unaware of the impending German suplex. Storm slams him into the mat, but keeps his hands clasped as he lifts Karma back to his feet for a second German suplex.

Kris Cruise: Two Germans in a row, could we be about to see a third?

Storm lifts Karma up for a third time, his hands clasped around the waist, until they’re not. A shooting pain in the shoulder gives him cause for concern, but it’s all the opening that the Pride champion needs. Out of desperation, Karma spins free, keeping hold of one wrist as he brings Storm in close for Hard Times! The elbow connecting to the top of the head. But he didn’t seem to catch all of it; Storm staggers, falling into a doubled over position as Karma hooks him in place and drills him with Dazed and Confused and All Messed Up! And the cover by Johnny Karma!

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match … JOHNNY KARMA!

Kris Cruise: Give all the credit in the world to Mark Storm, he pushed the Pride champion as hard as anybody could. But Karma snatches the victory from the jaws of defeat.

Stephy Auger: I think Mark Storm surprised a lot of people tonight. He was hoping to add Karma to his list of victories along with the likes of the New Kings, but not tonight.

Cherry Baum enters the ring to help Karma celebrate; the referee raising one arm as Cherry raises the other. The fans continue to cheer as Karma poses on a turnbuckle, his Pride title above his head. Behind him, however, Mark Storm is beginning to stir as Karma hops down off the ropes, extending a hand out to help Mark back to his feet. Storm accepts it as the two men shake hands in the center of the ring.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage where we join the FGA World Tag Team Champions wandering the halls of the Freedom Hall Civic Center.

Ricky Valero: It’s really important we win this match tonight, man. Ai, Rottentreats, they’re gunning for our titles, and we have to make sure they never get their mitts on these babies.

He says, clenching his half of the title belts tightly in his hands.

Luke Jackson: The titles aren’t one the line Ricky.

Ricky stops walking and looks at Luke, looking very confused.

Ricky Valero: What?

Luke Jackson: This match isn’t for the titles. I thought it was as well but then I was told they weren’t so we are all good man.

Ricky, still with a dumbfounded look on his face, sighs and leans his back against the wall.

Ricky Valero: I’ve just had so much on my mind, man. A lot has been going on..I guess..My bad.

Luke stops walking and looks at Ricky.

Luke Jackson: You okay man?

Ricky rubs the back of his neck and shrugs his shoulders.

Ricky Valero: Yea, I’m fine. I’m focused. Trust me on that. Our match tonight may not be a title match, but there are major implications and we can’t afford to lose and give the Rising Circus the upper hand. Gotta keep the momentum rolling.

Luke nods his head and smiles.

Luke Jackson: Of course man. We will not lose this match anyways we are good and both you and I know that. Are you sure you are okay though?

Ricky forces that trademark smirk and nods his head.

Ricky Valero: Never better, bro. I mean, as long as we’re still good. Everyone’s trying to drive that wedge...are WE good?

He extends his arm looking for a fist bump. Luke smiles and gives him the fist bump back.

Luke Jackson: Yeah man we are good. They can keep on trying to drive that wedge but it won’t work. We have the same goal in mind and that is being the best tag team in FGA history.

He pats Ricky on the back and smiles.

Ricky Valero: Let’s crack some skulls tonight.

He chuckles as the duo continue walking down the hall and our scene fades.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (Quarterfinals)
Justice Riot vs. Le Pacte de Immortels

The lights begin to dim before flashing out in brilliant reds and greens as the haunting ‘Ahhhh Ah. Ahhhh Ah’ sounds out from the P.A system. The bright lights dance seductively to the classic Annie Lennox tune ‘Little Bird’, glittering strobe effects accompanying it. A tall feminine figure slowly slides out from behind the curtain, all wrapped up in long feather boa that complements her outfit perfectly. She pauses, simply standing there at the top of the ramp with her head bowed. Her only movement is her impatiently tapping her left foot to the beat of the music. She lifts her head slightly, revealing the sly smile of wrestling’s ‘Black Swan’, Lady Magdalena.

The music kicks into high gear as Magdalena begins strutting down the ramp as if she was upon a Parisian catwalk, stretching out the feather boa over her shoulders as if she was carrying a cross. The hesitation she had before seems to be slowly fading away as she swings her hips down towards the ring, her head tilted back in some form of religious ecstasy. She reaches the ring apron and with a move taken right from the royal ballet, pivots on the spot then struts up the stairs towards the ropes. She uses her long legs to climb through the middle ropes, pausing for a second to flash her smile and give a cheeky wink to the cameras. Her sense of doubt is seemingly subsiding as she enters the ring. She climbs up one of the turnbuckles, wrapping herself up in her feather boa once more as she flutters her eyelashes at the camera. She then drops her boa to the ground, letting out a maniacal laugh that resembles the wail of a banshee as she drops down from the turnbuckle, before she makes a sudden ballet spin, clutching the ropes with one hand as she arches backwards and lets out another scream. She pivot turns, pacing to her corner as she speaks with her manager for advice before readying herself for her match.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Quarterfinals Match in the Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! Introducing first, hailing from Lourdes, France! Weighing in at 154 pounds… “THE BLACK SWAN”, LADY MAGDALENA!

Left for ten seconds to their own mechanisms, the crowd can only communicate among themselves. Nothing happened within those ten seconds, causing fans to look among each other for answers. Without warning, all the lights in the arena die out, leaving only darkness over the audience. Lights from camera flashes illuminate the setting, before a spotlight fades in. It focuses on the entrance way. The light sound of rain begins, accompanying fog seeping from underneath the stage. In a somber whisper, a voice calls out.

“The blackest night falls from the sky. The darkness grows as all light dies. She craves your hearts and your demise. By her black hand, the dead shall rise.”

As the sounds of nature and the voice fade out, a single click, a coin inserting a jukebox rang out. Finally, a single howl of a wolf becomes a precursor to the obscure, but strangely satisfying rhythms of "Nightcall" by Kavinsky. Among the stage, Sophie El steps out of a giant cloud of mist. She looks around the arena, her vacant expression plastered upon her face. The ghostly appearance that she bears coincides with the soft sounds of her theme and the dark atmosphere she has developed. She takes her first step onto the ramp, stopping only to look downward.

As the chorus, Lovefoxxx's vocals, call out, Sophie begins her careful, somber stride down to the ring. Trickling behind her is the edges of her ghostly white cloak. She continues on the way down, not noticing the fans around her. She bobs her head back and forth to the sound of music. She stops on the edge of the ramp, looking up to the skylights. The cascades of dark purple and blue cross over her and a smile appears beyond the dark hues. She ascends the rope, standing there for a moment.

J.A. Aldridge: And her partner, exiting from Paradise itself, weighing tonight in at 147 pounds, she is "THE UNDYING" SOPHIE ELLLLLLL!

As the call concludes, Sophie makes her stride down the ramp. It is methodical in nature, displaying Sophie’s mindset clearly. The intense fog follows her down the ramp. At the end, she stood there, taking in the atmosphere around her. She shakes her head, disregarding any thoughts that traverse through her fractured mind. Sliding under the bottom rope and to her feet, Sophie goes for the nearest corner.

Kris Cruise: Our third and final Quarterfinals Match is ready to get underway shortly. Earlier tonight, we saw a shocking upset as Silk & Cyanide defeated Dragons Unleashed. We then saw the team of Status Quo advance past The Blood Brothers. Now we have Le Pacte de Immortels, the team of Lady Magdalena and Sophie El getting ready to take on Justice Riot, who advanced two weeks ago by besting Project Continuum.

Stephy Auger: This tournament has seen a lot of surprises. I wouldn’t be shocking if there’s more in store.

The opening words of "Barroom Hero" by the Dropkick Murphys echo around the arena as the entranceway becomes illuminated in red and white light. As the music kicks in, Wulf enters the arena with a bottle of beer in his hand. Wulf walks about the entranceway, drinking from the bottle whilst saluting the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents… making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 364 pounds! They are the team of Jolyne Dysart and Wulf Erikksen… JUSTICE RIOT!

He then downs the remainder of the bottle, before smashing it over his head. Following this, he sprints to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope. Climbing one of the turnbuckles, he raises an arm in salute to the audience. Wulf then makes his way to his corner, cracking his knuckles as he waits.

Kris Cruise: Justice Riot look pumped and ready to go. This one has been billed as Teacher and Student vs. Teacher and Student. Lady Magdalena and Sophie El vs Wulf Erikksen and Jolyne Dysart! Here we go!

The bell sounds as Jolyne darts across the ring to attack Magdalena. But Mags throws her down with a sweeping hip throw.

Stephy Auger: Jolyne was a little overzealous there and Magdalena took advantage with that beautiful sweeping throw.

Jolyne returns to her feet, but Magdalena returns her to the mat with an Ippon Seoi Nage. Jolyne gets back up, but Mags knocks her back down with a jumping foot thrust. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Jolyne kicks out

Kris Cruise: Dysart has made some serious strides this year. But right now, Magdalena is besting her at every turn.

Magdalena picks up Jolyne and goes for an irish whip. But Jolyne reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Mags comes back, Jolyne sets up for a back body drop. But Mags sees it coming and counters with the Whitechapel’s Fall. She turns Jolyne over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Dysart was driven down hard with that knee. But she somehow was able to get her shoulder up.

Mags picks up Jolyne, moves her into the corner and tags Sophie El in. Once Sophie gets in, she nails Jolyne with several elbows strikes to the face before bringing her out of the corner. She then whips Jolyne into the ropes. When Jolyne comes back, Sophie throws out a kick to the midsection. After Jolyne catches her foot, Sophie goes for an enzuigiri. But Jolyne ducks. She then reaches down, yanks Sophie up to her feet and delivers a German Suplex. She makes the cover.

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

Jolyne picks up Sophie and knocks her back into the corner with a series of right hands. After three knife edge chops, Jolyne takes Sophie and goes for an irish whip. But Sophie reverses, sending Jolyne into the corner. She then takes off across the ring and goes for a high impact European Uppercut. But Jolyne counters with a back elbow to the face. After stumbling back, Sophie runs back into the corner. But again, Jolyne greets her with a back elbow to the face. As Sophie stumbles back, Jolyne runs out of the corner to attack. But Sophie catchers her with a frankensteiner. She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Dysart had Sophie on the ropes there. But Sophie was able to counter at the last second with that frankenstener. Dysart was eager to get into this one. But it might be time to tag out to Wulf Erikksen.

Sophie picks up Jolyne and whips her into the ropes. When Jolyne comes back, Sophie sets up for a back body drop. But Jolyne counters with a running knee lift. She then picks up Sophie, runs into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle before tagging in Wulf Erikksen. Once Wulf gets in, he turns Sophie around and unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts. He then brings Sophie from out of the corner before whipping her into the ropes. When Sophie comes back, Wulf throws out a discus clothesline. But Sophie ducks and runs into the far ropes. When she comes back, she knocks Wulf through the ropes and to the floor with a high impact European Uppercut.

Kris Cruise: Sophie just blasted Wulf with that European Uppercut!

While Wulf shakes out the cobwebs on the outside, Sophie takes off into the far ropes. When she comes back, she flips over the top rope and knocks him down with a Topé Atomico. She then picks up Wulf, rolls him back in, slides herself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Wulf kicks out.

Sophie picks up Wulf and moves him into the corner before tagging Magdalena back in. Once Mags gets back in, she doubles Wulf over with a shoot kick to the chest. From there, Mags applies a Muay Thai Clinch before delivering alternating knee strikes to the body. The last of which causes Wulf to collapses to the canvas. Mags immediately drops down, pulls him over and makes the cover.

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

Magdalena picks up Wulf and whips him into the ropes. When Wulf returns, Magdalena drops him with a savate kick. She makes the cover.

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

Magdalena picks up Wulf and nails him with a spinning elbow before whipping him into the far ropes. When Wulf returns, Mags connects with a running high knee. While Wulf is dazed, Magdalena runs into the ropes. When she comes back, Wulf lifts her up and throws her down with a thrusting spinebuster. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Sophie breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

Wulf picks up Magdalena, brings her over to the Justice Riot corner and tags Jolyne back in. Once Jolyne gets in, the duo take Magdalena and bring her down with a double forward russian leg sweep. She makes the cover.

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

Jolyne picks up Magdalena and tags Wulf back in. Once Wulf gets back in, Justice Riot take Magdalena and brings her down with a double reverse STO. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sophie breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

Wulf tags Jolyne back in. After Jolyne gets in, Justice Riot take Magdalena and deliver a double suplex. Jolyne turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sophie breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

Kris Cruise: Le Pacte de Immortels started off strong. But now the momentum has swung over towards Justice Riot. The winners of this match, of course, will advance to the Semifinals where they will face Silk & Cyanide, who have pulled off two upset victories in a row.

Stephy Auger: No matter who wins this match, Cruise, you can bet that they’re going to do everything in their power to make sure that they’re not the third team that Silk & Cyanide upset in this tournament.

Jolyne picks up Magdalena, moves her into the corner and delivers five right hands to the face. She then takes Magdalena and whips her into the opposite corner. Jolyne runs across the ring, connects with a clothesline and goes to follow up with a bulldog. But Magdalena shoves Jolyne off of her and into the ropes. When Jolyne returns, Magdalena knocks her down with a spinning heel kick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Jolyne gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Perfectly executed spinning heel kick there by Magdalena. But Jolyne gets the shoulder up. Le Pacte de Immortels were one of the lucky four teams to get a BYE into the Quarterfinals. Justice Riot, however, have a little wear and tear after having to go through Project Continuum to get to this point. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who the fresher team is. The longer this match goes on, the more it favors the team of Magdalena and El.

Magdalena brings Jolyne over into the corner and tags Sophie back in. Once Sophie gets in, she grabs Jolyne and goes for a brainbuster. But Jolyne blocks the move. So Sophie goes for another brainbuster. But again, Jolyne blocks the move. After a punch to the gut, Sophie lifts Jolyne across her shoulders for a Death Valley Driver. But Jolyne repeatedly elbows Sophie in the head before slipping down from behind. She then goes for a bulldog. But Sophie shoves Jolyne off of her and into the ropes. When Jolyne comes back, Sophie delivers a wheelbarrow neckbreaker.

Stephy Auger: Racking and Cracking!

Sophie goes for the cover...

ONE!
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TWO!
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Jolyne gets her shoulder up.

Sophie picks up Jolyne and lifts her up on her shoulders. She then flips Jolyne down and delivers an electric chair dropped into a single knee backbreaker.

Stephy Auger: Electrotherapy by Sophie El! That spine has got o be feeling worse for wear after those two moves, Cruise.

While Jolyne arches her back, Sophie picks her back up, lifts her up and throws her down with a Spiral Bomb.


Stephy Auger: Sophie with the Red Cyclone. This could be enough for three...

ONE!
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TWO!
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Wulf breaks up the pin with a soccer kick to the back.

Kris Cruise: Wulf with the save, but the damage might already be done to Dysart.

Sophie picks up Jolyne and lifts her back up for another Death Valley Driver. But just like last time, Jolyne nails her in the side of the head with several elbows. After slipping down from behind, Jolyne sets up for a German Suplex. But Sophie blocks it with an elbow to the face. After performing a standing switch, Sophie wraps her up from behind and delivers a bridging X-Plex.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Jolyne manages to get her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How did Jolyne manage to get her shoulder up?

Kris Cruise: I don’t know, but credit to her. She’s taken some serious shots from both Magdalena and Sophie El. But she keeps getting back up.

Sophie picks up Jolyne, lifts her up and throws her down with a side suplex. While Jolyne is down, Sophie steps out onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckles. Once she reaches the top, Sophie flips off and goes for a senton bomb. But Jolyne rolls out of the way, causing Sophie to crash onto the canvas. Jolyne crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Magdalena dives over and breaks up the pin.

Jolyne picks up Sophie and goes for an irish whip. But Sophie reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Jolyne comes back, Sophie throws out a running lariat. But Jolyne ducks. Both grapplers then run into opposite sets of ropes. When they return, Jolyne knocks her down with a front dropkick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sophie gets her shoulder up.

Jolyne picks up Sophie and goes for an irish whip. But Sophie reverses, sending Jolyne into the corner. Sophie then runs into the corner. But Jolyne knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. While Sophie is still rocked, Jolyne turns, scrambles to the top turnbuckle and flips off, knocking her down with a moonsault.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Sophie gets her shoulder up.

Jolyne picks up Sophie and goes for a bulldog. But Sophie shoves Jolyne off of her and into the ropes. When Jolyne returns, Sophie kicks her in the midsection, lifts her up and throws her down with a snap powerbomb. She drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Jolyne gets her shoulder up.

Sophie picks up Jolyne and lifts her up into another electric chair. But before Sophie delivers a maneuver, Jolyne punches her on the top of the head. After slipping down from behind, Jolyne grabs Sophie and delivers a running bulldog. She turns her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sophie gets her shoulder up.

Jolyne tags Wulf back in. When Wulf gets back in, Justice Riot take Sophie and whip her into the ropes. When Sophie comes back, they set up for a double back body drop. But Sophie stops and kicks Jolyne square in the face, knocking her down. Once Wulf stands up and turns to Sophie, she wraps him up for a belly to belly suplex. But Wulf quickly hooks his arms around her and counters with a series of trapping headbutts. After he unhooks his arms around her, Wulf lifts her up and throws her down with a Straight Jacket Sitout Powerbomb.

Kris Cruise: Coyote Bomb by Wulf! This could send Justice Riot into the Semis...

ONE!
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TWO!
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Magdalena dives over and breaks up the pin.

Magdalena takes Wulf and whips him into the ropes. But instead of coming back, Wulf hangs onto the ropes. So Magdalena runs over to attack. But Wulf dips his shoulder and dumps Magdalena over the top rope…

… But she lands on the apron. When Wulf turns around, Magdalena throws out a strike. But Wulf blocks and counters with a headbutt that knocks her down onto the apron. When Wulf steps back and turns around, Sophie lifts him up onto her shoulders before delivering a spinning Death Valley Driver. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Wulf gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Impressive display of strength there by Sophie El! But Wulf manages to beat the three count.

Sophie goes over and tags Magdalena in.

Once Magdalena gets in, Sophie picks up Wulf and whips him into the ropes. When Wulf returns, he ducks the running lariat from Sophie. But he gets knocked down by the flying calf kick from Magdalena.

Stephy Auger: Pistis Sophia!

Magdalena makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Wulf gets his shoulder up.

Magdalena picks up Wulf and whips him into the ropes, where Jolyne makes the blind tag. When Wulf returns, Magdalena throws out another savate kick. But this time, Wulf catches her foot. He then turns her away from her behind going for a belly to back suplex. But Magdalena is able to roll over his shoulder and land on her feet. She then goes to turn and run into the ropes. But she gets caught off by a springboard flying kick from Jolyne.

Kris Cruise: Neo Rider Kick by Dysart! She goes for the cover...

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sophie dives over and breaks up the pin.

Wulf runs over and knocks down Sophie with a clothesline. Sophie returns to her feet, but Wulf returns her to the mat with another clothesline. He then takes Sophie and whips her into the ropes. When Sophie comes back, Wulf turns her inside out with a discus clothesline.

Meanwhile, Jolyne takes Magdalena and whips her into the ropes. Magdalena ducks the clothesline from Jolyne. But she gets caught with the Falcon Punch from Wulf. While Magdalena’s down, Jolyne steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. From there, she leaps off and connects with a Frog Splash. She hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sophie dives over and breaks up the pin.

Wulf gets back in, grabs Sophie, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. Back in the ring, Jolyne takes Magdalena and whips her into the ropes. When Magdalena returns, Jolyne knocks her down with a spinning heel kick of her own. She then heads over into the corner and proceeds to climb up to the top turnbuckle. Once Magdalena returns to her feet and turns around, Jolyne flips back and knocks her down with a moonsault. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Magdalena gets her shoulder up.

Jolyne turns to Wulf and motions for him to come in the ring. Once Wulf gets back in, he takes Magdalena and lifts her up onto his shoulders. While Wulf’s got Magdalena in the electric chair position, Jolyne steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Just then, Sophie climbs up onto the apron and latches onto Jolyne’s leg. While Jolyne does her best to kick Sophie off of her, Magdalena can be seen repeatedly punching Wulf in the head. After kicking Sophie off her leg, Jolyne turns back to Magdalena. She dives off to hit the Doomsday Neo Rider Kick. But Magdalena counters with a victory roll, effectively ducking the kick and sending Jolyne crashing to the canvas.

Kris Cruise: Magdalena countered the Imperium’s Legacy!

Magdalena picks up Wulf, doubles him over with a Knee Bomb, steps back and connects with a well-placed savate kick to the temple, which knocking Wulf through the ropes and to the floor. As Wulf gets up on the outside, Sophie runs across the ring, flips over the top rope and knocks him down with another topé atomico.

Back in the ring, Jolyne takes Magdalena, brings into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Magdalena around, Jolyne climbs up onto the middle ropes and punches her while the crowd counts along.

Crowd: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FI-

Magdalena slips out from underneath Jolyne, grabs her by the legs and yanks her off the middle ropes. Jolyne slips, falls and hits her face against the top turnbuckle on the way down. After turning Jolyne around, Magdalena doubles her over with a knee bomb before sending her flying out of the corner with a high impact butterfly suplex.

Stephy Auger: Lunatic High!

After Jolyne is thrown from out of the corner, Sophie scales up to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Jolyne with a senton bomb.

Le Pacte De Immortels they begin to circle Jolyne as she tries to return to a vertical base. Out of the corner of their eyes, they see Wulf trying to pull himself up onto the apron. So Magdalena runs across the ring and knocks him down with a spinning bicycle kick.

Stephy Auger: Our Lady Peace!

Back in the ring, Sophie runs over and delivers a discus big boot to Jolyne. The kick knocks Jolyne over towards Magdalena, who turns her inside out with Our Lady Peace. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, LE PACTE DE IMMORTELS!

“Little Bird” blares throughout the arena as Lady Magdalena and Sophie El get their arms raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: What a hard fought match that one was. Justice Riot gave it their all. But in the end, Lady Magdalena and Sophie El were able to pull out the victory following Split The Sky into Our Lady Peace.

Stephy Auger: I’ll give Justice Riot this much. They had Magdalena and Sophie on the ropes. If Sophie hadn’t bought Magdalena time and had Justice Riot hit the Imperium’s Legacy, then it could have been the two of them advancing. But it wasn’t meant to be. Magdalena and Sophie advance. Our Semifinals are now set.

Kris Cruise: That is correct. Four teams remain. Status Quo. #RubyWay. Silk & Cyanide and Le Pacte de Immortels. One of those teams are just two wins away from a guaranteed FGA World Tag Team Title Match at All-Star Showdown V!

[FGA Office]

There appears to be a commotion coming from the ringside section of the crowd. Suddenly an unknown man hops over the barricades separating the fans from the ringside area.

Kris Cruise: Hey, what’s this?

Stephy Auger: Looks like we have an overzealous fan trying to become famous.

The intruder slides into the ring and quickly grabs the microphone from J.A. Aldridge, who was about to announce the participants of the upcoming match. Aldridge begins yelling at the intruder to get out of the ring, but is completely ignored.

Kris Cruise: I’m not sure what to make of this, but can we get some security out here?

Man: Ladies and gentlemen, as I can tell from your relative silence, nobody here in the Freedom Hall Civic Center knows who I am. That’s something that’s going to change shortly.

Silence from the fans.

Man: My name is Anthony Rother…

Stephy Auger: Who?

Cruise shrugs in response to her question.

Anthony Rother: I’m here tonight, to tell you all a story. A history lesson, if you will.

A scattering of boos begins to come in from the audience.

Anthony Rother: Now, now – just give me a moment of your time. As you all know, Tennessee has historically been one of the hottest areas for our great sport. Your parents probably sat in the same seats that you’re currently in right now twenty or thirty years ago, witnessing some of wrestling’s most memorable moments.

Rother pauses for a moment to allow the fans to reflect. A few golf claps are returned, but most are still either silent or are just plain bored with him.

Anthony Rother: And they…would all be ASHAMED of you right now!

A stronger chorus of boos begins to fill the arena.

Anthony Rother: Fifteen to twenty years ago, your parents began to turn their backs on this sport, and for good reason. They were BETRAYED by our industry; betrayed by a younger generation of fans who began to fuel a so-called “revolution”. The revolution of what we call “Hardcore” Wrestling.

Kris Cruise: Again, can we please get some security out here?

Anthony Rother: Some of you mock me with cheers at the thought of two men unnecessarily shredding their flesh with barbed wire. I know, I witnessed what this so-called revolution did to the once great athletes of our sport. Fans could no longer be satisfied by great mat technicians, they were no longer moved by armbars and wristlocks. If they didn’t adapt to what the fans wanted, they were no longer deemed as an asset to the promotion. They were released! Men, who once demonstrated athletic prowess that you could only dream of, now began to pay their dues by scarring up their body and treating these scars as souvenirs. The years wore on and on, men who had once won the greatest titles our sport had to offer resorted to garbage wrestling in order to feed their families – to make a name for themselves.

A “boring” chant begins to ring out.

Kris Cruise: Is security on a break or something? What’s taking so long.

Stephy Auger: Quiet! He’s beginning to make sense.

Kris Cruise: What?!?!

Anthony Rother: See! That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Instead of being able to demonstrate their technical wrestling abilities, they had to one up each other. Come up with some new insane stipulation because if they didn’t, idiots like you would chant BORING. Knowing it was a death nail for their career they become a shell of their former selves and began to put their bodies through unbearable amounts of pain. For what? A few cheers to remain relevant?

Finally a few members of security have made their way from the back. They’ve counseled the ringside security who hadn’t moved, thinking that this was all part of the show.

Anthony Rother: Do you know what has happened to many of those men that you cheered for as they bled for you? Do you know what they had to turn to, in order to just go one more show? They became addicted to pain killers and alcohol to numb the horrors that they had gone through. Many of them were chased away from this sport as their addictions got the better of them, only to die from an overdose in some seedy motel room with NOBODY there to help them. This is what you ha---

Three men enter the ring and grab the intruder before he can continue on his tirade. He tries to escape their grasps to continue but to no avail.

Kris Cruise: Finally, we are getting some sense of order here. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to apologize for the interruption.

Stephy Auger: Speak for yourself, I wanted to hear what he had to say.

Members of security are escorting Rother to the back, and the audio feed picks up his screaming rant as he’s being led away.

Anthony Rother: I will not be censored! You haven’t seen the last of me!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]