Flashpoint (03.24.18)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

EARLIER TODAY

In a hallway somewhere backstage at the FedEx Forum we find Shintaro Majima calmly sitting on a folding chair, reading a copy of The Travelling Cat Chronicles as a couple of familiar-sounding voices emanate from the other side of the door in front of him - namely the voices of his partner Mark Bisley and that of the Flashpoint GM, Hadley Herrera

After a short while the voices cease, which causes Majima to briefly raise his eyes in the direction of the door as he looks to get a read of the situation unfolding on the other side of those couple of inches of standard grade plywood.  A moment later there's another, shorter burst of conversation and, a few seconds after that, the door to Hadley's office swings open and we see Bisley standing in the doorway with a wad of printed paper in his hand and a smug expression upon his face

Mark Bisley: I have to say, agents are overrated.

Ignoring his partner's braggadocio, Majima places a bookmark on the page he was just reading, closes his book and slowly rises to his feet as Bisley hands half of his wad of paper to his partner, which Majima takes his time to study - and in the interests of full disclosure, Bisley hands over his wad of paper as well, allowing Majima to study the details of both contracts so he is satisfied that the details on both are exactly the same

Shintaro Majima: So it is official?

Mark Bisley: Signed and sealed, and since they don't need to be delivered it's as official as official can get.  Just as I predicted, showing up on Vertigo was all it took to push Ms. Herrera's hand onto the pieces of paper you have in your hand.  And on that note...

Bisley holds out his hand and gestures for Majima to hand him back his contract, and Majima duly complies

Mark Bisley: ...I think it's time that we prepared for our first match as official members of the Frontier Grappling Arts roster.

Out of nowhere, Bisley snaps his fingers as an idea comes to him

Mark Bisley: And I've got the perfect idea!

Without wasting a second Bisley turns and begins to walk down the hallway with approximately 130% more spring in his step, while Majima picks up his book and takes a moment to fold the chair and leave it standing against the wall before he follows...

[FGA Office]

"Perfect Insanity" by Disturbed plays as a video package is shown of various FGA grapplers making their way through various entranceways. The video then switches to various FGA grapplers getting kicked, punched, slammed, suplexed and dropped onto the mat....

Come inside and be afraid
Of this impressive mess I've made
If you take a look now you will find

I have thrown away my vice
Done away with paradise
See what's going on inside my mind
Please let me out
Please let me out
Please let me...

After dramatic slow motion shots of various grapplers flipping off the top turnbuckle, the video switches to the Flashpoint logo as the chorus kicks in.



The video fades to an outside shot of the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd...

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Ashley Sullivan vs. BROOKFORD

“I’m Bad" by LL Cool J plays as Nate BROOKFORD waste no time making his appearance known. He power walks down to the ring not bothering to savor the less than pleasant reaction from the crowd.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Manhattan, New York! Weighing in at 265 pounds! He is the “Problem Solver”, BROOOOOOKFOOOORRRRRD!!!

He slides under the bottom rope, he pops up. Opting to head over to the turnbuckle nearest the announce table, he leans back with his arms crossed. The ref checks Nate for any foreign objects as the man who wants to be referred to as BROOKFORD keeps his eyes locked on the entrance awaiting his prey for the night.

Geoff Penzer: Brookford has stated that it’s open season on Gold Rush Rumble competitors and, for the right price, he’s willing to take competitors out! Well it’s just been confirmed that BROOKFORD himself will now be in the Gold Rush Rumble, joining his opponent here tonight and 15 other competitors from both Flashpoint and Vertigo on April 28!

The opening guitar riff of "Warrior" by Skarlett Riot begins to play over the sound system seconds before the Hybrid Champion Ashley Sullivan walks out onto the stage. Pointing out to the fans all over the arena, Sullivan walks down to the ring. Once she gets down to ringside, and gets on the apron before climbing the turnbuckle from the outside. She nimbly climbs the turnbuckle from the outside to perch atop the top rope as she sits on her knees.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Bradley Beach, New Jersey… AAAASHLEYYYYYY SUUUUULLIVAAAANNNN!!!

With her name being announced, Ashley holds both of her arms up as she lays back on the turnbuckle post behind her. Flashing from cameras going off all around her, Sullivan rolls forwards to flip down into the ring and land on her feet.

Geoff Penzer: Ashley Sullivan was the first of many names to be announced for the Gold Rush Rumble! Sullivan had her first match back two weeks ago with a match against Uziah Jue! The opponents don’t get any smaller or easier for Sullivan as she now gets thrown in there against the Problem Solver! We know of at least one member of the Flashpoint roster who didn’t agree with the “red carpet” that was rolled out for Sullivan at Grapple Kingdom 2. We’ve also seen Kol’s words to his former flame and tag partner after her return. Has Brookford been paid off to solve someone’s problem in our opening match tonight?

The bell sounds as BROOKFORD goes for a collar-and-elbow tie up, but Sullivan ducks underneath it. When BROOKFORD turns around, the crowd cheers when Sullivan nails the Problem Solver with right hands to the face. She then goes for an irish whip. But BROOKFORD doesn’t budge. So Sullivan tries for another irish whip attempt. But again, BROOKFORD doesn’t budge. After a knee strike to the midsection doubles Sullivan over, BROOKFORD takes Sullivan and whips her into the corner. The Problem Solver charges into the corner. But he gets caught with a back elbow to the face. Sullivan then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, places him in a front facelock and goes for a Tornado DDT. But BROOKFORD’s able to shove her off in mid air. After Sullivan lands on her feet, she rushes back over to BROOKFORD. But BROOKFORD flattens her with a big boot to the face! The crowd boos as Sullivan lays sprawled out on the canvas.

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan rsn right into that big boot and paid dearly!

BROOKFORD picks up Sullivan, tosses her into the corner and unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. He then takes Sullivan and sends her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. The Problem Sullivan then charges across the ring and goes for a corner elbow. But Sullivan rolls out of the way, causing BROOKFORD to crash into the turnbuckles! Sullivan then rushes back over and catches BROOKFORD with a spinning heel kick! As BROOKFORD staggers from out of the corner, Sullivan runs up from behind and brings him down with a one-handed bulldog. While BROOKFORD turns over onto his back, Sullivan heads into the ropes. When she returns, she delivers the Wind Whisper (rolling senton)! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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BROOKFORD shoves Sullivan off of him.

Geoff Penzer: Brookford just shoved Sullivan off of him with ease!

While BROOKFORD tries to get back to a vertical base, Sullivan rushes back over and applies a front facelock. Sullivan tries to cinch in the hold. But BROOKFORD lifts her off the mat with a double leg pickup, runs across the ring and rams her back-first into the corner. The boos continue as he delivers multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. BROOKFORD then takes Sullivan by the wrist and leads her from out of the corner before flattening her with a short-arm elbow smash! He drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sullivan gets her shoulder up.

BROOKFORD with another lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sullivan gets her shoulder up.

BROOKFORD quicklys mounts on top of Sullivan and rains down rights and lefts to the head. Sullivan tries to cover up. But some of BROOKFORD’s strikes sneak through Sullivan’s defense and connect. The ref then heads over to BROOKFORD and taps him on the shoulder to let up. The Problem Solver then gets up off of Sullivan and stalks the referee around the ring until the ref wisely heads to the outside for safety.

Geoff Penzer: Smart man.

The boos continue as BROOKFORD turns around and makes his way over over to Sullivan. Sullivan gets up onto her knees and nails him with a punch to the midsection. She then nails BROOKFORD with another punch to the midsection… and another punch… and another. After Sullivan returns to a vertical abse, she nails BROOKFORD with a flurry of right hands to the face.

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan’s fighting back!

Sullivan goes for an irish whip. But BROOKFORD reverses, sending Sullivan into the ropes. When Sullivan returns, she sees BROOKFORD setting up for a back body drop. So Sullivan counters with a sunset flip. The crowd cheers as she tries to pull BROOKFORD down. BROOKFORD can be seen waving his arms around. Once he regains his balance, he goes for a seated senton onto Sullivan. But Sullivan slips out of the way just in time!

Geoff Penzer: Brookford missed!

Sullivan returns to her feet and nails BROOKFORD with repeated soccer kicks to the back. While BROOKFORD arches his back, Sullivan runs forwards and into the ropes. When she returns, she throws out a soccer kick to the face. But BROOKFORD catches her leg.

Geoff Penzer: Oh no...

Sullivan tries to pull her leg away from BROOKFORD while he gets back to his feet. Once BROOKFORD returns to a vertical base, the crowd boos when he launches Sullivan across the ring with a t-bone suplex!

Geoff Penzer: What a suplex from the Problem Solver!

Sullivan turns over and tries to get back to her feet when BROOKFORD rushes up from behind. He quickly applies a waist lock before heaving Sullivan across the ring with a release German Suplex! The Problem Solver marches back over, pulls Sullivan back to her feet by the hair and heaves her across the ring with another release German Suplex! The boos continue as Sullivan rolls across the ring and out onto the apron. BROOKFORD sees Sullivan trying to pull herself up using the ropes, so he rushes across the ring and throws out a spinning backfist. But Sullivan ducks before cracking him across the face with an elbow smash! She then goes for a springboard maneuver. But while Sullivan is in mid jump, BROOKFORD whacks her across the face with a slap, knocking Sullivan out of the air! Sullivan then bounces off the apron before landing on the floor.

The Problem Solver rolls to the outside. After Sullivan gets up on all fours, BROOKFORD rushes over and nails her with a punt kick to the ribs that sends her rolling down ringside! After Sullivan turns back over on all fours, BROOKFORD rushes back over and nails her with another punt kick. BROOKFORD then reaches down, picks up Sullivan and whips her hard into the guardrail. Sullivan arches her back when it collides with the guardrail. She then slumps down to a seated position. BROOKFORD then lines Sullivan up before barreling down ringside. He hurls himself at Sullivan and goes for a cannonball. But Sullivan rolls out of the way, causing BROOKFORD to crash hard into the guardrail! The crowd cheers while BROOKFORD lays in pain on the floor.

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan rolled out of the way! Brookford caught nothing but the guardrail! This is Sullivan’s opening to get back into this matchup!

Sullivan struggles to pick up BROOKFORD. She then heads back towards the ring and slams him face-first onto the mat. After struggling to push him back into the ring, Sullivan rolls back inside and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

Sullivan picks up BROOKFORD and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning BROOKFORD around, Sullivan lights up his chest with a series of knife edge chops. She then takes BROOKFORD and goes for an irish whip. But BROOKFORD reverses, sending Sullivan across the ring into the opposite corner. The Problem Solver then comes barreling across the ring. But again, he gets caught with a back elbow to the face. The cheers continue when Sullivan turns away from BROOKFORD before bringing him down with a springboard moonsault! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

Sullivan picks up BROOKFORD and goes for an irish whip. But BROOKFORD reverses, sending Sullivan into the ropes. When Sullivan returns, she slides through BROOKFORD’s legs. When BROOKFORD turns around, Sullivan nails him with a dropkick to the leg, dropping him down to a knee. Sullivan then turns and heads into the far ropes. When Sullivan comes back, the crowd cheers when she knocks BROOKFORD down with a Shining Wizard! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Another nearfall for Sullivan!

Sullivan picks up BROOKFORD and nails him with a trio of elbow smashes to the face. She then takes BROOKFORD and whips him into the corner. Sullivan takes off across the ring and goes for the Wind Kick (corner running big boot). But BROOKFORD catches her foot. He then shoves Sullivan down to the canvas. After she rolls back up to a vertical base, BROOKFORD rushes out of the corner and throws out a clothesline. But Sullivan ducks, leaps onto BROOKFORD’s back and applies a sleeper hold!

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan got the sleeper locked on! Can Sullivan put the Problem Solver to sleep here tonight in Memphis!

The crowd cheers as Sullivan cinches in the hold. The ref asks BROOKFORD if he wants to give up. But BROOKFORD ignores him. He then tries to grab onto Sullivan and throw her off his back. But it’s to no avail. SO BROOKFORD rushes backwards and squashes Sullivan in the corner! The boos continue when BROOKFORD turns around and sends Sullivan slumping down with kesagiri chops. He then steps back and stops a mudhole in Sullivan’s chest. The Problem Solver reaches down, grabs Sullivan by the hair and pulls her back to a vertical base. After hooks her arms, BROOKFORD bashes Sullivan with a series of trapping headbutts! He then doubles Sullivan over with a knee to the midsection before throwing her down hard with a pumphandle powerslam! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Sullivan gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan’s still in this!

BROOKFORD picks up Sullivan and goes for a brainbuster. But Sullivan blocks the move. So BROOKFORD goes to muscle her up for another brainbuster. This time, Sullivan blocks by dropping down to a knee. So BROOKFORD hoists her off the mat from her kneeling position and goes to lift her up for a brainbuster. But on the way up, Sullivan nails BROOKFORD with a knee to the head! After being lowered back to the mat, Sullivan turns and runs into the ropes. When Sullivan returns, the crowd boos when BROOKFORD throws her down hard with a sitout spinebuster!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Sullivan gets her shoulder up!

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan gets her shoulder up again! I don’t know where she’s getting this fight from! I thought Brookford had her there.

BROOKFORD pulls up Sullivan back to her feet. He fires off a backhand chop before rocking Sullivan with an elbow to the face. He then blasts Sullivan with another backhand chop before rocking her with another elbow to the face. The Problem Solver then throws out a spinning backfist. But Sullivan ducks before knocking him down with a legsweep.

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan knocked Brookford off his feet!

Sullivan grabs BROOKFORD and whips him into the corner. She then runs across the ring to attack when BROOKFORD ducks and dumps her over the top rope. BROOKFORD walks out of the corner thinking that Sullivan crashed to the floor. But she landed safely on the apron. She then springboards onto the top turnbuckle. When BROOKFORD turns around, he does a double take when Sullivan flips off and brings him down with a Blockbuster! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

Sullivan slowly picks up BROOKFORD… then brings him down with a swinging neckbreaker. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

Sullivan picks up BROOKFORD and goes for an irish whip. But BROOKFORD reverses, sending Sullivan into the corner. BROOKFORD charges into the corner when Sullivan knocks him back with a boot to the face. After shaking off the blow, BROOKFORD charges back into the corner. This time, Sullivan knocks him back with another back elbow to the face. She then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, jumps off and brings BROOKFORD down with a diving Into Dust (Codebreaker)! While BROOKFORD is down, Sullivan steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with the Sunset (Swanton Bomb)! She makes the cover.

Geoff Penzer: This is it right here!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then sighs and boos when BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Brookford got his shoulder up!? The Problem Solver avoided the three count! I can’t believe it!

Sullivan is shocked. She looks over at the ref who confirms it was only a two count. She then snaps out of it before heading back out onto the apron. Sullivan climbs back up to the top turnbuckle and crouches down. Once BROOKFORD slowly gets back to his feet and turns around, Sullivan leaps off the top turnbuckle and brings him down with an Into Dust from off the top rope! The cheers continue as Sullivan heads back out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. Sullivan lets out a scream before leaping off and crashing across BROOKFORD with another Sunset! The cheers continue as she turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Geoff Penzer: There it is!

“Warrior” blasts over the PA as the crowd explodes with cheers.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, ASHLEY SULLIVAN!

The cheers continue as Sullivan gets her arm raised in victory.

Geoff Penzer: Sullivan gets another hard earned win! This time, over the Problem Solver! It took two Sunsets to put the big man down! But Sullivan was able to do it! Sullivan keeps the momentum rolling as she heads into the Gold Rush Rumble at Only the Strong Survive! Will Sullivan punch her ticket to All-Star Showdown Seven with a Gold Rush Rumble win? We’ll find out on Ap-

The crowd boos when BROOKFORD knocks Sullivan down with a spinning backfist to the back of the neck.

Geoff Penzer: What’s the meaning of this!? The match is over!

The crowd erupts with boos when BROOKFORD delivers repeated knee drops across the back of the neck! He then grabs Sullivan, drags her over towards the ropes and chokes her across the middle rope! The bell sounds over and over while the ref tells BROOKFORD to lay off. But one look from the Problem Solver sends the referee retreating. BROOKFORD pulls Sullivan back to her feet and drapes her across the top rope. BROOKFORD looks straight into the hard camera before bringing Sullivan down with the Problem… Solved (Dragon Screw Neck Whip)!

BROOKFORD SUCKS!

BROOKFORD SUCKS!

BROOKFORD SUCKS!

BROOKFORD SUCKS!

The boos continue while BROOKFORD makes his way up the ramp. BROOKFORD slows down and stops once he sees Tristan Ambrose coming through the curtain. Ambrose surveys the damage in the ring before handing BROOKFORD an unmarked envelope. The Problem Solver takes the envelope from Ambrose before heading back through the curtain. Ambrose looks at Sullivan and smirks before turning and walking through the curtain...

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

A handheld cellphone video shows Kendall Kingham walking and approaching the Fed Ex Forum earlier in the day. She's rolling her gear behind her with her free hand and if she's bothered by how things went down last show, it isn't showing on her body language. Instead, she seems full of her customary energy.

Kendall Kingham: What's up everyone? Getting ready to bring The Flashpoint Zone to Memphis, so I hope everyone's as excited about it as I am!

She flashes a big smile.

Kendall Kingham: Last show, uh, wasn't the greatest for me I admit. There was that weirdness with Mark Storm, and then I lost a tough match. Saw some speculation on the ol' interwebs that maybe I was a bit thrown off my game and distracted going out there, but let's give Big Loverboy Nate credit. He caught me with a backfist that rung my bell and it was pretty much over from there. He's a dangerous dude, obviously I gotta learn from that, but let's give him credit.

Kendall stops talking for a moment as she swerves around a puddle.

Kendall Kingham: But hopefully all that weirdness is past me, I think I cleared everything up so Storm can find someone else to yell about now. Looking forward to talking about what we're all here in the Flashpoint Zone to see-- wrestling!

A pause for effect.

Kendall Kingham: It's Rumble Season coming up, but first I've got a chance to bounce back against a new guy who looked pretty darn tough in his debut last show against Ash Sully. Uziah brings some challenges, he's another big dude, pretty tall. Solid counter strikes, a lot of high impact strikes, high impact power moves and submissions. But I believe in my ability and my skills. From what I've seen, I think I've got the better technique and pace and consistency in all the spaces in between the big high impact stuff. The arm work, the clinch striking, all that good stuff. I just need to stick to that and wear him down because one thing I've learned is good, clean technique doesn't gas you nearly as quick as big explosive power stuff.

She nods.

Kendall Kingham: I might also be able to throw him off from loading up with those counters if I play with my rhythm a little bit, mix things up. Try to be a student of all combat sports, not just wrestling. And one thing I learned from watching tapes of GSP is it's important to make sure nobody can 'andle my riddum.

Kingham seems a bit lost for a moment as to what she was going to say next, before finally clearing her throat.

Kendall Kingham: Point is, stick to what I need to do and I'm feeling pretty good I can make it a win!

Kendall goes to give a thumbs up but realizes she doesn't have any free hands, so instead flashes another smile as the video ends.

[FGA Office]

With envelope in hand, BROOKFORD is making his way through the backstage area to gosh knows where. He doesn’t notice Amanda Johnson is trailing behind him.

Amanda Johnson: BROOKFORD. Hold up, I have a question for you.

BROOKFORD stops in his tracks. Amanda doesn’t notice him rolling his eyes. He turns around to entertain her line of questioning.

Amanda Johnson: Moments ago the world just saw you attack Ashley Sullivan. What will catch people’s interest is you took an envelope from Tristen Ambrose. Is it safe to assume Ambro--

BROOKFORD: You are a nosy little mouse. Amanda, you don’t see me asking you how you got this job. I could ask you who you blew off or what vagina you had to lick to remain employed. Clearly not because you’re any good at what you do. FGA is too cheap to hire someone decent. I’m not gonna discuss my business dealings with you or anyone else for that matter unless I choose to. Speaking of which, I heard what Mark Storm said two weeks ago. He should mind his own business. I won’t confirm or deny Kendall paid me off. But what I will say, Kendall was smart to let me execute Sage. If Kendall would have gotten involved, Kendall would not have had the chance to get beaten by me. Are we done, Amanda?

Amanda rolls her eyes.

Amanda Johnson: Glady.

She spins around and storms off in the opposite direction. BROOKFORD looks at the envelop smiling as the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
A.C. Smith vs. Charlie Blooms

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, representing SCCW… CHARLIE BLOOMS!

The crowd boos as Blooms poses in the center of the ring.

The licks of The Outlaws' take on "Ghost Riders in the Sky" blare over the speakers, and the crowd gets to its feet as "The Big Apple Asskicker" A.C. Smith strides to the ring. He high-fives and fist-bumps younger children at ringside, but his steely, brown-eyed glare never wavers from the ring.

Melanie Sierra: And her opponent, from new York, New York! Weighing in at 275 pounds! He is “The Big Apple Asskicker”, A.C. SMIIIIIITH!!!

He enters through the ropes and bounces off of them on opposite sides a few times, only playing to the crowd after he's fully warmed up.

Geoff Penzer: Charlie Blooms is coming off a competitive match her tag partner Ricky Vega over on Vertigo against Maritza Diaz and Pedro Gonzales. Tonight, she goes it alone against the big man from NY. Smith was successful in his first FGA outing two weeks ago and he’s got to be the heavy favorite here tonight. Not only does he dwarf his opponent in terms of experience, but he’s also got over a foot and over 100 pounds on his opponent. Blooms is going to have to use every trick in the book if she wants to come out of this one with a win.

The bell sounds as Smith goes for a lockup. But Blooms ducks underneath it. When Smith turns around, Blooms gives him three knife edge chops. But the chops have no effect on him. So Blooms takes him by the wrist and goes for an irish whip. But Smith doesn’t move. So Blooms goes for another irish whip attempt. Again, Smith doesn't budge. Smith then takes Blooms and whips her into the ropes. When Blooms returns, the crowd cheers when Smith knocks her down with a standing shoulder block. Blooms quickly rolls to the outside.

Geoff Penzer: Blooms was quick to get out of there. I don’t what she was thinking. But clearly what she was going for wasn’t working. I would suggest going to her backup plan.

After circling the ring, Blooms walks up the steel steps before stepping back into the ring. Smith makes his way back over to Blooms and goes for another lockup. But again, Blooms ducks. Before Smith ac turn around, Blooms hits him with a chop back to the back of the leg. The crowd boos when Smith drops down to a knee.

Geoff Penzer: That’s one way to get the big man down!

Blooms gets in front of Smith and nails him with another series of knife edge chops. She then delivers a flurry of punches to the face until Smith palms her face and shoves her down to the canvas. After Blooms gets back to her feet, Smith heads over, takes her by the wrist and whips her into the ropes. When Blooms returns, she slides through his legs. When Smith turns around, he gets hit with a dropkick to the knee. Blooms returns to her feet and hits Smith with another dropkick to the knee. After Smith drops down to a knee, the crowd boos when Blooms runs over and nails him with a knee lift. While Smith is dazed, Blooms turns and runs into the ropes. When she returns, she connects with a bicycle shoot kick. But Smith still doesn’t go down. So Blooms turns and runs back into the ropes. When she returns, Smith throws her down with a quick powerslam. He hooks the leg.

Geoff Penzer: Blooms was starting to get some offense in! But Smith was quick to cut that comeback short! Here’s the cover...

ONE!
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TWO!
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Blooms gets her shoulder up.

Smith picks up Blooms and whips her into the ropes. When Blooms returns, Smith throws her down with a back body drop.

Geoff Penzer: Blooms was justs sent soaring through the air with that big back body from Smith!

After Blooms turns over and gets back to her feet, Smith doubles her over with a kick to the midsection. He then lifts up Blooms and keeps her held in the air. The cheers get louder the longer Smith keeps her held in the air.

Geoff Penzer: Smith is holding her up with ease! All the blood is rushing to Blooms’ head!

After about fifteen seconds, Smith falls back and hits a vertical suplex! Blooms can be seen arching her back in pain. Smith then pulls Blooms back to her feet before sending her into the ropes with an irish whip. When Blooms returns, Smith lifts her up high above his head before dropping her with a gorilla press slam! He then heads into the ropes. When Smith returns, he crashes cross Smith’s back with a big splash! The chers continue as he rolls Blooms over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Ghost Riders in the Sky” hits the speakers.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, A.C. SMITH!

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

Geoff Penzer: A very academic win here tonight from A.C. Smith. Blooms had the right idea in trying to take out the leg of the big man. But Smith was quick to cut off her comeback and it was all she wrote from there...

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson is seen exiting the office of Hadley Herrera

Amanda Johnson: Hello everyone. This is Amanda Johnson reporting backstage here tonight at Flashpoint. I just got through speaking with General Manager Hadley Herrera during the break. She's just informed me that due to Ricky Valero's interference two week's ago in the main event, she is giving Chandler Scott another opportunity at challenging for the Undisputed Champion. Tonight, in the main event, it will be Chandler Scott taking on the reigning FGA Undisputed Champion, Johnny Karma, in a non-title match! If Chandler wins, then he will be added to the Undisputed Championship Match at Only the Strong Survive!

The crowd explodes with cheers at the announcement.

Amanda Johnson: In regards to the latest comments made by Vertigo GM Brandon Macdonald, Ms. Herrera stated that she would not dignify his comments with a response. Make of that what you will. Geoff, back to you at ringside.

[FGA Office]

The show fades back in from commercial and what had been an ecstatic crowd quickly dissolves into a dejected, rowdy bunch as the opening bass riffs of “Amazing” by Kanye West echo throughout the arena.

Geoff Penzer: Oh great…

Within seconds, Ricky Valero emerges from the backstage area amidst pink and white strobe lights and a monsoon of boos from the capacity FedEx Forum crowd. With that trademark smirk stretched across his face, he scans the arena with hubris. He makes his way toward the ring intentionally ignoring the outstretched hands of front row fans along the way. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and slips into the ring. He retrieves a microphone from a member of the ring crew before heading for the center of the ring. He spins around in the center of the ring with his arms extended out, still absorbing the crowd's disdain.

“RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

Geoff Penzer: Two weeks ago, Ricky Valero returned to FGA for the first time in two months in a very loud manner, aligning himself with Evan Envi and costing Chandler Scott a shot at Johnny Karma and the FGA World Championship at Only the Strong Survive. It was about as disgusting sequence of events as I have ever seen in my life, but what the alliance of Ricky and Evan Envi could mean for Flashpoint going forward is even more terrifying to consider.

The chants throughout the arena are deafening as their volume only heightens with every attempt Ricky makes to move the microphone to his lips. Unfortunately for them, this only provokes a sly grin to creep across his face as he stares out into the audience.

“RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

Ricky Valero: Thank you...Honestly, thank you. Memphis, I can always count on each and every one of you to remind me that no matter how much I think Chandler Scott is a piece of garbage...I can stand right here in the center of this ring and be surrounded by 18,000 of the biggest steaming piles of dog crap on the face of this planet!

Ricky chuckles, amused by himself, as the boos drowned out his voice once again. He wipes the sheepish grin from his face as he starts to circle around the ring, microphone in hand.

Ricky Valero: Why…

He turns toward Geoff Penzer stationed at his table outside the ring.

Ricky Valero: Penzer wanted to know why...why was I out there during the main event of Flashpoint two weeks ago...why did Evan and myself share a friendly embrace following Chandler Scott’s unfortunate defeat...But I was merely there to support my best friend.

Geoff Penzer: Oh please!

The fans don’t care for Ricky’s statement either, once again raining down with some boo birds.

Ricky Valero: Now yes, I will admit that I went a bit overboard after the match and may have harmed Chandler Scott amidst all the celebration. He was the collateral damage of an overjoyed friend and for that, I am truly and deeply sorry. I’ve tried reaching out to Chandler. I’ve emailed him. I sent flowers and a fruit basket to his room at Baptist Health in Lexington. Evan has been calling him twice a day everyday since the accident. I don’t know what else we can do!

A bone-chilling, sinister look graces his face suddenly.

Ricky Valero:  It’s a shame I found out earlier this week that apparently he wasn’t able to eat any of the fruit because they had him primarily on fluids for the remainder of the evening. Such a pity.

“YOU’RE A COWARD!”

*clap clap clap clap clap*

“YOU’RE A COWARD!”

*clap clap clap clap clap*

“YOU’RE A COWARD!”

*clap clap clap clap clap*

Ricky chuckles, entertained by the crowd’s displeasure.

Ricky Valero: Yeah, boo me! Boo me because I recognize real talent when it’s standing right in front of me. Boo me because I’m not a sheep like all of you, following the wind wherever it blows, doing whatever I’m told, too stupid to think for myself. Have you ever watched Evan Envi inside this ring? I mean really watched him? There is not one single talent on the Flashpoint roster who even comes close to him. He is on a completely different level than everyone else. Yet he NEVER gets the respect he deserves. And why is that?

With his eyes travelling upward, he strokes the hairs on his chin.  

Ricky Valero: Maybe it’s because Evan doesn’t have his head shoved so far up the ass of every suit in the back like Chandler Scott?

Signal a mixed reactions of cheers for the mention of Chandler Scott and boos in opposition of Ricky’s latest remark.

Ricky Valero: Maybe it’s because he doesn’t pander to every single one of you goddamn useless mooks out here like our beloved World Champion, Johnny Karma?

And now thunderous jeers shake the FedEx Forum’s foundation in support of Johnny K..

Ricky Valero: This company is filled with unabashed brown-nosers like Karma and Chandler who will go to humiliating lengths, hat in hand, never too proud to beg, in order to get what they want. Appearances. Sponsorship deals. Title shots. I get a bad rap for the way I handle my business, but at least I’m out here in this ring earning my keep. These frauds in the back? They’ll willingly shuck and jive their way to the top of the card if it means retaining some semblance of relevance.

Ricky sucks his teeth and scoffs in disgust.

Ricky Valero: But Evan...Evan Envi is a man of dignity. Evan Envi is a man of loyalty. The guy carried NEON on his back for months out of the goodness of his heart. Do you think Karma would do that? Do you think Chandler Scott would ever do something like that? Evan gives everything he has to this company, every night he steps into this ring, and you people dump all over it! And that’s why, when all of you people refused to see it and everyone in the back refused to see it, I stepped up and gave Evan the support and respect he earned and has deserved for almost two years here in FGA! And that’s why, it is without any further adieu that I introduce to you the future FGA Undisputed Champion, my best friend...EVAN ENVI!

Boos rain down from every side of the arena as Ricky Valero turns, pointing both index fingers toward the top of the ramp as “Can You Feel It?” hits the PA system. The negative reaction becomes deafening as our lights slowly dim.

Geoff Penzer: And here comes the number one contender to Johnny Karma’s Undisputed Championship-- the man that let down everyone that had finally started to put their faith and their trust in him!

The lights flash back on, revealing Evan Envi standing near the middle of the ramp, back turned toward the camera as he points with his thumbs to a scarf that’s wrapped around him, drifting down his back simply reading “GOOD GUYS.” He looks over his shoulder with a wink toward Valero before pivoting, making his way down the ramp.

Geoff Penzer: And these fans in Memphis are making it known exactly how they feel about Evan and Ricky.

Envi ignores the jeers and obscenities shouted at either side of him as he walks up the steel steps, raising double “V”s above his head with a warm smile to the audience, not wavering as chants of ”YOU SUCK!” begin to drown out his music. Envi steps through the ropes and walks toward Valero with his arms out before embracing him in the center of the ring!

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The music begins to fade as Valero hands Envi a second microphone. Envi takes a deep breath and brings it up to his lips…

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Envi pauses, throwing his hands up at the audience with a look of confusion on his face. He shakes his head and raises the microphone again--

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Envi slowly lowers his microphone, a look of “realization” crossing his expression as he turns in a semi-circle, looking out among the masses while Ricky Valero stands next to him, shaking his head in disappointment. Envi frowns, arms crossed in front of himself for a few seconds as he listens to Memphis before slowly raising the microphone and sighing into it, ignoring the chorus of boos that rain down, though they threaten to thrown him out. Envi speaks loudly to compensate.

Evan Envi: Uh. Did I do something to offend you guys?

Envi lowers the mic just a bit as a barrage of answers come flying from the audience, though many continue the easier tactic of booing. Envi turns in a full circle this time, looking at every side of the audience before throwing his hands up. He shakes his head again and brings the mic to his mouth.

Evan Envi: Listen, LISTEN… okay, you can talk to me however you want, guys, but I heard how you treated my best friend Ricky Valero just a few moments ago, okay? He might not have been stating the POPULAR opinion but for once-- for freaking once-- there is somebody here that’s willing to give it to you people how it is. There’s somebody here that’s willing to tell you the things that the Chandlers and the Karmas are too selfish to. Truth like-- Evan Envi and Ricky Valero are just as good, if not BETTER at making a statement in this ring than Johnny Karma. Truth like-- Evan Envi and Ricky Valero are just as much, if not MORE a part of FGA’s DNA than Chandler Scott. The truth is, Evan Envi and Ricky Valero, like it or not are ingrained into the fabric of this company and that, for some reason, scares people.

Envi paces the ring, glaring into the hard camera as he continues.

Evan Envi: Why? Why can’t Evan Envi be the guy? Why can’t Ricky Valero be the guy? Why is that a thought that’s so hard to stomach for people? Because-- what-- of some things that we did in the past when were young and dumb? Because we might have said some things that were a little mean or done some things that maybe were a little… selfish? Like we’re the only ones?

Ricky shakes his head and Envi turns to the crowd, leaning against the ropes with a look of bewilderment on his face.

Evan Envi: This is wrestling, ladies and gentlemen. This is where we watch men and women grow and evolve before our very eyes week after week, investing ourselves in their triumphs and their heartache and their ups and their downs… the good and the ugly… this business-- this RING is where Ricky Valero and I have spent our entire adult lives trying to find ourselves. This ring is where we have evolved into the men you see today! Ladies and gents, we are GOOD GUYS now, and…

”BOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Evan Envi slowly lowers his mic, looking out into the audience with a look of disappointment.

Evan Envi: I don’t understand.

A barrage of chants begin among the Memphis audience, but Evan speaks over them, eyes narrowed.

Evan Envi: You people cheer for guys like Jimmy Page over on Vertigo after he spent years upon years literally spitting on you, but you reject Ricky and I-- for what? We got rid of NEON for you people. And I thought that was what you wanted. I thought you WANTED me to get rid of the dead weight. I thought you people WANTED me to succeed. I thought that sacrificing time away from our kids and donating our bodies to this business was enough to at least earn some respect from you people--

”NO!”

Evan Envi: Wh… oh… I’m bent now.

Ricky Valero: You people are depraved.

Evan Envi: We are just as much the DNA of FGA as Chandler freakin’ Scott, and we made MAD strides in proving that when we beat him last week to secure my rematch against Johnny Karma at Only the Strong Survive. NOT JUST ANY RANDO YOUNG BUCKS CAN SWOOP IN AND DO IT but you people treat us like we’re disposable!

Ricky Valero: Newsflash…

Evan Envi: We are this business! We are this company! We are the blood coursing through the veins of Frontier Grappling Arts and I thought you wanted to come on this ride with us all the way to the top! This was for us! This was for ALL OF US!

Envi laughs a little, almost bitterly as he goes on. The audience begins to grow inexplicably louder, but Envi and Valero both choose to ignore it.

Evan Envi: Ricky and I were gonna fight for you people, if you would let us. Unlike people like Johnny Karma, we--

CRACK!

Geoff Penzer: Oh my God!

Evan Envi cries out as a steel chair connects with his back! He staggers forward, dropping his microphone as he stumbles through the ropes!

Geoff Penzer: It’s Neon!

A mixed reaction surges throughout the arena as Valero looks toward Envi with wide eyes. He turns toward Neon-- but the Queen of Mean drives the steel chair into his ribs! Ricky cries out, turning away from Neon, but he immediately catches a steel chair shot to the back as well! Ricky cries out in agony, but a second chair shot takes him to his knees! Neon swings for a fourth, but Envi reaches up over the bottom rope, grabbing his friend by the arms and pulling him to the outside!

Geoff Penzer: A narrow escape!

Evan Envi and Ricky Valero half-stumble up the ramp in each others’ arms, Envi shooting a look of horror over his shoulder at Neon, who paces the ring with the chair in-hand, glaring up the ramp at the departing duo.

Geoff Penzer: Neon and Ricky Valero are set for one-on-one action a little later tonight, but Neon can barely wait! And she’s not the only one eager to get her hands on Valero and Envi! This could prove to be a long, long journey to Only the Strong Survive for the so-called “good guys.”

We fade to black on the concerned expressions of Valero and Envi as they stand atop the ramp.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The scene cuts backstage as Peaches and Dan Herrera are walking down a hallway backstage having a conversation to themselves.

Dan Herrera: It’ll all be fine once the season gets started.

Peaches: Yeah, but Katrina was sayin’ ‘bout...

Just as they turn a corner, they’re met by Qiang Chen and Liam Richardson III. The Dogs Of War and the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad stare at one another as the tension is high between these two teams. The silence is soon interrupted as Qiang Chen starts to say something to the PCLAS members in Mandarin. Peaches and Dan stare at each other as neither one understands what Qiang is saying. Seeing that they don’t understand, Liam cuts in and speaks for Qiang.

Dan Herrera: What my friend is saying is that he’s not impressed by you two and if you were wise you’d walk away like the little cubs that your are.

Not backing down from the threat, the PCLAS members get in the face of Qiang and Liam.

Dan Herrera: Well we’ve got a response that his ass will know well since it’s a universal form of language…

Peaches: Here ya go!

With a grin on her face Peaches gives two middle fingers to Qiang. Qiang looks at the two fingers and chuckles as he looks over at Liam and says something in Mandarin again. Peaches looks more confused than her fiancé, who maintains a more pleasant demeanor about himself.

Liam Richardson III: He says he likes you.

Still speaking in Mandarin, Qiang pulls out a bottle of Maitai and starts to unscrew the lid. While Qiang is doing all of this Liam translates for Qiang so that Dan and Peaches can understand.

Liam Richardson III: Well since we’re going to be beating the crap out of one another in the near future then we might as well have a shot of some fine Chinese alcohol then. It’s Chinese culture to do so before going to battle between two enemies.

Taking a swig from the bottle, Qiang extends the bottle to both Dan and Peaches. The two are hesitant at first but Dan begins to reach out for the bottle.

Dan Herrera: If it’s customary...

As he touches the bottle though, Qiang suddenly sprays a mist into Dan’s eyes. Havoc soon follows as Liam starts to attack Peaches while Dan falls back and starts to yell as the alcohol has blinded him. Qiang, with the bottle of Maitai still in his hand, smashes the bottle over Dan’s head, causing Dan to fall like a ton of bricks and to the floor. Seeing this Peaches shoves away from Liam and goes down to see if Dan is alright. Bleeding from the head, Dan is knocked out cold as FGA officials and staff make their way to the scene to break everything up. The officials quickly push Qiang and Chen back as Peaches does her best to comfort Dan. The Dog Of War members only chuckle as they are escorted away. Peaches only stares a whole through them as revenge is on her mind.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SMART STYLE OPEN CHALLENGE ★★★
Smart Style vs. ?

The arena lights slowly dim as the doom-laden synths of “Another Chance” blast out across the arena, and as they dim blue lights fill the entranceway, growing in brightness as the music gets more intense, and as the main hook grows the pairing of Mark Bisley emerge at the top of the ramp, Bisley with raising his title into the air as he surveys all before him while Majima wears his belt around his waist while looking towards the ring with a stony expression.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is a SMART STYLE OPEN CHALLENGE! Introducing first, the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions, “Smart” Mark Bisley and “The Strong Style Savior” Shintaro Majima… SMAAAAAART STYYYYYYLE!!!

As they walk down the ramp, Bisley stops and holds his arms apart and tilts his head back to tell the entire arena he is here, while Majima stands directly behind him with his arms held aloft as he looks directly towards the ring, with the pair almost resembling the Vitruvian Man as they do this.

Geoff Penzer: Smart Style issued the open challenge for this edition of Flashpoint. Rumors have been swirling all week as to who will accept this open challenge? Will it be one of the many teams on Vertigo? Will it be The Chaotics, who no doubt want another crack at Smart Style. Or could it be another free agent signing. We’re about to find out shortly.

Making their way to ringside, Bisley lifts himself onto the apron and adopts a kneeling position, holding his belt aloft once more, while Majima stands beside him and removes his sunglasses, looking out into the crowd. A moment later, Majima steps into the ring while Bisley rolls under the ropes before getting back to a knee in the ring, placing his belt on the canvas in front of him as he caresses it with his hand to say this is my title, while Majima stands behind him and raises his title into the air while fixing his opponent with a stony gaze.


As their entrance theme dies down, Bisley stands in the ring with a mic in hand and a smug look on his face as he waits for a little peace and quiet so he can speak, and once he is satisfied that he's got what he wants he begins

Mark Bisley: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mark Bisley, and I am here to inform you that my partner Shintaro Majima and I, the reigning and defending tag team champions of Frontier Grappling Arts, have officially signed contracts to be members of the Flashpoint roster.

Geoff Penzer: The fans are meeting that announcement with a round of boos.

Mark Bisley: Now if I can distract you from mentally picturing the numerous dream matches that the pair of us are able to officially participate in for just a moment, as part of the negotiations we were allowed to choose our first opponents as contracted members of this roster, so without further ado...

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena as the crowd let out one hell of a cheer for the reigning Undisputed Champion, and just as it reaches a crescendo… absolutely nothing happens, as Bisley raises a hand in the ring

Mark Bisley: Wait, wait, wait...it wouldn't be fair to have him compete in a two-on-one match, even with his years of expertise in having three, four or five people give him a kicking.

For some bizarre reason, the crowd loudly boo Bisley - but he simply wags a finger as a better choice of opponent comes to mind

Mark Bisley: Actually, I have a better idea of who to face, so if the man in the back got the memo he can do the honours by...

The marching beat in the intro plays throughout the arena as immediately the crowd in attendance clap along to the beat, the front row smack the guardrail along to the beat as well. As soon as the song kicks in at about 15 seconds… nothing, bar Bisley once again holding up a hand in the ring, and this time even Majima appears displeased

Mark Bisley: Oh yeah, they're signed with Vertigo, and I doubt Brandon Macdonald would be happy with us poaching his talent to lose on another brand.  Oh well, let's get this over with and just send out whoever you've got back here down to the ring.

FGA World Tag Team Champions proceed to stretch while the crowd buzzes with anticipation for the opponents. Out from the back comes a portly-shaped man in a green jumpsuit and a white mask. Next to him as a skinnier man in black pants, a black top and a pink mask.

Melanie Sierra: Ummm… representing MPW and weighing in at a total combined with of 378 pounds. They are the team of… Super Blue Cross Number 6 and Somalian Joe?

The crowd boos at the obvious farce set up by Bisley. “Smart” Mark can be seen with a satisfied smirk on his face. Meanwhile, Majima raises his eyebrow as he slowly turns to his partner.

Geoff Penzer: I cannot believe this! We were being led to believe that tonight, one of the great teams in all of FGA would be coming here to wrestle the new Tag Champions. Instead, we get these two goofs. And wait just a minute, ladies and gentlemen. I’m being handed a note from that says… “Super Blue Cross Number 6 and Somalian Joe are the finest tag team to ever grace a Madagascar Pro Wrestling league. No expense was pared flying them here tonight to Memphis, Tennessee for this historic matchup. You will call this clash of Tag Team Titans with the utmost respect”!? Get out of here with this garbage, Bisley!

The bell sounds as Bisley and SBC6 start things off for their respective teams. Before going for a lockup, Bisley steps back and offers a handshake to SBC6. SBC6 goes to shake Bisley’s hand when he pulls back at the last second. The crowd continues to boo Bisley as he circles the ring. He then heads back over to SBC6 and locks up with him. Bisley quickly goes behind SBC6, lifts him up and slams him down with a waist lock takedown. He then mounts himself across SBC6’s back and paintbrushes him with slaps to the back of the head. The boos continue as Bisley gets off of SBC6 before delivering a hard stomp to the back.

SBC6 slowly gets back to his feet. He makes his way over towards Bisley and goes for a lock up. But Bisley ducks under, goes behind him and applies another waist lock. He then spins SBC6 back towards him, places him in a cravate and delivers repeated knees to the head. Bisley then takes SBC6 and whips him hard into the turnbuckles. As SBC6 staggers from out of the corner, Bisley heaves him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! SBC6 then rolls over and tags in Somalian Joe.

Once Joe gets into the ring, he and Bisley circle the ring before Bisley turns and tags in Majima. The Strong Style Savior slowly steps in through the ropes. Joe makes his way over to Majima and lights up his chest with a series of chops. But the chops have no effect on Majima. The Strong Style Savior executes a double leg pickup, runs across the ring and rams him back-first into the corner. Majima proceeds to light up Joe’s chest with a series of machinegun chops. He then takes Joe and sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Majima then runs across the ring and blasts him with the Kao No Nai (yakuza kick to cornered opponent). While Joe slumps down in the corner, Majima turns, runs across the ring and knocks SBC6 off the apron with a running forearm smash. He then bounces against the ropes, runs back across the ring and cracks Joe across the face wit the Noshinto (running knee to cornered opponent). Bisley calls for Majima and points into the opposite corner. Majima turns and gives Biley a knowing nod as he pulls Joe back up. Majima delivers an irish whip and follows him across the ring while Bisley runs across the apron. The crowd boos when Smart Style delivers the Hotline Meiji (Kao No Nai/apron enzuigiri combination to cornered opponent)! Bisley then quickly rushes back over to the Smart Style corner so he can get tagged back in.

Once the tag has been made, Smart Style deliver the Bakumatsu (springboard lariat/powerbomb combination) to Joe. The boos continue as Majima pulls Joe off the mat and lifts him up for the Kurimuzon Jigoku (brainbuster). Bisley connects with a roundhouse kick to Joe’s head before Majima plants him with the Kurimuzon Jogoku. Majima stays on lookout while Bisley makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “Another Chance” hits the speakers.

Melanie Sierra: Here are your winners, SMART STYLE!

Bisley and Majima pull away from the referee after Majima receives the Tag Team Championships, handing one to Mark Bisley. Bisley grins into the booing audience, climbing the bottom turnbuckle as he raises the belt above his head. Majima stands in the center of the ring, more subtle with his celebration as he places the belt around his waist, preparing to fasten it.

Geoff Penzer: Well, Smart Style seem pretty proud of themselves. And I guess so! What a feat it must be to come out here, on the level that Mark Bisley and Shintaro Majima are at, and pick on some-- what’s going on?

The crowd begins to stir near the entryway. Bisley continues to show the belt off to each side of the audience, taking particular offense to a small group near the front row that begin shouting at him. Bisley takes delight in shouting back, things that the ringside mics and cameras don’t quite pick up… though Majima turns a curious eye toward the ramp, where the crowd’s attention has turned.

Geoff Penzer: Smart Style has company!

Without any fanfare, one half of the former FGA World Tag Team champions, Logan Alexander, casually walks down the entry ramp towards the ring. He carries a microphone with him, but does nothing to interrupt the champions. This of course does nothing to prevent them from taking notice of his entrance. Bisley steps down from the bottom turnbuckle and turns, a look on his face that lingers halfway between annoyance and curiosity.

Geoff Penzer: I’m not sure what Logan Alexander is doing, but Mark Bisley is having none of it!

Mark Bisley walks to the ropes, intentionally keeping his voice low enough that Logan can’t hear him, but can read his lips. Bisley can be seen saying “walk away”, over and over, lips curling into a sneer as he says it. He audibly says “we already beat you. Everything you thought was wrong.” He repeats the phrases, allowing Logan to read it from his lips, though Majima remains still in the center of the ring, angling his head a bit as he narrows his eyes at Logan, also casting the occasional, unsure glance at his surroundings.

Geoff Penzer: Mark Bisley is trying to stay contained, but he is beside himself in there.

Bisley paces in front of the ropes, his expression switching from a smirk to a scowl, as if legitimately unsure of how to feel. He speaks above an indoor voice for the first time, loudly stating what seems to be “you should be apologizing right now!”, raising his Tag Team Championship high in the air for emphasis.

Geoff Penzer: This is tense…

The audience begins a ”LOGAN!” chant, drawing another sneer and an eye-roll from Bisley, though Majima keeps his gaze on Alexander, taking a few steps closer to the ropes. Logan stays outside of the ring, letting Smart Style carry on. He just seems to be waiting.

Geoff Penzer: Here we go!

Majima moves past Bisley and sits on the middle rope, inviting Logan into the ring with a single, swift gesture. Bisley looks at Majima with narrowed eyes for a moment before closing his eyes and substituting the look for a smirk, turning to Logan and beckoning him forward as well, earning a loud mixed reaction from the audience.

Geoff Penzer: This might be the invitation Logan was waiting for! I don’t know how wise this is though. We don’t even know if his partner is in Memphis!

Logan climbs the ringsteps, walks along the apron and enters the ring without hesitation. He takes a few steps towards Smart Style and stops. He lifts his mic as he regards them.

Logan Alexander: Gentlemen. My apologies for interrupting your moment out here. I was hoping that I could have some of your time here to address a few things... if you're agreeable to doing so, of course.

He lowers the mic a little and appears to await a reply, but takes the glares from Smart Style as his response.

Logan Alexander: Well, I'll begin with the most pressing task first… Congratulations.

The crowd goes quiet as he says that. Bisley raises a skeptical brow, while Majima’s glare seems to intensify. Logan presses on quickly.

Logan Alexander: Four weeks ago, the two of you brought one heck of a fight to Grapple Kingdom. You two ended up being too much for me to handle in the end, and you ended up walking out with the titles in hand.

He lowers the mic again and steps forward. He then extends his free had towards Majima. Shintaro Majima looks down at the hand, lip curling as if in disgust, though the action is so small, Majima appears unaware of it. There is a mixed reaction that rolls through the building for several moments. Shintaro Majima looks contemplative, eyes drifting between his partner and his nemesis until he calmly raises his hand, accepting Logan’s handshake for a brief second.

Geoff Penzer: Not how I expected this to go…

And then, Logan turns slightly and offers his hand to Bisley as well. Mark Bisley looks at Shintaro with an indistinguishable expression and then looks down toward Logan’s hand… but scoffs and simply switches his Tag Team Championship from one hand to the other, turning away from Logan to lift the belt above his head.

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

With that taken care of Logan backs up a step. He then lifts the mic again to resume speaking.

Logan Alexander: So, you two have got the belts in hand and you look really proud of yourselves for getting to this point. I can't really argue with that. I'm usually pretty happy to get some championship gold in my hands. That does bring me to the other reason I'm out here, and that's to ask a question of you two.

A pause.

Logan Alexander: When will you be handing those titles back over to the Chaotics?

It takes a moment, but the reaction from the crowd is very positive as they grasp the implications of Logan's statement and begin to cheer. Logan calmly watches the champions for their reactions. He isn't waiting long.

Mark Bisley tilts his head back in laughter, though Majima shakes his head at Logan, looking-- once again-- disgusted. Majima mutters something to Logan before Bisley turns to the timekeeper, gesturing for a microphone-- but Majima places a hand on Bisley’s wrist and shakes his head, gesturing toward the ramp. Boos rain down on the Tag Team Champions as Majima leads the way to the other side of the ring. Bisley follows suit, intentionally bumping Logan on the way by to a groan from the crowd while both champions prepare to exit the ring on the side closest to the ramp.

Logan Alexander: I know, it’s an absolutely crazy request to make, but... I didn't come out here without something to show you guys to back up my case. So... if you'll turn your attention to the big screen...

Geoff Penzer: Hmm?

Bisley and Majima both stop right before they exit the ring. They glance back toward Logan, but he simply gestures to the aforementioned screen. Once everyone had done so, footage from Grapple Kingdom 2 begins to play up on the tron.

The fans stand up as they feel they’re moments away from seeing The Chaotics retain. Majima continue to howl in pain while Alexander continues to fight like hell for the submission. Just as Majima’s about to tap, Bisley rolls back in, heads over and connects with a superkick to the back of the head that knocks Alexander down. The crowd erupts with boos. He then brings Alexander back to his feet before bringing him back down with Greetings from the Twin Cities! He then heads out onto the apron as Majima pulls up Alexander. After Majima sends Alexander into the corner with an irish whip, Smart Style connect with the Hotline Meiji (Kao No Nai/apron enzuigiri combination)! As Bisley steps back into the ring, Majima pulls Alexander from out of the corner. Majima then brings him back to the ring before delivering a vertical suplex lift. Bisley nails Alexander with a roundhouse kick to the head followed by the Kurimuzon Jihoku from Majima! Bisley stays on the lookout while Majima turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “Another Chance” hits the speakers.

With that, the screen goes dark and Logan looks back towards Bisley and Majima.

Logan Alexander: So, you two did see it, right?

Bisley rolls his eyes and gives Logan a dismissive wave while Majima shoots Logan a cold gaze before his eyes drift back to the Tron.

Logan Alexander: That's okay. I know it's hard to pick out just what I mean… but maybe this will help...

Logan motions towards the tron again. Another piece of footage from Grapple Kingdom 2 plays on the screen, but this time it takes place well away from the ring.

Reaching the bottom of the escalator, Bisley and Majima walk a few steps into the United Center’s main atrium, where a few late arrivals make a hasty line towards the escalators and are barely aware a couple of the FGA roster are literally walking past them as they bustle towards their seats

Mark Bisley: All we have heard from the two of them is how they managed to defeat us…once. Frankly, it’s getting sad to see the two continue to cling to something they have failed to replicate ever since, almost as sad as it is to see them continue to pretend their so-called “victory” was in any way legitimate. Feel free to check the footage of that match and answer this simple question: why did the referee not disqualify the two of them for violating the strict five count on two partners being in the ring at the same time? It’s funny how much they want to throw shade in our direction, yet are only too keen to pretend they did not cheat.

The clip ends and Logan looks back towards Smart Style.

Logan Alexander: You know… I never thought I'd be happy that you didn't shut up about that Mark.

The crowd cheers in response to that. Logan starts to walk, pacing a circle around the champions in the ring.

Logan Alexander: For months and months we've all had to listen to you go on and on about how you two were cheated at Patriot Games and that we never beat you.

He pauses in his walking, now on the far side of the ring from the entryway and he turns to face Smart Style.

Logan Alexander: I'm sure that you two can both count to five. I could play the clip again just to be sure, but I'll save you the trouble.

Logan points at Bisley.

Logan Alexander: At the end of our match, you entered the ring, without a tag, to help Majima. While you two did succeed in putting me down for a three count, you were in there for much longer than five seconds. So Mark, since you were in the ring illegally, by your own definition and then some, your victory is nothing of the sort. Those belts you prize so much still belong to the Chaotics.

At this, the crowd cheers in agreement. Before the cheers have a chance to die down, Logan speaks again.

Logan Alexander: So, if you two have an ounce of respect or honour in you...

Logan stares at Majima as he says those last few words.

Logan Alexander: ... you'll hand those belts over.

Logan lowers his mic as the crowd continues to cheer.

???: Stop. Just-- let’s stop.

There is another roar from the audience as the cameras pan toward the ramp. The voice is clearly Ashlyn De Luca’s, but the former Tag Team Champion is nowhere to be seen! Shintaro Majima takes a deep breath, eyes drifting in every direction once again as the audience grows steadily louder.

Ashlyn De Luca: We don’t have to do the technicality thing. I’m past that. We should all be past that. It’s what caused so much headache in the first place, isn’t it?

Mark Bisley motions for Shintaro that the two should go. He scowls at Logan and puts one foot over the middle rope to the apron.

Ashlyn De Luca: Mark. Wait.

Bisley pauses, looking around while Majima silently urges him to “move” with a soft nudge to the ribcage.

Logan Alexander: You might not want to go that way...

Geoff Penzer: Look!

From the top of the ring skirt emerge a pair of arms, grabbing onto Mark Bisley’s foot! Bisley looks down, caught off guard by the seemingly disembodied arms, losing his balance and tumbling roughly to the floor below! The ring skirt flies out and Ashlyn De Luca emerges from beneath to a roar from the crowd, dressed in her classic green-and-black HKW-inspired attire as opposed to the multicolored Chaotics ring gear. She glares down at Bisley, shaking her head, raising the mic to her lips… before turning it over in her hand, holding it as a weapon instead of a microphone.

Geoff Penzer: I’ve seen this before!

Realizing that he and Mark have been outmaneuvered here, Majima turns to confront Logan… and receives a shot from the microphone Logan had been holding right between the eyes.

Geoff Penzer: And now Ashlyn’s following suit!

Bisley looks at the action in the ring with a look of horror, pushing himself to his feet-- before Ashlyn drives her own microphone into Bisley’s temple, taking him to the floor! Ashlyn mounts the champion, driving the microphone into his skull once… twice more for good measure before tossing it aside and scrambling after the stunned Bisley who shoves her off, scrambling to the ring apron to steady himself. He turns around-- right as Ashlyn rushes forward with a leaping Meteora, crashing into Bisley’s sternum and forcing his spine into the ring apron! He cries out and Ashlyn uses her momentum to land on the apron, reaching down to pull Bisley into the ring with two fistfuls of hair as she, herself backs into the ring over the bottom rope!

Geoff Penzer: This is getting out of control! Chaotics-- I can’t tell if this was an ambush or if they just snapped! Ashlyn’s choice placement beneath the ring might be all the answer I need.

Logan has driven Majima back into one corner of the ring with repeated right hands, and follows with kicks to the midsection when Majima guards his head. Majima drops to a seated position on the mat as Logan begins stomping away on him. On the other side of the ring, Ashlyn forces Bisley into the corner, screaming into his face before unloading with a series of close-combat forearms to the jaw. Bisley guards his head and Ashlyn switches to hook kicks to the ribcage… before a jumping spin kick to the temple! Bisley drops to a seated position in the corner and Ashlyn takes a few steps back, moving her hair out of her face as she takes deep breaths, turning to meet eyes with Alexander. Logan points to Bisley and motions to bring him up. He then turns and begins pulling a dazed Majima to his feet.

Geoff Penzer: Logan Alexander’s directing traffic, as they say!

Once both members of Smart Style are back up, the Chaotics Irish whip them into the middle of the ring where they collide and bounce back from one another unsteadily. Ashlyn quickly grabs hold of Bisley and Logan does the same with Majima, and they follow with a tandem Flyleaf and Stryke Force!

Geoff Penzer: And an exclamation point!

Chants of ”YES!” echo throughout Memphis as the Chaotics rise to their feet… both pairs of eyes drifting toward the Tag Team Championships which lie in opposite corners of the ring. Logan watches as Ash makes her way toward the one Bisley dropped. A groggy Bisley reaches a hand out as he sees Ashlyn standing over the belt… but he’s unable to respond. Ashlyn kneels down, reaching a hand down toward the championship…

...but with a sigh, Ashlyn closed her fingers into a fist and shakes her head, rising to her feet as she glares at the fallen members of Smart Style. She turns toward Logan, giving him a long, quiet look before a nod as she steps through the ropes and out to the apron, reaching up to pull down the middle rope to aid his exit.

Geoff Penzer: Ashlyn De Luca and Logan Alexander just sent a hell of a message to the Tag Team Champions. I don’t know if I agree with it but I can’t say Smart Style didn’t have this coming. This has been building up in the Chaotics-- especially Logan-- for months. I don’t know where these two teams go next, but it’s… well… now, it’s beyond personal. Wait--

Logan looks to Ashlyn and then he glances down at Smart Style, then he waves off Ashlyn for a moment and steps closer to Bisley.

Geoff Penzer: I don’t… I don’t agree with this. I don’t think Mark Bisley can defend himself.

Logan leans down… but he grabs hold of the mic he’d discarded earlier. Then he stands back up, looking down with a calm yet focused expression.

Logan Alexander: We’re even now… but not one of us believes this is over. One way or another, your reign will end by our hands. So… whether you stay here or hope Macdonald can save you on Vertigo, it’s of no consequence.. Cause there is no escape for you.

With that, Logan drops the mic in the middle of the ring, walks over to join Ashlyn and joins her on the apron, before they both drop down to the floor. “Deadcruiser” hits the PA system as the two depart, but the camera slowly pans over to the fallen champions. Bisley begins stirring first, looking over toward his Tag Team Championship. Majima turns onto his side, glaring up the ramp at the departing number one contenders as we fade to black.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and Gentlemen -

Before Amanda can even finish her sentence, a finger is raised and the camera opens up the frame to reveal Your Hero and Mine, who gets a thunderous amount of boo's eliciting from the main arena, echoing through the backstage area. He keeps his finger in the air, a smirk cemented upon his lips and a look of arrogance on his face. He sniffs, gradually bringing his finger down to his side before turning to face Amanda.

Mark Storm: Do you wanna know what tonight marks?

Amanda shakes her head sideways.

Mark Storm: My first ever singles championship opportunity. My first ever championship opportunity in Frontier Grappling Arts.

Boo's echo from the main arena yet again, forcing Storm to pause for a little while.

Mark Storm: Do you know how long I've been here, Amanda? I've been here near enough four years. 2014 was the year I first stepped foot into this company and I'll be the first to admit I had a rocky start, it didn't go quite as I planned. But every damn time I stepped foot into that ring, I made it my personal mission to deliver the best match that those fans would see throughout the night. I made it my personal mission to give them match of the night after match of the night, week in and week out. But did I get my opportunity? Did I get what I deserved? No.

Mark Storm: Instead, I had to watch other people cut into the line, right in front of me. Instead, I was shunned. Instead, I was considered an afterthought when in reality, I've always been the main event. But it's 2018 and I've finally got my first championship shot here in the Grapplin' Arts. But I've only got two words for ya, Amanda. Two words to sum up my thoughts of being granted my chance.

He turns his head to the camera, his eyes fixates on it.

Mark Storm: Long overdue.

Mark Storm: It's only when I started kicking down the doors and using my voice that people really started to pay attention. I stopped being the guy who wouldn't say anything and would idly get along with my business but now I'm the guy who's asking the questions. I'm the guy who's making Hadley Herrera cautious because she knows that if I don't get what I deserve then this war that we find ourselves in, isn't going to last for very long. Anyone who says I don't deserve this match are not only lying to themselves, they're lying to the people. You don't have to like me. You don't have to agree with all the things that comes out of my mouth, but you will listen.

Mark Storm: At least I'm honest, Amanda. I know who I am and I know that I will push, kick, cheat my way to the top of the industry because that's what you have to do sometimes. If you wanna be the best, you've got to be able to bend the rules a little too. You can't say that about some of the guys and gals here, though. Some of them are hiding behind a mask, pretending that they're the good guy's when in actual fact, they're not. Kendall Kingham for example... she gets the cheers because of her good looks, and her cute wrestling sequences and all of that, but I see right through her. I know what she is and I know who she is. She, is the villain. Like I said a fortnight ago Amanda, she left Sage Clark to get the beat down by BROOKFORD and supposedly, she thought nothing of it until she got to the back and saw it on the TV screen just like everybody else. But you wanna know what I'm sensing from what she said? Bullsh*t. She didn't just let BROOKFORD put the beatdown on Sage Clark. She paid him for his services and showed how much of a fraud she really is.

Amanda Johnson: That's quite the accusation to make -

Storm cuts her off.

Mark Storm: It isn't just an accusation, Amanda. This is truth! But people don't wanna hear the truth because the truth hurts. But the truth is, Kendall Kingham isn't the saint she paints herself to be. The truth is, Kendall Kingham is the villain of this story, a fraud - yet her actions will fly under the radar whilst I'll continue to be scrutinized for my behavior. I can't have that, Amanda. I'll bring you to the source later on tonight and then you'll know.

Amanda Johnson: As you've alright said, tonight you've got a championship match against none other than Brian Stryker for the FGA Fifteen Championship belt. What are your thoughts on Brian Stryker?

Mark Storm: Brian Stryker.

He chuckles.

Mark Storm: The man that everybody loves. The man who, in such a short space of time has managed to elevate his name as one of the major players on the Flashpoint brand. A man who, before Frontier Grappling Arts, made a name for himself in the Hard Knox Wrestling institution. A man who's drenched with history and respect from his peers and is undoubtedly one of the best workers that we have in this day and age. I won't deny it. When I see talent, I'll admit it and I'll respect that, too. But Brian, please don't mistake my respect for you as a weakness. Just because I respect you, doesn't mean I won't drive my knee through your skull. Because I will, Brian. The truth is Brian, as much as I respect you, you're a threat. You're a threat to the way I want things to be around here, Bri. You're another obstacle on this war path that I'm on and as recent weeks have proven, I've been able to leap over every obstacle that has been thrown in my path. Do you think you're different? Do you think you're special? Do you think you can beat me? Lemme answer those for you. You're no different to ANY of the others who have come up and tried to put me down. The only thing special about you right now is that Fifteen Championship belt but your time with that belt is coming to an end tonight. You won't beat me because you not only lack the conviction to, but because you don't want it bad enough. You won't beat me because as good as you are, you're not better than me.

With one last look at the camera.

Mark Storm: From Your Hero, and Mine.

Abruptly, he leaves and the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Sloan Talbot vs. Robbie Black

"Take Your Place" by The Underachievers plays through the speakers and emerging from the back is Robbie Black, who nods his head as the fans rise from their seats and applaud him.

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Detroit, Michigan! Weighing in at 236 pounds! He is “The Bullet” ROBBIE BLACK!

"The Bullet" stands on the top of the entrance ramp and he shoots his imaginary gun towards the ring before swaggering his way down, high-fives to a few of the audience members before he slams the apron with his fists and climbs the ring steps, hoisting himself up onto the second rope on the outside of the ring. He looks around, a smile on his face before entering the ring, lowering his stance as he poses for the fans.

The first few bars of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” begin to play as the lights pulsate in time with the music. Slowly the curtains part, and Sloan Talbot steps through - his pace slow and methodical.

“You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down...”

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Saint Michel, Monaco! Weighing in at 247 pounds… SLOAN TALBOT!

Sloan runs a hand through his hair as he makes his way down the aisle, a stoic expression on his face. Completely ignoring the fans either side of him Talbot reaches ringside, placing a knee on the apron before pulling himself up using the middle rope. He takes a quick glance around the arena before stepping into the ring and making his way to the corner.

Geoff Penzer: Sloan Talbot made his FGA in-ring debut two weeks ago when he knocked off Patrick Jones, who had a spotless record at the time. Now Talbot is looking to improve his record here to 2 and 0. But standing on the opposite side of the ring is Robbie Black. Black’s had a tough go of it as of late. This is a tough opponent for him to bounce back against. But a win here would give The Bullet a much needed boost of confidence.

The bell sounds as Talbot and Black step to the center of the ring. After jockeying for position, Talbot is quick to shove Black back, sending “The Bullet” into the ropes. The Bullet then runs forward and tries to knock Talbot off his feet with a running shoulder block. But Talbot doesn’t budge. So Black turns and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he tries to run over Talboat with another running shoulder block. This time, Talbot stumbles back a few steps. So Black turns and runs back into the ropes. When he returns, he sees Talbot running past him. So The Bullet slows down. When he turns around, Talbot turns him inside out with a lariat. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Black kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Talbot nearly took Black’s head off with that lariat! I know it’s very early in the match, but I’m surprised Black got his shoulder up after that one.

Talbot picks up Black, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Black around, Talbot unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body before rocking Black with an uppercut. He then rocks Black with another uppercut. The boos turn to cheers when Black comes backfiring with a flurry of forearm strikes. Each strike knocks Talbot closer and closer towards the center of the ring. He then takes Talbot and goes for an irish whip. But Talbot reverses, sending Black into the ropes. When Black returns, he goes for a crossbody block. But Talbot catches him in mid air, delivers a backbreaker and follows up with a fallaway slam that tosses him across the ring!

Geoff Penzer: Black is not a small man by any means. But Talbot just tossed him across the ring like he was nothing!

As Talbot stalks Black across the ring, Black gets back up to a knee and catches Talbot with a punch to the midsection. Black then fires off another punch to the midsection… and another… and another. He then gets back to his feet and nails Talbot with a punch to the face. Talbot comes back with a headbutt, sending Black stumbling back into the ropes. Talbot then takes Black by the wrist and goes for an irish whip. But Black reverses with an irish whip feint into an Elimination Lariat (high impact short-range lariat)! The strike knocks Talbot into the ropes. Black then runs over and connects with a running lariat. The crowd cheers when Talbot falls over the top rope, lands on her feet on the outside and stumbles backwards into the guardrail. Black then gives Talbot the finger gun taunt before running into the near ropes. The Bullet bounces off before running into the far ropes. When he comes back, Talbot slides back in and goes to take his head off with a lariat. But Black ducks and runs into the ropes. When Black returns, Talbot brings him down with a hip toss neckbreaker! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Some innovative offense there from Talbot gets a two cunt. It looked like Black was setting up for a dive to the outside. But Talbot was quick to slide back into the ring.

Talbot picks up Black, grabs him by the throat and moves him into the corner. From there, Talbot delivers a series of back elbow strikes to the face. He then takes Black and whips him hard into the opposite corner. As Black stagers from out of the corner, Talbot lifts him up for a Samoan Drop. Before Talbot can deliver the move, Black hits him with multiple elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Black shoves Talbot into the ropes. When Talbot returns, Black clocks him with a discus elbow strike. The crowd cheers when Talbot drops to a knee.

Geoff Penzer: Black’s finally got him down! He’s needs to capitalize quick!

Black turns and runs into the far ropes. When Black returns, Talbot gets back to his feet and grabs him by the throat. He then lifts Black up for a chokeslam when Black nails him with an elbow to the side of the head. He then lifts Talbot up for a vertical suplex. But Talbot slips down from behind and shoves Black into the ropes. When Black returns, Talbot runs him over with a running big boot! He then marches back over to Black, reaches down and grabs him by the throat. After slowly pulling Black back up to his feet, Talbot lifts him up and throws him down with a chokeslam! Black slowly rolls out onto the apron.

Geoff Penzer: A chokeslam with authority from Sloan Talbot!

While Black pulls himself up using the ropes, Talbot marches over and doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the midsection. He then climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Black and brings him back into the ring with Enter Tragedy (superplex from the apron)! Talbot brings Black back to his feet before shoving him into the ropes. When Black returns, Talbot lifts him up above his head before throwing him down hard with Diggin Graves (Gorilla Press Spinebuster)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Talbot rises to his feet and stares down at Black, allowing the referee to raise his arm, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” playing over the PA system.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, SLOAN TALBOT!

Talbot narrows his eyes at the audience as they continue to boo, shaking his head slightly before stepping over Black and exiting the ring.

Geoff Penzer: Once again, Sloan talbot exhibits brute force and utter dominance. I know it’s very early. Sometimes, we see this new signees show up, have a good 3-4 match run and then the next thing you know, they fizzle out. But something seems different about this man. I believe this man has some staying power, ladies and gentlemen. And if that is the case, you have to start to wonder just who on this roster can match him physically? Who on this roster can go toe-to-toe with Sloan Talbot?

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

We cut backstage, where, for a moment, all we see is a closed locker room door. After a few seconds, it opens to reveal a suited-up A.C. Smith, who’s carrying his gear in one hand and his cell phone in another.

A.C. Smith: Yep, just heading out now. Give Robert a hug for me. I’ll see you soon, Roxy. Love you.

Smith hangs up the phone and puts it in his pocket. He takes a few steps, but is stopped in his tracks, with a smirk on his face.

A.C. Smith: ...I was wondering when you’d show up.

The camera pans left, revealing an unimpressed Logan Alexander, who stands directly across the hall from Smith’s locker room door with his arms crossed.

A.C. Smith: You know, the disappearing act you pulled last week got really old...oh, about eight years ago.

Logan regards him quietly for a few moments.

Logan Alexander: I suspect you have more to say to me than that. You went out of your way two weeks ago in order to keep whatever spat you have with Evan going and to also bother my partner. So why don’t you just get to the point here?

A.C. Smith: And hello to you, too! It’s been what, seven years? How’s the family? The kids? All that stuff?

Smith rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

A.C. Smith: First and foremost, you must’ve watched the show on ‘mute’ last week. That, or you’ve already revised history in your head to match something you can come to terms with. Here’s a little refresher. I told Evan I didn’t come back for him, and I told Ashlyn that she was a bright prospect. Please, for the love of everything holy, tell me how ANY of this reflects poorly on me.

A.C. Smith: You know, it’s funny...I called Ashlyn a bright prospect because I genuinely believe that she is one. You were one of those once, you know...and she’s probably as good as you were at that age. Maybe better.

A pause.

A.C. Smith: How’s your back?

Logan closes his eyes and lets out a breath.

Logan Alexander: My back is fine. Of course, I still have to wait for you to get off it. Even when I’m not around, you go out of your way to harp on about that. I admit I was rather surprised.

He reaches into the pocket of his jacket and pulls out a folded up piece of paper. He proceeds to unfold it and reveal the note that Smith had offered to Ashlyn two weeks ago.

Logan Alexander:  I hadn’t said a word about you. I wasn’t badmouthing you. I wasn’t out on social media. I wasn’t even offering comments to people here about you. I was perfectly content to let the matter drop. But you come out here like you are the one that was wronged…

He continues to gaze at Smith as he tucks the note away.

Logan Alexander: I don’t get that.

Smith smirks, shaking his head slowly.

A.C. Smith: I get a turn now, right? OK, good. I came to your locker room to deliver a message. I had similar trips planned to see Evan and Ashlyn, but they saved me the journey by being in the same place.

A.C. Smith: Logan...you can fool all of the people some of the time. You can fool some of the people all of the time. But you can’t fool ALL of the people, ALL of the time.

Smith draws closer.

A.C. Smith: You and I both know about your little back injury. You weren’t hurt. You realized you weren’t that orange-haired mentor you used to have, the guy that’s REALLY on your back even after all these years. And you couldn’t handle it.

A.C. Smith: What you decide to do, and how you decide to live your life? That’s all on you, and you’re going to have to decide what you can and cannot live with. But this justification you have about slipping away from wrestling for four years, the story you tell yourself to sleep better at night?

Smith looks down on Logan and scoffs.

A.C. Smith: You and I both know what really happened. Pushing your little creation of ‘fake news’ is an insult, and I won’t stand for it.

Smith chuckles a bit.

A.C. Smith: Anyway...you get the same message I gave to Harrison. Whether you like it or not, we’re linked, but I’m not here to finish a chapter or to write a new story that solely has you and Evan in it. I figured you deserved to know that, but I also kinda figured you’d be wallowing in your own self-pity after once again coming so close to the brass ring and failing to grab it. Hence, the note that apparently got you all hot and bothered.

A.C. Smith: There was something else. That orange-haired guy? Saw him a few weeks ago in Central Park. He’s got a kid now. Totally different dude than he was 10 years ago. Says hi.

Shaking his head, Logan looks back at Smith with disappointment.

Logan Alexander: You see… this is the reason that I had issues with you back in Action Packed Wrestling. You walk around with this smug, self-satisfied air about you, absolutely convinced that you have done no wrong at any point since we first met in 2006. As much as you continue to deny it, you left me in a wheelchair for almost a year after your reckless move back in 2011. That on its own isn’t the reason I had a problem with you.

He glares coldly at Smith.

Logan Alexander: For all of your morals and values and the fact that you try to carry yourself as the ultimate good guy… you never once did anything to check if you’d actually caused any harm. You just grabbed your championship that night and celebrated the fact that you’d finally gotten a win over me by pinning someone else. And then while I was at home recovering, you still never bothered to find out my condition. Instead… you spent six months bragging that you’d chased me out of American Championship Wrestling.

A pause.

Logan Alexander: You… the ultimate paragon of virtue. And even now… you still carry on this farce.

He shakes his head.

Logan Alexander: I’ve had years to let all of this nonsense go. My wife helped me let go of that baggage. And it’ll be good for my daughter to not have me hanging on to that either. I know that there’s no reason for me to pursue it as any sort of grudge with you. It doesn’t fix anything. I won’t get that year and change I lost back by returning the favour. I’d suggest that you let go of your own baggage about that as well. And before you deny that you have any or that you’ve done anything wrong , don’t forget that you are the one who sought me out about this issue.

Smith stands in front of Logan for a few seconds, and teases a clenching of his gigantic fists...but suddenly, the tension slides down his arms, through his fingers, and out of his body with a quick, yet profound, chortle.

A.C. Smith: Nothing’s changed. You’re the same guy. You know nothing about baggage or how to handle it. I was raised by a single mother in New York City while my father rotted in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. I was a New York City cop through 9/11, and I was the guy who got the sharp ends of more knives and broken bottles than you can imagine. I’ve been run down by cars, had bones broken, and spent nights in hospitals in six of the seven continents on this planet.

A.C. Smith: And you know what I think gets you more than anything, Logan?

Smith resumes his full posture, looking down on his longtime rival.

A.C. Smith: That I’m happy. And that, even after all you’ve accomplished, all the titles you’ve won, all the Halls of Fame you’ve earned places in...you’re still triggered by five words on a piece of paper.

Suddenly, we hear two sets of footsteps walking closer and closer to the camera frame, and Smith’s face lights up again. One of the two men is short, stout, and has a rapidly-receding hairline. The other is tall, lean, and has grown a thin mustache since the wrestling world last saw him.

A.C. Smith: Logan, you of course remember my buddies Bobby and Stevie. You may remember them by another name…

Smith raises his arm, and the crowd inside the arena quickly chants, “AKA! AKA! AKA!,” symbolizing the Asskicker’s Anonymous partnership they used to form with their longtime best friend. Logan just regards them for a moment, before nodding cordially to them.

Logan Alexander: Gentlemen.

Bobby: Never!

Stevie: We’re older, but GENTLE? Perish the thought!

A.C. Smith: (after a laugh) Well, now, they’re simply uncles to the kid named after them. And unlike you, that kid’s got a reason to be immature, because he’s only six months old.

A.C. Smith: You and I always saw things differently. I suppose that isn’t going to change. I don’t hate you. I don’t dislike you. But you telling me I don’t know how to handle baggage...after being motivated to track me down on my way out the door by five words on a piece of paper? Kid, you’ve STILL got a lot to learn.

A.C., Bobby, and Stevie start to exit as a unit… until...

Logan Alexander: Let me stop you there Smith.

The trio halt.

Logan Alexander: The five words were annoying… because it had proven that you haven’t changed much, if at all. It’s the same play you had before... and I suppose you’re entitled to do whatever you want.

He steps away from the wall and moves towards the three of them.

Logan Alexander: No, what really bothered me, was you lying to my partner at Flashpoint two weeks ago. For someone that claims to know me, you don’t really understand how I conduct myself with the people I’m willing to work alongside in this business.

He comes to a stop in front of Smith, calm and unflinching.

Logan Alexander: The fact that you would try to undermine our team by claiming that I would stab her in the back is especially low for you. I never turned on Aubrey J. Parker in Action Packed Wrestling even though everyone tried their damnedest to convince me to. I never turned on Damon Cross in American Championship Wrestling. We’re still on good terms to this day. Evan and I have a unique relationship… but never have I turned on him to end any partnership we’ve formed.

He tilts his head to one side.

Logan Alexander: But… perhaps cutting down old rivals by trying to poison their friendships is how you plan to prove that ‘good guys can still win’. It’s a cute catchphrase I’ll admit… But you’re not exactly the ideal role model to carry it as a banner. It doesn’t set a good example for the little boy, does it? I suppose you think you are doing a good deed for Ashlyn. You have good intentions I suppose… and it’s not like they pave a path anywhere…

He shrugs and looks up at Smith.

Logan Alexander: But… maybe I’m wrong. I tend to be after all.

A.C. Smith: Stevie, do you still have that thing I asked you to bring along?

Stevie pulls a long sheet of paper out of his pocket and hands it over. Smith unfurls it, revealing a flyer advertising an AWA/Extreme Lucha Libre crossover show at the El Toreo Arena in 2008 with two names on the same side of the top of the marquee: A.C. Smith and Logan Alexander.

A.C. Smith: That bullfighting arena holds 40,000 people, and we sold the place out. Not against each other, but with each other. We’ve fought with and against each other all over the world, so I’ve got a pretty fair assessment of what your skills are.

A.C. Smith: Something you just said proved it, though. You went berserk for me simply having the nerve to say I liked her style and that she had potential. Know what she did? Absolutely nothing. She didn’t let me get in her head. Know what you just did? You tried to start stuff simply because you felt like it.

A.C. Smith: Kid...she’s better than you.

Logan smiles at that as Smith folds the flyer back up.

Logan Alexander: Yes. She is. I’ve known that for a long time. But… I did not start anything here. You expected I would react to your actions last week. Do you want me to believe that you didn’t? Of course not. I haven’t gone berserk yet either… You know what that is like after all. You just want to pretend that you are the hero and I’m in the wrong by coming to confront you about it. Always the victim aren’t you?

A.C. Smith: Believe what you want. You usually do anyway...and yes, I know what berserk is. It involves a phony back injury cured only by me stepping away from the business for four years.

Logan rolls his eyes at that.

Bobby: Ace, we’re gonna be late.

Stevie: Yeah, we gotta go. Sorry to bust up this wonderful little reunion, though, one that saw both of you come to a modest, reasonable understanding!

Both A.C. and Logan shoot Stevie a look, and Logan even chuckles briefly, as he flashes a cheesy grin and a thumbs-up sign.

A.C. Smith: Be well, Logan. And for the love of God, stop chasing ghosts.

Smith and his friends turn around and exit, leaving Logan to ponder what’s just happened. He then just shakes his head.

Logan Alexander: With happy heroes like him…

He turns and walks away.

[FGA Office]

A camera is with Ashley Sullivan as she sits atop a storage case in the backstage area. Holding an ice pack to the back of her neck, the newly returned star looks to be irritated with what happened in her earlier match with Brookford.  She looks up at the sound of approaching footsteps off camera, not appearing too excited by Amanda Johnson next to her with a microphone.

Amanda Johnson: Ashley, what happened earlier with Brookford….

Sullivan scoffs at the mention of the name of her earlier opponent, taking the ice pack away from her name.

Ashley Sullivan: Him having a name would be giving him way too much respect than he deserves.  He's nothing more than a mercenary that does other people's dirty work their hands are just too delicate for.  No honor from him, no respect for anything but whoever’s paying him at the moment. You gotta wonder just why he's even in this business to begin with if he can't even have enough pride in himself to do something to help his own progress. He believes in nothing, so he IS nothing.

Amanda Johnson: Given what we saw afterward, it was obvious that he was working for Tristan Ambrose.

Ashley Sullivan: Ambrose.  What kind of man pay someone else to do his fighting for him?  After all his talk a couple weeks ago that he deserved to be in the Gold Rush Rumble more than anyone, you would think he would be the type of guy to back up what he says.  Apparently not, he needs to hire a wrestling bounty hunter to do his job for him.  Pathetic.  With that way of doing things, he won’t last very long in the rumble at all.

That was when a throat clearing caused the two to look to the side as Brian Stryker walks into frame, his 15 championship over his shoulder.

Brian Stryker: Good to see you’re making friends already Ash. You need to remember one thing. This isn’t the same FGA you left three years ago. This isn’t the same mentality on Flashpoint as it is on Vertigo. No, here on Flashpoint, we all fight for our spots. We don’t walk in and expect our names to carry us. I’m sure you can respect that, so I’m gonna offer you this. Gold Rush isn’t the same as HKW. THIS isn’t the same as HKW. So don’t expect to repeat what you did there here. There’s a lot of hungry wrestlers who are gonna be gunning for you. Myself included.

Ashley almost laughs at the appearance of her old rival as she sits the ice pack down and looks up at him.

Ashley Sullivan: Please Stryker, give me more of that old man wisdom you have.

Hopping off of the storage case, Sullivan stands up to stand directly in front of Stryker, giving a look at the 15 championship belt on his shoulder.

Ashley Sullivan: Well this is a role reversal.  Last time when one of us was the newcomer and the other the champ, the tables were turned here.  You’re right about that though, Brian.  This isn’t like three years ago.  Or even two years when we tried to kill each other.  Or even one when I won another rumble.  I’m not the same person I was back then… I’m better.  Every year that’s gone by, I’ve gotten better at this.  Where you used to be the vet that knew it all while I was still bit wet behind the ears, that gap’s slowly narrowing and there goes your one bit of an advantage with it.  So don’t go telling me what I should and shouldn’t expect coming back here.  I knew full well what I was getting into when I signed with Flashpoint.  Look at what you have over on Vertigo.  You’ve said yourself that you’re done playing that game there.  I came here because I want to face the best in that ring, not play some Game of Thrones BS in the back here.

Brian smirks to himself as he rubs his chin.

Brian Stryker: Then all I can do is wish you luck. I don’t need it since here on Flashpoint, I make my own. That gap you think is between us, it’s much wider than you think. I’m not some tired vet trying to get to the top like in HKW. I’m much higher up on the food chain here. But you’ll just have to see for yourself at the rumble. Best of luck to you.

He pats her shoulder as he steps back outta frame.  Ashley looks at her shoulder with a look of disgust before turning to Amanda.

Ashley Sullivan: Great. Now I need to get this arm disinfected before my skin gets all wrinkly.

She reaches over to grab a wipe and starts rubbing at her shoulder as the camera fades out.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Tristan Ambrose vs. Terrence Tillman

As the beginning horn sound that starts “Forever” blasts through the arena, Terrence Tillman runs out to the stage. Running back and forth shouting and waving his arms in the air motioning for the fans to get on their feet. He stops in the center and stretches his arms out to either side shouting “It’s Time” at the top of his lungs. Tillman starts his march to the ring with a smile on his face, slapping hands of the kids in the audience letting out an occasional “Wooo!” or “Yeah baby!”

Melanie Sierra: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Orlando, Florida! Weighing in at 230 pounds! He is “Terrific” TEEEERREEEENCE TIIIILLLMAAAAN!!!

Tillman rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and runs to each corner pointing to the fans, clapping his hands, and feeding off the crowd reaction.

Geoff Penzer: Terrence Tillman hasn’t been having a lot of success as of late. He’s looking to bounce back here tonight and get back to the level he was at a few months ago, when he was a two-time FGA 15 Champion.

The riff from Terror Metal's "Dead and Gone" blare out through the speakers as the lights change to gold and white. Out from behind the curtain comes Alexander Cappotelli, closely followed by Tristan Ambrose, After a moment, they both start making their way to the ring.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Seattle, Washington! Weighing in at 225 pounds… TRIIIISSSTAAAAN AAAAAMBROOOOSSSE!!!

Tristan hops up on the apron, before ascending the rope and putting his arms out. Hopping down, he makes his way to the center rope, raising his arm, fist out. Unzipping the top vest, he tosses it to Alexander, as he starts pulling on the ropes waiting for either the opening bell, or his opponent to make his entrance.

Geoff Penzer: Tristan Ambrose finally makes his FGA in-ring debut. But he’s already made his mark outside the ring by paying off Brookford to put a beating on Ashley Sullivan! What kind of competitor does that!? What kind of man does that!? If he’s got an issue with her, then he should take them up with her himself, not pay off someone to do his dirty work for him! The nerve of him!

The bell sounds as Ambrose and Tillman start things off with a lock up. After jockeying for position, Ambrose places Tillman in a side headlock. He then goes to bring him down to the mat with a side headlock takeover. But Tillman blocks the move. He then pulls Ambrose back up to his feet and goes for a belly to back suplex. But Ambrose is able to roll over his shoulder and land on his feet. When Tillman turns around, Ambrose throws out a roundhouse kick. But Tillman swats it away before clocking Ambrose with a roundhouse kick of his own! He then takes Ambrose and whips him into the ropes. When Ambrose returns, Tillman throws him down with an arm drag. Ambrose gets back up, only to get thrown back down by another arm drag. As Ambrose gets back to his feet, Tillman rushes over and brings him down with a springboard arm drag! The cheers continue as Tillman heads over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
Ambrose kicks out.

Tillman sits up Ambrose and applies an armbar. The ref heads over and asks Ambrose if he wants to give up. But Ambrose refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Ambrose takes his free arm and moves Tillman into the ropes. He then shoves Triple T off into the far ropes. When Tillman returns, the crowd boos when Ambrose knocks him down with a standing shoulder block. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Ambrose returns, Tillman kips up and leapfrogs over him. Ambrose then runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Tillman (without turning around) leapfrogs over him again. Ambrose continues to run the ropes. When Ambrose returns, the crowd cheers when Tillman knocks him down with a dropsault! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Ambrose kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: This hasn’t been a hot start of Ambrose.

Tillman brings Ambrose back to his feet and applies an arm wrench. He then yanks the arm before delivering another arm wrench. Tillman then hits Ambrose with three clubbing strikes across the arm before delivering one more arm wrench. The ref asks Ambrose if he wants to give up. Ambrose shakes his head ‘no’. He then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and rakes Tillman across the eyes. The boos continue as he takes Tillman and whips him into the corner. Ambrose rushes over to attack when Tillman catches him with a back elbow to the face. Triple T then turns away from Ambrose and goes for the DDTripleT (springboard moonsault into an inverted sitout DDT). But as soon as Tillman lands on the middle ropes, Ambrose reaches forward, grabs him by the ankles and yanks him off. The crowd boos when Tillman smacks face-first into the top turnbuckle. Ambrose then turns Tillman around and sends him slumping down with a flurry of punches to the face. He then shifts to delivering mudhole stomps to the chest. After pulling Tillman back up in the corner, Ambrose sends him hard into the opposite corner with an irish whip. As Tillman staggers from out of the corner, Ambrose knocks him down with a Pop-up European Uppercut. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tillman kicks out.

Ambrose picks up Tillman and applies an arm wrench. He then wrenches the arm in the opposite direction before delivering another regular arm wrench. Ambrose then repeatedly tries to rip the arm from out of its socket, causing Tillman to drop down to a knee. The ref asks Tillman if he wants to give up. But Triple T refuses. He then rolls forward, turns over onto his knee and brings Ambrose to the mat with a single leg takedown. Tillman then takes the leg and goes to apply a figure four. But Ambrose reaches up and reverses into a modified small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
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Tillman kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Ambrose nearly had him!

After both grapplers return to their feet, they run at each other. Ambrose throws out a clothesline. But Tillman ducks as both grapplers run into opposite sets of ropes. When they return, Tillman throws out a running clothesline. This time, it’s Ambrose that ducks before they head into opposite steps of ropes. When they come back, Ambrose goes for a crossbody block. But Tillman slides underneath it, causing Ambrose to catch nothing but air. After rolling across the ring, Ambrose returns to his feet. Tillman rushes over and plants him with a springboard Tornado DDT! The crowd cheers as Ambrose bounces off the mat before rolling to the outside. Ambrose rests his arm up on the apron while he tries to shake out the cobwebs. When Ambrose turns to face the ring, he gets flattened by a baseball slide from Triple T!

Geoff Penzer: You’ve got to beware of your surroundings at all times!

Tillman slips to the outside, picks up Ambrose and slams him face-first onto the apron. He then shoves Ambrose back inside. Tillman climbs up onto the apron and waves his arms up and down to hype up the crowd. The T-Unit take their cue from their leader and begin to cheer him on. Tillman then steps halfway through the ropes when Ambrose darts over, places him in a Clinch and delivers multiple knees to the face. The last of which send Tillman crumbling back into the ring. The boos continue as Ambrose stomps away on Tillman.

Geoff Penzer: Tillman took his eye off the ball there. Those extra few seconds allowed Ambrose to recover and now he’s on the receiving end of an attack.

Ambrose picks up Tillman, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then steps back and applies a foot choke. The crowd boos Ambrose while the ref gives him until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Ambrose breaks the choke and follows up with a punch to the midsection that doubles Tillman over. He then hooks Tillman before throwing him out of the corner with a T-Bone Suplex! Ambrose crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tillman gets his shoulder up.

Ambrose picks up Tillman and whips him into the ropes. When Tillman returns, Ambrose runs forward and nails him with a knee to the midsection. After Tillman drops down to his knees, Ambrose heads over, grabs him around the waist and yanks him up. The crowd boos when Ambrose plants him with a gutwrench piledriver! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Tillman gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Some good power and technique of display there from Ambrose.

Ambrose picks up Tillman and whips him into the ropes. When he comes back, Ambrose brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
TH-NO!

Tillman gets his shoulder up.

Ambrose sits up Tillman and applies a rear chinlock. The ref gets down and asks Tillman if he wants to give up. Tillman responds by wagging his finger at him. The T-Unit begins to rally behind their man. Tillman then begins to feed off the energy of the crowd while he shakes his arm. He then slowly turns over onto his knee. Ambrose shakes his head in disbelief as Tillman slowly rises to a vertical base. He’s then caught with four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. Tillman then runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he sees Ambrose running past him. So he slams on the brakes. When Tillman turns around, he tries to catch Ambrose off guard with a kick to the midsection. But Ambrose is ready and catches his foot. The crowd boos Ambrose while he taunts Tillman. But the boos quickly turn to cheers when Tillman counters with a dragonwhip kick, knocking Ambrose down! After Ambrose turns over and gets up on a knee, Tillman rushes over and connects with a Shining Black, knocking him down! He makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Tillman caught Ambrose with a boot right to the face! But it only gets a count of two!

Tillman picks up Ambrose and goes for an irish whip. But Ambrose reverses, sending Tillman into the ropes. When Tillman returns, Ambrose stes up for a back body drop. But Tillman hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Ambrose stands up and turns around, Tillman knocks him down with the Chin Checka (Savate Kick)! The cheers continue as he drops down and makes the cover.

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

Ambrose gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Another nearfall for Triple T!

Tillman picks up Ambrose, wrenches his arm and doubles him over with a kick to the midsection. He then turns and heads into the ropes. When Triple T returns, he throws out the Terrific Kick (scissors kick). But Ambrose slips out of the way. He then grabs Tillman from behind and heaves him over his head for a German Suplex. But Tillman rotates in the air and lands on his feet! When Ambrose gets back to his feet, Tillman clocks him with a discus elbow smash! While Ambrose is dazed, Tillman runs to the near ropes, springboards onto the middle ropes, flips back and brings Ambrose down with the DDTripleT! Cheers and applause come from the crowd while he makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Ambrose gets his shoulder up!

Geoff Penzer: I thought Tillman had him after that one!

Tillman picks up Ambrose and whips him into the corner. The crowd cheers when he runs, leaps from near the center of the ring and connects with a corner splash! He then takes Ambrose and sends him into the opposite corner with another irish whip. Tillman then runs, jumps and goes for another corner splash. This time, Ambrose steps to the side, catches Tilman on the way down and counters with a reverse STO into the top turnbuckle! The boos continue as Ambrose lifts up Tillman, runs across the ring and delivers a turnbuckle powerbomb! As Tillman staggers away from the corner, Ambrose lifts him up and delivers the ドームズデー (Pumphandle Neckbreaker)! Tillman rolls over after bouncing off of Ambrose’s knee. Ambrose then marches into the corner and presses his back against the turnbuckles. As a dazed Tillman tries to get back up, Ambrose rushes from out of the corner, leaps up and drives him down with The Cure (Curb Stomp)! The boos continue as Ambrose pushes Tillman over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Dead and Gone” hits the speakers.

Melanie Sierra: Here is your winner, TRISTAN AMBROSE!

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

Geoff Penzer: Tristan Ambrose gets the win in his FGA in-ring debut. Tillman battled him hard. But Ambrose was just a bit better.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★