AfterBurn for Flashpoint 1.3

[FGA Office]

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

[ChrisMadison]

With Flashpoint wrapped up, AxxessNet’s broadcast of AfterBurn begins. Amanda Johnson stands poised in the backstage area with a television screen mounted at eye level on a large stand.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to AfterBurn! We just witnessed an amazing Flashpoint; but the action doesn’t necessarily have to stop there! My first guest, streaming live from Japan, the FGA Pride Champion, Chris Madison!

The camera zooms out to get a full shot of Amanda Johnson standing next to the television monitor. On the screen, Madison nods his head and smirks.

Amanda Johnson: Chris, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. I understand that your schedule has become a little hectic as of late.

Chris Madison: Yeah, it’s not a problem.

Amanda Johnson: This time around, you’re actually in Japan, right? I mean you’re not going to pop out from behind a curtain, catch me off guard?

Chris Madison: No, I’m actually in Japan. Thought I’d stay over here in between dates seeing as I wasn’t booked for tonight’s episode of Flashpoint. Stay well rested, as I try to make FGA proud and win this Pride of Puroresu Crown.

Amanda Johnson: I’m sure the difference in time zones may have made it difficult, but I have to ask if you happened to see what the number one contender to your Pride Championship, Savannah Taylor, had to say.

Chris Madison: With the time zones, I’m thirteen hours ahead of you guys. So this morning I got to wake up, get a good workout in, grab some breakfast, all before sitting down and watching the broadcast. I heard every bit of what Savannah had to say. I’m glad Izzy gave Savannah enough space for her to finally speak her mind.

Amanda Johnson: With All-Star Showdown Six rapidly approaching, it’s hard to deny the momentum picked up after winning that tag team match against you and Johnny Karma; especially with you as a mystery participant.

Chris Madison: All nonsense aside, It was a hell of a win. She and Izzy proved that they’re actually a pretty decent tag team. Pinning the number one contender to the Undisputed Championship is a hell of a feat. But walking around boasting about the win like it’s going to affect the outcome of our match is foolish and proves to me that she’s not ready for the war that’s brewing. Twice we’ve been in a match against each other. Twice she’s had the luxury of fighting side by side with her friend, her partner, while I teamed up with someone who just happened to have common enemies. Twice she failed to pick up a win by pinning or submitting me. At All-Star Showdown she’s not going to have that luxury of Izzy Anders, denting a steel chair over my head isn’t going to win her this belt, there isn’t someone else for her to pick up the win over. She needs to beat me, not once, but twice…

Amanda Johnson: Obviously she feels that it’s something that she can accomplish. She extended an offer to meet in the ring, face to face, at Vertigo. With a guaranteed match later on in the show, you have to be a bit skeptical about what she could have planned for you in her hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Chris Madison: She wants to have a little chit chat in front of her hometown crowd? Why the hell not! But don’t expect me to go into this with my guard down, buying into that no funny business line of crap. She wants this Pride Championship belt and I’m the obstacle standing in her way. I’ve been in this business a long time. I know what people are capable of when desperately chasing a championship. There’s no way that I’m walking into that ring and expecting for a friendly conversation take place. With all of the help she’s given Izzy Anders, she’s due to return the favor!

Amanda Johnson: Trust her or not, you have to be interested in hearing what she has to say.

Chris Madison: I’ve been waiting! I’ve been waiting for Izzy to get her hand out of the backside of her little puppet and let her fend for herself for a change. I intentionally sat back at the last Vertigo, despite being at the arena, and waited for Savannah to own this tag win over Karma and I. Maybe it took a little extra coaching from our Undisputed Champion to finally put the right words together…

Amanda Johnson: Looking ahead to the main event on Vertigo, this eight-person tag team match has the potential for some serious fireworks. I’m sure you and Johnny Karma are looking to even the score against Savannah and Izzy, but there’s a few extra pieces involved.

Chris Madison: Both teams are stacked. They’ve got the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, AMIRA, and Ricky Valero on their side. Adding Lowri Moss and Chris Bond to our team could just complicate things; it’s not like we proved to be a well oiled machine at the last Flashpoint. But Amanda, I got a feeling… I got a feeling that at Vertigo, Savannah and Izzy are going to be eating crow as karma finally catches up to them.

Amanda Johnson: Chris… Thank you again, and good luck in NJFC’s Pride Of Puroresu’s Crown tournament; which of course can be seen here on the Axxess Network!

The camera zooms into Amanda Johnson as she stands still and smiles while the feed cuts away.

[Anna]

Outside. Live. In Uncasville. Pedro Gonzales, still in his gear, relaxes in the jeep that he had unceremoniously rented to make an epic entrance. He chomps on a bubble gum cigar while acting very much like a victorious general that had just win a major battle. In the grand scale of things, that may not be true. But seriously? Fuck that shit. Right now, this is a goddamn highlight. And yet...

"Not everything went according to plan tonight."

Disparaging words, under normal circumstances.

"I wasn’t allowed to bring the jeep in for liability reasons. Sadie San Francisco carried her bitch zombie partner to a six star guest commentating gig. Our partner managed to get lured away by Blake Rodgers in another chapter of the feud that never ends no matter how much Julian think it does. Chris Bond watched the match from that screwed up angle that all wrestlers seem to watch television in. A fake AMIRA appeared attempting to be an annoying distraction. That part was actually hilarious because--"

He shrugs.

"Honestly, that's not different from what real AMIRA does anyway. She was certainly reaching for the Skyler there."

Mexico City's Favorite Son smirks.

"This isn't even including our opponents! Ricky Valero, one of the many who use the overused egoboosting moniker of God, even going so far as to name his little group Thy Kingdom Come. Despite his little bitch baby personality as of late, he is a brilliant talent. And Bristow and Barnes and two tremendous shitkickers. When you add all of these aspects together...all the distractions, all the chaos, being absent a member, our lack of experience as a team...the odds were against us.

And it. Didn't. Matter."

With this point, he laughs.

“It didn't mean a damn thing because at the end of everything, who was victorious? Who had their hands raised? Who was announced?

Pedro and Maritza.

Los Buenos.

Bueno Club Último.

We like to have fun. We're a bit ridiculous. Sometimes, my jokes are wonky at best. Yet when that bell rings, we know exactly what we want. It's what I said before and what I'll say forever. We thirst for your blood. We hunger for your gold. We have a libido for the lucha."

Both his eyes and the camera trail up to the giant freakin’ cannon just behind him.

"And the war has only just begun."

[James Edwards]

"I thought I had it."

James isn't happy. He paces in the locker room area, still dressed in his fighting gear with a towel around his neck.

James Edwards: There was no way Storm was gonna break that small package. It was air tight. He was gassed and had nothing left. I took his best, and he took mine, but I was still the one who was in the position to come out on top. I thought I had it."

He keeps packing but slings the towel back in the direction of his locker. The inability to beat Mark Storm is eating at him, that is obvious.

James Edwards: I thought I was gonna get to celebrate and move on. Hell, I already was. Then the ref taps me on the shoulder, and I hear the decision, a time limit draw, another freakin' draw.

He spits the word out like it is a poorly cooked piece of chicken, rubbery and cold.

James Edwards: The first time I could stomach a draw. It was a double KO, that doesn't happen often. Hell, you can't help but laugh at a fluke like that. This time I'm not laughing. Go back and watch the tape, I was better than Mark Storm tonight. I wanted it more. I was hungrier, and still, because of that damn bell, I gotta stand on the same level as Mark Storm. There will be a rematch, one that I will win.

Edwards takes a deep breath, not comfortable with is next words, needing every bit of the momentary calm.

James Edwards: I still respect you, Mark. I like you as a person and as a fighter, but I can't draw or lose to you again. You've had your chance to make an impression. You can treat this like a game and have fun. These fights are serious for me. I have everything to gain or lose, and I'll do anything within the rules to beat you next time out.

[Jaelynn]

AfterBurn continues with the scene transitioning to the backstage exit of the Mohegan Sun Casino. Jaelynn Ramsey is seen walking towards the exit with her carry-on luggage appearing refreshed in a change of outfit consisting of black sweat pants and a fitted “I’m an Official Dom Harter Hater…” tee. The cameraman focuses in on the remainder of the print of the top before focusing back on Jae.

A whistling sound effect originating from her pant pocket prompts her to reach inside for her mobile phone. She reads the notification on the screen to herself, saying inaudible things. She sets her bag on the side, keeping her eyes glued to the phone screen until Amanda Johnson shows up less than a minute later with a microphone in her possession. The blonde perks up, pocketing her phone in acknowledgment of the interviewer standing beside her.

She nods to give the greenlight.

Amanda Johnson: Hello everyone, I am here with Jaelynn Ramsey, who will be leaving the Mohegan Sun Casino with a win for the night in tag team competition with Macy Dover. After your last appearances, what are your thoughts as of now?

Jaelynn Ramsey: They’re pleasant, that’s for certain. I was in familiar territory in both aspects - from the opponents I’ve faced, to the person I was paired up with. I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t redeem myself this time. Anytime I can get one over Peaches, it's a victory for anyone that has an annoying roommate they cannot get rid of. Tillman was also due for a wake up call after our “flukey” bout months ago.

She shakes her head in recollection of the match where she genuinely felt robbed.

Amanda Johnson: At Vertigo, you will be facing veteran, Logan Alexander. Do you wish to comment?

Jaelynn Ramsey: ...I was eight years of age when he made his debut. He offers an abundance of experience and has enough words of wisdom to put anyone to sleep. There is a need for someone with longevity, and someone to point out the wrongs of fellow FGA roster members.

A yawn escapes from Ramsey.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Surely he’ll be feeling amazing after his last two victories over John Blade and Stunray!

She rolls her eyes.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Then what? He’s about to go toe to toe with the next best thing! Business will be picking up for him as he feels the challenges intensifying night after night in different cities. I will make sure that he --

Ramsey pauses in mid-sentence, suddenly staring at someone off screen. Amanda follows Jaelynn’s gaze and the camera turns as well. Just a short distance away stands Logan Alexander. He’s there in jeans, a plain grey shirt and a light looking blue jacket. He smiles towards Amanda and Jaelynn, who folds her arms across her chest, then proceeds to stare at him up and down, seemingly unimpressed by his presence.

Logan Alexander: Oh, don’t mind me. Please continue. I was hoping to get in a word or two with Amanda, but this is far more interesting.

She shakes her head before continuing.

Jaelynn Ramsey: He will understand when it’s time to put the dog away.

Amanda Johnson: You are welcome to contribute, Logan.

Amanda says, now pointing the microphone to the veteran.

The Oaklander scoffs, shooting dirty looks at Logan.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Please do not encourage him.

Jaelynn gathers her belongings, leaving both Amanda and Logan as the scene fades.

[C.S.O.]

We pick almost right after Jaelynn has left Logan and Amanda behind. Logan’s watching Jaelynn leave then he turns his attention back to Amanda.

Logan Alexander: She’s a classy one, isn’t she? I’d have to say that her class is only surpassed by her success in the ring.

He smirks slightly. There are a few moments of silence as Amanda is visibly trying to come up with what we can only assume is a polite response. Logan chuckles to break the silence.

Logan Alexander: Oh, don’t worry about responding to that one Amanda. I don’t want to be getting you in trouble with the talent around here. Thin skin on most of them.

Amanda lets out a breath.

Amanda Johnson: Well… that is a relief at least.

Looking a bit more composed, Amanda picks up where she’d left off before Jaelynn departed.

Amanda Johnson: So, do you actually have any response to Jaelynn’s comments… seeing as you were standing right over there when she said them?

Logan reaches up to scratch the back of his head and he glances down towards the floor.

Logan Alexander: Geez… you make it sound like I was stalking her or something. I was really just coming by to bother you for a while.

He looks back towards Amanda and lowers his hand again.

Logan Alexander: It just so happened that I got here in time to catch that adorable display from Jaelynn. It was such a cutting verbal critique from her. It’s not like anything I’ve ever heard from opponents over the years, talking about how bland and boring I am.

He presses one hand against his chest and does his best to look appalled by the comments he’d heard for a few moment. He then shrugs it off and smiles slightly.

Logan Alexander: In actuality, it’s a point of view I am more than happy to endorse and promote among other wrestlers. If people want to dismiss me as some ‘old guy’, who while experienced has his best days behind him, that’s their call to make. But when this ‘old guy’ proceeds to school them on wrestling fundamentals in front of packed arenas and makes them tap out, well… they only have themselves to blame for not taking me seriously at that point. She’s also not the first person to offer me the suggestion of calling it a career for good. Heck, someone else did that last year. It was actually part of my motivation for making a return to active competition this year.

Amanda perks up a little at that, obviously wanting to dig for some more details.

Amanda Johnson: Really? So you decided to make a return based on someone telling you to retire?

Logan Alexander: Well, it was part of it. The person in question actually called me out and wanted to be the one to retire me. I figured that I should try to get back to peak form and then maybe I’d let him take his shot. So, we’ll see what happens when we cross paths here.

Amanda Johnson: Oh? Is he someone on the roster or someone that will be joining in the future?

At that, Logan holds up one hand to stop Amanda.

Logan Alexander: I’m sorry Amanda. I’m not going to delve into that story here and now. If, and when, it comes to pass, it’ll all come out. Right now, I have to resume my sarcastic commentary regarding Jaelynn Ramsey.

Amanda looks a bit disappointed by that and Logan shrugs and looks back at her apologetically before continuing.

Logan Alexander: So… where was I before that brief aside… Oh yes! What kind of success have I had here in FGA thus far? Two matches and two victories by submission. It’s not much. It’s not impressive. It’s simply a starting point. Now look at the person offering the critique about me. She starts off with two losses and then she won tonight by grabbing Peaches’ tights for leverage. It’s truly an inspiring victory for the ‘Next Best Thing’. Remember kids, if you can’t win a match, just grab the tights.

He snorts softly in amusement at that. He then takes on a more contemplative look for several moments. He then lifts one hand and extends his finger, waggling it back and forth briefly between himself and Amanda.

Logan Alexander: You know… I’m kinda wondering now. What is Jaelynn the ‘Next Best Thing’ to? It isn’t really a flattering thing to say about oneself. It’s usually that you’re the next best thing to something better.

After a few more moments of silence, Logan glances towards Amanda, who again seems unsure of what to say in reply. Logan smiles slightly again.

Logan Alexander: Sorry Amanda… Didn’t mean to put you on the spot with that one either.

He chuckles softly for a few moments.

Logan Alexander: Regardless, I’m a bit more interested in this upcoming match with Jaelynn now. Having a chance to knock someone, who’s a little too arrogant, down a few pegs is always a great opportunity. That would be a nice bonus to do so while aiming for win number three.

Composed once again, Amanda nods to Logan.

Amanda Johnson: Well, it certainly looks like your match with Jaelynn on Vertigo may end up being a more entertaining bout than originally expected after the comments from both of you. Now, I believe that you had something else you wanted to mention when you first showed up.

Logan snaps his fingers and points to Amanda for a moment afterwards.

Logan Alexander: Ah yes. Seems like it’ll just end up being a little addition to everything else I’ve said here. I noticed that I haven’t been booked for a match at All Star Showdown, and I’d hate to be missing my first supershow as part of the FGA roster. So, I figured I’d head over to Flashpoint. Live. In Uncasville.

He glances towards the camera as he says the last three words, keeping a straight face as he does so. He then looks back to Amanda.

Logan Alexander: To toss out an open challenge for All Star Showdown. I’m certain that I could have a wonderful opening bout for night one of the supershow, so long as I have someone interested in stepping up for a match. I know there are at least a few people that aren’t scheduled to be competing there as of yet. There’s also the chance that someone might make a surprise return or there could be a new addition to the roster. Perhaps someone competing on night two might just want a warm up match. You never know really. So, maybe I’ll get a match for myself or maybe I’ll just be sitting backstage at All Star Showdown like some guy who couldn’t get a date for the prom.

He smirks at that thought.

Logan Alexander: All that’s left to do now is see if there are any takers. In the meantime, I’ll at least have one match to prepare for.

He nods to Amanda.

Logan Alexander: So, with that out of the way, it’s been a pleasure Amanda. Maybe I’ll see you at the first Flashpoint on the other side of All Star Showdown or maybe we’ll run into each other there, assuming I’m not bothering one of your colleagues instead.

Amanda Johnson: Of course. Good luck to you on Vertigo.

He nods and heads off.

Amanda Johnson: Logan Alexander everyone. Perhaps we’ll see if anyone will be accepting his open challenge on Vertigo or if something else will come up for him instead.

With that, the scene fades out.