Flashpoint (04.07.18)

[FGA Office]

[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 Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. 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 ★★★
James Edwards vs. NEON

The match starts with NEON trying to jump Edwards from behind. But Edwards is on top of things and hits NEON with an array of strikes. An irish whip is reversed, sending The Burning Heart into the ropes. When he returns, he knocks NEON down with the Pole Shift (rebound wheel kick) for a count of two!

Edwards brings the match into the corner and lights up NEON’s chest with knife edge chops. After a hard irish whip across the ring, NEON stumbles out of the corner. Edwards doubles her over with a boot to the midsection before throwing her down with a butterfly suplex for a count of two.

In minute three, an irish whip sends NEON into the ropes. When she returns, Edwards goes for a back body drop. But NEON slips down from behind and delivers a back rake. She then turns Edwards around, rakes his eyes and applies a guillotine choke. While NEON tries to get the hold locked on, Edwards moves her across the ring and against the ropes. He then grabs the middle rope to force a rope break. The Queen of Mean reluctantly breaks at the count of four before hitting Edwards with jumping knees to the midsection. She then tosses him through the ropes and to the floor.

After stepping out onto the apron, NEON runs along the apron, jumps off, grabs onto Edwards and plants him with a DDT! She brings Edwards back inside and makes the cover. But Edwards gets his shoulder up at two. After sending Edwards into the ropes, NEON knocks him down with a wheel kick of her own for a two count! A swinging neckbreaker also gets a two count!

As the match continues in minute six, NEON applies a rear chinlock. The ref asks Edwards if he wants to give up. But The Burning Heart refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, he doubles NEON over with multiple elbows to the midsection. He then runs into the ropes. When he returns, NEON bashes him with a discus elbow. She then steps back before throwing out a big boot to the face that turns Edwards away from her. She then follows up with another discus elbow. This time, to the back of the neck! While Edwards is doubled over, NEON heads into the ropes, comes back and knocks him down with the Lights Out (running scissors kick)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Edwards gets his shoulder up.

NEON drags Edwards over to the side of the ring. After choking him across the middle rope, NEON takes off into the far ropes. When she returns, she throws out Ne To Your Face (running bicycle knee to opponent on middle ropes). But Edwards slips out of the way, leaps to his feet, quickly grabs NEON from behind and throws her down with the Half Cut (half nelson suplex)!

After both grapplers return to their feet, NEON charges at Edwards. But Edwards throws her down with a Harai goshi, then a Seoi Nage! NEON is then caught with alternating slaps to the head and body before getting caught with the Double Tap (consecutive spinning backfists). After a knee thrust doubles her over, Edwards lifts her up and plants her with the Foxfire (fisherman buster)! Edwards pulls NEON up by the hair into a seated position before taking off into the ropes. When he returns, he blasts NEON in the face with the Violent Gospel (Running PK)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

James Edwards O || Violent Gospel (10:08) || NEON X

[FGA Office]

Backstage we see Qiang Chen and Chris Constantine, Qiang’s manager, in the Dogs Of War dressing room. Qiang’s getting ready for his match as his wrestling gear is already on. Only thing left for him to do is wrap his wrist up in tape. While Qiang is sitting in a chair, Chris hovers over Qiang and speaks to him in what little Mandarin he knows. Just then the door is knocked on and a stagehand with a headset makes his way in. Both Chris and Qiang look at the stage hand, wondering why he’s there, as he slowly makes his way over to them. Holding a gift box in hand the stage hand makes his way over to Qiang and extends the gift towards him.

Stage Hand: I have a gift for Mr. Chen, Mr. Constantine. It’s from Peaches and Dan Herrera. Said something about getting Chen that drink that Dan owes him from last week.

Chris Constantine: Ah! Must be a new bottle of Maitai. Remember when you smashed that bottle on Dan’s head last show?

Chris pats Qiang on his shoulder and motions to him the bottle to the head. Qiang smiles and laughs as he slaps his knee before taking the gift bag and starts to open it up. The smile and laughter soon turns to a confused expression on Qiang’s face as it’s not the bottle of Maitai he was expecting. Instead it’s a twelve pack of Natie Light. Not pleased by the site of beer, Qiang looks over at Chris and starts to say something in Mandarin.

Chris Constantine: I don’t know why she gave you that beer. It’s nothing but watered down beer.

Chris picks up the twelve pack and is even more disgusted as he addresses Qiang.

Chris Constantine: It’s not even cold! It’s warm beer! Who the hell gives someone warm beer as a gift!

Not pleased, Qiang quickly stands up, takes the twelve pack of beer, and throws it against the wall. Frustrated, Qiang leaves the room leaving Chris by himself and the mess caused by the beer.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The lights dim as the sound of a guitar plays throughout the arena. Red lasers soon begin to shoot out from the stage. Once their attention has been captured, the crowd turns to the entryway to prepare for the man that's about to walk out. At the 25 second mark, “Animal Ghosts” bursts through the speakers. Chandler Scott pushes through the curtain to a loud ovation from the crowd. Chandler makes his way down to the ring. But absent is his trademark smirk. Instead, a cold look is on the face of the FGAce. Chandler leaps onto the apron and enters through the ropes. He immediately calls for a mic. After Melanie Sierra is kind enough to hand him a mic, he paces back and forth. Chandler continues to collect his thoughts. As his music dies down, the rabid fans continue to roar with cheers for Chandler. But he doesn't play to them. Instead, he raises the mic to his lips and speaks while continuing to pass back and forth.

Chandler Scott: I don't think that words can describe just how pissed off I am right now…

Chandler uses his free hand to run his hands through his hair.

Chandler Scott: Four weeks ago, right here on Flashpoint, I had a chance. A chance to advance to a Unification Match at Only the Strong Survive against Johnny Karma. All I had to do was beat Evan Envi. Not only did I have Envi pinned in the middle of this ring, one-two-three, but I also had him tapping out on the mat. But what happens? That maggot Ricky Valero comes out of nowhere, knocks me out cold with a steel chair shot to the head, allowing Envi to beat me.

The crowd roars with boos for both Envi and his new best friend.

Chandler Scott: Two weeks later, Hadley Herrera tries to do the right thing. She acknowledges the garbage from the previous show and gives me another opportunity. Except this time, I don't get a rematch with Envi. Instead, I get Johnny Karma. The Undisputed Champion. The man who, whether I like it or not, has had my number. Regardless of what I think of Envi, wrestling him is a tough task. Wrestling Karma is an even tougher task. Because it's not just about the physical when I step in there with him. It's not just about the run he's been on for these last several months. It's about the mental. It's about me thinking of the last three times that he got the better of me. It's about me doubting myself and my abilities against this current version of Johnny Karma. But despite all of that, I went into that ring an I gave it my all. I gave Johnny Karma my best fight that day... and I had him beat.

The crowd cheers and claps for this statement.

Chandler Scott: The fans two weeks ago in Memphis know it. The fans here tonight in Southaven know it. The fans all around the globe that watch Flashpoint know it. But most important of all, Karma knows it. He knows that I had him laid out in the middle of this very ring, one-two-three. So why am I not inserted into that championship match at Only the Strong Survive? Because that piece of trash Evan Envi, who had no business being at ringside, decided to stick his nose in my business and distracted the referee. Which of course allowed for his errand boy Valero to lay my out from behind, again and cost me a match.

Another roar of boos for the BFFs

Chandler Scott: Which brings me to tonight. A show where the man that has had both the Undisputed Champion and his top contender beat in the past two shows is nowhere on the card. Yet the man that has screwed me over two shows in a row... the man that has ruined two main events in a row gets rewarded with a main event spot here tonight. I think I speak for everyone here tonight when I say that's BS!

Yet another roar of boos for the Phony Franchise, Ricky Valero

Chandler Scott: Now I don't know what our GM is thinking. Or maybe she isn't thinking. But I do know this. Valero? There is going to come a time when your worst fear once again comes true. And that's you and I coming face to face. It's bad news for you because when you and I are face to face outside this ring, you run in the opposite direction. When you and I come face to face in this ring, you run for the nearest exit. When that bell sounds and you're standing opposite of me, I outwork you. I outsmart you. I outwrestle you. And that's not hyperbole. That's not me talking trash. That's well documented fact and all you have to do is put your login information to AxxessNet, type our names in the little search bar and see for yourself. But that's right. I forgot, Rick. I forgot. You're a 'what have you done for me lately' guy, right? You're a 'live in the present' guy, right? So what exactly have you done lately besides jump whenever Evan Envi tells you to?

A loud “ooooooooh” comes from the crowd.

Chandler Scott: What have you done besides answer his every beck and call? You're out here bending over backwards to make sure that Evan Envi succeeds. You're out here making sure that he gets ahead. But you've yet to accomplish anything for your damn self... except put a target on your back. Listen to me, Rick and listen to me good. Because I'm through warning you. I doesn't have to be tonight. It may not be tomorrow. The next day. The week week. Or even the next month. But I'm going to get my hands on you, Valero. And when I do? I am going to kick your ass.

Chandler stares straight into the camera while the crowd roars with cheers. There’s no taunting. No smirking. Just a guarantee to inflict harm.

Chandler Scott: And then when I'm done with you? I'm going to turn my attention to Envi. Oh, don't think I haven't forgotten about you, either, because you're just as guilty as your suck boy, if not more so. You continue to troll me, like you don't know any better. You continue to poke and prod, as if nothing will ever come of it. You chose your actions, Envi.

Chandler wags his finger.

Chandler Scott: You don't get to choose the consequences. So keep thinking that this is funny. Keep thinking that this is all fun and games. Keep laughing at my expense. It won't be funny when these fists repeatedly connect with your face. It won't be funny when these hands wring that neck of yours. It won't be funny when these arms lift you up and repeatedly drop you on your head. Because that's that's going to happen to you once I get done with Valero. That's what will happen if you ever find yourself in my presence ever again. You don't have any respect for these fans! You don't have any respect for this company! You don't have any respect for that Undisputed championship! You don't have any respect for this business! You probably don't even respect your damn self! But don't you worry. I'm not coming to beat respect into you. Far from it. I'm coming to beat the ever living sh*t out of you.

A roar of cheers and applause follow that last line. Again, no smirking. No taunting. Just Chandler staring daggers into the camera.

Chandler Scott: And then when I'm done with you, I'm turning my attention to our Undisputed Champion. Because I hope and pray that you make it out of Only the Strong Survive in one piece. I hope you make it out of Orlando still the champion. I sincerely do. Because nothing would be better than being the man that takes that title off of you.

The crowd cheers as the thought of another Karma-Scott showdown.

Chandler Scott: You and I are far from over. We still have unfinished business. And next time? There won't be any distractions. There won't be any outside interference. It'll just be the referee...seeing me...beating you, one-two-three.

The cheers continue.

Chandler Scott: But that's down the road. Let's talk about Only the Strong Survive and the Gold Rush Rumble.

The crowd applauds for one of FGA’s signature events.

Chandler Scott: I've heard a lot of people from both shows talk about how they're going to do this and how they're going to do that. It doesn't matter what number they draw. They're going to be the last one standing. They're going to cause mayhem. They're going to be FGA's greatest success. Blah blah blah blah blah...

Chandler looks around and shakes his head.

Chandler Scott: As far as I'm concerned? the 15 participants from Vertigo and the 14 other participants on Flashpoint have until April 28 to get their sh*t together. Because in three weeks in Orlando, Florida? Ever head will bow and every tongue will confess that Chandler Scott... was the strongest to survive!

With that, the crowd roars with cheers one last time for the DNA of FGA. “Animal Ghosts” pumps through the speakers when he tosses the mic over his shoulder and exits the ring. Chandler makes his way up the ramp, stops and looks upwards. The camera pans to see the All-Star Showdown VII banner.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

A shot of the outside of the arena, as Geoff does the voiceover.

Geoff Penzer: A beautiful shot of the lovely Southaven, Mississippi, but here, surprisingly, some words from one of the newest superstars here on Flashpoint, Tristan Ambrose.

The shot fades back to the backstage area where Tristan Ambrose is sitting in there with his brand new shirt, looking around at the area. He seems to be admiring the graphics, the set, everything really, he was taking it all in. For the first time, he really... really looked around..

Tristan Ambrose: At our last pay per view.. I brought up a word.. Why? And again after last week, once again the word keeps coming up. Why did you pay Brookford to attack Ashley? Why are you against her? And the truth is, I’m not. I.. am against everyone.
Everyone who stands in my path.. Is my enemy. And later tonight, I am going to show the world why I am one of the best damn wrestlers to come out of the last ten years. And NOTHING.. Nothing is going to stop me on my path to winning the rumble.. Least of all, someone who thinks they are just gonna walk in on a red carpet and take something that they don’t deserve..

Out of the corner of his eye, a three hooded figures appear behind him. Tristan however, is all smiles, because he knows, he’s not alone. Not tonight, not any night,

Tristan Ambrose: These people behind me.. They are going to show you, soon enough, where this road of disrespect will lead you. Because we are here.. FGA isn’t safe.. Flashpoint.. Sure isn’t safe. You won’t know when, you won’t know how, and most importantly.. You won’t know who, but sooner or later.. The Resistance is going to eradicate the disrespectful, despicable actions, of not just Ashley, but everyone who steps inside the ring with me.. Because I.. am the answer, and these men, they follow me not into the lion’s den for all of you to cheer as they get swallowed up by the system no..

Looking back at people behind him, he takes his hand, he moved it from each of the other’s hoods, before placing his hand on the smaller one’s hood, but not pulling it off.

Tristan Ambrose: Soon, you will come to know the faces of The Resistance.. But for now.. Just worry about me, THE future winner, of the Gold Rush Rumble, Tristan Ambrose.

Tristan just smiles as he looks back at the others, as the camera fades to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
A.C. Smith vs. Uziah Jue

Jue charges at Smith to start off the match. But Smith throws him down with a quick powerslam. An irish whip then sends Jue into the ropes. When he returns, Smith delivers a hard spinebuster. The Big Apple Asskicker then lifts Jue up before dropping him with a gorilla press slam. After running the ropes, Smith delivers a big splash across the back. He pulls Smith over and makes the cover and gets the ONE, TWO, THREE!

A.C. Smith O || Big Apple Asskicker (0:57) || Uziah Jue X

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage, to where Dan Herrera is just warming up in the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad locker room. Ready dressed in his ring attire ahead of his match against Liam Richardson III later tonight, and with a plaster on his forehead after the attack on the last show, Dan is unexpectedly without his partner and wife, Peaches.

Peaches: You decent?

That is, until she calls out from the hallway. The door opens before Dan has chance to respond, and Peaches creeps in, also dressed in her ring attire.

Dan Herrera: Thought you weren’t going to make it. Where have you been?

Peaches: Y’know, around…

She shrugs her shoulders, trying to hide the smile on her face. But her mood turns when she sees the plaster on her husband’s forehead.

Dan Herrera: You’re just in time. Your match against Qiang Chen is soon.

Peaches: I know.

Dan Herrera: And I know you’re mad about what happened last time, but you’re going to channel that anger. Last thing we need right now is another loss at the hands of the Dogs of War.

Peaches: That ain’t gonna happen tonight, I promise.

There’s a moment of silence as Dan looks at his wife. The concern in her eyes is plain to see as she keeps glancing up at that plaster. A constant reminder of the backstage brawl two weeks ago.

Peaches: Qiang ain’t gonna know what hit him, an’ Liam’s got a nasty surprise in store for him when your match rolls ‘round.

Dan Herrera: That’s the plan. Just try not to think about what happened last time we met; it’s a new day, it’s a new show, and we know they’re resourceful. Crafty, whatever you want to call it. And we know they’ll cheat and interfere – that’s why they won at Grapple Kingdom, that’s why Mark Storm is the 15 Champion right now.

Peaches: You’ll be at ringside though, an’ I’ll be there for you. They ain’t getting by us tonight.

Pause.

Dan Herrera: I hope not. We will find a way to counter the numbers game.

Peaches: An’ if they send one more of us to the hospital? We’ll send one of ’em to the…well not the morgue, but y’know.

Dan Herrera: I do. Now let’s go do this.

He says, holding Peaches’ face with both hand before giving her a big kiss on the lips. The pair walk away, out of the locker room as Flashpoint cuts to commercial.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome, at this time, the number-one contender to the FGA Undisputed Championship…

Boos begin to fill the arena before the name even comes out of Melanie’s mouth.

Melanie Sierra: …The Chief… EVAAAANNNN ENVIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

“Can You Feel It?” hits the PA system and an overwhelming, negative reaction surges throughout the arena as Evan Envi makes his way out from the back without hesitation. He’s dressed in a navy suit as opposed to the typical #47 attire. He gives what appears to be a clearly forced smile to Southaven, raising his signature double “V”s into the air.

Geoff Penzer: Wonder if this is the reaction he was expecting. Shockingly, probably not.

Evan only lowers his hands once he climbs the steel steps and walks across the apron. Envi accepts a microphone from Melanie Sierra as he enters the ring and she exits. He turns, first toward the hard camera, then sways his head in the direction of the rest of the audience, one side at a time as thunderous boos begin to rain down from the masses. Envi calmly crosses his arms, rolling his eyes a bit as chants begin to fill the Landers Center.

”EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

Evan raises a finger in the air as a small smirk crosses his mouth.

Evan Envi: Apparently not!

Evan points to the Tron, which displays the graphic for Only the Strong Survive, showing Envi and Karma positioned on opposite sides of the FGA Undisputed Championship. While some pop at the confirmation of the rematch, most of the audience continues to boo, remembering how Evan secured the one-on-one match. Envi raises a brow in faux-surprise at the reaction before shrugging slightly, lowering his arm.

Evan Envi: See-- this is why it gets harder and harder to take you people seriously. Johnny Karma and I had you guys at the edges of your seats at Grapple Kingdom 2. Every move we made from the kicks we were throwing in the ring, to the breaths we were taking, trying to pull ourselves back to our feet-- we had you. And it might not have ended the way it should have ended, but we had you. And now… now you wanna boo a half of the equation?

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Evan shakes his head, throwing his hands up in frustration as the boos continue to rain down.

Evan Envi: Wha— what? I thought this was what you people wanted. The Chief, staking his claim for the Undisputed Championship one more time without interruption! Without people like— like Chandler Scott mucking the whole thing up, ruining what SHOULD be a classic. I mean, what happened? You guys were mad supportive when I won the Frontier Lion’s Cup! Week after week, you were chanting my name, but now that I’m this close— THIS CLOSE— to being the guy, you turn your nose up at me?

Envi shakes his head at the booing masses, clenching his jaw in anger.

Evan Envi: What, because I come out here and do business with my best friend, the amazing Ricky Valero— now you look down on me? What happened? We had a good thing going. We…

”YOU SUCK!”

”YOU SUCK!”

”YOU SUCK!”

”YOU SUCK!”

Geoff Penzer: This crowd is all over the Chief tonight. And rightfully so, perhaps.

Chants of ”JOHNNY KARMA!” echo in the background as Envi paces a bit, rubbing his jaw as the audience remains at a fever pitch all around him. He closes his eyes in the center of the ring, taking a deep breath before raising the microphone to his lips.

Evan Envi: I’m trying to make amends with all of y…

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Envi glares out into the masses.

Evan Envi: So is that how it is?! Now that I’m successful— now that Evan Envi is one win away from being THE guy— now I’m not relatable anymore? You guys liked it when the Chief was the underdog. You guys liked it when the Chief was number forty-seven in the inaugural draft pick, but now that I am the number-one contender— the only number-one contender to the Undisputed Championship, NOW it’s a problem. NOW I suck? No. I DON’T suck. YOU ALL SU…

The Chief stops himself, squeezing his eyes shut as the audience hurls multiple chants at him, unable to decide. Envi’s face is red, but after a few moments, he taps his temple with an index finger, laughing to himself.

Evan Envi: You’re not gonna get me.

Envi shakes his head and moves to the ropes, leaning against them as he looks out into the camera-side of the audience.

Evan Envi: I barely you had people on my side for the past eleven years of this ride and when I go to Only the Strong Survive and I beat Johnny Karma to win my first ever World Championship, I don’t want anyone from the TRASH state of TRASH Mississippi in the arena. I don’t wanna see a single TRASH Mississippi license plate in the parking garage.

The boos that rain down on Envi are deafening, but he shrugs.

Evan Envi: This is literally the worst place in the country and I hate the fact that I’m contractually obligated to be here, because I legitimately hate it. I begged for us to say something happened, and we had to relocate. I begged for us to not waste our talents on YOU. But I’m here. And that sucks.

Deafening, but clear chants of ”F*** YOU ENVI!” rain down on the Chief, who looks uncharacteristically unbothered by it, sneering at a few individuals in the audience before turning back to the hard camera, speaking quietly despite the riled-up audience.

Evan Envi: You know what else sucks?

Envi shakes his head and paces a bit, rubbing at his eyes.

Evan Envi: It sucks that Johnny Karma has so many fans all over the world because— I don’t enjoy disappointing people. I don’t enjoy looking at the replays and seeing that look in the eyes of the audience because their favorite wrestler just got beat beyond recognition in the middle of the ring. I don’t care about you, Mississippi, but I do care about the rest of the world and it’s gonna hurt, looking out into the crowd and seeing distraught women, hurt children— grown men crying— when whatever is left of Johnny Karma pulls himself off the mat, no longer the standard bearer of our company.

Envi smirks a bit, looking down in thought before chuckling to himself.

Evan Envi: Pride might get him. He might push through the pain, get himself up, snatch that Undisputed Title out of the ref’s hands… and turn to hand it to me. And I…

Envi reaches out, as if prepared to accept the title.

Evan Envi: ...and I’ll snatch my hand back, tell him to wipe his blood off of it and to put it around my waist. And that—

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

He smiles slightly at the reaction but shrugs once again, almost making a point of it.

Evan Envi: And that sucks for everybody that didn’t come along on this eleven-year ride with me. That sucks for Chandler Scott. That sucks for Cherry Baum. That sucks for A.C. Smith. For Neon. For Noelle. For everybody that ABANDONED Evan Envi. That sucks for ALL OF YOU, because the only person I’m bringing to the top with me is my BEST… FRIEND…

Right on cue, the opening bass to “Amazing” by Kanye West hits over the P.A. system, once again sending the FGA fans into a frenzy. Ricky emerges moments later, only fueling the crowd’s rage as he strolls toward the ring with an sheepish grin stretching from ear to ear.

Geoff Penzer: And here comes the Harley Quinn to Envi’s Joker...ugh, Ricky Valero.

”RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

“RICKY SUCKS!”

Ricky stomps his way up the steel steps, tiptoeing across the ring apron before spinning toward the main camera with a smirk as he bounces his back against the ropes. He blows a kiss to some impassioned fans in the front row before turning and slipping underneath the top rope and into the ring. He circles the ring, seizing the opportunity to enrage the capacity Landers Arena crowd for a moment longer before embracing with Evan in a massive hug that somehow, someway twists the knife in every single one of their haters’ backs just a little bit more.

Geoff Penzer: Good grief. Nothing going on in FGA is more vomit inducing than the so-called ‘friendship’ between these two!

Ricky retrieves a microphone from a ringside crew member, but before he can even bring it to his lips…

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The jeers are deafening, causing Envi to briefly plug his ears with a frown. But, not to anyone’s surprise, Ricky’s basking in it.

Ricky Valero: It’s sad…

He sucks his teeth and shakes his head in disappointment.

Ricky Valero: It’s sad that every single one of you lead such a miserable life full of anger and hate and envy..heh..that you would treat two of the greatest men to ever step foot inside a wrestling ring with such disrespect and utter contempt. It’s sad that every single one of you are so blinded by the same old perpetual garbage here in FGA, that you fail to recognize two icons literally standing before you. Yet here we are! God’s gift to the squared circle, me…

He says with a wink.

Ricky Valero: And THE GUY here in FGA, the number one contender set to take on and beat Johnny Karma at Only the Strong Survive, the next FGA Undisputed Champion, he is one of the Good Guys...EVAN ENVI!

Ricky motions toward Evan with underhanded point before the two connect with a pretty sweet high five. The fans, however, are less than thrilled, raining down with a chorus of boos.

Ricky Valero: And you see, that’s what I’m talking about right there. Disrespect. For what? Because we say the things you don’t want to hear? Because we speak the truth? Or is it because we don’t bow down and suck the power teet like Johnny Karma? Or because we don’t pander to all of you toothless ingrates while pretending to be a good guy out here just doing it for the love of the game like Chandler Scott?

Ricky scoffs.

Ricky Valero: My best friend Evan here is right...you people do suck! You should be ashamed of yourselves for rooting for a person like Chandler Scott, a so-called hero who could not be further from it. You all root for him like he’s some sort of man of the people, yet the guy has no friends. ZERO. And why would he? Have you seen his Twitter page lately? The profanity. The hollow threats. The bold-faced lies about my best friend Evan and me. Who could ever want to be a friends with a guy like that? And then, to top it off, after already failing to EARN an opportunity to face Johnny Karma for the FGA Undisputed Championship at Only the Strong Survive ONCE, he strong armed his way into another undeserved opportunity two weeks ago. Thankfully, in typical Chandler fashion, he squandered the opportunity...again.

Ricky mockingly wipes his forehead and lets out a sigh of relief.

Ricky Valero: His priority is Chandler Scott and only Chandler Scott. He doesn’t care about you. He doesn’t care about anybody. And that’s why he doesn’t deserve to face Johnny Karma at Only the Strong Survive. He doesn’t deserve another shot at the FGA Undisputed Championship no matter how bad Hadley Herrera wants to give it to him.

A sly grin creeps across Ricky’s face while Envi applauds loudly, microphone tucked under his arm.

Ricky Valero: What Chandler Scott did deserve, however, was to be dropped flat on his head from that Franchise Tag I nailed him with at Flashpoint two weeks ago. Chandler Scott isn’t a hero. He’s a fraud and a bully, and he got exactly what has been coming to him for a long, long time.

Valero rolls his eyes, instead now turning his attention to his best friend with a huge smile. Envi returns the gaze, a broad grin spreading across his face as he says something to Ricky that can’t quite be picked up at ringside.

Ricky Valero: This man...this man right here, he’s a real hero. He found me when I was in my darkest place. He helped me pick up the pieces. He reminded me that I am one of the best damn wrestlers this world has ever seen, an elite athlete whose bite is just as intimidating as his bark, a once-in-a-lifetime superstar whose presence not a single one of you deserves to bask in. He gives a damn. About me. About you. About FGA.

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Ricky Valero: You people boo because you know it’s true. You know it because you’ve sat in these seats or at home and you’ve witnessed it first hand for years. Every time he steps foot in this ring or every time he takes a microphone in his hand. His passion for this sport is unparalleled. His desire to be the best is unmatched. He gives his all inside this ring. For his personal gain? Sure. But also for your entertainment, to put money in FGA’s pockets by moving merchandise and selling tickets, to put the entire industry on his back and carry it into the stratosphere. Evan Envi doesn’t just claim to be the DNA here, he lives it. He bleeds it. You people boo him because you think that he’s a selfish prick out to do whatever it takes to benefit himself and himself alone. But he’s not Chandler Scott. He’s not Johnny Karma. He’s damn sure not our shady ass GM, Hadley Herrera. Everything he’s done and everything he’s doing is for you, for me, for all of FGA. For years, this place has been bogged down, stuck in the same, tired old patterns, forever catering to the likes of so-called superstars like Johnny Karma and Chandler Scott. Evan Envi is here to resurrect FGA and lift it to new heights! He’s like the one true messiah of pro wrestling. And that’s why, at Only Strong Survive, there is no doubt in my mind, my best friend Evan will walk out as the NEW FGA Undisputed Champion!

While the boos rain down, Envi places a hand over his heart, jaw dropping a bit. He moves forward and embraces Ricky Valero once more, saying something to him that-- once again-- the microphones don’t quite pick up.

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Geoff Penzer: These two are… something else.

Envi finally pulls away from Ricky, wiping (possibly imaginary) tears from his face as he tries to compose himself with the microphone in the center of the ring.

”YOU BOTH SUCK!”

“YOU BOTH SUCK!”

“YOU BOTH SUCK!”

“YOU BOTH SUCK!”

Evan Envi: Uh. Again. No. We don’t.

The Chief dismissively waves off the Mississippi crowd, speaking over the chorus of boos that follows.

Evan Envi: You’re looking at a gorgeous portrait of history, people. The next Undisputed Champion standing side-by-side with the next Gold Rush Rumble winner! I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ricky Valero. I helped him up and he paid me back in spades and now… now our bond is the strongest thing coursing through the veins of Frontier Grappling Arts! OURS. Us.

He points between Ricky and himself as he turns in a circle to look at every side of the booing audience.

Evan Envi: We are real walking, breathing legends. We are the DNA of F...G...A.

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Evan Envi: Tonight, seven people get to witness the work of an artist as Ricky Valero steals the spotlight, OBVIOUSLY, in the main event. But in two weeks? In two weeks… twenty-nine people get to see it, you guys. And after the inevitable happens, I’ll march to the ring, smile on my face, a strut in my step…

Unable to help themselves, a few obligatory screams of “WOOOOO!” emanate from pockets of the arena as Evan Envi demonstrates how he would “strut” down the ramp at Only the Strong Survive.

Evan Envi: And then, you guys?

Envi reaches over and raises Valero’s hand, grinning out into the masses.

Evan Envi: And then I’ll raise the hand of my victorious, wondrous, perfect best friend.

With an arrogant smirk, Ricky turns his nose up in the air and raises one hand high above his head, lost in future glory.

Envi turns back out to the crowd, narrowing his eyes at a section that jeers him nearby.

Evan Envi: You people don’t have to accept it now.

Ricky Valero: But make no mistake about it: you will have NO CHOICE but to accept it when I step foot into that ring for tonight’s main event and remind each and every one of you why I am one of the best damn athletes to grace a professional wrestling ring and lead my team to victory, and you will have NO CHOICE but to accept it come Only the Strong Survive! Because when the dust has settled and that fateful evening inside Orlando’s Amway Center has come to a close, ladies and gentlemen, you will all be left in awe from having witnessed an instant classic matchup which will have crowned Evan Envi as the first-ever vegan FGA Undisputed Champion, and the most spectacular individual performance in the Gold Rush Rumble ever to be seen during which I will be crowned triumphant and entitled to face my best friend here at All-Star Showdown VII. But more importantly...more importantly, you will all bear witness to the dawning of a new era here in FGA. An era without Johnny Karma. An era without Chandler Scott. This will be an era for the people, an era in which justice will prevail. Ladies and gentlemen, this is an era in which the Good Guys will finally finish first!

Both men chuckle toward each other, tossing their microphones to the canvas before moving to the ropes. Envi sits down on the middle, pushing up on the top to allow Valero a comfortable exit out to the apron-- but the sound of throat clearing echoes throughout the PA, causing both men to pause.

Hadley Herrera: Gentlemen. Please.

Many in the audience cheer in approval as the Flashpoint General Manager, Hadley Herrera, makes her way out onto top of the ramp. She takes a deep breath, internalizing whatever anger was visible on her face when she first walked out, beginning a slow walk toward the ring.

Hadley Herrera: I can’t sit back there and allow this to go on for another night. Or another two weeks. Or… where does it end, exactly?

Ricky Valero laughs a bit, raising a brow, perplexed.

Ricky Valero: What--

Hadley Herrera: Actually, I don’t need to hear you defend yourself, Ricky. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past couple of weeks. I consulted with some higher-ups. I consulted with people in similar positions in this industry that I trust. I sought advice. And… I thought I’d come to a conclusion this morning.

Some in the audience grow loud in anticipation as Hadley narrows her eyes at the two occupants of the ring. Ricky Valero looks curious, though Envi looks annoyed. Herrera reaches the bottom of the ramp, meeting the Chief’s gaze.

Evan Envi: A conclusion about what?

Hadley Herrera: Against my better judgment, I’ve given you both countless opportunities, in what I thought was the interest of fairness. After taking your ball and going home months ago, I allowed you back on the payroll, back in the ring, no questions asked. I did it immediately because I figured at the very least, we had mutual respect for one another professionally. I thought that was the fair thing to do because of everything you’ve contributed to FGA.

Evan and Ricky look toward each other while Herrera climbs the steps and walks across the apron, Ricky clearly mouthing “what is she talking about?” before they both turn to look toward the GM, who steps through the bottom and middle rope to enter the ring.

Hadley Herrera: But then I started thinking some more; how fair is it when you’re constantly allowed to run interference in others’ matches and cost other people opportunities? How fair is it that in order for Ricky Valero to exist on the Flashpoint roster, somebody else has to suffer? I thought about it.

The audience grows louder while Envi tenses, seemingly seething as he looks at Herrera, while a look of realization begins to cross Valero’s face.

Hadley Herrera: Ricky, it’s not fair. And I didn’t want to do this in public but…

Evan Envi: Stop.

Ricky Valero: Wait--

Hadley Herrera: You’re fired.

The audience erupts while Envi and Valero’s eyes widen.

Geoff Penzer: Whoa!

Chants of ”YES!” echo throughout Southaven and Envi’s face turns red as he glares at Herrera, but Ricky’s face seems to have temporarily drained of color as he looks down in shock. He is mumbling words unable to captured by the camera’s microphones, bewildered and in disbelief as his hands start to shake.

Ricky Valero: You can’t do this…

His voice is barely louder than a whisper when his face suddenly turns crimson.

Ricky Valero: You can’t do this!

He says a little louder, pointing and spewing in Hadley’s direction as she turns to exit the ring, just as swiftly as she’d entered.

Ricky Valero: YOU CAN’T DO THIS!

He runs his hands through his hair and paces back and forth, stomping across the ring and staring out into the crowd as they take pleasure in his misfortune.

”NA NA NA NA!”

“NA NA NA NA!”

“HEY! HEY! HEY!”

“GOODBYE!”

Ricky Valero: You can’t do this…

He mutters once more, seemingly ready to collapse to his knees as he watches Hadley disappear into the backstage area. The camera pans up a bit, revealing the red-faced, furious Evan Envi standing behind him, now being the one to pace. Envi runs his hands over his face, groaning before turning toward Valero. Envi sinks to a knee beside his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder. He seems to me mumbling words of support… but his face falls as he looks up toward the ramp. Six security members march down the ramp, eyes locked on Ricky Valero.

Geoff Penzer: Let the man have some dignity.

”NA NA NA NA!”

“NA NA NA NA!”

“HEY! HEY! HEY!”

“GOODBYE!”

Evan loudly screams “none of you hicks can even sing!”, earning another thunderous chorus of boos. His eyes widen however, as the six members of security ascend to the apron, motioning for Valero to join them. Ricky climbs to his feet, insisting that he can leave on his own accord… but three of the members simply shake their heads, climbing into the ring to grab Valero!

Geoff Penzer: This could get out of hand!

Envi quickly rushes forward to separate the guards from Ricky, but he’s shoved backwards into him! Envi falls on top of Valero and both men temporarily hit the mat-- and the three security members outside the ring take the opportunity to reach inside, two grabbing an ankle of Valero to bring him to the outside!

Geoff Penzer: Oh, this… this is just mean, isn’t it?!

Envi cries out and dives onto the mat, grabbing Valero’s hands, beginning a tug of war with security! Envi kicks his feet, yelling for them to unhand his friend, but two of the security members in the ring grab Envi by his ankles, finally yanking the two apart.

Geoff Penzer: Oh no!

Evan yells out in anger as he’s restrained by the three members of security, while the three outside the ring collectively hoist Valero up into their arms, carrying him up the ramp! Evan and Ricky yell for one another, trying to break free from security, but to no avail!

Geoff Penzer: Ricky Valero has just been fired! Ricky Valero’s dreams of winning the Gold Rush Rumble have been crushed! And now what happens to our main event? What happens to his spot in the Rumble? What happens to Evan Envi, now left all alone?!

Ricky is redfaced, violently trying to remove himself from security, even as he’s carried through the curtains to a roar from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: We’ll be back!

We fade away as Envi cries out in frustration in the ring, eyes wide as he looks at the now-empty ramp.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Peaches vs. Qiang Chen

The match starts with Peaches rushing in on Chen and nailing him with a flurry of fists. But Chen is able to shove Peaches down to the mat. Peaches rolls back to her feet, rushes over and throws out another wild series of strikes. But Chen is able to palm Peaches’ face before shoving her down to the mat. After rolling back to her feet, Peaches rushes back over towards Chen. The Golden Bull tries to cut her off with a clothesline. But Peaches ducks and heads into the ropes. When she returns, she hits Chen with a running dropkick. Then another! Peaches changes levels, hitting a dropkick to the leg. Then another! A third dropkick to the leg drops Chen down to knee. The Peach State Cutie places Chen in a headlock and follows up with short-range punches to the face. She then rushes into the ropes, returns and knocks him down with a running butt bump for a count of two.

Peaches brings Chen back to hits feet and hits him with multiple forearm strikes before going for an irish whip. But it’s reversed! When Peaches returns, she slides through Chen’s legs. When Chen turns around, Peaches pops back to her feet and catches him with more forearm strikes to the face. An irish whip then sends Chen into the ropes. When The Golden Bull returns, he runs over Peaches with a running shoulder block. Chen pulls up Peaches, delivers an irish whip, follows her into the corner and throws out a clothesline. But Peaches is able to just slip out of the way, causing Chen to crash into the turnbuckles. As he stumbles back, Peaches brings him down with a Lungblower! She makes the cover. But it only gets two.

As the match continues, an irish whip sends Chen into the corner. Peaches runs across the ring and jumps on Chen for a monkey flip. But he catches her in mid air, turns, sits her down on the top turnbuckle and shoves her off, sending her tumbling over the top rope and crashing hard to the floor. While Peaches lays motionless on the floor, Dan Herrera scurries over and kneels down to tend to her. While Herrera is checking on his tag partner/wife, Chen clobbers him from behind with clubbing strikes. He then tosses him hard against the guardrail. After Peaches is brought back inside, he makes the cover. But it only gets two.

In the seventh minute, Chen unloads on Peaches with multiple back elbow strikes in the corner. A headbutt then sends Peaches slumping down in the corner. After reaching down, grabbing Peaches by the hair and pulling her back up, Chen launches her towards the center of the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex. He heads over and makes the cover. But it only gets a count of two. Chen pulls Peaches back up, throws her down with a bodyslam and follows up with a falling headbutt for a two count. An irish whip then sends Peaches into the ropes. When she returns, Chen brings her down with a Samoan Drop for another two count.

Chen pulls up Peaches and applies a bearhug. She howls in pain as Chen squeezes as tight as he can. The capacity crowd in Southaven begins to rally behind the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad member. Peaches begins to feed off the energy of the crowd. She pushes Chen’s head back with one hand while using her free hand to hit him with repeated punches to the face. She then delivers a bell clap to the ears, breaking the hold. While Chen covers his ears, Peaches turns and heads into the ropes. When she returns, she goes for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover. But Chen counters with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Peaches gets her shoulder up.

Chen takes Peaches and brings her down with a belly to back suplex. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Peaches gets her shoulder up. He then hurls her across the ring with a release German Suplex! Then another! A cover follows! ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Peaches gets her shoulder up. Chris Constantine points to the turnbuckles. The Golden Bull nods in agreement. He then hoists Peaches up for a turnbuckle powerbomb when she reverses into sitout facebuster! While Chen tries to get back to a vertical base, Peaches rolls out onto the apron, pulls herself up using the ropes and scales to the top turnbuckle. She then leaps off and knocks Chen down from behind with a missile dropkick to the back of the head! The PLAS member heads back out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. Once Chen returns to his feet, she leaps off and brings him down with a diving neckbreaker! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Chen gets his shoulder up. After bringing Chen back down with an Overdrive, Peaches heads into the corner and connects with a corner springboard corkscrew kick to the back of the neck! Then another, finally knocking The Golden Bull back down! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Peaches O || Corner Springboard Corkscrew Kick (12:17) || Qiang Chen X

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area where the audience unleashes a mixed reaction upon seeing Evan Envi storming through the corridors. Some boo at the sight of them, but some roar, knowing his current emotional state. Amanda Johnson comes from an adjacent corridor, bursting into frame, jogging up to catch the Chief.

Amanda Johnson: Evan--

Envi ignores the interviewer entirely, cupping his hands around his mouth as he shouts.

Evan Envi: HADLEY!

He roughly grabs a backstage arena employee by the front of his shirt, yanking him forward, eyes wide with a combination of anger and panic.

Evan Envi: Where is Hadley?! Where the heck is Hadley Herrera?!

Guy: I-- I don’t-- I didn’t see which way she went-- I don’t like yelling!

Evan groans and shoves the man back, marching past him down the corridor.

Amanda Johnson: Evan, please, wait up.

Evan Envi ignores Amanda as he continues to march down the hall, looking in every open doorway and down every corridor. He freezes as he sees a door at the far end of the hall. Even in the distance, it can clearly be seen as being marked GENERAL MANAGER. Envi runs a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath before striding forward, making a beeline for the door.

Evan Envi: Hadley!

Amanda Johnson struggles to keep up with Envi as he barrels through the corridor and finally reaches the door of Hadley’s office. He pounds loudly on it.

Evan Envi: Are you insane, Herrera?! You give Ricky his job back RIGHT NOW! You can’t just go around firing people! There are rules! There are standards! You’re trying to create chaos, dangit, and that’s not how this show is supposed to be run! Uuuuugh, COME ON!

Evan slams a fist against the door again, but backs away as it creaks open. He waits impatiently… but his face falls as he sees who stands in the doorway. Our camera pans out a bit, revealing the former Tag Team Champions, the Chaotics standing in Evan’s path. Evan blinks rapidly, looking between them before throwing his hands up.

Evan Envi: What are you doing? Get out of the way.

Ashlyn De Luca: What? Wh… are you looking for Hadley?

Evan Envi: Yes. Get out of th--

Ashlyn De Luca: She isn’t in there.

Evan clearly doesn’t believe De Luca. He pushes past the Chaotics and steps into the office… but sighs loudly as he views the empty office. He buries his face in his hands for a few moments before turning around.

Ashlyn De Luca: And don’t ask us where she is. We’re not her secretaries.

Logan Alexander: We were heading over to have a talk with the boss… something about our interactions with Smart Style as of late and her disapproval of them I assume. Apparently, your newest BFF beat us here and had some things of his own to say… which led to what he should have seen as being the expected results.

Envi lowers his hands, glaring at Logan.

Evan Envi: WOW, Logan. Have some respect. He’s not even off the property yet! Jesus. That’s the problem with y…

Envi bites his tongue, clenching a hand into a fist before a look of realization crosses his face. He looks at Ashlyn and then at Logan, a small smile creeping across his face. Ashlyn already looks annoyed, not even having to hear the proposition. Logan just watches Evan curiously.

Evan Envi: Heyyyy…

Ashlyn De Luca: No.

Evan Envi: I just-- I just wanna talk to you guys real quick. We haven’t just sat down and talked in awhile, you know?

Ashlyn shakes her head, laughing a little as she rolls her eyes toward Logan.

Ashlyn De Luca: Dude.

Logan Alexander: You want to talk now? The three of us know where this is heading… so--

Evan Envi: You don’t though! And-- and even if you DID, you GUYS, I am-- I’ll level with you here, okay? I’ll put myself out there. I know with what’s been going on in the Tag Title picture, you guys can kinda relate, y’know?

Ashlyn De Luca: No.

Evan Envi: Hear me out. I... I am at rock bottom right now. Hadley-- she’s trying to ruin me. You see that, right? This is a really convoluted smear campaign against the Chief, at the LEAST. I could get hurt! Who knows what she’s gonna have done to me with Ricky gone? I mean-- I’m not safe, guys. Guys.

Logan and Ashlyn regard one another for a few moments. Logan then closes his eyes and shakes his head slowly. Ashlyn smiles bitterly at Evan, shaking her head as she gazes at him as if having traveled this same road multiple times before. Logan turns his attention back to Evan.

Logan Alexander: Hadley Herrera’s not going to have anything done to you Evan. She’s simply going to let the people you’ve pissed off over the last couple of months bury you in the hole that you’ve dug yourself into.

The audience roars at the notion of this, though Envi looks toward the ground, thinking the situation over-- eyes wide as he considers every single detail.

Ashlyn De Luca: You were doing so well, you know.

Logan Alexander: A couple of months ago, the two of us were still firmly on your side. Then all the nonsense with Neon happened… and you condoned it.

Ashlyn De Luca: Like a dick. And let’s… not even get into where that led us, I guess. Right?

Evan Envi: I--

Logan holds up a hand to hold off Evan’s protests to the contrary.

Logan Alexander: You did Evan. You didn’t denounce her attack on Cherry Baum. You attacked Johnny Karma to protect her. You eventually did cut her loose… but only after you couldn’t beat a very motivated Johnny Karma in the ring. Makes it look like you only held her accountable after it cost you your big chance. Then you and Ricky decide to play games with Chandler Scott, so you can get another shot at Karma for the title, and rub a little salt in the wound by costing Scott another chance at the Undisputed title.

Ashlyn De Luca: More dick moves.

Logan Alexander: Now… here you are. Suddenly realizing that you’re alone, with many enemies. You think that we will keep you safe?

Evan rubs his eyes with the heels of his palms for a moment, groaning.

Evan Envi: I’m not asking for a lot, you guys, dang.

Logan Alexander: Evan… we’re not going to shoulder this burden for you. We’re not here at your convenience. We have our own battles to fight. You’ve put yourself in this situation and you’ll have to deal with it on your own.

Again, the Mississippi crowd pops, applauding the words of Logan Alexander. Evan looks between the two of them and throws up his hands.

Evan Envi: So that’s it? You guys are bailing?

Ashlyn De Luca: Bailing?

Ashlyn shakes her head, narrowing her eyes at the Chief.

Ashlyn De Luca: Would’ve had to be our fight to begin with to bail. We’ve already got ours. And along with getting our Tag Team Championships back… we’re gonna handle our business. On our own.

She backs into the doorway, holding the door open with her body, allowing Logan to step out into the hall before they both cast a look back at Evan.

Ashlyn De Luca: Are you?

Evan opens his mouth to say something else but Ashlyn moves, allowing the door to slam shut. Evan slams a hand on Hadley Herrera’s desk and grunts in frustration. For a few moments, he stands with a hand over his mouth, pacing for a bit before snapping his fingers, a look of hope crossing his face. He pivots and pushes open the door of Herrera’s office, storming back out into the hall-- where Amanda Johnson is still waiting, eyebrows perking up as Envi emerges.

Amanda Johnson: Do you have a second now?

Envi talks as he walks. Once again, Amanda struggles to keep up.

Evan Envi: You want my opinion on what Hadley just did to my best friend? On robbing Ricky of the opportunity to win the Gold Rush Rumble? My opinion on-- on Hadley taking food off of Ricky’s child’s plate? I think it sucks just like this stupid city in this stupid state, Amanda.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Evan continues to walk, only pausing a bit to roll his eyes at the chorus of boos. He turns his head, however, looking at a door with a thoughtful expression. As our camera turns to the door… it reveals the nametag A.C. Smith.

Geoff Penzer: Hah!

The audience erupts at the irony though Envi looks sickened. He walks toward the door, raising a fist… and he squeezes his eyes shut. Chants of “KNOCK!” echo throughout the venue. Envi brings his fist back-- but shakes his head and turns, quickly marching away from the door, earning another chorus of boos from the audience.

Amanda Johnson: I overheard the Chaotics refusing to assist you moving forward. Are you prepared to face Johnny Karma for the Undisputed Championship at Only the Strong Survive entirely on your own, Evan?

Envi runs a hand over his face, groaning loudly.

Evan Envi: I didn’t have anyone out there last time with me, did I?

Amanda Johnson: Well… no. But you did at least have moral support, which is… way more than I can say now, unfortunately.

She hesitates at the next part, but shrugs and outright says--

Amanda Johnson: And you lost.

Envi stops, though the audience erupts at the three simple words from the interviewer. Evan looks back over his shoulder at Amanda for a few silent seconds before turning his head in the other direction, looking toward an open dressing room door… and boos resonate throughout the arena at the sight of Neon. Now in a pair of joggers and a low-cut top as opposed to her wrestling gear, Neon appears to be standing over her gym bag, looking through her phone… before she slowly turns and meets Envi’s gaze.

Evan Envi: Catch you later, Amanda.

Amanda looks a bit confused as Envi moves toward the door of the dressing room. Neon shakes her head and moves forward to close the door, but Envi places a hand up to stop the door from shutting.

Evan Envi: Can we talk?

NEON: Fu..what? No.

Evan Envi: Just for a second.

NEON: Get off the door.

Envi retracts his hand, holding them up defensively as he looks down at Neon. The two stare at each other in silence for a few seconds before Envi places his palms together in a begging gesture, frowning toward Neon.

Evan Envi: Just for a sec.

Neon looks at him with narrowed eyes for a few seconds longer before rolling her eyes and stepping out of the way to another chorus of boos from the crowd. Envi steps past her and into the dressing room. Neon shoots an indistinguishable look at Amanda, holding the stare for a moment before following Evan into the dressing room, shutting the door behind them. We fade to black to the sound of boos and the skeptical look of Amanda Johnson.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Coming back from a commercial break, the scene opens up in the backstage area of the arena. The cameras first focus in on the familiar red lion head FGA logo positioned just above the Flashpoint banner. Standing in front of the backdrop is the lovely figure of ace interviewer Amanda Johnson.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is one of the participants in the main event, former United States champion Savannah Taylor.

The camera pans over to Amanda’s left where the figure of the woman in question slowly walks into the frame. Dressed in her usual black and white entrance robe, Savannah has her pink and black baseball bat slung over her right shoulder and is carrying a small shopping bag in her left hand. She sets the bag down and cocks her head slightly to one side as Amanda begins her interview.

Amanda Johnson: Savannah, tonight you are set to compete in the main event against The Chaotics, reigning Undisputed champion Johnny Karma and the woman who beat you for the United States championship, Noelle Smith. Before we get into that, I want your thoughts on what took place earlier in the evening with one of your tag team partners.

Savannah Taylor: What happened with Ricky Valero was a tragedy. What happened with Ricky Valero is a case of stacking the decks against the clear talents within the Flashpoint brand. But don’t worry. This obvious wrong will be righted. Like the late and very great Freddie Mercury famously sang….the show must go on. I am more than confident that myself and the esteemed tag team champions Smart Style will do what we do best,and that is win.

Amanda Johnson: So you aren’t concerned about going into a potential three on four match tonight?

Savannah Taylor: Absolutely not. If I were concerned, I would have said so. I’m credited with wins over everyone on the opposing team. What exactly is there to worry about?

Amanda Johnson: Let’s talk about one of your opponents later tonight. I’m of course referring to the woman who beat you at Grapple Kingdom Two for the United States championship, Noelle Smith.

The mention of Noelle Smith caused Savannah to draw in a sharp breath and glance up towards the ceiling. Bringing her head back down, she looks at Amanda, her blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Savannah Taylor: Yes by all MEANS, let us talk about everyone’s FAVORITE Cinderella story this side of Loyola University Chicago. Please, Amanda, I am DYING to know what you could could possibly praise her for this week.

Her voice was positively dripping with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes.

Savannah Taylor: I have a better idea. How about we discuss why Noelle Smith is scared.

Amanda Johnson: Scared?

Savannah Taylor: Yes. Scared. Considering the way she has been ducking me ever since the tragedy of Grapple Kingdom Two, I’m chalking it up to being scared.

Amanda Johnson: You are of course referring to her vow to fight any and everyone for the United States championship and that she was determined to make each and every defense must see television.

Savannah Taylor: You are a quick study, Amanda. I watched her little pep talk and took it with about seven grains of salt. I could tell just by looking into those beady little eyes that she was cruising on luck. Noelle Smith isn’t a fighting champion. Noelle Smith isn’t as brave and fearless as she claims. Noelle Smith is a coward. If she was the fighting champion that she claimed to be, then my name would have been the FIRST name to come out of her mouth in regards to defending her championship. You know it. I know it. Deep down, Noelle knows it. But did she do the right thing? Of COURSE she didn’t. Why would the right and honorable Noelle Smith want to do a damn thing that benefits anyone other than herself? I’m starting to see why Evan Envi ended it with her. He is an unsung hero for putting up with her crap for as long as he did.

Amanda Johnson: We have seen you week in and week out basically harassing Noelle in an attempt to goad her into giving you your rematch.

Savannah Taylor: You call it harassing. I call it lighting a fire under her ass. Noelle’s silence on this matter tells me all that I need to know about her character. The fact that she is ducking the only REAL challenger to the championship that she stole speaks volumes.

Savannah pauses for a second as she takes the bat off of her shoulder and slowly begins to twirl it around in her hands.

Savannah Taylor: That is why I went to what many are calling desperate and drastic measures when I introduced the world to my little friend right here. I told not only Noelle but Hadley Herrera what would happen if I didn’t get what was owed to me. What were my words met with? Near deafening silence. I warned them both that things were going to happen if this injustice wasn’t fixed. Now Amanda, you consider yourself to be a fan and something of a friend of Noelle, correct?

Amanda Johnson: Y….yes….

Savannah Taylor: Excellent!

She bends down and picks up the shopping bag at her feet. Reaching into the bag, she pulls out a white and VERY ruffled men’s long sleeved shirt. The shirt had more than one tear in it and appeared to be stained slightly red. Savannah glances at the shirt before tossing it at Amanda.

Savannah Taylor: I want you to give that to her along with a message. You tell her that he didn’t defend himself as well as she thought he would.

With that, Savannah places the bat back over her shoulder and walks off down the hall, leaving Amanda standing there in shock as the scene cuts elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Sloan Talbot vs. Bean Bands

The match starts with Talbot doubling over Bands with a kick to the midsection before mauling him with clubbing strikes to the back. An irish whip then sends Bands into the ropes. When he comes back, he goes for a crossbody. But Talbot catches him in mid air and counters with a fallaway slam. After Bands rolls out onto the apron, Talbot marches over, climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs him and delivers Enter Tragedy (superplex from apron). Talbot then holds Bands high above his head before driving him down hard with Diggin Graves (gorilla press spinebuster)! He makes the cover and gets the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Sloan Talbot O || Diggin Graves (0:59) || Bean Bands X

[FGA Office]

The camera fades to Brian Stryker. He is standing alone as he his glaring at the camera. He cracks his neck to the side as he waits a few moments in silence. The tension building as he looks to find the right words to say in the situation.

Brian Stryker: Mark Storm. You are a dead man. You have made the one mistake people constantly keep making, in spite of the fact I keep proving why that’s a bad idea. You have taken what is mine. You have stolen the 15 championship. You’re not a champ, you’re a thief. You can’t beat me 1 on 1 so you have to get those bitches of War involved. You have to cheat to win because I AM BETTER THAN YOU! No one can beat me 1 on 1 fairly for that title and you know it. You know I had you beaten before your little crew bailed you out. I had you beaten like every other person who stepped before me.

Brian Stryker: I don’t care what anyone else says. I made that title worth a damn. I made that title something people want to hold. I revived the 15 title and took it to the next level. I put in the hard work. I put in the blood and sweat defending that title and being the FIRST to reach four defense. I was the FIRST to cash in. And if it wasn’t for a pathetic no showing Julian Tijerina and Brandon Macdonald holding a grudge for not jumping ship, I’d may as well be the Pride Champion right now.

Brian Stryker: I have done things in FGA that folks WISH they could have done. And I’m not stopping. I’ll become the only ever 3 TIME 15 champion. I’ll continue to cement my name as the GREATEST 15 champion of all time. Then, I’m moving onto the Gold Rush Rumble. I don’t care what anyone has to say. Not Ashley Sullivan, not Fujiko, Not Chris Madison, Brookford, Jimmy Page, Kendall Kingham, Molly Reid, NONE OF THEM is beating me. I’m getting that world title shot. I’m main eventing All-Star Showdown. I’m doing it all because I do this better than anyone. And it’s high time people start putting respect on that. And that line Mark….starts with you.

Brian Stryker: You want to be a Bitch of War? Very well. I’ll go to war. But that’s something you should fear because when I go to war…I go nuclear. And I’m ready to leave fallout in my wake. Be prepared Mark Storm. Your end of days is here. Say your prayers and your goodbyes to that belt. It’s coming back to its owner and staying that way till I say so. And let you be the scarecrow for everyone in the Rumble. That I am coming for the crown and I will not let anyone get in my way. In short. It’s Clobbering Time.

Brian cracks his neck one more time as he steps out of the shot as the scene cuts to feedback and goes blank.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

PRE-RECORDED

Backstage, in the parking lot of the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi; getting out of a black Audi TT the cameras pick up the former CWL Caribbean Heavyweight Champion, Alex Chalwell. The man is wearing a nice two piece navy blue suit with a white shirt underneath it, a pair of shiny looking black shoes, and, as usual, his trusty mustard yellow and burgundy scarf. Still wearing his sunglasses, even if the show is almost about to start and sunlight is not an issue indoors. He smirks at the sight of the camera fixated on him; as Amanda Johnson appears on the scene.

Chalwell looks at her and chuckles as he starts to walk towards the entrance to the arena from the parking lot. Amanda follows behind him as she tries her best to interview him. Her voice sounds rushed, just by the fact that she is walking behind Chalwell who hasn’t even stopped to give her time to start an interview.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with one of the newest signees in FGA, Alex Chalwell.

Chalwell doesn’t even make a move that could signal he’s stopping at any moment, as he opens the door entering the building for the first time as an FGA wrestler, more importantly a Flashpoint wrestler. Amanda follows suit behind him, trying to at least get a reaction from him.

Amanda Johnson: Chalwell, tell us, how does it feel to be here tonight as an FGA wrestler?

The former CWL standout lets out a sigh. He slows his pace a bit and looks up at the ceiling. The noise of the crowd filling the last remaining seats, just before the show kicks off can be heard on the distance. Then, almost as if he’s obligated to do so, Chalwell proceeds to answer Johnson’s question.

Alex Chalwell: What do you expect me to answer?

He continues his stroll backstage, turning on a corner as if he knows precisely where his walk will end. He doesn’t even stop to acknowledge Amanda’s presence behind him or the presence of any other FGA employee backstage. On the contrary, he seems eager to get to the point in the arena where he’s been headed all this time. Yet, he continues talking.

Alex Chalwell: I mean, I’m not the guy that’s “happy to be here” and there’s that. No, miss Johnson; I’m here with a purpose. But, to give you a straight answer to your question; it does feel good to be here.

Johnson struggles to keep up Chalwell’s pace, her voice sounding more and more fatigued with each step of the way as she tries to muster words, while also walking as fast as she can.

Amanda Johnson: Chalwell, you were the standard bearer for the Puerto Rican promotion CWL for the better part of the past few months. What are your thoughts on that experience? And how do you think it will help you here in FGA?

Again, Amanda’s question is met with apathy from Chalwell; who seems to be pestered by her mere presence and resiliency to get an interview from him in this precise moment. He turns towards a hallway and then turns around stopping right in his tracks. Johnson almost collides with him, but ultimately she doesn’t. Yet, the fact that she almost hit him, didn’t help ease the fact that Chalwell seemed to be bothered by her at the moment.

Alex Chalwell: I liked Vanessa a bit more. She knew her place when interviewing me. But since you so eagerly want to have some impressions from me, I’ll give it to you.

A sigh from the former CWL Caribbean Heavyweight Champion as he takes his sunglasses off and answers Johnson’s last two questions to him.

Alex Chalwell: As you brilliantly put it, I WAS the standard bearer for CWL until it’s untimely folding. I carried that brand like Atlas carries the world. The experience there, let’s just say provided me with the grounds I needed to tell the world exactly who Alex Chalwell is and what he is capable of doing. Now, as far as how that’ll help me in FGA; I’d say you’ll need to be blind not to see the fact that being a former Heavyweight Champion, someone who stepped up to all comers and beat some of the most recognizable names in the world of wrestling, even when people thought he was just a mere paper champ, is a big deal.

Chalwell puts his right hand over Johnson’s left shoulder. He doesn’t press it or anything, his hand is just laying there gently, almost in a condescending manner. A smirk draws in his face as he continues speaking.

Alex Chalwell: Obviously, a lot of people might try to diminish my accolades to prove a point; but history is something that cannot easily be erased. So, let’s just say, my experience in CWL will serve as the catalyst for my run in FGA. It’ll serve as the testament of what Alex Chalwell can do inside that ring, what he’s capable of doing when given the spotlight, when given the ball and told to run with it. FGA doesn’t know it yet, but they have struck gold by acquiring the services of the most sought after Free Agent after CWL’s folding.

Chalwell takes his hand off of Johnson’s shoulder, not before giving her a gentle pat on the arm. He winks at the camera and then speaks again.

Alex Chalwell: And that, dear, miss. Johnson – that’s why, I’m…

He brings up the index and middle fingers of his right hand and taps them against the index and middle fingers of his left hand, as if to make the hashtag symbol with his hands.

Alex Chalwell: BETTER THAN YOU!

Chalwell puts his sunglasses back on before turning around and talking as he walks.

Alex Chalwell: Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a show to watch.

He continues walking down the hallway and a man opens a door for him to a private room inside the arena. As the door closes the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Dan Herrera vs. Liam Richardson III

Herrera takes the advantage early with a pair of arm drags, a pair of hip tosses and a pair of running back elbows. An irish whip sends Richardson back into the ropes. When he returns, Herrera throws him down with a big back body drop. Once Richardson gets back to his feet and turns around, Herrera charges across the ring and sends him over the top rope and to the floor with a lariat!

On the outside, Herrera drops Richardson across the edge of the apron with a snake eyes. A catapult then sends Richardson flying into the guardrail. Herrera then brings him back down with a vertical suplex. The crowd cheers while Richardson howls in pain. Herrera brings the action back inside and makes the cover. But he only gets two. A spinning heel kick is then blocked by Richardson when he hangs onto the ropes. When Herrera sits back up, Richardson runs over and knocks him flat against the mat with a basement dropkick for a two count. After an irish whip sends Herrera into the corner, Richardson heads over and catches him with a running European Uppercut. After hoisting Herrera up onto the top turnbuckle, Richardson goes to knock him off with a dropkick. But Herrera swats down the kick. When Richardson returns to his feet, Herrera slips down to the mat and rocks him with several right hands that knock him back towards the center of the ring. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Richardson brings him down with a spinning sitout spinebuster for a two count. Richardson pulls Herrera up from behind and delivers a bridging German Suplex. But Herrera is able to get his shoulder up after two.

Richardson brings the action back into the corner and hits Herrera with several shoot kicks to the chest. After two blistering knife edge chops cause Herrera to stagger from out of the corner, Richardson heads into the adjacent set of ropes, comes back and knocks Herrera down with a Senton Kick for a two count. A snap DDT also garners a two count. Richardson then picks up Herrera and lifts him up onto his back for a rolling fireman’s carry. But Herrera is able to block with multiple elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, he follows up with a russian leg sweep. He makes the cover. But it only gets a count of two. Herrera brings Richardson back to his feet, lifts him up onto his shoulders and delivers an electric chair drop. He makes the cover. But again, he only gets a count of two.

After planting Richardson with a Tornado DDT in minute eight, Herrera heads out onto the apron and goes to to climb up to the top turnbuckle. Once Richardson gets up and turns around, Herrera leaps off for a missile dropkick. But Richardson rolls out of the way, causing Herrera to crash to the canvas. Richardson then picks up Herrera, delivers a rolling fireman’s carry, springboards onto the second rope and follows up with a moonsault! After planting Herrera with a springboard DDT, Richardson lifts him up and drops him with For Our Majesty (modified brainbuster) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Dan Herrera X || For Our Majesty (9:46) || Liam Richardson III O

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★