Vertigo (6.11.16)

[FGA Office]

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Footage follows, showing the leader of The Skylar Systemic, Skylar Cloud cheerily lecturing a room of prospective followers as "Walking On Sunshine" plays over the video. She's then shown skipping gaily through a field alongside a woman, and a large bearded man before stopping to share a hearty laugh.

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[FGA Office]

HANDICAP MATCH
Jimmy Page and Izzy Anders vs. Zero McHannon

The eerie cue up of "They Are Lost" by Last Remaining Pinnacle plays for ten seconds...then dies down, along with the lights. Suddenly the sound of drums and a electronic melody plays. The lights flash in red to the melody of the song. The song, "Can You Feel My Heart" by Bring Me The Horizon plays as a silhouette appears from out of the red. In his signature controlled stagger, Page comes out, hands extended, head down. Slowly his raises his head, soaked in the red lights. Fans boo him as he makes his way to the ring. He whips his hair out of his eyes as he snatches away from of the extended hands, almost threatening to hit someone. Page stops from time to time, swearing at some of the fans who chant "FUCK YOU JIMMY!!" and "PAGE SUCKS!!!" getting in their face. As Page finishes his march of ridicule, he stops at the top of the ramp. His eyes dead, his expression stoic as he glares around the arena, the lights still radiating that deadly red. As Page continues to make his way to the ring, Zero McHannon hops over the guardrail, runs up from behind and clocks him in the back of the head with the FGA World Championship belt.

Kris Cruise: What the hell!? Where did Zero McHannon come from!

Stephy Auger: Zero McHannon wasn’t about to walk into the trap that The New Kings laid for him. No way was he going walking into this match with both Jimmy Page and Izzy Anders waiting to rip him apart. So he got the jump on Page, just like he got the jump on and outmsrated The New Kings two weeks ago.

The crowd continues to boo as Zero slides into the ring and anticipates Izzy Anders’ arrival.

Kris Cruise: I have no sympathy for Page whatsoever. But Zero absolutely clobbered him in the back of the head with the FGA World Championship. Those belts aren’t light by any means.

Stephy Auger: You’re talking about 20, 30, maybe 40 pounds of gold behind swung at the back of your head at a high velocity. He’s gonna be down there for a while, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Because of that, that effectively makes this a one on one match for the time being...

Stephy Auger: Go ahead, you can say it. It was a great plan by Zero McHannon!

“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.

As she walks down the aisle, she steps over Page’s unconscious body without even looking at him.

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders with no regard for her “partner” in this match.

Stephy Auger: Izzy Anders and Jimmy Page are far from friends. We’ve seen her actions in tag team matches as of late. So this isn’t all that surprising. Plus, as she stated during the leadup to this one, she wants to be as far away from Page as she can. Not out of fear, she just wants nothing to do with him and his current situation. She’s seen the violence that’s broken out over the past two months when it comes to Page and Chandler Scott.

Izzy tries to climb up onto the apron, but as soon as Zero runs over to knock her off, she quickly hops back down. Izzy then circles the ring. She tries to roll in underneath the bottom rope. But Zero runs over and tries to deliver a stomp, which causes her to roll back to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Zero is trying to keep her out of the ring!

Izzy tires to climb back up onto the apron, but Zero runs over and uses the World Championship belt as a whip, which causes her to fall to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Izzy nearly got hit with the belt, too!

The ref gets in front of Zero and goes to move him back so Izzy can get in the ring. But Zero is having none of that and forcefully moves the ref out of his way. As soon as Izzy slides back in, she’s met with a series of stomps to the back from Zero. The bell sounds as Zero picks her up, runs into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning her around, Zero unleashes a series of deep shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then takes Izzy and whips her into the opposite corner. Zero then runs across the ring and connects with a hard clothesline that knocks her down in the corner. He then turns and spreads his arms to the crowd. They respond with a loud chorus of boos.

Zero reaches down, pulls up Izzy and rocks her with a European Uppercut. He then delivers another European Uppercut… and another. After being stunned by the blows, Izzy catches Zero off guard with a European Uppercut of her own. Zero goes to respond, but Izzy comes from out of the corner and delivers another European Uppercut. Izzy then hits Zero with another European Uppercut… and another… and another. She then takes Zero and goes for an irish whip. But Zero reverses, sending Izzy into the ropes. When Izzy returns, she knocks Zero down with a Running European Uppercut. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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Zero kicks out.

Izzy picks up Zero and delivers an arm wrench. But Zero is quick to counter with an arm wrench of his own and follows up with a short-arm clothesline. He then sees Page starting to stir on the outside. So he picks up Izzy, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: What’s Zero doing here?

Stephy Auger: He’s about to make sure that this match stays one on one.

Zero runs across the ring, baseball slides to the outside and nails Page with a kick to the ribs. He then picks up Page and rams him hard back-first against the guardrail. Zero pulls Page back… only to ram him back-first into the guardrail. Zero brings Page away from the rail, positions himself behind Page and brings him down with a backstabber.

Kris Cruise: First he clocked Page in the back of the head with the FGA World Championship. Then he goes after the back. You can bet that Zero will continue to target those areas if Page ever gets back in this match.

Zero rolls back into the ring. He then marches across the ring as he sees Izzy pulling herself up using the ropes. He goes to deliver a shoulder thrust through the ropes. But Izzy counters with a knee to the face. She then quickly grabs Zero by the left arm and jumps off the apron, delivering The Break-Up across the middle rope. Zero immediately yelps as he stumbles to his knees. While he clutches his left arm, Izzy slides in front behind and delivers a yakuza kick to the back left shoulder blade. While Zero’s in the prone position, Izzy takes Zero, hammerlocks his arms and delivers three handstand falling knee drops to the arm. She tries to apply a floatover fujiwara armbar. But she does so too fast, which allows Zero to squirm away from her clutches and roll over towards the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Zero slithers to safety, but the damage has already been done. Izzy sees Zero favoring that arm and if we know Izzy, she’s going to go after that arm until she snaps it right off his body.

Stephy Auger: A preview of what’s to come at All-Star Showdown V?

Kris Cruise: I shudder to think what Izzy’s got in store for the Tenacious Little Bastard.

While Zero pulls himself up using his right arm, Izzy blasts him with a shoot kick to the ribs. She then tries to bring Zero back down with a Fujiwara Armbar. But Zero hooks his right arm around the top rope. The ref then gives Izzy until the count of five to let go of the champion.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Izzy lets go… then delivers another shoot kick to the ribs. She yanks Zero from off the ropes, snapmares him down to the canvas and delivers a hard kick to the back that causes Zero to yelp and arch his back in pain. Izzy sizes him up before blasting him with another shoot kick to the spine. She then pulls Zero’s head back with her left hand and drives down a 12-to-6 elbow to the face. She then points out to a fan in the front row before running into the far ropes. When she comes back, she blasts Zero with A Gift For You. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zero gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: She nearly took his head off with that kick. Izzy was probably envisioning Dom’s face when she threw out that kick.

Izzy picks up Zero, snapmares him back over and delivers another stiff kick to the spine. While Zero arches his back, Izzy runs back into the ropes. When she returns, she goes for A Gist For You again, but Zero rolls out onto the apron. As she heads over to try and pull him up, Zero doubles her over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. As Zero goes to step back in through the ropes, Izzy knocks him down with an Axe Kick. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zero grabs the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Page is still down on the outside but right now, it looks like Izzy got this one in control.

Stephy Auger: “Right now.” Key words...

Izzy picks up Zero and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, she connects with a step-up enzuigiri that knocks him down to one knee. From there, Izzy returns to her feet and heads back into the ropes. When she returns, Zero gets up and knocks her down with a discus clothesline. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Izzy kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Zero almost knocked the wind out of her with that clothesline. The champ really needed that one. Let’s see what he does from here...

Zero picks up Izzy and knocks her into the corner with another European Uppercut. As Zero approaches the corner, Izzy throws out and connects with a kick to the midsection. She then connects with another kick… and another… and another. She then takes Zero, places him in the corner and nails him with five elbows smashes to the face before whipping him into the opposite corner. Izzy runs across the ring, but Zero turns her around with a European Uppercut. As Izzy staggers away from the corner, Zero comes from out of the corner, grabs her from behind and delivers an inverted headlock backbreaker. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Izzy kicks out.

Zero picks up Izzy and whips her into the ropes, where Page makes the blind tag. As she returns, Zero sets up for a back body drop. But Izzy stops and counters with another Axe Kick. Page then nudges Izzy out of the way before putting the boots to Zero.

Kris Cruise: Page is back in and he’s dying to get at Zero.

Stephy Auger: There’s no love lost between these two. Zero attacking him from behind earlier on did nothing but add more fuel to the fire.

Page yanks up Zero, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Zero around, Page unleashes a flurry of right hands that sends him slumping down in the corner. From there, Page stomps the hell out of Zero’s chest before choking him. Page pulls down the top rope as the ref gives him until the count of five to release the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Page lets go to run into the ropes. When he comes back, he blasts Zero with a running knee facewash. Page reaches down, grabs Zero by the beard and pulls him back up to his feet. He then unleashes alternating elbow smashes and back elbows to the face. He then takes Zero and whips him into the opposite corner. Page then runs across the ring and connects with a running big boot that sends Zero crumbling from out of the corner. The crowd boos as Page makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zero gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: I wondered earlier what Izzy Anders would do to Dom Harter. I also wonder what sick plans Jimmy Page has in mind for Chandler Scott.

Stephy Auger: Just hearing the name Chandler Scott sends Jimmy Page into a blind rage. Page blames Chandler or everything that has gone wrong over the past year and a half. With Chivalry is Dead rules in play, which essentially means that there are no rules, I could easily see one of these men being carted out of the ring.

Page pulls up Zero and delivers a headbutt that knocks him back into the ropes. Page goes over, pulls Zero from off the ropes and delivers a headbutt that knocks him down to the canvas. While Zero is sprawled out on the mat, Page takes off into the ropes. When he returns, he goes for a jumping knee drop. But Zero rolls out of the way.

Kris Cruise: Nobody home there! Page’s knee just crashed hard onto the canvas!

As Page tries to get back to his feet, Zero grabs him, lifts him up and delivers a shinbreaker into a Teardrop Suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Page kicks out.

Zero picks Page, turns him around and yanks him down with a hangman’s neckbreaker. Zero picks Page back up, lifts him up and delivers a vertical suplex lift dropped into a neckbreaker. Zero brings Page back to his feet. After a knee to the midsection doubles Page over, Zero plants him with a Kickout DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Page gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Zero’s once again targeting the back of the neck and the back of the head. We talked about Izzy-Dom. We talked Page and Chandler. Let’s not forget that these two had a heated rivalry of their own last year.

Stephy Auger: Neither of these two men have forgotten about each other and you can see it as they put a little extra behind those blows. You can see it as they throw each other down with authority. Cannon and Carmine are his current challenges. But Page is still pretty high on Zero’s “F You” list.

Zero picks up Page and tosses him out onto the apron. After reaching through the ropes and dragging Page across the middle rope, Zero plants him with a rope-elevated DDT. He turns Page over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Page gets his shoulder up.

Zero picks up Page and whips him hard into the corner. After his back smacks against the turnbuckles, Page staggers from out of the corner. A knee thrust ends up doubling him over. Zero then turns around, reaches back and hooks Page’s arms. But before Zero can turn over and lift Page up for a Vertebreaker, Page blocks and stands up. Zero ends up rolls over Page’s back and landing on his feet. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Zero comes back, Page sends spittle flying out of his mouth with Sole Destruction. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zero gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Page got all of that discus big boot, but it only gets two! You’ve got to think that somewhere in the back, Carmine and Cannon are pleased with what they’re seeing.

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah, they’re thoroughly enjoying seeing Zero put through hell in this Handicap Match. But I don’t know if they’re exactly enjoying each other’s company right now.

Kris Cruise: What do you mean?

Stephy Auger: You saw those recent tweets. Tony saying he’s going to kick Cannon’s you-know-what. Cannon then told Tony to stop using his name to remain relevant.

Kris Cruise: You honestly don’t buy that, do you? Not even Zero was buying it!

Stephy Auger: I don’t know, Cruise. It sounded pretty serious to me!

Page picks up Zero, turns and drops him with a neckbreaker across the knee. He pulls Zero back up, turns and drops him with another neckbreaker across the knee. Page picks Zero back up, places him in a cravate, delivers five knee strikes to the face, turns and brings Zero down with yet another neckbreaker across the knee. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Zero gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Page’s trying to give Zero a taste of his own medicine by targeting the neck.

As Page picks up Zero, Zero tries to fight back with right hands to the midsection. But a a clubbing shot to the back of the neck knocks Zero back down. He then reaches down and slowly pulls Zero back up. But Zero keeps fighting back. This time, with elbows to the midsection. He then stands up and begins throwing right hands at Page. But a double chop to the throat doubles Zero over. Page then lifts Zero up before spiking him with a cradle piledriver. The crowd boos as he turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Zero gets his shoulder up.

Page picks up Zero and goes for an irish whip. But Zero reverses, sending Page into the ropes where Izzy makes the blind tag. When Page returns, Zero throws him down with a spinebuster. He makes the cover. But Page is no longer the legal man. Once Zero realzies this, it’s too late as Izzy connects with a punt kick that knocks Zero off of Page. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Zero gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Izzy nearly got the three count there!

Izzy picks up Zero, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Zero around, she unleashes ORA! ORA! ORA! She then takes Zero and whips him into the opposite corner. Izzy then charges across the ring and connects with a Running European Uppercut. She takes Zero and whips him across the ring into the previous corner. She then charges across the ring and connects with another Running European Uppercut. After pulling Zero from out of the corner by his beard, she knocks him down to one knee after a roundhouse kick. While Zero’s still down on one knee, Izzy takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she blasts him in the face with a Shining Yakuza Kick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Zero gets his shoulder up.

Izzy picks up Zero and whips him hard into the corner. As he stumbles out, Izzy goes for a jumping leg lariat. But Zero ducks, catches Izzy and adjusts her across his shoulder and delivers a fireman’s carry gutbuster. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Izzy gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Good counter there by the champion. Let’s see what he does from here.

Zero picks up Izzy and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, Zero doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. He then lifts her up for a powerbomb. But Izzy blocks with frantic 12-to-6 elbows to the head. After she slips down in front of Zero and lands on her feet, she goes to follow up with a roundhouse kick. But Zero ducks, hooks her from behind, lifts her up and delivers a chickenwing gutbuster. The crowd boos as Zero makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Izzy gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: The momentum is starting to swing back in the champion’s favor.

Zero picks up Izzy and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, Zero scoops her up across his shoulder for a sitout shoulder breaker. But Izzy’s able to slip down from behind. She then spins Zero around, boots him in the midsection, hooks his arms and plants him with Spin The Black Circle. The crowd boos as she turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Zero gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Izzy with hits her “tribute” to Dom Harter, but it only gets two.

Izzy picks up Zero, hooks his arms and plants him with Spin The Black Circle again. After Zero bounces off the apron and rolls over onto his back, she drags him into position. Izzy then proceeds to step through the ropes and walk along the apron.

Kris Cruise: What’s she doing here?

Stephy Auger: She’s going up to the top, Cruise! She’s going to end this with that flying double knee drop of hers!

Izzy scale the ropes. Once she makes it to the top turnbuckle, Page slaps her thigh and tags himself in.

Kris Cruise: Page tags himself in!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and Izzy doesn’t look too thrilled about it, either!

Page steps back in, picks up Zero and whips him into the ropes. When Zero returns, Page throws him down with an Exploder Suplex. Page turns over on all fours and waits impatiently for Zero to get up.

Stephy Auger: I hope Zero likes classical because Page is about to perform the Trauma Symphony!

Once Zero finally turns over and gets up on one knee, Page pops up to his feet, charges over and throws out the Trauma Symphony. But Zero rolls out of the way. When Page turns around, Zero lifts him up across his shoulders. But before Zero can hit the fireman’s carry gutbuster, Page elbows him three times in the head. He then slips down from behind, grabs Zero from behind and sets him up for a ripcord rolling elbow. But Zero ducks the elbow and runs into the ropes. When he returns, Page throws out Sole Destruction. But Zero catches his foot. He then spins Page around. When Page turns back to him, Zero jumps up and brings him down with a Codebreaker. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Page gets his shoulder up.

Zero picks up Page and goes for an irish whip. But Page reverses, sending Zero into the ropes. When Zero returns, he knocks Page down with a running clothesline before continuing to run into the ropes. Page gets up and turns around, but Zero knocks him down with another clothesline before running back into the ropes. Page gets up and turns around, but he gets knocked down by a single leg dropkick. Zero picks up Page, lifts him up across his shoulder and delivers a fireman’s carry gutbuster. While Page is down on all fours, Zero pulls him up from behind, lifts him up and throws him down with Zero-Tolerance.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd boos as Izzy runs over and delivers a hard soccer kick to the spine.

Kris Cruise: Izzy with the… save?

Stephy Auger: I think it had less to do with saving Page and more to do with her still wanting a piece of McHannon!

Izzy picks up Zero and nails him with a series of European Uppercuts that knock him back. She then takes Zero and goes for an irish whip. But Zero reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Izzy returns, Zero sets up for a back body drop. But Izzy stops, counters with a kick square to the face, then delivers a kick to the front of the knee. As Zero is forced down to one knee, Izzy takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks Zero down with the Headhunter.

Kris Cruise: Izzy with a hard, slicing kick to the side of the head!

But she’s not done yet. Izzy pulls Zero back to his feet and delivers the Dirty Dancin’ kick flurry to boos from the crowd. While Zero is hurting from the kicks, Izzy takes him by the left arm, wrenches it and follows up with a Double Knee Armbreaker. While Zero’s down on the mat, Izzy steps out onto the apron and begins to scales the ropes.

Kris Cruise: She’s going back up, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Izzy’s headed to the top and there’s no one to stop here now!

As soon as she gets to the top, she motions for the Flying Double Knee Drop. But she stops herself once the opening chords of “Low Self Opinion” begin to blast over the PA.

Kris Cruise: What the…?

Stephy Auger: That’s Dom Harter’s theme!

Izzy’s eyes widen, then narrow as she turns her attention towards the entrance way. But Dom Harter is nowhere to be seen.

Kris Cruise: I don’t see Dom!

Stephy Auger: I don’t see him, either!

While Izzy turns her attention back to Zero, but it’s too late. The World Champ rushes into the corner and pushes her legs off the top ropes.

Kris Cruise: Zero just benefitted from the timely distraction!

Stephy Auger: Dom did it again! He screwed Izzy again, just like he screwed her at Above & Beyond IV last year!

Kris Cruise: Oh, you know that’s going to do nothing but tick her off even more.

Stephy Auger: … as if he cares.

As “Low Self Opinion” fades out, Zero climbs up onto the middle ropes and turns around. He then lifts Izzy off the top turnbuckle and lifts her onto his back. But instead of jumping off the middle ropes, he cautiously places his right foot onto the top rope.

Kris Cruise: What in the… what’s Zero doing here?

Stephy Auger: I think he… he might be… he’s going up to the very top!

After cautiously placing his left foot on the top rope, Zero dives off and delivers a rolling fireman’s carry slam off the top rope.

Kris Cruise: Rolling Fireman’s carry off the top! What an impact that was!

As Zero slowly gets up off of Izzy, Page slides back into the ring. He rushes over, grabs Zero from behind and clocks him with a ripcord elbow. The crowd boos as he reaches down, pulls Zero back up, places him in position and then drives him down with a Hangman’s Facebuster. The crowd continues to boo as he pulls Zero over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

“Can You Feel My heart” blares throughout the arena to boos from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, IZZY ANDERS and JIMMY PAGE!

As Page rolls off of Zero, the ref goes down and raises his arm.

Kris Cruise: Zero McHannon had this match won, but then Izzy made the save. It then looked like Izzy was going to put the match away, but the distraction proved costly for Izzy. Then, when it looked like Zero was able to come out of this Handicap Match with a win, that snake Page came from out of nowhere and hit not one, but two of his finishing maneuvers to put away the World Champion. Page picks up the win for himself and Izzy. But by the looks of things, it might be a minute or two before these three grapplers can even pick themselves up off the mat.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where Molly Reid is winding down after her match against Sara Cochran earlier in the evening; she takes a gulp of Gatorade before putting the bottle back into her bag - Molly double checks to make sure everything is still there, just as a residual effect of dealing with Danny Diamond a while back. But she shakes her head, realizing she’s being paranoid when the locker room door opens.

Annie Dupree: Heyyy Molly! You were awesome out there.

Molly Reid: Thanks, Annie, but I did just enough to beat her.

Annie Dupree: Just as long as it was warm up enough, ‘cause the next show is your biggest challenge.

The Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion stands before her friend, the title belt slung over one shoulder instead of around her waist. A smirk on her face as she winks at Molly, who only giggles in response.

Molly Reid: When I get to kick your butt.

Annie Dupree: Nah, it’s when you get to catch these hands.

Now it’s Annie’s turn to laugh. But as she pushes some hair back behind her ear, Molly rises from her seated position, so that she’s standing in front of her best friend.

Molly Reid: We’ve been over this, Annie…

Annie Dupree: Uh huh, and we agreed you’d be getting popped POW! Right in the kisser.

The champion feigns a right hook, gently nudging Molly’s jaw as the smile fades off her face.

Molly Reid: Something tells me I never actually agreed to that

Annie Dupree: Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean it’s not gonna happen.

Molly Reid: Don’t get too cocky, Annie. You know me and you know what I can do. In two weeks time, at All-Star Showdown V, I’m coming for that title…

She jabs her finger at the belt on Annie’s shoulder.

Annie Dupree: And like the last title match you were in ... you’re leaving empty handed…

Annie says, referring to when The Whitest Girls You Know lost the SSWA trios titles to Dirty Waters.

Molly Reid: You were in that match too!

Annie curses under her breath.

Molly Reid: But, hey it’s cool. Underestimate me like everyone seems to do, it’ll just make it better when I manage to beat you and become the new FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion.

Annie Dupree: Molly, you know I love you, but after everything I went through to get this title. Since Final Frontier when I stood up to Izzy, to that match against her, to getting screwed over by Savannah. Right up to the Gold Rush Rumble when I beat them both in a no DQ match … I’m not gonna lose it on my first defense.

Molly Reid: Ther--

Annie Dupree: And that’s not underestimating you; I know you’re amazing. But I’m the champion that beat Izzy Anders, and I need to beat the legacy she built. So if I have to hold this belt until next year and beat all comers - you, Dom, Savannah, Nero, Ruby, the guys from Nox Sports or even Matt Bishop. Then I’m gonna go to that ring each time and fight with everything I’ve got. So when people think Mid-Atlantic Legacy the first name they think of is mine.

Molly Reid: Yeah yeah, trust me, I heard all the talk. That crafty Annie Dupree made my match with Nero a number one contender’s match because deep down she believed that no matter who won, it’d be an easy title defense for her. Is that where we’re at Annie?

Annie Dupree: I never said that, don’t put words in my mouth.

Molly Reid: No, I get it. You don’t want to lose on your first defense; good thing it’s against little old Molly so nobody will be surprised when you walk away the winner, right? Well guess what Annie? I’m coming for that title belt, and I’m damn sure not leaving empty handed.

The two of them glare at one another for a few moments, their noses nearly touching before Annie leans up to kiss her friend on the cheek.

Annie Dupree: Mwah! Just bring that fire to All Star Showdown, we’ve got a show to steal!

She says as she walks backwards out of the locker room, pointing to Molly who seems to lighten up as she realizes Annie was just trying to light a fire under her before the big show. As Dupree leaves the room, the camera lingers on Molly for a moment, just long enough to catch her say:

Molly Reid: Dammit Annie you adorable little devil...

[FGA Office]

Backstage the camera comes around the corner to find Salem Cartier going around opening doors, peeping her head inside searching for someone or something and then shaking her head and slamming the doors in disgust.

Salem Cartier: You want to hide from me?!? You want to duck and run, Yun Goeun, is that it? I…

Salem pauses and notices the camera, she brushes her hair back from her face, putting her hands on her hips. She looks around and kicks a trash can over out of frustration.

Salem Cartier: You know what, being mad is one thing … but not really being able to do anything about it? That’s the worst. I’m back here roaming these halls like a madwoman, but why? Nothing better to do? Out there in that arena, they are about to determine who challenges for the tag titles at All-Star Showdown V. In another time and place under different circumstances I could’ve very well been wrestling in that match tonight. But no… SOMEONE had to derail that path. The superstar, the pop icon, the current sand in my vaseline, Yun Goeun. For what purpose, jealousy? Or are you just going out of your way to make sure the fans know you’re a self-centered bitch?!?

Salem sighed and leaned her head against the wall for a moment, then wiped her face.

Salem Cartier: Seems like everyone wants to pull some crap on the Witch. You… Savannah Taylor with her cheating ways getting that win last week. I guess we were a lot alike last week, Yun; big fat losers, right?!? It just makes so much sense in its own warped way. We both lost last Vertigo, we’re both out of the Dynamic Duos tournament. Neither of us even have a match for All-Star Showdown V, chick. You see, I was all looking forward to talking with you here tonight and hammering out the details of our similarities and our differences. But you couldn’t even oblige me that, could you? You couldn’t even see fit to grace the FGA faithful with your presence. Oh I know, you didn’t have a match so why bother? Well, I bothered. And I’m bothered by you.

She regards the camera, rolls her eyes and then looks into it directly smiling.

Salem Cartier: Are you happy now? I’m upset. My wife doesn’t like me upset brooding around the house, my cats and dogs don’t like me upset either, they are heavy and they lay on me and whimper! But I’m going to do something to improve my mood. For you see I know that we all for the most part have free will, but when you do things that affect others in a negative manner, you have to expect ramifications. I’m done taking crap, backing down, biding my time and waiting and hoping for the right thing to get done around here eventually; because you will be waiting and hoping forever in this business with that strategy. And so here I am, just a witch with a plan. I don’t have a cauldron or a magic wand in front of me, but I’m going to perform a little magic right now. At All-Star Showdown V, I request…. no, I demand a match with you, Yun Goeun. PRESTO! POOF!

She sneered and snapped her fingers.

Salem Cartier: We can have a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants. And don’t forget: ramifications.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (Finals)
Status Quo vs. Le Pacte de Immortels

J.A. Aldridge: The following is the finals of the Dynamic Duos tournament! The winners of this match will challenge for the FGA World Tag Team championships at All Star Showdown V!

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: Introducing first … 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.

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: And her tag team partner... Hailing from Lourdes, France! Weighing in at 154 pounds … “THE BLACK SWAN”, LADY MAGDALENA!

...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. Dan gets to the ring and walks up the stairs.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is the finals of the Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Peaches! Residing out of Raleigh, North Carolina and weighing in at 200 pounds… DAN HERRERA!

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: Well, it’s now time, ladies and gentlemen. Status Quo versus Le Pacte de Immortals!

The bell rings and Sophie El and Cordy Stevenson start things off. The two women slowly circle the ring before they begin to lockup. Cordy quickly puts Sophie into a headlock, but Sophie slips out of it seconds later before putting a headlock on Cordy! Stevenson then slowly pushes El back towards the ropes before grabbing a hold of them, forcing the ref to come in and have Sophie release Cordy’s head. The HKW wrestler does just that, allowing the former FLC and Gold Rush Rumble winner to back up.

Kris Cruise: Very simple stuff from the get-go from these two, but I’m sure we can expect a lot more insanity in just a bit.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, these two are just feeling each other out at the moment, trying to get the advantage early.

After a few seconds of staring each other down...Sophie charges forward and catches Cordy with a knee to the gut, surprising the Status Quo member. Sophie then proceeds to irish whip her into the ropes. Once Stevenson bounces back, El puts her arms around her before lifting her up and planting her on her back with a belly to belly suplex! El then goes for the cover!

Kris Cruise: Nice belly to belly there by Sophie! Is it enough?

ONE!
.
.
Cordy kicks out!

Stephy Auger: It’s definitely going to take a lot more than that to keep Cordy down.

Sophie then gets to her feet and tags out to Lady Magdalena, who is met with boos from the audience. She enters the ring and quickly grabs her before lifting her up and dropping her on her neck with a bridging german suplex! The audience lets out a painful groan as the ref slides down once more and begins the count!

Kris Cruise: Cordy may have just landed on her neck right there!

Stephy Auger: That definitely did not look fun!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cordy kicks out!

Lady Magdalena shakes her head after Cordy manages to throw a shoulder up right before the three count was made. Magdalena then grabs Cordy and slowly gets her up to both feet before irish whipping her into an empty corner. She then charges in and goes for a body splash, but Stevenson moves out of the way at the last second, forcing her to collide with it! When Mags turns around, she is met with a kick to the gut before Cordy hooks her head and hits a snap suplex! Stevenson then rolls over to her corner and tags in Dan Herrera to a round of cheers!

Kris Cruise: Here comes the largest wrestler in this match!

Stephy Auger: Oh, great.

Dan hits the ring and immediately grabs Lady Mags before hoisting her up on his shoulders. The former GDW owner then plants her into the mat with a Samoan Drop before turning her over and going for the cover as the audience cheers some more!

Kris Cruise: An excellent Samoan Drop there! Is it enough?!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Magdalena kicks out!

Stephy Auger: Nope, not enough! I have a feeling this match is just getting started!

Dan gets to his feet and looks ready to continue going on the attack as he goes to hit the ropes and begin the leg drop maneuver he likes to hit...only to stop in his tracks when he turns around and sees Sophie standing there. The two seem to trade some words...before Dan is hit from behind with a dropkick! Herrera then hits the ropes in front of him chest first as Sophie moves out of the way, before he turns around and eats a spinning heel kick that drops him to the mat! Magdalena then goes for the cover as the audience boos!

Kris Cruise: That distraction by Sophie allowed Lady Magdalena to take advantage!

Stephy Auger: And she hit a beautiful spinning heel kick at the end! I think that may have rattled Dan too much!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan kicks out!

Magdalena quickly gets to her feet after the kickout and tags in Sophie to boos. Dan slowly gets to his knees...before Magdalena catches him with a stiff kick to the side of the head, dropping him onto all fours! This allows Sophie to then rush in and catch Dan with a double stomp to the back, driving him fully into the mat! The smaller El rolls Dan over and goes for the cover as The Black Swan exits the ring!

Kris Cruise: OUCH! That cannot feel good!

Stephy Auger: These two ladies are doing a great job of wearing this big guy down!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan powers out, throwing Sophie off of him!

After throwing her off, Sophie gets to her feet and quickly heads over to an empty corner before climbing it all the way to the top. She then waits for Dan to get up before she leaps off...only for Dan to catch her! Herrera then transitions the catch into a belly to belly suplex, driving Sophie’s back into the back before he lazily goes for the cover!

Kris Cruise: What a reversal! Is it enough?!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sophie kicks out!

Stephy Auger: Like I said, I don’t think this match is going to end anytime soon.

Dan gets to his feet after the kickout and grabs both of Sophie’s arms before dragging her over to his corner. He then tags in Cordy, who enters by hopping over the ropes and connecting with a knee drop to the face of El! Sophie writhes around in pain before she slowly gets to her feet, leaned over and covering her face, allowing Stevenson to come in and connect with a swinging neckbreaker to cheers from the audience! Stevenson then goes for the cover!

Kris Cruise: Nice swinging neckbreaker by Cordy Stevenson!

Stephy Auger: But can it get her the win right here?

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sophie kicks out!

Cordy shakes her head after the kickout before she gets to her feet. The Sex Sells member then grabs Sophie and goes to irish whip her into the corner...only for Sophie to reverse it and send her into the corner instead! Stevenson hits the turnbuckles chest first before turning around and getting met with a kick to the gut! Sophie then hooks her head before lifting her up and driving her head into the mat with a brainbuster! Cordy seems to be out of it as Sophie goes for the cover!

Kris Cruise: Brainbuster by Sophie El!

Stephy Auger: She just dropped Cordy right on her head!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cordy kicks out!

Sophie lets out a sigh before she rolls to her corner and tags in Magdalena! Lady Mags enters the ring and quickly grabs Cordy’s left leg before proceeding to lock in a kneebar! Cordy yells out in pain as the submission hold is locked in, forcing her to move her arms around as she desperately tries to get to the ropes while the audience cheers her on! Eventually, Stevenson does manage to grab the bottom rope after dragging herself and Magdalena towards it, getting a pop from the audience!

Kris Cruise: Cordy finally gets to the ropes, but some damage may have been done to that knee.

Lady Magdalena shakes her head as she gets up to both feet before motioning for Cordy to do the same. Once Stevenson does, The Black Swan moved forward and drops her with a running high knee to boos from the audience! Sophie applauds as Magdalena begins to go for the cover!

Stephy Auger: That running high knee strike definitely rocked Cordy! Here's the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cordy kicks out!

Magdalena gets to her feet after the kickout and slowly motion for Cordy to do the same. Once Stevenson gets to her feet, The Lady charges in...only to get caught with a spinning heel kick! Mags hits the mat afterwards and Cordy begins crawling towards her partner before tagging in Dan!

Kris Cruise: Here comes Big Man Dan!

Dan hits the ring and catches the laid out with a leg drop that causes the audience to cheer loudly! Herrera then grabs Magdalena and gets her up to both feet before throwing her into a corner. He then rushes in and crushes The Black Swan in the corner with a corner splash! Dan then pulls her out of the corner and sends her flying with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Sophie tries to run in afterwards, but she's hoisted up on his shoulders before tossing her out of the ring!

Stephy Auger: Dan is fired up right now!

Dan then turns around and sees Lady Mags slowly getting to her feet. Once she gets to be feet, Dan runs forward and nearly takes Magdalena’s head off with a lariat, sending her spinning in the air! Once Magdalena hits the mat with a thud, Dan backs into a corner and begins motioning for her to get to her feet. The Black Swan does so and Herrera charges in again, catching her in the midsection with a spear! Herrera then goes for the cover!

Kris Cruise: WHAT A SPEAR!

Stephy Auger: Dan might actually come in clutch for his team!

Luke Jackson:

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-Lady Mags kicks out!

Herrera lets out a sigh after Magdalena kicks out. He gets to his feet and slowly gets her up to both feet as well before throwing her into a corner. Dan then rushes in and catches Mags with a clothesline before pulling her out of the corner and dropping her with a neckbreaker! Herrera then goes for the cover!

Kris Cruise: A very nice neckbreaker by Dan there!

Stephy Auger: But will it get the three count?!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Broken up by Sophie El!

Sophie begins stomping on the back of Dan’s head before Cordy comes in and catches her with a dropkick, sending her to the outside! Stevenson then waits for El to get to her feet before she attempts a plancha...only for Sophie to move out of the way! Cordy hits the ground hard as the audience boos!

Kris Cruise: Cordy tried going high risk but Sophie just managed to get out of the way!

Sophie then quickly picks Cordy up after she hit the ground before fully lifting her and driving her onto the ground, connecting with a spinebuster! The audience continues to boo Sophie as she then hops on the apron...only to get caught with a dropkick from Herrera that sends her falling back down onto the ground! Dan then gets to his feet and tries to pump the audience up...only for Lady Magdalena to grab him from behind and rolled him up!

Stephy Auger: Should've kept your eyes on the prize, Dan!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-Dan kicks out!

Both competitors quickly scramble to their feet. Dan moves towards Mags, but she catches him with a high knee, stunning the larger man! Magdalena then takes a couple of steps back before moving forward, jumping up, and flooring him with a flying calf kick! Lady Magdalena then goes for the cover as the audience boos her!

Kris Cruise: That right there was Pistis Sophia! I think Herrera might be out cold!

Stephy Auger: You think? Dan is knocked out right now!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Broken up by Cordy!

Cordy gets to her feet after breaking up the fall before going to grab Magdalena, only for her to think otherwise and make it back into her corner instead. She extends her hand out to Dan as I behind crawling towards her, but Sophie comes in and catches him with an elbow drop to the back!

Kris Cruise: Sophie with the elbow drop to stop Dan from making the tag out to Cordy!

Sophie then gets to her feet and charges towards Cordy before taking her out with a big boot to heavy boos from the audience! The HKW wrestler then grabs Magdalena and drags her towards their corner before exiting out onto the apron. El then tags herself in before rushing into the ring and catching the back of Dan’s head with a knee drop! She then turns him over and goes for the cover!

Stephy Auger: Sophie El is on a roll right now!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan kicks out!

El gets to her feet once again and motions for Herrera to do the same. The former GDW owner does indeed get to his feet, allowing the Kaiser family member to move forward and catch Dan in the side of the head with an enzuigiri, dropping him to the mat! Sophie once again goes for the cover after that!

Kris Cruise: Enzuigiri by El! She goes for the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Dan kicks out again!

Sophie lets out a frustrated sigh before she motions for Dan to get to his feet again. However, this time when he does, she charges at him...allowing him to catch her with a snap scoop powerslam! Dan then quickly rolls over and tags out to Cordy, who begins to go up top!

Stephy Auger: Oh no! This is never good for anyone facing Cordy Stevenson!

Cordy leaps off, looking to hit her 630 senton splash, but Sophie moves out of the way at the last second, causing Cordy to land on her feet! Stevenson then turns around and is met with a high impact European uppercut that floors her!

Kris Cruise: Pour Vous, La Mort!

Sophie then tells Magdalena to enter the ring as she slowly gets Cordy up to both feet. Once she’s got Cordy in front of her, Lady Magdalena attempts another spinning heel kick...but Cordy ducks...forcing Magdalena to catch Sophie instead!

Stephy Auger: Oh no!

Lady Mags stares at Sophie, who is semi out of it now, before getting caught with another spear from Dan Herrera!

Kris Cruise: What a spear by Dan Herrera!

Dan then tosses her out of the ring before he gets Cordy up! Stevenson then quickly climbs a corner before quickly leaping off and hitting that 630 senton splash cleanly! Stevenson then hooks both legs as the audience counts along while Dan keeps guard!

Stephy Auger: The Beauty School Dropout connects! I hate to say it, but this might be it!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your 2016 DYNAMIC DUOS WINNERS… CORDY STEVENSON.... DAN HERRERA… STATUS QUO!!!

Dan and Cordy both celebrate in the ring after Dan gets Cordy to her feet.

Kris Cruise: What a win for Cordy and Dan. They battle through all four rounds of the Dynamic Duos Tournament and now, they’ve got their shot against Ricky Valero and Luke Jackson for the World Tag Team Championship at All-Star Showdown V!

Kris Cruise: Yeah, they’ve won the tournament. But those Tag Team Titles are still far from theirs. They’ve got one last hurdle to clear and that’s the team of The Next Level, Ricky Valero and Luke Jackson. They’ve got the title shot. Now, they have to win the titles. But that’s much easier said than done. Both Cordy and Dan have yet to taste FGA gold. That streak will continue is Valero and Jackson have anything to say about it.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Zero McHannon is now seen limping his way down the backstage area of the Florence Civic Center once again with the FGA World Championship still hanging around his shoulder. He looks tired, but McHannon still carries on his way to his next objective on the list. Tony Carmine was seen near the exit to the arena, where the wrestlers exit to go to the ring for their matches as McHannon stops limping and walks up to Carmine as normal as he can without showing any signs of weakness.

Zero McHannon: Carmine. Word.

Tony turns around and sees Zero walk up to him, but there was still a little pain in his step that he couldn’t hide from the number one contender. McHannon’s face turns to stone like it did when he was talking to Cannon earlier as he checks his surroundings to make sure that no one was trying to listen in.

Zero McHannon: Before you think that I’ve came here for a back and forth, that’s not the case. I came here to try and talk some sense into you for the first time in your career before mistakes are made and this company loses from it.

McHannon checks around the backstage area once again, then turns his attention back to Carmine.

Zero McHannon: You might have everyone else fooled with your little tweet to Cannon this week about taking this match seriously. I seriously don’t think you are. I think you’re going to pamper Cannon under that wing of yours and not do your best to show the world that the New Kings might be of equality, but there’s always going to be one person in the group that’s flat out better than the other. It’s sad that I don’t think you’re going to take that chance, but I’m here for more pressing matters than that, besides the word traveling around the locker room that Cannon standing by your side makes you look weak.

Zero slightly tilts his head to the side to see if there was a reaction coming out of Carmine as he was warming him up to what he really wanted to say.

Zero McHannon: Truth is, I seen the way Cannon looked at you when the pair of you picked up my championship a couple of Vertigos ago. I seen that slight smirk that crossed his face, followed by shock, after he knocked you out on the last episode. If he sees that he can knock you out like that, he knows that he can do it just as easily at All Star Showdown. Cannon is starting to think that he’s actually better than you, and you’re about to let him actually have that thought in his head.

McHannon takes another look over his shoulder, then takes a deep breath before continuing on.

Zero McHannon: You’ve had a chance before to be the FGA World Champion and you’re going to carry this guy with you while you have another? You think Cannon isn’t going to get sick and tired of taking a backseat to the better wrestler eventually? He’s going to start to envy you, Carmine. He’s going to turn on you just like you did on Chandler and not for the same reasons either. That man actually thinks of you two as equals and you’re flattering him with the thought. When do you think he’s actually going to see through that? There will come a time when you’re going to have to put Cannon back in his place like you did the many times when he was coming for your Pride Championship. Surely you don’t think he has forgotten about that?

Zero slightly smiles at Carmine, who’s just filing his nails as though he’s not paying attention.

Zero McHannon: And if he does beat you… You’re back where you started with Chandler. Someone who takes you as the sidekick and not an actual threat. Someone who will soak up all the glory and the perks that come with it saying that the last real man of FGA did this with his buddy who has been overlooked… once again. Quinn will talk him up as the greatest thing ever that pulled this off all by his lonesome, and you know who he will leave out of that speech? Tony Carmine. The New Kings don’t exist for as long as one of you are the top tier of the top tier. But hey, if you don’t think the jealousy will shine through then maybe you know Cannon better than I do without having to put up with him in a totally other company…

Zero’s eyes narrow at Carmine as he is still trying to read him.

Zero McHannon: But I think you’re smarter than that. I think you already know that’s coming and you’re just entertaining him. That, or you’re perfectly fine with forever being number two.

The Scandalous One finally puts his nail filer away and stands up, looking Zero dead in the eye.

Sunshine Tony: You know, I could end you right here. Just like that…

He snaps his fingers.

Sunshine Tony: You have a lot of nerve bringing your sorry ass into the Scandalous One’s personal space, once again trying to drive a wedge between the New Kings. How pathetic, but pathetic is typical Zero isn’t it?

Tony laughs to himself a bit. He then gets a bit serious.

Sunshine Tony: But you said at least one thing right. Cannon DOES know I’m the better wrestler seeing as though I beat him twice already. That dickhead Goodrich still talks Cannon up like I’m not the one really calling the shots, which why I put him in his place the other week. You’re not telling the Scandalous One anything he doesn’t already know.

Carmine takes a minute, staring off into space.

Sunshine Tony: You know...when I formed the New Kings with Danny and Johnny, it was strategically right around Gold Rush. Well really, it was a business association designed to help me rid FGA of Karma and secure my precious Pride Championship.

He grits his teeth and looks down.

Sunshine Tony: ...and we see how that worked out...Ugh, it’s like when you take guys who are obviously past their prime. Cannon. Diamond. Even you, for instance. It’s hard to make them look good and relevant again if they aren’t holding up their end of the bargain. Danny was an absolute bust, and Cannon got pinned by Molly freaking Reid! MOLLY FREAKING REID! I couldn’t believe it, because now by association that bitch can say she’s got a win over the Scandalous One. I mean, I rectified it, but still. Cleaning up after others is what I do, I guess. It’s what I did when I was the leader of the Fratdaddies, and it looks like it’s what I’m doing now. I’ll clean up this mess willingly, though. I’ll beat Cannon’s ass tonight. I’ll sit back and let you and Cannon tear each other apart at All-Star Showdown…

Tony makes a sweeping motion.

Sunshine Tony: Then I’m sweeping up the debris. Cleaning up the scraps. This has always been the plan, whether Johnny’s known it or not. He’s just like you and everyone else around here: one of my pawns. You’re trying to drive us apart, but you’re taking the wrong approach, hun. You need to convince me why I shouldn’t use an old, dried up prune to do my dirty work. You need to be asking me why I shouldn’t use him as a stepping stone to get to the top. Hell, if Scotty C wasn’t being such a blowhard about me stabbing him in the back, he’d be right here with us boosting yours truly to his rightful place on the throne. He said it himself that I’m going to be a champion one day.

Carmine looks at the camera guy.

Sunshine Tony: Happy belated, boo boo!

Tony looks Zero up and down.

Sunshine Tony: You know, I get it Zero. You’re scared. You’re seeing the odds stack against you more and more each week; and even when it seems as though you’re getting a leg up, we just pull the rug from under you. It’s ok, sweetie. Sunny understands. I just need you to understand that just because I’m parading Cannon around like a contemporary. Like an equal. He’s far from it. I’m carrying him to my World title reign, which is well overdue, and if he’s smart he’s going to do the deed when it all comes down to it. Maybe not tonight, but when it counts. He’s my trusty British bulldog. If I have to put him down to get the belt you’re unlawfully holding, then so be it. Now if you’ll excuse me, the Scandalous One needs to mask and cucumber before his important match in the MAIN EVENT!

The Scandalous One reclines in his seat and snaps his fingers for some women to come around the corner at his service.

Sunshine Tony: Ladies, please escort...wait no. Word choice, Scandalous. Ladies, please SHOW Mr. McHannon to his locker room. He’s got a very important match to recover from, can’t have him on a bad wheel. He’ll fall, call for Life Alert and try to get out of competing. I won’t fall for it! Ha. Get it? Fall for it because he’s fal-JUST GET HIM THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!

Zero slightly smiles at Tony as he shrugs and turns away while the security takes a few steps closer.

Zero McHannon: Suit yourself then… but don’t say that you didn’t hear it here first.

Zero walks away and lets Tony prep for his match as they both give each other one last look while the camera transitions to...

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine vs. Johnny Cannon

Kris Cruise: And now ladies and gentleman, it's time for our Main Event. It is the brainchild of FGA World Champion, Zero McHannon. A poison well picked if there's even such a thing.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, he’s putting the New Kings, Johnny Cannon and Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine against each other. We saw him planting seeds in their heads earlier tonight. I think his plan may have worked.

Kris Cruise: I'm not Zero’s biggest supporter, but I've gotta give him credit. Playing at their selfish desires and respective ambitions to turn them against each other might have been his best shot at turning what would have surely been a handicap match into an even playing field.

Stephy Auger: You don't get to be a two time World Champion without thinking two steps ahead of your competition. Zero may have done just that, and by doing so, may have retained the FGA World Title in the process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"lord knows I'm a voodoo child
cause I'm a voodoo child"

From there, Johnny slowly backs into the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, beginning his mental preparations and prerequisites as Quinn looks on from ringside; Cannon nods his head several times, as his eyes flicker with a hundred different ideas and strategies to carry out in the match. As he continues to go through his gameplan, Zero McHannon’s words play in the back of his mind. While he deals with the noise, "Solarflare" by Yung Lean hits, the lights dim and eventually the crowd begins to jeer. Pink and purple strobe lights starts to flare. Once the bass drops, Scandalous Tony emerges from the curtains with his arms spread out, accompanied by 3 full-figured women following behind him(never the same group of women). He pops the collar on his furry vest before turning his back the ring and utters something to the women behind him. Suddenly he swings back around and slowly struts down the ramp, repeating the lyrics. He takes his purple pick out and starts picking his hair out.

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent! Now residing out of Boca Raton, Florida! Weighing in at 179 pounds… SUNSHINE SCANDALOUS TONY CARMINE!

As the bell sounds both Cannon and Carmine remain in their corners, the pageantry and spectacle they had put on prior to the chiming having finally subsided, allowing the magnitude of the situation to set in. The former cracks his knuckles and his neck, limbering up for the final time before exiting his corner - whilst the latter stretches his own joints and does the same. The New Kings begin circling the ring, both staring at the other, neither man looking to back down as they suddenly collide in the middle of the ring. They meet in a collar and elbow tie, applying pressure to each other as neither man looks to give up an inch. Suddenly, the lock is forcefully broken up as Johnny shoves SSTC back a few feet into the ropes. As Tony regroups, The British Mamba simply stares him down with the most cold blooded gaze imaginable.

Kris Cruise: Gotta wonder what's going through the mind of each man right now, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Simple, victory. They know how important it is to build momentum going into a big match, let alone a World Title bout. You can just look at Cannon’s face and tell he means business.

Carmine mouths something under his breath, before coming off the ropes. The two competitors then circle the ring once again, before meeting back in the center in another collar and elbow tie. This time after a lengthy struggle, it's SSTC who gains the advantage, as he returns the favor from earlier by shoving the Brit into the ring cables. Now it's Johnny Cannon who's left reeling, as he hooks an arm over the top rope, regrouping whilst Carmine bounces on his toes, almost daring the British Mamba to come at him.

Kris Cruise: Looks like a game of oneupmanship, as Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine sends Johnny Cannon into the ropes.

Stephy Auger: As partners I'm sure they know each other like the back of their own hands. They're just feeling each other out. I have a feeling things are about to heat up now that that's out of the way.

Cannon takes a breath, saying something to himself much like Carmine did a minute ago, and just like SSTC he peels himself from the ropes - both men beginning to circle the ring for a third time. They keep circling, going around and around, seemingly drawing out the inevitable for the sake of doing so before finally bringing the chess match to and end. Each draws closer and closer to the other, arms extending out for another collar and elbow tie -

Until they suddenly stop right in their tracks, arms at the sides, both men staring at the other as a grin manifests on Carmine’s mug, followed by one on Cannon’s. The New Kings nod in agreement of something, which immediately comes clear as both men turn to kick the acting official in the midsection, dropping the ref like a bad habit before commencing to lay the boots to him. Once the zebra is laid out, Carmine heads toward the ropes closest to the announce table, leaning over to wave and blow kisses at the commentary team whilst Goodrich tosses a few mics into the ring amidst boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: What’s going on here! The New Kings have just beaten up an official. I don't understand this!

Stephy Auger: They are who we thought they were, Kris. They had us all fooled. For two weeks too. They were never going to go through with this match.

As boos and jeers rain down upon them, Cannon bends down to grab one of the microphones, tossing the other to SSTC as he chuckles for a moment.

Johnny Cannon: You all sound a little bit upset. Don't they sound pissed off, Tony. Just a wee-bit?

Sunshine Tony: Well now that you mention it, they do sound a little bit PO’d. Golly, I wonder what's got their panties in a bunch. It's almost as if some guys came out here and made fools out of all of them.

Sunshine says sardonically, wiping away fake tears as The New Kings celebrate their successful screenplay, having pulled the wool over everyone's eyes.

Johnny Cannon: Did you honestly think we would give in to the demands of that clueless wanker, Zero McHannon? Did you really believe that we would come out here to this ring and beat the bloody hell out of each other just for your amusement? You mean to tell me each and every one of you thought The New Kings would implode right here in Florence?

Cannon listens to the boos from the crowd, each one sounding like music to his ears.

Johnny Cannon: If so, then that just further proves how much better we are than all of you, because there was never a moment, never a goddamn second where the two of us ever considered wrestling one another. We did that once already, and you all know how I feel about remakes. If you missed it the first time you should've saved up to buy that new DVR you’ve had on your wish list for months - instead of wasting your checks on tickets to tonight's show, just so you can hold up your stupid signs with the hope that your ugly mugs will be captured on live TV, just so you can have something to brag to your coworkers about Monday morning when you go back to the job you hate answering phones at your desk for ten dollars an hour.

More boos come as Cannon fires off the cheap insults.

Sunshine Tony: You’re giving them WAAAYYY too much credit, sweetheart. None of these people are earning more than the minimum wage. Just look at them. This crowd is filled with so many welfare faces. They're making me itch.

Tony starts antagonizing the audience now, pointing at random fans.

Sunshine Tony: Your health insurance is subsidized… and your health insurance is subsidized... and YOUR health insurance is subsidized!

Cannon cackles, and shrugs his shoulders whilst the audience no doubt takes offense to Carmine’s antics.

Johnny Cannon: Earlier tonight, that spineless coward, Zero McHannon tried to tear us apart, speaking lies into existence, chewing our ears off with tall tales and hypotheticals that spoke volumes to the level of fear and desperation he currently possesses. He knows at All Star Showdown it's all over for him. He knows the clock is about to strike midnight. If I were a lesser man, or not a man at all like him, I would've tried a similar approach, but of course I’m not. I'm a real man, and part of being a real man is understanding what's at stake.

Cannon points out to the crowd, and then to the entryway.

Johnny Cannon: Everyone in this arena, from you plebeians in the stands, to you clowns in the back, you know what's on the horizon. An FGA ruled by the Kings. You've had nightmares about it since we first joined forces. You tried to dismiss us. Tried to undermine us. Tried to tear us apart, but with each passing day we’ve grown stronger. And now, we’re too big to be stopped. We’re too close to our mission to be stopped. We've come so far and so close to the endgame that we can't be slowed down or hindered by petty differences, or egos.

Sunshine Tony: So we’re really sorry for ruining your pretty little evening. We know how bad you guys wanted to see us wrestle. I mean, it's not like FGA will ever come back to this sinkhole of a town. This was a once and a lifetime opportunity for you to see what actual wrestling looks like, and not that bullsh*t that went on earlier, or that crap you see on those other cable networks. Yes I said BULLSH*T! FINE ME! You know I actually almost feel bad now for crapping on your sad little dreams. ALMOST! But the fact of the matter is, Zero should’ve done a better job as picking our poisons. Now he’s somewhere battered and bruised and we’re out here with the advantage. How does it feel to know your little plan backfired, sweetheart?

As the boos continue to fill the venue, Cannon holds up a finger.

Johnny Cannon: You know what, Tony, all that pretend wrestling we just did, well it kinda put me in the mood to actually wrestle. I know it's crazy, right. I kinda want to punch someone in the face. Who knew charades could build up so much testosterone?

Cannon jokes, balling up a fist as Carmine begins pleading with him.

Sunshine Tony: Honey you said you wouldn’t do that. You said we weren't going to hit each other, especially in the face. We even pinky promised, and those are sacred!

Johnny Cannon: I keep my promises, Tony. But we also promised these people a Main Event. And you know what, I think we should keep our word.

Tony scratches his head.

Sunshine Tony: Even if we wanted to, we don't have a referee anymore. We uhh...sent him home early.

Johnny Cannon: That's fine, we don't need a referee. We have a Goodrich.

Carmine shrugs his shoulders as Quinn Goodrich enters the ring.

Sunshine Tony: Alrighty, but who will we fight then? There's nobody backstage who’s worth us even breaking a sweat. Maybe we should take the tag team championships?

Cannon ponders for a moment.

Johnny Cannon: Well I did beat both of them, so by virtue of that we sorta are the true number one contenders, but I actually have something different in mind. You see, I’m feeling charitable this evening. Since you pointed out how badly these people need an extra buck or two, I want to give them a chance to earn some real money. So right now, we're officially extending an open challenge to two lucky individuals in the stands. If you can last a minute in the ring with the New Kings, we’ll pay each of you 10 grand a piece. It's the American Dream.

The boos turn to slight pops, because of course nobody can turn down a chance to win free money.

Kris Cruise: You've got to be kidding me, Stephy. I think I'm going to be sick. What kind of a joke is this?

Stephy Auger: I don't see any problem with giving some fans a chance to live their lifelong dreams. Hell, I’m inclined to answer the challenge myself.

Sunshine shakes his head no, as he grabs Cannon by the shoulder.

Sunshine Tony: There's no point in making this a game if we don't have much to lose. It's not fun that way, Johnny boo. I think we should make things a little more interesting. How about, instead of cash which we could both afford to lose, we put our title shots at All Star Showdown on the line? This is the nicest you’ll ever get from the Scandalous One.

The crowd pops even louder now at the prospect.

Johnny Cannon: You know I have a gambling problem, Tony. Remember that poker game where I bet my son?

Tony, Quinn and Johnny all share a laugh.

Johnny Cannon: But that's neither here nor there. I like it. I like the excitement. I like the rush. I like the idea of two nobodies stepping into this ring against the two best wrestlers in the world for a chance to compete in the Main Event at All Star Showdown for the FGA World Championship! Now we’re talking. Let's do it right now! Who wants it? Who's got the stones to step into the ring with Kings? Who thinks they can last a minute with Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine, and The British Mamba Johnny Cannon?

The New Kings survey the crowd, circling back and forth until Goodrich picks two contestants - two extremely skinny men well short of six feet, with no business stepping foot inside a ring against trained athletes.

Sunshine Tony: How about you two little jerk offs? Bring them in here Quinny poo.

Quinn invites the two locals to come in, assuring the security around that it was ok. The two men looked at each other, then out to the New Kings as the capacity crowd cheered them on. After a few beers, they were confident that they could put up a decent fight against both Cannon and Carmine. Goodrich watched as the two locals climbed over the barricade.

Kris Cruise: Is this some kind of joke? They can't be serious.

Stephy Auger: This is America, Kris. The land of opportunity.

The New Kings back up a few feet to give their opponents room to enter the ring. The scrawny duo slide right in, looking as if they weigh a hundred pounds each soaking wet. Carmine and Cannon don’t even give them an opportunity to get their footing inside the ring as the duo stomps on the locals immediately. Tony takes one and shoves him into the corner, stomping on him viciously. Cannon takes the other, standing him up in the corner and belting him with vicious European Uppercuts. He then pulls him out of the corner, right into a Roundhouse Kick, ending his night prematurely. However, his partner isn't so lucky.

Kris Cruise: What a kick to the head! Johnny Cannon enjoyed every bit of that too. And now what are they doing?

Tony pulls his victim into the center of the ring, grabbing his foot with both hands before turning him over onto his belly, applying the Sprinkle Lock. As if that wasn't bad enough, Cannon drops down, scissoring the man's arm with his legs before applying a Crossface with his hands, pulling back for dear life as if he’s trying to rip his head clean off his shoulders. As if that wasn't insult enough, Goodrich drops down to see if he's had enough.

Quinn Goodrich: Do you give up son? Do you quit? Huh? Huh? Do the you still think the New Kings suck? Do you? Do YOU? Do they suck NOW?

Without the slightest bit of protest he taps out repeatedly, but the Kings keep the double submission applied.

Quinn Goodrich: This is what they’re going to do to Zero McHannon! Alright? You hear me? What you feel right now, he’s gonna feel that too? Understand? GOOD!

Finally, the New Kings relinquish their holds, leaving their victim, a broken, lifeless carcass as they stand up to gloat.

Kris Cruise: Look at them, smiling, and clapping like they didn't just do something downright reprehensible. They make me sick.

Stephy Auger: If he would have just held on for another fifteen seconds, that kid would've been in a World Title match. I was rooting for him too. Nevertheless, what a Main Event, Kris!

As a bedlam of boos breaks out, Cannon and Carmine tall, with Goodrich holding birth their arms up with the utmost pride. The show ends with The New Kings posing, right up until the copyright information fades in, and then the footage fades out to black.