AfterBurn for Vertigo E26

[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!

[El Dragón]

Loud, barely intelligible yelling can be heard as the camera crew tries to catch up to the source of all the commotion. It doesn't take them long to come upon The Venomous Virtuoso, Julian Tijerina, looking both shocked and disappointed at a very passionate and heartbroken Maria. Julian can't do anything else but just stare at her while she continues talking hastily in Spanish. He seems to be as confused as the camera crew. She seems to be in pain, almost at the brink of tears.

Maria: Esto está terminado. Terminamos.

The camera crew just stands there, documenting all that is happening, unraveling. Julian tries to go after Maria but she gestures for him to do otherwise. Hiding her eyes, her tears, in her soft hands, The Spanish Spitfire leaves the area like a disgraced lover, doing what is necessary even though it gives her great pain. Julian is left alone, confused. His eyes reveal nothing but the end. The end of his relationship, partnership, with Maria. The end of his dream.

Just noticing the camera crew, Julian instinctively shakes his head in an attempt to shake off the terrible feelings that have dominated him, drowned his very soul and being. Everyone, including himself, knows that it wouldn't help. Nothing would help. Nothing could help. Nothing but space and time.

As he finds himself alone and staring directly at the camera, unsure of what to do next, he sidesteps and almost superkicks the equipment, along with the man behind it, out of his face. He stops at the last minute, however, realizing that it would be for naught. What happened had already happened. Even if he'd want for it to be a secret, it would show on his face. It wouldn't take long for it to come out. He is alone now, and that is the sad reality of his present.

[The Mason]

Captured Before Vertigo Went Off-Air

We cut to the parking lot where we see the pair of Evan Envi and Sadie San Francisco making their way away from the Horncastle Arena shortly before the night’s main event. They’re on the screen for less than two seconds before we hear their names shouted from a short distance. The camera turns to focus on Spencer Burke as he comes to a stop right in front of the two.

Spencer Burke: Evan Envi Sadie San Francisco; just wanted to catch you before you left Christchurch. After what we just saw out there with Noelle Smith, I wanted to ask the obvious question… after everything you just went through with Molly Reid, why would you choose to do this? What’s your agenda?

Spencer goes to put the mic in Evan’s face but Sadie quickly reaches out, guiding it toward herself.

Sadie San Francisco: Evan says he can’t speak. Physically impossible.

And with that, she simply lowers her hand and turns, prepared to continue her trek back toward the vehicle.

Spencer Burke: But why did he d-- why did you do it? Is it because you’re upset about the result at Final Frontier? It looked to me, and many others, that you were, maybe preying on a weakened opponent by taking advantage of Noelle Smith, who’d just competed in a match.

Evan stares at Spencer for a moment and Sadie’s head falls back in annoyance in the background before she swiftly pivots and drags her feet back to Evan’s side. Evan whispers something into her ear-- prompting a look of confusion from Spencer-- and Sadie responds to the interviewer.

Spencer Burke: I thought you said he can't--

Sadie San Francisco: Evan says he did it because she’s a stain and she makes wrestling suck, and that’s sad for children. And children cry when Noelle Smith shows up on the screen because it sucks all the happiness and joy out of the room and when we pause and think that that could be the future of the industry, the future looks unbelievably and uncontr--

...Evan nudges Sadie.

Sadie San Francisco: That’s all. Basically all that.

Spencer looks at Sadie with a half-awed expression for several seconds before nodding.

Spencer Burke: Well. Did the two of you happen to confront Brian Stryker before you left?

Sadie San Francisco: No.

Sadie promptly turns and walks in the same direction they’d been heading. Evan lingers behind just long enough for Spencer to reach out, holding the microphone beneath Evan's mouth just once more.

Spencer Burke: Anything you want to say, Evan?

Evan shakes his head, looking at Spencer tiredly before turning and following behind Sadie as the scene fades.

[Lou]

The returning Ricky Valero is talking backstage with a company employee just minutes after Vertigo has gone off the air. He’s smiling from ear to ear, clearly excited to be back on the FGA roster. That’s when FGA interviewer Spencer Burke comes speed walking into the picture.

Spencer Burke: Ricky, Ricky...do you have a few minutes to talk?

For a second, Ricky freezes and you can just tell from the momentary pause that he isn’t exactly happy to be interrupted mid-conversation. But the former FGA World Tag Team Champion turns around, still flashing a beaming grin as his eyes meet with the promotion’s top journalist.

Ricky Valero: Of course, Spence.

Spencer Burke cracks a smile as well and moves forward with his interview.

Spencer Burke: First and foremost, welcome back to the FGA!

Ricky Valero: It’s a pleasure to be back, Spence.

Spencer Burke: How did it feel to be out there in that ring, soaking in the crowd’s reaction tonight?

Once more, Ricky smiles. He licks his lips and shrugs his shoulders.

Ricky Valero: It felt like coming home for the first time in years. I know it’s only been a few months since I last stepped foot in a FGA ring, but there just isn’t any feeling like the energy those fans give off when you’re in there. To hear my name chanted, to hear them cheering for me...that feeling has fueled me throughout my career and it’s what wills me on to continue getting in that ring despite every hardship and despite all the time I’ve put in between those ropes. Everyone knows my backstory, I never really had much of a homelife, so for me, the ring is and always will be my home. Tonight was the perfect reminder of that.

Spencer Burke: Are you ready to get back in that ring and compete?

Ricky’s smile fades.

Ricky Valero: I’ve been dying to get back in that ring and compete.

Spencer shuffles a few steps backward but positions the microphone safely between Valero and himself.

Spencer Burke: Well, with that said, I have some very exciting news to present to you before I let you go.

Ricky cocks an eyebrow.

Ricky Valero: Oh?

Spencer Burke: On the next episode of Vertigo, in Adelaide, South Australia, you’ll officially make your in-ring return in a tag team match against Izzy Anders and Savannah Taylor. And your partner is a man you’re actually quite familiar with and one of Australia’s very own...Owen Gonsalves!

A big smirk stretches across Ricky’s face and he draws closer to Spencer Burke now, patting the interviewer on his shoulder.

Spencer Burke: You seem to be pleased with that news, Ricky?

Ricky mulls the question for a moment, then leans in and states simply…

Ricky Valero: It’s game time baby!

[Noelle Smith]

Spencer, fresh from his puzzling (and weird) talk with Sadie and Evan hurries up once inside as he catches a glimpse of Noelle Smith coming out of the trainer's room with her phone in her hand, about to make a call. She sees him powerwalking towards her and takes a deep breath just as he makes it to her and blurts out a quick string of words.

Spencer Burke: Noelle, Noelle! What did the trainer say about your back? It was obvious you were favoring it during the match and well, after.

Noelle Smith: It'll be fine, just pulled a muscle. A little ice bath, then a blessed... nevermind all that. I'll be fine with a little rest, and ready for my next match.

Spencer Burke: What about the despicable actions towards you by fellow FGA'er Evan En...

Noelle holds up her hand and shakes her head. Spencer puzzles a moment but tries again.

Spencer Burke: Why do you think Evan Env...

She cuts him off faster this time, her fingertip almost touching his lips.

Noelle Smith: Harrison. His name is Evan I Wish I Was the Paul McCartney of Wrestling But I'm Just Ringo Starr Harrison. He wants people to call him Envi, because that's what he wants. He is the biggest diva ever to darken the doorstep of any company that would hire him, he's Indina Menzel if she were a wrestler as far as that want for lavishness. But the thing is for him, nothing is ever enough.

Spencer Burke: Indina Menzel...?

Noelle Smith: Google it, Spencer but promise you this... Evan's in a dark place right now. He wanted something and got denied it by Molly Reid, and now no one is safe. Especially not me, or that's what he wants people to think. I hoped that she had knocked some sense back into that brain of his, but we all got to see that's not the case.

Spencer Burke: So what happens next? Are you going to ask for a match?

Noelle Smith: We'll see.

Noelle pauses.

Noelle Smith: Well, Evan might not. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go Skype call Kamijo. Toodles!

Spencer stares after her as she walks briskly away.

[Deleted]

The recently defeated Annie Zellor is seen walking down the corridors of the Horncastle Arena, holding her ribs in pain. As she stops outside her locker room, Annie removes the Celtics jersey that she's been forced to wear all night, revealing the bandages around her midsection, as well as the sports bra she usually wears underneath. With an audible groan, Annie goes to open the door, when Spencer Burke approaches from down the hall.

Spencer Burke: Annie, can I get a word about your match tonight?

The Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion turns her head to look at the interviewer, a look of general disdain on her face. She slings her title belt back over her shoulder as she gets ready to curse out Spencer, but before she can speak another voice pipes up.

Dom Harter: Don't worry, Spencer, I've got it from here.

He says, taking the microphone from Spencer's hand. Burke stands in the center of the two of them as Dom and Annie stare at one another; her look of disdain remains, while he's simply smirking.

Dom Harter: Annie, a hard fought contest tonight but you came up short in the end. Do you think you were simply outclassed or did Cordy get lucky tonight?

Annie Zellor: The better wrestler won on the night...

Dom Harter: But at least you held your own against the FGA World Champion, right? And I mean the rightful one, not the one who walked away as if he had nothing else to pr--

Annie grabs the microphone, shocking Dom somewhat, as she moves it towards her mouth in order to speak.

Annie Zellor: Look, I'm proud of my performance tonight. But it's been a tough ten days, between the no DQ match, the Young Guns Cup, and now Cordy too? But losing to Cordy isn't something I wanna do again. Losing to Levi isn't something I wanna do again. And losing to you--

She jabs him in the chest with one finger; Spencer watches on in awe, expecting Harter to react angrily. But The Tenacious Little Bastard just keeps smirking as Annie jabs him again.

Annie Zellor: --I'm not gonna lose to you again, Dom. You've got your title match at Grapple Kingdom but, spoiler alert, I'm still gonna be the Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion afterwards. I'm still gonna be, like, the best Legacy champion in FGA history and I'm gonna be the one to deny you your Grand Slam.

Dom Harter: That's one way to look at it. Or it's possible that I'll once again make history. All I've got to do is make sure The Crimson Baroness is banned from ringsid--

He's interrupted, however, as Annie slaps him across the face. Dom rubs his cheek as he turns to the shocked Spencer.

Dom Harter: Do you want to take over?

Spencer Burke: She doesn't even speak to me...

Annie Zellor: I can't slap you, you're staff and that'll get me fined or something. But you! Don't take that tone with me, Dom; don't act like I'm nothing without The Crimson Baroness! Don't act like I wouldn't be champion without her! And you of all people, Dom, you don't get to talk smack 'cause I had help to win this belt. We all remember what you did to Chris Q. We all remember what you did to Legacy. We all remember what a little bastard you used to be, so don't become a hypocrite too...

Harter holds up his hands, nodding apologetically before he speaks again.

Dom Harter: You're right. I've screwed people over in the past, I've cheated people out of belts and matches. But I've turned over a new leaf now; when you face me at Grapple Kingdom, I'm not going to cheat. I'm not going to screw you. Unlike you, I don't want an asterix next to my title wins. Unlike you I'm going in alone, and unlike you, I'm leaving with that belt...

As he pats the belt, however, Annie swats away his hand.

Annie Zellor: Don't touch my title. And we're done here...

She says, throwing her Celtics jersey into Dom's face before heading into the locker room. Harter laughs as he picks away the green vest, handing it to Spencer as he says.

Dom Harter: Do you want a souvenir, Spence?

[sasso]

FGA's resident interviewer Spencer Burke is reviewing some notes after Vertigo has gone off the air, when his concentration is interrupted by a shrill voice calling out.

??? SPENCER BURKE!

He looks up to see the woman who would try to sell rocks to a caveman, the mile-a-minute loudmouth AMIRA, coming off her return to action tonight. With a slight hop-skip in her step, she bounds towards him and he readies his microphone.

AMIRA: Speeencaahh Burke! Do you know what you saw out there tonight, Spencer Burke?

She tilts her head questioningly.

Spencer Burke: Certainly an emphatic return to ...

AMIRA cuts him off and holds a finger to his mouth.

AMIRA: I'll tell you what you saw! That out there, that was the sound of the glass ceiling shattering!

She bunches her fists together, then splays her arms out as if to portray her --rather flimsy-- imagery.

Spencer Burke: With all due respect, I don't think you can actually see a sound.

The wrestler's face contorts into a scowl.

AMIRA: Is that supposed to be witty? Well it's not! It's like some trashbag woman wrote that line for you.

She shakes her head,, visibly upset.

AMIRA: That's not the point! What I'm trying to say is that I was amazing out there tonight, despite all the considerable odds stacked against me!

Spencer Burke: Can you elaborate please on those "odds"?

The blonde adopts a high pitched mocking tone.

AMIRA: Can you elaborate please?

Which then turns to one of irritation.

AMIRA: Shut up, Spencer Burke. But yes, I'll illuminate you as to what I'm talking about, like I was going to do before you so rudely interrupted me. I was given a nobody opponent, some kind of joke, FGA's version of Sandon Sanks apparently. After I'll I've been through and all the persecution by my country's corrupt government, that's the welcome back I get. Herded away and shipped across the World like some dumb helpless animal on Noah's Ark to bumfuck New Zealand with a bunch of smelly Kiwis, so I could wrestle that doofus. Like I'm someone who deserves to be disrespected, pfft. But despite being placed in that circumstance, I not only dominated after months away, my name was one of the most frequently heard ones on the show! After only one match back! Can you imagine that?

Burke lightly clears his throat.

Spencer Burke: Well yes, because you made new music for yourself that says your name every three seconds. So that result kind of happened by default.

A laugh of disbelief as she throws her head back.

AMIRA: By default!? Ummm, if it was 'by default' then why pray tell did my music play twice? Oh right, because I won! I won in a glorious, spectacular fashion that afforded me the opportunity to celebrate and gloat about my triumph for as long as my heart desired! Because I have earned that through my excellence as a human being!

She tugs at his suit collar.

AMIRA: You really don't get how things work, do you? Everything is connected, reactions acting together -- it's fission!

Pacing in place, she keeps rambling.

AMIRA: I don't know if the FGA higher ups thought that I'd be rusty, or that I couldn't get it done without backup, or maybe they thought I'm just not that skilled! That I'm all kicks and flips! Well whatever the case, I showed that I am above that trash, as I disposed of him in dominant fashion with a submission hold! A wrestling move, one I easily could have held onto after the bell and broken his neck with. Could have, but didn't because he wasn't even worth making an example of.

Grabbing the mic from Burke, she turns to face the camera straight on.

AMIRA: FGA higher up types! You might think you can control me, you're the almighty, that you can play God with my career like other forces did when they took away years of my hard work. But I will not be contolled! I control my own destiny, I am my own almighty, because I ... Am ... AMIRA!!!

Several sharp breaths.

AMIRA: Give me your weak-willed women, your fraudulent role models you hold up as shining beacons of excellence, so I can BREAK THEM! Bring them to me, or I will bring my fight where it needs to be brought!

She pauses, then spits through gritted teeth.

AMIRA: Don't ... insult me like this again.

Shoving the mic back in Spencer Burke's hands, she storms off.

[bmac]

Molly Reid walks down the hallway, dressed in her street clothes that she wore during her faceoff with Chris Madison earlier in the night. Her Pride Championship is slung over her shoulder, while she has a purse over the other. She walks by Spencer Burke, who looks exhausted but slowly walks over to Molly with a microphone in hand.

Spencer Burke: Can I get a word Molly?

Molly Reid: You look like ass Spencer, long night?

Spencer Burke: You could say that.

Molly Reid: Alright, but make it quick.

Spencer Burke: Molly, I know you mentioned it when you were in the ring, but just how relieved are you to be done with Evan Envi?

Molly Reid: I wouldn't used relieved as the word Spencer. But how would you feel if you had someone trying to ruin your career for months? Envi was a cowardly thorn in my side for almost four months and so it felt good to beat his ass in that ring. Slamming him onto those tacks was the best thing that happened to this company this year if I'm being honest. But it was also expected, because I knew I was going to beat him. He took me to a place that I was happy to stay out of, and it's what cost him any real chance he had at winning this title. Now he can't talk or whatever he's doing, I say good. I hope nobody ever has to hear his stupid voice ever again. You're welcome America.

Molly smiles widely as she says that, though obvious that it's mostly sarcastic. She sighs and looks back at Spencer, who holds his microphone up again.

Spencer Burke: How do you feel about Chris Madison being your new challenger for the Pride championship?

Molly Reid: It's pretty cool. You know it'll be nice to not have to constantly be looking over my shoulder or worrying about him trying to cost me my matches. I can just focus on getting better every time I'm in that ring. And Chris is a great competitor. I got to wrestle against him in the Wildcard Lottery tournament when he and Annie teamed together and beat me and the ghost hunter that I got forced to team with. He's a great wrestler and I'm excited to challenge myself against him. But he better not think for a second that he's gonna beat me because I've already proven once that this Pride Championship isn't going anywhere and after Grapple Kingdom, this title will still be around my waist!

Spencer Burke: Is that a guarantee?

Molly Reid: Trying to trip me up Spencer? Tsk tsk. But I'm incredibly confident in my own abilities. I know exactly what I'm capable of in that ring and I know that I can beat anyone I step up against. Chris is great don't get me wrong, and of course I respect his wrestling skills. Annie's the only person to beat him in like over a year. That's pretty stunning. But I know what I can do. It'll be a big challenge for me but like I said, this Pride Championship isn't going anywhere.

With that, Molly slaps her title belt as she walks off down the hallway, leaving Spencer standing there with his mic still in hand.

[ChrisMadison]

The busiest part of Spencer Burke's night continues to roll on as he navigates his way through the Horncastle Arena looking for FGA talent to interview for the Axxess Network exclusive program, AfterBurn. With a camera crew in tow, he stumbles across the newly anointed number one contender for the FGA Pride Championship, Chris Madison, speaking in private with his manager, Frankie Morrison. Burke begins to approach and shouts out towards them.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me! Chris! Frankie! Could I just get a quick word with you?

The two men turn their attention to Spencer as he closes the gap and comes within an few feet from them.

Frankie Morrison: When have we ever turned you down Spence? Ask away!

Relieved by their willingness to be interviewed, Spencer cracked a smile.

Spencer Burke: Frankie, you delivered some huge news out there tonight. But it seemed like you were trying to give Molly Reid a chance to extend the challenge herself before you finally announced that the committee has already deemed Madison the top contender to her title...

Frankie lifts his arm and holds his hand out, flashing his palm at Spencer.

Frankie Morrison: Nothing personal Spence; but seeing as people around here seem to think I'm just Chris's mouthpiece, I'm going to take a step back and open the floor for him. Any questions you have tonight, direct them his way...

Morrison blades his body and points towards his client that's standing by his side. Spencer Burke is thrown off momentarily, but quickly jumps back on track, directing the questions towards Madison.

Spencer Burke: Chris, you have to be pretty excited about this upcoming opportunity to challenge Molly Reid for the FGA Pride Championship...

Chris Madison: Excited? Yeah I guess you could say that. Molly Reid is a hell of a talent. She's has impressed everyone affiliated with this company since debuting in February with a win over the well-respected Mark Storm. She has scratched and clawed her way to the FGA Pride Championship and earned the honor of an award for best newcomer of 2016. I didn't come to FGA with championship aspirations. I simply wanted to face the best and prove that my first stint wasn't Chris Madison firing on all cylinders. Right now... Hands down... Molly Reid is one of the best!

Spencer Burke: After seeing the clinic that you and Ryan LeCavalier put on at Final Frontier, it's hard to argue with the committee's decision to move forward and reward you with a shot at the champion.

Chris Madison: It's hard enough to defend a championship belt in this business; but to do it in midst of a personal bitter rivalry like she did with Evan Envi, it just adds to her mystique. But the war that Molly and Envi went through, was it something to showcase what the pride division is supposed to be? I'm not trying to sit here discredit what she did; but there was nothing pure about their No Disqualification Pride Rules match. The second that opening bell rang and they exchanged right hands, they showed complete disregard for the rules that built the foundation of the championship they were fighting for. Ryan LeCavalier and I gave FGA fans a Pride Rules match that's hard to criticize

Spencer Burke: Most would consider you a natural fit for the Pride division; especially with a Pride Championship reign from a different wrestling promotion under your belt. Will that kind of experience help you in the hunt for the FGA Pride Championship?

Chris Madison: What I did over there bears no weight in FGA; it's like comparing apples to oranges. It just seems to be a fitting championship for me because of the love and respect I have for this business. At the end of the day, after you strip away all of the pettiness and ego's that crowd this industry, you realize that it's as pure of a sport as there is.

Spencer Burke: This will be your third opportunity at a FGA Championship. We've seen you and Tommy Knox challenge for the FGA World Tag Team Championships, winning a match against Annie Zellor and Laurel Anne Hardy by disqualification; the Sparklebuddies retained. We saw you take part in the Wildcard Lottery Tournament which crowned Cordy Stevenson the new FGA World Champion; You and Annie Zellor defeated Molly Reid and Ruby Tyler, but Annie bested you in the second round. Is this shot going to be any different?

Madison smirks as he scratches at the stubble along his jawline.

Chris Madison: Annie has stopped me from winning a FGA championship twice, huh? Well I guess as long as Annie Zellor doesn't have a hand in it, I just may have a shot! And you know what they say Spence; third time's a charm!

Chris reached out and patted Spencer Burke on the shoulder as he turned his head back towards his manager. He nodded to Frankie Morrison and the two walked off camera, leaving Spencer Burke alone on screen.

Spencer Burke: Molly Reid defending her FGA Pride Championship against Chris Madison is a match I'm surely looking forward to seeing!

[Stephen]

Silence. Tension. The walk from the ring was filled with both as Emery walked ahead of his siblings, his hands on his hips and his head shaking periodically. Effie nervously had her hands over her mouth as she filled the middle. Elon brought up the rear, his eyes fixated on the ground, his face screwed. They walked past the backstage crew, past the other wrestlers. The Elysian trio entered the locker room, each one taking up a seat with significant distance from the others. There they sat, unmoving. Effie, knowing it was her job as manager to rally the troops, just sat there with her head in her hands. She knew what she wanted to say, yet she didn’t know what she should say.

Emery Elysian: This is my fault.

Effie looked up to see Emery shaking his head. Effie wanted to do the same, but because of what Emery was about to do. Here we go again, she thought, everyone taking the blame away from Elon. Be careful not to let Little Lonnie take responsibility for his actions.Even though Emery wasn’t around for much of Elon’s upbringing, somehow he still treated him like their parents had treated him. She never got that treatment. Not from their parents, and not from Emery when they were teammates.

Emery Elysian: I knew you weren’t ready, but I was blinded by my own desire to win. I know I’m on borrowed time at forty-two and-

Elon Elysian: I’m not ready? I told you Rother was full of shit! If you’d have at least acknowledge him we wouldn’t have been in this mess.

Emery Elysian: Typical Lonnie, going right back to the well of excuses. You made the decision to taunt him. I told you to focus-

Elon Elysian: It’s not an excuse if it’s true, asshole! I am so sick of your condescending bitching.

Effie shot up from her seat, sending it a few inches back as she did so.

Effie Elysian: No, I’M sick of this! Both of you lost that match. It’s on the both of you. It doesn’t matter who was right because in the end Rother and The Suspects are going on to face Status Quo for the FGA World Tag Team Championships. I did my part in convincing FGA that your win in Boston wasn’t a fluke and that you deserved an opportunity at the titles. But you know what? Maybe I was wrong. You’re clearly lacking chemistry because neither of you can even come to an agreement about who your opponents are!

Her brothers looked at her, astonished. Effie was normally the most composed, the most business like. Rarely had she ever lost her composure, and she knew that. But enough was enough. Twiddling her thumbs in the hopes that her brothers would finally get on the same page had left all of them with nothing but a sour taste in their mouths. But no more. She wasn’t taking time off from her own wrestling career—a successful one at that—just to watch her brothers bicker over which one of them was to blame for their failures.

Effie Elysian: Emery, you can’t keep treating him like a child. I don’t know if it’s because you feel bad for not being around, but you’re not doing him or yourself any favors. It’s not your fault that Elon came along while you were in the prime of your career, and it’s not his either. You don’t have to feel bad for living your life. It wasn’t your responsibility to be there twenty-four seven.

Elon Elysian: What do you mean “came along”?

Effie Elysian: Jesus, Lonnie! Can you stop being so defensive for one fucking minute and just shut up and listen?!

Elon folded his arms and rolled his eyes. Effie glared at him, knowing that he wanted to throw a tantrum. In a way, she was daring him to. For years she had wanted to put the big baby in a corner, to let him know that the world didn’t revolve around him.

Effie Elysian: I swear you make so many excuses you almost sound like Rother!

Elon’s jaw dropped at the comparison to Rother.

Effie Elysian: What? Are you shocked at the possibility that there’s someone else just like you out there? That, God forbid, you’re not unique? Emery was right. What makes you so special, Lonnie? What have you done to warrant such an infallible ego? Nothing. It’s because someone has always taken the blame for your fuck ups. Well that stops. Now. From now on when you fuck up, you own it. Emery, that goes for you too. No more taking the fall for him. We prepared for that match. We had a plan, and you went rogue, Lonnie. You left Emery to fend for himself and that's WHY we lost.

Emery Elysian:...Fi.

Effie Elysian: What?!

Effie snapped at Emery. A grin was on his face as he leaned against a locker with his arms folded. It’d never occurred to her how much she found that knowing grin of his annoying until now. She could only imagined that Elon shared the same disdain for it. Yet, there he grinned that grin of insatiability. Almost as if...

Emery Elysian:...It’s about time.

...As if he were enjoying her outburst, welcoming it even. Effie was so upset that she didn’t even know what to say next. So she just stared at her older brother.

Emery Elysian: It’s about time you started doing your job too. Booking the matches and playing PR rep is one thing, but if we’re not being held accountable then we’re bound to continue to fail. You are our manager, so manage us. Getting us on the track to parity instead of sitting back and trying to please both sides is the most important thing you can do. We’ll all be better off for it in the long run.

Effie was speechless. How in the hell did Tough Love Emery just strike again, she thought. She looked to Elon whose arms were still folded, but his expression had been mollified.

Elon Elysian:...Yeah, Effie, no more excuses. From any of us, right?

Effie Elysian:...Right.

The siblings just stared at one another, silent. Tense. No one wanted to say anymore. Nothing more needed to be said. One by one they began to open their lockers and change. It was a long flight back to Wisconsin, and it would be made even longer with the air of uncertainty about their future in FGA as up in the air as they would be. But for some reason, none of them were worried. In the end they still had each other. In the end that was all any of them would ever need.

[Izzy Anders]

Izzy Anders, walking backstage after her rubber match victory against Dan Herrera, gets flanked by Spencer Burke. Spencer wears the expression of alarm and partial disdain for Izzy's actions earlier in the night. She tilts her head at Spencer as he gets her attention. Spencer takes a moment to gather himself, having to catch Izzy. Izzy pulls her gym bag higher onto her shoulder, awaiting for Spencer's words.

Spencer Burke: "Izzy, is there anything you want to say about your actions tonight?"

Izzy lolls her tongue in her mouth, before replying.

Izzy Anders: "Dan Herrera is a great competitor. He took it to me here tonight, but I proved myself to be his better once again. And hopefully, just like with Noelle, it is for the final time."

Spencer blinks twice, before straightening up.

Spencer Burke: "You know that is not what I meant."

Izzy scoffs.

Izzy Anders: "Of course that is not what you meant, you idiot. You want to know why I busted Cherry's lip with a microphone just like this."

She takes the microphone from Spencer, twirling around.

Izzy Anders: "If you did not pay attention, then you missed out my motivation. Because from here on out, it is only for Karma, Cherry, and myself to know. For everyone else, just keep your eyes wide open. You may see what I mean. I hope."

She pats Spencer on the back and continues the hallway.

[Cordy]

 The night had definitely been a trying one; from Zero McHannon questioning her status as the true champion of the company, to the nailbiter of a match that she’d had with Annie Zellor in the main event of the evening that saw the Mid-Atlantic Champion push her to her limits; the entire evening seemed as if it were orchestrated to test her on several fronts.

Tests that she believed she passed with flying colors.

While the match with Annie had been far from a cakewalk, it was everything that Cordelia wished it to be; a stellar match that only continued the momentum that she’d carried over from the previous year and set the tone for the year to come. She was fully conscious of the target she donned like designer clothing. She was a mark to everyone, and in their eyes a statement waiting to be made. Because of that, she understood that she’d be seeing nothing less than anyone’s best effort from here on out. Not that she believed she ever had before, the status of her name alone had always seemed to ignite an extra fire under those she encountered in the ring, but her status as champion only added extra incentive.

But the prospect of staying one step ahead was what drove her. That same mindset that had helped propel her to the top of the wrestling world was the same thing she intended to utilize to ensure her stay there. Why abandon what had brought her so far? Complacency wasn’t attractive. It was hardly an option. For as long and as hard as she fought to get where she was, she would have to fight even harder to prove she belonged there. It was a silly notion, she knew. Her track record more than spoke for itself, but she knew that there were some who still questioned her, who still saw Zero McHannon as the rightful champion and now it was on her to eradicate the incredulous notion that she was nothing more than a placeholder and a figurehead. That night had been a step in the right direction, but only one of many that she needed to take. Her mind was already thinking ahead, looking forward to the next step, but an approaching Spencer Burke and a camera crew quickly reminded her that the night was still far from over.

Spencer Burke: Cordelia, a word please?

She slowed her stride, adjusting her duffel bag on her shoulder. She gave a tired smile as she shoved her hands in the pockets of her hoodie.

Cordelia Stevenson: Of course, Spence. You’re always a pleasure to talk to.

He gave a tired smile of his own and she could tell that they were in the same boat and ready to call it a night; although she was sure he’d probably have a few more interviews to try and get done and she on the other hand would most likely have a plethora of fans lingering around in hopes of getting an autograph. She’d oblige without hesitation, because fan interaction was something she never got enough of. And besides, who knew the next time the fans in New Zealand would ever get the opportunity to see her live and in person. It had taken FGA five years to get there. There was no telling how long it would take them to get back.

Spencer Burke: Well tonight certainly was an eventful night for you to say the least.

Cordy smirked and shrugged.

Cordelia Stevenson: Every night is an eventful night with this company, Spencey. That’s one of the reasons why I love it so much. There’s never a dull moment here in FGA.

Spencer nodded in full agreement.

Spencer Burke: The night began with a heated exchange between you and Zero that briefly turned physical…

Before he could even continue, Cordelia cut him off.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yes, a heated exchange between me and the FORMER FGA World Champion, but that isn’t really anything new is it Spencer? Heated exchanges always seem to happen between Zero and I whether they be on twitter or face to face. What can I say? The man has the innate ability to spout stupidity with relative ease and I can’t help but to call him out on it. People like him hate to be tested and people like me could honestly care less about how they feel.

She shrugged.

Cordelia Stevenson: So naturally we bump heads. We’re two people that feel we’re at the top of our games, we both strive to be the best, so eventually we were going to end up on a collision course regardless, right? I meant everything I said out there. Zero talks a great deal about respect, but for the past few months? He’s done nothing but disrespect this company, a company that he walked out on. He can give all of the history lessons in the world, but what did that history mean to him when he up and walked away from it without a single care in the world? His selfishness and his ego meant more than that history apparently did, right?

She shook her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: But it doesn’t matter to be honest, Spencer. Zero wants to point out that he was never beaten for his title, as I told him tonight, it’s nothing for me to change that so he can finally shut the hell up. The fact is he overestimated his position, and now he’s desperately trying to clamor back and reclaim what he willingly gave away. It doesn’t work like that Spencer. Whether Zero wants to admit it or acknowledge it, I am the FGA World Champion. This wasn’t a title given to me, it’s a title I fought for and I earned; it’s a title that sent Tony Carmine running away screaming conspiracy and straight into retirement, and I have no problem showing Zero or anyone else for that matter that I am as legit as it gets. But deep down, Zero doesn’t need any proof. He already knows the deal. His delusional mind just wishes that it could change the facts. But it can’t.

Spencer Burke: Well if anyone ever needed any proof Ms. Stevenson, you certainly gave it with your performance against the MId-Atlantic Champion Annie Zellor tonight; a match, that Mr. McHannon happened to be at ringside for.

Cordelia nodded.

Cordelia Stevenson: Annie Zellor is an amazing competitor, Spence, and I swear she’s only getting better and better. I look at how far she’s come from her days in HKW, and it’s amazing to see just how much she’s progressed. People can say what they want about Annie, we may not necessarily approve of the way she’s been handling business as of late, but one thing I can never say about her is that she doesn’t give it her all each and every single time that she gets in the ring. Every time I’ve squared off against Annie Zellor… whether it was in the Queen of the Deathmatch tournament, or in a tag team match; Sex Sells vs The Sparklebuddies in Dynamic Duos, or even here tonight… she has given just as good as she’s gotten. She pushes me as a competitor and that is something that I absolutely love. She had the #Grrface going, and she even tried to catch me…

She held up a fist.

Cordelia Stevenson: Pow, right in the kisser. Unfortunately for her, tonight I just happened to be one step ahead. I know this won’t be the last time that we cross paths, and I look forward to the next time that we do, but tonight was all about bringing in the new year right and setting the tone and that was exactly what I did.

Spencer Burke: Now Cordelia, tonight also saw the crowning of new number one contender’s for you and Dan Herrera’s tag team titles…

This comment caused her to chuckle.

Cordelia Stevenson: Well we can’t really call them new contenders, now can we Spencer? And here I was thinking that The Usual Suspects were out of my hair once and for all. Welp, silly me. Just as soon as you think they’re down and out, they show they’ve got a little bit more life to them. Anthony Rother, the alleged changed man is back to his old tricks and lo and behold, now The Suspects have a date with Dan and I in the near future. It’s no secret Spencer, The Usual Suspects? Status Quo? We’re far from strangers. We’re all too familiar, and this next encounter will be just another in a growing saga. The past however isn’t something that Dan and I are going to hold on to. Yes we may have had success against The Usual Suspects in the past, but they’ve also had their share of success against us as well. Truth be told, when push comes to shove, absolutely none of that will matter. What it’s going to boil down to is who works better as a team that night and who gets the job done. It’s been awhile since Dan and I defended these titles, but best believe we are primed and ready to go. We’ve always strived to be champions that this company could be proud of, and the focus hasn’t changed. When all's said and done, I want Status Quo to go down as one of the best tag teams this company has ever seen. It’s a lofty goal, I know, especially considering the amazing teams that have set foot in this company, but you’ve got two people committed to making it happen. Ever since they returned to this company, The Usual Suspects have had their eyes on our prize. It’s just up to Dan and I to make sure it never goes any further than that. You know, people try so hard to create this rift between Dan and I, they so badly want us to fall apart at the seams, but here we stand Spencer. The 2016 FGA Tag Team of the year and reigning FGA Tag Team Champions. Last year was an incredible year for us — but it’s absolutely nothing compared to what we have in store for you all this year. The only thing I can tell you all is to sit back, watch, and get real damn familiar.

She rocked back on her heels a bit as she gave Spencer a wink. One more radiant smile towards the camera and it was a wrap. She graciously excused herself as she made her exit.

[theminimalist]

Backstage, we find Blake Rogers standing before us. He’s drenched with sweat and still in his simple gear. It’s pretty obvious that the war he had with Noelle was just moments before this. He lets go of a deep breath and raises his head up to look at the lights of the hallway we’re in.


Blake Rogers: What you just saw out there between myself and Noelle Smith is as good as it gets in this sport. We were playing a game of chess, going move for move with one another and in the process I’d like to think that we stole the show tonight.


He places a hand on his right hip and shakes his head.


Blake Rogers: That being said, I walked away with a loss. For those of you who’ve never been in the middle of a ring, feeling that adrenaline as it courses through your body in the middle of a match and feeling the competition go through you like electricity…..I don’t think you can fully grasp just how disappointing it is to give so much and come so far only to come up short in the end. It flat out sucks, really.


He hangs his head. Whether it’s in disappointment, shame or a mixture of both is anyone’s guess.


Blake Rogers: But I'm a man of my word. I say what I mean and mean what I say and I stand by what I said earlier. Wins and losses matter. It’s what determines your worth in this sport. Tonight I may have come up short, but I’m going to do what I always do. I’m going to pick myself up from this, go into the next Vertigo and get myself back on the right track. Tonight is merely a bump in the road for me, not the end of it.


At this point, he takes another deep breath and looks into the camera.


Blake Rogers: Noelle, I commend you for what you did out there. I applaud you for being able to go toe to toe with me like you did. I know it probably don't mean that much to you, but in the end you got more than just the win. You also got my respect. But don't mistake that for friendship or weakness, because it's not. We will meet up in the middle of a ring again and when we do, I will make sure to avenge what happened out there tonight. You will get a receipt, it's only a matter of time.

With that, we move on elsewhere.