AfterBurn for Vertigo E24

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on AfterBurn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on AxxessNet!

[Chandler Scott]

The feed shifts backstage, where we see FGA reporter Jessie Pederson standing by in front of the green and black Vertigo backdrop.

Jessie Pederson: With me right now is Chandler Scott and Chandler, congratulations on defeating Chris Strike two weeks ago! It was a Dream Match that we thought would never happen. But two weeks ago, that epic encountered happened at our Five Year Anniversary Show! It was truly something special!

Chandler Scott walks into the picture with a confident smirk on his face. He continues to gaze off into the distance before turning his attention to Jessie.

Chandler Scott: It was special, wasn't it? But then again, every time I step into the ring it's something special, Jess. Every time I step into that ring, I put on a show for the people and give it 110 percent. And that's exactly what I did two weeks ago when I came onto your TV screens and did exactly what I said I was going to do: walk out victorious. Now there were some of you that might have been foolish enough to think that 'ol boy was going to put the fear of God in my heart. There were a couple of you that thought what's-his-face would've intimidated me. There were even a handful of you who were misguided enough to think that he could walk into this company, into the house that I helped build, and best me in that ring after disrespecting us. But at the end of the night, what happened Jess?

Jessie Pederson: Let me guess. Every head bowed and every tongue confessed that Chandler reigned supreme?

Chandler nods.

Chandler Scott: Boy, you catch on quick. No wonder the FGA brass scooped you up. I'm sure the good looks didn't hurt, either.

Chandler smirks as Jessie can be seen blushing.

Chandler Scott: But we're not going to talk about what's-his-face anymore. We're not even going to give him the privilege of mentioning his name on our valuable programming. This company has done him the favor of mentioning his name and plastering his mug on our posters enough over the past few months. Let him go run off and find another place that he can go get his ass handed to him in. We're done talking about him.

Instead, let's talk about our World Champion, who apparently has gone mute. Who knew?

After all the trials and tribulations, finally Cordy Stevenson won the World Championship. You would think she'd be over the moon. You'd think she'd be head over heels, if you will. Instead, what do we get? Zilch. Nada. The only thing we got was a cameo appearance. But I think I know what's going on here. If Cordy took the mic tonight, after she got the acceptance speech out of the way, she would have had to address the elephant in the room: who is the number one contender to her championship. Now we've heard Dom Harter run his mouth about going for a third reign as World Champion after he captures "his" Grand Slam. We've heard Cannon run his mouth ad nauseam about not getting his "rightful" rematch. We've got Izzy going on about "burning" FGA to the ground and going through Cordy if need be. There are a couple of other people who are jostling for position. But then there's yours truly. The man that didn't have the luxury of getting inserted into the Wildcard Lottery. The man who had to sit on the sidelines and watch 16 people fight over a championship that he used to hold. The man that - and this is the important part, Jess - has Cordy Stevenson's number.

Now Cordy, things between you and I are much different than they were last year. The relationship between you and I is more amicable than adversarial. Hell, at this point in time, I'd call you a friend and a person who's council I hold in high regard. But be that as it may, just know this. I'm not here begging or pleading for anything. I'll earn everything I get. But just know that you've got a bunch of targets on your back. But the biggest one of all? It's from me. I will be watching the moves you make in the coming weeks. If you'd rather play third wheel in the Karma and Harter Escapades instead of being front and center, so be it. But just know that our paths will cross again at some point. When you're as talented as the two of us are, it's bound to happen. It's too big of a match not to make. But when that match does happen, Cor'? Just know that the outcome will be the same as it was before. And if your memory is a little foggy, all you need to do is replay the tapes from last year and get familiar.

Now Jess, let me change the subject from the World Champion... to her so-called tag partner, Dan Herrera. Now Dan, this is what, the third big match in the row that you've lost? I'll give you credit. No matter how many times life sets you back, you keep that shiny head of yours up and move forward. Perseverance. Heart. You've got it in spades. Record-wise, this has been a banner year for you. But at the end of the day, you're not the one making the headlines. That would be your partner. You're not the one that's getting all the attention. That would be your partner. You're not the one making history. That, again, would be your partner. Which leaves you out in the cold. Especially for Final Frontier.

As far as I know, when it comes to Final Frontier, my dance card is pretty open. And last I checked, Dan, you fancied yourself as one hell of a dancer. So what do you say, Dan? How about you and I get together and do the tango, one more time? What do you say, Herrera? You and me, for old times sake? Think about. If there's one person on this roster who'd you rather choke more than Anthony Rother... if there's one person on this roster you'd love to punch in the face more than Ruby Tyler, it's yours truly. Consider this me giving you the opportunity to do so. In the not too distance past, you referred to be as a "deplorable human being".

Chandler turns to Jess.

Chandler Scott: And it hurt my feelings so much.

Jess gives him an "awwww" expression while he slowly nods. Chandler turns back to the camera.

Chandler Scott: Well, I'm giving you the chance to man up and say it to my face. But choose your words wisely, Herrera. The last time someone said something stupid to my face, they wound up unconscious. The choice is yours, Herrera. Don't worry about Cordy Stevenson. When she needs her ring gear brought to the cleaners, when she needs someone to schedule her flights, when she needs someone to wet a napkin and wipe off the corners of her mouth for her, then I'm sure she'll request your presence. So there's no need for you to hide behind your partner and "tag team obligations." I'm giving you an opportunity.

Will you take it? Or will you run from it?

[El Dragón]

Bruised and battered, Julian Tijerina walks through the backstage area, one arm around his waist, a hand on one side of his body. He shakes his head, not as a sign of disappointment or defeat but more of a way to check if his jaw is still attached to his face. The disappointment had arrived much later, seconds after the end of the match when he realized he had just lost his debut. He remembers looking up at the ceiling, dazed and confused. It was not how he wanted things to unfold, but he agrees that on that night, The Oncoming Storm was just too much for him to overcome.

From out of nowhere, Maria runs up to him and immediately gives him a hug. Julian hugs her back and whispers assurances to her. The Spanish Spitfire burrows her head in his shoulder. No tears are shed, only sweat and fear. Spencer Burke takes that exact moment to make his presence felt with a microphone.

Spencer Burke: Julian? Can we have a moment of your time?

Maria quickly takes her place between the interviewer and the interviewee. She asserts herself despite her features lacking any power to do so.

Maria: Lo siento pero Julian no va a hacer una entrevista en este momento. He needs to recuperate, so no questions right now.

Julian puts a hand on Maria's shoulder, the simple gesture easily read by his defensive lady friend. They have been together for so long, words no longer dominate any communication between them. Sometimes, a mere nod or a half-smile can already get things done. Despite that, however, Maria hesitates. She takes a moment to read the smile on Julian's lips, her eyes searching for hidden clues in his own pair. Maria wants more reassurance that he's okay, more than a hand on her shoulder, more than his patented smile, a selfish thing, she understands, but she really just wants him to feel much better, genuinely better. A loss is still a loss, and Julian is a guerrero, a warrior. Guys like him don't always take losses easily.

Julian Tijerina: It is okay, Maria. Me siento mucho mejor ahora. No tienes que preocuparte. I can answer a few questions.

Maria sighs, still a bit unsure. She doesn't want to leave him per se, not at that moment, but she knows deep down she has to. Julian can take care of himself. Sometimes, she just wants to do that for him. Sometimes, she just wishes he'd let her do that for him. She nods once and takes her leave, taking her place outside of the camera's frame but keeping herself close to Julian just in case he'd need her. Julian smiles at her as she walks away. He turns to Spencer with a wider smile.

Julian Tijerina: So this is my first interview here in FGA? I was hoping it'd be under different results, but right now, I just hope I don't look too terrible for the fans.

Julian chuckles, spreading both arms away from his body. Spencer flashes him a smile of his own, cordial, friendly.

Spencer Burke: You look fine, Mr. Tijerina. This won't take long. I just wanted to ask you how you're doing and what's next for The Spanish Sweetheart in FGA?

Julian nods his head while still sporting a smile. He has both hands on his hips but he takes one to scratch his nose. He looks Spencer in the eye, still smiling, Spencer who mispronounced both his first name and his last name.

Julian Tijerina: Tonight is not the end for me, Spencer. You haven't, and will not, see the last of me. Sure, I lost my debut match, props to Erin Gordon, but if you saw that match between her and me earlier tonight, you'd see that we both tried our best in that ring. We laid everything on the line. We were both debuting, we were both hungry, and we were both committed to creating a masterpiece in that very ring.

With both hands on his hips, Julian sighs loudly, bowing his head. From a distance, Maria can't help but feel for her champion. He surprises her, and Spencer Burke, by bouncing back immediately, a positive attitude replacing the defeatist facade in a matter of seconds.

Julian Tijerina: We accomplished all that and more. This business, when it comes to what happens in that ring, it's like a dance. Two, sometimes more, people coming together to bask in the graces of art and life itself. Only one can come out the victor in the end, however, and tonight, The Oncoming Storm had a more beautiful end. Does that sadden me? Yes. Of course, it does. But what doesn't kill you only make you stronger, and I will rise from the ashes of this defeat stronger, faster, better.

Julian turns to Maria, a simple gaze beckoning her to walk towards him, which she does so. She takes her place beside him, and he puts an arm around her. Spencer appears smitten at the sight of the redheaded beauty. Julian smirks at that realization and so does Maria. They turn to each other, grinning. He unexpectedly kisses her but only for a split-second, breaking Spencer's trance. Julian turns to Spencer with a playful grin.

Julian Tijerina: The next time you see me in that ring? It will be...

Julian turns to Maria once more, their eyes sparkling as they lock in an intimate gaze.

Julian Tijerina: ...beautiful.

This time, Maria kisses Julian, a hand on the side of his face. She giggles and begins walking away from the interviewer, pulling Julian softly by the hand. Julian is lost in her beauty, his eyes only on Maria, as he follows her to wherever she wants to go. Spencer Burke is left standing in place, a bit confused and somewhat bewildered. He turns to the camera and it is clear he doesn't know what to do next. He instinctively shrugs and bows his head, shaking it in embarrassment.

[Noelle Smith]

---

Noelle Smith: It was so worth it, did you see the look on his face?

Noelle is seen walking rapidly as she exits her locker area, her bag slung over her shoulder as she talked on her phone.

Noelle Smith: You keep saying that, but I did try to talk to him, remember? I flew all the way out to Vegas and he blew me off. I'm kind of tired of having to repeat that Summerlyn. Okay? I am calm, in fact I'm in a great mood. 

She isn't paying attention to where she's going and nearly walks right into Spencer Burke making him spill a bit of his drink onto his shirt, and apologizes profusely.

Noelle Smith: Lemme call you back. I'm really sorry Spence I wasn't paying attention, you know how it is! That's going to stain isn't it? Don't worry I'll take care of it.

Spencer winces as he looks at the wet spot on his shirt and then up with a gleam in his eyes. 

Spencer Burke: Don't worry about that, just answer a few questions for me and we'll call it even.

For a second Noelle looks a little leery even as she puts her phone away, but nods.

Noelle Smith: Fair enough.

Spencer Burke: What are your thoughts about all the recent shake ups in FGA, the Tournament, the chaos that seems to be blossoming...

Noelle raises a hand to cut him off.

Noelle Smith: Blossoming is a poor choice of words, Spencer. There's no flowers without sunshine and rain, you know? Spreading? That fits. Did we ever expect to be right here, Spencer? All the signs could have been lit with neon and yet everything... maybe Izzy is right, and you have to burn something down to let the phoenix rise out of the ashes. It's something to think about. 

Spencer Burke: You have had some pretty strong words for Evan Envi before this match, and on Twitter in the past, so it's safe to say that you know the man. So can you tell us...

Noelle Smith: Oh my God Spencer seriously?

Noelle laughs, and shakes her head.

Noelle Smith: That's the most polite lead-in I've ever heard to 'tell us about your crazy ex'. But I tried to tell you all about this before, you know, back when he seemed so funny. Calling me Hoelle, a groupie, and it made people think he was just clowning. Facts are, everything you think you know about Evan is wrong. What he did to Molly tonight, that's not even close to what he's capable of. That said, I hope she gets up out of that hospital bed and beats his behind so bad he forgets what he showed up for. It's not like he hasn't earned that, with how hard he's been pushing her.

Noelle shakes her head, and resettles the strap of her bag on her shoulder.

Noelle Smith: He's dangerous. He's more dangerous than people want to think. But you know, don't believe me. I'm just a groupie. Maybe I am but Evan? But at least if that's the case I'm a fan of someone worth it, and that's why at the end of the day I can smile and let all that bitter go and let it flow back to the source. That tastes better than Chateaubriand, let me promise you that. 

Spencer Burke: Oh I get it, he's Vegan and... nevermind. What's next for you though? What with the coming close but just not quite...

Noelle Smith: Sealing the deal, is that what you were going to say? Well I'm saying this. I'm not discouraged, I'm not upset. I'm just going to keep working hard and it will pay off. Prime examples of this are everywhere if you just look. Have a good night Spencer. I'm going to go split a bottle of champagne with one of the best. Ciao.

She fingerwaves at Spencer and his camera before she swans right out of sight down the hall and around the corner.

[Deleted]

Backstage, Salem Cartier is seen standing with Spencer Burke. She isn’t dressed to wrestle, since her match got cancelled.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m standing here with FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Salem Cartier. Your match tonight was cancelled, much to the disappointment of the fans, but do you have anything to say to them?

Salem Cartier: I’m just really sorry for everyone that came out tonight to see me wrestle. From my understanding the show was running long or something. I did go out and sign a few autographs. And from what I’m hearing the match is still on for next Vertigo against Ruby Tyler. So check that out in a couple weeks’ time.

She held up her Mid-Atlantic Legacy title and gave it a look and a pat, holding it out to the camera.

Salem Cartier: I’m sorry I couldn’t show this off in the arena and proudly represent FGA as the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, even in a non-title match. You know, I heard Annie talking earlier about her options….

Spencer Burke: About whether or not she’d focus on your Mid-Atlantic Legacy title, or try to get a World title shot against Cordy Stevenson? Do you have any preference on her choice?

Salem just shook her head.

Salem Cartier: Whether it’s Cordy or whether it’s me, she’s in for a fight, don’t you know? Regarding me, I’m sure she wants a rematch. Well let me tell you, I’m not ducking any fight. Little Miss Annie can step right up because she’s not taking the belt away from me, no way whatsoever. I worked too hard to get it, and it’s not slipping from my grasp just yet.

Just then a stagehand walked up and handed a piece of paper to Spencer Burke, who reads it hastily.

Spencer Burke: Ah, Salem… it seems I’ve just been informed by the FGA brass that since you’re in the arena tonight, that some of the officials would like to inspect the belt and give it a detailed cleaning for you.

Salem looked at the belt and then back at Spencer.

Salem Cartier: Hmmm, well it does seem a little tarnished. Yeah, a good cleaning sounds nice, and since we’re all here, okay…

Spencer Burke: The note says there’s an official office around the corner at the end of this hall.

Salem claps Spencer on the back, thanking him before walking around the corner. The cameras follow her as she walks to the end of the hall to a door marked ‘FGA Official Business’ on it. She knocks on it and someone inside tells her to enter, and she steps inside. The door shuts and a shuffling skirmish can be heard almost immediately, things banging off the wall and items being thrown. Finally the dust settles, and all is quiet.

The doorway opens as the camera focuses on the waist down of the person who’s emerged; they have the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy title in their hands.

Another figure approaches down the corridor, walking with a spring in their step. They enter the scene from the side, to show that it’s the former Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion herself, Annie Zellor. With a smile on her face.

Annie Zellor: You really went through with it?

The camera pans across from Annie to the person holding the title. Standing there, with the belt in her hands and a smirk on her face, is none other than The Crimson Baroness.

The Crimson Baroness: I told you it’d work … dumb witch.

Annie Zellor: A cleaning though? Seriously?

Annie giggles as the belt is handed to her. The Baroness seems to linger in her grasp, holding on for a moment too long before Annie takes it and holds it up to her face.

Annie Zellor: It's just how I remember it…

She says before throwing the belt over one shoulder. The pair of them, known collectively as The Small Boob Wrecking Crew, walk away down the corridor with Salem’s title belt in their possession; the camera stays focused on the door for a few seconds longer, until it finally opens very slowly.

Salem Cartier: What…. the hell…. just happened?!?

The Witch asks as she crawls out of the room, holding her head in a daze. She glares around and slumps to the floor as the scene fades.

[Stephen]

The sound of the the crowd can be heard backstage as the night’s main event is underway. The Elysian Empire, having been left off of the card, have been forced to watch the show on the monitors in the back. Seemingly having seen enough, they have begun to gather their belongings. From out of nowhere, Spencer Burke walks up to the three siblings.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me, guys! May I have a word with you?

Elon Elysian scoffs. What could Spencer want from them? They hadn’t competed in a month. A month since they’d lost to The Usual Suspects. No, since they were cheated out of a win by Anthony Rother and The Usual Suspects. Had Spencer just come to embarrass them more? Effie pulls her younger brother to the side. Emery smiles at Spencer.

Emery Elysian: Just one sec, Spence.

Spencer Burker: Oh! Um, alright.

Effie Elysian (quietly): You need to stop acting like a child. This is all apart of the process, Elon.

Elon Elysian (quietly):...Fine…

The two youngest Elysians rejoin their brother. Effie nods at Emery.

Emery Elysian: Fire away!

Spencer Burke: Right. It’s been a month since we’ve seen The Elysian Empire compete in an FGA ring. You lost to The Usual Suspects. What’s been your mindset since then?

Emery Elysian: Well, Spence, Jason Marx and Chris Tryon are former FGA World Tag Team Champions. We expected them to bring their A-game, especially since they were coming off of a huge lost to Status Quo at Retribution. We knew there would be extra motivation on their part to regain some momentum. I’d like to say that we didn’t bring our best effort, but the truth is we did. They were the better team a month ago. So we’ve had to regroup and humble ourselves. We knew FGA was home to some of the best wrestlers on the planet, but we still underestimated just how good these guys were.

Elon Elysian: Yeah...And it didn’t hurt that Anthony Rother had to resort to faking a heart attack just to distract us. I mean, who does that?

Spencer Burke: Mmm. Some would say that you were screwed out of a picture perfect debut. Would you agree?

Elon Elysian: Absolutely! I had Tryon in the perfect position for an Elon Bomb and Rother just slithered his way onto the apron. I was concerned just like any decent person would be, but I didn’t know that we were facing indecent people. I mean, I’m not ignorant to the shady stuff they’ve been up to since they decided to crawl back out from whatever hole they came from, but…

Emery Elysian: But we didn’t think the Suspects would need to resort to such tactics against an team with no track record. If anything, it just shows that we’re capable of hanging with FGA’s best on any given day. We just need to keep our focus on the goal and prepare for the worst in people.

Spencer Burke: Speaking of preparation, what can we expect to see from The Elysian Empire in the coming weeks?

Effie Elysian: My brothers and I hope to close out the year strong, but that does take being booked on cards. As much as we like to speculate on future success we prefer to stay grounded, keeping our eyes on what’s in front of us right now. Right now, we are focused on being prepared for whenever FGA decides to give us another opportunity, and whoever it may be against. To put it simply, you can expect to see a more focused and driven Elysian Empire. We didn’t come here just to be entertainment for people. We came here to be the best and beat the best.

Spencer Burke: Thank you for your time.

The Elysians: No problem, Spence!

As the Elysian’s make their way towards the exit they can hear intense boos and jeers coming from the crowd. They stop and turn towards it, in doing so they see Spencer Burke running towards it.

Elon Elysian: Wonder what’s that all about?

Emery Elysian: It’s doesn’t concern us...Right now. Let’s go.

And so they turn and leave to the sound of boos and jeers echoing throughout the hallway.