Flashpoint (06.30.18)

[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 Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd...

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Brian Stryker vs. Patrick Jones

The match starts with Jones getting the better of Stryker with multiple arm drags. He quickly transitions into an armbar. But Stryker doesn’t quit. After battling back to a vertical base, Stryker shoves Jones off into the far ropes. When Jones returns, he knocks Stryker down with a running shoulder block. He then runs into another set of ropes. When Jones returns, Stryker kips up and leapfrogs over him. Jones continues to run the ropes. When he returns, Stryker knocks him down with a dropkick for a two count. The former two-time 15 Champion pulls Jones back to his feet and delivers an arm wrench. After Jones reverses into an arm wrench of is own, Stryker rolls forward, leans back, kips up and follows up with the First Stryke (arm wrench/hook kick combo), knocking Jones back down for another two count.

The match continues as Stryker moves Jones into the corner and hits him with three knife edge chops. An irish whip is reversed, sending Stryker into the opposite corner. Jones runs over to attack when Stryker cuts him off with a back elbow to the face. After slamming Jones face-first into the top turnbuckle, Stryker turns him around and doubles him over with multiple right hands to the midsection. He follows up with several clubbing strikes across the back. Stryker then delivers a snap suplex for a count of two. A backbreaker also gets a two count. Stryker then pulls Jones back up before sending him back into the ropes. Stryker throws out a front dropkick. But he does so too early, allowing Jones to hang onto the ropes. After Stryker lands on his back, Jones heads over to applies a figure four when Stryker brings him down with a kip up headscissors. As Jones picks himself up off the mat, Stryker rushes over and executes a running hurricanrana, sending Jones through the ropes and onto the apron. While Jones pulls himself up using the ropes, Stryker turns and runs into the far ropes. When he returns, he slides through Jones’ legs, lands on his feet on the outside and yanks Jones off the apron. Jones smacks his face hard on the apron on the way down before Stryker drops him with the Freak Accident (pumphandle neckbreaker lift dropped into a cutter) on the floor! Stryker rolls back inside and spreads his arms out while Jones lays sprawled out on the floor. The ref continues to count out Jones as Jones begins to stir on the outside. The count continues as he turns over and begins to shake out the cobwebs. Once he pulls himself up using the edge of the apron, he begins pulling himself up onto the apron when Stryker doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. After another shoulder thrust for good measure, Stryker goes for a vertical suplex back inside. But Jones slips down from behind and counters with an inverted DDT! He makes the cover, but Stryker gets his foot on the bottom rope just after a two count.

Jones begins to build momentum after a scoop slam. The crowd is behind the veteran as he points to the top turnbuckle. After stepping out onto the apron, Jones scales to the top turnbuckle. Just as he’s about to position himself, Stryker purposely runs into the ropes, causing Jones to slip and end up crotched up top! Stryker then heads into the corner before climbing up to the top ropes. He goes for an avalanche hurricanrana. But Jones hangs onto the ropes, causing Stryker to crash and burn on the canvas! Jones begins to recover while Stryker slowly rolls away from the corner. Both grapplers begin to get back to a vertical base at the same time. Stryker on the mat and Jones on the top turnbuckle. Once Stryker turns to his left, Jones leaps off for a diving crossbody… and connects!

But Stryker rolls through it and hooks the leg! ONE! TWO! T-NO Jones kicks out. Stryker scrambles to a vertical base and puts his boots to Jones. He then slowly pulls Jones up off the mat and whips him into the ropes. When Jones returns, he sees Stryker setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a kick to the face. While Stryker is standing upright, Jones turns and runs into the ropes. When he returns, he goes for a running forearm. But Stryker ducks. When Jones turns around, he gets caught with a pelé kick. While Jones is dazed, Stryker turns and heads into the ropes. When Stryker returns, Jones throws him down with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Jones goes for a belly to back suplex when Stryker rolls over his shoulders and lands on his feet. He tries for Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex). But Jones counters with two elbows to the head. He then turns around and plants Stryker with a DDT for a two count.

Jones stays in control with a spinning back kick that doubles Stryker over. He then throws Stryker down with a gutwrench suplex for a two count. A bridging Northern lights Suplex also gets a two count. Jones then sets up for a bridging Fisherman Suplex when Stryker breaks free and counters with a small package for a two count. After both grapplers return to their feet, Jones throws out a kick to the midsection. As soon as Stryker catches his foot, Jones counters with an enzuigiri, sending Stryker flipping down to the canvas! Jones makes the cover. But Stryker gets his shoulder up. An irish whip is reversed, sending Jones into the ropes. When he returns, he knocks Stryker down with a pair of running forearm smashes. Once Stryker gets back to his feet, Jones hits him with multiple low and mid kicks before knocking him down with a roundhouse kick! After throwing Stryker down with a scoop slam, Jones heads out to the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. From there, Jones leaps off and connects with a diving elbow drop! Jones heads into the corner and waits for Stryker to get back to his feet. Jones begins to grow impatient as Stryker struggles to pick himself up off the mat. Once Stryker gets to his feet and turns around, Jones throws out Zoned Out (superkick). But Stryker ducks underneath it and counters with Stryke 2! Stryker then heads out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and connects with the Stryke Out (Shooting Star Press) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Brian Stryker O || Stryke Out (11:33) || Patrick Jones X

[FGA Office]

Doing his best to withstand the oppressive humidity of Rio Rancho, Mark Bisley walks through the locker room door using one towel to dab the seemingly never-ending torrent of sweat off of his brow, while a second towel thrown over his shoulders does a barely adequate job of stopping the sweat trickling down his neck and onto his t-shirt

As he enters the locker room he sees his partner Shintaro Majima sitting on a bench reading his copy of Kafka on the Shore as he seems impervious to the heat, or at the very least simply does not care that it’s hot or humid and is focused on preparing for tonight’s match.  In spite of this, the draft from the door opening causes Majima to look up in his partner’s direction, and Bisley certainly seems to know what he’s waiting to hear

Mark Bisley: Nope, as much as I tried to explain it to Ms. Herrera, she didn’t agree with my observation that expecting a pair of teams to co-exist in a match against Vertigo’s quote-unquote finest a few weeks from now isn’t going to have a solid foundation if she’s putting those teams in matches against one another.

With little more than a nonchalant shrug, Bisley continues

Mark Bisley: So I guess it is what it is, and we’ll just have to put aside thoughts of brand unity for the evening and instead do what we’ve done time and again: proven that The Chaotics aren’t the best that this brand has to offer, we are - and that only the most incompetent of General Managers would sleep on us when offered more than enough opportunities to sign us.

Grabbing a couple of water bottles from an ice bucket near the door, Bisley tosses on in Majima’s direction before unscrewing the cap of his and damn near drains the contents in one go, before sitting on a folding chair next to the door

Mark Bisley: What about you, ShiMa?  Anything on your mind?

Having taken a moment to consider his partner’s question, or perhaps finishing the paragraph he was reading, Majima places a bookmark between the pages of his book and places it beside him and rises to his feet, pacing back and forth for a moment or two

Shintaro Majima: While I share your concern about having us compete against a team we shall have to consider partners a few weeks from now, I am not concerned with how that could affect that match as they are not the only team we are partnered with.  What does concern me is the history that team has with us, as it does not take long before we hear the accusations and the insults as they seek to belittle us, which is not the way for two teams to exist alongside one another.  Considering this, I worry what effect a victory for us will have due to their inability to take so much as valid criticism, let alone see a team gain a deserved victory against them.

Mark Bisley: I hope you’re not suggesting that we take a dive in this match.

Shintaro Majima: Far from it, as it is just as likely that if we gained a victory this evening it could motivate them for the match against the teams Vertigo are setting out against us.  But what I am saying is that, in the event of victory, we should not gloat, as that would destroy and chance of us being able to wrestle alongside each other when we are expected to do so.

Cracking open his bottle of water, Majima takes a small sip before continuing

Shintaro Majima: But to consider your question, we should not look to benefit the inflated egos of this evening’s opponents.  A victory for us this evening will serve to focus them for the task ahead, yet will also remind them not to dismiss us every opportunity they get.  That is the mistake Brandon Macdonald made, and he will learn his mistake just like they will.  The real question is who will accept their error first?

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

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

[FGA Office]

Flashpoint shifts to the backstage area. A beaming Amanda Johnson stands next to James Edwards. The Burning Heart is already in his ring gear and fidgets with the zipper on his leather jacket.

Amanda Johnson: Welcome back to Flashpoint! I’m here with James Edwards.

She turns to him.

Amanda Johnson: How are you?

He hears her but keeps his focus on the faded silver of the zipper.

James Edwards: Antsy.

Amanda blinks. She clearly did not anticipate that answer.

Amanda Johnson: Antsy?

He nods, eyes still on the zipper.

James Edwards: Yeah. I haven’t been in an FGA ring for awhile. I just wanna get out there and forget all the stress that’s been buildin’ up this month, and it helps to have a little momentum built up.

Amanda Johnson: Liam Richardson doesn’t concern you at all?

James briefly looks up at Amanda and shrugs.

James Edwards: I mean he’s good, and I ain’t overlooking him, but this match doesn’t mean anything to him. It’s my chance to let this stress and anger I have in me out. I don’t need any more distractions. I’ve blown plenty of opportunities here in FGA because of them. So the second I beat em’ and get the poison out of my system, I can put all m focus into Seattle, because I know what I have to do, and it requires all the focus I have.

Amanda Johnson: Are referring to what Logan Alexander spoke to you about two weeks ago?

He grimaces, embarrassed, and begins to tinker with the zipper again.

James Edwards: I wish that hadn’t been on camera. Conversations like that should stay private, you know? I know the way it makes me look, like I was just playin’ a part or something. I meant what I said. FGA deserves so much better than what’s it become, and it’s not far from being what it used to be, just a step or two in the right direction. Beatin’ Vertigo will do that, at least that’s what I think.

Amanda Johnson: Do you think it is fair to assume that people have legitimate doubts about your sincerity?

Edwards finally turns his full attention to Amanda. He nods and takes a deep breath.

James Edwards: I agree. Again, I know how I’ve looked. I ran my mouth. I ain’t gonna apologize for it because I meant what I said. I’m never gonna not mean what I say, that ain’t me. I get frustrated. I don’t like being cut off of fights or having my worth second guessed because I don’t follow the beaten path, but I promise you, I’m dedicated to making sure we get the win. Y’all have no idea how much I’d like to send Stryker’s teeth down his throat to knock some humility back into him, but I haven’t and I won’t. I’d like to tell Chandler Scott to get down off his mountain and quit thinkin’ he is the hero of the day that needs to save us…

Into the frame appears Chandler Scott. His appearance gets a large pop from the crowd. He looks to James, then to Amanda, then to the cameraman. Once he puts two and two together, an ‘EEK!” expression comes across his face.

Chandler Scott: My fault, man. I didn’t mean to interru…

Chandler tries to slip out of the frame when...

As if drawn by the voices, Noelle Smith appears, carrying a couple of fruit smoothies, one of which she offers to Chandler once he makes eye contact with her and she sets her own blackberry peach one down so she can take the carrybag off her arm - it also has a drink carrier with three more smoothies, presumably for the rest of the team, and assorted other goodies from the Jamba Juice. Noelle, clearly right in from the parking garage sets her gear bag down and puts a hand on her hip, just where the nearly scandalously low waistband of her jeans wraps it, and she picks up her cup and takes a slow sip of her smoothie, the cup partially obscuring the print of her DNA of FGA cropped baby-doll t-shirt.

She releases the straw and gives both men a big smile, even as her eyes take in all the details and read their body language.

Noelle Smith: So are we doing the pep talk thing tonight? I’m down if you’re down. If not, I’m sure that by now we’re all on the same page, right?

Noelle steps just a slight bit more towards Chandler, and nods at James.

Edwards gives her an awkward little wave.

James Edwards: You got some kind of deal with all these drink places?

Noelle Smith: I have rewards cards - scan and save.

Noelle laughs a bit before taking another sip of her smoothie.

James Edwards: Figured. Anyways this ain’t about unity. I’m tired of being cut off, whether it’s trying to uphold my end of the bargain when I said I would.

He gestures towards Noelle.

James Edwards: Or just trying to do a damn interview.

He scowls at Chandler.

???: This isn’t the time for this.

Brian Stryker is soon walking into frame, his arms crossed.

Brian Stryker: I’m not gonna stand here and pat you guys on the back for what we did at Vertigo. All we did was kick the nest. We have one final job. You play your parts then and we win? Maybe I’ll say good job. Until then, I need you guys to stay focused.

Edwards’ eyes narrow.

James Edwards: We can handle this on our own. We’ve done a damn good keepin’ the peace without you.

Brian Stryker: Oh? And when the chips are down. Do ANY of you have what it takes to get the job done? When it’s 3 on 1 and you got no one to tag, can YOU get the job done? I can.

Edwards looks like he wants to deck Stryker, everyone can sense it. He chooses to bite his lip, though, while the rant continues.

Brian Stryker: I don’t care what you think of me. At the end of the day, you’re gonna be thanking me cause I’m gonna bring out the best in each and every one of you. Now from now until this match, nothing else matters BUT beating those f*ckos on Vertigo.

James looks at the ground with a balled fist. He tries counting tiles on the floor. The slight shuffling of feet can be heard approaching the four. Stepping somewhat quietly into the frame is none other than the United States champion Savannah Taylor. Decked out in her ring attire ahead of tonight’s main event, her title is slung over her right shoulder as she regards her teammates.

Savannah Taylor: Remember the time where everyone thought that I would be the problem on this team? Remember when everyone was looking to me to be the root of all of Flashpoint’s problems?

She looks around carefully at each of her teammates, her eyes lingering on the illustrious team captain.

Savannah Taylor: Good times. Gooooood times. Now I know I’m not the most liked person around these parts. I get it. I’ve not exactly proven myself to be the most trustworthy of people.

She casts a slight glance over to Noelle and Chandler.

Savannah Taylor: But I will be damned if I sit back and let what happened to us not only as a team but as a show go unpunished. I’m more than willing to put aside whatever grievances there may be for the sake of brand superiority.

She turns her full attention to Stryker, standing up tall, putting her title belt in a place of prominence.

Savannah Taylor: Is that good enough to pass muster, Captain?

Brian Stryker: SHE gets it. So put all your petty grievances aside for one last fight. Then we can all go back to disliking each other and talking bad behind each others backs like mean girls in high school. So what do you say?

Edwards keeps his eyes low, words running through his head, but he stands still and silent as a statue, but only momentarily.

James Edwards: You don’t get to question our loyalty. You don’t get to question our effort level. This has been about you since day one, Brian.

He looks up at Savannah and Noelle knowingly.

James Edwards: Y’all know it as well as I do. I went out of my way to make peace with folks. I’m all in. You, all you’ve done is run around orderin’ everybody around like we don’t know what to do, like we’re useless and need to be remade. Why else would have cut me out of that six-man? You don’t trust anybody else to get the job done. Just do us all a favor, leave us the hell alone, Brian. We are gonna work with you, beefs or not, I’ve said a thousand times, and so have they.

He gestures towards the two ladies and looks back at Stryker.

James Edwards: Aight?

Noelle Smith: He gets it, Brian. He was there to help just like he promised he would. And unlike some? If I want to say something bad to you, it’ll be to your face. Just ask Evan and Ricky, hmm?

Noelle holds up a hand, sans smoothie this time and shakes her head.

Noelle Smith: But it is actually good to get all this out of the way, even if it seems like we’re bickering. It’s just releasing the tension, and putting it to the side, to the left… because we don’t need that now. We all are really on the same page, we have the same goal, and we’ve not just talked the talk. And I’ve teamed with you before, Brian and I never once didn’t do what I was supposed to do as a good tag team partner. You already know I’ll do what I promise to do.

Savannah stands back a bit and watches the conversations going on. She had other things to focus her attention on this evening, but this was her top priority.

Savannah Taylor: Sooooo we’re all in agreement that we are casting aside whatever petty differences and personality conflicts for the sake of winning at All Star Showdown. At least we got THAT settled.

She says as she shifts her body slightly. She knew she would be more than willing to get along with all four of her teammates and was okay with that. But the little voice in the back of her head was telling her that these were four potential challengers to her United States championship.

Savannah Taylor: Now if we can just manage to keep everyone from killing one another before All Star Showdown, we can overcome whatever the hell Vertigo throws at us. Now if you all don’t mind, I’d like to finish getting ready for the main event.

Chandler surveys the scene going around as he continues to enjoy his Jamba Juice. He slowly raises his hand in the air.

Chandler Scott: C-could… could I ask a question, please? Maybe it’s just me. I don’t know. But I could have sworn that we all just laid Vertigo out…

Chandler looks down at his bare wrist.

Chandler Scott: … seven days ago. Working together. As a team. Towards a common goal. There we were. All five of us. Standing tall. Together. So uh… why is everyone at each other’s throats here again? Anyone? No? Anybody?

Chandler continues to look around perplexed as to why the other four members are essentially repeating the same talking points from last Flashpoint, as if they all weren’t just on the same page seven days ago. Chandler pinches the brim of his nose while he shakes his head.

Chandler Scott: Man… this has been a thrilling conversation. Really gripping stuff here, with all the machismo and all. But uh… I’m going to go now. Stryke, we’ve still got to talk about… you know… that thing… you want to talk about. Jim. Savannah. Best of luck out there tonight. Noe…

Chandler raises his cup.

Chandler Scott: … thank you for the juice. It really hit the spot. And um… yeah. Go Flashpoint. I think I might be going out on a limb here. But I think we’re going to kill it at All Star Showdown.

Noelle can’t help that slight… it’s not quite a giggle, but still. She lifts her cup towards Chandler and shakes her head just enough that her curls bounce. Chandler goes to walk down the hall while the camera remains focused on the four remaining members of Team Flashpoint.

Noelle Smith: You’re welcome. I’d promise to behave, right about now, but I think this is about my peak for that.

A wise man once remarked that if one comes at the king they best not miss.

James Edwards: You can’t just pull a drive by and say “we’re” gonna kill em’, when you ain’t been part of the “we’re”.

The Burning Heart’s aim is true.

James Edwards: Part of that is our fault, we didn’t treat you like a teammate...well Noelle did. But part of me wonders if you really see us as equals. Or are we just a means to an end because you tried to play hero ball and got your ass handed to you?

A sigh can be heard off camera while the camera stays fixated on the four remaining members of Team Flashpoint. Chandler slowly walks back into the picture. A smirk is on his face while he looks down. He turns his head up, looks at James and shakes his head before taking an exaggerated sip from his Jamba Juice.

Chandler Scott: And here I was just trying to walk off and enjoy the rest of my drink. But I get it. I see what this is. This is you. This is what you do. Just being difficult for the same of being difficult. You walk around here with your lip poked out all the time. You give everyone grief. You give everyone lip. You’ve constantly got an attitude towards anyone and everyone. Including this young lady right here who is only trying to do her job.

He says as he gestures over towards Amanda Johnson.

Chandler Scott: Let me make something very clear to you. And then once I’m done, you can say whatever you want to say because like Logan Alexander, you seem like the kind of guy that just has to get the last word in. I’m not here to “save” anyone. I’m not here to play “hero”. I’m here to have Noelle’s back, just as she’s had mine. I’m here to help Flashpoint beat the breaks off of Vertigo, just like Stryke, Savannah and even you are. You want to know why I think we’re going to kill it at All Star Showdown? Because I believe in your ability to get the job done, just like mine’s and everyone elses. You want to know why I think we’re going to kill it at All Star Showdown? Because I think that if you put anyone one of us against any one of them, we can beat them. You didn’t like the fact that I had to say what I had to say?

Chandler gives a nonchalant shrug.

Chandler Scott: Tough. I spoke my truth. You’ve clearly spoken yours. I’m not going to sit here and argue just for the sake of arguing. We’ve got a job to do at All-Star Showdown and I plan on helping this team, not “leading”, not “carrying”, not “being the hero of”, but helping this team win. I know where I’ll be at All-Star Showdown. I hope to see you in the same corner, Jim.

With that, Chandler winks at Edwards before turning and walking out of the frame.

Edwards grits his teeth. He looks at Stryker and with reluctance nods. Stryker returns the gesture with a smirk, knowing full well how much James hates making a deal with the devil so to speak.

James Edwards: Y’all may not like me...

His gaze stays on Stryker.

James Edwards: Or barely trust me…

He turns and locks eyes with Taylor and Smith.

James Edwards: But I’ve been nothin’ but honest to y’all. I’m standin’ with you right now. I hope that is good enough.

Noelle nods, and turns to follow the way Chandler went after scooping up her gym bag as she still has things to do, and takes the last sip of her smoothie before tossing the cup away in the trash and taking the remaining drinks with her.

Noelle Smith: You know how I feel, this will be fine.

She smiles and heads out, leaving Taylor, Edwards, Stryker, and Amanda Johnson in her kindly wake, perhaps setting the example they should all strive to follow.

[FGA Office]

★★★ TAG TEAM MATCH ★★★
Cassius Reed & Tristan Ambrose vs. Michael Tomkins & Ashley Sullivan

The match starts with Sullivan rushing over and tackling Ambrose to the mat with a double leg takedown. Sullivan mounts herself on top of Ambrose and rains down right hands to the face. Ambrose tries to cover up. But some of Sullivan’s punches still sneak through his defense. The ref then pulls Sullivan off of Ambrose. Ambrose tries to get up and recover. But Sullivan won’t let him. So she moves the ref to the side before sending Ambrose flying backwards into the corner with a running front dropkick. After Ambrose slumps down in the corner, Sullivan marches over and stomps away on Ambrose. She then applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope. She then breaks the choke just as the count is about to reach ‘five’. The ref then moves her back and warns her again. But Sullivan brushes right past him and heads back into the corner. As she approaches, Ambrose pulls himself up using the ropes and rakes her across the eyes. After slamming Sullivan face-first into the corner, Ambrose turns her around and whips her into his team’s corner. He then runs over and bashes Sullivan with a forearm smash before tagging Cassius Reed in.

Reed gets in, pulls Sullivan from out of the corner and delivers a neckbreaker for a two count. The Funky Dragon moves Sullivan back into the corner and hits jabs and hooks to the body before rocking her with a discus punch. After a hard irish whip sends Sullivan crashing into the opposite side of turnbuckles, Sullivan staggers out of the corner when Reed knocks her down with a running dropkick for a two count. A jawbreaker sends Sullivan stumbling backwards into the ropes. Reed runs over to follow up with an attack when Sullivan ducks and dumps him over the top rope. After Reed lands safely on the apron, he doubles Sullivan over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. After pulling Sullivan’s upper body through the ropes, Reed knocks her down with a running knee lift before hitting a slingshot elbow drop for a two count.

Tag back out to Ambrose. The leader of The Resistance puts the boots to Sullivan before sending her into the ropes. When Sullivan returns, Ambrose hoists her up for a pop-up uppercut. But Sullivan counters with a headscissors takedown. After a swinging neckbreaker gets a two count, Sullivan heads over and tags in Tomkins. The Raise-The-Bar Superstar gets in and whips Ambrose into the ropes. When Ambrose returns, Tomkins knocks him down with a hook kick for a two count. After a shoulder jawbreaker, Tomkins delivers a jumping leg drop for another two count. An irish whip is then reversed, sending Tomkins into the ropes. When Tomkins returns, Ambrose goes for a running knee to the gut. But Tomkins flips over the knee and rolls him up with a schoolboy for another two count. Tomkins sets up for a German Suplex when Ambrose blocks and counters with multiple back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Ambrose goes for a German of his own when Tomkins blocks and counters with a back elbow to the face. After performing a standing switch, Tomkins throws him down with a high angle backdrop for a two count! A gutwrench suplex gets another two count. After an irish whip sends Ambrose into the corner, Tomkins runs in to attack when Ambrose knocks him back with a boot to the face. He then slingshots out onto the apron before knocking Tomkins down with a springboard forearm for a two count! Ambrose immediately rolls forward, dives over and tags Reed back in.

The Funky Dragon rushes in and puts the boots to Tomkins. Reed pulls Tomkins up and delivers a belly to back suplex. He then rolls over on top of Tomkins and delivers MMA mounted punches to the face. Tomkins then rolls over on top of Reed and delivers mounted elbows to the face. While Tomkins is on offense, Ambrose comes in from behind and delivers a clubbing strike across the back. Tomkins then gets up to go after Ambrose when he stops himself. When Tomkins turns around, he gets dropped with a split-legged stunner for a two count. He then sends Tomkins into the ropes, where Ambrose nails him with a kick to the back. This time, Tomkins turns, runs over and takes a swipe at Ambrose. But Ambrose wisely hops down to the floor. When Tomkins turns around, Reed goes for a running clothesline. But Tomkins ducks. When Reed turns around, Tomkins clotheslines him over the top rope. Tomkins turns and heads back to the center of the ring after the clothesline. But Reed doesn’t hit the floor. Instead, he hangs on by the top rope. Tomkins heads back over to attack when Reed delivers a Skin The Cat headscissors takedown to the floor! While Reed pulls himself over the top rope and back into the ring, Ambrose runs along the apron, leaps off and knocks Tomkins back down with the Lethal Dose (jumping knee strike)! Ambrose rolls Tomkins back inside. Reed makes the cover. But Tomkins gets his foot on the bottom rope at two.

In the twelfth minute, Tomkins is brought down by an inverted facelock backbreaker. Reed follows up with Funky Knee, Funky Do (moonsault double knee drop) for a two count! Reed makes the lateral press. But again, Tomkins gets his shoulder up in time. So Reed swings over onto Tomkins and hammers down with right hands to the face. After pulling Tomkins back up, Reed nails him with a Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow). He blasts Tomkin with another Spanish Archer. This time, Tomkins stumbles back into the ropes. After bouncing off the ropes, Tomkins comes back and catches Reed with a right hand! Reed throws out a third Spanish Archer. But this time, Tomkins side steps and rocks him with a right hand. He then nails Reed with another right hand… and another… and anoth-N! Reed swats the punch away and counters with the Pimp Slap! After doubling Tomkins over with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch), Reed sets up for a DDT when Tomkins counters with a bridging northern lights suplex. ONE! TWO! Reed gets his shoulder up. Reed then sends Tomkins into the ropes. When Tomkins returns, he throws Reed down with an STO! After fighting back to a vertical base, he runs over and socks Ambrose, dropping him to the mat! He then turns, runs across the ring and plants Reed with a Jumping Swinging DDT! After rolling over towards the side of the ring, Tomkins pulls himself up using the ropes, staggers over and tags Sullivan back in!

Once Reed gets to his feet and turns around, Sullivan knocks him down with a springboard moonsault for a two count! After a one-handed bulldog brings Reed back down, Sullivan hits the ropes, comes back and executes the Wind Whisper (Rolling Senton) for a two count! She then sets up for a DDT when Reed grabs her, runs forward and rams her into his team’s corner! After multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection, he holds Sullivan in place while Ambrose tags himself in across Reed’s back. Ambrose rushes into the opposite corner, comes back, leaps over Reed and connects with the Lethal Dose! He then brings Sullivan from out of the corner and throws her down with a T-Bone Suplex for a two count! After a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, Ambrose heads into the corner and begins stomping his foot. Once Sullivan gets in position, he runs out of the corner, jumps up and goes for The Cure (Curb Stomp)! But Sullivan slips out of the way, doubles him over with a kick to the back of the head and locks on Web (Octopus Hold)! Sullivan keeps the submission applied until Reed rushes in and knocks her off of Ambrose with a Spanish Archer! Tomkins then spins Reed around and knocks him back with three punches before delivering a running clothesline that sends both grapplers over the top rope and to the floor! Back inside, Ambrose takes Sullivan and sends her into the corner with an irish whip. Ambrose runs in to attack when Sullivan turns him around with a boot to the face. While Ambrose staggers away from the corner, Sullivan runs out of the corner, hops onto his shoulders and executes a victory roll. She holds on tight and leans back for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Cassius Reed & Tristan Ambrose X || Victory Roll (15:52) || Michael Tomkins & Ashley Sullivan O

After the match, Ambrose immediately gets to his feet and tackles Sullivan down from behind. He delivers clubbing strike before waving down to the ring. Out from The Resistance, Gunnar and Ragnar, to boos from the crowd. The crowd erupts with boos while two men get in and help Ambrose put the boots to Sullivan. The trio continue to stomp and kick the hell out of Sullivan when Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands dart down to the ring to an explosion of cheers! Sands leaps up onto the apron, springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with a missile dropkick to the back of Ragnar’s head, sending the big man stumbling forward. When Ragnar turns around, Chase nails him with the Kick of Doom (superkick), knocking him back! AMC nails Ragnar with another Kick of Doom… and another… and another!!! Chase and Sands then runs forward and connects with double front dropkicks, knocking Ragnar through the ropes. Ragar lands on his feet and stumbles back a few steps. When AMC and Sands turn around, Gunnar runs over to attack. So they duck and dump him over the top rope, sending him into Ragnar on the outside! When Sands and Chase turn to Ambrose, Ambrose quickly rolls to the outside! The Resistance groups at the end of the aisle while Chase and Sands help Sullivan up to her feet. Triple A and The Resistance begin pointing back and forth and shouting at each while while The Resistance walk backwards up the ramp.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Backstage, the shapes of three women are seen walking through the shadows of a hallway before they come out into the light.  Walking close together with Ashley Sullivan in the middle and an arm over the newly arrived Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands.  The trio stop as Sullivan looks to her left and her right at each of her friends.

Ashley Sullivan: Now that’s what I call making an impact, girls.  Coming out there and fighting off the Zero Anonymous Club is exactly the type of thing I know you two have always been about.  It’s why I knew I could count on my friends and kind of family for.

AMC smiles at Sully

AMC: Well it’s like I always said us Ashley’s have to stick together. Nobody is going to beat down my sister from another mister and get away with it. Tonight was just a warning to all those who want to try and get an advantage because they think they have the numbers. No longer shall the Zeros of the world gang up on those they are afraid of because if they do they have to deal with AAA right Ant?

Ashley Sullivan: Hey guys, there’s got to be something we can do to celebrate you two showing up here.  We can’t just go too crazy.  I know how Ant gets when she drinks too much.  We’ll end up giving some coyote out in the desert a perm or something.  What matters though is that the scales are finally balanced around here again.

Laughing together, the trio of the newly arrived AAA walk off camera talking amongst themselves.

[FGA Office]

Flashpoint interviewer Amanda Johnson is standing by in the interview area with a microphone in hand, joined by Kendall Kingham. The Flashpoint Zone’s normally effervescent hype woman Kingham doesn’t seem as bubbly as usual, but does her best to put on a civil face. After a quick handshake is exchanged, Amanda turns to start the interview.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and Gentlemen, my guest at this time will be challenging Mark Storm two weeks from Sunday for the FGA 15 Championship at All Star Showdown VII-- please welcome Kendall Kingham.

Kingham waves and her demeanor perks up for the briefest of moments.

Kendall Kingham: Yooo, hey!

When she’s finished, the interviewer commences with the questioning.

Amanda Johnson: Kendall, things continued to get personal between you and Mark Storm after he invited you on the debut episode of his talk show. You ended up attacking him, but it seemed like he baited you into a trap with the help of Liam Richardson III. How are you holding up and recovering after getting a bottle broken over your head, among other damage?

She holds the mic out and Kendall hesitates to answer, any cheeriness quickly dissipating.

Kendall Kingham: It kinda sucked and obviously it hurt, but physically I’ve taken plenty of damage in the past, I’ve been busted open before. The recovering I need to do is kinda more, it’s kinda all in here--

Kingham raps her temple with her left index finger.

Kendall Kingham: A lotta stuff running through my head. I mean, there’s just the anger over where he went, the lines he crossed. Anger and disappointment in myself for walking right into that. I mean I knew he’s not up to any good, I knew the Dogs run in packs, and I walked right into it. But, like I can deal with getting tricked and knocked down. I’ve accepted that’ll happen to me, and I’ll get back up; that’s part of who I am. What I’m feeling more than anything, besides just the obvious feelings when someone crosses those lines is disappointment in myself.

She lets out a long, slow sigh.

Kendall Kingham: Disappointed because I put myself in a situation to let him get to me to a degree that I went against what I said I’m all about. I’ve said over and over again that I’m here to wrestler, I don’t want to deal with distraction, I want to handle my business bell to bell. That’s what I’ve put my work in to do, and I let myself get into a situation that was about everything but what happens bell to bell. And regardless of if I got tricked, by getting into that fight I went against everything I’ve set out to be about. I don’t regret hitting him for still running his mouth after I warned him, but I’m mad at myself for letting it even get that far, you know?

After taking that in, Johnson nods before following up.

Amanda Johnson: As has been customary, Mark Storm seems to have a different view of events. He’s painted it as--

Kendall Kingham: I really don’t care what he has to say.

Kendall looks a bit embarrassed and apologetic after realizing that she cut Amanda off, and quickly goes to explain herself.

Kendall Kingham: Sorry, like I don’t mean that in a way like I’m too good to hear it. What I mean is, I know it’ll be ridiculous. And right now I know it’s not worth listening to, because if I do listen to it, I probably will end up caring and I’ll get worked up. Believe me, there were moments where I really wanted to head straight to this arena and pick up where we left off!

A beat passes.

Kendall Kingham: It’s not really easy to admit a guy’s been living rent-free in your head, but I realized after last show he has been. So I said to myself my focus has to be on getting my mind right by July 14th. I’ve got about two weeks or so to get where I need to be for the biggest match of my career. And I know if I worry about whatever it is he said, or hear it, it’ll make me think of all the other stuff he said and get my blood boiling and get me all out of whack.

She takes a deep breath, then lets out a sharp exhale.

Kendall Kingham: I came here to the Flashpoint Zone to be the best wrestler I can be, to bust my butt to take my spot among the best. And keeping my focus on doing just that? That’ll be the best revenge I can get on Storm. To show him that he’s not going to shake me to the point where he changes what I stand for, then go in there and out-wrestle him to become the new FGA 15 Champion, to win my first ever Championship.

Kendall stares straight ahead.

Kendall Kingham: I know this might not be what you expect from me, but I’ve gotta get my crap together. I’ve put way too much time, way too much work to get from where I was to where I am now for me to throw it all away. July 14th, Safeco Field I’m coming for Mark Storm, I’m coming for the 15 Championship and I’m coming to show the world who I am.

Fade.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
James Edwards vs. Liam Richardson III

Edwards starts off the match tossing Richardson down with a fireman’s carry. He then locks on a Gator Roll. Once Richardson starts to get back to a vertical base, he moves Edwards back and against the ropes, initiating a rope break. Once Edwards breaks the hold, Richardson takes advantage with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. An irish whip then shoots Edwards into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, Edwards throws him down with a running STO for a two count. He then tries to slip on an Anaconda Vice. But Richard is able to slip out and scurry to the ropes.

The match continues as both grapplers circle the ring. They motion for a lock up when Richardson doubles Edwards over with a boot to the midsection. He lifts Edwards up across his shoulders and goes for a running fireman's carry when Edwards slips down from behind and shoves Richardson into the corner. As Richardson stumbles back, Edwards grabs him from behind and goes for a German Suplex when Richardson flips over and lands on his feet. As Edwards scrambles back to a vertical base, Richardson darts over and turns him inside out with a lariat for a two count! After an irish whip sends Edwards into the ropes, Richardson brings him down with a flapjack before transitioning into an ankle lock. The ref gets down and asks Edwards if he wants to give up. But the Burning Heart refuses. After pushing himself up onto his hands, he rolls forward, sending Richard crashing into the corner. As Richardson stumbles back, Edwards brings him down with a crossface. Edwards tries to lock on the hold. But before he can fully get it inched in, Richardson slithers over and grabs the ropes.

Edwards and Richardson circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Edwards places Richardson in a front facelock before bringing him down with a rolling knee bar. Richardson applies pressure to the knee while Richardson holds in pain. But he won’t give up. Richardson pulls himself towards the side of the ring, reaches out and grabs the bottom rope to initiate a rope break. Once both grapplers get back to their feet, they inch towards the center of the ring to lockup when Richardson hits Edwards with a low dropkick to the knee. Richardson returns to a vertical base and puts the boots to Edwards. After an irish whip sends Edwards into the corner, Richardson heads over and hits a running European Uppercut. He then sends Edwards nto the opposite corner with an irish whip before running over and connecting with a clothesline. He then brings Edwards from out of the corner before sending him into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, Richardson throws him down with a hip toss, cartwheels over, claps his hands and follows up with a dropkick to the face for a two count. Richardson then delivers a snapmare, followed by a dropkick to the back of the head for another two count.

Richardson stays in control by knocking Edwards backwards with multiple palm thrusts to the chest before knocking Edwards into the corner with a bicycle kick. From there, the Dog of War hits Edwards with multiple shoot kics to the chest. He follows up with a snap suplex for a two count. Richardson then shoots Edwards into the ropes with an irish whip. When Edwards returns, Richardson throws out a clothesline. But Edwards ducks and continues to run the ropes. When the Burning Heart returns, Richardson throws him down with a spinning sitout spinebuster for a two count. Richardson pulls up Edwards and lifts him up across his shoulders. After delivering a running fireman’s carry, Richardson goes for a springboard moonsault when Edwards gets his knees up! He then follows up with the Half Cut (half nelson suplex)!

In the ninth minute, Edwards hits Richardson with the Double Tap (consecutive spinning backfists)! While Richardson is dazed, Edwards into the ropes. When he returns, Richardson knocks him down with a dropkick. He then shoots Edwards into the ropes. When Edwards returns, Richardson sets up for a back body drop. But Edwards stops and counters with a butterfly suplex! Edwards picks Richardson back up, lifts him up across his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry gourdbuster! The Burning Heart pulls Richardson up off the mat before delivering a release reverse exploder suplex! Edwards then steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with a diving headbutt! After pulling Richardson up into a seated position, Edwards runs into the ropes, comes back and blasts Richardson with the Violent Gospel (Running PK) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

James Edwards O || Violent Gospel (11:06) || Liam Richardson III X

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area where we capture a glimpse of the World Tag Team Champions, the Chaotics, earning a pop from the live crowd. Both of them are seated at a table in the backstage area, isolated from the rest of the backstage crew. While Ashlyn De Luca is already dressed in her wrestling gear, reading something across the screen of her phone, Logan Alexander sits next to her, back slightly turned as he hunches forward to adjust his wrestling boots and finish his preparations for their upcoming match.

De Luca looks up from her phone, eyeing Logan in silence for a few moments before the smallest laugh comes out of her mouth.

Ashlyn De Luca: A business card?

Pausing for a moment, Logan glances up towards Ashlyn. He regards her curiously, but doesn’t say anything in response.

Ashlyn De Luca: A business card.

She repeats it, perhaps for emphasis-- perhaps to clarify that it wasn’t a question so much as a comment.

Logan Alexander: What? I thought it was a convenient way to offer him my contact info, in case he ever finds a need for it. Anything wrong with that?

Ashlyn De Luca: No, no… I think it’s cute. He calls you Mr. Alexander. You found the Peter Parker to your Tony Stark. It’s a beautiful, budding relationship.

Logan ponders that for a few moments.

Logan Alexander: Actually… I think he might be more like James Rhodes for me. He’s definitely more of a war machine. I’ve already got you to be my Parker.

He smiles slightly.

Logan Alexander: Care to share what is really on your mind? You usually don’t lay on the sarcasm with me unless you have something to discuss.

Ashlyn looks at Logan for a moment, though her expression isn’t visible to the camera. She sighs as she leans back in her chair though and shrugs a little.

Ashlyn De Luca: For some reason I’m not like… suuuper-interested in investing a lot of energy into trusting new people. And I get that it wasn’t an “us” thing and it was a “you” thing, but if a “you” thing ever becomes an “us” thing, I don’t want us to get burned in the end. Know what I mean?

He nods to her.

Ashlyn De Luca: Like, there’s nothing more humiliating than getting turned on by people you trust. You ever heard the urban legend about The Man Called Steve?

Logan Alexander: Well… the name is certainly familiar. Not sure of the legend you might be referring to though.

Ashlyn De Luca: Doesn’t matter. I’m not even entirely sure he exi-- anyway... the moral of the story… is never ever get betrayed. It’s traumatizing. And it’s like breaking a seal. Once it happens, it happens again and again and again. Gotta be careful who you hand your business cards out to, Logan.

Logan leans back down to resume adjusting his footwear.

Logan Alexander: Okay, I guess that’s fair enough for you to point out. But it does stand in contrast to what we do, you know?

Ashlyn De Luca: Hm?

Ashlyn’s eyes remain in Logan as he glances over to her briefly.

Logan Alexander: You and I are part of a team. Just that puts us at risk of being betrayed at some point. I’m sure if Smith were here he could go on and on about all the people that I’ve betrayed over the years. It would be exaggerated and mostly wrong, but there is the fact in there that I have turned on people when I felt it had been justified. I’ve also been turned on by numerous partners as well, so I’m well aware of the risks of getting close to people.

Ashlyn De Luca: Hm.

He then sits back up in his chair.

Logan Alexander: I’m not suggesting that we bring James Edwards into our circle immediately, or show him our secret handshake, or anything else. All we’ve done is talk. He seems like an agreeable person and maybe somewhere down the road we might make a decision on where to go. I’m not going to go behind your back with something like this because I don’t want to break our trust.

Ashlyn’s eyes follow Logan’s hands, every meticulous movement as he makes last-minute adjustments to his attire. Ashlyn’s eyes drift back up to Logan’s face and she nods a little.

Ashlyn De Luca: Well. I appreciate that. Warms the heart and stuff.

Logan then turns, looking at Ash directly.

Logan Alexander: At last Flashpoint though, I feel like I had a little glimpse of what we may be dealing with in the near future. Having a couple of friends in the wings might not be such a bad thing for us.

Ashlyn De Luca: Maybe.

She considers it, but quickly a look of annoyance crosses her face.

Ashlyn De Luca: It sucks, you know? We have to fight Smart Style again tonight and that’s… that’s something that we have to deal with two weeks before letting them lead us into battle. When we should be doing our best to protect one another before this big match, we have to-- what-- lay into each other first? After the wars we’ve had before, after the brutality of it, that’s Hadley’s idea for the final Flashpoint before All-Star Showdown, and on top of that-- ON TOP of it-- we have to constantly look over our shoulders, not only for Vertigo when arena security inevitably fails us, but the Dogs of War, because we know they’re disgusting, we know they want our titles, and we know for dogs, they’re surprisingly disloyal. It’s just…

Ashlyn rubs her eyes and laughs bitterly, shaking her head a bit.

Ashlyn De Luca: I don’t know how we found ourselves here. It’s a lot to deal with.

She lets her hands fall back onto the table and shrugs softly.

Ashlyn De Luca: The whole thing’s just getting to me.

Logan nods slowly in agreement.

Logan Alexander: I know… This almost feels like we’re being set up for failure here. To be fair, the Reapers in Pride and Pendragon did tear into each other last week for MacDonald’s compensation for the lack of faith he has in any of his teams beating us one on one.

He smirks briefly at that. Ashlyn forces a soft smile, but it quickly fades as her eyes wander in thought. Although she answers Logan, her tone is light and distant.

Ashlyn De Luca: Yeah…

Logan Alexander: But to have us and Smart Style tearing into each other with a non-title match? That makes no sense. Right now… we don’t have much choice other than to deal with the hand we’ve been dealt. If Bisley and Majima want a fight, we’ll give them one. If the Dogs of War want to try and get an edge on us with a sneak attack, we’ll bury them in the hole they dig. If MacDonald and the Vertigo team think that this is going to give them the advantage going into All Star Showdown, we’ll prove them wrong.

Logan then stands up and holds his hand out to Ashlyn. Snapped out of the small trance, Ashlyn looks at Logan’s hand and offers another small-- at least this time genuine-- smile, taking his hand as she’s assisted to her feet.

Logan Alexander: So… are you ready to go out there and rain down some chaos?

Ashlyn chuckles lightly under her breath.

Ashlyn De Luca: Yeah. Let’s all get this out of our systems. For the sake of all of us, I guess.

She turns, reaching down to the table to pull her Tag Team Championship up and onto her shoulder. Logan mirrors the gesture with his own half of the championships a few moments later. He then extends his unoccupied hand, and holds out a closed fist to Ashlyn. Clearly more comfortable than she was a few moments prior, she reaches up and bumps Logan’s fist to a small pop from the crowd. The duo then turn and head out together.

Geoff Penzer: Smart Style takes on their Team Flashpoint comrades in tag action. For the sake of the team-- for the sake of the Flashpoint brand-- I hope this leans more toward classic than chaos. Stay tuned!

We fade to black on the empty dressing room.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Saturday, July 14, 2018
Safeco Field
Seattle, WA
LIVE and ONLY on PAY-PER-VIEW

[FGA Office]

Flashpoint returns from the commercial break to find Amanda Johnson standing backstage with the members of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad. Peaches and Dan both appear to be in high spirits, despite having the night off.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with the former FGA World Tag Team Champions, Dan and Peaches Herrera, the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad. Guys, last week we saw you and the rest of Flashpoint’s wrestlers on Vertigo–

Peaches: That was pretty sweet, huh?

There’s a moment of silence as Amanda pauses, not wanting to appear too bias.

Amanda Johnson: –it was certainly something. And you two were involved in an attack on the Reapers in Pride.

Peaches: An eye for an eye, Amanda. It ain’t like they haven’t done exactly the same thing to us.

Dan instinctively touches his forehead, where the cuts from being put through a car window face first have almost healed.

Peaches: But it was almost like Vertigo wasn’t even expecting it. Like they thought we’d sit back an’ do nothing before the big show.

Dan Herrera: But here’s the thing. They’ve spent the past few months trying to prove they’re the superior brand – we get it. They want to try and force us into submission, but it’s not happening.

Peaches: If they want their own tag titles ‘cause their teams couldn’t get a shot, go for it. An’ congrats to Pendragon on becomin’ the first US tag champs. But that ain’t mean they’ve got a better tag division than us.

Dan Herrera: If they want to sign Evan Envi to an exclusive contract, and basically hijack the Undisputed title? Well they better hope Johnny Karma doesn’t win at All Star Showdown and bring that title belt back to Flashpoint.

The two look at each and nod their heads, smiling all the while.

Amanda Johnson: And the attack itself? Was that just to get back at them?

Peaches: That was to show ’em that we ain’t gonna back down. An’ maybe Brandon Macdonald might think twice now he’s been on the receivin’ end of that ass whoopin’ he got. Maybe Evan an’ Ricky ain’t gonna be so gung ho ‘bout leadin’ the troops into battle now.

Dan Herrera: And maybe the Reapers have learned that their actions have consequences. Joey, Ryder, when you put my head through that window. When you slammed my wife across the car hood. You two made the biggest mistake of your lives. And we get you were following orders; you were wanting to raise hell; you didn’t care who got hurt.

Peaches: But we went after what’d hurt you the most – your bikes. An’ we gotta tell ya, Joey, after a few miles that bike was scratched to hell. Ain’t no way you can fix that up now.

Dan Herrera: And now, right before All Star Showdown and this eight team tag match. You two know that we mean business. We might not all be on the exact same page – us, The Chaotics, Smart Style, the Dogs of War–

Peaches: But at least we’re all readin’ the same damn book. You boys, Pendragon, Bristow, Barnes, Pedro, Maritza? Y’all gonn have your hands full with us.

With that, Peaches and Dan walk away, leaving Amanda alone to close the scene.

Amanda Johnson: There we have it, folks. The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad mean business before All Star Showdown in two weeks time.

[FGA Office]

The scene cuts to just outside the Santa Ana Star Center, where we find Johnny Karma and Cherry Baum sat at the top of a small gravel incline outside the arena, taking in the cool evening breeze coming across the vast expanse of desert in every direction from the arena

Cherry Baum: So I have to ask, J-K, is there a reason we’re sat out here?

Rather than give an immediate answer, Karma flashes a smile and simply gestures around in the general direction of a whole lot of nothing but sand, rock, and maybe a couple of coyotes

Johnny Karma: Sometimes it’s good to take a minute to go somewhere quiet, where you don’t have to react to a couple of dozen people rushing around you at all times and instead have a moment to sit down, catch your breath, and think.  And that’s what we can do now, because everyone’s inside the arena sweating all over one another, and yet stepping out the front door and you’ve got as much fresh air as you could possibly need…although some air con wouldn’t go amiss, even out here.

Karma can’t help but flap the lapel of his shirt to stop it clinging to him

Johnny Karma: And that’s the point, sitting down so you can think.  Not react, not respond, think.  And that’s the thing, at the moment I’m dealing with a lot of people who don’t want you to sit down and carefully consider your plan of action, they’re hoping you react and walk right into a trap, be it Brandon Macdonald and his phalanx of security gey ans or our mutual friend Evan Envi, all they know is how to prod and provoke just so they have the excuse to beat you down and say it was in self-defence, or portray whoever did it as an unstable animal, knowing that if they believe what they say they can convince somebody else that’s exactly what happened.

Cherry Baum: Sounds familiar…

Johnny Karma: So tonight, with a galaxy full of stars above and a whole lot of fresh air around us, we’re going to stop for a moment and…

Rather than speak, Karma lets out a deep cleansing breath, even holding his hands in a position not a million miles away from the lotus position

Johnny Karma: …so rather than do what somebody else hopes we do, instead we’re in a spot to consider what we want to do, starting with tonight’s match with Savannah Taylor and then consider our moves going forward.

Thinking over what he just said, Karma cracks a wry smile

Johnny Karma: Of course, now that I say it out loud, I can’t help but remember this time last year when Savannah Taylor was another one who was pushing my buttons hoping to provoke me into a fatal mistake when she was putting so much time and effort into being Izzy Anders’ BFF, but ever since Her Izzyness stomped out of FWA for reasons that definitely aren’t related to me taking the title Savannah’s been on a mission to prove she’s no noch schlepper.  And that’s why I thought of taking a moment to sit out here and think, because going up against Savannah’s not only bringing up memories of someone who went out of their way to try and twist me into a ball and kick me around for fun, but it’s reminding me that sometimes you need to take a moment.  After all, I could suddenly flashback a year and remember that Savannah enabled so much of what I had to go through and lose my proverbial…but then I have to ask, is that actually what I want?  To act like some khaye based on what happened way back when?  What good would that do?

Pausing for a moment, Karma drums his fingers on the thigh of his jeans as Cherry looks on, either because she’s interested with what’s on Karma’s mind or perhaps she could’ve sworn she heard a coyote just now

Johnny Karma: More importantly, what point would it serve?  Hanging onto old grudges isn’t healthy, it’s just something that clutters your mind and convinces you that everybody is an askhoul who can’t be trusted, and before long you find yourself pushing everyone away as you think they’re only acting nice to you now so they can shank you later.  That gets you nowhere, as you either find yourself on your own or having to assemble a group of people to stoke your paranoia, possibly giving them the name of a group that used to exist in this company.

Karma looks like he’s about to fake a cough for *ahem*obvious*ahem* reasons, but decides better of it

Johnny Karma: So here I am, thinking clearly, knowing that Evan Envi can’t hid on Vertigo for much longer as I’ve got a rematch for the title and approximately sixty reasons to take it back from him, including…

Karma gestures towards the cast on Cherry’s wrist, which she pulls away as he gestures toward it as she doesn’t want to be reminded about NEON’s assault that Envi set up

Johnny Karma: …and I know I can beat him, because that’s exactly what I’ve done in the past.  And I need to, not just for me, but for you.  Because right now he’s thinking that he got away with it in the end, and Brandon Macdonald has made him bulletproof, and that just needs to stop.  Luckily, I’ve got a plan for that…

Taking a deep breath as he prepares to divulge his plan, Karma stops as he hears what sounds remarkably like the howl of a coyote somewhere in the middle distance, at which point he looks over to Cherry

Johnny Karma: I think we should head inside.

Cherry Baum: I was thinking the same.

With a combination of remarkable speed and exceptional stealth, the pair silently get to their feet and start walking very carefully backwards across the well-lit road and towards the arena doors, keeping an eye out for any flash of movement, remaining silent until they reach the safety of the doors and the Karma deftly pushes the door open and ushers Cherry inside before he follows, but as the doors close

Cherry Baum: …so anyway, you were about to tell me about this plan of yours?

Johnny Karma: Oh yes, so the idea I’ve got is…

Unfortunately for the sound crew, the pair disappear too far down the corridor for the sound guy to pick up what they’re saying – but he certainly does hear what sounds a lot like the coyote getting closer, at which point he and the camera crew drop their equipment and race inside the arena as well.

[FGA Office]

HEADLINE
★★★ TAG TEAM MATCH ★★★
The Chaotics vs. Smart Style

De Luca and Bisley start things off with a lock up. De Luca places Bisley in a side headlock. But Bisley is able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock. The hold doesn’t stay on for long as De Luca counters with a jumping snapmare. As Bisley gets up, De Luca runs over to attack. Bisley then takes De Luca and throws her over the top rope. But she lands safely on the apron. Bisley then runs over to attack when De Luca slides back in between his legs. When Bisley turns around, he gets knocked over the top rope and to the floor with a dropkick! While Bisley picks himself up off the floor, De Luca turns and runs into the far ropes. When De Luca returns, Majima gets in her way on the apron, causing De Luca to slam on the brakes. De Luca and Majima continue to stare each other down when De Luca moves out of the way. Before Majima can react, Alexander dives forward, going through the ropes and spearing The Strong Style Savior off the apron and to the floor! After the two land hard on the floor, De Luca turns and heads back into the far ropes. When De Luca returns, Bilsey slides back in and nearly takes off her head with a superkick for a two count!

The match continue as Bisley moves De Luca into the corner. After multiple knee strikes to the midsection, he sends one half of the World Tag Team Champs into the opposite corner. Bisley runs over to attack when De Luca knocks him back with a boot to the face. After stumbling back, Bisley runs back into the corner. This time, De Luca turns him around with a boot to the face. After Bisley staggers away from the corner. He turns around to attack when De Luca knocks him down with the Syxx Kick (running double spinning wheel kick) for a two count!

De Luca stays in control with an irish whip. When Bisley returns, De Luca brings him down with a drop toe hold. She then quickly transitions into a kneeling ankle lock. The crowd cheers as De Luca cranks away on the ankle. Bisley groans in discomfort while the ref asks him if he wants to give up. But “Smart” Mark refuses to quit. So De Luca quickly grapevines his leg before continuing to crank away on the ankle. Bisley groans while De Luca continues to go to work on the ankle. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But Bisley refuses. So De Luca breaks the hold, drags him over into The Chaotics corner and tags Alexander in. Once Alexander gets in, he delivers a pendulum backbreaker for a two count. After a russian leg sweep, he climbs up onto the middle ropes and goes for an elbow drop. But Bisley catches him with a boot to the face on the way down. Bisley is quick to grab a hold of his ankle. After getting back to a vertical base, he tries to walk off the pain before going to work on Alexander with stomps to the body. An irish whip is reversed, sending Bisley into the ropes. When Bisley returns, Alexander throws him down with a back body drop. A pair of running clotheslines send Bisley back down to the mat. When Bisley gets back to his feet and turns around, Alexander delivers a lariat takedown for a two count. He then delivers a snap suplex. Alexander heads over and goes to apply a Sharpshooter when Bisley uses the strength in his legs to shove Alexander away from him into the corner. Alexander goes to exit the corner when Majima grabs his arms from behind. While Alexander struggles to break free, Bisley gets back to his feet. He then darts over and throws out a lariat when Alexander breaks free and moves out of the way, knocking Majima off the apron! Alexander then brings him down with the Chaotic Shockwave (inverted Implant DDT)! He makes the cover, but Bisley gets his foot on the bottom rope.

As the match continues, Alexander doubles Bisley over with an inverted atomic drop. He follows up with a DDT for a two count. Tag out to De Luca. After De Luca bounces against the ropes, The Chaotics deliver a lifting wheelbarrow/scissors kick combo for a two count! Tag back out to Alexander. After Bisley is whipped into the ropes, The Chaotics bring him down with a running double dropkick for a two count. Tag back out to De Luca. After a double step-up enzuigiri knocks Bisley down, The Chaotics apply a double ankle lock until Majima bashes their heads together with a double noggin knocker! The Strong Style Savior then takes Alexander and tosses him through the ropes and to the floor. As he heads back over and picks up De Luca, she hits him with multiple right hands to the midsection. Once she gets back to a vertical base, De Luca hits him with quick jabs and slaps before heading into the ropes. When De Luca returns, she sees Majima run past him. So she puts on the brakes. When De Luca turns around, she spikes Majima with a Frankensteiner! As De Luca gets back up, Bisley grabs her from behind and goes for a belly to back suplex. But De Luca rolls over his shoulder and lands on her feet. She then turns and heads into the far ropes. When De Luca returns, Bisley heaves her across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! He then turns across the ring, leaps through the ropes and takes out Alexander on the outside with a suicide dive!

Back in the ring. Majima shoves De Luca into the corner and sends her slumping down with Mongolian Chops. After pulling De Luca back up, Majima sends her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. The Strong Style Savior runs across the ring and throws out the Kao No nai (corner yakuza kick) when De Luca slips out of the way. She then hits him with a European Uppercut to the back of the neck. When Bisley climbs back up onto the apron, De Luca knocks him back to the floor with a European Uppercut. After De Luca runs into the opposite corner, she runs back across the ring. Majima throws out the Kurimuzon Kasai (lariat). But De Luca ducks, runs forward, leaps through the ropes and flattens Bisley with a running suicide front dropkick through the ropes! Alexander rolls Bisley back in. De Luca rolls back in to make the cover. But Bisley gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Tag back out to Alexander in minute fourteen. Alexander delivers a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. A release German Suplex also gets a two count. After an irish whip sends Bisley into the ropes, Alexander runs over and goes for an STO. But Bisley ducks and heads into the far ropes, where Majima makes the blind tag. When Bisley returns, Alexander spears him down! Alexander makes the cover. But Bisley’s no longer the legal man. Before Alexander can react, Majima delivers a jumping elbow drop to the back of the neck. He pushes Alexander off of Bisley and makes the cover. But Alexander gets his shoulder up. Majima brings Alexander into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Multiple clubbing strikes across the back double Chaos Stryke over. Majima then grabs Alexander and delivers the GOJU50 (half and half suplex) for a two count! Majima then knocks Alexander down with a running forearm smash for another two count. A bridging German Suplex garners another two count. Majima then sets up for a release powerbomb when Alexander counters with a standing double leg takedown. He then applies the Perfect Chaos Theory (Edgecator) when Bisley knocks him down with a superkick. Majima then brings Alexander back to his feet before knocking him down with the Akuma-fu (repeated short-arm clotheslines) for a two count!

Bisley is tagged back in as the action continues. The Chaotics deliver a double snap suplex for a two count. Tag out to Majima. Bisley then grab the top rope and slingshots Majima into the ring, knocking Alexander down with the Hakai Tsuchi (slingshot shoulder block) for a two count. Bisley is tagged back in. After an irish whip shoots Alexander into the ropes, Majima brings him down with a drop toe hold, followed by a Lionsault from Bisley for a two count. Tag back to Majima. When Alexander comes back from an irish whip, Smart Style deliver the Wicked Repellent (pop-up from Majima into a shoot kick from Bisley). Bisley then drops Alexander with Greetings from the Twin Cities (hangman's neckbreaker over the knee). He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! After Majima is tagged back in, Smart Style set up for the Bakumatsu (combination springboard lariat by Bisley and powerbomb from Majima). But as Bisley is in the middle of jumping up to the top rope, De Luca reaches up and pulls him down. She then spins Bisley towards her before delivering a Springboard Tornado DDT on the floor! Back in the ring, Alexander hits Majima with punches to the face. After he slips down in front of Majima, Alexander throws him down with the Chaotic Impact (STO)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Majima gets his shoulder up.

De Luca is tagged back in during the eighteenth minute. The Chaotics take Majima and whip him into the ropes. Instead of Majima bouncing back, Bisley yanks him down to the mat and drags him out of the ring. Bisley goes to move Majima up the aisle when Majima stops. The Strong Style Savior clearly wants to continuing fighting while Bisley wants to wait to fight another day. While The Chaotics are motioning for Smart Style to get back in the ring, a commotion can be hearing coming through the crowd. Gasps are heard as fans think that Vertigo is retaliating from last Saturday. Instead, it’s The Dogs of War! In particular, Liam Richardson III and “Rumble” Reyes. The duo make their way over the guardrail. The Chaotics notice the commotion and turn and notice the Dogs at ringside. While The Chaotics have their attention on the Dogs, Smart Style run in and go to knock them down with double clotheslines from behind. But The Chaotics duck, sending Smart Style into the ropes. As soon as Bisley and Majima bounce off the ropes, The Chaotics connect with a pair of dropkicks, knocking them through the ropes and to the floor. De Luca gets back to her feet, darts into the corner, runs up to the top turnbuckle and flips off, knocking Bisley down with a diving moonsault! As Majima climbs up onto the apron, Alexander throws out a punch. But Majima ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes that knocks him back and doubles him over. After The Strong Style Savior gets in, he runs into the far ropes, comes back and knocks Alexander down with the Kurimuzon to the back of the neck! He pulls Alexander over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! De Luca leaps through the rope and breaks up the pin.

De Luca takes Majima and goes for an irish whip. But Majima reverses, sending De Luca into the ropes. Instead of De Luca bouncing back, Bisley leaps up and yanks down the top rope, sending De Luca flipping over the top rope and crashing hard on the floor! Back inside, Majima telegraphs another Kurimuzon Kasai. Once Alexander gets up and turns around, Majima runs over and goes for the lariat when Alexander ducks and counters with a Lungblower! Alexander then sets up for Stryke Force (Ace Crusher) when Majima blocks and counters with another GOJU50! After Alexander is whipped into the corner, Bisley climbs up onto the apron. He then runs towards the ring post while Majima runs towards the corner. Smart Style then connect with Hotline Meiji (combination Kao No Nai and enzuigiri from the apron to a cornered opponent)! After Alexander is lifted up onto Alexander’s shoulders, Bisley climbs up to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and bring Alexander down with Six Stars (Doomsday Cutter)! Majima makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
De Luca rolls back in.
.
TWO!
.
De Luca gets up and rushes over to break up the pin when Bisley cuts her off with a superkick
.
THREE!

The Chaotics X || Six Stars (24:47) || Smart Style O

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson is backstage when she sees Salem Kaiser listening to headphones in her own little world in a stairwell, rolling through her repertoire of white girl dance moves such as the tootsie roll, pop n lock, and electric slide.  She's really into it as Amanda tries to get her attention.

Amanda Johnson: Salem! Hey Salem!

With her back to her she does a moonwalk toward Amanda, who taps her on the shoulder.  Salem turns around wide eyed and totally shocked, as she quickly pulls off her headphones and gives a shy wave to the camera.

Salem Kaiser: Oh...hey, Amanda.  I thought this part of the arena was blocked off from filming purposes.  I was just, you know….meditating.  Tantric uh, voodoo spiritual Pilates...um, Tai Bo, is that still a thing? Satanic sweatin’ to the oldies.  Yoga for wiccans trying to get thick. Yeah, that's the ticket. So hey...what's up?

Salem tries to put the headphones in her pocket, realizes her outfit doesn't have any and tosses them behind her with a comical whistle.  Amanda makes a face as if to say sorry, then soldiers on.

Amanda Johnson: Yeah, okay. You finally got your match with Alex Chalwell at Glory Road.  After beating Savannah Taylor last show, do you feel this is still the direction you thought you'd be headed?

Salem Kaiser: Look, the way I see it, it's ever onward and ever upward for me, unless it's time to boogie and then I'm getting down.  Seasoned pros, champions, relative rookies… They are all wrestlers, and I will fight anyone anywhere.  Chalwell got under my skin the first night I was back here, and more so because he was treating you like crap.  I look at this match as sticking up for the little guy, the voice of the voiceless, you know?  I was once in Alex’s shoes, just a rookie years ago.  Everybody’s out to make a name for themselves by knocking off accomplished pros.  The way he talks he's already beaten me verbally, so no need for a match, right? No, that's wrong.  We don't get points based on talking smack.  It's based on actual smacks, kicks, punches, and pins and submissions.  I'm not beat yet, not by a long shot. And I won't yield to the likes of him.

Amanda Johnson: That's great.  Do you have anything else to say to the fans in FGA regarding Glory Road?

Salem Kaiser: Definitely.  Get your popcorn ready and enjoy the show.  And speaking of shows, after this very Flashpoint I'll be signing autographs for some lucky fans.  Actually, I've gotta run and get the 8x10s I'll be signing later.  Gotta run, see ya!

Salem scoops up her headphones as Amanda bids her farewell.  She runs down the stairs and out into the parking lot; out there in the parking lot a shadowy figure awaits Salem’s arrival. As she walks past it, without noticing its presence, this person sneaks behind her and attacks her with a pipe.

The assault continues and with every motion the hood that was covering this person’s head begins to fall away. Once it’s all off its revealed that it is none other than Alex Chalwell.

The Virgin Islander is showing a mean streak that hasn’t been seen from him. He grabs his opponent at Glory Road and throws her against the door of a red Toyota parked there. He then grabs her once more and applies the Pepperidge Remembers DDT on the concrete floor. Paramedics arrive to check on Salem’s condition while security restrains Chalwell.

With his hands up, Chalwell begins to walk away but then runs by the guards and continues his assault on Salem Kaiser, throwing her against the stairs leading up to the parking lot. He sees the rails on the stairs and starts salivating as he knees Salem right in the gut and throws her to the floor.

Chalwell then proceeds to drag Salem and position her legs to the sides of a pipe. He then jumped and put Salem in a figure four assisted by that pipe. Security and the paramedics begin to scramble and separate Chalwell from Salem. Once he’s done, Chalwell smiles and walks towards the Backstage area, leaving the paramedics to tend to Salem.

Once inside, he’s met by Amanda Johnson, who seems to be running towards where Salem is, but he stops her right in her tracks. Chalwell grabbed the mic and looked directly at the camera.

Alex Chalwell: I guess the signing got sadly cancelled...

He then walks away laughing hysterically as the scene cuts back to Salem being treated by the paramedics.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★