Vertigo (02.05.17)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


Hello hello
(Hola)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
(Donde esta?)
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something
I can feel, feel


Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea

Xfinity Arena
Everett, WA

The lights dim as the sound of a guitar plays throughout the arena. Multi-colored lasers soon begin to shoot out from the stage. Once their attention has been captured, the crowd turns to the entryway to prepare for the man that's about to walk out. At the 25 second mark, “Animal Ghosts” bursts through the speakers. Chandler Scott steps through the curtain with outstretched arms to a loud ovation from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the special guest referee for the World Championship Match at Grapple Kingdom… CHANDLER SCOTT!

Kris Cruise: Hello everyone and thank you for joining us tonight for Vertigo! I’m Kris Cruise and joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger. But right now, we’re being joining by Chandler Scott! What’s he doing out here?

Stephy Auger: Maybe he’s gonna do the right thing and step down from his role as the special guest referee for Grappling Kingdom.

Kris Cruise: Well I highly doubt that.

Stephy Auger: You’re right. He’s too full of himself to do something so selfless.

Chandler swaggers his way down to the ring and slaps hands with the fans along the way, he rolls himself into the ring as the lights come back on. Chandler times his ascension onto the middle ropes with the beginning of the chorus. The crowd sings along with the chorus while Chandler poses with his arms stretched. When the chorus ends, Chandler hops off the middle ropes, turns and lands on his feet. He motions a mic. “Animal Ghosts” dies down as Chandler gets handed a mic. But the arena goes from being filled with his theme to chants of his name.

Crowd: CHANDLER! CHANDLER! CHANDLER! CHANDLER!

Chandler lets out a smile before motioning for the crowd to simmer down.

Chandler Scott: Alright… now, In two weeks time at Grapple Kingdom, Cordy Stevenson and Zero McHannon will battle it out to determine the Undisputed FGA World Champion. But two weeks ago, a wrench got thrown into their plans when a third party got added into their match. And that third party was me, the special guest referee.

The crowd cheers at Chandler being announced as the lead official for the match.

Chandler Scott: Since that time, I’ve heard all the chatter. I see what all the trolls on Wreddit are saying. I’m even aware of what some of my peers are saying in the locker rooms. They’re saying that Chandler Scott isn’t in this match to be an impartial, non-biased official. They’re saying that Chandler Scott has an axe to grind. They’re saying that Chandler Scott has got an agenda. The general consensus is that Chandler Scott.. Is gonna screw someone over.

The crowd cheers as Chandler raises an eyebrow at the possibility.

Chandler Scott: And just who would I screw over? Hmmm. On one hand, you’ve got Zero McHannon.

A tidal wave of boos washes over the Xfinity Arena upon hearing the name “Zero McHannon”.

Chandler Scott: Everyone knows that he hates my guts and I really can’t stand the guy, either. The prevailing thought is that If I couldn’t take the title away from him by out-wrestling him, then maybe I’ll do the next best thing and that’s screwing him out of the one thing that he needs more than oxygen. Maybe I’ll screw him out of the one that that he loves more than anything else in the world: his precious World Championship.

The crowd cheers at the thought of McHannon losing.

Chandler Scott: With McHannon out of the way, that would leave Cordy Stevenson as the only hurdle for me to leap over in my pursuit of the World Championship. And let’s be honest with ourselves. When it comes to Cordy and I, we all know what the scoreboard says. We all know that history has been in my favor. And if Cordy was unfortunate enough to be in the ring with me again, the outcome would end the same way it did the last two times and that’s with me getting my hand raised.

Cheers and applause are heard.

Chandler Scott: But then there’s another option, isn’t there?

The cheers slowly die down as speculation races throughout the crowd.

Chandler Scott: Maybe it isn’t Zero McHannon that I should screw over. Maybe… I should screw over Cordy Stevenson.

The crowd erupts with boos at the thought of Chandler screwing over Cordy.

Chandler Scott: Some people are saying that I’ll actually turn on her. And maybe they’re right. Maybe I’m so selfish that I’d stab Cordy in the back because I want all the glory. Maybe I screw her over because I want the recognition. Maybe I screw over Cordy Stevenson because I want to have the satisfaction of being the one to finally rip that title away from McHannon. And after everything that’s gone down between us, it would be fitting for me to be the man that finally takes that title from him, wouldn’t it?

There are some cheers in the crowd at the thought of Chandler beating Zero. But the boos are still prominent after the possibility of Chandler screwing over Cordy was brought up.

Chandler Scott: Or maybe I go with the third option. Instead of screwing over Cordy or screwing of Zero, I could always screw them both over. Maybe I go and drop the both of them with a Roaring Hammer. Maybe I lay them both out with a steel chair. And after they’re both left on this very canvas writhing in the most uncomfortable pain imaginable, I take both World Titles and leave.

Chandler paces around the ring as a mixed reaction rings throughout the crowd.

Chandler Scott: Maybe I take both titles and “defend” them elsewhere until I’m so desperate for attention that I come crawling back to FGA. Isn’t that right, Mako?

Chandler smirks as he continues to pace around the ring… until he stops. He holds up a finger.

Chandler Scott: But then there’s a fourth option. It’s an option that I’ve never heard anyone bring up until now. As I sit back and think about it, it’s the only option that makes sense. And that option is very simple: I walk into this ring at Grapple Kingdom and I call the match right down the middle.

The crowd returns to cheers.

Chandler Scott: I think I can speak for all of us when I say that no one, and I mean NO ONE, wants to see Zero McHannon walking out of Grapple Kingdom with the World Championship. But if he somehow pulls out a win, it won’t be because of anything I did. It’ll be because he beat Cordy Stevenson.

The crowd boos loudly at that thought.

Chandler Scott: On the other hand, if Cordy Stevenson wins at Grapple Kingdom, it won’t be because I screwed over Zero McHannon. Oh sure, if he loses, he’ll cry foul like the bitch that he is. Trust me. But it won’t be because of anything I did. It’ll be because Cordy Stevenson beat him in the center of the ring.

The crowd bursts into cheers at the thought of Cordy walking out the Undisputed Champion.

Chandler Scott: When I signed that contract, I pledged that I would uphold the rules. I pledged that I would prevent what happened in the recent Tag Title Match from happening in this match. I swore that I would call that match right down the middle. And unlike a certain someone, I’m actually gonna live up to the contract that I signed.

So whether it’s Cordy or Zero, it makes no difference to me. You two can beat the living hell out of each other for all I care. But just know this. I will be an impartial official for that match. I’ll be the best dressed official you’ve ever seen…

Chandler says as he points out someone in the crowd and winks at her.

Chandler Scott: … but I’ll be an impartial official nonetheless. But know this, after I see one of you tap out or after I count the three and you get your arm raised, all bets are off. You might think that you’ve just survived the fight of your life at Grapple Kingdom. But no. You’re looking at the fight of your life right here.

The crowd cheers as Chandler points his thumb at himself.

Chandler Scott: And just as I’ll be handing the winner their title at Grapple Kingdom… I’ll be taking that title right back from them in short order.

And with that, Chandler ends the promo by nonchalantly chucking the mic over his shoulder. “Animal Ghosts” rings throughout the arena as Chandler heads to the outside and makes his way up the aisle.

Kris Cruise: You heard it here first! Chandler Scott says he’s calling it right down the middle. Stephy!

Stephy Auger: You actually believe him?

Kris Cruise: Why wouldn’t I?

Stephy Auger: He just spelled it out for you. His record is much better against Cordy Stevenson than it is against Zero McHannon. For him, the easier path to the World Champion is through Cordy. Not to mention that he hates Zero, too? He’s got all the motivation in the world to screw him over!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

A purple Lamborghini Gallardo eases its way into the parking lot of the Xfinity Arena. The camera is quick to focus on it. A few seconds later, out gracefully comes The Spanish Sweetheart, Julian Tijerina, wearing a suave white suit with purple accents. He has a pretty smile on his face as he stands tall beside his expensive vehicle. Breathing in the Everett, Washington, air, he makes sure his fancy clothes are primed and ready for a show. He starts walking as he speaks, staring directly at the camera.

Julian Tijerina: Hola, damas y caballeros, niños y niñas, niños de todas las edades... It's a pleasure to see you all again, especially in more...beautiful circumstances.

Julian makes a hand gesture while he continues walking, as if he's conjuring something with his hands out of thin air. He grins playfully, aware of its effect on girls the world over.

Julian Tijerina: But let me just take this moment to address something, rather someone, who may not fit our description of beautiful... Blake Rogers.

Julian rolls his eyes before shaking his head. He sighs in pity to further prove his point.

Julian Tijerina: Blake Rogers just doesn't get it. He says he breathes this industry yet he seems confused as to why I just can't let his "lucky" wins over me go.

He makes a face, shrugging. He shifts from a playful smile to a more serious glare.

Julian Tijerina: It's called pride, amigo. Warriors have that. We don't just duke it out, day in, day out, get in the ring and put everything on the line, just because we want to, just because we like the spotlight. No, no, no. We do all that and more because we need to. We have to. We're guerreros. We're fighters. Our blood runs as red as war itself. Shame on someone like you, muchacho, who just doesn't get...it.

The Spanish Sweetheart composes himself, trying his best to resume his previous flighty self.

Julian Tijerina: The first time we clashed, I almost had the win, but I have to admit, Blake Rogers pulled one on me. The second time we were in the ring together, it was during that much-lauded six-person tag team match, and Evan Envi's boyfriend saved Rogers' boring butt. Still, always a satisfying shot, getting my hands on him.

Julian swiftly pulls a purple rose from inside his suit, and as he continues walking through the halls of the arena, he surrenders it to one of the young female stagehands who was just standing by the side of the wall. As soon as she receives the rose, she starts giggling and hyperventilating, overly delighted at the prospect of being gifted by El Guapo himself.

Julian Tijerina: He calls me a crybaby, a prima donna, a Kardashian... Yet he's the one who goes O-M-G.

He starts overexaggerating a stereotypical accent.

Julian Tijerina: O-M-G, guise, I haven't had my coffee yet! O-M-G, guise, I'm so much better than Julie! O-M-G, guise, my luck is about to run out!

Unexpectedly, he stops dead in his tracks, fury in his eyes.

Julian Tijerina: And it will. It very much will. Soon enough.

Julian heaves a sigh and a smile pops back on his face. He continues walking as if nothing had just happened.

Julian Tijerina: Because the next time I get Rogers in the ring, the next time we share the squared circle with each other, it will be his last time getting to the back a lucky man.

He starts fixing his suit once again, turning a sharp right as the camera struggles to anticipate his direction.

Julian Tijerina: I might be pretty, but I'm not JUST pretty. I've wrestled all over the world, fought the best of the best, and came out on top. Just because I know how to dress myself doesn't mean I don't know how to kick someone's teeth in. Minimalist? Who is he kidding? That guy just doesn't know how to be more than another Johnny One-Note.

Julian narrows his eyes, his entire attention directly on the camera.

Julian Tijerina: If it was just me and him, there'd be no luck to speak of. The result will be clean as a whistle... Him on the mat staring at the lights up in the ceiling and me standing tall, victorious, over his fallen boring body.

He grimaces, disgusted at the very thought of Maria's name coming out of Rogers' lips.

Julian Tijerina: He even had the gall to bring up Maria in this conversation. At least I have people who like being around me. No one could ever tolerate that much bland in the same room with them. Not anyone with taste, anyway, so I apologize if I've just offended his mother.

Once more, Julian puts on a more positive face, a smiling one, something that's more inviting than truly poisonous.

Julian Tijerina: But I digress, Blakey-wakey. The next time you and I face off, sorry for the lack of a better term, I know your face can never match up to mine, I'll show you that there are far better things out here for you than just, well, your kind of "minimalism." Oh, I do hope it's a one-on-one match, too, because I'd really love to put on a show just for you.

Julian stops once more, both hands on his hips. He shrugs, smiling, before firing a gun at the camera with his fingers, taking a step back, and launching a Superkick directly at the camera. The scene fades out as soon as his foot makes "contact."

Julian Tijerina: See you in a bit, Stunray.

[FGA Office]

Jimmy Page vs. Bean Bands

“Rise” by Skillet plays over the PA as Bean Bands is already in the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, already in the ring… BEAN BANDS!

The crowd cheers as Bands raises his arms in the air.

A song crashes into the P.A. system that sounds of static and a guitar. The lights begin to flash a violent red frantically. As the song "Murdered Out" by Kim Gordon really kicks in, the lights continue to flash red. A silhouette appears at the entrance. With a controlled stagger, Jimmy Page comes from the back, head down and arms out from his sides. Page swaggers down to the ring in at a methodical pace. The camera gets a close up of his hair covered face as he makes his way down the aisle. He stops at the top of the ramp, flinging his hair from his eyes and glaring around, chewing on a piece of gum. Through the static red, a spotlight follows Page as he makes his way to the front of the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Flint, Michigan! Weighing in at 245 pounds… JIIIIIMMYYYYYY PAAAAAAAGE!!!

He takes a running start, sliding on top of the apron. He stands, gets in the ring, then climbs on top of the turnbuckle. Page spits his gum outside of the ring, into the crowd. Jimmy leaps down from the turnbuckle, and begins to slither down into a seat on the lower turnbuckle; Placing his head against the middle turnbuckle, knocking the back of it against the corner gently as he awaits the bell.

Kris Cruise: Jimmy Page resurfaced for the first time in months with that vignette from last month. He then had a sitdown with our very own Spencer Burke where he talked about his problems with alcohol and pills and why he’s done the things that he has. Page claims he’s trying to make positives changes one day at a time. But that remains to be seen.

Stephy Auger: I’m not sure that I’m buying that, Cruise. And from the sound of it, neither are these fans.

The match starts with Page walking over to Bands and slowly extending his hand for a handshake. Bands is immediately taken aback.

Kris Cruise: Bands doesn’t know what to make of this and neither do I.

Stephy Auger: Make it three. I can’t remember Page ever calling for a handshake.

After staring at Bands, Page puts his hand out again. This time, he does so more emphatically. But again, Bands is in no rush to shake it.

Kris Cruise: Bean Bands is weary of Page’s intentions and so am I.

Stephy Auger: It looks like a trap to me. Let’s see if Bands is dumb enough to fall for it?

Bands looks around at the crowd is disbelief at the gesture. He then turns to the crowd and points at Page.

Crowd: NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!!

Bands turns back to Page and shakes his head. Page puts his hand out once again. But Bands smacks it away before shaking his head. Page lets out a disappointed sigh.

Kris Cruise: Bean Bands doesn’t want to shake Page’s hand and I can’t say I blame him.

Both men begin to circle the ring. After they inch towards each other, Bands ducks the tie up, goes behind and applies a waist lock. He then transitions into a hammerlock before turning Page around and catching him in a side headlock. As Bands cinches in the hold, the ref asks Page if he wants to give up. But Page refuses. He then shoves Bands off of him and into the ropes. When Bands returns, Page knocks him down with a standing shoulder block. When Page looks out at the crowd, he’s quickly with by a barrage of boos. Page then motions towards Bands. But Bands quickly rolls away from Page in fear that Page was going to try and stop away at his face.

After Bands returns to his feet, both men circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Page moves Bands across the ring and into the corner. The ref then gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

As soon as Page lets go, Bands curls up in corner in fear of a cheapshot. But Page doesn’t move a muscle. He just stands looking at bands confused.

Page steps to the side and motions for Bands to come out of the corner. But Bands won’t. Page motions for him to come out of the corner and that it’s okay. But again, Bands won’t do it. Bands then motions for the ref to come over and move the ref back. The crowd then cheers as the ref forces Page back. Page lets out a disappointed sigh.

Kris Cruise: Page is trying to get Bands to come out of the corner. But Bands wasn’t about to come out of the corner until Page was away from him.

Once Page is a safe distance away from him, Bands makes his way from out of the corner. After circling the ring, then two head towards the center of the ring and lock up. After jockeying for position, Page places Bands in a side headlock. Bands then moves Page into the ropes before shoving him off of him and into the far ropes. When Page returns, Bands drops down. So Page hops over him before running into the far ropes. When Page returns, Bands leapfrogs over him. Page continues to run into the ropes. When Page returns, Bands goes for a hip toss. But Page blocks it. Bands tries to muscle him up for a hip toss. But again, Page blocks it. So Bands doubles him over with a punch to the midsection. After draping his leg across the back of Page’s neck, Bands performs a backflip. Once Bands lands on his feet, Page knocks him down with a lariat. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bands kicks out.

Page picks up Bands, moves him into the corner and delivers three knife edge chops. He then takes Bands and whips him into the opposite corner. Page runs across the ring to attack, but Bands knocks him back with a boot to the face. While Page shakes off the cobwebs, Bands runs out of the corner to attack. But Page counters with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bands gets his shoulder up.

Page picks up Bands, scoops him up from the side and delivers a pendulum backbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bands gets his shoulder up.

Page picks up Bands and goes for an irish whip. But Bands reverses, sending Page into the ropes. When Page returns, Bands sets up for a back body drop. But Page stops before countering with a double underhook suplex. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bands gets his shoulder up.

As Page slowly picks up Bands, Bands begins to nail him with punches to the midsection. The crowd rallies behind Bands as he stands up and nails Page with a series of knife edge chops. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Bands returns, Page throws out a lariat. But Bands ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Bands returns, the crowd cheers when he knocks Page down with Face Meets Fist (Superman Punch). As Page gets back to his feet, Bands runs into the ropes and knocks him down again with the Lip Splitter (springboard roundhouse kick). He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Page kicks out.

Bands picks up Page and goes for an irish whip. But Page reverses, sending Bands into the ropes. When Bands returns, the crowd boos when Page turns him inside out with Sole Destruction (rolling big boot). Page reaches down, picks up Bands, grabs him by the neck and and then drives him down with Nirvana (hangman’s facebuster). The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “Murdered Out” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JIMMY PAGE!

The crowd continues to boo as Page gets his arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Jimmy Page makes short work of Bean Bands in his FGA return.

Stephy Auger: Bands was able to knock Page off his feet twice. But that was the highpoint of the match for Bands as Page quickly swatted him down and finished him off from there.

Kris Cruise: Page gets the win in his FGA return. We’ll keep a close eye on Page and this new journey he’s embarking on. But if a newcomer like Bean Bands isn’t willing to give Page a chance, then I highly doubt some of the more tenured members of the roster will.

We’ll be back with more action, right after this...

[FGA Office]

Dan and Peaches are seen sitting in the lounge area of the backstage watching the show on the video monitor. Dan looks over at the hallway area and sees a familiar face walk by. He does a double take before he nudges Peaches and she looks over. Dan stands to his feet yelling out at the figure.

Dan Herrera: Hadley!

She turns and sees Dan and Peaches in the lounge and smiles as she walks their way. Dan throws his hands out in confusion.

Dan Herrera: What are you doing here? I thought you were asking about Showdown in the Sun tickets for 3GW, not Vertigo.

Peaches arches a brow at her inquisitively. Hadley walks over giving Peaches a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She then hugs Dan as well.

Hadley Herrera: I still want tickets to that silly.

Dan Herrera: I see… well it’s good to see you anyways. How’s the shop?

Hadley Herrera: Making T-Shirts… selling T-Shirts. Things couldn’t be going more swimmingly. Besides, I had to take a break from all the Veepeeing to come help you.

Dan looks over at Peaches and back and Hadley.

Dan Herrera: Help me?

Peaches: What are you talking about Hadley?

Hadley laughs. She pushes her palms at the ground a little to try to ease the quick tension.

Hadley Herrera: I just heard that you may need a tag partner now that Cordy had to leave you teamless. And as we all well know, The Herrera’s are a force to be reckoned with in the ring.

She smiles and puts her hand up waiting as Dan gives her a high five.

Dan Herrera: I see… well as true as your statement may be. I don’t need a tag team partner. I have one. I’ve got this all worked out. Cordy fighting for the World Championship isn’t going to be a problem for me.

Hadley Herrera: You seem awful sure of that.

Dan Herrera: I’ve got it figured out Hadley. It’s fine. The Herreras will have to rise again at another time.

Dan gives her a smirk and a shrug to say ‘I’m sorry’. She smiles before speaking again.

Hadley Herrera: Actually, I’m here because Izzy Anders invited me to come hang out with her.

Peaches scrunches up her nose and shakes her head.

Peaches: You’re not serious…

Hadley Herrera: Of course I am. If you’ve got a problem with her that doesn’t mean that I should.

Peaches: You’ve heard what she’s said about Dan recently right?

Hadley Herrera: Whatever it was, she’s already told me she doesn’t have any problem with him anymore.

Peaches sighs and looks over at Dan.

Dan Herrera: It’s fine. You’re obviously free to be friends with whomever you want to. I’ve never tried to stop it before, I wouldn’t now. Just a friendly reminder how things turned out with Chandler Scott…

Hadley Herrera: Point taken. I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine. I’m going to go find her now, let me know about The Herreras. I’m always here for you.

Dan hangs his head before looking back up at her again.

Dan Herrera: I already have a tag partner. Thank you though Hadley. Enjoy the show, we’ll be back here.

Hadley Herrera: Sounds good! Talk to you later, bro.

Hadley and Dan embrace once again. She then leans in hugging Peaches again before she turns around and heads back to the hallway to find Izzy’s locker room. Dan looks at Peaches and raises an eyebrow. Peaches just shakes her head before the pair sit back down on the couch and go back to watching the show.

[FGA Office]

Julian Tijerina vs. Stunray

The signature guitar riff of “Psycho” by Muse blasts into the excited air and a chorus of boos emanates from the sold out arena. The drums start pounding away and Stunray strides out onto the stage with his arms outstretched into the air. The camera zooms up to him as he stops dead center on the FGA stage. He moves his outstretched hands inward multiple times as if he’s asking for more negativity. He puts his arms down and begins to walk down the ramp towards the squared circle.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Rochester, New York! Weighing in at 235 pounds… STUUUUUNRAAAAAY!

He ignores the outstretched hands of adults and children alike as he focuses on the ring. He reaches it, climbs the stairs and walks along the ring apron. He lifts his arms again as he reaches the center of the apron and looks upwards towards the lights to the tune of an unimpressed crowd. He slowly drops his arms before climbing between the second and third ropes, into the ring.

Kris Cruise: Stunray made his FGA on-screen debut a few weeks back during a backstage segment with Daniel Widdel. These two men apparently know each other from somewhere. But it didn’t look like Widdel was pleased to see his old acquaintance.

Stephy Auger: I wonder what that backstory is, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: I’m not sure. But it’s something we’ll have to keep an eye on.

The lights go out. A few seconds later, "Senbonzakura" (violin cover) by Lindsey Stirling plays, the lights go back on, and Julian Tijerrrrrrrrriiiiiiinnaa!!! comes out, bathed in purple and pink spotlight and holding a purple rose, which he smells. He pivots slowly for the benefit of the crowd. On his way to the ring, he high-fives fans and surrenders his rose to a lucky girl at ringside.

Julian gracefully climbs inside the ring. Once inside the ring, Julian spins on his toes with both arms stretched to either side and his head towards the ceiling. He stops and slowly, almost dramatically, removes his mask and shows his own grin, a more attractive version of the mask's. In one fluid motion, Julian takes off the poncho, and ends up with both arms once again stretched to either side, one hand holding his mask while the other holding the poncho.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Extremadura, Spain! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is The Spanish Sweetheart, JULIAAAAAAAN TIIIIJERIIIIINAAAAA!

Surrendering the mask and the poncho to the referee, Julian climbs the turnbuckle and again stretches both arms to either side before applauding the fans, randomly waving and pointing at people, blowing kisses at cute girls, and occasionally winking. Finally, he goes back down, stretches with the ropes' help, and waits for his opponent to get in the ring with him.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina and Blake Rogers have had their problems with each other since Final Frontier. But these will will finally be able to settle their issues, once and for all, at Grapple Kingdom. We’ve got a Mid-Atlantic Legacy Title eliminator coming up tonight. But at Grapple Kingdom, Tijerina and Rogers will be competing in the other Title Eliminator as they meet up one on one.

Stephy Auger: The winner of that match will meet the winner of AMIRA and John Blade on the first Vertigo after Grapple Kingdom. The winner of that number one contender match will then face the winner of Annie Zellor and Dom Harter at “Only the Strong Survive” in April.

The bell sounds as both men circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Stunray begins to move Tijerina back across the ring. Tijerina then puts on the brakes and begins to move Stunray across the ring. Stunray then pivots and presses Tijerina up against the ropes. The ref then heads over and gives both men until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men slowly let go of each other. The breaks looks clean… until Stunray rakes Tijerina across the eyes. The crowd continues to boo as Stunray leans Tijerina back against the ropes before chopping the heck out of his chest. He then takes Tijerina and whips him into the far ropes. When Tijerina returns, Stunray drops down to the canvas. So Tijerina hops over him before running into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, Stunray throws him down with a hip toss. He then goes to drop an elbow. But Tijerina rolls out of the way. Stunray gets back to his feet and is quickly given an arm wrench from Tijerina. Tijerina delivers another arm wrench as he takes control of the match. But Stunray quickly snatches it back after another rake to the eyes. The boos continue as he places Tijerina in a side headlock. But Tijerina is able to shove Stunray off of him and into the ropes. When Stunray returns, Tijerina knocks him down with a blistering knife edge chop. Stunray gets back to his feet, but he’s knocked down by another blistering chop. After Stunray returns to his feet, Tijerina wrenches his arm and follows up with three more chops. He then takes Stunray and whips him into the corner. Tijerina heads into the corner. But Stunray hoists himself up onto the middle ropes and stops him with a front kick to the face. As Tijerina stumbles back, the crowd boos when Stunray knocks him down with a dropkick off the middle ropes. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
Tijerina kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Stunray with a huge opporutnity here tonight. If he were to beat Tijerina, he’d have a good case for being included in that title eliminator.

Stephy Auger: With the tough losses Tijerina’s been having as of late, I like his chances.

Stunray picks up Tijerina, snapmares him over and delivers a knife edge chop across the back of the neck before running into the ropes. When Stunray returns, he flattens Tijerina with a dropkick. After Stunray returns to his feet, he delivers three consecutive elbow drops before making the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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Tijerina kicks out.

Stunray picks up Tijerina and places him in a three quarter facelock. The ref asks Tijerina if he wants to give up. When Tijerina refuses to quit, Stunray flips him down to the canvas before running into the ropes. When Stunray returns, he throws out another dropkick. This time, Tijerina rolls out of the way. After both grapplers return to their feet, Tijerina goes for an irish whip. But Stunray reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, he goes to slide through Stunray’s legs. But Stunray catches him and then yanks him back to his feet. He quickly follows up with an arm drag. As Tijerina gets up, Stunray runs over to attack. But Tijerina throws him down with an arm drag. Stunray gets back up. But he’s quickly thrown down by another arm drag. When Stunray returns to his feet, Tijerina brings him down with an overflow arm drag.

After Stunray rolls to the outside, Tijerina runs into the far ropes. When Stunray turns around, the crowd cheers when Tijerina executes a baseball slide into a headscissors takeover.

Tijerina picks up Stunray and rolls him back into the ring. He then slides in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stunray kicks out.

Tijerina picks up Stunray and goes for an irish whip. But again, Stunray reverses and sends him into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, Stunray goes for a back body drop. But Tijerina slips down from behind and rolls him up with a schoolboy.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tijerina hoists Stunray off the canvas and throws him down with a schoolboy suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Stunray gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Close call there from Stunray after behind slammed down hard to the mat.

Tijerina picks up Stunray and goes for a vertical suplex. But on the way up, Stunray kicks his legs, forcing Tijerina to lower him down. He then quickly follows up with a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tijerina kicks out.

When both grapplers return to their feet, Stunray takes Tijerina and whips him into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, he delivers a tilt-a-whirl into a crucifix pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stunray kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Stunray takes Tijerina, delivers an irish whip and follows him into the corner. But instead of crashing into the corner, Tijerina runs up to the top turnbuckle and backflips off. After landing on his feet, he knocks Stunray into the corner with a dropkick. Tijerina returns to his feet before returning to the corner and connecting with a step-up enzuigiri. Once Stunray crumbles to the canvas, Tijerina steps out onto the apron and connects with La Guillotina (slingshot leg drop). He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Stunray gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Great combination of moves there by Tijerina, but it’s not enough to get the three count.

Stephy Auger: That’s been Tijerina’s problem the past few weeks. He looks great out there. He just can’t seal the deal.

Tijerina picks up Stunray and stuns him with a hard chop before running into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, the crowd boos when Stunray brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Stunray picks up Tijerina and delivers a snap suplex. He then turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Stunray picks up Tijerina, moves him over towards the ropes and turns him around. The crowd roars with boos when he chokes Tijerina across the top rope by pressing down on the back of his neck. The ref gives Stunray until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Stunray lets go. He then delivers three elbows shots to the small of the back. After pulling Tijeria away from the ropes, Stunray doubles him over before delivering a bridging fisherman suplex.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Stunray picks up Tijerina, hooks his leg, spins and brings him down with the Moss Covered Three handled Family Gredunza.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
TH-NO!

Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Tijerina’s in a bad way here, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Stunray’s got him on the ropes.

Stunray picks up Tijerina, brings him into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After stepping back towards the center of the ring, Stunray runs, jumps and goes for a Stunray Splash (stinger splash) to the back. But Tijerina moves out of the way, causing Stunray to crash into the corner. As Stunray stumbles back, Tijerina knocks him down with a superkick to the back of the head. He then brings Stunray up onto his knees before knocking him down with a Buzzsaw Kick. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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T-NO!

Stunray gets his shoulder up.

Tijerina picks up Stunray and delivers a suplex. He then rolls over, pulls Stunray back up and hits a second suplex. Tijerina then rolls over, pulls Stunray up and delivers a brainbuster. Tijerina pulls Stunray up onto his ropes and runs into the ropes. When Tijerina returns, he throws out the Kedavra Knee (shining wizard). Stunray’s able to duck. But isn’t able to avoid a Kedavra Knee to the back of the head. After Stunray falls to the canvas, Tijerina pulls him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Sennbonzakura (violin cover” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JULIAN TIJERINA!

The crowd continue to cheer as Tijerina gets his arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina stops the slide that he’s been on for the past few weeks as he picks up the victory!

Stephy Auger: The man had no momentum heading into Grapple Kingdom. I’m sure he’s feeling confident after getting another long overdue win. But right now, Blake Rogers has his number and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The cameras cut backstage where Daniel Widdel is warming up for his match that was next. He was standing doing some neck rolls and doing a light jog in the spot. A smile grew on his face when Jessie Pederson approached him with a microphone for an impromptu interview.

Jessie Pederson: Hi Daniel, I hope I didn’t catch at a bad time. I was wondering if I could get a quick interview with you before your match.

Daniel Widdel: No, it’s fine Jessie. Ask away!

Daniel positioned himself next to Jessie and motioned for Jessie to start the interview.

Jessie Pederson: First off, congratulations on your big debut win against Jimmy Jam Ronie. What are your thoughts coming off such a big win like that?

Daniel Widdel: Thank you Jessie. Jimmy was one tough opponent I must admit that. We pushed each other to the limits but in the end, it came down to who was more resourceful. I was able to quickly maneuver a counter to score my big debut victory. I was satisfied that I was able to get that big win, now it’s time for me to continue that momentum.

Jessie Pederson: For you to continue that momentum in FGA, you are scheduled to wrestle Blake Rogers. What are your thoughts on your opponent?

Daniel Widdel: He calls himself ‘The Minimalist’ Right?

Jessie nodded her head to confirm Blake’s nickname.

Daniel Widdel: He’s a guy that doesn’t want all those bells and whistles. No entrance theme and no flashy attires. He’s the human form of the stick figure drawing but, the man has scored some big wins so far in his career. He’s been in the ring with the top-tier and longtime talents in FGA. He certainly is no wishy-washy guy.

Voice: Daniel!

Once again Daniel freezes in place and stares straight ahead, this time obviously more annoyed than shocked. Stunray has once again just finished his match-up and is moving quickly towards on the interview space.

Stunray: Hey man, good to see you again!

Stunray finally moves into the shot.

Daniel Widdel: Hi Stunray, how can I help you?

Daniel spoke with a hint of sarcasm in his voice not too pleased to once again have Stunray interrupt his interview. Stunray forces a grin from ear to ear and speaks.

Stunray: I wanted to congratulate you on your win last week and wish you luck on your upcoming match. It’s SO terrific to see you up and competing and scoring those big victories where they count!

Daniel looks at Stunray hesitantly and tries to come up with a response but cannot before Stunray interrupts him.

Stunray: Look, I know you and I haven’t had the greatest relationship in the past but the way I see it – that’s all just water under the bridge now.

Daniel tries to get in a word but is once again interrupted.

Stunray: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt the interview here – Good luck out there pal!

Stunray begins to leave and once again gives Daniel a hard pat on the back as he walks by. Stunray turns away from the two and his faux-happiness disappears once more. He leaves the camera shot as Daniel apologizes to Jessie for the second interruption in as many interviews.

[FGA Office]

The show switches to another area backstage where Spencer Burke is standing with the ‘Tenacious Little Bastard’. Harter is dressed in his ring attire, ready for his match later tonight, along with a ‘Still Better Than Trump’ t-shirt from XCVIII Apparel.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with Dom Harter. Dom, in two weeks time at Grapple Kingdom you have your shot against Annie Zellor for the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy title and your chance for the Grand Slam-

Harter nods, smirking to himself as Spencer continues.

Spencer Burke: -but tonight you’re going one-on-one with her tag team partner, The Crimson Baroness. Your ex-girlfriend and protégé, The Crimson Baroness…

Dom Harter: I know who she is.

Spencer Burke: Well how are you feeling about this coming match? About facing someone you know so well, who you’ve helped to train.

Harter raises a hand, calling for silence. Which he gets!

Dom Harter: I’m looking forward to it, Spencer, for one very simple reason – and it’s not revenge for what happened on the last Vertigo. It’s not getting my own back for that attack or any of that – I’ll settle that debt in two weeks time at Grapple Kingdom when I become the first ever winner of the Grand Slam here in FGA. But as far as The Crimson Baroness is concerned, it’s so I can see how far she’s come.

Spencer Burke: Of course you initially trained her before she appeared in LDFC, and she named her Dom’ed double arm DDT after you. We all know that much.

Dom Harter: And now we get to see how much wisdom Chris Bond and the other trainers down there in North Carolina imparted on her. Because I saw what she did in Michigan, where she was the champion for six months. I’ve seen first hand what she’s done in HKW, where she’s a two-time Bloodlust champion. And all the signs are pointing to her coming a long way.

Spencer Burke: Compared to your recent failure in the Young Guns Cup–

That causes Dom to frown, and shake his head at Spencer.

Dom Harter: Why’d you have to go there, Spence? Yeah, I only got to the quarter finals, yeah I’m disappointed. But it hasn’t hurt my momentum; one of my three goals this quarter hasn’t come to fruition, but I’ve got another goal just over the horizon and I’m going to focus on that for no–

But the interview is interrupted by the appearance of the Small Boob Wrecking Crew! The Crimson Baroness strikes first, catching Dom with a low blow from behind – and he’s not wearing his cup this week. He goes down as The Baroness continues stomping at him. Meanwhile, Annie takes the microphone from Spencer’s hand.

Annie Zellor: Run along, Spencer…

Spencer Burke: Attacking people backstage now, Annie?

Zellor shakes her head as she steps past Spencer to talk directly to the supine Dom Harter.

Annie Zellor: The first ever Grand Slam winner? That’s what you wanna be, huh, Dommy? Lemme tell you how this is gonna go down – tonight, we’re gonna see the student become the teacher. And you can blame me for Molly beating you. You can tell us all that Ricky cheated when he beat you two weeks ago. But tonight? She’s gonna beat you clean. In two weeks time, I’m gonna beat you clean. And you’re not gonna become the first ever Grand Slam winner here in FGA, Dommy – over my dead body are you gonna beat me for this belt!

She slaps the belt on her shoulder a couple of time for emphasis.

Annie Zellor: John Blade has more chance to beat AMRIA for his title, then you do of taking this strap from me. Just watch what I do tonight to Owen Gonsalves, and think about what you’re saying and doing. ‘Cause I’m gonna beat him again and make his FGA career get off to an even worse start than I did in Germany.

She giggles at that one, leaning down closer to Dom’s face.

Annie Zellor: ‘Cause that’s what you’ve got coming at Grapple Kingdom. But you can keep thinking that you’re gonna beat me; keep dreaming of beating me again, Dommy, keep talking about how you’re 2-0 against me, keep reminding me of the DQ, or the Young Guns Cup. ‘Cause it’s all gonna come back to bite you in the butt one day soon … and maybe I’ll just help you to another five star match like none of your other recent opponents could, when I defend my Mid-Atlantic Legacy title!

Annie throws the microphone down on Dom as The Baroness stops stomping. The Small Boob Wrecking Crew walk away as a precarious Spencer Burke helps Harter back to his feet. The Tenacious Little Bastard shakes off the attack as best he can before he speaks up.

Dom Harter: Nights like this I wish I hadn’t turned over that new leaf…

With that, Harter walks away, leaving Spencer behind. A few seconds pass as the interviewer remains there, silent, until he looks around with that panicked expression on his face.

[FGA Office]

Blake Rogers vs. Daniel Widdel

Acoustic chords of "Nothing Personal" by Night Riots echo through the sound system. When the hard hitting chorus hits, Daniel Widdel steps on stage. He extends out his arms out to his sides leaning his head back soaking in the positive reaction from the fans. Daniel lowers his arms to pause for a moment to take in everything. Daniel eyed the ring while he walked down the walkway.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is “Mr. Right Now” DANIEL WIDDELL!

Daniel jumped onto the apron and sprung himself over the top rope. Daniel went to the furthest right turnbuckle and inaudible shouted out to pump up the fans and himself. He jumped down the turnbuckle and stood in the ring.

Kris Cruise: Just moments ago, Daniel Widdel had another awkward run in with Stunray backstage.

Stephy Auger: Spencer or Jessie have to sit this two down so we can get the scoop on what went on between these two before.

The venue quiets down and soon buzzes with the fans' chatter amongst themselves before there's some action on top of the entrance ramp. Blake Rogers walks out with his hands on his hips. The crowd begins to mostly boo him as he looks around at them and walks down to the ring, cracking his knuckles and rolling his wrists a bit as he does so.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Niskayuna, New York! Weighing in at 217 pounds! He is “The Minimaist”... BLAAAAAAAKE ROOOOOGEEEERRRRS!!!

He slides into the ring and walks over to his corner, where he beckons the referee over and makes them check his pads and boots for any hidden objects.

Kris Cruise: If you’re just joining us here tonight, early today is what announced that Blake Rogers and Julian Tijerina will meet up in a Mid-Atlantic Legacy Title Eliminator at Grapple Kingdom. The winner of that will face the winner of AMIRA and John Blade in four weeks on the next Vertigo. I know Rogers isn’t a fan favorite by any means. But you would probably favor him in that match.

Stephy Auger: Probably favor him? I absolutely would! Tijerina got a win that he needed badly tonight. Good for him. But Rogers has been the one on a roll here. More importantly, Rogers has Tijerina’s number and that’s not changing anytime soon.

The bell sounds as Rogers and Widdel lock up. After jockeying for position, Rogers places Widdel in a wrenching side headlock. Rogers continues to cinch in the hold, causing Widdel to let out a groan. But he doesn’t give up. He then takes Rogers and shoves him off into the ropes. When Rogers returns, he tries to knock Widdel down with a running shoulder block. But Widdel doesn’t budge. So Rogers looks him up and down before running into another set of ropes. When Rogers returns, he goes for another running shoulder block. But Widdel braces himself and absorbs the blow without being knocked off his feet. After looking Widdel up and down, Rogers points to the ropes, calling for Widdel to try and knock him down. Widdel obliges as he turns and runs into the ropes. But when Widdel comes back, the crowd boos when Rogers knocks him down with a dropkick. He then gets back to his feet and points to his temple.

Stephy Auger: Widdel just got outsmarted by The Minimalist!

Rogers picks up Widdel, moves him into the corner and unleashes a set of knife edge chops. He then takes Widdel, irish whips him across the ring, follows him into the opposite corner and connects with a clothesline. He then brings Widdel away from the turnbuckles, lifts up Widdel and delivers a slingshot suplex. Rogers turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Widdel kicks out.

Rogers picks up Widdel, throws him down with a scoop slam and follows up with a leg drop before turning over and making the lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
Widdel kicks out.

Rogers picks up Widdel and doubles him over with a knee to the midsection. He then wraps his arm around Widdel’s waist before throwing him down with a gutwrench suplex. He turns and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Widdel kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Widdel gets his shoulder up again...

Stephy Auger: But don’t let that take away from that fact that Rogers has been dominant since the opening bell!

Rogers picks Widdel and goes for a vertical suplex. But Widdel blocks the move. So Rogers tightens his grip before going for another vertical suplex. He lifts Widdel up. But Widdel kicks his legs, causing Rogers to lower him back down. After three punches to the ribs, Rogers lifts Widdel up for a vertical suplex. But Widdel slips down from behind, lifts Rogers up and throws him down with a belly to back side slam. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
Rogers kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Widdel gets two. But he gets an important shift of momentum as well.

Widdel picks up Rogers and whips him into the ropes. When Rogers returns, he throws out a running clothesline. Rogers ducks and floats over across Widdel’s back for a crucifix, but Widdel counters with a samoan drop. He turns and makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
Rogers gets his shoulder up.

Widdel picks up Rogers and whips him back into the ropes. When Rogers returns, the crowd cheers when Widdel throws him down with an STO. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
Rogers gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Widdel. Rogers started off strong. But he’s not faring too well right now, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: I’m not panicking...

Widdel mounts himself on top of Rogers and locks him in a crucifix neck crank. The ref gets down and attends to Rogers as soon as Rogers begins to groan in pain from the hold. He asks Rogers if he wants to give up. When Rogers refuses, Widdel lets go, sits Rogers up and knocks him back down with a running kick to the face. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Rogers gets his shoulder up.

Widdel picks up Rogers and positions him for a German Suplex. But on the way up, Rogers elbows Widdel in the face. After dropping back down, Rogers performs a standing switch and goes for a German of his own. But Widdel breaks the hold with three elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, the crowd cheers when he slips on a rear naked choke.

Kris Cruise: Widdel with the submission! He’s got it locked in!

Rogers can be seen swinging his arms wildly as Widdel tries to choke him out. After Rogers leans forward and lifts Widdel onto his back, he runs backwards into the corner, breaking the hold. He then takes Widdel and goes for a bulldog out of the corner. But Widdel shoves Rogers off of him and into the ropes. When Rogers returns, the crowd cheers when Widdel brings him down with a double knee facebreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Rogers gets his shoulder up.

Widdel picks up Rogers and goes for an irish whip. But Rogers reverses, sending Widdel into the ropes. When Widdel returns, Rogers sets up for a back body drop. But Widdel stops, lifts Rogers up and spikes him with an implant DDT. He turns Rogers over and makes the cover.

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

Rogers gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Widdel thought he had him. He was seconds away, Stephy!

Widdel picks up Rogers, doubles him over with a boot to the gut and lifts him up for a sitout powerbomb. But when Rogers is lifted up onto Widdel’s shoulders, Rogers nails him with a flurry of short right hands to the head. After slipping down in front of Widdel, Rogers kicks him in the gut and plants him with a DDT. He turns Widdel over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Widdel gets his shoulder up.

Rogers sits up Widdel and applies a neck crank. Widdel immediately cringes as the hold is applied. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. When Widdel refuses, Rogers applies more pressure, causing him to seethe in pain.

Stephy Auger: He’’s got Widdel right where he wants him, Cruise.

Rogers yells at Widdel to give up while he keeps the hold applied. But Widdel isn’t about to throw in the towel just yet. He slowly turns over onto his knees before fighting his way back to his feet. From there, Widdel nails Rogers with four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. Now that Widdel is free, he runs into the ropes. When he returns, the crowd boos when Rogers throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Widdel gets his shoulder up.

Rogers picks up Widdel and pushes his upper body down to set up for a piledriver. He then goes to lift Widdel up. But again, Widdel kicks his legs on the way up. After being lowered back down to the mat, Widdel counters with a back body drop.

Kris Cruise: Widdel with the counter!

After Rogers gets up, Widdel knocks him down with a punch to the face. Rogers returns to his feet, only to get returned to the mat by another punch. When Rogers gets back to a vertical base, Widdel runs over and knocks him down with a clothesline. When Rogers gets back up, Widdel sends him back down with another clothesline. As Rogers gets back up, Widdel delivers an inverted atomic drop, followed by a Spike DDT. He makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Rogers gets his shoulder up.

Widdel picks up Rogers and goes for a vertical suplex. But Rogers is able to slip down from behind before shoving Widdel into the ropes. When Widdel returns, Rogers throws out a clothesline. But Widdel ducks. When Rogers turns around, Widdel throws out an enzuigiri. But Rogers ducks. He then reaches down, grabs Widdel and goes for a deadlift German Suplex. But Widdel nails him with three back elbows to the face. He then performs a standing switch, takes Rogers’ back and executes a German Suplex!

Widdel heads over towards the ropes and waves up Rogers. Rogers stirs on the canvas before turning over onto his knees. He begins to hold the back of his head as he slowly returns to a vertical base. When Rogers turns around, Widdel runs over and leaps up for the Hitman (superman punch). But Rogers catches him in mid air and slams him down with a spinning spinebuster. He then brings Widdel back to his feet, lifts him up from the pumphandle position and brings him down with the Maximum Impact (pumphandle lift transitioned into a stunner). The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, BLAKE ROGERS!

The crowd boos as Rogers gets his arm raised.

Kris Cruise: That was a good back and forth match there by both men. They really turned it up at the end. But in the end, it was Rogers picking up yet another victory.

Stephy Auger: Do you see that man losing to Julian Tijerina at Grapple Kingdom, because I don’t. The man is in peak condition. He’s got all the momentum behind him. He’s got everything going for him, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Well he might be the favorite on paper. But Tijerina’s got as good of a chance as anyone at beating Blake Rogers.

[FGA Office]

The production feed cuts backstage and we see Chris Madison sitting in his locker room, getting ready for his upcoming tag match against Izzy Anders and Savannah Taylor. He sits on a steel folding chair, leaning forward as he laces up his boots. The door to the locker room swings open and Frankie Morrison strolls in sipping on a styrofoam cup of coffee.

Frankie Morrison: You ready for tonight? Final stop before getting that Pride Championship match at Grapple Kingdom.

Chris Madison: As ready as ever…

Frankie Morrison: Have you touched base with Molly yet?

Chris looked up at his manager, straightening up in his chair. He let out a sigh and kept silent, avoiding the question.

Frankie Morrison: Chris, you’ve got to be kidding me. Tonight, you and Molly Reid are a team. Regardless of what you think has happened, you’re going to have to put personal feelings aside and trust her tonight. The last thing you need is for this to turn from a tag match to a three on one, all because you’re holding onto some self-righteous belief.

Chris Madison: It is what it is at this point. I know what I saw. Hopefully Molly’s word means as much to her as mine does to me.

Frankie Morrison: You’re going to beat yourself before you even get into the ring with her if you’re worrying about what stunt she may pull to get the upper hand. You two are capable of putting on a Pride Championship match for the ages. But if you’re too concerned with the possibility of her using cheap tricks to get ahead, she’s already unintentionally winning the battle.

Chris Madison: Trust me, that’s not going to happen.

Frankie Morrison: Oh really?

Frankie chuckled as he pulled the cup of coffee away from his lips.

Frankie Morrison: Cause it really looks like you have a handle on things right.

Chris Madison: It looks chaotic, I know. But tonight we’ll see exactly where Molly stands. With all of this talk about respect between us, she should have no problem working together to shut Izzy Anders and Savannah Taylor up. They’re barking up the wrong tree and need to be shown where exactly they stand. Together, Molly and I, are more than capable of showing them that this little hot streak they’ve been on has been nothing more than a pipe dream.

Frankie Morrison: And if Molly doesn’t stand with you?

Chris Madison: Then I guess all those accusations I tossed out there weren’t all that far off…

Frankie sipped his coffee and nodded his head.

Frankie Morrison: Think it’s that black and white?

Chris Madison: It doesn't need to be. But whatever happens tonight lets me know what to expect at Grapple Kingdom.

Chris pushed off of the tops of his legs and rose to his feet. Frankie continued to casually sip the coffee cup in his hand as the feed cuts away.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

???: Aaa-HEM! I demand your attention!

With that shrill cry, a feminine pair of hands reached out and grabbed the camera, directing the cameraman to focus the camera on them.

AMIRA: Get yourselves together, I have a voice and it needs to be heard.

She runs a hand through her platinum blonde hair, beginning to walk towards the gorilla position.

AMIRA: Tonight, this is --

Stopping on a dime, she glares and shrieks.

AMIRA: -- You were supposed to follow me! Follow! Now!

Shaking her head, she waits for the camera crew to oblige, before continuing.

AMIRA: Tonight, this is more than an eliminator, more than the first step in the journey to crown me the Magnificent AMIRA Legacy champion, it is a moment of truth.

She holds two fingers up.

AMIRA: Two paths converge, two unblemished marks since Final Frontier. One of them though, one of them will be exposed for the falsehood it is ... John Blade, Big John Match, the fairy tale ends here in Seattle. Nothing more than a bad joke that only went on as long as AMIRA allowed it to. But here tonight, it comes to an end, the braindead zombies in the stands waving their hands in front of their faces chanting "You can't see me!" will need to embrace the reality of the situation. Because I am the shaper of reality, I am the truth, I ... am ... AMIRA!

With that, she steps through the curtain.

[FGA Office]

AMIRA vs. John Blade

“My Time is Now” hits the speakers as John Blade makes his way out to the stage. He heads over and talks to the cameraman as he bounces around a little. He then turns and acknowledges the red hot New Zealand crowd, who are chanting “Big John Match” to the tune of his entrance music…

Crowd: BIG JOOOOOHN MAAAAAAATCH!!! BIG JOOOOOOHN MAAAAAAAAAATCH!!! BIG JOOOOOHN MAAAAAAAAATCH!!! BIG JOOOOOHN MAAAAAAAATCH!!!

Blade holds up his “NEVER GIVE UP!” logo flag before tossing it to the fans. Blade turns and salutes the fans before running down towards the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Boston, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 251 pounds! He is “BIG JOHN MATCH”, JOOOOOOOOOOHN BLAAAAAAAAAADE!!!

Blade slides into the ring and begins running from rope to rope before throwing up a hand gesture to the crowd. Blade takes off his baseball cap and tosses it to one section of the crowd before removing his shirt and tossing it over into another section of the crowd. He then removes his chain from around his neck and hands it over to the ref.

Kris Cruise: “Big John Match” is looking to make a big leap here tonight. A win will get him one step closer to a title shot, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: You must be kidding me right? John Blade… title shot?

Kris Cruise: The man was an HKW Bloodlust Champion, you know. Then there’s all the other titles he’s wo-

Stephy Auger: Enough! Enough! John Blade is a joke that has gone on for far too long. This little farce is going to end tonight, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: … but what if it doesn’t? What is John Blade stops AMIRA just like he stopped LJ Summers? The man has been undefeated since debuting in FGA! You can’t ignore the facts, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Watch me!

The arena darkens, then the stroke of a single piano key echoes through the sound system. A spotlight begins illuminating the stage as a woman's voice sings, accompanied by the soft sounds of a violin.

AMIRA

AMIIIRRAAA

The violin instrumentals intensify as none other than the artist formerly known as Skylar Cloud, the one and only AMIRA emerges from the darkness, standing in the spotlight with her arms extended outward.

AMIRA, she's the best! Better than all the rest!

She slowly starts making her way to the ring, with the lights now strobing around her.

AMIRA, she's so cool! Over you, she will rule!

Jeering fans in the front row tries to get her attention as she approaches the ringside area, but she chooses to ignore them and head up the ring steps.

Sheeee used to say to reach for the SKYYYY-lar; now she crushes all who deffyyy her! She's witty, strong and has no fear; the age of AMIRA is heeere!

After stopping in the middle of the ring apron with her back to the ropes, she raises a fist in the air, before stepping into the ring. The lights start to return as she takes the center of the ring and then takes her corner.

Kris Cruise: AMIRA doesn’t have a spotless record after being one day done after her LDFC callup last summer. But to her credit, the former Skylar Cloud has been on a roll as well. Both of these competitors have gone so long without a loss that I’m not even sure if they know what defeat feels like. But someone’s going to experience it tonight in this Mid-Atlantic Legacy Title eliminator!

The bell sounds as AMIRA and Blade lock up. AMIRA quickly against the advantage with a side headlock before performing a standing switch and transitioning into a hammerlock from behind. She tries to go to work on the arm. But Blade is able to lean forward and reverse into a hammerlock of his own.

Kris Cruise: LLOK AT THAT TECHNICAL REVERSAL BY BIG JOHN MATCH!

Stephy Auger: ...

The hold doesn’t stay on for long as AMIRA elbows him in the face with her free arm. She then runs into the ropes. When AMIRA returns, the crowd cheers as Blade throws her down with a falling hip toss. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
AMIRA kicks out.

Blade picks up AMIRA and whips her into the ropes. When AMIRA returns, Blade throws out a clothesline. But AMIRA ducks and runs into the ropes. When AMIRA returns, she brings Blade down to one knee after a running front dropkick to the leg. AMIRA returns to her feet before running back into the ropes. When AMIRA returns, the crowd boos when she knocks Blade down with a running front dropkick to the face. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Blade kicks out.

AMIRA picks up Blade, moves him against the ropes and delivers a knife edge chop before going for an irish whip. But Blade reverses, sending AMIRA into the ropes. When AMIRA returns, she goes for a cross body block. But Blade catches her in mid air.

Kris Cruise:UH OH!

Blade lifts AMIRA over his head and begins to military press her until she reaches down and rakes him across the eyes. AMIRA slips down from behind before knocking him down with a spinning back sweep kick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Blade kicks out.

AMIRA picks up Blade and whips him into the corner. After lining him up, AMIRA runs across the ring and cracks Blade with a corner cartwheel jumping high kick. Blade begins to stagger away from the corner. But AMIRA stays on him. She grabs Blade from behind, runs into an adjacent corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then turns Blade around and delivers a jumping toe kick combo before following up with a jumping spin kick. After Blade crumbles from out of the corner, she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
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Blade gets his shoulder up.

AMIRA picks up Blade, whips him around the ring and follows him over towards the far ropes. As soon as Blade bounces off the ropes, AMIRA connects with a jumping high knee that knocks him through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Another jumping strike sends Blade to the floor! AMIRA’s been bouncing all over with those flashy strikes of her. That needs to be her approach tonight because standing in front of Blade will not work out too well for her.

Blade can be seen trying to shake out the cobwebs on the floor. While Blade tries to recover, the fans in the front row start up a “BIG MATCH JOHN!” chant. As he slowly tries to bring himself back to a vertical base, AMIRA turns and runs into the far ropes. When AMIRA returns, Blade slides back in and knocks her down with a running shoulder block. AMIRA gets back up. But Blade knocks her back down with another running shoulder block. When AMIRA returns to her feet, Blade goes for a vertical suplex. But AMIRA slips down from behind. She the spins Blade around before throwing out a roundhouse kick. But Blade ducks, lifts her up from behind and throws her down with a Blue Thunder Bomb.

Kris Cruise: WHAT A MANEUVER BY BIG JOHN MATCH!

Stephy Auger: ...

Blade gets back to his feet, walks over towards AMIRA’s face, bends over and waves his hand in front of his face. He then runs into the ropes. When Blade returns, shimmies his shoulders, dusts one of them off and throws down the Five Knuckle Shuffle. But AMIRA rolls out of the way. As Blade turns and gets back to his feet, AMIRA runs over and knocks him down with a rolling koppu kick. The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Blade gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another close call for Big John Match!

AMIRA picks up Blade and nails him with a straight elbow strike. Blade comes back with a hard right hand. AMIRA then nails Blade with another straight elbow strike. But Blade answers back with a hard right hand. AMIRA nails Blade with two straight elbow strikes. Blade then fires back with two hard right hands. AMIRA goes to deliver another straight elbow, but Blade cuts her off with two hard right ands. AMIRA motions for another blow. But again, she’s cut off by hard right hands from Blade. After a kick to the midsection, Blade scoops her up across his back and delivers an over-the-shoulder belly-to-back piledriver. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

The crowd sighs, then boos when AMIRA gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I thought that was three!

Stephy Auger: Thank God it wasn’t!

Blade picks up AMIRA, takes her by the wrist and throws out a short-arm lariat. But AMIRA ducks. When Blade turns around, AMIRA doubles him over with another jumping spin kick before flattening him with a mushroom stomp. She pushes Blade over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Blade gets his shoulder up.

AMIRA takes Blade, brings him over towards the ropes and chokes him across the middle rope. The ref gives her until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

AMIRA lets go. After stepping out onto the apron, she nails Blade with a knee flurry before following up with a scissors kick. After Blade falls back into the ring, AMIRA gets back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Blade gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: AMIRA’s giving John Blade her all. But there’s no quit in Big John Match, Stephy! HE NEVER GIVES UP!

AMIRA picks up Blade and brings him into the corner. After slamming him face-first into the top turnbuckle, AMIRA climbs up onto the middle ropes and positions him for an inverted tornado DDT. But Blade counters with a running powerslam from out of the corner! While AMIRA is sprawled out on the apron, Blade steps through the ropes, climbs to the top turnbuckle and leaps off for a diving headbutt…

But AMIRA rolls out of the way!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Stephy Auger: OH YES!

After Blade crashes onto the canvas, he slowly returns to a vertical base. But he’s quickly brought back down with a spinning sit-out sleeper slam. AMIRA then drags Blade into position before stepping out on the apron. She scales to the top rope, flips off and connects with the Napalm Aplomb (450 knee drop). The crowd boos as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “AMIRA” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, AMIRA!

The crowd continue to boo as AMIRA gets her arm raised in victory!

Kris Cruise: AMIRA picks up the huge win over John Blade here tonight!

Stephy Auger: I don’t know if I’d call it huge, Cruise. But AMIRA did win. That means she’s meeting the winner of Tijerina/Blake in four weeks here on Vertigo. Can you feel it, Cruise? Can you feel it? We’re one step closing to getting the Magnificent AMIRA Legacy Championship!

Kris Cruise: ...

[FGA Office]

The feed cuts to the backstage area with a scramble flash where a visibly irritated Anthony Rother’s face is looking directly into the camera.

Camera Man: Stop it Rother! This is expensive equipment!

Anthony Rother: Shut up! He’s over here!

Rother is leading the camera like an angry mother leading her rotten child by the ear. Rother finally comes to a halt when the two descend upon Spencer Burke who’s seated at one of the tables in the catering area. Spencer’s back is turned to the camera, so he’s caught unaware of his guests until Rother begins making demands at him.

Anthony Rother: There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you Burke!

Spencer doesn’t budge, but responds with a mouth half-full of food.

Spencer Burke: I’m on my break, Rother.

Anthony Rother: I don’t care I’ve got something to get off my chest!

Spencer Burke: No…

Rother’s eyes widen as he’s taken aback by the refusal of Burke to interview him.

Anthony Rother: Y-y-you can’t deny me, Burke! How dare you! I am the manager of the FGA World Tag Team Champions! You will NOT treat me in such disrespectful fashion! Now stop shoveling that food in your mouth and DO YOUR JOB!

Spencer Burke: No…

Rother is on the verge of throwing an epic temper tantrum when he’s suddenly cut off by Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: There you are! Anthony Rother, I just wanted to get a few words from you concerning the tag team title situation.

Rother’s body language reveals he’s caught off guard as he quickly jerked back from Pederson. Rother’s confused by her presence, his eyes narrow as he begins to address her intrusion on his attempts to get Spencer to interview him.

Anthony Rother: W-who the hell are you and why do you have this?

Rother points to the FGA logo microphone that she’s currently holding. Pederson’s insulted with his question and returns it with a scoff.

Jessie Pederson: Uhhh, I’m Jessie Pederson.

Rother loudly whispers to Spencer, who is still trying to enjoy his meal.

Anthony Rother: Spence…call security, not sure how she got in here but she could be dangerous.

Spencer Burke: She works for FGA you idiot! She’s my colleague and if you’ve got something to say you can talk to her so I can eat in peace.

Anthony Rother: Another interviewer? Really? Never thought Lenny would expand the payroll… Cheap bastard.

Rother seems to remember the camera is on him.

Anthony Rother: Wait, I mean… Good for Lenny! *Looks at Pederson* You can cut that, right?

Jessie Pederson: No, we’re live.

Anthony Rother: Dammit…

Jessie Pederson: Last week on Afterburn, I interviewed Dan Herrera who still has issue with the way that The Usual Suspects won the titles from Status Quo. He’s itching to get the rematch that he feels Status Quo rightfully deserves.

Anthony Rother: Listen here… nobody cares what Dan Herrera has to say about absolutely anything. I’m not here to address Dan or his incessant whining. The Usual Suspects are the FGA World Tag Team Champions, that’s a fact, no matter how much bitching and moaning that grumpy old man wants to do. He’s just throwing a tantrum that he’s been returned to irrelevance now that he can’t hang on to the coat tails of Cordy Stevenson. But I’m not here to address Dan, or his ridiculous accusations. I’m here to talk about the travesty that took place on the last Vertigo.

Jessie Pederson: ...

Anthony Rother: The interruption?

Jessie Pederson: …

Anthony Rother: The Elysians?

Jessie Pederson: Oh, the coronation!

Anthony Rother: Yes, the interruption to our celebration – our moment to relish in the accomplishments of Jason Marx and Chris Tryon! How dare this rabble, this family of failures, come out and spoil the glorious moment of crowning The Usual Suspects the greatest tag team in FGA history. How dare they ruin my surprise, by inviting that disgusting thing to Vertigo.

Jessie Pederson: Prince Kamijo…

Anthony Rother: Don’t say its name!

Jessie Pederson: Sorry.

Anthony Rother: The Elysian Empire took matters too far on the last Vertigo. So, they’re looking for a fight are they?

Jessie Pederson: It would appear that way.

Anthony Rother: Then The Usual Suspects will be more than happy to oblige them. I’ve already conferred with Lenny… Well, Lenny’s assistant because apparently he won’t see me… But nevertheless, the contract is being written up as we speak. On February 18th, live on Pay-Per-View, Grapple Kingdom, at the Rogers Arena in front of thousands of fans that the NBA deemed even less worthy of possessing a basketball team than the crime-ridden, filthy city of Memphis… The Usual Suspects are going to make the Elysian Empire pay for their disrespect.

Jessie Pederson: Isn’t this a little unorthodox? Don’t challengers usually challenge champions?

Anthony Rother: This isn’t about championships, Pederson, this isn’t about competition. This isn’t even going to be a wrestling match. The Elysian Empire made this personal. This is going to be a fight. Jason Marx and Chris Tryon are going to take those two idiot brothers and give them an experience that they will never forget. They’re going to be on the receiving end a lesson in pain and respect. They’re going to find out first-hand why Jason Marx and Chris Tryon are their superiors in each and every way. They’re going to find out that when you’ve crossed a line, The Usual Suspects will dismantle you piece by piece. When it’s all finished, and that bell rings Pederson, the Elysian Empire are going to figure out that it’s time they moved on and find a new family business! Tonight, they will be given just a taste…a small taste of their fate at Grapple Kingdom when The Usual Suspects team up with a WARPED legend, Jimmy Ronie, and we defeat those Elysian idiots and Mistress Ai! Because NOBODY…survives the South Texas Deathride!

Rother’s huffing and puffing in anger as he lets his last words hang in the air.

Jessie Pederson: You heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen; it will be The Usual Suspects and The Elysian Empire battling it out in a matter of respect and the FGA World Tag Team titles at Grapple Kingdom.

Rother’s calming down a bit and seems a bit impressed with Jessie Pederson’s interviewing style.

Anthony Rother: …not bad. Hey Spence, you could learn a thing or two from this one.

Spencer’s been eating his meal the entire time the interview’s been going on. He looks up, still chewing on his food, and offers up what’s on his plate.

Spencer Burke: Cake?

Rother’s eyes widen as he immediately comprehends the reference of cake, immediately having images of Kamijo bursting through the cake flashing in his mind.

Anthony Rother: I hate you…

Rother mutters and then storms off as Jessie Pederson tries to maintain her professionalism.

Spencer Burke: Oh come on, Rother! It’s really one of a kind!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The powerful drums kick to a mixed reaction from the crowd, as some of the fans recognize the beat while others don’t. Jason Hawk steps out from behind the curtains. Sporting a blue suit and the same cocky grin as always. He stops on top of the stage, taking a moment to soak in the appreciation of the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen. Will you please welcome for the very first on FGA television, His Flying Majesty, Jason Hawk!!

He continues down the ramp, stopping for some high-fives and a few selfies. Jason walks up the stairs and enters the ring. Jason takes another moment before reaching to the pocket inside of his jacket, but there is nothing there. Jason checks the rest of his pockets but doesn’t find anything. He spins around himself looking for something. When he spots the announcer Jason motions for his microphone. The announcer hands Jason his microphone.

Jason Hawk: I thought I had one with me. I usually always do. But this stage hand in the back didn’t want to give me one. He was just standing around doing nothing with it. Some of the higher ups should have a look at that. Have him fired for not doing as I say. Which basically their job. Also, he was wearing a suit and tie! It was a little wrinkled but still, a suit! A backstage worker in a suit! It is simply unheard of! Spencer, I think his name was.

Jason stops as he seems to suddenly realize something.

Jason Hawk: Come to think of it, he might not actually have been a stage hand… But still, rude… But anyways!

Jason face lights up as he starts pacing around the ring, still facing the main camera.

Jason Hawk: Please allow me to introduce myself. Not that a man of my reputation needs an introduction but I know that the attention span of a wrestling fan equals that of a goldfish and you only remember things a month at the time. Top. So when you, like me, has been out of the game for some time now, it wouldn’t be fair of me to expect any of you to remember me. Though I did hear some Apex chants as I walked out!

Jason points to a small section of the crowd, which cheers loudly.

Jason Hawk: As for the rest of you…

Jason turns to face the other side of the arena but stops mid sentence as he notices that something is off. Jason looks confused as he points to an empty spot in the ring as he looks towards the back for answers. He turns to face the back, still pointing at the same spot, still looking just as confused. Suddenly he snaps his fingers and gently slams the microphone against his forehead.

Jason Hawk: It’s just that usually when I do this. There is a big sign right here which lets you know what you are watching and it drives the point home that this is my show. But apparently, it was too expensive. Since when was 10.000 dollars too expensive? But fear not! We compromised and came up with a solution. So, it is with great honor that I present to you, for the very first time here in FGA…

Jason points to the big screens.

Jason looks at the big screens with pride in his eyes and as he is finally satisfied he continues.

Jason Hawk: Now with the formalities out of the way, please allow me to properly introduce myself to the clear majority of you that still somehow haven’t figured out who I am. My name is Jason Hawk. I made my professional wrestling debut about 8 years ago, in those 8 years I’ve won 8 world titles along with some tag team titles and various smaller titles as well. I won’t be name dropping all of them because you don’t care and I can’t remember all of them. But what the smart listener will have noticed is that I’ve on average won one world title per year. I got 11 months to keep that statistic up. If you get what I mean.

Jason stops to let the crowd react to his intention in FGA.

Jason Hawk: But before you start to dream of the dream matches that I could have with the likes of Zero McHannon, Dom Harter and Molly Reid, I must admit that I realize that I am starting back from scratch. Those matches aren’t just around the corner. I know it sucks to wait, I am very impatient myself. But it is not something that bothers me. You see, I’ve been around for almost a decade. I’ve learned a thing or two. The most important thing is that titles don’t matter. They come and go. You win your first and it is the happiest moment of your life but before you know it you’ve lost it again and won it back four times and you can’t even remember all your title matches.

Jason stops again to rest his voice before continuing.

Jason Hawk: I can see it on your faces. This goes against everything you been taught. Week in and week out you hear wrestlers go on and on about how to strive to be the best and how a fancy shiny belt means the world to them. Good for them. Good for them that they have that belief and passion to keep going for something that will never ever actually be truly dears. No one stays on the top of the mountain forever. There will always be someone who’ll knock them off. But in this cruel, twisted and crazy world that we call wrestling, there is one thing that can truly be your own. Moments.

Jason pauses to look around the crowd.

Jason Hawk: While titles come, and go and eventually lose all meaning to you, there are moments in my career that will live with me forever. I can name all my greatest moments from the top of my head and talk about them forever. Some of them have to do with titles, sure. But what most of them have in common is that there are no titles involved. When you get that feeling of pure joy and euphoria, when all of you jump to your feet in shock and awe, when you are still talking about it when the show has ended and weeks have passed, when something hits you so deep that you can’t even comprehend it and for weeks you struggle to fathom what you were a part of. When you can get that feeling, that reaction, all without having a title involved, that’s when you have done something truly inspiring, that’s when you blow the mind of the entire world. Those moments are the ones that I live for. I promise all of you that for as long as I can stand on my own two feet you will get to experience that with me.

Jason again stops to soak in the moment.

Jason Hawk: Can you feel it? This moment right here. The first-time Jason Hawk stepped a foot inside a FGA ring. This is one of those very moments.

Jason exits the ring through the ropes but catches himself in having forgotten something.

Jason Hawk: As for the titles. When you are as good as I am. You eventually end up with one.

Jason’s music plays and he and heads up the ramp. He stops one last time facing the crowd to take it all in once again before disappearing behind the curtain.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage where we find FGA interviewer Jessie Pederson standing by in front of a white concrete block wall.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time...Ricky Valero!

Right on cue, Ricky Valero steps into the picture with a sheepish grin on his face.

Jessie Pederson: Ricky, tonight you have a big opportunity ahead of you as you’re set to square off against Chandler Scott in the main event. What are you thinking heading into this match?

Valero scoffs.

Ricky Valero: What am I thinking, Jessie? That’s our big opening question? I guess we know why you’re softball career never took off serving up meatballs like that one. I’m thinking I need to go into this match and do whatever I need to do to end that match with my hand raised in the air. Same as every other match.

Jessie Pederson: But surely this match isn’t the same as every other match going into it knowing your opponent is a man who--

Ricky Valero: A man who what? I’m well aware of the competitor Chandler Scott is. I’m well aware that he is a former FGA World Champion with a plethora of spectacular matches on his resume and a bevy of moves in his arsenal. I’m well aware of the fact--as I’m sure you are, too--if not for Chandler Scott, your usefulness would be even less substantial than it is already.

Valero’s remarks elicits an eye roll from the FGA interviewer.

Ricky Valero: But more importantly, I’m well aware of the competitor that I am. I know what I’m capable of inside that ring and that is something Chandler should concern himself with. Because Chandler Scott can sit back and rest on his laurels. He can keep focusing on Cordy and Zero, sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong and hoping it somehow parlays into a championship opportunity for himself like the snake that he is. But I’m the bad guy…

He chuckles and shakes his head while running his right hand through his hair.

Ricky Valero: It’s my turn to thrust myself into the spotlight alongside each of them where I belong. My rightful place in this company is at the top, and there isn’t anything much bigger I can do to push myself up the ladder right now than take down the beloved Chandler Scott in tonight’s main event!

Valero’s eyes suddenly go wide and Pederson rushes out of the picture just as a body comes soaring into the picture.

Kris Cruise: Hey, that’s Owen Gonsalves!

Stephy Auger: What does he think he’s doing?!

Valero stumbles backwards and his back crashes into the concrete wall behind him. Gonsalves fires off a flurry of body shots, but Valero levels him with hard rights to the head at the same time. The two entangle, looking to overpower the other.

Kris Cruise: I think Owen wants to kill Ricky!

Stephy Auger: He better not. Both men still have pretty important matches to compete in tonight!

But before anything substantial can come of their scuffle, security is quickly on hand to pull the two men apart. Both men try to fight off the security guards, but it’s to no avail as they’re dragged in opposite directions yelling at one another the entire way. The camera pans back on Jessie Pederson, who simply shrugs her shoulders before smiling. The scene fades.