Pride S06E01

[FGA Office]

05.19.16
The New Mid-Atlantic Sportatorium
Gibsonville, NC

Geoff Penzer: Hello and welcome to the latest installment of Pride! I am your host, Geoff Penzer! We are on the heels of At All Costs, LDFC’s latest supershow. Not only did we see the crowning of a new Old North Champion in Jensen Banks, but we also saw Nest successfully defend his APEX Championship against both Hana Song and Prince MacRear in a Three Way Dance! In tonight’s main event, we will crown a new #1 contender as “Terrific” Terrence Tillman will take on Emily Carter!

This will be Emily’s first match in LDFC since the attack that sidelined her for nearly two months. You all saw the video she posted earlier this week. She sounds confident. But is it all for show? Will she be able to go toe to toe with arguably the most physically gifted athlete in all on LDFC? Triple T is coming off of a huge win over Mercy Williams at the supercard, so you can bet that he’ll try to ride that wave of momentum into this match right here. I was told earlier today that Tillman has requested some mic time early on in the program. What’s on Tillman’s mind, I don’t know. But Tillman has definitely been turning heads with the words that have come out of his mouth over the last several weeks. I have no doubt that whatever Tillman says, it’ll have the crowd stirring.

Also here tonight, two tag teams go at it. But in singles matches! Of course, we’re talking about the members of the Bueno Club - El Grandé Malo and Pedro Gonzales, as they take on the alliance of The Crimson Baroness and Keegan Hightower. Both sides are coming off of wins at the supercard. The Bueno Club were able to dispatch the British alliance of Butcher and Darby. Then there’s the Baroness and Hightower, who scored a huge upset win over Brute Camp in non-title action. Will the Bueno Club be able to handle the opposition? Or will they fall to whatever tricks the Baroness and Hightower have up their sleeves?

But that’s not all! The newly married Chase Dupree will be in action when he goes one on one with Josh Mitchell! One half of the APEX Tag team Champions, Mason Mannion, will step inside the squared circle against “The Pimpin Master” Robbie Black! We’ve got all this and more for you tonight! Right now, let’s send it down to the ring for our opening contest, where Melanie Sierra is ready to give the in-ring intros. Melanie!

[FGA Office]

Stoney Nymph started brightly, using her speed to antagonize Majima. She got in close, connected with a few strikes before putting some distance between them so ShiMa couldn’t counter. A dropkick in the third minute knocked Majima through the ropes and out onto the apron, before Nymph slid through his legs and pulled him off the apron. Again she kept the distance between them, rolling back into the ring for the baseball slide before Majima knew what was happening.

As the match returned to the ring, Shintaro thought he was getting back into it when he caught Stoney’s crossbody block, but the wily rookie countered the ensuing slam with a crucifix pin, almsost stealing a three count. But ShiMa managed to kick out at the count of two.

Stoney had her opponent reeling; with his confidence shaken, ShiMa seemed almost vulnerable as Stoney peppered him with rights and lefts, before whipping him towards the corner. He hit the turnbuckles hard as Stoney went to the other corner for a run up – but Majima was playing possum. He charged across the ring with a Yakuza kick, crushing Stoney in the corner. Nymph collapsed to the mat as Majima covered, but only got a two.

Majima spent the better part of four minutes suplexing Nymph around the ring; back suplexes, German suplexes, fisherman suplexes, even a half and half suplex. But Stoney Nymph kept kicking out before the three count.

Majima was beginning to get frustrated at his failure to put Nymph away as he set her up for the Kurimuzon Jigoku brainbuster, but Nymph dropped down the back and landed on her feet. Feeling her second wind, she hit the ropes and came charging back at Majima, but he turned her inside out with the Kurimuzon Kasai. Majima breathed a sigh of relief as he placed a boot across the chest for the three count.

Winner: Shintaro Majima

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

"Forever" blasts through the arena and out from the back come Triple T with his brother Maurice Graham in tow. T has a distraught look on his face like something is clearly bothering him. The boos continue to rain down and it looks to really have Tillman upset. As he climbs into the ring he immediately requests for his music to stop.

Triple T: Stop, stop, stop. That's enough with the music. This is all wrong...all of it.

The boos continue.

Triple T: Ok, ok I get it. I have been a complete and total ass. But I need you guys to give me a sec. Please...guys...

The boos keep coming and Tillman looks like he is really stressed about it.

Triple T: Listen… I'm sorry! I'm sorry,. ok? I was wrong!

Some of the booing subsides giving Tillman more room to talk.

Triple T: The one thing I have always wanted to do is be a champion. I did it in high school, I did it in college and I wanted more that anything to do it here in the LDFC. And when that didn't happen. I lost it. Man I don't know I just felt like a failure on so many levels. But I really tried to stay positive, ya know. But then when Nest said I was number 2...Man I just lost it there. 2 has never been my number you know.

But listen. I know know that I wouldn't have made it where I am without the support of you guys. And I know that the reason I am not where I want to be is because I don't feel that electricity from you guys. And I know that tonight in the main event that I am going against a force of nature in Emily Carter.

The fans erupt in cheers.

Triple T: Yes cheer. She is amazing and the fact that she is here in this position after all she has been through is amazing. And I am honored to be the one to face her. I know that regardless of the outcome, the right person will be the number one contender.

So Emily Carter… you and me are going to blow the roof off of this place. I can't wait. And with any luck, I'll have my T-Unit behind me.

A couple of cheers can be heard as Forever hits again. Maurice Graham puts his arm over Tillman's shoulder and the two exit the ring.

Geoff Penzer: What is this? Tillman apologizing? It looks like Tillman has seen the error of his ways and wants to turn over a new leaf. After everything he said to the fans, as well as fan favorites like Mercy Williams, he’s going to have a hard time winning them back over. But time will tell. He’s saying the right things, I’ll give him that. But his actions will speak much louder than his words.

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

As Ain't Dead Yet begins to play through the PA, the lights focused on the entranceway change colour with each power chord, until Josh pushes his way through the black curtain, the lights turning white as he does so, wearing a sleeveless hoodie, hood up, in addition to his ring gear. He pauses a moment in the entranceway, spreading his arms wide, before slowly setting off to the ring. He tries to focus on the ring as he walks, but can't resist a few sly glances to the crowd, a smile playing across his lips as he does do.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from McLeansville, North Carolina, weighing in at 180 pounds … JOSH MITCHELL!

As he reaches the apron, he rolls into the ring under the bottom rope, before getting to his feet, and jerks his head back, displacing the hood from his head. before smiling and nodding to the crowd. He then makes his way to his corner, removing his hoodie before leaning against the ringpost, testing his weight on his prosthetic limb, checking it for fit and comfort.

As “Alive” by POD begins to play to announce the entrance of the highflyer, Chase Dupree, Dupree steps out from behind the curtain. He pauses and kisses and raises a fist proudly to the ceiling.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 162 pounds … ‘THE CAJUN KID’ CHASE DUPREE!

As the fans react positively, he then makes a mad dash to the ring, hops onto the side of the ring, and with assistance of the top rope, hoists himself in a grand jump over the top of the rope. Landing perfectly, Chase begins stretching before the match begins to warm up.

Geoff Penzer: Josh Mitchell has found himself on the wrong end of some tough matches recently, but tonight he’s facing the newcomer, Chase Dupree. Chase lost his debut match against Miles Bishop last month, but he’s had a busy week, will he be in any shape to compete tonight? We’ll find out soon.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors head towards the center of the ring to shake hands. A small round of applause sounds out from the crowd as Chase and Josh circle the ring for a few moments before they lock up collar and elbow. They jockey for position, but it’s the larger Josh Mitchell who gains the initial advantage as he pushes Chase back against the ropes. The referee calls for the break, which he gets after a three count, before Josh delivers a chop to the chest. And another. He goes for an Irish whip, sending the Cajun Kid running across the ring. Mitchell lowers his head for the back body drop, but Chase has it scouted. He counters with a boot to the face, forcing Mitchell upright, his arms flailing, before Dupree clothesline him down to the mat!

Mitchell gets right back to his vertical base, but Dupree meets him with another clothesline. He lifts Josh back up again, and promptly body slams him back down before dropping a knee down across the face. A lateral press by Chase.

ONE!
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Josh kicks out.

Both competitors scramble to get back to their feet, and this time it's Mitchell who gains the upper hand as he hits an arm drag. Dupree gets right back up, only to walk into another arm drag. Mitchell keeps hold this time, however, applying an arm bar to his opponent. It doesn’t last long though; The Cajun Kid battles his way back to a kneeling position before rolling forward and reversing the hold with an arm wringer.

Geoff Penzer: Chase Dupree seems to have an answer for everything Josh Mitchell has thrown at him so far. The youngster has had quite a week so far, marrying his long time girlfriend and FGA wrestler, Annie Zellor, and he’s looking to finish it on a high here.

Mitchell flips through the air and lands on his back before Chase drops an elbow across the sternum. And another. No pin attempt though, instead he lifts Josh back to a vertical base and whips him towards the corner. Chase follows his opponent in, but Josh raises his left boot to counter! Chase staggers away, turning around as he clutches his jaw. But it’s enough of an opening for Josh to hit a bulldog! He rolls Chase over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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Chase kicks out.

Mitchell lifts his opponent back to his feet again as he backs Chase against the ropes. A few knife edge chops to the chest leave a red mark before he goes for an Irish whip. Dupree is quick on his feet, hitting the far ropes and coming back before Josh can move too far, but he side steps and uses Chase’s momentum against him, sending him over the top rope.

Geoff Penzer: Tremendous agility by Dupree there as he lands on the apron.

Mitchell spots this, though, and lunges forward with forearm smash that knocks Chase off the apron. He hits the floor and rolls, ending up near the guard rail before he picks himself up. But Josh is by the ropes, readying himself as he takes a deep breath. He finally propels himself to the outside with a slingshot plancha, and it connects! The crowd cheers as Josh stands back up, posing for a moment as the referee starts a count out.

Josh rolls his opponent back into the ring and goes to follow him in, but Chase is already back on his feet. He steps forward with a clothesline attempt, but Mitchell counters with a sitout side slam! And a hook of the leg as he goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Chase kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: The momentum has shifted in Josh’s favor here; he’s determined to pick up another victory since struggling to repeat his debut success. Matches against Robbie Black and Terrence Tillman haven’t helped the rookie, but he’s set to make sure he gets back to his winning ways here.

The fans are cheering for both men alternately as Mitchell drags Chase back to his feet. A few more knife edge chops light up the Cajun’s chest as he’s backed into the corner, whereupon Josh drops the shoulder and repeatedly thrusts it into the midsection. The referee intervenes finally, as Mitchell goes for the Irish whip sending his opponent from pillar to post. As he runs in after him, however, Chase vaults off the top turnbuckle and over the head of his opponent!

Josh hits the turnbuckle chest first and staggers back, right into the waiting arms of The Cajun Kid. Chase lifts him up for the back suplex, but Josh rolls through, only to botch the landing. He quickly picks himself up though, doing his best to shrug off the embarrassment as he catches Chase from behind with a schoolboy.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Both men scramble to get back to their feet, the fatigue beginning to set in as Josh leaps up with the single leg dropkick – NO! Chase swats him aside and Mitchell crashes to the mat. With a hold of his opponent’s left leg, Chase tries for a submission hold, but Josh kicks him away. Albeit, not very far away. Josh kips back up off the mat, stumbling slightly as Chase goes back against the ropes for momentum, coming back with a tornado DDT!

Geoff Penzer: Chase showing shades of Annie with that DDT!

Dupree rolls across and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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NO!

Josh gets the shoulder up in the nick of time. Chase lifts his opponent back up once again, doubling Josh over with a knee to the midsection before going for the vertical suplex. Josh hits the mat hard, holding his lower back in pain as Chase stands back up and performs a sloppy standing moonsault!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOO!

Geoff Penzer: Another kickout by Josh Mitchell. Nobody can deny his heart, but he needs to find a way back into this before The Cajun Kid has his way with things.

Dupree stands back up; the crowd are cheering him on as he points towards the corner, drawing a small pop from the crowd as they anticipate some high risk move. Chase steps out onto the apron and climbs to the top rope. In the meantime, Josh has stood back up and is staggering, turning towards the corner where Chase is waiting as the Cajun leaps off with a flying attack – NO! Mitchell counters with a shot to the gut in mid air, and Chase lands doubled over in pain. But the moment is all Josh needs as he hooks both arms for the lifting sitout double underhook facebuster! He rolls Dupree over and hooks a leg!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOOO!

Chase gets the shoulder up at the last second, and the crowd can’t quite believe it! Neither can Josh as he sits up in shock, looking towards the referee. He moves towards the ropes as the referee explains it was only a two count; Mitchell regains his vertical base, propped up by the ropes as Chase uneasily moves back to his feet in the center of the ring. He slowly turns to his opponent, and Josh catches him flush with The Crimson Elbow! He falls down on top of Dupree and hooks a leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!!!

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, JOSH MITCHELL!

Geoff Penzer: A hard fought victory for Josh Mitchell as he gets back to winning ways, but Chase has to feel hard done by after this match. He gave it everything he had, but that high risk move didn’t pay off, and Mitchell made him pay for it.

Josh extends a hand down to his fallen opponent, which Chase gratefully accepts as he’s helped back to his feet. The two men shake hands again before Dupree leaves the ring, allowing the winners to bask in his glory.

[FGA Office]

Jensen Banks is shown walking around backstage, dressed in street clothes. His newly won Old North championship is slung over his right shoulder as he says a couple of words to those who pass him, most of them congratulating him on his title victory. It’s not until he turns the corner that he runs into another familiar face to LDFC fans… Mylo Danvers.

Banks, knowing exactly who Danvers works for outside of LDFC, clears his throat before he breaks up the silence between the two of them.

Jensen Banks: Mylo, right?

Danvers nods.

Jensen Banks: That was a, uh, solid match you had against Robbie Black.

Mylo Danvers: Thanks. I would say congrats on winning that nice looking title over your shoulder, but you’ve probably heard it enough. Maybe one day I'll be the one carrying one of those around here.

Banks looks over at his title, now the original Old North belt, not the spinner one Skylar had created for herself. He then looks back over at Mylo and nods.

Jensen Banks: Yeah, maybe. Listen, I know we probably shouldn’t see eye to eye considering who we-

Jensen abruptly ends what he was saying as he looks over and sees LDFC interviewer, Jessie Pederson, approaching them.

Jessie Pederson: Wow, did you guys hear the news and decided to have some kind of macho staredown already? Most people usually wait a show.

Banks raises an eyebrow at Pederson’s remark.

Jensen Banks: What news?

Jessie Pederson: Oh, so you haven’t heard? Since Skylar seems to be gone from LDFC for the time being, Mr. Bond needed to find you a new #1 contender… and he’s standing right across from you. So.... good luck to you both.

Jessie then walks off, leaving Jensen and Mylo to stare each other down. Banks opens his mouth to say something, but seems to rethink it. After a few more seconds of awkward silence, Mylo pulls out a black & mild from his cut pocket. He nods as he assess the news brought to them and lights the slim cigar.

Mylo Danvers: Be seeing you around, champ.

He then walks off, leaving Jensen behind. Banks removes the title off of his shoulder before he heads off in the other direction, shaking his head.

[FGA Office]

"I don't want no fly guy
I just want a shy guy
That's what I want yey
You know what I want yey"

The intro of Shy Guy by Diana King echos through with the song kicking in with its reggae beats. Mercy Williams appears onstage with an open wide smile, soaking in the reaction from the audience. Mercy walks down the ramp syncing her movements to the beat of her entrance theme with a smile brightening up her face.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Sydney, Australia … MERCY WILLIAMS!

Mercy climbs up to the apron and spins around on her right knee down and her left leg bent and and gets her feet pointing her right arm up to to the fans. Mercy ducks under the top rope to climb into the ring and points towards the fans once again.

The psychedelic blues rock of "End of the Line" by Frijid Pink begins to play, and out walks Echo in her sleeveless bell bottom jumpsuit, floppy hat and sunglasses. She flashes peace signs and laid back smiles to the crowd as she saunters down to the ring, climbs on the apron and walk down the edge of it blowing kisses to the crowd.

Melanie Sierra: And her opponent, from Tucson, Arizona … ECHO RIGBY!

She takes off her hat and flings it into the crowd like a frisbee. She removes her glasses and jewelry, climbing into the ring and ready for the match.

Geoff Penzer: Both these competitors will be looking for a win tonight to push their LDFC careers forward. Both have been impressive in recent weeks and will be wanting to impress, so they’ll need to give everything they’ve got.

The bell sounds to start the match as Mercy and Echo both circle the ring for a few moments; Mercy claps her hands to try and rally the crowd as the Gibsonville fans are on the edges of their seats ready for this one. The two of them lock up collar and elbow, jockeying for position as Echo gains the initial advantage, applying a side headlock in the center of the ring. Mercy tries to escape, but can’t wriggle free. So she resorts to elbows to the midsection before pushing Echo away and against the ropes. The Peacemaker rebounds, coming back with speed, only to get caught by a shoulder block.

Rigby hits the mat with a look of shock on her face; Mercy quickly hits the ropes before Echo can process what just happened, but she recovers in time and rolls onto her front as Mercy hops over her and hits the far ropes. Echo pops back up to her feet and throws out a clothesline, but Mercy ducks under the arm and dives around the back with a sit out rear mat slam! She grabs one of the legs and covers.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Echo kicks out.

Mercy lifts her opponent back to her feet and doubles her over with a knee lift to the midsection before hitting a gutwrench suplex! Echo rolls through into a kneeling position as she clutches her back in pain, and Mercy sneaks up behind her with a somersault cutter! The Australian pops back to her feet and poses with her arms outstretched, drawing a cheer from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: Mercy isn’t letting that loss to Terrence Tillman two weeks ago affect her. She knows she needs to be on top of her game to beat Echo Rigby tonight.

Echo crawls towards the ropes, using them to get back to her feet as Mercy delivers some clubbing blows to the back. As she grabs Echo by the head, Mercy sends her opponent face first into the top turnbuckle. Echo collapses back against the turnbuckle. Williams lands a couple of European uppercuts before going for the Irish whip, sending Echo from pillar to post. But as Mercy follows her in, Echo counters with a back body drop, sending the Australian out over the top rope. She lands on the apron, though, only to get knocked off by a huge elbow smash to the face!

Geoff Penzer: Echo put everything she had behind that one.

Mercy falls off the apron, landing near the bottom of the aisle as Echo staggers towards the center of the ring. She shakes off the cobwebs as Mercy recovers on the outside. Echo hears the cheers as the crowd are getting ready for what’s to come; Rigby hits the far ropes, picking up a head of speed as she launches herself over the top rope with a somersault plancha! A loud cheer sounds out as Rigby rolls through and back to her feet. But with the count-out running, she has no choice but to roll Mercy back into the ring before making a cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mercy kicks out.

Echo sits up and shakes her head in disappointment. As she gets back to her feet with Mercy in tow, Echo sends the Emerald Jewel towards the corner with an Irish whip before following her in with a running clothesline. A few knife edge chops light up the buxom chest of Mercy Williams before another Irish whip sends Mercy running across the ring – NO! She reverses and sends Echo from pillar to post, charging in after her. Only to run straight into a raised boot to the face! Mercy staggers back a few steps, holding her jaw in pain as Echo hoists herself up to the middle rope. As her opponent refocuses, Echo leaps off the corner with a diving neckbreaker! And the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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NO! Mercy kicks out!

Geoff Penzer: Tremendous resilience from Mercy Williams to kick out of that one. But Echo in firm control here, does she have it takes to finish this?

Echo gets back to her feet and stomps a few times, keeping Mercy grounded before she heads back to the corner. Rigby climbs out onto the apron and heads up top.

But she takes too long. Mercy recovers and gets back to her feet as she head towards the corner. The Emerald Jewel is swinging wildly, peppering Echo with hard rights as she struggles to remain on her feet. Mercy climbs to the middle rope and continues swinging. Finally, she hooks Echo by the waistband and superplexes her out of the corner! Both competitors land with a thud and are down momentarily as the referee has no choice but to start the count out.


ONE!


TWO!


THREE!


FOUR!

Geoff Penzer: Who can get back up first after that one? Mercy might have just found a way back into this match, but who knows how much damage Echo has done to her here.

FIVE!

Mercy begins to stir, crawling towards the ropes as the count slows. Echo does the same before the six count and the referee stops counting as Williams reaches her vertical base. They’re on opposing sides of the ring, but both competitors move towards the center of the squared circle as Mercy has a burst of speed, jumping up with a bicycle kick! Rigby drops to the mat; Mercy drops down on top and hooks a leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOOO!

It’s Mercy’s turn to sit there in shock as the referee explains it was only a two count, but the Australian looks dejected. She forces herself back to her feet once more; the crowd getting behind Mercy as she paces around the ring, getting herself psyched up once more. She drags Rigby back to her feet and sends her towards the corner with an Irish whip. Mercy follows her in with an avalanche attack before Echo staggers out of the corner. Mercy lifts her opponent up high with a vertical suplex, but Echo drops down the back!

Rigby lands on her feet but stumbles back a step. Mercy turns around in time to see Echo lunge forward with a clothesline, only for her to counter with an overflow arm drag! Echo is sent towards the center of the ring, getting back to her feet in time to see Mercy running at her – but the Peacemaker catches her with an STO!

Geoff Penzer: Desperation counter there! But Mercy’s head just bounced off the mat and she might be out of it here.

Mercy isn’t moving as Echo drags herself towards her, draping an arm across the chest.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOO!

Mercy gets the shoulder up at the last second. Both competitors are down again, moving towards the ropes as they struggle to get back to their feet. Dual chants for each of them sounding out throughout the arena as Mercy spins her opponent around, firing off a couple of forearm shots to rock Echo where she stands. Williams hits the ropes, coming back with the Bicycle Kick!

NO!

Echo ducks under the leg and dives around the back. Mercy puts on the brakes before she hits the ropes, but she can’t do anything to stop Echo as she leaps up with an inverted hurricanrana! The crowd pop as Mercy is brought crashing down, rolling backwards through a kneeling position as Echo forces herself up; she charges in with a busaiku knee strike to the face before collapsing down on top of Mercy!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!!!

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, ECHO RIGBY!

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where Chase Dupree is sitting in his locker room, removing his wrist tape; his head is hung low after his defeat against Josh Mitchell, so much so that he doesn’t even notice the door opening and closing. Another figure enters the shot and takes a seat next to Chase, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek as he perks his head up.

Chase Dupree: Ma femme…

Annie Dupree: You were awesome out there.

Chase Dupree: You jus’ sayin’ that, petite.

Annie Dupree: I mean it.

She nudges him gently. Chase smiles to himself as Annie speaks again.

Annie Dupree: And I know it didn’t go the way you wanted, but don’t let a loss get you down. There’s gonna be stumbles along the way, ‘cause nothing worth doing is ever gonna be easy. But you’re gonna get better each week and before long you’re gonna be winning matches and competing for that Old North Title, ok?

Chase Dupree: If you believe in me, petite, then I could conquer the world.

Annie Dupree: Good, ‘cause I believe in you – I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t. And I’m gonna be here supporting you every step of the way. From today to when you become Old North Champion, to APEX Champion, until we’re wrestling together in FGA and even after that I’ll still be by your side. ‘Cause you’re my husband and I love you…

The pair of them kiss tenderly as the show cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

Mason took the lead right off the bat, using his speed to try and keep ahead of his opponent. Knowing Robbie is still fresh off that parking lot brawl, Mason tried to focus on the back, using repeated snap suplexes to wear Black down. He scored a couple of near falls in the first three minutes, but nothing that could keep Robbie down.

In the fourth minute Mason went for a spear, but Robbie dived out of the way. Mannion hits the turnbuckle shoulder first, and Black saw his opening. He connected with a shoulder breaker before switching to submission based offense; the arm bar was utilized to keep THE MASON! grounded, but he wouldn’t give in. A single arm DDT managed to get Robbie a two count, but not enough to win.

In the seventh minute, Robbie connected with the roundhouse kick. It knocked Mason down to his knees, setting him up perfectly for the shining wizard. But out of desperation, Mason leapt up with a spinning heel kick counter. A bridging back suplex followed and Mason got another near fall.

As the match entered the eighth minute, Mason was still in charge and Robbie was beginning to show the lingering effects of that brutal parking lot brawl. An O’Connor Roll got Mason another near fall, but Robbie kicked out and slowly got to his feet. Mason kept on him, hammering away with short arm elbow strikes. A springboard missile dropkick only got Mason another two count.

In the tenth minute Mason was beginning to get frustrated at his opponent’s resilience. Robbie kicked out of another pin fall attempt, and got back to his feet. As Mason charged at him, Robbie caught him by surprise looking for the Pimp My Ass! But Mason fired off some elbow to the head to fight out. He hit the ropes for momentum, coming back with a spear that kept Robbie down for the three count.

Winner: Mason Mannion

[FGA Office]

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, with me right now… Butcher and Darby.

Butcher walks into the scene, visibly pissed off. Jessie looks down a bit trying to make eye contact with the disgruntle Brit. She then flashes a small smile, trying to keep this atmosphere a bit light. Darby was pacing around behind Butcher.

Jessie Pederson: At All Costs, you and your associate Darby ended up losing a hard fought match against El Grandé Malo and Pedro Gonzales. Now the question is… where do you go from there?

Butcher stares at her, she rolls her tongue inside of her mouth, feeling awkward. Butcher folds his arms, scoffs, then blinks a few times before staring off into the distance.

Butcher: “Where do we go from here?” is that all you bloody have to ask…?! Quite possibly, if Lion’s Den sees fit, they’ll probably throw us in the GUTTER! When I came here, it took every cent in me pocket to get across the pond. Thought I was gonna make good on my investment. I looked at the talent and saw nothin’ but funny lil’ twits runnin’ around the place! Boys wantin’ to pretend like they were men!! I turned into a man when I was 13 years old!! Because believe it or not the world ain’t all rainbows and daisies, now is it?! And so I decided that I was gonna make somethin’ of me’self! I came here, because the way I see it, I’m the most tough bastard this brand’s seen!! Darby in the back comes in second place!! I grew up wakin’ up on the wrong side of the bed!!!

And when I look around, and I see these wankers prancin’ around like the fairies they are, I get sick to me stomach!!! TIME AFTER TIME, they get chances TIME AFTER TIME!!!! And all we manage get are the BITS!!! It’s a damned conspiracy if you ask me!! I’ve got gormless twats like McRear, Emily Carter, MERCY BLOODY WILLIAMS takin’ spots I deserve!!! Then I got Tillman and that slag Crimson Baroness of all people!!! AND TO MAKE IT EVEN MORE OF A SHITE ENDEAVOR, I’M GETTIN’ THE BOOT BY A GIMP!!!! A CRIPPLE!!! They want to favor the gimp over us!!!!

With that, Darby taps Butcher on the shoulder, and points off screen. The camera pans, to reveal Josh Mitchell at the catering table, His hands are on a plate, but his eyes are on Butcher, clearly having heard the last comment.

Butcher: Didn’t like that boy?!

Josh Mitchell: What?

Butcher: Don’t like the way I’m speakin’?! Don’t like that I’m not gonna lay down and let some lil’ cripple boy come in and take money from me? If y’got somethin’ to say, say it to me face…! Speak up boy!!

Josh Mitchell: I’m… I’m just trying to get something to eat…

Butcher turns to look at Darby and begins to laugh.

Butcher: Hear that, the boy just wants to eat. Gotta get big and strong huh? Isn’t that right…?

Butcher continues to laugh, smackin’ Josh roughly on the cheek. Josh looks uncomfortable. Butcher turns to Darby who gives a crooked smirk. Suddenly Butcher slams Josh’s head against the table. Josh recoils back in pain, but Butcher manages to grab him behind the neck and batter him with right hands. Josh is trying to cover up as best he can. Darby watches on, amused as Butcher continues his assault. Josh slumps to the ground, trying to regain himself. But Butcher has even more pain in mind. He grabs Josh by the seat of his pants and neck. He takes three big steps back with the young wrestler in hand and begins to slide him along the catering table! Josh hits the floor with a thud. The angry Brit then flips the table on top of the poor kid, leaving him stuck underneath. Butcher walks over and bends down.

Butcher: HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH?!

There’s no response from beneath the table, save a small flutter from Josh’s exposed fingers. Butcher snorts, then spits to his side. Darby places a hand around his back and pats it. Butcher and Darby then make their retreat, leaving Josh trapped underneath their carnage. Jessie, having kept out of the Brits’ rampage, come over to check on Josh, before calling for help.

Jessie Pederson: CAN I GET SOME HELP OVER HERE? ANYONE? You, go find someone!

The camera nods in response, the cameraman obviously being who Jessie was talking to, before turning, the feed cutting out as he does.

[FGA Office]

"Let The Bridges Burn" plays and Keegan comes out wearing his bedazzled sunglasses. He walks down to the ring with Anita Handey on his arm.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Anita handey! From Providence, Rhode Island! Weighing in at 215 pounds… KEEEGAN HIGHTOWER!

Keegan continues making his way to the ring without looking at the fans. He slides into the ring and takes his sunglasses off and hands them to the stage hand and tests the ropes.

Geoff Penzer: Keegan Hightower, along with The Crimson Baroness, were able to defeat Brute Camp in non-title action at the At All Costs supercard. But that win was not without controversy. With the help of Anita, The Crimson Baroness was able to use a bat to hit Becky right in the head, knocking her out cold. We still have no word on how well Becky’s doing. But when she does come back, you can expect that Keegan and the Baroness will have some hell to pay.

“First Blood” plays as Pedro Gonzales swaggers his way down to the ring. He begins to high fives fans on both sides of the aisle.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Mexico City, Mexico! Weighing in at 115 pounds! He is “Mexico City’s Favorite Son”... PEDRO GONZALES!

Geoff Penzer: Pedro is still buzzing off his big win at the At All Costs supershow with his fellow Bueno Club member El Grandé Malo. But tonight, he flies solo in this match against Keegan, where he is giving up a whopping 100 pounds.

The match starts with Keegan and Pedro circling the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Pedro gains the advantage with a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock from behind. Keegan can be seen wincing as Pedro applies pressure. But to his credit, he doesn’t give up. He then leans forward before reversing into a hammerlock of his own. Anita can be seen clapping on the outside. After two unsuccessful attempts to escape, Pedro leans forward, grabs one of Keegan’s legs and pulls them out from under him. Once Keegan falls down to the canvas, Pedro quickly turns around and flips over into a jackknife pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Keegan bridges up, turns and moves Pedro into the corner. From there, Keegan unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then takes Pedro, places him in a side headlock and rakes his face along the top rope. The crowd boos the dirty move, but Keegan pays them no mind. He goes over, pulls Pedro away from the ropes and reapplies the side headlock. This time, Keegan really grinds it on. The ref checks in with Pedro and asks if he wants to give up. But Pedro refuses. So he shoves Keegan off of him and into the ropes. When Keegan returns, he knocks Pedro down with a running shoulder block. Keegan then takes a moment to pose, which garners even more boos from the crowd. He then turns and runs into another set of ropes. When Keegan returns, Pedro turns over onto his stomach. So Keegan hops over him and runs into the far ropes. When Keegan returns, Pedro pushes himself up to the his feet and leapfrogs over him. Keegan continues to run into the ropes. When he returns, Pedro throws him down with an arm drag. Keegan returns to his feet, but Pedro throws him down with an overhead arm drag. Once Keegan returns to his feet, Pedro throws him down with a side headlock takeover.

Geoff Penzer: Keegan could still be in control of this match. But his arrogance cost him.

Keegan hits the mat out of frustration. The ref kneels down and asks him if he wants to give up. But Keegan refuses. He then reaches up and pulls back on Pedro’s hair. Once he’s got Pedro in position, Keegan quickly reverses into a headscissors leg lock. But Pedro is able to escape via kip up. After Keegan scrambles to get back to his feet, Pedro traps him in a side headlock. But Keegan is able to shove Pedro off of him and into the ropes. When Pedro comes back, he knocks Keegan down with a crossbody.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Keegan kicks out.

After both men get back to their feet, Pedro applies another side headlock. He then performs a standing switch before following up with a school boy.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Keegan kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro’s a master of those pinning combinations. Any one of them can beat you on any given night. But luckily for Keegan, he got out at the two count.

Once both men return to a vertical base, Pedro once again applies a side headlock. After an initial struggle, Keegan is able to shove Pedro off of him and into the ropes. When Pedro returns, Keegan throws out a clothesline. But Pedro ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Pedro comes back, he delivers a tilt-a-whirl arm drag, which sends Keegan through the ropes and to the floor. While Anita races over to check up on Keegan, Pedro takes off into the far ropes. When Pedro returns, Anita scurries out of the way as he knocks down Keegan with a no-hands topé.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro just took out Keegan with the suicide dive!

The crowd cheers upon seeing Pedro flatten Keegan. Pedro gets up and high fives some of the fans in the front row while Keegan’s sprawled out on the floor. Mexico City’s Favorite Son rolls back into the ring while Keegan tries to shake out the cobwebs on the outside. While Keegan tries to return to his feet, Pedro runs back into the far ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Keegan back down with a Double Rotation Tornillo.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro got him again!

Pedro picks up Keegan and rolls him back into the ring. After hopping onto the apron, Pedro delivers a Senton Atomico. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Keegan gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Pedro picks up Keegan and goes for a vertical suplex. But Keegan slips down from behind, grabs Pedro, runs and tosses him over the top rope and to the floor. A loud thud can be heard as Pedro’s back crashes onto the floor. The crowd boos upon seeing Pedro in pain on the flow.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro just spent the last minute flying out of the ring. Well, we just saw him fly out of the ring again. Unfortunately for Pedro, is was to much different results.

Back in the ring, Keegan goes to catch a breather in the corner while Pedro writhes in pain on the outside. Once he’s recovered, Keegan steps out onto the apron. He can be heard taunting Pedro while he waves him up. As Pedro gets back to his feet, Keegan springboards onto the middle rope before connecting with an Asai Moonsault. Keegan picks up Pedro and rolls him back into the ring. He then slides back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Keegan with a high risk move of his own. But it only gets two.

Keegan picks up Pedro, moves him into the corner and delivers three knife edge chops. He then takes Pedro and whips him into the opposite corner. After pointing at Pedro, Keegan runs across the ring and nearly knocks the wind out of him with a clothesline. He then takes Pedro and whips him back into the previous corner. Keegan points at Pedro again before running across the ring. This time, he connects with an enzuigiri that sends Pedro crumbling from out of the corner. Keegan makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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tH-NO!

Pedro gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Keegan picks up Pedro and nails him with a kick to the body. He then goes for a vertical suplex. But Pedro slips down from behind. He goes to roll up Keegan. But Keegan runs towards the ropes, hooks his arms underneath the top rope and jerks back, sending Pedro flying off of him and down to the canvas. After Pedro rolls back to his feet, Keegan comes from off the ropes and knocks him down with a Superman Punch. Keegan flashes a cocky smirk before kissing his fist. He then drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!

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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Keegan should’ve just went for the cover instead of posing.

Keegan picks up Pedro, delivers an atomic drop and follows up with a reverse suplex. He turns Pedro over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Keegan looks over at the ref and holds up three fingers. Anita can also be seen slapping the canvas before holding up three fingers.

As Keegan goes to pick up Pedro, Pedro fights back with right hands to the midsection. But Keegan stops the comeback with a double axe handle across the back. He then begins hitting Pedro with clubbing shots across the back. After pulling Pedro back up off the apron, Keegan sends him into the ropes. When Pedro returns, Keegan scoops him up and delivers a backbreaker. While Pedro arches his back on the mat, Keegan steps out onto the apron and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. He then kisses the tips of his index and middle fingers before pointing at Anita. Anita returns the favor. Keegan turns his attention back to Pedro and flips off for a Swanton Bomb. But Pedro rolls out of the way, causing Keegan to crash onto the canvas. The crowd roars with cheers upon seeing Keegan crash and burn.

Geoff Penzer: Once again, Keegan fails to take advantage and it cost him big time!

After both men return to their feet, Pedro runs over and knocks him down with a flying cross chop. When Keegan gets back to his feet, Pedro runs over and knocks him down with another flying cross chop. After Keegan gets back up, Pedro takes him and whips him into the ropes. When Keegan returns, Pedro knocks him down with a thrust kick. He then steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. He then dives off for a flying double foot stomp. But Keegan’s able to roll out of the way. Once Pedro lands on the canvas, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Pedro rolls back to his feet. When he turns around, Keegan throws out a superkick. But Pedro catches his foot. After shaking his head at Keegan, Pedro spins him around. When Keegan comes back, Pedro ducks, lifts him up onto his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry dropped into a roundhouse kick. While Keegan is dazed on his feet, Pedro turns him around, rolls him up with an O’Connor Roll and bridges back into a prawn hold.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

“First Blood” plays as the crowd cheers.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, PEDRO GONZALES!

Pedro gets his arm raised while the crowd continues to cheer.

Geoff Penzer: Keegan’s arrogance got the better of him and in the end, it cost him. Unlike Keegan, Pedro took advantage of the openings in this match and was able to keep his momentum going with a W.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where Jessie Pederson is standing with The Crimson Baroness. The former Carolina Cup holder is ready dressed in her ring attire ahead of her match against El Grandé Malo, but with one small exception. Instead of her usual cane, she’s carrying her bat, resting it on one shoulder.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with The Crimson Baroness, who tonight will take on El Grandé Malo. Baroness, what are you thinking ahead of this match?

The Crimson Baroness: Two weeks ago at At All Costs I achieved a feat that nobody else has managed to replicate. Do you know what that is?

There’s a moment of silence before Jessie shakes her head.

The Crimson Baroness: When Keegan and I defeated Brute Camp, it completed a holy trinity of victories for me. Because now I’m the only person on this roster who holds victories over the APEX Champion, the Apex Tag Champions, and the Old North Champion. It means that the best and brightest this place has to offer have all fallen at my feet, and yet … they continue to overlook me. I’m passed aside for the likes of The Brat, who’s only boast is she’s only lost once–

Jessie Pederson: She did manage to defeat you at Welcome to the Serengeti…

Jessie interrupts, causing The Baroness to give her a side eye stare.

The Crimson Baroness: I’m aware of that. It’s one of those things I remember about her, as well as the shots she takes about my success around the world; I’m not about to apologize for becoming a champion anywhere though … And there’s Tillman, who’s had more shots at that APEX Title than the rest of us combined. So I’m forced to sit back and watch for another few months as these two fail to take that belt from Nest. And I’m forced to set my sights elsewhere; that’s where the victory over Brute Camp comes back into play.

Jessie Pederson: You said earlier in the week that you think tonight’s matches might be to measure up yourself and Keegan against The Bueno Club. After Keegan’s loss moments ago, do you wish to stand by that comment?

The Crimson Baroness: Of course. One misstep on the path to greatness won’t do anything to stop us in the long run. Tonight I’ll dispatch of El Grandé Malo like I have so many names before–

Jessie Pederson: But not Emily Carter.

The Baroness seethes for a moment.

The Crimson Baroness: If you want to slap me in the face, Jessie, just say the K word again. But tonight I’ll dispatch of El Grandé Malo and I’ll run down Pedro myself if it means getting that shot at Brute Camp. If it means getting to challenge for those tag titles; so as of right now, Becky, Butt Mason, the fun begins…

She smiles for the camera before walking away, and the show cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

The house lights dim slightly as the gentle sound of a piano playing gives way and the beat drops. Bursting from behind the curtain, El Grandé Malo stomps his way out onto the stage bouncing in time with the music. He hops and jogs down to the ring, slapping the outstretched hands along the way, before sliding into the ring and heading for the nearest corner.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Mexico, Maine! Weighing in at 205 pounds! He is “The Pride of Mexico, Maine”... EL GRANDE MALO!

He scales the turnbuckles and continues to hype up the crowd before dropping down and stretching while waiting for the match to begin.

Geoff Penzer: El Grandé Malo is ready to take on The Crimson Baroness in our next match. But before we get to that, I just wanted to give everyone an update on Josh Mitchell. Mitchell was taken to a local hospital to be looked over after being attacked earlier in the night by Butcher. When more information becomes available, we’ll relay it to you.

The soft melody of ‘Crimson’ by Morcheeba begins to play throughout the arena as The Crimson Baroness steps out from behind the curtain; her top hat is tipped forward, covering her eyes slightly as she poses, resting both hands on the head of her bat. The crowd immediately begin booing and jeering, letting The Baroness know exactly what they think of her. She begins her slow walk to the ring, shrugging off the hatred with a sense of nonchalance.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Weighing in at 124 pounds… THE CRIMSON BARONESS!

She climbs up the ring steps, urging the referee to hold the ropes open for her before she steps in under the middle ropes; The Crimson Baroness removes her hat and places it delicately in the corner next to her bat before she waits for the match to begin.

Geoff Penzer: The Crimson Baroness got the decisive fall over Becky at the At All Costs supercard. But it was not without controversy. We’ve seen her use that cane of her time and time again. But at At All Costs, she upped the ante when she swung that bat right at Becky’s head. Unfortunately for Becky, the Baroness connected. There’s still no update on Becky. But we hope to see her back in the ring soon.

The match starts with TCB and EGM circling the ring. They inch back towards each other and have a bit of a feeling out process. Both wrestlers are trying to grab one another while, at the same time, staying just out of each other’s reach. EGM then lunges forward, latches onto her wrist and performs an arm wrench. He goes to perform another, but he’s met with a rake across the eyes with TCB’s free hand. The crowd boos as she returns the favor and performs an arm wrench of her own. After EGM refuses to quit, she tries to yank the arm from out of its socket before delivering another arm wrench. The ref asks EGM if he wants to give up. But the luchador refuses to give up. So TCB decides to repeatedly yank the arm from out of its socket. This causes EGM to fall down to a knee. Even though the luchador is masked, you can seen from his body language the amount of pain that he’s in. EGM tries to rise back to his feet. But a quick tug of the arm brings him back down to a knee. TCB guffaws at this sight.

After fighting through the pain, EGM rises back to his feet. He then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and delivers an arm wrench of his own. He then returns the favor by repeatedly trying to yank the arm from out of its socket. He then moves TCB into the ropes. From there, EGM performs an irish whip and sends her into the far ropes. When TCB returns, EGM brings her down with an overhead arm drag. TCB gets back up, but EGM sends her back down with another overhead arm drag. TCB gets back to her feet, but EGM knocks her back down with a dropkick. TCB returns to her feet, but EGM returns her to the mat with another dropkick. Once TCB gets back up, EGM grabs her and goes for an irish whip. But TCB reverses, sending him into the ropes. When EGM comes back, TCB drops down to the canvas. So EGM hops over her and runs into the far ropes. When he returns, TCB leapfrogs over him. When EGM comes back, TCB goes for a hip toss. But EGM blocks it. So she doubles him over with a knee to the midsection. After draping her leg across the back of his neck, she performs a backflip. As soon as she lands on her feet, EGM throws her down with another arm drag. When TCB returns to her feet, EGM runs over and delivers a dropkick that knocks her through the ropes and to the floor.

Geoff Penzer: Malo looks like he’s setting up for something...

EGM jumps up and down while he points out to TCB. As TCB gets up on the outside, EGM takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, he hurls himself over the top rope and knocks her down with a leaping somersault plancha. The crowd cheers as EGM pops up before thrusting his index finger in the air. He then rolls TCB into the ring before rolling himself back in. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TCB gets her shoulder up.

EGM picks up TCB, moves her into the corner and delivers a blistering knife edge chop. He then shushes the crowd before firing off another blistering chop. He then takes TCB and whips her into the opposite corner. EGM jumps in the air before charging across the ring. But he gets knocked back by a back elbow to the face. While EGM is still dazed, TCB runs from out of the corner and plants him with a jumping DDT. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro was able to get the victory over the Baroness’ accomplice, Keegan Hightower, earlier tonight. Can Bueno Club go for the sweep here? If they do, Malo’s going to have to bounce back from that DDT.

TCB picks up EGM, wrenches his arm and brings him into the corner. After climbing up onto the top rope, TCB begins to walk across the top rope. She then hops off and delivers a clubbing shot across the back of the shoulder. After EGM drops down to his knee, TCB circles him before firing off a series of shoot kicks to the chest. She then steps back before blasting him in the face with a savate kick. TCB makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM gets his shoulder up.

TCB picks up EGM and rocks him with an elbow that sends him back into the ropes. Unfortunately for EGM, the way he landed on the ropes causes them to twist his arms up in the ropes.

Geoff Penzer: This is NOT good...

EGM looks around. Panic overtakes him once he realizes his arms are trapped in the ropes. He then looks over at TCB who smirks at the sight. She then gives EGM a patronizing pat on the cheek before taking off into the far ropes. When TCB returns, EGM breaks free and catches her with a surprise superkick. He then falls down on top of her and hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TCB gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Malo got free just in the nick of time!

EGM picks up TCB and delivers a knife edge chop that sends her stumbling back into the ropes. He then goes over, takes TCB and whips her into the far ropes. When she returns, EGM sets up for a back body drop. But TCB stops and counters with a Snap DDT. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Malo’s got to watch out for those DDTs. She’s got a plethora of them. He should probably keep an eye out on that bat, too. Just saying...

TCB picks up EGM, wrenches his arm and follows up with a double armbreaker. EGM immediately curls up in the canvas while he guards his left arm. But TCB shows him no mercy as she puts the boots to the arm. She then drops down, pulls EGM over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM gets his right shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: She’s already planted him on his head a number of times. Now, the Baroness is back to working over that arm.

TCB picks up EGM, places him in a hammerlock and throws him hard into the turnbuckles. As EGM stumbles back, TCB sets up for the Baroness Plex. But EGM elbows her in the head. After performing a standing switch, EGM turns her around, lifts her up across his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry sitout facebuster. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TCB gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: It only got two, but that was the break Malo needed. Now can he build off of it?

EGM takes TCB and whips her into the ropes. When TCB returns, EGM sets up for a back body. This this time, TCB counters with a rolling cross arm.

Geoff Penzer: The Subjection!

The crowd boos as TCB tries to hyperextend the arm. But EGM is quick to lock his hands. She tries her best to tug back on the arm. But she can’t break EGM’s grip. So she uses her leg and repeatedly drops it across EGM’s face. She then yanks back and fully locked on the hold.

Geoff Penzer: She’s got it on!

EGM can be heard screaming in pain while the crowd boos. But when the ref asks him if he wants to give up, he refuses to quit. So TCB raises her hips to really cinch in the hold. Again, the ref gets down and asks EGM if he wants to give up. But the Pride of Mexico… Maine will not quit. He then scoots his body as best as he can towards the ropes. Once he feels he’s in position, he reaches out with his right foot… and drapes it across the bottom rope to a roar of cheers from the crowd. The ref then gives TCB until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…. FIVE.

Geoff Penzer: Come on, ref! Get in there and do your job!

TCB immediately breaks the hold. The ref goes to reprimand her, but she quickly puts on the innocent act, telling the ref that she doesn’t know what happened, she got lost in the moment, it’ll never happen again, etc. After contemplating this, the ref responds with, “....oh fine.”

Geoff Penzer: … unbelievable...

TCB goes over and pulls EGM away from the ropes. After lifting up EGM’s legs, she points out to something in the crowd at the ref. As the ref turns and looks, TCB spreads his legs before delivering a stomp to the balls. The crowd erupts with boos as EGM curls up in immense pain. When the ref turns back, TCB drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

EGM gets his right shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: I’m surprised Malo could even get his shoulder up after having his… just thinking about it hurts me.

Annoyed, TCB mounts herself on top of EGM and hammers away with right hands to the face. She then latches onto the mask and tries to untie the back of it. But the ref quickly goes over and pulls her off of him.

Geoff Penzer: Thankfully, the ref stopped the Baroness from ripping off his mask. Everyone knows how sacred those masks are in Mexico, Maine.

As EGM turns over and gets up on one knee, TCB runs over and knocks him down with a Shining Black. The crowd boos as TCB begins to circle the ring with her arms spread out. Once she turns and sees EGM back up on his knee, she runs over and knocks him down with a Shining Apprentice. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Baroness nailed him with those educated feet. But Malo’s still in this. He’s still fighting.

TCB picks up EGM and goes for an irish whip. But EGM reverses, sending her into the ropes. When TCB returns, EGM knocks her down with a leaping calf kick. TCB returns to her feet, but EGM returns her to the mat with another leaping calf kick. Once TCB gets back to her feet, EGM runs over and brings her down with a leg lariat. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TCB gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Malo’s brought the momentum back to him and now, he wants to put this thing away.

EGM picks up TCB and goes for an irish whip. But she reverses, sending him into the ropes. When EGM comes back, he jumps up and knocks her down with a leaping enzuigiri. EGM turns her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TCB gets her shoulder up.

EGM picks up TCB and goes for an irish whip. But TCB reverses, sending him into the corner. TCB runs across the ring, but EGM counters with a back elbow to the face. He then follows up with a reverse STO into the turnbuckle. After she crumbles to the canvas, EGM turns around and delivers a split-legged moonsault. The crowd cheers as he hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

TCB reaches over and grabs the bottom rope.

Geoff Penzer: Close call there...

EGM takes TCB and throws her down with a scoop slam. He then heads out onto the apron. After climbing up to the top turnbuckle, he leaps off and knocks her down with a flying crossbody block. To a roar of cheers.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd sighs as TCB gets her shoulder up.

EGM picks up TCB and goes for an irish whip. But she reverses, sending him into the corner. TCB runs towards the corner. But the crowd roars with cheers as EGM steps out, catches her and delivers an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles. EGM marches over into the opposite corner while TCB struggles to pull herself up using the ropes. As she turns around, EGM charges across the ring. He hurls himself at her for a corner double knee strike. But she dives out of the way, causing EGM to crash into the corner.

Geoff Penzer: He missed!

After EGM bounces out of the corner, he curls up as he holds both of his knees. As he slowly tries to get off the mat, TCB heads over, hooks both of his arms and plants him with Dom’d. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
THREE!

“Crimson” blares throughout the arena as the crowd erupts with boos.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, THE CRIMSON BARONESS!

Baroness gets her arm raised as the crowd continues to boo.

Geoff Penzer: Malo looked like he was about to put this one away. But the Baroness was able to dive out of the way, which caused him to crash hard into the corner. It was all she wrote from there.

[FGA Office]

(Jessie Pederson is standing by backstage in front of the black and silver PRIDE backdrop.)

Jessie Pederson: With me right now is one of the participants in tonight’s #1 Contenders Match, Emily Carter.

(Emily walks into the picture before acknowledging the camera.)

Jessie Pederson: Emily, you’ve come under fire from some people - the usual suspects, as you call them - for being named as part of this match. Do you have any comments on them?

Emily Carter: Honestly, I don’t. Because right now, they’re not worth my time. They can go whine and cry to someone else. They can pout and stomp their feet until they get the attention they’re so desperate for. But they won’t get it from me. The only person I’m concerned with right now is Terrence Tillman.

Jessie Pederson: Speaking of Tillman, he recently defeated Mercy Williams at At All Costs. You could say that he’s firing on all cylinders. With this upcoming match, you’re not exactly being eased back in LDFC. One could say you’re being thrown straight into the Lion’s Den - pun intended. What are your final thoughts as you head into this match?

Emily Carter: Final thoughts? It’s a huge opportunity. It’s one that I’ve worked hard for. But this isn’t the title match, Jess. There’s one more roadblock I have to get past to even get the title shot. Terrence Tillman is no joke. You know how good he is. We’ve all seen the amazing things he’s done in the ring. But we’ve also seen how much of a jerk he’s become over these last few months. Regardless of his attitude, he’s one of the best here. But you know what? I think I’m one of the best, too. Tonight, after I step through those curtains and stand in front of the members of the Emilution, I’m going to prove that I’m better than him. And I’m going to prove why I’m the #1 contender.

Jessie Pederson: Emily, thank you for your time.

[FGA Office]

As the drums start at the beginning of "Don't Die Digging", the audience turns their attention to the entrance way. When the guitar kick in, Emily Carter steps through the curtain to a positive reaction from the crowd. Carter smiles before pointing to various fans in the crowd. She then makes her way down to the ring, slapping hands with the fans along the way.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is your main event of the evening! Introducing first, from Westwood, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 129 pounds… EMILY CARTER!

She then hops onto the apron before entering the ring. When the chorus hits, Carter climbs up onto the ropes and holds her index finger in the air. She hops down, marches across the ring, climbs up onto the ropes and thrusts her index finger in the air. Carter smiles, nodding her head in approval as the crowd continues to cheer her on.

Geoff Penzer: Emily Carter has been on the sidelines for quite a while due to the attack by Jimmy Page. She returns here tonight with a huge opportunity. But she’s also got a tough task ahead of her because standing across the ring will be this man...

As the beginning horn sound that starts “Forever” blasts through the arena, Terrence Tillman runs out to the stage. Running back and forth shouting and waving his arms in the air motioning for the fans to get on their feet. He stops in the center and stretches his arms out to either side shouting “It’s Time” at the top of his lungs. Tillman starts his march to the ring with a smile on his face, slapping hands of the kids in the audience letting out an occasional “Wooo!” or “Yeah baby!”

Melanie Sierra: And her opponent, from Orlando, Florida! Weighing in at 230 pounds… “Terrific” TERRENCE TILLMAN!

Tillman rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and runs to each corner pointing to the fans, clapping his hands, and feeding off the crowd’s reaction.

Geoff Penzer: Tillman has been on a roll. After his defeat of Mercy Williams at the supercard, he now finds himself one match away from another encounter with Nest.

Tillman makes his way over towards Emily and extends his hand. Emily looks around at the crowd before slowly reaching out towards Tillman. Emily and Tillman shake hands to a roar of cheers from the crowd. But the cheers are soon washed over by a tidal wave of boos as Tillman turns her inside out with a short-arm clothesline.

Geoff Penzer: That son of a … it was a ruse all along!

The bell sounds as Tillman puts the boots to Emily. He then stops and looks around as a “TILLMAN SUCKS!!!” chant breaks out. Tillman gives an obscene gesture to the crowd before mounting on top of Emily. He hammers away with short range right hands to the face. He then takes her by the hair with both hands and repeatedly rams the back of her head against the apron.

Geoff Penzer: He suckered Emily in! He suckered us all in!

Tillman yanks up Emily by her hair, runs and flings her across the ring. He marches over, yanks Emily back up by her blonde locks and flings her across the ring again. Emily’s body bounces off the canvas before rolling into the corner.

As Emily tries to pull herself up in the corner, Tillman runs, jumps from the center of the ring and connects with a corner splash to the back. He then turns Emily around and whips her into the opposite corner. Tillman lines her up before her runs, jumps from the center of the ring and connects with another corner splash. He then takes Emily by the hair, runs and tosses her over the top rope and to the floor. Emily lays sprawled out on the floor as the crowd boos.

Geoff Penzer: I know she’s been cleared to return. But being cleared to return and having to perform at a high level against some the caliber of Tillman are two different things.

Tillman steps out onto the apron as soon as Emily begins to stir on the outside. She slowly turns over onto her knees before struggling to get back to a vertical base. When she turns around, Tillman knocks her down with a double jump moonsault.

Geoff Penzer: Tillman with the Terry-sault!

Tillman picks her up and rolls her into the ring. He then slides back in, pulls her away from the ropes and makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Emily was suckered in just like we all where. Because of that, this match has been all Tillman thus far. If things don’t change quickly, we’re going to be looking at Nest vs. Tillman. I don’t want to speak for our APEX Champ, but I think he’d prefer that match, anyway.

Tillman yanks up Emily and nails her with a right hand that sends her stumbling into the ropes. Tillman marches over, pulls Emily away from the ropes and knocks her down with a right hand. He drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Emily gets her shoulder up.

Tillman picks up Emily and whips her into the ropes. When she comes back, Tillman delivers a back body drop that causes her to flip in the air and land face-first on the canvas. He quickly pulls her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Emily gets her shoulder up.

Tillman sits up and applies a rear chinlock. The ref asks Emily if she wants to give up. But she doesn’t want to. So Tillman jerks back. Tillman looks around at the crowd and seethes with anger as he hears them starting up a “LET’S GO, EMILY!!!” chant. So he jerks back again. The ref knees back down and asks Emily if she wants to give up. But she refuses to quit. She then begins to feed off the energy of the crowd. Emily can be seen slowly shaking her arm before turning over onto her knees. When she returns to her feet, she elbows Tillman four times in the midsection. Now that the hold is broken, Emily takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd boos as Tillman knocks her down with a dropsault. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Emily gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Just when you thought Emily was free and in the air, Tillman stops her dead in her tracks.

Tillman picks up Emily and goes for a brainbuster. But Emily drops to her knee to block the move. After Tillman yanks her back up to her feet, he goes for another brainbuster. But this time, Emily hooks her leg behind his to block the move. After Tillman punches her in the ribs, he lifts her up. But Emily’s able to slip down from behind. She then grabs Tillman from behind and goes for a brainbuster. But Tillman shoves Emily off of him and into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks Tillman down with a high knee. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tillman kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Emily knocks Tillman down for a count of two. Let’s see what she can do from here...

Emily picks up Tillman and goes for an irish whip. But Tillman reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Emily returns, she goes to slide through his legs. But Tillman reaches down and grabs her by the hair. After Tillman pulls her back to her feet, Emily slaps his hands from off of her before connecting with a roundhouse kick. While Tillman’s dazed, Emily leaps up and plants him with a jumping DDT. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tillman gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: She’s starting to fight back...

Emily picks up Tillman and whips him into the corner. She runs into the corner, but Tillman nails her with a back elbow to the face. He then turns and goes for a springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT. But Emily ducks, runs into the corner and brings him down with a springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tillman gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Tillman went for the DDTripleT. But Emily ducked and countered with the Emilution for two.

Emily picks up Tillman and goes for an irish whip. But Tillman reverses, sending her into the ropes. When she returns, Tillman throws out a kick to the midsection. Emily catches the kick. But Tillman’s able to reverse into a Dragonwhip. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Emily gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Did you hear the smack from that kick!?

Tillman picks up Emily and delivers alternating knee strikes to the midsection. While Emily’s doubled over, Tillman steps back, runs forward and delivers a knee lift that knocks her through the ropes and onto the apron. As Emily struggles to pull herself up using the ropes, Tillman heads over to attack. But Emily ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. After Tillman is knocked back a few steps, the crowd cheers as Emily knocks him down with a springboard forearm smash. While Tillman’s trying to shake out the cobwebs, Emily steps out onto another part of the apron and begins climbing to the top turnbuckle. Once Tillman returns to his feet and turns around, the crowd cheers as Emily leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him down with a Shotgun Dropkick. She then kips up to her feet before shaking her fists.

Geoff Penzer: She’s really feeling it now...

After Tillman slowly gets back to his feet and turns around, Emily connects with a right and left forearm strike to the head, followed a shoot kick to the leg, followed by a Spinning Backfist, followed by a Pelé Kick. While Tillman’s dazed, Emily returns to her feet and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd cheers as she knocks Tillman down with a Busaiku Knee Strike. Emily returns to her feet and points to the top rope. Upon hearing the cheers from the crowd, Emily steps out onto the apron before scaling up to the top turnbuckle. The crowd cheers after she leaps off, shifts her body in mid air and crashes down upon Tillman with a Five Star Frog Splash. After bouncing off of Tillman, she turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

“Don’t Die Digging” blasts over the PA as the crowd explodes with cheers.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, EMILY CARTER!

Emily gets her arm raised while the crowd continues to cheer.

Geoff Penzer: Emily Carter picks up a huge win in her return match. Due to that win, she’s now the #1 contender to the APEX Championship! She will be challenging Nest for the APEX Championship at our next supercard coming up in July! That’s all the action we’ve got for you tonight! Until next time, this is Geoff Penzer signing off. Goodnight!