Vertigo (01.07.17)

[FGA Office]

We return from commercial with a shot of the New Zealand crowd, all cheering in anticipation after the fantastic show they’ve beared witness to thus far. The cheers continue as “Shake It” by Metro Station suddenly blasts over the loudspeakers. Molly Reid walks out onto the stage, with her FGA Pride Championship belt draped over her shoulder, a huge smirk across her face.

Kris Cruise: Despite what Evan Envi wanted everyone to believe, Molly Reid is still your FGA Pride Champion. After defending her championship in a downright brutal match at Final Frontier, Molly said she’d be here to say a few words to the crowd.

Stephy Auger: Ugh, how can you just sit here and talk about her like that?! Molly Reid could’ve killed our Chief at Final Frontier! What she did to poor Evan was absolutely uncalled for and I for one don’t want to hear a word of what she has to say.

Molly walks down the ramp, her smirk never leaving her face as she high fives a couple of the fans along the way. She runs to the ring and slides under the bottom rope, hopping up in the middle of the ring and lifting her title belt high above her head, eliciting louder cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Well despite what she had to do to win, it appears this New Zealand crowd very much disagrees with you Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Fools, all of them.

Molly motions for the crowd to get louder, acting like she can’t hear them. They oblige as she grins again before throwing her belt back over her shoulder and motioning for a microphone from one of the ring hands. She grabs it and goes to speak for a moment, but stops and stands straight up, grinning again as the crowd continues to cheer. She shakes her head as she looks out at everyone.

Molly Reid: Oh man, thanks for that y’all. Feels good to be standing in this ring with this title still over my shoulder. It wasn’t easy but god damn it feels good! Feels good to finally stand in this ring and not have to look over my shoulder. To be able to walk around here and not worry about getting smashed in the back of the head. For me to be able to wrestle matches without having to constantly think about when the interference that we all know is coming actually comes.

Molly pauses for a moment, clearly thinking back to the past few months of her career where Evan Envi had seemingly made it his personal mission to screw with her every single chance he got.

Molly Reid: Four and a half months. Four and a half god damn months. That’s how long I had to deal with Evan Envi. That’s how long I had to constantly worry about anything and everything when I was here wrestling. It was infuriating. Winning the Pride Championship in spite of him meant a lot. But it wasn’t enough. He kept at it and it kept driving me more and more crazy. Think about your jobs. Imagine you had someone who was there every second of it, trying to distract you. Trying to ruin everything you were working for. Trying to destroy everything about you. That’s what I’ve been dealing with for MONTHS. I won’t lie. It got to me. It got to me enough that when I finally got to step into the ring one-on-one with him, at Retribution, he beat me. He earned his title opportunity. I’m not going to stand here and try to make some kind of excuse about it all. Whatever the reason was, he got the better of me and he earned himself that title shot.

Molly pauses again, collecting herself as she looks back up at the crowd.

Molly Reid: But he took it too far. Hitting me with the camera like he did, cowardly trying to take me out so he didn’t have to see me in that ring again, he crossed a line. He brought this all down to a level that I hadn’t been to in years. But god damn I know how to play at that level. I grew up on that level. Attacking me like he did was the biggest mistake Envi made. And I proved that when I knocked him hell out! Once again that idiot made things worse for himself by bringing those tacks into the match. So as far as I’m concerned, he got everything that he deserved. And I’m done with him. Envi got his chance and he got knocked out. He’s done, we’re done. I’m HIS Pride Champion, and I’m still YOUR Pride Champion!

The crowd cheers louder as Molly grins with that last statement. She smacks her belt a few times and waits for the cheering to slow down a little before speaking again.

Molly Reid: So now I’m moving on. I said it the moment I won the Pride title. I want to be the greatest Pride champion that FGA has ever seen. Better than Riley Owens, better than Carmine, better than anyone. I don’t give a damn if some people may not like me or may not respect me or whatever the hell they think. I’m here, I’m the champion, and I sure as hell am not going anywhere. So people can stay trashing me, they can stay knocking this company because they quit because they couldn’t hack it. But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m the FGA Pride Champion. And I think you’d all agree that FGA is doing just fine with me as champion, wouldn’t you?

A loud “Yes” chant breaks out for Molly as she smiles and nods her head.

Molly Reid: Good. Now comes the reason I really came out here. Now that I’m done with Envi, I need a new challenger. The committee has been pretty mum about whether or not they’ve even decided on one. But I thought, hey, what better way to find out than at the same time as all of you right? So come on, do y’all want to know who my next challenger is? I sure do!

The crowd breaks into yet another “Yes” chant as Molly eggs them on. She waves her hands up in the air while smacking her belt a few times as she stares at the top of the entrance ramp, waiting for something to happen. After a few moments of waiting, “War Machine” by Kiss begins to blare over the P.A. system, drawing the attention of the New Zealand audience to the entrance ramp. The unfamiliar music leaves the audience on their toes until finally, Frankie Morrison steps through the curtains with his client, Chris Madison flanked by his side. Sensing what’s to come, the crowd breaks into one more “Yes” chant.

Kris Cruise: You don’t think…

Stephy Auger: I hope not!

Frankie Morrison and Chris Madison slowly begin to stroll down the entranceway, closing in on the FGA Pride Champion. Madison’s calculating eyes are affixed to Molly as Frankie twirls a microphone in his hand.

Frankie Morrison: Molly we couldn’t help but overhear from the back that you wanted to know who your next challenger for the Pride Championship will be.

The pair continues to close the distance, finally making it to the base of the steps. Morrison climbs up first and steps between the ropes, entering the ring. Madison takes a slower approach, stopping on the ring apron for a moment before climbing in. Molly blades her body, instinctively suspicious as the two corner her in the ring.

Frankie Morrison: It’s alright Molly, we’re not here to stoop to Envi’s level.

Morrison waves his hand up and down in an attempt to reassure the FGA Pride Champion that her safety wasn’t in immediate danger.

Frankie Morrison: I think I can speak for just about everyone when I say that there may not be a person in this business on a tear quite like Molly Reid! At Final Frontier you were impressive while disposing of Evan Envi; making it perfectly clear that you are EVERYONE’S FGA Pride Champion. You also successfully represented FGA in the Young Guns Cup with a decisive victory in the first round of the tournament.

Morrison lowers the microphone for a moment and begins to clap his hands together.

Frankie Morrison: If there’s anyone who doubted your credibility as FGA Pride Champion, they’re busy eating crow as we speak! But seeing as we’re on the topic of upcoming challengers, please, allow me to make the case for my client, Chris Madison!

The crowd erupts at the thought of a Molly Reid versus Chris Madison Pride Championship match!

Frankie Morrison: At Final Frontier, the crowd was buzzing as they filtered out towards the parking lot. Who could blame them? It was one hell of a show! General consensus seemed to be that the Pride Rules match stole the show. But that Pride Rules match was the submission match between my client and Ryan LeCavalier! The two of them put on a technical exhibition to be proud of. They showcased their abilities, trading submission holds, escapes, and reversals, until finally, Ryan LeCavalier’s body gave up on her. Chris literally beat her into submission in a match that completely overshadowed the Pride Championship match that followed later on in the night. That’s not a knock at you Molly. We have nothing but respect for you. But Final Frontier was Chris Madison’s night; and to be honest, there shouldn’t even be a question of who deserves that next title shot!

Molly holds her hand up trying to motion for Frankie to stop. He pauses as Molly brings the microphone up to respond.

Molly Reid: Whoa now Frankie slow the boat there. Technical exhibition to be proud of? Sure, I’ll give you that. Great match? I won’t deny that. I think it was definitely a much better match than people expected it to be. But let’s not kid ourselves here. In no way did that match overshadow my win over Envi. You look back on Final Frontier now, next week, next month, next year, and what are people going to remember about it? Certainly not Chris Madison beating Ryan freaking LeCavalier in some submission match. They’re going to remember that Molly Reid defended her Pride Championship in a brutal match against a man that had done everything he possibly could to put her down for months leading up to it. They’ll remember me with one hand being raised by the referee and the other hand holding up the Pride Championship belt. Madison and LeCavalier, that was fun. But again, you were wrestling Ryan LeCavalier. That ringpost is more memorable than she is. Possibly a better wrestler too. Chris, you’re a great wrestler and I’ll never deny that. But don’t think that beating Ryan suddenly makes you top dog.

Morrison smirks as Molly pleads her case. He raises the microphone back up towards his lips and pauses for a moment.

Frankie Morrison: Your win over Evan Envi was great. It was a huge moral boost for you. There's no deny that he had been riding you for months. But he's no more accomplished here in FGA than Ryan LeCavalier is. That championship…

Morrison points to the belt that Molly is clutching against her chest.

Frankie Morrison: …it was created to showcase the best pure grapplers FGA has under contract. There was nothing about your fight with Evan Envi that was pure. I'm glad you were able to put him in his place; but that doesn't mean that the match you two put on was a showcase worthy of the Pride Championship. Ryan and Chris’s two out of three submissions match was exactly the kind of competition that the Pride Championship was created for. Next week, next month, next year, when people look back to see what was the catalyst for Chris Madison's run through FGA, they'll be able to pinpoint that match. When he's firing on all cylinders he's damn near unbeatable; FGA will get to see that sooner rather than later!

Molly puts her hand up to stop Frankie, which seems to catch him by surprise. He looks as though he may keep going, but ultimately waits to hear what Molly has to say.

Molly Reid: Look if you’ve got something to say then just say it. I came out here to celebrate my title defense and hang out with some of these awesome Kiwi’s and you’re just going on and on and I’m starting to lose interest.

Molly feigns a yawn and holds her hand up to her mouth before crossing her arms and staring straight ahead at Chris and Frankie, as if telling them to either leave or tell her why they’re there.

Frankie Morrison: It's simple Molly. We’re coming to you, straight up, out of respect. After fighting valiantly to defend that title you, are itching to find out who your new challenger will be. I say you should look no further! In fact, I know you should look no further. You may not be all that impressed by the Pride Rules Submission match but the committee sure as hell was. In the days following Final Frontier they reached out to me to inform us that Chris Madison is the number one contender for the FGA Pride Championship!

Morrison lowers the microphone and holds his arms outstretched, awaiting her response.

Molly Reid: Is that so? Well well well. That’s exciting. What do you think of that guys, do y’all approve?

Molly holds her microphone in the air as the crowd cheers loudly in approval of Chris Madison being named Molly’s new number one contender. Molly smirks as she looks around before turning her gaze back to Madison and Morrison.

Frankie Morrison: Sounds to me like the FGA fans approve! Evan Envi, now Chris Madison; if you really want to be known as one of the greatest FGA Pride Champions in history, the path you're taking is leading you there. You just have to find a way to keep winning.

Molly stops Frankie again, this time using her free hand to motion someone talking too much.

Molly Reid: Yap yap yap. I’ve heard enough from you Morrison. I want to hear from Chris now. If he’s gunning for my title, I want to talk to the man himself. Not his mouthpiece.

Chris smirks as Morrison reaches over and hands the microphone to him. Madison pauses for a moment as the live audience roars.

Chris Madison: My journey back to FGA has been fueled by my pride. A couple of years back when I first made a splash in FGA with Tommy Knox, we failed to make a lasting impression. We struggled to stay afloat in a very talented tag team division. That failure never sat well with me. I knew I had more to offer. FGA welcomed me back with open arms and has given me the opportunity to prove myself; to show these fans what Chris Madison is really about. I would have been perfectly content just rolling through whoever the committee saw fit to book against me. Never was I expecting title shots. But in this business you get rewarded for your work in this ring not for how well you handle this stick.

Madison hoists the microphone up into the air.

Chris Madison: People can take pot shots at Frankie for doing a majority of the talking. We've heard it all before. His mouth didn't earn this championship match that the committee wants to happen. The work I've put in since coming back has. I don't think you're foolish enough to get wrapped up by managers gift of gab. But I could be wrong… if that is the case, those aspirations of etching your name in Pride Championship lore will be nothing but wasted dreams and i’ll find myself atop another Pride division!

Molly Reid: I get it. He talks. You wrestle. I’ve seen it before and I’m sure I’ll see it again. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit here and talk back in forth with a guy that I won’t ever be seeing in the ring. I want to talk to you, man-to-woman. Champion against challenger. We’ve got weeks for me to talk to your manager while you get ready. But right now, in this moment, I wanted to talk to you. And I always get what I want, see?

Chris Madison: That mentality is going to make it harder to cope when the time comes and someone takes that championship from you. Don't get ahead of yourself and forget what you had to go through in order to earn that strap.

Molly Reid: Let me stop you right there. I’m standing right here. I’m not getting ahead of myself. I will never forget what I’ve gone through to get to where I am now. Everything that I’ve done to get here has been engrained in my memory forever. This strap right here, it’s on MY shoulder for a reason. If you want it, then you better be ready to dig as deep as you possibly can because I’m sure as hell not planning on giving this up any time soon. Not to you, not to anyone!

Chris Madison: And that's all I wanted to see out of you as champion!

Madison lowers the microphone and takes a step towards the champion. He extends his hand out and locks eyes with Molly, looking for a handshake. Molly looks around briefly, very unsure of everything. She then locks her gaze with Madison’s for a few moments, just staring at him. Eventually she reaches her hand and grabs it, shaking his hand in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheers. Morrison watches from behind his client and applauds the embrace between champion and challenger.

[FGA Office]

We cut to backstage where Spencer Burke is standing by with The Elysian Empire. Elon’s arms are folded tightly while Emery’s hands rests on his hips. Effie Elysian is barely visible in the background.

Spencer Burke: Gentlemen, later on tonight you take on The Usual Suspects for the third time in almost as many months, but this time for the opportunity to face Status Quo for their FGA World Tag Team Championships. With controversy marring both previous encounters, can we expect to see more outside influence affect the outcome of this one?

Elon Elysian: If you’re asking us whether or not we think Dom Harter is going to “help us” again, the answer is no. If you’re asking us whether or not we think Anthony Rother is going to try and worm his clients into a victory, then my answer is hell yes! He might have the internet fooled into believing that he’s turned over a new leaf, but I know that underneath that leaf is still the same conniving snake in the grass. He can’t fool me.

Emery Elysian:: It doesn’t matter either way, Spence. No one could have predicted Rother faking a heart attack just like no one could have predicted that Harter would interfere. Sure, now that it’s happened already, we can prepare for it, but that’s just not a high priority on the game plan. Call me old fashion, but I still believe the best way to the finish line is by running straight ahead. That means that our main focus is still on the two people that we can pin or submit: Jason Marx and Chris Tryon.

Spencer Burke: Elon, this is probably your biggest match to date. Just three months ago you were debuting here in FGA. How does it feel to be in this position, with your brother no less?

Elon glances at Emery for a second.

Elon Elysian:...This is what we came here for, Spencer. I mean, yeah, I’m a little nervous about it all. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t. But I think that it’s a little warranted given what lies ahead of us. My brother doesn’t agree with this, but I know it’s not just me and him and Tryon and Marx. It’s me and him against Tryon, Marx, and Rother. I’m just a little concerned that he’s too caught up in the big picture.

Emery shakes his head.

Elon Elysian: But I can’t argue against his success. He was right about me needing to stay focused and being aware. I’ll definitely need to be both tonight. You’re right, Spencer, this IS the biggest match of my career, and it’s exactly the position we saw ourselves in when we came here to FGA. It feels like it’s finally our time to show that we belong here. Like you said, Spencer, our last couple of matches have asterisks next to them, but not this time. Not again. This time, win or lose, we move on from Marx and Tryon. Either we’re going on to face Status Quo or they are. One of us will move on to bigger and better pastures, and that damn sure will be us.

Spencer Burke: Emery, you’ve been in this position before in other promotions. You’ve climbed the mountain multiple times, including once with your sister, Effie. What kind of mindset does a veteran such as yourself have in moments like this?

Emery Elysian:: I don’t have to tell you, Spence, that this is a major opportunity for us. I’ve been in this sport long enough to know that every match is an opportunity, but I also know that that works both ways. I’ve told my brother before that The Suspects don’t want to see us in this match because it forces them to have to earn the opportunity to face Status Quo again. They don’t want to have to do that, and Rother has tried his damndest to ensure that they wouldn’t have to work for a title shot. We weren’t apart of the plan, and even if we were, we were probably nothing more than ants to them. We plan to continue to be an anomaly that plagues The Suspects because we certainly aren’t here to please their self-seeking vendettas. Neither myself, Elon, nor The Suspects envisioned this going on to be a best of three, but that’s what’s happened. We each have a win and we know each other well enough to know what to expect from each other. Like I said, Rother is a factor, but he’s not always the determining factor. Marx and Tryon are capable of winning this one all on their own, which is what Rother has promised will happen tonight. They’ll be left to their own devices and…

Elon Elysian: You can’t actually believe that shit, Em?!

Effie Elysian: Elon!

Effie walks into clearer view and grabs her younger brother’s arm, mouthing for him to calm down.

Spencer Burke suddenly stops his interview with the Elysian Empire as something off camera has his attention.

Spencer Burke: …what are you doing here?

Anthony Rother steps into the shot and uncharacteristically extends a hand out to Spencer who looks confused.

Elon Elysian:: Speak of the devil himself!

Anthony Rother: Spencer! My friend! It’s so good to see you!

Burke squints his eyes in distrust.

Spencer Burke: …are you on drugs or something, Rother? Or did you suffer some brain damage after you took those shots to the face at Final Frontier?

Burke looks over to his left at the Elysians, but they seem just as confused as he is. Rother chuckles and pats Burke on the shoulder.

Anthony Rother: Touché’ Spence, touché’. I’m just here to offer my congratulations to your featured guests over there. After all, it’s not every day that you get to partake in a number one contenders tag match, and I just wanted to let all of you know that I’m looking forward to a great match with straight forward competition.

Spencer Burke: …you are on drugs aren’t you?

Anthony Rother: Spence, I’m a new man. I told all the mutan… I mean, good folks on Twitter that my New Year’s Resolution was to make amends with all of those that I’ve wronged in 2016. First, I’d like to apologize to you Spencer; I’ve been an ass to you on more than one occasion. It can’t be easy doing the job that you do on a consistent basis. You’re a good man, and you make FGA proud!

Spencer Burke: …what the fu---

Anthony Rother: And you three, I just want to apologize for what took place in our first match. That was a sham with me faking that heart attack and it was really uncalled for. I made a mockery of what should have been a great match and I shamed myself and my men by cheating to achieve victory. So let’s leave the past in the past, let bygones be bygones, and move forward by giving all of these great fans in New Zealand a show that they won’t forget? Whaddya say?

Rother puts his hand out again as a peace offering, but Emery, Elon, and Effie all share a distrusting glance at each other before they slowly back off as if they were anticipating being jumped by Marx and Tryon.

Anthony Rother: I get it, I do. Just as I’ve told the good folks on Twitter who are doubting the new Rother, I’ll put my money where my mouth is and prove it through my actions. It begins tonight during a contest that will no doubt be one of great competition as two great tag teams take the fight to each other to become the number one contenders. So, just one last time, I want to wish you three all the luck in the world and may the best team win.

Rother offers them a wink, and walks away. Spencer continues to eye his general direction before he looks back at the camera.

Spencer Burke: Drugs… It has to be drugs…

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Number One Contenders Match

The Usual Suspects vs. Elysian Empire

Dimebag Darrell’s building rift of “Cowboys from Hell” by Pantera abruptly begins over the PA system and the fans rise in anticipation of The Usual Suspects. The song begins its heavy thrashing as the dual guitars begin their monstrous battle for supremacy as the arena lights dim. A red spotlight shines on the black curtains and the fog begins to rise when Phil Anselmo’s screaming vocals begin…

Oh…COME ON!!!

Anthony Rother steps through the curtains dressed in one of his usual suits, holding his leather briefcase that he claims is only protecting contracts with FGA Management. Marx & Tryon step out from the entrance and stand in front of the smoked out curtains as the house lights return to brightness.

Under the lights where we stand tall

Nobody touches us at all

Showdown, shootout, spread fear within, without

We’re gonna take what’s ours to have

Spread the word throughout the land

They say the bad guys wear black

We’re tagged and can’t turn back

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a number one contenders match. Introducing first, at a combined weight of 462 pounds … JASON MARX, CHRIS TRYON … THE USUAL SUSPECTS!

Both men are dawning black hooded sweatshirts that obscure their face over their singlets. The trio stare out into the crowd, take in boos, and then begin walking to the ring. Rother jaws with a few of the fans in the aisle way.

You see us comin’

And you all together run for cover

We’re taking over this town

The two men pause at the base of the ring apron as Rother ascends into the ring and steps through the ropes.

Here we come reach for your gun

And you better listen well my friend, you see

It’s been slow down below,

Aimed at you we’re the cowboys from hell

Both men hop up onto the ring apron next and enter through the ropes as the music begins to fade. They begin removing their shirts as Rother begins a brief coaching session as they wait for their opponents..

Kris Cruise: They may not have ended the year well, Stephy, but The Usual Suspects will be looking to rebound here tonight.

Stephy Auger: This is their chance, Cruise. Between the six man tag match and the loss against the Elysian Empire in Boston, Marx and Tryon had a horrible December. But a win tonight will make up for all that.

Kris Cruise: And it’ll give them another title shot at Status Quo. But their opponents are going to be just as hungry, and The Elysian Empire already know they can beat The Usual Suspects.

“Adrenaline” by Nine Lashes sounds out from the speakers and the fans excitedly jump to their feet. The lights begin to flicker as the opening guitar rift sounds out. The Elysian Empire make their way from the behind the curtain led by Effie Elysian. Emery and Elon bump fist as Effie presents them to the cheering crowd. They flex their muscles to the crowd before making their way down the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 495 pounds … EMERY & ELON ELYSIAN … THE ELYSIAN EMPIRE!

Elon slides into the ring while Emery takes the ring steps. Effie takes the steps as well and Emery sits on the second rope allowing Effie to easily enter the ring. Elon has already begun to stretch using the ropes and turnbuckle. Emery joins him as Effie begins to coach her brothers up. As they stretch the music begins to fade. The brothers bump fists once more as the bell rings.

Stephy Auger: Of course, if they want to repeat what happened in Boston then they better be hoping for Dom Harter to make another appearance tonight.

Kris Cruise: That wasn’t the only reason they won. But that victory last month has put The Elysian Empire in line for a title shot, and tonight they’ll be looking to make good on that chance.

The bell sounds to start the match as Tryon and Marx try to decide which of them is going to start the match; the fans here in Christchurch are all behind The Elysian Empire tonight, cheering Elon on as he stands in the ring, ready to start this match. He’s hopping from foot to foot, waiting patiently as The Usual Suspects play rock, paper, scissors to determine the legal man.

Kris Cruise: What are they doing here?

Stephy Auger: Rock, paper, scissors is a tried and tested method, Cruise, don’t mess with the classics.

Elon yells at them to hurry up, but Marx tells him to hold his horses; this only serves to infuriate Elon and causes the crowd to boo, until Tryon wins the game. Marx steps out onto the apron as Tryon turns around, and ducks the oncoming clothesline! Elon nearly hits the turnbuckle, but stops himself as he turns around to some hard right hands from Chris Tryon! He makes a quick tag out to Jason Marx, and the Suspects use the opportunity to double team Elon in the corner, stomping a hole in his midsection.

Marx makes the tag out to Tryon after he exits the ring, allowing the Suspects more time to double team Elon Elysian. Marx performs a snapmare out of the corner and follows up with a swift kick to the spine as Tryon hits the ropes, coming back with a basement dropkick to the face of Elon! He covers with a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Elon gets the shoulder up, and Tryon immediately gets up to drop an elbow down across the sternum. He drags Elon back to his feet and pushes Elysian back against the ropes, before unleashing a couple of knife edge chops to the chest. An Irish whip follows, but Elon reverses it and sends Tryon against the ropes, and catches him with a back body drop upon his return!

Kris Cruise: Tremendous elevation on that back body drop there!

Stephy Auger: I think Tryon nearly got caught in the rafters there.

Tryon clutches his lower back as he gets back up, stumbling right into a fireman's carry takeover. Elon immediately jumps up and drives a knee down across the chest of his opponent before covering.

ONE!
.
.
NO!

Tryon kicks out, and Elon drags him back to his feet. They move towards the corner where Elon hopes to tag out, when he sees Anthony Rother on the outside; Rother seems to be embracing his ‘New Year, New Me’ philosophy and is applauding Elon for his wise tactics. The rookie seems confused by this, allowing Tryon the chance to recover and throw some more punches. They’re enough to send Elon staggering back towards the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: A timely distraction there by Anthony Rother on the outside, and I thought he’d turned over a new leaf.

Tryon runs against the ropes for momentum, but he gets caught by a powerslam upon his return! The crowd cheer as Elon makes the tag out to his brother this time, and Emery enters the ring. The Elysian Empire double team the prone Tryon, performing a rolling leg scissor slam Elon steps out onto the apron as Rother stays near, telling the rookie that he was wise to rest up for the rest of the match. From inside the ring, however, Emery tells his brother to stay focused on the task at hand.

Emery stomps at the prone Tryon before lifting him up. An Irish whip sends Tryon towards a neutral corner, before Emery charges in with a running clothesline. As his opponent staggers out of the corner, Emery performs a belly-to-belly, and covers with a hook of the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Marx makes the save!

Stephy Auger: It may not have been necessary, but Jason Marx with a valuable save there.

Kris Cruise: He took the opportunity to get a good shot in on Emery, that’s for sure.

In fact, he’s still stomping at Emery as the referee tries to separate the pair. On the outside, Rother is telling Elon to get in there and save his brother – but Emery tells Elon to stay where he is. The referee pushes Marx back to his corner as Emery recovers, lifting Tryon back to his feet as he goes. But Tryon rakes the eyes! The crowd boo as Emery Elysian staggers back a step, allowing Tryon the space he needs to launch upwards with a spinning heel kick!

Emery slumps to the mat, nursing his jaw as Tryon slowly makes his way across the ring to make the tag out to Marx. He enters the ring as Emery gets back to his feet, knocking the older Elysian down with a clothesline before charging at Elon! Marx knocks him off the apron with a forearm shot, drawing another chorus of boos from the audience.

Kris Cruise: What’s he doing here?

Stephy Auger: He’s just concerned, Cruise.

They’re talking about Rother, who is currently on the outside checking on Elon Elysian. But Effie storms around the ring to stand between Rother and her brother; she jabs her finger in Rother’s face, telling him to leave Elon alone.

Kris Cruise: If this is how he’s going to be in the New Year, I think we may be better off with the old Rother…

With the referee distracted by what’s going on outside the ring, The Usual Suspects take the opportunity to double team Emery Elysian. They perform the Superkick-Plex, with Marx slamming Emery into the canvas before they stomp at him. Tryon quickly scarpers, exiting the ring as the referee turns back around to see Marx hooking the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
KICKOUT!

Marx gets back to his feet and brings Emery up with him, doubling Emery over with a knee lift to the midsection. A quick double underhook powerbomb follows and Marx covers again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Elon makes the save!

And in comes Tryon to knock Elon down with a clothesline. Both members of The Usual Suspects begin to lay in the boots as Effie screams for her brother to get back up. The referee struggles to regain control, fortunately for him Emery is beginning to rise behind him. Rother yells out to his clients, but they just turn around in time to get knocked down by a double clothesline! Tryon gets up first, but he’s caught by a spinning backfist from Emery! Marx gets up a moment after, and Emery is ready for him, planting the veteran Suspect with a tornado DDT!

Tryon gets back to his feet as Elon Elysian sneaks up behind him, spinning him around before he lifts Chris up onto his shoulder, and Elon plants his opponent with a Samoan driver! The crowd are cheering as The Elysian Empire stand tall in the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: It looks like The Elysian Empire might soon be the new number one contenders for the FGA World Tag Team Championships, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: I’m sure Status Quo are shaking in their boots. But don’t count out The Usual Suspects yet, they’ve been in worse positions than this.

Kris Cruise: Like at Final Frontier…

Emery is calling the shots now, telling his brother to take a run up; Emery grabs Jason Marx in a rear waistlock as he lifts him back to his feet, and Elon is waiting in the corner. Rother jumps up onto the apron, though, causing an irritated Elon Elysian to try and swat him away! Rother drops down off the ring apron before Elon can make impact, so he leans through the ropes to tell Rother where to go! Unfortunately for his brother, Elon has left Emery to get caught by a clubbing forearm blow from Tryon! He releases his grip on Marx, and The Usual Suspects hit the dazed Emery with a legsweep/spinning heel kick combo!

Stephy Auger: A Beautiful Disaster! This could be it!

Marx hooks the leg as he covers! Effie yells at Elon to turn around, but he’s busy arguing still…

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match and new number one contender to the FGA World Tag Team Championships … THE USUAL SUSPECTS!

Stephy Auger: They did it! The Usual Suspects are our new number one contenders!

Kris Cruise: So much for Rother's new leaf, he just screwed over Elon Elysian.

Elon turns around to see what just happened, and can only look on in horror as The Usual Suspects get their arms raised in victory. Marx and Tryon exit the ring soon after, joining Rother in the aisleway as they head backstage with huge smiles on their faces.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Izzy Anders vs. Dan Herrera

...Spoken...

"May I remind you again, this is a dream, and in dreams, you can do anything you darn please!"

When the first bass drum thumps, Dan pulls the curtain back and walks out from behind the curtain with his girlfriend Peaches hanging onto his arm. He gives a head nod to the fans before leaning over and giving Peaches a long kiss at the top of the ramp. He then begins heading towards the ring as a spotlight stays on them.

My knuckles have turned to white

There's no turning back tonight

Kiss me one last time

As Dan and Peaches make their way to the ring Dan slaps hands with the fans on one side of the entrance-way while Peaches walks down the other side slapping hands with the fans there.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Peaches! Now residing out of Raleigh, North Carolina and weighing in at 200 pounds… He is DAAAAAAAAN “THE MAN” HERRRRRREEEERAAAAAA!!!

At the bottom of the entrance way, Peaches leans in and gives Dan a peck on the cheek as the pair go their separate ways. Dan gets to the ring and walks up the stairs. He swings around the ring post and ducks between the top and middle rope. Peaches on the other hand walks around the ring apron towards the commentary desk where she finds a folding chair waiting for her next to the ring announcer. Once in the ring Dan walks over showing his taped wrists to the referee who nods at him and sends him to his corner. He grabs the ropes on either side of the turnbuckle and leans in with his head down prepping himself for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: Despite some tough losses towards the end, Dan Herrera had a career year in 2016, winning Dynamic Duos, capturing the World Tag Team Championships alongside Cordy Stevenson, and walking away with a Best Tag Team Award. Can Herrera have a repeat performance in 2017?

Stephy Auger: Heck no! Sooner or later, Cordy Stevenson is going to get tired of getting slowed down by Dan Herrera and his giant head. She should just cut her losses right now and focus solely her World Championship. But oh, that’s right, I forgot. She’s not the real World Champion. Zero McHannon is! So I take it all back, Cruise. Herrera will have another great year because Cordy’s coattails will be right there for him to ride once again.

A somber strum of a guitar echoed out throughout the arena. The lights in the arena began to dim to a haunting dark purple color. From behind the curtain, a figure comes out. She lingers in the darkness, before creeping into the spotlight. She wears a long, dark cloak; it softly breezes in the wind. When "One More Soul to the Call" by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn begins to pick up, she unfastens the coat. She takes it off in a heavy flourish, the song picks up completely, transforming into a hard rock song.

♫ DAMAGE DONE TO THE FLESH, WHAT THEY SAID, IN THE NAME OF THE...
DAMAGE DONE TO THE HEART, IS THE START, OF THE END!
DAMAGE DONE TO MY SOUL, I KNOW, IT KNOWS WHERE MY...
DAMAGE DONE TO MY LIFE, CURSING LOUD, AT THE CHAOS ♫

J.A. Aldridge: Making her way down to the ring, fighting out of Holland, Michigan, weighing in at a 157 pounds, she is the Mindkiller, IZZZZZY ANDEEEEEEERS!

♫ ONE MORE SOUL TO THE CALL, FOR ALL, IN SILENCE...
COMES TWO MORE SOULS TO THE CALL, FOR ALL, AND IN TIME!
THREE MORE MORE SOULS TO THE CALL, THEY FALL...
UNKNOWING THAT FOUR MORE SOULS TO THE CALL, WON'T BE ALL, AND YOU KNOW IT! ♫

Izzy ascends the turnbuckle, her eyepatch clear as day. She grabs onto it, ripping it off with a dramatic elegance. The eye under it burns brightly with a shade of red. She leaps off the turnbuckle, walking methodically to the center of the ring. There, she poses once more, enjoying the haunting and heavy rhythm of her own song. She looks up to the sky, smiling wickedly. She awaits the match to start with a sadistic aura radiating off her.

Kris Cruise: Earlier tonight, Izzy Anders confronted Johnny Karma in the middle of the ring. But it turns out that Karma wasn’t the only one Anders felt was in her way. So was Cherry Baum, whom she decked!

Stephy Auger: Like I told you before. Cherry Baum is always in the way. She’s always sticking her nose in business that it doesn’t belong. Her place is on the outside cheering Karma on, not inside the ring.

The bell sounds as both grapplers begin to circle the ring. Anders then slowly inches her way over towards Herrera. They motion for a lock up. But Anders ducks under. When Herrera turns to face her, he gets caught with a shoot kick to the left leg. While Herrera is momentarily stunned, Anders lunges forward, takes his right arm and performs an arm wrench. Anders then delivers another arm wrench, followed by clubbing strike across the arm. The ref asks Herrera is he wants to give up. When he refuses, Anders tries to yank the arm out of its socket. The move causes Herrera to groan as he drops down on one knee. The ref gets down and asks Herrera is he wants to give up. But again, he refuses. As soon as Herrera gets back to a vertical base, Anders yanks the arm, dropping Herrera back down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: To no surprise, Anders has targeted the arm of her opponent, Dan Herrera. You’ve got to wonder if his fellow “bro”, Dom Harter, gave him any pointers.

Stephy Auger: The only pointer Harter should’ve given Herrera was to run.

Once Herrera gets back to his feet, Anders delivers another arm wrench, followed by a kick to the chest. While Herrera is doubled over, Anders applies a hammerlock, runs and tosses Herrera shoulder-first against the turnbuckles. As Herrera stumbles out, Anders places him in another hammerlock, then quickly turns him around and knocks him down with a lariat. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Herrera kicks out.

Anders picks up Herrera, brings him down with a snapmare and delivers a hard shoot kick to the back. The thud from the kick can be heard throughout the arena. She sizes up Herrera again before delivering yet another shoot kick to the back. She then drops down from behind and applies a head & arm sleeper. The ref gets down and asks Herrera is he wants to give up. After Herrera refuses, Anders lets go, takes the arm and brings Herrera down flush against the canvas. After keeping the arm bent at 90 degrees, Anders puts Herrera’s palm down on the mat before delivering a shoot kick to the elbow. Herrera quickly rolls across the ring and over towards the turnbuckle. Once there, he cradles his right arm with his left while he winces in pain.

Kris Cruise: Anders put a little something extra behind that kick.

Stephy Auger: She puts something extra behind all of her kicks. But you might be onto something. If Anders is going to destroy the status quo here in FGA, then why not try and break one half of the tag team that has that name?

Kris Cruise: Well I don’t think she wants to destroy the “status quo” here. She wants to see this place destroyed, period.

Anders causally makes her way over to Herrera and begins facewashing him with her boot while he’s sitting against the ropes. She then reaches down, slowly picks up Herrera and doubles him over with a shoulder thrusts to the midsection. While Herrera is doubled over, Anders stands tall next to him before slapping him repeatedly upside the head, adding insult to injury. She then takes Herrera by the right arm, brings him away from the ropes and sends him crashing shoulder-first down to the canvas with an arm wringer. She then quickly drops down across his back, wrestles his right arm away from his left and locks on a Fujiwara Armbar.

Kris Cruise: Anders is trying to break Herrera’s arm with that armbar.

Stephy Auger: She already mangled one Bro’s arm. Why not another?

Anders cranks away on the arm while Herrera can be heard groaning in pain. The ref asks Herrera if he wants to give up. When Herrera refuses, Anders pulls the arm back even more.

Kris Cruise: Herrera might want to think about swallowing his pride and tapping.

Herrera begins to try and pull himself towards the ropes. But Anders is quick to pull him back towards the center of the ring, drop down and reapply the Fujiwara Armbar. The crowd boos.

Stephy Auger: Look at him. He’s trapped with nowhere to go. Just tap!

Herrera continues to try and pull himself towards the ropes. Peaches can be seen on the outside slapping the canvas as she tries to get the crowd to rally behind him. While the crowd are clapping in unison to a “LET’S GO DAN!” chant, Herrera continues to strain as he claws his way towards the ropes. He reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope. But Anders doesn’t let go. Instead, she plants he feet on the canvas as she arms back, pulling back on the arm even more as the crowd erupts with boos. The ref quickly gives her until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Anders reluctantly lets go. She then returns to her feet before stomping Herrera out of the ring and out onto the apron. She reaches over the ropes and slowly pulls Herrera back to his feet. Anders places Herrera is a front facelock before going for a vertical suplex back into the ring. But Herrera blocks the move. So Anders tightens her grip on Herrera and goes for another suplex attempt. But again, Herrera blocks the move. After delivering three punches through the ropes, the crowd cheers as Herrera takes Anders and delivers a vertical suplex to the outside. The thud from the impact can be heard throughout the arena.

Kris Cruise: Herrera with a vertical suplex off the apron and to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Anders looks to be hurting just as bad as he is!

Anders can be cringing while she holds the small of her back. Once Herrera gets back to his feet, he picks up Anders and whips her hard against the guardrail. After crashing against the rail, Anders crumbles to the floor. Herrera then picks Anders back up, runs and tosses her against the side of the ring. Anders bounces off the side of the ring before falling back down to the floor. After Herrera puts the boots to her, he pulls Anders up and pushes her back inside. He then rolls himself back in.

Now back on his feet, Herrera shakes his right arm before picking Anders back up. He brings Anders into the ropes before whipping her into the far ropes. When Anders returns, Herrera throws out a left lariat. But Anders ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Anders returns, she goes for a jumping leg lariat. But Herra catches her in mid air before throwing her down with a powerbomb. He then drops down and makes the cover.

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

Herrera picks up Anders, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then turns Anders around before delivering five shoulder thrusts to the midsection. Herrera then takes Anders by the arm and whips her hard into the opposite corner. After Ander crashing back-first into the corner, Anders staggers away from the corner and over towards Herrera, who throws her down with a belly to belly suplex. He hooks the leg.

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

As Herrera slowly brings Anders up from off the mat, she begins to nail him with punches to the midsection. She then knocks him back a few steps with a palm strike. Herrera then heads back over to grab her. But Anders stops him with a front kick to the right shoulder. She then quickly takes Herrera by the right wrist, performs an arm wrench and followed by with a double knee armbreaker. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Herrera gets his left shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Herrera was firmly in control. But Anders quickly regained control after targeting that right arm.

Anders picks up Herrera, places him in a hammerlock, runs towards the corner and throws him shoulder-first into the ring post. Anders then steps out onto the apron, grabs Herrera by the right wrist and delivers an armbreaker across the ring post. After Herrera drops down to the canvas, Anders slides back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Herrera gets his left shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Anders continues to go after that arm. You’ve got to wonder if Dan Herrera will be ready for his Tag Title defense next Saturday.

Stephy Auger: The more Anders goes to town on that arm, the more banged up he’s going to be heading to that match. That’s music to the ears of The Usual Suspects.

Anders returns to her feet before kicking Herrera over onto his back. She then reaches down, takes him by the wrist and pulls his arms back before delivering repeated stomps to the back of the right shoulder. After slowly pulls Herrera back up to his feet by the wrist, Anders quickly transitions into a full nelson before delivering a release Dragon Suplex. The crowd boos as she crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

Herrera gets his left shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I don’t know what was more impressive. Anders delivering a release Dragon Suplex to Herrera or the fact that he was able to get his shoulder up?

Anders picks up Herrera and delivers short-arm shoulder blocks to the right arm, which drops Herrera back down to one knee. While Herrera nurses his right arm, Anders takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks him down with a shining yakuza kick. She makes the cover.

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

Herrera gets his left shoulder up.

Anders takes Herrera and connects with a European Uppercut. She then takes Herrera and connects with another European Uppercut. This one knocks Herrera back into the ropes. But after bouncing back, Herrera rocks her with a punch to the face. Anders connects with another European Uppercut. But Herrera comes right back with a punch to the face. Anders gears up for another uppercut, but Herrera cuts her off with another punch to the face. He then nails Anders with another punch… and another… and another… and another… and another. Herrera then steps back before throwing out a left lariat. But Anders ducks. When Herrera turns around, he gets caught with the Dirty Dancin kick flurry. After a kick to the gut doubles him over, Anders knocks him down with an axe kick to the back of the head.

Stephy Auger: So much for that comeback!

Instead of going for the cover, Anders heads into the corner and crouches down, mocking Herrera to a chorus of boos.

Stephy Auger: Noooooo, you don’t think… is she?

Kris Cruise: It looks like it! It looks like Izzy Anders is about to give Dan Herrera… a spear!

Anders begins waving up Herrera as the Tag Champion begins to stir on the canvas.

Stephy Auger: She might just break him in half, Cruise! She just might!

Once Herrera gets back to his feet and turns around, Anders runs out of the corner and goes for a spear. But Herrera ducks, catches Anders across his back and follows up with a Samoan Drop. He then reaches back and hooks the leg.

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

Anders reverses into a grounded crucifix…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Herrera kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, they run at each other and connect with a lariat. After they both stumble back, they run back at each other. Herrera throws out another left lariat. But Anders ducks and runs into the ropes. When Anders returns, the crowd cheers when Herrera knocks her down with a spinning heel kick. He makes the cover.

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

Herrera picks up Anders and whips her into the ropes. But instead of coming back, Anders hangs onto the ropes. So Herrera runs over to attack. But Anders ducks and dumps him over the top rope…

… but Herrera lands safely on the apron. He then quickly grabs Anders from behind and delivers a reverse hangman across the top rope. After Anders drops down on all fours, Herrera climbs back up onto the apron before climbing up towards the top turnbuckle. Just then, Anders gets back up, runs up onto the second rope and stops him with a punch to the midsection. She then climbs up onto the top ropes and goes for a superplex, but Herrera blocks. So Anders punches him in the midsection before going for another superplex. But again, Herrera blocks. So she lets go and throws out a punch. But Herrera blocks and counters with a punch of his own. He then doubles Anders over with a punch to the midsection. Herrera then grabs Anders and delivers five headbutts before shoving her off the top rope and down to the canvas. After Anders crashes back-first on the canvas, she bounces off and turns over onto her stomach.

Kris Cruise: Anders with yet another hard fall on her back.

Stephy Auger: Herrera’s still up top! What’s he going for!?


Anders slowly pushes herself up onto all fours. After she struggles to get back to her feet, Herrera stands up on the top turnbuckle, jumps off and knocks her down with a missile dropkick. The crowd cheers as he crawls over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps, then boos when Anders gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Herrera picks up Anders and whips her hard into the corner. After Anders staggers out of the corner, Herrera doubles her over with a haymaker to the midsection. He then hoists her up from the side before throwing her down with a pump handle slam.

Kris Cruise: Final Word! Could this be it?
Herrera shakes his right arm before making the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Anders gets her shoulder up.

Herrera picks up Anders, delivers an irish whip, follows her into the corner and connects with a left lariat. After moving her to the side, Herrera climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Anders and plants her with a Tornado DDT. He makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Anders gets her shoulder up.

Herrera picks up Anders and whips her into the ropes. When Anders returns, Herrera sets up for a back body drop. But Anders stops and counters by hooking both of his arms, setting up for a double underhook piledriver.

Stephy Auger: She’s got him set up for Spin The Black Circle Redux!

Anders goes to lift him up, but Herrera counters by breaking free, lifting Anders up across his shoulders and then slamming her down with a double leg slam.

Kris Cruise: Wit’s End! He hit her with the Wit’s End! He could win this match right here!

Herrera shakes his arm before making the cover.

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

Anders gets her shoulder up.

Herrera heads over, leans forward and positions Anders’ legs for a Texas Cloverleaf. But Anders sits up and hammers away with elbows to the top of the head. Once she gets back to her feet, Anders takes Herrera and whips him into the corner. She then runs across the ring and goes for a corner European Uppercut. But Herrera steps out and knocks her down with a discus elbow strike. Herrera drops down and makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Anders gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Herrera picks up Anders and lifts her up onto his shoulders for an Electric Chair. But again, Anders rains down elbows to the top of the head. After she slips down from behind, Anders turns and runs into the ropes. When Anders comes back, the crowd explodes with cheers when Herrera hurls himself at her and tackles her down with a spear.

Kris Cruise: Spear! Herrera just connected with the spear!

Stephy Auger: Yeah! But look at which shoulder he used!

Herrera rolls over and clutches his right shoulder in agony.

Stephy Auger: He’s just as hurt as she is, Cruise!

Herrera gets back up, grabs Anders by her hair and drags her over into the corner. After pulling her back to her feet, he hoists her up onto the top rope. But before he can grab Anders for the Muscle Buster, Anders delivers repeated front kicks to the right arm. The last of which knocks Herrera back. Anders then stands up on the middle ropes, jumps off and brings him down with a diving double knee armbreaker to boos from the crowd.

Anders crawls back over towards the center of the ring before waiting for Herrera to get up. Herrera keeps his right arm held close to his torso as he pulls himself up using the ropes with his left arm. When Herrera turns around, he gets clocked with the Capetown Sunset (540 Kick)! The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “One More Soul to the Call” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, IZZY ANDERS!

The crowd continues to boo as Anders gets her arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Anders picks up the hard fought victory over one half of the World Tag Team Champions. But if I were her, I wouldn’t be looking over my shoulder for Cordy Stevenson. I’d be on the lookout for Johnny Karma...

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

02.18.17
Rogers Arena
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Only on PAY-PER-VIEW!

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
“CHAMPION vs. CHAMPION”
(c) Cordy Stevenson vs. (c) Annie Zellor

"The Devil's Bleeding Crown" by Volbeat begins to play throughout the arena as Annie Zellor steps out from behind the curtain; though she's not that enthusiastic about being forced to wear a Celtics jersey after the bet she lost. The fans in attendance begin to boo as Zellor keeps her head down, bouncing from one foot to the other in time with the music. She raises her head, looking out across the crowd as she stands there with her feet apart, hands on her hips, before finally heading down the aisle.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is your main event of the evening and it is a “Champion versus Champion” match! It is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 120 pounds! She is the reigning Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, ANNIEEEEEE ZELLLLLLLLLOOOOORRRRRR!!!

Some fans still reach out for the high five, and for those fans Annie obliges. But she tries to drown out the rest of them as they continue to jeer her from a distance. Zellor climbs up the ring steps and stops on the apron, taking another moment to look out across the crowd before she steps into the ring. There, Annie heads to her corner and rests back against the turnbuckles as she waits for this one to get started.

The lights dim down and take on a purplish hue as a light smoky mist fills the entranceway. The opening to A$AP Ferg's "New Level" cues up.

I’m on a new level
I’m on it, I’m on it

As the beat drops, the crowd gives a loud pop as Cordelia Stevenson emerges from the mist with a bounce in her step and dancing to the music. She comes to a stop atop the walkway, glancing around and taking in the reception before giving the crowd a warm smile. She rolls her neck around before bowing her head and letting her hair fall in front of her face. A few seconds go by before she snaps her head up, whipping her hair back from in front of her face.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, from Freeport, Long Island! Weighing in at 146 pounds! She is the reigning FGA World Champion, COOOORRRRRDYYYYYY STEEEEEEEVENNNNNSOOOOONNNNN!!!

She continues on down the ramp, working from side to side with a big smile as she slaps the hands of fans along the way. She gets to the ring and hops up onto the apron, mouthing the words and bouncing to the music as she makes her way around the side, towards the middle. She turns and faces her crowd, stretching her arms out to the side and slightly tilting her head backwards as she soaks in their reaction. She gives them an appreciative nod and blows a kiss at them, before stepping into the ring and making her way over towards the opposite turnbuckle. She quickly hops up and holds her arms out, drawing a reaction from that side of the crowd as well. She unzips her hoodie and tosses it away before hopping down and making her way over to her corner as the music dies down.

"Nobody Likes Me" by Deuce ft. Ronnie Radke hits the speakers. Bells are heard chiming through the speakers as the music comes in blazing, the lights surveying the arena, but then it stays focused on the top of the ramp with a bright white light. Zero McHannon walks through the curtain with the FGA World Championship fit firmly around his waist, and a black zip up with the hood over his head and a leather jacket over the hoodie. He turns his back to the audience, holding up a "Z" with both hands to the crowd, then turning around abruptly, and rips the "Z" apart.

“Nobody likes me,
No one likes me,
But I don't like them,
Uh uh, I don't, nu uh"

Zero holds his arms out for a moment and raises his head to take in the atmosphere from the fans as they shower him in hate, then slowly starts to make his way down the ramp. He walks down the ramp as fans are throwing jeers in his face, but Zero completely ignores them, and keeps his eyes fixated on the ring. McHannon stops at the bottom of the ramp and bounces on the balls of his feet, looking like he was going to slide into the ring, but he walks around it instead, and joins Stephy Auger and Kris Cruise at the commentary table.

Kris Cruise: Glad to see you with us tonight, Zero. Guess we’ll find out if you have a career in commentary in your future.

Zero McHannon: I could take your job right now.

Stephy Auger: I need to pitch that to management. Could use some a new partner at the table.

The bell sounds as both grapplers circling the ring before locking up. Stevenson is quick to gain the advantage after throwing Zellor down with an arm drag. As Zellor gets back up to her feet, Stevenson runs into the far ropes. When Stevenson returns, she knocks Zellor down with a running shoulder block. She then runs into another set of ropes. When Stevenson returns, she knocks Zellor down with another shoulder block. She then runs into yet another set of ropes. When Stevenson returns, Zellor leapfrogs over her. Stevenson continues to run into the ropes. When Stevenson returns, Zellor sets up for a hip toss. But Stevenson hops through it. She then goes for a hip toss of her own, but Zellor blocks it. Stevenson then tries to muscle up Zellor for another hip toss attempt. But again, Zellor blocks it. So Stevenson hits her with a punch to the midsection. After Zellor doubles her, Stevenson drapes her leg across the back of Zellor’s neck and performs a backflip. Once Stevenson lands on her feet, Zellor quickly throws her down with a Seoi Nage (lifting shoulder throw). Stevenson gets back to her feet. But Zellor quickly sends her back to the mat with another Seoi Nage. After Stevenson gets back to a vertical base, Zellor throws her down again. This time, with a Harai goshi (sweeping hip throw).

Kris Cruise: A little shot trading right here, but I think Annie is looking to gain the advantage.

Zero McHannon: This is why I can take your job. Obvious analysis. You can’t even comment on how Cordy’s backside is slowing her down against an opponent like Annie.

As soon as they hit the canvas, Zellor quickly transitions into a grounded side headlock. The ref asks Stevenson if she wants to give up. As soon as she refuses, Zellor cinches in the hold.

Stephy Auger: Have to admit you weren’t wrong, Cruise. Annie locks in the headlock, wearing down Stevenson.

Kris Cruise: A win over the FGA World Champion would be a BIG step for Annie. She’s going to approach this match differently, even as the Mid Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Zero McHannon: Did you just say Cordy was the world champion? Normally I don’t care about your weekly botches, but let’s try and keep the facts straight when I’m sitting at the table.

The ref checks in with Stevenson again and asks if she wants to give up. But the World Champion refuses. She then reaches up before quickly reversing into a headscissors. Zellor quickly hits the canvas out of frustration over being reversed. The ref then goes over and asks her if she wants to give up. But the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion refuses. She then slowly turns over onto her knees. After placing her palms down on the mat, Zellor performs a handstand before pushing herself off the apron and out from in between Stevenson’s legs. After Stevenson scrambles to get back to a vertical base, Zellor throws her back down with another Harai goshi into a grounded side headlock. Stevenson is quick to reverse into a headscissors. But Zellor is just as quick to escape with a kip up. After Stevenson gets back to her feet, Zellor goes for yet another Harai goshi. But this time, Stevenson blocks it. She then pulls Zellor back up and goes for a belly to back suplex. But Zellor rolls over Stevenson’s shoulder, lands on her feet, turns Stevenson around and catches her in a side headlock. After shifting around, Stevenson quickly out and reverses into a hammerlock from behind. She then quickly turns Zellor around before sending her down to the canvas with a side headlock takeover. Zellor then reverses into a headscissors. But Stevenson is quick to escape with a kip.

After Zellor scrambles back to her feet, Stevenson throws her down yet again with a side headlock takeover. Zellor is quick to reverse into a headscissors. But Stevenson is just as quick to roll over onto her knees and then flip over into a jackkknife pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor slowly bridges up, turns over, quickly hooks Stevenson’s arms and slowly brings her down into a backslide.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson escapes.

Stevenson quickly grabs Zellor as she tries to get up and sets up for a DDT. But Zellor quickly runs forward and rams Stevenson back-first into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Close twin pin there as Cordy tries to go for the DDT, but Annie is quick enough to throw her off that plan.

Zero McHannon: Annie being quick on her feet is no surprise. Why do you sound surprised?

Stephy Auger: Speaking of… her she goes!

Zellor unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection. She then stands up and delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. Zellor then takes Stevenson and goes for an irish whip. But Stevenson reverses, sending Zellor into the corner. Stevenson then runs across the ring and into the opposite corner. But Zellor counters with a back elbow to the face. While Stevenson stumbles back, Zellor quickly hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and knocks her down with a diving knee strike. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Zero McHannon: Aim for the throat next time, Annie. Less padding.

Stephy Auger: Annie continuing taking it to the… I mean, Cordy Stevenson.

Zellor picks up Stevenson and whips her into the ropes. When Stevenson returns, Zellor throws out a clothesline. But Stevenson swats it down as she heads into the far ropes. When Stevenson returns, Zellor knocks her down with a dropkick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Zellor picks up Stevenson and whips her into the corner. She then charges into the corner. But Stevenson dips her shoulder and dumps Zellor over the top rope…

…. But Zellor is able to land safely on the apron. When Stevenson turns around, she gets knocked down by a springboard dropkick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Zero McHannon: This is beautiful. Isn’t it? Cordy is eating those dropkicks like a bag of dicks.

Kris Cruise: Let’s try to keep it professional on commentary.

Zero McHannon: Look at the way you’re dressed, Cruise.

Zellor picks up Stevenson and nails her with a shoot kick to the chest before whipping her into the corner. Zellor charges into the corner, connects with a discus clothesline and then goes to follow up with a bulldog from out of the corner. But Stevenson counters by shoving Zellor off of her and towards the ropes. Zellor then uses the momentum to go for a handspring back elbow. But Stevenson counters with a Foot Fetish (jumping spinning back kick) to the back, knocking her down. She pulls Zellor over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor kicks out.

Stevenson picks up Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor comes back, she goes for a wheelbarrow bulldog. But Stevenson keeps her held in the air. She then runs forward before throwing Zellor over the top rope and down to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Cordy bringing the fight right back to Annie now. She put her clear out of the ring!

Zero McHannon: Congrats. You can throw a pretzel over the top ropes. So impressive.

After Zellor stirs on the outside and tries to get back to a vertical base, Stevenson runs into the far ropes. When Stevenson returns, she leaps over the top rope, knocking Zellor down with a suicide plancha!

Kris Cruise: And wow! Cordy putting her body on the line and throwing herself over the ropes on Annie!

Stephy Auger: I have to admit, that was pretty good. She has to try and capitalize off that one.

Zero McHannon: She’s right over there. If you’d like to run over and kiss her ass real quick, be my guest.

Stevenson slowly returns to her feet. She then reaches down, pulls up Zellor and rolls her back inside. After rolling herself back in, she drags Zellor away from the ropes before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Stevenson picks up Zellor, moves her into the corner and unleashes a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. She then takes Zellor, delivers an irish whip, runs across the ring and delivers a delivers a handspring back elbow. She then grabs Zellor and goes for a bulldog out of the corner. But Zellor shoves Stevenson off of her and into the ropes. When Stevenson returns, she knocks Zellor down with a spinning heel kick. Stevenson returns to her feet, heads over towards the ropes and goes for a springboard corkscrew bodypress. But Zellor rolls out of the way, causing Stevenson to crash back-first on the canvas.

Stephy Auger: And she missed! Cordy is going to pay for not hitting that move. Annie again with the quick thinking.

Zero McHannon: Look for a quick hitting move right here that puts more pressure on Cordy to get momentum back on her side.

After Zellor returns to her feet, she runs over and goes for a standing Shooting Star Press. But Stevenson rolls out of the way, causing Zellor to catch nothing but canvas.

As Zellor slowly turns over on her back, Stevenson gets up and heads into the ropes. When she returns, she connects with a rolling senton. Stevenson makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Well, you were somewhat right, Zero. Quick hitting move for momentum, but it wasn’t Cordy on the receiving end.

Zero McHannon: Annie still kicked out. Guess what that means. The move wasn’t good enough. All it takes is one mistake you can lose everything in this sport.

Stephy Auger: Cordy looking for something here.

Stevenson picks up Zellor, lifts her up and throws her down with a gourdbuster. After Zellor gets up on her feet, Stevenson quickly places her in a front facelock before planting her with a kneeling snap DDT. She turns Zellor over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Stevenson picks up Zellor, doubles her over with a kick to the midsection and follows up with a bridging fisherman suplex.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor gets her shoulder up.

As Stevenson reaches down and slowly pulls her up off the canvas, Zellor shoves Stevenson back to create some distance between the two. As Stevenson heads back over towards her, Zellor quickly knocks her down with a step-up enzuigiri. She pushes Stevenson over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Zellor picks up Stevenson and goes for an irish whip. But Stevenson reverses, sending Zellor into the ropes. When Zellor returns, Stevenson sets up for a back body drop. But Zellor stops and counters with Shade Thrown II (moss covered three handled family credenza).

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Zellor slowly picks up Stevenson… then quickly brings her down with a sitout jawbreaker. She turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Great series by our competitors there! Both of these women are pulling whatever they have in the book at each other.

Stephy Auger: Can you blame them? If Cordy loses to the Mid Atlantic Champion, what does that say about her? Annie wants to get her hands on that title… and what better way than beating Cordy and having to face the real FGA World Champion, Zero?

Zero McHannon: They both have something to prove. Me? I’ve already proved it. It’s that simple.

Zellor picks up Stevenson, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning the World Champion around, Zellor delivers a series of shoot kicks that slowly send Stevenson slumping down in the corner. After stepping back towards the center of the ring, Zellor charges forward and throws out the Sparkle Butt (running butt thump). But Stevenson rolls to the outside, causing Zellor’s back to crash into the turnbuckles.

Stephy Auger: Cowardly move by Cordy! Of course she rolled out of the ring.


Kris Cruise: You never say that about anyone, but now you’re on Cordy about trying to defend herself?

As Zellor staggers away from the corner, Stevenson slowly pulls herself up on the apron using the ropes. She then begins to ascend the turnbuckles. But as soon as she gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Zellor runs over and shoves Stevenson off, sending her crashing to the floor. The crowd erupts with boos over Zellor action.

Stephy Auger: There we go, give Cordy a taste of her own medicine. Two people can play that game.

Zero McHannon: Hear this crowd? How pathetic do they sound? Doing your best to win the match at any cost and they want to hate you for it. Cordy was just doing the same and I didn’t hear them give her sh*t.

Kris Cruise: Language. Please.

A camera change to the outside shows Stevenson down and she’s not moving. Back in the ring, Zellor can be seen down on all fours and she’s gasping for air.

Stevenson can be seen finally beginning to stir on the outside. Back in the ring, Zellor has slowly gotten back to her feet. She then begins to wave her arm up and down. Back on the outside, Stevenson can be seen slowly getting up on one knee. As the dazed, World Champion slowly returns to a vertical base, Zellor runs into the far ropes. When Zellor comes back, she hurls herself through the ropes and knocks Stevenson down with a suicide dive!

Zero McHannon: That’s it, Annie! Throw the kitchen sink at her.

Kris Cruise: Annie looking to try and put this away now.

Stephy Auger: Hurry, Annie! Hurry!

Zellor picks up Stevenson and rolls her back into the ring. She then rolls herself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Stephy Auger: Sigh. Annie deserved that one. Cordy is putting on a great performance.

Zero McHannon: Yeah, let’s not get on Cordy’s head for using the ropes to break the pinfall. Cordy posts half naked pictures on twitter, we have to love her.

Zellor sits up on her knees and gives the ref a confused look. But he’s quick to point over towards the ropes. As soon as Zellor looks to her right and sees Stevenson’s foot on the rope, she slowly runs her fingers down her face in frustration.

Kris Cruise: Annie just now seeing it. Did she thinks he had the match won?

Zero McHannon: Well, Cordy thinks she’s the real FGA World Champion, so anything’s possible.

Zellor brings Stevenson back to her feet and whips her into the far ropes before running into a parallel sets of ropes. After the two criss cross three times, Zellor yells out “ROTTEN TO THE CORE!” before blindsiding Stevenson with a big boot to the side of the head. While the World Champ is down, Zellor marches over towards the ropes before exiting out onto the apron.

Stephy Auger: Where is she going? Finish the match, Annie!

Zero McHannon: That’s exactly what she’s doing, putting the final nail into the coffin.

Kris Cruise: This is a big moment for Zellor.

Once Stevenson gets back to her feet and turns around, Zellor connects with a springboard cross body block! But Stevenson rolls through it!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble to get back to their feet, the crowd boos after Zellor rakes Stevenson across the eyes. She then quickly follows up with a facebreaker DDT. Zellor makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: What a match. Neither Cordy or Annie are wanting to give in. How much longer can they keep this up?

Stephy Auger: For as long as Annie wants before she puts it away.

Zero McHannon:[/b] What kind of referring is going on in this match? That was clearly a three count, even going by Mississippis. I could’ve sang Happy Birthday to someone during that pin count.

Zellor looks over at the ref and holds up three fingers. After he holds up two back at her, she throws a tantrum and repeatedly slaps the canvas with both hands.

Zero McHannon: Let it out, Annie. We all feel your frustration of the official clearly not knowing how to do his job.

Kris Cruise: I thought the count looked normal. Cordy just fought through it to keep the match alive.

Zellor picks up Stevenson, moves her into the corner and connects with three shoot kicks to the chest. She then whips Stevenson into the opposite corner. Zellor then runs across the ring, hops onto Stevenson and monkey flips her out of the corner…

… but Stevenson lands on her feet! She then takes off into the ropes. When Stevenson comes back, Zellor throws out a running clothesline. But Stevenson ducks, heads towards the ropes and goes for The Beautiful Nightmare (disaster kick). But Zellor ducks under it. After Stevenson lands on her feet, Zellor quickly comes up from behind and goes for a leapfrog into a one-handed bulldog. But Stevenson quickly ducks and steps back. After Zellor lands feet-first in front of Stevenson, Stevenson quickly follows up with a leaping reverse bulldog!

Kris Cruise: Another great move from Cordy there, but she looks worn out. Crucial moment of the match and they’re both down on the canvas.

Zero McHannon: She’s going to have to extend that milage on her daily run if she’s getting winded at the exact moment she doesn’t need to.

Stephy Auger: Get up, Annie!

While both grapplers are down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!




TWO!




THREE!




FOUR!




After both wrestlers slowly returns to a vertical base, the crowd cheers as Stevenson nails Zellor with three punches to the face. But the cheers quickly turn to boos after Zellor rakes her across the eyes. She then takes the World Champion and goes for a vertical suplex. But Stevenson slips down from behind, lifts her up and delivers a Teardrop Suplex.

Stevenson returns to her feet before heading towards the ropes. Stevenson then delivers a springboard corkscrew bodypress, followed by a standing moonsault double knee drop. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Zellor gets her shoulder up.

Stevenson takes Zellor and goes for an irish whip. But Zellor reverses, sending Stevenson into the ropes. When Stevenson returns, she plants Zellor with Head Over Heels (blockbuster ddt)!

Stephy Auger: She put down Annie with authority… Another one of those and this one could quickly fade away.

Zero McHannon: Did she just DDT Annie with that fat that’s under her arm? I couldn’t really tell. Looked like an extra arm, but I think I’m just seeing stuff.

Kris Cruise: She’s picking up Annie, let’s see how this goes.

Stevenson picks up Zellor, turns and gyrates her hips to catcalls from men and women in the crowd before dropping her with the Deadly Seduction (hangman’s neckbreaker).

Stevenson returns to her feet before looking over at the announce table and pointing at McHannon.

Kris Cruise: She was pointing at you, Zero...

Zero McHannon: I have eyes. I clearly seen that, Cruise. You get used to the finger pointing in public when you’re me. Just ignore her, hopefully she won’t ask me for an autograph.

Stevenson heads to the outside before scaling up to the top turnbuckle. Once Zellor gets back to her feet and turns around, Stevenson dives off before delivering Get Familiar (the o-face)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd explode into cheers as “New Level” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, CORDY STEVENSON!

The crowd continues to cheer while Stevenson gets her arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Cordy Stevenson with the win! This champion versus champion match didn’t disappoint. That has to put some satisfaction in some of the fans mind about Cordy being the rightful FGA World Champion.

Zero McHannon: Impressive. Cordy got a win. You know who else gets wins? John Blade. This isn’t one of those moments in your life that you’re going to remember.

Stephy Auger: I have to agree with Zero. It’s a good win for Cordy, but she needs to keep that going to even put any doubt that she’s the FGA World Champion over the real one.

Zero McHannon takes off the headset and holds up his FGA World Championship with the spray painted “Z” on it. The referee retrieves Cordy’s belt and hands it over to her whenever she gets to her feet from the canvas. She instantly looks over to the announcer’s table and sees Zero holding up his title before walking over to the ropes and holding up hers right in return. The two are in a deadly staredown now.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd explode into cheers as “New Level” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, CORDY STEVENSON!

The crowd continues to cheer while Stevenson gets her arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Cordy Stevenson with the win! This champion versus champion match didn’t disappoint. That has to put some satisfaction in some of the fans mind about Cordy being the rightful FGA World Champion.

Zero McHannon: Impressive. Cordy got a win. You know who else gets wins? John Blade. This isn’t one of those moments in your life that you’re going to remember.

Stephy Auger: I have to agree with Zero. It’s a good win for Cordy, but she needs to keep that going to even put any doubt that she’s the FGA World Champion over the real one.

Zero McHannon takes off the headset and holds up his FGA World Championship with the spray painted “Z” on it. The referee retrieves Cordy’s belt and hands it over to her whenever she gets to her feet from the canvas. She instantly looks over to the announcer’s table and sees Zero holding up his title before walking over to the ropes and holding up hers right in return. The two are in a deadly staredown now.