Flashpoint (06.16.18)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Backstage on Flashpoint, Brian Stryker is sitting in his locker room, looking through his phone. He was off tonight and frankly he was only here cause he had to be as the captain of Team Flashpoint. He had interns running point on all entrances making sure no Vertigo scum got into the building. He sat back and stretched as he had an easy night ahead of him. Just down the hall the cameras do a cutaway to find Noelle Smith, she sees all the activity around the locker area and her brows raise, she heads that way with a to-go cup from La Taza Java Coffee House in hand, the rich smell of mocha and coffee following her like a cloud of goodness. She’s still in her street clothes, her bag hanging from its strap on her shoulder and she shifts it as she comes to stand in the doorway. She takes a casual sip of the coffee and makes sure Stryker sees her before she speaks.

Noelle Smith: Looks like a bit of a war council going on in here. Plotting away? That’s a good idea I suppose, because you need to get your head in the game. I’m not sure what’s up with you, Stryker. Not really. We’ve all seen though, the Tweets and how you’ve cold shouldered people that you were friends with, close friends with. There’s people you could have reached out to, if it was all that bad, and yet you… well, at least you’re turning it on the people from Vertigo that deserve it. There’s that.

Brian sighed as he got up and looked down at Noelle.

Brian Stryker: How about you stop asking about me like that and focus on the task of beating Vertigo. I don’t have to explain myself to anyone, so you can cut that out right now. So unless you got something else you want to talk about the door is right there.

Noelle sips her mocha as he talks, and one shoulder lifts in a slight shrug.

Noelle Smith: I can’t say that I actually care, because even before we weren’t friends, Stryker. But as it seems you’ve been put in charge of this team, and we’re not only trying to represent Flashpoint but show Vertigo they shouldn’t have messed with us the way they did? Asking you if your head is in the game is a valid question. I get why Savannah joined, and I think James too. And later on tonight I’m going to slap Mark Storm across the chops for the rest of us if I can, for what the Dogs of War did during that attack.

She gestures slightly, using the cup in her hand as a focus point between the two of them.

Noelle Smith: Asking you if you’ve got a plan of attack here, asking you what you think we can do together as a team, those are good questions too. Chandler’s here tonight, has anyone spoken to him yet?

Almost as if on cue, James Edwards goes walking by the pair in street clothes with his customary Pittsburgh Pirates caped jammed tight on his head. He carries a few 8x10’s tucked under his right arm.

Brian Stryker: Oh god, the walking birth control ad is here too.

Edwards ignores them and keeps on moving. Noelle trots after him and puts a hand on his shoulder. The Burning Heart spins around with alarm in his eyes, he reaches up and removes something from his ear, a bud that he lets dangle.

James Edwards: What the hell?

Noelle Smith: Have you talked to Chandler? Asking for a friend.

There was a hint of humor in her words and tone that wasn’t quite reflected in her eyes as she spoke, but she’s clearly curious as to what he’ll say.

James Edwards: Why would I talk to him? He seems to be doing fine on his own.

Noelle Smith: … I can’t be the only person that sees this as counterproductive…

A soft huff, almost a sigh.

Noelle Smith: Stryker’s here, we could be talking strategy…

Edwards doesn’t let her finish.

James Edwards: Why the hell would we do that, with them here?

He jerks his thumb towards the camera.

James Edwards: You just wanna announce to the world what we are gonna do? That’s just askin’ to lose next month. I don’t know about y’all but I don’t see this whole Flashpoint-Vertigo thing as a war, it’s a fight in a ring. The way to win this is to keep our cards close to our vest.

His eyes settle on Stryker for a moment before turning back to Noelle.

James Edwards: And not do any grandstanding to antagonize Macdonald or his pets anymore then they already are.

Noelle holds her coffee out to the side before she literally facepalms, then drops her hand to glare at Edwards.

Noelle Smith: Are you serious with that? The cameras can be shooed off. I mean for real. Stryker may be a megalomaniac in the baking portion of the process but come on. What IS interesting though, is how you don’t see this for what it is.
Edwards stares back at her with the casual intensity he usually saves for the ring

James Edwards: Don’t talk down to me. Don’t tell me what I know and don’t know, when you ain’t taken the time to ask me what I see this as. Hell, I said as much last week.

Noelle smirks and shakes her head.

Noelle Smith: Maybe if you hadn’t talked down to me, I wouldn’t have had to bring your attitude to your attention.

Edwards fidgets with his hat with his free hand.

James Edwards: I’m not the problem. The privilege infecting this company is, and I’m starting to see it just ain’t over on Vertigo either. You wanna know who I blame for the attack? Your buddy Chandler. He fired the first shot by going to Vertigo all because he buys the horsesh*t idea that he is some kind of conquerin’ hero. Like somehow his actions had no consequences. We all got laid out because of him. I’ll work with em’ because I wanna win this thing because I hate what Macdonald and Colton Sterling stand, but don’t act like I’m the problem on this team.

Noelle Smith: Uh huh.

Noelle shakes her head, turning back to where Stryker is, though she pauses to look over her shoulder.

Noelle Smith: I don’t recall saying you were the problem on this team. You’ve clearly got that narrative going though, and that’s whatever it is. You want your hands on Kol, and this is the easy way to get to the front of that particular line, because there are a lot of people that hate that man - which isn’t excusing a single thing that he’s actually done. Long, long list. I get it though, Edwards. Just don’t pretend, okay? That’s all anyone asks. Do your thing, bell to bell. If you don’t want to be a part of the plans, that’s fine. But have the courtesy to let the supposed Captain know, hmm?

That look, oh that look and she chuckles.

Noelle Smith: And some people thought Savannah would be the issue.

I do believe that was the nicest thing you’ve said about me recently.

The trio turns towards the door where the figure of reigning United States champion Savannah Taylor stands. Dressed in her ring attire with a Las Vegas Golden Knights t shirt over the ring top, she clutched her belt over her right shoulder as she slowly walks into the room.

Savannah Taylor: I couldn’t help but overhear your little tête-à-tête and while we’ve had our differences….Noelle is correct. Out of everyone on this team, you all thought that I would be the problem. I mean, yeah, I have issues with people. And yes, I’ve never been a particular team player. But guess what? I’m one of the best chances Flashpoint has of winning. I don’t care what you all think of me. At the end of the day, I am going to All Star Showdown to win, with or without you.

Noelle actually chuckles just a little.

Noelle Smith: It might be… and that’s really true. You always come to win, and it’s your strength. Since we’re being cordial and all that. I suppose… that’s something we can all be on the same page about. If we win, any goal we have, is that much closer. Right?

Savannah Taylor: Correct-a-mundo. We all want Vertigo to get their comeuppance. The way I see it is any blow to MacDonald and his merry band of misfits is to be taken as a good thing. We all have someone on the opposite side of the ring that we would love to get our hands on.

She reaches up to her forehead and gently grazes her finger across the scar that was fading, but still there.

Savannah Taylor: Not to mention I owe a certain little vegan a taste of his own medicine.

Noelle Smith: That’s satisfying, and I promise you, you’re going to enjoy that exactly as much as you think you will.

She glances down at her title, then back at Noelle.

Savannah Taylor: He’ll be properly introduced to either this beauty…..or my little friend in my locker room. But Evan’s time is down the road. Right now, there are a couple of Vertigo scum that have caught my attention, and not in the good way either.

Edwards shakes his head.

James Edwards: Y’all have fun.

Edwards looks at Noelle and nods in the direction of the US Champion.

James Edwards: Just because somebody says they have a common goal, doesn’t mean you can trust em’. Folks just don’t change at the drop of a hat. That’s something I would think long and damn hard about if I were you.

The surly Kentuckian doesn’t her time to respond, he puts the ear bud back in, and the world is dead to him again as he exits the picture. Savannah’s ice blue eyes narrow as she watches James’ retreating form leave the room in a cloud of music and annoyance. She shakes her head as she clutches her belt over her shoulder. She turns her head and looks between Noelle and Stryker.

Savannah Taylor: Remember when you all thought that I would be the problem here?

She says as she scrunches up her face, her tongue pressed firmly against the inside of her cheek.

Savannah Taylor: That being said, whatever you may think about me and any reluctance you may have about teaming with me, I think we can all agree that we can put aside whatever differences we may have and put Vertigo on the shelf for good. Now if you two will excuse me, I have a Witchy Woman to prepare for.

She nods briefly to Noelle and Stryker before turning on her heel and heading out of the room. Brian sighed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Brian Stryker: Sh*t would be easier with trained monkeys instead. Just get out of here before my headache becomes a full blown murder migraine.

He sits back and exhales as he just rubs his temples at the annoyances that just happened. Noelle shakes her head and sets off to find Chandler, leaving the cameras to focus on Stryker before cutting away.

[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 AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Bean Bands & Rhett Bands

The match starts off with Steel getting the better of Rhett with clubbing forearms to the chest in the corner. After a hard irish whip sends Rhett crashing into the opposite corner, Rhett staggers away from the turnbuckles before throwing him down with an STO. After an irish whip sends Rhett into the ropes, Steel lifts him up and throws him down with a spinebuster! Rhett is then pulled up off the mat by the hair before bering hurled across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Rhett slowly pulls himself into the corner and tags in Bean. Bean shows hesitance at getting in. Steel then marches over, grabs him and lifts him in the air. Steel holds him in place for ten seconds before walking backwards to the center of the ring and hitting a vertical suplex. After a tag is made to Terrence Tillman, Triple T gets in and knocks him down with a Shining Black! After Bean is sent into the corner with an irish whip, Tillman runs, jumps and goes for a Corner Splash. But Bean moves out of the way. He then turns around and runs back into the corner when Tillman cuts him off with a back elbow to the face. While Bean is dazed, Tillman turns back to the turnbuckle and delivers the DDTriple T (Stylin DDT)! Tillman then slowly pulls Bean up off the mat before dropping him with the Top Tier Takedown (leaping reverse STO)! Once Bean is dragged into position, Tillman steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Bean with the Skyfall (450 Splash) for the one, two, three!

Terrence Tillman & Vince Steel O || Skyfall (2:10) || Bean & Rhett Bands X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area where the audience pops at the initial sight of the FGA World Tag Team Champions, Ashlyn De Luca and Logan Alexander of the Chaotics and GM Hadley Herrera, but the pop fades with the crowd straining to listen as we realize the parties are in the middle of a conversation. Logan stands with his arms folded, while Herrera looks stressed, palms on her desk, shaking her head a bit before looking up toward the champions.

Hadley Herrera: So what are you saying then?

Logan Alexander: Simply put, this arrangement isn’t going to work. As such, we don’t want it.

Hadley Herrera: We need to put forward a team, and we need the best tag teams on it, guys. And you’re the FGA World Tag Team champions - the titles with nearly five years of history behind me. Why don’t you want to lead the team?

Ashlyn rubs at her eyes for a moment, taking a small breath before looking at Logan out of the corner of her eye before looking back toward Hadley.

Ashlyn De Luca: It would probably be uh… good if we decided on another--

Familiar-Sounding Voice: Another…?

Letting out a pained sigh as she knows what’s coming, Ashlyn looks from Hadley to her partner before she turns to see the two members of Smart Style standing just a few feet away from their conversation, with Mark Bisley wearing a disapproving look on his face as he stands with his arms folded

Mark Bisley: Are you saying we should give Brandon Macdonald another ten minutes to accept the challenge that my partner & I laid out not just for him but his entire brand at the last show?  Because I’m all for that, because there’s nothing I like hearing more than Brandon Macdonald not talking for ten minutes as he pretends that we’re not here.

Shintaro Majima: Or that we are only here so his roster can attack us from behind, which he believes comes without a single consequence.

Mark Bisley: But, please, go on.  It’d be awkward if we spent ten minutes standing in silence starting at Ms. Herrera’s phone in anticipation of it ringing.

Ashlyn’s jaw tightens and her fists clench for a moment as she rolls her eyes to Bisley.

Ashlyn De Luca: I legit thought we were done with the days where you dudes just popped out of the woodwork and cut me off w—

Liam Richardson: Well, what’s going on here then?

Ashlyn De Luca: Christ.

There’s boo’s echoing from the main arena as Liam Richardson appears on the screen. Rumble Reyes towers behind him and has his arms folded and pressed against his chest. Richardson claps his hands together, a bitter smirk beginning to form on his lips.

Liam Richardson: Reyes and I aren’t really about the chit-chat I’m afraid, so I’ll just get straight to the point then. Hadley, I think it’s in your best interest to give the Dogs of War what they’ve most certainly earned, and that’s the tag team championship match.

Once again, boo’s elicit from the main arena.

Liam Richardson: We’re the reason why this tag team division has been flourishing and it’s come to my attention, that you’ve in fact, avoided us for the most part. Despite the fact that we’ve helped made this division relevant again. It’s ridiculous!

Familiar Voice: Whoa, whoa, wait a gosh darn minute here…

All the people in the office turn their attention to the doorway, where the members of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad are standing together. Dan and Peaches enter the room, standing between The Chaotics and Dogs of War as Peaches talks again.

Peaches: Y’all are the reason the tag division is relevant again? ‘Cause I coulda swore you—

She points to Rumble Reyes.

Peaches: —Ain’t even made your FGA in ring debut yet. I know y’all have got more Dogs of War than we can keep track of, but, uh, we lost to Qiang not you.

Reyes raises an eyebrow her way, though remains silent.

Dan Herrera: And, around here, you don’t get to claim credit for somebody else’s work, Reyes. As for the matter at hand - this tag match? If Vertigo has the Reapers In Pride on their team - we want in!

Peaches: Damn right!

She exclaims, loudly, surprising some of the other people in the room.

Dan Herrera: After they sneak attacked us, slammed Peaches onto the car hood—

Peaches: And put Dan’s head through the car window!

Dan Herrera: —we want our chance to get even, Hadley. So I’ll ask as nicely as I can right now...but make it happen.

As the PLAS are speaking, Majima looking in their direction and gives an affirmative nod, acknowledging that they are making a very good point.

Hadley Herrera: Fine, you two are more than welcome to join the team. And after what Vertigo did a few weeks ago I’d never refuse you the chance to get even. So it’ll be the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad, The Chaotics, Smart Style...and if they ever want to earn that title shot they’re talking about…

Liam and Rumble’s ears perk up at the mention of the tag titles.

Hadley Herrera: ...then this iteration of The Dogs of War will join this team as well. I think the eight of you show not only what tag team wrestling on Flashpoint is all about, but tag team wrestling in FGA as a whole.

Peaches: We’re in.

Listening to what Hadley has to say, Bisley off-handedly taps Majima on the arm with the back of his hand, earning himself a “What did you do that for?” look from his partner, but he continues regardless

Mark Bisley: Well it appears that phone isn’t ringing anytime soon, so I guess the two of us should get going.

Bisley turns as if he’s going to leave, although Majima doesn't move so much as a muscle as he knows what’s coming, and soon enough Bisley stops in his tracks and raises a finger as he slowly turns around

Mark Bisley: Or…or...or somebody could mention that my partner and I have already issued a challenge to Brandon Macdonald to prove that his roster is capable of anything other than sneak attacks and pithy tweets, and it would appear that we’re not the only team currently standing in Ms. Herrera’s office looking to prove that maybe his claims of having the superior tag division really needs to be put to the test.

Bisley then looks out of the corner of his eye in the direction of Richardson and Reyes

Mark Bisley: But since you and whichever partner you’re tagging with this week brought up the subject of “earning” a title match, could the GM please remind everyone in this room which team has a rematch clause that certain people seem to be forgetting about?

Reyes steps forward for the first time.

"Rumble" Reyes: I’m not about to take claim credit from someone else, but anything done under the Dogs of War name is credited to the Dogs of War. PLAS was beaten, and I won’t even go into the travesty that was Smart Style as champions. That alone should garner a shot for a team that isn’t these two. The Dogs have more than proven themselves as contenders.

Rumble pauses, looking over to the champs.

Hadley Herrera: Despite their roster changes, the Dogs of War have been impressive since their debut a few months ago. But right now we’re not here to discuss the titles. We’re here to talk about All Star Showdown.

She raises her voice slightly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

Hadley Herrera: And proving Brandon Macdonald wrong - about everything! Because he thinks we’re pushovers. He thinks we’re lacklustre talents. He thinks that Vertigo is better than us, and we all know he’s wrong!

Peaches gives her sister-in-law a round of applause, which Dan and Ashlyn both join in with. Logan gives Ashlyn a sidelong glance, but he doesn’t join in with the applause.

Hadley Herrera: So All Star Showdown is our chance to prove him wrong. Whether it’s all of you, or Brian, James, Noelle, Savannah, and Chandler. We’re battling for supremacy. We’re battling for bragging rights. We’re battling to shut Brandon Macdonald’s big mouth once and for all! Now who’s with me?

Dan Herrera: We’re with you.

"Rumble" Reyes: I’m not willing to help any of you…

The tension in the room shoots up ten feet high for a moment, before Liam taps Rumble’s shoulder.

"Rumble" Reyes: But if it’ll help solidify us as contenders in your eyes, and shut some people up in the process, then I suppose you can count the Dogs of War in.

Logan Alexander: It won’t.

The comment draws glances from everyone in the room. The ones from Liam and Reyes are particularly acidic. Logan isn’t even glancing at them.

Logan Alexander: The fact that you two want to be on this team to try and prove you deserve a title shot is a very good reason for the both of you to sit on the sidelines. We’ve already watched the Dogs of War walk out when Vertigo wrestlers stood in their path.

Hadley takes in a deep breath as she looks towards the Dogs of War members, while Logan looks to Hadley disapprovingly.

Logan Alexander: The fact that you even consider them for this team after they’ve bailed on you once before makes me question your cheerleading display from a few moments ago as well as your judgment on this. It’s also part of the answer to your earlier question about why Ashlyn and I aren’t going to take charge of this group.

He then glances towards Liam and Reyes.

Logan Alexander: This team would be better with just six of us. You don’t hire mercs that are only interested in the pay they get for a job like this. After all, you already have the last three sets of World Tag Team champions in this room.

Logan glances towards the other members of the team in turn.

Logan Alexander: Dan, Peaches, Mark, Shintaro, Ashlyn and I have carried the tag division for over a year together at this point and we’ve collectively beaten three quarters of Vertigo’s team before. I’m sure that the six of us can find a way to coexist since we all have the same goal in mind.

He looks back towards Hadley.

Logan Alexander: We won’t need the other two… and frankly we can’t trust or rely on them either.

Peaches: I ain’t wantin’ to defend these two.

Dan Herrera: God knows they don’t deserve defending after abandoning the rest of Flashpoint during that attack. But we need eight people for this team. We’ve already got the five on five match, so we can’t pick. We can’t pick Karma, because he has an Undisputed title match.

Peaches: The fact is, they’re part of the Flashpoint tag division. An’ y’all can be madder than a wet hen at ‘em - God knows I am. But we need eight…

She looks Logan, knowing there isn’t a good argument for the inclusion of the Dogs of War after their recent antics. Or that they’re all about to do battle tonight. But the only tag team on Flashpoint right now is The Family, and they’ve only just debuted.

Hadley Herrera: I get it, Logan. I do. And I trust these two--

She points to Liam and Reyes.

Hadley Herrera: --about as far as I can throw them. If you don’t want to lead the team then that’s ok, I respect your decision. Maybe the Attack Squad or Smart Style can lead instead. But think of the best case scenario; you all win at All Star Showdown, and then you can go head to head with the Dogs of War and show them how you really feel about them...if they hold up to their end of the deal.

With that, all the people in the room look around at one another as the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ FATAL 4-WAY ★★★
Logan Alexander vs. Shintaro Majima vs. "Rumble" Reyes vs. Peaches

The match starts with Alexander nailing Reyes with multiple right hands. Reyes then grabs a hold of him before knocking him down with a headbutt. Peaches then runs over and unleashes a flurry of right hands of her own. She turns to run into the far ropes when Reyes grabs her by the hair and throws her down with a one-handed mat slam. Majima then connects with a running forearm smash. After an enzuigiri stuns Reyes, Majima delivers Mongolian Chops before running into the far ropes. When Majima returns, Reyes runs him over with a running shoulder block. When Reyes turns around, Peaches goes for a crossbody block. But Reyes catches her in mid air. Majima runs back over and delivers a big boot to the back of Peaches. But Reyes doesn’t fall. Alexander then runs into the far ropes, comes back and knocks Reyes down with a lariat takedown! Peaches falls on top of Reyes and makes the cover. But Reyes shoves her off at one. Majima then makes the lateral press on Reyes. Again, Reyes shoves him off at one. Alexander then makes the pin. But he, too, gets shoved off at one.

As the match continues, Alexander goes for an irish whip. But Reyes blocks and reverses. He then runs into the corner when Alexander turns him around with a boot to the face. A running hurricanrana from Peaches then sends Reyes stumbling across the ring and into the ropes. When Reyes turns around, Majima runs across the ring and connects with the Kurimuzon Kasai (lariat), sending Reyes over the top rope and crashing to the floor! Peaches quickly rolls him up from behind with a schoolboy for a two count. After Peaches gets to her feet, Alexander turns her around and executes a small package. But Peaches kicks out at two. Once both grapplers return to their feet, Majima grabs Alexander from behind and chucks him through the ropes. After landing on the apron, Alexander pulls himself up using the ropes. When Peaches returns, she goes for a running butt bump to Majima. But The Strong Style Savior sidesteps, causing Alexander to get hit and knocked off the apron! Majima then takes Peaches and shoots her into the far ropes. When she returns, Majima back body drops her over the top rope! On the way down, she lands on Alexander’s shoulders before bringing him down with a hurricanrana! When Peaches gets back on the apron, Majima reaches out to grab her when she ducks and doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes before hitting a sunset flip for a two count.

Peaches remains in control as Majima is whipped into the ropes. When he returns, she leapfrogs over him. Majima continues to run the ropes. When he returns, Peaches goes for another butt bump when he stops, grabs her in mid air and hits a bridging German Suplex! Alexander rolls back in and breaks up the count at two. Chaos Stryke then delivers a snap suplex for a two count. He then delivers a russian leg sweep for a two count. After a pendulum backbreaker is delivered, Alexander climbs up onto the middle ropes and hits a second rope elbow for another two count. After an inverted atomic drop doubles Majima over, Alexander plants him with a double arm DDT! He makes the cover. But Reyes delivers a stomp to the back at the count of two. Alexander is then chucked into the corner before Reyes nearly drives the air out of him with multiple knee strikes to the midsection. He then hurls Alexander towards the center of the ring with a hip toss! Majima then charges into the corner and catches Reyes with another running forearm smash! Reyes comes back with a forearm of his own. After Majima shakes off the blow, he rocks Reyes with another hard forearm smash! Reyes moves his jaw around before answering back with a forearm of his own. The Strong Style Savior then lights up Reyes chest with machine gun chops! Once Majima is done, Reyes fires off a BOLO CHOP that knocks Majima down! The trong Style Savior curls up and clutches his chest. When Rumble sees Alexander approaches, he walks over and knocks him down with a big boot. After Reyes turns around, Peaches leaps off the top turnbuckle and brings him down with a diving neckbreaker! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Reyes kicks out.

In the seventh minute, Peaches sends Reyes into the ropes. When he returns, Peaches lunges forward and goes for the spear. But she bounces right off of him! When she gets back to her feet, Reyes runs over and nearly dents her chest with a BOLO CHOP, sending her stumbling through the ropes and to the floor! As Reyes steps back, Alexander grabs him from behind and brings him down with the Chaotic Shockwave (reverse STO)! Once Reyes slowly gets back to his feet, Alexander nails him with a superkick. He then hits Reyes with another superkick… and another… and another. While Reyes is dazed, Alexander turns and heads into the ropes. When he comes back, Reyes crushes him with a crossbody block! He hooks the leg for the cover. But Majima breaks up the pin at two. The Strong Style Savior then pulls Reyes up off the mat and goes for the Kurimuzon Jigoku (sheerpdrop brainbuster). But Reyes blocks. After delivering clubbing strikes across the back, he shoots Majima into the ropes. When Majima returns, Reyes lifts him up and delivers a Samoan Drop! Reyes then brings Majima back to his feet, lifts him up and delivers the Richter 9 Powerbomb (Bad Luck Fall) for the one, two, three!

Rumble Reyes O || Richter 9 Powerbomb (10:08) || Logan Alexander X || Shintaro Majima X || Peaches X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Right by the stage the fans are cheering A.C. Smith, who stands alongside Amanda Johnson, ready, presumably, to give an interview. Suddenly however, laughing can be heard throughout the arena, though the confused fans have their questions answered when Sloan Talbot saunters through the curtain with a microphone held up to his face. He softly laughs for a moment, his deep, intimidating voice shining through even as he does so. Talbot stops up a fair distance away from A.C. Smith, slowly pointing at him.

Sloan Talbot: I’m just gonna stop you before you get started with your complainin’, big boy.

He cracks a slight grin.

Sloan Talbot: I ain’t gonna give you the chance to talk about your problems like you’re not the one who caused them. Man. Back at Only The Strong Survive you told your wife, you told your son, you looked them dead in the eye and you told them that good guys can still win. Told them that there was actually good left in this world...

Talbot stares at Smith for a moment, who returns the glare.

Sloan Talbot: We both know that’s a bunch of BS. See out there...out there in the real world, it’s nothing but disappointment after disappointment. It’s a dog eat dog world, and if you’re telling your little boy that there’s genuine good out there, then he’s gonna get eaten alive real quick.

The Big Apple Asskicker seems incensed by Talbot, yet manages to remain composed whilst Sloan continues.

Sloan Talbot: See, there ain’t no good guys left in town...and you coming back trying to disprove that just causes too many damn problems. At Only The Strong Survive you got in my business, stopped me from winning the Gold Rush Rumble, and then you have the nerve to whine and complain about doing the honorable thing when I hand you a receipt. Since you’re pretty slow, I’m gonna spell it out for you again. I don’t care about Vertigo, I don’t care about Flashpoint, and I don’t care about your wife, or your stupid f*ckin’ kid. I care about me. Sloan f*ckin’ Talbot. I care about how I can advance my career...and you got in the way out of that. So, once again, I’m gonna go through you, and in the process I’m gonna show your son that he’s destined to be a loser...just like his daddy.

With an intense glare Sloan slowly lowers his microphone, the camera cutting to reveal an even more intense A.C. Smith, who’s taken the microphone from Amanda Johnson. He takes a menacing step towards Talbot, speaking into the microphone as security preemptively position themselves between the two.

A.C. Smith: Honor, obviously, is something you lack, Talbot. You lack the moral compass that truly makes people good in this world, and that got my attention. The Big Apple Asskicker laid down the gauntlet and I eliminated you from the rumble. Then you decided to blindside me whilst I was fending off the Vertigo attackers. That further got my attention. That made me angry. That made me want to rip your head from your neck. But now you bring my wife into it? My son? How do you think that’s going to go for you, Sloan? How do you think that’s going to go for you at Glory Road, if you’re brave enough to really go toe to toe with me!?

The crowd explode into a frenzy at the challenge, prompting Sloan to look around the arena in disgust for several moments before his gaze slowly returns to Smith. He looks the fellow big man up and down for a moment then raises his microphone.

Sloan Talbot: I think it’ll go just fine. You got yourself a deal, hoss.

With that Talbot drops the microphone onto the stage with a metallic thud, slowly backing up before he turns, disappearing behind the curtain which A.C. Smith stares a hole through.

A.C. Smith: Terribly sorry for the interruption, Amanda. Some people just don’t have manners. There IS one other thing, though.

Smith’s lips curl into a sneer.

A.C. Smith: Everything I’m going to do to Sloan Talbot from bell to bell at Glory Road? That’s for my wife, for my son, for everyone out there trying to do good in a world where evil seems to be running amok. However...making Sloan Talbot sulk once he realizes he’s hit a roadblock he can’t get past? Watching him realize that he’s been beaten one-on-one, clean as a sheet, and humiliated for the second time in as many meetings? That’s...gonna be for me. And I’m going to take a LOT of pleasure in that.

Smith walks off, and Amanda looks both ways as the camera cuts back to ringside

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

Cameras spot Kendall Kingham just after arriving to the AT&T Center, signing autographs for a few enthusiastic members of the Flashpoint Zone who've arrived early to greet the talent. After finishing up, she takes her rolling luggage and starts heading towards the building before noticing the camera crew out of the corner of her eye. She turns, smiles and waves to the camera crew.

Kendall Kingham: Hey guys!

A pause, then a thought crosses her face.

Kendall Kingham: Ooh! So I know I've been kinda busy and caught up with my whole personal business, the Mark Storm stuff. But I don't want that to distract from you know, what I've been saying the Flashpoint Zone's all about-- going out and performing in the ring. So I really hope everyone is excited to see me tear it down with Alex Chalwell.

She nods.

Kendall Kingham: I know he's been making a lot of enemies here so far with the saying he's better than everyone, all that, the attitude but I'm not really focused on that. Like, I think a lot of us have been in a spot where we didn't think our toots smelled bad, where we came from a smaller company and thought we were the best. I mean, I know I had a big learning curve thingy. Some people get past it quicker than others, but that's not what I'm worried about with him, I'm looking at what he brings.

A beat.

Kendall Kingham: He's a pretty well-rounded dude, bigger than me obviously, but he's got a lot of technical stuff, some hold work, some striking mixed in. It's not as much of a style clash as it is for me when I've got someone in with me who can fly around and all that. So it's an opportunity for me to test myself, to go against someone hold for hold, strike for strike and show how much work I've put in! Show that I am that good at what I do. And if not?

She shrugs.

Kendall Kingham: I know what I have to work on to get where I need to get.

Perking up, Kendall waves as she starts heading towards the entrance.

Kendall Kingham: See all out there!

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Kendall Kingham vs. Alex Chalwell

The match begins with a collar-and-elbow tie up. Chalwell quickly gets the advantage with an arm drag. After another collar-and-elbow, Kingham begins to slowly move Chalwell across the ring before Chalwell stops and brings her down with another deep arm drag. Chalwell begins to taunt Kingham as she returns to her feet. The two grapplers circle the ring before engaging in another collar-and-elbow. This time, Chalwell moves Kingham into the corner and presses her against the turnbuckles. On the ref’s instruction, both grapplers make a clean break. Chalwell then throws out a sucker punch. But Kingham slips out of the way. When Chalwell turns around, Kingham places him in a Thai Plum before delivering short elbows, knees and uppercuts! After Chalwell is rocked by a European Uppercut, Kingham brings him out of the corner and shoots him into the ropes. When Chalwell returns, a running European Uppercut knocks him down with a two count! Chalwell then reverses an irish whip, sending Kingham into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks Chalwell down with a roaring European Uppercut for a two count!

As the match continues, Kingham delivers multiple arm wrenches. The ref asks Chalwell if he wants to give up. But he refuses. After an arm wringer sends him crashing shoulder-first to the mat, Kingham goes to lock on The Tombs (grounded top wristlock)! But Chalwell is able to slither free and grab a hold of the ropes, forcing Kingham back. Chalwell favors the arm as he circles the ring. They motion for another lockup with Chalwell throws out a boot to the midsection, followed by an eye rake. A snapmare, followed by multiple toe kicks to the back soon follow. He pulls Kingham up, places her against the ropes and delivers a hard knife edge chop. Kingham then quickly switches positions with Chalwell and rocks him with a hard European Uppercut! She then takes Chalwell’s arm and hammerlocks it around the top rope! Chalwell howls in pain as the ref gives Kingham until five to break the hold. Kingham releases at four before turning to head into the afr ropes. When Kingham returns, Chalwell ducks and dumps her over the top rope, sending her crashing to the floor!

On the outside, Chalwell puts the boots to Kingham before slamming her face-first onto the apron. Chalwell brings her back inside to make the cover. But he only gets a two count. After a swinging neckbreaker, Chalwell delivers a jumping knee drop for a two count. A pendulum backbreaker gets a two count. A shoulder jawbreaker, followed by a high knee also garner a count of two. After an atomic drop, Chalwell delivers a gutwrench gutbuster another two count. He then places Kingham in a sleeper. But Kingham runs backwards, squashing him in the corner. After staggering out towards the center of the ring, Kingham turns around and gets knocked down by an elbow smash for a two count. Kingham is then shot into the ropes. When she returns, Chalwell goes for a back elbow to the face. But she ducks and continues to run the ropes. When Kingham returns, Chalwell throws her down with Thru The Virgin Isles (Tilt-a-whirl Mat Slam) for yet another two count! Chalwell pulls Kingham up off the mat by the hair, takes her by the wrist and goes for an arm wrench into a short-arm clothesline. But Kingham counters the clothesline with a double knee armbreaker!

In the eighth minute, Chalwell is thrown down with a Japanese arm drag. After an irish whip sends him into the corner, Kingham runs across the ring and connects with a corner European Uppercut! She then brings Chalwell from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But he reverses. When Kingham returns, he grabs her by the back of the neck and throws her over the top rope. Instead of crashing to the floor, Kingham lands safely on the apron and follows up with a slingshot spear for a two count! Another irish whip is reversed, sending Kingham into the ropes. When she returns, Chalwell sets up for a back body drop. So Kingham stops and counters with a single arm DDT for a two count! After a hard knee doubles Chalwell over, Kingham heads into the ropes, comes back and clobbers him with a Knee Trembler! She then sits on the top turnbuckle and waits for Chalwell. Once Chalwell gets to his feet and turns around, Kingham sits up on the middle ropes before knocking him down with a diving European Uppercut!

Chalwell rolls to the outside and motions away from the ring as if to say, “forget this!” The crowd boos as Chalwell begins to get counted out as he leaves the ring! But Kingham doesn’t want to win this way. So she rolls out of the ring and runs after Chalwell. Once she grabs Chalwell by the shoulder and turns him around, Chalwell sucker punches her right in the eye! As Kingham goes down, Chalwell runs past her and rolls back inside! He begins frantically waving his arms and telling the ref to keep counting! The ref reluctantly does so. When Kingham doesn’t return to the ring by the count of two, the ref calls for the bell!

Kendall Kingham X || Count Out (11:27) || Alex Chalwell O

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

When you are in a hurry to get the hell out of Dodge, a checklist is necessary. That is what the camera catches a unsuspecting James Edwards doing, rummaging through his gear bag to make sure his envelope of 8x10’s, rental car keys, and other personal trinkets are in order before he retreats to the sanctuary marked by the glowing “Exit” sign a few feet away. The drawback: going through a list is a distraction, it lets your guard down and opens you up to, well anything. Anything being of course a match-ready Noelle Smith, who is talking to one of the backstage techs and apparently asking questions if the animated motions of her hands is any indication. Out of the corner of her eye she spies Edwards again and puts her current conversation on a pause as she takes a few steps in that direction, remembering his use of earbuds prior she puts her fingers to her lips to produce a super sharp whistle that should, in theory, cut through his sound buffer.

There aren’t any earbuds this time. The shrill noise startles the busy Burning Heart. He looks around for the source and when he finds it, his countenance takes on an edge.

James Edwards: What in the name of God is your damn problem!?

Noelle Smith: Wow, language! No, seriously… I’m curious, and I’m at a point in my life that I know that if you’ve got questions you better ask them because the person you want to ask can be gone, just like that.

She snaps her fingers, a slightly haunted look passing in her eyes before she shakes her head. She’s highly aware that the man before her neither knows or cares who it is she knows that passed recently, for sure. She lifts a hand and gestures in an ‘up and down’ sort of way.

Noelle Smith: I’ll tell you what my ‘damn problem’ is, if you tell me what your actual damage is, Edwards. Fair is fair, quid pro quo, all that.

His eyes turn back to his bag. He counts something that can’t be seen, mouthing the numbers as he does. Whether this is done to annoy Noelle is left up to her and the viewers.

James Edwards: I tell you what, don’t whistle at me and don’t talk to me like I’m a kid, and I’ll answer anything you want to know. Do we gotta deal?

Noelle tips her head a little to the side and gives a very European type one shoulder shrug, though there’s no malice in her stance or expression as she replies.

Noelle Smith: The whistle was to carry over your music - I wasn’t trying to call you like a pup or something, just so you know. As far as not talking to you like a kid? I respond in kind, you know? Try not to come at me like you think I’m a stupid girl, and I think we’ll be pretty okay.

Edwards looks up and studies her demeanor for a moment. He nods his head in agreement.

James Edwards: Fair enough, what do you mean by damage though? I ain’t familiar with the phrase.

Noelle Smith: It’s just a slang thing, really. It’s more than saying ‘problem’ but less than saying you’ve got some real issue that would require… you know what, let’s just stick with it being a way to say it seems that you’ve got an obvious issue and I’m curious about it. And I’m truthful, I’ll tell you that it’s because we’re going to be teaming at All Star Showdown, I’m not trying to be your best friend or something fake towards you. But I think it would be better to know if this is going to cause trouble, at least for that. Fair?

James Edwards: Aight’. The only issues I have is being given orders by Stryker and then being expected to welcome Chandler to the team after the all the sh*t he’s said about the rest of us. I’m the kind of person that means what he says and when I said I’m doing this to stab privilege in the heart, that’s what I aim to do. Contrary to what y’all think, I’m not just chasin’ a grudge with Colton Sterling. Do I hate that bastard? Yes I do. Do I wanna cave his skull in? Damn straight. But if I’ve learned something over the last few months it’s that he is a symptom, not the sickness. This idea that what a fighter is worth based on what he did in the past; the idea they should get special treatment based on that, it’s bullsh*t Noelle. Beatin’ the living incarnation of that in Seattle is my way of sending a message that what you do in the ring matters more. I’ll work with y’all to make that happen, but I’m not just gonna fall in line because of a shared goal. People gotta prove to me they are worth trusting.

He pauses, a stoic look on his face.

James Edwards: That’s my damage.

Noelle Smith: Treating someone a certain way because of how they’ve behaved is human nature. Do people give more respect to someone that’s been where they want to go, done what they want to do? I mean… that’s the idea. A fighter, a wrestler, is worth what the body of their work says they are, until they change that, make it better or worse. Isn’t that just this business? I’m not saying that you have to even listen to Stryker if he barks an order in your face, if that’s not clear. Or to make way if Savannah says, or I say, or anything. But I am asking, not telling, but asking you - can you do what’s right for this team, to win, for this one match.

A soft laugh.

Noelle Smith: If it makes you feel better, I only trust Chandler, and he’s earned that with me. I trust Savannah to be Savannah. I don’t know you well enough to say either way, which is why I question.

Edwards looks over his shoulder towards the exit. He sighs and zips his bag up. Rising up from the kneeling position, he bites his lip, obviously running a train of thought down the tracks.

James Edwards: If I tell you that, it ain’t gonna prove anything. I guess I gotta show you. So here is my offer, during the main event, I’ll be waitin’ just beyond the curtain, if Vertigo or the Dogs of War try anything, I’ll be out there in a flash to lay their asses out. Sound good?

Noelle nods, and takes a breath before answering, nodding again.

Noelle Smith: Sounds excellent - though of the two I’d expect Dogs of War.

She pauses, a hint of a smile on her lips.

Noelle Smith: Thanks. It’s a good offer.

Edwards shrugs.

James Edwards: Honestly, it ain’t so much an offer as me provin’ I got your back. Good luck tonight and let’s hope I don’t have to prove I’m a man of my word.

And with that Edwards is off back into the hustle and bustle of backstage. Noelle stands there a moment longer and then she shakes herself and moves back to finish the conversation she was having earlier as the cameras cut elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

★★★ FATAL 4-WAY ★★★
Ashlyn De Luca vs. Mark Bisley vs. Liam Richardson III vs. Dan Herrera

The match begins with Herrera running across the ring and blindsiding Bisley with a spear! As he returns to his feet, Richardson hits him with multiple clubbing strikes from behind. He then goes for an irish whip. But Herrera reverses before running into the opposite side of ropes. When they both comes back, Herrera nearly breaks Richardson in half with a spear! When Herrera turns around, De Luca knocks him through the ropes and to the floor with the Syxx Kick (running double spinning wheel kick)! She then makes the cover on Bisley. But she only gets a two count. She then scrambles over and makes the cover on Richardson. But again, she only gets a two count. De Luca then heads into the far ropes. When she returns, she flattens Herrera with a running suicide front dropkick through the ropes! De Luca climbs back up onto the apron before planting Richardson with a springboard Tornado DDT for a two count!

De Luca whips Bisley into the corner during minute two. De Luca runs towards the corner to attack when Bisley steps out and counters with an overhead belly to belly suplex into the turnbuckles! He makes the cover, but De Luca gets her foot on the bottom rope. Bisley then delivers a bridging northern lights suplex for a two count. He then shoots De Luca into the ropes. When she returns, Bisley throws out the Minnesota Hammer (rolling Polish Hammer). But De Luca ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When she returns, Bisley doubles her over with a rolling solebutt before delivering Greetings From The Twin Cities (hangman’s neckbreaker across the knee)! He makes the cover. But Richardson runs over and knocks him off De Luca with a baseball slide at two.

After an irish whip sends Bisley into the ropes, Richardson delivers a flapjack into a standing ankle lock. Bisley howls in pain as the crowd boos. After getting up on his hands, Bisley rolls forward, sending Richardson through the ropes and to the apron. After Richardson pulls himself up using the ropes, Herrera yanks him off the apron. Richardson smacks his face on the edge of the apron on the way down. Herrera follows up with a belly to belly suplex on the floor! Back inside, Bisley picks up De Luca and delivers the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head) before applying the Bisley Special (double underhook floated into a front guillotine choke)! While De Luca is stuck in the choke, Herrera rolls back in, runs up from behind and dropkicks Bisley, breaking the hold. Herrera follows up with a Tornado DDT for a two count!

Herrera stays in control with a vertical suplex on Bisley. He then goes over and delivers a vertical suplex on De Luca. Herrera then whips Bisley into the ropes. When he returns, Herrera knocks him down with a spinning heel kick. De Luca is then shot into the ropes. Herrera throws out another spinning heel kick. This time, he throws it out too early, allowing De Luca to hang onto the ropes. After Herrera crashes on the mat, De Luca steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle and delivers a rope walk into a Frog Splash! The ref slides into place to make the count. But Bisley dives over and breaks it up at two.

As the match continues, Bisley pulls up De Luca and delivers a shin breaker, followed by a dragon screw leg whip. He then turns De Luca over into the L'Étoile du Nord (Canadian Maple Leaf)! Richardson then runs up from behind and knocks Bisley down with a running European Uppercut! After lifting Bisley up across his shoulders, Richardson heads over towards the corner and delivers a rolling fireman’s carry. Richardson then goes for a springboard moonsault off the second rope. But as soon as Richardson lands on the second rope, Herrera quickly comes up from behind, lifts Richardson up on his shoulders, walks away from the corner and delivers an Electric Chair Drop for a two count!

Herrera delivers the Final Word (pumphandle slam) for another two count! After a Samoan Drop, Herrera heads into the corner and sets up for a spear. Once Richardson gets to his feet and turns around, Herrera charges out of the corner when he gets blindsided by a superkick from Bisley! Herrera then turns away from Bisley and into springboard double knees from De Luca! Bisley then takes De Luca and goes for the MOTY (Shiranui) when De Luca comes him off into the ropes. When Bisley returns, De Luca spikes him with a Frankensteiner! She makes the cover. But Richardson dives over and breaks it up. Richardson lifts up De Luca across his shoulder for a running fireman’s carry when she counters with multiple elbows to the side of the head. She then slips down from behind and shoves Richardson into the ropes. When he returns, he turns De Luca inside out with a lariat! When Richardson turns around, Herrera tackles him nearly across the ring with another spear! After sitting Richardson on the top turnbuckle, Herrera lifts him up, turns and plants him with the Walking Papers (Muscle Buster) for the one, two, three!

Dan Herrera O || Walking Papers (9:58) || Ashlyn De Luca X || Mark Bisley X || Liam Richardson III X

[FGA Office]

A video begins to play as a camera shows a long view of a hallway with Ashley Sullivan walking in the direction of her dressing room. Still dressed in her street clothes and a bag slung over her shoulder, she stops at the door as she briefly gives the crew a slight smile and a wave of her hand while she uses her other hand to open the door. Before she can walk through though, FGA interviewer Amanda Johnson walks in from off camera and stops Ashley.

Amanda Johnson: Ashley… Before you go and get dressed, if I could just ask. You’re in the main event again tonight in a six person tag…

Sullivan lets out a sigh as she turns around, taking her glasses away from her eyes and hooking them down at her shirt’s collar.

Ashley Sullivan: Yeah. And I get to kill two birds with one stone this time.  One little bird being Mark Storm since I want a bit of redemption for getting through his defense the way he did. And the big bird, and I’m talking a seriously morbidly obese pigeon here, is that sneak Tristan Ambrose. It seems all he can do is come at me with the same ol’ song and dance but that’s really all he can muster.

She pauses for a moment, taking a moment to take a breath.

Ashley Sullivan: But you know, it’s alright. Because as long as I’ve been fighting the good fight all by my lonesome here and everywhere else, it’s getting to be kind of old-

In the middle of her sentence, a decent looking teen on his phone bumps into the camera man, almost making him lose his grip as he’s pushed towards Ashley.

Amanda Johnson: Hey, we’re recording here!

Teenager: I am so sorry, don’t mind me, I was asked to come here and tell you.. To turn around..

From inside the locker room, a man almost twice the size of Ashley reaches out and grabs her by the throat, easily lifting her off the ground as Amanda runs for help, Slowly but surely, another masked man comes out from the locker room, flanked by none other than Tristan Ambrose. Slowly, agonizingly, he walks around the big man, patting him on the shoulder. He pats the younger man on the face.

Tristan Ambrose: Now I know that it is getting harder and harder to breath with a monster holding you by the throat, so I’ll try to make this very.. very... very clear. Last show, wasn’t personal, but I do have to admit that since the Rumble, I’ve been watching you.. And while you and I did the exact same in the Rumble and since then, I’ve wracked my brain to understand why you deserved the title shot over myself. And alls I can think of, is a lack of respect.. Let’s change that..

The man holding Ashley flings her full force into the wall, before going into his own orders, tossing her through a nearby table, Once again, he picked her off the ground by the back of her neck, holding her face first down over the concrete floor, as Tristan feigned stretching his leg.

Tristan Ambrose: You know what... I got a match tonight.. You take it.

Looking at the smaller of the two men, he nodded, before lining up and driving her head into the ground with a Curb Stomp. Tristan feigned a grimace at the sound her head made as other agents ran up to The Resistance to make them leave Turning his head, he moved his hand to tell the others to come along.

Tristan Ambrose: The scary thing is.. That was the bare minimum of what we can do. See you soon Ash.  

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

From the commercial breaks we're taken ringside where the current FGA Fifteen Champion, Your Hero and Mine - Mark Storm - has his own set in the middle of the ring. He sits on a single high angled stall with the canvas covered over with a purple carpet, complimenting the attire of the champion, who's donning a purple suit for the occasion. Another stall is situated opposite him, and just in between, is a table where there’s glasses of water already prepared, as well as a bottle of champagne resting in an iced bucket.

Mark Storm: Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls… welcome, to the very first edition of Your Hero and Guests! Starring Your Hero and Mine, ME!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

He embraces the boo’s, nodding his head with a gleeful grin, stretching from ear to ear. His championship belt is buckled around his waist, a single rose hangs from his jacket pocket, and a microphone is clenched in his hand. Patiently, he waits for the boo’s of the audience to die down a little, and once it does, he brings the microphone closer to his lips.

Mark Storm: This is a segment that’ll now be a regular occurence here on the Flashpoint brand! For months, we’ve needed something innovative! For months, we’ve needed someone to pick up the mantle and take ownership of this brand! For months, what you’ve needed, is not just someone who can win matches week in and week out - because let’s be honest - I do that well enough! What you’ve also needed is someone who can bring you quality entertainment every other damn Saturday! But those months of needing someone, are over.

Mark Storm: I’ll be honest. I’ve had a pretty hard time on deciding who should be my first guest in the inaugural episode of Your Hero and Guests. Why? Well it’s because this brand lacks star power as a whole. I looked around that locker room earlier on tonight and I looked at it with disgust. Because there’s no one, bar a few obvious exceptions, who deserves to be in the same ring with me, on my time, on my show! But then it finally dawned me on…

Mark Storm: What they need, more than anything, is to be in the same ring as me. Because once you step into the ring with me, you become relevant. For those fleeting fifteen minutes, the most gruelling fifteen minutes in your life, you become somebody. And with that said, I’d like to introduce you to our first ever guest on this show… some of you may know her as a fraud, some of you may not actually know her… but nevertheless, let’s give her a warm welcome - KENDALL KINGHAM!

The crowd cheers as “Professional Griefers” hits and Kendall makes her way back out for the second time tonight. She’s still in her gear, and is moving a little bit gingerly from her match earlier in the night with Alex Chalwell, but not too badly. As she makes her way down the aisle, she slaps a few hands and gives away her shutter shades to a little kid in the front row. After circling around and retrieving a microphone, she slides into the ring and her facial expression turns to a more leery one. Despite the obvious reservations on her face, she moves forward and takes her seat across from her rival.

Mark Storm: Kendall…

Eyeing her from head to toe.

Mark Storm: You’re looking uh… yeah.

He follows this with a fake smile, one that makes you wanna punch him right in his stupid face, right there and then.

Mark Storm: First things first Kendall, welcome to show! Congratulations on being my very first guest and you’re very welcome, too. Now Kendall, I don’t wanna dance around the subjects with the bland stuff. Let’s cut that sh*t out and let’s go straight to the point, right where the heart is, because let’s be honest that’s what the people care about! What I wanna know Kendall, what the people want to know… is are you single?

A burst of “o’ooos” echo through the arena. Kendall for her part blinks.

Kendall Kingham: Uh … what?

She clears her throat and shakes her head.

Kendall Kingham: Like yeah, I am, I’m more committed to my career than anything else but is that a joke? I was really curious to see why you would want to invite me onto a talk show given all that’s gone down between us and that’s gonna go down between us at All Star Showdown, and that is, just like … we’re on a wrestling show shouldn’t we talk about wrestling? About this beef with the two of us?

Mark Storm: I’m kidding, Kendall! I’m kidding… come on, I was just playing around! On a more serious note, you’re off of the show tonight. Whilst I’m in the main event, of course. How are you going to be spending your night off? Do you have any plans? Because if you don’t, what I have right here is a front row ticket to tonight’s main event.

From his pocket, he pulls out a ticket for tonight’s show and waves it in the face of Kendall.

Mark Storm: A front row ticket, Kendall! You can see Your Hero and Mine in the flesh tonight, no need to watch it backstage, you can come on down and watch it with the rest of the Flashpoint Zone! How does that sound?

Kendall gives a slight frown.

Kendall Kingham: There might have been a fan out there who could have used this ticket.

Mark Storm: Sheeesh, alright, alright! I’m trying to be a good guy out here and you just hit me with sas, sheesh. Alright, you wanna talk about All Star Showdown? Then let’s talk about it! At All Star Showdown, you’re not just going up against the FGA Fifteen Champion. You’re going up against the biggest name in all of professional wrestling. A man who has a history of victories at the grandest stages of them all! A man, who’s made superstars like Savannah Taylor and James Edwards! A man who can ultimately, make you a bigger star! How does that make you feel, Kendall?

Kingham eyes him up and down, as if trying to figure out what he’s playing at before finally responding.

Kendall Kingham: So you just brought me out here to mess with me, right?

Storm feigns a ‘who me?’ response, to which Kendall sighs.

Kendall Kingham: Because you have to know by now that for me, All Star Showdown has nothing to do with becoming a star. It’s personal, it’s about you just making choice after choice that seems to end with the Flashpoint Zone and me myself getting effed over. You started out trying to ruin my reputation for reasons I still don’t have an idea about, and you just kept taking it from there and making things worse. Which is why I’m looking forward to All Star Showdown so much, because when we step in that ring together, I get my chance to prove I’m not someone to be walked all over and get pushed around. It’s not something I wanted to have to prove, I wanted to focus on all that other stuff, becoming a star and all that. But this, this right now is more important.

The host seems ready to respond, but Kendall isn’t done yet.

Kendall Kingham: That’s not me forgetting about the 15 Championship either, but if I don’t focus on what kind of person and competitor I am first, that wouldn’t make me a very good potential champ. So to answer, I feel like this is the biggest match of my career, and I’m treating it like that. I know some people say I exaggerate and hype things up and stuff, but this isn’t that. When you consider what’s on the line, the stage it’s on and all that, it really is.

Her expression, which had turned incredibly serious and focused, suddenly lights up and she raises a finger.

Kendall Kingham: Oh! But to answer you on the whole star thing? When this is all done between us, I’m not here for anyone to “make” me anything. I’m here to earn everything I get on my own, and stand on my own two feet.

This causes Storm to scratch his chin and adopt a quizzical expression.

Mark Storm: Kendall, Kendall, I really don’t know if you’re thinking straight here. And to a degree I get it, it’s fairly common knowledge you came into this business as a tag team with your late older brother. Who, god rest his soul, more or less carried you and kept you out of trouble.

An uncomfortable murmur goes up through the crowd, while the color drains from Kingham’s visage.

Kendall Kingham: Only warning, keep his name out of your mouth.

Comes the uncharacteristically terse reply.

Mark Storm: Easy, easy, I’m trying to make a point here. And I think you struggled to stand on your own two feet after that, so you went into this mode trying to prove you can hang on your own. It put blinders on you, where you can’t see a golden opportunity when it’s in front of you, like how I can make you at All Star Showdown! All I’m saying Ken, is take those blinders off and let me be your big brothe--

He’s unable to complete his thought, as Kendall has had enough and spring off her seat, tackling the FGA 15 Champion off his. Storm scrambles to his feet and she starts unloading with a series of European uppercuts driving him backwards into the corner as the “Flashpoint Zone” comes to life cheering her on. She circles back and delivers a running European uppercut in the corner, then circles once more to do so a second time. As she charges, Storm’s fellow Dog of War Liam Richardson III runs down to the ring, and springboards in from the apron to blindside Kingham with a hard kick to the back of the head! She flips forward to a kneeling position and Richardson follows with a punt kick that completely drops her. Having shaken off Kendall’s attack, Storm joins Richardson in putting the boots to her, the crowd now loudly booing the Dogs’ actions. The 15 Champion takes a step back, allowing Liam to drag his future challenger’s lifeless body up and pin her arms back. Grinning ear to ear as the crowd jeers him, Storm looks around before spotting the champagne bottle in the ice bucket. He retrieves it, as well as his microphone, before stepping back in front of Kingham.

Mark Storm: A toast to us, Kendall!

Dropping the mic, he then smashes the champagne bottle over her head and she crumples to the canvas in a bloodied heap as the glass shatters around her. Mark then blows a kiss at the ground to her, then retrieves the rose from his jacket pocket and gently sets it down on top of Kendall before spotting officials and trainers running onto the scene and gesturing to Richardson that it’s time for them to take their leave. Kingham starts being attended to as the Dogs slowly walk off to massive heat from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: Hopefully Kendall’s okay, but it’s clear that this was nothing more than a setup from Mark Storm, taking advantage of his rival’s nature so he could lead her right into a trap. Absolutely reprehensible actions and comments here tonight from the so called “Hero”.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Michael Tomkins is walking around backstage in his ring gear with the camera following him. He is clearly tense and thus we immediately establish that he is not in the best of moods.

Michael Tomkins: It's ridiculous. This must be a mistake. How can I happily accept this? I have to partner up with a guy that is waiting for his chance to strike me. Perhaps it will happen tonight. Perhaps what I presume will be a blind tag actually turns our to be a blindsided attack? Or what if he leaves me to fend for myself against our opponents? This is a precarious situation that I have been put in.

Michael stops, turning to the camera and breathes, exasperatedly.

Michael Tomkins:  It's fine. I just... I guess I haven't had the best few days. The anticipation of the All Star Showdown event has gotten the better of me. Fine. It's been a while since I headlined the very first All Star Showdown. Granted, I might have been on the losing end that night, but that's not important. What's important is that Blaine and I lit up the crowd and put on one of the first great matches of this promotion. Things have moved on from then, that's true. But Cassius Reed, sucker, when you and I finally face, man on man, you will understand what the fuss was about. As for tonight, don't even think about trying anything funny. Now if you will excuse me...

With that Michael Tomkins brushes passed the camera and we see him walk off hastily, quickly moving out of view.

[FGA Office]

The camera comes cuts to the backstage, revealing FGA interviewer Amanda Johnson at a water fountain. She’s taking care of her incredibly important hydration needs, when a short sharp cough causes her to jump. She looks around, slightly panicked… and comes face to face with none other than Cassius Reed.

Cassius Reed: FINALLY. After what has literally been weeks of the funkiest sucka in professional wrestlin’ gracin’ this company with his presence, finally you deem it fit to interview the 2018 Rey del Aire, Cassius Reed. Cassius is glad to see you finally got your priorities in order.

Amanda Johnson: Uh…

Cassius Reed: These poor suckas at home in their armchairs have had to put up wit’ you pushin’ last week’s special too long. They don’t care about Michael Tomkins. They care about Cassius Reed, and the new, funky era he brings.

Amanda Johnson: But I-

Cassius Reed: No no, it’s OK. Cassius understands how it can be difficult to approach someone like him, a professional athlete that’s not only talented, gifted, and monumentally handsome, but also so incredibly humble. Cassius wants to tell you it’s OK though. Don’t be intimidated. Cassius just like you. Only better, and more successful.

This time Amanda doesn’t even try to interrupt, instead gathering herself together.

Cassius Reed: And no, Cassius don’t know who’s decidin’ it’s a good idea for him to team up with a relic of the past like Michael Tomkins. Cassius’ best guess is that someone is runnin’ one of those before and after bit where you see just how much the new model outperforms the dated old stuff. And trust me girl, Cassius outperforms A LOT. So when Tomkins is out there callin’ for his walker and takin’ a run on the iron lung, Cassius still goin’ to be runnin’ circles around these chumps.

As it seems like he’s finished, Amanda starts to talk again… but nope.

Cassius Reed: No Cassius don’t have no thoughts about his opponents. Cassius already sent Sage packin’ back to the Spice Rack, an’ the only thoughts Cassius has about this BROOKFORD mammajamma is that he probably needs to get his outfits from one of those joints that makes covers for trailers. So no, he ain’t bothered about little an’ large. He’s more worried about lookin’ old fashioned by association by havin’ to drag Michael Tomkins’ decrepit ass through his match. But don’t you worry. You, and the rest of Cassius Reed’s extensive fan club can rest assured that if anyone can make a lame ass tea drinkin’ soccer lovin’ bad teeth havin’ sucka like Michael Tomkins look good? It’s Cassius Reed. Peace. Thanks Amanda. Now that’s how you do a interview. Remember that for next time.

And with that, Cassius turns and goes, leaving Amanda looking more than a little confused at what on Earth has just happened.

[FGA Office]

★★★ "STRANGE BEDFELLOWS" TAG MATCH ★★★
BROOKFORD & Sage Clark vs. Cassius Reed & Michael Tomkins

BROOKFORD and Reed start things out. They motion for a collar-and-elbow when Reed steps back and runs his hands through his afro while moonwalking away from BROOKFORD. Reed then circles the ring with a pep in his step while the Problem Solver doesn't look at all amused. They then motion for another lockup when BROOKFORD doubles him over with a boot to the midsection. Backhand chops across the chest then knock The Funky Dragon into the corner. From there, BROOKFORD peppers him with jabs to the face and body before delivering a Kesagiri chop. An irish whip then sends Reed into the opposite corner. BROOKFORD rushes in to attack when Reed boots him in the face. After switching positions, Reed lets off a trio of chops before whacking BROOKFORD across the face with the Pimp Slap! When BROOKFORD turns back to face Reed, the 2018 Rey del Aire Winner puts his hands up and steps away from him. BROOKFORD proceeds to stalk Reed around the ring. Reed then turns to go tag out to Tomkins when the Raise-The-Bar Superstar hops off the apron and tells him to take care of his mess. When Reed turns around, BROOKFORD shoves him into the corner before unleashing multiple backhand chops, followed by multiple Kesagiri chops, followed by multiple Mongolian chops! After a cross chop to the throat, Reed is sent into the opposite corner. The Problem Solver then barrels across the ring before connecting with a corner back elbow! But BROOKFORD can continue, Sage Clark tags himself in.

The All-American brings Reed out of the corner and wrenches the arm several times. He then reaches over with his free arm, grabs Clark by the hair and pulls him into the ropes. He then shoves Clark off into the far ropes. When Clark returns, he blocks a hip toss attempt, steps over and throws Reed down with a hip toss of his own. A pair of arm drags then send Reed down to the mat. After a dropkick knocks Reed into the corner, Clark heads over, steps up onto the middle ropes and punches Reed while the crowd count.

Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SI-

Reed grabs Clark, runs out of the corner and follows up with an inverted atomic drop. While Reed is doubled over, Reed hits him in the face with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch), knocking him down with a two count. After an irish whip into the ropes, Reed knocks him down with a European Uppercut for another two count. As Reed heads into the ropes, Tomkins tags himself in. After a knee to the stomach, Tomkins hits a knee lift, then a back fist to the bridge of the nose, followed by a hook kick that knocks Clark down for a two count. He then pulls Clark up, delivers an arm wrench and applies a standing arm bar. Clark then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and flips Tomkins down with a fireman's carry. He quickly transitions into a armbar. After Tomkins gets back to his feet, he shoots Clark off into the ropes. When he returns, Tomkins throws him down with a STO. A bridging fisherman suplex follows for a two count. Tomkins goes for a belly to back suplex when Clark rolls over his shoulder, lands on his feet and shoves him into the ropes. When Tomkins returns, he plants Clark with a jump swinging DDT for a two count! After a russian leg sweep, Tomkins steps through the ropes, heads to the top turnbuckle and goes for a top rope leg drop. But Clark rolls out of the way, causing Tomkins to crash onto the canvas! Clark gets to his feet and hits the ropes when BROOKFORD tags himself in.

As the match continues, BROOKFORD puts the boots to Tomkins. After pulling Tomkins up to his feet, a palm strike knocks Tomkins into the ropes. Tomkins comes back and hits a backfist to the bridge of the nose. BROOKFORD responds with a spinning backfist that knocks Tomkins down. BROOKFORD reaches down, pulls up Tomkins and delivers a series of trapping headbutts before throwing him down with a T-Bone Suplex for a two count! A release German Suplex gets a two count! BROOKFORD goes for another German when Tomkins blocks and counters with three back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Tomkins delivers a high angle backdrop!

In the eighth minute, Tomkins leaps across the ring and makes the tag to Reed. Reed gets in and hits BROOKFORD with multiple Spanish Archers (Bionic Elbow)! He follows up with a split-legged stunner, which knocks BROOKFORD into the ropes! Clark then tags himself in and knocks Reed down with a missile dropkick for a two count! Clark then goes for an irish whip. But Reed reverses. When Clark returns, Reed goes for a leapfrog when Clark catches him in mid air and turns it into a powerslam for a two count! A Stinger Splash, followed by a Backstabber also get a two count! Clark then places Reed in No More Words (The Sleeper) when BROOKFORD rushes up from behind, pulls him off of Reed and locks him in LIGHTS OUT (half nelson choke with bodyscissors)! The crowd erutps with boos while Clark is being choked out. While Clark is motionless in the ring, BROOKFORD marches over towards Melanie Sierra, snatches the mic and turns back to the ring before saying, “You’re on!” The Problem Solver leaves the ringside area to boos while Reed crawls over and makes the cover, getting the one, two, three!

BROOKFORD & Sage Clark X || LIGHTS OUT (12:32) || Cassius Reed & Michael Tomkins O

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★