Vertigo (11.25.17)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

The Video Tron comes to life as footage recorded earlier in the day starts playing. Vertigo GM Brandon McDonald is seen talking to several backstage personnel. They’re all attentively listening to his words as the are clearly preparing for something.

Brandon Macdonald: Remember, tonight is very important for Vertigo. Everything must go right and if it does, things can and will only get better from here on out.

Just then, the camera swings around to see Brian Stryker walking into the garage, wheeling his bag behind him, headphones on as he is stopped. He looks up and lowers his headphones just in time for the backstage personnel to start singing  “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” He has look of confusion and is just a bit uncomfortable as McDonald walks up and shakes Brian’s hand.

Brandon Macdonald: Welcome back to the A-Show, Brian! Glad to have you!

Brian Stryker: Yeah...no problem. They’re not gonna do that the entire time are they?

Brandon Macdonald: Oh now, we just wanted to welcome you fully and show how much we appreciate you coming today! Come, let’s show you to your locker room!

Brandon pats Brian on the back as they walk into the arena as the singing comes to a stop and the camera fades out.

[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



Landers Center
Southaven, MS

"Dark Horse" by Switchfoot starts playing as the Vertigo crowd cheers. Brian Stryker comes jogging out the back, holding his arms out as he is welcomed back to a surprisingly loud cheer.

Kris Cruise: Vertigo giving Brian Stryker a warm welcome and why not? He may be of Flashpoint, but he did make his name on Vertigo.

Stephy Auger: They should treat this man like the dirt he is. He’s on the lamer show and he has the audacity to try and come into OUR home and take our titles? He’s a thief and a scumbag.

Brian makes his way down to the ring and hops onto the apron. He holds himself by the ropes as he looks at the crowd, his trademark grin on his face as he stands himself up, jumping over the top rope. He lands in the ring as he grabs a mic and goes to his mark in the ring.

Brian Stryker: Damn you guys are making me feel welcome as all hell!

The crowd cheer loudly.

Brian Stryker: Now you all know why I’m here tonight. I’m here to face Chris Madison for the Pride Title. An opportunity I got from cashing in the 15 Title. Now this is a big risk I’m taking. I could have stayed on Flashpoint and stayed champ for as long as I wanted, but that’s not what I’m about. I’m about taking myself to the next level. I’m about making that leap of faith. And that’s what this is. The biggest leap of faith in my FGA career. I am coming into the enemy camp and facing one of the toughest SOBs in FGA, Chris Madison.

The crowd pops for the Pride Champion.

Brian Stryker: He is a talented man and is a great champion. I expect nothing but the best from him and he can expect nothing but the best from me. We are two of the best wrestlers in this company going to war. And there’s more at risk than just titles. No, there’s pride, honor, bragging rights. It’s all on the line as we clash! The Quest for Pride ends tonight and it’ll end with me walking out as the Champion, but Chris no hard feelings in any way. Tonight, it’s all business. And this business, is the business of Brian Stryker being the best.

Brian drops the mic as he climbs the nearest turnbuckle and holds his arms out as the fans cheer for Brian.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The young FGA newcomer Piper Lennon is sat cross-legged on a supply crate in the backstage area, her bags sat down on the crate next to her. She's dressed fairly casually, but is still managing to look like an absolute enormous douche thanks to the combination of thick plastic rimmed glasses and red beret on her head, along with the polaroid camera strapped around her neck. Her head is bowed down as she drums her fingers against her knees before looking up.

Piper Lennon: Well, last time out was fun; didn't go exactly all how I imagined it, but life wouldn't much be worth living if we knew everything that was going to happen ahead of time now would it?

She cocks her head slightly.

Piper Lennon:  Best of luck to the girl in the future, I know some people got the wrong impression that I was being dismissive of her or whatever--

Piper makes a sweeping gesture with her arm.

Piper Lennon: --  but that's really not the case. But just to make sure my um, affect, my demeanor doesn't get misconstrued again I wanted to take the time to address this next match. To show I've given young Suzie the time and attention she deserves.

A slight smile tugs at her lips.

Piper Lennon: It should be a trip man, I'm looking forward to the experience. Looked her up and she's just the type of character it'll be a blast to cross paths with. A good ol' Kansas girl, big strong meaty hands with a lot of dirt in her fingernails from working the land, total opposite of me really. So I can't wait to lock horns and just take that all in, it'll be a rush. I'd say she's a total opposite of me, but she's ... she's got layers too though.

She nods her head and adjusts her glasses.

Piper Lennon: More than just a country girl, she's got big dreams. Got a publicist, agent type putting out press releases to let us know she got a cut on her forehead. Which some people might not find newsworthy, but that's exciting to me man, it opens up a whole new canvas of possibilities to play with. Because I'm all about the art, creating the stark visual moments I can really breathe in and I see some real potential for that.

Piper raises her index finger.

Piper Lennon:  Not only that, she's a bit of an aspiring model, booking photoshoots with Puma and all that. Which made me realize, the two of us, we're like two peas in a pod. Going together perfectly like yin and yang. She can help me out with my journey through life, and I can help her too.

On that note, she reaches for her camera, rapping the side of it with her index finger.

Piper Lennon: Because, if she wasn't aware, I dabble a bit in photography too-- one of my real passions. So I think we can come to a real understand out there tonight, I can arrange a photoshoot she won't forget anytime soon.

With that, she gives a small wave of the hand and another smile before the cameras cut away elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

• TAG TEAM MATCH •
Pedro Gonzales & Maritza Diaz vs. Ricky Vega & Charlie Blooms

The match began with Vega and Blooms getting the jump on the Gonzales/Diaz tandem. After tossing Diaz through the ropes and to the floor, Vega & Blooms attacked Gonzales. The two-on-one continued with various punches, kicks and clubbing strikes to Mexico City’s Favorite Son. The SCCW duo sent Diaz for the ride with an irish whip. Upon his return, the duo tossed Gonzales high into the air before he crashed down hard from a double back body drop. Vega made the cover, but it only got a count of two.

The match continued with Vega unloading on Gonzales in the corner with knife edge chops. Vega sent Gonzales into the corner with an irish whip. The young upstart came charging in for an attack. But he quickly got knocked back with a boot to the face. Finally with an opening, Gonzales took advantage and brought Vega down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. Gonzales sent Vega back to the mat with a pair of dropkicks. With the momentum of the match now in his favor in the fourth minute, Gonzales sent Vega to the outside with a bicycle knee strike that knocked Vega through the ropes. Blooms climbed down and helped Vega up on the outside. Before they knew it, the duo quickly found themselves on the receiving end of a springboard corkscrew moonsault!

The action spills back into the ring, where Gonzales made the cover for a count of two. The Power Princess is finally tagged in at minute six and tossed Vega around like a ragdoll with a release northern lights suplex and an overhead choke suplex. Diaz continued her display of power by holding Vega in the air before falling back to complete a vertical suplex for a count of two. An irish whip reversal sent Diaz into the ropes, where Blooms kicked her in the back. Boos rang throughout the arena after the cheapshot. Diaz turned to take a swipe at Blooms. But Blooms wisely hopped off the apron. Before Diaz could turn around, Vega took advantage of the timely distraction with an inverted headlock backbreaker for a two count.

The newcomers stay on offense for the next minute or two with frequent tags while keeping Diaz in the corner. Once Vega is tagged back in, the SCCW duo brought Diaz to the middle of the ring to go for a double suplex. But instead, Diaz countered with a suplex on the two of them at the same time! The power spot gets a big pop from the crowd. A pair of clotheslines then sent both Vega & Blooms to the mat. Diaz took control of Vega in minute eight and whipped him into the corner. She then took Blooms and went for an irish whip. Blooms reversed, sending Diaz over towards Vega, who came from out of the corner, meets her near the center of the ring and brought her down with a Pop-Up Gory Bomb! Vega made the cover, but it only got a count of two.

Blooms is tagged back in and kept control of Diaz with a side headlock. Eventually, the Power Princess powered out and shoved Blooms off into the ropes. When Blooms returned, Diaz lifted her high above her head and began to military press her. Diaz marched across the ring and teased throwing her to the outside. A terrified Blooms screamed while Diaz continued to tease tossing her from different sides of the ring. When Diaz turned around, she was doubled over after a boot to the midsection from Vega. Vega & Blooms then sent her into the ropes for an irish whip. When she returned, they threw out a double clothesline. But Diaz was able to duck. When they turned around, Diaz dropped them with simultaneous clotheslines.

In minute ten, The Power Princess stayed on offense by going for an irish whip. But Vega reversed, sending Diaz into the corner. He charged into the corner to attack. But he ended up getting thrown down with a Uranage for his troubles. Blooms rushed over into the corner to attack. But Diaz took a few steps forward, grabbed her by the throat and tossed her into the turnbuckles with an overhead choke suplex.

Gonzales gets tagged in and immediately went after Blooms and hit her with the Sadistic Combo (uppercut to the jaw, elbow to the face, roundhouse kick to the arm, sweep kick). Vega went after Gonzales, but he got dumped over the top rope for his troubles. Diaz is then tagged in and finished things off with the Dragon Knee (Pop-up Single Knee Codebreaker) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Pedro Gonzales & Maritza Diaz 0 || Dragon Knee (12:33) || Ricky Vega & Charlie Blooms X

[FGA Office]

The rafters backstage seem scattered as there are some chains scattered about and a few pipes thrown in and there is just the sound of a clock ticking in the background. It’s almost ominous in the background and just slouched in the wall with his hair covering his face and his arms crossed dressed in his ring attire is the menacing Seth Iser...and his eyes are shut as if he’s thinking about things.

Seth Iser: You learn a ton about who we are as people in how we approach our history and how we try to both learn from it and then teach it to our future generations. We often talk about our glories in war and sometimes we even over glorify certain triumphs without truly reflecting on the human sacrifice and what was given up in order to achieve those results. Especially when some consequences still have everlasting effects to this very day…

Iser seems almost statue like in his body...not even moving. There’s an eery calm with his voice as he’s not projecting much emotion.

Seth Iser: I read a report a while ago about certain schools not even teaching the hideousness and the callousness...and the cowardly nature of our actions against the Native Americans in that removal act and that saddened me in many ways. Not just I have my own kid and I want her to know both the good and bad things we’ve done as a country but because of how many of us are giving into that innate nature that if we view ourselves as the good guy...we can sweep anything bad we’ve ever done under the rug.

Iser finally moves slightly and that’s just to tap his foot on the floor as he thinks deeper about what he’s saying...his face more contemplative than anything.

Seth Iser: Everyone wants to believe they’re right...even if history has shown often times when you dig deep nobody was truly right. Even if we’re lauded for what we did in second World War for example for helping Europe...the black cloud of the Atom Bombs should hang over our heads every day considering they’re still impacted. And yet that’s glossed over in all the history books here. It mentions that we did it. Mentions only how it helped the war. Doesn’t mention the lasting effects usually. Shows we haven’t really learned our lesson there.

Iser for the first time makes direct eye contact with the camera after saying that last sentence. The gleam of the purple knee brace shining through as is the purple tint in other areas of his otherwise black wrestling attire but again he’s maintaining a state of calm right now.

Seth Iser: Wrestling fans don’t seem to learn this lesson either rushing to pass judgment without looking at the entire picture. Seeing from afar and hearing of how the fans took to Harter and then he did what he did to Jimmy Page. Now they’re making the same mistake with Page considering the track record but instead of looking at the situation with a logical eye...they make the emotional judgment. Just a crucial mistake for them and that’s why they continue to keep themselves miserable.

Iser shows no remorse when he mutters that statement and you can hear some people booing this assessment from the live audience.

Seth Iser: Myself? I can’t judge what those two have done and are doing to one another and will probably continue to do to one another for the next several months. Don’t know enough about what truly makes them tick yet. You can watch all the tape you want on that but studying a person’s body language with your own eye...no substitute for that. But as for tonight? It’s a learning opportunity for another wrestler as they get to learn something they didn’t know prior.

Iser finally uncrosses his arms and makes sure his long black hair is out of his eyes and there’s just that slight pause as he’s continuing to calculate everything. The sound of the ticking is starting to pick up in the background though.

Seth Iser: Dickie Harter. A young man whose breaking in and where he was at...he turned enough heads and he has an opportunity to get in the ring with yours truly. He’s had a couple of barn burners with some people who might’ve looked passed him like Mark Storm and Savannah Taylor on the other brand. And being close there and showing the talent...it gets you a look here too. I understand why…

There’s a simple nod from Iser as he starts to process those things. He’s purely analytical and cold here...not even sweating. Nothing.

Seth Iser: There are people on the outside who thought this would be a mismatch but I know better. I’ve often found that when you’re somewhat of an unknown and have youth on your side...while you make mistakes someone like me can take advantage of...experience is also the inhibitor of innovation so you never truly know what some young guy can do because he doesn’t fully know better yet.

Iser’s face darkens slightly thinking closer to the ramifications of everything.

Seth Iser: Hell...if you look past a young kid like that...they’ll beat your ass more often than not in this industry. If you never learn that lesson then those kids end up running you out of the business before you can get what you should out of it. You’d be surprised how many careers get torpedoed just because of this harsh lesson.

Iser’s scarred face finally shows a sign of emotion for the first time and a mixture of both anger and disappointment as if he’s a disapproving father here.

Seth Iser: But I don’t look past anyone knowing what can happen. I saw how close you’ve come Dickie...you want that one victory to get your career really going in the right track and you think it might be tonight. Just...it won’t happen. I’m not discounting what you can do but there isn’t a thing I haven’t truly seen in that ring in all my years and I’m not going to let you or anyone else for that matter try to beat me in the middle of that ring.

Iser finally takes a couple of steps closer to the camera and the menacing 6’5 stature of his is more apparent now and the cameraman has to take a noticeable step back even if Iser’s body language isn’t really threatening right now. Even with the slight look of anger and disappointment he’s perfectly calm and in control.

Seth Iser: Don’t worry kid...I’m going to teach you a lesson SCCW never did in the middle of the ring. Hopefully you aren’t like these people who run our education system or come to these shows and actually learn. And it’s the best learning opportunity you could ever ask for because I am indeed Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. There isn’t a trick I don’t know or haven’t seen before...and as of right now? Class is in session. Don’t be tardy for it.

With that last statement Iser ends up walking away and he’s in that zone now physically and mentally.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

As we cut towards the backstage area, we see Jackson Magnum speaking to some fans that have managed to secure backstage passes. They all seem to share a laugh before the fans all go silent at the sight of someone standing behind Magnum. Jackson notices this and turns, the camera panning over to show none other than Kol, Magnum’s first (of possibly three) opponents at Final Frontier.

Kol: Relax, relaaaaaaax. I’m not here to start anything. Besides, it would be very unwise for me to do so before a match anyway. I’m simply here to talk to you.

Magnum turns back to the fans for a moment. A wide smile appears on his face, he signs a couple autographs then turns seeing Kol is still there. He shrugs his shoulders at him, then reaches over attempting to sign Kol’s shirt, but Kol pulls away.

Jackson Magnum: Well fella, wat ye want me ta sign then?

Kol chuckles as he claps his hands together.

Kol: I don’t want you to sign anything. I’m not like a bunch of these wrestlers who become complete fanboys for other wrestlers. Like I said, I’m here to talk, not to get anything signed. And you don’t even have to shoo away these people. All you have to do is take a second and listen.

Magnum takes a moment looking around him, seeing the fans.

Jackson Magnum: I thought everyone loved me.

The fans behind Magnum cheer, he takes a step back giving Kol plenty of space, seemingly a bit disconcerted, as he lets out a sigh followed by a frown.

Jackson Magnum: I am listening sir, and wit all due respect, I do nae hafe an issue wit ye, and I would ask ye not ta change tat.

Kol: Believe me, I’m not looking to cause any issues. You and I both have a common goal and that’s to walk away with the Frontier Lions Cup. Unfortunately, we face each other in the next round and only one of us is winning.

He smirks.

Kol: However, before that, I would like to invite you to a meeting in the ring...next Vertigo. You, me, and even both members of SHOOTCAMP. All of the remaining Vertigo FLC competitors in one ring, talking about the tournament that I’m sure we all intend on winning. That’s all. I don’t even need to wait for an answer from you. If I know you well enough, and I believe that I do, you’ll show up to that ring next Vertigo.

Kol then begins backing away.

Kol: Enjoy the rest of your night, Jackson.

Finally, Kol disappears from the shot, leaving Magnum behind with the fans. Magnum makes sures Kol is gone before turning back to the crowd.

Jackson Magnum: Ye heard thee man and ye know me. So ef ye want me ta join en thee little gather ov Frontier Lion’s Cup competitors next show cheer.

The crowd pops with a boisterous cheer, eliciting a smirk from Jackson who responds to the crowd.

Jackson Magnum: Guess we hafe ourselves an old fashioned git ta gether then set fer next Vertigo.

[FGA Office]

Needing a minute to catch some air under the faux arches of the Landers Center, Johnny Karma attempts to deny the plummeting temperature is an issue - although Cherry Baum shivering a mere couple of feet away from him betrays the fact that the only way it could be any colder in Southaven this evening is if a Bond villain decided to block the sun

Cherry Baum: Are you sure you don’t want to go back inside yet?

Johnny Karma: You’re probably right, it’s not exactly summer out here.

Turning to face the entrance, Karma holds the door open so Cherry can duck back inside with a surprising turn of pace for someone too busy huddling within their own arms to prevent their teeth from chattering, and he soon follows her back inside

Johnny Karma: Are you okay?

Cherry Baum: Freezing.

Johnny Karma: Sorry, I was a little caught up in my own...forget about it.

Without a second’s thought, Karma slips off his track jacket and places it around Cherry’s shoulders to give her a little extra protection against the elements

Johnny Karma: This should help.

Cherry mouths “Thank you” in response to his generosity

Johnny Karma: I guess I’ve been spending too long thinking about things lately, given I can’t seem to set foot in half the arenas we’re running shows in without the New Murder crawling out from under the floorboards whenever I’m around.  I guess having a couple of minutes of peace and quiet is something I’m spending too long trying to find, at least at Vertigo tapings.

In response, Cherry sneezes

Johnny Karma: Probably should get somewhere a little warmer, eh?

After wiping her nose with her thumb and forefinger, Cherry just about manages to collect herself to respond

Cherry Baum: There’s something I’ve got to tell you, and it's probably better if I say it now than let it wait a little longer.

Noticing the tone of her voice, Karma slows his pace as he turns towards Cherry, knowing it’s something he needs to listen to

Johnny Karma: Go ahead, what is it?

Dom Harter: Well, well, well. Look what we have here: our esteemed Undisputed Champion!

Molly Reid: ...at least until Final Frontier.

Clearly irritated by the interruption, Karma shoots a fed up look in the direction of Reid and Harter

Johnny Karma: I thought you had a farce of a match to prepare for?  Or have you forgotten which one of you is supposed to be in the ring and which is supposed to be commentating?

Dom Harter: Oh, no. Jimmy’s too scared to face me right now so we’re good on that front. Besides, it’s not often that our Undisputed Champion graces us with his presence here on Vertigo.

Molly Reid: At least not until after Final Frontier.

The two members of The New Murder laugh together, but neither Karma nor Cherry Baum look that impressed at what’s being said.

Molly Reid: Relax, Johnny. It’s not like any of us interfered when you faced Dommy, I don’t know why you’re so worried about interference now.

Dom Harter: That belt’s making him paranoid.

Turning his head in Harter’s direction, Karma aims a remarkably fed-up look in the leader of the New Murder’s direction

Johnny Karma: What is it with bad combovers that make the people with them needing so many people to help them lie unconvincingly all the time?

Karma shakes his head before turning his attention to the two people facing him

Johnny Karma: It’s cute that you're trying to act as if the lot of you didn’t jump me a couple of shows back, really it is, but here’s the thing about acting cute: it only works for so long before people tire of your alta kaka - and I’m ahead of the curve in that regard.

Dom Harter: Hair jokes? Because that worked out so well for Lowri Moss.

Harter holds his bleached blonde bangs out between his thumb and forefinger, and he rolls his eyes.

Dom Harter: But I thought you’d be used to it, what with all you went through to win the belt in the first place. Sorry we’re not fading away into nothingness though, but The New Murder is here to stay...and we want that belt.

Johnny Karma: I’m sure you do, Harter, but I seem to recall you having your chance and it working out so well for you that you’re telling everyone who’ll listen that you “want” the title rather than the fact you “have” it.

Karma switches his attention from Harter towards Reid

Johnny Karma: I’m surprised you’re still putting up with having the spotlight which should rightfully be on you being gatecrashed by this macher.  I thought you were better than this.

Karma quickly side-eyes Harter

Johnny Karma: Then again, maybe if you translated that into Latin, that would make a neat little motto for your group.

Once again Karma turns his attention towards Molly

Johnny Karma: So if you want to talk about Final Frontier, talk about Final Frontier - don’t delegate it to someone who’ll toss you on the pile the second he thinks you’re no longer useful to him.

Molly Reid: That’s your problem, Johnny…

Pause.

Molly Reid: ...you never did learn to be a team player. Probably why The New Kings got to beat you down in a handicap match instead of you finding a new partner. Or maybe it’s why neither Cordy nor Dom continued their partnerships with you after Final Frontier last year. I wonder why you’ve never even glanced at the tag titles here...or anywhere for that matter.

Molly looks over towards Dom with a smirk on her face; they both know that Molly and Mercy have a shot at the WCS Tag Team titles coming up soon, as well as her past accomplishments as part of the Whitest Girls You Know.

Molly Reid: But teamwork makes the dream work, Johnny. Now that’s not to say that I’m not impressed at how far you’ve made it. You’re the FGA Undisputed Champion, can’t dispute how impressive that is. Though the difficulty now that you’ve made it to the top is staying there - right, Dommy?

She nudges him playfully with her elbow, teasing Dom about his inability to defend a title. But the Tenacious Little Bastard just laughs it off.

Dom Harter: Tell that to my Grand Slam, or my Hall of Fame induction.

Molly Reid: Yeah, yeah. But now you have no wiggle room Johnny. You can’t screw up. The trips, and the stumbles that you made getting to where you are now...you can’t afford to make those anymore. You don’t have anyone there to catch you if you fall…

Pause. Molly steps closer to the man she’ll face one on one at Final Frontier, smirking all the while.

Molly Reid: But I do. Not that I need it though. This crow can fly solo if she wants to, lord knows I’ve been doing it my entire career...but how sweet would it be to see that belt get snatched from your grasp by any one of us? Would that hurt you more than losing to me one-on-one? Would you hold your head up high and say ‘but she had to cheat!’? As if they don’t already think that now anyway. As if they haven’t been throwing that line at me since before I was Pride Champion. You want to talk about Final Frontier, Johnny? Tell me what you expect to happen when we’re in that ring…

As Cherry looks on nervously, thinking something bad might be about to go down, Karma doesn’t flinch as he meets Molly’s stare

Johnny Karma: What I expect to happen when you set foot in my hometown, Molly, is that you’ll walk in thinking that Heroes Never Die or The New Kings messed up, but you’re tougher than they are, smarter than they are, meaner than they are - but it will never cross your mind why I was standing tall no matter how many times they wrote me off or beat me down until you're in the same place that Izzy Anders was or, closer to home…

Rather than say Harter’s name, Karma merely points in his direction before continuing

Johnny Karma:  ...until you’re walking back up the ramp as the crowd are already leaving the arena, your head hanging low because you’re going to have to explain to your best friend Dom Harter why the New Murder remain without a title.

Molly Reid: I see a different scene Johnny. I see me, walking into the back with my FGA Undisputed Championship belt slung over my shoulder. I see the New Murder smiling as we accomplished exactly what we said we were going to. And I see you, picking yourself up off that mat, still unsure exactly what happened, having to explain only to yourself how you managed to lose your belt to Molly Reid. I like that scene a lot more, don’t you Dom?

Dom Harter: I like it. I like it a lot.

With that, Dom and Molly walk away, but not before Molly takes a moment to pat the FGA Undisputed Title on Karma’s shoulder. The champion remains implacable as The New Murder members leave.

[FGA Office]

Inside her locker room, Susan and Dana are having a discussion.

Susan Kent: Don't forget to take notes Dana, whenever I miss a high flying move make a note of it then I can remove it from my moveset.

Dana: Okay, but I wouldn't start removing moves yet, even though you been training more technical and submission moves.

Susan Kent: Okay, I'll play it your way for tonight, whatever happens tonight I won't remove any moves.

Susan and Dana's discussion is interrupted by the arrival of Kendra.

Kendra Hollis: Okay, I'll have my assistant send the contract over.

Kendra looks up from her phone.

Kendra Hollis: Oh hey Susan, I have finalized your new contract with PUMA, and the producers of NCIS were happy with your performance that they want to put you on one of the other shows.

Susan Kent: Great.

Kendra Hollis: Yes its great, you are gaining exposure outside of wrestling, you should really quit wrestling, I mean after all has it really done that much for you.

Susan Kent: I know you're not a big wrestling fan Kendra, but I love wrestling, and hasn't wrestling gotten me where I am right now.

This conversation is interrupted by Jessie Pederson.

Susan Kent: Hey Jessie

Jessie Pederson: Hey Susan, got some time.

Susan Kent: Yeah.

Jessie Pederson: Please welcome my guest at this time Susan Kent.

Susan waves to the camera.

Jessie Pederson: On the last Vertigo, you had a great match with Daniel Widdel, how do you feel about that match, and what have you learned for it.

Susan Kent: That losing kinda sucked, I know that's not the answer you expect, but Daniel is a great wrestler.

Jessie Pederson: And what is you opinion of your opponent tonight Piper Lennon.

Susan Kent: Well Dana and I watched her match and Dana thinks I can beat her if I stick to the game plan she has laid out for me.

Jessie Pederson: Care to let us in on that game plan.

Dana: Not, just watch Susan's match tonight.

Jessie Pederson: So any last words for Piper Lennon.

Susan Kent: Hope you like my Photo op.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Piper Lennon vs. Susan Kent

Kent started the match off by taking the fight right to Lennon. The Wichita native alternated between hard left hooks and European Uppercuts. An irish whip ended up getting reversed on her. However, she came back and took advantage of the momentum with a spinning heel kick! Lennon rolled to the safety, only to get taken down by a slingshot plancha! Kent brought the action back inside for a two count.

After being pressured into the corner, Lennon shoved her back to create distance around minute three. As Kent reapproached, Lennon knocked her back again. This time, with a push kick to the chest. After a throat cross chop doubles over Kent, Lennon tossed her into the corner and sent her slumping down with alternating jabs and knife edge chops to the forehead. A foot choke was released when the ref brought his count up to four.

As the match continued on in minute five, Lennon delivered a side russian legsweep. She then rolled through the move, pulled Kent up onto her knees and grabbed a hold of her arm while delivering a soccer kick flurry to the chest. She then ran into the ropes. Upon her return, she flattened Kent with a running knee. The move only got a count of two. However, the hard knee busted open Kent’s forehead. A hotshot, followed by a jumping double stomp also gets a count of two. After an irish whip into the opposite corner, Lennon ran across the ring and went for a leaping corner bionic elbow to the forehead. But nobody was home after Kent rolled out of the way. After Lennon crashed into the corner and stumbles back, Kent brought her down with an inverted headlock backbreaker for a count of two.

Kent took advantage of the momentum switch in minute seven, hitting a running corkscrew neckbreaker for a count of two. She then went for a running bulldog. But Lennon countered by shoving her off into the ropes. Upon Kent’s return, she brought Lennon down with a Codebreaker! Kent rant into the ropes and went for a Lionsault. But Lennon got her knees up! Lennon then scaled to the top turnbuckle and went for a diving elbow drop after Kent got back to her feet. But Kent doubled her over with a kick to the midsection on the way down and followed up with a sitout facebuster for another two count!

As the match waged on in minute nine, Kent brought Lennon into the corner and went for a Tornado DDT. But Lennon was able to shove her off before getting planted with the DDT. After Kent landed on her feet, she ran back over towards the corner to attack. But Lennon quickly hoisted herself onto the middle ropes and knocked the oncoming Kent down with a flying knee strike to the face! Kent was then brought back towards the center of the ring, doubled over with a heart punch and taken down with the Snapshot (cravate knee facebreaker) for the ONE, TWO, THREE! Post-match, Lennon grabbed her Polaroid, stood over Kent and snapped a picture of her defeated foe before heading to the back.

Piper Lennon 0 || Snapshot (11:22) || Susan Kent X

[FGA Office]

Backstage we see Brian hanging around with some of the backstage personnel from earlier in the day. They are all laughing as they are trying to see if they can beat “The Dad of Pro Wrestling” in a dad joke off. Each joke more lame than the last, but Brian shakes his head and laughs at a fair amount of them. The camera fades out.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Our camera fades into the backstage area, opening up with a shot of the faceplate of the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. This earns a mild pop from Southaven… which evolves into a roar as we pan out, showing the frame and face of its holder, Sadie San Francisco. Sadie has a calm, focused expression on her face as she gazes ahead, championship resting on her shoulder. We appear to be in a corridor just outside of her dressing room. Spencer Burke rounds the corner from behind, a microphone already in hand. He smiles politely and joins Sadie’s side.

Spencer Burke: Sadie?

Sadie turns her attention toward the interviewer and gives him a small nod.

Sadie San Francisco: Hi.

Spencer Burke: Hope I’m not interrupting anything-- just saw you over here and wanted to get some of your thoughts about what you’re up against tonight… about what could prove to be your biggest match since being drafted to the Vertigo roster, title or not.

Sadie San Francisco: What? My thoughts about how Dom Harter should’ve had his nose pushed into the back of his head three or four years ago already?

Spencer Burke: Your thoughts about how a victory over a former two-time World Champion could elevate you to that next level in your career.

Sadie San Francisco: You know what would elevate my career?

Sadie narrows her eyes.

Sadie San Francisco: Being able to retain my championship against Lowri Moss without Dom Harter having to make the entire match and the entire picture about him. And a lot of it’s on me. I have to take responsibility for what happened that night too. If it went my way, I wouldn’t have been in a position where Lowri had such an advantage… and where Dom could take such advantage of both of us. But it didn’t. I messed up that night. And I have no proof-- nothing to back it up if I were to say that I’d still be the champion if it weren’t for Dom.

A look of pure contempt crosses the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion’s face and boos resonate throughout the arena at the continuous mention of Harter.

Sadie San Francisco: And that pisses me off. I don’t want any part of my career to be defined by the world’s youngest creepy old man. That’s a disgusting asterisks and no one should be subject to that.

She rolls her eyes-- not at Spencer, but at some passing thought through her head.

Sadie San Francisco: He says “Harter hits harder”, and I’m sure I’ll find that out tonight-- but Harter puts his hands in my face and I’m gonna make it my personal mission to break every single one of his creepy little fingers. People like Dom shouldn’t even be here anymore, Spencer. He and Lowri can have an all-out war over what the New Murder did to Neal but six months from now, Dom Harter’s gonna be tweeting unironic eggplant emoijs and kissy faces at her on Twitter anyway, because none of this is serious to him anymore. He’s a good wrestler and he’s got an awesome list of stuff he did, but he negates it with every pointless breath he takes because he’s a garbage human being. He’s a clown. He’d rather be filming some sh*t on 2 AM Cinemax than doing anything in the ring with anybody. I don’t like him. [BEEP] Dom.

Though Spencer is silent, gaze aimed at the ground for a moment, the words earn another roar from Southaven. Spencer laughs a little under his breath and looks up toward Sadie again.

Spencer Burke: So no respect for Dom Harter then?

Sadie San Francisco: No. I respect that he’s naturally talented because life isn’t fair. I respect that he worked hard-- in one way or another-- to earn his list of stuff because I don’t have a list of stuff. But… in my gut… no. No respect for Dom Harter. Not as a person.

Spencer nods, going on.

Spencer Burke: Lowri Moss gave you her word that she wouldn’t interfere tonight… but have you considered what kind of role the New Murder might play?

Sadie does seem to consider it for a moment before looking back to the interviewer.

Sadie San Francisco: You never know what to expect from them. Maybe it’s just Dom. Maybe it’s all of them. I don’t know… but I have a knee for anyone that would like one.

Sadie looks prepared to walk back into her dressing room, but Spencer Burke speaks up once more.

Spencer Burke: Before you go… wanna give us some insight on your actions during Julian Tijerina versus Owen Gonsalves last week?

Half-turned toward the door, the champion stops. Brow raised, she turns toward Spencer again and shrugs, allowing the title to drift down her arm, catching it swiftly in her left hand.

Sadie San Francisco: Insight?

Spencer Burke: Owen Gonsalves was a little upset that you seemed to directly influence the--

Sadie San Francisco: Owen Gonsalves.

The audience pops at the name of the Grappler, but Sadie doesn’t seem to wear any emotion on her face one way or the other. She does narrow her eyes after a few seconds, angling her head a bit.

Sadie San Francisco: Let’s see… I went out there because my role for the night was to be a commentator. So I was. And yeah-- I’m petty, so I was also out there to spite Julian Tijerina, but I didn’t influence anything. If Owen’s upset because I pointed out to the referee that Julian was about to get a three-count with his feet on the ropes, then let him be upset. I don’t like Julian, so I snitched. And it’s up to Julian Tijerina to try to punish me by… whatever you do to snitches.

Eyes still narrowed, she shakes her head at Spencer a little.

Sadie San Francisco: But next time, I guess Owen can take the L. I honestly don’t care. One thing I do want to say though…

She looks down toward the championship and then back up at Spencer.

Sadie San Francisco: At Final Frontier, I want Julian. He’s already earned his shot, so let’s stop beating around the bush… let’s make it official. And if he wants to know how capable of a champion I am, then he can watch tonight.

A pause.

Sadie San Francisco: He should.

Sadie lifts the title back onto her shoulder, giving Spencer a half-smile before stepping back into her dressing room, closing the door.

Stephy Auger: Selfish San Francisco and El Guapo at Final Frontier… in GUAPO COUNTRY?! She might not even make it there!

Kris Cruise: We’ll see! It’s Dom Harter against Sadie San Francisco… tonight!

We fade away on Spencer Burke.

[FGA Office]

The fans inside the Landers Center are hyped for more Vertigo action, but their attention is drawn to the big screen as it shows a view outside of the arena, where a black SUV pulls up to the curb. The rear passenger door flings open, and two shapely legs extend out onto the pavement. As they carry the rest of the body, the crowd loses its collective mind as Fujiko Mine emerges from the behind the door.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine has arrived!

Stephy Auger: You mean Fuji water wasn’t here at the start of the show?! Who does she think she is?!

Kris Cruise: Well, I’ll let her answer for herself, but she looks all business, especially after she found out; at the same time as the rest of us, that her tag team partner tonight is pulling double duty!

Stephy Auger: She’s stupid if she thinks that Chris Madison cares about their match tonight. He has to keep the Pride championship here on Vertigo!

Xena emerges from the driver’s side door, and reaches back in to pull out a large duffel bag.  The two of them begin to walk towards the arena. Xena adjusts the bag over her shoulder, Meanwhile, Fujiko squints as the wind blows the strands of hair that have escaped the confines of the messy bun on the top of her head.

XENA: Fujiko…

Fujiko Mine: Xena…

The two of them clear the doors, flashing their FGA passes to the guard at the side door. He lets them through without a word, and Fujiko begins to peel herself out of the long black coat that shielded her from the elements.

XENA: What are we gonna do about Madison?

Fujiko continues to stride forwards, though her pace slows considerably.

Fujiko Mine: Ahhh...right. Uh…

She comes to a stop, allowing Xena to close the gap between the two of them. Fujiko drapes her coat over one shoulder.

Fujiko Mine: I...I’ll go talk to him. He’s a big boy, and I’m sure he knows what he’s doing...but I’m going to talk to him nonetheless. I don’t want to lose this match because he can’t focus, or worse…

Xena nods and starts walking, this time forcing Fujiko to catch up.

XENA: Right. But if it means I gotta jump in the ring to be there with you, you know I’m good for it. The Apex Goddess and the left hand of oblivion taking down shootcamp!

Fujiko lets out a little bit of a chuckle. She raises an eyebrow at Xena, who looks down at her with a smirk.

Fujiko Mine: Oh yeah? You come up with that moniker all on your own?

XENA: Yeah...well, more like I’ve been thinking about it for months, but you know what I mean!

Fujiko Mine: One of these days, Xena. You’ll get that wish. But let’s not assume Chris is going to bail on me just yet.

Fujiko begins to move, but then notices that both she and Xena are near one of the entrances to the main concourse of the arena. It’s her turn to smirk as she looks over at Xena.

XENA: Are you seriously thinking that?

Fujiko’s smirk pulls into a grin as she hands Xena her coat. Xena shakes her head with a smile.

XENA: Ever crazy, that’s you girl.

Fujiko breaks into a trot, reaching into the pocket of her yoga pants and pulling out a sharpie. She reaches the entryway, and smiles at the guard standing there.

Fujiko Mine: I’m calling them over, Billy.

Billy, Security Guard Extraordinaire: Alright, Miss Mine. But if you get mobbed, I’m telling PR this was your idea.

He chuckles to himself as Fujiko sticks her fingers in her mouth and lets out a loud whistle. The crowd that is out there buying food and merch quickly turn to see the source of the sound, and they roar when they see Fujiko Mine standing on the opposite side of a guardrail. Fans quickly rush over to meet Fujiko as cameras go back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Seth Iser vs. Dickie Harter

Harter quickly tried to keep his distance from the much taller Iser. But the ring veteran was able to successfully cut off the ring and trap Harter in the corner within the first minute. With Harter having seemingly nowhere to go, Iser ran in to attack. But Harter was able to hop onto the apron through the ropes and catch him with a shoulder trust that doubled him over. Harter went for a sunset flip and had Iser swinging his arms wildly. But once Iser regained his balance, he reached down, grabbed Harter by the throat with both hands and yanked him up to his feet before flinging him into the corner. A barrage of elbow strikes, knee knees and shoulder thrusts soon followed, followed by a hip toss that nearly sent Harter flying across the ring!

As the match continued on in minute two, Harter was knocked down by a running knee lift. Then again by a big boot after an irish whip. Iser brought him back to his feet and went to knock his head off with a right hand. But Harter had the good sense to duck Iser’s lethal right. Iser threw out another right hand. This time, Harter ducked and countered with a punch of his own! The crowd began to rally begin Harter as he delivered a flurry of right hands. He then turned and ran into the ropes to gain momentum. But when he came back, that moment came to a screeching halt when Iser turned him inside out with a lariat!

A European Uppercut sent Harter stumbling backwards into the corner in minute five. As Iser approached, Harter delivered several kicks to the bulky left knee brace! A front dropkick to the leg brought Iser down to a knee! Harter kept up the attack with a flurry of right hands until Iser shoved him back. Harter came right back with another flurry of right hands until Iser shoved him back again. Iser tried to return to a vertical base. But he was brought back down to a knee again after another front dropkick to the left knee! Harter then followed up with a somersault stunner for a one count.

In minute eight, Harter brought Iser into the corner and delivered rapid knife edge chops. He then climbed onto the middle ropes and delivered punches to Iser as the crowd counted along with each punch.

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

Iser grabbed Harter and tried to go for a running powerbomb out of the corner. But Harter delivered more punches to the head, turned himself around on Iser’s shoulders, flipped back and spiked Iser with the Hartercanrana (inverted hurricanrana)! He went for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd booed when Iser got his shoulder up

With the crowd firmly behind him, Harter tried to feed off the adrenaline and went to lift Iser up onto his shoulders for the Detonation Kick during minute ten. But that proved costly when a) he couldn’t lift Iser up and b) Iser responded with several elbows to the head! He then took a step back before trying to knock Harter’s head into the fifth row with a right hand. But Harter was able to duck underneath the punch. When Iser turned around, he was caught with a step-up enziguri. Harter then ran into the ropes. But upon his return, he was thrown down with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! Iser then pulled Harter back to his feet before planting him with the Deprivation DDT for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Seth Iser 0 || Deprivation DDT (10:59) || Dickie Harter X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Returning from the commercial break, Jessie Pederson is seen stood backstage at the Landers Center, microphone in hand. Stood beside Jessie is Lowri Moss, who is dressed in her ring attire and a ‘Dom Harter Hater’ t-shirt, the latter item being available from Irish Whip Clothing.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri, after suffering defeat against Molly Reid in the main event of the last episode of Vertigo, tonight you’ll be in the ring with another member of The New Murder, in Fenrys. Having had a number of run-ins recently with Dom Harter, how do you feel about again taking on one of his fellow crows, for the second time in two weeks?

Lowri Moss: I’m relishing the opportunity to get my hands on that dirty wolf.

A smiling Lowri rubs her hands together.

Lowri Moss: Two weeks ago, I pushed the number one contender for the undisputed title all the way, and but for that haliwr Dom Harter, I may even have won. While I might not be in the spotlight of the main event again tonight, that doesn’t lessen my motivation for this match at all, and I’m feeling confident that this will be the night that I pick up my first win since Patriot Games.

She tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Lowri Moss: I know Fenrys won’t be a pushover, but I believe I’m quite capable of getting the better of him, and with how hard I intend to kick, chop, and headbutt him, once our match is over, he could well be in need of a trip to the vet. In fact, come to think of it, I remember having heard Kris Cruise refer to Fenrys in the past as, “The rabid wolf of The New Murder.” Well, tonight, that rabid wolf is going to be put down...for a count of three.

As Lowri smirks, Jessie moves on to another question.

Jessie Pederson: You’ve already alluded to how your match two weeks ago against Molly Reid ended, so I have to ask, with Dom Harter having interfered in each of your two most recent matches, causing you to lose on both occasions, are you at all concerned that he might get involved again in your match tonight?

Lowri Moss: It would be foolish of me to dismiss the possibility that Dom might show his face during my match, especially considering that I’m going to be in the ring with his lapdog. Two weeks ago he was there to make sure that I didn’t defeat Molly, and tonight he’s obviously going to want to see Fenrys beat me as well. Having said that, however, while I’ve been preparing for this match in the past week or so, I haven’t been sat around worrying about whether or not he might get involved - instead of spending too much time thinking about something that I don’t have any control over, I’ve been concentrating my efforts on getting ready to take on Fenrys; as I told Spencer after the last show, I need to get back to winning ways, but that’s not going to happen if my mind is elsewhere.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, well, while I appreciate that at the moment you’re trying to concentrate on Fenrys, I’m sure you’re bound to be an interested observer later on, when Dom faces Sadie San Francisco.

Lowri gives a nonchalant shrug.

Lowri Moss: I might keep an eye on it.

Jessie Pederson: Dom has posted a couple of tweets in the past week that appeared to suggest he has his eyes on getting a shot at Sadie’s Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. Given that you…

Jessie is interrupted by a frustrated Lowri.

Lowri Moss: He doesn’t really want the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship - at least, not for the right reasons.

She lets out an irritated sigh.

Lowri Moss: I mean, I want to win it because of what it represents, whereas if he were to win it, it would just be so that he could then shove it in my face.

Jessie Pederson: Well, with that in mind, and taking into consideration what happened during your own match with Sadie last month, is...

Lowri interrupts Jessie again, this time to finish her question.

Lowri Moss: Is there any chance that I might interfere in Dom’s match with Sadie, to prevent him from winning?

There is a nod from Jessie.

Lowri Moss: No. Sadie was almost as unhappy with the way that our match ended as I was, and while I know I’ve stated my desire to get even with Dom for what he has done to me, I’ve promised her that I won’t get involved in the match later. And besides, Sadie doesn’t need my help to defeat Dom. She’s the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion for a reason. So tonight, I’ll leave Dom to her, while I focus on beating Fenrys.

The scene then cuts away.