AfterBurn E30

[FGA Office]

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

[Chandler Scott]

We start off the latest edition of AfterBurn backstage in the FedEx Forum. Jessie Pederson is shown walking down the halls while she periodically looks back to the cameraman.

Jessie Pederson: Hey everyone! Jessie Pederson here and man, was this episode of Vertigo something. Our Undisputed Champion, Cordy Stevenson, kicked things off with a heck of a speech! AMIRA became the new number one contender to the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship after defeating Julian Tijerina with the help of Blake Rogers! Then it was Izzy Anders who became the number one contender to the Undisputed Championship after having the best time in the Beat The Clock Challenge. But right now, I need to talk to this guy. Follow me...

Jessie waves at the camerman to pick up the pace. Jessie takes a sharp left turn around a corridor. Once the cameraman makes the turn, Jessie greets a door with a series of polite knocks. She then cautiously opens the door and makes her way into the room. Standing, or rather seated, in front of her is Chandler Scott. Chandler sits hunched over on the exam table, shirtless, with his torso heavily bandaged. While he was not busted open, there are some visible bruises on his face from yet another hard-hitting encounter with Zero McHannon. The extent of any internal injuries remains unknown to the public at this time. This evening didn't provide the outcome that he had hoped. But there aren't any visible signs of anger or frustration on Chandler's face. Instead, he stares forward, blankly.

Jessie Pederson: Spencer told me that after what happened two weeks ago, I would probably have better lucky interviewing you. So... here I am. Yay?

Jessie offers Chandler a soft smile and a wave. But Chandler doesn't return her gaze. In fact, he doesn't even acknowledge her existence.

Jessie Pederson: Alright. Well, Chandler, tough break out there tonight. You failed to get the job done once again against Zero McHannon. Your thoughts on the main event?

Jessie moves the mic over towards Chandler's face. But he doesn't lean into the mic. He doesn't turn away from it. He continues to remain disconsolate.

Jessie Pederson: Okay. Um... can you give me your thoughts on Izzy Anders being named the new number one contender for the Undisputed Championship?

Jessie moves the mic back over to Chandler. Soon Izzy Anders would be running her mouth like she always does. So maybe Chandler would want to add his two cents and put things in the proper perspective. But instead, he remains silent.

Jessie Pederson: Well, if there's one topic I'm sure you have an opinion on, it's Cordy Stevenson. She kicked off tonight's edition of Vertigo with some very, very strong words and accusations towards you. Your thoughts on the Undisputed Champion?

Jessie dives him a quizzical look. She knew that Cordy was a sensitive topic for Chandler right now. So she kept the mic lingering in front of his face, hoping that he'd give her something. Anything. But he gives her nothing, remaining despondent. Jessie lets out a frustrated sigh. She knows this conversation is going nowhere. So she wraps things up abruptly.

Jessie Pederson: Thank you for your time...

Jessie heads out of the Trainers Room after the cameraman before closing the door.

[Lou]

Moments after the show has gone off the air, we fade into the backstage area at the FedEx Forum. With the camera panned on the door to Ricky Valero’s locker room, loud noises can be heard from within. The sound of chairs crashing against lockers, inaudible yelling and finally a hard thud against the door.

Standing outside the door is FGA interviewer Spencer Burke. The consummate professional, he is doing his best to keep a positive expression on his face, but it’s hard to forget he and Valero already have a tenuous relationship.

That’s when the door swings open and there stands Valero, still in his ring gear and drenched in sweat. His face is beat red and his eyes are bloodshot as they meet the camera with displeasure.

Ricky Valero: For fucks sake.

Spencer Burke forces a smile.

Spencer Burke: Ricky, I’m sorry to put you on the spot, but...what was going on in there?

Valero bites his lip.

Ricky Valero: You have ears, Spence, I think you have a good idea what the hell was going on in there.

Spencer Burke: Right…

He takes a second to allow Valero to settle down and settle in to the impromptu interview.

Spencer Burke: Tonight didn’t exactly go your way. With a big opportunity on the line, Izzy Anders managed to steal a win away from you in, her words, ‘record time’ with the help of the exposed turnbuckle. What are your thoughts following the defeat and the manner in which it came about?

Valero is silent for a moment, still stewing from the loss tonight and his mounting frustrations.

Ricky Valero: Before our match tonight, Izzy said she would beat me. She said she would do so in, as you said were her words, ‘record time’, and she followed through and set herself up with a FGA World Championship shot. She was right. She pulled the wool over my eyes and outplayed me at my own game. What else is there to say? What else is there to express than what is written all over my face? I’m not happy. But I can’t change the result now, can I?

Spencer Burke: I suppose you can’t. You said you came back to FGA with one focus in mind: the World Championship. With this setback in the books, where do you go from here?

Spencer’s question evokes a death stare from Valero that could send chills down the reporter’s spine. But Valero suddenly smirks and tilts his head to the side ever so slightly.

Ricky Valero: That’s a good question, Spence.

Without another word, the former FGA Tag Champ walks past Spencer Burke and exits the scene...

[David]

Following her successful debut, Lowri Moss is seen backstage at the FedExForum, sipping from a bottle of water as she heads towards the locker room, when she is accosted by Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Excuse me, Lowri - may I ask you a couple of questions?

Lowri looks at Jessie with a surprised expression on her face.

Lowri Moss: You want to interview me?

Jessie nods in confirmation.

Jessie Pederson: Yes. Is that alright?

Lowri Moss: Yeah, of course. I’ve just never done an interview before, is all.

Jessie frowns.

Jessie Pederson: Really? Does the company you work for in the UK not have an interviewer?

Lowri Moss: They do, but she’s also the ring announcer, so she doesn’t get much chance to do interviews. Come to think of it, you probably know her, as she was briefly a trainee in Lion's Den: Katherine Kensington.

Jessie avoids saying anything about Katherine Kensington; Lowri quickly continues.

Lowri Moss: I’m aware that some people found her annoying when she was in Lion's Den, but I don’t think she’s so bad. Anyway, Jessie, what did you want to ask me?

Jessie Pederson: Well, Kris Cruise mentioned on commentary that we had seen vignettes from you in previous weeks, announcing your impending arrival in FGA, so how did it feel to make your debut?

Lowri Moss: It felt great. I had been itching to make my debut in FGA for a while, and so I was glad to finally get the opportunity to do so.

A wry smile crosses Lowri’s lips, as she recalls something.

Lowri Moss: You know, just as an aside, as I was making my way to the ring, it was funny to hear J.A. Aldridge trying to pronounce the name of my hometown: it’s Llanelli - Th-lan-eth-lee.

Lowri then silently mouths “Llanelli” again.

Lowri Moss: Getting back to your question though, I said earlier that I wanted to make a positive first impression in FGA, and by picking up a win in my debut, I feel like I achieved that.

Jessie Pederson: And so, having won your first match in FGA, what do you hope will be next for you?

There is a slight shrug from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: I don’t know, I’ve only just set foot in an FGA ring for the first time, so I think it’s a bit early for me to be making specific requests, saying I want this, or I want that. In more general terms though, I just want to have the chance to shine.

She takes a breath, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: It’s only been a matter of minutes since my match ended, but I’m already eagerly anticipating when I’ll get to step into that ring again. I look forward to whatever challenges are thrown my way in the coming weeks and months, and trying to overcome them. Tonight, everyone in FGA got their first glimpse of Lowri Moss, but there’s a lot more to come from me, of that you can be sure.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, Lowri. Thank you.

Lowri smiles politely at Jessie.

Lowri Moss: You’re welcome.

Lowri then takes another drink from her bottle of water, and resumes her walk towards the locker room.

[El Dragón]

With the help of a referee, Julian Tijerina limps to the back, his free hand over his head. Spencer Burke, followed closely by a small camera crew, approaches The Spanish Sweetheart carefully. Julian immediately sees them and flashes a weak smile to Spencer, wincing immediately at the pain his jaw received as a gift from Blake Rogers' Maximum Impact. The referee hesitates to let Julian linger any longer, urging him with whispers to head to the medical personnel's care right away, but El Guapo assures him that he is fine. At the very least, he is still good to go with a short interview. Spencer looks concerned as well but decides to get on with it so Julian can rest quickly.

Spencer Burke: You sure you want to do this right now? We can do this later, Julian. We have all the time...

Julian cuts Spencer off by patting his shoulder, a grin still on his face. He twists his own neck slowly, carefully, all over the place, just to sort of clear it of any lingering pain. Of course, he knows that rarely works. That Maximum Impact from Blake Rogers at ringside really messed him up. He knows he will get better. He always does. For now, it was a major inconvenience.

Julian Tijerina: Gracias for the concern, Spencer. I'll be fine. Do you have a question for me?

Spencer Burke: Oh, uhm, yeah... Tonight, you faced AMIRA for the opportunity to become the No. 1 Contender for Dom Harter's Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, but despite your efforts in the ring, it was something that happened outside the ring that prevented you from going home with the win.

Scratching his chin, The Spanish Sweetheart smirks playfully. He quickly heaves a brief sigh and puts both hands on his shapely hips.

Julian Tijerina: That something that happened outside the ring was Blake Rogers being a sore loser...

Both Julian and Spencer go silent. It doesn't last long, however, as Julian begins speaking once again, hurriedly so, his fury feeding his speed.

Julian Tijerina: Estoy enfermo y cansado de esa caca aburrida forzando su cara fea en mi negocio. He says I'm the sore loser, only to prove he's actually the sore loser.

Julian lets out a laugh. He shakes his head.

Julian Tijerina: The two times Blake Rogers beat me in a match were against multiple opponents. It wasn't just me and him. It was always someone else he capitalized against, someone else who made a split-second mistake, and The Minimalist was simply there to steal the win.

El Guapo shrugs, looking Spencer in the eyes. For his part, the interviewer just stood there and tried his best to remain neutral.

Julian Tijerina: The one time, the first time, it was just him and me, he couldn't cut it. He lost. I outsmarted him. I took him on a ride, ripped that insecure mask from his boring face, and exposed him for the talent-less one-trick pony that he is.

Spencer swallows air, a bit nervous at the sudden escalating passion Julian was showing.

Julian Tijerina: Blake Rogers came up short at Grapple Kingdom against me during a match that not only should have settled the question once and for all of who was the better man between us, between a work of art such as myself and a dull glass of pisswater that is Blake Rogers, between good and evil, but also propelled me towards title contention. He was beaten, defeated, and overcame, but he never got it in his head. He never got it in his head that I was simply the better man, that there was a reason why fans cheer for me and not him, that being a terrible person doesn't give you a happy-ever-after ending.

El Guapo sighs, shaking his head, looking so sad and sympathetic.

Julian Tijerina: I pity Blake Rogers, I really do. I don't know if it's because of his childhood or his parents or the fact that people forget what he looks like. I mean, it's obvious he's been compensating with those abs. The locker room is filled with abs. No one with just abs stands out in a locker room of abs. Here, in FGA, you need more than abs to catch people's eyes. You need to do the work and you need to look good, not just physically but also mentally, on the mic, out there with the fans... Blake Rogers does not care about the fans, about the people who pay for his dinner... He just comes in to get his day's pay and then he's gone.

Julian closes his eyes and puts a hand on his chest. He shakes his head, as if feeling the gravity of his sympathy towards Blake Rogers.

Julian Tijerina: He doesn't really understand this business, the pageantry, the theatrics, the importance of the fans...

The fans pop.

Julian Tijerina: ...and it saddens me because that fact renders him unable to experience the full potential of this business, of his own potential. He's never going to understand anything if he's so set in his ways, if he lets his insecurities stop him from having fun, because at the end of the day, we're all here to have fun, to experience more than what our flaws and doubts allow us. This business, that ring, the fans... All of these things and more are our happy-ever-after ending, and it's only right that we abide by them, that we appreciate them, that we honor them by working hard, fighting hard, and giving them what they want.

The crowd starts chanting Julian's name over and over again. Julian pauses and lets the chanting go on forever. He closes his eyes and feel every syllable that echoes throughout the building. Finally, he opens his eyes and turns directly to the camera.

Julian Tijerina: I guess, what the crowd wants right now, is for me to take the fight to Blake Rogers.

The crowd pops once more. A smile widens on Spencer's face and he begins nodding in agreement. Julian continues staring into the camera.

Julian Tijerina: This thing between us should've been settled at Grapple Kingdom. But if Blake Rogers wants to continue fighting, if Blake Rogers wants me to humiliate him for a second time, then who am I to deny him of his wish?

Spencer puts the microphone to his mouth.

Spencer Burke: You're El Guapo.

Julian turns to an excited Spencer. El Guapo narrows his eyes and the two exchange an awkward stare. Spencer swallows air and mouths a nervous apology. Julian surprises him by flashing a wide smile and patting him on the back.

Julian Tijerina: Damn right.

Julian turns to the camera directly once again.

Julian Tijerina: Blake Rogers, if you want another go with me, you don't need to buy me dinner. I don't think you have taste, anyway. If you want another fight, I'll gladly agree to one. You and me. In that ring.

The crowd begins chanting Julian's name again.

Julian Tijerina: I'm not going to run away. Most of all, I'm not going to attack you while your back's turned. I'm not like you. I'll never be like you. I'm just too damn...beautiful.

Julian smirks his patented killer smile before turning to Spencer who smiles back at him. With one hand on the back of his neck, Julian pats Spencer on the shoulder and starts walking away. Spencer looks on as Julian leaves the frame, a smile still on his face. Finally, Spencer notices the camera still recording, so he motions for the feed to be cut.

[bmac]

The camera cuts to Jessie Pederson, walking down the hallway with her microphone in hand. The camera pans up to show Molly Reid walking down the hallway, with her Pride Championship slung over her shoulder. Jessie calls out to Molly.

Jessie Pederson: Molly, can we have a quick word?

Molly slowly comes to a stop and turns around, with a defeated look on her face. She walks over to Jessie and flashes a small smile.

Molly Reid: You’re not Spencer, so sure.

Jessie Pederson: Molly, what can you say about what happened in your match tonight?

Molly Reid: What I can say is that so much for Chris being the right and honorable wrestler that he has continuously claimed he is. He and Frankie spent the last two weeks berating me about how I needed to grab his tights, how I needed to cheat to beat him. They gave me such crap about how I was scared I was going to lose so I resorted to cheating to win. Even though none of that is true, as I’ve said millions of times, that’s what they kept saying. So today, I was all set to wrestle Chris clean and what does he do? Uses his manager to distract me while he picks up the win. Remember when Annie distracted Dom and I pinned him? Remember how Chris and Frankie talked about how Chris would never do that and I was just a cheat? Well they just did the exact same thing. So you know, I’m not exactly pleased with it.

Jessie Pederson: It looked as though you grabbed Chris’ tights again tonight, and that’s why Frankie got involved. Any comment or clarification on that?

Molly Reid: Yeah Jessie. My hand slipped again and once again instinctively grabbed onto whatever it could. But this time, you’ll notice, it happened earlier. And once I realized what was happening I immediately let go! I let go of his tights and stood up because I didn’t want to win that way. I’m not a bad person Jessie, I’m not a cheat. As soon as I realized what I was doing, I stopped and stood up to let Chris know that I wasn’t going to “cheat” again. I was trying to do the right thing. When the referee came over, he was just telling me that I can’t grab the tights, and I was explaining to him that I knew that and had let go and stood up because I knew that. And then Frankie saw a chance to take advantage, to cut corners, just like they claimed that I did. So you know, hats off to them for that. They really showed me that Chris deserves a rematch by needing to cheat to beat me. Bravo to them.

Jessie Pederson: After you grabbing his tights at Grapple Kingdom, and now Frankie distracting you so Chris could roll you up earlier tonight, would you say that you two are even now?

Molly Reid: Well I don’t think so because there’s a difference between what happened at Grapple Kingdom and what happened tonight. Two weeks ago I made a mistake, I accidentally grabbed Chris’ tights while I was winning the match. It wasn’t on purpose, it didn’t help me win the match, and I felt really bad about it afterwards and made that known. This week, Chris and Frankie knowingly cheated. There was no accidental, no mistake made. This was something they had either planned ahead of time, or made a spur-of-the-moment decision. But regardless, it was a clear and obvious move to help Chris win the match outside the rules, I guess because they didn’t believe he could actually outwrestle me. I get it. I’m not easy to beat. But when you go two weeks talking about how I’M the one scared to actually wrestle because of an accidental mistake, and then you go and pull that? I don’t think we’re even. But at the very least, I expect that they’ll stop gassing on about Grapple Kingdom. If they believe I intentionally cheated, which I didn’t, then in their mind we’re even. So if Frankie and Chris are watching, I expect that we’re done with Grapple Kingdom. Congratulations Chris, you proved tonight that the only way you can beat me is through your manager. Now let’s move on.

Jessie Pederson: Do you think Chris beating you has earned himself a rematch at your title?

Molly Reid: Well I don’t make those decisions Jessie. But I don’t know. He didn’t prove he was a better wrestler than me tonight. All he proved was that he knows how to take advantage when his manager gets involved. So I guess that’s a skill that comes in handy sometimes. But does it warrant a rematch? Who knows. But I’ll say this. If the roles were reversed and I won like that, you can bet your house that Chris and Frankie would be saying I don’t deserve it.

Jessie Pederson: Second last question for you Molly. You’ve been one of the favorites of the fans for a long time now. Tonight there were a lot more boos than you’re probably used to hearing in a wrestling ring. How did you feel hearing that?

Molly Reid: Honestly, I barely noticed. I’ve said it from the start, fans can do whatever they want to do. I’m not going to beg people to cheer for me. I’m sure there are a lot of fans right now that don’t believe me about Grapple Kingdom, even though I’m telling the truth. But that’s fine, that’s their choice. I’m more focused on the ones cheering me, the ones who do believe me. Because they’re the ones I care about, the ones that stick with me even when things look bad. So thank you to those fans who were still cheering me on tonight. Sorry I let you down, but I’ll be back better than ever in two weeks.

Jessie Pederson: And finally Molly, that’s twice now you’ve said your hand has slipped trying to pin Chris. Are you going to do anything to try to make sure that doesn’t happen again?

Molly laughs as she looks down at her hands.

Molly Reid: Yeah, you know I sweat a ton so my hands get real slippery out there sometimes. I think I’m going to start taping them up next show so I have a bit more grip. That way this doesn’t happen again.

Jessie Pederson: Thank you for this Molly, we look forward to seeing you again in two weeks.

Molly Reid: Thanks Jessie, and thanks everyone watching.

Molly smiles to the camera one last time before turning around and continuing down the hallway as the camera lingers on her for a few moments before fading out.

[sasso]

A loud clearing of the throat and “AHEM!” startle FGA interviewer Spence Burke, who had been attempting to check his text messages. He jumps and turns to see who was trying to get his attention. Unfortunately for him, the answer is not one he was hoping for.

AMIRA: SPENCAH BURKE!

The platinum blonde bellows as she sidles up to him.

AMIRA: Do you know what AMIRA desires, Spencer Burke?


She cocks her head and he attempts to regain his composure.

Spencer Burke A-an interv--

AMIRA: SILENCE!

The new MAL #1 contender proclaims, holding a hand up.

AMIRA: I did not tell you to answer me with your words, I wanted you to demonstrate your knowledge through action Spencer Burke!

A scowl appears on her face.

AMIRA: Do not disappoint me again, unless you want to end up on the robotic lift once more! I can make it happen, you know! But, I suppose I will have to tell you what I desire since you are unable to perform your function to any adequate degree. So, I command you, lend AMIRA use of your speech wand so I can tell the world what needs to be said about my triumph this evening.

She starts making a grabbing motion with her hand, while the confused Burke asks.

Spencer Burke: You mean the microphone?

To which she responds with a condescending high pitched mimicry.

AMIRA: “You mean the micrapherrn?”

Her face turns beet red as she continues berating him, her voice raising in volume.

AMIRA: You know damn well what I mean! Now do as I command, or the lift will be the least of your worries! It’ll be volcano time for --

Her rant is cut short, however, as Spencer Burke looks over AMIRA’s shoulder to where the current Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion, Dom Harter, is standing with his title belt slung over one shoulder.

Dom Harter: “Now do as I command!”

He uses the same high pitched tone to mock AMIRA that she used to mock Spencer - well as close as he can get! AMIRA turns and stares, mouth agape in horror at Harter as he wraps an arm around her shoulder.

Dom Harter: Congratulations on your win tonight though, very impressive. Masterful through and through. The way you evaded those strikes like they were income tax or something…

Spencer looks more uncomfortable than AMIRA, who furrows her brow.

Dom Harter: And just when he thought you were done, you kept beating the three count like it was a fraud charge…

AMIRA is seething, looking about ready to boil over at this point.

Dom Harter: But then you ruined it all by having to steal the victory just like--

AMIRA: SILENCE! Shut your philandering mouth, you treacherous skunk!

Dom Harter: Fine, fine. Nothing I can say’ll change the fact that you’re my new number one contender, and that at Only The Strong Survive you’ll be challenging for this--

He pats the belt on his shoulder, and the familiar crooked grin spreads across his face.

Dom Harter: --in what I’m sure will be the greatest match you’ve ever wrestled. So get ready, kiddo, you’ve got some work to do…

Harter playfully pinches her cheek before AMIRA swats his hand away; she’s scowling as Harter walks away, the frustration and resentment from this encounter boiling up inside her as AMIRA lunges forward to cheap shot the Legacy champion from behind - NO! Harter spins on the spot and puts his hand up, halting AMIRA in her tracks.

Dom Harter: Whoa, were you trying to cheap shot me? Come on, you’re going to have to do better than that to get one past me.

Harter then walks away while facing AMIRA so she can’t attack him again, disappearing around a corner. AMIRA hurriedly gestures for Spencer to vacate the premises, muttering ‘It’ll be a fate worse than the volcano for him’ to herself as the scene comes to an end.

[The Mason]

AfterBurn Exclusive Interview with Kris Cruise

We cut to the commentator’s desk where Kris Cruise sits by herself, pushing a tablet aside before folding her hands and looking into the camera. As she speaks, her voice carries throughout the arena via microphone as opposed to the typical function.

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time as an AfterBurn exclusive, live via satellite from New York City please welcome, Noelle Smith.

There are cheers from the fans still inside the arena that stayed for the special. We cut to Noelle Smith, visible on the Tron. Dressed in subdued colors of dusky purple, her top wrapped like a Sari, she gives a little wave to the fans watching and Kris herself.

Noelle Smith: Thank you Kris, you’re too kind. While I would have liked to have been there myself tonight, it simply wasn’t meant to be. I’d like to take a moment here while I can to say that I also hope that the fans enjoyed watching the matches that my fellow Frontier Grappling Arts wrestlers put on, and from some of the buzz I’ve already seen on the message boards, there are some very excitable fans out there!

Kris Cruise: Indeed! All things considered, tonight’s Beat the Clock challenge, as well as its participants-- and lack thereof, which we’ll get to momentarily-- have drawn a considerable amount of buzz before the show even began. With Izzy Anders pulling off the victory, how do y…

“Can You Feel It?” hits the arena’s PA. Though there aren’t as many fans still in attendance to generate a ton of noise, those remaining have flocked toward the ringside barricade, many screaming for Envi just at the prospect of meeting one of the star’s pot-show. Kris Cruise looks visibly annoyed as Evan Envi and Sadie San Francisco emerge from the back. Envi makes it a point to roll through the ring and out the other side, just so he doesn’t have to get too close to the outstretched hands of the fans crowding the barriers. He makes his way over to the commentary table while Sadie comes up behind Kris Cruise and removes her headset. Cruise can be heard saying “are you serious?” as Sadie motions for her to exit, prompting Kris to at least stand up. Evan Envi and Sadie San Francisco take a seat behind the desk. Sadie places the headset on Evan’s head and Evan clears his throat into the mic piece.

Evan Envi: Testing, testing. One-two-three. Testing. Can you hear my deep, manly vocals?

He chuckles, looking up at the Tron, feigning shock when he sees Noelle Smith.

Evan Envi: Holy-- hey Noelle!

Sadie also waves, though the sarcasm quickly sours the small crowd. Their reaction toward Camp Envi devolves into a mixed one. Deflated, Kris Cruise mouths an apology to Noelle Smith before leaving the scene.

Noelle Smith: It’s fine, Kris. It’s not your fault… I suppose you’re going to tell me why you’d bother to interrupt this little gathering? I’d have thought you’d have something else to do.

With a bit of effort Noelle controls any hint of sarcasm in her own response, sitting there calmly as she stares directly at Evan.

Evan Envi: Um.

Evan watches Cruise leave while he ponders his response before he puts his head down, laughing a little. He shakes his head, looking up again at Noelle with narrowed eyes.

Evan Envi: Noelle, I’m the one sitting behind the important desk asking the hard-hitting questions, alright? So tell me, in your own words. HOW DOES IT FEEL… to be excluded from such an important tournament? Here’s Cordelia making history with her Undisputed Championship and Izzy Anders, winning her right for a piece of it-- which disgusts me-- but where… where are you, exactly? New York?

Evan and Sadie turn to each other, laughing aloud. Evan throws his hands up.

Evan Envi: How’s that feel, to know THE CHIEF took your spot?!

Noelle Smith: Hmm. Did you though? Did the ‘Chief’...

Noelle lifted her hands up gracefully to provide the air quotes, then let them drop.

Noelle Smith: ...take my spot? No, no he did not. I will tell you what Evan Harrison did though. Evan Harrison had a spot and he failed to seize the day, much like he failed to seize the Pride title. In fact I think the only thing you’ve actually succeeded in doing besides fail to see what’s right in front of your face is run Mark Storm right out of wrestling.

A pause. Then Noelle laughs softly.

Noelle Smith: No, wait, you didn’t do that either I just saw that he’s back again like a really bad copy of Eminem.

Evan smiles faintly, resting his chin on his palm as he looks up at Noelle from the announce table. With a small sigh, tracing an invisible design on the table as he thinks, Evan finally responds.

Evan Envi: You might’ve been invited here tonight, had your training not been all for naught at Grapple Kingdom. But instead, you were told ‘nah, not necessary.’ Instead of YOU being here, wrestling Savannah Taylor for a shot at the FGA Undisputed Championship it was me, and… yeah… I wasted that. Savannah cost me my opportunity, KNOWING she couldn’t beat me, so she got us both counted out. And it was wasted. And I’m still in shock. Shock. So I’ll address that later. But here’s what really bothers me.

Evan readjusts in his seat, glaring up at the screen.

Evan Envi: What do YOU get an AfterBurn special interview for? Who cares what YOU have to say? They should’ve hooked a satellite dish up to my locker-room and interviewed ME about how I--

Noelle Smith: How about you start working smarter instead of harder, Evan? These fans wanted to see me. Unlike you? I actually look at the mail, the things they send to the company. So I made sure that these fans would get a chance to have what they actually wanted. It’s not my fault you didn’t think of doing something like this on your own.

She pauses and then holds up a finger, a very tiny smile coming to her lips.

Noelle Smith: I mean, don’t you have a person that’s responsible for doing just this kind of thing, set up these sort of intimate encounters with a favorite star, for you? I mean surely the Great and Powerful Chief has someone on his staff, that keeps this sort of oversight from happening?

Sadie takes the headset from Evan, placing it on her own head. She gives Noelle a cold, empty smile.

Sadie San Francisco: Despite how fascinated Evan is with all things that aren’t his, including this interview… he doesn’t need it. Because these fans aren’t left feeling empty and unsatisfied when he walks out of the arena like they are when you compete. So the company doesn’t feel they have to fabricate the need for an ‘AfterBurn special’ to justify his spot on the FGA roster.

The fans in attendance boo Sadie, though she ignores it, speaking over them.

Sadie San Francisco: Fan mail... please. That's a joke. Who truly needs to see another second of Noelle Smith, ever again?

Sadie rolls her eyes toward the cheering fans at the barricade in Memphis, responding tiredly without moving a muscle.

Sadie San Francisco: You guys don’t count. You’re permadrunks.

Noelle grins slightly then waves her fingers at the fans, blowing them kisses and as expected they react with cheers (even though it’s likely a lot louder than would be, simply due to the irritation of Sadie’s words). Noelle laughs and shakes her curls out before she leans back in her chair, relaxed again.

Noelle Smith: This is why you’re always going to be wrong. Haven’t figured it out on your own yet, but you’re bright enough. It’ll occur to you. Just because you don’t want it Sadie? There’s going to be so much more. All dedicated to you! No, wait. That’s a fib. Because it’s really dedicated to all of them. Whether you or him like it or not? Well be real, whether anyone else that I work with wants it or not? These fans still do. There’s a reason my things sell consistently high, Sadie. It’s simple cause and effect. You can hate on these fans all you want, because I promise you, the people that they want to see know it.

She smiles, just a tiny bit softer.

Noelle Smith: The one person here tonight that they don’t want to see, is you! But since I’m the nice one, I can actually help you fix that little problem you’ve got there. I guarantee you that I can in fact help you with this flaw of yours. It’s just wonderful.

Sadie glares up at Noelle’s face on the screen, but doesn’t say anything. The slight turn of her head shows a reasonable expectation for Noelle to go on.

Noelle Smith: You get a present, Sadie. I’m going to give you something that Evan’s little friend NeNe wanted so badly that she tried to get it swinging and missing on Twitter. We’ll go up to the offices or fax something…

She waved her hand dismissively.

Noelle Smith: Since you know, really isn’t that how everything gets done? Bark and bark and bark orders at the owners until they cave? Please. This though will give the fans what they want, and that is something that the office would like to see happen. But you? Get to have a match with me. Should be a total breeze for you right, Sadie? Since I’m no good in that ring, since no one wants to see me wrestle, I’m sure you’ll just waltz in and beat me so fast you’ll even get a better result than Izzy. Oooh won’t that prove your point?

The small crowd surrounding the barriers cheer in anticipation. Evan shakes his head, motioning to Noelle that they’re finished with their interruption-- but Sadie doesn’t budge as Evan stands up.

Sadie San Francisco: Your funeral.

The corners of Sadie’s lips briefly tug into a smile, but it seems to fade back to the same cold expression as before. Evan looks either absolutely horrified or absolutely disgusted that Sadie would accept, though the surrounding crowd is ecstatic.

Noelle Smith: Lovely, Evan can pay for the flowers.

Noelle smiles sweetly and waves at the fans again before the feed cuts. Back at ringside, Sadie removes her headset and stands up, throwing it aside, looking satisfied with herself. Confused, Evan follows her around the ring and up the ramp to the back, questioning her decision-making the entire way until the scene cuts.

[Izzy Anders]

Elsewhere, Spencer Burke finds the woman who interviewed him earlier in the night, Izzy Anders. The new number one contender for the FGA Undisputed Championship doesn't appear to be in high spirits. Actually, she greets Spencer with a simple wave. When the man approached, she turns around, giving him a look. He wipes the microphone off absently before raising it to his mouth.

Spencer Burke: Am I going to get interviewed again, Izzy?

He jokes, which does get a grin out of her interviewee. 

Izzy Anders: No, no, Spencer, not this time. I think putting you on the spot like that might be worse for wear. You don't need anymore abuse in your life with everyone berating you. 

Spencer smiles, slightly touching by Izzy's comment.

Spencer Burke: Well, Izzy, you won the Beat the Clock Challenge. Now, you're the #1 contender to the Undisputed Championship against the woman who stopped you from getting it in the first place. What's going through your head?

Izzy stands still for a moment, her face looking to the ground.

Izzy Anders: Right now, I'm nervous, Spencer. Honestly, I'm still shaking over the result. You had people like Dom Harter, Molly Reid, Savannah Taylor, Chandler Scott, and Zero McHannon all gunning for the spot I just earned. Remember, I have only competed in tournaments to make it to now. I've never actually challenged for the Undisputed Championship. I've only gotten so close. I haven't had a championship opportunity here since I won the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. I'm one for one and I want to keep it 100%. 

She straightens up, a determined glint in her eyes.

Izzy Anders: I want to win the Undisputed Championship for the reasons that I came back. But even if I hate this company for everything it has done to me or done to people I care about, that championship is the end goal for me. All of my career I have strived for that championship. FGA has always come first. Yeah, I have played around in other places, SSWA, ECWF, but FGA is my home. It's a run-down one, but I still take pride in the competitors and the legacy that championship holds. Because if I didn't, there would be no point in burning it. It wouldn't be important, right? All I have ever done here is try to strive to be the best I can be. Even now, I still continue to be the best damn wrestler I can be. I make fools out of the best, and I beat them. 

She smiles gently.

Izzy Anders: I'm nervous, because this means that I have reached those final steps. I'm on the same level where Chandler, Zero, and all the other headliners walk. Three years of hard work and it's finally time for me to get my turn. I was ready to do whatever it took too, because I made a promise to the champ. I told Cordy Stevenson that I would be back. I went through all the heroes here to get the biggest and brightest of them, even if some people may not believe that now. I told Cordy that I was going to be back. And have I ever lied to anyone? 

Spencer ponders for a moment, before shaking his head a nervous 'no'.

Izzy Anders: Exactly. 

She stretches her neck a bit.

Izzy Anders: Only the Strong Survive, huh? It's a perfect name for our showdown. She might be my friend and I love her to death, but she's my enemy on that night. I'm not as naive as Chandler. I'm more focused than Zero. We tore the house down at the Five Year Anniversary Show. We're going to get that Match of the Year award in early too. She knows how tough I am and she knows how good of a run I have been on. Undefeated since the year began, beating top names left and right. So, I'm expecting the best damn match this year not just in FGA, but in wrestling as a whole. I'M GOING FOR SIX STARS, BABY! But you know what, Spencer?

Spencer Burke: What?

Izzy then flashes her confident smirk.

IIzzy Anders: Izzy Anders will win this time. 

She stops for a moment, breathing heavily.

Izzy Anders: Thanks, Spencer, but I got to get going. I gotta celebrate.

She pats him on the shoulder before walking past him. Spencer sighs, knowing that it was one of the first interviews in a while where something odd did not occur.

[#Justice]

The feed cut to the backstage area of the FedExForum of Memphis, Tennessee…

Former World and Pride Champion - Jimmy Page - sat on a crate pondering the world as only he could do. Formerly one of the most devastating forces that the Frontier Grappling Arts promotion had ever seen in its history, Page found himself at a crossroads.

JIMMY PAGE: It takes time, don’t rush it, it takes time.

As Jimmy continued to contemplate the universe, the camera seemingly catches him distracted by something or someone off camera. The feed zooms out slightly to reveal a much smaller woman. Hair dyed a deep dark purple. Dressed in a black leather skirt and blouse combination.

Her face tied to a familiar wrestling family…

BEER BEER AYANO; Jimmmmmmmmmmmmy!

Beer Beer Ayano, a former World Tag Team Champion with Page in Hard Knox Wrestling, popped up wrapping her arms around the person she referred to as her ‘best friend’ even if Page might not have felt the same way about her. Without his permission may we add…

BEER BEER AYANO; Do you have any idea how much I missed you, hon?

The Cheese Grater Enthusiast asked the former World Champion.

JIMMY PAGE; Hi BB, long time no see. Would love to chat, but I’d like to be alone.

Jimmy had an indifferent glance in his eyes as he turned away slightly looking to leavej. Beer raised her arms up high.

BEER BEER AYANO; But Jimmy! I know you had to miss me as much as I missed being away from you. Where else would you get dumplings for breakfast? Who else would sing to you in a foreign language? That’s besides the point, babe…

The former Tag Team Champion remarked to Page.

BEER BEER AYANO; We were champions together. And last I checked….Chemistry doesn’t really disappear without a trace, munchkin. And there’s a set of belts in this company that you haven’t won yet. Winkity wink.

JIMMY PAGE; Look, I’m glad you’re here, but my goals right now aren’t really inline with what you want. Good to see you though, so--

Before Page could continue that thought Beer Beer scoffed.

BEER BEER AYANO; Come onnnnnn, Jimmy babe don’t be a tit tease!

JIMMY PAGE; ...I just want to be left alone please.

Jimmy’s eyes looked dull as he glared at Beer Beer. His eyes wander off for a moment and then he looks to turn and leave. He slowly walks away to continue contemplating his own goals.

BEER BEER AYANO; Oh Jim Jim….

Ayano sighs.

BEER BEER AYANO; Always playing hard to get…But we will be reunited again…

Beer Beer added as she also turned to fade away from camera view.