AfterBurn for Flashpoint 1.1

[FGA Office]

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

[sasso]

The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion AMIRA is in a huff making her way through the hall backstage, muttering to herself the whole way. She starts making a beeline towards the exit when Amanda Johnson approaches her.

AMIRA: Oh good, valet, it's about time I was shown some courtesy--

She attempts to hand the interviewer her bags, which draws a quizzical glance in response.

Amanda Johnson: Actually I was hoping to ask you a few questions.

Naturally, this revelation stops the blonde in her tracks, increasing the displeasure in her countenance.

Amanda Johnson: AMIRA, for all the momentum you had previously, it has not been the most auspicious of starts to your Championship reign. With you walking away to take a countout loss, this is two appearances out of two shows which have seen you making a retreat and the list of contenders for the MId-Atlantic Legacy Championship seems to be growing.

A blink and a blank stare.

AMIRA: That is not the name of the Magnificent-AMIRA Legacy Championship! Let me make myself clear, it is as I have said, I am in charge now and I call the shots. Not Welshie, not the "cool dad" and not the FGA "Powers that be"! There is only one power that is now and her name is AMIRA! I am sick of pretenders and sore losers and whatever it is you are, trying to besmirch this Championship I have made in my image ... and more importantly, me.

She wags a finger in the air.

AMIRA: Calling the shots means I decide when and where I fight, which also means I do not need to justify myself! But I will do just that, because I am superior and I go beyond the call of duty. I made it abundantly clear that the only purpose for this contest was to punish that hooligan for his transgressions at the Gold Rush Rumble. Once I dealt out the punishment I deemed fit, there was no reason to continue the contest! Furthermore, this is a televised show with time limits. Anyone who watched this programming will be well aware that 3GW's least wanted, along with The Mexican and his band of ne'er dowells spent about five hours mindlessly blathering backstage. As such, I adjusted plans and cut my affair short once I had proven my point. We could very well not be accruing a massive overrun to deprive WGN's viewers of their highly anticipated Blue Bloods and Rules of Engagement reruns! Not in a pilot episode, I will not allow this program, a platform for my voice to be heard to be cancelled due to the transgressions of those unwashed ruffians! Now if you'll excuse me, I must be leaving!

With that, she storms off and disappears out of sight.

[Avaset Kaiser]

As AfterBurn continued, the scene was sent away to Spencer Burke who was standing with two wrestlers who made their presence in FGA known earlier in the night, Avaset Kaiser and her mysterious, apparently, albino partner. Spencer had a big smile on his face as he began the interview.

Spencer Burke: As we continue on in AfterBurn, I am standing here with 3GW standout, "The Crown Jewel" Avaset Kaiser and her apparent tag team partner...

Burke didn't even bother finishing his question or sentence before he extended the microphone out in front of the albino girl standing next to Ava. For a long moment, the albino girl just stared at Spencer, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.

???: I am, yes.

Realizing her partner had no intention on introducing herself, Kaiser pulled Burke's hand in front of her so the microphone was under her own chin.

Avaset Kaiser: This is Eloria Master, und we can skip past the pleasantries because it is quite clear that everyone out here is aware of who I am und of what I am capable. If not, you can ask Jenny Knite und anyone else unfortunate enough to meet me in a 3GW ring. I will tell you right now, Jenny Knite is STILL sitting at home nursing her shoulder thanks to me. This is something Flashpoint’s roster und, more specifically, tag team division is going to become very accustomed to very, VERY soon.

Burke nodded with a flashy smile.

Spencer Burke: Tonight, the world witnessed the two of you perhaps call your shot against two other standouts from 3GW, what are your intentions here in FGA?

Spencer went to extend the microphone toward Eloria again, but her gaze made him think twice as he turned to Avaset instead.

Avaset Kaiser: We are here for one reason: to stand triumphantly atop the Flashpoint tag team division und rule it. With my superior athletic ability and technical prowess und Eloria's merciless kicks, no one will stand a chance against us. Und, as everyone witnessed earlier tonight, Pedro Gonzales und Maritza Diaz have been granted the distinct honor of being the first to see our world Through Diamond Eyes.

A radiant smirk crossed Avaset’s sultry lips as Spencer took over once more:

Spencer Burke: Some may say you are setting a very tough goal for yourselves right off the bat, especially for what I assume to be a very new partnership, what would you say to those folks?

As the backstage interviewer went to extend the microphone to Kaiser again, Eloria cut in and pulled the microphone over to her this time. Her eerie gaze went from Spencer Burke to the camera and back to him again before she finally spoke:

Eloria Master: Nothing. Just watch us.

And with that, Eloria turned around and left Spencer alone with her tag partner. Avaset let out a bit of an irritated sigh before putting her hands up as if to tell Burke he was in her way.

Avaset Kaiser: Entschuldigen Sie.

Despite not knowing German, Spencer was able to put two and two together and realize she wanted past him. He stepped to the side, allowing Avaset to walk past, and out of the scene, leaving him to his own devices as the scene cut to a commercial break.

[James Edwards]

AfterBurn continues with Amanda Johnson hurrying down a corridor as fast as her heels will let her. She is several paces ahead of the camera operator.

Amanda Johnson: Excuse me, can you wait up, please?

The target of Amanda's hollering is at remains off screen. The lady herself momentarily disappears around the nearest corner, leaving her partner huffing and muttering under their breath. Finally, the object of Amanda's attention comes into view as the operator makes their belated arrival on the scene. Amanda is making small talk with the elusive James Edwards.

Amanda Johnson: Thanks for slowing down. You have no idea how hard it is to chase someone down in a pair of heels.

James just nods his head while Amanda glances back and immediately morphs into reporter mode.

Amanda Johnson: Alright FGA fans I'm here with James Edwards. James, how are you feeling after taking a loss in tonight's battle royal.

James Edwards: I don't consider it a loss.

Amanda raises an eyebrow perplexed.

Amanda Johnson: You didn't make it to the final two though.

James Edwards: Right, but I didn't lose. I got tossed out of the ring. That ain't a loss in my eyes.

Amanda Johnson: Well what do you consider a defeat?

James casually shrugs his shoulders.

James Edwards: Easy, somebody pins me, makes me tap, or knocks me the hell out.

Amanda Johnson: So by your definition, you're still undefeated in FGA competition?

James Edwards: No.

Again, Amanda raises an eyebrow, out of curiosity more than anything. James picks up on her cue and elaborates on his answer.

James Edwards: You gotta win more than one fight to actually be considered undefeated.

Amanda Johnson: Moving on, how do you think your performance measured up to the other competitors?

James Edwards: It fuckin' sucked.

Amanda Johnson: You came in fifth, though.

James Edwards: And look at the exchanges I had with Storm and Gonzales. They came out on top each time. If anything tonight proved I have a lot of work to do to even get to Pride Division levels.

Amanda Johnson: How do you plan to reach that level?

James Edwards: One up, one down.

Amanda Johnson: I've heard you use that phrase before, what does it mean.

James Edwards: One opponent at a time. That's my main focus. If I can take down the next fighter in front of me, then I hopefully get to face a stronger one. If I can't, then it's back to the drawin' board.

Amanda Johnson: Do you have any idea who'd you would like to face in your next fight.

For the first time in the entire interview, James looks perplexed.

James Edwards: Honestly, I ain't got a clue. Ask me that the next time you see me.

Amanda Johnson: Fair enough. We are out of time here. James thanks for your time.

James nods his heads off to wherever. Amanda hustles in the opposite direction towards her next interview while the poor camera operator struggles to keep up.

[El Dragón]

As Serpent's Touch makes their way to the back, with Faye Valentine helping a dazed Kimiko walk, Spencer Burke and a small camera crew catches up with them. Valentine narrows her eyes in frustration, not being amused with the intrusion, while Kimiko is too stunned to react properly. Burke, perhaps sensing hostility, is quick to focus on his job.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, Faye Valentine and Kimiko, Serpent's Touch.

Valentine focuses her eyes on Spencer, drilling a hole in him, as she pulls on Kimiko's arm wrapped around her neck.

Spencer Burke: Faye, that was an impressive debut you and Kimiko had on the first-ever episode of Flashpoint. What can you sa---

Valentine grabs the microphone out of Spencer's hand, surprising the interviewer.

Faye Valentine: Impressive? We lost, Burke. Haven't you been paying attention to our match? Or are you just one of those management puppets with an earphone telling him what to say?

Burke raises both hands as a sign of non-hostility. He carefully gestures for the microphone back. Valentine retains her narrowed eyes on Burke before easing up and flashing him a seductive smile, only to throw the microphone in his face. Luckily, Spencer catches it, barely, in mid-air, avoiding the collision with his sensitive nose.

Spencer Burke: You did, uhm, lose, but it's just your first night here on Flashpoint, in FGA Wrestling. I'm sure, uhm, you two can bounce back and---

Valentine shouts at Burke with fury.

Faye Valentine: DOMINATE!

Surprised, all Spencer can do is swallow air.

Spencer Burke: Yes, uhm, dominate the tag team division...

Valentine leans forward, Spencer's personal space be damned.

Faye Valentine: Not just the tag division, Burke. Serpent's Touch plans to dominate the entire show, Flashpoint itself, and even FGA Wrestling. We will---

Valentine stops talking, turning to something, or someone, off-screen with a confused yet angry glare. Spencer Burke follows suit and the camera pans to reveal El Guapo, Julian Tijerina, walking towards them with a shawarma in hand. The crowd cheers in the arena.

Faye Valentine: What are you---

This time, it's Valentine who gets cut off.

Julian Tijerina: Oh, man, that was a close one! Who knew Maritza was that strong, right, guapa? Well, I mean, I knew she was that strong. Saw her pick up a bag of beans once. That was a huge bag. I couldn't even lift it. Pedro wasn't bad, too. I mean, he was bueno. Serpent's Touch was really impressive, I have to agree with my amigo, Spinelli, over here...

Spencer calmly, quietly, interjects.

Spencer Burke: It's Spencer...

Julian claps him in the back as a response, actually ignoring what he just said. Spencer is almost forced forward by the impact.

Julian Tijerina: It was a really great match, chica! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Oh, who's gonna win? El Bueno Club? Or Serpent's Touch? Your kicks are lethal, princesa! You and Kimiko were brutal! I loved you two! Pair of really scary and really attractive baes---

Valentine rolls her eyes and shakes her head, finally having enough.

Faye Valentine: I have no time for this, Julian. Kimiko is out-cold. I have to bring her to the doctor's office.

Valentine takes a step but stops in front of Spencer. She glares at him, breaking him into slowly, carefully placing the microphone under The Divine Valentine's lips. Valentine keeps her eyes on Spencer.

Faye Valentine: This was a mistake, a fluke. The next time Serpent's Touch rears its pretty, lethal head, it will be someone else who will be doubled over on the mat. FGA will feel our venom.

Valentine ignores Julian and proceeds to walk off with a still barely conscious Kimiko. Julian stays with Spencer, taking a bite out of his shawarma, as they look towards where Serpent's Touch has gone off to.

Julian Tijerina: All right! You two have a bueno day. Hope Kimiko feels better soon. Kanojo wa watashi ni okane o karite iru.

Spencer Burke turns to Julian surprised.

Spencer Burke: You speak Japanese?

Julian merely shrugs.

Julian Tijerina: Hai.

Julian takes another bite of his shawarma before offering Spencer a bite. Spencer declines and Julian shrugs. Julian keeps chewing as Spencer leaves. The camera zooms in on Julian's smile as he sighs happily, enjoying his shawarma.

Julian Tijerina: Best food ever.

The camera fades off slowly before a viper's head appears out of nowhere and "bites" the viewers.

[STORM]

Hurt, beaten and breathing heavily, appearing on the screen is the man who was inches away from clinching a Pride championship opportunity, Your Hero and Mine; Mark Storm. Despite being involved in two brutal matches prior, he managed to stand tall, though the bruises on his body told another story. But in a strange way he was proud of them, his battle scars he wore with pride and didn't dare to touch them, instead, his hands were gripped on his waist, with his eyes fixated on the ceiling. 

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and Gentlemen, joining me at this time is Your Hero and Mine, Mark Storm. 

Regaining his concentration, he lowered his head and looked at Amanda who stood beside him, allowing a smile to cement on his face. 

Amanda Johnson: What a night it has been for you Mark! You and Savannah managed to outlast everybody else in the battle royal to find yourselves battling it out, for the number one contenders spot for Chris Madison's Pride title. Unfortunately, things didn't go your way against Savannah but what you two produced tonight, was something special, wasn't it? 

Raising the microphone towards Mark, he looked down at it and sighed, nodding his head before responding. 

Mark Storm: That's what I always do Amanda. I go out there and I put on a show that people will never forget. That's my job, and that's what I live for. And you're right, me and Savannah did put on a five star caliber match but that's something we're accustomed to. We did it last year at All Star Showdown when we stole the show. And we did it tonight! Here in Springfield, stealing the show, yet again! But the result wasn't the same as All Star Showdown last year. She walked out with a deserved victory. But I live to fight another day. I admit defeat but I'm not down and out, not by a long shot.

Amanda Johnson: With everything that's going on and the build up to All Star Showdown taking place, everyone has their, agendas.. now you said earlier tonight, that you're here for the long run, and that you have more to show, and more to give. What does that exactly entail for you?

Mark Storm: The match tonight Amanda against Savannah, that's what I crave. That's why I'm here! The competition here is second to none! The talent roster is vast and highly competitive whilst even getting close to a title opportunity, that's something you've got to work your ass off. Now Amanda, I'd be lying to you if I said the end goal wasn't the Frontier Grappling Arts Undisputed title. I'd be lying to you and that's something I wouldn't be proud of. But ultimately, that is the end goal. That's what I'm striving towards, and that's what's on my agenda. But there's something within that's not letting me advance to that. The Pride division. I was in it last year, in the pool of competitors who could've challenged for the title and as you know, Molly Reid went on to win it. Now the Pride championship has been elevated to another level with the likes of our current champion Chris Madison, who is, one heck of a competitor. The Pride championship... I've wanted it, for so long Amanda. And by God, I'm gonna get it. I'll steam through any man, any woman, any scumbag, any obstacle, that's in my way. 

Finishing the sentence, his tone was darker and his eyes were somewhat sadistic. 

Amanda Johnson: Talking about obstacles... Evan Envi, could be the man who gets in your way of that. You interrupted him earlier tonight, were you aware of the potential repercussions that may come from that?

He shook his head, biting his lips and closing his eyes.

Mark Storm: Evan likes to have the limelight. He loves the attention, he loves the spotlight being on him. I thought it'd be funny to take that away from him. See how he'd react. And me and Evan, we've had our run ins in the past, and he done the whole Mark Storm sucks thing, and I beat him. There's no two ways about it. I beat him. And then tonight, I eliminated him. I expect repercussions because that's in his nature, that's who he is. If he wants to come for the Prince of Chaos, Your Hero and Mine, then so be it, I invite the challenge, I encourage. But just know... it'll be the same result it's always been. 

Looking at the camera, that message was directly aimed at 'The Chief' Evan Envi, and with a smile he continued. 

Mark Storm: From Your Hero and Mine! 

And with that said, the scene faded to black. 

[Luke Jackson]

Luke Jackson is backstage after the Flashpoint show. He was dressed in a tshirt and jeans. He had a disappointed look on his face as he took a deep breath and looked at the camera.  

Luke Jackson: That didn’t go the way I wanted it to. When I stepped back into the FGA ring I wanted it to be better than what it was the last time.  

He shook his head as he reached down and grabbed his bag. 

Luke Jackson: I need to look myself in the mirror and make a change. I need to shatter what the expectations have been for me and become better, become someone that will be talked about, not because he had another failed relationship, or because he stubbed his toe or because he lost another match. 

He started to walk towards the door and stopped and clinched his fists. 

Luke Jackson: No, I want to be known as someone that can take a beating and get back up and be a damn good wrestler, be someone on the top of the card and that changes starts right now tonight. The next time you see me I will not be the little runt Jackson, I’ll be damn good. 

He shakes his head as he opens the door and slams it as he walks off.  

[Anna]

"So I dropped a person on their head today. That was a thing."

Punctuating this statement with a shrug, Pedro Gonzales is still in his wrestling gear looking pretty chillaxed as he sits.

"Under different circumstances, I'd feel much worse about it. But if I can be honest--and I will be 'cause that's a thing I do--Kimiko doesn't seem like the type that would accept sympathy and apologies and flowers. Quite certain that if the roles were reversed, she wouldn't offer me the same. And instead of crying because her team lost, Faye would be laughing her ass off and making fun of the possibility of injuries to Maritza or myself."

He knows he's sounding like a robot by phrasing it like that. Dude worries about the stupid shit though. Does saying the words "my girlfriend" mean he's being possessive? The one thing she isn't is a possession. He sighs.

"I know that Serpent's Touch will be back at some point to shake their fists and try and get revenge. We welcome that fight, especially since it was so fun the first time. And then there's Avaset Kaiser and her...friend?"

A brief headtilt confirming the pondering of the diamondness. It lasts all of five seconds before Pedro smiles.

"Doesn't matter how we meet. A singles match, a tag team match, in the ring, on the streets, a sanctioned battle, or an unsanctioned clusterfuck. We aren't going anywhere."

He cups his hands to his mouth.

"AND WE'LL WASTE AIRTIME ANYWAY WE WANT JUST TO PISS OFF NOT-SKYLAR-CLOUD THAT MUCH MORE!"

Pffft. Yeah. Like she can hear words over her brain cells frying with all that anger. Either way, this has been the first of many halfbaked Pedro Afterburn whatits. G'night, everybody!

[Stephen]

A loud commotion can be heard coming from the dressing area backstage. The camera makes its way towards the noise; the source is found to be the FGA World Tag Team Champions, The Elysian Empire. Emery is sitting in a chair with his arms folded, with Effie standing next him in the same pose. They are both glaring at Elon, who in turn is glaring back at them. The cameras seem to have caught the siblings in the middle of some kind of stalemate. Effie breaks the silence; her voice low, and her cadence slow.

Effie Elysian: Where. The. F***. Were. You. Lonnie?

Elon Elysian: ...

Effie Elysian: Answer me!

Elon turns his head, pulling air through his teeth as he does so. In exasperation, Effie throws her hands into the air.

Effie Elysian: Unbelievable! I can’t even get an answer to a simple question from my own brother - my own flesh and blood, Lonnie!

Effie shakes her head at her brother; her stare could melt titanium, but Elon refuses to make eye contact. How could he?! Emery lets out a sigh.

Emery Elysian: Look, little bro, you’re going to have to tell us sooner or later, so you might as well make it sooner. Tell us, why were you late, Lonnie?

But Elon still refuses to acknowledge his siblings. He lowers his head, averting his gaze from both of his siblings. That only serves to piss off Effie, though, and she scoffs.

Effie Elysian: You leave Emery, your brother and tag team partner, to fight against the top contenders for our titles by himself, and you don’t even have the decency to say why? What’s wrong with you?!

Elon continues staring down at the floor, not wanting to answer the questions. He appears to be getting somewhat flustered, stewing in his feelings when a voice calls out from the doorway.

??: That’s somethin’ we’d like to know ourselves too.

The Elysians all look to the entrance of the dressing room to find both Dan Herrera and Peaches, The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad, standing in it. Elon quickly turns his head away from everyone and looks back to the floor. Peaches tuts under her breath at the perceived disrespect, while Dan looks towards both Emery and Effie as if to ask ‘what’s his problem?’. But they just shrug.

Dan Herrera: Now you guys aren’t known for playing dirty, so I’m going to assume there’s a reasonable excuse for what happened out there tonight.

Peaches: ‘Cause that’s some nasty ass trickery you tried to pull, an’ we expected better outta you three.

Emery and Effie look at one another confused.

Emery Elysian: I’m sure we don’t know what you mean.

Peaches rolls her eyes as she mouths the word “puh-lease”. Dan turns to Emery, staring at the man who’s got one of the FGA World Tag Team titles slung over one shoulder.

Dan Herrera: Don’t play dumb with us, Emery. Tonight was supposed to be an exhibition match between the two top tag teams in FGA today; it was our opportunity to stake our claim to those FGA World Tag Team Championships. And, quite frankly, we were expecting a challenge, something that would show the powers that be that we were worthy of a match with the belts on the line. Instead you guys pull that?

Emery raises a hand, trying to get a word in. edgewise.

Emery Elysian: Now wait just-

Effie Elysian: Guys, that’s not wh-

Peaches cuts her off, though. Trying not to jab a finger in the direction of any member of The Elysian Empire as she speaks.

Peaches: What was it - see if Emery could try an’ beat us by himself? Or did you guys just wanna keep Elon fresh to make the save when it looked like you was about to lose? An’ don’t get me started on what happened after you showed up, Elon...

Peaches looks from Emery to Elon with contempt.

Peaches: You finally decided to take Kimmi up on her offer to help you guys out? She give you what you wanted, huh?

She makes a crude blowjob gesture, tongue in cheek and with the hand gesture, to which Elon taps his foot impatiently. But he still remains silent. Emery and Effie look to each other in confusion again.

Dan Herrera: I know this match probably didn’t mean much to you guys. You’re already the champs, why should it, right? Because it didn’t matter if you won or lost, did it? The committee wouldn’t give significant weight to a handicap match. You lose, and you still avoid us in a championship match.

Peaches: But if we lost ‘cause of whatever - Elon - then we’d look even worse. An’ low and behold, there were The Keisters to attack us again. Strange how when they ran into Elon backstage they didn’t have a chair with ‘em. Must be soft on you or somethin’, Elon, shame the same can’t be said about you...

She gestures towards his crotch to finish the erection joke, but Emery has had enough and stands up from his seat. Effie backs up as he walks over to Dan and Peaches.

Emery Elysian: You listen here; I’ve been a lot of things in my career, but I have never been a cheater, or a runner, Herrera. We gave everything we had in order to win these belts, and we’ll give everything we have in order to defend them. No short cuts. No trickery. Nothing like that.

Emery and Dan stare each other down, neither man budging an inch Effie sighs and walks in their direction. Peaches moves closer to Dan as Effie approaches.

Effie Elysian: Look, Dan, Peaches, this has all just been a huge misunderstanding. Emery and I don’t even understand it fully.

She looks to Elon who has not turned his head in Dan’s and Peaches’ direction since they appeared. Effie scowls at Elon.

Effie Elysian: THAT’S IT!!!

Emery, Dan, and Peaches jump at the sound of Effie’s shrill exclamation. She walks up to Elon in a huff; Elon, nervous as all hell, hard headedly keeping his eyes away from Effie. She would have none of it though as she grabbed him by the ear and forced his head to turn.

Elon Elysian: Ow! Ow! Jesus Christ, Fi!

Effie Elysian: Why. Were. You. Late?

She forcibly releases her hold on his ear. Elon immediately begins to rub it upon its release. His eyes return to the ground, but he can feel the eight pairs of eyes on him. He nervously coughs and then clears his throat. His voice is low, almost a mumble.

Elon Elysian: I um… I just wanted to show you and Em how important I was to this team...

The room goes silent. Emery shakes his head. Dan looks at Elon disgusted. Peaches chuckles nervously in disbelief.

Effie Elysian:...That’s...the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard, Lonnie.

Elon’s gaze returns to the floor. Effie turns to Dan and Peaches.

Effie Elysian: I know how disappointed you guys are about what happened, but we would never do something as conniving as to block you from getting a fair shot at the titles.

Emery grunts in agreement.

Dan Herrera: We didn’t want to believe that you would, but you never know in this business.

Dan’s tone is cold, but his gaze at Elon is searing.

Dan Herrera: Some people will do anything to protect their egos.

Elon glares at Dan, but “The Boss” is unphased.

Peaches: An’ some people can have a title, but don’t know how to act like a champion. When we finally win those belts, we’ll be sure to wear them with some pride.

Elon’s glare shifts to Peaches, but she too is unaffected. It’s clear that whatever respect they had for Elon is gone. Peaches turns to leave, while Dan lingers for a moment.

Dan Herrera: See you at Vertigo, kid.

Dan follows Peaches out of the room. Emery and Effie don’t even look at Elon. Elon doesn’t bother to try and explain himself. The youngest Elysian silently goes to his locker, a defeated look on his face, and begins to change into his street clothes.

[ChrisMadison]

Amanda Johnson stands with some of the AfterBurn production team, looking over sheets of notes attached to a clipboard. Out of the corner of her eye she catches a glimpse of the FGA Pride Champion, Chris Madison strolling towards one of the Mass Mutual Center’s exit door with Frankie Morrison leading the way. As Morrison places the palm of his hand on the cold, steel exit door, Amanda Johnson’s soft voice is frantically heard from behind them.

Amanda Johnson: Excuse me. Excuse me. Chris… Frankie…

The two spin around as Amanda Johnson closes the gap with a cameraman breathing down her neck.

Amanda Johnson: Thanks for stopping. I think the majority of us were under the impression that you left after that incredible match between Mark Storm and Savannah Taylor. You had yourself a front row seat as a new number one contender was crowned for your Pride Championship. What do you think of the matchup; Chris Madison versus Savannah Taylor?

Chris Madison: I don’t think Savannah gets enough credit for her technical prowess. Hell even I’m partially guilty of that. I saw the names involved in that battle royal and thought she was slightly overmatched. Then when she was up against Mark Storm, I figured she gave it a good effort tonight. But like most of this arena, I was surprised to see that she earned a shot at my championship. Now I just have to stop overlooking her, bear down, and prep for my first title defense!

Frankie Morrison: Let's not forget that there's a small bit of history here that needed to be dealt with!

Chris smirked and readjusted the Pride Championship belt as it sat on his shoulder.

Chris Madison: Yeah, I had made mention of it while doing commentary with Geoff Penzer.

Amanda Johnson: The double chair shot?

Chris Madison: Yeah the double chair shot…

Frankie Morrison: Despite my client’s age, he has a very good memory. When you wrong him, expect some form of retribution down the road. It may not come right away. It may be when you least expect it. Chris doesn’t forget and will always make you regret the decisions you’ve made!

Chris rolled his eyes at his manager’s threats and let out a low chuckle.

Amanda Johnson: Well then it’s got to feel pretty good knowing that you’ll have the opportunity extract some revenge on Savannah Taylor.

Chris Madison: At the end of the day, the best revenge will be crushing Savannah’s title hopes and raising this baby into the air after a successful title defense. Before my first title match against Molly Reid, we were in that infamous tag match where Izzy Anders and Savannah Taylor crushed my head with matching chair shots. Leading up to that tag match, they preached about how they were more deserving of being in the spotlight than others in FGA, including myself. Izzy has gone on to capture the Undisputed Championship; deservingly so. I went on and defeated Molly Reid to become the new FGA Pride Champion. But Savannah, she hasn’t made anything of those claims quite yet… And I’ll be damned if she thinks she’s going to do it at my expense!

Amanda Johnson: I’m sure seeing her tag team partner, and good friend, Izzy Anders, climb to the top of the mountain has got to fuel her push for championship gold even more than before.

Chris Madison: From top to bottom, this FGA roster is filled with wrestlers who have the potential to put the pieces together and make long lasting runs in the title scenes. Seeing Izzy achieve the success that she feels she deserves should, and probably will, light a fire under Savannah’s ass. That just means I need to be even more prepared for whatever kind of fight she’s going to bring my way.

Frankie Morrison: And prepared he’ll be. We’re not going to overlook Savannah at all. She, just like damn near every woman on the FGA roster, is one hell of a wrestler. But so is my client… Chris has seen it all, and been through it all. It’s going to take more than the taste of a steel folding chair to knock him off of his game.

Chris Madison: The sirens of FGA are lethal Amanda; anyone who thinks women can’t wrestle as well as men, I dare them to come to FGA and give it a go, come see first hand just how hard these women can go. 

Chris winked at Amanda Johnson, signaling the end of the interview as he reached behind his manager and pat him on the back. Madison and Morrison got back on track and exited the arena, leaving Amanda Johnson behind with the production crew as the feed cut away.

[C.S.O.]

Backstage in the Mass Mutual Center, we have a shot of Amanda Johnson walking down one of the corridors with a cameraperson following along behind her. Amanda makes a turn just ahead of the camera, which follows her into a more open catering area. Some backstage staff mill around the area, getting something to eat or drink or just having a seat for a little while. Off to one side of the area, the back of Logan Alexander can be seen. He’s standing near a monitor, drinking a bottle of water and watching a live feed of the Flashpoint broadcast where the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad were facing half of the Elysian Empire. Amanda makes her way over and clears her throat.

Amanda Johnson: “Logan! Sorry to interrupt you here. May I get a few words with you?”

Logan glances over his shoulder for a few moments before he turns to face her properly.

Logan Alexander: “Certainly Amanda. What can I do for you?”

She smiles at him slightly before replying.

Amanda Johnson: “First, I’d like to congratulate you on your victory here tonight and I wanted to know what your thoughts are on being back in the ring after such a long absence.”

He nods to her.

Logan Alexander: “Well, thank you for the congratulations. I don’t really think that my victory here was that big of a deal really. After all, it’s just one win here. If I can possibly string a few more wins together to kick off my time here in FGA then I might have real reason to celebrate. For now though, I’ve just reached the point where the real work begins.”

“In regards to the match itself though… I thought it was alright. I felt pretty good in the ring once things started and I settled into a comfortable position in there. I think John had a fairly strong showing out there as well. There were a few moments where he caught me flat footed… so I’ll need to watch out for that going forward. I do think it’ll get easier for me from this point on though because I intend to get better.”

Amanda nods slightly in agreement as he speaks. Then she regards him with a bit of a curious look.

Amanda Johnson: “It sounds like you’ve got an idea of where you’d like to be in the near future. Does that line of thought extend to where you’ll be setting your sights in FGA? Or who you expect you might be facing over the coming weeks and months?”

Logan snorts softly and smirks a little.

Logan Alexander: “Well, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself and start thinking about title aspirations, even at this early stage. One day, I think I’ll be in the conversation for the Pride championship, as the matches for that particular title seem to lead into a style of match that suits me, but that’s going to be a ways off. Before that, I’ll likely have to prove I can hold my own with the Mid-Atlantic Legacy or Fifteen champions, whoever they may be when I get there. There’ll likely be at least a few championship matches before I earn myself a chance in one.”

He pauses for a few moments and rubs his chin with his left hand.

Logan Alexander: “As for the time until then, I don’t really think I have a real preference or expectation about who I’ll be facing. There are so many possibilities at this point due to the fact that there are so many people here. It really is going to come down to what management thinks of my showing here tonight and what everyone else has done. I’ve certainly seen over the years that there are always favourites of the powers that be, and if you aren’t one of them, you’ve got a long wait for opportunities.”

“Otherwise, I will say that there are a few people I have been watching and listening to recently. I think it might be interesting to step into the ring with them at some point, but I’m not in any hurry to get in there against any of them. They look to be people with the potential to become something more. I’d just like to make sure I’m ready to give my best if those matches should come up though.”

Amanda Johnson: “You really do seem to have a long view of things here.”

Logan sighs before replying.

Logan Alexander: “Shortcuts to the top are few and far between. If you aren’t prepared to be walking a long road towards lasting success, you’re going to have a bad time of things. You might be a star for a while, but if you aren’t ready to deal with the challenges involved in getting ahead and the setbacks you will endure, you’ll fade out pretty quickly and be forgotten. At least that’s what I’ve seen over the years, and it’s not a path I intend to ever follow… or be pushed down.

Amanda Johnson:Well, I certainly wish you the best of luck as you carry on. Thank you for your time here Logan. Enjoy the rest of the night.

Amanda smiles to him again. Logan nods to her.

Logan Alexander: You too, Amanda. Hope the rest of your interviews here go well.

With that, he turns away from Amanda and the camera, focusing back on the match in progress. Amanda and the camera person head off as the scene fades to black.