Vertigo (04.01.17)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

[ EARLIER TODAY ]

Julian Tijerina is sitting on the locker room floor, eyes closed, knees stretched outwards and opposite each other. He's humming something inaudible to himself, each hand on each knee. His entire focus is elsewhere, as if he isn’t even in the locker room. Spencer Burke inches beside him, standing upright, unsure whether he should disturb whatever Julian’s doing. He turns to the camera, shakes his head, and shrugs.

Spencer Burke: Uhm, ladies and gentlemen, we’re here backstage with El Guapo, Julian Tijerina.

Julian does not budge. He does not move. Spencer furrows his brow, unsure of what to make of the non-reaction. Should he continue bothering Julian? Will he be able to do that without getting kicked in the face?

Spencer Burke: Julian? Excuse me, Julian?

Julian sighs, though he doesn’t open his eyes. Spencer thinks he has nothing left to lose, so he continues badgering The Spanish Sweetheart.

Spencer Burke: Are you okay? Can we have a moment of your time?

Julian sighs once again, this time louder. Spencer thinks it’s an invitation to speak, so he bends down to stick his microphone right in front of Julian’s face. Feeling something’s shadow on his handsome features, Julian opens one eyes. Annoyance drowns his entire being at the sight of Spencer’s microphone.

Spencer Burke: Julian? Julian, you there? You okay?

Julian swats Spencer’s microphone away from his face and instantaneously gets back up to his feet. Swinging his arms in front of him instinctively, he heaves a quick sigh and turns to Spencer with a smile. He puts both hands on his hips before he addresses his on-again, off-again friend.

Julian Tijerina: I’m here, amigo, and I am more than okay. I am fine, super fine. I mean, that’s why they call me, El Guapo!

Spencer nods fervently, smiling his widest. Julian smiles back but gets a bit irritated at Spencer just nodding back at him. He shakes his head and starts rubbing his chin.

Julian Tijerina: You were going to ask me something?

Spencer gets snapped back to reality, as if he had been floating around and just now strikes gravity. Julian shakes the Eminem song out of his head.

Spencer Burke: Oh, yeah, oh, yeah…

Spencer shakes his head and coughs slightly, clearing his mind of all distractions. He assumes a more professional demeanor towards El Guapo.

Spencer Burke: As revealed last week, you will be participating in the Gold Rush Rumble at Only the Strong Survive…

Julian cuts Spencer off, though he does so politely.

Julian Tijerina: Participate? No, no, no, amigo. Julian Tijerina does not participate, will not JUST participate. Julian Tijerina will be WINNING the Gold Rush Rumble at Only the Strong Survive and along with it the spoils of that war.

Spencer takes back control of the backstage interview politely.

Spencer Burke: To do that, though, you have to beat 29 other…

Julian cuts Spencer off again.

Julian Tijerina: ...guerreros. Don’t worry, Spencer. I’ll go through them like knife on butter. Stunray, AMIRA, even that boring Blake Rogers. I’ll take on and beat anyone and everyone standing in my way and become the new FGA Undisputed Champion at All-Star Showdown VI.

Spencer smiles affectionately at Julian.

Spencer Burke: Then tonight must be a golden opportunity for you. You win the battle royal later and you get #20-#30 in the Gold Rush Rumble.

Julian Tijerina: Precisely, Spence. Tonight, I earn an advantage and it doesn’t matter who I have to go through to get it. Jimmy Page, Mistress Ai, Yazzmin Villa, NEON, Lowri Moss, Sadie San Francisco, AMIRA, Blake Rog---

”BORING?! I’ll show you boring!”

Suddenly and as if on cue, Blake Rogers appears and nails Julian with a clothesline. Blake pulls Julian back up and throws him head first into a wall. Julian staggers back as Spencer gets the heck out of dodge. Blake grabs Julian from behind and pulls his head back as he shouts at him.

Blake Rogers: Is that boring enough for you? How about this?

He throws Julian against the wall face first again. Julian staggers back once again and Blake grabs him behind the head and throws him against the door to the locker room, sending him tumbling onto the floor of the hallway. Rogers stays on him, nailing kick after kick to Julian, who rolls against the wall of the hallway to try and protect himself. After about a half dozen kicks, Blake drops down and places his knee across Julian’s throat.

Blake Rogers: Not so tough now are you, huh pretty boy? Did you think that I’d just let you screw me over in my matches and talk crap about me without any kind of repercussion? Huh?

Blake shakes his head as Julian gurgles something inaudible.

Blake Rogers: You know, Jules, I don't think you get it. I think that I'm going to have to go the extra mile here to show you that you don't f*ck with me and get away with it.

Blake gets up off of Julian, then pulls him up into a sitting position. Once there, Julian nails some shots to Blake’s mid section. Blake cuts him off by dropping a knee into his chest. Blake stands back up and takes a few steps back before charging and hitting Julian with a running knee to his face that also sandwiches his skull against the wall. Blake pulls back and reveals that Julian’s nose is busted and leaking blood like a fountain. Blake snickers and leans down as Julian sits there, groaning.

Blake Rogers: Would you look at that? Looks like you're not that beautiful anymore.

[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

Infinity Energy Arena
Duluth, GA

The video fades to an outside shot of the Infinity Energy Arena in Duluth, Georgia. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd...

Kris Cruise: Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of Vertigo! I am Kris Cruise and joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger! Tonight, we are just two weeks away from Only the Strong Survive, the latest pay per view extravaganza from Frontier Grappling Arts. Tonight, every grappler, from top to bottom, will look to carry as much momentum as possible as the road to Only the Strong Survive continues.

Stephy Auger: There is a huge opportunity is at stake, Cruise. But it’s not in the main event. It’s not in the co-main. It’s in our opening contest!

Kris Cruise: That’s right. Nine grapplers have been chosen to compete in this over the top rope Battle Royal. The winner will still have their number drawn at random. But it will be between numbers 20 and 30. That is a HUGE advantage going into the Rumble.

Stephy Auger: Yes it is. If my research is correct, since switching over to the 30 participant format, no one who has drawn between #1 and #6 have been there at the end. With the exception of one year, no one who has entered #1 through #10 has been there at the end. Placement in this Rumble is going to be huge, Cruise. This is going to be a major, major opportunity for one of those nine.

Kris Cruise: Yes indeed. But that’s not all. We’ve also got a return match from two weeks ago as Ricky Valero rematches against Chris Bond. In non-title action, Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion Dom Harter goes up against the Las Vegas Siren, Savannah Taylor. Also in non-title action, Pride Champion Molly Reid squares off against Noelle Smith. In our lone championship match of the evening, The Usual Suspects will defend their World Tag Team Titles against the Elysian Empire. Then, in our main event, Chandler Scott goes one on one with Johnny Karma. That should be a good one.

We’ve got a solid night of action up and down the card. But before we kick things off with the Battle Royal, let’s go to some comments from moments ago...

[FGA Office]

The scene switches to an area backstage at the Infinity Energy Arena, where Spencer Burke is stood, looking towards the camera. Stood alongside Spencer, to his left, is Lowri Moss.

Spencer Burke: I'm here with Lowri Moss, who will be one of the nine participants in the upcoming battle royal.

Spencer turns to look at Lowri. Lowri is looking off to her left though, away from Spencer.

Spencer Burke: Lowri, when...

Just as quickly as Spencer had begun to ask Lowri a question, he stops, upon realising that he does not have her attention.

Spencer Burke: Is something wrong, Lowri?

Lowri turns to look in Spencer’s direction, but she gazes beyond him, staring into the distance.

Lowri Moss: No, I’m okay.

Spencer Burke: Are you sure? You seem distracted.

Now Lowri looks at Spencer.

Lowri Moss: Honestly, Spencer, I’m fine. I’m just keeping an eye out for Dom Harter, that’s all.

Spencer frowns.

Spencer Burke: Dom Harter? Why?

Lowri Moss: Because I’ve been told that he’s going to try to grab my arse tonight.

Lowri takes a quick glance to her left again, before looking back to Spencer.

Lowri Moss: Sorry, Spencer. What questions do you have for me?

Spencer Burke: Okay, so, when I spoke to you following the show two weeks ago, you weren’t expecting to be in the Gold Rush Rumble at Only the Strong Survive. However, just days afterwards, your spot in the Rumble was confirmed.

Lowri Moss: That’s a statement rather than a question...

There is a smirk from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: ...but yeah, suddenly I find myself with an unexpected opportunity: the opportunity to be the next challenger for the Undisputed Championship - and like I said to you two weeks ago, Spencer, who wouldn’t want to have that chance? But, before I can really begin to think about the Gold Rush Rumble, I need to concentrate on my match this evening first - one match at a time, if you’ll pardon the cliché.

Spencer Burke: And speaking of your match this evening, as I mentioned just a moment or so ago, you’re going to be competing in a nine-person battle royal. Now I know you only made your pro debut last September, so I was wondering, have you been in a battle royal previously?

Lowri nods.

Lowri Moss: I have, once, back in January. On that occasion there were twenty people in the match, and I made it to the final four before being eliminated, so tonight I’ll be attempting to go three better, and actually win the thing.

Spencer Burke: Well, the reward for whomever wins the battle royal is that they will then enter the Gold Rush Rumble somewhere between number twenty and number thirty, which will certainly give that person a greater chance of winning the Rumble.

Lowri Moss: Oh, for sure it will. Can I be the one to win the battle royal and get that prize though?

Lowri shrugs.

Lowri Moss: There’s going to be nine of us in that ring, all going at it hammer and tongs to try to win. There’ll be the likes of Jimmy Page, a former World Champion, and AMIRA, who could soon be the new Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion - and that’s just to mention two of my eight opponents.

She lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: And then there’s me, the girl from South Wales, who has no accolades to speak of to her name. That’s something that I’m eager to change, and winning this battle royal can be the first step for me towards doing so.

Spencer Burke: Have you learned any lessons from the previous battle royal you were in that can help you win tonight?

Lowri replies in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

Lowri Moss: Yeah, eliminate my opponents before they can eliminate me.

A wry smile then crosses her face.

Lowri Moss: Seriously though, I’ll simply do whatever feels right in the moment, to survive for as long as I can, and if I get down to the final two, then I reckon I’ll be able to get over the line, and claim the victory.

Lowri’s smile broadens slightly.

Lowri Moss: Now, Spencer, if you'll please excuse me, I have some people to kick.

The camera then cuts away.

[FGA Office]

Battle Royal
(Winner will receive #20-#30 in the Gold Rush Rumble)
Jimmy Page vs. Mistress Ai vs. AMIRA vs. Blake Rogers vs. Yazzmin Villa vs. Julian Tijerina vs. NEON vs. Lowri Moss vs. Sadie San Francisco

We cut to Jimmy Page, who is in the middle of his entrance. Already in the ring are Mistress Ai, Blake Rogers, AMIRA, Yazzmin Villa, Julian Tijerina, NEON, and Sadie San Francisco.

Jimmy 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. He looks around, seeing the rest of his opponents setting their sights on him.

"Whirring" by The Joy Formidable plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, through the curtains - and out onto the stage - walks Lowri Moss, who is greeted by a cheer. Lowri takes a moment to scan the crowd, before making her way towards the ring, and as she does so, she slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to her. After arriving at ringside, Lowri climbs the steps up onto the ring apron, and then steps through the ropes, before heading for one of the corners and climbing to the second rope. There are further cheers and more applause for Lowri from the fans, and she soaks in the reaction for several seconds, as she again surveys the crowd.

The bell sounds as AMIRA immediately drops and rolls to the outside. Everyone else, however, rushes over into the corner and goes to work on Jimmy Page.

Kris Cruise: It’s 6 on 1, Stephy!

Page tries with all his might to fight them off. But the succumbs to the numbers game. NEON and Sadie San Francisco can be seen nudging their fellow opponents out of the way before sending Page slumping down in the corner with double mudhole stops. NEON continues with the stops while Sadie chokes him with her foot. With this being a Battle Royal, there’s no ref to instill a five count. So she keeps the hold on for as long as she likes. Just then, Rogers bursts through the Camp Envi members before putting the boots to Page himself. He then brings Page to his feet by his hair before whipping him into the opposite corner. Rogers charges into the corner, but he eats a back elbow to the face. Lowri Moss runs over to attack. But she gets knocked down by a boot to the face. Yazzmin Villa then tries her hand at attack Page. But Page steps out, catches her and hurls her into the turnbuckle with an exploder suplex.

Stephy Auger: Page is fighting back!

Kris Cruise: They should’ve just eliminated him when they had the chance.

Page looks across the ring at Mistress Ai. The two grapplers circle the ring before running at each other. Page throws out a lariat. But Ai ducks and heads into the ropes. When she returns, she connects with a dropkick that knocks Page back. So she returns to her feet before running back into the ropes. When she returns, she connects with a front dropkick. Page doesn’t fall, but he gets knocked back a few more steps. After a kip up, Ai turns and runs into the ropes. When she returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when she connects with a Gamma Ray Burst, sending Page stumbling back into the ropes. From there, Ai immediately goes over and grabs his right leg. Moss then goes over and grabs his leg leg. Sadie, NEON Villa and Rogers then rush over and push Page over the top rope, sending the “King of the F’N World” down to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Jimmy Page is the first one eliminated from this Battle Royal! Who would have thought!?

Stephy Auger: I don’t know. But not me. I think he was one of the favorites to win it.

From there, Ai immediately turns her attention to NEON, who she nails with palm strikes to the face. She then takes “The Queen of Mean” and goes for an irish whip. But NEON reverses, sending Ai into the ropes. When Ai returns, NEON sets up for a back body drop. But Ai front flips over her before running into the ropes. When NEON stands up and turns around, Ai brings her down with a leaping reverse STO. The cheers continue as Ai gets to her feet, stands next to NEON’s head and slowly slips off her sparkling arm sleeve. After tossing it into the crowd, Ai runs into the ropes. When she comes back, she hops over NEON before heading into the other set of ropes. When Ai returns, Sadie comes out of nowhere and knocks her down with Palo Alto (running corkscrew roundhouse knee strike). After NEON returns to her feet, the Camp Envi members grabs Ai, runs and toss her over the top rope and to the floor.

As Sadie motions to go after Moss, NEON grabs her from behind, turns and tosses her over the top rope and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Sadie’s been eliminated!

Stephy Auger: What!?

Kris Cruise: Sadie just got eliminated from her fellow Camp Envi team member! What is going on here!?

Sadie slowly gets back to her feet and narrows her eyes NEON. NEON, meanwhile, seems unphased and doesn’t show much remorse.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think everything is Kumbaya in Camp Envi, Stephy!

Back in the ring, Rogers can be seen giving Villa a series of knife edge chops. He then takes Villa and whips her into the opposite corner. Rogers runs across the ring and into the corner, but he gets turned around by a boot to the face. As Rogers staggers away from the ropes, the cheers continue when Moss knocks him down with a dropkick. When Rogers gets back up, Villa knocks him down with a dropkick. Once Rogers returns to his feet, Villa and Moss run over and connect with double dropkicks, knocking him down.

Kris Cruise: Look at those two go to work on Rogers!

Stephy Auger: Of course you would be happy with seeing Rogers being double teamed!

Kris Cruise: It’s a Battle Royal! These things happen in Battle Royals!

Stephy Auger: Whatever. Stop bothering me...

As Rogers returns to his feet, Villa runs over to attack. But Rogers ducks and dumps Villa over the top rope, which elicits boos from the crowd.. After she lands on her feet, her knees buckles before crumbling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh, I think Villa might be hurt.

Stephy Auger: It looks like her knee might have buckled when she landed on the floor. I don’t know.

Back inside, Rogers goes for a running clothesline. But Moss ducks and runs into the ropes. When Moss returns, the crowd boos when Rogers throws her down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. As Rogers returns to his feet and pulls up Lowri, the boos turn to cheers when Julian Tijerina can be seen marching down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It’s The Spanish Sweetheart!

Stephy Auger: What is he doing out here!? Didn’t he learn his lesson from earlier!?

As Tijerina slides in, Rogers plants Moss with a snapping brainbuster. While Rogers gets to his feet, Tijerina points a finger gun at him. When Rogers turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Moss sprays purple mist in his face.

Kris Cruise: The mist! Rogers has been blinded by The Purple Mist!

Stephy Auger: I guess you’re fine with this, too?

While Rogers is blinded, Tijerina grabs him, runs and tosses him over the top rope.

Kris Cruise: There goes Rogers!

Stephy Auger: Wait, what is Tijerina doing?

Tijerina marches into the corner, climbs up to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and crashes down on top of Rogers with a Frog Splash on the floor to an explosion of cheers, Tijerina mounts himself on top of Rogers and hammers away with punches to the face.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina just eliminated himself after eliminating Blake Rogers! But he doesn’t care. At this point, after what happened tonight, all he cares about is getting his hands on Rogers!

Back in the ring, NEON sees Moss down.

Kris Cruise: We’re down to two, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Not for long. NEON is about to make short work of Moss. Didn’t you just see her get dropped on her pretty little head?

NEON quickly runs over, picks up Moss, runs and tosses her over the top rope. NEON turns and raises her arms in the air. But the celebration was premature as Moss landed safely on the arpon. When NEON turns around, she does a double take at the sight of Moss still in the match. So she runs over and tries to attack. But Moss doubles her over with a shoulder thrust to the midsection. She then goes for a vertical suplex to the outside, but NEON blocks it. NEON then goes for a vertical suplex back into the ring. But Moss slips down from behind before hitting a release German Suplex.

The cheers continue as Moss picks up NEON and goes for an irish whip. But NEON reverses, sending Lowri into the ropes. When Lowri returns, NEON throws out a big boot. But Lowri catches her leg before throwing her down with a dragonscrew legwhip. As NEON turns over and gets up on one knee, Moss runs over and knocks her down with a Shining Wizard. She then picks up NEON, brings her over towards the ropes and tries to lift her over the top rope. But NEON reaches over and rakes her across the eyes, resulting in boos from the crowd.

NEON takes Lowri and slams her face-first into the corner. After climbing up onto the middle ropes, she takes Lowri and plants her with a Tornado DDT. As Lowri turns over and slowly tries to get up, NEON takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she throws out Lights Out (running scissors kick). But Lowri moves out of the way, hooks her from behind with an inverted front facelock and brings her down with Nos Da (rolling cutter). The crowd cheers as Moss then picks up NEON, runs and tosses her over the top rope, sending her to the floor.

Kris Cruise: There it is! She’s done it! She’s done it! She’s done it!

The crowd cheers when “Whirring” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, LOWRI MO-

Out of nowhere comes AMIRA, who rolls back in, charges across the ring and connects with a running front dropkick to the back, knocking Moss over the top rope and down to the floor.

Kris Cruise: What in the…?

The crowd is confused. But once they realize what has just transpired, the arena fills with boos.

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

“AMIRA” blares throughout the arena as AMIRA rolls to the outside and gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: AMIRA just stole a win from Lowri Moss!

Stephy Auger: Hey, there’s a reason why you have to have your head on a swivel in these types of matches. You never know where your opponents will come from next! HA HA!

AMIRA continues to celebrate as she makes her way up the aisle. Meanwhile, Lowri sits up and shakes her head after realizing she just got robbed.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Backstage coming from around a corner Yazzmin Villa hobbles her way to her locker room in pain as she winces with each step. From out of the shadows she’s somewhat frightened by Spencer Burke who ask for a little minute of her time.

Spencer Burke: You alright there?

Yazzmin looks down at her ankle before shaking her head.

Yazzmin Villa: Nooo, I took a pretty nasty fall from the ring and I may have twisted my ankle a little bit. Jesus this thing hurts.

Yazzmin leans up against a wall and lifts her leg up to take some of the pressure off of her ankle.

Spencer Burke: That was a pretty awkward fall.

Yazzmin Villa: Yeah, I hope it’s not anything too bad. I just need to get it checked out and for the swelling to go down y’know. As long as I’m ready by the time Survival of The Fittest gets here I should be fine.

Yazzmin winces once more as she tries to put some pressure on that ankle.

Yazzmin Villa: Thanks for asking though Spencer.

She gives Spencer a little hug before she hobbles her way down the hall leaving the scene to fade out.

[FGA Office]

PolyChromatic Lion Attack Squad vs. Daniel Widdel and Stunray

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!

...Spoken...

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

When the first bass drum thumps, Dan pulls the curtain back and walks out from behind the curtain with his girlfriend Peaches hanging onto his arm. They give head nods to the fans before they begin heading towards the ring as a spotlight stays on them

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, at a combined weight of three hundred and thirty-two pounds, the team of Dan Herrera and Peaches, they are PolyChromatic Lion ATTTAAACK SQUAD!

My knuckles have turned to white

There's no turning back tonight

Kiss me one last time

As Dan and Peaches make their way to the ring Dan slaps hands with the fans on one side of the entrance-way while Peaches walks down the other side slapping hands with the fans there. At the bottom of the entrance way, Peaches leans in and gives Dan a peck on the cheek as the pair climb into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents…

[bStephy Auger:[/b] This should be interesting! Hah.

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.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, hailing from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds… DANIEL WIDDEL!

Daniel lowers his arms to pause for a moment to take in everything. Daniel eyed the ring while he walked down the walkway. Daniel jumps on to the apron and springs himself over the top rope. Daniel goes to the furthest right turnbuckle and inaudible shouted out to pump up the fans and himself. He jumps down the turnbuckle and stands in the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his partner…

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. 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.

J.A. Aldridge: From Rochester, New York, weighing in at two hundred and thirty-five pounds… STUNNNNRAAY!

Stunray’s music fades and he looks, curiously, toward his tag team partner who seems to be giving him a look of uncertainty.

Kris Cruise: It’s definitely gonna be interesting, trying to see how exactly Daniel Widdel and Stunray are going to coexist. We know that Daniel Widdel doesn’t trust Stunray. We know they have a cloudy, uncomfortable history. But--

Stephy Auger: But nothing! Widdel needs to suck it up and get on the same page as Stunray tonight because if they get knocked off by Herrera and Peaches tonight, neither one of them looks good!

The ref calls for the bell. Stunray decide to start things off against Peaches. Stunray shoots an odd smile at Widdel and turns, making long strides toward Peaches, but she immediately fires off with a series of forearms! Stunray’s rocked by each shot! Peaches goes for an Irish Whip, but Stunray easily counters it, catching Peaches on the rebound with a Spinebuster!

Stephy Auger: See, that didn’t take long! Follow his lead, Daniel!

Stunray drops three elbows in rapid succession across the ribs and sternum of Peaches, earning boom the audience with each strike. He pulls her up by the hair, switching to a wrist lock to Irish Whip her into his corner. Stunray follows up with a running Stinger Splash-- the Stunray Splash-- trapping Peaches in the corner as he holds his hand up for Daniel Widdel to tag… though Widdel hesitates.

Stephy Auger: Why the pause?! What is so hard about this? He’s your partner! Tag his hand!

Kris Cruise: You can see those gears turning behind the eyes of Daniel Widdel. But there’s the tag!

Widdel tags Stunray’s hand, but doesn’t take the free strike Stunray offers against Peaches in the corner. Stunray shrug and steps out to the apron as Widdel pulls Peaches to the center of the ring. He stuns her with a sudden bell clap and shoots the ropes, rebounding for a Step-Up Enzuigiri… but Peaches ducks under his boot! She delivers a jumping double stomp to his back, collapsing to her knees for a second before scrambling through the ropes and to the apron, ascending to the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: And it looks like all the hesitation may have caused Widdel!

Daniel reaches his feet, only to be taken down with a Flying Cross Body from Peaches! The audience roars…

...but Daniel Widdel rolls through, back up to his feet with Peaches in his arms! He shifts her weight, placing her on his shoulders for a Powerbomb, but Peaches rotates around to his back, still on his shoulders, and spikes him with a Reverse Hurricanrana! The audience roars at the maneuver and Peaches makes the cover, hooking the near leg!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
TH-- kickout!

Stephy Auger: Serves him right!

Kris Cruise: Peaches attempted to capitalize there but now it looks like she needs to make the tag more than Widdel!

Daniel Widdel seeks refuge in the ropes, pulling himself up, finding himself between Peaches and her corner. She charges at him, nailing a Dropkick that sends Widdel into the corner! Widdel is stunned, and Peaches runs for the outstretched hand of Dan Herrera, but Widdel strides out of the corner, intercepting her with a running boot to the face! The audience groans in sympathy as Peaches rolls through the move and to her knees. Widdel pulls her up into a standing headscissors and flips her up for a Powerbomb-- but Peaches counters out of nowhere with a Facebuster! Widdel tries to block it, but still smashes his nose against the canvas! The two roll away from each other, gasping for air.

Kris Cruise: What an exchange! Peaches countered with that Facebuster. She didn’t get all of it, but she might have gotten enough to get to her corner!

Stephy Auger: They’re both on Daniel and Stunray’s side of the ring! That’s the problem for the stupid Lion Whatevers.

Daniel Widdel uses the ropes near his corner to begin aiding himself to his feet. On the far side of the ring, Dan Herrera shoots words of encouragement to his partner. Peaches pulls herself up to her hands and knees, moving gingerly, but desperately to her corner. Meanwhile, Stunray grabs the tag rope and reaches into the ring, tagging Widdel! Widdel shoots him an uneasy look, but Stunray just gives him a nod of reassurance as he charges across the ring, using Peaches as a step to leap into the corner and blast Dan Herrera with a closed fist to the eye! Herrera falls from the apron to the floor and Stunray grins down at him-- but Peaches rolls him up from behind with a Schoolboy to a pop!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRRRRE--!

Stephy Auger: Phew. He kicked out!

Kris Cruise: Just barely, but now Peaches goes to make the tag-- but Dan isn’t there! A cheap closed fist from Stunray and Peaches still has yet to make a tag in this match.

Peaches turns, blasting the rising Stunray with a rapid flurry of alternating forearms, sending him down to a knee in the center of the ring. She shoots the ropes and rebounds, coming back for a Spear-- but Stunray counters with a standing Sunset Flip to a mixed reaction from the crowd! He pins Peaches’ shoulders to the mat!

ONE
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.
.
TWO
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.
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THR--!

Dan Herrera slides into the ring, driving a boot between the eyes of Stunray to a roar from the crowd! Herrera holds his own eye, muttering something in clear frustration, but the referee ushers him back to his corner. The audience begins a ”LET’S GO PEACHES!” chant as the dazed Peaches rolls onto her stomach, looking back toward Herrera in a daze. Stunray pulls himself back up though, glaring angrily at Herrera. He pulls Peaches up to his feet by her hair and applies a rough side headlock, turning to Widdel, yelling for him to hit her.

Kris Cruise: Oh, come on…

Stephy Auger: Yeah, come on! Be a team player!

Daniel Widdel shakes his head, telling Stunray to focus. Frustrated, Stunray throws Peaches to the mat and gets in Daniel’s face-- but Stunray catches himself, raising his hands and apologizing. Before Daniel can really react, Stunray tags his shoulder. Daniel steps into the ring, though another argument begins between him and Stunray.

Kris Cruise: They took their eyes off Peaches!

Another ”PEACHES!” chant has started and she crawls… finally slapping the hand of Dan Herrera to a roar from the audience! Stunray’s eyes widen. He rushes forward-- but Herrera levels him with a Spear to a roar from the crowd!

Stephy Auger: Damnit, this is Widdel’s fault!

Widdel wastes no time rushing at Dan Herrera, leveling him with a Clothesline! Herrera scrambles up to his feet into an Inverted Powerslam! The veteran groans, stumbling up to his feet in the corner.

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Daniel Widdel take the wind out of Dan Herrera’s sails!

Widdel charges the cornered Herrera-- but he’s flattened with a Spear! The audience roars for the move and Dan forces Widdel up, hoisting him onto the second turnbuckle in the corner before applying the Muscle Buster! He turns to his corner and the audience comes alive as Peaches gingery ascends to the top turnbuckle! She leaps off, nailing a Seated Senton to complete the slam, driving Widdel down! Stunray watches from the bottom of the ramp, clutching his ribs.

Kris Cruise: The Walking Papers! The Booty Drop! The cover!

Dan Herrera covers Widdel and the ref counts his shoulders.

ONE
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TWO
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.
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THREE!

The bell sounds and “Dangerous Business Since 1979” hits the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners… the PolyChromatic Lion ATTACK SQUAD!

The audience pops as the victory is announced. Dan Herrera helps the exhausted Peaches up to her feet, pulling her into a tight hug in the center of the ring before the referee raises their arms.

Kris Cruise: Big win here by the PolyChromatic Lion Attack Squad. It looked like Stunray and Widdel had Peaches on the ropes this entire time, but after the two took their eye off the ball, momentum shifted in the other direction allowing Dan Herrera to clean house and eventually score the three with some assistance from Peaches. And… you are very quiet over there.

Stephy Auger: I am disgusted with Daniel Widdel. This is his fault. Poor Stunray. His team fell apart! He was on his best behavior and Daniel Widdel pulled a Brian Stryker right before our eyes. His paranoia got the best of him and he LOST! Stunray’s probably devastated by this.

Stunray rises to his feet as Widdel rolls out of the ring. He goes to say something, but Widdel shakes his head, moving past him without a word. Stunray narrows his eyes, but turns, following behind Widdel from a distance as we fade.

[FGA Office]

Brian Stryker is backstage as he is warming himself up. Tonight he faces his toughest challenge in Evan Envi. He had to be ready for the worst and for the best. THis was his chance to prove his spot in this company. He had to ride the momentum of his victory last Vertigo. He could really prove he has what it takes to be a future champion in this industry.

Brian Stryker: You got this man. Just any other match.

He leans himself against the wall as he stretched his limbs out as he gets his body ready for tonight’s matches. Just then Spencer Burke came up and tapped Brian on the shoulder. Brian turned around and raised an eyebrow.

Spencer Burke: Brian a moment? Tonight, you face Evan Envi, partner to what some are calling your biggest FGA rival, Sadie San Francisco. Not only that, I understand you and Evan seem to have come to blows before?

Brian Stryker: We’ll start with the easy one first. What me and Sadie have might be a rivalry. We had one match. Now if she wants that return match, I’ll be more than happy to sign the papers and have it. Cause let me tell you, it won’t end the same way like Grapple Kingdom. I’m better than before. My head is more clear. I can focus on the task at hand and not make the same mistake. Sadie may want me to just vanish, but I’m not gonna go away. It’ll take more than one lose for me to leave.

Second, Evan Envi. You can say we have a history. Last time we saw each other was in SCW where the last thing I saw was me being put through a damn glass table. But that was then, and this is now. Now, I’m dangerous. Now, I’m ready. Now, I’m at my best. SCW was when I was scared, nervous about what kind of person and wrestler I was. Now, I know who I am. I know what I can do. Brian Stryker will become a household name. I’m hitting my prime now. Last week Blake Rogers got to experience Prime Stryker. This week, Evan Envi is the lucky one. Keep the challenges up FGA, I’m loving this right now. I want to be tested by the best. And I will come out of every single one smelling like a rose. Bring your best Envi, cause you know I’m bringing mine and I don’t deserve anything less.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

As the show comes back from commercial break, with the last one being a splashy advertisement for Only The Strong Survive, we open up in the backstage area and the scene that greets the fans is one that causes them to boo. Standing just off to the side of the makeup station is the figure of Savannah Taylor. Dressed in her ring gear, going with the pink and black version this time, she is shown taping up her wrists with black trainers tape. She is apparently so focused on making sure the tape on her wrists is even and not too tight that she fails to hear someone coming up from behind her. Not only does this person come up from behind the Las Vegas native, but they attack her with a fierce hug, one so fierce that she almost drops her tape.

Savannah Taylor: What the…??

A familiar giggle greets the Las Vegas Siren. Her “assailant” steps from behind her and the crowd cheers loudly at the sight of the Pretty Lil’ Texan herself, Heather Lasiewicz. Heather is a vision in a flowing blue dress that hugs her curves perfectly. She beams up at Savannah, who laughs happily and hugs her friend tightly.

Heather Lasiewicz: Surprise, gorgeous!

A smile grows on Savannah’s face as she drops her tape to hug Heather.

Savannah Taylor: Heather! Always a pleasure seeing your face around these parts.

She says as she brushes her hair out of her face.

Savannah Taylor: I would ask what brings you by………..but I think I have a pretty good idea.

Heather's cheeky grin is all the response Savannah needs. She attempts to feign a look of innocence, batting her eyelashes in an angelic style.

Heather Lasiewicz: Me? My intentions are pure. I'm here to visit friends, watch some good fights.

Savannah lifts a perfectly shaped eyebrow,showing just how much she believes the words coming out of her friends mouth. Heather dissolves into a fit of giggles, waving her hand in the air. Savannah chuckles, shaking her head. She bends over to pick up her tape. Heather wolf whistles playfully.

Heather Lasiewicz: The view isn't half bad either. Okay, okay, I'm here to observe. That clown thinks he has a chance against me. It'll be a pleasure watching you give him a taste of what's to come.

The smile that Savannah had on her face turned into a full blown grin. She places her hands on her slender hips and nods her head slowly.

Savannah Taylor: He talks an awful lot. Most times, the mute button comes in quite handy, both on the television remote and on Twitter as well. Not only does he NOT know what he is getting into when he faces you…...but he isn’t going to know what hit him later on tonight. The only thing Harter is going to hit harder is…...well, you get the idea.

Heather smirks and leans in close to Savannah. Savannah mimics the gesture. Heather speaks her next words in a conspiratorial whisper.

Heather Lasiewicz: Harter can't even hit himself harder, if you catch my drift.

Heather winks as Savannah covers her mouth to quiet down her laughter. Two crew hands, hearing the noise, look over with curiosity. Heather flips them off before waving them away.

Heather Lasiewicz: Nosey ass… Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching you put a hurtin’ on that deceptive little weasel. Turned over a new leaf… Yeah, and I became queen of Brazil.

Savannah has to bite her thumb to keep from laughing when Heather mentioned Brazil.

Savannah Taylor: Dom Harter is going to wish he never opened his mouth about me. But hey, I’m used to it. But don’t worry one bit. I’ll make sure you get your kicks in as well. And if you rough him up enough to where he’s not able to do anything in the Gold Rush Rumble….

She gives a little shrug as she winks.

Savannah Taylor: Then there is nothing wrong with that.

Heather sweeps Savannah a low bow.

Heather Lasiewicz: From one queen to another, I'll leave just enough left for you to toss him out like a rag doll. You know, it's funny. I stopped being angry at him a long time ago. And yet… the chance to wrap my hands around his neck and watch his stupid face turn blue…

A dark gleam entered her eyes for a moment. Heather was momentarily lost in her dark thoughts. Savannah's eyebrows furrowed in concern and she put a hand on her friend's shoulder and shook her lightly. Heather's eyes cleared as she snapped out of her reverie.

Heather Lasiewicz: Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts for a moment there.

Savannah Taylor: It’s okay. But...why don’t we continue this talk elsewhere? The hallways might have eyes and ears.

Heather nods her head as she links arms with Savannah and the two women head off down the hall towards Savannah’s locker room as the scene cuts to the ringside area.

[FGA Office]

The show fades back to ringside just in time for “The Game” by Motorhead to blare over the P.A. system. The crowd roars to life with a frenzy of jeers as white and pink strobe lights flash throughout Duluth’s Infinity Energy Arena. Moments later, Ricky Valero emerges through a thick cloud of smoke with a sheepish grin on his smug face.

Ricky Valero: In a few minutes, I’m going to bless you all with the last Chris Bond match you will ever have to be subjected to, but before I do, I have some business to handle with a man who felt it was necessary to stick his nose somewhere where it didn’t belong.

Some fans in the front row cheer, apparently understanding precisely who Valero is talking about.

Ricky Valero: Owen Gonsalves, bring your sorry ass out here right now! Because I will not wrestle until we’ve settled this. I’ll hold this show up all night. I know you’re backed there. I know you’re hiding out somewhere planning your next act of cowardice somewhere out there in the back. Get out here, and let’s handle this like men!

Valero stomps around the ring like an infant throwing a tantrum, beckoning his rival to make his appearance.

Ricky Valero: Come on, Owen, don’t be a predictable little bi--

But before he can even finish his sentence, “Blockbuster Night Part I” by Run The Jewels hits. The fans erupt, rising to their feet in a fit of excitement. Owen Gonsalves steps out from behind the curtain with a microphone in hand and a look of uncertainty on his face.

Ricky Valero: Cut his music. CUT. HIS. MUSIC!

At the top of the rampway, Gonsalves outstretches his hands and questions Valero’s demands.

Ricky Valero: What are you doing way down there, Owen? I want to get a good look at the gutless peon who made the biggest mistake of his life two weeks ago!

Gonsalves rolls his eyes.

Ricky Valero: Let’s go!

Gonsalves cautiously makes his way toward the ring, slapping hands with fans along the way but never taking his eyes off of Valero. He hesitantly steps up the steel steps and slips into the ring, ready and on the defensive the entire time. Valero smirks, holding his hands up as if to calm his foe.

Ricky Valero: Don’t worry, Owen. I mean no harm.

He extends his hand for a shake, but Gonsalves does not oblige. Valero snickers. He starts to pace the ring in front of Gonsalves.

Ricky Valero: It’s amazing how much changes in two months, isn’t it? I swear it feels like just yesterday, you had your nose shoved up my ass, trying to suck down every good bit of education you could get from me. You haven’t soured on me, have you?

Valero, who beat Gonsalves in an epic battle at Grapple Kingdom, cracks a sly grin.

Ricky Valero: Do you feel betrayed? Do you feel embarrassed? Because just when you thought you had me in your grasps and saw your opportunity to catapult yourself above the man you’ve always dreamt of becoming, I ripped it all away and revealed you for the fraud you truly are?

Gonsalves stands in front of Valero unmoved by his words or the emotion emanating from him with every word.

Ricky Valero: You dug your grave the moment you signed a contract to wrestle here in FGA. You were safe in Australia. You were safe in NKP. But the moment you stepped in my crosshairs, the moment you crawled out from under your little rock, out from your comfort zone and tried to position yourself as anyone who would ever accomplish something on a global scene...that was the moment you signed your death warrant. My compassion could no longer protect you from your ego. And still...STILL I tried to take you under my wing once you got here. STILL I tried to be the mentor you needed to succeed in this business. STILL I tried to fill the role you pitted me in, being the man, the reason you became a professional wrestler. Through every bump and every bruise and every ounce of blood I spilled, your passion for this sport we both love grew greater BECAUSE OF ME. You looked up to me. You aspired to be me, and at times, I was more than happy to be something close to a father to you.

Passion pours out from Valero’s lips at the end of every sentence. He believes every word and looks down upon Gonsalves with utter contempt.

Ricky Valero: But Owen, I wasn’t like a father to you. I AM GOD. Without me, you are nothing. You cease to exist. You could never be my equal. You were just never able to understand that. Your ego could not accept it. I am your creator and I will be your destroyer. The fact I have spared you for this long standing right here in front of me should make me deserving of all the praise in the world. Now bend your knee, bow your head, and give me the respect I deserve!

Gonsalves remains generally resolved and unphased by Valero’s rant. He is a little confused at first, caught off guard by Valero’s sudden demand. Slowly, hesitantly, he brings the microphone to his lips.

Owen Gonsalves: No.

Valero cocks an eyebrow.

Ricky Valero: Excuse me?

Valero spews vehemently as he points toward the mat. Gonsalves’ breathing accelerates as the tension mounts. He shakes his head as he speaks into the microphone again.

Owen Gonsalves: Umm...I said no.

Valero’s blue eyes burn with rage as he steps nose to nose with Gonsalves. Owen stands firm, not surrendering any ground to Valero.

Ricky Valero: To you, I was everything. The perfect role model. The man you knew you’d one day want to follow in the footsteps of when you finally began your professional wrestling career. You enjoyed watching Donoval Kayl, Bronx Goldie, Adam Edwards...You idolized those men and what they could do inside this ring. But you didn’t just idolize me, Owen. You WORSHIPPED ME. You wanted to be me. The glitz. The glamour. The persona. I had the world in my hand. I had the world by the balls...I was the unattainable phenomenon on a level so few will ever reach. Isn’t that why you called yourself “The Phenomenon” half a decade ago when you got started? Because of me? And now...now you call yourself “messiah”...

Valero scoffs, sucking his teeth and shaking his head.

Ricky Valero: But you are no messiah. You are Judas! A deceitful, disrespectful, self-righteous coward who sought to prop himself up on MY name! And you failed miserably. You put up a valiant effort, kid, really, we’re all very impressed, but Owen, you lost. You lost just like I told you you would. Just as everyone here and everyone watching at home expected you would. Did you really think you could beat me? Did you really think you could ever compete on my level?

Valero can’t help but laugh.

Ricky Valero: Your disrespect had consequences. You had to be taught a lesson for your sins. Now for the last time, boy, accept your fate and bow down before me!

Gonsalves sighs, snickering as he shakes his head at his former mentor and idol.

Owen Gonsalves: I guess you need me to spell it out for you, Ricky. There is no chance in hell I am going to now or ever get down on my knees and worship you, gravel at your feet, or thank you for anything you may have ever done for me in my career. There may have been a time when you were an inspiration for me to become a professional wrestler and succeed in this industry. But now, the only thing you inspire within me is the desire to kick those pretty little teeth of yours straight down your throat!

A smirk stretches across Gonsalves’ face as he can sense the utter frustration building within his former idol amidst the roars of the crowd. But Valero suddenly takes a step back and stands square with Gonsalves. He flashes a menacing smirk of his own, and right on cue, Gonsalves is blindsided by two individuals in street clothes from out of nowhere!

Kris Cruise: What the hell!

Stephy Auger: Where did those guys come from?!

Valero orders a royal beatdown as the two men stomp a mudhole in Gonsalves. Valero is red hot as his henchmen rip his former protege limb from limb in the middle of the ring. Finally, they lift his lifeless body to its feet and deliver him with a release belly-to-back/backstabber combo that nearly breaks the young Aussie superstar in two.

Kris Cruise: Dear God!

Security and EMT personnel are quickly on the scene to tend to Gonsalves and chase off the two goons through the crowd. The damage, however, has already been done and Gonsalves is decimated on the outside of the ring.

Amidst all the chaos, Valero brings the microphone to his lips once more. He’s smiling from ear to ear, unable to contain his pleasure.

Ricky Valero: Now bring me Chris Bond!

Valero drops the mic and walks backward toward the corner, leaning comfortably against the turnbuckle as he awaits his opponent.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

Kris Cruise: How can Ricky Valero just stand there and be proud of himself!? What’s the matter with him!?

Stephy Auger: Hey, he warned Gonsalves. He gave him a chance. But he sealed his fate, Cruise. He’s got no one to blame but himse-

Chris Bond vs. Ricky Valero

“You Know My Name” blasts over the PA as Chris Bond storm through the curtain and down the aisle. “The Battle-Hardened Veteran” is met with a downpour of cheers from the crowd. But he doesn’t pay attention to the crowd. Instead, he turns and looks at Gonsalves, who is being helped to the back by medical personnel. Bond slowly turns and eyes Valero before changing the ring.

The bell sounds as Bond slides in and continues to knock Valero across the ring with right hands to the face. After knocking Valero into the corner, Bond climbs up onto the middle ropes and punches Valero while the crowd counts along.

Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SE-

Valero grabs Bond, runs from out of the corner and brings him down with an inverted atomic drop before planting him with a DDT.

The boos continue as Valero gets to his feet, heads into the ropes and connects with the Leg Drops of Jupiter (rally of consecutive leg drops). He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bond kicks out.

Valero picks up Bond, marches into the corner and goes to slam him face-first into the top turnbuckle. But Bond gets his foot on the middle rope, breaking the hold. After an elbow to the midsection, he takes Valero and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!

After turning Valero around, Bond lights up his chest with knife edge chops. He then sends Valero crashing into the turnbuckle after an irish whip. Bond then charges across the ring and connects with a clothesline. After bringing Valero from out of the corner, Bond knocks him down with an arm wrench followed by a short-arm clothesline. The cheers continue as he drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Valero kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Bond has come out on fire. But you’ve got to think that he isn’t just doing this for himself, but for Owen Gonsalves as well.

Stephy Auger: Aw, well isn’t that just the sweetest thing.

Bond picks up Valero and whips him into the ropes. When Valero returns, Bond grabs him by the back of the neck, runs and tosses him over the top rope. After Valero lands on the apron, Bond runs over to knock him off. But Valero doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then goes for a sunset flip. But Bond rolls through it, returns to his feet and quickly turns Valero into a Half Crab.

Kris Cruise: Valero’s locked in the single leg crab!

Stephy Auger: Quick, Ricky, get to the ropes!

The crowd continues to cheer while Valero cringes in pain. The ref gets down and asks Valero if he wants to give up. When Valero refuses, Bond pulls back.

Kris Cruise: This crowd is loving it! They have no pity for Ricky Valero after what he did just minutes ago to owen Gonsalves! Who were those two men, anyway!?

The ref asks Valero if he wants to give up. But again, Valero refuses. He then pulls himself forward before grabbing the bottom rope. The crowd boos as the ref gives Bond until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THR-

Bond reluctantly lets go. After picking up Valero and hooking his arms across the top rope, he delivers another series of chops before running into the far ropes. When Bond returns, he sends Valero over the top rope and to the floor with a running lariat. Bond then waves his arms up and down to hype up the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Valero’s sent to the floor after a big clothesline from Bond! If that happens in two weeks, Valero can kiss his chance at a title shot goodbye.

Stephy Auger: I know how the Rumble works, Cruise!

As Valero pulls himself up using the edge of the apron, Bond rolls to the outside before doubling him over with a kick to the ribs. He than takes Valero and whips him hard down the ringside area. After crashing into the guardrail, Valero crumbles to the floor and arches his back.

Bond reaches down, picks up Valero and delivers a vertical suplex. After landing hard on the floor, Valero wails while he arches his back.

Kris Cruise: Valero’s in a world of hurt and to that I say GOOD!

Bond picks up Valero and rolls him back inside. After sliding back in, he makes the cover.

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

Bond picks up Valero, lifts him up and sits him down across the top rope. As Bond climbs up onto the middle ropes, Valero nails him with a right hand. He then nails Bond with two more punches before shoving him down to the canvas.

As Valero tries to stand up on the top turnbuckle, Bond runs back into the corner, grabs Valero and throws him down with a slam. The crowd cheers as the Battle-Hardened Veteran begins to wave Valero up while Valero continues to favor his back. Once Valero returns to his feet and turns around, Bond throws out another running lariat. But this time, Valero ducks. When Bond turns around, Valero catches him with a Pelé Kick. Once Valero returns to his feet, he doubles over Bond with a kick to the midsection, runs towards the ropes and tosses him out onto the apron. After reaching through the ropes and grabbing Bond, he drags him across the middle rope before planting him with a rope-hunt DDT. The erupts with boos as he makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: Valero just hit Bond with his own move!

Stephy Auger: And he did it ten times better, too!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd cheers when Bond gets his shoulder up.

Valero picks up Bond, hooks both arms, lifts him up and delivers a double underhook backbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Valero picks up Bond, wraps his arms around his waist and rams him back-first into the turnbuckle three times. After pulling Bond away from the corner, Valero delivers a bridging northern lights suplex.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bond gets his shoulder up.

As Valero pulls Bond up off the mat, Bond begins to nail him with punches to the midsection. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Bond returns, the crowd boos when Valero throws him down with an overhead belly to belly suplex. He turns over and makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: So much for that comeback.

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

Valero sits up and places Bond in a rear chinlock.

Kris Cruise: Bond was knocking Valero around in every direction. But Valero has fought back to regain control. He’s now trying to wear down The Battle-Hardened Veteran. Can Bond fight his way back into this contest?

The ref gets down and asks Bond if he wants to give up. When Bond refuses to quit, Valero pulls back on the hold.

Stephy Auger: That’s right, Ricky! Pull! PULL!

The ref asks Bond if he wants to give up. But again, Bond refuses. The crowd starts to get behind The Battle-Hardened Veteran. As they rally behind Bond, Bond begins to turn over onto his knees. After returning to his feet, he nails Valero with four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. As Bond goes to run into the ropes, Valero reaches out, grabs him by the back of the tights, pulls Bond towards him and follows up with the PinnaclePlex (release Regal Plex). The crowd erupts with boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Bond gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: He got his shoulder up! Bond got his shoulder up!

Valero picks up Bond and whips him into the ropes. When Bond returns, Valero knocks him down with Dream Street (jumping corkscrew roundhouse knee to the face). After dragging Bond into position, Valero steps out onto the apron, scales to the top rope and leaps off, going for Burying the Hatchet (diving double foot stomp). But Bond is able to roll out of the way. After Valero lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. When Valero turns around, Bond goes for another running lariat. But Valero ducks as Bond’s momentum takes him into the ropes. When Bond returns, Valero turns around and goes for a leapfrog. The crowd then explodes with cheers when Bond catches him before throwing him down with a rolling spinebuster. He then rolls across Valero and hooks the leg.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
THR-NO!

The crowd sighs, then boos when Valero gets his shoulder up.

Bond picks up Valero and whips him hard chest-first into the corner. As Valero stumbles back, Bond locks him in a sleeper hold from behind. The crowd cheers as Valero swings wildly. He’s trying to grab onto anything he can. But everything is just out of his reach. He then reaches back, grabs Bond with both hands and pulls him down into a sitout jawbreaker. While Bond is dazed, Valero turns to his feet and bounces into the ropes. When he returns, he throws out a clothesline. But Bond ducks. When Bond turns around, he gets caught with a superkick. While Bond is dazed, Valero sends him flipping down to the canvas with a step-up enzuigiri. He makes the cover.

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

While Bond is still down, Valero steps out onto the apron and begins to climb up to the top turnbuckle. Once he gets to the top, Bond runs over and pushes Valero’s legs out from under him, causing Valero to end up crotched on the top turnbuckle. The cheers continue as Bond climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Valero and delivers a superplex.

Kris Cruise: Biiiig suplex off the top from Chris Bond!

Stephy Auger: Dammit!

Bond picks up Valero, heads over and tosses him through the ropes and onto the apron. After grabbing Valero, Bond drags him across the middle rope and sets him up for the Rejection DDT. But Valero gets his legs off the ropes, drops down to his knee and thrusts up, nailing Bond with a low blow. The crowd erupts with boos as Bond crumbles down to the canvas.

Kris Cruise: What a cheap shot from Ricky Valero!

The boos continues as Valero gets up and puts the boots to Bond. Valero then puts his hands up when officials make their way down to the ring and force Valero back.

Winner by Disqualification: Chris Bond

[FGA Office]

Noelle Smith is seen as she finishes wrapping up her wrists before her upcoming match against Pride Champion Molly Reid. She bends to double check her kneepads, more important than ever considering her new strikes, and she straightens up and stretches as she realizes that Spencer Burke is there, he knocks politely as he hesitantly steps towards her.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me Noelle, would you have a moment to answer a few questions?

She inhales and then lets it out slowly, facing him as she nods.

Noelle Smith: Sure, go right ahead. I bet I can guess…

A wry little smile as she looks at her extra sparkly gear.

Noelle Smith: ...what at least one of them is.

She patiently waited for Spencer, and he doesn’t disappoint as he asks the first question.

Spencer Burke: Do you have an explanation for your actions against Sadie and Neon?

Noelle’s brows rise slightly as she holds in a laugh, then she shakes her head and answered as calmly as she could.

Noelle Smith: I’d wonder if you or anyone else bothered to ask them why they did what they did. Do you all think they’re that hateful? Or did you just conveniently forget how they act? Neon had that coming to her, not just for hitting me with a pipe in the parking lot, but for thinking that I owe her anything in the first place. I owe Neon nothing. I wiped our slate clean as a whistle back in PDW. Yet here we are years later and she is clawing, and scratching at the door like a cat soaked to the bone in a thunderstorm.

She pauses and laughs softly.

Noelle Smith: I’m only human, Spencer. How long does anyone get pushed before they push back? This was a long time coming, and that’s a fact. While I’d like to say this is over? I know it’s not. With that group? It’s never over.

He nods and asks her the next question.

Spencer Burke: I… I see. Can you tell us what you’re thinking tonight, a non-title match against our FGA Pride Champion Molly Reid?

Noelle smiles then, seeming to let go of all that tension she held while speaking about the other.

Noelle Smith: I’m actually excited. Sure, she made a Tweet about her list of things to do and one of them? Beat Noelle Smith. A lot of people would have flown off the handle or been mad about that, but let me say this. Why would I be angry that the champion would want to try and win a match she’s in? That’s just ridiculous! It would have been more upsetting if she acted like she didn’t care she had a match with me, and Molly hasn’t done that at all. She takes me seriously, even if others don’t. That’s why I’m going to give her my best - I know I say that before any match, that I’ll do my best. But Molly is the Pride Champion, a belt that I have held in high regard for a very long time now.

She took a breath, letting it out slowly.

Noelle Smith: I was disappointed that I didn’t get to face her for it before. That it was Evan, who got to do that. If I can show tonight how much I’ve improved though? Then that desire I have, that goal that I’ve held to my heart of becoming Pride Champion, would be one step closer to being a reality.

Noelle gave him a smile, and reached to pat his shoulder gently.

Noelle Smith: If you’ll excuse me, I need to start heading that way. If you have more questions, just catch me after the show, okay?

She smiles at the camera before she leaves the locker and disappears around the corner.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Jessie Pederson is standing by in front of the Vertigo backdrop.

Jessie Pederson: Joining me at this time, Chandler Scott…

The crowd screams with cheer once Chandler Scott makes his way into the picture. He gives Jessie a quick nod of the head before looking back off into the distance.

Jessie Pederson: Later on tonight in the main event, you’ve got a huge match against none other than Johnny Karma! You two have had some battles in the ring before. But that was then and this is now. What do you need to do to make sure you come away victorious here tonight.

Chandler rubs his chin before beginning to give his answer.

Chandler Scott: Well, you know, Johnny Karma is one of the best wrestlers going today. And I feel that if…

Suddenly, Chandler is cut off a member of the backstage crew.

Backstage Worker: I’m sorry to interrupt, sir. But you have a package.

Chandler arches an eyebrow.

Chandler Scott: Oh? A package?

The young man nods.

Backstage Worker: Yessir! It was delivered earlier this afternoon. Here you go.

The young man hands the wrapped box over to Chandler, who gladly takes it.

Chandler Scott: Thanks. Hmm…

Chandler gives the box a quizzical look. He then lifts it up and shakes it before holding it up close to his ear. He then pulls the box away from his face.

Chandler Scott: Well, I don’t hear any ticking, some I guess we can rule a bomb being in there, right?

Chandler lets out a light chuckle before putting the box on the table and unwrapping it. Once the wrapping paper is all off, Chandler looks down at the square box. He then takes the top off of the box, reaches down, and pulls out...

Chandler Scott: … A toy bridge? What in the hell am I going to do with this?

While Chandler continues to examine the model bridge, Jessie takes a peek inside the empty box.

Jessie Pederson: Ooo! Ooo! It looks like there’s a note inside.

Jessie quickly digs her hand into the box and picks up the note. She then turns to Chandler, but he’s not paying much attention to her.

Jessie Pederson: … Do you mind if I read it?

Chandler Scott: Go right ahead.

Jessie begins to read the note and immediately purses her lips. It’s then that Chandler looks over and notices.

Chandler Scott: Go ahead, Jessie. You can read it, it’s okay.

Jessie raises her eyebrows, as if to say “alright…”

Jessie Pederson: Ahem… “You cried us a whole damn river last show. Maybe this bridge can help you get over it. Good luck in the Gold Rush Rumble by the way. Signed… CS”

Jessie winces before slinking away from the interview area. The camera slowly zooms in on an annoyed Chandler. He shakes his head while firmly pressing his tongue into his cheek. He then let’s out a smirk.

Chandler Scott: … Cute. Real cute.

Chandler walks off, but not before tossing the model bridge to the ground, sending it crashing into pieces on the floor.

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen joining me at this time is a man who refers himself as "your hero, and mine", the returning, Mark Storm.

A pop ensues from the main audience in the arena that escalates to the backstage area. The camera pans from Spencer Burke to the indy darling; Mark Storm, who has his hood slung over his head whilst he clasps his hands together, a smirk appearing on his lip as he slightly lifts his head. He looked older. More mature and hardened. Bringing his hood down, he nodded his head and that smirk turned into a grin from ear to ear.

Spencer Burke: It's been a while Mark. It's good to see you back first and foremost.

Mark Storm: Spencer, it's good to be back. I'm one hundred percent, I'm ready to go.. I'm just excited to get out there and show everyone that I haven't lost a step.

Spencer Burke: You were gone for quite some time Mark, not just from this promotion but from the whole wrestling scene. It's like you almost vanished, from social media, seminars, the whole business. Why was that?

He doesn't answer right away. Instead, he allows himself to think of a suitable way to respond to the question Burke has asked and you can tell he's putting a lot of thought behind it.

Mark Storm: I had to get away, Spence. From all of it. This business, don't get me wrong it's my life, it's everything I am. But it got to a point where it consumed me. And I got sicker.. and sicker, to the extent where I didn't want to go into work anymore. I was so sick, and so tired and my energy, was pretty much non existent at that point. So I took a step back, threw my phone away and I exiled myself from this business.. from the people, from my friends and even my family. But I've come back, bigger, better and stronger than ever.

Spencer Burke: You come back and it's like you're being thrown straight into the deep end. As tonight, you're going head to head with one of the best, the decorated Chris Madison.

Storm chuckled, interrupting Burke.

Mark Storm: You can call it the deep end. You can call it whatever the hell you want. There's no water too deep for Mark Storm. The way I see it, I'm picking up where I left off. Chris Madison. He's not only one of the most accomplished in this industry, but he's also one of the most talented as a whole; and I've admired him for a long time. Last year in Japan, we finally crossed paths in a match that was so high profile out there, people wanted to see it again. And here we are, a few months down the line and we've got a second chance to go head to head. These are the matches, I live for. These are the matches, I want to be involved in. With the best, in the business.

Spencer Burke freezes and stares off camera. Mark turns his head as the camera pans over to find Chris Madison standing behind him with his manager, Frankie Morrison, flanking him on the right. The two would be competitors stared down one another; neither budging or blinking an eye. Madison reaches his hand out and Mark Storm swiftly reciprocates the gesture. As the two shake hands, Mark Storm bows his head as a sign of respect; only to be countered by Madison lowering his head further down.

Spencer Burke: By the look of things, there's an obvious mutual respect amongst the two of you.

Chris Madison: Like Mark just said, tonight won't be the first time that we've met inside a ring. Back in September we faced off against each other in a triple threat match for New Japan Fighting Championship. This kid put up one hell of a fight. Pushed me to my limits. Even though I came out of that match with the win, Mark showed me that he's got the potential to beat anybody in this business. This kid is the real deal; anyone who thinks differently is a fool! For me, it's on honor to share that squared circle with him once again; especially in his return match.

Spencer Burke: Not something you generally hear too often anymore.

Chris Madison: That's because too many people in this business let their ego's get in the way. With Mark, I know what I'm getting in that ring; a man who shares the same passion for competition that I do. We can climb through those ropes, beat the ever-loving hell out of each other, and then share a laugh about it afterwards in the back. I'm glad he's back in the industry, but most of all, I'm glad he's back in FGA. Someone of Mark's caliber returning is going to force everyone in the back to step their game up!

Spencer Burke: Only the Strong Survive is right around the corner. Chris you're slated to have a pretty big night ahead of you between competing in your first Gold Rush Rumble and challenging Molly Reid for the FGA Pride Championship. How does wrestling someone like Mark Storm effect your preparations.

Chris Madison: Everyone's different. Some people would rather have an easier match lined up before a big pay per view event; roll in on cruise control. That's never been my speed. Me? I believe in sharpening steel with steel. The only way to get yourself in the kind of shape to be successful in two matches of that caliber is to push yourself against the best competition you possibly can. FGA gifted me the opportunity to go up against a world class talent with only two weeks before the biggest night of my FGA career. Mark knows me well enough to understand that I'm going to that ring tonight and I plan on giving him the fight of his life. I need to, so that I can stay sharp and be in the best possible shape for Only the Strong Survive. That Pride Championship is within reach and I don't plan on slowing down for the sake of anyone until that belt is sitting firmly around my waist.

Spencer Burke: Well I'm sure the two of you aren't going to disappoint. And I have no shame in saying that not only as a journalist, but also a fan of this sport, I am looking forward to getting to witness this match live with my own two eyes. Thank you both for your time.

With that, Madison and Storm turn back towards each other. Madison reaches up and pats Storm on his right shoulder blade before walking off with Frankie Morrison.

[FGA Office]

Dom Harter vs. Savannah Taylor

There was silence; the lights began to fade away slowly. A soft instrumental echoes out across the audience. It starts slowly, a beautiful sound that contrasts the heaviness of the world. Like feathers, it glides among the waiting audience. The lighting fixtures produce a gentle spotlight upon the stage, offset by the occasional flash here and there. As the song continues, a woman’s words begin to come through. Her voice is tender, not raising upon a whisper.

Deceived by my eyes and all I was told I should see
Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be
One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew
And in the darkness I saw, a voice say, I'm you.

On the stage, a feminine figure appears. Her head lowered to everything. People cannot make out who it is. As she stands there, the flashes briefly illuminate her figure. It only gives small clues on who stands at the gate. She stands in the spotlight, her shadow cast large and proudly among the stage.

Inside me a light was turned on…

The instrumental picks up again. An electric guitar now joins the progressively exciting instrumentals of before. The singer’s voice suddenly intensifies.

Then I was alive!

In the light, it is revealed that it was Savannah Taylor. She stands at the gate, a robe of obsidian and ivory hues. The hood of it shadows her eyes, but the intensity of the final EXODUS World Champion remains clear as day. She starts off down the ramp, with a serious aura radiating from her body.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Las Vegas, Nevada! Weighing in at 120 pounds… SAAAAAVAAANNAAAAH TAAAAAAYLOOOR!!!

If you close your eyes your life,
A naked truth revealed
Dreams you never lived,
And scars never healed

Savannah makes her way up the ring steps. She looks out towards the audience for a moment before entering the ring. From there, she heads for a turnbuckle. She stands there, taking in everything. She then lifts her up on top of it. She peers out in nothing, then takes off the hood with a flashy flourish. Her blonde locks fly up in the air. They descend, shaping her face as they famously do.

In the darkness, light will take you to the other side
You'll find me waiting there you'll see, if you just close your eyes

While she stands in her corner, she closes her eyes and takes a heavy breath. When her bright eyes open, Taylor is completely composed. There is nothing more than the heat of battle awaiting her. She takes off her robe, giving it to a stagehand. She stretches her wrists before devoting her mind to the war upon the horizon.

Kris Cruise: Savannah Taylor is a threat to every champion she faces, whether it’s an official championship bout or a non-title match like this one. The bottom line? The Las Vegas Siren isn’t one to take lightly.

Stephy Auger: Which is why I’m so confused that Dom Harter has done nothing but run his yap and brush her off to the side as some afterthought. He’s got a big couple of weeks coming up. If he isn’t lucky, Taylor will make sure that he heads into Only the Strong Survive with zero momentum!

The opening chords of “Low Self Opinion” begin to play throughout the arena as the some of crowd begin to boo, while others cheer. After ten seconds or so, Dom Harter steps out from behind the curtain. He throws his arms out to either side, the ever familiar crooked grin plastered on his face as he begins to stride down the aisle, soaking in the reaction that are coming from the fans here in Duluth.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada! Weighing in at 225 pounds! He is the reigning FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… “The Tenacious Little Bastard” DOM HAAAAAAARTEEEEERRRRR!!!

Harter climbs up the ring steps and climbs in through the middle rope; once inside the squared circle, Harter climbs up to the middle rope, posing for the fans as he waits for the match to start.

Kris Cruise: Dom Harter does have a lot on his plate coming up. In addition to his commitments elsewhere, he’s got a Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship defense against AMIRA in two weeks, as well as the Gold Rush Rumble match. Then in one month, Harter will be going one on one with the returning Heather Lasiewicz. That should be a good one.

Stephy Auger: Those two are no strangers to each other. But neither are Lasiewicz and Taylor. I wonder who the Pretty Lil Texan will be rooting for?

Kris Cruise: … I think we might find out right now! Look who it is!

The crowd explodes with cheers as Heather Lasiewicz can be seen casually making her way down to the ring. This immediately gets the attention of Harter, who does a double take at the sight.

The bell sounds as Taylor charges across the ring and connects with a running yakuza kick, sending him slumping down in the corner.

Kris Cruise: Harter just got caught off guard!

Stephy Auger: Do you think the distraction was intentional?

The boos continue as Taylor runs into the opposite corner, bounces off the turnbuckles, runs back across the ring and connects with a running hip strike to the face. After pulling Harter back to his feet, Taylor nails him with a punch to the face, followed by a kick to the midsection. She then delivers another punch to the face, followed by a kick to the midsection. Taylor continues alternating strikes before stomping Harter down into the corner. From there, she chokes Harter with her foot while pulling down on the top rope. The ref gives her until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Taylor reluctantly lets go. She then reaches down, pulls Harter up and slaps him across the face before sending him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Lasiewicz can be seen putting her hand to her cheek. Taylor charges into the corner, leaps into the air and connects with a hesitation dropkick. After Harter crumbles from out of the corner, Taylor makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Harter gets his foot on the middle rope.

Kris Cruise: The Las Vegas Siren has been on top of the action since the start of the opening bell. Maybe it’s just me, but I think Heather Lasiewicz likes what she’s seeing.

While Lasiewicz circles the ring, Taylor picks up Harter and goes for an irish whip. But Harter reverses, sending her into the ropes. When she returns, Harter sets up a back body drop. But it gets countered after a kick to the face. Lasiewicz can be seen going “awww”. While Harter stumbles back, Taylor turns and runs back into the ropes. When she returns, the crowd cheers when Harter throws her down with an overhead belly to belly suplex. As Taylor gets to her feet and turns around, Harter runs over and sends her over the top rope and to the floor with a lariat to another wave of cheers. Harter turns and sees Lasiewicz, who doesn’t look all that impressed with what she’s just seen.

While Taylor is down, Harter rolls to the outside, pulls her up and brings her back down with a swinging neckbreaker. The cheers continue when Harter brings Taylor back up, lifts her up from the side and delivers a belly to back suplex on the floor.

Kris Cruise: Harter with yet another hard slam on the far. That’s gotta slow down the Las Vegas Siren.

Harter picks up Taylor and rolls her back inside. After rolling himself back in, he drags Taylor away from the ropes and makes the cover.

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

Harter picks up Taylor, moves her into the corner and unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts. He then takes Taylor, delivers an irish whip and follows her into the opposite corner. But instead of crashing into the turnbuckle, Taylor reaches out and grabs the ropes, slams on the brakes and then catches Harter with a back elbow to the face. While Harter is dazed, Taylor steps out onto the apron before climbing towards the top turnbuckle. Once she gets near the top, Harter reaches out, grabs her and goes to slam her off. But Taylor reaches down and rakes him across the eyes. As Harter staggers away from the corner, Taylor climbs up onto the top turnbuckle. When Harter turns around, he gets knocked down by a missile dropkick. The boos continue as she makes the cover.

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

Taylor picks up Harter and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, she throws out the Desert Rose (spinning backfist). But Harter ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Harter returns, Taylor tackles him down with a Lou Thesz Press before delivering mounted punches to the face. She then gets off of Taylor, heads over towards the ropes and waits for Harter to get back to his feet. Once Harter turns over and on all fours, Taylor runs over and goes for a curbstomp. But Harter moves out of the way. After Taylor comes down, Harter quickly gets up and goes for another belly to back suplex. But Taylor rolls over his shoulder, lands on her feet and brings him down with the Blonde Ambition (forward russian leg sweep. The boos continue as she pulls Harter over before making the cover).

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

Taylor picks up Harter, places him in a side headlock, runs and brings him down with a bulldog. While Harter turns over on his back, Taylor steps out onto the apron and climbs to the turnbuckle. She then leaps off and goes for a Frog Splash. But Harter gets his knees up. After Taylor bounces off of his knees, Harter quickly crawls over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: The high risk didn’t pay off and nearly cost Taylor the match.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, it didn't pay off. But when you’re in there against a champion, especially a guy like Harter, you have to take chances, Cruise.

Harter picks up Taylor and nails her with a headbutt that sends her stumbling back into the corner. After making his way into the corner, Harter grabs Taylor by the wrist and pulls her away from the corner before knocking her down with a short-arm clothesline. Lasiewicz can be seen giving him a mocking clap as he makes the cover.

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

Harter picks up Taylor and looks out at Lasiewicz while he sets her up for a piledriver. But Taylor counters with a standing double leg takedown. She then lifts up Harter’s legs, spreads them apart and follows up with a stomp to the lower abdomen. While Harter is curled up, the boos continue as Taylor steps back out onto the apron before climbing to the top turnbuckle. She then leaps off and crashes down across Harter with a Frog Splash. She hooks the leg.

Stephy Auger: She got ‘em, Cruise!

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

Harter gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: No, only two!

Taylor picks up Harter and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, Taylor doubles him over with a knee to the midsection before locking him in an abdominal stretch.

Kris Cruise: She’s got Harter trapped with nowhere to go. Will he give up?

Stephy Auger: If he’s smart, he’ll thrown in the towel and save himself for Only the Strong Survive.

The ref asks Harter if he wants to give up. When Harter refuses, Taylor nails him with a pointed elbow strike to the ribs.

Kris Cruise: Another hard strike to the torso. Dom Harter is tenacious. But maybe you’re right. Maybe he should think about his championship, as well as his championship opportunity, in two weeks.

Stephy Auger: Of course I’m right.

Harter continues to wince in pain as he stays on the hold. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But he refuses. The fans begin to rally behind Harter with “LET’S GO DOM!” chants. Lasiewicz can be seen standing in front of Harter on the outside while she joins in with the champs. But it’s with noticeably less enthusiasm than that of the crowd. Taylor can be seen telling the crowd to “shut up!” as they continue to rally behind The Tenacious Little Bastard. Harter then lets out a labored grunt as he counters with a hip toss, sending Taylor down to the canvas. As Harter collapses to a knee, Taylor returns to her feet before knocking him down with a Shining Wizard. She makes the cover.

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

Harter gets his shoulder up.

Taylor picks up Harter and goes for an irish whip. But Harter reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Taylor returns, she goes for a yakuza kick. But Harter catches her foot. He then swings her leg away from him, grabs her from behind and delivers the reverse implant ddt. The cheers continue as he turns and makes the cover.

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

Harter picks up Taylor and whips her into the corner. He charges into the corner, but ends up getting knocked back by a boot to the face. Taylor then runs out of the corner and she jumps up into the air to attack. But Harter catches her in mid air before throwing her down with a sitout spinebuster.

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

Taylor gets his shoulder up.

Harter picks up Taylor and scoops her up across his shoulders for a Samoan Driver. But Taylor nails him with repeated elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, she yanks Harter around before knocking him down with the Desert Rose. The boos continue as she steps over Harter before completing a standing moonsault. She hooks the leg.

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

Taylor steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. Once Harter returns to his feet and turns around, Taylor flips off, lands on Harter’s shoulders and then flips back for the Snake Eyes (diving somersault hurricanrana). But Harter blocks, swings her up and counters with a flapjack powerbomb. Harter picks up Taylor, places her in a front facelock, grabs her leg, lifts her up and plants her with a fisherman buster. He then picks Taylor back up, lifts her up and drives her down with the Empty Shell (Impact Driver) to an explosion of cheers.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers when “Low Self Opinion” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, DOM HARTER!

The cheers continue as Harter gets his arm raised. After getting handed the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, Harter makes his way over towards the ropes and looks down at Lasiewicz. Lasiewicz looks back up at him and smiles while giving him a golf clap.

[FGA Office]

The shows cuts backstage to find Spencer Burke standing with Dan Herrera and Peaches, the two members of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad; they’re fresh off their match earlier tonight against Daniel Widdel and Stunray, and appear relatively happy as they stand there dressed in their ring attire.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen I’m here with the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad. Dan, Peaches, great match earlier tonight and after what you said on the last Vertigo, it seems like you might have a solid claim now.

Dan Herrera: Last week, we made that claim Spencer. We said that we wanted a shot at the Usual Suspects to take back what was stolen from me and Cordy months ago. People may think, and even Lenny and the board, that I have no claim. That I should just get back in line where I belong. Well I have a tag partner, and me and Peaches will do the same job in PCLAS that we did in Status Quo, we’re ready to win back what belongs around our waist. And after tonight, nobody can deny we deserve a shot.

Peaches: An’, Spencer, we know those belts are on the line later tonight. An’ we know that the Elysian Empire might walk outta here tonight as the new FGA World Tag Team Champions - but that don’t change the message none.

Dan Herrera: Not at all. No matter who walks out the tag team champions tonight… The Elysian Empire or The Usual Suspects… we’re coming for you. Whether we’re granted my rematch or not, the way we’re rolling… sooner rather than later, you’ll be in the ring with the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad...

He looks over to Peaches who’s still delighted by the fact that Dan ever went along with that name, let alone carried it on three years later when they eventually became a tag team together.

Dan Herrera: ...and then it’s only a matter of time.

Spencer Burke: Bold words indeed. Now, as you mentioned, the titles are on the line tonight when The Usual Suspects are set to defend against The Elysian Empire. Do you two have any preference on who you’d like to see win?

Peaches: Like we’re ever rooting for The Usual Suspects, Spence…

She says in jest, causing Spencer Burke to shrug as an admission that maybe it was a stupid question.

Peaches: But I’ve gotta say it’d be sweeter to take the belts from them--

Anthony Rother: Whoa, whoa, whoa…

The voice bellows out throughout the area as Rother, flanked by Chris Tryon and Jason Marx approach the scene; they stand opposite the PCLAS, on the other side of Spencer Burke as the intrepid interviewer suddenly finds himself in the middle of a potential brawl.

Anthony Rother: That’s a nice dream you’ve got there, guys, but I think you’re forgetting one little detail.

Dan Herrera: Yeah? Enlighten us, Rother.

Anthony Rother: Patience, Daniel. See, that rematch clause you keep talking about?

He laughs heartily, if not briefly.

Anthony Rother: It doesn’t apply here! See these belts - we won them from Status Quo. That’s when you were the one riding coat tails, Dan, not your girlfriend trying to ride yours.

Peaches steps forward, only to get held back by Dan; the pair of them glare at Rother, who steps back for his own safety.

Peaches: Say that again, I dare ya!

Anthony Rother: No time. But that rematch clause, that’s non-transferable. You two want a title shot, you’re going to have to do more than beat The Keisters. Or two people who got stuck together on the fly. So here’s the deal, you two, when we defend these titles tonight, you’ll still be at the back of the line! But keep going, maybe you’ll get there sooner rather than later…

Rother backs away, waving sarcastically as he leaves with the FGA World Tag Team Champions in tow. Dan and Peaches stand there momentarily, watching and waiting for the Usual Suspects to leave - when suddenly Dan gets clocked from behind!

Spencer Burke: What the?!

Spencer exclaims as Herrera falls to his knees; the chair shot was dealt by Kimmi Keister, who rears back for another chair shot down across the top of Dan’s head as Kalli and Kammi both assault Peaches! They gang up on the former 3GW wrestler, pummelling Peaches with punches and kicks as Kimmi speaks up.

Kimmi Keister: Listen up, ok! You two may have won on the last show, and I dunno how you did, but whatever! Ok. That doesn’t mean you’re getting that shot ahead of us, ‘cause we’re the next FGA World Tag Team Champions, not you.

The three of them look at each and agree, nodding and laughing as they do so.

Kimmi Keister: And if that means I’ve gotta beat you or here one-on-one, Danny Boy, then I’ll do exactly that, ok! But The Keisters didn’t come to FGA to not become champions, and nobody is gonna stand in our way…

Kimmi proclaims before walking over the prone body of Dan Herrera. Kammi and Kalli leave Peaches alone in order to follow their sister as Dan begins to stir; he immediately goes to check on Peaches as she lies there in pain. His gaze rises, and Dan glares down the hallway at the departing trio of Keister sisters. He thinks better of chasing after them as he looks over once again at Peaches writhing in pain. He goes back to checking on her as the show cuts to commercial.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]