Five Year Anniversary Show (11/12/16)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

"The FGA World Championship will not stay vacant for a prolonged period of time. Starting on Episode 23 of Vertigo, FGA will be hosting a four round tournament called the Wildcard Lottery.”

*A shot of the Wildcard Lottery logo is shown*

“Sixteen FGA grapplers will be chosen at random. The first round will consist of four tag team matches, with grapplers being teamed up in the order that their names were selected.”

*The Wildcard teams of Savannah Taylor & Izzy Anders, Salem Cartier & Nero Darling, Dan Herrera & Cordy Stevenson, Johnny Karma & Noelle Smith, Annie Zellor & Chris Madison, Molly Reid & Ruby Tyler, Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine & Ryan LeCavalier, and Johnny Cannon & Kevin Hardaway are shown in action.*

“The quarterfinals of the tournament will see those advancing tag team partners face each other in singles competition.”

Taylor steps out onto the apron, climbs up to the top turnbuckle and waits for Anders. Once Anders gets to her feet and turns around, Taylor flips off and goes for the Snake Eyes. But Anders catches her on her shoulders, turns and counters with a running Liger Bomb.


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TWO!
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THRE-NO!


Taylor gets her shoulder up.


Anders picks up Taylor and unleashes a kick flurry that lasts about ten seconds. While Taylor is doubled over, Anders lifts up Taylor and plants her with the Shotgun Party.


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THREE!

While Herrera is down, Stevenson returns to her feet and makes her way over to the ropes. After stepping out onto the apron, Stevenson scales to the top turnbuckle and waits for Herrera. When Herrera gets up and turns around, the crowd cheers as Stevenson leaps off and delivers The O-Face. She makes the cover.


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THREE!

The crowd cheers as Zellor can be heard cringing. The ref asks Zellor if she wants to give up. But Zellor refuses. So Madison tries to heave her over his head with a chickenwing suplex. But Zellor uses her free arm to latch onto the top rope. After wrapping her free arm around the rope, Madison tries to suplex her off. But it’s to no avail. As the ref goes over to try and break things up, the crowd erupts with boos as Zellor delivers a mule kick, breaking the hold.


While Madison is doubled over, Zellor steps out onto the apron. The crowd continues to boo as she springboards onto the top rope, jumps off and brings him down with a codebreaker for the Rough ‘n’ Tumble II. She makes the cover.


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THREE!

After both grapplers get back to their feet, SSTC rocks her with a reverse discus elbow. While LeCavalier is rocked, SSTC runs into the ropes. When SSTC comes back, he knocks her down with The Bedazzler. SSTC then picks up LeCavalier, lifts her up across his back, swings her around and connects with It’s Always Sunny in Sicily. The crowd boos as he drops down and makes the cover.


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THREE!

“The four remaining participants will then advance to the 5th Year Anniversary Show on November 12, where the semifinals and finals of the tournament will be held. It'll be on that night where FGA will crown its new World Champion.”

*Shots of Izzy Anders, Cordy Stevenson, Annie Zellor and Tony Carmine are shown as the video fades out.*

[FGA Office]

Our shot opens up to a panning shot of the outdoor view of Boardwalk Hall. The feed cuts to inside the view and pans around at a shot of Boardwalk Hall from high up above. We then cut to another panning shot of the venue, showing off the excited crowd.


Kris Cruise: Welcome, everyone to Atlantic City, New Jersey! Welcome everyone to FGA Wrestling! I am Kris Cruise and joining me as always in my colleague, Stephy Auger. Tonight, FGA presents to you it's Five Year Anniversary Show! We are coming to you live from the sold out Boardwalk Hall here in Atlantic City, New Jersey! I can barely hear myself talk over this capacity crowd!


Stephy Auger: The mutants are going nuts, Cruise! Tonight, history is going to be made. One of these four grapplers - Izzy Anders, Cordy Stevenson, Annie Zellor or Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine - will walk out of this building the new FGA World Champion! Each of these four grapplers share a bit of history. Not just with each other, but they all have their own piece of FGA history to their names! But nothing will be bigger than walking out of here as the new FGA World Champion. The extra 100 grand doesn’t hurt, either!


Kris Cruise: It definitely doesn’t. Each of these four competitors realize the amazing opportunity that’s in front of them tonight. Each of them have the same chance to walk out of here with the gold. But which one will rise to the occasion!? Who will seize the day and become champion!? At the end of tonight, we’ll have our answer! Also here tonight, it’s a Special Attraction as Chandler Scott goes one on one with “The War Machine” Chris Strike! This is the first time these two will be meeting in the ring, Stephy! This is gonna be a good one!


Stephy Auger: It will be. But I’m not expecting a technical clinic in this one, Cruise, and neither should you. I’m expecting all out war! I had heard that these two didn’t like each other. But the ill feelings they have towards each other were made perfectly clear during the leadup to this match. They don’t like each other! They don’t respect each other! This one’s gonna be a dogfight!


Kris Cruise: I would imagine so. Also here tonight, The Usual Suspects are in action as they take on the team of Johnny Karma and Noelle Smith!


Stephy Auger: Noelle knows she doesn’t have to cling to Karma’s side, right? That whole partnership last week was due to a random drawing. She doesn’t have to stay by his side. Unless he’s conned her into fighting alongside him. For her own well being, Noelle should take a cue from Karma’s former ally and hit the breaks! That’s the only way she’ll leave this war in one piece! A girl like her shouldn’t be dragged down thanks to Karma’s stubbornness.


Kris Cruise: In additional to all of those matches, we’ve got Savannah Taylor and Salem Cartier going at it once more! These two are no strangers to each other, having fought on three previous occasions this year. Will this be the match that decides it all amongst the two of them? Then we’ve got Dan Herrera taking on Ruby Tyler! You’ve gotta think that Herrera would want nothing more than to get his hands on Tyler after the stunt her and Kevin Hardaway pulled at Retribution! Also on the card, former FGA World Champion Johnny Cannon takes on Molly Reid, Evan Envi and Chris Madison go one on one for the first time in an FGA ring, plus Ryan LeCavalier takes on our glorious leader, Nero Darling! But right now, let’s send it to the ring for our opening contest, where Jaxson Blade will try to put down yet another giant. Take it away!

[FGA Office]

LJ Summers vs. Jaxson Blade

The riffs to “This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold begin as smoke fills the entrance way . As the song starts Jaxson Blade bursts through the curtain wearing a black zip up hoodie with the hood up.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, weighing in at 180 pounds … JAXSON BLADE!

He begins singing the chorus with the crowd as he makes his way to the ring slapping hands along the way he jumps up onto the apron. He steps on the second rope and then the top, and screams “this means war” as he jumps down into the ring. He walks over to a corner taking off the hoodie he puts in a mouth guard as he begins stretching.

Kris Cruise: Two weeks ago we saw this young man manage to defeat the behemoth, Armageddon, in what some might consider an upset. Can he do it again tonight against LJ Summers?

Stephy Auger: You mean will lightning strike twice? I doubt it. Jaxson Blade was lucky last time, this time he’s got some serious competition in the form of the dr–in the form of LJ Summers.

With the fans in the arena awaiting the next bit of action live from FGA, it doesn't take long until the lights darken, and the local fans are left in darkness for some moments. A really familiar guitar riff kicks in on the PA system, and the riff keeps going, soon joined by a low humdrum of voices all trying to hum to the beat. The humdrum gets louder, the riff kicking up another notch or two as well, until about thirty seconds the drums kick in as well.

THUNDER!

THUNDER!

This continues for a few more moments, the beat of 'Thunderstruck' by ACDC echoing throughout the arena, until the gravelly voice of Brian Johnson kicks in. The fans keep watching closely, waiting to see who will be arriving. A heavier drum beat kicks in, and then the noise dies down slightly and Johnson's voice manages to speak out again.

YOU'VE BEEN....

Theres a moments pause, during which the drums kick into high gear and the bass hits. A loud crackling thunder is heard throughout the arena as well, as Johnson's voice screams out.

THUNDER STRUCK!

A big burst of stage flows over the stage, slowly thickening even as Thunderstruck keeps playing. After another 30 seconds or so, with the smoke still swirling around the stage, some more Thunder can be heard crackling throughout the arena, and through the smoke, as the music hits high gear walks LJ Summers. LJ slowly turns to hold his back to the crowd, arms spread wide and showing off his flag, and then slowly lowering his hand to point to the back where Skyla LaLo steps out to follow him!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and Gentlemen, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, weighing in at 250 pounds. Accompanied by Skyla LaLo, he is The ANZAC Warrior, L....J....SUMMERS!!

As he reaches the ring Summers stops at the ring steps, allowing Skyla to strip off his cape and then he climbs up and into the ring, ready for battle.

Kris Cruise: Summers has been impressive thus far, here in FGA. The fans have taken a liking to him, as has my commentary partner apparently. But a win tonight might show the wrestlers out back that LJ Summers means business.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring for a few moments; the fans here in Atlantic City rallying behind the Oceanic Suplex Machine as he grabs Jaxson Blade in a collar and elbow tie up. Summers snatches his opponent in a side headlock, wrenching the hold several times before Blade manages to bounce back against the ropes. He pushes Summers away and across the ring, but the big man returns with a shoulderblock that knocks Jaxson down.

LJ runs against the ropes again, hopping over his prone foe before Blade gets to his feet. Jaxson leaps up and catches the approaching Summers with a dropkick to the jaw, knocking the Aussie down. Both men scramble back to their feet again, and again Blade leaps up with a standing dropkick! This time Summers falls back against the ropes, and Blade is on him in a flash. Several knife edge chops light up LJ’s chest before Jaxson goes for the Irish whip – only to find it reversed. LJ sends his opponent against the ropes, but Jaxson returns with a slingblade! He scrambles across for the lateral press.

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LJ Summers kicks out.

Kris Cruise: A bright start by Jaxson Blade here. After that win over Armageddon two weeks ago he’ll be looking to start a winning streak tonight.

Stephy Auger: Two matches is hardly a streak, Cruise.

Both men get back to their feet, but it’s Jaxson who’s up first. He catches LJ with a kicking combination, nailing shots from every direction, to the torso and legs before he runs against the ropes for some momentum. Unfortunately for him LJ has time to recover, and he catches his opponent with a military press slam! Summers keeps his opponent overhead for several seconds before eventually dropping him to the mat. And LJ covers.

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Jaxson kicks out.

Undeterred, LJ lifts his opponent right back to his feet and catches Blade with a couple of hard rights. They’re enough to back him into a corner, before LJ whips the smaller Jaxson Blade from pillar to post. He follows him in with a Canberra Crash, putting all 250 pounds behind it as Jaxson Blade staggers out of the corner, right into a short arm clothesline.

But there’s no pin attempt this time. Instead LJ looks towards his valet, Skyla, who’s urging him to finish this one quickly. He asks the fans what they want, but their response is mainly the women swooning. Summers reaches down to pick his opponent up – small package! Blade rolls him up!

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THR-NO!

Stephy Auger: Jaxson Blade almost stole this match right there!

Kris Cruise: LJ will need to keep his mind on the match if he wants to stop that from happening again.

Both men hurry to stand back up, but it’s Blade who gets there first, surprisingly. He catches LJ with a basement dropkick, forcing the ANZAC Warrior down to one knee. Blade hits the ropes and comes back with a running knee to the face, sending LJ rolling away. He stands back up on the apron, albeit dazed, as Jaxson springboards off the middle rope with a triangle dropkick!

That knocks LJ Summers off the apron and into the aisleway as Blade picks himself up once more. He’s feeling the second wind, psyching himself up in the ring as he watches his opponent stand back up on the outside. Blade hits the far ropes and comes back with a tope con hilo! The fans cheer as Blade stands back up; he poses for the New Jersey crowd before rolling LJ back into the ring. But Blade himself climbs onto the apron, leaping over the top ropes before springboarding off the middle rope for an asai moonsault! Into the cover.

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LJ kicks out!

The crowd gasp in shock as Jaxson looks at the official. Undeterred, Blade sits his opponent up and runs against the ropes. He returns with a soccer kick to the spine, before lifting LJ to his feet. With a front facelock applied, Blade signals to the crowd with a cutthroat gesture.

Kris Cruise: We could be about to see the Blade Lock here!

If only LJ Summers didn’t reverse the hold with a Northern Lights suplex! He tosses the smaller Blade overhead, before using the ropes to pick himself back up. Blade hits the mat and rolls through, holding his lower back in pain as he stands up. But Summers is on the move as he plows into Blade with a running forearm smash! Blade gets back up, but LJ drills him with another forearm smash.

Summers deadlifts his opponent off the mat with a gutwrench suplex, before he stands back and poses for the fans. With a flex of his biceps LJ manages to get a cheer as he goes to lift Jaxson back to his feet. He scoops Jaxson up onto his shoulder as LJ looks for the powerslam – but Blade slides down the back. Jaxson fires off a couple of chops to the chest before going for the Irish whip. But LJ reverses it; he sends Blade against the ropes and catches him with a t-bone suplex upon his return!

Stephy Auger: What a suplex there by LJ Summers. A few more like that and Jaxson Blade won’t know where he is.

Kris Cruise: Two high impact moves in quick succession, but Jaxson looks to still have some fight him in.

Summers lifts his opponent back up again, placing him in a standing headscissors as he poses with his arms outstretched. LJ hoists his opponent upwards for the Essedon Bomber – but again Blade wriggles free and lands on his feet. He runs against the ropes for momentum as LJ turns to see where his opponent is, before leaping up with the Cadel Evans Special! LJ drops down and hooks a leg.

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THREE!!!

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

Kris Cruise: A comfortable victory in the end, but it seemed like Jaxson Blade had his opponent on the ropes for a while there.

Stephy Auger: You’re missing the big picture, Cruise. LJ Summers is still undefeated here in FGA, and who’s going to be able to stop that man?

[FGA Office]

FLASHBACK
September 19, 2015

The ref asks Noelle if she wants to give up. But Noelle refuses. She slowly begins to rolls over onto her knees before getting back to a vertical base. She then nails Tony with elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. While Tony’s doubled over, Noelle turns and takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, Tony connects with a reverse discus elbow, sending Noelle through the ropes. As Noelle pulls herself up using the ropes, Tony turns and runs into far ropes. When Tony comes back, Noelle knocks him down with a springboard cross body block. But instead of making the cover, Noelle heads across the ring and steps out onto the apron. When Tony returns to his feet, Noele knocks him down with a springboard dropkick to cheers from the crowd. But again, Noelle neglects to make the cover. Instead, she hobbles back out onto the apron and waits for Tony to get up. When Tony gets up and turns around, Noelle goes for a springboard flying forearm smash. But she doesn’t get as much air on it thanks to her knee, allowing Tony to connect with a dropkick in mid air, knocking her down.

After a scoop slam, Tony heads into the corner. Once he climbs to the top turnbuckle, Tony flips off…

Kris Cruise: Phoenix Splash from Sunshine Tony!

Stephy Auger: NO! Noelle rolls out of the way.

The crowd cheers as Tony curls up in pain. Noelle then gets up, picks up Tony and whips him into the corner. After Tony’s back collides with the corner, she heads over and connects with a clothesline… then another She then moves Tony from out of the way, hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and sets up Tony for the Beauty Mark. But Tony reaches up, grabs Noelle, runs across the ring and delivers a snake eyes, dropping Noelle face-first onto the top turnbuckle. As Nolle stumbles from out of the corner, Tony lifts her up onto his back and connects with It’s Always Sunny in Sicily! Tony drops down on top of Noelle and hooks the leg…

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TWO!
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THREE!

“Graceful Jewelry Removal” blares throughout the arena as the crowd erupts into boos.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner and the 2015 Frontier Lions Cup winner, TONY CARMINE!

Tony Carmine gets his arm raised as the crowd continues to boo.

An FGA Official proceeds to present him with the FLC trophy, which has three other named etched into the base of the trophy. But soon, there will be a fourth name: Sunshine Scandalous Tony Carmine. Tony stares at the cup, completely overtaken by either the beauty of the cup or the reflection that he sees. After kissing the cup, he goes to raise it over his head. But his previously worked over arm causes him to quickly lower the belt.

Tony heads into each corner, climbing onto the ropes and raises his Pride Championship and his Frontier Lions Cup trophy for all to see and envy.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

FLASHBACK
July 25, 2015

As both grapplers get back up, Noelle grabs Yun and goes for an irish whip. But Yun reverses, sending Noelle into the ropes. When Noelle comes back, the crowd cheers as she connects with a spinning heel kick, knocking Yun down. She then gets back to her feet and makes her way out onto the apron. Once Yun returns to a vertical base and turns around, the crowd cheers as Noelle delivers a springboard clothesline using her good arm. After Noelle gets back to her feet, she picks up Yun and kicks her in the midsection, doubling her over. From there, the crowd explodes in cheers as Noelle delivers Swing, Set, Match! She makes the cover.

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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

Izzy drags Noelle off of Yun, drops down and after struggling to pry her arm free, places Noelle in the Fujiwara Armbar.

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s finally got the Fujiwara Armbar applied!


The crowd cheers as Noelle can be heard screaming in pain.

Stephy Auger: And you can bet those screams are music to Izzy’s ears. She’s a mere tapout away from becoming the next champion!

The ref asks her if she wants to give up. But Noelle refuses to quit. So Izzy begins to repeatedly yank the arm back, increasing the pressure.

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s really cranking away on that arm! How is Noelle still in this match!? Most would have given up by now!

Stephy Auger: But not Noelle!

The ref asks Noelle if she wants to give up. But again, Noelle refuses to quit. So Izzy brides back, causing Noelle to scream in pain.

Kris Cruise: The pain, Stephy, the pain!

Stephy Auger: Noelle’s trying to grit her way through this. But how much more of this can she handle?

Izzy continues to keep the hold applied. That is, until Yun kicks her in the head, breaking the hold.

Yun picks up Izzy and sets her up for another Shiranui. But Izzy shoves Yun off of her and into the ropes. When Yun comes back, Izzy throws out the Capetown Sunset. But Yun slides underneath it. When Izzy gets back to her feet and turns around, Yun throws out the One Hit Wonder. But Izzy rolls underneath it. When Yun gets up and turns around, Izzy knees her in the midsection and lifts her up for a vertical suplex. But Yun slips down from behind. She quickly grabs Izzy from behind and lifts her up for a Tiger Suplex. But Izzy counters with a wheelbarrow victory roll. But instead of staying seated for the cover, Izzy keeps a hold of one of Yun’s legs as she gets up. She then quickly turns Yun over onto her stomach. She then reaches down, grabs Yun around the waist, yanks her back up to her feet, lifts her up and then delivers Roll the Bass. The crowd cheers as Yun gets driven into the mat. Izzy ten turns her over and makes the cover.

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TWO!
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THREE!

“Guerilla Radio” plays as the crowd explodes in cheers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner… and now, the NEW Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, IZZY ANDERS!

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s done it! We’ve got ourselves a new champion!

The crowd cheers as Izzy’s hand the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship belt.

Stephy Auger: All three competitors had their moments in this one. In the end, everything lined up for Izzy and she struck at the right time.

Izzy clutches the belt before dropping to her knees. She then holds the belt away from her and admires it.

Kris Cruise: How happy is Izzy right now? From feeling ignored and being overlooked to becoming the new champion. Man, what a feeling.

Izzy gets to her feet and thrusts the belt in the air to cheers from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: What’s this here?

Izzy makes her way over towards Yun in the corner. She extends her hand for a handshake. Yun gladly takes Izzy’s hand and shakes it.

Kris Cruise: A nice display of sportsmanship right there. You know Yun feels bad about losing. But even in defeat, she’s still gracious. You’ve got to respect that.

A disappointed Noelle looks on at Izzy is still celebrating her title win. Izzy then turns and looks over at Noelle. She looks at her title belt, then back at Noelle. Izzy then holds the title in the air, causing Noelle to lower her head in defeat.

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke: We are backstage here with the self-proclaimed Dreamkiller, Izzy Anders. It has been quite some time since we’ve last interacted, Izzy. I think that last time I did was sometime back during your Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship reign. Now you stand beside me possibly on your way to winning a world championship.

Izzy stands next to Spencer, her eyes narrow and hateful. As she looks at Spencer, she takes the microphone from him.

Izzy Anders: I commend your respectful nature, Burke. You, of all people could show your bias and get away with it, because you have an ironclad job here. You have heard me promise that FGA is going to fall to pieces. That means you’ll lose that job that you hold so dear if I’m successful. How does that make you feel? That Izzy Anders is two wins away from getting closer to that goal?

Spencer nervously adjusts, making sure that he does not fall prey to Izzy’s antagonistic nature.

Spencer Burke: Regardless of how I may feel internally and how you might feel towards FGA, you still have a high profile set of matches. First and foremost, one of the most anticipated matches is you against Cordy Stevenson. That’s a first time ever match and the stakes couldn’t be higher. You stated that you want to make her suffer and she states that you do not have the capacity to beat her. How is your mind adjusting to this? This is your first chance to fight on a World Championship level.

Izzy lolls her tongue in her mouth, before looking completely up.

Izzy Anders: Cordy...she’s my friend. But she knows that I won’t stop at nothing to achieve my goal. She will argue that she did everything she could for me. But I can’t possibly believe that. Even if it’s true to her, it can’t be true to me.

She took her eyepatch, displaying the scar she got during that horrific time.

Izzy Anders: If I dull my edge, if I come into that match fully ready to put her down, she will win. And then what? My goal goes in smoke. Management won’t give me the chance to get close to the gold again. I took the biggest risk out of everyone moving at First Wave. When I announced my ambition, my dream, I knew that consequences would come. I know that if I don’t win these two matches, then I’m...I’m not going to get my revenge. You may savor my failure, but you don’t understand how much this means to me. It’s not about the FGA World Championship. It’s about standing up for myself. And you know what’s weird?

Izzy smirks.

Izzy Anders: There are some people that stand alongside me. Not necessarily to watch FGA die out, but they want me to win the World Championship to prove a point for people that suffer. I could care less if they breathe, but I do recognize their own suffering. So you people can say that I’m alone, but I’m not. People are starting to realize that I’m right. Hopefully, Cordy sees it too and gives up. If not?

Izzy chuckles darkly and shrugs.

Izzy Anders: I will just have to beat her into submission. I’m nervous. I’m anxious. It’s only human, but most of all, I’m angry. I’m determined. Cordy is the biggest wall in front of me. If I get past her, that’s a wrap. Because I’ll beat Tony Carmine like a top bitch. And if Annie makes it, it’s going to be a repeat of our last one on one match. No, actually, that’s not true.

A sinister gleam appears in Izzy’s eyes.

Izzy Anders: I will make sure that no one has to worry about her antics anymore. I will be the hero that she wants everyone to believe she is. So I need all of you to pray for Cordy Stevenson to beat me. Saint Sexy is your God tonight. But I’m not just the Dreamkiller, the Mindkilla, if she’s your God tonight...I’ll be a Godslayer too.

Izzy shoves the microphone back to Spencer and walks away, leaving Spencer to transition to the next scene.

[FGA Office]

Ryan LeCavalier vs. Nero Darling

“Stonefist” By HEALTH’s echoic machine-like tones come echoing their way into the venue. The lights dim down towards complete darkness, as piercing purple strobe lights flood the crowd from the entrance way, smoke bellows from the entrance way into the clearing of the entrance’s opening; intending on sending chills down the spine of those in attendance.

And though we know how far we've come
We stay possessed by what we lost
And we both know, love's not in our hearts
And we both know, love's not in our hearts
And we both know, love's not in our hearts
And we both know, love's not in our hearts

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, residing in Miami, Florida! Weighing in at 135 pounds … RYAN LECAVALIER!

Ryan steps through the curtains into the entrance backwards. She pauses for a second, then turns around revealing a sly smirk and her signature aviator sunglasses that reflect the lighting that flashes in sequences, the entire venue turns a deep purple as she’s strolling to ringside nonchalantly. Ryan reaches out to several fans showing them a bit of appreciation, slapping some of their hands, coming to an abrupt full stop as the ring lies ahead of her.

We're never going backwards
We're never growing young (not in our hearts)
We're never coming back here
Remember, love's not in our hearts

Ryan walks to the front of the crowd running at the apron and sliding onto it, she slowly comes to standing as she brought her arms behind her back before stepping through the ropes effortlessly. Once in the ring walks toward the adjacent set of ropes climbing the turnbuckle, placing one foot on the very top as her other leg supports her standing there. Extending both arms out she poses for the fans that shower her with a mixed reaction that was to be expected. Dropping down from the turnbuckle she readied herself for the opening bell by throwing punches and kicks, warming up her limbs for what should be an interesting contest.

Kris Cruise: It’s been a disappointing few weeks for Ryan LeCavalier, especially in the Lethal Lottery tournament on the last show.

Stephy Auger: After winning the tag contest, she was put in the unenviable position of having to face Tony Carmine. And we’ll see him in action later on tonight, while Ryan LeCavalier is set to face off against … uh, Nero Darling.

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

It's been a long time, been a long time comin'
It's life or death for me now
But you know, there's no turning back now
This what makes me, this what I am...

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

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Louisville, Kentucky. Weighing in at 120 pounds … ‘THE GLORIOUS LEADER’ NERO DARLING!

You can hate me now, but I won't stop now
Cause I can't stop now, you can hate me now, c'mon.
But I won't stop now, cause I can't stop now
You can hate me now, you can hate me now...

She finally breaks into a run, sliding into the ring on her stomach and popping up to her feet as she throws the hoodie off and runs to the ring ropes, hopping up on the middle rope with her arms outstretched. She holds the pose as the beat picks up around her and she blows kisses to her fans, many of whom are holding up signs emblazoned with her name and hearts.

Well you hate me, I'm gon' hate you too
It's as simple as that
Die motherf*cker, die motherf*cker, die
You don't give a f*ck, I don't give a f*ck
Go down any way you want it to go down
Weak, jealous motherf*ckers
F*ck y'all!

Nero drops down to the canvas and bounces in place with a bright smile on her face as she waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: One of the fan favorites returning to action after sustaining an injury in a fan attack a few months ago. This is Nero’s first singles match back, having returned for tag team action on the last show.

Stephy Auger: She may not have Salem weighing her down this week, but Nero has a tough challenge ahead of her tonight.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors emerge from their corners, heading towards the center of the ring as they lock up collar and elbow. LeCavalier gains the upper hand right of the bat, overpowering her smaller opponent, backing Nero against the ropes. The referee calls for a break, which he gets before the four count, before Ryan lashes out with some chops to the chest. An Irish whip follows; Ryan sends Nero running across the ring, but The Glorious Leader slides through her opponent’s legs upon her return. She quickly gets back to her feet and catches the spinning Ryan LeCavalier with a dropkick to the jaw!

Ryan hits the mat but gets back up, just as Nero leaps up with another dropkick. LeCavalier hurries to get back to a vertical base this time, lunging forward with a clothesline as she does so. But Darling ducks under that and counters with a boot to the midsection – NO! Ryan catches the boot, but can do little to stop the enzuigiri!

Kris Cruise: Nero Darling using her speed to catch Ryan LeCavalier off guard here in the early going.

Nero pops back up to her feet as the enzuigiri sends LeCavalier staggering against the ropes. She rebounds and turns to face her opponent, just as Nero runs in again, performing a wheelbarrow bulldog this time! And after that one, Ryan LeCavalier rolls to the outside to gather her bearings.

The fans nearby are taunting her; most of the crowd are firmly in the corner of The Glorious Leader, who’s encouraging their cheers from her position in the ring. LeCavalier appears almost fazed by the jeers; she’s looking around the arena, taking her eyes off Nero for a split second as Darling charges across the ring. Ryan sees her coming out of the corner of her eye, and side steps out of harm’s way … before Nero feints a dive and lands back in the ring. The crowd cheer again as Darling beckons her opponent back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: A shaky start for Ryan LeCavalier, perhaps that defeat in the Lethal Lottery is hanging over her head, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: It could be. She’s not having the best time as of late here in FGA, but we’ve seen what she can do when she focuses. Nero just needs to keep the tempo up if she wants to stand a chance tonight.

LeCavalier slides back into the ring, eyeing Nero precariously as the two of them lock up collar and elbow again. This time Ryan gains the advantage with a standing wristlock. She wrenches the arm once, but Nero counters with a forward roll. Darling reverses the hold into a hammerlock, which Ryan fights out of with some back elbows to the face. A headlock takedown follows, bringing Nero Darling crashing to the mat. Her shoulders are down for a moment.

ONE!
.
.
Nero gets the shoulder up.

Ryan transitions into a front facelock, keeping Nero grounded as she drives some knees into the face of The Glorious Leader. She uses the facelock to bring Nero back to her feet, before that transitions into an arm wrench. Ryan drops an elbow down across the shoulder, bringing Nero down to one knee for a brief moment before she stands back up. And another elbow. But Nero rolls through again, flipping up before she counters into a wristlock; she runs up the turnbuckle and performs an arm drag to put some distance between her and her opponent before both competitors get back to their feet.

Nero dodges the clothesline as Ryan charges at her, before running against the ropes herself. She returns with a headscissors takedown, sending LeCavalier flipping through the air. Ryan gets right back up, holding the small of her back after that impact, but Nero is ready for her. Darling rushes her opponent, catching Ryan LeCavalier with a tornado DDT that spikes the Canadian head first into the mat! Nero covers with a hook of the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ryan kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Nero Darling bringing the fight here. She hasn’t had the best of luck since returning from injury, but tonight could be the turning point for her.

Nero brings her opponent back to her feet before promptly performing a snap suplex. LeCavalier is down just in front of the turnbuckle as Nero bounces off the middle rope, and the top rope for the double jump moonsault – NO! Ryan gets the knees up!

Stephy Auger: What an important counter that might be, Cruise. Ryan LeCavalier looked to have her back against the wall, but just like that Nero has lost all momentum.

Darling rolls away holding her ribs in pain as Ryan uses the nearby ropes to pick herself back up. Nero is on all fours as LeCavalier runs in, delivering a knee to the side. Grabbing her opponent by the wrist, Ryan brings Nero back to her feet, if only to take her down with a short arm clothesline. And a lazy cover by LeCavalier.

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

Unfazed, Ryan simply brings Nero back to her feet and hits an inverted atomic drop. The Glorious Leader is staggered in the center of the ring as LeCavalier hits the ropes, coming back with an elbow smash to the face.

Ryan paces around the ring for a moment, not taking her eyes off her opponent as Nero picks herself up once more. If only to find herself in a hammerlock submission. She tries to escape, but Ryan manages to overpower her, keeping the hold applied before sweeping the legs out from under Nero. And Ryan drops down on top for another cover.

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

This time Ryan looks a little more perturbed, but she brings Nero back to her feet once more. An Irish whip sends the rookie towards the corner as Ryan follows her in – only to get caught by a boot to the face! Nero hoists herself up onto the middle rope, looking to capitalize, before Ryan drags her down by the arm; Darling flips through the air and lands back first on the mat, but LeCavalier quickly stands her back up. She backs Nero into the corner and unleashes several knife edge chops to the chest before whipping Nero from pillar to post. Ryan follows her in again, but this time Nero vaults over her, and Ryan hits the turnbuckle chest first!

Kris Cruise: Nobody home! Can Nero capitalize on this advantage?

Nero bends her opponent over backwards, performing an inverted DDT down across her knee as LeCavalier collapses to the mat. The fans are urging Nero on, but the fatigue is beginning to set in after absorbing all that impact over the last few minutes. Somehow she gets back to her feet at the same time as Ryan LeCavalier, who rushes in with an elbow smash – NO! Nero counters with a drop toe hold, sending Ryan throat first down across the middle rope…

Stephy Auger: No, not this!

Kris Cruise: Could it be? Superhappy Shiny Rainbow Time?!

The crowd cheer as Nero signals for it. She runs against the far ropes for momentum, coming back with the tiger feint kick! LeCavalier is sent sprawling back across the mat as Nero steadies herself on the apron, before springboarding in with a 450 splash!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NOOO!

The crowd groan as LeCavalier gets the shoulder up! But Nero doesn’t seem to mind. She brings Ryan back to her feet, and throws her headlong into the top turnbuckle. LeCavalier collapses back against the corner, and a few stomps to the midsection have her slumping to a seated position. Nero makes her way across the ring, standing in the opposite corner for a moment, before charging in with a bronco buster! The crowd cheering her on, until finally the referee intervenes.

Ryan picks herself up out of the corner and staggers towards the center of the ring as Nero rebounds off the ropes again, this time hitting a wheelbarrow bulldog! And she covers again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ryan kicks out!

Darling looks towards the referee who indicates it was only a two count, which she wholeheartedly accepts. Undeterred, Nero brings her opponent back to her feet once more, hooking LeCavalier for a snap suplex. But the Canadian hooks a leg to block. Nero tries again, but the leg is still hooked. Finally, Ryan is able to reverse the move, using her power to lift Nero up for a suplex before dropping her face first across her knee!

Stephy Auger: I felt that one from here, Cruise!

Nero collapses to the mat as Ryan covers.

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

The crowd cheer again as Nero gets the shoulder up. But LeCavalier is beginning to get annoyed. She kneels there for a moment, trying to catch her breath as Nero rolls away from her. Ryan stands back up, albeit slightly crouched down as she waits for Nero to turn around and move away from the ropes. As she does so, Darling finds herself on the receiving end of an overhand strike. Then a muay thai clinch into a knee strike, then a shoot kick to the chest, finished off with a legswe–no! Nero handsprings backwards to avoid the finale of the striking combination, before leaping up with a standing enzuigiri! It rocks LeCavalier, but it takes a DDT to put her down.

Wearily, Nero Darling points to the corner; the crowd cheer as she begins climbing. Stepping out onto the apron before ascending to the top rope. Darling steadies herself before leaping off with a top rope cannonball leg drop!

Kris Cruise: Glorious Explode-y Thing!

Stephy Auger: Misses!

LeCavalier rolls out of the way in the nick of time, and Nero Darling lands ass first on the canvas! She howls in pain, but it’s short lived as LeCavalier drags her up to her feet, only to drive Nero face first into the mat with an Age of Consent. Ryan rolls her opponent over onto her back and hooks a leg.

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

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

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Ryan LeCavalier turns this match around and escapes with the victory.

Stephy Auger: She’s back on the winning path, but that wasn’t the decisive victory she may have been hoping for.

The referee raises Ryan’s arm in victory, but the crowd seem disappointed by the result. Undeterred, Ryan heads backstage to celebrate her win there.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

FLASHBACK
March 5, 2016

Karma gets to his feet and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Cannon down with This Is For The Front Row. The crowd erupts with cheers as Cannon is laid out on the floor. Karma then rolls back into the ring. Cherry slaps the canvas while Karma waves up Tony. Once Tony gets up and turns around, Karma goes for Chic Your Chiclets. But Tony catches Karma’s foot and knocks Karma’s other leg out from under him, knocking him down to the canvas. Then then transitions into the Sprinkle Lock.

Stephy Auger: Aw, there it is! The Sprinkle Lock!

Tony can be heard yelling at Karma to tap. The ref asks Karma is he wants to give up. But Karma refuses to quit. So he applies more pressure, which causes Karma to yell out in pain.

Kris Cruise: Karma’s trying to fight off the pain. He’s come this far. He doesn’t want to go home empty handed. He doesn’t want to lose this championship match to Tony, especially by submission.

The ref asks Karma is he wants to give up. When Karma refuses to quit, Tony begins cranking away on the ankle.

Kris Cruise: Cherry’s trying to will him on. She’s telling him not to tap. But the pain might just be too much.

Stephy Auger: He’s got his hand raised! Karma looks like he’s about to tap!

Tony yells at Karma to tap while he continue to crank away on the ankle. The ref asks Karma if he wants to give up. But Karma refuses to quit. Karma then slowly pushes himself up onto his hands. He then rolls forward, sending Tony face-first into the top turnbuckle. The crowd cheers as Tony appears dazed. As Tony stumbles back, Karma grabs him from behind. He then turns Tony around and uses his right elbow to turn him inside out with Hard Times to an explosion of cheers. Karma then picks up Tony, hoists him upside down, jumps and plants him with Dazed, Confused and All messed Up. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“When The Levee Breaks” blasts over the PA to an explosion of cheers.

J.A Aldridge: Here is your winner, and now, the NEEEEEEEEWWWWWWW… FGA Pride Champion, JOHNNY KARMA!

Stephy Auger: Nooooo! No! No! No! No! No!

Karma tries to get up, but he quickly drops down to one knee. After slowly returning back to his feet, Karma is handed the Pride Championship from the senior official. He then raises the FGA Pride Championship in the air. The crowd responds with cheers and applause for the Karmic Lion.

[FGA Office]

We fade into the backstage area where we see Evan Envi pacing back and forth in-- what appears to be-- his locker-room. He is wearing a black t-shirt which boldly reads #NotMyPrideChampion in bright red letters. The camera pans out as Envi stops, casting a questioning look at someone off-screen.

Evan Envi: So I guess you just said “screw it, I ain't knockin anymore.”

Spencer Burke walks into frame and sighs slightly.

Spencer Burke: Yeah. Uh. Sorry to intrude, just wanted to get to see you last minute thoughts before you walk up with Chris Madison one-on-one for the first time.

Evan Envi: LAST MINUTE?! Bruh. I don't do anything last minute. I've had these thoughts for years. I just get to act on it tonight. And yeah, Chris Madison is legit. He can fight. He's been at it longer than I've been. But he tried to end all that for me back on August 25, 2013 and he might call me a perfect opponent now but back THEN he wanted to make sure the world never saw Evan Envi again. THAT was what he wanted. He almost got that. And I improved after it. I got sharper. But…

Evan shakes his head.

Evan Envi: I'm not over it. And tonight I'm gonna do everything I can to completely destr…

Evan stops and Spencer turns toward another figure approaching out of frame-- only his shadow visible at first. Chris Madison remains still with his manager Frankie Morrison by his side as the camera pans over towards him. He holds his head up high and keeps his eyes locked on his old friend, Evan Envi.

Chris Madison: For someone as talented as you are, you always find something to whine about! Apparently you aren’t aware, but we kind of get paid to beat each other up. To stand here and complain because you almost got hurt is completely asinine, especially when I had nothing to do with you that night.

Chris reaches up and scratches the back of his head.

Chris Madison: Maybe my memory is a little foggy… Like you said, I’ve been at this a longer than you. All those blows to the head. August 25th, 2013… APW presents Shockwave, live on pay per view. I remember losing a tag match with Niobe Martin to NewGen Rising. I remember beating the ever loving hell out of Biggs after he beat Michael Jennings. But that ladder match, I stayed away from it. Niobe Martin, Jenny Knite, and Alexander Duvall made enough of a mess throughout that match. Knox didn’t need a hand from me to take the APW Overdrive Championship from you.

The last bit is the final straw and Evan visibly twitches at the final comment.

Evan Envi: You had just as much part in trying to drive me out as the rest of them did. Don’t try to make yourself out to be some noble hero, or even worse-- a bystander-- when YOOOUUU tried to deprive the world of Camp Envi for months! And YOOOUUUU didn’t do anything to stop the Black Hand! And YOOOUUUUUU didn’t have any problem reminding me that I was out of Action Packed Wrestling when everything went to heck!

Spencer Burke glances curiously over at Envi. Envi narrows his eyes, glancing back at Burke for a moment.

Evan Envi: TO HECK!

Spencer Burke: ...yeah, just making sure.

Envi and Burke simultaneously turn their attention back toward Madison.

Evan Envi: You were just as bad as the rest of them, Madison. In fact… you were the worst one. Because you had the most power as far as I’m concerned. Maybe Knox and whoever thought different. But not me. You were Big Guns in the Black Hand and you used that power for evil. Totally the opposite of what I would’ve done.

Madison smirks as Envi frantically tries to paint a horrid picture of him.

Chris Madison: Right, cause you’re a saint. I did a lot of things that I’m not proud of over the years. The Black Hand was my way of forcing APW to take a look at a talent that may not have gotten the opportunities otherwise. But you’re failure in APW was your own doing. You had one foot out the door. Your bags were packed and SCW was waiting with open arms. Could you have beaten Knox that night? Probably if you’re head was in the game. You were too concerned with everyone else around you. You lost sight of what mattered; Lady Overdrive as you used to call it. And you handed Tommy Knox that championship!

Spencer Burke turns towards Evan Envi and watches his frustrations grow rapidly.

Chris Madison: Maybe tonight I make that little made up fantasy of yours a reality and deprive FGA of Camp Envi. It’d be a shame with your guaranteed Pride Championship match looming.

There is considerable buzz from the audience as Madison says it. Envi shakes his head, face red. He pushes Spencer’s arm out of the way as Spencer tries to move the mic toward his face. Evan’s jaw tightens as if he’s about to cry. He shakes his head.

Evan Envi: I swear to God, Chris. I’m gonna make you regret you ever came back here.

He takes a step back, glaring first at Spencer, then Morrison, then finally Chris Madison. He looks like he wants to say something else, but instead pivots, storming out of frame-- and out of his own locker room.

Frankie Morrison: Look what you did Chris. You’ve made the poor guy upset.

Chris Madison: Was it something I said?

Madison chuckles before nodding his head at Spencer Burke and walking off frame as the feed cuts out.

[FGA Office]

FLASHBACK
October 15, 2016

Cartier picks up Zellor and goes for an irish whip. But Zellor reverses, sending Cartier into the ropes. When Cartier returns, she knocks Zellor down with a leaping calf kick. Zellor gets back up, but Cartier knocks her back down with another leaping calf kick. After Zellor gets back up, Cartier connects with a leg-feed enzuigiri. After Zellor drops to her knees, Cartier heads into the ropes. When she returns, she brings Zellor down with a somersault cutter. After standing Zellor back up onto her knees, Cartier blasts her with a buzzsaw kick.

Cartier calls for The New Hampshire Handshake.

Kris Cruise: We could be on the verge of having a new champion!

Cartier picks up Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor returns, Cartier throws out The New Hampshire Handshake. But Zellor ducks. Once Cartier lands on her feet, Zellor quickly rolls her up from behind with an O’Connor Roll.

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

Cartier kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Zellor connects with  540 Kick.

Stephy Auger: Sparkle Princess Special!

While Cartier is down, Zellor heads out onto the apron and signals that it’s over.

Kris Cruise: What’s she going for here?

The crowd boos as Zellor climbs up towards the top turnbuckle. She then raises her arms in the air before flipping off and going for the Ode to TJ. But Cartier gets her knees up.

Stephy Auger: Oh no!

The crowd cheers as Zellor crashes down back-first across Cartier’s knees. After Zellor gets up and turns around, Cartier doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. Cartier hooks both of Zellor’s arms, spins and slams her down with the Hijack Kevorkian. She then turns Zellor over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“Phenomena” blasts over the PA to cheers from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, and now the NEEEEEWWWW … FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, SALEM CARTIER!

After Cartier gets back to her feet, the ref hands her the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. Cartier clutches the champion close to her chest as she falls to her knees. She then raises the championship over her head while the crowd continues to cheer.

Kris Cruise: Salem’s done! She’s finally done it! Salem Cartier has won the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship! Salem Cartier was screwed out of the championship back at Canadian Stampede! She was screwed over in the championship back at First Wave! But now, finally, Salem Cartier can finally call that championship hers! It’s the Season of the Witch, Stephy! Congratulations to Salem!

Stephy Auger: …

Cartier makes her way up the aisle and slaps hands with the fans along the way before turning back towards the entrance and raising the championship over her head.

[FGA Office]

Salem Cartier vs. Savannah Taylor

There was silence; the lights began to fade away slowly. A soft instrumental echoes out across the audience. It starts slowly, a beautiful sound that contrasts the heaviness of the world. Like feathers, it glides among the waiting audience. The lighting fixtures produce a gentle spotlight upon the stage, offset by the occasional flash here and there. As the song continues, a woman’s words begin to come through. Her voice is tender, not raising upon a whisper.

Deceived by my eyes and all I was told I should see
Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be
One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew
And in the darkness I saw, a voice say, I'm you.

On the stage, a feminine figure appears. Her head lowered to everything. People cannot make out who it is. As she stands there, the flashes briefly illuminate her figure. It only gives small clues on who stands at the gate. She stands in the spotlight, her shadow cast large and proudly among the stage.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 120 pounds … SAVANNAH TAYLOR!

Inside me a light was turned on…

The instrumental picks up again. An electric guitar now joins the progressively exciting instrumentals of before. The singer’s voice suddenly intensifies.

Then I was alive!

In the light, it is revealed that it was Savannah Taylor. She stands at the gate, a robe of obsidian and ivory hues. The hood of it shadows her eyes, but the intensity of the final EXODUS World Champion remains clear as day. She starts off down the ramp, with a serious aura radiating from her body.

If you close your eyes your life,
A naked truth revealed
Dreams you never lived,
And scars never healed

Savannah makes her way up the ring steps. She looks out towards the audience for a moment before entering the ring. From there, she heads for a turnbuckle. She stands there, taking in everything. She then lifts her up on top of it. She peers out in nothing, then takes off the hood with a flashy flourish. Her blonde locks fly up in the air. They descend, shaping her face as they famously do.

In the darkness, light will take you to the other side
You'll find me waiting there you'll see, if you just close your eyes

While she stands in her corner, she closes her eyes and takes a heavy breath. When her bright eyes open, Taylor is completely composed. There is nothing more than the heat of battle awaiting her. She takes off her robe, giving it to a stagehand. She stretches her wrists before devoting her mind to the war upon the horizon.

Kris Cruise: Savannah will be looking to rebound after that loss to Izzy Anders two weeks ago, but she’s got a tough task ahead of her here.

Stephy Auger: Tough task? This is Savannah Taylor we’re talking about, Cruise. The woman beat Magnus Gunner, the man who’d been terrorizing her for months. A little set back like two weeks ago won’t stop Savannah from proving why she’s the next Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion.

"I'll get you my pretty... and your little dog too!"

"There's no place like home!"

The funky drum beat and riff of 'Phenomena' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs fills the arena and the quirky yet energetic Salem Cartier appears at the entrance wearing a hooded dark purple leather tailcoat with huge silver buttons, the hood pulled over her eyes. She carries a silver cane, the top a silver claw gripping a dark purple crystal that has a plasma globe effect. She's tapping her foot and bopping her head to the beat...

She raises both hands and motions for the fans to get hyped, swinging the cane, then bops her way toward the ring in time with the song, popping her shoulders up and down, swaying her arms around with a coy smile and wink to the audience.

"Hey! Don't touch, kid; sleep with the lights on

Touch, kid; how you surprise me

Now roll kid, rock your body off!"

She steps up the ring steps, throws her hood back, clutches the top rope and puts her feet on the bottom rope, gazing around and rocking up and down on the ropes...

"You're something like a phenomena

Something like an astronoma'

Now roll kid, rock your body off!"

She slides through the ropes, twirls off her jacket with a flourish and drops to a knee in the center of the ring, extending her arms out holding up the cane and playing to the crowd as the music fades. She takes the jacket and cane to the corner, ready for the match.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent! Currently residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 130 pounds... "Something Like a Phenomena"... Salem Cartier!!!

Kris Cruise: There she is, Stephy, the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion. She managed to beat Annie Zellor for the belt last month at Retribution, but Salem didn’t fare all that well in the Lethal Lottery two weeks ago.

Stephy Auger: She’ll probably blame it on her tag partner. It’s always somebody’s else’s fault when it comes to Salem’s failings. I’m sure after Savannah beats her tonight she’ll probably blame the officiating again. At least this time they haven’t got a Yankees fan as the referee.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring for a few moments. As they come together to lock up collar and elbow, Salem manages to gain the upper hand with a standing wristlock. She wrenches the arm once for good measure as Savannah writhes in pain, before Taylor performs a forward roll to counter with an arm wrench that flips The Witch and brings her crashing to the mat. Savannah follows up with a leg drop to the arm before she rolls Salem over, and applies a hammerlock while the Legacy champion is face down on the mat.

The Atlantic City fans are rallying behind Salem, but it doesn’t seem to effect the focus of Savannah Taylor in the slightest. Cartier manages to wrangle her way out of the hammerlock, however, battling back to her feet where she fires off some back elbows to the face, before she reverses the hold into a hammerlock of her own.

Kris Cruise: Both women know each other very well inside that ring, and they’re very evenly matched. This should be an exciting contest.

Stephy Auger: Any match involving Savannah Taylor is an exciting contest, Cruise. Don’t be so patronising.

But Savannah manages to counter the hammerlock with a snapmare, bringing Salem down to a seated position before she delivers a soccer kick to the spine. A flipping neckbreaker follows; Salem falls to the mat clutching her neck as Savannah gets back up, performing a standing moonsault for the early cover.

ONE!
.
.
Salem kicks out.

Undeterred, Savannah brings her opponent back to a seated position, whereupon she applies a rear chinlock. The crowd begin to boo as Savannah cinches the hold tighter, but they turn to cheers as Salem inevitably begins to fight back. She gets to her knees as she fires off some elbows to the midsection, weakening Savannah’s grip. Cartier goes to run against the ropes – but Savannah grabs hold of her hair and slams her to the mat!

Kris Cruise: That just seems unnecessary.

The referee admonishes her, but Savannah Taylor ignores him and continues stomping at her prone opponent. Taylor drags her opponent back to her feet and whips The Witch towards the corner before charging in after her, only for Salem to raise the boot! It catches Savannah flush against the jaw, causing her to spin on the spot as Salem dives around the front to hit a rolling snapmare! She follows it up with a kick to the spine, just like her opponent did moments ago, and Savannah howls in pain this time. But Salem isn’t done that easily. She hits the ropes for momentum, coming back with a basement dropkick to the face before covering.

ONE!
.
.
Savannah kicks out!

Savannah scurries to get back to her feet after the quick kickout, but she finds herself against the ropes as Salem charges in with a Cactus clothesline. Both competitors go tumbling over the top, crashing to the floor outside as the cameraman scrambles to avoid getting hit. Cartier is on her feet first as she brings Savannah up with her, slamming the blonde’s head into the ring apron.

Savannah staggers away, but Salem follows her, throwing her back into the steel guard rail. Taylor remains there, arms spread wide, as Salem chops at the chest. The fans “whoo” along at ringside as Salem unloads a barrage of knife edge chops, before eventually rolling Savannah back into the ring. The Siren kneels there for a moment, clutching her chest as she watches Salem climb the ringsteps to get back up onto the apron – and Savannah lunges forward, catching the Legacy champion in the gut with a shoulder thrust.

Stephy Auger: Savannah cutting off her opponent’s momentum there. Genius.

And with a yank of the top rope, Savannah brings her opponent crashing back into the ring. She lands back first, and Savannah wills herself to springboard off the ropes for an asai moonsault! A hook of the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: She took a bit of punishment on the outside, but Savannah Taylor was able to find a way back into this match right there. And now she’s in full control again.

Stephy Auger: That’s why she’s going to be the one to take Salem’s Mid-Atlantic Legacy title from her, Cruise.

Savannah takes a moment to catch her breath before bringing Salem back to her feet. An atomic drop follows, causing Salem to stagger around holding her backside; this allows Savannah the opening to hit the ropes for a running hip strike. No cover, though. Instead she brings Salem back to her feet and pushes the Legacy champion back into a corner. A few chops to the chest connect before Taylor Irish whips her opponent from pillar to post. Salem hits the far turnbuckle with force and slumps to a seated position, as Savannah runs in with a hesitation dropkick! She drags Salem away from the corner and covers.

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

Savannah throws her shoulder down and covers again, driving a forearm down across the face.

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

Kris Cruise: She might need to control that temper, though. One mistake may be all it takes for Salem to find a way back into this one.

Stephy Auger: Don’t jinx it.

Taylor stands back up and paces around the ring, occasionally stomping at Salem as she remains down on the mat. The fans are beginning to rally behind The Witch again, causing Taylor to scowl, but she continues stomping. Eventually she brings Salem back to her feet and applies a front facelock. But the DDT attempt is countered as Salem takes the legs out from under The Siren! She performs a slingshot, sending Savannah towards the corner, but Taylor manages to land on the middle rope. She leaps off with a corkscrew crossbody – NO! Salem plucks her out of the air with a dropkick!

Kris Cruise: Just like that!

Taylor hits the mat hard, holding her midsection as Salem remains down for a moment. She begins to roll towards the ropes, using them to lift herself up. She staggers across to where Savannah is just getting up, and The Witch catches her with a shinbreaker into a leg hook saito suplex! Savannah gets folded up like an accordion, rolling backwards and through into a kneeling position as Salem forces herself back up; she runs against the ropes for momentum, coming back with a somersault cutter! And the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Savannah kicks out!

Both wrestlers remain down for a moment as Salem wonders how Savannah kicked out of that one. But she doesn’t ponder for long, before rolling towards the ropes . Savannah is already beginning to stir in the center of the ring. Salem runs against the ropes again, coming back as she manages to avoid Savannah’s clothesline attempt. The Witch keeps on running, rebounding off the ropes with a handspring back elbow!

Stephy Auger: Salem building up a head of steam here, Cruise. What do you think she’s got planned?

Kris Cruise: I think it’s only a matter of time before we see the New Hampshire Handshake here. Salem will be looking to put this match to rest soon.

Cartier brings her opponent back to her feet once more, before sending her towards the corner with an Irish whip. Salem goes to follow her in with a cartwheel hip attack, but Savannah dodges the attack! Salem hits the turnbuckle back first as Savannah stumbles away towards the center of the ring. The miss didn’t seem to affect Cartier too much, though, as she charges out of the corner with a lariat – NO! Savannah ducks under that as runs against the ropes herself, coming back with a yakuza kick – NO! Salem catches the boot, but can do little to stop the enziguiri!

The Witch drops to her knees as Savannah forces herself back to her vertical base, bringing Salem with her before hitting the Blonde Ambition! Cartier’s face bounces off the mat as Savannah rolls her over, hooking the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
THRE-NO!

At the last second, Salem manages to get the shoulder up and save this match. She looks almost angry as she sits up, but the referee assures Savannah it was only a two count. Undeterred, she stands back up, dragging Salem up by the hair. A knee strike to the midsection doubles Salem over as Savannah drapes a leg across the back of the neck…

Stephy Auger: The Gamble! That has to be it now!

Savannah covers with a lateral press after the corkscrew neckbreaker.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
THRE-NOOOO!

The crowd cheer loudly as Salem throws the shoulder up again. But Savannah can’t quite believe it. Taylor stands back up as the referee is adamant it was only a two count. But that doesn’t seem to cut it for Taylor; her ego doesn’t want to let her believe Salem is kicking out of these moves, but the referee tells her he isn’t slow counting.

Kris Cruise: Savannah getting up in the face of the official here, and that might not be the wisest thing to do.

Stephy Auger: Look out behind you!

But it’s too late! Savannah turns around in time to see Salem diving at her with the New Hampshire Handshake! It connects, but not flush; Savannah staggers back against the ropes, rebounding off them into a boot to the midsection. A weary Salem hooks the arms and drives Savannah into the mat with Hijack Kevorkian! And finally, she hooks a leg.

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

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

Stephy Auger: No! She can’t – Salem stole the victory right from under the nose of Savannah Taylor there.

Kris Cruise: She let her emotions get the better of her, and Savannah paid the price for that tonight.

Salem rolls out of the ring, followed by the referee who raises her arm, before the Legacy champion celebrates on the outside.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The words 'Recorded Earlier' pop up in the lower right-hand corner of the video, the shot framed in on one of the entrances to Boardwalk Hall. FGA fans can be seen filing into the building, hanging out in groups and chatting--and, of course, some are hitting up the merch stands that are set up outside. It's not long before a face that is familiar to anyone that watched Portland Pro Wrestling (or saw Cougar Hunters) walks into the shot. Steven Kingsley's arms are loaded up with what might just be the entire contents of a snack vendor's cart. Glancing over his shoulder, he speak to whoever-it-is that's accompanying him.

Steven Kingsley: Remind me why you bought tickets again? I mean, just one phone call from yours truly and Dom would've ponied up the tickets, backstage passes--Hell, he probably would've snuck us some of those sweet sandwiches from catering!

A sigh precedes Kingsley's companion walking into the shot. While he's gone full-bore calorie binge, the blond he's with just has a large cup of soda in one hand and a bag of peanuts shoved into the kangaroo pouch of her hooded sweatshirt. When she stops next to him, it becomes clear just who has joined Steven... and that trademark redneck twang gives it away.

Erin Gordon: I'm sure he woulda', but I ain't about to impose... not when buyin' a ticket and bein' in the crowd is the truest look I can get at what I'm walkin' into.

The newest signing to FGA takes a sip from her drink before a smirk faintly toys at her lips.

Erin Gordon: 'Sides, the moment I woulda' let you and Dom start jawin' at each other... y'ins woulda' never shut up.

An overdramatic gasp leaves Steven's lips, the motion enough to cause him to fumble those goodies in his grasp for a moment.

Steven Kingsley: That's not true! I tota--

The look that the Oncoming Storm gives him is enough for him to give it up.

Steven Kingsley: Okay fine, you're probably right. But FGA's not like the rinkydink place you were before, VAW or whatever. They're not gonna go bankrupt because you let a buddy comp you for tickets.

Erin Gordon: Yeah, I know. I just...

Something darkens in Erin's eyes as they go faraway for a moment, distant--but a shake of her head brings her back, though that darkness lingers.

Erin Gordon: I know that this is different'n VoW. I know this ain't  SCW, either. I'm walkin' into somethin' bigger'n badder than anywhere I've ever been. I don't want to be beholden to anyone, y'know? Or give anyone reason to talk down to me or accuse me of havin' an unfair advantage just 'cuz I know someone--

Steven Kingsley: Hey, hey...

Sidestepping closer to Erin, Steven leans himself against her shoulder, rubbing up against her almost like a cat since he can't exactly use his arms at the moment.

Steven Kingsley: None of that. We both know that you can punch the Bejesus out of anyone that steps into the ring with you. It's just a matter of letting management lines'em up so you can knocks'em down over and over again. Just, uh...

Kingsley leans in close and drops his voice to a low murmur.

Steven Kingsley: ...just don't punch Dom in the face too hard, okay? He can't be in Cougar Hunters Two if his face is all jacked up.

Unable to help the chuckle that leaves her, Erin shakes her head.

Erin Gordon: Don't get ahead of me, now. I'm a ways away from that kind of match. If that day does come, though... I ain't makin' no promises.

Erin leans up and kisses Steven on the cheek but, before he can reply, a pre-teen boy rushes into the shot. His arms are piled just as high as Steven's, if not moreso... an impressive feat, considering his diminutive size. Eyes the same color as Erin's roll as he sighs, his voice that perfect level of unimpressed that belongs solely to his age group.

Benson Gordon: Can you not, Mom? We need to get to our seats soon.

Erin nods, that faint smile growing into a grin that's crooked with amusement.

Erin Gordon: Fine, fine. C'mon, boys.

The Oncoming Storm leads the way, walking out of the shot. Benson is right on her heels, though he pauses long enough to poke his tongue out at Steven. Glaring after the boy for a moment, Steven can't help but mumble under his breath.

Steven Kingsley: ...little shit anyway.

Unaware of the parallel between himself and his girlfriend's son, he hustles out of the shot after them--a few candy bars shaking their way loose to land on the ground behind him as he does. The camera cuts to...

[FGA Office]

FLASHBACK
June 25, 2016

Page climbs back up onto the apron and steps back into the ring. He stalks Chandler while Chandler slowly turns over on all fours. Page reaches down and pulls Chandler back to his feet. He spins Chandler around and goes for the Concussion using the barbed wire-wrapped elbow. But Chandler ducks. When Page turns around, the crowd cheers after Chandler scoops him up across his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry neckbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Chandler with the counter! He’s got Page down! But for how long?

Chandler slowly rolls to the outside, picks up two steel chair and tosses them into the ring. After rolling back in, he heads over to Page, picks him up and whips him into the corner. Chandler charges into the corner and nearly takes his head off with a running European Uppercut. He then takes Page and whips him hard into the corner with the exposed turnbuckles. Chandler runs across the ring, jumps and connects with a flying corner elbow smash with the chain-wrapped arm. After hoisting Page up on the top turnbuckle, Chandler takes the chairs, opens them up and presses the edges of the seats together so that the chairs are facing each other. He then grabs a hold of Page and walks around the chairs. The crowd cheers as Chandler delivers a rope-hung cutter through the chairs.

Kris Cruise: Mass Spike through the chairs! Chandler just drove Page through the chairs with the Mass Spike.

Chandler grabs Page by the hair and drags him from out of the corner and towards the center of the ring. He then grabs Page from behind, turns him around and nails him with a wrist lock transitioned into a short-arm elbow smash.

Kris Cruise: The Concussion!

Stephy Auger: He just nailed Page with his own move!

Without letting go, Chandler pulls Page back up to his feet and knocks him down with another short-arm elbow smash to the face.

Kris Cruise: There’s another Concussion!

Without letting go, Chandler slowly pulls Page back to his feet. After a knee doubles Page over, Chandler hooks his arm, lifts him up and plants him with the DNA Driver. The crowd explodes with cheers as he turns Page over and makes the cover.

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

“Evil Ways (Justice Mix)” blasts over the PA as the crowd erupts with cheers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, CHANDLER SCOTT!

After Chandler rolls off of Page, the ref kneels down and raises his arm in the air. Chandler continues to lay on the canvas as he tries to catch his breath.

Kris Cruise: We just saw a war in and outside of the ring. Chandler can’t even stand right now.

Stephy Auger: Chandler Scott just went to hell and back in this match against Jimmy Page. Page beat the tar out of him for large portion of this match. But Chandler was able to overcome it all and get his hand raised as the winner.

[FGA Office]

(Standing in front of the FGA backdrop is Spencer Burke.)

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, Chandler Scott.

(Chandler Scott makes his way into the picture to a loud ovation from the viewing crowd. He smiles as he can hear the fans even from backstage in the interview area.)

Spencer Burke: Chandler, tonight you finally meet Chris Strike in the ring one on one. But first, I'd like to get your thoughts on what's happening later tonight. Tony Carmine, Annie Zellor, Cordy Stevenson and Izzy Anders will fight it out in the semifinals and finals of the Wildcard Lottery to become the new FGA World Champion. What are your thoughts?

Chandler Scott: What are my thoughts? You mean my thoughts on not even being included in the tournament? Or my thoughts on having to sit back and what four people, four people that I've already beaten, wrestle for the championship? Well, I'm not gonna lie. It sucks. But that's the breaks, right? I will say this though. I'm not gonna bitch and moan like some people. I'm not gonna go out there and make my presence felt. I'm not gonna dig inside the closet, pull out an old title belt and try to talk my way into a title match. I'm gonna sit back and let these four do what they do best.

Spencer Burke: Out of the four semifinalists, is there anyone you're rooting for?

Chandler Scott: To be honest, it doesn't matter. If Tony wins, I'm not gonna go "hey Tony, how about giving a title shot to your old Frat brother?" If Annie wins, I'm not gonna go, "hey, remember when I used to always call you an ugly little #derpface troll? Sike, just kidding! How about that title shot?" If Cordy wins, I'm not gonna go, "hey, remember when I stopped you from winning the World Title at every turn? How about giving your boy a shot for old times sake?" And if Izzy wins, I'm not gonna go, "hey girl, have I ever told you how good you've been looking since returning? Say, how about a title shot?" I don't have a particular preference. Whoever wins, just know that my goals haven't changed. I will be back in the World Title picture. It may take a few weeks. It might take a few months. Who knows, it might take a few years, Burke. But I'll earn that next shot, just like I earned the last one. Whoever wins, they'll have 

But we're not here to talk about hypothetical matches that may or may not happen down the road. We're here to talk about tonight, when I'll be going into that ring later on and fighting Chris Strike. Strike thinks he's something special because he's stepping back into an FGA ring and getting my face. But he's not. If you were to ask anyone else, they would've told you that this match should've already happened. For all the times that Strike kept my name in his mouth, you would think that he would've done something by now. But I guess he had to spend the last 12 months psyching himself up. He spent all this time having his inner circle talk him into thinking he had a chance. But now that they've put the battery in his back, he's strutting around here acting like he's the cock of the walk. Well if there's one thing I love, Burke, it's letting people know their place. And Chris Strike will now his place tonight. And that's beneath me.

Strike, I recognize the history. I recognize your legacy. I recognize your contributions to this industry. I even recognize the fact that you've probably forgotten more things about this sport than I'll ever know. But Strike, you will always, always remember the night that Chandler Scott beat the breaks off of you.

Now do me a favor and try to keep up.