Vertigo (04.14.18)

[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



Infinite Energy Center
Duluth, GA

We see a camera guy have the guts to start to walk toward the locker room because he can hear happy muttering. As soon as the door is pushed open you see Moretti, with a bent crutch in his hand and spinning around in his customized wheelchair, showing his happiness over what has transpired for his client in the grand scheme of things. It’s almost cat like his smile.

Vincent Moretti: Gold is soon coming down Iser’s way here too. I feel it. It’s great.

Moretti lets out a cackle that’s more sinister than childish after that statement but soon he starts to hear thumping from outside and he raises his brow curious to see what’s going on. He starts to wheel his way past the camera man, who he doesn’t even notice, because the noise has transfixed what’s going on. He peers outside wondering who it is...and then he sees him and he just goes white.

Vincent Moretti: Oh...s(bleep)…

There’s a collective cheer from the crowd as Moretti is instantly wheeled back onto shot and immediately backed up against a set of lockers by Owen Gonsalves. The usually confident, loud mouthed Moretti is very much on the defensive here.

Owen Gonsalves: Good to see you’re in good spirits, Vincent.

Vincent Moretti: Y-yeah...the color of these blue lockers is GREAT…

Vincent lets out a cough considering the positioning. Gonsalves lets out a light smirk but it is clear as day that he’s not here to indulge in the interior design of the locker room. Vincent, having failed to beat around the bush, acknowledges this.

Vincent Moretti: W-w-what the hell do you want?

Owen Gonsalves: That’s the million dollar question, Vinny. I mean...I want to see the end of poverty, I want to see the Australian cricket team win their matches fairly, I want to see the Essendon Bombers win the Australian Football League Premiership this season, I also want to grab you by your clammy little fingers…

Gonsalves is more than happy to demonstrate just what he means as he grabs a hold of Vincent’s middle finger.

Owen Gonsalves: ...and just snap it, you know? Do the world a favour and cut you off from tweeting for good.

You can see Moretti both let out a gulp and grunt in obvious discomfort as Owen does have a steep hold of that hand of his.

Vincent Moretti: Please. Just...answer my question. What do you want from me right now?

Owen doesn’t even bother to look Vincent in his eyes, those cold eyes of his more fixated on Moretti’s fingers. The Australian hears Vincent’s request loud and clear though, pondering over his question as he slowly lets Moretti’s finger back down. The crowd, growing more and more familiar with a certain global rivalry that has been brewing for a few years, certainly have a rough idea of what Owen wants.

Owen Gonsalves: I don’t want a damn thing from you, Vinceeeee…

Gonsalves almost eerily sings Vincent’s name back to him, making him just that little more uncomfortable. Vincent notably shifts in his chairs shuttering.

Owen Gonsalves: I want the Ikiryo.

There’s a notable cheer from the audience at Gonsalves’ words, perhaps in hopes that Gonsalves and Seth Iser finally meet for the first time in FGA. Moretti lets out another gulp as he looks and studies Owen’s face.

Vincent Moretti: You’re...obsessed…

As soon as Moretti says those words it’s obvious from his body language change as some of the color starts to come back as another figure has lumbered in and the boos start to reign in from the audience that are watching this. The six foot five suit dressed Seth Iser has lumbered into the locker room and he has his right hand balled up in a fist behind Owen. It’s almost shaking in the fury and hatred that he holds and even his poker face has the tell in his eyes that his hatred for Owen is just...unworldly. Vincent lets out another gasp for air and rubs some of the sweat from his head and if Owen didn’t feel Iser’s death glare from behind or his presence...Iser clearing his voice is enough for him to know he’s here now and the two rivals finally lock eyes. The moment that happens Vincent starts to use this chance to wheel his way out of trouble but it feels as if time is standing still as these two are just glaring at one another like two cowboys at that stand off...looking for a proper tell...or a weakness to exploit before pulling the trigger. Finally Iser relaxes his hand and thinks against throwing a punch.

Seth Iser: What the hell do you want, boy?

Iser’s tone is authoritative rather than purely harsh but it’s plain as day that he’s irate at the intrusion. Gonsalves is calm. There is an intensity between the two men, but Owen Gonsalves is the calmer of the two. That damn near trademark smirk of his forms on his face as he raises a finger up, requesting a moment to fix something. In one swift motion, he wheels Moretti out of the room and slams the door shut, and as he turns back on his wheel, Gonsalves is nose to nose with Iser. Alone. Perhaps the first time the two men have been alone in a room since their blood feud started years ago.

Seth Iser: You a little angry I said what I said to Ace? Or...are you agitated about how I won to get in the fatal four way like Tyler seemed to have been earlier and you’re here to scold me?

Iser puts up a smirk of his own that’s almost scarier than when he’s angry because he seldom smiles but it seems one of his favorite activities when he gets the chance is to push Owen’s buttons or give him some sort of heartbreak above even winning some championships. Gonsalves takes a momentary step back, perhaps thinking bigger picture.

Owen Gonsalves: You know, Owen Gonsalves is a lot of things. I’m a bit of a joker, I like to have some fun and have a bit of banter on Twitter, I’ve got some cute little bits going on, some fun little chants. I’m a businessman, I have perhaps sold more merchandise on a weekly basis doing wrestling than any other wrestler going today, I live and die by my brand. I’m a family man, I don’t even need to explain that one, you know all too well about that. But I’m also a man looking for answers, Seth...for a lot of things.

There’s a momentary breathe as Gonsalves checks to see if his famous adversary is indeed listening to his every word. Iser just has his arms crossed and is eyeballing the man...listening to everything with both interest and some anger.

Owen Gonsalves: I’m looking for answers to questions I haven’t even been asked yet, that’s the sort of phase I’m in right now. I need to find an answer to the Artemis Kaiser problem…

There’s a loud mixed reaction for the name mentioned as Gonsalves can’t help but pause and let the reaction ride out.

Owen Gonsalves: I need to find an answer to my wins and losses problem, I need to find an answer to the Gold Rush Rumble problem, I need to find an answer to the lack of championship problem...and many, many people keep reminding me that I need to find the answer to the...Seth Iser...problem.

This is the second time Gonsalves looks up to Iser since he started speaking, and this time around he looks Iser directly in his eyes. The fans are indeed eager to see more of this as Gonsalves exhales heavily. Iser’s eyes are starting to show that he’s losing patience and his right hand is starting to slowly ball back up into that fist but again he relents and lets Owen continue.

Owen Gonsalves: Those are all problems I have to find answers to but there’s one...there’s one problem sticking out like a sore thumb, Seth. That problem has been in the back of my mind for some time now and at first I let it slide and moved on from it, but now...now I find myself in a position where I don’t just have to find an answer, I may just have to find a solution.

At this point Iser finally just lets out a sigh because he’s growing increasingly annoyed and angry.

Seth Iser: Then quit dancing around the point. You barged in here looking for ME on MY time. Not the other way around. I'm sure you're aware we both have matches to prepare for. If you have a question then just ask the damned question instead of giving me a fluff piece about your career hardships that I know all too well because I inflicted half of them at the very least.

The calm within Owen Gonsalves has very quickly vanished, all it took was a harsh stab from Iser and instantly Gonsalves’ fist balls up tight. Iser knows that he provoked him there and that sinister smirk creeps back onto his face. He exhales heavily and nods along, releasing the tension in his balled up fists.

Owen Gonsalves: ...The ‘fluff piece’ is a precursor to the fact that I take this, I take professional wrestling seriously. I take Shootcamp seriously. So after last Vertigo, when I head to the back after getting my ass handed to me by Kol, and find out that earlier that night, you were whispering in my tag team partner’s ear...I thought the worst. Considering your history of...pushing friendships to their brink, I can’t help but wonder if Seth Iser has found himself yet another part of my life that he’s invested in ruining. So...what are you playing at Seth? What’s the end goal here? The implosion of Shootcamp? What’s your go?

Iser just has that face contorted in his usual scowl though instead of doing the probing he’s the one being probed for information.

Seth Iser: You say you take wrestling seriously, right?

Iser has an eyebrow raised as he lets that question escape but he doesn’t let Owen answer it.

Seth Iser: I’m the one who spends free time training kids on how harsh this industry is at the end of the day. Often times you only have a handful of people in the industry you can trust on some level at the end of the day. And we’re all after the goal of being champion and crafting out a legacy at the end of the day. Your partner I think has lost sight a little bit on some aspirations. Just I’m the person who doesn’t tell people what they want to hear. I tell them what they NEED to hear. If you actually listened to everything I said rather than taking everything out of context...I took my animosity for you out of it and told him what he needed to hear. Shame he lost though. But again. Listen to everything I said. I would’ve told Neal last week if he was wondering about his future the same *bleep* damned thing.

Iser then just pauses and scowls down at Owen with every bit of hatred that he can muster up.

Seth Iser: Though if it ends up hurting you at the end of the day I’d never complain about that. You can call me many things Owen but a liar will never be one of them.

Owen Gonsalves: And I quote, ‘I’m not here to jump you or cost you a title opportunity. You never know when you get those and that’s not how I operate anyway.’

Gonsalves repeats the words Iser first said to his tag team partner in their recent meeting.

Owen Gonsalves: September 24th 2017. You cost me in an IYH Championship contendership match against Michael Diablo. I’ll call you everything in the book, including a liar. You’re scum, you’re bitter, you’re jealous of those who do better than you, you’re twisted and you’re stubborn. I’ll give you credit, you certainly have some semblance of a heart when it comes to the kids you train, but Seth, there isn’t a part of you that doesn’t have a scheme going underneath your relation with everyone else. I know for a fact that you don’t really like the other Omens, I know for a fact that you were the straw that broke the camel’s back in the implosion of the Uncanny Socialites, I know for a fact that if you had it your way, if your words were gospel...Ace Watson would turn his back on me and leave me in the dust. You have a plan for everything, Iser...you always have and you always will.

It seemed like when he mentioned the Socialites there was a twitch in Iser’s face. He didn’t like that brought up at all and he couldn’t hide that.

Seth Iser: Context, boy...context. Considering the history you and I operate under...my normal rulebook doesn’t apply and you already know that. And professionally for this industry I want Ace to succeed. Personally even more so if it is you left in the dust because again...I’m not a liar. I hate your guts. But guess what? I want both of the Socialites to succeed tag or singles because guess what...I give a damn about this industry more than you’d ever think considering what it HAS given me. That’s why I’m giving back training kids and teaching some of the people now on how it USED to be and at times how it SHOULD be. I sure as hell care more about it than any of these *bleep* damned ingrates who buy a ticket or buy one of your stupid *bleep* damned t-shirts from your god forsaken website.

Iser’s voice isn’t raised but there’s a harshness to his words and a bite that hasn’t been there until just that moment even with the previous taunting. The fans who were just insulted by this boo very loudly. But Iser just shakes his head infuriated that by one of the implications.

Seth Iser:  But if you think I’m THE reason they as in the Socialites, broke up...you’re a damned fool.

Owen Gonsalves: Like I said, I’m a lot of things, so maybe I am a fool then, maybe deep in your cold, black heart you cared about Kelsey and Rebecca, but just know that I may be a fool but when it comes to you, I’m a bloody expert. You don’t have Ace’s best interests in mind, you have your own interests in mind. So to keep this rather brief, if you plan on being successful here in FGA like you admittedly have been everywhere else, I suggest you back away from Shootcamp’s business.

Owen is firm in his words towards Seth, as he doesn’t even let the larger lumberjack-looking man respond.

Owen Gonsalves: I’m onto you, I have been for a long time now, so if you really want to try me that’s fine but just remember this, Tyler Storm may have spared you, but by God, Owen Gonsalves will not.

Gonsalves glares a hole through Seth Iser before bravely turning his back, almost in disrespect, and walking out of the room, leaving Iser alone in the room. Iser just stands there for a second just spitting angry not at what Owen had just said but the implication of him splitting up a certain tag team.

Seth Iser: He’s known me for almost five years and even to this very day...with all the times I’ve beaten him...he still don’t know s(bleep) about me.

It’s after Iser mutters those words in anger that he soon slams the locker room door in anger and you hear a primal yell coming from him as he’s letting out some frustration as we fade to black.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where the members of The New Murder, Chris Bond, The Crimson Baroness, Jae Ramsey, and Fenrys are all standing in their locker room. All are dressed in their appropriate ring attire, despite Jae and Fenrys not being in action tonight. Bond is standing front and center, the de facto leader of the faction in Dom’s absence, rallying the troops as the scene opens.

Chris Bond: We’re getting back to where we need to be. Jae’s got her place in the Rey Del Aire this year, ready to bring that trophy back to The New Murder--

Ramsey nods, smirking all the while.

Chris Bond: --then at Only The Strong Survive, I’ll earn my shot at the Pride title.

The Crimson Baroness: On his way to a record third Pride title reign.

The Baroness claps her hands, but Bond continues regardless.

Chris Bond: And we’ve got our entries into the Gold Rush Rumble, ready to get that shot at the FGA Undisputed title. And I don’t know about you all, but I’ve been itching for a shot at Johnny Karma or Evan Envi for the longest time.

Jaelynn Ramsey: I wouldn’t say no to that.

She says, earning approving nods from Bond and The Baroness. Fenrys is about to speak up, when--

Chris Bond: And on top of all that, we get to relish in the demise of Malcolm Drake. His flame extinguished by my own hand. Gone. Once and for all.

The Crimson Baroness: Good riddance to bad rubbish, sweetie.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Don’t let the door hit him where the good Lord split him.

Jae quips, prompting TCB to giggle.

The Crimson Baroness: But tonight, sweetie, you go show those other ‘contenders’ why you’re the most dangerous man in FGA right now. Why you’re the next Pride champion. Why you’re the one breaking records left, right, and center. Earning his place in the history books. Show them all what Chris Bond can do…

Chris Bond: I’m sure Seth Iser will be a willing partner, especially with Tyler standing across the ring from us. Then it’s a case of making Susan Kent tap out--

Jae looks away at the mention of Susan’s name, presumably stewing over her recent loss against the Pride contender.

Chris Bond: --and I’ll move onto Only The Strong Survive riding that wave of momentum. And The New Murder will be back at full strength soon enough, with more titles and trophies than we know what to do with.

With that, the scene comes to an end, and the show cuts back to ringside ready for the opening contest.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Molly Reid vs. Owen Gonsalves

The match starts off with Reid bringing Gonsalves down with a running hurricanrana. A pair of dropkicks then send Gonsalves to the outside. With Gonsalves in position on the outside, Reid runs into the far ropes. When Reid returns, she prepares herself for a dive when Gonsalves slide back into the ring and cut her off with a jumping knee strike for a count of two!

Gonsalves then takes control of the arm, delivering an arm wrench before transitioning into a hammerlock from behind. Reid then leans forward before reversing into an hammerlock of her own. But Gonsalves was able to reach back with his free arm and reverse into a side headlock. After a standing switch, Gonsalves transitions into another hammerlock. After spinning Reid around towards him, he takes her by the wrist and sends her shoulder-first into the canvas with an arm wringer. Gonsalves brings her back to her feet, applies an arm wrench and follows up with a bridging northern lights suplex for two. Gonsalves brings Reid back to her feet and delivers another arm wrench. Reid then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of her own before sending Gonsalves into the ropes. When he returns, Reid catches him with a flying knee of her own. She makes the cover, but it only gets two.

In the corner, Reid goes to town with a flurry of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. An irish whip then sends Gonsalves into the opposite corner. Reid runs across the ring, connects with a handspring back elbow and follows up with a pelé kick that causes Gonsalves to crumble out of the corner. She makes the cover. But it only gets two. Another irish whip is reversed, sending Reid into the ropes. When she comes back, she slides through Gonsalves’ legs. When Gonsalves turns around, Reid throws out a step-up enzuigiri. But Gonsalves ducks, hooks Reid’s arms from behind when she’s on the ground and delivers a deadlift bridging Tiger Suplex! ONE! TWO! Reid slips out.

Multiple European Uppercuts knock Reid across the ring. She’s then sent into the ropes with another irish whip. When Reid returns, Gonsalves grabs her by the back of the neck, runs and tosses her over the top rope. Gonsalves turns and goes to take a breather. But unbeknownst to him, Reid lands safely on the apron. When Gonsalves turns around, Reid goes for a springboard Superman Punch. But Gonsalves is able to run over and knock her out of the air with a jumping European Uppercut for a count of two.

Gonsalves goes back to controlling the arm by rolling Reid into the prone position and applying a grounded hammerlock. Reid is asked if she wants to give up. But she refuses. After Reid battles back to a vertical base, she takes her free arm and nails Gonsalves with three back elbows to the face, breaking the hold. She then runs into the far ropes. When she returns, Gonsalves swings around her, applies a sleeper hold from behind and throws her down with a Sleeper Suplex! Gonsalves then quickly transitions into the Crossface Oblivion Wing (Arm Trap Crossface). Reid is asked if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Gonsalves repeatedly pulls back on the hold. But Reid still won’t quit. She’s eventually able to muster up the strength to try and pull herself across the ring. Just as she’s about to reach out and grab the bottom rope with her free arm, Gonsalves lets go, rolls over, grabs Reid by the leg and drags her back towards the center of the ring. He then pulls Reid up from behind and throws out the Darkest Lariat (wristlock short-arm lariat). But Reid ducks. When Gonsalves turns around, Reid hits him with a spinning backfist, then a spinning back elbow. Reid then throws out a Superman Punch when Gonsalves catches her across his shoulders and brings her down with a Death Valley Driver! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Reid gets her shoulder up.

Gonsalves pulls Reid up to her knees and hits her with multiple shoot kicks to the chest before knocking her down with the Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike (running bicycle knee strike)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Reid gets her shoulder up.

Gonsalves then heads into the ropes. When he returns, he leaps up for the Draco Meteor (Meteora). But Reid rolls out of the way, causing Gonsalves to crash onto his knees! After he gingerly gets back to a vertical base, Reid nails him with alternating shoot kicks to the legs before doubling him over with a spinning back kick to the midsection. A legsweep then knocks Gonsalves down before Reid runs into the ropes, comes back and delivers a Rolling Thunder somersault senton! She turns over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Gonsalves gets his shoulder up. Reid pulls Gonsalves up to his knees and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the chest. She then goes for an Axe Kick when Gonsalves reaches up and grabs her leg. After Gonsalves returns to his feet, he follows up with a Capture Suplex! He makes the cover. But it only gets a two count! Gonsalves then delivers the Paroxysn (Snap Dragon Suplex) to Reid. Once Reid rolls up onto her knees, Gonsalves heads into the ropes. When he returns, he goes for another Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike when Reid counters with a jumping leg lariat! An irish whip is reversed, which sends Reid into the corner. Gonsalves charges in to attack when Reid knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. She then turns to face the corner, springboards to the top turnbuckle and knocks Gonsalves down with a corkscrew moonsault! Once Gonsalves gets back to a vertical base and turns around, Reid knocks him down with a springboard Superman Punch! Reid follows up with a double knee facebreaker before hitting the Molly Kick (superkick)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Molly Reid 0 || Molly Kick (14:31) || Owen Gonsalves X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Cutting backstage, Tyler Storm is busy lacing up his wrestling boots as he is moments away from his tag team match. As he pulls the strings in and ties them he hears soft yet audible footsteps approaching, looking up from his knelt down position to see his tag partner for tonight, Susan Kent, approaching.

Susan Kent: Hello, I don’t think we’ve met! I’m Susan, and tonight I’m your tag team partner.

Susan extends her hand as she reaches Tyler, which he graciously accepts as he shakes her hand while giving a grin looking up at her.

Tyler Storm: I’ve seen a lot of your work, Susan, but it is very nice to finally meet you face-to-face. Funny we haven’t had many opportunities to bump into each other backstage here these last few months.

Susan Kent: Yeah, I tend to keep to myself. Most folks around here tend to hang in their own little groups and really don’t want outsiders intruding. So are you excited about the match tonight?

He nods and raises fully up now after finishing lacing his boots.

Tyler Storm: For sure, I love having good tag matches from time to time, and a new partner to test with tonight sounds like fun! And as far as keeping to yourself, completely understandable. Honestly I’m lucky to have people like Owen and Ace backing me up here most of the time...but hey, can’t beat making new friends, ya know?

Susan Kent: It’s great to have friends here, usually it’s just me and Kendra, but she’s always in agent mood. Also my trainer Dana is here when she isn’t wrestling or teaching at her school.

Tyler Storm: Well, for whatever it means, Susan...tonight, you’ve got a friend. And maybe even after Only the Strong Survive. Of course...friend or not, it is gonna be a much different scene in that Fatal Four Way match.

Susan Kent: Thanks, and yeah I wouldn’t expect any different, those matches are every person for themselves. But as for tonight, we get to hopefully get the one up on our opponents in the four way! What do you know about them?

He ponders for a moment about the two men he and Susan would be facing in the matter of moments, shrugging his shoulders after a few seconds.

Tyler Storm: I’ll be honest with you, it’s complicated to exactly know. I know Chris is an experienced guy full of talent, I mean we know he’s got the attitude on him where he is aiming to be a 3 time Pride Champion and he clearly already has a bit of a target on Malcolm Drake which I don't get why. Whether that means he is going to eventually lose focus on trying to get past the 3 of us because he is so infatuated with other issues right now, that’s a good question, but we can’t expect him to come at us easy in a couple of weeks or tonight in this tag match. And as for Seth...I’ve been going up against Seth ever since our time in VoW. He’s sinister, very warped in the way he perceives people and in how he reacts to the simple notion of kindness.

Tyler laughs to himself a little before continuing.

Tyler Storm: It’s funny, because I know Seth has a soft side, hell even that weasel of a manager Moretti has one sometimes. But they are capable of being dirty in this match and I just suggest keeping a close eye on Moretti if you can because he will take any chance to get involved to help Seth, and Seth doesn’t care if it means he can walk out with a paycheck. But overall...both of these guys are unpredictable tonight, they will be in a few weeks, so I think we just need to go out there, put our hearts out in that ring, and win or lose have some freaking fun!

Susan Kent: Thanks for the insight, I’ll be sure to keep an eye on that Moretti guy, and whatever happens tonight, I guarantee the fans are gonna get a great show.

Suddenly the sound of heels clicking on the floor is heard, and Susan’s agent Kendra Hollis walks over in her Stella McCarthy original figure hugging dress and Jimmy Choo stilettos.

Kendra Hollis: This is where you are...I’ve been looking all over for you! So who’s your friend?

Susan Kent: This is Tyler Storm, my partner tonight. Tyler, this is my agent, Kendra Hollis.

He nods to Kendra and gives her a small smile.

Tyler Storm: Agent, huh? Well, Ms. Hollis, a pleasure to meet you. Just been talking with Susan here about who we think is gonna be winning that Fatal 4 Way at the Pay-Per-View.

Kendra Hollis: Oh I can tell you who is gonna win at the Pay Per View and it’s not you, or Bond and that Iser dude.

Tyler Storm: Yeah, I’d put my money on Moretti too. For an older gent, he still can be a little agile...or at least, he was able to until that ankle lock I got on him a few shows back. But hey, he’s smart, could be swerving all of us.

Kendra Hollis: My only concern is with my client, but I’m not just a hot chick in a expensive dress. I can be pretty ruthless when I want to be, and I didn’t get to be the top agent in Hollywood by being nice.

Tyler Storm: Riiiiight...well, Ms. Hollis, while I’m sure you did work your way to the top using a lot of intuition, being a top agent in Hollywood isn’t going to help your client do any better or worse in that ring when the bell rings. No disrespect, but my father didn’t raise no liar.

Kendra Hollis: Susan doesn’t need my help in a wrestling ring! As everyone has seen lately she been doing pretty damn good and she can hang with anyone! And to the real point at hand, I look forward to tonight watching Susan continue to show everyone why she is the biggest rising star in this company...no offense to you Tyler, or your opponents tonight.

Tyler Storm: Hey, I won’t deny your client is an incredible talent, and certainly a big rising star. Just...pardon me if after everything I dealt with regarding Seth Iser recently and his manager, I’m not really the biggest fan of the whole agent being this level of close during an event with their client. Tonight, I just ask you to keep the business between the professionals, and me and Susan can go rock this house tonight win or lose. Same message I same message with Moretti, and I will with you too. End of the day, you can be the agent you are paid to be and promote your gal here to be the ultimate whatever the hell and say she’ll win whatever she want...you just make sure you and your client don’t lose focus on your moralities.

Tyler takes a step to Kendra, staring at her seriously before patting her on the shoulder and smiling.

Tyler Storm: There’s always more to life than winning, all it takes is a smile on your face, and the smiles on the faces of the people you go show out for. The accolades that follow, they’ll come. Teach Susan that, and I guarantee you she is gonna be one hell of a success. Just remember that for me.

Kendra Hollis: First off, NEVER touch me. Second, I never get physically involved in Susan’s wrestling matches, she doesn’t need me to help her win matches unlike the lesser talented wrestler’s in this company.

Kendra’s phone rings in the middle of her dialogue and she lifts the phone to her ear, turning from Tyler and Susan.

Kendra Hollis: Kendra Hollis.

There is a brief silence among the three, Tyler looking to Susan who gives him a shrug in response to his look.

Kendra Hollis: You have the terms of the contract! If you’re not happy with the terms, I’ll take my client elsewhere.

The conversation continues for a few more moments and she turns back to Tyler and Susan.

Kendra Hollis: I really have to take care of this call, good luck tonight.

Kendra looks Tyler up and down with a smug look on her face then walks off. Susan turns to Tyler again and laughs it off.

Susan Kent: I apologize Tyler, Kendra means well, but she is very serious about her job. Now how about we go out there and give the fans their money’s worth.

Tyler Storm: Sounds like a plan! I'll get in some of my last stretches here then meet you out there!

Susan nods and rushes off to the stage area and Tyler shakes his head while rotating his arms, smirking.

Tyler Storm: Man, never thought I'd have a day where I preferred Moretti over someone...now if only Moretti could look half that good.

Tyler just laughs himself off, taking a few vertical hops then walking out of view as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Chris Bond & Seth Iser vs. Tyler Storm & Susan Kent

The match starts with Bond and Iser getting the jump on Storm and Kent from behind! Bond quickly grabs Kent and chucks her through the ropes and to the floor. While Bond heads over and helps Iser double team Storm, The Crimson Baroness scurries over and puts the boots to Kent on the floor behind the referee’s back. Back inside, the ref is trying to control traffic while Storm tries to fight back against the 2-on-1. He nails Iser with a back elbow before socking Bond with a right hand. He hits Iser with another back elbow before socking Bond with another right hand. He then turns and tackles Iser with a double leg takedown. Storm mounts himself on top of Iser and hammers down with rights and lefts. But Bond is right there to deliver a double ax handle smash across the back.

Bond and Iser move Storm into the corner, where they pummel him with punches and clubbing strikes. Mudhole stomps then send Storm slumping down in the corner. Iser applies a foot choke while Bond continues to stomp on Storm’s chest. The ref gives gives Iser until the count of five to break the choke. Iser reluctantly breaks the choke at the count of four. Bond then applies a foot choke of his own while Iser stomps away on Storm’s chest. The ref then gives Bond until the count of five to break the choke. Bond ends up breaking the choke at the two count of four. Bond and Iser then pull Storm from out of the corner and go for an irish whip. When Storm returns, he sees Bond and Iser set up for a double back body drop. So he stops and kicks Iser in the face, standing him upright. When Bond stands up, Storm grabs him and whips him into the ropes. When Bond returns, he ducks the clothesline from Storm. But he’s not able to duck the missile dropkick from Kent! Kent then knocks Iser back with a pair of dropkicks before Storm clotheslines him over the top rope and to the floor!

Back inside, Storm delivers a Buckle Bomb to Bond, sending him slumping down in the corner. Kent then runs over and delivers a Bronco Buster! After pulling Bond up out of the corner, she whips him over towards Storm, who throws him down with a spinebuster! Kent then runs across the ring, hops onto the middle ropes, flips back and connects with a Lionsault for a two count! After a tag out to Storm, Storm takes Bond and brings him down with a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Tag back out to Kent. After she gets in, she hits Bond with multiple backhand chops. An irish whip is then reversed, sending her into the ropes. When she returns, she brings Bond down with a running hurricanrana. She then rushes into the corner, runs up to the top turnbuckle, flips off and knocks Bond down with a moonsault for a two count! Tag back out to Storm. Once Storm gets in, he whips Bond into the ropes. When Bond returns, Storm knocks him down with a yakuza kick. He then pulls Bond back up, lifts him up and brings him down with the Bite Wound (Crucifix Cutter) for another two count. He then picks up Bond and doubles him over with a boot to the midsection before heading into the ropes. When Storm returns, he throws out a scissors kick. But Bond slips out of the way, grabs him from behind and throws him through the ropes out onto the apron. After dragging Storm back in across the middle rope, Bond plants him with the Rejection (rope-hung DDT)!

Tag out to Iser, who puts the boots to Storm. Iser pulls up Storm, drags him over to the ropes and chokes him across the top rope. The ref gives Iser until the count of five to break the choke. Iser reluctantly breaks the choke once the count reaches four. He then turns Storm around, hooks his arms across the top rope and nails him with straight rights to the jaw. He then unhooks Storm’s arms before sending him into the far ropes. When Storm returns, Iser throws him down with a release belly to back suplex. He makes the cover. But it only gets two. Tag out to Bond, who delivers a jumping backbreaker for a two count. Tag back out to Iser, who delivers a release German Suplex. He makes the cover, but it only gets a count of two. Tag back out to Bond, who brings Sorm down with a rear naked choke drop. Tag back to out Iser, who delivers a hangman’s neckbreaker for a two count. After applying a rear chinlock, Storm starts to battle back to a vertical base. After delivering multiple elbows to the midsection, Storms runs into the ropes. But as he comes back, he ends up getting tripped up by Vincent Moretti’s crutch! While Storm turns to yell at Moretti, Iser runs up from behind and knocks him down with a lariat! He makes the cover, but it only gets a count of two. Iser then goes for an irish whip. But Storm reverses. When Iser comes back, he sees Storm running past him into the ropes. When Iser stops and turns around, Storm brings him down with a spear!

Both grapplers begin to crawl to their respective corners. Iser makes the tag out first. Bond then gets in and tries to cut off Storm. But he’s too late as Storm tags out to Kent. Kent knocks him down with a diving crossbody for a two count! A spinning heel kick gets a count of two. Bond then reverses an irish whip. When Kent returns, he goes for a back body drop. But she slips down from behind and delivers an inverted headlock backbreaker for another two count. Kent then goes for a running bulldog when Bond shoves her off of him into the ropes. When Kent hits the ropes, Iser knees her in the back. This is enough for Storm, who charges across the ring and spears Iser off the apron to the floor! Back inside, TCB can be seen climbing up onto the apron while Kent has a hold of Bond. She goes for a Tornado DDT. But Bond shoves her off. When Kent lands on her feet, Bond rushes over and throws out a lariat. But Kent ducks. As soon as Kent hits the ropes, Moretti nails her across the back with the crutch! Kent then staggers over towards to Bond, who brings her down with the End of Days (Flatliner)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Chris Bond & Seth Iser O || End of Days (12:25) || Tyler Storm & Susan Kent X

[FGA Office]

As has become customary, Piper Lennon is found by her lonesome, polaroid camera strapped around her neck about to go on a monologue with no need for an interviewer. With her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, she paces in circles by a catering cart and lets out a low whistle.

Piper Lennon: Wowee, zowee, what a change.

With both hands clutching it tightly, she raps her fingers against the camera.

Piper Lennon: From a match that-- while interesting to me personally-- was a bit under the radar, to this. What is it they’re calling it? A showcase match? Headline match? Either way, it’s a very fitting description I think and that’s not me trying to brag or anything.

She whirls to face the camera crew head on.

Piper Lennon: See, what I’m getting at, well to get to that I’m actually gonna have to backtrack a bit. What’s so great about wrestling to me is this is such a great format to take in the whole human experience, something I’m looking forward to with all the different people I’ll cross paths with in the Gold Rush Rumble. The conflict, the strife, the excuses people make to justify their actions, and of course-- maybe most notably-- the pain and the suffering. That’s one you have to take note of, one you have to find interest in. I don’t mean that in a sadistic way either, just that pain is key to the human existence, and you need to witness it to understand it. There is no joy without sadness to contrast it to, there has to be the yin and the yang. And nobody brings that into focus, nobody showcases it like James Joseph Page.

Piper tilts her polaroid up a bit, making sure the lens is in full view.

Piper Lennon: Like, I’m not a shrink, but I think it’s fair to say that Jimmy Page has always had a good amount of pain he’s carried with him, a good amount of pain. He entered FGA like a storm, making everyone feel that pain, and then … things changed. His demons, call them what you will, started taking hold of him in a bad way, much worse than before. This once feared individual started coming out to an FGA and HKW ring bloated, looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. There might have whispers, and some snarky comments from the peanut gallery, but you really weren’t supposed to say anything, right? That was still Jimmy F’n Page! Even if everyone knew that wasn’t really the real deal.

A light shrug.

Piper Lennon: He disappeared, he re-emerged looking slimmed down and he looked like he had his life together. No doubt still carrying that pain, but seeming like he’d learned to control it. He had doubters, he had people saying he wouldn’t last, that he was just pretending to “turn over a new leaf” but still he persisted. Been tested, been pushed, but kept pushing back and kept pushing forward, earnestly making something better of himself. But of course, history tells us that this isn’t going to last.

She bites her lip, frowning slightly.

Piper Lennon: Not his history, but the history of humanity, of people in this business. Having the best of intentions, living a new life, until someday something pushes them too far, becomes too much pain for them to bear and it all falls apart again.

Taking a deep breath, she lets that set in.

Piper Lennon: So we’ve got this guy, waging this battle, fighting through his pain and his demons, and make no mistake about it he still is. Because he still has the one demon he can’t give up, which is performing in that ring. Every day is a battle to keep making something better of himself, and not to go back to what he was. Jimmy Page is struggle, he is the human condition, and we’re all just watching him like we watch the rest of the world go by-- hoping he can go another day without everything imploding into a nuclear meltdown.

Piper leans back against the cart.

Piper Lennon: So the question is, when is enough, how much pain is too much to take. What. Will. Be. His. Breaking. Point.

She raps her knuckles against the cart, emphasizing each of those last few words.

Piper Lennon: Which is what I get to witness firsthand, up close and personal. Don’t go misunderstanding me, or twisting my words, I’m not saying I’m going to try and push him over the edge. That wouldn’t just be sadistic, but would be awfully presumptuous of me to suppose I have that kind of power. I’m just a girl in the world, trying to figure it all out.

Lennon flashes a meek smile.

Piper Lennon: All I’m saying is that as someone who’s hungry to learn, whose whole reason for being in this business is to better understand the world around her? I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. I’ll get to witness conflict, personalities and egos of all shapes and sizes interact in the Rumble. But for now, I get to have all that is James Joseph Page, all that is human showcased for me up close and personal.

Pushing off the cart, she takes a long stride forward.

Piper Lennon: And I will be paying very close attention.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

PRE-RECORDED: EARLIER TODAY

Our cameras cut to a pre-recorded segment shot in high quality in one of the conference rooms of the Infinite Energy Center. Jessie Pederson offers a warm smile to the camera before beginning.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please welcome both the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Lowri Moss, and the number one contender to the championship in two weeks at Only the Strong Survive-- Sadie San Francisco.

The camera pans to a different angle, revealing Sadie angled at one side of the interviewer while Lowri sits on the other, Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship resting comfortably and delicately on her lap.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri, Sadie, welcome and thanks for your time this evening.

Sadie San Francisco: Of course.

Lowri Moss: No problem, Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: Now— I know we’ve covered a lot of bases in these interviews already, so I wanted to get to something a little deeper. Something a little more raw. We’ve seen the two of you aligned for one reason or another, fighting the same fight for months now. But from this moment until the time you guys finally face off for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, that’s over. How has the dynamic changed knowing you’re both one match away from the one-on-one match you— and the fans— were robbed of months ago? Sadie?

Sadie looks down for a moment and opens her mouth to respond-- but stops, apparently thinking over the response before looking over to Lowri, then back at Jessie.

Sadie San Francisco: I can say this…

She looks toward Lowri again.

Sadie San Francisco: The selfish part of me knows that since we have no obligations as a team… as a unit… I don’t have to feel guilty about how far I have to go to get that--

Sadie points at the championship, pausing for a second.

Sadie San Francisco: --back around my waist. If Lowri and I push each other to the limit, someone could get hurt. Someone probably will. And that’s not something either of us are setting out to do, I don’t think, but you’ve seen how we wrestle. You’ve seen how we fight. And that’s just the nature of it. To get that, the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, we can’t afford to hold back. And even if we did have to rely on each other after Only the Strong Survive, I’m not… entirely sure I’d be able to hold back. Not with what’s at stake.

The tiniest smile.

Sadie San Francisco: So I guess not much has changed on my end.

Jessie takes this in before turning to Lowri, posing the same question.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri?

Lowri offers the reporter a smile.

Lowri Moss: I think I have to agree with Sadie.

She looks towards Sadie briefly, contemplating her answer as she does so. She then turns her attention back to Jessie.

Lowri Moss: The fact that my opponent at Only The Strong Survive is someone who was an ally of mine in the war against The New Murder - and more recently, my partner in a tag team match, just two weeks ago - isn't going to change how I approach this match. It isn't going to change how I prepare for the match, or how I perform once the bell rings.

She gives a shake of her head.

Lowri Moss: We've been opponents, we've been allies, and now we're back to being opponents again. I already respected Sadie for how good a champion she was, and after what we've gone through together in the past couple of months, my respect for her has grown further. However, when I look across the ring at her in two weeks' time, I'm not going to be thinking about Steel Warfare, or any of that, I'm simply going to be thinking about doing what I have to do to ensure that I leave Orlando with this title still in my possession. It wouldn't matter who I was in there with, whether it's Sadie, whether it's someone I've never encountered before, or even if it was Neal, my attitude wouldn't be any different, I would - and I will - give this match my all, whatever happens.

Jessie Pederson: Perhaps for my own curiosity, I need to ask you this, Sadie…

Sadie San Francisco: Alright.

Jessie Pederson: How is it possible that you don’t feel some type of bitterness-- some type of frustration toward Lowri for holding the championship you held for half of a calendar year?

Sadie smiles again, giving a short laugh under her breath. She looks directly at the interviewer and shrugs.

Sadie San Francisco: Lowri’s playing the game just like I am. She hasn’t done anything I wouldn’t. It doesn’t help to be bitter. But this?

Sadie looks toward the belt and then up to the champion again.

Sadie San Francisco: Sure. That’s a frustrating sight. But that’s just the selfish side again.

An interjection from Lowri follows.

Lowri Moss: I would guess that Sadie probably feels similarly to how I felt in the aftermath of All-Star Showdown last year, when I had to watch her carry around the title after she was the one that won it in that ladder match, and not me.

She lets out a small sigh, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: Not that my frustration was aimed towards Sadie though - it was aimed at myself, for my failure to capture the championship on that occasion. However, I got over those feelings, and I got used to seeing Sadie as the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Lowri turns to look at Sadie, with a trace of a smirk on her face.

Lowri Moss: And now, I hope that she's going to have to get used to the sight of me as champion.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri, it was a long journey toward your first championship victory here in FGA, but we saw months ago the kind of battle you two can have when it comes to that title. Before the match was interrupted, some could argue that you were on the verge of victory. Some would say you should’ve been champion months before your victory over Jaelynn and Sadie in a triple threat match. Would you agree with that?

Lowri responds with a shrug.

Lowri Moss: I don't know, Jessie. Maybe. Maybe not.

There is another sigh from her, a more prolonged one this time.

Lowri Moss: When...

Just as soon as Lowri had begun to speak, she stops, pausing for a few more seconds, as she recalls another of the disappointments that she suffered on her journey to becoming the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. Composing herself, she takes a breath, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: At the point of that match when Dom interfered, I don't think it's a stretch to say that I had the upper hand. But while I would like to be able to sit here and say to you, "Of course I would've won the title that night if Dom hadn't gotten involved," I can't. Sure, I would like to think that I would've gone on to win the match, and the title, but there's no way of knowing for certain what would've happened. Maybe I would've won, but maybe Sadie would've been able to turn the match around in her favour, and won it regardless of any outside interference. That’s why I wanted this match against Sadie at Only The Strong Survive so much: so that the two of us can face each other once more, only this time with a decisive winner.

Lowri glances at Sadie momentarily, as something else crosses her mind. There is a tense silence that hangs in the air between the two… Lowri then turns back to Jessie.

Lowri Moss: You know, Jessie, after that match last October, Sadie sent me a tweet, apologising for how the match had ended. I sent her a reply, telling her that she wasn't the one that needed to apologise. Still though, I appreciated her sending me that tweet.

She gazes in Sadie's direction again, while she continues.

Lowri Moss: I suppose it's a mark of the kind of person that she is. She didn't have to do it. She could've just taken the win, moved on, and begun to think about her next challenger. But instead, she made the effort to contact me, to let me know that she wasn't happy either with the way the match ended, and like I said, I appreciated that.

Sadie keeps her gaze on the champion, look indistinguishable for a few moments before Jessie turns back to Sadie, opening her mouth to ask another question, but this time it is the former champion that speaks up first.

Sadie San Francisco: It would’ve been you.

Realizing her words, without context, may have been unclear, she gestures toward Lowri and backtracks to clarify.

Sadie San Francisco: I feel that, and it bugs me. Admittedly, it does. But… if Dom hadn’t gotten involved-- if we had the match we were supposed to have, the way things were going that night, I think you would’ve won. I… I know that.

Sadie leans back in the chair, stroking her chin for a moment, exhaling.

Sadie San Francisco: Not sure why it bothers me so much, but it would bother you too, I’m guessing. And it’s not so much a matter of respect, as much as it is like…. Personal accountability. I don’t think there’s any shame in losing to you. You are legitimately one of the best opponents I could imagine facing on this roster right now, but I know I can beat you. Even if the rest of the world somehow convinced themselves that wasn’t true.

Frustration uncharacteristically evident across her face, Sadie takes a deep breath, while Lowri watches on with interest.

Sadie San Francisco: I’m gonna do everything in my power to prove that to myself.

She does not point to the belt this time, but makes eye contact with Moss, speaking softly.

Sadie San Francisco: ...to take that back.

Without realising it, Lowri instinctively grips the championship that is sat on her lap. A momentary silence follows, until Lowri speaks.

Lowri Moss: If someone was to ask me who has been greatest rival up to now during my time in FGA, or even in my career so far as a whole, my first instinct would be to say Dom...or possibly AMIRA. But if I was to take a bit more time to consider it, I think the correct answer would have to be you, Sadie.

Lowri takes a quick glance down at the belt, which she is still holding tightly, before then looking back up to Sadie, who readily meets her gaze, a lot of that warmth absent from both Grapplers’ faces.

Lowri Moss: It took me six or seven months of toiling away before I finally won this, and you were there every step of the way. At All-Star Showdown VI, when I was fingertips away from becoming champion, it was you that tipped over the ladder, sending me crashing to the outside, as you went on to claim the title for yourself. We've just touched upon what happened the second time I had a shot at this title, last October, so let's fast forward to February, when I was on the verge of pinning you, to win the championship, only to have Jae snatch the victory away from me. And then two weeks later, in the three way dance, when I finally did it - when I finally became champion - it was you that I pinned. And all of that's without even mentioning what happened last year at Only The Strong Survive, when I was eliminated from the Gold Rush Rumble within a matter of seconds. Do you remember who it was that eliminated me from last year's rumble, Sadie?

It is a rhetorical question, and after the briefest of pauses, Lowri shares the answer.

Lowri Moss: I do: it was you.

Sadie San Francisco: Hm.

There is a wry smile from Lowri, as she continues.

Lowri Moss: Sadie, you should know better than most just how hard I had to work to become the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, because you were there pretty much every step of the way. And knowing how hard I had to work to win this title, with all of the trials and tribulations that I had to go through, exactly how hard do you think I'll work now, to keep hold of it?

Lowri edges forward slightly in her chair, narrowing the gap between herself and Sadie, although Jessie of course remains seated between the two of them. Sadie raises a brow, speaking in a low tone with an almost-sarcastic smile on her face.

Sadie San Francisco: Ah. Is this what we’re doing? We’re getting close now?

Sadie shakes her head a bit, looking away, but Lowri ignores the sarcasm. Begrudingly, Sadie looks Lowri in the eye once again as seconds pass and it becomes evident that the champion has no intention to budge.

Lowri Moss: You and Izzy set the standard as Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion that people like me have to follow, and if I can't beat you at Only The Strong Survive, then I don't deserve to be the champion. More to the point, if I can't beat you in two weeks' time, then I don't want to be the champion.

Sadie looks from Lowri, to the championship, then slowly back to Lowri as she takes a deep breath, taking that in.

Sadie San Francisco: Mm...okay.

The former champion pushes herself to her feet, giving Lowri a once-over.

Sadie San Francisco: Luckily for you… it’s not about what you want.

Sadie exhales softly, lingering there for a moment before unclipping her microphone, cleary saying “thank you” to Jessie, though with the absence of the mic, it’s unheard. Lowri never once takes her eyes off of Sadie, who only shoots her a passing glance before turning and making her way out of the room. Lowri’s eyes follow the number one contender until the she’s out of frame and we hear the door close, seconds later. Lowri becomes a bit less tense, and once more lowers her eyes toward the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship.

Jessie Pederson: Thank you for your time once again, Lowri. And good luck at Only the Strong Survive.

The camera continues to pan in until the only thing visible in the frame is the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship before we slowly fade to black.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

A bug-eyed Spencer Burke is seen standing in front of a camera team with R.I.P members Joey Perello and Ryder McKnight standing directly behind him. Perello has his arms crossed against his chest while Ryder stares down the hallway hoping to see someone specific. Spencer clears his throat and turns toward Perello with a microphone in hand.

Spencer Burke: Gentlemen, on the last edition of Vertigo, you two suffered your first loss as a team in Frontier Grappling Arts. Care to comment on that?

Perello scoffs and looks at Ryder while pointing at Burke.

Joey Perello: Didn’t I tell you that this is how he would begin the interview? Every person in this “sport” is predictable. Wrestler, manager, interviewer or general manager...there is no surprise element with any of these people.

Perello shakes his head and lowers his gaze to Burke.

Joey Perello: We did indeed lose our first match to a makeshift team. Two people who will more than likely never team again unless they’re forced to. Looking back at the history of this promotion and a variety of others, you would see that this sort of thing happens quite a bit. A team that the audience doesn’t approve of catches fire and the promotion sticks them against two of their best SINGLES stars with the hope that those SINGLES stars would defeat the team that the audience disapproves to derail their momentum.

Perello uncrosses his arm and runs his right hand through his hair.

Joey Perello: That’s why the tag team divisions in this entire industry only ever have a couple months of success before they go right back to the middle of the pack. One team dominates and after they run through every team that’s supposed to be a threat...the people who run the promotion start pairing random sonsabitches together because a dominant tag team like RIP is not allowed to be the most dominant force in wrestling in the year 2018.

Perello shakes his head in disgust.

Joey Perello: We were indeed defeated, Burke...but our momentum has not been halted. If anything, it has opened our eyes because we now know that we can take two of this promotions very best to their breaking point, which also means that there isn’t a single REAL tag team in this company that can take us. I don’t remember if you were around during my first run with FGA, Spence, so I’ll remind you how that went.

Perello squints his eyes and keeps his focus on Burke.

Joey Perello: I lost every match I had here. I was a drunk. I had absolutely nothing going for me both personally and professionally but after that? I became a VP. I became a married man. A father. A hall of fame wrestler. One of the best strikers in mixed martial arts and a multiple time champion in THREE fighting sports.

Perello smirks.

Joey Perello: Joey Perello doesn’t crumble to pieces after a loss. The Reapers in Pride do not see their end after being defeated. No…

Perello looks at Ryder for a moment but brings his eyes right back down to Burke.

Joey Perello: We just get deadlier…

Ryder clenches his jaw and groans as he looks over his shoulder back to Spencer.

Ryder McKnight: Yeah...And these fans hoped to see us fall to a team like that shouldn't be thanking them for beating us. They didn’t truly beat us now, did they? They got lucky. As lucky as a damn leprechaun when he finally reaches the end of the rainbow.

He couldn’t help but chuckle at that as he looks back down the hall.

Ryder McKnight: They should be thanking that little runt, Ymir. I gave that child a chance to survive in this world. I actually tried to be nice for once and what do I get in return? This blatant disrespect with her poking her pointy little nose somewhere it doesn’t belong.

Ryder shakes his head.

Ryder McKnight: Macdonald wants to see the Firing Squad get torn to shreds by The Reapers? Fine. We’d like nothing more to oblige. But yet again I hope he knows….That the blood that will be shed will be on his hands.

McKnight now turns around completely to Spencer.

Ryder McKnight: And come Only The Strong Survive….We’re not gonna stop until their a inch away from death. I want them to get a bit of a glimpse of ol Grim. I want them to see their fate when it’s all said and done.

He smiles now.

Ryder McKnight: Consider this a wake up call to every single tag team in this company. We already killed off SHOOTCAMP. Firing Squad is next….Those titles are ours for the taking. And there’s not a damn soul that can do anything about it.

Ryder turns back around staring down that hall growling lowly.

Ryder McKnight: Now get the hell outta here...Before we make an example out of you.

Once Ryder says this it doesn’t take Spencer long to flee the scene leaving the members of Reapers In Pride standing there in the hallway.

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Pendragon vs. Firing Squad

The bell sounds as both teams shake hands before Lowri Moss and Ymir Ocampos look to start things off. Moss gets the advantage early with a pair of arm drags. An arm wrench is then transitioned into a hammerlock from behind. But Ocampos is able to counter with a jumping snapmare takeover. After a headscissors takeover brings down Moss, Ocampos heads back into the ropes. When she returns, she delivers a running hurricanrana, sending Moss to the outside. Ocampos then heads right back into the ropes. When she returns, she executes a baseball slide headscissors. Ocampos climbs back up onto the apron, runs over towards the ring post and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Once Moss gets to her feet and turns to the right, Ocampos knocks her down with a corkscrew moonsault! Ocampos brings the action back inside and makes the cover. But Moss kicks out at two. After a tag out to Luke Jackson, Firing Squad take Moss and send her into the afr ropes. When she returns, they bring her down with a double flapjack for a count of two.

Jackson brings up Moss and delivers a russian leg sweep for a count of two. Tag back out to Ocampos. After Firing Squad whip Moss into the corner, Ocampos slingshots out onto the apron. Ocampos and Luke then run towards the corner and connect with a double enzuigiri. Jackson then brings Moss from out of the corner, turns her around and lifts her up onto his shoulders while Ocampos climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Before Ocampos can dive off, Moss punches Jackson in the head before slipping down from behind. She then shoves Jackson into the Ocampos’ legs in the corner. Ocampos then slips and ends up crotched on the top turnbuckle. Moss then takes Jackson and whips him across the ring towards the opposite corner, where Neal Durden ducks and dumps him over the top rope and to the floor. Durden then runs across the ring and runs up to the middle rope. After Moss climbs up to the middle rope, Pendragon throws Ocampos down with a double hip toss! Durden then runs across the ring and takes out Jackson on the outside with a somersault plancha! Back inside, Moss makes the cover. But it only gets a count of two.

Tag out to Durden in the corner, who gets in, moves Ocampos against the turnbuckles and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the chest. After an irish whip into the opposite corner, Durden charges across the ring and connects with a running arched big boot. He then brings the dazed Ocampos from out of the corner, lifts her up onto his shoulders and delivers a helicopter spin. After the tenth rotation, Durden follows up with a step-up enzuigiri that sends Ocampos flipping down to the mat. He makes the cover, but it only gets two. Durden takes Ocampos and sends her into another corner with an irish whip. After delivering a handspring back elbow, he brings Ocampos from out of the corner before bringing her down with a standing shiranui. He makes the cover. But it only gets a count of two. Durden then delivers a scoop slam. After dragging Ocampos into position, Durden goes for a no-hands springboard moonsault. But Ocampos rolls out of the way, causing Durden to crash across the mat. Once Durden gets back to his feet, Ocampos rushes over and connects with a running front dropkick that sends him flying backwards into the Firing Squad corner. After Ocampos heads out onto the apron, she delivers a springboard leg drop to Durden. Jackson quickly hops inside and follows up with a standing moonsault. After he rolls back out to the apron Ocampos makes the cover. But it only gets a two count.

Tag back out to Jackson. After Jackson gets in, Firing Squad deliver a double snap suplex for a two count. Tag back out to Ocampos. After Firing Squad sends Durden into the ropes, they knock him down with a double dropkick for a two count. Tag back out to Jackson. When Firing Squad slowly pull Durden back up, he starts to fight back. He hits Ocampos with a punch to the face. He then turns and hits Jackson with a back elbow. He turns back to Ocampos and hits her with a knife edge chop. Durden turns back to Jackson and hits him with a knife edge chop. When he turns back to Ocampos, Firing Squad take him down with a roundhouse kick/leg sweep combo! Jackson makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Moss dives over and breaks up the pin.

Tag back out to Ocampos. After Firing Squad send Durden into the ropes, they set up for a double back body drop. But Durden hurles over them before heading into the far ropes, where Moss makes the blind tag. When Firing Squad turns around, Durden delivers a running hurricanrana to Jackson. Moss then comes off the top rope and knocks Ocampos down with a flying crossbody! ONE! TWO! Ocampos gets gets her shoulder up.

Moss pulls up Ocampos, hooks her arms from behind and goes for a Tiger Suplex when Ocampos reverses into a wheelbarrow victory roll. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Moss kicks out. After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Ocampos throws out a roundhouse kick. But Moss swats it away. Moss then throws out a roundhouse kick of her own. But Ocampos swats it away. Moss then kicks Ocampos in the midsection and lifts her up for a vertical suplex. But Ocampos twists and reverses into a stunner! While Moss is dazed on her feet, Ocampos gets back up and runs into the ropes. When she returns, she sees Moss run past her. So Ocampos slams on the brakes. She turns around and throws out a clothesline. But Moss ducks under, floats over across Ocampos’ shoulders and spikes her with a crucifix driver! While Ocampos is in the prone position, Moss reaches down, hooks her arms and flips over into the Severn Bridge (bridging double chickenwing)! While Ocampos is in the submission, Jackson rolls back inside, dives over and breaks up the submission. As Jackson gets back up, he turns and sees Durden climbing the turnbuckles. So he runs over, leaps into the air and socks Durden with a Superman Punch, sending him flipping off the turnbuckle and falling to the floor. Once Moss gets back to her feet and turns around, Jackson throws out the Bo To The Face (spinning back elbow). But Moss blocks the elbow, hooks the arm, hooks his other arm and brings him down with a bridging Dragon Suplex! Moss then turns over before flipping over into the Severn Bridge! While Jackson remains trapped in the submission, Ocampos scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and crashes down across Moss with the Heavenly Weeping (diving double foot stomp)! She drags Moss towards the center of the ring and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! Durden dives over and breaks up the pin!

The cheers turn to boos when Joey Perello and Ryder McKnight slide into the ring and attack Ocampos and Moss from behind, prompting the ref to call for the bell. McKnight picks up Jackson, delivers a double leg pick up and rams him back-first into the corner. McKnight proceeds to unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body before sending him slumping down in the corner with a right hook. Across the ring, Perello takes Ocampos and whips her into the ropes. When Ocampos returns, Perello delivers the Ground Rule (freefall flapjack into a European Uppercut)! McKnight then takes Jackson and lifts him up across his shoulders for the Done Deal (Burning Hammer) when Moss and Durden pull Jackson down from behind. When McKnight turns around, Pendragon nails him with multiple strikes that knock him back. They then follow up with a double dropkick, knocking McKnight through the ropes and to the floor. Across the ring, Jackson rushes over and helps Ocampos drive Perello out of the ring. On the outside, McKnight tries to get back in to go after both teams. But Perello holds him back before moving him up the ramp. Back in the ring, Pendragon and Firing Squad stand tall before turning and shaking each others hands.

Pendragon X || No Contest (10:58) || Firing Squad X

[FGA Office]

Backstage, the camera finds XENA towering over the FGA Pride champion, Fujiko Mine. She proudly carries the FGA Pride championship over her shoulder, and an even prouder smile on her face. She walks along the backstage area, with the camera following. She is not yet clad in her ring attire, instead in a black camisole and ripped jeans. She then stops, which causes the camera to turn to see what she’s looking at. A different kind of smile crosses her face.

Paradox The Parrot, Vertigo’s choice pet, sat on a crate near tables where skilled seamstresses worked tirelessly to ensure that your FGA athletes appeared as dazzling as ever.

Paradox The Parrot:  *SQUAAAAWWWWWK* FUJICAKES!

The Parrot said tilting his head.

Paradox The Parrot: BIG cakes!

Fujiko glances back at Xena, whose normally stoic expression has melted away into a smirk. She covers her smirk with the palm of her hand, but her eyes still give her away.

Fujiko Mine: Hello, gorgeous. Have you seen Aria?

XENA: I doubt he cares about anything other than what he’s looking at right now...

Fujiko Mine: Hush.

Suddenly, Paradox leaped up into the air - with a flap of his wings he flew towards Fujiko. The talented Pride Champion, as well as first female singles champion in FGA, instinctually held her arms out to catch Paradox.

Paradox The Parrot: TWERK! *SQUAK* WANNA SEE YOU WORK! MAKE THAT BIG BOOTY TWER-*SQUAK*! OH MY GAHD!

Fujiko blinked rapidly, a bit of fear gripping her over possibly being bit or footed by the elegant parrot. Xena, meanwhile, stumbled away, her midsection convulsing as she stifled laughter with her hands.

Aria Eckhart: Parry!

Paradox’s head jerked right. He slightly sunk in anticipation of his beloved owner.

Aria Eckhart: That is so not polite! Didn’t I teach you better manners than that???

Eckhart looked down towards the aesthetically pleasing (#OOC y’all know she thic) Pride Champion with a docile expression on her face.

Aria Eckhart: Hey, Fuji! Hey Xe-Xe…. I’m so sorry he’s doing that. I swear to everything I love I need to stop playing this new Spotify playlist on the speakers around Parry. He’s super keen on following whatever he hears.

Fujiko awkwardly held out her hands, doing her best to offer Paradox back to his owner.

Fujiko Mine:He’s fine. Better manners than most men I’ve had to face lately, at the very least.

She rolls her eyes, then adjusts the title on her shoulder.

Fujiko Mine: Don’t be too hard on him. He’s a good boy.

Xena comes back, trying her best to not laugh further and encourage the parrot. Paradox seemed very pleased that his dream girl, Fujiko, called him the goodest boy ever (

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Kol vs. Ace Watson

The match starts with Watson getting the better of Kol with strikes. Kol is then knocked back into the corner, where Watson hits him with a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. An irish whip is reversed, sending Watson into the opposite corner. Kol runs across the ring to attack when Watson knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Watson the follows up with a running clothesline out of the corner. When Kol gets back up, he gets knocked back down with another running clothesline. Watson then throws out a third when Kol ducks, lifts him up from behind and brings him down with a belly to back suplex for a two count.

Kol moves Watson against the ropes and hits him with a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. He then follows up with a double choke. After the ref gives him until the count of five to break the choke, Kol breaks the choke at four. He then turns and runs into the far ropes. When Kol returns, Watson ducks and lifts him up for an Alabama Slam. Kol reaches out and grabs onto the ropes for dear life. But Watson is able to pull him off before throwing him down with an Alabama Slam for a two count!

Watson pulls Kol back up and delivers an uppercut. Kol responds with a forearm smash. Watson hits him with another European Uppercut. Kol goes to respond with another forearm smash when Watson cuts him off with another European Uppercut. Watson then rattles off three more European Uppercuts before delivering an irish whip. When Kol returns, Watson brings him down with a scoop powerslam! But it only gets a count of two.

Watson takes Kol and goes for an irish whip. But Kol reverses, sending Watson into the corner. After running across the ring and connecting with double knees in the corner, Kol goes for a running bulldog. But Watson shoves him off into the ropes. When Kol returns, he knocks Watson down with a flying clothesline! He makes the cover, but it only gets two. Kol pulls up Watson and sets him up for a DDT when Watson runs forwards and rams him back-first into the corner. After multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection, Watson sets Kol up for an Exploder Suplex. But Kol counters with multiple elbows to the side of he head. He then switches spots with Watson in the corner before planting him with an Evenflow DDT! He makes the cover. But it only gets two.

Kol takes Watson, delivers an irish whip and runs into the same set of ropes. When Watson comes back, Kol knocks him down from behind with a rebound clothesline. He then slowly pulls Watson up from behind before pulling him down with a jumping reverse bulldog! Kol makes the cover. But it only gets a count of two. Kol delivers a neckbreaker for another two count. An irish whip then sends Watson into the ropes. When he returns, Kol throws out a bicycle kick. But Watson catches his foot, swings the leg away from him and follows up with a half nelson suplex! When Kol gets up on a knee, Watson knocks him down with a Shining Wizard for a two count! An irish whip was reversed, sending Watson into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Kol down with a Sling Blade for another two count! Watson picks up Kol and goes for a brainbuster. But Kol blocks the move and counters with a snap suplex. After sending Watson into the corner with an irish whip, Kol runs, jumps and goes for a Bionic Elbow. But Watson catches him on the way down and counters with an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckles! He drags Kol from out of the corner and makes the cover. But it only gets a count of two. Watson then doubles him over with a kick to the midsection before heading into the ropes. When Watson returns, he throws out the STSK (running scissors kick). But Kol slips out of the way. When Watson turns around, he gets caught with a roundhouse kick to the face. Kol then sends him into the ropes with an irish whip. When Watson returns, Kol knocks him down with a bicycle kick! Kol pulls up Watson and nails him with repeated knees to the face. He then runs into the ropes comes back and connects with a running high knee lift. While Watson is dazed, Kol runs into another set of ropes. When he returns, he knocks Watson down with a single leg dropkick. Kol pulls Watson back to his feet, places him in an inverted front facelock and drives him down with the Kol Kutter (Rolling Cutter) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Kol O || Kol Kutter (9:46) || Ace Watson X

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage again, to where The Crimson Baroness is walking through the corridors of the Infinite Energy Center alone. She slows her pace, however, the lights flickering above her head as she looks around in a panic.

The Crimson Baroness: What the…

Suddenly, the lights in this stretch of hallway turn out. Just the emergency lighting staying on as TCB looks slightly more panicked than before.

”Good riddance to bad rubbish…”

The voice echoes throughout the halls; TCB’s ears perking up as the raspy voice repeats her words from earlier in the evening.

”Just another fallen idol…”

The Crimson Baroness: Show yourself!

The Baroness shouts out.

”Tell your beloved that there are fates WORSE… than death...”

Her head turning on a pivot, looking each and every way as the voice is replaced by laughter.

hahahahaha

hahahahaha

HAHAHAHAHA

She spins on the spot, trying to catch sight of Malcolm Drake, wherever he might be. But to no avail. TCB begins to back up, moving down the hallway before she turns to run - only to hit a wall! The lights turn back on as TCB gathers herself, looking up at the wall in front of her.

Memento Mori

And she runs, as fast as she can away from the crimson writing. The laughter following her as she goes, presumably straight back to The New Murder locker room as the show cuts to commercial.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Saturday, April 28, 2018
Amway Center
Orlando, FL
LIVE and ONLY on PAY-PER-VIEW

[FGA Office]

The scene cuts to the backstage interviewing area where Jessie Pederson is standing by.

Jessie Pederson: I'm here right now with Vertigo General Manager, Brandon Macdonald.

Brandon Macdonald steps into the frame. His presence is immediately met with an explosion of boos from the crowd. The booing is so loud that even Pederson and Macdonald can hear it from the back. Macdonald gives a light smirk before shaking his head.

Jessie Pederson: Mr. Macdonald, we've got to talk about what happened last Saturday night over on Flashpoint.

Brandon Macdonald: Do we? Do we really? Ms. Perderson. This is Vertigo. The A-Show. THE Show here in Frontier Grappling Arts, thanks to my vision and the likes of tremendously talented athletes such as Kol. We don't need to acknowledge Flashpoint's existence.

Jessie Pederson: Sir, I'm all for talking up the brand. But I think what you did last Saturday's night deserves an explanation.

Brandon Macdonald: Since when do I have to explain my comings and goings to anyone? I'm the General Manager. There is no one that I answer to on this brand. Including you. However, since you insist. Since our Pride Champion just couldn't help herself and just had to take in a Flashpoint show a few weeks back, I decided to check out the other brand see the action for myself up close and personal.

Jessie Pederson: Mr. Macdonald, you didn't just take in the action. Some would say you were apart of the action.

Macdonald gives her a meek smile.

Brandon Macdonald: Who? Me? Ms. Pederson, I didn't step into that ring not once. I didn't have a match, sanctioned or otherwise. I didn't throw a single punch. Yet there was someone that did want to throw a punch at me.

Jessie Pederson: That someone being Brian Stryker.

The crowd explodes with cheers at the mention of Brian Stryker.

Jessie Pederson: The same man who many feel that you screwed out of his deserved Pride Championship match a few months back. Now, some are saying that you screwed him over yet again!

Brandon Macdonald: It is not my fault that Brian Stryker cannot control himself. For months on end, I've had to listen to him drag my name and our brand through the mud. But let me remind you that his actions against Julian Tijerina caused the attack on him. That was not my idea. I wasn't the one behind that. Tijerina was. But Tijerina wouldn't have been driven to that point had it not been for Stryker's consistent antagonizing and trying to up the ante. I've repeatedly pleaded my innocence in that matter. But I'm not going to lie. Stryker deserved what happened to him all those months ago.

The crowd doesn't accept this answer and tries to boo him out of the building.

Jessie Pederson: Dare I ask... did he deserve what happened this past Saturday?

Brandon Macdonald: So the story goes that Mark Storm screwed him out of the 15 Championship in their first encounter. That's not really my concern. My concern was him continuing to push this lie that I was behind his original attack. My concern, Ms. Pederson, was Hadley Herrera continuing to refuse to admit the truth. Hadley Herrera has no problem making herself the center of attention by firing her talents in the ring. She loves to make everything about her and take valuable camera time away from more deserving members of her roster. But she can't follow up with a simple request to admit the truth. Her and Stryker want to cry foul? Well last Saturday, I gave them something to legitimately cry foul over.

The crowd really lets Macdonald have it after that line.

Jessie Pederson: Are you at all concerned about any retaliation from Flashpoint, considering that both brands will be at Only the Strong Survive on the twenty eighth?

Macdonald scoffs at the thought.

Brandon Macdonald: Judging by Stryker's, Hadley's and the entire brand's silence on the matter, I think it's safe to say that they've all learned their lesson.