Vertigo (05.27.17)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


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


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

TUCSON CONVENTION CENTER
TUCSON, AZ

The show opens backstage, where Spencer Burke is seen adjusting his tie in a mirror. For some strange reason that double Windsor knot is giving him some trouble, and with his undivided attention on the task at hand, he doesn’t even notice the figure approaching from behind until the hand slaps down across Spencer’s shoulder.

Dom Harter: Having a bit of trouble there, Spence?

Spencer Burke: Oh, it’s only you…

He breathes a sigh of relief as The Tenacious Little Bastard stands there with a smile on his face.

Dom Harter: Yeah, just me. Have you tried a clip on? I hear they’re great for when you can’t tie the big boy knots?

Spencer Burke: Very funny, Dom. I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight; you know you don’t have a match, right?

Dom Harter: What? That’s news to me…

Harter replies, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Dom Harter: I can’t miss a Jimmy Page match, Spencer, you know that. Got to make sure he’s still on the straight and narrow; we can’t have him veering off course and reverting back to his old ways now, can we?

Spencer Burke: No, I guess not…

Dom Harter: And with a rookie like Dickie Harter in the ring with him, who I understand is gaining some popularity down there in Sussex County Championship Wrestling – available on alternate Sundays on the Axxess Network – I don’t want to see Jimmy snap and cost a young man his career. I don’t want to see him do to Dickie what he did to Emily or Annie. I don’t want Dickie to be used to send a message to me like Cyncity was for Cordy Stevenson. You never can tell what Jimmy Page is going to do, but I’m here to help.

Spencer is still struggling with his knot, and appears to be growing frustrated. He’s tied this knot dozens of times over his lifetime, why is it causing him such a problem tonight? With a sigh, Dom moves in front of Spencer and grabs hold of the tie.

Dom Harter: And there’s a Bean Bands match I’ve got an interest in. And that triple threat match has caught my eye, and not just because Kalli Keister is in it, if you know what I mean.

Spencer Burke: Everybody knows what you mean, Dom.

The jab is playful, so Harter laughs it off as he continues helping Spencer with his tie.

Dom Harter: And I’m testing a theory, so tell me what you think: Chandler Scott doesn’t want to wrestle in FGA anymore.

Spencer laughs.

Spencer Burke: I don’t think that’s a valid theory.

Dom Harter: Bear with me here, Spence. I mean, firstly, he’s not had a match since Only The Strong Survive. Even John Blade has appeared on FGA television more times than Chandler Scott has in that time. Bean Bands has wrestled more times for FGA since then than Chandler Scott has. And up to this moment, the only time he’s appeared on Vertigo or Flashpoint is to challenge Felicity Banks to a match.

Spencer Burke: That’s a dream match for the ages though.

Dom Harter: There….

He says as he finishes tying Spencer’s tie. Harter steps away to the side, standing with his arm around the interviewer’s shoulder. It’s at this time that Burke finally notices the Mercy Williams t-shirt that Dom’s opted to wear tonight; the sight of the semi-naked Australian brings a smile to Spencer’s face as he’s sure was the intent.

Dom Harter: And it’s not like Chandler hasn’t been wrestling in that time; he’s been over in Japan competing in some tournament. Just, must be too busy to make more appearances in FGA, right? Or how about the subtext to his speech on the last Vertigo? Before he made the challenge, when he was talking about the Gold Rush Rumble and losing out to Johnny Karma.

Spencer Burke: I think he was being sincere then. Chandler eliminated eight people, and set a new record for most eliminations. Beating Zero’s old record! But Johnny Karma has come on leaps and bounds in recent months, and his desire to win was too great to be stopped.

Harter smirks.

Dom Harter: And do you think that sits right with Chandler Scott? Think about it, Spencer; ever since he came back from injury, Chandler has had that goal in mind to become the FGA Undisputed Champion. He wants that third reign to tie Chris Q or Zero McHannon – do you know how much it has to burn Chandler that the two men he’s hated more than anyone in FGA have a record he doesn’t? How much that has to hurt him. And he had his chance after winning the Frontier Lions Cup–

Spencer Burke: And beating you in the first round.

Harter laughs again, wagging a finger at the mirror and Spencer’s reflection.

Dom Harter: Don’t get ahead of me here, Spence. He had his chance to beat Zero McHannon, and tie his record for three title reigns. But he failed at Above & Beyond V, and let Zero bring shame upon the very belt that Chandler has been coveting for years. And the whole saga with Cordy and Zero, with Chandler trying to get himself involved any way he could. Getting hit in the face by Cordy after the match – surely that would’ve given him a shot at the Undisputed title, right? Right?!

Pause.

Dom Harter: Wrong. We had that stupid beat-the-clock challenge, and Chandler fell short again. He watched his title shot, the chance he felt he deserved more than anyone else in the company fall to someone else. But all was not lost in Chandler’s world. It was only a few short weeks until Only The Strong Survive; a few more weeks until he’d have the chance to win one of the events that has always eluded him; a few more weeks until he’d have the chance to become the new number one contender to Cordy Stevenson’s Undisputed title and he’d have the chance to avenge that belt shot to the face!

Spencer Burke: But then he lost to Johnny Karma…

Dom Harter: And after eliminating eight men. Can you imagine how crushing that must’ve been for him, Spencer? What effect that must’ve had on his ego. Now Cordy is out with another ankle injury, and Karma has the title shot. Then to top it off, FGA go and induct Chandler Scott into the Hall of Fame! Now what else does he really have to strive for? To work for. What else does he have to do here? He’s not even involving himself in the Undisputed title scene, and why? Because he doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of his ex? Because he doesn’t want to get called out for his obvious f***ery like he was earlier in the year? Or because that desire to compete here in FGA, against FGA wrestlers, that desire just isn’t in him anymore.

Spencer Burke: I have a question: you lost the Frontier Lions Cup, you lost out in the Beat the Clock challenge, and you got eliminated from the Gold Rush Rumble–

Dom Harter: I know, but my ego isn’t as fragile as Chandler Scott’s. My will is iron. My desire is strong! Because FGA is in my blood, Spencer. Because I’m a bigger man than Chandler Scott is, and I’ll prove that next Saturday night on Flashpoint when we have that rematch from the Frontier Lions Cup!

Another pause.

Dom Harter: A match he has neglected to mention even once. Not a word. I know, I’m a little hurt to be honest. But he’ll probably just claim it’s because he’s better than me, or that he has my number…

Harter laughs again, slapping his hand down across Spencer’s shoulder as he does so. The interviewer flinches upon impact, but readjusts himself quickly.

Dom Harter: But those are the lies he has to tell himself. Or he’ll probably hold that Hall of Fame induction over me, as if I don’t have every right to inducted right alongside him. As if I’m not a Grand Slam winner – the only one in FGA history! Nobody else is even close to completing it! As if I haven’t won the Gold Rush Rumble twice, or Dynamic Duos once. As if Dom Harter isn’t the greatest wrestler in FGA history. And I’ll prove that next weekend, Spencer; I’ll show up both competitors in that All Star Showdown main event in one weekend, because that’s what I do. Because Harter Hits Harder! And when I do, watch what little remains of Chandler’s spirit drain from his body as he has to pick himself up off that mat next Saturday night … until then, I think it’s time for the show to start, and Jimmy Page is going to need my help. It’s gonna be a great night!

With that, Harter slaps Spencer on the back and gets ready to walk away when the interviewer calls out to him once more.

Spencer Burke: Dom, wait! I thought you’d still be angry about what happened last time we spoke…

Dom Harter: Bygones, Spencer! Bygones!

Harter disappears down the hallway, leaving Spencer to finish getting ready for the show as we head to ringside.

[FGA Office]

Hércules Cortez vs. John Blade

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

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Boston, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 251 pounds! He is JOOOOOHN BLAAAAADE!!!

Kris Cruise: Hello everyone and welcome to you another edition of Vertigo. I’m Kris Cruise and joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger. Tonight, we have a big main event with a former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Noelle Smith, taking on the reigning champion, AMIRA, in non-title action. We also have a big Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match with Camp Envi, Bristow & Barnes, Chris Bond & Luke Jackson and Molly Reid & Heather Lasiewicz. But right now, it’s time for our opening contest as Big John Match tries his best to take down The Legionary.

The marching sound of “Legio XIII” intro fills up the arena as the lights begin to flicker. Then, out of the curtain comes Hércules Cortez. He stands in the middle of the stage looking sideways to the crowd as he begins a march down to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Bariloche, Argentina! Weighing in at 265 pounds! He is “The Legionary” HERRRCULEEEEESSSS CORRRRRTEEEEZZZZ!!!

Once in front of the apron he swiftly moves towards the staircase, he hits the top of the staircase and runs towards the ropes. He surveys the crowd once more as he enters the ring, extending his arms as he exhales.

Kris Cruise: Hécules Cortez made sure work of The Handsome and Classified Gentleman one week ago on Vertigo. Can he do the same here tonight?

Stephy Auger: Please, it’s John Blade.

Kris Cruise: You brush John Blade off easily, Stephy. But let’s not forget that it wasn’t long ago that John Blade toppled another big man.

Stephy Auger: That was a long time ago, Cruise. But that was then. This is now. Cortez is on a whole nother level.

The bell sounds as Cortez and Blade go to lock up. After jockeying for position, Cortez shoves Blade, sending him stumbling back into the ropes. Blade looks around in shock of Cortez’s strength. Blade then makes his way off the ropes, walks over and locks up with Cortez again. After jockeying for position, the crowd boos when Cortez shoves Blade down to the canvas. Once again, Blade looks around in shock at being overpowered.

Kris Cruise: Blade is just as shocked as I am! You don’t see someone overpower Big John Match like this!

Blade returns to his feet and circles the ring. He then slowly inches over towards Cortez. The Legionary motions for a lock up. But Blade ducks underneath. When Cortez turns around, the crowd cheers as Blade nails him with a flurry of right hands to the face. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Blade returns, he connects with a running shoulder block, knocking Cortez back. Blade then runs into another set of ropes. When Blade returns, he knocks Cortez back after another running shoulder block.

Kris Cruise: Big John Match has Cortez’s reeling!

Blade then turns and runs into yet another set of ropes. When he returns, he goes for a diving shoulder block. But Cortez knocks him down with a clothesline, resulting in boos from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: You were saying?

The boos continue as Cortez picks up Blade, moves him into the corner and unleashes a series of back elbow strikes, followed by a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of shoulder thrusts. He then takes Blade and whips him hard into the opposite corner. As Blade staggers from out of the corner, Cortez lifts him high in the air. After military pressing Blade over his head, Cortez throws him down with a military press slam. The crowd boos while Blade writhes in pain on the floor.

Stephy Auger: Look at Cortez, Cruise! He’s throwing around Blade with ease! Just like he did the Classified Gentleman. Just like he did Susan Kent before she got lucky!

Cortez picks up Blade and whips him into the ropes. When Blade returns, he goes for a crossbody block. But Cortez catches him in mid air before throwing him down with a fallaway slam. As Blade gets back to his feet and turns around, the crowd boos as Cortez runs over and delivers a clothesline, sending him over the top rope and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Blade falls hard to the floor!

Stephy Auger: It’s over, Cruise. If Blade were smart, he’d just stay on the floor and not bother getting back in the ring.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think Blade were ever willingly lay down. As a matter of fact, he’s back up now!

While Cortez has his back turned, Blade climbs up onto the apron before climbing to the top turnbuckle. When Cortez turns around, the crowd cheers as Blade leaps off and connects with a flying shoulder block. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cortez kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Blade knocked Cortez off his feet and nearly got the win with that flying shoulder block! So close!

Blade picks up Cortez and goes for an irish whip. But Cortez reverses, sending Blade into the ropes. When Blade returns, Cortez goes to knock him down with a big boot. But Blade catches his foot. He then swings Cortez’s leg away from him. When Cortez turns back around, the crowd gasps and cheers when Blade scoops him up across his shoulders for the Blade Breaker.

Kris Cruise: He’s got him up for the Blade Breaker! This could be it right here, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: No, no, no...

Before Blade can deliver the finisher, Cortez nails him with repeated elbows to the side of the head. After Cortez slips down from behind, he hooks Blade’s arms, lifts him up and throws him down with a full nelson slam. The boos continue as he picks up Blade and whips him into the ropes. When Blade returns, Cortez knocks him down with a Discus Lariat. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Legio XIII” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, HERCULES CORTEZ!

The boos continue as Cortez gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Another dominant win in the books for Hércules Cortez!

Stephy Auger: I hope Susan Kent realizes just how lucky she is. If she were smart, she’d avoid this man at all costs.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The baseball is off white with light streaks of light brown in certain areas, suggesting that it is not a showpiece but a plaything. The faded buccaneer logo of the Pittsburgh Pirates rests somewhere on it, oddly symbolic for a fallen franchise. Suddenly the ball starts to become smaller, and a black object takes center stage. Once the scene stabilizes, the black item is revealed to be a leather jacket with the words "Burning Heart" stitched on the back. Which means the ball can only belong to one man, James Edwards. He turns to face the camera with a pensive expression on his mug.

James Edwards: When I was a kid, I didn't get to go on family vacations. We were pretty poor. The one I did get to go on was to Pittsburgh to visit some of my mom's family that moved up there. It must have been when I was seven or eight. My aunts knew I loved baseball, so they took down to PNC Park, and we got take a tour of the place. To this day I don't think I've seen a place so damn gorgeous in my life, and the best part was is that at the end I got a ball of my own. When we got back, my mom looked at me and asked if I wanted to get a plastic case to protect my special souvenir.

He pauses and chuckles, followed by a rare smile that makes his normal dour countenance momentarily boyish.

James Edwards: I looked at her like she was a space alien. A ball ain't a look pretty to a boy of summer. It's a tool that he uses when goes to work. I tossed that ball all over the place when we got home. It ended up in trash cans, creeks, and the window of my dad's truck. I loved that thing because it helped me become a decent pitcher. I lost it after my folks split and I quit pitchin'.

That memory isn't a pleasant one, and he rarely speaks about it on camera.

James Edwards: I spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania when I first started fightin', and eventually I got another chance to see PNC Park. Hell, I even got to watch a game with good seats too. Perks of having a little bit of money for the first time in my life. Anyways I bought another ball as a token to never forget that it and the field where places where work takes place. I keep it in my bag and bring it to shows with me. It's handy to pass the time with and reminds me of a very simple and important fact: the ring ain't a place of pleasure for me, it's a place of business.

The pensive look returns to his face.

James Edwards: All week on Twitter, Mark Storm kept leavin' me little messages of encouragement or congratulations. They were genuine, and despite his past, I think Mark is a good guy. The problem for him is that he wants to be a good guy in the ring. I know he sees tonight as a dream match. One where we both go out there and give it our all, and some such shit. Afterward, we shake hands and whatever. I don't know where you got the idea that I'm like that, Mark. Does the way I fight indicate that? Have any of the words I've said painted that picture? Let me let you in on a secret, Storm, I ain't here to make memories. I'm here to work, fight, and win. This ain't a game to me, and if you come into it with that attitude, I promise I'm gonna smack the smile on your face. My advice: get ready because it's time to hurt.

He turns back to face his ball and runs his fingers over the laces, quite tenderly in fact, and in such a way that makes the viewers wonder just how twisted James' definition of affection is.

[FGA Office]

The camera switches to an area backstage where Jessie Pederson is stood, looking towards the camera.

Jessie Pederson: I'm here with Lowri Moss, who later tonight will be competing in a match against Blake Rogers.

Sure enough, Lowri is stood beside Jessie. The Briton has already changed into her ring attire, and she is also wearing a black armband, as a mark of respect for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri, before we discuss your match this evening, I feel I have to mention the announcement that was made this past Monday regarding the match for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship at All Star Showdown VI: you will be one of six challengers for AMIRA’s title, which will be on the line in a ladder match; I assume you must have been pleased about that announcement.

There is a smile of satisfaction from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: To say that I was pleased would be an understatement, Jessie - I think delighted would probably be a more accurate description of how I felt when news of that match broke.

She takes a breath, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: I don’t want to talk too much about that match right now, as it’s still four weeks away, and I have other battles to come before then, with my match against Blake Rogers of course being the most imminent one - a match that, if I was to look past it, I would do so at my peril. I remember though, Jessie, at the start of the month, being stood with you somewhere not too dissimilar to this, telling you that I wanted to be the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, and now in four weeks’ time, I’ll get the chance to make that happen, so yes, I’m very happy about that.

Jessie Pederson: How do you feel about competing for the title in a seven person ladder match - would you have preferred to be challenging AMIRA in one-on-one match?

Lowri bites her lower lip.

Lowri Moss: I’ll admit that I would probably prefer to have a one-on-one match against AMIRA for the title, but I’m not going to stand here and begrudge Julian Tijerina, Brian Stryker, NEON, Sadie San Francisco, and Blake Rogers being given the same opportunity as me. Having six opponents rather than just one will obviously make the task of trying to win the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship more difficult, but if I do leave All Star Showdown VI as the new champion, it will make my success all the more satisfying.

Lowri smiles again.

Lowri Moss: I’ve watched back what happened during the six person tag team match two weeks ago - you know, when AMIRA came out and attacked us all with a steel chair. I didn’t realise it at the time, but having rewatched the incident subsequently, I noticed that AMIRA made a point of delivering a final chairshot to me, before she then made her way backstage. Now, maybe I’m reading too much into this - maybe it’s just a coincidence - but I think I’ve really gotten under AMIRA’s skin, more so than any of the others, and nothing would please me more than to be the one to bring an end to her reign as the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Her smile broadens into a somewhat-mischievous grin.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, so, turning our attention back to your match tonight, you’ll be in the ring with Blake Rogers, who as you just mentioned, will also be part of the match for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship at All Star Showdown VI; a win tonight against Blake could give you a boost to your momentum ahead of that match.

Lowri Moss: It could, although I’m not sure how much the outcome of tonight’s match will count for - regardless of who wins - once we get to All Star Showdown VI. Having said that though, I do of course still want to be the one that gets the win here tonight.

A small sigh escapes Lowri’s mouth.

Lowri Moss: Blake Rogers arrived in FGA a month or two before me, and ever since I’ve been here, I’ve heard him talk about what wrestling should be - or at least, what he thinks wrestling should be. There was something in particular that he said recently during an interview with Spencer Burke that struck a chord with me, which was that wrestling shouldn’t be a cartoon with people dressed up like it’s Halloween.

Lowri scoffs, as she recalls that statement.

Lowri Moss: I think I’m right in saying that Blake Rogers doesn’t have a Twitter account, but anyone that goes on my Twitter profile can see a photo I tweeted last year of the costume I wore for a match the night before Halloween, when I wrestled whilst dressed as Carrie. And that isn’t the only time I’ve worn a costume for a match: in December, I dressed up as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas - there’s a photo of that one on my Twitter profile, too.

Lowri runs a hand through her hair.

Lowri Moss: My point is that while I love to wrestle, I also want to be able to enjoy myself in the ring as much as possible, by doing things like dressing up occasionally for my matches, and I don’t want to have people such as Blake Rogers stop me from doing that.

There is a shake of the head from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: Whether it’s an individual sport or a team sport, there’s no right way of doing things. Different things work for different people, and everyone has to find a style has best fits them. Blake Rogers has a style that suits him, but just because that style is what’s right for him, that doesn’t mean that he should try to force it upon everyone else, and expect the rest of us to do things his way.

She puts her hands on her hips.

Lowri Moss: I’ve talked about my in-ring style previously - what I refer to as British strong style - but as far my attitude in the ring is concerned, I want to have fun, and I want to entertain the fans. Of course I want to be successful, but as I said a moment ago, I also want to be able to enjoy myself in the process - if I wanted to have an occupation in which I couldn’t have any fun, I would go back to the day job I had until a few months ago, working in a bank.

Lowri gives a half-smirk.

Lowri Moss: I won’t allow someone like Blake Rogers to dictate what I can and can’t do in the ring, and tonight, I’m going to set back his agenda, by funning him right up!

She then smiles broadly once more.

Jessie Pederson: Thanks for your time, Lowri. Good luck for your match.

Lowri nods appreciatively.

Lowri Moss: Thank you.

The scene then cuts away.

[FGA Office]

Triple Threat Match
Peaches vs. Emery Elysian vs. Kalli Keister

J.A. Aldridge: The following Triple Threat Match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Chelsmford, England… KALLIIII KEEEEEEISSSTERRRR!!!

"Shit Shots Count" by The Drive By Truckers begins playing as Peaches bursts through the curtain with her arms outstretched to each side. She spins around as she slowly moves down the aisle, soaking in the crowd's cheers before picking up the pace.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponents! Introducing first, from Fayetteville, Georgia… PEEEEAACHEEESSSSS!!!

As Peaches climbs up the ring steps she removes her plaid shirt, tossing it to a fan in the audience, before finally vaulting over the top rope as she waits for the match to start.

How many people wanna get this started?
(You know who you are)
From the front to the back do you want it?

“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: And their opponent! From Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Weighing in at 245 pounds! He is one half of the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions… EMERYYY EEEEELYSSSSSIAAAAANNNN!!!

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 the bell rings.

Kris Cruise: We’ve got triple threat action coming up next as Peaches, Emery Elysian and Kalli Keister prepare to do battle. Two weeks ago on Vertigo, the partners for each of tonight’s participants - Dan Herrera, Elon Elysian and Kammi Keister - took part in a triple threat match of their own. That match was won by Kammi Keister in controversial fashion. I’m still scratching my head on how she won that one.

Stephy Auger: Are you calling David Landry an incompetent referee?

Kris Cruise: I would never call him incompetent. I just disagree with his ruling.

Kris Cruise: Peaches is looking to pick up the win in Triple Threat action tonight after the match was stolen from Dan Herrera two weeks ago.

Stephy Auger: You know, everything time a finish happens with him that he doesn’t agree with, the match was always stolen from him. Oh, Kalli Keister “stole” the win from him two weeks ago. Just like The Usual Suspects “stole” the Tag Titles from him and Cordy Stevenson back in January. Why can’t he just accept a loss and get over it. Because he’s a big baby, that’s why!

Kris Cruise: Emery Elysian is going solo tonight. Though after the past few weeks, this might be a big of a break for him as he doesn’t have to worry about Elon Elysian and his actions.

Stephy Auger: Right? “Oh, I wanted you to see how much of an important part of the team I was. So I’m just not going to show up until halfway through the match.” Who does that? Elon, that’s who! He’s another crybaby!

The bell sounds as Kalli goes over to Emery and tries to get him to join her in attacking Peaches. She coyly smiles at Emery while batting her eyes at him. But Emery doesn’t fall for the seduction and instead boots Kalli in the midsection. The crowd continues to cheer as Emery grabs Kalli, runs and chucks her over the top rope and to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Hey! That’s not how you treat a lady!

Kris Cruise: Wait, here comes Peaches from behind!

Before Emery can turn around, Peaches rolls him up from behind with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emery kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Emery throws out a roundhouse kick. But Peaches ducks, hops across Emery’s back and brings him down with a crucifix pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emery kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Emery takes Peaches and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, Emery sets up for a back body drop. But Peaches counters with a sunset flip.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emery kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Three straight nearfalls for Peaches! She nearly stole this match right out of the gates!

Once both grapplers return to their feet, Emery connects with an elbow smash to the face, sending Peaches stumbling into the ropes. He then takes Peaches and whips her into the far ropes. But instead of coming back, Peaches gets yanked down to the mat. The crowd boos as Kalli drags Peaches to the outside before tossing her against the guardrail.

Kris Cruise: Peaches got sent hard into that guardrail. You have to wonder how much that took out of her.

Stephy Auger: Hopefully everything.

As Kalli climbs back up onto the apron, she’s doubled over by a shoulder thrust through the ropes from Emery. He then takes Kalli and goes for a vertical suplex back inside. But she slips down from behind and rolls him up with an O’Connor Roll.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emery kicks out with force, sending Kalli into the ropes. When she returns, the crowd boos as she delivers a Keister Bomb (running seated senton splash). She reaches back and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emery kicks out.

Kris Cruise: I’m not a fan of their tactics. But that was a nice counter there by Kalli Keister. It looks like Emery didn’t take too kindly to getting that Keister Bomb.

Stephy Auger: You know, most men would love having a Keister jump on top of them. But not Emery.

Kalli picks up Emery, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then turns Emery around and nails him with three chops before going for an irish whip. But Emery reverses, sending Kalli into the turnbuckles. Emery charges across the ring to attack, but Kalli knocks him back with a boot to the face. Kalli then runs out of the corner before bringing him down with a leg lariat. The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emery kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Kalli Keister is holding her on thus far against Peaches and one half of the Tag Champs.

Stephy Auger: Geez, Cruise, why do you sound shocked!? The Keisters aren’t just pretty faces, you know! They know how to kick some serious keister, too!

Kris Cruise: ...

Kalli picks up Emery and whips him into the ropes. When Emery returns, Kalli leaps up for a hurricanrana. But Emery catches her in mid air and throws her down with a sitout powerbomb. The crowd cheers as the ref slides over for the count.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Peaches breaks up the pin with a dropkick to the back of the head.

Peaches picks up Emery and whips him into the ropes. When Emery returns, Peaches knocks him down with a running butt bump.

Kris Cruise: You wonder what?

Stephy Auger: Hmm. I wonder...

Stephy Auger: I wonder… did Emery like getting a running butt bump from Peaches? Or did he prefer getting the Keister Bomb from Kalli?

Kris Cruise: Oh would you just stop!

While Emery is down, Peaches drags him into position before stepping out onto the apron.

Kris Cruise: Peaches is looking to go up top! She might be moments away from victory!

As Peaches scales to the top turnbuckle, Kalli runs over and connects with a dropkick, sending Peaches crashing to the floor as the crowd boos.

Stephy Auger: … you were saying, Cruise?

The boos continue as Kalli goes over and puts the boots to him. She then bounces into the ropes. When Kalli returns, she connects with a jumping leg drop. After sitting up Emery, Kalli quickly locks him in the Thighmaster (seated headscissors submission). The ref gets down and asks Emery if he wants to give up. When he refuses to quit, Kalli squeezes tighter, causing Emery to groan and cringe from the pain.

Kris Cruise: Kalli’s got the Thighmaster locked on tight! Emery’s got nowhere to go! He’s trapped!

Stephy Auger: If I were a man, I could think of 100 worse places to be...

Kris Cruise: I said stop!

Stephy Auger: In all seriousness, Kalli’s got the hold on tight. She’s got some powerful thighs, Cruise! I’ve seen videos of her crushing watermelons with those things!

The crowd tries to rally behind Emery while Kalli shouts at them to shut up! The ref continues to check in on Emery. The older half of the Elysian Empire refuses to quit. Though the pain is starting to become harder and harder to manage. While Emery stays trapped in the hold, Peaches can be seen scaling to the top turnbuckle. She then leaps off and crashes down across Kalli with a flying body splash, breaking the hold.

Stephy Auger: What a hater! She never lets any of the Keisters have any fun!

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

Peaches picks up Kalli and whips her into the ropes. When Kalli returns, the crowd cheers when Peaches brings her down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. While Kalli arches her back in pain, Peaches heads into the corner and gets down in a three point stance.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh! You know what’s coming next!

Stephy Auger: I do! Kalli! Quick! Roll out of the ring! Don’t get up!

As Kalli struggles to get off the mat, Peaches grows more and more impatient. Once Kalli finally returns to her feet and turns around, Peaches darts over and goes for a spear. But Emery comes from out of nowhere and throws her down with a snap powerslam!

Stephy Auger: Emery just saved Kalli! How chivalrous!

Kris Cruise: I doubt that was his intention…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Kalli dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kalli picks up Emery and goes for an irish whip. But Emery reverses, sending Kalli into the ropes. When Kalli returns, Emery throws her down with a belly to belly suplex. He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Peaches breaks up the pin with a leg drop across the back of the neck.

Peaches picks up Emery and goes for an irish whip. But he reverses, sending her into the corner. Emery then runs into the corner to attack. But Peaches knocks him back with a boot to the face, hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and brings him down with a diving neckbreaker. As peaches returns to her feet, Kalli runs over to attack. But Peaches ducks and dumps Kalli over the top rope and to the floor. Back in the ring, Peaches steps out onto the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle. She then leaps off and connects with the Booty Drop (top rope seated senton) to cheers from the crowd. She reaches back and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Shit Shouts Count (Instrumental)” hits the speakers.

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

The cheers continue as Peaches gets her arm raised in the air.

Kris Cruise: Peaches picks up the win! That’s twice now that the Elysian Empire have lost in a Triple Threat Match to either a member of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad or The Keisters.

Stephy Auger: To their credit, and I hate to them give credit, but this was not a tag match. With that being said, this could be a sign of things to come, Cruise. We already seen cracks in the foundation of the Empire.

[FGA Office]

The focus switches backstage where Susan is sitting in catering, enjoying a tuna sandwich, Caesar salad, and water. Jessie Pederson walks over, Susan smiles at her.

Susan Kent: Hey Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: Can I get some comments about what happened at the last Vertigo?

Susan Kent: Okay, I guess.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, first I would like to ask you how it felt to get your first win?

Susan Kent: I felt okay, I was disappointed that it was a count out, but Dana explained to me that it’s still a win and to enjoy it, so I did.

Jessie Pederson: Next I would like to ask you about the incident in your locker room...

Susan Kent: That was a misunderstanding. But it has been resolved.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, so what about Hércules Cortez’s manager saying that Hercules will destroy everyone he faces until you agree to face him again. So do you accept Hercules Cortez’s challenge?

Susan gets up from the table and looks at her phone.

Susan Kent: ...I’m sorry Jessie, but Kendra needs to speak to me about something, so I’ll see you later.

Susan walks away and the scene fades...

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Mark Storm vs. James Edwards

The house lights go down, and the arena stays black during the garbled opening guitar rift, then, "Okay." Strobe lights move with the easy beat of the song. James appears at the top of the ramp with the hood on his ring jacket up. He takes a few moments survey everything before him. The hood goes down with the opening lyrics.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Lexington, Kentucky! Weighing in at 204 pounds! He is “The Burning Heart” JAAAAAAAMES EEEEDWAAAAARRRRDSSSSS!!!

Moving with the meandering pace of the music, his eyes never leave the ring. He laps the squared circle, slides under the bottom ropes, and bows martial arts style to all four corners before settling into his own.

Short Change Hero by The Heavy begins to play through the speakers and the lights in the arena simultaneously dim down. Smoke begins to rise from the top of the stage and appearing on the screen above are the following words;

YOUR HERO, AND MINE

A massive pop ensues as emerging from the back is the self proclaimed "Prince of CHAOS", Mark Storm; who keeps himself composed as he stands at the top of the entrance ramp. He can't help but allow his sadistic signature smirk to appear upon his lips as he closes his eyes and spreads his arms out wide, soaking in the energy that the audience are giving him as they applaud and cheer.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from New York, Brooklyn! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is “Your Hero and Mine” MAAAAAARK STOOOOOORRRRM!!!

He begins his walk down the entrance ramp, with a leather coat completing his attire as he comes down the entrance ramp.

This ain't no place for no hero.

This ain't no place for no better man.

This ain't no place for no hero

To call "home."

At this point, Storm is by the edge of the ring; allowing a smile to embed on his face before he jumps onto the apron and holds onto the ropes, using them to help himself up onto the turnbuckle. He's grinning from ear to ear, soaking in the rest of the cheers coming from the audience, shaking his head sideways as he lowers it, before jumping into the ring.

Taking off his leather coat, he hands it to the ring announcer before walking over to his designated corner and hoisting himself up onto the second ropes, a smirk upon his lips as he holds his arms up; his theme song slowly diminishing.

Kris Cruise: This is a match that I know many of our fans have been waiting to see. Both of these men have been well traveled over the last two months. You could seemingly find one of these two men anywhere. But their paths haven’t crossed until tonight. I think that this is the type of contest that both of these men have been waiting for.

The bell sounds as both men make their way to the center of the ring. After having a few friendly words with each other, they shake hands, which gets cheers and applause from the crowd. Both grapplers then begin to circle the ring. After sizing each other up, they head forward and lock up. After jockeying for position, Edwards moves Storm across the ring and presses him against the ropes. The ref then gives Edwards until a count of five to step back.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Edwards make a clean break and steps back towards the center of the ring. After Storm makes his way off the ropes, the two grapplers circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Storm moves Edwards across the ring and presses him against the ropes. The ref then heads over and gives Storm until the count of five to step back.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Storm makes a clean break and steps back towards the center of the ring. After Edwards makes his way off the ropes, the two grapplers circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Storm places Edwards in a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock. Edwards then reaches down with his free arm, grabs Storm’s left leg and yanks it out from underneath him. When Edwards towards around, Storm uses his free leg to push Edwards down to the canvas. After both grapplers return to their feet, Edwards slaps on a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock of his own. After trying to maneuver his way out, Storm leans forward before reversing into a hammerlock of his own. Edwards then reaches back, grabs Storm and brings him down with a jumping snapmare before running into the ropes. When Edwards returns, he throws out The Violent Gospel (Running PK). But Storm wisely rolls out of the way.

Kris Cruise: Storm nearly got his head kicked off his shoulders there.

Stephy Auger: He’s lucky he got out of the way when he did.

Once Storm gets back to his feet, both grapplers circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Storm ducks under, goes behind Edwards and applies a waistlock. Edwards then reaches down, slowly pries Storm’s arms from around his waist and quickly reverses into an arm wrench. The ref asks Storm if he wants to give up. When he refuses, Edwards wrenches his arm again. After momentarily blocking out the pain, Storm rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of his own. Edwards then uses his free hand to grab Storm and move him across the ring and against the ropes. The ref then gives both men until a count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

After both men make a clean break, Edwards quickly grabs Storm and whips him into the far ropes. When Storm returns, he slides through Edwards legs. When Edwards turns around, Storm goes for a step-up enzuigiri. But Edwards ducks. He then quickly reaches down, deadlifts Storm off the mat and goes for a release German Suplex. But Storm ends up landing on his feet, which gets a roar of cheers from the crowd. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Storm returns, Edwards connects with a lariat, which leaves Storm in the air for two seconds before landing on the mat. He goes over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Kris Cruise: What a hard lariat that was from The Burning Heart.

Stephy Auger: I thought I just saw Storm’s soul leave his body.

Edwards picks up Storm, moves him into the corner and delivers a blistering knife edge chop that causes Storm to guard his chest. After Edwards moves Storm’s arms from out of the way, he delivers another devastating chop that echoes through the arena. Storm clutches his chest while he leans forward. But Edwards isn’t done. He stands Storm back up, hooks his arms around the top rope and delivers a malicious knife edge chop that sounds like a gun just went off. He then takes Storm and whips him into the opposite corner. Edwards runs across the ring, but Storm counters with a back elbow to the face. He then quickly turns around, springboards onto the middle ropes, backflips off and catches Edwards on the way down with a sitout inverted DDT. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Edwards kicks out.

Storm gets back to his feet and kicks Edwards under the bottom rope and to the outside. While Edwards pulls himself up using the edge of the apron, Storm takes off into the far ropes. When Storm returns, Edwards slides back in and goes to take his head off with a lariat. But Storm ducks and runs into the ropes. When Edwards turns around, the crowd cheers when Storm flattens him with a discus clothesline. He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: How about that clothesline from Storm!?

Stephy Auger: It’s like they’re trying to one-up each other, Cruise. “Anything you can do, I can do better.”


Storm picks up Edwards, moves him into the corner and nails him with a flurry of shoot kicks to the chest. After taking Edwards and whipping him into the opposite corner, Storm charges across the ring to attack. But instead of Storm connecting, Edwards ducks and dumps him over the top rope. Luckily for Storm, he lands safely on the apron instead of crashing to the floor. When Edwards turns around and does a double take, Storm springboards onto the top rope and flies over to attack. But Edwards superkicks him out of the air, sending spittle flying out of his mouth. He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Edwards just knocked the taste out of Storm’s mouth with that superkick!

Stephy Auger: You sure it wasn’t teeth!?

Edwards picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Edwards sets up for a back body drop. So Storm kicks him in the shoulder before turning back around and running into the ropes. When Storm returns, the crowd cheers when Edwards throws him down with a snap powerslam. He hooks the leg.

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

Edwards picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Edwards doubles him over with a kick to the midsection before throwing him down with a butterfly suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Edwards picks up Storm and whips him hard into the corner. After crashing sternum-first into the turnbuckles, Storm stumbles back over towards Edwards, who lifts him up for a belly to back suplex. But Storm rolls over his shoulder, lands on his feet and counters with a dropkick, sending Edwards through the ropes and to the floor. While Edwards picks himself up on the outside, Storm takes off into the ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers when he hurls himself over the top rope and knocks Edwards down with a somersault dive!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Storm as he flattens Edwards with a dive to the outside! This crowd is electric, Stephy!

Storm picks up Edwards and rolls him back inside. He then rolls himself back in before making the cover.

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

Storm picks up Edwards and whips him into the ropes. When Edwards returns, Storm doubles him over with a boot to the midsection. He then delivers a double underhook suplex floated over into a cross armbar.

Kris Cruise: Storm’s got him in the armbar!

Stephy Auger: It’s not fully applied, though!

Edwards immediately locks his hands together, preventing Storm from leaning back and hyperextending his arm. After Storm takes several swipes at Edwards’ locked hands, he leans back. The crowd cheers while Edwards can be heard groaning in pain.

Kris Cruise: He’s got it fully locked in now!

The ref asks Edwards if he wants to give up. But Edwards refuses. He then begins to slowly scoot himself towards the side of the ring. He then reaches out with his left foot and puts it underneath the bottom rope, which forces the ref to start a five count.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… Storm breaks the hold.

Storm picks up Edwards and goes for an irish whip. But Edwards reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Edwards throws out a back elbow to the face. But Storm ducks and runs into the ropes. When Storm returns, Edwards throws out a lariat. But again, Storm ducks and runs into the ropes. When Storm returns, Storm brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors into a crossface.

Kris Cruise: Storm’s got him in another submission!


Storm pulls back on the hold while Edwards is heard groaning in pain. The ref asks Edwards if he wants to give up. When Edwards returns, Storm begins yanking away on the head and neck.

Stephy Auger: I think he’s gonna give up, Cruise!

The ref asks Edwards if he wants to give up. But again, The Burning Heart refuses to quit. He then begins to slowly pull himself towards the ropes. He reaches out, but he’s not quick there. Storm then begins yanking away on the head and neck again.

Kris Cruise: Storm is fighting hard for that submission! But Edwards is trying his best to block out the pain and each to the ropes!

The ref asks Edwards if he wants to give up. But once again, he refuses. Edwards begins to fight through the pain as he pulls himself towards the side of the ring. He reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope, resulting in cheers from the crowd. The ref then gives Storm until a count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FO-

Storm breaks the hold. He then brings Edwards back to his feet, leans him against the ropes and delivers a series of chops of his own. Storm then takes Edwards by the wrist and whips him into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, Storm goes for a rolling thunder hurricanrana. But as soon as Storm lands on Edwards’ shoulders, Edwards throws him down with a folding powerbomb.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out, but Edwards uses the momentum to turn him over into a single leg crab.

Kris Cruise: Look at that follow up from Edwards! He was right on top of it!

The crowd cheers while Edwards has Storm locked in the submission. The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. When Storm refuses, Edwards pulls back on the leg.

Kris Cruise: Now it’s Storm’s turn to be on the wrong end of a submission!

Storm covers his head with his hands while he groans in pain. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But again, Storm refuses. He then begins to slowly pull himself towards the side of the ring. But Edwards stands up, drags Storm back to the center of the ring and squats back down.

Stephy Auger: Edwards has Storm right where he wants him!

Storm reaches out, but he’s nowhere near the ropes. He pulls on his hair while he lays helpless in the center of the ring. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. Storm shakes his head from side to side, refusing to quit.

Storm tries to fight through the pain as he slowly pulls himself towards the ropes. Storm strains as he continue to scratch and claw his way towards the side of the ring. Edwards can be seen shaking his head in disbelief while he keeps the single leg locked on tight. Storm then reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope, resulting in cheers. The ref then gives Edwards until a count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FO-

Edwards breaks the hold. He then picks up Storm and goes for an irish whip. But Storm reverses, sending Edwards into the ropes. When Edwards returns, he throws Storm down with a running STO. While Storm is sprawled out on the mat, Edwards steps through the ropes and scales to the top turnbuckle. He then leaps off and goes for a diving headbutt. But Storm rolls out of the way, causing Edwards to crash face-first onto the canvas. After bouncing off the canvas, The Burning Heart covers his face with his hands.

Kris Cruise: Nobody was home on that one!

As Edwards slowly picks himself up off the mat, Storm takes off into the ropes. When Storm returns, he blasts Edwards with a running bicycle knee that stuns Edwards. After The Burning Heart drops down to a knee, Storms turns and runs right back into the ropes. When Storm returns, he flattens Edwards with another running bicycle knee. He makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: World’s End! That has to be it, Stephy!

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

The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Apparently not!

Storm picks up Edwards and nails him with two open hand slaps, followed by a shoot kick to the leg, followed by a spinning backfist. Storm goes to cap off The Impending Storm flurry of strikes with a discus clothesline. But Edwards ducks and counters with a sambo suplex. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Storm and scoops him up across his shoulder before delivering a sitout fireman’s carry gourdbuster. He turns Storm over and makes the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Storm and goes for an irish whip. But Storm reverses, sending Edwards into the ropes. When Edwards returns, he knocks Storm down with the Poleshift (rebound rolling wheel kick). He makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Third straight nearfall for The Burning Heart! This has to be killing him, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: He was less than a half second away from a win! Tough break for him!

Edwards picks up Storm and nails him with a spinning backfist. He then goes to nail Storm with a second spinning backfist to complete the Double Tap. But Storm ducks and counters with a German Suplex. But instead of letting go, Storm keeps his arms wrapped around Edwards’ waist. He then rolls over, pulls Edwards back up and delivers a second German Suplex. Storm rolls over, pulls Edwards up and delivers a third German Suplex. He rolls over, pulls up Edwards and delivers a fourth German Suplex. Storm rolls over, pulls him up and delivers a fifth German Suplex. He rolls over, pulls Edwards up and delivers a sixth German Suplex. The cheers continue as Storm rolls over, pulls him up and delivers a seventh german Suplex. He rolls over, pulls Edwards up and delivers an eighth German Suplex. Storms rolls over, pulls him up and delivers a ninth German Suplex Suplex. He then rolls over, pulls up Edwards and goes for a tenth German, but he’s too exhausted. While Storm keeps his arms wrapped around Edwards’ waist, Edwards nails him with repeated elbows to the face. Once the hold is broken, Edwards performs a standing switch and follows up with the Halfcut (release half nelson suplex). The cheers continue as he pushes Storm over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How much closer can you get?

Storm picks up Edwards and goes for an irish whip. But Edwards reverses, sending Storm towards the ropes. But instead of bouncing into the ropes, Storm springboards onto the middle ropes and dives back for the Storm Search (springboard cutter). But Edwards grabs him in mid air and goes for a German Suplex. But once again, Storm somehow lands on his feet! While Storm tries to find his footing, Edwards quickly gets up and runs over at Storm. But Storm counters the charge with a tilt-a-whirl Tombstone Piledriver. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Yet another close call! What do these two have to do to put each other away?

Stephy Auger: At this point, I don’t know!

Edwards picks up Storm and whips him hard sternum-first into the turnbuckles. As Storm stumbles back, the crowd cheers when Edwards grabs him and throws him down with the Halfcut Kai (release reverse exploder suplex). He then pulls Storm over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Storm and goes for a short-arm clothesline. But Storm ducks under, grabs Edwards from behind and throws him down with a release inverted exploder suplex of his own. The cheers continue as he pushes Edwards over and makes the cover.

ONE
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Storm with another big move! But it’s still not enough!

Storm picks up Edwards and lifts him up across his shoulders for Dystopia (GTS). Storm shoves him off his shoulders and goes to knee him in the face. But Edwards catches his leg on the way down. After swinging Storm’s leg away from him, Edwards grabs him from behind and goes for the Second Gospel (Rainmaker Bicycle High Knee). But Storm also throws out a bicycle high knee of his own.

*CRACK!!!

After both grapplers connect with knees to the face, they crumble to the canvas. The ref checks on both grapplers before starting his count.

ONE!





TWO!





THREE!





FOUR!





FIVE!





SIX!





SEVEN!





EIGHT!





NINE!





TEN!

The bell sounds as the crowd boos. The ref then goes over and checks on both men. Once Storm and Edwards begin to shake out the cobwebs, the ref heads to the outside and gives Aldridge his ruling.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the ref has informed me that since neither man was able to answer the ten count, this match has been ruled a DRAW!

The crowd boos the decision. But the boos slowly turn to cheers and applause as Edwards and Storm slowly make their way to their feet. They stagger over towards each other before embracing with a handshake. More cheers and applause can be heard after seeing this sign of respect from both men.

Kris Cruise: What a match we just saw right here. Both Mark Storm and James Edwards left it all in the center of the ring. You couldn’t ask for much more than that.

Stephy Auger: Yes I could. A winner!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to the inside of a locker room. The shot pans around until it settles on a seated Molly Reid who’s slowly taping her hands up, clearly preparing for her match later on. She’s wearing her wrestling gear, including a yellow bandana wrapped around her buzzed-hair’d head. As she continues taping, there’s a knock at the door.

Molly Reid: Come in!

The door to Molly’s locker room swings open and in walks Molly’s partner for the match later on, the one and only Heather Lasiewicz.

Molly Reid: Heather!

Heather Lasiewicz: Molly!

Molly smiles as she sees her and jumps to her feet quickly, wrapping Heather in a big hug for a few moments before sitting back down in her chair as Heather stands beside her. Molly grins as she looks up at her again.

Molly Reid: Feeling ready for tonight?

Heather Lasiewicz: I’m more hyped than a horny dog meeting a bitch in heat… Wait…

Heather turns towards the camera man with a questioning look. He shrugs.

Heather Lasiewicz: Well, if that wasn’t appropriate, I’ll hear about it later. Either way, the point is, I’m ready to kick some serious ass!

Heather holds up her hand for the high-five, which Molly is happy to deliver on.

Molly Reid: Certainly something to imagine. But same here. And we’ve got six different asses to kick! Although I like Bond so maybe I’ll let you take him. Regardless, nobody in that ring with us can match our skills, let alone the two of us teamed up together. They’re going to find out real quick just how outmatched they are against us.

Heather grins and rubs a hand over her chin for a moment. She seems to be lost in thought. Molly watches this for a moment before clearing her throat. This breaks Heather out of her reverie and she looks down at Molly with a smile.

Heather Lasiewicz: It must be hard for you to find worthy opponents around here these days, isn’t it? You’ve pretty much beaten everyone there is to beat in this place, haven’t you?

Molly sighs and looks around the room for a moment before looking back at Heather with a smile.

Molly Reid: Well maybe not eeeeveryone. But I’ve beaten my fair share. Plus with All Star Showdown coming up, I feel like I’ve earned myself a big match you know? After all that I’ve done since I came to FGA. Winning the Pride Championship, defending it for over six months. Newcomer of the Year. I’ve put everything I had into FGA and I think I’ve done enough to warrant a big match against a top-notch opponent. So far I haven’t had much luck finding one though.

At this, Heather gives a sideways glance towards Molly. Luckily for her, Molly is looking away when her eyes flash bright violet for a moment. They return to her normal color just as Molly looks back her way. Heather’s lips spread into a teasing grin and she shrugs casually.

Heather Lasiewicz: Well, you know… I don’t really have anything going on that night myself, as of yet…

Her grins gets wider as Molly looks at her blankly for a moment before the lightbulb goes off in her mind. She laughs wickedly when Molly leaps out of the chair and holds her hands out in front of Heather.

Molly Reid: Is that a challenge Heather Lasiewicz?!

Molly grins widely as she stares at Heather and slowly makes a fist with her hands and mockingly holds them up in front of her face. Heather giggles and swats at Molly's fists playfully.

Heather Lasiewicz: What say you, Mollyanna Reid? You, me, one ring at the biggest show of the year… which happens to have an acronym that makes me giggle like a teenage boy?

Molly laughs at the thought of it as well before clasping her hands together and batting her eyelashes playfully.

Molly Reid: Oh Heather, you’ve just made me the happiest girl in FGA. A thousand times yes!

Heather seals the deal by grabbing Molly's hands and spinning her around the room. She then tugs Molly towards the door and opens it for her.

Heather Lasiewicz: Well then, happy girl! Let's take this happy and use it to kick all the ass!

Heather bows playfully and gestures for Molly to exit first. Molly does so, laughing gleefully. Heather gazes after her, the camera catching her eyes flash violet once more before she slams the door.

[FGA Office]

Blake Rogers vs. Lowri Moss

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

The venue quiets down and soon buzzes with the fans' chatter amongst themselves before there's some action on top of the entrance ramp. Blake Rogers walks out with his hands on his hips. The crowd begins to mostly boo him as he looks around at them and walks down to the ring, cracking his knuckles and rolling his wrists a bit as he does so. He slides into the ring and walks over to his corner, where he beckons the referee over and makes them check his pads and boots for any hidden objects.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, in the ring, from Niskayuna, New York, weighing in at two hundred and seventeen pounds, he is “The Minimalist” BLAAAKE ROGERS!

Kris Cruise: The Minimalist has had a hell of a time finding his footing in the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship division.

Stephy Auger: Because he can’t take a breath without Julian Tijerina sucking it up, getting in everything that IS the man Blake Rogers! Let the man get in his headspace, Cruise, you judgmental jerk!

"Whirring" by The Joy Formidable plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, through the curtains - and out onto the stage - walks Lowri Moss, who is greeted by a cheer. Lowri takes a moment to scan the crowd, before making her way towards the ring, and as she does so, she slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to her.

J.A. Aldridge: And introducing his opponent, hailing from Llanelli, Wales, on her way to the ring, LOOWWRRIII MOOSSSS!

After arriving at ringside, Lowri climbs the steps up onto the ring apron, and then steps through the ropes, before heading for one of the corners and climbing to the second rope. There are further cheers and more applause for Lowri from the fans, and she soaks in the reaction for several seconds, as she again surveys the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Tonight, we should see a fantastic wrestling match between two of the seven competitors in the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Ladder match at the All-Star Showdown--

Stephy Auger: WHICH IS AN UNFAIR MATCH! AMIRA is obviously being forced into it because of her beliefs.

Kris Cruise: Or because she blatantly interfered in a six-person tag match in an attempt to rid herself of all her competition?

Stephy Auger: Literally nobody asked you.

Kris Cruise: And this match is underway!

The bell sounds and Blake Rogers wastes no time moving toward his opponent in the readied position, reaching out for her limbs to feel her out for a takedown. Lowri backs away from Rogers, hitting quick strikes to his thighs and legs, but he quickly moves forward with a rough wrenching headlock, taking Lowri to the mat with a side headlock takedown. He rolls her through, all the way back to her feet and repositions her, nailing a hard Snap Suplex! Lowri groans, pulling herself back to her feet, but Rogers grabs her in a rough Side Headlock and takes her down again, a small smirk crossing his face.

Stephy Auger: And this is what I’ve grown to like about Rogers, Cruise. He’s wasting no time establishing dominance, showing Lowri Moss exactly who he is!

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss does give up a lot of size and experience here so it may take her a moment to adapt to this threat. And now “the Minimalist” is pulling Moss back to her feet in that side headlock. He might be looking to transition this into a Neckbreaker… aaaaaand…

Lowri Moss counters into a Backslide Pin to a roar from the audience!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THRE-!

Kris Cruise: She got him--no! Blake Rogers is out and up!

Rogers rolls to his feet in shock. As Lowri reaches a knee, Rogers delivers a hard Dropkick that sends a shot echoing throughout the arena! Boos resonate throughout the audience and Rogers pushes Lowri over for a pin!

ONE
.
.
.
.
Kickout!

Lowri throws the shoulder up, emphatically, but Rogers applies a Side Headlock once again to resounding boos from Arizona. He shakes his head at the audience… but begins to drive Lowri’s head against the canvas with every few seconds. The referee gives Rogers an agitated look, but can do little else but ask Lowri if she wants to quit. Lowri grunts, pushing herself onto her knees… and Rogers transitions her into a Crucifix Pin!

ONE
.
.
.
.
Kickout!

Lowri pushes herself to her feet, but Rogers scrambles to his as well and nails a DDT before his opponent can fully reach her feet!

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Blake seems to have all the answers tonight, doesn’t he?

Stephy Auger: Obviously not, damnit, or he would’ve already had this broad put away! What must AMIRA be thinking right now?!

Kris Cruise: …

Boos resonate throughout the arena as Rogers casts a glance in each direction of the Tucson Convention Center. He grows visibly annoyed with the audience and turns, picking Moss up by the hair. Rogers hits an Irish Whip off the ropes and bends down for a Back Body Drop-- but Moss counters with a Jawbreaker! Rogers staggers back and Moss runs forward, hitting a step-up Enzuigiri, sending “The Minimalist” through the ropes and to the floor below!


Kris Cruise: And Moss has Rogers rocked here!

Rogers slaps his hands against the mat in frustration before climbing back onto the apron… and Moss nails a Dropsault! She land on a knee in a readied stance as Rogers fall the apron, trying to catch himself but stumbling back into the barricade! Rogers’ cheeks grow red. As the ref begins his count, Rogers slides back into the ring and immediately goes swings at Moss but she ducks down, capturing him with a Schoolboy!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
KICKOUT!

Kris Cruise: The ref was in perfect position there, but no dice for Lowri Moss.

Again, Rogers is right back up to his feet. Moss scrambles up again and rushes Rogers-- but she’s caught with a loud desperation forearm with a shot that echoes throughout the venue! Moss goes stiff on her feet and Ross yanks her into a front facelock, lifting her up-- and dropping her down with a Snap Brainbuster to a groan from the crowd! Rogers forces her into a cover, hooking the near leg!

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

Stephy Auger: Haha, he just took all the light out with that one. Lowri Moss didn’t kick out-- she must have twitched or something.

Kris Cruise: It was a damning impact. And Rogers continues his assault on Lowri’s head and neck area.

As Lowri Moss sits upright, she’s caught in another headlock this time from the rear. Rogers leans forward, putting all of his weight on the base of Moss’ neck. She groans, but reaches out for the ropes which are only inches away. Rogers wrenches on the headlock! This prompts the audience to begin a rhythmic clap to will Lowri back into the match. She places her palms on the mat and plants her feet, trying to pull herself up…

...but Rogers does it for her, hoisting her upright and delivering a hard German Suplex! He locks his arms and rolls through, following up with a second German Suplex to a loud groan from the audience! Rogers wipes sweat out of his eyes, looking out into the audience to a chorus of boos. Shaking his head, Rogers clearly mutters “this is over.” He bends down, hoisting Lowri Moss up in the rear waistlock-- but she smashes a back elbow into his nose! Rogers throws his hands up to his face instinctively and Moss twists around to his back, applying her own rear waistlock.

Stephy Auger: No way…

Moss leans back and delivers a release German Suplex to her larger opponent to a pop from the Tucson audience!

Kris Cruise: She got it!

Blake Rogers reaches his knees as Moss rushes the ropes. She rebound off of them and rushes at full speed into Rogers, nailing a Shining Wizard to an even louder pop from Tucson! Rogers rolls through the move, forced back to his knees from sheer impact! Holding her head, Moss shoots the ropes past him and rebounds off of the second set for even more momentum, but as she returns for the second Shining Wizard, Rogers hops to his feet, catching Moss with a rolling Spinebuster!

Stephy Auger: Rogers is determined to either break Lowri in half or give her a concussion, Cruise. He might be clearing out the competition early!

Kris Cruise: It certainly seems that way. But he can’t capitalize!

We see that blood is trickling from Rogers’ nose. He looks over toward Moss, who rolls onto her stomach, clutching at her head. Rogers backs into the corner, pulling himself to his feet. He rushes at her and goes to apply the Crossface Clutch, but Lowri Moss squirms, turning her head in every which direction to avoid it! Rogers clubs her in the back of the head with hard forearms.

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

After the fourth shot, Rogers goes to lock in the Crossface Clutch again, but Moss continues to fight it! Rogers’ eyes grow wide with rage and he finally pushes himself up. He looks into the camera for a moment, the frustration evident on his face. He turns toward Lowri and makes a familiar finger gun gesture.

Kris Cruise: And that-- THAT is a direct message to Julian Tijerina.

Rogers glares into the camera again before yanking Lowri Moss up by the hair. Ignoring the ref’s warning, Rogers throws Moss against the ropes by her hair. She clutches onto them instead of rebounding. Murmuring beneath his breath, Rogers strides toward her-- walking right into a Superkick! His face seems to change to one of shock as he collapses to the mat. The audience roars, coming to their feet!

Kris Cruise: Breuddwydion Melus! Out of nowhere!

Stephy Auger: WHAT?!

Lowri stumbles forward, dropping across Rogers for the cover, clutching the near leg!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THREE!

The bell sounds and “Whirring” hits the PA system! Lowri Moss wastes no time rolling out of the ring as Blake Rogers sits upright, wiping the blood from his nose, still shocked-- or confused-- about what happened. The ref slides out of the ring, rising Lowri’s arm.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner… LOOWWRRIIII MOOOSSSSSSSSS!

Moss makes her way up the ramp. Rogers rolls out to the apron, arguing with the ref!

Kris Cruise: He did this to himself. Perhaps if he had been less concerned with Tijerina, who wasn’t even out here--

Stephy Auger: Shut up, Cruise. This is a travesty! Wait until Rogers gets his hands on a ladder, damnit! Just wait!

We fade to black on the scowl of the bloodied Blake Rogers.

[FGA Office]

Our cameras fade into the backstage area. To a mixed reaction from the Tucson audience, Sadie San Francisco is visible in the Camp Envi dressing room. Dressed in her wrestling gear, she walks back and forth in the room in silence, gaze down toward her phone screen before the door can be heard creaking open. Sadie looks up, a look of relief evident for a just a moment.

Sadie San Francisco: About time…

The camera pans out as the room’s newest entrant shuts the door behind herself… and boos resonate unanimously as NEON appears on-screen. She’s already in gear, but she doesn’t bother looking at Sadie when she walks into the room. Sadie eventually sighs, shrugging her shoulders.

Sadie San Francisco: What? We’re not talking?

NEON just raises an eyebrow, still not looking at her.

Sadie San Francisco: You… are seriously… still blaming me for Dom Harter and Flashpoint.

A scoff. Sadie rolls her eyes, shaking her head.

Sadie San Francisco: I did what you told me to do. I can’t make you win. I mean… you said you had it.

NEON nods a little at the statement. She looks toward Sadie and exhales deeply.

NEON: Sadie…

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah.

SLAP!

The strike is loud and sudden. A deafening ”OOOOOHHH!” surges throughout the audience. Sadie’s head turns to the right in the direction of the slap. She doesn’t turn to immediately look back at NEON, nor does she raise a hand toward the rapidly-reddening spot on her cheek. NEON leans forward, mere inches away from Sadie.

NEON: ...this isn’t a game you can win. I didn’t sign a contract with FGA to be cute with you. I didn’t come here to be a character in Dom Harter’s show or AMIRA’s or…

NEON narrows her eyes at Sadie. She reaches out, using her index finger to turn Sadie’s face back toward her. Sadie glares into NEON’s eyes, earning a grin from her tag team partner.

NEON: ...or anyone’s but my own. Do you understand what I’m saying, Sadie? Because I’ve been a little misleading. I’ve been letting you think that this whole deal between us was a partnership, and I’ve been lenient, and I’ve been patient, and I know that Evan has this weird attachment to you and he couldn’t cut you loose. But I could. So fast.

NEON snaps her fingers to give an indication.

NEON: But I can’t. It’s not my call to make. Not yet. So like a goddamn war hero, I soldier on here, Sadie San Francisco. I soldier on. In spite of you.

Sadie doesn’t reply, but she never looks away from NEON. NEON nods a little, as if satisfied with the lack of response.

NEON: I know you had a lot of “funnnyyyyy, witttyyyyy” stuff to say about me to Molly, but they’re exactly the ones I want to beat. Her, and Heather, who everyone’s making such a huge fuss about like she’s the Second Coming. Please. I want to hurt them tonight. I want everyone in that Mid-Atlantic Legacy La…

NEON cringes a bit, struggling to even get the word out, clearly repulsed by the match stipulation.

NEON: ...Ladder match to know that we’re not to be crossed. At least, that’s my goal during this tag match. It might be too late for you though. No?

Sadie San Francisco: You--

NEON: NO. DON’T YOU DARE.

NEON cuts Sadie off before the clearly-annoyed Sadie can respond. She places a hand over Sadie’s mouth, which Sadie roughly slaps away. NEON throws her head back in laughter and takes a step back.

NEON: Save that for them. Save that.

Still laughing, NEON finally exits the room, leaving the door open in her exit. Sadie glares after her, taking slow, deep breaths as the camera fades to black.

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

The cameras cut to the backstage area where they’re following Stunray wearing jeans and a black tee. He looks to still be in an angry mood following his loss at Flashpoint caused by video footage of his former girlfriend Delta Madison being played on the video screen. As he rounds a corner, he sees who he is looking for; Amiee Vaughan-Widdel. He doesn’t hesitate. He walks straight up to her and puts his nose straight to hers, looking down at her with scorn. She shoves him backwards.

Amiee Vaughan Widdel: Get the hell away from me you bastard!

Stunray puts his finger in her face.

Stunray: I know it was you! I know what you’re up to! Leave me the hell alone!

Amiee Vaughan Widdel: And guess what I know!? I know you’re only here for Delta. I know you don’t care about wrestling anymore. I know you don’t care about Daniel or the fans. You walk around here and act like you’re a new person. I know better. I know the real Stunray. You can’t fool me, you haven’t changed a bit!

Stunray stares into her eyes, never breaking the line of sight. He was used to his temperament intimidating others, but Amiee was different. Amiee had dealt with him before and she knew better than to let him have a win like that. Stunray breathes out deeply and tries to decide how to move forward - but the decision is made for him by the timely arrival of Daniel Widdel. He quickly shoves his way between them and puts his back to Amiee.

Daniel Widdel: What the hell are you doing? I told you to stay away from her!

Stunray repeatedly points his finger towards her again with anger. If lightning bolts could shoot from his hands, Amiee would have been electrocuted.

Stunray: Your wife is ruining everything. You saw what happened at Flashpoint!

Daniel begins to get angry. He defends his wife.

Daniel Widdel: You back off, now! We weren’t even at the arena for Flashpoint. Get your facts straight before you set off on your little witch hunt. We’re booked for a match at the end of June, but if you want me to kick your ass right now, I will!

Daniel steps up to Stunray, face to face. The few second long staredown seems to take hours. It takes everything in the world for Stunray to back away, but he does. He yells out in anger loudly before turning and walking away. Daniel turns back to Amiee to make sure she’s alright.

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match
Molly Reid & Heather Lasiewicz vs. Camp Envi (Sadie San Francisco & NEON)
vs. Bristow & Barnes vs. Chris Bond & Luke Jackson

Luke comes out with a huge smile on his face basking in the glory of wrestling. He has a black wife beater on and backwards Oakland As' cap on. He slaps the hands of fans on his way down to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following Fatal 4-Way is scheduled for one fall! Introducing team number one. First, from Oakland, California! Weighing in at 195 pounds! He is “The Kid” LUUUUKE JAAACKSONNNN!!!

"If you take a life, do you know what you'll give...
Odds are, you won't like what it is...
When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me...
By the merciless eyes I've deceived...
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights...
But you yourself are nothing so divine...
Just next in line..."

The house lights dim in the smaller facility, and multi-colored lights soon flicker throughout the filled-to-the-brim center. The crowd jumps to it's feet, blowing the roof off from the much smaller arena as Chris Bond makes his way out from behind the curtains. As he emerges from behind the curtain, there is a small burst of excitement from the crowd. With a spotlight lighting his way, Bond makes his way down the aisle and towards the ring, even slapping a few hands on the way down.

J.A. Aldridge: And his partner, currently residing out of Greensboro, North Carolina! Weighing in at 242 pounds! He is “The Battle-Hardened Veteran” CHRIIIIIS BOOOOOND!!!

Soon enough he jogs up the stairs, and walks along the ring apron before wiping his feet. Chris Bond steps over the second rope and into the ring. The self-proclaimed legend of the wrestling world walks to the center of the ring and stands there for a moment, as flashes go off throughout the waves of fans. He circles the ring, arms outstretched, as the fans cheer loudly once again. Bond enjoys this, as his trademark smirk re-emerges on his face. Heading to his corner, Bond does a few stretches as he waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: We’re about to get underway here with this Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match. It’s first fall to a finish. Not only can you tag out to anyone in the match, but scramble rules are also in play. This one could easily get out of hand.

Stephy Auger: There’s a lot of moving parts in the match, Cruise. There’s a bunch of different angles you can look at this match from.

“Lik Down" hits and the bass echoes around the arena fusing with a sea of boos from the audience. NEON glides with decorum laced arrogance acknowledging the crowd around her with glacial eyes and a sinister smile. She raises both her arms so they hang level with her shoulders and the white lights begin to flicker heavily as she lingers for a brief moment.

Kris Cruise: And I’m not entirely sure how well this team can be expected to--

Stephy Auger: Oh my-- do you ever stop with the doubt? Why do you have such little faith in Camp Envi?!

The lights suspend again and NEON makes her way down the ramp, painted with the same expression she arrived into the arena with, fixating her gaze solely on the ring, remaining ignorant to the fans around her that send floods of jeers her way. She takes her hoop earrings off as she is walking down and throws them to the floor casually.

Kris Cruise: I dunno, Stephy. Maybe on this particular night it has something to do with a certain someone that NEON slapped across the face a few minutes ago.

Stephy Auger: Discipline, Cruise.

NEON runs towards the closest set of steel steps, peeling her mink off of her before motioning to the camera to come closer as she travels the apron-- but her music is abruptly interrupted. The lights in the arena fade to a rose color as the familiar sound of smooth jazz echoes throughout the building. “Young Nation” hits the PA system to a loud initial pop from the crowd, followed by a clearly divided reaction. NEON slowly glares toward the ramp.

Stephy Auger: Of course this ingrate has fans in Tucson. Of course.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents! First, from Camp Envi, “The Pope” SAAAADIE SAAAAN FRAAAANCIIIISSSSCOOOOO and “The Queen of Mean” NEEEEEEOOOOONNNN!!!

Sadie San Francisco steps out onto the stage, a cold expression hidden behind heavily-tinted aviators. She walks down the ramp, paying little attention to both the cheers and jeers on either side of her. She strides toward the ring and pauses in front of it, glancing up at the ropes before calmly walking around toward the side which the hard-camera faces… directly in front of NEON, who fixes a hard glare on Sadie. Sadie pulls off her aviators, tossing them into the audience to a pop from those nearest to her. She glances at NEON from the corner of her eye before swiftly pulling herself into the ring beneath the bottom rope and right back up to her feet. NEON turns, getting nose-to-nose with Sadie immediately to an ”OOOOOOHHH…” from the crowd. Sadie narrows her eyes at NEON, allowing herself to be backed into their team corner as her music fades. The two talk to each other, but in voices too low to be overheard by the cameras.

Kris Cruise: So, are you still trying to tell me there aren’t any problems in Camp Envi?

Stephy Auger: … just shut up, already!

“Run This Town” by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Rihanna starts to play. Strobes begin surveying the building as darkness has taken over the arena.

Feel it comin' in the air
And the screams from everywhere
I'm addicted to the thrill
It's a dangerous love affair
Can't be scared when it goes down
Got a problem, tell me now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gonna run this town tonight
Is who's gonna run this town tonight
We gonna run this town

Bright lights shine on the entranceway nearly drowning the entire scene in white as Tully Barnes and Nate Bristow emerge from the backstage area. The two tag partners stand at the top of the entranceway with smug smirks on their faces and their eyes focused on the ring in front of them. The lights quickly dim again and the arena is filled with green and yellow laser lights as Bristow & Barnes start toward the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents! Representing Thy Kingdom Come! Weighing in at at a total combined weight of 495 pounds! They are “The Harbingers of the Apocalypse” NATE BRISTOW and TULLY BARNES!!!

We are, yeah I said it, we are,
This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
Get ya'll black tees on, all black everything
Black cards, black cars, all black everything
And our girls are blackbirds, ridin' with they Dillingers
I'd get more in depth, if you boys really real enough
This is la familia, I'll explain later
But for now let me get back to this paper, I'm a couple bands down
And I'm tryin' to get back
I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
Yeah I'm talkin' five comma's, six zeros, dot zeroes here it go,
Back to runnin' circles 'round n*ggas, now we squared up, hold up

As Bristow & Barnes reach the ring, they turn toward one another and hit their forearms together. They head for opposite sides of the ring, leaping up to the apron and propping themselves up on one knee. They stare out into the crowd as they pop up to both feet with their backs against the ropes and their arms outstretched.

Life's a game but it's not fair
I break the rules so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thing
Walkin' tall against the rain
Victory's within the mile,
Almost there, don't give up now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gon' run this town tonight
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heyy
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heyy,
Is who’s gon' run this town tonight?

Now inside the ring, they cross paths and perch up on the ropes on the opposite of the ring, one foot on the bottom rope and one foot on the middle, taunting the fans as they await their opponents.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of issues, let’s talk about the issues between Thy Kingdom Come and Owen Gonsalves, Chris Bond and Luke Jackson.

Stephy Auger: Well Ricky Valero is going to finally put those pests Gonsalves, Bond and Jackson behind him for good at All-Star Showdown VI. I guarantee you that!

The lights go dim as the first drum beats of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons start. As the music kicks up, a single purple spotlight hits the stage, and the silhouette of Heather Lasiewicz is seen dancing. The camera gets a close-up and she’s seen clearly singing the first lines of the song with the music.


“First things first, Imma say all the words inside my head

I’m fired up and tired of the way that things have been, ooooohhhh

The way that things have been, ooooh”


As she sings, she slinks towards the ring, the spotlight following her every step. Her body sways naturally to the beat of the song, acting out the words of the song as it plays out through the arena. The song cuts to the pause before the chorus as she hops up onto the ring apron. She slowly unbuttons her ring jacket, swaying her hips to the music.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents! First, currently residing out of Detroit, Michigan! She is “The Pretty Lil Texan” HEEEEEATHERRRR LASSSSIEEEEWICCCZZZZZZ!!!

“PAIN!!!!”

As the singer yells out the word, she lets the jacket fall.

”You make me a, you make a believer! Believer!”

Heather grabs the ropes and lets herself fall back in a burlesque style dance move. She uses this momentum to hop onto the bottom rope, in turn using that momentum to flip herself over the top rope and into the ring. The lights come back fully as she walks around the ring, soaking in the noise of the crowd and mentally prepping for her match as the music fades out.

Kris Cruise: What an announcement we got just a little while ago. Heather Lasiewicz will be going one on one with Molly Reid at All-Star Showdown VI! Heather’s already come in and beaten Dom. Can she bet another big name?

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 She stares down to the ring before beginning to walk down the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: And her partner, from Los Angeles, California… MOOLLYYYYYY REEEEEIIIIDDD!!!

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.

Stephy Auger: Molly Reid’s been crying to everyone that will listen to her that she wants a big match for All-Star Showdown VI. Well be careful what you wish for, Molly…

The bell sounds as Nate Bristow runs over and knocks down Luke Jackson with a clothesline from behind, elicits boos from the crowd. The boos continue as Bristow puts the boots to Jackson before picking him up and chucking him through the ropes and to the outside.

Stephy Auger: How nice of Bristow to take out the trash at the start of the match.

Kris Cruise: Stop it.

The boos turn to cheers when Molly Reid turns Bristow around and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. She then takes Bristow and goes for an irish whip. But Bristow reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Reid returns, Bristow sets up for a back body drop. But Reid stomps and knocks him down with an axe kick to the back of the head. The cheers continue as she pushes Bristow over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NEON breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

The boos continue as she takes Reid, runs and tosses her through the ropes. But unbeknownst to NEON, Reid lands on the apron. Back inside, NEON takes Bristow and stomps him underneath the bottom rope and to the outside. When she turns around, the crowd cheers as Reid knocks her down with a flying crossbody. She hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NEON kicks out.

Kris Cruise: NEON took her eyes off the ball and it nearly cost her! Did you see how Sadie didn’t even attempt to try and break up the pin?

Stephy Auger: What are you talking about!?

Reid picks up NEON, wrenches her arm, drags her over towards her corner and tags in Heather Lasiewicz. The crowd cheers when Lasiewicz gets in and kicks NEON in the midsection before applying a side headlock. But NEON is quick to shove Lasiewicz off of her and into the ropes. When Lasiewicz comes back, NEON sets up for a back body drop. Lasiewicz sees it coming, so she goes to counter with a sunset flip. The crowd cheers as NEON can be seen swinging her arms helplessly. Once NEON regains her balance, the cheers turn to boos when she stomps Lasiewicz on the face. She then picks up Lasiewicz, marches into the Camp Envi corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then holds her hand out for Sadie San Francisco to tag. But The Pope doesn’t tag in.

Kris Cruise: Look at this, Stephy!

NEON then forcefully shoves her hand near Sadie’s face. But again, Sadie doesn’t look all that enthused to cooperate with NEON. So NEON slaps Sadie on the arm, tagging out.

Stephy Auger: It must be frustrating for NEON to have to deal with an insubordinate screw up.

Kris Cruise: Woah!

Stephy Auger: I love Sadie. But c’mon. How many times has she messed up now? It’s a good thing The Chief is as kind as he is or else he would have fired her ages ago.

After Sadie reluctantly gets in the ring, she takes Lasiewicz, turns her around in the corner and places her in a front facelock before delivering sharp elbows to the back of the neck. She then takes Lasiewicz and whips her into the ropes. When Lasiewicz returns, cheers and boos can be heard when Sadie scoops her up from the side and delivers an angled sidewalk slam. She makes the cover.

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

Sadie picks up Lasiewicz and goes for an irish whip. But Lasiewicz reverses, sending Sadie into the ropes. When Sadie returns, Lasiewicz sets up for a back body drop. Sadie sees it coming, so she counters with a sunset flip. But Lasiewicz rolls through it before flattening her with a sliding forearm smash. The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Lasiewicz picks up Sadie and goes for an irish whip. But Sadie reverses, sending Lasiewicz into the turnbuckles. She then runs across the ring to attack, but Lasiewicz knocks her back with a back elbow before bringing her down with Every Rose Has It’s Thorn (Stylin DDT). The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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NEON breaks up the pin with a stomp.

Stephy Auger: See that? That’s the sign of a good teammate right there! Sadie could learn a thing or two from the Queen of Mean.

While “The Queen of Mean” heads back out onto the apron, Lasiewicz goes over and tags Reid back in. Once Reid gets in, she picks up Sadie, irish whips her into the ropes and throws out a front dropkick. But Reid does so too early, allowing Sadie to hang onto the ropes. After Reid whiffs and crashes back-first on the canvas, she turns over and tries to get back to her feet. While this is happening, Sadie runs up from behind and goes for a German Suplex. But Reid elbows her in the face on the way up. After being lowered to the mat, Reid elbows her in the face again before performing a standing switch. She then goes a German Suplex of her own. But Sadie counters with three elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Sadie goes for a belly to back suplex. But Reid rolls over her shoulder and lands on the apron. When Sadie turns around, Reid knocks her back with a forearm smash to the face. While Sadie shakes out the cobwebs, Reid goes for a springboard superman punch. But Sadie ducks, grabs Reid and throws her down with a Saito Suplex. Cheers and boos continue to be heard as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Reid gets her shoulder up.

Sadie picks up Reid and goes for an irish whip. But Reid reverses, sending Sadie into the ropes (where Tully Barnes) makes the blind tag. When Sadie returns, she leapfrogs over Reid. When Reid stands up and turns around, Barnes hooks her from behind before bringing her down with a Rolling Cutter. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Lasiewicz breaks up the pin.

While The Golden Rose heads back out onto the apron, Barnes picks up Reid, heads over into the corner and tags Bristow back in. Once Bristow gets in, the duo take Reid and whip her into the far ropes. When Reid returns, Bristow & Barnes flatten her with a double running shoulder block. Barnes then drops an elbow on Reid, followed by a leg drop from Bristow. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Reid gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Bristow & Barnes showing their tag team skills right there.

Stephy Auger: They’re undefeated for a reason, Cruise.

Bristow picks up Reid and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, Bristow goes for a back body drop. But Reid slips down from behind. After she wraps her arms around Bristow’s waist, he runs into the ropes, grabs onto the top rope and yanks back, sending Reid flying off his back and down to the mat. After she rolls back up to her feet, Bristow runs over to attack and throws out a clothesline. But Reid rolls underneath it and runs towards the ropes. When Bristow turns around, the crowd cheers when he gets caught by a handspring pelé kick from Reid. After Reid returns to her feet, she rolls forward, dives into the corner and tags Bond in.

Kris Cruise: Here comes The Battle-Hardened Vet!

The crowd cheers when Bond runs over and knocks Bristow down with a pair of clotheslines. When Barnes gets in, he gets knocked down by a pair of running clothesline. Bond then takes Barnes and tosses him out onto the apron. When he turns around, Bristow runs over to attack. But Bond doubles him over with a boot to the midsection before tossing him to the outside. Bond then reaches through the ropes, places Barnes and Bristow in a front facelock with each arm and drags them in position across the middle rope.

Stephy Auger: No. NO! He can’t be!

Bond looks around and nods his head before planting them both with the Rejection (rope hung DDT)! The cheers continue as Bond turns Bristow over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bristow gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Bond picks up Bristow and goes for an irish whip. But Bristow reverses, sending Bond into the ropes (where NEON knees him in the back). After staggering away from the ropes, Bond turns around and goes after NEON. But she quickly hops off the apron. While Bond continues to shout at her, Bristow pulls him away from the ropes by the back of the tights, nails him with a forearm smash to the lower back and follows up with a belly to back suplex. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bond gets his shoulder up.

Bristow goes over and tags in NEON.

Once the Queen of Mean returns to the ring, she puts the boots to Bond before delivering repeated jumping knees to the abdomen. After bringing Bond back to his feet, she holds Bond’s arms from behind and shouts at Sadie to go to the top. But Sadie won’t do it. NEON once again yells at Sadie to get her ass in gear and do what she tells her. Sadie curls her lip before reluctantly ascending to the top turnbuckle. Sadie leaps off and goes for a diving knee drop. But Bond wrestles free, performs a standing switch and shoves NEON forwards, causing Sadie to accidentally knock down NEON.

Stephy Auger: NOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Sadie just took out NEON with that knee to the face!

After Sadie returns to her feet, she looks down at NEON before getting grabbed from behind and sent to the outside by Bond. The Battle-Hardened Vet returns to NEON, who he picks up and brings down with the End of Days (flatliner). He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

Sadie dives over and breaks up the pin.

Sadie picks up Bond and goes for an irish whip. But Bond reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Sadie returns, she slides through Bond’s legs. When Bond turns around, cheers and boos are heard when Sadie kicks him in the midsection before delivering a jawbreaker. While Bond is dazed, Sadie returns to her feet and runs into the far ropes. When Sadie returns, she connects with a dropkick, which sends Bond through the ropes and to the floor. While Bond picks himself up on the outside, Sadie runs into the far ropes. When Sadie returns, she leaps through the ropes and knocks Bond down with a suicide dive.

As Sadie gets up on the outside, Bristow & Barnes quickly grab her toss her hard against the guardrail. Barnes then takes Sadie, slams her face-first onto the apron and shoves her back into the ring. After sliding back inside, he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Barnes goes over and tags Bristow back in. Once Bristow steps inside the ring, the duo take Sadie and whip her into the ropes. When Sadie returns, they knock her down with a double dropkick. The boos continue as Bristow makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Once again, Bristow & Barnes use their cohesiveness to get ahead in this contest!

Bristow picks up Sadie and lifts her up for a vertical suplex. But Sadie knees him in the head on the way up. After getting lowered back down to the canvas, boos and cheers can be heard when Sadie knocks him down with Palo Alto (running corkscrew roundhouse knee strike). She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

Luke Jackson crashes across Sadie’s back with a Moonsault. He then takes Sadie, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. Jackson then scurries back over towards Bristow and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Barnes drags Jackson off of Bristow before delivering a stomp to the back of the head. Bristow & Barnes then pick up Jackson and whip him into the ropes. When Jackson returns, they set up for a back body drop. But Jackson stops, grabs them both by the head and slams their heads together with a double noggin knocker. Jackson follows up with a dropkick to Barnes, then a dropkick to Bristow. While Barnes rolls to the outside, Jackson picks up Bristow, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Bristow around, Jackson climbs up onto the middle ropes and punches him while the crowd counts along.

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

Bristow grabs Jackson, runs from out of the corner and delivered an inverted atomic drop. Bristow then follows up with a Flowing DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Jackson gets his shoulder up.

Bristow picks up Jackson and lifts him up onto his shoulders for a turnbuckle powerbomb. But as Bristow runs towards the corner, Jackson reverses into a hurricanrana, sending Bristow face-first into the top turnbuckle. After Bristow stumbles back and turns around, Jackson knocks him down with a superkick. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Barnes goes to break up the pin with a pointed elbow drop. But Jackson rolls out of the way, causing Barnes to inadvertently nail Bristow with the pointed elbow.

Kris Cruise: Barnes missed Jackson!

Stephy Auger: Oh no!

When Barnes gets back to his feet and turns towards Jackson, The Kid nails him with a superkick, sending him through the ropes and to the floor. Jackson then picks Bristow back up and whips him into the ropes. When Bristow returns, Jackson drops him down to one knee after a low dropkick to the leg. Jackson gets back up and runs into another set of ropes. When he returns, he knocks Bristow down with The Oakland Drive By (Drive-By Kick). He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Lasiewicz dives over and breaks up the pin.

Lasiewicz picks up Jackson and whips him into the corner. She then runs into the corner, but Jackson knocks her back with a boot to the face. He then quickly turns and goes for a springboard moonsault. But Lasiewicz gets out of the way by running towards the corner. After Jackson lands on his feet, Lasiewicz knocks him down with a rolling wheel kick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Jackson gets his shoulder up.

After picking up Jackson and delivering a European Uppercut, Lasiewicz takes Jackson and whips him into the ropes. When Jackson returns, he throws out a Superman Punch. But Lasiewicz ducks underneath. When Jackson turns around, Lasiewicz dazes him with a Kegasiri Chop. She then turns and runs towards the ropes. But NEON pulls down the top rope, sending Lasiewicz tumbling down to the floor as the crowd erupts with boos..

Kris Cruise: Where the heck did she come from!?

The Queen of Mean then ascends to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Jackson down with a missile dropkick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bond pulls NEON off of Jackson, runs and tosses her through the ropes. After placing her in a front facelock, Bond drags her across the middle rope before planting her with the Rejection. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bristow & Barnes pulls Bond to the outside before throwing him down with a double mat slam.

Stephy Auger: Bond just smacked the back of his head on the floor!

Bristow & Barnes slide back in, pick up NEON, whip her into the ropes and set up for a double back body drop. When NEON hits the ropes, Reid makes the blind tag. When NEON returns, Bristow & Barnes throw her down with a double back body drop. While the duo turn their attention back to NEON, Reid scales to the top turnbuckle. She then leaps off and connects with a missile dropkick to the back of Bristow, knocking him into Barnes. After Barnes falls through the ropes and to the outside, Reid picks up Bristow and whips him into the ropes. When Bristow returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when Reid knocks him down with the Molly Kick (superkick). She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “The Greatest” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winners, MOLLY REID and HEATHER LASIEWICZ!

The cheers continue as Reid and Lasiewicz get their hands raised in victory. Lasiewicz then looks over at Reid out of the corner of her eye.

Kris Cruise: What a wild match that was with bodies flying all over the place towards the end. But in the end, it was the team of Molly Reid and Heather Lasiewicz that pick up the win.

Stephy Auger: They’re all smiles now. But we’ll see if they're all buddy when push comes to shove at All-Star Showdown VI!

[ COMMERCIAL BREAK ]

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Welcome back to Vertigo! Earlier this afternoon, we sent Spencer Burke to ask some of the FGA stars their thoughts on the big match between Chandler Scott and Felicity Banks. Here are their thoughts on this historic main event...

Chris Madison: Chandler Scott versus Felicity Banks. I've faced Felicity one one one; she's no joke. All this talk of her being "the Supreme", it's not all hogwash. She is hands down one of the best female wrestlers in the industry today. But there's a reason Chandler Scott is the first inductee to the FGA Hall of Fame. He has been with FGA since day one. He bleeds FGA and I sincerely doubt he's going to let Fel waltz in here and show him up. Putting me on the spot, I'm picking Chandler to squeak out a win in a match that's going have every single person inside of the Staples Center on their feet from the moment that opening bell rings.

***

James Edwards: Askin' me to choose who is gonna win a fight between Felicity Banks and Chandler Scott is kind of weird. You can't guess on this stuff, but if you want a prediction, I'm gonna go with Chandler. The guy is getting inducted into a hall of fame. The match is gonna be on the biggest weekend of his career. Ain't any way he is gonna lose there, honorable means or not.

***

Evan Envi: What kind of question-- Felicity Banks takes this without a question. I mean... yeah, Chandler Scott has already reached this pinnacle that the rest of us should strive for. I can respect that. He's an inaugural Hall of Fame inductee and that doesn't come without figuring out how to win the biggest matches. Felicity Banks is on a different level though. Chandler's a good wrestler, but... nah, Fel is an entity. You know where the Chief's money is.

***

Savannah Taylor: Outside of family members, you’re looking at probably the one person who's most familiar with Chandler Scott both inside and outside of the ring. You would be hard pressed to find someone who gives as much of himself for this sport as Chandler does. He is every bit as good as he says he is. But……Felicity Banks is a completely different ballgame all together. I’ve watched her dominate in HKW. She hasn’t even scratched the surface of what she can do in FFW, which will only mean trouble for everyone. As great as Chandler is, Felicity Banks is The Supreme for a reason.

***

Heather Lasiewicz: Chandler Scott is hands down one of the best competitors in our industry today. With that said, Fel is hungry, determined and above all, ready to step up to the challenge. As much as I like and respect Chandler, I do believe Felicity is ready to step up and really reign 'Supreme'. Either way, this is going to be one for the ages."

***

Peaches: Who do I think'd win between Chandler Scott an' Felicity Banks? Damn, that's a tough question. 'Cause they're both two of the best wrestlers in the world right now. An' I ain't really been in the ring with either of them to know first hand what they're capable of ... maybe I'm just biased to the home team by wantin' to say Chandler's gonna win.

She shrugs, looking bemused as she tries to rationalize her decision.

Peaches: Ain't nothin' against Felicity - like I said she's one of the best in the world. She's the HKW World Champion for a reason! But Chandler ain't nothin' if not consistent; he's faced down some of the biggest an' best names around an' he's beat 'em all. I just dunno if All Star Showdown is gonna be any different, so yeah, I'll say Chandler wins.

***

Molly Reid: First off, I love Chandler. He’s so incredibly deserving of being the first-ever FGA Hall of Famer after everything he’s done. And for anyone to beat him, they’d have to be at the absolute top of their game. But personally, I think Fel is right now. I’ve seen her matches, seen her training, talked to her, I know her attitude and mindset right now. I know how much she wants this, and the levels that she’s going to go to beat Chandler. I think this could easily be the match of the year. But I think Fel does just enough to pull out the victory.

***

Noelle Smith: I'm not going to try and pretend that this isn't big. You've got to understand that I've been aware of Felicity Banks for a long time, and it's not hard to see why if you just think for a little bit. She's really something, there are few athletes male or female that can say they've done what she has. It's impressive, and she's earned the recognition she gets wherever she goes. That said, I have to say that in this match with Chandler Scott? I'm with Chandler Scott. This isn't a rah rah choice simply because he's the "DNA of FGA" or any clever little thing you want to say. I'm choosing Chandler Scott because pound for pound, Chandler is one of the few that just transcends. He's a total package, he's got that special factor everyone talks about having but he's got it for real. I'm not a betting woman, but I'd bet the house on Chandler.

***

Izzy Anders: Two golden kids going at it to see who reigns supreme? God, that's such a cheesy thing, but it brings in the money, so I guess. You're sincerely asking me who I think is going to win?

She snickers, almost losing her composure over it.

Izzy Anders: Felicity, man. Felicity doesn't just walk on over to anywhere unless she knows she's going to win. And to be honest with you, I don't think Chandler is in his best form anymore. Felicity's almost too ready, if you get what I mean. But Chandler's not all the way himself anymore. Things are starting to catch up with him, and this is just another big loss to rack around in his brain. Right then alongside losing in the Gold Rush and never being able to beat Zero.

She looks off to the side somewhat vacantly.

Izzy Anders: Who knows? He just might break down. Wouldn't that be something?