Pride S06E03

[FGA Office]

06.16.16
Ziggy’s
Winston-Salem, NC
AxxessNet

Geoff Penzer: Hello and welcome to another installment of Pride! I am your host, Geoff Penzer! We are officially one month away from our upcoming supercard, Bound by Honor! That event, of course, will be headlined by the APEX Championship Match featuring the champion, Nest, defending his title against the #1 contender, Emily Carter. Both of those participants will be in action here tonight!

Emily Carter goes one on one with the always dangerous Hana Song! Can Emily keep her momentum going as she heads into her APEX Championship Match? Or will The Death Adder’s venom prove costly here tonight?

In our main event, APEX Champion Nest will meet Echo Rigby! Will the Peacemaker pull off the upset of the year? Or will it be business as usual for the champion?

But first, in our opening contest, Pedro Gonzales, one half of the Bueno Club, will be going head to head against the debuting “Big” Hank Simmons! Who will win the age old battle of size versus speed? We’ll find out in the ring tonight! Thank you again for joining us this evening. We’ve got a ton of action for you tonight. LDFC’s Pride, coming up NEXT!

[FGA Office]

Butcher didn’t wrestle tonight, but that didn’t stop him from coming along for the show. Butcher and Darby walked backstage, talking amongst themselves.

Butcher: Didn’t know American ladies were so uppity. Ask’em for a peek at their gash at a bar and they get bent outta yeah. Doin’ a favor for’em anyway. Back across the pond, after a few drinks I could be three fingers deep in minge. This country’s bollocks…

Butcher sighs, Darby and him are perched on a wall. Darby has a cigarette, but before he lights it, his eyes are caught on someone. Darby pats Butcher on the shoulder and points his head towards someone. Butcher scoffs, then forms a toothy grin on his face.

Butcher: Look at this gimp tosser. Let’s have a little mischief, eh?

Butcher strolls past Josh Mitchell, who looks to be trying to prepare for his match. He has his head down, in complete focus. Butcher walks and bumps into the young man. Josh stumbles back and sighs, Butcher looks at him.

Butcher: Hey boy, why don’t you watch where you bloody step?! Pick up that piece of rubbish you call a “leg” and move out of the way!

Josh just responds with a resigned sigh.

Josh Mitchell: I’m not look for trouble, Butcher. Just getting ready for my match.

As he speaks, he straightens himself up, but keeps his distance. Butcher points at him to Darby, chuckling.

Butcher: See that Darby? The boy’s actin’ like he’s got a spine. S’adorable innit? Too bad he’s only half a man, eh? Can’t even stand on his own two feet, he needs a piece of plastic to gimp around the bloody place. Hey boy, do me a favor, since you bumped into me, I want an apology.

Butcher stares at’em, Josh sighs, his eyes wandering away from Butcher’s. Butcher gets in his face and moves his head to meet Josh’s eyes.

Butcher: Are your ears gimp too…? Say you’re sorry, and maybe I’ll let you go, huh? Or are you a man now, boy? You gonna punch me in me gob? Is that it? Don’t like the way I’m in your personal space?

Josh gulps a bit, his eyes slowly meet with Butcher’s. Butcher forms a crooked smile, then turns to Darby.

Butcher: Look at this posh tosser--

Butcher turns around and gets knocked back with a slap. Butcher stumbles a bit, Darby catches him. He grabs a hold of his face, Josh looks shocked as he looks at his hand. Josh gives a nervous smile. He begins to make his leave, as Butcher tries to go after him.

Butcher: YOU’RE DONE, YOU HEAR ME?! DONE!!!

He rubs at his jaw, Darby tries to help him up, but Butcher shoves him off in anger. The scene fades with Butcher glaring at Josh’s exit with a scowl.

[FGA Office]

“99 Problems” hits the speakers as “Big” Hank Simmons pushes through the curtains. He’s immediately greeted by boos from the crowd. Simmons holds his arms out as he makes his way to the ring.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from San Antonio, Texas! Weighing in at 265 pounds! He is “BIG” HANK SIMMONS!

After climbing up onto the apron, Simmons wipes his feet off before stepping into the ring. Simmons stands in the center of the ring and raises his arms up to boos from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: “Big” Hank Simmons is making his debut here in LDFC tonight. Simmons made his pro debut way back in 1988. However, a serious spinal injury forced him to retire back in '89. Yes, 1989! As the years have gone by, Simmons has always wondered “what if?” Well now, he will be stepping back into the ring. I’m very curious to see just how well he’ll do here in 2016.

“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 Gonzales is trying to bounce back from the loss that he suffered against The Crimson Baroness some two weeks ago. Tonight he’ll be facing a much different opponent who poses his own problems for “Mexico City’s Favorite Son.”

The match begins with both men circling the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Simmons is able to shove Gonzales back into the ropes. Gonzales slowly makes his way off the ropes before cautiously approaching Simmons. The two lock up. After jockeying for position, Simmons shoves Gonzales down to the canvas, which results in boos from the crowd. He then goes to stomp on Gonzales’ face, but Gonzales rolls out of the way just in the nick of time.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro’s lucky that “Big Hank” isn’t wearing his face on the sole of his boot right about now.

Gonzales gets back to his feet and circles the ring. He slowly approaches Simmons. Both men motion for a lock up. But Gonzales ducks under, goes behind Simmons and applies a waist lock. But Simmons is able to reach down and slowly pry Gonzales’ arms from around his waist. He then transitions into an arm wrench. The ref asks Gonzales if he wants to give up. When he refuses to quit, Simmons yanks the arm. The ref checks back in with Gonzales and asks him if he wants to give up. But again, Gonzales refuses to quit. So Simmons begins delivering clubbing shots to the arm until Gonzales drops down to one knee.

Geoff Penzer: Simmons is doing what I figured he would, which is keeping a strong hold on Pedro. A guy with his build isn’t going to be able to chase Pedro around the ring.

The ref kneels down and asks Gonzales if he wants to give up. But Gonzales still refuses to give up. After making his way back to his feet, he rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of his own. The crowd cheers as he gives Simmons a taste of his own medicine by repeatedly clubbing away at the arm. Simmons then reaches over with his free hand, grabs Gonzales by his air and moves him over into the ropes. The ref is then forced to give both men until the count of five to break it up.

ONE! TWO! THRE! FOUR!

Both men appear to make a clean break. Simmons then takes a swipe at Gonzales with a knife edge chop. But Gonzales ducks and pops Simmons in the face with a right hand. As Simmons stumbles back, Gonzales comes off the ropes and delivers a knife edge chop, followed by another right hand. He then takes Simmons and goes for an irish whip. But Simmons reverses, sending Gonzales into the ropes. When Gonzales returns, Simmons sets up for a back body drop. But Gonzales counters with a sunset flip.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Simmons kicks out.

After both men get up, Gonzales rolls him up in a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Simmons kicks out.

After both men return to their feet, Simmons throws out a wild punch. But Gonzales ducks and counters with a backslide pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Simmons escapes the hold before rolling to the outside. The crowd boos as Simmons takes his sweet time circle the ring.

Geoff Penzer: Simmons is quick to escape the ring after straight nearfalls from Gonzales. Simmons is looking to slow this match back down so that it can be fought at his pace.

Simmons slowly climbs back up onto the apron. After wiping his feet off on the apron, he steps back through the ropes and enters the ring. He then calls for a test of strength. Gonzales points to Simmons while looking out at the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: This crowd is sensing a trap and so do I!

Gonzales goes against the crowd’s judgement and cautiously goes to lock hands with Simmons. But the crowd was right to distrust Simmons as he nails Gonzales with a boot to the midsection. He then places Gonzales in a side headlock before taking his far hand and popping Gonzales with a punch to the face. While Gonzales turns and stumbles over towards the ropes, Simmons comes up from behind, places Gonzales in a side headlock and rakes his face along the top rope. After Gonzales stumbles into the corner, Simmons turns him around and delivers a knife edge chop that echoes throughout the venue. Simmons then delivers another hard chop, followed by another. He then takes Gonzales and whips him into the opposite corner. Simmons then barrels across the ring, but Gonzales catches him with a boot to the face. After Simmons stumbles back, he shakes off the blow and runs right back into the corner. This time, Gonzales catches him with a back elbow to the face. While Simmons stumbles back, Gonzales comes from out of the corner and brings him down with a headscissors takeover. Simmons returns to his feet, but Gonzales brings him down with an arm drag. Simmons gets back up, but Gonzales brings him back down with another arm drag. Once Simmons returns to his feet, Gonzales returns him to the mat with a dropkick. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Simmons shoves Gonzales off of him.

Gonzales picks up Simmons and whips him into the ropes. Gonzales goes for a front dropkick. But he does so too early, which allows Simmons to hook his arms on the ropes. Simmons then watches as Gonzales crashes back-first onto the canvas. While Gonzales is down, Simmons wastes no time marching over and putting the boots to him. The crowd boos as he reaches down, picks up Gonzales, throws him down with a scoop slam and follows up with a falling fist drop. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gonzales gets his shoulder up.

Simmons picks up Gonzales and whips him into the ropes. When Gonzales returns, Simmons knocks him down with a back elbow to the face. He follows up by stepping back, sizing up Gonzales and delivering an elbow drop. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gonzales gets his shoulder up.

Simmons picks up Gonzales and whips him into the ropes. When Gonzales returns, Simmons delivers a back body drop. Gonzales’ body lingers in the air before crashing hard to the canvas. While Gonzales writhes in pain on the canvas, Simmons bounces into the ropes. When he returns, he delivering a knee drop to the face. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gonzales gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: This match is now firmly in Simmons’ hands. This is high type of fight. That slow, deliberate pace really works to his strengths.

Simmons picks up Pedro and doubles him over with a knee to the midsection. From there, Simmons hooks him, lifts him up and holds him in place for about 10 seconds. Simmons then falls back, completing a stalling brainbuster. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers as Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Simmons looks over at the ref and holds up three fingers. But the ref shakes his head and holds up two back at him.

Geoff Penzer: Simmons almost got the three count there after that stalling brainbuster. I thought it was over, too!

Simmons sits up Gonzales and locks him in a Sleeper Hold. The ref kneels down and asks Gonzales if he wants to give up. Gonzales is slow to respond, but eventually refuses to quit. So Simmons really cinches in the hold. He then leans forward, applying even more pressure. The ref checks back in with Pedro and asks him if he wants to give up. But Pedro doesn't answer. So the ref taps his arm and asks him again. Still no answer. The ref then holds up Pedro’s arm and lets go. The arm falls. The ref holds up Pedro’s arm a second time and lets go. Again, the arm falls.

Geoff Penzer: Simmons is seconds away from winning his debut here in Pride...

The ref raises Pedro’s arm for a third time and lets go. The arm starts to fall, then stops. Simmons eyes widen with shock as the crowd cheers.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro’s still in this! He’s still in this match!

Gonzales begins shaking his arms as he continues to feed off the energy of the crowd. Simmons can be seen shaking his head in disbelief as Gonzales slowly turns over onto his knees, then returns to his feet. He then nails Simmons with four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. Once he’s free, Gonzales runs into the ropes. When he returns, he knocks down Simmons with a flying cross chop. Gonzales gets up and heads back into the ropes as Simmons gets back to his feet. When Simmons turns around, he gets knocked down by another flying cross chop. Gonzales picks up Simmons and delivers a Devil Lock DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Simmons gets his shoulder up.

Gonzales steps through the ropes and goes to climb to the top turnbuckle. As soon as he gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Simmons runs over, grabs Gonzales and slams him down to the canvas. The crowd boos as Gonzales arches his back.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro was looking for something high risk, but “Big” Hank wasn’t about to have any of that.

After Gonzales slowly returns to his feet and turns around, Simmons goes to take his head off with a lariat. But the crowd cheers as Gonzales ducks and counters with a leaping reverse bulldog. As Simmons slowly turns over on all fours, Gonzales wraps him up with La Magistral.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, PEDRO GONZALES!

Simmons sits up on his knees in disbelief as Gonzales rolls out of the ring. Gonzales walks up the ramp with his arm held high while Simmons vehemently disputes the three count.

Geoff Penzer: Pedro Gonzales picks up the win. But Hank Simmons didn’t make it easy. Far from it. For someone that hasn’t been wrestling as long as he has, he looked solid in there and I wonder what’s next for “Big” Hank going forward.

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

"Let The Bridges Burn" plays and Keegan comes out he has sunglasses on bedazzled of course. He walks down 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.

Melanie Sierra:[/font] Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Anita, from Providence, Rhode Island, weighing in at 215 pounds … KEEGAN HIGHTOWER!

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: And his opponent, hailing 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 ring post, testing his weight on his prosthetic limb, checking it for fit and comfort.

Geoff Penzer: These two have exchanged words throughout the week leading up to this one, and both men will be looking to find their winning ways again. But if Josh Mitchell wants to win this one he’s going to have dig deep; Keegan is one of the most experienced wrestlers here in Lion’s Den, and one of the most talented too.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring; the fans here in Winston-Salem are rallying behind Josh Mitchell as he locks up collar and elbow with Hightower, only to get immediately overpowered. Keegan pushes his opponent back into a corner as the referee calls for the break. After the count of three Keegan releases the grapple, only to chop the chest of his opponent. Mitchell recoils in pain, but Keegan keeps chopping, hitting him four more times.

Hightower drags his opponent out of the corner, backing him against the ropes as he hits a couple of uppercuts before going for the Irish whip. Mitchell gets caught with a back elbow upon his return, and Keegan immediately follows it up with an elbow drop down across the sternum before going for the lazy cover.

ONE!
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Josh kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Keegan was never going to get the fall there, and it was nothing more than a blatant show of disrespect.

Keegan shakes his head as he gets back up and stomps at the prone body of his opponent, before finally dragging Josh back to a vertical base. He drives a knee up into the midsection before whipping Mitchell into the corner, following him in with another knee to the gut. Hightower unleashes several kicks to the body before connecting with a bulldog to bring Mitchell out of the corner. A hook of the leg as he goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Josh kicks out.

On the outside, Anita looks on in disgust as she shouts at Josh to just stay down and accept the inevitable loss. The words seem to stir something in the rookie, though. Keegan drags him back to a vertical base and hoists him up for a fireman’s carry. But Josh drops down the back, stumbling as he lands. Hightower turns to meet him, swinging his arm with a clothesline but Josh ducks under that. Mitchell sets off against the ropes, coming back with a single leg dropkick!

The crowd pops as both competitors scramble back to their feet. Mitchell lashes out with some stinging knife edge chops, only to get cut off by Keegan driving a knee up into the midsection again. Josh staggers back a step as Keegan tries to gather his thoughts. He lunges forward with a clothesline, but Josh catches the arm and counters with a sitout side slam! And a cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Keegan kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Josh Mitchell beginning to fight back here, and Keegan has suddenly found himself on the backfoot.

Anita is shouting at her man to get back up, but Keegan is beaten to his vertical base by Josh Mitchell. The rookie plays to the crowd, trying to rally them behind him – successfully – as he waits for Keegan to get back up. He does so, albeit hunched over, allowing Josh to hit him with a jumping DDT! Hightower is down; the crowd are urging Josh to try and finish this one quickly as he steps out onto the apron. He slingshots into the ring, leaping over the top rope with a leg drop – NO!

Keegan rolls out of the ring, causing Josh to land ass first and howl in pain! Anita hurries to where Keegan is, helping him recover as he glares out across the crowd. One vocal fan in the front row calls him ugly, which causes Keegan to react. He gets in the fan’s face, telling the young man that he wouldn’t know true beauty if it hit him in the face – but the crowd begin to cheer again as Mitchell recovers him in the ring. He vaults over the top rope with a plancha attempt – NO! Keegan catches him!

Geoff Penzer: An impressive display of strength there as Keegan catches his opponent in mid air. And Josh is in a dangerous position here.

With his opponent in his arms, Keegan runs towards the ring post, slamming Josh back first against the steel before dumping him unceremoniously against the thin mats outside the ring! But as the count out hits six, Keegan decides to take the match back into the ring, rolling Josh in before following and going for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Hightower drags his opponent back to a vertical base once again, firing off a couple of forearm shots that back Josh against the ropes. An Irish whip ensues as Mitchell is sent against the ropes, but Keegan lowers his head too soon. The back body drop attempt is countered by a spinning neckbreaker as the crowd pops again!

But Josh can’t capitalize. He’s holding his back in pain, crawling towards the ropes as he tries to get back to his feet. Keegan gets back up in the center of the ring, only to get taken right back down with a clothesline. Keegan stands up again, and another clothesline knocks him down. Hightower is slower to his feet this time as Mitchell sneaks up behind him, executing the inverted headlock backbreaker. He holds on though, lifting Keegan back up with the inverted facelock still applied – but Hightower spins out of the hold, and counters with a Samoan drop! With all his weight behind it, it’s enough to drive the wind out of Josh’s sails.

Geoff Penzer: Those veteran instincts may have just saved Keegan there. And he cuts off Josh Mitchell’s momentum just like that.

Anita applauds the move, blowing a kiss to Keegan who responds in kind. He grabs hold of Josh’s left leg, kicking at the knee a few times before applying a spinning toe hold. But Mitchell manages to use his prosthetic to kick Keegan away and towards the corner. Hightower hits the pads chest first but manages to move out of the way before Josh can charge in! Mitchell hits the turnbuckle chest first as well, and he staggers backwards, right into a reverse suplex! And the pin attempt by Keegan.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOO!

Keegan glares at the referee, who only holds up two fingers. The frustration setting in as Hightower drags his opponent back to his feet again – but Josh fires off some punches to the gut. He stands up and continues firing off forearm shots, only to get cut off by a knee to the midsection. Hightower looks towards his valet on the outside and Irish whips Josh towards her – NO! He reverses it and sends Keegan against the ropes; Anita reaches in to grab Josh’s foot, but ends up grabbing Keegan by mistake! She’s already moving away before she realizes her mistake – Hightower stumbles away from the ropes, right into the CRIMSON ELBOW! Mitchell hits it flush and collapses down on top, hooking the leg as Anita looks on in horror!

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 miscommunication between Keegan and Anita may have played a role in the pin, but take nothing away from Josh Mitchell here. He just scored a massive win over one of the most experienced members of the LDFC roster and held his own throughout the match.

The referee helps Josh back to his feet, raising his hand in the air as the fans continue to cheer. From the outside, Anita looks on aghast as Keegan finally begins to stir. He rolls out of the ring, making his way back up the aisle as Anita follows close behind, leaving Mitchell alone in the ring to celebrate.

[FGA Office]

The camera switches to an area backstage where, stood in front of a LDFC banner, is Rab McKinley; already changed into his ring attire, Rab is wearing black trunks and knee pads, and white boots, as well as a replica Scotland football jersey.

Rab McKinley: Earlier today, Ah watched as men frae three ay th' four parts ay th' UK - Englain, Weels, an' Northern Irelain - represented their coontries in a sportin' competition in France. Noo it's th' turn ay Scootlund, as in jist a wee while, haur in Winston-Salem, thes prood Scot is about to compete in th' second match ay his wrestlin' career.

(Earlier today, I watched as men from three of the four parts of the UK - England, Wales, and Northern Ireland - represented their countries in a sporting competition in France. Now it's the turn of Scotland, as in just a little while, here in Winston-Salem, this proud Scot is about to compete in the second match of his wrestling career.)

Rab thumps his chest.

Rab McKinley: Mah opponent fur tonecht is ay coorse th' "Lain Wolf," Mylo Danvers. Mylo has bin a bit quiet in th' build-up tae thes match - less ay a big bad wolf, an' mair ay a tam one. I'm nae sae croose as tae hink 'at th' reason fur his silence is 'at he's scared - I've seen others make sic' a mistake in th' pest - but nevertheless, Ah cannae help wonderin' wa he has bin sae quiet.

(My opponent for tonight is of course the "Lone Wolf," Mylo Danvers. Mylo has been a bit quiet in the build-up to this match - less of a big bad wolf, and more of a tame one. I'm not so arrogant as to think that the reason for his silence is that he's scared - I've seen others make such a mistake in the past - but nevertheless, I can't help wondering why he has been so quiet.)

Rab shrugs his shoulders.

Rab McKinley: Perhaps he's nae takin' me serioosly. Ur perhaps he's got somethin' up his sleeve - some sort ay master plan - 'at he wants tae wait until uir match tae unleash. Whatever th' case thocht, I'm fully prepared fur thes match - weel, as prepared as Ah can be - an' ready tae follaw up th' win in mah debut wi' anither one.

(Perhaps he's not taking me seriously. Or perhaps he's got something up his sleeve - some sort of master plan - that he wants to wait until our match to unleash. Whatever the case though, I'm fully prepared for this match - well, as prepared as I can be - and ready to follow up the win in my debut with another one.)

Rab nods his head confidently.

Rab McKinley: Englain an' Northern Irelain waur th' ones tae taste victory earlier, while Weels - mah coosin's coontry - suffered defeat. Weel, Ah hope 'at mah coosin will be watchin' thes, sae Ah can ease th' pain ay 'at disappointment, coz she, alang wi' the rest ay ye, will gie tae see me tear apart th' Lain Wolf.

(England and Northern Ireland were the ones to taste victory earlier, while Wales - my cousin's country - suffered defeat. Well, I hope that my cousin will be watching this, so I can ease the pain of that disappointment, because she, along with the rest of you, will get to see me tear apart the Lone Wolf.)

Rab continues to look confidently at the camera, before it then cuts away.

[FGA Office]

The strings of “Hate Me Now” hit and out comes Terrific Terry Tillman sporting a windbreaker jacket and shades. Behind him is his brother Maurice Graham rocking a suit. Tillman stops at the top of the ramp way and looks out over the fans before shaking his head in disgust. Graham stands at his side talking in his ear while pointing towards the ring.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Orlando, Florida, weighing in at 230 pounds … “TERRIFIC” TERRENCE TILLMAN!

As the two head down to the ring Tillman ignores the majority of the fans while Graham continues to give him instructions. As they arrive to the ring Tillman faces Graham who begins to pump Tillman up, slapping him in the face and shouting “Handle this!” Triple T rolls under the ropes, jumps up on the nearest corner and again looks out over the crowd before raising his fist in the air with an arrogant smile.

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.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Mexico, Maine, weighing in at 205 pounds … EL GRANDE MALO!

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. 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: ‘Terrific’ Terrence Tillman has been in a foul mood since Emily Carter defeated him to become the new number one contender to the Apex Championship, even taking his anger out on newcomer Peaches. But tonight he has a challenge on his hands in the form of El Grandé Malo; the masked man hasn’t had the best of luck recently, but he’s nothing if not resilient. And a win over Tillman tonight will help him bounce right back.

The bell sounds to start the match as both men head towards the center of the ring for a collar and elbow tie up – only for Tillman to deliver a boot to the gut. A few hard right hands have Malo staggering back against the ropes. An Irish whip sends him across the ring before Malo gets knocked down by a shoulder block.

Tillman runs against the ropes himself, hopping over EGM as he rolls onto his front. Malo pops to his feet and leapfrogs over the approaching Tillman. But Triple T puts on the brakes as Malo turns around, only to get poked in the eyes! The crowd boo, the referee admonishes Tillman, but he continues. Tillman slams his opponent down to the mat with authority before stomping at Malo.

Geoff Penzer: He’s taking some shortcuts, but Terrence Tillman remains in firm control here in the early goings.

Malo is dragged back to his feet and whipped towards the corner before Tillman follows him in with a running splash. Malo falls back against the turnbuckles as Tillman turns around to taunt the fans, before unleashing a CCS Enzuigiri! He drags Malo away from the corner and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM kicks out.

But Terrence just throws his shoulder back down to the mat before covering again.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Malo kicks out.

Tillman kneels there for a second, glaring at the referee before getting back to his feet. Again, he stomps at the prone EGM a couple of times before dragging him back to his feet. An Irish whip sends Malo towards the corner. But Tillman only finds a raised boot to the face as he chases EGM in! The crowd pop as Malo connects with the big boot, sending Triple T back a few steps. As he moves forward again, Tillman gets caught by a reverse STO sending him face first into the middle turnbuckle!

Geoff Penzer: What a counter there by El Grandé Malo and he–where’s Terrence Tillman going now?

Tillman rolls to the outside holding his nose as his brother makes his way round to him. Maurice Graham has a quick check and assures his brother that nothing is broken. But the brothers are caught unawares as Malo rebounds off the far ropes, leaping over the top rope with a somersault plancha that wipes out both men! He stands back up afterwards, raising an arm as the Winston-Salem fans start up an “Olé” chant.

Geoff Penzer: El Grandé Malo certainly has established a large fan base since his arrival here in LDFC, and with moves like that one I can certainly see why.

Malo picks up his opponent and rolls him back into the ring, making a cover after following Tillman in.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tillman kicks out.

Undeterred, Malo lifts his opponent back up and unleashes several chops and forearm shots to the chest and face. An Irish whip ensues, sending Triple T towards the corner as Malo charges in after him with a double knee strike! Tillman staggers away from the corner as EGM hoists himself up to the middle rope. He waits there until his opponent turns around, at which point Malo leaps off with a tornado DDT!

El Grandé Malo does a lap of the ring as the crowd continue to chant “Olé!” before he finally stops. He drags Tillman back to his feet and hooks him by the waist band, ready for the brainbuster – when suddenly Maurice Graham appears on the apron!

Geoff Penzer: What’s Maurice doing on the apron? He has no business getting involved here.

Malo releases his grip on Tillman to run at Maurice, but the former FGA wrestler drops off the apron in time to avoid getting punched in the face. Malo leans over the rope and tells Graham roughly where to go, although it’s difficult to tell with that accent. Finally, EGM turns back to his opponent – and gets planted with Pride Before The Fall! Tillman hooks the near leg as he looks up the rafters, counting along with the referee…

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

Geoff Penzer: Kick out! El Grandé Malo kicks out after Pride Before The Fall! And Terrence Tillman can’t quite believe it.

Triple T stands up in shock, getting in the face of the referee as he demands to know how that wasn’t a three count. The official assures him it was only a two, so Tillman finally relents. A few more stomps at Malo before he drags him back to his feet. A knee to the midsection doubles Malo over as Tillman takes a run up, coming back with the Terrific Kick!

NO!

Malo avoids the scissor kick, countering with a surprise superkick! It doesn’t connect well, but it’s enough to daze Tillman. Malo follows up with a knee strike to the gut as he grabs his opponent in a butterfly hold. A few knee strikes to the face and Malo plants his opponent with a double arm DDT! Tillman hits the mat face first but pops back up to a kneeling position as EGM forces himself back to a vertical base. He sees the opening and gathers his second wind. Malo hits the ropes, coming back with a Busaiku knee strike to the face before going for the cover!

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

The crowd can’t quite believe it, nor can El Grandé Malo as he sits up in shock. The only person who seems relieved is Maurice Graham as he shouts for his brother to get back up. But Tillman is only getting to his feet by a handful of hair as Malo lifts him up. Malo goes for the brainbuster again, and this time he connects, dropping Terrence Tillman across his knee! Another cover as Malo hooks a leg.

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

Geoff Penzer: Terrence Tillman just keeps kicking out. It’s going to take something special from either of these men if they want to win this one.

Malo sits up in shock once more; the crowd continue to rally around him as the masked man forces himself back to a vertical position. Tillman moves towards the ropes, using them to get back to his feet as Malo moves, clubbing him across the back. An Irish whip follows as Malo sends his opponent against the ropes. The masked man leaps up for a hurricanrana – NO!

Geoff Penzer: What a counter!

Tillman plucks his opponent out of mid air and plants Malo with a powerbomb, holding on for the pinning combination.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO! Malo kicks out!

Both men are down for a few moments before Tillman begins crawling towards the ropes. He stands up just moments before El Grandé Malo does the same. The masked man charges at his opponent again, but this time Tillman back body drops Malo over the top rope, only to see the masked man land on the apron. EGM clocks Tillman with a hard right hand sending him back a few steps before Malo springboards up onto the top rope – NO! Tillman lunges forward and shakes the top rope, sending Malo crashing to the mat! Tillman hooks both legs as he goes for the cover!

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

Malo gets his shoulder up a second too late as Tillman rolls out of the ring to celebrate with his brother.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, TERRENCE TILLMAN!

Geoff Penzer: Malo kicking out just too late, and Tillman picks up the victory tonight. But it was certainly a close contest, and El Grandé Malo might feel hard done by, but tonight was not his night.

[FGA Office]

The Systemic are seen listening attentively -- Skylar II in the background, Skylar III in front of him -- as a voice is heard from off camera.

Skylar Cloud: What a ride it's been.

The voice is instantly recognizable as the Systemic's leader, the former Old North Champion. Her charges continue to listen attentively as she continues.

Skylar Cloud: I feel good about this, you know? I left a real positive impression on this place, inspiring so many little cubs in the Lion's Den, leaving some as bigger stars after facing me, while driving out the ones who brought negative toxins that infected the air. It's an experience I'll treasure forever, it truly is, but alas it's time for me to move on to bigger things.

The Systemic nod their heads in agreement.

Skylar Cloud: Then there's you two--

A pause hangs in the air.

Skylar Cloud: -- Wow, what can I say? The dedication you two have shown is amazing, I'm sooo proud of your growth. I mean look at you, not only will you be by my side to witness my amazing plans for FGA? But you showed the initiative to go above and beyond! You're putting in the extra work, showing these scamps down here the right way to live. It ... it just warms my heart. Which is why I'll be right there watching close to make sure I can soak in the fruits of your labors firsthand! So Skylars my dears, you know what else that means -- Skylar III, fetch II his shoulder pads! I can't risk getting blisters when I'm sitting up there, not so close to the big moment.

The camera lingers for a second longer on a determined Systemic before the scene fades out.

[FGA Office]

"Wish it Away" by Psyko Dalek plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, through the curtains walks Rab McKinley, who is greeted by a cheer. As he makes his way towards the ring, Rab slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to him.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Edinburgh, Scotland, weighing in at 251 pounds … RAB MCKINLEY!

After arriving at ringside, Rab heads for one of the corners, clambers up onto the ring apron, and then climbs to the second rope, to further cheers and applause from the fans. Rab soaks in the reaction from the crowd for several seconds before leaping over the top rope, into the ring, and turning his attention towards the aisle, as he awaits the start of the match.

The arena fades to black as silence begins to settle in until “One Who Last Laughs” by. Downplay hits the PA System. A few minutes go by as the lights begin to flash black, white and blue and from behind the curtains outsteps Mylo Danvers on the stage holding onto the inner sides of his cut. He looks around to the crowd taking into their presence for a moment. Once comfortable he makes his way down to the ramp.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Lexington, Kentucky, weighing in at 183 pounds … “THE LONE WOLF” MYLO DANVERS!

Upon arrival to the ring apron he hops up onto it on a knee while pulling himself up. Once up to his feet he takes one last look to the ramp and enters the ring. Without making eye contact with anyone he looks around to the people alongside the barricade while rubbing his nose and making his way across the ring to a corner. He leans up against the corner turnbuckle and waits for the match to begin.

Geoff Penzer: Mylo recently got named as the number one contender to the Old North Championship, and will face current champion Jensen Banks at the next supershow, Bound By Honor. But tonight he’ll face a newcomer to LDFC. Fresh out of the training camp, Rab McKinley debuted two weeks ago in a successful effort against Maritza Diaz. What can he do tonight?

The bell sounds to start the match as McKinley tests the ropes. Danvers beckons him closer as Rab steps forward, his arms raised for the tie up. As he goes for it, however, Mylo ducks under the arm and fires off a couple of knife edge chops to the chest as Rab turns to face him. They appear to sting the Scot, but Rab fires back with an overhand punch that knocks Danvers down!

Geoff Penzer: Such brute strength from the Scot, Rab McKinley. He might even match Nest in pound for pound strength – with a few months training where might he be?

Danvers gets right back up, staggering back against the ropes as McKinley lurches forward to meet him, only to be met by a toe kick to the gut. And another one that causes Rab to take a step back as Mylo rushes his doubled over opponent with a knee lift to the face! But Rab stays on his feet, spinning on the spot as Mylo runs against the ropes. He comes back with a flying shoulder block – but still the Scot stays on his feet. His arms flailing as Danvers picks himself right back up and charges in again, this time executing an STO that slams McKinley down into the mat!

And The Lone Wolf goes right for the legs, trying to wear his larger opponent down with stomps to the knee. Some spinning knee smashes follow as McKinley howls in pain; Mylo perseveres, though, applying a leg lock to that left leg of his opponent as the referee checks for a submission. But it’s not forthcoming. Instead McKinley manages to kick his opponent away and sit up, only to eat a dropkick to the face. Mylo covers.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Rab kicks out!

Geoff Penzer: And just like that Mylo Danvers has taken control. That’s why he’s in line for a shot at the Old North Championship; that instinct he has to seize those opportunities when they present themselves.

Danvers drags the big man back to his feet and whips him towards the corner, charging in after Rab with a running back elbow. A few European uppercuts connect for good measure before McKinley staggers out of the corner. Danvers perches himself on the top rope, whereupon he waits for Rab to turn around; Mylo leaps off with a diving neckbreaker, driving Rab down into the mat. And another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Rab powers out.

Danvers looks a little shocked as he’s tossed a couple of feet away in the kickout. But he’s quickly on his opponent, stomping away at the Scot as Rab tries to get back to his feet. They’re in the center of the ring as Danvers connects with another toe kick, doubling his opponent over. A leg draped across the back of the neck as he looks for the overdrive – NO!

Geoff Penzer: Rab counters the overdrive.

McKinley stands back up, forcing Mylo to flip through the air. But The Lone Wolf lands on his feet, only to get caught by a lariat by Rab McKinley! And a cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mylo kicks out!

Danvers rolls towards the ropes, using them to get back to his feet as Rab slowly lumbers back to a vertical base himself. He’s favoring that neck of his as he stands up. Mylo charges at his opponent, only to get caught by a hiptoss! He bounces off the mat, holding his lower back as he stands back up. Rab body slams his opponent with authority as Mylo rolls out of the ring, clutching at his lower back.

The Lone Wolf takes a moment to try and catch his breath, but McKinley reaches through the rope and grabs Mylo by the head – only to get caught by a guillotine! McKinley stays there across the middle rope for a second as Mylo climbs back up onto the apron, running in with a knee lift to the face. Rab falls back into the ring before clambering back to his feet just in time to see Danvers slingshot in with a shoulder block – NO! McKinley swats his opponent away as Mylo hits the mat face first. He bounces back to his feet, albeit dazed, as Rab grabs him from behind and he plants The Lone Wolf with an inverted powerslam! Rab rolls his opponent over and hooks a leg!

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

Geoff Penzer: I’m not sure how Mylo Danvers kicked out of that one. But he’s showing some great resilience here as Rab McKinley is beginning to gain the momentum.

McKinley gets back to his feet and poses for the cheering fans as he picks Mylo back up to his feet. Hooking his opponent by the waistband, Rab lifts Mylo up for the suplex – but Danvers drops down the back! Only to get caught by a back elbow to the face, though. Rab runs against the ropes, picking up a head of steam as he comes back with a clothesline – NO! Danvers ducks underneath and counters with a dropkick!

McKinley falls back against the ropes, bouncing off them as Danvers catches him with a side kick to the gut. Danvers grabs hold of his opponent’s arms, hooking Rab for the double underhook facebuster – but Rab counters with a back body drop! Danvers bounces off the mat, staggering to his feet as McKinley hoists him upright with a stalling vertical suplex. The blood pooling in The Lone Wolf’s head before he’s brought crashing down to the mat! A hook of the leg by Rab McKinley!

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

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, RAB MCKINLEY!

[FGA Office]

Sassy superstars never have a super vacuous cut in - MacRear, the finest of the all the finest - the certified citywide bestower of all things beauuuuuuuuuuu-ti-ful floated ever so lightly in the center of the squared circle. Glistening in the dazzling lighting that he's come to make his own.

Tonight this young flamboyant man flourished in a venue that had received a much needed makeover…..

The canvas was pink….

Glitter scattered across the mat from turnbuckle to turnbuckle…

The ropes were rainbow (much to everyone's surprise)...

The most shocking thing of all? Mirrors. Boatloads of tall mirrors surrounding the ring from corner to corner. Effectively blocking MacRear from being able to see the audience’s faces. This little trick of the former Apex Title contender worked seeing as the small capacity venue allowed for a much more personal connection with the fans as opposed to the grandiose arenas that could hold tens of thousands.

Prince MacRear flapped his arms before lifting a customized furry microphone up to his mouth.

Prince MacRear: OH. MY. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOODNESS!

MacRear span around in a circle with his arms out to his sides, looking over at his reflection in the mirrors.

Prince MacRear: Why have I never thought of this before! I can finally, finally come out here and speak my mind without seeing you disgusting GERM-INFESTED NASTIES IN THE CROWD! THIS IS THE BEST DAY IN MY LIFE ANNNNNND ALL OF YOURS -- BECAUSE NOW!

He moved toward the mirrors closest to the entrance ramp, checking himself out before he continued.

Prince MacRear: YOU WILL GET TO SEE MORE OF THE MOST GORGEOUS SPECIMEN OF LIFE THAT HAS EVER GRACED THIS UNIVERSE! THE MAN SO PRETTY THAT UNIVERSE IS ACTUALLY CONNIVING AGAINST HIM!

The crowd boos the arrogant MacRear as he stepped back toward the middle of the ring.

Prince MacRear: Soooo where do I begin? Should I tell you nasties HOW I know the universe is against me?

He shook his head from side to side.

Prince MacRear: NOPE! You don’t deserve that! Should I tell you nassssssties about how I’m going to SIP MARTINIS FROM THE CAROLINA CUP?!

MacRear chuckled, looking back over at his reflection in one of the mirrors.

Prince MacRear: YAAAAAAAAAAS! I’M GOING TO DO THAT! YOU SEE I, PRINCE MACREAR, AM GOING TO EA---

“You Got Me” by G Eazy radiates through the venue. Prince MacRear could be heard yelling out in frustration - angry he was interrupted. Due to MacRear’s mirror stunt he wasn't able to see where one Aria Banks would be coming from.

CRASH!....

One of the mirrors blocking the walkway fell straight down - shattering into bits and pieces….

This stunt revealed Aria standing with a foil covered plate in hand and her left leg up high in ‘karate stance.’ An undisciplined one at that. The audience transitioned to cheering for the Indy Darling! She continued walking forward until she could climb into the ring. Once there she lifted an LDFC branded microphone up with her free hand.

Aria Banks: You should reallllly stop screaming. It's all you do.

She said

Aria Banks: You're probably wondering what I'm doing here again when I'm really not supposed to show up until we fight for that Carolina Cup! Butttt the reason I AM here is because you called me the unwanted stepchild Banks.

The audience booed the disrespectful, and downright hurtful comment from Prince MacRear.

Aria Banks: Everyone neeeeeeds to remember that he did it because I talked about his Mommy. That really gets to you doesn't it MacReary? You’re going to be a Carolina Cupless Mommy’s boy.

Prince MacRear: YOU WATCH YOUR TONE BEFORE I MAKE THE ONLY LIVING RELATIVE OF HARAMBE THE GORILLA GO EXTINCT WITH THE STUPID GORILLA!

Aria scoffs at MacRear.

Aria Banks: Yes you ARE a Mommy’s boy. Today I'll show the world something you'll never admit to: the fact that your Mother’s baking is among the worst in the history of human cookery. Soooo let’s bring out one of the “uglies” or so you call them from the crowd to come into this ring and try some of YOUR own Mother’s homemade…...

Finally...Aria removes the foil from the top of the plate revealing a slice of cake. Pink on the inside with vanilla icing.

Aria Banks: Strawberry Cake. Your favorite growing up MacReary! So come on down Spiroson!

The gentleman in question, Spiroson, moved from behind one of the mirrors and entered the ring. Aria lifted up a pink fork (possibly stolen from Mother MacRear’s home). She slowly digged into the cake with the fork while teasingly smiling towards the heated Prince MacRear. Aria fed some of the cake to the fan.

Aria Banks: So Spiroson….What do you think of Mother MacRear’s so called famous strawberry delight?

The fan’s face began to scrunch up in disgust. He then spit the cake out! MacRear’s eyes widened in shock! He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Aria began to laugh. As did the crowd!

Aria Banks: Looks like your Mother’s cooking is something only a son can love. Bahahahahaha!

Just as Aria turned around, MacRear shoved Spiroson out of the ring and blasted Aria with a big elbow smash to the back of the head! Aria dropped to her knees, MacRear looking around the ring before he pulled Aria up by her hair and threw her directly into the mirrors positioned in the corner! Glass flew everywhere, but MacRear wasn’t done yet!

He pulled Aria back up to her feet, small cuts beginning to bleed all over her body, but that didn’t stop the Sultan. He grabbed Aria by the face and yelled out “YOU DON’T BELONG HERE” before he sent her face first into the biggest stand-up mirror in the ring! Aria was lifeless, a small smirk forming on MacRear’s face as he reached down and picked up his furry microphone from the pieces of glass lying all over the mat.

Prince MacRear: IF YOU EVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEER INTERRUPT ME AGAIN, YOU WILL NOT GOT BACK UP, NASTY. YOU WILL NOT STOP ME FROM SIPPING MARTINI’S OUT OF THE CAROLINA CUP, ARIA! YOU ARE NOT FROM HERE! YOU’RE NOT PART OF THIS UNIVERSE! GO BACK HOME! GOOOOOOO! BAAAAAACK! HOOOOOOOOME!

MacRear stomped down at Aria’s ankle for some odd reason, then looked around at all the broken mirrors and pieces of glass in the ring. The crowd booed heavily as MacRear dropped the microphone and threw his arms up in the air, standing over the lifeless Aria Banks.

[FGA Office]

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a non-title match. Introducing first at a combined weight of 425 pounds, being accompanied by Skylar Cloud … THE SYSTEMIC!

"Titanium" hits the speakers, accompanied by a round of boos from the fans in attendance, and The Systemic make their way out. Skylar III darts down the aisle, zigging and zagging back and forth, spreading the word to Reach for the Skylar to the fans in attendance. The powerhouse known as Skylar II makes a straight line down to the ring -- Skylar Cloud resting on his shoulders-- with a stoic expression on his face. Skylar III slide under the ropes, while Skylar II steps up onto the apron, and over the ropes in one long stride. He sets his leader down, while Skylar III heads to the corner, climbing up the turnbuckle, and holding her arms out while he takes the center of the ring, looking up and pointing to the sky. After she hops off turnbuckles, she kneels in front of Skylar II, pointing to the sky as well. As for the Systemic's leader, she leans forward against the ropes, trying to soak in all the spotlight before heading outside for the start of the match.

Geoff Penzer: Skylar Cloud returning to LDFC as she accompanies two of her followers to the ring for this match.

"House of Balloons" hits the PA system to a roar from the audience! The lights dim and strobes dance throughout the venue before finally settling on the top of the ramp. Mason Mannion bursts through the curtains to a pop from the audience! Only a second behind him, to an even louder roar, is Becky, both Tag Team Championships over her shoulders.

Melanie Sierra: And their opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 329 pounds! They are the reigning APEX Tag Team Champions! They are the team of BECKY and MASON “THE MASON!” MANNION…. BRUUUUUUUUUTE CAAAAAAAAAMP!

The two survey the audience, small smiles on their faces for a moment before Becky hands Mason his Tag Team Championship. The two make their way toward the ring, slapping hands with fans on either side of the ramp as they do so. A "BRUTE CAMP!" chant ensues as they enter the ring.

Geoff Penzer: The last time we saw The Systemic in tag action they defeated Bueno Club, tonight they take on the Apex tag champions. A win tonight would boost their status, but a win over Brute Camp is no easy task – only one team has managed that and we all know the circumstances of that win. The bruise on Becky’s face is a reminder.

The bell sounds to start the match as Skylar III and Becky look set to start things off for their respective teams. As expected the fans are firmly in the corner of Brute Camp as the two legal competitors lock up collar and elbow. They jockey for position before finally III gains the upper hand, performing an arm drag that sends Becky across the ring. Becky slowly gets back to her feet as III taunts her to do so. Another collar and elbow tie up ensues as II applies a side headlock.

Becky struggles to break free of the headlock as Skylar II transitions into an arm wringer. They move around the ring as III keeps her grip tight, before sweeping her opponent’s leg. Becky hits the mat back first, but kips up to her feet and counters with an arm drag of her own. III gets sent sprawling across the ring as Becky backs away, tending to the bruise on her cheek.

She makes the tag out to Mason, who enters the ring with enthusiasm. He makes a beeline for III, taking her down with a clothesline. She gets right back up, but Mason is fired up as he catches III with another clothesline. Skylar appears to be caught reeling by the quick attacks, staggering to her feet as Mason hits a snap suplex, before floating over into a mounted position. He unleashes several punches to the face before standing back up, getting a small pop from the crowd as he poses.

Geoff Penzer: “THE MASON!” starting off hot here. He spoke passionately during the week, and we understand he had a run in with The Crimson Baroness earlier tonight that may have riled him up even more. But it appears to be working for him here.

Skylar gets back to her feet, leaning back against the ropes to remain upright as Mason moves in with several knife edge chops to the chest. An Irish whip ensues, sending III across the ring. But she holds onto the top rope to stop herself. That only causes Mason to charge at her, though, as she drops down and lowers the rope, causing Mason to tumble to the outside. Slowly, he picks himself back to his feet, and just in time to see the no hands corkscrew plancha coming! But there’s nothing Mason can do to stop it as Skylar III connects with the high risk manoeuvre!

She stands back up, bringing Mason up by a handful of hair, slamming him head first into the apron before rolling him back into the ring. III climbs up onto the apron herself as Mason gets back to his feet. He finds himself on the receiving end of a shoulder thrust to the midsection and a sunset flip, taking him down for the first cover of the match.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason kicks out.

He claps his legs together around III’s head, forcing her to roll backwards as both competitors scramble to get back to their feet. Mason lunges forward with a clothesline attempt, but Skylar ducks under the arm as she sets off against the ropes, springboarding off them with a corkscrew crossbody – NO! Mason counters with a dropkick, catching her in mid air! Both competitors crash to the mat, but it’s Mason who’s up first this time as he dives to make the tag out to Becky.

Geoff Penzer: Skylar III might have done enough to agitate Mason there, but here comes Becky.

Becky rushes in, avoiding the haphazard clothesline attempt as she hits the ropes, coming back with a headscissors takedown! III is sent sprawling across the ring but gets back up as Becky runs at her with a shotgun dropkick, sending III crashing back against a neutral turnbuckle! She slumps down to a seated position as Becky runs against the ropes for momentum, coming back with a facewash – NO!

III rolls out of the ring to avoid the move, but she’s staggering slightly as Becky, frustrated at the miss, steps out onto the apron. She takes a run up and leaps off the apron as III turns around – and Skylar catches Becky with a punch to the gut! Becky lands on her feet, but Skylar III quickly grabs her from behind and sends her back first into the guard rail. After that Becky gets rolled back into the ring as III makes the tag out to Skylar II.

Geoff Penzer: Here comes the larger member of The Systemic. 6’6”, 287 pounds of him and I’m not sure if Becky has seen him yet.

The big man grabs Becky around the throat with both hands and lifts her back to her feet before tossing her into the Systemic corner. The youngster hits the turnbuckle hard before II lands a couple of overhand punches, forcing Becky to bend forward. A couple more clubbing blows to the back force Becky to the mat, but II picks her right back up and pushes her against the ropes. An overhand chop to the chest echoes throughout the arena before he Irish whips her across the ring. Becky rebounds off the ropes and tries to gain the upper hand with a cross body block – but she gets caught!

The fear is evident on Becky’s face as II drives her down across his knee with a ribbreaker, before standing up again, and going for a fallaway slam into a Samoan drop! A lateral press by II.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason makes the save!

On the outside of the ring, Skylar Cloud is shouting in protest at the referee, who’s ushering Mason back to his corner. II stands back up, holding the back of his head as he glares at Mannion. With one of his massive hands he reaches down and grabs Becky by the throat, lifting her back to a vertical base before raising her overhead with a military press slam; II never takes his eyes off Mason as he holds Becky up in the air for nearly five seconds before she slides down the back!

Geoff Penzer: Becky getting out of a precarious position there!

She dives forward with a chopblock, bringing the big man down to one knee before running against the ropes for momentum – only to get mown down by a big boot! Skylar Cloud on the outside cheers her follower on as II drags Becky across the ring, making a tag out to III again. He performs a quick backbreaker, holding Becky across his knee as III slingshots into the ring with an elbow drop. And the pin attempt.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Becky kicks out!

III looks outside of the ring to her mentor, and Cloud continues to encourage her. Undeterred, III brings Becky back to her feet as she whips her towards a neutral corner. Skylar runs in after her opponent, performing a handspring back elbow. That’s followed up by more elbows as III continues hammering away, before she leaps up with a CCS enzuigiri! III throws her opponent down to the mat as she covers again.

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

Geoff Penzer: Becky just keeps kicking out here. Tremendous resilience from the tag champ, but she needs to make the tag out to Mason Mannion as soon as possible.

III seems somewhat frustrated now as she drags Becky back to her feet again. An Irish whip follows as Becky is sent against the ropes, and Skylar III goes for the back body drop. But she’s lowered her head too early as Becky counters with a boot to the face! The crowd pop as Becky tries to gather her bearings as fast as possible; her opponent is flailing her arms trying to remain upright, but Skylar III doesn’t fall. Becky runs at her opponent, ducking under the clothesline attempt as she hits the far ropes, coming back with a wheelbarrow arm drag! III is sent out under the bottom rope as she stands back up on the apron, and promptly drops Becky throat first across the top rope!

Becky falls backwards, clutching her throat as Skylar III shakes off the cobwebs on the outside before sliding back into the ring. She tentatively moves towards her opponent when, out of nowhere, Becky drills her with a jumping reverse STO!

Geoff Penzer: Gimme An S! Out of nowhere, and Becky might have just found a way back into this one.

If she weren’t down on the mat next to Skylar III, she might. The referee begins a count out, but barely reaches six before Becky begins to stir. She’s crawling towards the corner where Mason is waiting with his arm outstretched. Mere inches away … as II drags Becky away by the ankle! The crowd boo; the referee admonishing II for interfering as he ushers the big man out of the ring, but it’s just the opening III needed as she brings Becky back to her feet. An Irish whip sends Becky towards the corner again as III runs in with a corner splash – NO!

The crowd pop as Becky sidesteps the attack, before promptly slamming III down with a Blue Thunder Bomb!

Geoff Penzer: And Becky needs to make the tag now. She needs to.

The youngster is crawling, moving across the ring before finally making the tag out to Mason Mannion! Another loud pop from the crowd as “THE MASON!” enters the ring, dropping III with a forearm smash before turning his attention to II. A running dropkick knocks the big man off the apron, and Cloud hurries over to where II just hit the guard rail. Meanwhile, Mason turns his attention back to III as she staggers back to her feet, right into a stalling snap spinebuster!

Mannion stands over his opponent as he dramatically removes his single elbow pad, throwing it out into the crowd. He runs against the ropes before hopping over III, hitting the ropes again as he slows his pace, and hits an elbow drop! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

II drags him out of the ring, much to the chagrin of the crowd. The big man catches Mason with an overhand right, sending Mannion back against the guard rail. II scoops his opponent up onto his shoulder as he points towards the ring post. He charges towards it, but Mason drops down the back, pushing II face first against the steel post! The big man staggers before falling to a kneeling position. Mason runs in from behind, delivering a running bulldog on the outside!

Geoff Penzer: Those mats don’t offer that much protection, so Skylar II will be hurting after that one!

The count out is at six as Mason climbs up onto the apron, just as Skylar III is getting back to her feet. “THE MASON!” poses for the fans, flexing his biceps before leaping up onto the top rope for the missile dropkick! And the cover on Skylar III!

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

She gets the shoulder up at the last second as Mason can’t believe his luck. Becky is calling out for a tag as Mason lifts III back to her feet. She gets the tag in as Mason whips Skylar III into the corner before perching down on all fours in front of her. Becky takes a run up and charges in, springboarding off her partner before connecting with a leg lariat! III staggers out of the corner before Becky grabs her arm, spinning her round before she plants III with a sitout side slam! And the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
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THR-NO!

The referee points towards where Skylar III has a foot on the ropes.

Geoff Penzer: Tremendous ring awareness from Skylar III there, and Skylar Cloud breathes a sigh of relief on the outside. Wait, what’s this?

At the top of the aisle we can see The Crimson Baroness and Keegan Hightower, standing there with their arms crossed across their chests. But it’s not until they nod to each other and begin to make their way down the aisle that they manage to distract Becky.

Geoff Penzer: They have no business out here tonight…

The distraction also allows Skylar II to catch Mason from behind, pulling him from the apron before delivering a thunderous spinebuster on the outside! II makes his way into the ring and catches Becky from behind with a clothesline! She bounces off the ropes, and II scoops her up into a tombstone position as III springboards in from the apron, hitting the Systemic Therapy! III makes the cover as II stands guard.

Geoff Penzer: Not like this…

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!!!

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match, THE SYSTEMIC!

Geoff Penzer: Brute Camp were on the cusp of winning this one before The Crimson Baroness and Keegan Hightower stuck their nose things. But it’s The Systemic that come away with the win tonight.

TCB and Keegan laugh as they make their way back up the aisle, leaving Skylar Cloud to raise the arms of The Systemic in the ring.

Mason helps Becky out of the ring, the pair of them glaring up the aisle at their rivals.

Geoff Penzer: The champions suffer another loss, albeit through dubious circumstances. How are they going to bounce back from this one? And what does that mean for The Crimson Baroness and Keegan Hightower?

[FGA Office]

Backstage we find Echo Rigby sitting Indian-style on a table against the wall, leaned up and strumming her vintage Martin acoustic guitar and singing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and denim jacket over her red jumpsuit ring gear.

Echo Rigby: Armbar, dropkick, hiptoss...payin’ my dues. Got them ol’ Lion’s Den pro wrasslin’ blues!

She finger picks out a nice little solo section, deep in thought. Her head moves as if in a trance, eyes closed.

Echo Rigby: Studied on some tape but even a Peacemaker don’t get no rest… ran smack dab into a mountain of a man named Nest…

She paused at that and swallowed hard, her fingers motionless. She wiped her brow and laid the guitar across her lap for a moment, twirling a strand of curly hair.

Echo Rigby: Really don’t know what I did to deserve this, good or bad. Just hope I don’t go out and lay an egg. Heh… Nest… egg…

Around the corner comes Emily Carter, who we see adjusting her headband as she continues to get ready for her match later on tonight. She smiles as she spots the Peacemaker.

Emily Carter: Hey Echo! I heard you playing from all the way down the hall.

Echo’s sleepy-eyed gaze widened as she looked toward Emily, a wry smile starting across her lips.

Echo Rigby: Aw man, did you get sent to tell me to keep the noise down then?

Echo chuckled and strummed a loud power chord, sticking out her tongue. Emily smiles.

Emily Carter: Oh no, not at all. You sounded pretty good, actually! So… I see you’ve got Nest tonight, huh?

Nodding, Echo looked down and shrugged.

Echo Rigby: That is the rumor that done came true. Got a little bit in common on that. I mean, I know you got Hana Song tonight, but with you being #1 Contender and such, you’ll be facing Nest soon enough, right? Listen, I been bustin’ my butt in class, even stayin’ extra and studyin’ as much as I can. Even through all that… is it wrong to admit I’m worried? I mean, how you feel about him? He’s the champ, no doubt.

Emily nods as she contemplates her answer.

Emily Carter: Is it wrong to be worried? Hmmm…

Emily strokes her chin.

Emily Carter: … I don’t think so. Nest is a big, powerful guy that can dole out a lot of damage to anyone. He’s been the most dominant wrestler that’s ever been in Lion’s Den. But being worried and being scared are two totally different things. You shouldn’t let his size, his words or his reputation intimidate you. I know I won’t. If anything, you shouldn’t feel any pressure at all. If anything, the pressure is on him. He’s got the reputation to uphold. If he goes out there and beats you, then the people that picked him to win were right. But if he goes out there and loses to you, then people might think that he’s starting to crack and his grip on that championship is starting to loosen. I say you should just go out there, give it your best shot and let whatever happen happen. If he beats you, then at least you can say that you held your own against the champ. But if you win, then that’s a huge feather in your awesome hat. Don’t let the naysayers get to you. Don’t even let his words get to you. Just fight your fight and at the end of the day, the best man… or woman will win.

Echo Rigby: Whoa… insta-pep talk from E.C.! And I do love this hat! But yeah I’m with ya… I’m not scared, no no. Just butterflies and whatnot, first time on the big stage against a name like that. I’m gonna wrestle as smart as this ol’ girl can, avoid a thorough stomping if I can avoid it. I’ll be doing everything in my power to hang with the daddy-o. Might even get a few good shots in on him, huh? Who knows, maybe I might soften him up for ya, right? Naw, I’m kiddin’...mostly. But you know what this calls for?

Echo holds up her palm.

Echo Rigby: Get in here, high five, mama!

Emily smiles as she leans in and high fives Echo.

Emily Carter: Good luck out there tonight!

Echo Rigby: Hey, you too! Listen… win, lose, or draw… round up some folk and grab a bite to eat after? If’n I ain’t in the hospital, I mean…

Emily Carter: That sounds like a plan to me! Well, I’ll let you go and get ready for the main event. I’ll catch you on the flipside.

Emily flashes a peace sign to Echo

Emily Carter: Love, peace and chicken grease.

Echo Rigby: Check ya later, man! Need more good peeps in the world!

She flashes her own peace sign back at her and goes back to strumming to center her mind on the match as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

The bell rang and the audience immediately sided with Banks, who began locking up with Bishop. Miles slowly pushed Jensen into a corner before the ref began a count, Miles pulling away after four...then lightly patting Jensen on the chest before giving him a mocking thumbs up. Banks, irritated by that, charged in at the larger Bishop, but was met with a clothesline that knocked him down onto the mat! Bishop then went for the cover, but Banks kicked out at one!

Miles kept on the attack after this, trying to keep the Old North champion down and possibly pick up the upset. He locked in a side headlock and kept the hold clinched for what felt like forever (but was probably more like 30 seconds) before he brought Jensen down using his strength! Bishop then released Banks and the two quickly scrambled to their feet before Jensen was stunned with a dropkick! Bishop went for the cover, but Banks kicked out again!

Jensen finally took control of the match around the 5 minute mark, connecting with a high knee as Miles went charging in at him, going for the cover afterwards and getting a one count! Banks kept on the attack for the next three minutes or so, targeting the head as he connected with a knee lift and a slingshot DDT (both getting him two counts)! Jensen then hit a Fosbury Flop to the outside after Miles exited the ring, taking him out to a huge pop! He eventually rolled him back in and went for the cover, but Bishop kicked out at two!

Miles regained control during the 9th minute after he got irish whipped into the ropes, bouncing back and taking Jensen down with a shoulder block! He went for the cover, but Banks kicked out at two! Bishop kept on the attack afterwards for the next few minutes, hitting a bulldog and getting a two count for it! He then hit a diving leg drop and got another two count afterwards! He even locked in an armbar, only for Banks to get to the ropes after just a few seconds in the submission hold!

Bishop eventually went for a rolling cutter, but Jensen somehow shifted it to a standing shiranui, dropping the larger man! He went for the cover, but Miles kicked out, causing the Old North champion to shake his head. Banks then went on the attack again, hitting a hesitation corner dropkick before dragging Miles out of the corner he had found himself in and going for the cover, only to get a two count! Banks continued his attack with a series of moves, even connecting with an inverted frankensteiner near the end and going for the cover, only to get a two count!

Banks then began motioning for the Bank Shot...but Bishop rolled out of the ring after seeing the threat, forcing Jensen to go after him. Miles played a game of cat and mouse, but when the ref’s count got to 6, the bell rang! After some confusion between the ref and the timekeeper, the ring announcer announced that the match had gone to a 15 minute time limit draw!

Jensen was annoyed at the news as he slapped the apron in frustration, but Miles Bishop smiled as he began to backpedal to the back, staring at the Old North champion after he managed to take him to a draw.

WINNER: DRAW

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where Jessie Pederson is standing with newcomer, Peaches. Dressed in her casual attire of a black halter top and some low hanging jeans, Peaches still has a smile on her face despite her rough debut.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with Peaches who debuted two weeks ago on Pride in a losing effort to Shintaro Majima. How do you plan to bounce back from that one?

Peaches: That was a tough ‘un. And I’d be wrong if I said I deserved to win it, Jessie, ‘cause Shintaro wanted that win just a bit more than me. So hats off to him. But ever since then I’ve been busting my ass in the facility making strides and improving my game, so the next time these fans see me, I’mma go be that much better and that much more ready…

Jessie Pederson: That sounds like a good plan. Of course the FGA fans have seen you since then, when Status Quo won the Dynamic Duos tournament - you are, of course, the valet for your boyfriend, Dan Herrera.

Peaches: I certainly am.

Jessie Pederson: And the other time the LDFC fans saw you was when you were confronted backstage by Terrence Tillman. What can you tell us about that?

Peaches stays silent for a moment, shrugging her shoulders before she speaks again.

Peaches: I ain’t got a clue, hun. Terry seems to think I got my LDFC contract ‘cause of who I’m sleeping with. And I get it - he’s been here since the beginning and reckoned himself to be the Pride of LDFC. He don’t wanna see bigger names than him coming in and stealing his thu--

Triple T: Bigger name? Is that what you are?

Tillman interrupts as he walks onto the screen, standing on the opposite side of Jessie to Peaches. Terrific Terrence Tillman is still dressed in his ring attire after his match against El Grande Malo earlier.

Triple T: You think you’re a bigger name than me?

Peaches: I mighta misspoke--

Triple T: Bitch, you’re damn right you ‘misspoke’. Jessie, let me make one thing very clear about our ‘esteemed’ friend here. When she grew up she always dreamed of wrestling in Peach State Wrestling, isn’t that right?

Peaches nods.

Triple T: The same Peach State Wrestling that got their asses whooped by FGA wrestlers at Collision, back in 2012? That one? Really aiming high there, Peaches. But they folded before you could get your start in the business, right? So you went to Alpha Entertainment - and achieved nothing before they folded. You realized maybe you didn’t deserve to be in the ring, so you relegated yourself to the position of eye candy for Danny Boy - and helped him achieve nothing in FGA! Stop me if I’m wrong.And for some reason, Peaches here decided to try again over in Portland Pro. How’d that go - get any titles before your ass got furloughed?

Peaches: I won the Queen of Yesteryear battle royal…

Tillman applauds mockingly. Peaches huffs a little as she places her hands on her hips.

Triple T: Congratulations. And now you’re here in LDFC, where you’ll no doubt be a nobody again.

Peaches: Damn, Terry, I didn’t realize you knew so much about my career so far though…

Triple T: Wikipedia comes in handy sometimes; your wrestling career has been blink and you’ll miss it so far, so I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it. And two weeks ago your big LDFC debut, you only went and crapped out against Shintaro Majima. So enlighten me, Peaches, what makes you a bigger name than me? Your standing in the corner and looking pretty in FGA?

Peaches: Is that what you think, Terry? That I’m gonna be a nobody here…

Tillman nods.

Peaches: Well lemme tell you something. Peach State Wrestling might not’a been the biggest promotion around, but it had names like Blaine Harrison, Kit Kelsey, Ascended Supremacy, and some damn good wrestling. And I might not achieved much in Alpha, but maybe I jumped in at the deep end back then. But you don’t get to stand there and tell me I didn’t achieve nothing in Portland Pro. You don’t get to tell me I’m gonna be a nobody here--

Triple T: And what are you gonna do about it?

Peaches: At Bound By Honor, I’m gonna kick your ass!

Peaches jabs her finger in Tillman’s face, glaring at him as she fumes in anger … and he looks towards Jessie before laughing.

Triple T: Can you believe that, Jessie? Is she serious?

Jessie Pederson: I think she’s serious…

Triple T: You’re gonna kick my ass? Ok, ok. I’m feeling generous right now, Peaches, so if you want it, you got it. But I’ve gotta warn you, sweet cheeks--

He pinches Peaches’ cheeks, only to have his hand swatted away.

Triple T: You don’t know what you got yourself into.

Peaches: Nah, that’s where you’re wrong again, Terry. ‘Cause I know what you can do in that ring, I’ve been watching LDFC all this time and I’ve seen you come on from when you were bright eyed and hopeful. But you keep underestimating me, and you ain’t got a clue what I can do when I hit full speed. So at Bound By Honor you’re gonna get your ass beat by this pretty face…

Peaches goes to storm away, shoulder barging Terrence out of the way - or she would if he wasn’t built like a brick wall. The waif Georgian girl bounces off him and instead steps around him on her way off screen as Terrence watches her leave. Finally he turns to Jessie.

Triple T:: Sup…

And the show back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

The horns marking the start of 'Wiping All Out' sound out like the trumpets of reveille would. The lyrics announce the arrival of the Black Adder herself. "I'm not a princess. Not a cutie girlfriend, oh no, don't you know?" Hana stands in front of the black curtain, her head tilted to the right and her arms crossed. She stares down towards the ring, smirking, and drags her tongue left to right across her lips before setting off.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California! Weighing in at 127 pounds! She is “The Death Adder”... HANA SONG!

As she walks to the ring, she bobs her head in rhythm to the beat of the song. Outside the ring she slides into it under the bottom rope and the head bob transitions into a quick horizontal body wiggle akin to a snake slithering about. Hana stands and bobs her head until her music stops, at which point she merely waits.

Geoff Penzer: Hana Song continues to feel that she’s been shuffled to the side now that she’s out of the APEX Championship picture. You can expect her to try and make one heck of a statement in there tonight against the current #1 contender.

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: And her opponent, 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 earned herself a big win over “Terrific” Terrence Tillman to become the new #1 contender for the APEX Championship. But just like the champion has a target on his back, so does the #1 contender. She’s now got to deal with a bunch of wrestlers who feel as though they’re more deserving of being in her spot than she is. Look no further than The Death Adder that’s staring her down from across the ring.

The match starts with both competitors looking for a lock up. But Song opts out and switches to a spinning back kick to the midsection, which doubles Emily over. Song then runs into the ropes. When she returns, she goes for the Adder’s Kiss. But Carter moves out of the way and applies a sleeper hold from behind. The crowd cheers as Song swings her arms wildly. She’s trying to grab on anything she can. But she’s away from the ropes and the ref wisely moves out of her reach. Song then reaches behind her, grabs Carter by the hair and counters with a sitout jawbreaker. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carter kicks out.

Song picks up Carter and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, the crowd boos as Song knocks her down with the Rattler’s Bite. She makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Carter just got hit with two strong moves to the jaw. First, the sitout jawbreaker and then that savate kick that caught her square on the jaw.

Song picks her up, moves her into the corner and unleashes four shoot kicks to the chest, followed by a jumping back kick that sends Carter slowly slumping down in the corner. While Carter’s dazed, Song makes her way into the opposite corner. After she turns around, she runs across the ring and connects with a front dropkick. The crowd boos as Song drags Carter from out of the corner before making the cover.

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

Song picks up Carter and goes to deliver a short-arm clothesline. But Carter ducks. When Song turn around, Carter nails her with a right and left forearm strike, followed by a Shoot Kick to the leg, followed by a Spinning Backfist, followed by a Pelé Kick. While Song’s dazed, Carter runs into the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd cheers as she turns Song inside out with a Busaiku Knee Strike. As Song slowly turns over and tries to shake out the cobwebs, Carter steps out onto the apron. Once Song finally returns to her feet and turns around, she turns into a springboard forearm smash from Carter. Carter then picks up Song, lifts her upside down, steps over each arm and delivers the Emilation to cheers from the crowd. She turns over and sits up for the pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, EMILY CARTER!

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

Geoff Penzer: Emily Carter picks up the win over Hana Song! Song caught her with that spinning kick to the midsection and she mounted some offense from there. But Carter found her opening after ducking the short-arm clothesline and took full advantage.

[FGA Office]

EARLIER TONIGHT...

We cut to the backstage area where we see Mason (THE MASON!) Mannion pacing nervously in the corridor. He is already dressed in his ring-gear, and Becky of the Brute Camp doesn’t seem to be in the same area. He takes a deep breath and moves a few yards down the hall, where our cameras follow until Mason raises a fist to knock on a door… but his face sours and with slight hesitation, he shoves the door open. We see Chris Bond standing at the side of his desk, phone pressed to his ear before his brows perked in confusion.

Chris Bond: What the hell--?

Mason: I want them.

Chris Bond looks perplexed. He mumbles something to somebody on the other end of the phone before narrowing his eyes at Mason.

Chris Bond: What the hell are you even talking about?

Mason: Put the Tag Titles on the line if you wanna. But it’s like, killing me, knowing that these two are gonna do the shit again. We go out there, we wreck shit, we defend these straps, and they’re gonna be behind us, swinging a bat or… or cornering us in the back or in the ring, or--

Chris Bond: Have you tried taking breaths--?

Mason: I-- we want them. In a cage.

Without thinking about it, Chris Bond’s lips curl into a mildly amused grin. He stifles a chuckle, but opens his mouth to respond, although interrupted by Mannion.

Mason: Becky and I can't deal with ducking around corners. That's not what champions should have to do. So we're doing whatever we can to make sure it stops. And-- and in a cage, they can't run and they can't sneak-attack us, and...

There's a long pause.

The Crimson Baroness: Never say never, sweetie...

Chris Bond: Where the--

The Crimson Baroness walks into the office, standing next to Mason; the tag champion turns to her angrily.

Mason: You wanna smirk at me when you're close enough for me to punch in the face?

The Crimson Baroness: And sink to my level? That's not behavior befitting a champion.

Mason: But I'm not really too bothered about that right now, Katie--

The name causes The Crimson Baroness to scowl.

Mason: --'cause you crossed the damn line when you hit Becky with that bat. So you want your title match for you and Future Creepy Dad Guy, then you got it! But it's gonna be on our terms - and we want you in that cage. So you can't do your usual crap, Anita can't get involved on the outside. And best of all, Bondage ... We can hurt them in a cage!

He shrugs a little.

Mason: But if you say we can't do that, then we'll find another way to do it. Like they did.

Mason storms out of the office, leaving a bemused Chris Bond standing there with an angry Crimson Baroness. Both of whom are staring out at the tag champion as he leaves.