Vertigo (04.01.17)

[FGA Office]

Relive the excitement!

As El Serpiente slowly gets back to his feet, Reid stands up on the top turnbuckle, leaps off, lands on his shoulders, turns and spikes him with a poison rana!!! The crowd explodes with cheers at the athletic display.

Relive the acrobatics!

Macaw drags Luz Mala up to her feet, spins her around by the shoulder… and catches an Apagón for his trouble, the Spinning Backfist catching him completely by surprise and knocking him flat on his ass! With a guttural roar, she runs the ropes, and spotting Tequila on all fours uses her as a launchpad, delivering a Double Foot Stomp as she does so, to fly into the seated Macaw with a Meteora

Relive… the 2017 Rey del Aire!



Preliminary Round

Night One, featuring the First Round, as well as the Six Way Match for HELL’s Air Velocidad Championship

Night Two, featuring the Quarters, Semis and Finals

ONLY on AxxessNet!

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area where our crowd boos upon seeing the scowl of NEON, seated, arms folded, one leg crossed over the other, glaring to her right… and once we pan out, it’s revealed that the person to her right is Sadie San Francisco, earning a mixed, yet heavily negative reaction from the live audience.

???: Listen, guys…

We pan out a bit, revealing Evan Envi to an initial pop and series of ”WOOOOO!”s from the crowd, though the boos settle in within a matter of seconds. Evan ties wrist tape around his hand, sighing loudly before rising to his feet from his chair between the two.

Evan Envi: I don’t want to think about what happened earlier tonight. I don’t want to focus on anything other than… team unity, man. Do we have that? Am I, like, making this all up in my head or is Camp Envi a team?

Evan rubs his hands over his closed eyes for a moment, taking a breath.

Sadie San Francisco: We’re a team.

She says it flatly. No emotion. Sadie doesn't look up, eyes fixed on the floor. Evan looks at her with uncertainty. He gestures toward the door, the wheels turning behind his eyes, clearly prepared to say something… but he shakes his head again, turning away.

Evan Envi: Let’s act like it then, alright? You guys are gonna have to work together, and soon. Like-- are your eyes gonna be fixed on the Suspects vs the Elysian Empire tonight? Because they’re fighting for what we want. I--

Sadie San Francisco: I thought you wanted to win the Rumble.

Evan looks from Sadie to NEON and laughs a bit.

Evan Envi: Well, yeah, but only one of us can do that, right? And… li… don’t gimme that look, let’s just cross that bridge when we get to it two weeks from tonight, alright? I’m gonna go out there and I’m gonna destroy your boyfriend Brian, Sadie.

This just earns an eyeroll from Sadie San Francisco.

NEON: I’ll join you then.

She goes to push herself up but Evan raises his hands.

Evan Envi: I’m going alone. I need you guys to focus.

His eyes drift toward Sadie.

Evan Envi: Don’t need anybody getting distracted.

Sadie narrows her eyes at the comment, as does NEON, perhaps for different reasons. Evan walks out of frame and we hear the locker-room door open. NEON turns toward Sadie, looking at her with an indistinguishable expression which Sadie does her best to ignore while we fade to black.

[FGA Office]

Chris Madison vs. Mark Storm

The lights in the arena begin to dim and the FGA audience rise to their feet, as the nostalgic melody of "Bad Guy" by Jordon Comoli begins to play through the PA speakers. Smoke begins to rise from the stage and the audience begin to applaud, as emerging from the clouded mist is the self proclaimed spokesman of a generation - Mark Storm, who stands tall at the top of the entrance ramp. A smile is plastered on his face as he marvels at the scenery, embracing all the cheers as he close his eyes and widens his arms before coming down the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from New York, Brooklyn; weighing in a two hundred and twenty pounds. He is the schizophrenic prince of wrestling... ladies and gentlemen give it up for, MARRKKKK STORMMMMMM!

Standing by the edge of the ring, he lets out a triumphant roar, with the audience roaring back to him as he jumps onto the apron before he slingshots his way over the top rope. Dressed in his usual wrestling attire; consisting black boots, with black knee pads, wrestling trunks with his name written on them and with stars coming down both sides, tape wrapped around his elbows, and mixed martial arts styled gloves. He falls to his knees in the middle of the ring, looking up at the heavens as his theme music slowly begins to fade out.

Kris Cruise: Mark Storm was undoubtedly one of the hardest working wrestlers in 2016. But after keeping an insane schedule, Storm disappeared from the world of wrestling towards the tail end of 2016. After a bit of a break, Storm finds himself back in the world of wrestling and FGA. But he is isn’t being eased back in. He’s been thrown straight to the wolves when he faces #1 Pride Contender Chris Madison.

Stephy Auger: These two know each other well from their time in the far east. Will history repeat itself here in this one?

The arena's lights dim to black as the opening guitar riffs to "War Machine" by KISS begin to screech over the P.A. system. The video screen lights up with visual static noise. Suddenly in the center of the screen a black handprint begins pulsating to the beat of the drum that has began to play. A spotlight shines on the entrance ramp and we see Chris Madison standing with his head bowed under a black towel, wearing an official FGA licensed t-shirt that says, "Always Ready For War," across the chest. He nods his head to the music and as the chorus breaks he rips the towel from his head and tosses it into the live audience, starting his way down the ramp toward, the ring.

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine
Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, coming to the ring from Long Island, New York, weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds and standing six feet tall, "Mayhem" CHRIS MAAADDIISSOONN!!!

Madison makes it to the base of the steps and places one foot down before scoping out the fans directly behind him by peering over his shoulder. He smirks as the live audience sings along to the entrance music and then marches up the steps and climbs through the ropes. He immediately leaps up onto the middle rope and faces out towards the crowd. He brings his fists up to his face and punches his jaw with each hand before shooting his arms out horizontally with his hands wide open, welcoming whatever challenge is coming his way. Madison hops backwards, bouncing off of his feet and turns towards the center of the ring, snarling and ready to go…

Kris Cruise: Chris Madison has his sights set on Molly Reid and taking the Pride Championship. I know both he and Frankie Morrison still feel that Madison was robbed at Grapple Kingdom. But he cannot be zeroed in on Molly. He cannot be solely focused on revenge. Madison knows better than anyone just how talented Mark Storm is. If he looks past Storm here tonight, that could prove to be a costly mistake.

The bell sounds as both men shakes hands before circling the ring and locking up. After jockeying for position, Storm places Madison in a side headlock. Storm is then moved into the ropes before being shoved off Madison and sent into the far ropes. When Storm returns, Madison knocks him down with a standing shoulder block. He quickly drops down into a lateral press.

ONE!
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Storm kicks out.

Madison picks up Storm and returns the favor, placing him in a side headlock. But Storm is able to shove him into the ropes. When Madison returns, Storm leapfrogs over Madison. Madison continues to run into the ropes. When Madison returns, Storm brings him down with an arm drag. After Madison gets back up, Storm is quick to throw him down with another arm drag. When Madison gets back up, Storm sends him down to the mat with a japanese arm drag. He quickly turns over and transitions into an armbar.

The ref gets down and asks Madison if he wants to give up, but he’s quick to refuses. After battling back to his feet, Madison rolls forward, turns over onto his knee and brings Storm down to the canvas with a fireman’s carry. He then goes to slap on a side headlock. But Storm quickly slips out from behind and reverses into a hammerlock.

After Madison battles back to his feet, Madison reaches behind, grabs Storm and brings him down with a jumping snapmare takeover. As Storm gets back to his feet, Madison turns and runs into the ropes. When Madison returns, Storm throws out a clothesline. But Madison ducks and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Storm rolls forward before bringing him down with a hurricanrana. When Madison gets back to his feet, Storm runs over and connects with a dropkick, sending Madison through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Storm has continued to get the better of Madison and now he’s just sent the #1 contender to the outside!

Stephy Auger: He doesn’t look like he’s finished, either...

While Madison picks himself up on the side, Storm runs into the far ropes. When he returns, he slams to slam on the brakes when Madison moves out of the way.

Kris Cruise: Madison just got the heck out of dodge. Now it looks like him and Morrison are going to regroup over in the corner.

Madison walks up the steps before slowing getting back in the ring. The two men then proceed to circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Madison reaches down, grabs Storm and yanks him down to the canvas with a standing single leg takedown. He then quickly drops down into a legbar. While Madison begins to crank away on the leg, Storm quickly scoots himself back before reaching back and grabbing the top rope. The ref then gets down and starts a five count.

Ref: ONE… TWO… TH-

Madison lets go and rolls back to the center of the ring. After Storm returns to his feet, he shakes off his leg before circling the ring. He then inches back over towards Madison before locking up. After jockeying for position, Madison quickly brings Storm down to the canvas and applies a Fujiwara Armbar. As Madison pulls his arm back, Storm uses his free arm to pull himself towards the side of the ring. He then reaches down and grabs the bottom rope, which initiates another five count.

Crowd: ONE… TWO… TH-

Madison lets go and rolls back to the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Madison caught Storm in two submissions in a matter of seconds. He didn’t get the submission. But I’m sure that has to put some doubt in the mind of Storm, who was just in control of this match until moments ago.

After Storm pulls himself up using the ropes, he rolls his shoulder before circling the ring. The two men then size each other up before marching towards the center of the ring and locking up. After jockeying for position, Madison moves Storm across the ring. At the last second, Storm pivots and presses Madison against the turnbuckles. The ref then heads over and gives both men until a count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men make a clean break. Storm then quickly blasts Madison with a knife edge chop. After two more chops, he moves Madison from out of the corner and whips him into the far ropes. When Madison returns, Storm leapfrogs over him. When Madison returns, Storm crouches down before performing a backward roll. Madison then hurdles over him before running into the ropes. When Madison returns, the crowd cheers when Storm rocks Madison and turns him around with a bicycle knee strike. He then takes Madison and throws him down with an inverted exploder suplex. Storm pulls him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Madison gets his shoulder up.

Storm picks up Madison and nails him with an elbow smash before sending him into the corner with an irish whip. Storm runs into the corner, but he gets caught with a back elbow strike. After tossing Storm into the corner, the crowd cheers when Madison unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body before rocking him with an elbow smash to the face. After bringing Storm from out of the corner, Madison whips him into the far ropes. When Storm returns, Madison flattens him with a running yakuza kick. He drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm gets his shoulder up.

Madison picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Madison sets up for a back body drop. But Storm counters with a kick to the clavicle. While Madison guards his shoulder, Storm turns, runs back towards the ropes and delivers a handspring cutter.

Kris Cruise: The Storm Search!

After Madison bounces off the mat and turns over onto his back, Storm heads into the ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers as he connects with a standing Shooting Star Press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Madison gets his shoulder up.

Storm picks up Madison and nails him with three elbow smashes before running into the ropes. When Storm returns, he throws out a discus clothesline. But Madison ducks. When Storm turns around, Madison leans forward, lifts him up across his shoulders and throws him down with an Alabama Slam. He drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm gets his shoulder up.

After throwing Storm down with a scoop slam, Madison steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. He leaps off, going for a diving double foot stomp. But Storm rolls out of the way. After Madison lands on the mat, his momentum sends him rolling forward. When Madison rolls back up to his feet and turns around, the crowd cheers when Storm runs over and brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl crossface.

Kris Cruise: Crossface! He’s got the Crossface locked on!

While Storm pulls back on his neck, Madison uses his free arm to pull himself towards the side of the ring. He then reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… F-

Storm lets go, brings Madison back to his feet and shoots him off into the ropes. When Madison returns, Storm throws out a high kick. But Madison ducks and runs into the ropes. When Madison returns, the crowd cheers when he tackles Storm down with a Lou Thesz Press before delivering mounted 12-to-6 elbow strikes. Madison picks up Storm and grabs him from behind for a German Suplex. But Storm rolls forward, wraps his arms around the top rope and pulls back, sending Madison down to the mat. After Madison rolls back up to his feet, Storm runs over to attack. But Madison turns him around with a bicycle knee strike before knocking him down with Comatosed (ripcord rolling elbow). The cheers continue as he reaches down, picks up Storm, lifts him up onto his shoulders and delivers the End Game (electric chair lift dropped into a bridging German Suplex).

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheer when ‘War Machine” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, CHRIS MADISON!

The cheers continue as Morrison gets in the ring and raises Madison’s arm in the air.

Kris Cruise: Mark Storm was impressive in his return match to FGA. He really pushed Chris Madison in this one. But in the end, it was Madison that was able to pull out that win and bring some momentum into the pay per view in two weeks.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where The Tenacious Little Bastard is walking down a corridor. He’s still dressed in his ring attire, and is sweating heavily after that gruelling match earlier tonight, when he’s approached by Spencer Burke.

Spencer Burke: Dom! I was hoping to get your thoughts on a few things if you’ve got time.

Harter adjusts the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title on his shoulder as he slows his pace, eventually stopping as he turns his head to face Spencer.

Dom Harter: Not for you…

Spencer Burke: Dom! What do you think Heather Lasiewicz was hoping to accomplish by being at ringside for your match against Savannah?

Harter can’t walk away as Spencer continues talking, causing the Tenacious Little Bastard to stare at him in contempt.

Dom Harter: She wanted to try and get into my head, Spence. You could’ve figure that out for yourself. And I get it, I do! I mean, she’s coming out of retirement for this tour and you’ve all seen the announcement by now - you all know that on April 29th we’ll see Dom Harter versus Heather Lasiewicz one-on-one for the first time ever!

Dom exclaims in grandiose fashion, gesticulating as he does so. Unfortunately for him, Spencer speaks up to ruin the moment.

Spencer Burke: But why you? Why does she want to face you out of everyone on the FGA roster?

Harter’s head slowly turns to glare at Spencer, an incredulous look on his face as Spencer begins to realize he may have misspoke.

Spencer Burke: I-I…

Dom Harter: You’re lucky I can’t get suspended again, Spencer, otherwise I’d smack the sh*t out of you right now. But the simple answer to your dumbass question is because I answered her challenge. You want to get a deeper answer than that - then go fetch Jessie Pederson.

Harter goes to walk away, grabbing a water bottle from a nearby staffer. He turns back around to face Spencer as he takes a deep mouthful of water.

Dom Harter: Why don't you go find Jimmy Page, and ask him it feels to have Beer Beer Ayano sniffing around him again. To have her trying to muscle in on this new leg of his journey? Ask him what it's like to have lowlifes like that skulking around him, while he's the scum of the Earth parading around as a changed man! I didn't buy it when Malcolm Drake tried that routine, I'm not buying it when Jimmy Page does it either! And what about me, Spence? I've got my first ever Mid-Atlantic Legacy title defense coming up! Got to face one of the few people who actually moved up from LDFC! You could talk about the ridiculousness of the volcano match that AMIRA wants, or her asinine claims that I’m trying to steal her spotlight! You could go find Heather Lasiewicz and ask her if she realizes the error of her ways - but no! You’ve gotta go piss off one more member of the FGA roster, don’t you, Spencer?

Harter takes another gulp of water as he walks away, leaving a bewildered Spencer Burke behind. When, suddenly, AMIRA appears behind Spencer with a smile on her face. She intently watches Dom leave, giggling to herself before she walks away, leaving a creeped out Spencer standing there as Vertigo cuts to commercial.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Newly signed FGA grappler James Edwards sits rather nervously upon a flight of stairs. The honking in the background indicates that more than likely the footage was taped elsewhere.

James Edwards: I don't know if the company had something elaborate planned for my debut; I doubt they did. I'm sure a lot of y'all watchin' at home have heard the same shit from different people expecting star treatment right out of the gate. I promise I'm not one of em'.

Edwards pauses to let his words sink in. The earnest look on his face invites the fans to believe him.

James Edwards: Call me full of it if you want to. Boo me or cheer me. I could care less. Look up the titles I've won online. Tell me that expectations are high. Look up my fights on YouTube. Tell me my style is too violent. I've heard both before. I don't care about either.

Edwards pulls himself up on the handrail and stretches befoe sitting back down.

James Edwards: Anything that happens outside the ring is noise; a waste of damn space, a distraction. These distractions, social media, photo shoots, belevin' our hype, they're all quick paths to forgettin' what we all are at heart: fighters. I remind myself of that every day when I hobble into the gym or pull my tights on; it's easy to forget.

Edwards shifts his gaze to the ground.

James Edwards: I know that from experience. I lost my way over the last few months. Why or how ain't that important, what is is the fact I pulled myself out of that river before I drowned. The sad fact is I wasn't cuttin' it lately in other places I fought. I didn't have the same edge. It was time for a chance of pace. That's why I signed on with FGA, a fresh start. Especially one where I'm not jack shit and have to start at the bottom again.

He looks back up at the camera and smirks.

James Edwards: That's why I don't care about what management has planned for me. I want the challenge and the thrill of the unknown. I wanna get by on my skills and instinct alone because that's what a fighter does and that is exactly what I am.

[FGA Office]

Evan Envi vs. Brian Stryker

The beginning of Red Flag plays as the guitar intro hammers out into the arena. Brian Stryker walks out from behind the curtain, his hood up. Brian walks to the center of the stage. He gets down on one knee and runs his hand over the floor of thee stage. He rises to his feet and throws his hood back.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Weighing in at 215 pounds… BRIIIIIIAAAAN STRYYYYYKERRRRR!!!

He walks down the ramp, not taking his eyes off the ring. When he gets to the steel steps, he walks up them and climbs the turnbuckle to the top. He looks out to the crowd before holding out his arms before hopping down onto the floor.

Kris Cruise: Evan Envi is looking to pick up another win here tonight. But I’ve got to wonder. Is there really team unity inside Camp Envi?

Stephy Auger: Stop trying to start rumors, Cruise. There are no issues in Camp Envi?

Kris Cruise: Are you sure, because I’m pretty sure I saw NEON toss Sadie out of the Battle Royal tonight. That doesn’t sound like unity to me.

Stephy Auger: ...

“Can You Feel It?” hits the PA system to a deafening chorus of boos from the audience. As multicolored strobes flicker throughout the darkened arena, Evan Envi struts through the curtains toward the top of the ramp. He pauses, looking out among the audience before casually making his way toward the ring, seemingly ignorant to the boos and jeers raining down on him.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Ocean City, Maryland! Weighing in at 213 pounds! He is “The Chief”, EEEEEVAAAAAAN ENNNNNNVIIIIIII!!!

Finally, as Envi leaps onto the apron, our lights return to normal. Envi climbs the turnbuckles from the apron, grinning out into the audience, raising the double “V” fingers into the air before finally stepping over the ropes and dropping into the ring, fingers still raised above his head as he marches throughout the squared circle.

Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker’s got a tough task tonight going up against Evan Eniv. What do you think of his chances heading into this one?

Stephy Auger: Not very good. He’s already been defeated by The Pope. You don’t think Sadie San Francisco gave all that intel to he Chief for him to use?

Kris Cruise: Well I personally think Stryker’s got a heck of a chance here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Well good for you. You make sure you tell him that, too.

The match starts with both men locking up. After jockeying for position, Envi places Stryker in a side headlock before poking him in the eyes, which elicits boos from the crowd. As Stryker turns and staggers towards the ropes, Envi runs over from behind and connects with a clubbing strike across the back. After Stryker staggers into the ropes, Envi places him in a side headlock before raking his face across the top rope. Once Envi lets go, Envi staggers into a nearby corner. After turning Stryker around, the boos continue as Envi nails him with a series of knife edge chops across the face. He then takes Stryker, delivers an irish whip and follows him into the opposite corner. But instead of crashing into the corner, Stryker vaults himself over his oncoming opponent. After Envi turns around, the crowd cheers when he gets thrown down to the mat with an arm drag. Envi gets back up, only to get throw back down by another arm drag. After Envi gets up, he’s given an arm wrench… and another… and another. Envi can be seen walking around in a circle while he winces in pain. Stryker then tries to yank the arm from out of its socket, sending Envi dropping down to a knee. The ref gets down and asks Envi if he wants to give up. But Envi refuses. He then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and rakes Stryker across the face. The crowd boos as he takes Stryker and whips him into the ropes. When Stryker returns, the boos turn to cheers when he knocks Envi down with a diving forearm strike. After Envi gets back to his feet, Stryker runs over and knocks him down with a running back elbow. As Envi gets up, Stryker runs over into the ropes. When he returns, he delivers a running hurricanrana, sending Envi rolling to the outside. As Envi gets back to his feet, Stryker goes over and goes for a high angle vaulting body press to the floor. But Envi moves out of the way. After Stryker lands on his feet, Envi quickly grabs him from behind, turns and throws him into the steel steps. The crowd boos while Stryker lays curled up on the floor.

Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker was taking it to Evan Envi in the early portion of this contest. But Evan Envi, the snake that he is, brought Stryker’s momentum to a screeching halt after throwing him into the steel steps. With no regard!

Stephy Auger: Well Cruise, I don’t know about you. But if I were to throw someone into the steel steps, I wouldn’t exactly care for their health and well being.

The boos continue as Envi goes over and puts the boots to him. He then reaches down, picks up Stryker, lifts him up and hot shots him across the guardrail. Stryker bounces off the rail, turns over and holds his throat with his hands.

Kris Cruise: My God! Envi just dropped Stryker throat-first right across the guardrail.

Stephy Auger: I bet he won’t have much to say about our Chief and The Pope now!

Envi picks up Stryker, slams him face-first onto the apron and pushes him back into the ring. Envi then slides himself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker kicks out.

Envi picks up Stryker and whips him into the ropes. When Stryker returns, the crowd boos when Envi throws him down with a belly to belly suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker gets his shoulder up.

Envi picks up Stryker, lifts him up and delivers a belly to back suplex. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Look at our Chief, Cruise. He’s suplexing Stryker all around the ring!

Kris Cruise: He’s not my Chief.

Stephy Auger: I am so telling him you said that. You’re going to be the most hatest member of the broadcast team since Spencer Burke.

Envi picks up Stryker and whips him into the ropes. When Stryker returns, Envi knocks him down with a dropkick to the face. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker gets his shoulder up.

A Let’s go, Stryker!!!” chants starts up. Envi hears it, so he cups his hand to his ear to antagonize the crowd. He then sits up Stryker and places him in a side headlock. When Stryker doesn’t give up, Envi pulls back.

Kris Cruise: Stryker’s in a tough spot here. He’s got to find a way out of this position. It might look like a basic maneuver. But even the most basic of maneuvers hurt, especially when you’ve been worked over like Stryker has for these last few minutes.

Stephy Auger: He should just give up. He should think of his kid! I’m sure the little rugrat won’t think of Papa Stryker as a quitter. He’ll think he’s smart! The man got beaten by Sadie San Francisco. Did he honestly think he was going to beat our Chief?

The ref asks Stryker if he wants to give up. But Stryker refuses. He slowly turns over onto his knees before getting back to his feet. After four elbows to the midsection, Envi turns and runs into the ropes. When Stryker returns, the crowd boos when Envi knocks him down with a Kapowski Kick (quick spinning heel kick) before leaping to his feet and celebrating.

Kris Cruise: You haven’t won the match yet, Envi!

Stephy Auger: It’s only a formality.

After circling the ring, Envi drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker gets his shoulder up. Envi then looks over at the ref and claps his hands three times.

Kris Cruise: Maybe if he wasn't busy like he just hit a walk off home run, maybe he would have gotten the one, two, three.

Stephy Auger: You’re just mad you can’t hit a Kapowski Kick!

Sadie San Francisco can be seen making her way through the curtain. She walks down the ramp, but she stops at the halfway point in the aisle. Back in the ring, Envi picks up Stryker and whips him into the corner. He then runs into the corner, but Stryker nails him with a back elbow to the face. After stumbling back, Envi runs back into the corner. This time, Stryker knocks him back with a boot to the face. Envi then runs into the corner and dives at Stryker. But Styker ducks and hops through the ropes, causing Envi to crash into the turnbuckle to cheers from the crowd. As Envi stumbles back, Stryker knocks him down with a springboard moonsault. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Envi gets his shoulder up.

Stryker picks up Envi and goes for an irish whip. But Envi reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Stryker returns, he knocks Envi down with a cross body block.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Envi gets his shoulder up.

Stryker picks up Envi and whips him into the ropes. He then charges into the corner, connects with a back elbow and follows up with a CSS Enzuigiri. As Envi staggers out of the corner and drops down to a knee, Stryker heads into the ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers when he delivers a spike hurricanrana. Stryker makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Envi gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Close call there for Envi!

Stephy Auger: C’mon, Chief! You can do this!

Stryker picks up Envi and whips him into the ropes. When Envi returns, Stryker sets up for a back body drop. But Envi stops before countering with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Count, ref!

Envi picks up Stryker, brings him into the corner and nails him with alternating European Uppercuts and knife edge chops while “WOOOO!”ing between each strike. After a knee strike to the midsection, he takes Stryker and goes for a running bulldog. But Stryker shoves Envi off of him and into the ropes. When Envi returns, Stryker throws out a clothesline. But Envi ducks. When Stryker turns around, Envi lifts him up and throws him down with a uranage before hitting a running Shooting Star Press. He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

The crowd explodes with cheers when Stryker gets his shoulder up. Envi turns to the ref and does a double take.

Stephy Auger: How did he get his shoulder up? HOW!?

Kris Cruise: Stryker is one of the toughest men around, that’s how?

Envi picks up Stryker and goes for a German Suplex. But Stryker blocks with an elbow to the face. Envi goes to lift him up for another German. This time, Stryker blocks by giving him two elbows. After a third elbow to the face, Stryker runs into the ropes. When he returns, Envi goes for a back body drop. But Stryker slips down from behind before delivering the Overdose (straight jacket shiranui). The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Envi gets his shoulder up.

Stryker picks up Envi and whips him towards the ropes. But instead of bouncing into the ropes, Envi uses the momentum to go for a springboard roundhouse kick. But Stryker ducks, grabs him from behind and delivers the Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex). While Envi is sprawled out on the canvas, Stryker steps out onto the apron and slaps the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: You know what’s coming next! You know what he’s going for!

Stephy Auger: No, no, no, no, no...

After waving his arm up and down to hype up the crowd, Stryker scales to the top turnbuckle. But before he flips off for the Air Stryke (shooting star press), he stops when he sees Envi sitting up and grabbing the ref’s leg. While the ref tries to pull himself away, Sadie races down the aisle, leaps onto the apron and yanks Stryker down, crotching him on the top turnbuckle. The crowd erupts with boos as Sadie hops down and jets up the aisle.

Kris Cruise: What in the hell!?

Stephy Auger: HA! And you said there was no team unity in Camp Envi!

After Stryker flips down to the canvas, Envi crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Envi gets his feet on the ropes
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with boos when “Can You Feel It” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, EVAN ENVI!

The boos continue when Envi gets his arms raised.

Stephy Auger: Man, what a hard fought and clean victory for The Chief here tonight!

Kris Cruise: Clean victory!? The only reason Envi even won was because of Sadie San Francisco’s interference! Give me a break!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The Undisputed Champion Cordelia Stevenson is seen strolling down the hallway with a fresh plate of fruit from catering. Plucking a chunk of pineapple off of the plate, she pops it into her mouth and closes her eyes, savoring the taste.

Cordelia Stevenson: Damn, these pineapples are good as hell man. Should go back and get some more…

She stops in her tracks momentarily contemplating going back and grabbing up the rest of the pineapples. Nobody else needed them right? She could have something all to herself for once, right?

Cordelia Stevenson: Nah, I’ll be nice and share.

She waves off the pineapples and continues on down the hall with a smile, nodding and greeting everyone that she happens to come across along her trek. Suddenly one of the backstage workers calls out to her as he approaches.

Backstage Worker Guy: Hey Ms. Stevenson, there’s a nice looking package outside of the locker room with your name on it.

Cordelia Stevenson: A package?

She asks, her face scrunching up in confusion. The guy nods.

Backstage Worker Guy Yeah, don’t know what it is obviously. But if it’s something nice, I’ll take full credit for it.

He says with a beaming smile, causing Cordelia to chuckle.

Cordelia Stevenson: I’ll keep that in mind, Rod. And if it’s something terrible?

The Backstage Worker Guy now identified as Rod raises his hands defensively.

Backstage Worker Guy Named Rod: Then I’ve got nothing to do with that. Blame Paco.

Cordelia laughs as she says her goodbyes and continues on towards her locker room. Sure enough when she gets there, there is a long rectangular gift box with a card that has her name on it. She glances down at it curiously before picking it up.

Cordelia Stevenson: What in the world is this?

She ponders aloud as she studies it, wondering just what could be inside. Slowly she tears open the box, and reaches in, pulling out what’s inside. Sliding the object out of the box, her expression transforms from one of curiosity to something damn near unreadable. She drops the gift box to the floor and studies the object in her hand. A single crutch. She stares down at it for a brief second as if reading something inscribed on it. After a few moments she shakes her head and scoffs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Cute. Real cute.
She states rather disgustedly as she tosses the crutch aside.

Cordelia Stevenson: He could have least gotten a custom one from my line!

She fumes as she storms into the locker room. The camera inches closer towards the crutch down the hall, and it’s apparent that there is some kind of note attached to it. The camera zooms in to get a glimpse of a message that reads…

I heard you don’t like running with phonies and fakes,
but if Izzy gets her way, you won’t be doing much running or walking at all.
Good luck at OTSS, chica.
- C.S.

The shot lingers on the note for a little while longer, before eventually fading to black.

[FGA Office]

The feed cuts backstage to the Gorilla Position, directly on the opposite of the entrance curtain, where we find Chris Madison and Frankie Morrison huddled together. Morrison seems to be doing most of the talking, as usual, while Madison wipes himself down with a towel, after a hard fought battle just a little earlier against the returning Mark Storm. Valuing his manager's opinions and criticisms, he listens closely, slightly leaning in towards Frankie Morrison.

Frankie Morrison: From here on forward, no distractions! The only thing you should be focused on is Molly Reid and winning that Pride Championship match at Only the Strong Survive.

Suddenly the camera spins around and show Molly Reid walking towards them, wearing her wrestling gear. She stops when she sees them and frowns as they notice her.

Frankie Morrison: Speaking of the devil…

Madison and Morrison straighten up, locking eyes with the FGA Pride Championship as she closes the gap and slowly approaches.

Molly Reid: Yeah take a good long look, this is the closest y’all are going to get to my belt. Want a picture of me with it? I’ll even sign it for you

Molly smirks at them as she wraps the belt around her waist and holds it there for a moment, before her smile vanishes and is replaced by a serious look.

Molly Reid: Now get the hell out of my way, I’ve got a match.

Madison makes a step forward, dropping the towel in his hand down to the floor. Morrison reaches out, placing his arm in front of Madison, in an attempt to keep things from escalating. He looks Molly Reid up and down before chuckling aloud.

Frankie Morrison: No hand wraps? No gloves? Sure hope you're making use of one of the other remedies for those sweaty hands of yours. Or should we be looking for Noelle to let her know that she should expect that slippery hand of yours to find her waistline during a pinfall at some point in the match?

Molly looks down at her hands and then back up at Frankie and Chris, before scoffing.

Molly Reid: What do you care? It’s not like we’re wrestling tonight.

Frankie Morrison: Just showing a little concern for our Pride Champion. You have this apparent condition, we tried extending an olive branch with that gift box, and you're showing no intention of working on this problem before Chris’s rematch at Only The Strong Survive. I'd hate for Noelle to be robbed tonight because you're taking no measures to remedy those sweaty mitts of yours.

Molly Reid: I don’t have to explain myself to you two. Cause no matter what I say you’re gonna keep spouting off about the same damn thing. You keep bringing up my hands but like I’ve said before, that’s in the past. I made a mistake, and you can’t let it go. Chris lost, I won. Get over it. Besides, you only got this rematch because YOU got involved in our match! As far as I’m concerned, that makes us even.

Frankie Morrison: Had I not got involved, you may have cheated yourself to another win… Miss Pride; the woman who was supposed to restore the Pride Championship division and carry that belt with honor but has only created a glaring black mark on its history. Those hands aren't a thing of the past, they're a consistent problem week after week! It's how you win. It's how you kept that belt from switching hands.

Molly Reid: Black mark? Please. I took the belt from Fujiko, who ran away from FGA in tears the next day. That’s not a champion. She didn’t deserve this belt. Then I defended it against Evan Envi, who had been attacking me and trying to ruin my career for months. He’s not a champion. Then what would’ve happened if you had won huh? You’ve been whining nonstop about me cheating, even though I didn’t and even though that had nothing to do with why I won. Is that what we want from a Pride Champion? Someone who whines about every little thing that doesn’t go their way? What I’ve done, the odds that I’ve had to overcome, I’m everything this Pride Championship needed. I’ve been the champion for 182 days. That means as of tomorrow, I’ll have been Pride Champion for over half a year. I’ve brought stability back to this belt. I beat you at Grapple Kingdom. I was the better wrestler then, and I sure as hell will be the better wrestler come April 15th at Only the Strong Survive.

Frankie Morrison: One hundred and eighty-two days… Is that supposed to be some sort of accomplishment? You've been champion for nearly six months and only have defended that belt twice!! That's not something to be proud of. You should be ashamed to even consider yourself a true champion. You beat Envi in impressive fashion. But when it to Chris, you knew the only way you were walking out with that belt was to bend the rules.

After hearing enough bickering between Molly Reid and Frankie Morrison, Madison grabbed Morrison by the arm and pulled him aside before stepping towards the FGA Pride Champion.

Chris Madison: I’d respect you a hell of a lot more if you just came out and admitted it was an act of desperation. No one is buying these accidents or your sweaty hands excuse. What would have happened had I won that belt? I would have… No… I will give it the kind of fighting champion it deserves. I won't be waiting three months in between title defenses. And I sure as hell won't take the coward's way out of tough matches!

Molly Reid: Three months my ass, I’ve defended this belt twice already and I’m going to do it a third time in two weeks! You can talk about me taking the coward’s way out of our match all you want, but what’s going to happen in two weeks when I beat you cleanly to defend this title for a THIRD time? Huh?! What excuse will you come up with then?!

Chris Madison: Won't need to be any excuses because you and I know this whole charade has evolved from a deep down realization that you don't have what it takes to beat me clean!!

Frankie Morrison: The truth hurts, doesn't it?

Molly Reid: Whatever. I have a match to get to so like I said, get the hell out of my way.

With that, Molly shoves Frankie in the chest as hard as she can. He takes a step back to balance himself but slips on the towel that Chris dropped earlier. Frankie falls backwards to the ground, landing on his rear end and smacks his head on the concrete wall behind him. Chris immediately goes to check on him as Molly stares for a moment before walking away with no expression on her face. After a few moments Chris stands up to go after Molly, but is grabbed by a team of security guards and medical personnel running over to check on Frankie. The camera fades out with a shot of Chris staring at Molly walking away with anger in his eyes.

[FGA Office]

Molly Reid vs. Noelle Smith

“Lose My Breath” by Destiny's Child starts to play over the PA, and the lights dim as Noelle steps from behind the curtain, a wide smile on her face as she waves to the fans before doing a few provocative dance moves as the lyrics cue up.

Can you keep up?
Baby boy, make me lose my breath
Bring the noise, make me lose my breath
Hit me hard, make me lose my (hah hah)
Can you keep up?
Baby boy, make me lose my breath
Bring the noise, make me lose my breath
Hit me hard, make me lose my breath (hah hah)

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Orlando, Florida… NOOOOEEEEELLE SMIIIIIITH!!!

She does an athletic somersault forward to take her half down the ramp and then rushes the ring, using her hands to push her up onto the apron as she slides under the bottom rope and pops up, giggling and blowing kisses to the fans, winking at the referee and waving to the ring announcers cheerily.

Kris Cruise: Noelle Smith got some revenge on Camp Envi when she whacked the heck out of NEON with that bedazzled kendo stick!

Stephy Auger: I bet that felt real good for her. But don't be surprised when she finds herself on the wrong end of another Camp Envi two-on-one.

The lights in the arena dim as The Greatest by Sia begins to play over the loudspeakers in the arena. A spotlight appears on the stage as Molly Reid walks out in her wrestling gear, bouncing around with a slight smirk on her face and her Pride Championship slung over her shoulder. She stares down to the ring before smacking her title a few times and beginning to walk down the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Los Angeles, California! She is the reigning FGA Pride Champion, MOLLYYYYYYY REEEEEEEEEIIID!!!

Once Molly gets near the ring, she sprints, dives into the ring and jumps up, holding her title up in the air indifferent to the crowd’s reaction. Molly runs to a turnbuckle and jumps onto the second rope, posing for the crowd once more, before climbing down and moving to her corner with a smirk still on her face as she takes off her hat and sunglasses, preparing to start the match.

Kris Cruise: Molly Reid always keeps her mind on the task at hand. But Chris Madison has to be on her mind after that altercation we just saw.

Stephy Auger: Why is Frankie Morrison always butting his nose in? I’m pretty sure Chris Madison knows how to speak for himself. If you ask me, the man had it coming. He’s lucky he didn’t get his head knocked off with a Molly Kick.

The bell sounds as both grapplers shake hands before circling the ring.

Kris Cruise: A good show of sportsmanship between these two. Smith is trying not to fall victim to another Molly Kick while Reid wants to repeat her performance from the last time these two shared the squared circle.

Reid and Smith continue circling the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Reid places Smith in a side headlock. She then goes to throw Smith down to the canvas with a side headlock takedown. But Smith blocks and goes to counter with a belly to back suplex. But Reid rolls over her shoulder, lands on her feet, turns and runs into the ropes. When Reid returns, Smith leapfrogs over her. When Reid comes back, Smith goes for a hip toss. But Reid steps through it before throwing Smith down with a hip toss of her own. Smith gets back to her feet, but she gets quickly taken back down by another arm drag. As Smith gets back to her feet, Reid reaches out and wrenches her arm. But Smith is quick to reverse into an arm wrench of her own. Reid then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an wrench of her own. Smith then rolls forward, leans back, kips up, cartwheels over and follows up with a headscissors takedown. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Reid kicks out.

Smith picks up Reid, moves her into the ropes and delivers three knife edge chops. She then whips Reid into the far ropes. When Reid returns, Smith drops down to the canvas. So Reid hops over her before running into the far ropes. When Reid returns, Smith pops back up, brings her down with a hip toss, cartwheels over and follows up with a dropkick to the face. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reid kicks out.

Smith picks up Reid and goes for an irish whip. But Reid reverses, sending Smith into the ropes. When Smith returns, she slides through Reid’s legs. When Reid turns around, Smith connects with an enzuigiri that sends her stumbling into the ropes. She then goes over, takes Reid and whips her into the far ropes. When Reid returns, the crowd cheers when Smith knocks her down with a spinning heel kick. She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Noelle Smith has been absolutely on fire during this match, hasn’t she?

Stephy Auger: She’s been good, I’ll give her that. But how long can she keep it up?

Smith picks up Reid and whips her into the ropes. Smith throws out a front dropkick. But she does so too early, which allows for Reid to hang onto the ropes. After Smith crashes on the canvas, Reid runs over and flips over into a jackknife pin.

Stephy Auger: Not long, apparently...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Smith bridges up, turns over and goes for a northern lights suplex. But Reid nails her with an elbow across the back. She then takes Smith and whips her into the corner. After Reid charges into the corner, Smith stops her with a back elbow. Smith then hoists herself up, sits down on the top turnbuckle and throws out a front kick to the face, knocking Reid back. She then stands up on the middles ropes before bringing Reid down with a flying hurricanrana to cheers from the crowd. As Reid returns to her feet, Smith runs over and connects with a front dropkick, sending Reid through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: The Pride Champ just got knocked to the floor. If this were a Pride Title match, she’d get twenty seconds. But since this is non-title match, she’s only getting ten.

As Reid pulls herself up using the edge of the apron, Smith runs into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks Reid back with a baseball slide. After returning to her feet, Smith runs back into the ropes. When Smith returns, Reid slides back in and cuts her off with a jumping side kick. She drops down and mares the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Reid with the timely counter. Who knows what Noelle could have been going for and how badly Reid would have been hurt by it.

Reid brings Smith into the corner before nailing her with a flurry of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. She then takes Smith and whips her into the turnbuckles. Reid then runs across the ring before connecting with a handspring back elbow. She then takes Smith, runs out of the corner and brings her down with a bulldog before popping back up and heading into the ropes. When Reid returns, she connects with the Rolling Thunder. She turns over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: She’s really feeling it out!

Stephy Auger: What? The title slipping away from her?

Reid steps out onto the apron before climbing to the top turnbuckle. When Smith gets back to her feet and turns around, the crowd cheers when Reid leaps off and brings her down with a flying crossbody. But Smith is able to roll through it and make the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reid kicks out.

Smith picks up Reid and whips her into the ropes. When Reid returns, Smith leans forward to set up a back body drop. But Reid counter with a sunset flip.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Smith reverses by rolling forward.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reid kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to their feet, Smith brings Reid down with the Fruit Roll Up (inside cradle).

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reid kicks out.

Once both grapplers return to their feet, Smith catches Reid with a forearm strike. While the Pride Champion is dazed, Smith turns and takes off into the ropes. When she returns, Reid knocks her down with a leg lariat. Reid motions for the cover, but her attention turns toward a commotion that is happening near the entrance way. Down the aisle marches Chris Madison, who points to the Pride Champ while he moths something in her direction.

Kris Cruise: It’s Chris Madison and boy, does he look to be in quite the mood!

Stephy Auger: Why, because Frankie Morrison fell and got a boo boo on the back of his head?

Madison continues to walk with a purpose to the ring. But he quickly gets held back by members of security after they grab onto him from behind. Madison tries to muscle his way through them. But the numbers game is too much and they begin to slowly pull him to the back. Reid can be seen waving at Madison while he gets escorted to the back. There are some boos present from the crowd as they interpret what they just saw as Reid taunting Madison.

Kris Cruise: I think Madison’s had enough to Reid. He doesn’t want to wait until Only the Strong Survive. He wants her tonight!

While Reid has her back turned, Smith quickly runs up from behind and pins her with an O’Connor Roll.

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

Reid kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Molly Reid nearly lost this match in the blink of an eye!

After both grapplers returns to their feet, Smith nails her with another forearm smash. After a spinning back kick doubles Reid over, Smith delivers a jumping knee strike to the ribs. She then takes Reid, moves her into the corner and applies a Muay Thai Clinch before nailing Reid with stiff knee shots. She then takes the Pride Champ and sends her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Smith then runs across the ring, connects with a spinning heel kick, rolls over the top rope and lands on the apron. As Reid staggers away from the corner, the crowd cheers when Smith knocks her down with a missile dropkick from behind. She then pulls Reid over and makes the cover.

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

Reid gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another close call for the Pride Championship! Boy, is she being tested in this one!

A quick shot backstage shows Evan Envi, Sadie San Francisco and NEON all looking on and watching the match on a monitor. Back in the ring, Smith picks up Reid and goes for an irish whip. When Reid returns, she throws out a running clothesline. But Smith ducks with a Matrix evasion. When Reid turns around, Smith gets back up before following up with a backflip kick. While Reid is dazed, Smith runs into the ropes. When she returns, she throws out a clothesline of her own. But Reid ducks and runs towards the ropes. When Smith turns around, she gets caught with a handspring pelé kick. While Smith is dazed, Reid gets back up, runs towards the ropes and knocks her down with a springboard flying chuck. She makes the cover.

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

Smith gets her shoulder up.

Reid takes Smith and goes for an irish whip. But Smith reverses, sending Reid into the corner. Smith runs into the corner, but she gets knocked back with a boot to the face. Reid goes to follow up with a Superman Punch. But Smith ducks and rolls Reid up with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reid kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Smith throws out a roundhouse kick. But Reid ducks, hops onto Smith’s shoulder, spins and brings her down with a hurricanrana. Smith reaches back and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Smith kicks out.

Kris Cruise: There’s been so many nearfalls! One right after the other!

Stephy Auger: I can barely keep up!

Reid picks up Smith and goes for an irish whip. But Smith reverses, sending Reid into the ropes. When Reid returns, she gets caught with a Muay Thai high kick. Smith then turns and runs into the ropes. When Smith returns, Reid doubles her over with a knee strike before knocking her down with an axe kick. Reid then picks up Smith and goes for an irish whip. But again, Smith reverses and sends Reid into the corner. Smith charges into the corner, but Reid knocks her back with a back elbow. After stumbling back, Smith runs back into the corner. This time, Reid knocks her back with a boot to the face. Reid then runs from out of the corner, jumps up and brings Smith down with That’s Using Your Face! (double knee facebreaker).

Kris Cruise: This crowd is jumping after that double knee facebreaker from Reid!

Reid returns to her feet and heads over towards the ropes as she waits impatiently to strike. Once Smith returns to her feet and turns around, Reid knocks her down with the Molly Kick (superkick). She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd mostly cheers when “The Greatest” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, MOLLY REID!

The cheers continue when Reid gets her arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Molly Reid gets the W in this non-title match. But the Pride Champion was definitely tested.

Stephy Auger: Noelle Smith made Molly Reid work for it. But in the end, it was the champ that came away with the win.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

We catch up with Johnny Karma and Cherry Baum as they walk & talk in a hallway somewhere backstage at the Infinite Energy Arena,

Cherry Baum: So have you got any plans for what to do…you know, after the show?

Johnny Karma: Hmm…well, it would be polite if I had a shower, because it’s not a pleasant thing to get back into what I’m wearing now when I’m all stinky and sweaty. Think of the clingage that would involve!

Cherry Baum: After that, of course. Remember the Oliver Garden incident.

Karma stops in his tracks, a blank stare filling his eyes

Johnny Karma: You never forget the first time someone says you are better suited to go to Arby’s…

Cherry Baum: So…any plans?

Johnny Karma: Well…contrary to popular belief, there’s always a better option than Chick-fil-A, so can give that place a wider berth than that family who drove in from New Hampshire gave me in the Oliver Branch parking lot that one time. I was thinking somewhere where we could have a quiet drink and a late bite to eat.

Quick as a flash, Cherry whips out her phone and rattles away at the keypad with astounding speed

Cherry Baum: Okay, how about this place?

Cherry turns the phone towards Karma, who leans in to get a better view

Johnny Karma: That looks…

In that moment, as the pair are sharing a remarkably small amount of space, Karma and Cherry meet each other’s glance and an awkward silence begins to fill the air – until…

Spencer Burke: Just the man I’ve been looking for!

The second Burke interrupts the awkward moment, both Karma and Cherry pull back and try not to look flustered – and they really should be trying harder…

Johnny Karma: So…uhh…what can I do for you?

Spencer Burke: Since the last show there’s been a lot of talk about you interrupting the headline match to announce your place in the Gold Rush Rumble, and a lot of the talk is how it looked like the Johnny Karma of old had reappeared.

Cherry Baum: I’m not sure what you mean by that…

Spencer Burke: So if you don’t mind, can you tell everyone watching what was going through your mind when you walked out there to say your piece?

Johnny Karma: Hmmm…

Karma looks to Cherry, who looks to Karma, who looks to Spencer, who looks back to Karma, who responds

Johnny Karma: I had a little time to myself after Grapple Kingdom, and in that time something became clear to me: for the last who-knows-how-long all I have been doing is reacting to things that are going on around me. When I had The New Kings kick the drek out of me, all I could do was react. When I had Izzy Anders playing her games with me, all I could do was react. But what good did that do? Reacting doesn’t get things done, because by the time you’ve reacted the damage has been done. Sitting back and taking everything someone throws at you in the hope you catch them out with a cheap shot never worked for anybody…

Spencer Burke: What about Leicester City?

Johnny Karma: Who the heck are Leicester City?

Spencer Burke: They…never mind.

Johnny Karma: So…where was I?

Burke is about to respond, but Cherry jumps in first

Cherry Baum: You were saying how reacting doesn’t get you far…unless you’re the Fine Brothers, obviously.

Johnny Karma: Ah yes, that’s it. It’s no good crawling to your feet saying “I’ll get you!” to the guy who left their boot prints all over you for the last couple of minutes, because you’re in no position to actually do anything about it. So, no, reacting will do nothing for you when you’re having a shoe leather massage – but acting, taking the initiative, that’s something that turns things in your favour, because when someone wants to beat you down you give them a patsh upside the head and suddenly they don’t know what to do.

Cherry gives an approving nod to Karma, who tries to play it cool

Johnny Karma: So to answer your question, that’s what was going through my mind at the last show: giving the whole of Frontier Wrestling Arts a patsh upside the head, letting them know that I am going into the Gold Rush Rumble to win - because sitting on my tuches has only got me a lot of “so near yet so far” so much that I have gotten tired of the phrase, so now I’m taking the lead and it’s up to everyone else to keep up.

It looks as if Karma is finished…but then a thought occurs to him

Johnny Karma: Come to think of it, much as I’ve heard that phrase about myself and Cordy Stevenson in the past, that same phrase has been tossed around in relation to the guy I’m facing tonight. I guess that means I need to take action that little bit sooner than I first expected.

With that thought hanging in the air, Karma walks past Burke with Cherry picking up the pace to walk beside him, leaving Burke in the corridor looking mildly befuddled that his interview essentially interviewed himself.

[FGA Office]

FGA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) The Usual Suspects vs. Elysian Empire

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

J.A. Aldridge: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the FGA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!

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

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, the challengers, accompanied by Effie Elysian, in the ring at a combined weight of four hundred and ninety-five pounds… Elon and Emery, THE ELYYYYSIAN EMPIIIIRE!

This earns a pop from the audience, though it quickly turns to boos as the music is replaced by a familiar tune. Dimebag Darrell’s building rift of “Cowboys from Hell” by Pantera abruptly begins over the PA system and the fans rise in anticipation of The Usual Suspects. The song begins its heavy thrashing as the dual guitars begin their monstrous battle for supremacy as the arena lights dim. A red spotlight shines on the black curtains and the fog begins to rise when Phil Anselmo’s screaming vocals begin…

Oh…COME ON!!!

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

Under the lights where we stand tall
Nobody touches us at all
Showdown, shootout, spread fear within, without
We’re gonna take what’s ours to have
Spread the word throughout the land
They say the bad guys wear black
We’re tagged and can’t turn back

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents…

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

You see us comin’
And you all together run for cover
We’re taking over this town

J.A. Aldridge: Accompanied to the ring by Anthony Rother, at a combined weight of four hundred and sixty-two pounds, the team of Chris Tryon and Jason Marx… they are the FGA Tag Team Champions, THE USUAL SUSPECTS!

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

Here we come reach for your gun
And you better listen well my friend, you see
It’s been slow down below,
Aimed at you we’re the cowboys from hell

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

Kris Cruise: Not only are the Tag Team Titles on the line here tonight but the Suspects have a lot to prove. They lost to the Empire just two weeks ago in an eight-person tag team main event!

Stephy Auger: WHY do you only focus on the negatives?!

The referee displays the championships to each side of the audience, showing what the two teams are fighting for! He hands the titles to the timekeeper and calls for the start of the match!

The bell sounds and Jason Marx turns around from his corner, right into a Shining Wizard from Elon Elysian! The audience roars and Anthony Rother’s jaw drops, eyes widening from the move. He looks in horror at the referee, who drops into a count as Elon makes the cover!

Kris Cruise: Oh my God! I think that was a Knockout Strike!

Stephy Auger: NO!

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Chris Tryon dives through the ring between the ropes, smashing into the back of Elon to a chorus of boos from the audience. He hammers away at him with rights and lefts until the referee begins warning him off with a five-count!

Kris Cruise: I would say that Tryon’s gonna want to knock this off before he gets disqualified, but the Suspects would probably love that. They’d walk out of here, still your Tag Team Champions.

There’s a pop from the crowd, however, as Emery Elysian charges into the ring, racing for Tryon and nailing a knee to the side of the head of the kneeling competitor! The audience roars as the shot echoes through the arena and Tryon is knocked through the ropes, to the apron. Jason Marx staggers upright, directly into a rear waistlock from Elon. Emery turns away from the ropes and races forward, nailing a knee strike, directly into a German Suplex! Emery rolls out of the ring while Elon bridges into a cover! Rother screams again on the outside as the referee counts Jason’s shoulders!

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Jason Marx rolls himself out of the cover right before the count of three, finally beginning to muffle the deafening arena. Undeterred, Elon pulls himself up and tags in Emery. He hoists Marx upright into a Russian Leg Sweep setup-- and Emery completes, aiding his brother with an STO! Rother doesn’t bother screaming this time… simply throws his hands over his mouth, shaking his head. Elon rolls out of the ring and Emery hooks both legs for a cover!

Stephy Auger: Let the man breathe! Poor Jason Marx! SOMEBODY HELP JASON MARX!

The ref makes the count!

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Chris Tryon reaches beneath the bottom rope, tugging Emery off of his partner before quickly making his way back to his corner after earning a glare from Elon. Emery shakes his head, but goes for another cover on Marx!

ONE
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TWO
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Kickout!

Effie Elysian applauds the effort, trying to keep her brothers’ spirits up… effectively earning a look of disgust from Anthony Rother.

Kris Cruise: Emery Elysian may have wasted a bit too much time-- he should’ve went for the cover again immediately after realizing what happened.

Stephy Auger: If they had a genius manager like Anthony Rother instead of Effie, maybe they wouldn’t be making these mistakes!

Emery pulls Marx up by the arm, beginning to walk him toward his corner, but Marx yanks him back toward him, nailing him with a Headbutt to the face! The audience groans in sympathy as Emery sinks to a knee. Marx staggers backwards, falling to a seated position, but turns toward his corner while Rother slams on the apron. Emery rises to his feet as Marx finally makes the tag to Tryon.

Stephy Auger: I see crimson! Hah!

Blood streams down Emery Elysian’s nose, but a quick smirk crosses his face as he locks eyes with Chris Tryon. The two lock up in the center of the ring, with Emery swinging around for a rear waist lock, but Tryon nails a back elbow to the jaw! Emery staggers back toward his own corner, allowing Elon to tag himself in. Unaware of the tag, Tryon turns around, blasting Emery with the Superkick! He drags him away from the ropes to make a cover, but Elon slides into the ring, slipping the Tag Team Champion into a Crossface!

Kris Cruise: Amazing teamwork by the Elysian Empire, but Emery may be out cold after that shot.

Stephy Auger: Emery just sacrificed himself like a dunce! That’s what younger siblings are for! But-- but Chris is in a really bad way. Somebody help Chris!

Chris Tryon pulls himself across the ring and Elon leans back into the Crossface to a roar from the audience! Rother looks beside himself, pacing on the outside. Tryon reaches out for the bottom rope and the ref asks if he wants to quit-- not seeing Rother push the bottom rope forward, allowing Chris Tryon to grab it easily! The crowd boos, but the ref warns Elon, who releases after the count of one, shooting a glare at Rother. On the outside, finally seeing enough, Effie marches over to Rother, shoving him back away from the ring. Rother holds his hands up, proclaiming innocence. The two jaw off at each other for a moment, distracting Elon-- allowing Tryon to roll up to his feet and catch the Elysian with a release German Suplex, sending him onto the back of his head and neck in the center of the ring to a gasp from the crowd!

Kris Cruise: Oh my GOD! Elon Elysian almost spiked himself in the center of the ring!

The audience comes unglued in a mixed reaction… and Tryon crawls to the corner, slapping the outstretched hand of Jason Marx!

Stephy Auger: The veteran’s back in here to set things right!

Marx rushes forward to the rising, dazed Elon Elysian and smashes into him with a sickening European Uppercut, turning him around! Marx follows up with a Full Nelson Suplex, again, dropping Elon on the base of his neck to a groan from the crowd! Marx rolls him into a tight cover. Effie watches intently, leaning against the apron at ringside.

ONE
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TWO
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THRRR- kickout!

Kris Cruise: And the Elysian Empire that looked so strong in the beginning of this tag team match, suddenly find themselves on the wrong end of momentum.

Marx grinds a forearm across the face of Elon Elysian before smashing a forearm across the bridge of his nose. Elon covers up before Marx can hit a second. Ignoring scolding from the referee, Marx goes to pull Elon up by grabbing a hold of his ears-- but Elon slaps his hands away, dropping down, taking Marx to the canvas with a Fireman’s Carry Takeover. He goes to follow up with a headlock, but Marx slips away, pushing himself to his feet and shooting the ropes, nailing a Shoulderblock! Elon rolls through, to his feet and Marx rushes at him, nailing a European Uppercut, sending Elon against the ropes! Marx shoots the ropes on the far side of the ring again, rushing back at full-force… but Elon rushes forward, countering with a Snap Powerslam, falling into a lateral press cover by chance to a roar from the crowd!

ONE
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TWO
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kickout!

Stephy Auger: These teams are gonna kill each other! Rother is actively losing money during this contest! Somebody help Rother!

Kris Cruise: Elon couldn’t hook the leg and couldn’t secure the gold, but now he’s crawling toward Emery, who’s shaken and bloodied, but back on his feet on the apron! Marx is crawling toward his corner, looking for Chris Tryon’s hand! Whichever tag is made first could be a crucial turning point in this Tag Team Championship match!

The audience comes alive, roaring for the Empire as Elon crawls toward his older brother. Boos echo throughout the arena, however, as Jason Marx slaps the hand of Chris Tryon first. Chris leaps over the ropes in a desperate attempt to rush across the ring…

...but Elon dives into his corner to make the tag to a pop from the crowd!

Kris Cruise: Hot t--!

Stephy Auger: Don’t.

Emery rushes into the ring, crashing into the oncoming Chris Tryon with a jumping knee strike! Tryon flips onto his stomach from the impact! Jason Marx tries to hit Emery with a rushing Clothesline, but Emery takes him to the ground with an Uki-Otoshi throw! Marx staggers into the ropes and Emery rushes forward, nailing a high running knee, sending him over the top and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Emery Elysian is on fire! He’s stalking Chris to his feet!

Stephy Auger: Stay down, Chris!

Chris Tryon staggers upright… receiving a stomp to the gut from Emery Elysian! He lifts him up for a Tiger Bomb…

...and Tryon counters into a Snap Hurricanrana, hooking the right leg in one hand and the tights in the other as the ref focuses on the shoulders!

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Emery kicks out and both wrestlers scramble to their feet, yet Tryon hits a jumping Spinning Wheel Kick, sending Emery into his own corner! Elon slaps the shoulder, tagging himself in and ascending to the top rope! Tryon tries to rush past Emery… but Emery launches him overhead, into the awaiting arms of Elon who hits a shaky, but successful Thunderfire Bomb from the top rope! Chants of ”HOLY SHIT!” echo throughout the arena!

Stephy Auger: WHAAAAT?!

Stephy Auger: A super-modified, Super Elysian Special! Elon is legal! The cover!

Marx pushes himself up onto the apron but Emery rushes him, shoving him off of the apron with an elbow strike! Elon makes the cover on Tryon hooking both legs while the audience-- and Effe Elysian-- count along!

ONE
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TWO
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THREE!

Stephy Auger: New champions!

Stephy Auger: Nooooo!

The bell sounds and the audience roars as the brothers meet in the center of the ring! Emery pulls his younger brother into an embrace. Effie joins the two of them, hugging both in the center of the ring to an applause from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners… and the NEEEWWW FGA Tag Team Champions, the ELYSIAN EMPIRE!

This earns another pop from the audience, though Anthony Rother and Jason Marx look dejected at ringside. Chris Tryon remains motionless near the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Rother looks like he might cry!

Stephy Auger: I might too!

Rother and Marx finally manage to pull a dazed Chris Tryon from the ring, shouting at the Empire as they depart up the ramp. Inside the ring, the Elysian Empire turn to the crowd, thrusting their new Tag Team Titles into the air to an ovation. We fade to black.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
Chandler Scott vs. Johnny Karma

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena, and just as it reaches a crescendo Cherry Baum emerges at the top of the ramp, standing to one side to introduce the man they call Johnny Karma, to the Frontier Wrestling Arts fanbase - at which point he walks out onto the ramp before coming to a halt and uses a couple of fingers to blow a kiss to the fans, pausing to hold his arm in the air for a couple of seconds to signal his arrival

As he and Cherry begin to walk down the ramp, Karma unfastens the cuffs of his ring jacket while also talking some last minute preparation with Cherry as they get ever closer to the ring

As the pair reach ringside, Cherry quickly climbs onto the ring apron and sits on the middle rope to hold it open, as Karma climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron, turning to face His audience and slowly raising an arm before raising his index finger to let everyone know that He is #1, before he steps through the ropes into His ring.

Once inside His ring, Karma unzips his ring jacket before he climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle and holds his arms out wide to tell the crowd he's set foot in His ring once again

If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
When The Levee Breaks I'll have no place to stay

Once he climbs down from the turnbuckles, Karma crosses the ring and climbs onto the opposite turnbuckle to salute His followers

Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
It's got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home
Oh well, oh well, oh well

Climbing down once again, Karma saunters towards the centre of the ring once again uses a couple of fingers to blow a kiss to the crowd before raising his arm high above his head with those two fingers still extended, and he holds the post for a few seconds while Cherry approaches the centre of the ring with a mic in hand so she can give Karma his introduction.

Cherry Baum: Introducing first, fighting out of that whichever corner happens to be the nearest...weighing in at 233lbs of pure focus and determination and hailing from Queens, NYC, he not only has Georgia on his mind but he is also JOHNNY KARMA!!!

Cherry takes a step to the side and holds the microphone in place as Karma steps forward, removing his sunglasses so he can place them on the zip of his ring jacket

Johnny Karma: Ladies and...gentlemen, in a few short weeks the FWA roster will be stepping into the ring to take part in the Gold Rush Rumble, knowing that victory will be the best way to earn a title shot without taking your ball and going home because you don't like people pointing out that you're a miserable paskudnyak.

Karma pauses to rub his hand against his chin...or maybe mime a beard, which couldn't possibly be in reference to anyone at all...

Johnny Karma: While there may be a few dozen people giving the same spiel about how they will be the winner, none of them can say they need to be the winner like I do, because as I said at the last show, I've heard enough people say "so near yet so far" about me and it's time to finish what I started.

Pausing for a moment to look across the ring, Karma raises a finger as a thought pops into his head

Johnny Karma: Case in point, twice I have been in the same ring as Chandler Scott when challenging for the FWA Championship, and both times the "far" part got the upper hand - so what better way to ready myself for the third time being the charm than putting that personal dybbuk to bed?

Handing the mic back to Cherry, Karma slips out of his ring jacket and walks towards his corner, slapping his hands together as he hops from one foot to the other in preparation for his opponent.

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

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Hyannis, Massachussetts! Weighing in at 222 pounds… CHAAAAANDLERRRR SCOOOOTT!!!

Chandler swaggers his way down to the ring and slaps hands with the fans along the way, he rolls himself into the ring as the lights come back on. Chandler times his ascension onto the middle ropes with the beginning of the chorus. The crowd sings along with the chorus while Chandler, flips his good back and poses with his arms stretched. When the chorus ends, Chandler hops off the middle ropes, turns and lands on his feet. He begins slipping off his leather jacket and tosses it to the outside as he waits the opening bell.

Kris Cruise: On the last episode of Vertigo, both of these men declared that they will be entering the Gold Rush Rumble. But which will these two men be heading into the Rumble with some much needed momentum? We’re about to find out as two of FGA’s best in the main event. Here we go!

The bell sounds as both grapplers circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Scott begins to move Karma across the ring before pressing him up against the ropes. The ref then heads over and gives both men until a count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers make a clean break. After Scott steps back towards the center of the ring, Karma makes his way off the ropes. They circle the ring once more before locking up. After jockeying for position, Scott begins to move Karma across the ring. Just then, Karma puts on the brakes and begins to move Scott in the opposite direction. After Karma presses Scott up against the top turnbuckle, the ref heads over and gives them until a count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men make a clean break. After Karma steps back towards the center of the ring, Scott comes from out of the corner, sizes up Karma and locks up. After jockeying for position, Karma places Scott in a side headlock. Scott can be heard groaning as Karma cinches in the hold. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But Scott refuses. After a quick shot to the ribs, Scott slips out from behind and reverses into a hammerlock. But Karma is able to lean forward and quickly reverse into a hammerlock of his own. Karma then tries to quickly go for Instant Karma (hammerlock spun into a DDT). But Scott quickly pushes Karma off of him.

Kris Cruise: Scott wisely got away there...

Scott cranks his neck as he circles the ring. He then inches back over towards Karma before locking up. After jockeying for position, Scott gains the advantage with a side headlock. But Karma is able to shove him off and into the ropes. When Scott returns, he knocks Karma down with a running shoulder block. He then heads into another set of ropes as Karma gets back to his feet. When he returns, he knocks Karma back down with another shoulder block. He then runs into another set of ropes as Karma returns to his feet. When Scott returns, Karma drops down to a prone position. So Scott hops over him and heads into the ropes. When he comes back, Karma leapfrogs over him. When Scott returns, Karma throws him down with an arm drag. After another pair of arm drags, Kara quickly transitions into an arm bar.

The ref gets down and asks Scott if he wants to give up. But Scott refuses. After battling back to his feet, Scott is quickly given an arm wrench by Karma. Karma wrenches the arm again, causing Scott to wince from the pain. The ref asks Scott if he wants to give up. But Scott refuses. He then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of his own. But Karma is able to slowly reach over, grab Scott and reverse into another arm wrench. After moving Scott into the ropes, Karma shoots him off into the far ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd cheers when Karma knocks him down with a running high knee. He then quickly heads into the ropes, comes back and connects with a jumping knee strike. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Scott kicks out.

Karma picks up Scott and applies another side headlock. But Scott is able to wrap his arms around him before moving him into the corner. The ref then gives both men until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men make a clean break. Scott then quickly grabs Karma and shoots him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Scott runs across the ring and into the corner, but he’s met with a boot to the face. While Scott stumbles back, Karma comes out of the corner and throws out a running clothesline. But Scott ducks. He quickly grabs Karma from behind and goes for a German Suplex. But Karma elbows him in the face on the way up. After Karma is dropped back down feet-first on the mat, he nails Scott with another back elbow. After performing a standing switch, Karma grabs Scott, runs, hops over the top rope and delivers Macho Karma to cheers from the crowd. As Scott stumbles back, Karma climbs up onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks him down with a diving double axe handle smash. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Scott kicks out.

Karma picks up Scott, moves him into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He then brings Scott from out of the corner before shooting him into the far ropes. When Scott returns, Karma sets up for a back body drop. But Scott stops, grabs Karma and delivers a snap suplex. He rolls over, pulls up Karma and delivers a second snap suplex. Scott then rolls over, pulls up Karma and delivers a snap suplex into the turnbuckles. He then pulls Karma away from the corner before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Scott stopped Karma’s momentum with those rolling suplexes, followed by that snap suplexes into the turnbuckles. You’ve got to wonder how Karma’s back is holding up. The last thing he wants is an injury going into one of the biggest nights of the year.

Scott picks up Karma, brings him back into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Karma around, Scott nails him with three hard punches to the midsection before unleashing a series of chops of his own. He goes to follow up with an irish whip. But Karma reverses, sending Scott crashing into the corner. Karma then charges across the ring, but he gets knocked back by a European Uppercut. Scott then quickly hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before knocking Karma down with a diving European Uppercut. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Both of these men have issues with the participants in the Undisputed Title Match at Only the Strong Survive.

Stephy Auger: That’s not true. Karma definitely threw some shade at Saint Sexy, as well.

Scott picks up Karma and whips him into the ropes. When Karma returns, Scott scoops him up from the side before delivering a running backbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Scott picks up Karma, scoops him up from the side and brings him down with a pendulum backbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Scott picks up Karma and goes for another snap suplex into the turnbuckles. But Karma blocks it. So Scott tries to muscle him up for another suplex but again, Karma blocks it. After three punches to the ribs, Karma slips out before bringing Scott down with a single arm DDT. As Scott rolls out to the floor, Karma returns to his feet. He begins circling the ring as he favors his back. Once he sees Scott pulling himself up using the edge of the apron, Karma takes off into the ropes. When Karma returns, the crowd cheers when he knocks Scott down with This Is For The Front Row (baseball slide clothesline). Karma picks up Scott and rolls him back inside before rolling back in and making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Scott gets his shoulder up.

Karma picks up Scott and sends him stumbling back into the corner with an NYC Uppercut. He then brings Scott back towards the center of the ring, turns and brings him down with the Bum Trip (shoulder neckbreaker). After sitting Scott up, Karma takes a few steps back before following up with a rolling neck snap. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Scott gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: This is yet another back and forth battle we’re seeing between Johnny Karma and Chandler Scott. The previous battles between these two were memorable ones and this match feels like it could end up being another good ones.

Karma picks up Scott, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then takes Scott, sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip and goes to follow up with a running NYC Uppercut. But Scott ducks and dumps Karma over the top rope. After Karma lands of the apron, Scott turns around and throws out a punch to the face. But Karma ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. While Scott stumbles back, Karma goes over and starts to climb up to the top turnbuckle. But he gets cut off as Scott runs into the corner and connects with a Pinpoint Dropkick, sending Karma flying off the turnbuckles and crashing to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Down goes Karma!

Kris Cruise: Johnny Karma just took a hard fall to the floor after getting dropkicked squared in the face by Chandler Scott!

As Karma tries to shake out the cobwebs, Scott steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. When Karma returns to his feet and turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Scott leaps off and knocks him down with a Frog Splash crossbody to the floor.

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off! Scott just flattens Karma with that dive to the outside!

Stephy Auger:

Scott picks up Karma and rolls him back inside. After rolling back in, he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Karma grabs the bottom rope.

Scott picks up Karma, brings him back into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After a series of punches to the midsection, Scott brings him out of the corner, scoops him up and delivers a rib breaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Scott picks up Karma and whips him into the ropes. When Karma returns, Scott sends him flipping down to the canvas after a kitchen sink to the midsection. As Karma slowly sits up, Scott runs over and delivers a rolling neck snap. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Scott picks up Karma and whips him into the ropes. When Karma returns, Scott doubles him over with a haymaker to the midsection before locking on an abdominal stretch.

Kris Cruise: Karma’s been locked in one of his patented holds!

Stephy Auger: How embarrassing would it be for him to submit to his own move?

The ref asks Karma if he wants to give up. When Karma refuses, Scott punches him in the ribs. The ref checks back in with Karma. When he refuses to quit, Scott wraps his hands around Karma’s neck and pulls back, increasing the pressure of the hold.

Kris Cruise: Scott is really fighting for that submission. Can Karma hang on?

Scott releases the hold before going for a short-arm clothesline. But Karma ducks and runs into the ropes. When Karma returns, Scott throws out a back elbow to the face. But again, Karma ducks and runs into the ropes. When Karma returns, the crowd cheers when Scott throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl sideslam. He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Karma gets his shoulder up.

Scott picks up Karma and nails him with a punch to the face. Karma comes back with a punch of his own. Scott nails Karma with another punch to the face. Karma answers back with a punch of his own. Scott then nails Karma with a European Uppercut. Karma answers back with an NYC Uppercut. Scott motions for another blow, but Karma cuts him off with another NYC Uppercut. Another giving Scott another uppercut, Karma gets doubled over with a kick to the midsection. He then lifts Karma up a Shotgun Stunner. But Karma slips down from behind, quickly spins Scott around and throws out Hard Times (twistlock spun into a short-arm bionic elbow). But Scott ducks and runs into the ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd cheers when Karma knocks him down with Check Your Chiclets (superkick). He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd sighs when Scott gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How close was that!?

Karma picks up Scott, irish whips him across the ring, follows him into the corner and sends Scott slumping down with an NYC Uppercut. After stepping back towards the center of the ring, Karma runs back into the corner and connects with the Kodak Moment (rope assisted dropkick). He drags Scott away from the corner and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
TH-NO!

The crowd sighs when Scott gets his shoulder up.

Karma picks up Scott and whips him into the ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd cheers when Karma throws him down with a snap scoop powerslam. He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
TH-NO!

The crowd sighs when Scott gets his shoulder up.

Karma picks up Scott and goes for another Bum Trip. But Scott slips out from behind. After he grabs Karma around the waist, Karma runs into the ropes, wraps his arms around the top rope and yanks back, sending Scott down to the canvas. After he rolls back up to his feet, Karma comes off the ropes and throws out Check Your Chiclets. But Scott ducks and runs into the ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers when he brings Karma down with a spinning sitout sleeper slam. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
T-NO!

The crowd sighs when Karma gets his shoulder up.

Scott picks up Karma, lifts him up and brings him down with a Shotgun Stunner. He then sits Karma up before running into the ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd cheers he flattens Karma with a sliding forearm smash to the face. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd sighs when Karma gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another close nearfal!

Scott slowly picks up Karma before quickly lifting him up across his shoulder for a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. But after repeated elbows to the side of the head, Karma is able to slip down from behind. He then spins Scott around and throws out Hard Times. But again, Scott ducks. When Karma turns around, the crowd cheers when he nearly gets turned inside out by another Pinpoint Dropkick. The cheers continue when Scott pulls up Karma, scoops him up across his shoulders and brings him down with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

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

Kris Cruise: How much closer can you get, Stephy!?

Scott picks up Karma, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and connects with a running European Uppercut. He takes Karma, delivers another irish whip, follows him across the ring and connects with another running European Uppercut. The cheers continue when Scott takes Karma, whips him back into the previous corner, runs, jumps and connects with a flying corner elbow smash. After sitting Karma up on the top turnbuckle, Scott places him in a three quarter facelock and goes for the Mass Spike. But Karma slips down from behind, turns Scott around and nails him with three snapping jabs before knocking him down with a right hook.

Kris Cruise: Sugar Ray Karma!

Scott gets back to his feet, but he gets knocked back down by another right hook. After Scott returns to his feet, Karma delivers an inverted atomic drop before connecting with Check Your Chiclets. While Scott is dazed, Karma grabs him and whips him into the ropes. When Scott returns, Karma lifts him up and brings him down with a spinebuster. Karma gets up and holds the small of his back as he makes his way out onto the apron. After scaling to the top turnbuckle, Karma slowly raises one arm in the air before leaping off and connecting with From The Stars Above (flying elbow drop). Karma then pulls up Scott, grabs him from behind and knocks him down with Hard Times to an explosion of cheers. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers when “When The Levee Breaks” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JOHNNY KARMA!

Karma rolls to the outside and gets his arm raised by Cherry Baum.

Kris Cruise: Huge victory here tonight for Karma. That’s the type of win he needed heading into the Gold Rush Rumble. Is this a sign of things to come for the Karmic Lion?

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

April 15, 2017
Amalie Arena
Tampa, FL
LIVE on PAY-PER-VIEW

[FGA Office]

As the cameras cut to ringside, Spencer Burke is seen standing in the ring.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, your Undisputed champion… Cordelia Stevenson!

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

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

As the beat drops, the crowd gives a loud pop as Cordelia Stevenson emerges from the back with her Undisputed Championship on her shoulder. She comes to a stop atop the walkway, glancing around at the crowd and taking in the reception before giving the crowd a warm smile.

She adjusts the belt on her shoulder before she continues on down the ramp, working from side to side with a big smile as she slaps the hands of fans along the way. She gets to the ring and hops up onto the apron, mouthing the words to the song and bouncing to the music as she makes her way around the side, towards the middle. She turns and faces her crowd, stretching her arms out to the side and slightly tilting her head backwards as she soaks in the reception. She gives them an appreciative nod and blows a kiss at them, before stepping into the ring and making her way over towards the opposite turnbuckle. She quickly hops up and holds her arms out, drawing a reaction from that side of the crowd as well. She hops down and walks over taking the mic from Spencer Burke with a nod. The music begins to fade out  and the crowd goes quiet as well, waiting to hear what the champion has to say. Slowly she raises the mic to her lips and utters out one sentence.

Cordelia Stevenson: Isabella Anders... wants this company to burn.

Cordelia states, glancing around at the crowd who greets her statement with a chorus of boos, letting their disapproval of Izzy’s intentions be known. Cordelia paces around the ring, and bites down on her lower lip as she listens to the crowd’s reaction.

Cordelia Stevenson:It’s no secret. Hell, ever since she shocked the world and resurfaced last year after being kidnapped, she’s let her hostility towards this place be known, and strangely enough I can’t necessarily blame her. Sadly enough I can understand why she feels the way that she does. Not saying that she’s right or wrong… I’m just saying that I know how it feels to be in her shoes; and to feel… betrayed. Especially by something that you feel you’ve given your all too. You see the sting of betrayal cuts deep, and it leaves a gashing wound that sometimes time can’t heal. And at the core, that is the very issue that Izzy has with this company. Where was it when she needed it? When she was gone and being held captive in her own personal hell, why did it not do more to save her?

The crowd grows quiet now as Cordelia lays this out on the forefront. She glances around and gives a casual shrug.

Cordelia Stevenson: I know I did what I could. I exhausted my resources, and tried to pursue any lead I could to try and return Izzy Pop to safety. Maybe the company could have done more… maybe they too exhausted all of their resources and did all that they could. I can’t make that call nor am I in a position to say. Til this very day Izzy feels as if the company abandoned her; as if they left her to rot in her purgatory without as much as a second thought. And she’s vowed to bring this company to its knees ever since.

Cordelia takes a deep breath and sighs.   

Cordelia Stevenson: Which makes April 15th all the much more important. Because she’s this close…

Cordelia holds up her hand, placing her thumb and index finger a fraction of an inch apart from one another.

Cordelia Stevenson: This close… to doing just that and fulfilling the promise that she’s made not only to herself; but the promise that she made to me as well. You see, I remember it so vividly because it was the biggest night of my career; the night that I’d gone through not only her, but Tony Carmine as well; the night that I’d finally overcome that final hurdle and earned the right to call myself the FGA World Champion. As I was doing an interview with Spencer Burke, Izzy walked right up to me and at first I was cautious because I knew how disappointed she’d been in having her mission thwarted, but in that moment she showed her humility. She congratulated me. She knew how long and tumultuous the journey had been, but I could see the admiration in her eyes that night, she was proud of me for sticking with it. But as proud as she was, she understood what that meant for the goal she had. She understood that it had to go… through me.

Cordelia swings the belt off of her shoulder and holds it dangling at her side as she casually paces.

Cordelia Stevenson: And I can remember that look in her eyes as she told me… ‘I’m coming back for you. Tonight, I was close. Close to accomplishing what I said I was going to accomplish. I know you will not stand for me doing it. I know that you will fight me until your last breath. But I want this place to burn, Cordy. I love you. But you stand as both my friend and my enemy. So be ready. And it was right then that I knew… the conviction in her tone… the desire in her eyes… I knew that she meant every single word that she said. I didn’t know when, I didn’t know how… all I knew was that one day we’d cross paths again but little did I know that I’d be the final obstacle standing between her and her ultimate goal.

Cordelia takes her finger and drags it along her arm for emphasis.

Cordelia Stevenson: This company runs through my veins. I told Izzy that night that I was one of the few that would proudly say it. I told her that if she wanted to burn this company, there’d be an army willing to step in her way; to thwart her plans time and time again. And slowly but surely, she’s mowed through them all. Unwavering in her quest, she’s sought out the protectors and she’s exemplified her dominance time and time again, laying waste to anyone that has dared cross her path, and on April 15th, she has every intention of making me one of the number; of taking this belt away from me and setting this company ablaze!

The crowd roars its disapproval, causing Cordelia to shake her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: But I’ll tell Izzy now, the same exact thing that I told her that night of the Five Year Anniversary in Atlantic City...

Cordelia slowly lowers the mic from her lips and glances out at the crowd, before raising the mic back again and finishing her though.

Cordelia Stevenson: Not on my watch, chica.

Her words are delivered with a conviction that sends the crowd into an uproar. Cordelia’s mouth curves into a smile as a chant of Cor-dy breaks out amongst the crowd. She waits for them to die down a bit before she begins again.

Cordelia Stevenson: You see, I ---

Before she can get the words out though, she is interrupted and the fans burst into a chorus of boos. “One More Soul to The Call” by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn takes up the audio system, signifying the arrival of the number one contender. Stepping onto the stage, the woman deeming herself to be the End of FGA, Izzy Anders, appeared. In her hand, she held a microphone, twirling around as she has been known to do. She does so for a while, before taking her sweet time getting down to the ring. The crowd’s jeers creep over the dying song and she slides underneath the rope. When she gets up, the camera reveals that her face doesn’t bear any of the playful expressions she usually has. In fact, she looks downright infuriated. She looks around the arena before she gives them a quick glare.

Izzy Anders: Shut your mouths; grown folks are talking.

That gets a rise out of the crowd, which does summon some joy in Izzy, but not for long. She turns her attention onto Cordy.

Izzy Anders: Is that all you got?

There is a pause for a moment, as the crowd dies out a little.

Izzy Anders: You’re still going to stand here and say you’re going to stick for this company when you know that I’m in the right for what I’m gonna do?

She stares into the eyes of the Undisputed Champion, who still remains steadfast, not once wavering in their staredown.

Izzy Anders: I can’t believe that you’re standing here, saying that FGA runs through your veins, actually. It baffles me why you of all people bleed FGA when FGA doesn’t give a damn about you, Cordy. I mean, they do now. Now, they can plaster Saint Sexy’s beautiful ass all over their promotional stuff and have the f**kbois come running. Sex Sells, right? They’ll whore you out real fast and not think a thing of it, because you have that belt now. You stood up for FGA when Zero came back to try to shut you down. And you know what, Cordy? It’s going to be for nothing. Absolutely. Nothing.

She hisses at Cordy, before pacing around the ring for a second. She eyes the crowd, spotting a Cordy Stevenson sign. Her eyes move over to see another male fan, holding up a sign: “Anders Ain’t Shit”. She narrows her eyes for a moment and then turns back to Cordy.

Izzy Anders: I’m gonna let you into my mind for a second here. Let’s go back a good while ago to a night that keeps you up at night. Matter of fact, it kept me up for a good while too. It still does today, but I’ll get to why that’s the case now. You remember Above and Beyond IV? It’s the night that I got screwed out of my first FGA World Championship shot. The real kickstart to this moment right now, but let me spin this from the POV of the FGA staff. Above and Beyond IV was not the night that Izzy Anders got screwed or Tony Carmine really took a step in the right direction. It was the night that Chris Q took a step right onto your ankle and snapped that bitch like a twig.

The crowd sharply pans Izzy’s comment, knowing that she was treading upon a touchy subject for them. She knew that fact as well.

Izzy Anders: What happened then? You got some good well wishes, but you had to watch FGA change as a whole and people stopped caring about you. All of FGA did. Well, except me.

She looks out to the crowd, and then to the ground.

Izzy Anders: That aside, the injury that happened to you, the attack on me, the pain that Cyncity went through, there are countless of these incidents that happen in FGA. In any other place, HKW, for example, this mess happens too. But that’s what people expect. They got a biker gang over there, trying to kill people. But we don’t got that here.

Izzy sneers, shaking her head confusedly at Cordy Stevenson.

Izzy Anders: I’m just tired of FGA promoting itself as this honorable place when they don’t give a damn about us. Yeah, not just me, us. That’s why this night keeps me up, because I’m confused about you. You came back and acted like nothing happened, all was good. You know what I had to do when I came back? I started targeting all these mindless pricks backstage that act like FGA didn’t do anything wrong. I started to stand up for myself and what I believed in. Since FGA thinks I’m trash, not worthy of this--

She points at the FGA Undisputed Championship. She pauses again, taking a long look at the championship, glistening in the light.

Izzy Anders: Then I said that I was going to start taking potshots. That’s what I did. And I got damn good at it. I told you to watch and thank you for listening to me. It’s good that someone does, but you didn’t listen or listened hard enough. If you did, you would have been with me. You would have been on my side way before I came back here and started doing this. But then again, I think I see why that’s the case. Because FGA is all you got.

A beat.

Izzy Anders: All of this fanfare and all of what I’m saying about what FGA will do to you might be true. And the saddest thing is, you’ll enjoy it. All of these years you’ve been crawling through the crap just to get here. Now that you’re the champ, the thing you’ve always wanted to be...you don’t give a crap about what’s really going on. You didn’t just drink the Kool-Aid, Cordy. You chugged the whole thing down. You learned the recipe. You’re addicted to it, because you’re a-okay with the bulls**t here and you’re okay with being FGA’s f**king whore, just like Fujiko and Annie was.  And you think I’m going to let you go around like that, Cordy? I respect and love you too much to let you do that to yourself. Not my watch, chica. You need to wake right the hell up, but that’s the reason why I’m out here and why we’re fighting. This is really about Izzy Anders tearing down the final piece of that wall that FGA made, killing the last hero that FGA brought to me.

Izzy Anders: Because we got that Gold Rush Rumble to look forward to, but hey, guess what? That doesn’t matter either.

She relaxes slightly, letting her signature smirk come back on her face.

Izzy Anders: Because it’s only a matter of time before your best friend, Chandler, comes running in here and we start the same, ol’ crap that every idiot backstage, in the office, and in this crowd is used to eating. Sucks that I’m a bullet disguised as a wake-up call and I’m aiming for your freakin’ head, Cordelia Stevenson.

Cordelia Stevenson:  Well then you better not miss.

Cordy abruptly responds, taking a step towards Izzy.

Cordelia Stevenson: You’re taking your shot, then you better make it count Isabella. All this pent up anger, all the frustration that you feel… I get it. I’ve been there. But you see, I’ve come to realize that you’re definitely wrong about some things. Now if YOU’VE been paying attention lately, I’ve been far more than vocal about my frustrations with this company and the lack of respect I’ve felt I’ve been shown since winning this title. Blatant disrespect was all that I was met with. Shot after shot they took, and shot after shot I endured, why? For the simple fact that yes, Izzy, this company does in fact run through my veins. You see, there was something that I started to realize, after I said what I said at the last show… and something that I began to notice after that entire fiasco. You want to know what that was, Izzy? It was that FGA is so much more than Leonard T. Asherman and his band of suits that make up the board. And I realized that my discontent with them, had me projecting those feelings onto the company as a whole, but no. FGA stands for something far greater and means so much more than simply them. When I sat back and thought about it Izzy, I realized that this…

Cordelia points out to the crowd.

Cordelia Stevenson: THIS is FGA, Isabella.

She stomps around the ring, pointing in all directions, the crowd getting livelier as she points towards their sections.

Cordelia Stevenson: Are you really going to stand there and tell me that THEY don’t care about me? THIS RIGHT HERE… is what runs through my veins, THIS is the lifeline of FGA. And they’ve NEVER abandoned me. When I went down with my injury? When Chris Q saw his opportunity to shoot his shot and attacked me and snapped my ankle like a goddamn twig? Yes, the wheel kept spinning, yes the industry kept moving, because guess what Izzy, that’s what it’s supposed to do. That’s just what it does. And you’re suffering from the same flawed logic that Zero did if you think otherwise. Where is he now? Last year’s wrestler of the year is now hardly worth an honorable mention. Here today and gone tomorrow.  In the grand scheme of things, we’re all disposable to the company. We’re all disposable to the business.

She pauses momentarily, her chest heaving a bit as she motions her head towards the crowd.

Cordelia Stevenson: But you want to know who we’re not disposable to? Them. I was gone but the memories remained. My gifts to them; my all and my everything, embedded right there in their minds. You see they never stopped caring about me, Isabella. As a matter of fact, they were some of my biggest inspirations to getting back as quickly as I did. It was the constant mentioning of my name that drove people like Zero absolutely crazy. Because no matter what he did, the only thing these people really cared about… was when Cordelia Stevenson would be back in an FGA ring.

Cordelia smirks now as the crowd gives an agreeing pop.

Cordelia Stevenson: You see Izzy, they never forgot about me. And truth be told, they never forgot about you either, but you’re so jaded, so blinded by the rage you feel inside that you’re projecting the disdain that you feel for a select few… onto everyone. They’re the best part of this company Izzy. They’re what keeps this company afloat. They’re the ones that have rocked with me since day one and they’re the ones that I fight for. They’re why I can’t let you burn this company down, Izzy. Because I know what it means to them, and they mean the world… to me. They may not agree with everything I say. They may not like everything I do or every decision I make. But they’re there. And they’re there because they care. I always said that me winning this title was just as much for them as it was for me, because they were with me every single step of the way and I meant that. This place isn’t perfect Isabella. Not by a longshot, but then again, no place is. But you know what?

She motions at the crowd again as she takes another step towards Isabella, getting right up in her face.

Cordelia Stevenson: They make it home.

She points her finger and jabs Izzy in the chest, which Izzy subtly responds to by whipping her chest off.

Cordelia Stevenson: And I’m not going to let you destroy my home. You say this is all I got? You say it like it’s a bad thing, Izzy. If anything, that should let you know just how willing I’d be to whip your ass to keep it.

The crowd lets out a loud schoolyard “ohhhhhhh” as Cordy lowers her mic and glares at the contender for her title. Izzy starts to laugh derisively, almost doubling over in her laughter. She then turns back on Cordy, anger finally breaking her colder visage. She brings the microphone to her lips once more.

Izzy Anders: Izzy Anders is not disposable! Don’t you ever, and I mean ever, in your life say that to me again? I almost decided to take your freakin’ head off for even thinking that kind of crap. Because you might have convinced yourself that you are, but nah, not me.

She yells at, deeply infuriated.

Izzy Anders: The business might want to think that. The people all around us might want that to be the case, but if you think for a second that I’m going to allow myself to be disposable. If I’m disposable, I might as well leave now, but I’m not. I was planning on going through you, because I want that there.

She points to the FGA Undisputed Championship.

Izzy Anders: I was planning on it, because you were FGA’s last hero, but okay, I see you wanted to piss me off for whatever reason.  So, now, you’re due for an official ass beating. I’m going to take this belt from you and I’m going to make you realize that fighting for a false cause, fighting for these two-faced hypocrites ain’t worth a damn either. When I win, I’ll force you to wake up to the grim reality that it sucks to be the cog in the wheel. You’re better than that, Cordy, but I guess I’ll have to give you the tough love that you so need and that I’m so willing to give to you.

She pauses, a mixed reaction, the crowd split between Izzy’s words and her advancing step to be nose-to-nose with the champion.

Izzy Anders: I love you to death, girl, but you need to stop sounding like an idiot. It just makes me want to beat your ass right here...right now.

The crowd starts to rile up, wanting the two to start throwing blows, but the two remain in the ring, staring each other down.

Cordelia Stevenson: All this tough talk, chica. Dom Harter proved a long time ago that you ain’t built like that mama. But somebody is feeling the vibe right now I guess. You want to beat my ass? Right here? Right now?

Cordelia questions, the crowd loving the idea of seeing these two go at it. Cordy’s eyes narrow into slits as her nostrils flare.

Cordelia Stevenson: Do it.

Cordelia challenges, dropping her mic to the mat as the crowd now rises to its feet in anticipation of the fists seemingly about to fly at any moment.  The two stand there for a moment, the crowd eating up each second between them. Izzy stands there, her eyes full of rage, but then...she smirks. She pats Cordy on the shoulder a few times before taking a step back from the staredown.

Izzy Anders: That Izzy died a long time ago. You’ll have to wait, just like everyone else, until Only the Strong Survive.

Izzy kindly puts the microphone in Cordy’s hands before exiting the ring. The crowd pans her while she does, irritated by her sudden tranquil demeanor. Cordelia watches as she exits, a smirk creeping onto her face as she just shakes her head. The two continue the staredown and mouthing off at one another until the scene finally fades out.