Vertigo (10.28.17)

[FGA Office]

We pan into the backstage area once more where the audience roars at the sight of the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. We pan out a bit, revealing Sadie San Francisco, extending the reaction. Spencer Bure stands patiently next to her before launching into his introduction.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time-- Sadie San Francisco.

Sadie gives Burke a small nod, but she seems unfocused, clearly frustrated by whatever’s on her mind.

Spencer Burke: Sadie, tonight you go one-on-one with Julian Tijerina, someone that you’ve never really seen eye-to-eye with, battling to qualify for the Frontier Lion’s Cup. Now, we’ve seen your interactions over the past few weeks, and we’ve seen Julian already lay claim to that Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, so am I right in assuming that there’s some pressure to prove him wrong tonight?

Sadie’s eyes move toward Spencer when he finishes speaking, but her response is simple.

Sadie San Francisco: Yep.

Spencer lingers there for a moment, expecting more, but doesn’t receive it. This inexplicably earns another small pop from the audience, though it’s drowned out as Burke begins to speak again.

Spencer Burke: Alright. Different topic. Two weeks ago we saw you defend your championship against Lowri Moss.

Sadie’s eyes narrow at Spencer, but he continues.

Spencer Burke: You guys were having a hell of a contest, but at the end things got a bit cloudy when Lowri Moss seemed to find an opening-- only to be assaulted by Dom Harter. You did retain your championship, but it wasn’t without controversy. And some would say with the assistance of Dom Harter.

Spencer expectantly moves the mic toward Sadie again, but he doesn’t get a response. Several seconds pass before Spencer Burke brings the mic back to his lips.

Spencer Burke: Did you realize it was happening?

He timidly moves the microphone back toward Sadie, who shakes her head a little, but still says nothing. He brings it to himself again.

Spencer Burke: Would you say you needed the help of--?

Sadie San Francisco: Dom Harter’s a clown.

Once more, the short reply earns a pop from Wichita, Kansas. Spencer slowly brings the microphone back to himself once again and nods, accepting the response.

Spencer Burke: Well--

Sadie San Francisco: He’s Lowri’s problem. Whatever he and the New Murder did to Neal… that’s what she has to deal with. And then I’ll finish my business with her… and then I’ll finish business with Dom. But for now, there is this dumbass running around calling himself “El Guapo”, acting like he runs the world, calling things his that aren’t his… and I have to put an end to that, ASAP. That’s what I have to deal with.

Sadie glances at her championship once more, taking a small breath before moving past Spencer and out of frame, effectively ending the interview. We fade to black on Burke.

[FGA Office]

Johnny Karma is taking a walk backstage at INTRUST Bank Arena so he can clear his head before his match with Chris Bond later tonight, that is until a thought occurs to Cherry Baum

Cherry Baum: Do you think any of the camera crew said anything after the show in Milwaukee?

Johnny Karma: I don’t think so.  What are you worried about?

Cherry Baum: Well we did tell them we’d need to borrow a camera crew to film something for the show, but as it was last minute we thought it was a good idea to smooth things over with tickets for the Badger State Brewery tour - but since the tour finishes at five we let them take the tour then and there and they ended up spending the rest of the evening in the bar while we didn't get the footage we said we would…

Johnny Karma: Relax, I’m sure it’s fine.  It’s not like one of them filmed their tuches and it was broadcast on TV nationwide.  Besides, if we want to talk about things that were supposed to happen but didn’t, I’m still waiting for the next episode of Black River...

The two of them look at one another and shrug

Johnny Karma: You know, this is the sort of thing I need.

Cherry looks around, not sure what Karma means

Cherry Baum: ...what is?

Johnny Karma: A little time, a little space, a few minutes out of the goldfish bowl where I don’t have to think of the targets on my back, front and who knows where else all because of…

Rather than complete the sentence, Karma merely taps a couple of fingers against the faceplate of the title he carries upon his shoulder

Johnny Karma: After all, later this evening the tsores begins once again as I get to spend another evening enjoying The New Murder’s oh-so-pleasant company, this time in the shape of Chris Bond…

Karma stops as he looks ahead. The camera pans to show Molly Reid, having just turned the corner in front of the two. She stands there with a smile on her face.

Molly Reid: Well well well, fancy seeing you here Karma!

Upon hearing Molly’s voice Karma closes his eyes for a moment and appears to mutter something under his breath, before letting out a deep breath and turning in Molly’s direction

Johnny Karma: I know, fancy seeing me here.  It is strange how I show up in arenas where I’m scheduled to have a match on the show, isn’t it?

After aiming a look in Molly’s direction that says he’s not in the mood to play games, Karma continues.

Johnny Karma: So go ahead and say what you’re going to say, since I’ve got plenty of time on my hands before I face off with another one of your stablemates.

Molly Reid: Speak of the devil…

Chris Bond: ...and he doth appear.

Bond speaks up as the camera pans around to reveal the Battle Hardened Veteran and his valet, The Crimson Baroness, both standing behind Johnny Karma and Cherry Baum. A wide smile on his face as The New Murder members circle their prey. Karma stands in front of Cherry, not wanting her to fall victim to another attack.

Chris Bond: What’s the matter, champ: cat got your tongue?

Molly Reid: You’re not...nervous, are you?

Chris Bond: Why would he be nervous? After all Johnny Boy here - he beat Chandler Scott and Dom Harter, didn’t he? I’m not sure about that though, you haven’t boasted about those wins enough lately.

Molly Reid: Don’t forget about Izzy Anders! No way he’s nervous about us two, not when he’s had such amazing wins lately.

Chris Bond: Damn, why am I even bothering to show up for this main event? I’m clearly outgunned…

The sarcasm in his voice is almost palpable as the three New Murder members are joined by a fourth.

Dom Harter: No, no, no…

Karma turns his head to see The Tenacious Little Bastard strolling towards them. The crooked grin on Harter’s face draws a chuckle from The Crimson Baroness as he takes his position next to Molly; two members of The New Murder flanking the Undisputed champion on either side.

Dom Harter: See there’s somebody here’s who’s outmanned, and outgunned, but it’s not any of us. And even if Karma here is too stubborn to admit it, he knows the numbers game never works in his favor, right?

Chris Bond: I’d have to ask Savannah Taylor…

Harter chuckles, but Johnny Karma doesn’t seem impressed by it.

Dom Harter: You beat me, Karma, congratulations. Enjoy it while it lasts, because sooner or later that belt will be in The New Murder. If not around my waist, then around Molly’s, or Bond’s, or Mercy’s - and the list goes on!

Molly Reid: Definitely gonna be my waist though.

Dom Harter: It would look good there, don’t you agree, Karma?

All four members of The New Murder look towards the Undisputed Champion. His stoic disposition doesn’t betray him, however, and Karma stares straight into Molly’s eyes.

Johnny Karma: Keep telling yourselves that the title’s going to fall into The New Murder’s hands, because that’s all you’re ever going to have.  I already proved I can keep it out of your hands, Dom, and later tonight it’s Bondo’s turn to see if his confidence is misplaced.  So ask yourself, Molly, at which point do you think you should stop assuming victory and start realising you’ve got a fight on your hands?  As long as I have this title, none of you are getting hold of it.

Molly steps forward and pats the faceplate of the title that Karma is carrying over his shoulder.

Molly Reid: That’s what they all say. Everyone in that battle royal thought the same thing as you. Sixteen grapplers thought they could beat me and become number one contender. But each and every one of them failed. I succeeded. You Johnny? You’re one man. Don’t think you alone can stop me from becoming the next FGA Undisputed Champion.

With that, The New Murder members all back away, leaving Karma and Cherry behind as the show cuts to commercial.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The Vertigo feed cuts backstage and Spencer Burke is patiently waiting for his cue from the production team. After a nod of the head, he addresses the audiences watching from the arena and on the televised broadcast.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I’d like to welcome my guest, the FGA Pride Champion, Chris Madison!

Burke turns to his left and looks off screen. The cameraman slowly zooms out and we see Chris Madison gingerly stepping into the picture. Not scheduled for action, Madison is casually dressed in street attire, clutching onto the Pride Championship that is draped over his shoulder.

Spencer Burke: Chris, thanks for your time. Obviously by the looks of it, you’ve been keeping yourself busy.

Madison chuckled at the observation and then winced in pain.

Chris Madison: Yeah, just went through a war. Bumps and bruises, nothin’ too serious.

Spencer Burke: Two weeks ago, we saw you successfully defend the Pride Championship against Sydney Christensen. That was your first successful title defense in the course of your two championship reigns. That had to have lifted a huge weight off of your shoulders.

Chris Madison: Yeah it did. I’ve always believed that a champion is defined by how they perform with the belt. Up until two weeks ago, I was just a guy who preached but couldn’t put his money where his mouth is. On top of that, I hadn't had the best track record against Sydney.

Spencer Burke: During that match, Fujiko Mine made herself comfortable at the announce table and got a bird’s eye view. With a match between the two of you for the Pride Championship inevitable, was it hard to focus on the task at hand?

Chris Madison: Not at all. Fujiko has secured herself a match down the road. We’ve still got about two months from now until her match. I can’t let myself get tunnel vision and focus solely on her. Brian Stryker is one win away from bein’ able to cash in the Fifteen Championship for a title shot, who knows what other tricks MacDonald has up his sleeves. If I’m goin’ to make it to Final Frontier, I’m goin’ to have to do what I’ve done my entire career… FIGHT! And if I’m bein’ completely honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Spencer looks impressed by Madison’s unfaltering determination.

Spencer Burke: Tonight, Fujiko finds herself up against James Edwards. Any chance that you find your way to the announce table...

Madison shook his head, forcing Spencer to cut his question short.

Chris Madison: Like I said Spence. I’ve got too much time and too many other possible speed bumps in the way before I lock in solely on Fujiko. I’ll watch from backstage, don’t need to add any fanfare to a match that has no bearin’ on our prospective title match. Let's be honest, James Edwards is no Chris Madison. If she’s goin’ to get herself ready for a Pride Rules match against me, she’s goin’ to step up the level of competition she’s facin’.

Chris glares at Spencer for a moment before walking off as the feed cuts away.

[FGA Office]

Frontier Lions Cup (Qualifying Round)
Sadie San Francisco vs. Julian Tijerina

The lights go out. A few seconds later, a creepy female voice tells everyone "open your mind" before glass breaks and "Senbonzakura" by Lindsey Stirling plays.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and it is a Qualifying Match for the 2017 Frontier Lions Cup! Introducing first, from Extremadura, Spain! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is “The Shooting Star Supreme” JULIAN TIIIIIJJJJJERRRRRIIIIINAAAAA!!!

Out comes Julian Tijerina, bathed in varying shades of purple, with the hood of his sleeveless jacket drawn over his head. Julian bobs his head to his theme music as he takes to the middle of the stage. He feigns going down on one knee before immediately popping his head out of his hood, the lights coming back on as he does so, swallowing the purple spotlights out of sight. Grinning, Julian stretches both arms to either side of his body before firing a finger gun aimed at the ring. He then makes his way to the ring, keeping his eyes on the squared circle while occasionally high-fiving fans, without even looking them in the eye, along the way.

Julian stops right outside the ring, breathes deeply while shaking his hands on his sides, and then without warning jumps up on the apron. He climbs the nearest turnbuckle and stretches both his arms to either side once more. Afterwards, he leaps forward into the ring and rolls through, taking a seat on the balls of his feet against the opposite corner.

Julian stays seated against the corner for a few seconds more before popping back to his feet. He stretches with the nearest ropes' help and waits for the match to officially begin.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina looks ready for tonight’s match against the reigning Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Stephy Auger: You bet he is. Here we are two weeks later and Selfish San Francisco still hasn’t given Julian Tijerina the credit that he deserves!

Kris Cruise: Sadie earned that championship on her own! She doesn’t owe Julian Tijerina anything.

Stephy Auger: Figures. You’re just as bad as she is. But that’s okay. The Shooting Star Supreme will get the last laugh tonight. Just watch.

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 and a roar surges through the audience. Sadie San Francisco steps out onto the stage, a brow raised, and a small smirk on her face, expression hidden behind tinted aviators. She walks down the ramp, a hand resting on the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship around her waist. She pauses in front of the ring, glancing up into it before calmly walking around toward the side which the hard-camera faces.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from The West Side! She is the reigning FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… SADIE SAAAAAN FRAAAANCIIIISSSSCOOOOO!!!

Sadie places a hand on the bottom rope before turning, looking over her shoulder toward the audience. With one finger, she lowers her sunglasses for just a moment to wink out at the audience before pushing them back into place and swiftly pulling herself into the ring beneath the bottom rope and right back up to her feet. Sadie calmly removes her sunglasses, handing them off to the referee, slowly walking the ropes and unhooking her belt, raising it above her head with both hands as she ascends to the second turnbuckle. Earning another pop from the audience, Sadie lowers the belt onto her shoulder and hops down from the corner, pacing the ring a bit as she readies herself.

Kris Cruise: Sadie San Francisco also looks ready for action. She’s the reigning Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ. But a Frontier Lions Cup win will guarantee her a championship match against the winner of Johnny Karma vs. Molly Reid!

The bell sounds as Tijerina and Sadie starts things off with a lock up. Tijerina quickly uses his strength advantage to move Sadie across the ring and into the ropes. While he’s got her pressed against the ropes, the ref gives them until a count of five to break the hold. Once the count reaches “FOUR”, both grapplers appear to make a clean break… until Tijerina blasts her with a knife edge chop. The crowd boos as Tijerina continues to light up her chest with knife edge chops. The Spanish Sweetheart smirks before running into the far ropes. As soon as he bounces against the ropes, Sadie lunges forward and nails him with a running high knee. The cheers continue as Sadie returns the favor with a series of knife edge chops to the throat. The Pope switches up the attack and hammers away with a flurry of left-handed forearm strikes to the face, sending Tijerina slumping down against the ropes. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ continues her attack with multiple stomps to the chest before the ref can get in between her and Tijerina. The Pope puts her hands up before stepping back and letting the ref attend to Tijerina. After the Shooting Star Supreme slowly reaches up and begins pulling himself up using the ropes, Sadie rushes back over to attack. But Tijerina is able to duck and dump her over the top rope and to the outside. The boos continue when Tijerina runs into the far ropes. When he returns, he knocks Sadie down with a suicide somersault senton.

Kris Cruise: Tijerina takes it to the air and takes out Sadie San Francisco!

Stephy Auger: He flattened her!

Tijerina picks up Sadie and rolls her back inside before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sadie kicks out.

Tijerina picks up Sadie and chokes her across the middle rope. The ref gives him until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Tijerina breaks the choke before delivering La Guillotina (slingshot leg drop across the back of the head of a rope-draped opponent). After Sadie falls back down to the mat, Tijerina slides back in and makes the cover.

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

Tijerina picks up Sadie and whips her into the corner. He then rushes across the face to attack, but Sadie counters with a back elbow to the face. After a throat punch doubles him over, Sadie hoists herself up onto the middle ropes. Just as she’s about to jump of, Tijerina quickly reaches over, grabs her by the ankle and yanks her off. The crowd boos when Sadie smacks the back of her head on the top turnbuckle as she falls to the canvas. Tijerina picks up Sadie and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle before turning her around and sending her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Tijerina runs across the ring, hits a corner dropsault and goes to follow up with a step-up enzuigiri. But Sadie’s able to duck the kick. As Tijerina is getting back to his feet, Sadie hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and knocks him down with a left-handed forearm strike to the back of the head. She pushes Tijerina over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tijerina kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Sadie gets her first nearfall of the match after being on the wrong end of the action for this start of this contest.

The Pope picks up Tijerina and goes for an irish whip. But he reverses, sending Sadie into the ropes. When Sadie returns, Tijerina throws her down with an over-the-shoulder arm drag, followed by a wheelbarrow arm drag, followed by a tilt-a-whirl headscissors arm drag. As Sadie gets back to her feet, Tijerina throws out a roundhouse kick. But Sadie is able to duck and counter with a sitout jawbreaker. While Tijerina is dazed, Sadie heads out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks him down with a diving knee strike. She makes the cover.

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

Sadie quickly places Tijerina is a grounded side headlock before hammering away with a flurry of left-handed strikes to the head. The Pope then brings Tijerina back to his feet and doubles him over with a knee strike before going for a running bulldog. But Tijerina is able to shove her off, sending her crashing sternum-first into the turnbuckles. As Sadie stumbles back, Tijerina runs past her before knocking her down with a springboard roundhouse kick. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Tijerina sends Sadie into the corner with an irish whip. He then runs across the ring, delivers a corner dropsault and follows up with a step-up enzuigiri. After placing Sadie in the Tree of Woe, Tijerina steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. While Sadie tries to sit up and free herself, Tijerina jumps off and knocks her down out of the corner with a diving double foot stomp, leaving Sadie folded up on the mat. The boos continue as Tijerina drags Sadie from out of the corner before making the cover.

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

Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Close call for the champion. A win tonight would not only advance Tijerina to the First Round of the Frontier Lions Cup, but it could potentially put him in line for a Mid-Atlantic Legacy title shot down the road.

Stephy Auger: Ideally it would. But you know that Selfish San Francisco doesn’t like to give people what they’re owed.

Kris Cruise: Oh stop it!

Tijerina picks up Sadie, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. After stepping out onto the apron, Tijerina begins waving up The Pope. He continues to wave up The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ while she stirs on the floor. After she turns over and gets back to her feet, Tijerina runs along the apron and goes for a front flip senton off the apron. But Sadie rolls out of the way, causing Tijerina to crash on the floor. While Tijerina arches his back on the outside, Sadie rolls back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: Look at that coward Selfish San Francisco! She’s content with getting the cheap countout win!

When Sadie sees Tijerina starting to pick himself up, she runs into the far ropes. When Sadie comes back, the crowd cheers when she leaps through the ropes and knocks Tijerina into the guardrail with a suicide dive. The Pope gets back to her feet before heading into the far ropes. When she comes back, she leaps through the ropes and knocks Tijerina back into the guardrail with another suicide dive. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ rolls back inside before taking off into the far ropes. When Sadie returns, the crowd cheers when she lunges through the ropes and knocks Tijerina down with a third suicide dive.

Kris Cruise: A trio of suicide dives have left Tijerina worse for wear on the outside!

Stephy Auger: All of those dives weren’t even necessary, Cruise!

Sadie picks up Tijerina and rolls him back inside before rolling back in to make the cover.

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

Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Sadie turns Tijerina over and steps on the back of his knees. After locking his legs around hers, she reaches down, grabs his wrists and rocks back and forth before pulling back and delivering a surfboard stretch. The crowd cheers while Tijerina howls in pain. The ref asks Tijerina is he wants to give up. When Tijerina refuses, Sadie pulls back on the hold. Tijerina can be seen shaking his head from side to side while the crowd shouts at him to tap. The ref asks The Shooting Star Supreme if he wants to give up. But the former 15 Champion refuses. So Sadie lowers him down to his knees before transitioning into a surfboard chinlock. The ref asks Tijerina if he wants to give up. When he refuses, Sadie repeatedly pulls back on his chin. Tijerina lets out a groan each time Sadie yanks back on the hold. Tijerina slowly reaches up with his hand and pushes one of Sadie’s hands up over his mouth before biting her finger. Sadie grimaces before letting go of the hold. After both grapplers return to their feet, Sadie doubles him over with another throat punch before bringing him down with a Fameasser. She makes the cover.

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

Tijerina gets his shoulder up.

Sadie picks up Tijerina before delivering a kneeling jawbreaker that sends him stumbling back into the ropes. While Tijerina tries to shake out the cobwebs, Sadie runs over and clocks him with a left-handed forearm smash strike across the face. She then sends him into the far ropes with an irish whip. When Tijerina returns, Sadie throws out the Palo Alto (running corkscrew roundhouse knee strike). But Tijerina’s able to slide underneath it. After both grapplers return to their feet, Tijerina catches her with a superkick. He then turns Sadie around before delivering the Rain Shatter (wrist lock transitioned into a short-arm roundhouse kick). After Sadie drops down to a knee, Tijeria steps back before flattening her with the Kedavra Knee (shining wizard). The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: That was a well-timed series of strikes there from Tijerina. But it wasn’t enough to put Sadie San Francisco away.

Tijerina picks up Sadie and goes for an irish whip. But The Pope reverses, sending him into the turnbuckles. Sadie runs over to attack. But she gets caught with a back elbow to the face. Tijerina then hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before bringing her down with a diving somersault neckbreaker. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Tijerina drags Sadie into position before heading into the corner. He springboards to the top turnbuckle and goes for a moonsault when Sadie rolls out of the way. After he lands on his feet, he goes to follow up with a standing Shooting Star Press. But again, Sadie rolls out of the way. When Tijerina stands up on his knees, Sadie connects with the Palo Alto. The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

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

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

Sadie picks up Tijerina and wrenches his arm before pulling him down with a Flatliner. She then heads into the corner and climbs up onto the middle ropes before waiting or Tijerina. Once Tijerina gets to his feet, Sadie goes for another diving left-handed forearm strike. But at the last second, Tijerina pulls the ref in the way, forcing Sadie to pull back. The crowd boos Tijerina for pulling the ref in the way. Once she lands on her feet, she moves the ref out of the way before getting sucker punched by Tijerina. The crowd erupts with boos as Tijerina delivers a shoot kick to the left leg, followed by a shoot kick to the left side, followed by a roundhouse kick to the head. While Sadie’s dazed, Tijerina gives her the finger gun taunt before knocking her down with a superkick. Tijerina pulls Sadie back to her feet before placing her in a three quarter facelock and delivering The Looking Glass (standing sitout shiranui). He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erutps with boos when “Senbozakura” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JULIAN TIJERINA!

The boos continue after Tijerina rolls to the outside and gets his arm raised.

Stephy Auger: Just like that, Julian Tijerina picks up the win over the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion and advances in the Frontier Lions Cup!

Kris Cruise: Yeah, but let’s not act like he didn’t pull the ref in the way when he knew he was seconds away from losing this match!

Stephy Auger: You always have to take credit away from Tijerina, don’t you?

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Backstage, Spencer Burke stands in front of an FGA Vertigo logo. He looks straight ahead at the camera with a slight smile.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen, my guest at this time...Fujiko Mine.

The crowd cheers loudly as the aforementioned Fujiko steps into the shot. Xena steps in behind her, folding her arms across her chest and staring down at Spencer. He glances up nervously at her for a moment, before turning his gaze down to the smaller Fujiko.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, after having to sit out last week and watch Chris Madison defend his Pride Championship against Sydney Christensen, you now have a chance to get back into the ring and face James Edwards. Your thoughts?

Fujiko wastes no time letting out a ridiculously long sigh. She forces as much air out of her lungs as she can before inhaling again.

Fujiko Mine: I wanted there to be a big match between James Edwards and I. Really, I did. When I saw that he decided to join the FGA roster, I was thinking of the potential of a really competitive match between the two of us. When I saw that he was chosen to be on the Vertigo brand, I felt some of those thoughts stirring in the back of my mind. But do you know what I think now?

Fujiko shakes her head.

Fujiko Mine: I think that James Edwards is a salty little Sally.

Fujiko brushes her right hand along her cheek, shaking her head as she does so.

Fujiko Mine: Let me get this straight. I have a triumphant return to the company, after nine months of being away. I defeat a former Pride champion in Molly Reid in a pride rules match. I outlast him and get this close..

She pinches her thumb and forefinger together, with only a small gap inbetween.

Fujiko Mine: To winning the battle royal for a undisputed title shot. Then I ask Chris Madison for an opportunity, and I am granted that. All of that equals...undeserving? Unearned?

Fujiko can only shrug, clearly not seeing the logic of James Edwards.

Fujiko Mine: On what planet did I not earn that right? Now, if James Edwards had done more than have a match or two here and there while he does his best Mark Storm impersonation and show up twice every three or four shows, I’d understand his frustration. If he’d taken advantage of the fact that I needed to step away and made himself undeniable to the FGA fans, then I’d understand. He had plenty of opportunity to step up while I was away. He didn’t do it. If he’d done something like ask for an opportunity and was denied in favor of me? I might even understand then. But all James did was see that I asked for something I felt that I deserved, and he got mad because well…

Fujiko rears back, then mock slaps her own forehead.

Fujiko Mine: GARSH, he just didn’t think to, ya know; ask for something instead of waiting for someone to hand it to me. Or jee willikers, I’ll go complain to the GM about it instead of proving that I deserve a title opportunity, too!

She puts on a silly voice, mocking Edwards. Discarding the voice and turning her attention to the camera, she narrows her eyes.

Fujiko Mine: Like I said on social media, I’m happy to face James or anyone else that thinks I don’t deserve this opportunity. Because I do believe I’ve earned it. And when the time comes, I definitely plan on taking back the Pride Championship. But James, don’t for a second try and blame me for your shortcomings, your lack of foresight, and your inability to reach out and TAKE the things you want. YOU are going to have to own up to your own mistakes, not place them at my feet. You’re going to start tonight, when I get into that ring and beat you, James. I’m going to prove to you that not only do I deserve this chance to face Chris Madison; but that you’re going to have to eat crow and keep my name out of your mouth, unless you’re putting the proper respect on it.

Fujiko Mine: And hey, maybe you’ll learn something. Like, if you want to be one of the best here on Vertigo? Maybe try being more proactive. Also, maybe do some research before you open your mouth. That might help ya, too. Now if you excuse me, I’ve got a complainer to silence.

Fujiko winks at the camera, then waves Xena on. She stands, unmoving for a second before turning her sharp gaze to Spencer. He flinches in response. Xena grins, then follows in the direction Fujiko went off in as Vertigo goes to commercial.

[FGA Office]

When the scene fades backstage a cameraman is heard pleading with someone as the camera swings back and forth.

Cameraman: Hey! Hey, you can’t take that man! Give it back! C’mon man give it back! Give it back or I’ll call security!

The person holding the camera groans as he stops walking. His groans begin to turn to laughter as you hear his voice.

The Man: Don’t go getting some innocent men killed, bub. Trust me, you don’t want that blood on your hands.

The cameraman stops walking and doesn’t say anything for a moment. He snarls waving the warning off knowing he’s heard worse from these wrestlers while on the job.

Cameraman: Psh, yeah right. I’m not gonna tell you again pal! Give me back my damn camera or security is gonna come put a foot up your---

The man quickly slides over and viewers can see the cameraman’s feet rising off of the ground while making sounds as if he was choking. His legs dangle in the air as the man tosses him over into a stack of crates.

The Man: Get the hell out of here before it’s your blood I paint this entire arena with.

The pudgy cameraman rubs his neck and looks up at the man in fear. He cautiously backs away before getting back up to his feet and runs off.

The Man: Idiot.

The man turns to go back to walking again but as he does he moves up the camera up to his face revealing a patch on his leather vest that says Man Of Mayhem. He flashes a smile and takes off his sunglasses.

The Man: Sorry about that, we were having some technical difficulties. The names Ryder...Ryder McKnight.

Ryder’s smile fades away as he stares into the camera.

Ryder McKnight: The Reapers are here, Frontier. Don’t worry...It isn’t just me.

He chuckles as a man is seen leaning up against a wall with his back turned. The back of his vest reveals the Reapers In Pride logo. He turns his head to look over his shoulder revealing a familiar face….Joey Perello!

Joey Perello: Unfinished business can drive a person insane…

The camera focuses in on the VP patch on Perello’s cut as the former Subversion general manager scratches underneath his chin.

Joey Perello: And I…

Perello points at Ryder standing directly in front of him.

Joey Perello: We have unfinished business with Frontier Grappling Arts. You can have your New Murder. You can keep your Shootcamp. Hell, you can sic the Elysian Empire on us, but when the dust settles?

Perello flashes a half-smirk.

Joey Perello: It’ll be the Reapers who stand tall. It’s time Frontier learns just who the most dominant group of sonsabitches is...and as our president would say.

Ryder steps back in front of the camera and stands side by side with Perello after he sets the camera on an equipment crate.

RIP: We will reap the weap.

Not a second later, Ryder throws the camera to the ground causing the picture to go to an annoying static. Vertigo immediately cuts back to ringside, the fans in attendance stunned to see the Reapers in FGA.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Fujiko Mine vs. James Edwards

The house lights go down, and the arena stays black during the garbled opening guitar riff, 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” JAAAAAMES EEEEDWAAAARRRRDSSS!!!

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.

Kris Cruise: If Edwards wants competition, then he’s going to get some strong competition in the form of Fujiko Mine here tonight.

Stephy Auger: She sounds pretty fired up, too. Fujiko was throwing some serious shade at Edwards just a couple of minutes ago, telling him that if he wants something, he should go out and take it instead of sitting around and waiting. I’m sure that didn’t sit well with Edwards.

Kris Cruise: No, it probably did not...

The thud of a low chime rings out, and the beginning of “Sirens” by Elephante ring through the arena. The lights in the arena dip as the crowd voices their extreme approval of one Fujiko Mine. The lights bump in time with the beat, bathing the crowd in alternating pale purple and gold lights.

Why came disaster, I see your face
Under the laughter you store away
Come down, come down, come out and play
Biting the nails of catastrophe
When didn't your sails come and dance with me
Come down, come down, we're lost at sea

At the top of one of the crowd entrances, one Fujiko Mine appears. The camera focuses on her as she looks out at the fans surrounding her. The imposing Xena stands behind her, looking stern. The nearest fans wave to catch her attention; Fujiko slaps some hands as she makes her way through the crowd and down to the ring.

All I want is perfect timing
All I got was silver lining
I can't stop, these tides from rising
So I'm coming back for you
Coming back for you-OH!

The breakdown of the song kicks in, and the lights dance along with them. Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful handspring onto and over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Inescapable Goddess.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! She is FUJIKO MINE!!!

Fujiko poses on the top turnbuckle, her hands outstretched over her head and her eyes closed. Some fans toss blue and yellow streamers in, which cascade over her, around her, and into the ring. The lights return to normal. She gets down off the top turnbuckle, and removes the streamers from her person before the match begins.

Kris Cruise: Here is the #1 contender to the Pride Championship. Fujiko is looking to prove herself and her #1 contendership against anyone who thinks she’s undeserving. Fujiko has been looking forward to locking horns with Edwards for awhile now. Before, it was out of respect for “The Burning Heart.” But in her words, tonight is about silencing a complainer.

The bell sounds as Fujiko and Edwards circle the ring. Both grapplers begin to size each other up before heading towards the center of the ring and locking up. After jockeying for position, Edwards is quickly to drop down and toss Fujiko down to the mat with a fireman’s carry. He then goes to apply a headlock. But Fujiko’s able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock. After Edwards gets back to his feet, he leans forward and reverses into a hammerlock of his own. He then spins Fujiko towards him, doubles her over with a front knee strike to the midsection and follows up with a front guillotine choke. Before Edwards can get the hold fully cinched in, Fujiko rolls out and reverses into an arm wrench before following up with a headscissors takedown. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Edwards kicks out.

Kris Cruise: We know that Chris Madison is watching backstage. Will he be rooting for Fujiko? Or does he want Edwards to do a number on her?

Stephy Auger: If I were him, I’d want Edwards to soften her up for me.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and places him in a side headlock. After a shot to the ribs, Edwards shoves her off into the ropes. Upon Fujiko’s return, she gets knocked down by a standing shoulder block. Edwards heads into another set of ropes while Fujiko returns to a vertical base with a kip up. When Edwards comes back, Fujiko leapfrogs over him. Edwards continues to run the ropes. When Edwards returns, Fujiko doubles him over with a spinning back kick to the midsection. She then runs towards the ropes. When Edwards stands back up, the crowd cheers when he gets knocked down by a handspring enzuigiri. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
Edwards kicks out.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and delivers a knife edge chop before going for an irish whip. But Edwards reverses, sending Fujiko into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she slides through Edwards’ legs. When Edwards turns around, Fujiko quickly maneuvers around him. When Edwards turns around, he gets caught with a dropkick. After getting a second dropkick, Edwards is sent into the ropes with an irish whip. When Edwards returns, Fujiko brings him down with a hurricanrana. She turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Edwards kicks out.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and knocks him into the corner with a series of knife edge chops. She then goes for an irish whip. But Edwards reverses, sending her into the corner. The Burning Heart runs across the ring to attack. But he gets knocked back with a double boot to the chest. Fujiko then raises herself up onto the ropes before knocking him down with a diving front dropkick. Lady Luck rolls out onto the apron and springboards to the top turnbuckle. Once Edwards gets back to his feet, Fujiko stands up, leaps off and knocks him down with a missile dropkick that sends him rolling across the ring. The cheers continue as she crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
Edwards kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Lady Luck. This match so far as been all Fujiko. You’ve got to imagine that frustration is starting to build inside of Edwards.

Fujiko brings Edwards back to his feet and goes for a leg-feed enzuigiri. But Edwards blocks the kick. After hooking his free arm around Fujiko’s other leg, he leans back to catapult her into the corner. But instead of crashing into the turnbuckles, she lands safely on the ropes. When Edwards turns over and gets back to his feet, Fujiko stands up on the top turnbuckle, flips back and knocks him down with a moonsault. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
Edwards kicks out.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and goes for an irish whip. But Edwards reverses with an irish whip feint into a fireman’s carry gourdbuster. He turns Fujiko over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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Fujiko kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Edwards finally stops Fujiko’s momentum with that gourdbuster!

Edwards picks Fujiko, moves her into the corner and unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. He then nails Fujiko with a blistering knife edge chop. Edwards pulls his arm back before firing off another knife edge chop that echoes throughout the arena. Fujiko can be seen leaning forward while she guards her chest. But Edwards shows no mercy. He leans Fujiko back in the corner before rattling off a series of knife edge chops. The Burning Heart switches targets and delivers a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection, followed by a trio of back elbow strikes to the head before sending her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. While Fujiko staggers from out of the corner, the crowd cheers when Edwards rushes over and throws her down with a running STO. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
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Fujiko kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Edwards putting a little something extra on that STO.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, it looked like he was trying to drive her right through the canvas.

Edwards picks up Fujiko and doubles her over with a front knee strike to the midsection. After hooking her arms, Edwards throws her down with a butterfly suplex. Edwards turns over, sits up Fujiko and applies a neck crank. The Inescapable Goddess cringes while Edwards applies pressure. The ref gets down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Edwards applies even more pressure. The ref asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. After she refuses to quit, Edwards nails her with a clubbing forearm strike across the face. He then reapplies the neck crank. The crowd here in Wichita begins to rally behind the former Mid-Atlantic Legacy and Pride Champion. Fujiko begins to slowly turn over onto her knees. She continues to fight through the pain as she battles back to her feet. She then nails Edwards with four elbows to the midsection. Once she’s free, she follows up with a headstand calf kick. While Edwards is dazed, Fujiko turns and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd cheerst after Edwards throws her down with a snap powerslam. He hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Fujiko battled out of the neck crank. But Edwards was quick to cut off her momentum.

Edwards picks up Fujiko, leans her forward and nails her with an elbow strike across the back of the neck. Fujiko winces as she staggerss over towards the ropes. The Burning Heart stays on the attack, hitting a clubbing strike across the back of the neck. He then turns Fujiko around and applies another front guillotine choke before pulling her back towards the center of the ring. The ref goes over and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Edwards cinches in the hold. Edwards grits his teeth as he tries to choke out Fujiko in the middle of the ring. Fujiko reaches up and tries to pull Edwards’ arm from around her neck. But it’s to no avail. Edwards grits his teeth as he really cinches in the hold. Fujiko begins to fade before dropping down to a knee. Gasps and murmurs can be heard from the crowd as they sense that Fujiko is close to behind finished. The ref kneels down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. But Fujiko doesn’t respond. The ref asks her again if she’d like to give up. Again, no response. The ref then takes Fujiko’s arm, raises it up and lets go. The arm begins to fall. Then it suddenly stops. The crowd cheers upon seeing Fujiko shake the arm. Edwards is in disbelief. But he quickly snaps out of it before transitioning into a double underhook. The Burning Heart deadlifts Fujiko off the mat before planting her with a double underhook brainbuster. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Fujiko and positions her on his shoulders for a powerbomb. The crowd gasps as Fujiko’s about to get thrown down on the mat when she counters with a flurry of short-range punches to the head. She then flips back to reverse into a hurricanrana. But Edwards is able to block the move. He then lets Fujiko hang upside down before turning over and transitioning into a single leg crab. The ref quickly gets down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Edwards pulls back on the leg. Fujiko reaches out to the ropes, but she’s nowhere near them. So she starts to pull herself towards the ropes. Just then, Edwards lets go to transitioning into another front facelock. Fujiko tries to get to her feet. But Edwards gators rolls over to his left. He then gator rolls over to his right before pulling Fujiko up off the canvas. He quickly slips on a cravat before bringing her down with a cravat cutter. Edwards turns her over and makes the cover.

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

Edwards picks up Fujiko and cracks her across the face with a forearm strike before sending her towards the ropes. But instead of bouncing off the ropes and coming back, the crowd cheers when Fujiko uses the momentum to counter with a handspring rebound Ace Crusher.

Kris Cruise: Out of nowhere!

Stephy Auger: Fuji Water returned the favor with an Ace Crusher of her own!

After both grapplers return to their feet, Edwards throws out a left hook. But Fujiko’s able to duck. She then quickly ducks a right hook from The Burning Heart before doubling him over with a spinning back kick. After Edwards drops down to all fours, Fujiko steps onto his back before flattening him with a standing moonsault. She then pushes him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO

Edwards kicks out.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and whips him into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she sees Edwards setting up for a back body drop. So she counters with a sunset flip. However, Edwards quickly rolls through it and returns to hs feet. The crowd gasps and cheers when he throws out the Violent Gospel (Running PK). But Fujiko’s able to roll out of the way at the very last second. Fujiko returns to her feet and runs over to attack. But she gets taken down with a surprise hurricanrana from Edwards. The Burning Heart picks up Fujiko, grabs her from the side and sets up for a Backdrop Suplex. But Fujiko is quick to block the move with elbows to the head. She then performs a standing switch and rolls Edwards up from behind with an O’Connor Roll.

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

Edwards tries to get off off the mat. But he’s quickly brought back down by a headscissors facebuster. She makes the cover.

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

Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and knocks him back towards the ropes with a series of knife edge chops. She then turns and runs into the far ropes. When she returns, Edwards goes to dump her over the top rope and to the floor. But Fujiko’s able to land safely on the apron. When Edwards turns around, he gets caught with a rope-assisted gamengiri. While Edwards stumbles back, Fujiko goes to climb up onto the top turnbuckle. Just then, Edwards runs into the corner, runs up the turnbuckles, grabs Fujiko and throws her down with an avalanche release northern lights suplex! While Fujiko is sprawled out on the mat, Edwards heads out onto the apron. He takes his time scaling up to the top turnbuckle. Once there, he slowly stands up from the crouched position and gauges the distance between Fujiko and the corner. When he’s ready, he leaps off for a diving headbutt. But Fujiko rolls out of the way, causing him to crash onto the canvas!

Kris Cruise: Nobody was home!

Stephy Auger: Edwards took a second too long!

Edwards slowly pushes himself up off the apron and gets on all fours. He then shakes out the cobwebs before standing up on his knees. Fujiko quickly takes advantage of Edwards’ positioning and spikes him with a basement hurricanrana. After Edwards’ head bounces off the mat, he falls onto his back. Fujiko heads over to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko stands up beide Edwards and begins waving her arms up and down. The crowd begins to do the same while Edwards begins to stir on the mat. As soon as Edwards gets back to his feet, Fujiko runs towards the ropes before knocking him down with the Sealed With A Kick (Tidal Wave). She makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko picks up Edwards and goes for an irish whip. But Edwards reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she sees Edwards setting up for another back body drop. So she leaps into the air and flattens him with a double foot stomp onto he back. After pulling Edwards back to his feet, she turns and runs back into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she throws out a clothesline. But Edwards is able to duck, grab her from behind, lifts her up and slam her down with a belly to back gourdbuster. Edwards turns over and hooks the leg.

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

The crowd cheers when Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Fujiko and sends her into the corner with an irish whip. He charges over to attack. But he gets countered and rocked with a back elbow strike. As Edwards stumbles back, Fujiko runs out of the corner and goes for a rolling hurricanrana. As soon as she rolls up onto Edwards shoulders, the crowd cheers when he counters with a folding powerbomb.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.

After Fujiko kicks out, Edwards sues the momentum to turn over into a Crossface. The ref gets down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. When Fujiko refuses, Edwards pulls back. Fujiko tries to pull Edwards’ hand from around her. But she can’t. Edwards begins to tug back on the hold. Somehow, The Inescapable Goddess is able to escape the Crossface by countering with a rollup.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
.
.
Edwards kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Fujiko gets hit with the Double Tap (consecutive spinning back fists). Edwards then doubles her over with a kick to the midsection, lifts her up and plants her with the Foxfire (fisherman buster). He turns over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Edwards slowly pulls Fujiko up off the mat before quickly delivering a backdrop suplex. He makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Edwards! It doesn’t get much closer than that!

Stephy Auger: I could have sworn that was three!

Edwards picks up Fujiko and sends her into the corner with an irish whip. The Burning Heart runs over to attack. But he gets knocked back by a boot to the face. Fujiko turns and begins to climb the turnbuckles. As soon as she gets to the top, Edwards runs into the corner, runs up the turnbuckles, grabs Fujiko and goes for an avalanche German Suplex. The crowd gasps as Fujiko flies through the air. Somehow, Fujiko is able to land on her feet! She then turns and runs into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, the crowd cheers after she knocks Edwards down wit the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick). Once Edwards gets back to his feet, Fujiko runs over and plants him with a rope-assisted Tornado DDT. Fujiko turns over, gets up on her knee and keeps her eyes locked on Edwards. Once Edwards turns over and begins to get back to his feet, Fujiko rushes over and knocks him down with the Lucky Shot (backflip kick). She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers when “Elephante” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, FUJIKO MINE!

The cheers continue while Fujiko gets her arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine picks up the win here tonight in Wichita! That was a good back and forth match by both grapplers. But in the end, it was Fujiko that got the better of Edwards. All is not lost for Edwards, as he’s already advanced to the First Round of the Frontier Lions Cup. For Fujiko, she gets another mark in the win column as she continues to build towards her match with Madison for the Pride Championship at Final Frontier! Coming up next, it’s out main event as FGA Undisputed Champion Johnny Karma goes one on one with Chris Bond!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

December 22 and 23
Times Union Center
Albany, NY
LIVE and ONLY on PAY-PER-VIEW

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
Johnny Karma vs. Chris Bond

"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 the arena as Chris Bond makes his way out from behind the curtains. As he emerges from behind the curtain, there is a large burst of boos from the crowd. With a spotlight lighting his way, Bond makes his way down the aisle and towards the ring, moving his arms away from the fans along the front row.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and it is your MAIN EVENT of the evening! Introducing first, representing The New Murder! Weighing in at 242 pounds! He is “The Battle-Hardened Veteran” CHRIIIIIIIS 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 boo 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: Chris Bond and his fellow crows crossed paths with Johnny Karma and Cherry Baum earlier tonight. But not before Bond and Dom Harter did a number on Elon Elysian! Bond took out Emery Elysian two weeks ago! Harter has already attacked Neal Durden and has repeatedly taunted his injury in Lowri Moss’ face! I shudder to think what these savages have in store next.

Stephy Auger: if I were Johnny Karma, I’d get Cherry Baum on a one way ticket out of town. If he were smart, he’d learn from what happened the last time Cherry Baum tried to get brave.

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena, and just as it reaches a crescendo Cherry Baum emerges at the top of the ramp, standing to one side to introduce the man they call Champion, or as the Frontier Wrestling Arts fanbase more commonly know him, Johnny Karma - at which point he walks out onto the ramp with the title draped over his shoulder, before he comes to a halt and raising the title high in the air for a moment, before entrusting the belt to Cherry as he hands it to her to place over her shoulder as they begin their walk toward the ring

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

As the pair reach ringside, Karma climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron as Cherry follows him and hands him the title, at which point Karma turns to face the audience and slowly raising the title high into the air once more to let everyone know who's the champ, before he steps through the ropes that Cherry has been perched upon to climb into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Cherry Baum! From Queens, New York! Weighing in at 233 pounds! He is the reigninh FGA Undisputed Champion, JOHNNYYYYY KAAAARRRRMAAAAA!!!

Once inside the ring, Karma unzips his ring jacket and fixes the title around his waist before he climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle and stands there proudly with the title around his waist

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

Once he climbs down from the turnbuckles, Karma crosses the ring and climbs onto the opposite turnbuckle, pulling the title from around his waist to raise it high into the air once more

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

Kris Cruise: The FGA Undisputed Champion refuses to be intimidated by The New Murder, regardless of the numbers disadvantage that he was seemingly at. We’ve seen all of them here tonight except for Jaelynn Ramsey, who is still recovering from an injury. But even with her own, he’s still outgunned.

Stephy Auger: Johnny Karma has the respect from members of both brands. But how many of them are willing to put their neck on the line for him if you-know-what hits the fan?

The bell sounds as Karma and Bond make their way to the center of the ring. The FGA Undisputed Champion and The Battle-Hardened Veteran stare each other down until Bond socks him with a right hand. Karma comes back with a punch of his own. The crowd boos when Bond nails Karma with another punch. The boos turn back to cheers when Karma comes back with another punch of his own. Bond throws out another punch, but Karma blocks and counters with a punch of his own. Karma then rattles off three jabs before dropping him with a right hook.

Kris Cruise: Sugar Ray Karma!

Bond gets back to his feet, only to get knocked back down with another right hook. Once Bond gets back to his feet, Karma sends him into the ropes with an irish whip. When Bond returns, Karma delivers an inverted atomic drop before bringing him down with the Bum Trip (shoulder neckbreaker). He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bond kicks out.

Karma brings Bond into the corner and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. He then takes Bond and goes for an irish whip. But Bond reverses, sending him into the opposite corner. Bond runs across the ring to attack when Karma cuts him off with a running clothesline. Bond gets back up, only to get knocked back down by another running clothesline. He then picks up Bond and whips him into the ropes. When Bond returns, Karma sets up for a back body drop. But Bond’s able to counter with a kick to the shoulder that stands Karma upright. He then turns and runs back into the ropes. When Bond returns, the crowd cheers after Karma throws him down with a snap scoop powerslam. He hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Bond was gearing up for a running maneuver. But Karma had other plans!

Karma picks up Bond and goes to wrench his arm. When Karma turns around, Bond nails him with a kick to the midsection. He then rips his wrist free from Karma’s grip before throwing out three punches to the face. He then takes Karma and whips him into the ropes. When Karma returns, Bond scoops him up from the side before delivering a jumping backbreaker. Karma cringes while he holds his lower back in pain. Bond quickly follows up with a lateral press…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Karma kicked out

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but he might have hurt his lower back. Look!

Bond picks up Karma, turns him around and delivers a forearm strike to the lower back. Karma lets out a groan when Bond nails him with another forearm strike to the lower back. A European Uppercut to the back of the neck sends Karma staggering over into the ropes. Bond comes up from behind and presses down on the back of Karma’s neck to choke him across the top rope. The crowd boos The New Murder member while the ref gives him until a count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…  Bond lets go of the choke before bringing Karma down with a russian leg sweep. Bond rolls through it and turns to make the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: It’s still a shock to see Chris Bond with The New Murder. If there was ever someone that would stand on his morals and defend this company, it would be Chris Bond. But not anymore. He sold his towel to jump ship to The New Murder.

Stephy Auger: He didn’t sell his soul. He finally opened his eyes and realized what a mistake he was making this whole time.

Bond picks up Karma and knocks Karma back into the corner with a back elbow strike to the face. He then makes his way into the corner and stomps Karma down. Bond reaches down, pulls Karma back to his feet and sends him slumping down in the corner with punches to the head. He then nails Karma with a knee strike to the face before pulling him back to his feet. Bond then brings Karma from out of the corner before whipping him into the far ropes. When Karma returns, Bond doubles him over with a punch to the midsection. After grabbing Karma around the waist, Bond hoists him up before throwing him down with a gutwrench powerbomb. Bond drops down to his knees before making the cover.

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

Bond picks up Karma, hooks his arm around his neck and delivers a vertical suplex. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Karma gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Karma started this match off hot. But he doesn’t look so hot now, does he?

Kris Cruise: No, the tide has definitely turned...

Bond sits up Karma and applies a rear chinlock. The ref gets down and asks Karma if he wants to give up. But the Undisputed Champ refuses. He then turns over onto his knees before returning to his feet. After a series of elbows to the midsection, Karma heads into the ropes. When he comes back, Bond quickly swings around to Karma’s back before pulling him down with a rear naked chokedrop. He makes the cover.

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

While Bond slowly pulls Karma up off the mat, Karma nails him with rights and lefts to the midsection. He then quickly grabs Bond, runs, leaps over the top rope and delivers Macho Karma. While Bond stumbles back, Karma climbs up onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle and jumps off for a diving double ax handle smash. But Bond catches him with a punch to the midsection on the way down. While Karma’s doubled over, Bond quickly tosses him out onto the apron before dragging him back in across the middle rope and planting him with the Rejection (rope-hung DDT). The boos continue as he pushes Karma over and makes the cover.

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

Bond quickly mounts himself on top of Karma and hammers down with a flurry of right hands to the face. He then gets up off of Karma, pulls him back to his feet and moves him into the corner. After a hard European Uppercut that rocks the champion, Bond sits him up on the top turnbuckle. After climbing up onto the middle ropes, Bond goes for a superplex. But Karma blocks the move. So Bond tries to muscle him up for another superplex. But again, Karma blocks the move. Bond then lets go and throws out a punch. But Karma blocks and counters with a punch of his own. He then nails Bond with three more punches before shoving him down to the canvas. Once Bond gets back to his feet, Karma stands on the top turnbuckle, jumps off and knocks him down with a diving double ax handle smash. He makes the cover.

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

Karma picks up Bond and sends him into the corner with an irish whip. He then runs across the ring and sends Bond slumping down in the corner with an NYC Uppercut (running European Uppercut). Karma steps back towards the center of the ring before running back into the corner and nailing Bond with the Kodak Moment (rope-assisted corner dropkick). He then drags Bond from out of the corner and makes the cover.

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

Karma picks up Bond and whips him into the ropes. When Bond returns, Karma scoops him up from the side and delivers a backbreaker. Karma holds onto Bond as he returns to his feet before tossing him through the ropes and to the outside. As Bond begins to pull himself up using the edge of the apron, Karma turns and runs into the far ropes. When Karma returns, the crowd cheers when he flattens Bond with This Is For The Front Row (baseball slide clothesline). Karma picks up Bond and rolls him back into the ring before rolling back in. He brings Bond back to his feet before whipping him into the far ropes. When Bond returns, Karma lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster. While Bond is sprawled out on the apron, Karma steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. He then points to the sky before leaping off and crashes down on top of him for From The Stars Above (flying elbow drop). Karma heads into the corner and looks to set up for Check Your Chiclets (superick) when the crowd erupts with boos. Both Karma and Cherry turn to the entrance to see Molly Reid standing on top of the stage.

Kris Cruise: Molly Reid!? What does she want now?

Stephy Auger: She can’t come out here and scout her competition?

Kris Cruise: NO!

Karma points to Reid, but Reid puts her hands up defensively. She then smirks as Dom Harter steps out through the curtain to a blast of boos.

Kris Cruise: Now wait just a minute!

Harter flashes his signature smirk when there appears to be a commotion in the crowd. Someone can be seen fighting their way through the crowd. It’s ultimately revealed to be Mercy Williams, who slingshots herself over the security railing.

Stephy Auger: The Emerald Jewel is here! It’s a party, Cruise! Lighten up!

Reid and Harter slowly turn and look up at the Tron hanging above them. The Tron switches from a live shot of Reid and Harter to the backstage area. Specifically Jimmy Page’s locker room door, which has a parked forklift in front of it. Sitting in the driver’s seat is The Crimson Baroness, who cackles after a job well done. The camera switches back to Karma, who now realizes what is about to happen. He then motions for Cherry to get out of here. Cherry goes to run to safety when Fenrys pops up out of nowhere on the other side of the security rail. The sight of Fenrys causes Cherry to sheik as she falls to a seated position.

Kris Cruise: Where did he come from!?

Karma motions to the outside when Williams slides into the ring. She charges over at Karma, but Karma cuts her off with an NYC Uppercut. Bond then gets back to his feet and throws out a lariat. But Karma’s able to duck. When Bond turns around, spittle is sent flying out of his mouth with Check Your Chiclets. When Karma turns around, he gets tackled down by Harter. He then mounts himself on top of Karma while the ref calls for the bell.

Kris Cruise: The ref has just called for the Disqualification. Just like that, the main event is over.

Stephy Auger: Oh, but the party is far from over, Cruise. FAR from over...

Harter hammers away Karma with a flurry of right hands. The boos then turn to cheers when Karma rolls over, mounts himself on top of Harter and returns the favor. Karma continues to hammer away on Harter when Williams, Bond and Fenrys maul Karma.

Kris Cruise: There they go to save their leader!

They yank Karma off of Harter before tossing him down to the mat. When Karma gets back to his feet, Bond tackles him into the corner. Williams and Fenrys rush into the corner as they join in with Bond. The trio triple teams Karma in the corner as they send him slumping down with mudhole stomps. Williams applies a foot choke before letting go and allowing Fenrys to apply a foot choke of his own. Bond then pulls Karma up in the corner and rocks him with a European Uppercut. He presses Karma against the turnbuckles before rolling out of the way. Harter then lunges into the corner and crashes into Karma with a double running knee strike. The FGA Undisputed Champion crumbles from out of the corner. Bond and Harter pick up Karma before tossing him back into the corner. Fenrys heads to the other side of the ring before charging across the ring and nailing Karma with a corner bicycle kick. Then they then let Karma crumble to the mat as Fenrys steps out onto the apron. The New Murder members scale to the top turnbuckle before flipping off and crashing across Karma with a 630 Senton.

Stephy Auger: MOON’S LIGHT SPLASH!

Bond and Harter drag Karma towards the center of the ring before pulling him back to his feet. They hold him up by the arms while Williams runs into the ropes. When she returns, she spears Karma down to the mat. While Karma is sprawled out on the canvas, Bond circles him before delivering a stomp to the right wrist, right knee, and right ankle. He then follows up with a stomp to the left shin and left bicep before delivering a jumping stomp to the face. Bond reaches down, pulls Karma back to his feet, lifts him up and plants him with a spike cradle piledriver with help from Harter. The Tenacious Little Bastard sits Karma up and locks on the Empty Shell (Dragon Sleeper). After cinching in the hold, Harter keeps the hold applied for a good ten seconds before pulling Karma back to his feet, lifting him up and planting him with the Silent Machine (Impact Driver).

Reid smirks as she makes her way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Look at this. I guess she’s satisfied. Isn’t that cute. She should be ashamed of her damn self!

Cherry gets in the ring to check on Bond. It’s then that Bond quickly grabs Cherry and tosses her out onto the apron before dragging her back in across the top rope.

Kris Cruise: NO NO NO! DON’T DO IT, CHRIS!

The crowd erupts with boos when Bond cups his free hand to his ear. He’s about to plant her with the Rejection when he lets go at the last second. Cherry quickly crawls over and lays on top of Karma.

Kris Cruise: That son of a … he thinks this is funny!

Once Reid gets in the ring, she shakes her head at Cherry. Reid stands in the center of the ring and slowly raises the FGA Undisputed Championship belt. The crowd erupts with boos and pelts trash into the ring while Harter, Bond, Williams and Fenrys circle her and applaud.