Flashpoint (06.02.18)

[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 Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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...

★★★ TAG TEAM MATCH ★★★
Terrence Tillman & Vince Steel vs. Angélo Bands & Marcos Cane

The match starts with Bands trying to get the jump on Tillman. But Triple T brings him down with a pair of arm drags. After bringing Bands back to his feet, Tillman delivers an arm wrench before sending him into the ropes. When Bands returns, Triple T leapfrogs over him. Bands continues to run the ropes. When he returns, Triple T leapfrogs over him without turning around. Bands continues to run the ropes. When he comes back, Triple T knocks him down with a dropsault!

Tillman picks up Bands and whips him back into the ropes. When Bands returns, Tillman throws out a boot to the midsection. But Bands catches his foot. Bands begins to taunt Triple T until Tillman knocks him down with a dragonwhip kick! He brings Bands back to his feet and sends him into the corner. He then runs across the ring, leaps into the air and connects with a corner splash! The Leader of the T-Unit takes Bands and sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Tillman runs across the ring, connects with a back elbow and follows up with a CCS Enzuigiri! Bands staggers out of the corner before Flair Flopping to the mat.

As Tillman approaches for the cover, Bands rolls over into his corner and tags in the big man. Marcos Cane steps into the ring and immediately points behind Tillman. Triple T looks behind him and sees that Cane is pointing at Vince Steel. Tillman turns to the crowd and polls them to see if they want to see Steel inside the ring. Triple T takes in the cheers before heading over into his corner and tagging in his cousin.

The crowd cheers when Steel steps into an FGA ring for the first time. The two hosses meet in the center of the ring. Words are said back and forth until Cane catches Steel with a right hand. The crowd boos when Cane knocks Steel back with another punch… and another… and another. He then takes Steel and goes for an irish whip. But Steel reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Cane returns, Steel throws him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Steel marches across the ring, pulls up Cane and whips him hard into the corner. As Cane staggers out, Steel grabs him by the neck with both hands before hurling him across the ring with an overhead choke suplex! Steel pulls up Cane and whips him into the ropes before running into an adjacent set of ropes. When Cane comes back, he stops when he doesn’t see Steel in front of him. When Cane turns to his left, Steel nearly tackles him across the ring with a spear! Steel pulls up Cane, palms his face and then throws him down with the Hand of Steel (Iron Claw Slam) for the three count!

Terrence Tillman & Vince Steel O || Hand of Steel (4:10) || Angélo Bands & Marcos Cane X

[FGA Office]

We cut backstage, where we see a dressing room door open. The camera follows the light, and as it goes into the doorway, we see the Big Apple Asskicker, A.C. Smith, sitting alone in a folding chair. The crowd in the arena roars, but Smith solely acknowledges the noise with a quick, subtle nod of the head.

A.C. Smith: Alright, look. I don’t do this much, but I need to use this time to send a message. It’s not the kind I enjoy sending, but it is what it is.

A.C. Smith: Two weeks ago, I came out to assist members of the Flashpoint roster when Vertigo invaded. I didn’t do it to pop the crowd, or for selfish reasons. I did it because, plainly and simply, it was the right thing to do. When the opportunity arises to do the right thing, you do it. That’s the way I was raised, and that’s the way I’m raising my son.

A.C. Smith: But then, heh…then things got weird.

Smith rubs his temple, revealing a faded shade of purple skin that shows a bruise.

A.C. Smith: While I was doing the right thing, Sloan Talbot did the wrong thing. He blindsided me for no reason other than he was bitter about what happened in the Gold Rush Rumble, when I tossed him out, fair and square. If he wanted a piece of me, all he had to do was come to me like a man and ask for a match. But no. He took the coward’s way out.

A.C. Smith: When I ended his run in the Rumble, I did so the way I’ve succeeded for…god, for almost 20 years now. I took the fight straight to him, and I beat him. Maybe he’s angry about that. Maybe he wishes it could’ve taken eight people to throw him over the top rope, like it did when I got eliminated. Either way…he’s messing with the wrong guy.

Smith rises to his feet, kicking the chair out from under him as he ascends to his full 6’8” height.

A.C. Smith: My eyes were locked in on Sloan Talbot at the Rumble, and after what happened two weeks ago, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. If Sloan Talbot is any kind of a man, and wants to prove anything at all, he’ll do it when he’s got my full, undivided attention.

A.C. Smith: I don’t do cheap shots. I don’t do attacks from behind. What I do…is win. And if things continue the way they are, Sloan Talbot will be reminded of that in the most painful, humiliating way possible.

Smith storms out, leaving the dressing room in a huff and slamming the door behind him.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Friday, July 13, 2018
KeyArena
Seattle, WA
LIVE and ONLY on AxxessNet

[FGA Office]

A camera flickers to life backstage, where we instantly see the face of Sloan Talbot, who’s stood uncomfortably close to the camera. Carefully moving his hair out of his face, he nods, looking left and right before he begins talking.

Sloan Talbot: It’s, supposedly, all out war.

He chuckles slightly.

Sloan Talbot: Vertigo...Flashpoint, personally, I couldn’t give a damn. I’m not on the softball team, d’you understand? Everyone else can run around here with little t-shirts and badges displaying their allegiances, but my allegiance is to Sloan freakin’ Talbot.

Talbot pokes his own chest a couple of times with his thumb.

Sloan Talbot: The weak members of this brand who let themselves get attacked don’t sign me checks, and they damn sure don’t pay my bills. I’m handlin’ my business out there, and my business is A.C. Smith. See, he wants to call me a coward for not defending people who can’t even defend themselves. Like I should feel bad for takin’ a shot at him whilst his guard was down.

Sloan laughs loudly, leaning back slightly before returning to his previous position.

Sloan Talbot: I’ll let you in on a secret, Smith. You’ve got a target on your back, and if I was you, I’d be keeping my guard up a lot more. At Only The Strong Survive you stopped me from getting to where I needed to be, so now I’m going to go through you to get there. Whether your back is turned to me or not...really isn’t my problem. I’ll see you soon.

With that, Talbot pats the side of the camera with a mocking tone before the screen cuts to black and goes elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Sloan Talbot vs. John Blade

Big John Match tries to get Talbot off his feet with a running shoulder block. But Talbot doesn’t budge. So Blade turns and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Talbot back with a diving shoulder block. Big John Match gets back up, runs into another set of ropes, comes back and knocks Talbot back with another diving shoulder block. Blade gets to his feet and gives Talbot the “You Can’t See Me!” taunt before turning and running into another set of ropes. When Blade returns, Talbot catches him in mid air and throws him across the ring with a fallaway slam! Talbot marches across the ring, yanks up Blade, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. When Talbot turns him around, he gives Blade a series of back elbow strikes, followed by a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of shoulder thrusts. A hard irish whip sends Blade crashing into the opposite corner. As Blade staggers away from the corner, Talbot scoops him up from the side and brings him down with a sidewalk slam! Talbot returns to his feet, reaches down, grabs Blade by the throat, pulls him back up to his feet, lifts him up and throws him down with a chokeslam! He then pulls Big John Match back up and lifts him up over his head before throwing him down with Diggin’ Graves (Gorilla Press Spinebuster) for the three count!

Sloan Talbot O || Diggin’ Graves (1:28) || John Blade X

[FGA Office]

The scene cuts to a hallway in the backstage area. Amanda Johnson is once again with the former FGA Heavyweight Champion, Michael Tomkins who is wearing a blue suit. He looks a shade more upbeat than he did the previous week.

Amanda Johnson: I am here with Michael Tomkins. Two weeks ago you had your first singles match since you have made your return. Last time we spoke you suggested that you felt that maybe you weren't the great Champion that everyone attributes you to being. I have to say, you more than impressed when you faced Bean Bands. How are you feeling this week?

Tomkins offers a slight smile before he moves the microphone a little closer to his mouth.

Michael Tomkins: Thank you, Amanda. I appreciate your kind words. You ask me how I am feeling and I think you deserve an honest response.

He pauses briefly to stifle a slight cough.

Amanda Johnson: Would you like me to get you some water?

Michael Tomkins: No need. You see, Amanda, sometimes I have had this thought that if I wasn't handed the Chase for the Crown tournament title along with the first ever FGA Championship... Maybe I would have earned it. Maybe then, the hunger; the fire, that's present inside any rookie would have been good enough, big enough for me to achieve my potential. But instead of questioning how I got to the top, I started to believe the hype. I believed that I was worthy. I believed that I was the best in this company... And then I faced Blaine Harrison, along with the reality of what life would be like without somebody handing me victories. In that reality I began to doubt myself. Maybe I wasn't the great wrestler I thought I was.

He pauses for a moment as if he was allowing himself time to find his next train if thought.

Michael Tomkins: But then I thought, no, no, Blaine cheated. He got too aggressive and used weapons that he shouldn't have. It wasn't because I wasn't good enough. It was his motives. So I said to myself, "o.k., o.k., I'll do it. I will carry on. I will come back." That's when Bad Attitude formed and I became something of a tag team specialist with the SoCal Switchblade, Adam Stryker, and I won the PWX Hybrid Championship. Things started to look up again... But then life happened. The mediocrity that I found myself in began to weigh me down; heavily. Then personal things happened and I fell off the radar.

He takes another moment, as if to reconsider.

Michael Tomkins: No, more than that, I fell off the pedestal that I had put myself on. And I guess, I guess that's where I find myself today. I am... aware. Fully aware that there are so many people out there who are younger than me, who are stronger than me, who are better than me. I know that. So... am I going to make any promises? Am I going to stake my claim on the U.S Championship, the 15 Championship, or the World Tag Team Championship? No. I am not going to. But I am going to try. You see, being back here in the FGA, and with both times I have stepped back in that ring, it all just feels right. I am where I am meant to be. That fire I once felt seems to have rekindled and I feel like maybe I can. I can be successful. But what is success at this point? It's relative. Maybe success is just surviving. Success is being the best that I can be.

Amanda Johnson: That certainly is eye opening. On the last show, Cassius Reed interrupted you and suggested that you were a thing of the past. Do you have any response to that?

Michael Tomkins: A lot has changed in four years. It can't be argued that I am part of this companies past. I helped build it and pave the way forward. Before there was a tv deal, before there was a World Championship, when it was just a bunch of us trying to draw bigger crowds. We were trying to get attention. Now we are on Cable TV. I can see where Reed is coming from. It's been four years since I so much as stepped foot in this company. To say that I am something of a forgotten relic... even I am guilty of thinking that. But not anymore. After falling very short at the Gold Rush Rumble I was disappointed, but I can't deny that my love of this business was reignited. I am not just part of the FGA's past. I am part of its future.

: AND OUR SURVEY SAYS…

The interruption causes both of them to swing their heads to the sound of the voice. Unsurprisingly, it’s Cassius Reed, standing there doing his best Steve Harvey impression. As both eyes fall on him, he laughs, and gives his best go at the Family Fortunes “wrong answer” buzzer.

Cassius Reed: EHH UHHH

Tomkins steps forward, but Amanda is quick to place herself between him and Cassius.

Amanda Johnson: You know it’s really rude you interrupting my interviews all the time.

Cassius Reed: Well Cassius thinks it’s really rude you choosin’ to interview hasbeens and neverweres instead of Grade A talent like himself.

Michael Tomkins: Now wait just a minute....

Amanda Johnson: (interrupting) Cassius, Michael was victorious in his return match last week… and a lot more decisively than you in yours. Don’t you think that proves he’s got every right to still be here?

Cassius Reed: Amanda, what you need to understand is, Cassius is a entertainer. Sure, Cassius could go out there like this one pump chump, do his thang, get out, but where’s the value in that? The suckas out there in those seats paid dollar to see Cassius for a good amount of time, girl Cassius is just givin’ them value for money. Don’t get me wrong, Old Timer, you continue havin’ quick matches ain’t no-one out there wantin’ to see yo’ face for longer than they have to. But Cassius? Girl when you got a wrestler this stylish, this marketable, this FUNKY, the last thing you want is for him to be done in less time than it takes you to demolish a pack of Snickers, you dig?

Michael Tomkins: It's all very well you throwing insults at me, seeing as my being here has clearly become a sign posted opportunity for you. That being said, show Amanda a bit of respect.

Cassius Reed: Listen, we wouldn’t even be havin’ this conversation if you weren’t so keen to keep the past alive. AIN’T NO ONE CARE ‘BOUT YOU NO MORE, YO DAY IS DONE, DOG. Get yo’ ass back to England less you want Cassius gettin’ all Boston Tea Party up in here.

Michael Tomkins: Whatever you think you have got, bring it. You can throw shade at me and insult me all you want but it won't make you anymore relevant, Reed. You have made a mark here in the FGA and you want to keep climbing. I know that feeling because I have been there. Only, you know I was younger than you are, but I am going off on a tangent. You want to keep climbing and you need a big scalp. It is clear that you have come for mine so why don't we make this official, huh? Because as you have so eloquently expressed, I do need to find my place again... and beggars can't be choosers. I was in the main event of the first All Star Showdown. This won't be quite the same but, it's a start.

Cassius Reed: You wanna end yo' career at the hands of the Cassius Reed Experience? You got it, sucka.

Cassius starts to leave, but Tomkins extends his hand out for the handshake. Cassius raises an eyebrow, but Michael continues to stare into his eyes, gesturing slightly with his hand, implying that if they’re going to do this, they’ll agree on it like men. With a slight smile, Cassius nods, reaching out with his own hand… only to pull it away at the last moment, the tips of his fingers grazing the palm of Tomkins’ hand, backing out of the scene in a moonwalk whilst running the same hand up in his afro.

Cassius Reed: SUCKAAA!

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Sage Clark is pacing back and forth, running his fingers through his close cropped black hair outside he his locker room waiting for his upcoming match when Amanda Johnson stops by for an interview from the 19-year-old star in the making although he doesn't really act like a star yet.

Amanda Johnson: Sage you look like something is on your mind?

Sage barely looks up from his pacing

Sage Clark: It is...something.

Amanda looks at Sage awkwardly as she can tell there is something going but she also has a job to do too, and so she chooses to press on.

Amanda Johnson: Well could I get a quick word with you, please?

Sage looks up at her with his normal ear-to-ear grin, putting Amanda more at ease as well.

Sage Clark: Sure, what is up Amanda?

Amanda Johnson: Well last time two weeks ago we saw you lose a tough match against Cassius Reed, but later on when we spoke to you that night you could never tell because you were acting like you had just won the FGA Undisputed Championship, so I wanted to ask what's goin....

Uncharacteristically Sage interrupts, putting his index finger to his lips.

Sage Clark: Shhhhhhhh.

Amanda is certainly confused at this point.

Amanda Johnson: Shhhhhhhh?

Sage puts an arm around Amanda's arm.

Sage Clark: Shhhhhhhh Amanda, listen.

Amanda is game and she does in fact say nothing and just listen. At first their is nothing but gradually you can hear it. At first it is just a murmur, then it becomes a dull roar, until the entire crowd is screaming at the top of their lungs as Sage just looks around with a huge smile on his face.

Crowd: WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!

Sage Clark: You hear them Amanda. Just like they were in Lafayette, Louisiana 19,000 strong and now another capacity crowd here in....OKLAHOMA CITY!

The crowd pops huge for their city.

Sage Clark: In fact everywhere across this country and around the world everybody wants to come abroad The Sage Train....

Crowd: SAGE TRAIN! SAGE TRAIN! SAGE TRAIN! SAGE TRAIN!

Sage Clark: When you are receiving that kind of support Amanda, well then it does not matter if you face Cassius Reed in a tough match, your first match back 3 months, and you lose because you know there are bigger, better, and brighter days to come and matches to be won rest assured.

The atmosphere is electric now in the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Amanda Johnson: So then what about tonight Sage, another tough match, this time against Alex Chalwell?

Sage Clark: It will be a tough match Amanda. Alex Chalwell is young, hungry, and talented. I watched his match two weeks ago against Patrick Jones and he was certainly very impressive in winning so tonight is going to be challenge, but I am going to give it the best I've got for all of the people on the Sage Train...

Crowd: SAGE TRAIN! SAGE TRAIN! SAGE TRAIN! SAGE TRAIN!

Sage winks.

Sage Clark: .....and we will wait to see what happens.

Amanda Johnson: Just one question before your match, we saw last week after your match you came out in the arena again during the BROOKFORD/Ashley Sullivan match and ultimately helped cause BROOKFORD to lose another match so when is this thing between you two going to end?

Sage smiles ear-to-ear one more time.

Sage Clark: Two words for you Amanda: Glory Road. I will not stop until BROOKFORD accepts a one-on-one match with me at Glory Road July 13th.

Sage walks off to get ready for his match leaving Amanda to smile as he walks away, before she turns back to the camera.

Amanda Johnson: The Sage Train is headed for the ring. Back to you Geoff!

Fade to the arena.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Alex Chalwell vs. Sage Clark

Clark takes down Chalwell with a pair of japanese arm drags. An irish whip then sends Chalwell into the ropes. When he returns, Clark throws him down with a hip toss, then a bodyslam. After a front kick doubles Chalwell over, Clark knocks him back with a flurry of knife edge chops. Chalwell is then sent back into the ropes. When he returns, Clark throws him down with a back body drop. Clark is on fire as the crowd cheers The All-American on. But the cheers quickly turn to boos when Chalwell retreats to the outside by rolling out of the ring. Chalwell calls for a timeout. But Clark doesn’t want to hear any of it. Instead, Clark rolls to the outside and chases after Chalwell. After the two lap around the ring, Chalwell rolls back inside. As soon as Clark rolls back in after him, the crowd erupts with boos when Chalwell puts the boots to him!

As the match continues, Chalwell brings the action into the corner and targets the chest with multiple knife edge chops. After a toe kick doubles Clark over, Chalwell brings him out of the corner with a snapmare. He delivers a jumping knee drop for a two count. After an atomic drop, Chalwell heads into the ropes, comes back and knocks Clark down with a high knee for another two count. An elbow smash then turns Clark around and sends him staggering over towards the ropes. Chalwell quickly runs up from behind and chokes Clark by pressing his neck down across the top rope. The ref gives him until the count of five to break the choke. Chalwell reluctantly lets go when the count reaches four. He then turns Clark around and slaps him across the face before shooting him into the far ropes. When Clark returns, Chalwell throws out a running lariat. But Clark ducks. Both grapplers’ momentum sends them into opposite sets of ropes. When they come back, Clark knocks him down with a crossbody for a two count!

Clark tries to keep in control of the mat by delivering an arm wrench. But Chalwell is quick to poke him in the eyes. The boos continue as he delivers a gutwrench gutbuster for a two count. A pendulum backbreaker gets a two count. Chalwell brings Clark back to his feet and applies a bearhug. He tries to squeeze the life out of Clark but The All-American hangs on. Clark begins to feet off the energy of the crowd before whacking Chalwell in the ears with the bell clap! He then follows up with a snap suplex for a two count. Chalwell reverses an irish whip, sending Clark into the ropes. When he returns, Chalwell throws out a clothesline. But Clark ducks and counters with a T-Bone Suplex! He makes the cover. But Chalwell gets his shoulder up at the count of two.

In the seventh minute, Clark knocks him down with a spinning wheel kick for a two count. A powerslam gets a two count. After Chalwell is shot into the ropes, Clark catches him on the rebound and brings him down with a spinebuster for a two count! Clark then delivers a bodyslam before heading out onto the apron. As Chalwell picks himself back up, Clark scales to the top turnbuckle. When Chalwell turns around, Clark leaps off and knocks him down with a missile dropkick! Clark heads back to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with an atomic elbow! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd boos when Chalwell gets his shoulder up.

Clark whips Chalwell into the corner before connecting with Gut Check Time (Stinger Splash)! After Chalwell is shot back into the corner with another irish whip, Clark runs and goes for Gut Check Time again. This time, Chalwell moves out of the way, causing Clark to crash into the corner. When Clark stumbles back and turns around, Chalwell throws out a clothesline. But Clark ducks. He then quickly grabs Chalwell from behind and goes for All or Nothing (bridging German Suplex)! But Chalwell wraps his arms around the top rope. Clark tries to yank Chalwell off the ropes. But Chalwell hangs on for dear life. As they ref goes over and tries to break it up, Chalwell low blows Clark with a mule kick! He then pulls Clark back up and delivers the Mirror Shot (Perfectplex) for the three count.

Alex Chalwell O || Mirror Shot (10:48) || Sage Clark X

“Adagio for Strings” is still blasting off on the sound system, as the crowd continues to boo Alex Chalwell after his cheap victory here tonight. The dastardly Virgin Islander smiles as he grabs his scarf and dries a bit of the sweat still pouring down his hair into his face. Chalwell then walks to one side of the ring and asks for a microphone, as he does, the crowd’s booing becomes deafening to the point the Tiesto song is no longer picked up by the microphones. Chalwell brings his right hand up, while holding the microphone with his left hand, as if to silence the crowd, who in turn just boo him louder.

A light chuckle escapes the wrestler as he simply reclines himself against the turnbuckle, waiting for the crowd to get tired of booing. Once it seems pretty obvious Chalwell isn’t going anywhere until they shut up, the noise begins to die down. It’s at this precise moment where Chalwell moves back to the center of the ring and smirks, before talking.

Alex Chalwell: Another night, another W for the BEST pick up Flashpoint has had since the draft. I mean, did you really expect anything else from a man that’s been tearing it up ever since his debut? Did you really think someone named Sage Clarke would beat ME a decorated wrestler, with one of the best pedigree’s in the sport today and probably the highest ceiling of all newcomers? Hell, if I was a soccer player, I’d probably have more potential than Kylian Mbappe in FIFA!

Chalwell’s enthusiasm was met with complete apathy from the crowd, who clearly weren’t interested at all in a FIFA comparison; not even this close to the FIFA World Cup. This reaction was met with a chuckle from Chalwell who continued talking.

Alex Chalwell: Of course, I didn’t expect any of you uncultured swine to understand that reference; but the fact stands. So much so, that I know what people are raving about. There’s a war looming on the horizon and everyone knows it. Hell, in fact that has been the talk for a couple of weeks now; whenever people bring up FGA, they bring up that thing that happened on the last Flashpoint! I mean, why not, it’s a thing so hot that it might melt the faces of those witnessing it.

The crowd exploded when Chalwell mentioned that war looming on the horizon, obviously, one of the many things that happened on the last Flashpoint was the invasion by some members of the Vertigo roster. Yet, over the excitement, Chalwell continued.

Alex Chalwell: And I’m here to say that whatever happens I’m here to defend MY brand’s honor. I’m here to do what’s right and to show the world that Alex Chalwell is THE BEST.

For the first time in God knows how long, the crowd is cheering for Chalwell. His words sound like a war cry and he looks ready to take on anyone that might pose a threat to his brand.

Alex Chalwell: No one comes to MY Brand to invade and gets away with it. No one shall dare to set foot in this arena without being a Flashpoint member and expect ME, ALEX CHALWELL to be ok with it. No, my dear fans. What happened on the last Flashpoint was a declaration of war and I; ALEX CHALWELL, am ready to fight…

The crowd’s cheering intensifies as Chalwell threw his scarf to the floor and looks fired up, like he’s about to call someone out to fight for his brand, to fight for Flashpoint. His voice sounds more and more intense with each sentence he utters, like he’s feeding off of the crowd.

Alex Chalwell: SALEM KAISER!

The cheers quickly turn into boos as Chalwell wasn’t really talking about the brand wars that’s brewing; instead he’s talking about the returning Salem Kaiser, who kind of inadvertently interrupted his promo last week.

Alex Chalwell: If your Sabrina the Teenage Witch ass thinks for a second, that interrupting me isn’t a declaration of war, let me tell you, you’re mistaken. Amanda’s little dorky interviewer act might think you’re big sh*t or something, but to me, you’re nothing but a has-been. Someone who should stay at home retired, with your kids and your wife, doing things that they won’t let me say on live television. Face it, Salem, you didn’t make it out of the Rey Del Aire tournament. You were never that big of a name to begin with; yet, you carry yourself like you’re big sh*t or something. So get your sorry rusty ass out here so I can teach you to respect MY brand, MY FLASHPOINT!”

As the crowd riles itself up over Chalwell’s remarks, he waits in the ring for an extended period until “Phenomena” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs hits the speakers and Salem leisurely comes into view at the entrance. The mood in the arena has certainly changed as she looks around at the fans, slowly walking down and slapping a few hands along the aisle. She stops midway and taps the top of the microphone in her hand, then holds a palm up toward Chalwell in the ring.

Salem Kaiser: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wow. Little pup, big bark out here. Give it up for Puppy Chowell, folks. But seriously, Alex...all joking aside. How I get your name wrong, etc. It's all in good fun. I can't blame Amanda Johnson for doing her job; I mean frankly you didn't seem to want her interviewing you in the first place. You're the guy that can do it all on his own right?

She takes a few steps closer to the ring, and it looks like Alex is about to retort but Salem cuts him off.

Salem Kaiser: I mean, you might as well hum your own theme song as you come to the ring. This crowd gets so loud booing you they can't hear the music over the loudspeakers anyway.  And you should probably be the resident Flashpoint FIFA correspondent, because I thought Kylian Mbappe was in the last Star Wars movie as far as I knew. But I digress, I didn't go to college. See, you talk about defending the honor of Flashpoint when all you're really interested in is defending your own honor. But let's face it, you're not that honorable of a guy. I mean, sure you're a talented young wrestler in that ring, but you do yourself a disservice by constantly reminding us how great thou supposedly art.

Salem now has made her way to the ring steps and slides between the ropes, her eyes never leaving Chalwell. She points a finger around the crowd.

Salem Kaiser: People like you never get it, Alex. You've won belts, sure. Heck, I've won belts many times over in multiple companies. Fact of the matter is, any schlub can luck out and win a belt. It's what you do with it, how you carry it, and how these people react to you that truly makes a difference. It means the difference between just being a name in a record book somewhere or being a name that is chanted and talked about in circles even after your belts are gone.  

She steps to him, face to face now and Alex looks on aghast and offended.

Salem Kaiser: ou think I'm over the hill...rusty?  It takes a big man to belittle an interviewer that can't defend herself, doesn't it? And my shortcomings in the ring are fair game, but you leave my family out of this.  So if you thought last time out was an interruption, let me spell it out for you.

She jabs her finger into his chest and then brings her fingers up under his chin to level his gaze with her own, looking straight into his eyes.

Salem Kaiser: This. Is. An. Interruption.  If I'm so rusty, then I'm calling you my oil can. Because I'm going to work out the kinks by knocking your smart mouth from one end of Flashpoint to the other.  THAT is the honorable thing to do, as I see it!  

Salem rips off her jacket and tosses it into the corner and flips the microphone over her head, getting into a fighting stance and beckons Chalwell to step to her.  The crowd is going crazy as Alex looks around, then motions as if he’s about to fight Salem, to which the crowd certainly gives sort of a pop. But after a beat he shakes his head, waving Salem off with a smirk as he exits the ring and backs up the aisle.  

From the ramp Chalwell barks things like “This is just the beginning of the war!” and “The black talking cat isn’t going to save you, Sabrina!”, as he continues his walk to the backstage area. Salem looks around the ring, pointing in his direction with a shrug as the crowd applauds her.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The lights in the arena dim a bit and all turn blue as "New Medicines" by Dead Poetic begins to play. The name "Hadley Herrera" appears on the screen and “General Manager” fades in underneath as the song lyrics begin being sung.

These are the words that tear you apart.
And these are the words that take you away.
And these are just words they'll tear you apart.
When no one here will say what needs to say.

Hadley walks out from behind the curtain wearing a black dress and heels as she walks down the ramp as blue lights continue to pour down on the arena. She makes it to the ring and walks over to the ramp sliding her way up the stairs and between the middle ropes, drawing a few catcalls from the crowd.

New medicines should ease this pain.
They're the only ailment for it.

Hadley walks to the middle of the ring where she stops and is tossed a microphone from the stagehand on the sideline. She waits a few minutes as the crowd dies down. Once they finally do and the mixture of boos and cheers subside she pulls the microphone up to her mouth.

Hadley Herrera: Okay okay… I can understand the reception guys and girls. It’s okay. Don’t punch your friend if they’re sitting next to you booing and you don’t understand why. I do. There’s been some major hangups for me and my brand Flashpoint lately. I can understand why some of you fans may not be too happy to see me today. And while I have a reason as for what happened, tonight is neither the time nor the place to explain it.

The fans begin to boo again as Hadley skirts around the Evan Envi issue that she still hasn’t completely explained to everyone yet. She puts a hand up trying to calm the crowd down.

Hadley Herrera: I know, I know. But I am out here to show that despite what has happened in the past, I have a plan to show in the future that we are still the strong brand in FGA. That we didn’t only have a strong top end of our roster, but that our strength went from the top down to the bottom here at Flashpoint.

This caused more of Hadley’s believers to overshadow the boos with cheers now. Hadley smiles before speaking again.

Hadley Herrera: That’s right. With the brand warfare match coming up in the very near future Flashpoint has an opportunity to show that all the talk going on is just that… talk. There can only be one winner and I don’t intend for it not to be us. Now, I’ve heard the podcasts. I’ve read the blogs. I’ve even heard from some of you fans out here tonight. Why did I pick Brian Stryker as the leader of my team. Well that’s an easy one to answer...

“Watch Me Burn” by Silent theory starts playing as Brian Stryker strolls out the back. With a hoodie on and the hood up over his head, he strolls down the ramp at his own leisure, taking his time to finally climb in. He walks over and grabs a mic as he looks down at Hadley.

Brian Stryker: If I may interject here. This isn’t gonna be something I just wait in the back for my cue and come out and talk about how Team Flashpoint is gonna beat those Vertigo baddies Golly Jee. I’m here to say one thing to Vertigo.

Brian Stryker: Be afraid. Be afraid of what bear you keep poking. Be afraid of what’s gonna come in the retaliation. Be afraid period. I know you’re listening Maconald. I know you think you’re invincible. You’re untouchable among your wall of rejects. You’re not. I’m coming for you. And I’m not the same Stryker as before. Where I come out here and say, “Man I sure can’t wait to prove myself in this ring again.” That Stryker is dead. This Stryker is here for one reason and that’s to kick that stupid c*m catcher of a beard off your head.

Brian Stryker: I’m running this team and the first rule is simple. Strike often, strike hard, strike unexpected. This is war and we know the trees. We’re gonna be the shadow you just can’t catch behind you. And you’ll never know what hit you until you’re down on the mat.

A loud cheer greet's the former 15 Champion's speech, and it only grows louder as someone appears at the top of the ramp. The camera zooms in to find Jams Edwards marching his way to the ring clad in his usual faded Wrangler's, plain t-shirt, and Pittsburgh Pirates cap. He slides under the bottom rope and points towards Stryker's microphone, which the veteran quickly surrenders.

James Edwards: I've been quiet since the Gold Rush Rumble. Part of it's been I ain't had much to say. The other half, I've been doing thinkin' about Seattle and me.

Edwards pauses and turns his attention to the All-Star Showdown VII banner hanging in the rafter.

James Edwards: Only one fight makes sense for the biggest show of the year for me. One months in the makin' and with a son of a bitch that I'm pretty sure the entire world wants to see me choke the life out off, and that's me against Colton Sterling, one fall to a finish! And I asked for that after he threw me out of the Rumble, you remember that, don't you Hadley?

The Flashpoint GM nods her head.

James Edwards: And you remember what you told me too, right?

Herrera nods her head again.

James Edwards: Macdonald would never let it happen, and It would be a waste of time pressin' the matter any further.

The crowd lets out a loud chorus of boos. Herrera grimaces, unsure of where a rant by another disgruntled employee might go.

James Edwards: That didn't sit right with me after the way that coward got one over on me in Orlando; the way he keeps duckin' me any chance he gets; the way he comes into my first main event on this show and lays me out with my own move. That ain't right. It ain't fair he does all that shit to me and ain't held accountable for his actions. But Colton Sterling isn't the total sickness; he is just a symptom.

Edwards turns and locks eyes with Stryker.

James Edwards: The privilege on Vertigo is what's killin' the honor of this company. It's what makes Macdonald screw Bryan Stryker out of a title shot he rightfully earned. It's what makes Ricky Valero think he is untouchable. It's what makes Evan Envi think he screws half the roster out a shot at the greatest championship in the world. The Vertigo virus is a danger to the health of not only Flashpoint but the entire sport, man. The only way I see to remedy my issue with Sterling is to join a bigger cause and be the cure; to go to Seattle and burn their sense of entitlement to the ground! If y'all will have me, I want in on Team Flashpoint.

The Burning Heart's pronouncement draws a roaring ovation from the crowd, one that is cut off by...

“Lose My Breath” by Destiny's Child starts to play over the PA, as Noelle steps from behind the curtain, a wide smile on her face as she waves to the fans but her walk isn't to entice, no. She's got a clear purpose to her steps as she heads on down to the ring.

Can you keep up?
Baby boy, make me lose my breath
Bring the noise, make me lose my breath
Hit me hard, make me lose my (hah hah)
Can you keep up?
Baby boy, make me lose my breath
Bring the noise, make me lose my breath
Hit me hard, make me lose my breath (hah hah)

She takes the steps quickly and then ducks through the ropes before she moves to stand in front of Hadley and Stryker, giving a glance to James Edwards.

Noelle Smith: I'm sure that Hadley... hello, Hadley...

A tiny grin on her lips that fades off quickly before she holds up her hand to let them know she's got a lot to say.

Noelle Smith: I’m sure you’ve gotten a lot of phone calls, text messages, you name it… wondering what’s going to be done. After the disgusting actions of the Vertigo crew, egged on by Evan Harrison and Ricky Valero… two men that have done their best to make my life miserable I might add… I can’t just stand by and let these things happen without doing something. Especially after what they did to Chandler…

She sighs, and then drops her hand, shakes her head as her curls bounce around her shoulders. Her hands smooth down her t-shirt before she continues.

Noelle Smith: I’m just saying, that if we’re going to do something, if we’re going to be Team Flashpoint, that I’ve been here.

Noelle’s eyes are intense as she glances at Stryker and then back to Hadley.

Noelle Smith: And if it’s the last thing I do, I need to be in on this. On Team Flashpoint.

She licks her lips, the pause opening up a chance for James or Stryker to add something or weigh in on what she’s said.

Brian Stryker: You do understand what this means? If you’re in, you’re in it till the end. And you’re gonna be getting your hands dirty. If that’s what you want, then I’m not gonna stop you, but if you can stomach it then welcome to Team Stryker.

Noelle’s eyes narrow, though her voice comes out deceptively smooth.

Noelle Smith: I’m not worried about breaking a nail. It’s not my fault that I’m usually so nice that people have forgotten what I can do when I have nothing to lose. Trust, that right now? I’ve got nothing to lose against these people.

Before anyone in the ring could add further commentary on what Noelle had just said, they are cut off by the sound of “Just Close Your Eyes” by Waterproof Blonde kicking into gear on the arena soundsystem. The three wrestlers in the ring plus Hadley all look on curiously as the United States Champion Savannah Taylor makes her way out from the back. Her belt is held in place over her right shoulder as she makes her way down to the ring with a purpose. Climbing up the steps, she steps through the bottom and middle ropes and walks over to the ring announcer, who hands her a microphone. She pauses for a second as the fans make their displeasure known. Raising the mic to her lips, she looks at the four gathered in the ring.

Savannah Taylor: I’m sure you’re wondering just why in the hell I’m out here apparently crashing this party. Well, the reason couldn’t be any simpler. For weeks on end, we have all be subjected to the endless crowing of those people associated with Vertigo. We have been subjected to more than one verbal tirade of those who claim false superiority and want to stomp us out by any means necessary, that it has gotten real old real fast. And this is coming from me of all people. I could have cared less what transpired. That is, until it turned physical.

The United States champion paused for a second, here eyes narrowing.

Savannah Taylor: What Vertigo has done is nothing short of foolish. By escalating this utter nonsense, they have bitten off more than they can chew, and they don’t even know it. I don’t care if certain people in this ring….

She looks over at a slightly apprehensive Noelle Smith.

Savannah Taylor: Don’t like me, and to be honest I don’t care. I’m not exactly losing any sleep over it. But at the end of the day, I want to get my hands on Team Vertigo just as much as you all do. That is why I want in on this team. Stryker, you say you want people who aren’t afraid to play dirty and are in this until the end? When it comes to playing dirty and stopping to Vertigo’s level, you are looking at the one person on Flashpoint who isn’t afraid of playing dirty and who won’t lose sleep over it.

As Savannah spoke, that slightly apprehensive stance that Noelle had taken up when the champion joined them eases up and she lifts a hand to sort of gesture towards Savannah.

Noelle Smith: She’s not lying, I’m pretty sure that Savannah doesn’t have a lick of conscience in her whole being. But.

Noelle taps her boot, looking from Taylor to Stryker and Edwards before she continues.

Noelle Smith: What she does have, is an overdeveloped sense of vengeance and right now? That’s exactly what Team Flashpoint needs to take on the asshats of Vertigo. This is the biggest mistake that they made, you know? Unlike the Dogs of War that just stepped aside… and don’t think there’s not going to be receipts for that either, boys, but come on. Who the hell thought that attacking her was smart? She’s going to make it her mission to step on every dream that ever leaked out of their dull little brains and she’s mean enough to make them cry while she does it.

Stryker rubs his face as he looks between the three volunteers. He looks back at Hadley as he takes his microphone up.

Brian Stryker: Very well. Welcome to Stryker’s Army. You all better back up what you said here tonight, cause I have no time for fakers. We’re gonna take the fight to Vertigo and they won’t know what hit them.

Brian dropped his mic and climbed out of the ring, leaving the newest members of Team Flashpoint as he heads up to the back.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

A video begins to play with a close up of a wrestling boot, a pair of slender hands coming into view from above to pull down a light colored kick pad over the black boot.  With the piece of gear in place, one of the hands reaches for the camera to tilt it up to show Ashley Sullivan looking down at the lens.

Ashley Sullivan: Fifteen minutes.  A lot can happen in that time, or nothing at all.  You can go on a coffee break or get a job offer that'll change your life forever.  It all depends on who you are and what kind of goals you have for yourself.  What kind of person are you Mark Storm?  Are you matches the coffee break type or do you plan on going out there trying to change the world every time?  If it's not the latter, then what's the point?  Why do you even bother if you don't try to make those fifteen minutes the most amazing thing anyone's ever experienced?  You really are the "hero" you go around claiming yourself to be, that should always be your goal.

Finished with her boots, Sullivan lifts the camera up and turns it so that it's directly in front of her.

Ashley Sullivan: It's fitting that Miss Hadley is saving what's going to be the best fifteen minutes of the night for last.  That's smart of her.  Because I'm just not the coffee break type of girl.  This match, this Fifteen championship is pretty much tailor made for someone like me.  Quick, fast paced, just like every match that I'm in.  Blink and you could miss five moves from me.  Go get a soda and the whole match could already be over.  Fortunately for us tonight, everyone that's followed my career knows how big of a mistake that can be.  They know I work on making a must see attraction every time I work.  Can you say the same, Mark?

Looking into the camera, Sullivan leans forward with her arms on her knees.

Ashley Sullivan: Coffee break's over, Mark.  It's time to change FGA.  Make sure you're ready.

With a hand swiping over the camera, the video suddenly cuts off to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Cassius Reed vs. Patrick Jones

Jones starts off the match by throwing down a charging Reed with a scoop slam. He quickly drops to a knee and applies a keylock. But Reed is able to scoot himself over to the side of the ring and drape his leg over the bottom rope to force a rope break. Once Reed gets back to his feet, he shakes off his arm and offers a handshake. Jones goes in for the handshake when Reed pulls the hand away and moonwalks across the ring while running his hand through his fro. The two grapplers then circle the ring before locking up. Reed ducks under, goes behind and applies a waist lock. But Jones is able to pull his hands from around his waist, performs a standing switch, applies a waist lock from behind then throws Reed down with a waist lock takedown. He then transitions into a side headlock. Reed battles back to his feet before shoving Jones off into the ropes. When Jones returns, he knocks Reed down with a running dropkick. Another dropkick knocks Reed down before Reed is caught with a roundhouse kick for a two count.

As the match continues, Jones hits Reed with low and mid kicks. After a spinning back kick doubles over the Funky Dragon, Jones plants him with a DDT for a two count. An irish whip is then reversed, sending Jones into the ropes. When Jones returns, Reed grabs him by the back of the head, runs and chucks him over the top rope and to the floor! The crowd boos Reed while he does the Ali Shuffle in the ring. Once Jones begins to pick himself up on the outside, Reed turns and heads into the far ropes. Hen he comes back, the 2018 Rey del Aire winner executes a slingshot hurricanrana to the outside! He then mounts himself on top of Jones and hammers down punches to the face. He brings the Jones back inside for the cover. But Jones gets his shoulder up at two.

Reed stays in control of the action, hitting a neckbreaker for a two count. A Snap DDT gets a two count. A belly to back suplex also gets a two count. He then hooks Jones from behind before delivering an inverted headlock backbreaker for another two count. Jones reverses an irish whip, sending Reed into the corner. Jones runs over to follow up with an attack when Reed knocks him back with a European Uppercut. He then hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before bringing him down with a diving hurricanrana! Reed follows up with Funky Knee, Funky Do (standing moonsault double knee drop) for another two count! After Jones is brought back down with a reverse DDT, Reed steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle and goes for a diving leg drop. But Jones rolls out of the way, causing him to crash onto the canvas! Jones quickly takes advantage and turns Reed over into a single leg crab. The crowd cheers while Reed howls in pain. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But Reed refuses. The Funky Dragon eventually pulls himself over towards the side of the ring and grabs onto the middle rope, forcing a rope break.

In the eight minute, Jones throws Reed down with a back body drop. When Reed gets back to his feet, Jones goes for a low kick. When Reed catches his foot, Jones turns him inside out with an enzuigiri for a two count. Reed then reverses an irish whip and accidentally sends Jones into the ref. While Jones is trying to check on the ref, Reed rolls him up from behind with a schoolboy and pulls his tights! Reed can be heard yelling at the ref to “get up and count, sucka!” But the ref holds his head in agony. After trying to revive the ref, Reed heads back over to Jones, who knocks him down with a running forearm smash! Jones knocks Reed down with another running forearm… and another… and another! He then scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with a flying elbow drop! Once Reed returns to a vertical abse, Jones throws out Zoned Out (Superkick). But Reed counters and low blows him with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch)! While Jones is doubled over, Reed heads into the ropes, comes back and blasts Jones with the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow)! Reed then heads out onto the apron and waves up Jones. Once Jones gets back to his feet and turns around, Reed brings him down with the Bride of Funkenstein (springboard somersault hurricanrana) for the three count!

Cassius Reed O || Bridge of Funkenstein (11:09) || Patrick Jones X

[FGA Office]

The scene cuts backstage outside the door of General Manager Hadley Herrera. Amanda Johnson is standing guard. The door opens not to reveal Hadley walking out, the man known to the world as BROOKFORD leaves the General Manager’s office. He slams the door behind him. When he notices Amanda Johnson he rolls his eyes.

Amanda Johnson: Take it your meeting with Hadley didn’t go well?

BROOKFORD sighs.

BROOKFORD: Bravo Ms Cleo, you’re a freaking genius.

Amanda Johnson: So what did Hadley say?

BROOKFORD sighs.

BROOKFORD: Amanda, tell me, how does it make sense that Sage Clarke is allowed to get involved in business? How many times do I need to state the obvious? Two weeks ago I had Ashley Sullivan beat. I know it. She knows it. The fans know it. Sage knows it. Yet this punk kid decided to get involved. Is that behavior fitting of an All American? His mentor, Simon Lyman, is the ultimate boy scout. Think he is doing right by his name?

BROOKFORD: Nope, don’t think so. For the life of me I don’t get it. I don’t claim to be the most honorable guy around. When the people who claim to follow rules break their own, how you can take those types of people seriously? Anyway, Hadley is refusing to do her job. No, Sage is still allowed to stalk me during my matches to his heart's content. However, she did offer a solution. July 13th, Glory Road. Sage Clarke versus ME.

Amanda Johnson: Wow, that’s great.

BROOKFORD: Whoa, pump the breaks, Amanda. I didn’t say I accepted.

Amanda Johnson: But she’s giving you a chance--

BROOKFORD: -- to justify Sage Clarke’s existence. I said it once. I’ll repeat myself AGAIN cause certain people have a hard time comprehending. My business with Sage was done the day I put him on the shelf. Now, he can entertain fantasies about continuing to get involved in my matches. I got a simple solution. How about, I don’t show up to work? He can’t get involved in my matches if I am not here. FGA can fine me, suspend me, don’t care. I won’t tolerate that snot nosed kid harassing me. Now, if someone paid me to do it... I might reconsider. As it stands now? By accepting a match against that kid would in effect give his life meaning. I’m not in the business of being the meaning of someones life. I exist to take life. We clear?

Amanda rolls her eyes.

Amanda Johnson: Crystal.

BROOKFORD: Careful. People might think you got a crush on me.

BROOKFORD winks. Amanda scoffs at him. BROOKFORD walks away from Amanda as the scene fades to black.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Standing in front of a set of lockers backstage, making damn sure their backs are to the lockers and their eyes are facing front, we find the two members of Smart Style – and not only do we find where they are, we find they are considering their options following the assault that was perpetrated upon them a couple of weeks ago by members of the Vertigo roster

Mark Bisley: Rather than labour the point I’m going to get right to what I want to say: a couple of weeks ago my partner and I were set upon by a group of individuals who wanted to send a message, to put the Flashpoint roster on notice, and most of all they wanted to make a statement that their roster is the daddy of Frontier Grappling Arts.  We were not the only members of the roster to be on the receiving end of this, and I am sure that several other members of this locker room have their own thoughts and opinions on this matter, however what went down got the pair of us thinking.

Bisley looks over to his partner, who gives a silent – yet decisive – nod in response

Mark Bisley: You see we don’t live in a bubble and think that Flashpoint is our entire world, and for the past few weeks we’ve seen what’s been happening with Vertigo, and most of all we see a General Manager who is motivated and, most of all, he has ambition.

In spite the two of them being in the backstage area, the jeers from the crowd inside the arena are just about audible where the two of them are standing

Mark Bisley: In those few weeks not only has he played Ms. Herrera like a well-worn pack of cards, not only has he made a couple of eye-catching acquisitions from right under Ms. Herrera’s nose, but he’s also set out his stall and stated he wants to make his tag team division the pinnacle of Frontier Grappling Arts’ tag team scene.  All of which has the pair of us wishing to ask Brandon Macdonald just one small question…

If the jeering from inside the arena wasn’t audible before it sure as heck is now, with the crowd sensing that Bisley’s preparing the latest round of publicly dictating contract terms – and judging by the look on Bisley’s face, he’s milking the pause between setting up his question and asking it for all it’s worth

Mark Bisley: How can you claim to have the best tag team division when you’re the doofus that passed on us?

As it slowly dawns on the crowd what Bisley’s saying, those jeers slowly transform into a ripple of cheers

Shintaro Majima: You can complain about none of your teams having a chance at the titles for some time, yet you need to accept the only reason that is the case is because you did not take one of the many opportunities to sign us.

Mark Bisley: So, no, I wouldn’t call Brandon Macdonald a smart operator, just a lucky one.  But here’s the thing about luck: it runs out, it always runs out, and if he’s basing his plans on firings and contracts expiring it’s easy to counter that with a few suspensions and long-term contracts.  You can have that plan for free, Brandon, but don’t get your hopes up at finding anyone on Flashpoint being keen to join up with you, as people don’t like being jumped from behind by a group of malcontents.

Shintaro Majima: Neither do they appreciate being spoken of as lesser people based on which brand they are affiliated with.  If you wish to encourage people to listen to you, you do not spend more time talking them down than saying what you are able to offer.

Mark Bisley: But if Brandon’s still listening, here’s an idea for him.  As stealing shows is our business, and because you’re so convinced that you have the best tag team division in Frontier Grappling Arts, why don’t you put your moxie where your mouth is and prove it?  We’ll even play fair and let you choose which team on your roster you think can teach us a lesson, and in return we’ll let them have the best match they’ll ever have while also proving just how wrong you are.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Tristan Ambrose vs. Salem Kaiser

Kaiser gets the advantage early with an arm wrench into several chops followed by a headscissors takedown. She then runs over and connects with a flying calf kick, knocking Ambrose through the ropes and to the outside. While Ambrose tries to pick himself up off the floor, Kaiser turns and runs into the far ropes. When she comes back, The Witch knocks him down with a topé con hilo! She brings the action back inside and makes the cover. But she only gets a two count.

Kaiser brings the match into the corner and delivers another flurry of chops. After an irish whip is reversed, Ambrose runs across the ring to attack when Kaiser knocks him back with a boot to the face. She then runs out of the corner before driving him down with a wheelbarrow bulldog for a two count! Kaiser then brings Ambrose back to his feet and tries for a shinbreaker into a leg hook Saito Suplex. But Ambrose rakes her across the eyes! The boos continue as he brings her into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Kaiser then returns the favor and reverses an irish whip. The Witch runs across the ring to attack when Ambrose cuts her off with a back elbow. He follows up with a reverse STO into the turnbuckle for a two count!

Ambrose takes Kaiser and shoots her into the ropes. When she returns, Ambrose delivers a pop-up uppercut. While Kaiser is dazed, Ambrose heads into the ropes, comes back and knocks her down with a discus clothesline for a two count! He then pulls Kaiser into the clinch before delivering a knee to the head. While Kaiser is doubled over, Ambrose grabs her around the waist before planting her with a gutwrench piledriver for a two count! Ambrose then sets up for a German Suplex when Kaiser blocks the move. Ambrose goes for repeated attempts at a German. But Kaiser continues to block. After hitting Ambrose with three back elbows to the face, she performs a standing switch. After a jumping stomp to the back of the leg brings Ambrose down to a knee, Kaiser heads into the ropes, comes back and brings him down with a somersault cutter for a two count! Kaiser then delivers a rolling snapmare, followed by a discus knee shot to the face for another two count. The Witch the takes Ambrose and whips him hard sternum-first into the turnbuckle. While Ambrose stumbles back, Kaiser runs into the corner and goes for a springboard back elbow. But Ambrose catches her in mid air and counters with a German Suplex! He makes the cover. But he only gets a two count.

As the match continues, Ambrose delivers a T-Bone Suplex for a two count! A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker gets a two count! The ドームズデー (Pumphandle Neckbreaker) gets a two count! Ambrose heads out onto the apron and raises his fist in the air. Once Kaiser gets back to her feet and turns around, Ambrose goes for a springboard forearm. But Kaiser rolls underneath it. Once Ambrose gets back to his feet and turns around, Kaiser knocks him down with a pair of lariat takedowns, followed by a Shining Wizard for a two count. After an irish whip sends Ambrose into the corner, Kaiser runs across the ring and throws herself at him with a corner cartwheel leaping hip attack. But Ambrose slips out of the way, causing Kaiser to crash into the corner! Ambrose then brings her out of the corner before lifting her up onto his shoulders for a turnbuckle powerbomb. But Kaiser counters with punches to the head. She then slips down in front of Ambrose and knocks him back with several forward palm strikes before sending him back into the corner with an irish whip. Kaiser then heads into the corner and connects with a corner cartwheel leaping hip attack. After Ambrose is sent into the opposite corner. The Witch plants him with a monkeyflip DDT! Once Ambrose gets back to his feet and turns around, Kaiser runs across the ring and cracks him with the New Hampshire Handshake (Superman Elbow) for the three count!

Tristan Ambrose X || New Hampshire Handshake (11:49) || Salem Cartier O

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★