Vertigo (11.11.17)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


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


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



Verizon Arena
North Little Rock, AK

The video fades to an outside shot of the Verizon Arena in North Little. Rock, Arkansas We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd, as well as a separate Vertigo chant...

• Singles Match •
Tyler Storm vs. Fenrys

The scenes opens inside the arena as it was normally lit with the ring announcer ready to announce the upcoming competitor. Suddenly…

“GIVE US YOUR GOLD!!!!!”

Is heard blaring through the speakers as "Release The Hounds" by Satellites On Parade hits the PA System and the arena goes to pitch black. As the intro of the song plays out the lights flash red, blue and black constantly until Fenrys appears standing at the top of the ramp after forty seconds of the song plays out. With his hood of his coat up he stares down to the ring breathing heavy.

Fenrys then looks around to the fans and growls before he makes his way down the ramp. As he makes it to the bottom of the ramp he drops to all fours and proceeds to walk on his fours over to the left side of the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, from The Wolves Den! Weighing in at 178 pounds… FENRYS!!!

Fenrys pops up to his feet as he leans over the barricade scarring the fans at ringside before darting towards the ring and sliding into the bottom rope. He stands on his knees in the center of the ring and looks up to the ceiling howling up to the sky while his arms were spread out.

He then stands up to his feet and walks over to a corner and removes his fur coat. After giving it to the stagehand outside the ring, Fenrys crouches down in the corner as we waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: The New Murder member is looking to welcome Tyler Storm to FGA the only way he knows how. We’ll see if the rabid wolf of The New Murder will be too much for Storm in his debut.

The lights begin to slow fade out to the opening tunes of "Eye of the Tiger" before flashing quickly back on once the rifts of the guitar begin playing, along with being met with flashes of blue and gold light on the stage. Once the song picks up into it's normal tune about 25 seconds in, Tyler Storm rushes out from behind the curtain to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song and mouthing out to the fans.

Once the lyrics start, Tyler begins making his way down the ramp, walking along the left for the first half of his trek to the ring and high-fiving fans or talking with them, and doing the same in the second half of his walk on the right side. Before long he reaches ringside and after interacting with a few more people at ringside, he works his way up the stairs onto the ring apron. He rubs his feet off for a few moments, then gripping onto the top rope he jumps up and slides his legs in between the top and middle ropes and into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds… TYLER STORM!!!

The song goes on for a few more moments with Storm motioning out to the crowd for a reaction before rushing to one side of the ring just as the drawn out "Eye of the Tiger" lyric hits, landing his right foot on the bottom rope and his left on the middle rope with his arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Kris Cruise: After weeks of negotiations, Tyler Storm finally finds himself inside of an FGA ring. Storm’s been out of action for over a year. So we’ll see if there’s any signs of ring rust in his FGA debut.

Stephy Auger: Of course there will be signs of ring rust. Don’t be silly, Cruise. When you’ve been on the sidelines for as long as Storm has, he has to have lost a step. That spells bad news for him, especially in a match when he’s facing someone as fast as Fenrys.

The bell sounds as Fenrys begins to slowly slink over towards Storm. Storm keeps his distance as he tries to ready himself for one of Fenrys’ attacks. Just then, Fenrys lunges at Storm, tackling him against the ropes. The crowd boos as The New Murder member unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection using the ropes. He stands up straight before mauling Storm with clubbing strikes across the back of the neck. He then sends Storm slumping down against the ropes with repeated stomps to the chest. The boos continues when Fenrys steps back to howl.

Kris Cruise: Fenrys has been all over Storm in the early goings of this match.

Stephy Auger: Which shouldn’t come as a surprise. I told you that Storm would be too slow in his comeback match.

Fenrys heads back over, pulls up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Fenrys throws out a clothesline. But Storm swats through it before running into the far ropes. When Storm returns, the crowd cheers when he flattens Fenrys with a yakuza kick. He drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fenrys kicks out.

Storm picks up Fenrys, moves him into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He goes for an irish whip. But Fenrys reverses, sending Storm into the opposite corner. Fenrys rushes across the ring to attack. But he gets knocked back by a European Uppercut. Storm rushes out of the corner to follow up. But Fenrys catches him with an uppercut of his own before knocking him down with a corkscrew enzuigiri. He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Once again, Fenrys proves himself to be a few steps faster than Storm in tonight’s opener.

Fenrys picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Fenrys goes for a leapfrog. But Storm catches him in mid air before throwing him down with a spinebuster. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Storm picks up Fenrys, moves him into the corner and nails him with a combination of rights and lefts to the midsection before following up with a jumping knee strike. He then takes Fenrys and sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Storm runs across the ring, leaps up and connects with a hesitation dropkick that sends Fenrys crumbling from out of the corner. He makes the cover.

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

Storm picks up Fenrys and lifts him up for a Buckle Bomb. But before Storm can deliver the move, Fenrys delivers several punches to the head before countering with a hurricanrana. Fenrys picks up Storm and whips him hard into the opposite corner. As Storm staggers out, Fenrys runs over and connects with a front dropkick, knocking Storm back into the corner. Fenrys runs across the ring and blasts Storm with a knife edge chop before hitting him with a European Uppercut. He then climbs up onto the middle ropes and rains down punches on Storm while the crowd boos. After the ninth punch, Fenrys looks up and howls, resulting in even louder boos from the crowd. He goes for the tenth punch when Storm reaches up, grabs him, runs across the ring and delivers a Buckle Bomb. The crowd cheers as Fenrys crumbles from out of the corner. Storm heads over, picks up Fenrys and doubles him over with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into Rolling Elbow). He then lifts Fenrys up onto his shoulders before bringing him down with the Eye of the STorm (Electric Chair Driver).

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Eye of the Tiger” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, TYLER STORM!

The cheers continue as Storm gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm gets the W in his comeback as he picks up the win over Fenrys.

Stephy Auger: Storm got the feel good comeback win. Good for him. But guess what, Cruise? It’ll only get tougher for him from here.

Kris Cruise: Well I’m sure that Storm will be ready for the challenge.

Stephy Auger: Somehow I doubt that...

[FGA Office]

Vertigo cameras cut to the interview area backstage, where Jessie Pederson is standing by. She raises the mic to her lips and turns to attention, facing the camera.

Jessie Pederson: I'm standing by with one of the newer members of the Vertigo roster-- please welcome, Piper Lennon.

The shot pans out to reveal the diminutive Lennon standing beside Jessie, slouched back against the wall while idly twirling the carrying strap for her camera.

Jessie Pederson: Piper, you've made your presence known for a couple shows now. How are you feeling now that you're close to finally having your debut match here in FGA?

The debutant perks her head up, cracking a slight smile before adjusting her glasses and gently responding.

Piper Lennon: I'm feeling the same as I usually am. Like I'm a young adult trying to expand my horizons as I journey through this world, and I look forward to whatever knowledge I gain while doing that.

Jessie quirks a brow at Lennon's 'Kyrie Irving template' style answer, but tries to keep her best poker face.

Jessie Pederson: Right-- that said, you'll be facing Maritza Diaz, one of the more powerful and explosive athletes on the roster. How do you feel about the matchup, and how do you see it going?

Piper responds without skipping a beat.

Piper Lennon: 4 or 5 minutes, probably.

With a light shrug of her shoulders, she elaborates a bit more.

Piper Lennon: If she's that powerful and athletic and all that, I'll probably have to weather the storm and get used to it. Figure she'll come out hot, I'll figure things out, she'll probably feed off the crowd and get back into it-- she's a pretty passionate type like that, right?

She questions, cocking her head in the interviewer's direction.

Jessie Pederson: Yeah, you can say that. She's very connected to the fans, likes to inspire them.

A slow nod comes in return.

Piper Lennon: Right, so she'll probably make a mistake after that goes on for a bit, then I'll beat her. It seems like for all her gifts, she's missing something between the ears.

Jessie seems slightly taken aback by that statement.

Jessie Pederson: Isn't that a bit presumptuous to say, especially given you're still asking for information about her this close to facing off?

Piper does her best to disarm Pederson with a smile, as if she meant no offense by that statement.

Piper Lennon: Listen, this should be a challenge, and if she proves me wrong about any of that it'll be an even more exciting challenge than I thought. But there's obviously a reason why the highlights of her career are a failed challenge for some tag belts, and being friends with some better known wrestlers. If you look at it, she's got the physical gifts, she's trained in various disciplines since a young age, she's come up through the feeder system for FGA-- it's obviously not an ability problem, or a skill problem. Process of elimination kind of leaves us with it being a mental one.

Another shrug.

Piper Lennon: You are right, that I don't know all there is to know about her, so trust me I'm not here to be presumptuous. There's a million things that could be the problem-- she might not be that smart, or it might be because her inflated ego and sense of self worth cause her to be a bit delusional when she's performing --

Pederson can't help but interject.

Jessie Pederson: With all due respect, where do you get the idea she's got an ego?

A hand gets raised in return, as if to say 'calm down'.

Piper Lennon: Easy, I'm just saying that if you're meant to be a motivator and shining beacon of inspiration, that most people would say that usually requires some kind of track record of success and something to look up to. To say 'if I never give up and give it my all, I can accomplish this too' not to go 'if I never give up and give it my all, I can get regularly outperformed by people who don't have the physical gifts or resources at their disposal that I've had.'

A beat skips.

Piper Lennon: Me, I don't pretend I'm a role model, or some kind of inspiring figure-- I'm just like everyone else trying to get by. I'm sure she's a nice girl and all that, but you were asking my opinions here as a wrestler, so I tried to give them. I know I'm not infallible. So I'm pretty sure I'm right, but if I'm not? I'm ready to get the job done anyways and document what I learned.

Rapping the camera with her index finger to emphasize that last statement, she ambles away and we cut elsewhere.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: It’ll be interesting to see what happens in this match as we see Seth Iser debuting after we saw another debut earlier in Tyler Storm.

Stephy Auger: I know last week Iser was very outspoken on wrestling itself but we’ll see if he can back it up in the ring now.

The faint rumblings of Iser’s entrance song ‘Psychosocial’ starts and those that remember the veteran at other stops boo while the others that aren’t familiar with his antics that much are silent as they don’t know. But instead of hearing the ring announcer announce his name we hear his voice.

Seth Iser: Over here. Cut the music.

Soon we get a camera shot of Seth Iser and we see that he is in among the crowd with some security surrounding him. The music shuts off on Iser's command. There are a handful of ballsy fans around him that might want to make a move though the intimidating glare backs most of them off. Iser is in his ring attire as he’s wearing that black overcoat over it all and he of course has a microphone in hand.

Seth Iser: It’s been a couple of years since I last had a match in the States considering I’ve spread my wings in my return to this industry and went to another country to spread my name...and it sickens me that there are a handful of you people who have passed judgment on me with the boos. And it angers me that the other portion are so stupid or illiterate that you can’t even get off some damned app on the phone to research who the hell just came into your company! How dare each of you.

These statements get Iser booed by the majority of the audience and he’s just glaring at the people as his security team has surrounded him. He starts to take a couple of steps to the ring.

Seth Iser: I got a question...do you people raise your kids to be that judgmental? Is that why us as Americans are so far behind in many areas such as guns...respect...morals...economy…you name it? The only things we do better than anyone else is incarcerate poor people, kill them with guns, or bomb innocent civilians just to put our American boner everywhere. And you people enable it by teaching terrible morals and using those morals to judge people like me.

Another chorus of boos head toward Iser’s way and he stops as soon as a fan had reached out and touched him in the arm and he just glares at the person in question...probably college aged. He just gestures for a couple of the security people to take the person in question.

Seth Iser: Someone hand me a ticket right now.

There is some audible protest from the fan in the area but the microphone doesn’t pick it up. This is getting the audience really agitated with Iser at this point but at this point someone who was intimidated by him does hand Seth a ticket and he just glances at it for a second in the back to read it.

Seth Iser: No throwing objects...no physical contact allowed to other wrestlers otherwise you are subject to be ejected…

There is another round of boos as Iser lets out those last few words and he just sneers at the man and you can even see this poor person continue to try to verbally protest.

Seth Iser: You didn’t follow the rules. Throw his ass out so he knows consequences. You all don’t know how to accept consequences but you people will start to learn…

Half of the security that was with Iser proceed to escort the poor fan away as the audience once again begins to boo and Iser gives a sarcastic wave in his direction before he goes over the guardrail and walks up the steps before he enters the ring and just stands right at the center of it all. The people are booing.

Seth Iser: Do I have your attention now?

One question and the boos are evident as Iser lets out the slightest semblance of a smirk though it’s obvious from how he’s moving around he isn’t happy at all. That smirk vanishes quickly and that angry demeanor with how he’s got that scowl and even a vein appearing on his forehead comes up.

Seth Iser: Good. Because I’ve made my point verbally. And now I will make my point here in the squared circle. Unlike the people here...I’ve read up on who I’m dealing with. Young Ash Fi. A trainee looking to make your own name in this sport...cutting your teeth...and starting to learn the process of the harsh lessons that took many of us years to fully learn. And your second match on Vertigo you draw a match against Wrestling’s Greatest Mind to boot.

Iser pauses for a second showing the slightest bit of sympathy for his opponent that seems genuine before the usual look of focus and agitation that he’s had comes back as that sneer seems inescapable on his face.

Seth Iser: Don’t worry kid, you’re going to get a good lesson here free of charge that you don’t have to pay your trainers for in this very ring. It’ll be the learning experience of a life after you take your beating and your loss and let everything sink in kid. And then maybe one day after you apply it...you’ll be a threat to yours truly. Maybe. Just it won’t be happening tonight...especially not in my first match back in the states in years. So come on down. Let’s go to school.

Iser puts down the microphone and gestures for his opponent. Ash Fi slowly climbs into the ring and is clearly cautious about locking up with Iser.

• Singles Match •
Seth Iser vs. Ash Fi

The bell sounds as Iser begins to stalk Ash Fi around the ring. Ash Fi continues to keep her distance from her much larger opponent. In a flash, Iser lunges at Ash Fi. But Ash is able to duck out of the way. When Iser turns around, the crowd cheers when Ash nails him right hands hands to the face.

Kris Cruise: Look at Ash Fi! She’s firing those right hands one after another!

Stephy Auger: But look at Iser!

Ash Fi continues to throw punches. But the punches barely affect Iser. So Ash turns and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, Iser throws out a clothesline. But Ash ducks and runs into the far ropes. When she returns, Iser grabs her and throws her down with a release belly to belly suplex.

The boos continue while Ash rolls herself across the ring. She continues to roll until she rolls out onto the apron.

Stephy Auger: At this rate, Ash mind as well roll herself right on up the aisle. This isn’t going to end well for her in she stays to fight.

Kris Cruise: Ash would never back down from a fight, even one that she knew she was outmatched in.

As she pulls herself up, she sees Iser marching over to attack. He goes to grab her when she ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Ash then goes for a sunset flip. But Iser is quick to reach down, grab her by the neck with both hands and yank her back to her feet before throwing her into the corner. Iser runs into the corner and throws out a clothesline. But Ash slips out of the way. When Iser turns around, he gets caught with a series of knife edge chops. She then goes for an irish whip. But Iser reverses, sending her crashing hard into the corner. As Ash staggers from out of the corner, the crowd boos when Iser knocks her down with a running big boot to the face.

Kris Cruise: My God, what a boot to the face!

Iser bounces into the near set of ropes. When Iser returns, he connects with a jumping knee drop. Iser follows up by grinding his knee brace against Ash’s face. The crowd boos while Ash can be heard groaning in pain. He reaches down, pulls up Ash and lifts her high in the air. Iser keeps her held in place for seven seconds before falling back and delivering a vertical suplex.

Kris Cruise: Iser’s just toying with her at this point.

Stephy Auger: No, h’s giving her a very valuable lesson.

Iser turns over and pulls Ash up by the hair. He sizes Ash up before socking her with a right hand that knocks her down. Iser reaches down, picks up Ash and nails her with a European Uppercut that sends her stumbling back into the ropes. While Ash tries to shake out the cobwebs, Iser marches over, pulls Ash away from the ropes and nails her with three jabs before turning her inside out with a discus clothesline. The crowd boos while Ash is left folded up on the canvas. Iser kicks her over onto her back before reaching down and pulling her back up. He then places her in a front facelock. Iser looks around at the crowd before quickly dropping down and planting her with the Deprivation DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Psychosocial” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, SETH ISER!

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

Kris Cruise: The outcome of this match was never in question. Iser could have put this match away minutes ago. But he wanted to toy with Ash Fi and knock her around.

Stephy Auger: Ash Fi had her chance to run to safety. But she decided to keep fighting and look what happened to her. Don’t think that Iser was only dominant here tonight because Ash Fi is still a trainee. You put Iser up against anyone on Vertigo and I bet he handles them just as easily as he did Ash Fi.

[FGA Office]

A smiling Jesse Pederson stands backstage with a pensive looking James Edwards.

Jesse Pederson: Well James, you wouldn't talk on the last episode of AfterBurn, but you did promise an interview here live on Vertigo.

Edwards quickly shakes his head "yes."

Jesse Pederson: You had a tough loss last week to Fujiko Mine, one that seemed to bother you, what went wrong for you during the fight?

James Edwards: Nothin', she pushed me to my limit, and I drove her to the breaking point. Fujiko just had a little extra gas left in the tank. If I fight her again, I know I have a good shot at putting her down.

Jesse Pederson: You contended later on social media that the issue between you two was never personal, is that still true?

Edwards looks momentarily miffed at the question but regains his composure.

James Edwards: Yeah, she may not believe, but I never had anything against her. She can ask for a title shots all she wants. My problem was and still is that she got it without having to earn it. I've had two chances to get a match for gold here in FGA, and I had to win a battle royal to do it. That's fair to me and what management promised me was the norm around here. In my opinion, she should have had to earn that shot instead of the boss handing it to her just because it is a "money fight."

Jesse Pederson: So I take it you won't be backing off your criticism of our general manager?

James Edwards: Damn right I won't.

Jesse Pederson: Even when he threatens to make your life miserable?

James Edwards: Yep.

Jesse Pederson: And you meant it when you said you would ask for a trade?

James Edwards: Yeah, why wouldn't I?

Jesse Pederson: Some say that would be running for your problems.

Edwards shrugs.

James Edwards: Fightin' is a business as well as a sport---and I hate that. I ain't gonna have my livelihood threatened by some jackass on a power trip sending goons after me. I tried the whole take a stand deal in HKW and could barely walk by the time I asked for my release. I lost a lot of bookings because I had to take the time to heal up. If the GM leaves me be, then I'm here to stay, simple as that.

Jesse Pederson: Moving on, do you have any comments about the simmering situation between yourself and newcomer KOL?

Edwards' fists ball at his side.

James Edwards: Speakin' of jackasses, if he wants to keep pushing my buttons then let him. He is gonna get his soon enough. If I win tonight, and I plan on it, and he gets by Daniel Widdel then has nowhere to run in the quarterfinals. If that happens, I'm gonna beat his ass and show him, Fujiko Mine, Chris Madison, the GM, and anybody else that doubts my drive and ability that it's time for them to quit lookin' down on me and time to take me seriously.

Instead of asking a follow-up question, Jesse steps away and nods her head.

Jesse Pederson: I have some breaking news to report, James your match with Jackson Magnum is now earlier in the show.

Edwards doesn't even take the time to cuss or question why. He sprints out of the picture, presumably in the direction of the locker room.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest for you at this time, Chris Bond.

The camera pans squarely from the ever chipper and always on his game, Spencer Burke, to the clean shaven and very buzzed hair, and slightly angrier than ever, Chris Bond. A roar of boos rain down with the vengeance of many a betrayed fan. Bond, who is dressed in his gear for his match later on tonight, seems unfazed as he stands there, basking in their jeers. His shirt, which once was an original #FGAProud tee is now replaced with a New Murder tee, where each member is stylized as a crow.

Spencer Burke: Chris, later tonight you have a match against Chris Madison. Any comments?

Bond stands there, his trademark smirk now replaced with a scowl so sharp it could through steel. His expression is stoic, his lips pursed. He takes a moment, inhales quietly, turns his head and spits. He shakes his head “No”. Spencer looks down to the spit, and back to Chris. He scratches at the back of his head.

Spencer Burke: Okay… so, I’m assuming this isn’t about Chris Madison but Jimmy Page.

Bond’s eyes widen at the mere mention of his name.

Spencer Burke: After last Vertigo aired, Jimmy Page made a statement, that some would say, was well deserved. He chased after the Crimson Baroness, your fiancée and valet, destroyed your car, and left a message with her that effectively said… No one was safe. Your thoughts?

Bond’s hands are clenched in fists of rage. His face, red. His eyes have narrowed and he removes the microphone from Spencer. He gets really close to Spencer, face to face. Their noses mere centimeters from each other. Bond’s mood soured, if at all possible.

Chris Bond: You think attacking a helpless female is ‘well deserved’? You think destroying someone else’s property is ‘well deserved’? You, and the rest of these miserable hicks are what is wrong with this company… this country… this world. I am disgusted, upset, angry… beyond words that Jimmy Page thought he could attack my world and get away with it. And… he wants to play victim? No. I’m done playing his game. And this interview is done. The camera is mine.

Bond points to the camera with one finger as he grabs Burke by the collar of his shirt. Spencer Burke swallows hard, but Bond just releases the collar and forcefully pushes him back, out of shot. Bond’s face turns from a fallen Burke to the camera, real anger in his eyes.

Chris Bond: Jimmy Page… the man who has won over all of your hearts. The man whose lies you have all gobbled up like starved dogs on a trash-heap.

Bond’s lips widen and his teeth grind with emphasis upon every word. A small amount of spittle flies from his mouth upon the completion of his statement. Booing can be heard, and Bond just sneers it off.

Chris Bond: You fools, all of you. Jimmy Page has played you all for the ignorant stooges that you are. But me? I’ve seen through it. I’ve seen through everything he has said, all of the lies he feeds you, all of the fallacies you all believe. None of it is true… and it doesn’t mean a single thing to you!

Bond barks into the camera, walking into it, toward it, forcing the camera to back up.

Chris Bond: I’ve seen what Jimmy Page really is. He’s a fraud. You people don’t care! Jimmy Page is a psycho. A real nut-job. A vagrant who will physically attack, maul them like a rabid dog if he feels they have betrayed them. And Jimmy Page thinks that I’ve betrayed him. But I haven’t. I DID NOT BETRAY JIMMY PAGE!!!

Bond shouts into the camera, coating the lens in a bit of aggressive spitting.

Chris Bond: I can feel it. I can feel you all staring at me… looking at me, like I’m the one who did something wrong. B-but Jimmy Page hasn’t turned over a new leaf. THERE IS NO NEW LEAF! I have an 18-inch scar on my back… and it’s because of Jimmy Page. I missed two extra months of competing for the FGA organization because of Jimmy Page’s assault, when he broke into the Lion’s Den Training Academy in an attempt to get at Chandler Scott. Jimmy Page attacks your loved ones. Jimmy Page tries to make you bleed. Jimmy Page sucks all of the life from your soul… because he feels like you betrayed him. Jimmy Page ripped Laurel Anne Hardy’s ear nearly clean off! ...And you bastards look at me like I’m the monster.

Bond turns his head to the side, his eyes are closed.

Chris Bond: Jimmy Page thinks that he can attack my world. He thinks he can break my world. Jimmy Page is crazy to think that I will be broken. He may have you all fooled… but not me. I made a conscientious decision to stand up for all of those who Jimmy Page has wronged. There is no new leaf…

Bond turns his head back to the camera, which now is mere inches from his face. He lets out a laugh.

Chris Bond: THERE IS NO NEW LEAF! HAHA! THERE IS NO NEW LEAF!!!

Bond’s laughter fills the moment, slightly psychotic, definitely a bit wacky. But it stops. It stops cold, and his eyes widen and his voice drops.

Chris Bond: I didn’t betray Jimmy Page. His actions, his words, his quest to destroy… all it does it prove that I made the right decision. Jimmy Page is garbage… the worst of rot. I chose to stand up and put him down like the rabid beast he is. Jimmy Page has no new leaf… because Jimmy Page has no soul.

Bond stops, his eyes dart down, he licks his bottom lip… and slightly bites at it.

Chris Bond: At Final Frontier, I will make Jimmy Page pay for all of the sins he has committed against me, against my fiancée, against the company, and all of the other atrocities that vile and vicious sycophant has perpetrated in the years he has been here. This isn’t about betrayal, Jimmy. It’s about vengeance.

Bond stops, his nostrils flaring, his jaws clenched. He exhales sharply one final time before making a sharp left and walking out of shot.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Maritza Diaz vs. Piper Lennon

The arena lights dim as the instrumental version of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" begins to play. A few moments pass before Piper Lennon ambles out from behind the curtain, pausing at the top of the ramp to survey her surroundings. She zigs and zags, taking her time as she makes her way down the ramp, taking everything in but not paying the fans any particular mind.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, from La Jolla, California… PIPER LENNON!

After circling halfway around the ring, she removes her jacket and camera, leaving them at the timekeeper's area. She stops in front of the announce desk, leaning back against it and staring up at the ceiling. Only then does she pick the pace up, lurching forward and sliding under the bottom rope into the ring, then popping up to her feet. She takes her corner, slouching back and drumming her fingers as she waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon is just moments away from making her FGA in-ring debut here tonight. Did you get a load of what she said to Jessie Pederson earlier tonight? The nerve of her to suggest that Maritza Diaz is not only an underachiever, but that she isn’t smart! Where does she get off talking about The Power Princess like that?

Stephy Auger: Well, she might have a point.

Kris Cruise: Excuse me?

Stephy Auger: Look at all the standouts from Lion’s Den FC. She definitely pales in comparison to the likes of NEST, The Crimson Baroness, Terrence Tillman, Emily Carter, Mason Mannion, Becky San Clemente, Jensen Banks, AMIRA and Shintaro Majima, just to name a few. She didn’t even do anything nortworthy while she was over in 3GW. As far as her lack of intelligence goes? Well, we all know that she’s not the brightest. Afterall, anyone who willingly dates someone like Pedro Gonzales can’t be that smart.

Kris Cruise: Oh stop it!

“Fireball” by Willow ft Nicki Minaj fills the arena as Maritz Diaz slowly walks out to the stage in a long black and red silk robe, and a traditional Mongkon head piece. For a moment she simply smiles and looks out at the fans before uniting the belt on her robe and removing it completely. She does a double bicep pose before heading down to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from Miami, Florida! She is “The Power Princess” MARRRITZAAA DIIIIIAAZZZ!!!

As she walks she high fives fans as she passes before running and sliding under the bottom rope. Once in the ring she stands in the center rattling off a series of punches, elbow strikes, knees, and kicks in rapid succession before bowing and removing her Mongkon and Pra Jiad arm bands.

Kris Cruise: Maritza Diaz has been out of action for the past few weeks. But she’s ready to get back into the mix. I know she’s ready to dive head-first into things. But if I were her, I’d be cautious against someone like Piper Lennon. We all saw what she did to AMIRA a few weeks back.

The bell sounds as Diaz and Lennon lock up in the center of the ring. Diaz is quick to use her strength advantage to shove Lennon down to the canvas. Lennon rolls over and picks herself back up before circling the ring seemingly without a care in the world. She slowly inches her way over towards Diaz and initiates another lockup. After jockeying for position, Diaz wins the battle of strength once again by shoving Lennon into the ropes. Lennon rushes back over to attack. Diaz throws out a clothesline to cut her off. But Lennon ducks. When Diaz turns around, she gets caught with a throat cross chop. The boos continue as she moves Diaz back into the corner and delivers a series of backhanded chops. Diaz then takes Lennon, tosses her into the corner and unleashes a series of stinging chops of her own. She then takes Lennon and whips her hard into the opposite corner. As Lennon staggers from out of the corner, Diaz throws her down with a back body drop. Lennon gets back to her feet, turns around and gets run over with a running shoulder block. Diaz reaches down and picks up Lennon before whipping her into the ropes. When Lennon returns, Diaz lifts her high in the air. The crowd cheers when Diaz military presses her over her head before slamming her down. Lennon holds her back before slowly rolling to the outside to regroup.

Kris Cruise: Diaz sends Lennon retreating to the floor.

Stephy Auger: She’s not panicking. She just needs a minute to regroup.

Lennon continues to circle the ring while the ref urges her to get back in. The ref begins to start his count until Lennon climbs up onto the apron. She then cautiously enters back in through the ropes. Lennon and Diaz begins to circle the ring before they inch towards the center. Diaz goes for another lock up. But Lennon ducks under, goes behind and applies a waist lock. The hold doesn’t stay on for long as Diaz easily pulls her arms from around her waist and reverses into an arm wrench. Diaz delivers another arm wrench before Lennon rolls forward, leans back, and kips up. Diaz is quick to grab her by the hair with her free arm and throw her back down. Diaz drops down and transitions into an armbar. The ref asks Lennon if she wants to give up. But she refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, she moves Diaz into the ropes before pushing her off into the far ropes. When Diaz returns, Lennon throws out a running double axe handle. But it barely has any effect of Diaz. So Lennon takes a few steps back before running forward and delivering another running double ax handle. But again, Diaz doesn't budge. She looks Diaz up and down before turning and running back into the ropes. When Lennon comes back, she throws out another running double ax handle. But Diaz is able to counter with a Uranage. The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Lennon is not going to win a battle of strength against Diaz!

Diaz picks up Lennon and nails her with a knife edge chop that sends her stumbling back into the ropes. As Diaz approaches, Lennon knocks her back with a front push kick to the chest. After Diaz comes back, Lennon throws out another push kick. This time, Diaz swats it away before grabbing Lennon by the wrist. She pulls her away from the ropes and throws out a short-arm clothesline. But Lennon ducks before pulling her down with a jumping neckbreaker slam. The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Diaz kicks out.

Lennon picks up Diaz and goes for an irish whip. But Diaz reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Lennon returns, she sees Diaz setting up for a back body drop. So Lennon knocks her down with a jumping double stomp. While Diaz is in the prone position, Lennon delivers stomps to the back of the left bicep, thigh and leg. She turns before delivering a stomp to the back of the right knee, wrist and shoulder. Lennon reaches down, grabs Diaz by the arm and pulls her up on her knees before delivering a soccer kick flurry to the chest. She then lets go of Diaz before running into the ropes. When Lennon returns, the crowd boos when she knocks Diaz down with a running knee to the face. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Diaz kicks out.

Stephy Auger: I don’t hear you talking now, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Lennon is holding her own for now.

Stephy Auger: “For now”? What’s that supposed to mean?

Lennon picks up Diaz, moves her into the corner and delivers alternating jabs and knife edge chops. She then takes Diaz and goes for an irish whip. But Diaz reverses, sending her into the corner. Diaz runs across the ring and hurls herself into the corner. But Lennon is able to casually walk out of the way, causing Diaz to crash into the turnbuckles. While Diaz stumbles back, Lennon steps through the ropes, climbs up to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and knocks Diaz down with a diving elbow drop. She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Lennon brings Diaz with the diving elbow drop. But it’s not enough to get the three count!

Lennon picks up Diaz and delivers a sitout jawbreaker, sending her stumbling backwards into the ropes. After returning to her feet, Lennon heads over to attack. But Diaz is able to duck and dump Lennon over the top rope. After Lennon lands safely on the apron, Diaz turns around and tries to knock her off with a clothesline. But Lennon grabs the top rope with both hands and drops down, sending Diaz tumbling down to the floor. Lennon pulls herself back up before delivering a Cactus Elbow off the apron and onto Diaz. Lennon makes her way down ringside before turning around to wait for Diaz to get in position. Once Diaz gets back to her feet, Lennon rushes over and connects with a front dropkick, sending her crashing into the ring steps behind her.

Kris Cruise: Did you hear that impact!?

Stephy Auger: That definitely took something out of her, Cruise.

Lennon picks up Diaz and rolls her back inside before rolling back in to make the cover

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Diaz gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Lennon picks up Diaz and whips her into the corner. She runs over and goes for a leaping corner bionic elbow. But Diaz comes out of the way. After Lennon crashes into the corner, Diaz throws her down with an inverted powerslam. She pulls over Lennon and makes the cover.

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

Diaz picks up Lennon and goes for an irish whip. But Lennon reverses, sending Diaz into the ropes. When she returns, she throws out a running bicycle knee. But Lennon is able to side step and swat the knee away from her. When Diaz turns around, she gets caught with a gamengiri. The Power Princess is dazed while Lennon runs into the ropes. When she returns, Diaz reaches out and grabs her by the neck with both hands. The crowd cheers when she’s got Lennon set up for an Overhead Choke Suplex. The cheers then turn to boos when Lennon counters with a bell clap to the ears. While Diaz is holds her ears, Lennon turns and runs back into the ropes. When she returns, Diaz throws her down with a belly to belly suplex. She makes the cover.

ONE!


.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon gets her shoulder up.

Diaz picks up Lennon and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, Diaz scoops her up from the side and delivers a sidewalk slam. Diaz returns to her feet, grabs Lennon by the wrist and yanks her up to her feet before turning her inside out with a short-arm clothesline. The cheers continue as Diaz reaches back down, picks up Lennon and scoops her up across her shoulder. She goes for the Royalty Bomb (Running Emerald Flowsion) when Lennon slips down from behind. She then grabs Diaz, spins her towards her and nails her with a heart punch. The boos continue when she places Diaz in a cravat and delivers the Snapshot (cravate knee facebreaker). She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Baker Street” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, PIPER LENNON!

The boos continue as Lennon gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon gets the win in her debut. But it was a lot harder than she thought it’d be, I know that much! If Lennon brings that dismissive attitude to her next match, then her next opponent will put her in her place by knocking some sense into her.

Lennon heads into the corner and picks up her Polaroid camera and places sit around her neck. She makes her way over towards the downed Diaz. After standing over Diaz, Lennon looks down and snap a picture of the barely conscious Diaz. Lennon takes the polaroid before exiting the ring.

[FGA Office]

Deep in the bowels of the Verizon arena is a backstage changing area. Standing a few metres from the camera, “The Kid” Luke Jackson seems to be engaged in some light boxing with an invisible opponent. A few steps behind him is Ymir Ocampos who skips rope expertly. There was no pause, no hesitation, no cessation. That went on and on like a dream. With fluid grace, she switches up into squat jumps

Luke Jackson: This is it.

Luke Jackson: The tag team debut of Luke Jackson and Ymir Ocampos.

Luke Jackson: Tonight is the first round of the Frontier Lions Cup. A tournament Ymir and I could very well have progressed in. But we have long since moved on from that  chapter in our lives. When one door closes, another door opens.  As low as we were feeling, those eliminations brought about a new goal in our careers. We want FGA to be the best goddamn promotion in the history of the planet… we threw around some ideas and came to one solution - become the top tag team in Frontier Grappling Arts.

Luke Jackson: Ya see, the spectacular title reigns of previous tag champions and the name of the the current FGA World Tag Team Champions has already been deeply etched into the memories of FGA fans, and wrestling fans as a whole. DDT3 proved there is nowhere better to find great tag team wrestling than FGA. We want to dominate the tag division and lead the revolution that sees tag team wrestling growing even bigger than it currently is.

Luke Jackson: Ymir and I have both had our struggles so people will doubt us when we say we’ll become the top team. But from here on out, whoever doesn't have the nerve to say that, is as good as finished!

Continuing to throw punches at the air, Luke dodges some visualized punches.

Luke Jackson: I’m no stranger to FGA’s tag team division. It is one of the highest honours available to anyone here.  To climb to the top of it, you need to pour everything you have into that ring. Since the day I became a wrestler four years ago, I've fought tooth and nail to reach the pinnacle yet the status of greatness has eluded me...

Luke Jackson: And having worked with her these last few months, despite her frustrations, Ymir has had me convinced that she too has what it takes to reach the summit. Time and time again we have missed out on what we yearn for. But not this time. This time we will force ourselves into the equation.  No matter how far or how hard it gets, we'll keep going. We both have the resolve to make our vision a reality.

With sweat beading her bare shoulders, Ymir stops skipping. Drying herself off with a towel, she steps forward,  gazing hard into the camera.

Ymir Ocampos: Last week I watched the match between Cordy Stevenson and Chandler Scott live at FGA's Six Year Anniversary Show. Honestly, that battle made me numb. It was beyond words. With my whole body numb, I went all the way home and I couldn't sleep for 3 days. Somewhere in my heart I was frustrated. I was frustrated that I wasn't on that stage. That I wasn't on that level. I'd seen… a strength that was far superior to my own. That atmosphere! The spectators! Cheers of joy, cries of disappointment, it all happened there. It makes my heart throb. I want a taste of it. Not just that, I want to be in the thick of it! Nothing is more exciting than wrestling a great match. That's why I wasn't satisfied. No matter how great they may be, in the end, they're only the accomplishments of others. Watching others pull off great matches will not be enough to satisfy me. When I step into the ring I want to show off my own brand of wrestling to everyone.  I want to fight a match of the highest quality. That’s what Luke and I both want. That’s what we’ve set out to do since we were drafted to Vertigo. But since Day One, Serpent’s Touch have used every opportunity to patronize our ambitions or get in the way of them.

Their name lights up a fire in Luke's eyes. He cracks his knuckles as he reflects on his brief but intense history with them.

Luke Jackson: It’s six been weeks since I’ve been in action but I’m raring to go. Tonight Luke Jackson and Ymir Ocampos square off against Serpent’s Touch. And it is because both sides remain unbending in our convictions... that we will stand in the squared circle to settle with might what words alone cannot. It is my honest opinion that Serpent’s Touch could be considered to be top class even amongst the entire of Frontier Grappling Arts’ tag team division. They're good. I'll give them that.

He gives a wry smile.

Luke Jackson: Unfortunately, I'm not very good at sucking up so the compliments end there.  I can’t deny their  ruthlessness for the sake of victory gets Serpent's Touch results. They got exactly what they wanted when they got us eliminated from the tournament last month. See, in their world, there are no consequences. They can do whatever you want.  

Luke Jackson: And even now, Kimik  only decides to speak up to tell me she’ll swallow me alive…  well if that's what you'll do, then we’ll just eat away at you from your stomachs. We’ll chew through the soft bellies of Serpent’s Touch. And once we come face to face I will look you in the eye and drop you where you stand. As the inexperienced tag team, we may be the underdogs. But I wouldn’t want it any other way. I have gone to war against very powerful men. You best believe this is the sorta situation where I shine brightest because unlike you two,  the two of us are going for a victory with a hunger hot enough to burn the soul. Even if you killed us, we would come back from the dead and dropkick your asses…

Luke Jackson: We will make sure the world knows we are here. As the underdogs, it’s not the path of least resistance. We have to prove ourselves. Show the world that we belong in this company and in this division; that we are now a force in the tag team division. Because this match isn’t about Win, Lose or Draw, oh no, this is about WIN, WIN, WIN and nothing more.

Ymir chuckles as she nods her head.

Ymir Ocampos:  Serpent's Touch think they’re the only ones who matter.  They've convinced themselves that this is the natural order. That nothing can change. As if by divine right, success belongs only to a handful of people. But what we do are battles. A wrestling match. There are no guaranteed winners. Victory doesn’t sit there on a plate for anyone.  We're not here to watch. We are here to win. They pride their confidence in excess whilst we... quickly learn from my mistakes.

She heaves the deepest of sighs.

Ymir Ocampos:   Sometimes you have to learn the hard way by making big mistakes in big moments.  See, last week Faye Valentine survived "Ymir of The Rain". In fact, she defeated me one, two, three. No controversy, no questions about it, in the end, I lost. Even in the ring, when Faye looked at me, her face said it all: “No, no, you're no good. I can't even use you as proper stepping stones.” She truly thinks that I am nothing more than a small bug to her.   And you know what happened afterwards?

A serious expression overtakes Ymir's features.

Ymir Ocampos:  I decided to say screw you and not leave it at that. I wanted a chance to wipe that loss away from everyone's memory immediately and now I have that chance having  focused all my time on improving. I promised to humble Faye Valentine  and that has not come to pass and let me tell you I am no liar. People might say I was talking outta my ass when I said I'd beat her. They might say that I LIED when I said I would beat her,  and since I haven't bested her they feel they had the truth of it but you know what you do when something's a lie? You make the lies become reality.

Ymir Ocampos:  Does losing prove that you are weak? Isn't losing difficult for all of us? A challenge where, after ending up on your hands and knees, you must see if you can stand up again? If you stay on your hands and knees, that proves that you are weak.

I'm not on my hands and knees anymore.

I've lost enough times this year and I will not let myself waste away.  I am not going to settle for this. You guys don't have a monopoly on being sturdy.  The strength of our purpose is stronger than either one of you. In fact, I WELCOME the challenge. It's not that easy to get rid of me. Even a man bristling with powerful weapons can be skewered by the spear of blind grit. Once in a long while there comes a fool who won't quit fighting until she dies.

Ymir makes a small smile.

Ymir Ocampos:  I’ve been told it's a real nuisance to have a feller like that as an enemy. You can call me a young fool. You can call me a nail that sticks out. But I... WILL NEVER BE HAMMERED DOWN BY ANYONE!

Ymir makes some final adjustments to her ring gear as Luke takes one last look at the camera.

Luke Jackson: We’ve had a lot of skirmishes since the draft but this time there is nowhere to hide. No excuses. All four of us will be in that ring and we’ll be fighting on equal footing. As a former FGA champion, lemme tell you this - the hysterical aren't fit to be on top. You who kicks others when they are down will learn that the hard way. At this rate, you are gonna cry sooner or later. Because when we, the team  you see as worthless, beats Serpent's Touch... what sort of worthless would you be? How much will that tear at you knowing that through all that big talk... you couldn't step up to the plate when it mattered?

Luke Jackson: Tonight we find out.

Slapping hands, Luke and Ymir take their leave, fully prepared for tonight's match up.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

As he returns to his office, Brandon Macdonald hopes for a couple of minutes of peace and quiet in the hope that the remainder of the show continues without a single hitch that would require his intervention - but once he's through the door he can see those hopes are being dashed into a thousand tiny fragments as he’s greeted by the two members of Smart Style who have obviously been waiting for him, with Mark Bisley sat in a chair facing the door while Shintaro Majima stands to one side, studying Macdonald’s desk

Mark Bisley: Good to see you, Mr Macdonald, I hope your evening is going well.

Rather than answer, Macdonald looks between Bisley and Majima, slowly raising a finger as he attempts to respond

Mark Bisley: Oh, I’m sorry, were we supposed to wait outside? I’m afraid nobody was around to tell us what the decorum is when waiting to see the General Manager of Vertigo so we thought that, as the door was wide open, the literal open door was an indication of your policy towards free agents.

Rising from his chair, Bisley approaches Macdonald and gestures towards Brandon’s desk

Mark Bisley: By all means.

Brandon Macdonald: This is my office, you know.

Mark Bisley: Of course, of course.

Bisley demonstrates his understanding by deferring to Macdonald...for all of two seconds, at which point he impatiently looks towards Majima with a “Get a load of this guy” look on his face, which Majima responds to with the slightest of shrugs, as Macdonald takes his place behind his desk, and with a resignation in his voice he asks...

Brandon Macdonald: What is it that the two of you want?

Mark Bisley: What do we want, you ask?

Rather than complete the sentence, Bisley takes a moment to turn his chair so it is facing Macdonalds’ desk, before sitting down once again

Mark Bisley: No, no, no Mr Macdonald, it's what we can give you. You see, as my partner and I are looking for a place to call home, so to speak, it makes the most sense for us to be proactive and get the lay of the proverbial land. So, for instance, we come to you knowing full well that Vertigo is a name synonymous with the Frontier Grappling Arts brand, and because the brand’s name is so important it makes the most sense for them to have the biggest names. And let’s be honest, Mr Macdonald, if you want to show the superiority of your brand it would be a major coup for you do bring in the hottest free agents on the market, because you and I and my partner all know that Flashpoint will be taking an interest in us sooner rather than later.

For a moment Macdonald appears to be listening to Bisley’s proposal and taking in everything that he has said, weighing up his options

...then he comes to his senses

Brandon Macdonald: Do you know the reason I’m the General Manager of this brand, rather than a backstage interviewer? It’s because I can tell when somebody is being honest with me and when somebody is feeding me a line to try and get what they want.

Shintaro Majima: I did suggest we take a more direct method.

Momentarily caught off guard by Majima’s interjection, Macdonald fumbles for where he was going with his comment until he finds it once more, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Bisley’s demeanor has started to shift from the casual, almost playful body language of before to a more focused, serious expression

Brandon Macdonald: So I will ask you again, what is it that you want.

A smirk crosses Bisley’s lips as he’s posed the question a second time, but this time he doesn’t sugar coat it

Mark Bisley: What we want, Mister Macdonald, is the tag team titles - titles which, by the way, we should have been challenging for in the first place if your officials were capable of performing their jobs to a reasonable standard. Yet to win those titles, we would need to be full-time members of the Frontier Grappling Arts roster.

Brandon Macdonald: Well if that’s all that you…

Mark Bisley: I did not say that was all that we wanted. You see there are two other reasons for us to have an interest in signing with your brand. What your brand has that Flashpoint does not is two titles which are exclusive to this show: the Pride Championship and the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, titles which both of us are more than capable of both winning and defending at any time, while also giving us ample opportunity to do exactly what we have set out to do and collect every single title this company has to offer. Remember, Brandon, we have already started the process with ShiMa’s run with the 15 Championship, so we’re offering you the chance to get on board now so you have the opportunity to be known as the man who provisioned for the company’s future by bringing in the next generation of headliners, while the best your competitor could do is hope that Johnny Karma’s fifteen minutes isn’t quite finished yet.

Once again Bisley rises from his chair, taking a business card out of his pocket as he does so

Mark Bisley: Of course, the professional thing to do would be to meet with your Flashpoint counterpart to see what they have to offer, but think of it this way…

Bisley places the card on the desk and slides it in Macdonald's’ direction

Mark Bisley: ...that gives you some extra time to consider your opening offer.

Bisley flashes a friendly yet horrifically insincere smile to Macdonald as he turns to leave, with Majima offering a nod of the head before he follows Bisley towards the door, and once there's a moment of peace and quiet within his office Macdonald cannot help but pick Bisley's card off the desk and examine it for a moment

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Serpent's Touch vs. Luke Jackson & Ymir Ocampos

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is a tag team match set for one fall!

The lights go out. A lone purple spotlight reveals the silhouettes of Faye Valentine and Kimiko through the smoke covering the stage. Kimiko has her head bowed, wearing a kendo stick on her back and her trademark oni bandana around the bottom half of her face. "Heart Killer" by Gossling begins to play, and The Divine Valentine sings her team's theme as the smoke slowly dissipates around them. Kimiko looks up, and  with Faye Valentine right behind her, begins to walk down the ramp to the ring as the lone purple spotlight breaks into several purple spotlights, drowning the arena in a sea of royal blood.

I am known as a killer
A heart killer
I'll have it, so you don't know
I'm nothing but a mean foe

Kimiko's full attention is to the ring as Faye Valentine continues singing their theme, both making their respective ways down the ramp and towards the ring. While Kimiko does not turn to look at the fans, not to anyone, ignore everyone and everything in favor of her full concentration on the task at hand, Faye Valentine dances seductively and flirts with the fans at ringside, clearly enjoying the attention she's getting, and she's getting everyone's attention. Faye Valentine graces a fan at ringside with an intimate touch, sliding the tip of her two fingers across his cheek, as her voice helps him reach ecstasy, but she breaks off mere moments before he reaches nirvana. Faye Valentine smirks at him, leaving him, and the rest of the crowd, always wanting more.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, at a combined weight of two hundred and fifty-eight pounds, the team of Faye Valentine and Kimiko… SERPENT’S TOOOUUUCH!

I'm gonna be your partner
Your love partner
You're gonna take it real slow
I'll make sure that you let go

Kimiko grabs the middle rope from the floor and hoists herself up the apron. She gets in the ring without any theatrics. Faye Valentine, on the other hand, walks up the steel steps and lingers on the apron, facing the crowd. She dances for a bit before she spins around and inside the ring, straddling the ropes through which she entered the ring, as she continues singing. The crowd dances to their song, latching onto every word that slithers out of her lips. Meanwhile, Kimiko takes to the middle of the ring, bows to each side of the squared circle, and gets down on the mat as she takes the kendo stick from her back. She places the kendo stick right in front of her on the mat and bows to it three times. Finally, as Faye Valentine ends her performance, she whips her hair back and comes back down to the mat, grinning playfully at everyone, including the referee and their opponent. Kimiko gets up, walks to one side of the ring, and once again sits down with her back against the corner ring post, waiting. Faye surrenders her microphone to a stagehand and warms up before the match, another performance, begins.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponents…

“Lose Yourself” hits the PA system to a pop from the audience. Luke Jackson comes out with a huge smile on his face, basking in the glory of wrestling. He has his usual black wife beater and backwards Oakland A’s cap on. He slaps the hands of fans on his way down to the ring, pausing at the bottom of the ramp as he glares at Kimiko and Faye Valentine. His music fades, and the audience grows louder as the illustrious opening of "The Final Countdown" begins to play. The crowd is bathed in the splendid glow of gold lighting.

J.A. Aldridge: At a combined weight of three hundred and twenty pounds, the team of Luke Jackson and Ymir OCAMMMPPOSSS!

As the main riff begins rocking the arena, “Ymir of The Rain" appears amidst the fans. Back to us, feet placed wide apart and an arm reaching towards the heavens, the crowd roars. She wears supple hotpants, trendy sports bra-esque top, kneepads and shin guards (over black high boots), all a sheer confection of fine red and silver, and a funky pair of sunglasses. Her high collared cape is her crowning glory; flashy, glamorous, and dazzling and a marvelous colour - the colour of blood and flame and sunsets. Spinning on her heel , Ymir Ocampos points to the cameras and poses for the fans. She proceeded to boldly wade through this huge sea of fans with more energy than a concert.

Stephy Auger: Lotta swagger for somebody that nearly got their head kicked clean off their neck two weeks ago…

Without pause, the fans sing the renowned lyrics as one when Ymir hits the ring, Luke Jackson joining her side. Leaping inside, her smile as bright as the noonday sun, she climbs a turnbuckle to pump an arm in the air and point a single index finger to the sky - an obvious challenge to whoever lurks in heaven. Luke mounts the adjacent set of turnbuckles, keeping an eye on Kimiko-- and hops down when Kimiko makes a lunge for the turned Ocampos. The lights return to normal and the music fades and the referee immediately tries to restore order.

Kris Cruise: “I will eat you alive.” That is what Kimiko said to Luke Jackson two weekends ago.

Stephy Auger: And I fully expect Serpent’s Touch to follow through! Jackson talked about this.. this animal instinct they all have, right? He’d better find it right now.

Jackson and Ymir jaw off with Valentine, but Valentine is the first to back into her corner, stepping through the ropes and out onto the apron. Reluctantly, Ocampos does the same after short words with Jackson, and the official immediately calls for the bell… and Kimiko immediately goes to level Luke Jackson with a spin kick to the jaw!

Stephy Auger: Kimiko with the knockout--!

Jackson sways back, avoiding Kimiko’s boot by inches, but upon landing she spins, leaping into the air again, snatching Jackson’s arm out of the air, pulling him down for the Cross Armbar! Faye grins wickedly from the apron, but Jackson is able to plant his feet, dragging Kimiko to the ropes. Kimiko glares at him, breaking the grapevine to kick violently at his arm, each shot making a sickening smack while the audience groans.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Kimiko rolls to her feet, away from Jackson, but runs forward and hits a Single-Leg Dropkick to the targeted shoulder! Jackson falls through the ropes and out to the apron while Faye laughs again from the apron. Kimiko slowly rises upright, glaring at Luke before she shoots the ropes, sprinting back with a running hip attack! Luke sails off of the apron, smashing violently into the ringside barrier!

Kris Cruise: Good lord!

Stephy Auger: EAT HIM ALIVE, KIMMIE!

There is a mixed reaction for Serpent’s Touch as Faye stands on the middle rope, peering down at Jackson with a grin as he pulls himself upright. Ymir has moved across the apron, biting her lip in concern as she looks at her partner, shouting words of encouragement… and boos rain down on Kimiko as she charges the ropes, hitting a running hip attack on Ymir Ocampos! Caught off guard, Ymir tumbles from the apron, rolling across the thin mats toward the bottom of the ramp.

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kimiko steps through the ropes on Luke’s side of the ring, waiting for him to climb upright, and runs, diving off of the apron for a Flying Hip Attack!

Kris Cruise: Luke ducked!

Kimiko flies spine-first into the barricade with her own momentum. Luke follows up with a Superkick to the jaw, sending Kimiko over the barricade and into the front row to a roar from the crowd!

Kris Cruise: And Jackson boots Kimiko right over the barrier! Momentum shifts away from Serpent’s Touch, just like that!

Luke rolls back into the ring as the referee begins his count! Faye scowls, looking between Luke and Kimiko, who stirs at the feet of the front row.

”ONE!”


“TWO!”


“THREE!”


“FOUR!”


“FIVE!”

Kris Cruise: And now Valentine’s off the apron to take matters into her own hands.

Faye mutters under her breath as she takes Kimiko’s arm and helps her to her feet. The dazed Kimiko leaps the barrier… but both women are suddenly taken down as Ymir Ocampos comes flying from the ring after a Triangle Moonsault! The audience roars and Ymir pulls herself up, stomping viciously on Faye, before dropping to her knees and firing away with rights and lefts! Luke Jackson applauds inside the ring, and Kimiko crawls out of the scuffle, grabbing the ring skirt.

”SIX!”


“SEVEN!”


“EIGHT!”


“NINE!”

Kimiko pulls herself into the ring under the bottom rope and staggers upright into a DDT from Jackson! Jackson pulls himself up and hits the Standing Moonsault to another pop, leaning back, hooking both of Kimiko’s legs!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
Kickout!

Undeterred, Jackson forces Kimiko upright and delivers a Vertical Suplex… before rolling through and nailing a second one! The audience applauds as Jackson forces Kimiko up once more, this time holding her in the air for a few seconds before driving her down with a version of a Falcon Arrow! He leans into a cover again, hooking the far leg!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
Kickout!

Kris Cruise: Kimiko won’t stay down!

Stephy Auger: Somebody needs to get a handle on Ymir on the outside, damnit!

Faye Valentine has fought back to her feet, but Ymir delivers a hard right hand to her face and Irish Whips her into the steel ring post! Faye cries out, spinning away from the post… and Ymir charges her, grabbing two handfuls of hair, swinging Faye over the top of the announce table! Faye sits upright, but Ymir dives onto her, tackling her to the ground between the commentary team!

Kris Cruise: Oh my God! Look out!

Stephy Auger: [STATIC]

As Ymir and Faye continue to brawl on the outside, Luke Jackson signals for the end in the ring. Kimiko groggily pushes herself to her feet inside the ring and Jackson nods at the fever-pitch audience. He sprints toward Kimiko for the Drive-By Kick… but Kimiko drops down to her hands and knees beneath it! Jackson stumbles over her and turns, right into a Spin Kick! The shot sends a violent crack! through the arena and Jackson falls to the canvas! Kimiko rolls over him, hooking the near leg!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THR-- kickout!

Kris Cruise: I have no idea how Luke Jackson kicked out of that. Pure instinct, as they say, but both of these Grapplers are in a position now where they need to make a tag, but-- gah! Here we go!

Kris Cruise scurries out of harm’s way, as Stephy Auger has already done. Ymir slams Faye’s face into the top of the commentary table once… twice… but Valentine blocks the third attempt, hitting a back elbow to the jaw! Mouth bloodied, Faye yells in rage before hitting a European Uppercut! Ymir fires back with a right hand but Faye doubles her over with a knee to the gut, throwing her across the top of the announce table and to the floor on the other side. Ymir scrambles to her feet, but Faye takes her down with a double-foot stomp to the sternum, taking her oncoming opponent all the way to the ground! Faye mounts Ymir and begins to unload with closed fists while the rookie covers up.

Kris Cruise: This has gotten completely out of hand! My partner is still without a headset right now.

The official stands at the ropes, yelling for Faye and Ymir to break up their ringside brawl. Kimiko reaches her feet while Luke uses the turnbuckles to pull himself up in the background. Kimiko turns toward him and grins, striding forward and delivering a stiff boot to the back of the head! Luke falls against the turnbuckles and turns around, stumbling onto Kimiko’s shoulders as she hoists him up in the Fireman’s Carry position!

Kris Cruise: Kimiko is looking for the Go To Sleep-- no! Luke counters!

Jackson drops down behind her and hooks Kimiko for a Russian Leg Sweep, but Kimiko sticks her right thumb up and drives it full-force into Luke’s left eye! Jackson cries out in agony, bouncing onto his shoulders and rolling head-over-heels, staggering back into his empty corner as he cries out in pain.

Kris Cruise: Kimiko with a thumb HARD to the eye of Luke Jackson! The ref has his eyes at this fight in front of us and… good lord! Something-- this is out of control!

The referee looks back-and-forth, but ultimately slides out of the ring as he sees an opening between Ymir and Faye, demanding they return to their corners, threatening to end the match in a no contest!

Inside the ring, Kimiko stomps away at the cornered Luke Jackson while Little Rock rains boos down on Serpent’s Touch. Faye Valentine climbs onto the tag apron, blood stained from her bottom lip to her chin. Kimiko slowly walks over to her, placing her head against Valentine’s as Faye speaks to her before tagging Kimiko’s back. Faye rushes across the ring just as Ymir reaches the apron, grabbing Luke out of his corner with two hand-fulls of hair and leaping up onto his shoulders, rolling him up in a Hurricanrana! The ref drops down for the count!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THR-!

Jackson throws the shoulder up, immediately throwing his hand over his eye. Faye pushes herself to her feet, forcing Jackson up by the arm. She shoulder-rushes him into a neutral corner before hitting a European Uppercut! Faye backs into the far corner… and sprints forward, nailing a Running Leg Lariat! Jackson slumps down to his knees and them face-down to the canvas while Faye hangs onto the top rope, spitting blood out onto the apron before giving the booing audience a glare. Faye turns, standing on the second turnbuckle, eyes narrowed at Jackson. Jackson stumbles to his feet and turns-- just as Faye leaps up to the top turnbuckle and dives off, nailing a Shoulder Block that seems to catch Jackson right in the jaw! Both Grapplers land hard and flip across the canvas from the impact to a roar from the Verizon Arena!

Stephy Auger: I’m back on!

Kris Cruise: This audience was willing to give Serpent’s Touch a chance, but their antics have completely soured Little Rock! Luke Jackson might have a serious injury but because of Faye Valentine and Kimiko, the ref hasn’t seen it. Ymir Ocampos has yet to get into this match officially!

Stephy Auger: And if Serpent’s Touch have their way, she’s not going to. Luke Jackson is being dissected, and he was warned! He didn’t have to fly to Arkansas tonight! He could have bought some shoes or something.

Faye Valentine reaches her feet first, measuring Luke as he shakily pushes himself up to his feet, hand still over his eye. Faye rushes forward for a running knee lift…

...and Jackson counters with a Schoolboy, putting all of his weight on top of Valentine! The ref counts!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.

Stephy Auger: Kimiko!

Kimiko steps into the ring and hits a running dropkick to the back of Jackson, knocking him off of Valentine! The referee immediately ushers Kimiko out of the ring… but behind his back, Jackson nails Faye Valentine with a Drive-By Kick and rolls out of the way as Ymir Ocampos nails a Springboard Clothesline, knocking Valentine to the ground! Kimiko seethes as she sees this, but is forced to step out to the apron. Ymir rolls out to the apron on the other side of the ring simultaneously, reaching her corner as the ref turns back to the action. Luke hoists Valentine upright and nods to Ymir before nailing a Reverse DDT, driving Valentine to the canvas! He pushes himself to his feet and walks toward his corner, tagging Ocampos in, earning a roar from Little Rock!

Kris Cruise: And finally, Ymir Ocampos is legal!

Stephy Auger: [Takes off headset]

Faye Valentine reaches a knee… and holds up her hands as she sees Ymir approaching. Palms raised, Valentine backs into a neutral corner, apparently trying to reason with Ymir… but Ocampos rushes forward and drives a knee into Valentine’s jaw! Ymir yells out as she drives rapid knees against the body and neck of Valentine while the ref counts, threatening DQ!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Ymir tries to pull Faye out of the corner, but the bloodied Valentine grips the middle rope with both hands. Ymir takes a step back-- and in that split-second, Faye leaps to her feet and hooks Ymir, launching her overhead and into the corner with an Exploder Suplex! The audience groans at Ymir’s landing and Valentine rolls to the center of the ring, breathing heavily.

Kris Cruise: Ymir! She just got dropped on her head! Ymir Ocampos just took one of the nastiest Exploders I’ve seen in years, but Faye Valentine is in no condition to capitalize!

Luke Jackson rushes away from the tag rope, kneeling down near the neutral corner to check on Ymir. Faye grins as she stirs in the middle of the ring, rolling onto her stomach to begin crawling toward Kimiko! Kimiko holds her hand out and Jackson tries to urge Ymir to crawl back to their tag corner, but the rookie is unable to do anything more than reach her knees before Kimiko gets the tag! Kimiko rushes toward Jackson, taking a swipe at him, but he ducks down from the apron, glaring at Kimiko! Kimiko nails a spin kick to Ymir’s gut, taking her into the corner… before beginning to unload with shoot kicks to her chest!

Stephy Auger: And here comes Kimiko, lighting this kid’s chest up.

Kris Cruise: Nice of you to join us again.

Kimiko drags Ymir to the center of the ring, driving a boot into her gut, taking her to a knee. She lifts her up for what appears to be a Powerbomb… before hoisting her up even higher above her head!

Kris Cruise: I think I know where this is going-- wait!

Ymir begins to squirm in the air and drops down from Kimiko’s grap, nailing a Snap Hurricanrana that sends Kimiko across the ring! Kimiko rolls to her feet, shooting the ropes, but puts the brakes on before she runs into a Dropkick! Ymir lands awkwardly and Kimiko goes for a stomp to the skull of the rookie, but Ocampos rolls to her feet… and into a Back Fist! The shot rattles Ymir! Kimiko hooks her for a Suplex, lifting her upright…

...and Ymir twists in the air, dropping down to nail a Stunner to a roar from the Verizon Arena!

Kris Cruise: What a counter!

Stephy Auger: Who is teaching her this stuff…?

Kris Cruise: I don’t know if Ymir got all of it, but the move did as advertised. Kimiko is stunned!

Kimiko stumbles into the ropes as Ymir climbs to her feet. Ymir charges forward for a Clothesline, but Kimiko ducks and races past her-- then pivots and races back, hooking Ocampos in a front facelock before racing up the turnbuckles and nailing a Tornado DDT that smashes Ymir’s face into the top rope while Kimiko lands on the apron! Kimiko nods, grinning as she walks to the turnbuckles and begins to ascend to the top rope, glaring down at the fallen rookie. Kimiko shakes her head before leaping from the top for a Shooting Star Press!

Stephy Auger: Look out for the knees!

Kimiko howls in pain as Ocampos lifts her knees up, causing Kimiko to crash rib-first across them!

Kris Cruise: This might’ve just turned around!

Luke Jackson calls out for a tag as the audience reaches a roar once again! Faye Valentine sits on the apron, but grabs the tag rope to pull herself up, yelling for Kimiko. Ymir reaches her feet first, looking toward Jackson-- but as she steps forward, Kimiko grabs her leg! Immediately, Kimiko sweeps her other leg, sending Ymir to the ground before looking for the Leg Trap Camel Clutch!

Stephy Auger: Haha! Where is this coming from, Cruise?! Tell me!

Kris Cruise: I have no idea! I thought Ocampos got the better of Kimiko with that counter, but Kimiko might earn the submission!

Ymir cries out in agony, but fights to get a knee beneath her body in the Camel Clutch! Kimiko fights to keep Ymir planted against the mat, but Ocampos manages to crawl toward Luke Jackson! Fingertips away, the audience grows loud… but Kimiko abandons the hold, jumping to her feet and using Ymir as a step to leap into the air and hit a knee strike to the face of Luke Jackson! Luke falls to his back on the apron, grabbing at his eye again and Kimiko follows up with a Dragon Suplex to Ocampos! Kimiko bridges!

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

Kris Cruise: Somehow, Ymir gets the shoulder up again!

Stephy Auger: Somehow. But it’s not gonna matter much longer! We’ve got a barely-conscious minor and a blind dude against the best tag team on this side of FGA!

Little Rock groans for Ymir as Kimiko drags her across the ring by the hair, earning a scolding from the referee. Kimiko stops in front of her corner and tags the hand of Faye Valentine. Kimiko performs a standing side headlock on Ymir in the center of the ring, craning her neck awkwardly while Faye backs into her own corner… and rushes forward for a Bicycle Kick--

Kris Cruise: Look at this!

Ymir Ocampos pulls herself free from Kimiko and shoves her forward to a gasp from the crowd! Faye fires the Bicycle Kick right into Kimiko’s face, but Kimiko catches the boot in her hands with only millimeters to spare!

Stephy Auger: She almost--!

Ymir hits a Front Dropkick to the back of Kimiko, sending her face-first into Faye’s boot anyway! Faye’s eyes widen as Kimiko collapses to the mat and rolls out of the ring. Faye runs toward the grounded Ymir-- but Ocampos counters with a Kip-Up Release Hurricanrana! Faye stumbles to her feet as Ymir scrambles to hers… and dives into her corner, making the tag to Luke Jackson! The Verizon Arena comes alive again as Jackson, one eye squeezed shut, climbs up to the top rope and leaps off, nailing a Flying Bulldog to Valentine!

Kris Cruise: Bulldog off the top by Jackson! Faye is down!

Luke Jackson hooks the leg for a cover!

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

Stephy Auger: And you continue to underestimate Serpent’s Touch!

Kris Cruise: Not at all, just-- and now where’s he going?!

Luke Jackson shakes his head, rising to his feet, stomping Faye across the ribs once for good measure. He goes out to the apron, groggily climbing the turnbuckles… but pauses as he sees Ymir colliding with the steel steps on the other side of the ring! Kimiko, although still shaken up, and now bleeding from the mouth like her partner, picks Ymir up and throws her against the steps a second time, this time separating the top from the bottom! Ymir cries out in agony and Luke turns his attention back to Faye, but she’s already up to a knee! Valetine dives into the ropes and Luke lands awkward, straddling himself before crashing head-first down to the canvas below!

Stephy Auger: Luke Jackson out here breaking all the rules of baseball!

Faye pulls him away from the corner,  rolling Jackson up with a tight Schoolboy while the audience boos. The ref drops down, making the count as Kimiko allows Ymir to weakly pull herself onto the apron.

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

Ymir makes it into the ring, but collapses several feet from Luke and Valentine. Luke rolls out of the Schoolboy, groaning in pain as Faye stands up, but the ref calls for the bell.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners… SEEEERRRPENT’S TOOOUUUCH!

With Faye and Kimiko both already on the ramp, the ref raises a fist, pointing to the pair with the other hand to signify their victory before dropping down to check on Luke Jackson, who still complains about his eye. Ymir Ocampos kneels beside him, but glares venomously at Faye Valentine and Kimiko as they back up the ramp.

Stephy Auger: I bet you’ll complain about how this ended. About how Kimiko took advantage of Ymir outside the ring. But Ymir started this tonight-- remember that! She went out there to pick a fight with Faye Valentine who was just trying to help her partner up. And this match got out of control because of that. Kimiko was just delivering a receipt on Faye’s behalf. They're lucky that they weren't eaten alive! Luke and Ymir had that coming and now we know without a doubt who the better Grapplers are!

Kris Cruise: Jackson and Ocampos continue to improve every time we see them. Serpent’s Touch won this match by the skin of their teeth and under different circumstances, we could see a different result in the future. But for now, this battle goes to Valentine and Kimiko.

We fade to black on the glares of Luke and Ymir, directed up toward the grinning members of Serpent’s Touch.

[FGA Office]

The cameras fade into the backstage area where Little Rock pops at the sight of the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Sadie San Francisco. Dressed in a black “CAMP SADIE” shirt, black skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors, the champion doesn’t appear dressed to wrestle, but sits next to her gym bag on top of an equipment box anyway. Championship on her lap and phone pressed to her ear, Sadie can be heard finishing a conversation with somebody.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah… yeah, I know. I am, trust me.

Sadie laughs lightly at whatever the response is on the other end before rolling her eyes.

Sadie San Francisco: Well, Dom and the pigeons are Lowri’s issue for now. Julian’s not gonna shut up about being the owner or co-owner of this championship now… so I’m gonna have to figure something out. Maybe I’ll get an inspiration tonight, hm… maybe something will come to me.

Sadie laughs again at the person’s response.

Sadie San Francisco: I’ll let you know when I know. Talk to you later.

She lowers the phone in front of her, beginning to text somebody before her eyes raise at the sound of footsteps. The camera pans out to reveal Spencer Burke.

Spencer Burke: Hey, Sadie. Got a minute?

Sadie gestures to the empty water bottles on one side of her and the barely-filled gym bag on the other side.

Sadie San Francisco: Several.

She pushes her gym bag out of the way, allowing Spencer to sit next to her on the crate, raising the microphone as he begins his interview.

Spencer Burke: We all saw what went down between you and Julian Tijerina two weeks ago on Vertigo. There’s no way you can be happy about how things ended, but what a lot of people want to know is… what do you do from here? Julian has obviously laid claim to that championship, and he may have reinforced those claims with his victory, by hook or by crook.

Sadie takes a small breath and glances down at the championship belt which rests in her lap. She narrows her eyes a bit and looks at Spencer.

Sadie San Francisco: Can’t have him running around thinking that.

Sadie smiles faintly, looking back down toward the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship.

Sadie San Francisco: Julian’s good. He knows he’s shady. He embraces that. I won’t act like I haven’t done shady things to win in the past. Hell… one of the shadiest things I ever did led to me becoming the new Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion back at All-Star Showdown. Julian was right there for that. He facilitated that. But that’s where his association with me and my championship end. And I guess… never at any point did I make this clear enough. So…

She looks up at Spencer again.

Sadie San Francisco: We’ll see what happens tonight. If Owen Gonsalves is the one that advances in this tournament, and Julian staggers out of this with his head still attached, then I know how this goes… Julian comes sniffing after this. Like it’s a consolation prize or something.

The tiniest trace of a smirk crosses her face, but she shakes her head, adjusting the belt in her hands.

Sadie San Francisco: I’m not gonna give him the chance. I’m gonna come looking for him. I will defend my championship against Julian Tijerina for the sole purpose of removing his name from the conversation-- something I should’ve done three… four months ago. And I’m gonna keep his name out of the conversation.

Sadie’s gaze falls on Spencer for the final time, emotionless, yet thoughtful. Spencer raises a brow and nods a little.

Spencer Burke: I uhh… I think that about answers everything I had then.

He clears his throat and pushes himself down off of the equipment box to a chuckle from the audience. Spencer gives Sadie a nod.

Spencer Burke: Best of luck, Sadie.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah.

Sadie leans back against the wall, eyes half-lidded as Spencer departs. She smiles faintly, staring down the hall as we fade away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The cameras fade into the backstage area where Little Rock pops at the sight of the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Sadie San Francisco. Dressed in a black “CAMP SADIE” shirt, black skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors, the champion doesn’t appear dressed to wrestle, but sits next to her gym bag on top of an equipment box anyway. Championship on her lap and phone pressed to her ear, Sadie can be heard finishing a conversation with somebody.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah… yeah, I know. I am, trust me.

Sadie laughs lightly at whatever the response is on the other end before rolling her eyes.

Sadie San Francisco: Well, Dom and the pigeons are Lowri’s issue for now. Julian’s not gonna shut up about being the owner or co-owner of this championship now… so I’m gonna have to figure something out. Maybe I’ll get an inspiration tonight, hm… maybe something will come to me.

Sadie laughs again at the person’s response.

Sadie San Francisco: I’ll let you know when I know. Talk to you later.

She lowers the phone in front of her, beginning to text somebody before her eyes raise at the sound of footsteps. The camera pans out to reveal Spencer Burke.

Spencer Burke: Hey, Sadie. Got a minute?

Sadie gestures to the empty water bottles on one side of her and the barely-filled gym bag on the other side.

Sadie San Francisco: Several.

She pushes her gym bag out of the way, allowing Spencer to sit next to her on the crate, raising the microphone as he begins his interview.

Spencer Burke: We all saw what went down between you and Julian Tijerina two weeks ago on Vertigo. There’s no way you can be happy about how things ended, but what a lot of people want to know is… what do you do from here? Julian has obviously laid claim to that championship, and he may have reinforced those claims with his victory, by hook or by crook.

Sadie takes a small breath and glances down at the championship belt which rests in her lap. She narrows her eyes a bit and looks at Spencer.

Sadie San Francisco: Can’t have him running around thinking that.

Sadie smiles faintly, looking back down toward the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship.

Sadie San Francisco: Julian’s good. He knows he’s shady. He embraces that. I won’t act like I haven’t done shady things to win in the past. Hell… one of the shadiest things I ever did led to me becoming the new Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion back at All-Star Showdown. Julian was right there for that. He facilitated that. But that’s where his association with me and my championship end. And I guess… never at any point did I make this clear enough. So…

She looks up at Spencer again.

Sadie San Francisco: We’ll see what happens tonight. If Owen Gonsalves is the one that advances in this tournament, and Julian staggers out of this with his head still attached, then I know how this goes… Julian comes sniffing after this. Like it’s a consolation prize or something.

The tiniest trace of a smirk crosses her face, but she shakes her head, adjusting the belt in her hands.

Sadie San Francisco: I’m not gonna give him the chance. I’m gonna come looking for him. I will defend my championship against Julian Tijerina for the sole purpose of removing his name from the conversation-- something I should’ve done three… four months ago. And I’m gonna keep his name out of the conversation.

Sadie’s gaze falls on Spencer for the final time, emotionless, yet thoughtful. Spencer raises a brow and nods a little.

Spencer Burke: I uhh… I think that about answers everything I had then.

He clears his throat and pushes himself down off of the equipment box to a chuckle from the audience. Spencer gives Sadie a nod.

Spencer Burke: Best of luck, Sadie.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah.

Sadie leans back against the wall, eyes half-lidded as Spencer departs. She smiles faintly, staring down the hall as we fade away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Kol is seen backstage, wrapping tape around his wrists as he smirks, knowing the cameras are on him after hearing the cameramen walk towards him.

KOL: Want some last minute thoughts? Possibly want to hear about my opinion of my opponent tonight? Maybe even just want me to talk about how my day has gone so far and if I’m mentally ready to advance into the next round of the Frontier Lions Cup?

Kol chuckles.

KOL: You all have a job to do, just like I have a job to do tonight. My job is to go out there and beat down whoever is put in front of me, WIN, and continue proving that I am one of the best wrestlers in this world. Does that sound boring to you? Probably, but I have no issues with Daniel Widdel. I can easily make a problem between him and I, but the only problem here is that he stands in my way. However, that will change once that bell rings and our ring announcer gets on the mic and announces me as the winner.

Cameraman: What makes you so sure you can beat him? What if he beats you tonight?

The HKW Global champion blinks at the cameraman...before he begins laughing. And laughing. And still laughing. Finally he comes to a stop, shaking his head.

KOL: Listen, the Danny has...some talent, but he’s nowhere near my level. This isn’t one of those types of matches where I take my opponent too lightly and he makes me regret it. I know he’s got enough firepower to put me down, but I’ve got more than enough to put him down. I have multiple ways to finish Daniel off tonight while he might have one real good shot in him. The thing is, he never takes that shot and he won’t win this match. I’ll make sure that he never gets the chance to take that shot. When it comes to our matchup, he’s the Razorbacks and I’m the Crimson Tide. He’s going to get beaten most of the time, including tonight.

There are massive boos heard from the Arkansas audience before Kol addresses them.

KOL: Don’t worry, I can hear you. And don’t worry, I want to be here about as much as you all want me to be here. Someone with my talent should never have to wrestle in a garbage state like this, but alas, a spot in the next round of the Frontier Lions Cup awaits!

They boo even louder but Kol just waves them off before the cameraman asks him another question.

Cameraman: What about James Edwards?

The New Yorker offers up a big smile.

KOL: James Edwards sure loves to talk a lot about me, but just because he has a bit of an infatuation with me and the fact that I’ve gotten a bye to get to this point is not my problem. However, he keeps talking...and I just might have to shut him up for good. And if he’s smart...he won’t want any of that. I promise you.

Kol gets up from his seat and begins to walk off, that smirk still on his face.

[FGA Office]

• Frontier Lions Cup (First Round) •
James Edwards vs. Jackson Magnum

The arena turns green as a deep grey smoke filters through the entrance way. A bright yellow light flashes on the stage with a green superman signal in it only with a J instead of an S. As Jax walks out into the misty smoke he’s wearing a custom made suit with spectacles. Giving a smirk he looks out into the crowd. He then walks hops off the stage where a phone booth is waiting.

“In a land where people have lost their way, there is one man who has found that through his own methods, this world can be better. His power, his ability, his mere prowess evokes fear into the hearts of them who would oppose him. His talent unbelievable, his accolades undeniable, he is thee Irish Superman.”

Jax steps into the phone booth as a green curtain falls over it. Almost instantly a bright light flashes as the phone booth door explodes open. The sound of Sinead O’Connor and the Chieftains “Foggy Dew” begins to play from the PA system as Jax steps backwards out of the booth. The first thing to come into view is his black cape with a green J within the superman symbol. Turning around Jax shows off his new green and black ring gear, with matching green shades.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and it is a First Round Match in the Frontier Lions Cup! Introducing first, from Dublin, Ireland! Weighing in at 215 pounds! He is “The Irish Superman” JACKSON MAAAAAAAGNUUUUUMMMM!!!

He jumps back onto the aisle way, turning his head he blows blows smoke that filters into the air. Letting out a primal scream before walking down the rampway and towards the ring. As he reaches the ring he leaps onto the apron in one motion. He then paces on the apron for a moment before whipping his feet off, and stepping into the ring. He spins in a circle as he reaches the center of the ring. Pulling his glasses off he hands them to the referee, then slowly unsnaps his cape. Folding it into a perfect formation leaving the J symbol exposed he instructs the referee to be careful with his stuff.

Then he backs away into the corner waiting for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise:  The Frontier Lions Cup continues here tonight as up next is our first of four First Round Matches. Stephy, this match between James Edwards and Jackson Magnum was supposed to take place later on in the evening. But Edwards was informed in the middle of his interview with Jessie Pederson that his match would be taking place much earlier than expected. What do you think is going on here? Is Brandon Macdonald playing games with Edwards?

Stephy Auger: What kind of question is that? Of course he is and to be honest? I don’t blame him. Edwards has been nothing but a whiny malcontent for weeks. He has openly disrespected Macdonald and questioned his authority. You don’t do that to your GM. So I don’t blame Macdonald for pushing his match up and trying to throw him off his game.

Kris Cruise: Well while I do believe that this is Macdonald’s doing, we don’t have any solid proof.

Stephy Auger: Proof? Macdonald is the GM. He makes the matches around here. If anyone is making the call to move matches forward and push them back on a card, it’s our esteemed GM.

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: And his opponent, from Lexington, Kentucky! Weighing in at 204 pounds! He is “The Burning Heart” JAAAAAAMES EEEEEEDWAAARRRRRRDDSSSSS!!!

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: James Edwards is in the ring much earlier than he thought it’d be. But to his credit, he doesn’t look like he’s been knocked off his game. He looks focused and ready to go.

Stephy Auger: Come on, Cruise. Edwards always has that look on his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile since coming to FGA. Plus, is he really focused? If you ask me, he’s still talking about Fujiko Mine and our GM while also talking trash about Kol. But I understand why he continues to belittle Kol. Kol is the star that Edwards wishes he could be.

The bell sounds as Edwards and Magnum circle the ring before locking up. Edwards quickly uses his strength advantage to move Magnum across the ring and towards the corner. At the last second, Magnum pivots and presses Edwards against the turnbuckles. The ref quickly makes his way over and gives both men until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men make a clean break. After Magnum steps back towards the center of the ring, Edwards makes his way out of the corner. Edwards then fakes a collar-and-elbow attempt before dropping down, wrapping his arms around Magnum’s legs and bringing him to the mat with a single leg takedown. He quickly turns Magnum over into a single leg crab. The Irish Superman groans once Edwards squats down and really locks it in. The ref asks Magnum if he wants to give up. But he refuses. He then pulls himself over towards the side of the ring before reaching out and grabbing the bottom rope. The ref gives Edwards until the count of five to release the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO…

Kris Cruise: Edwards was quick to bring Magnum down to the mat and apply a submission this early on in the contest. But Magnum made it to the ropes before he took too much damage.

Edwards breaks the hold. The Burning Heart makes his way towards the center of the ring and waits for Magnum. Magnum pulls himself back to his feet using the ropes before circling the ring. Edwards readies himself as Magnum slowly inches over towards him. Magnum goes to initiate a collar-and-elbow tie-up. While Edwards goes for the tie up, Magnum ducks under, goes behind and applies a waist lock. He quickly lifts Edwards off his feet before throwing him down to the mat with a waist lock takedown. He then turns around on Edwards’ back and applies a front facelock. Edwards tries to get back to his feet, but Magnum brings him down with a Gator Roll. Edwards tries to get back to a vertical base. But again, Magnum bring him back down to the mat with another Gator Roll. After a bit of a struggle, The Burning Heart finally makes it back to a vertical base. Magnum keeps the front facelock applied before quickly bringing Edwards down with a swinging neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Magnum picks up Edwards, moves him into the corner and gives him three knife edge chops. He then sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Magnum runs across the ring to attack. But he gets caughts with a back elbow to the face. The Burning Heart then takes Magnum, throws him into the corner and unleashes a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He then takes Magnum and whips him into the previous corner with an irish whip. Edwards runs across the ring and throws out a lariat. But Magnum ducks and dumps him over the top rope. After Edwards lands safely on the apron, Magnum doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Magnum then steps out onto the apron, grabs Edwards and delivers a running bulldog off the apron to the floor. The cheers continue as Magnum picks up Edwards and rolls him back inside before rolling back in to make the cover.

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

Magnum picks up Edwards and sends him into the ropes with an irish whip. When Edwards returns, he sees Magnum setting up for a back body drop. So Edwards stops, hooks both of Magnum’s arms and delivers a butterfly suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Magnum kicks out.

Edwards picks up Magnum and knocks him back into the rope with a blistering knife edge chop. He heads over and nails Magnum with another knife edge chop before going for an irish whip. But Magnum reverses, sending Edwards into the ropes. When Edwards returns, Magnum knocks him down with a standing dropkick. Edwards returns to his feet, only to be returned to the mat with another standing dropkick. After Edwards gets back up, Magnum goes for a third standing dropkick. But Edwards is able to sidestep and swat him down. He then picks up Magnum, whips him into the ropes and jumps up for a hurricanrana. But Edwards throws it out too early, allowing Magnum to hook both arms around the top rope. After Edwards falls on his back, he turns over and tries to get back to a vertical base. Magnum lets go of the ropes, rushes over and knocks him down with a high knee lift. He drops down and makes the cover.

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

Magnum picks up Edwards, doubles him over and places him in a front facelock to set up a DDT. But before Magnum can fall back and hit the DDT, Edwards quickly grabs Magnum and delivers a bridging northern lights suplex.

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

Edwards picks up Magnum, grabs him from the side and goes for a backdrop suplex. But Magnum blocks with an elbow to the back of the head. He then delivers three more elbows to the back of the head, breaking the hold. While Edwards holds the back of his head, Magnum runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he sees Edwards running past him. So Magnum puts on the brakes. When he turns around, the crowd cheers when he gets hit with the Pole Shift (rebound wheel kick). He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Edwards! The winner of this match will face the winner of Daniel Widdel and Kol in the Quarterfinals. But if Edwards has his way, it’ll be him standing on the opposite side of the ring from Kol at Final Frontier.

Stephy Auger: We all know he wants Kol. But he’s got to get past Magnum first.

Edwards brings Magnum back to his feet before hitting a snap suplex. The Burning Heart heads into the corner before climbing up to the middle ropes. Edwards leaps off and goes for a diving headbutt. But Magnum rolls out of the way, causing Edwards to land face-first on the canvas. After pushing himself up on all fours, Edwards begins to pick himself back up to his feet. But he’s quickly placed in a front facelock by Magnum before being planted with a DDT. Magnum rolls over and makes the cover.

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

Magnum picks up Edwards and whips him into the ropes. When Edwards returns, Magnum throws out a superkick. But Edwards ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, Magnum goes for a front handspring clothesline. But Edwards counters with a snap powerslam. He hooks the leg for the cover.

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

Edwards picks up Magnum and whips him hard into the corner before running into the ropes. While Magnum staggers from out of the corner, the crowd cheers when Edwards grabs him and brings him down with an Ace Crusher. Edwards pushes Magnum over and makes the cover.

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

Edwards picks up Magnum and lifts him up for a powerbomb when Magnum nails him with three 12-to-6 elbows to the top of the head. He then turns around on Edwards’ shoulders before spiking him with a reverse hurricanrana. While Magnum gets up on all fours, Edwards lays face-down on the mat before slowly turning over onto his back. Edwards begins to slowly roll himself over towards the ropes. The Burning Heart tries to shake out the cobwebs while slowly pulling himself using the ropes. Before he can get back on offense, Magnum grabs him from behind and pulls him off the ropes. He lifts Edwards up for a German Suplex. But Edwards blocks with a back elbow to the face. After being lowered back down to the mat, Edwards hits Magnum with another back elbow. Edwards performs a standing switch, grabs Magnum from behind and goes for a German Suplex of his own. But somehow, Magnum is able to land safely on his feet. After Edwards turns over and gets back to his feet, Magnum throws out a superkick. But Edwards catches his foot. He then swings Magnum’s leg away from him, grabs him around the waist and delivers a release German Suplex. He pushes Magnum over and makes the cover.

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

Magnum gets his shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Magnum and delivers a backdrop suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Magnum gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Yet another nearfall for The Burning Heart.

Stephy Auger: Edwards thought he had him.

Edwards picks up Magnum, hooks his arms from behind and delivers a release Dragon Suplex. He turns Magnum over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Magnum gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Edwards continues to drop Magnum on the back of his head. But The Irish Superman continues to get his shoulder up! Magnum’s showing some serious heart in this content.

Stephy Auger: It’s Magnum’s toughest FGA match to date and he’s not backing down.


Edwards pulls up Magnum, hooks his arms from behind and lifts him up for a release Tiger Suplex. But Magnum is able to reverse into a wheelbarrow victory roll.

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

After both men scramble back to a vertical base, The crowd cheers when agnum knocks Edwards down with a superkick. He drops down and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Magnum caught Edwards flush across the face with that superkick. But Edwards got his shoulder up.

Magnum picks up Edwards and goes for an irish whip. But Magnum reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Magnum returns, he knocks Edwards down with a crossbody.

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

Magnum picks up Edwards and whips him into the far ropes before turning to run into the near ropes. When both grapplers come back, the crowd cheers Magnum knocks him down with a flying forearm. He makes the cover.

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

Magnum picks up Edwards and whips him into the ropes. When Edwards returns, Magnum throws him down with a belly to belly suplex. He hooks the leg.

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

The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for The Irish Superman. You’re starting to see the frustration slowly setting in. But Magnum cannot get discouraged.

Magnum picks up Edwards and whips him into the corner. He then rushes over to attack, but Edwards knocks him back with a boot to the face. Edwards hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before bringing Magnum down with a diving double knee facebreaker. The crowd cheers. But the cheers begin to turn to boos when Kol appears on the ramp.

Stephy Auger: Kol’s here!

Kris Cruise: What’s he doing out here!? His match isn’t until later in the show!

Stephy Auger: Maybe he wants to get a good luck at the man that’s been running his mouth about him for the past month.

Kol slowly makes his way down the aisle as Edwards returns to his feet. Edwards takes note of the negative reaction coming from the crowd and turns around. The Burning Heart narrows his eyes as soon as he sets his sights on Kol.

Kris Cruise: Edwards sees Kol!

Edwards can be seen mouthing something at Kol. But Kol doesn’t get offended. He just cracks a smirk. He then motions with his hand that Edwards runs his mouth. Edwards steps back and invites Kol into the ring. But again, Kol just responds with a smirk. Edwards continues to motion for Kol to bring it. But Kol shakes his head, telling Edwards that he isn’t worth his time. The crowd boos as Kol begins to slowly step back up the aisle. Edwards shakes his head in disgust. When he turns around, the crowd cheers when Magnum knocks him down with a springboard spinning forearm. He then brings Edwards back to his feet, grabs him from behind and delivers the Red Son (Sheerdrop Sambo Murderplex)!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Foggy Dew” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JACKSON MAGNUM!

The cheers continue as Magnum gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Jackson agnum gets the win over James Edwards! But a huge assist has to go to Kol.

Stephy Auger: No it doesn't. James Edwards allowed himself to get distracted. He’s got no one to blame but himself.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Backstage, Ace Watson and Owen Gonsalves, two members of Shootcamp, are stood in a dressing room, both in their ring gear and ready for their matches tonight. Tuck lays on the floor in front of them, asleep, his appearance prompting a louder cheer from the audience watching on the big screen.

Ace Watson: So… Round One of the Frontier Lions Cup… You ready?

Owen Gonsalves: You're bloody right, I'm ready. Julian Tijerina is tough and he's on top of his game right now, all things considered but advancing into this tournament is an absolute must if I'm going to prove I can hang with the singles division. Same goes for you I imagine…

Ace Watson: Definitely, I have no intention of going out in the first round. Rocha is determined though, she wants to do what Sean Sands did and win the whole thing, as I imagine most people do, but I’m going to do everything I can to stop her.

Owen Gonsalves: That's the Shootcamp way after all, right? But when the dust settles and the show finishes with Ace Watson and “Indestructible” Owen Gonsalves advancing on in the Frontier Lions Cup, that reignites an old rivalry does it not?

There's a smirk forming on Gonsalves’ face at the thought of Owen and Ace potentially squaring off.

Ace Watson: One or two old rivalries I’d say. You know when it comes to that though, me versus you… I’m not gonna let you beat me again. Pretty sure I won last time we faced off too… And how come you’re only mentioning your “Indestructible” nickname and not any of mine? That hardly seems fair.

Ace says, jokingly.

Owen Gonsalves: With all due respect buddy, I wouldn't want you to ‘let me’ beat you. If...when we meet in the next round, I'll beat you at your very best.

There's an air of tension from Owen's end as he seems to be rather focused on the task at hand. Before he relaxes his shoulders and slaps Ace on the arm, playfully.

Owen Gonsalves: ...And I was doing you a solid, wouldn't have been nice of me to refer to you as “Roody" and myself as “Indestructible" now would it?

Ace rolls his eyes, and mutters....

Ace Watson: Not that nickname…

He chuckles, shaking it off.

Ace Watson: But I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Should we meet in this Cup though, it is guaranteed to be a showstealer. Even when I beat you.

Owen Gonsalves: Oh, there's not a doubt in my mind that when that match happens, it'll wipe the floor with the rest of the card...just like I'd wipe the floor with you.

He can't help but throw the verbal jab with a wink to go along with it. Watson is just about to retort before both men’s attention shifts off camera.

???: You two are just never going to get to a point of compliments without jabbing each other.

Stepping into the view of the camera and approaching both men is Tyler Storm, cleaned up from his opening match earlier in the evening and in some comfortable street clothing. The hardcore fans in the audience, the fans aware of the three men's history, let out a rather hearty cheer at the sight of the three men all together again.

Tyler Storm: Is this what happens when I’m away from a wrestling company for a year and a half? It’s like I can’t understand you two anymore!

Owen Gonsalves: Well, look who it is...Congrats on the debut match, didn't look like you were too rusty out there. It's been far too long since the band’s been back together so this feels right again.

Ace Watson: Yeah you did great out there, bud. And it’s definitely pretty great to have us all back on the same show.

Tyler Storm: Oh without question, tonight is hands down one of my happiest days in a very long time. To feel those bumps again, be in front of that crowd, embrace all the energy and aggression inside me. All of that combined created the highest joy I could achieve right now. Plus, a big bonus, I do get to share this night with you two wonderful bastards.

Tyler chuckles to himself with the comment before kneeling down over where Owen and Ace are at and just checking on his shoe laces.

Tyler Storm: You two still got some hard work to deal with tonight though, this company doesn’t look short of competition. But I guess Owen did warn me about this when I was in the discussions to make my way over to FGA.

Ace Watson: Yeah this place is stacked. It’s part of why I joined. A whole new challenge. There are some familiar faces, and plenty of brand new ones. And things are only just getting started. I’m looking forward to seeing what us three get up to here in the future. Of course, advancing in the Frontier Lions Cup is in myself and Owen’s immediate future, but after that? We’ll see.

Owen Gonsalves: Julian and Flavia are perfect examples of the sort of competition FGA offers, two different talents with different experience levels but dangerous in their own right. You found that out for yourself with Fenrys...It only gets tougher each and every week here. But I know you, Ty...I know you'll stick it out and make it back up that ladder again. Just stay on your toes and strike when necessary.

Gonsalves gives a reassuring nod to his good friend, the final words holding immense meaning behind it. Almost foreshadowing something.

Owen Gonsalves: This has been fun, gentlemen but I've got to get my head in right mindset for this match with Tijerina. I'll catch you both after the show, alright? See you in the next round, Roody.

Gonsalves chuckles before quickly ruffling Tuck’s sleepy head, the drowsy dog merely lifting it up for a moment before dropping back into a snooze. He takes a deep breath before heading off to prepare for his match later tonight.

Ace Watson: See ya later pal.

Ace says with a nod and a smile as Owen leaves.

Tyler Storm:  Catch ya post-show, bud!

Tyler nods himself in Owen’s direction before turning his attention over to Ace and shaking his head.

Tyler Storm: Six damn years and we still find great ways to motivate one another, friendships or rivalries put aside.

Ace Watson: Yeah man, and I tell you, I much prefer working with Owen in Shootcamp than facing off against him. It really feels like all those years fighting and all those battles were leading up to this. And I’d love to team with you sometime. After all, you’re Shootcamp too.

Tyler Storm: It’s bred into our veins...despite the rough history especially on the ends of me versus you. But I think years of beating each other up harder than most, granted the majority of those times it was me coming out on top, I think it all worked to push that respect for one another to new levels.

Tyler raises back to his feet and stretches lazily before checking at his watch.

Tyler Storm: And we will have plenty of time in the future to team up and finally show the world what could have been if maybe I didn’t listen to a few opinions back in the day, but for now I think you may be running out of time to prepare for your own singles match tonight.

Ace Watson: Damn you’re getting all competitive with me too? I guess everyone is just out to prove they’re better than me!

Ace laughs, joking.

Ace Watson: Yeah I better go, I’ll catch you later. Mind looking after Tuck while I’m gone? Can’t be having another situation like last time…

Tyler looks down at the tired out pup and smiles, giving Ace a nod.

Tyler Storm: Hey, anything to help out. Plus Tuck is just as an important part of Shootcamp as the rest of us, can’t have him getting into trouble alone. I’ll keep a good eye on Sleepy McGee here, don’t you worry.

Ace laughs and shakes his head.

Ace Watson: Thanks man, I’ll see you after the show, when myself and Owen are in Round Two of the Frontier Lions Cup.

Tyler Storm: With how many times you guys are saying Frontier Lions Cup, you’d have me thinking you guys are being master advertisers or something.

Tyler laughs and looks back at his watch.

Tyler Storm: Now if you want to get into that Round Two, hurry your ass outta here! Hustle Roody, hustle!

Ace Watson: Okay, okay.

Watson chuckles and heads out of the room, with a wave. Tyler looks back down to Tuck, leaning down slightly to give Tuck a pat on the head and sticking out his lip in a sort of whimpering way.

Tyler Storm: Tuck, why do my boys gotta grow up so fast?

Tuck lifts his head up a little, but quickly plops it back on the ground.

Tyler Storm: Well then...rude...

Tyler pats Tuck a few more times on the head before a flash of realization hits his expression.

Tyler Storm: It's one of those days you aren't sure what to do with yourself when you are sitting in a wrestling lockerroom having a conversation with a dog about how rude they are...ah well, thus is life for Tyler Storm.

Tyler laughs and grins down at Tuck as the camera fades to black.