Flashpoint (07.28.18)

[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 Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. 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...

The lights drop, and multi-colored ones start strobing around as "Professional Griefers" starts up to the cheers of the crowd. Kendall Kingham emerges into sight wearing her typical gear, sunglasses, an airbrushed jacket and her newly-won FGA 15 Championship strapped around her waist.

Kendall bounces on the balls of her toes before making her way down the ramp, slapping a few hands along the way.

She hops up on the apron, runs to an unoccupied corner, and climbs to the second turnbuckle. Unstrapping the 15 Championship belt and raising a fist to a pop from the crowd, she slingshots herself inside, and removes her jacket and glasses as the lights come back on while her music fades. After signalling for a mic, she waits for the cheers to settle down.

Kendall Kingham: Hey guys! Don't worry I won't be long, I know we don't start the show with a big talking thingy around here, just had a couple things I wanted to say. First is that I'm so happy the brand managed to win those big matches versus Vertigo, but I'm not surprised. I'm just happy that we got to show the type of wrestling that our show's about, and it makes me proud to rep it as a titleholder. I know there's also a lot of other big title news for us coming here, but that'll all settle itself later. Right now my focus is on doing my thing in the ring against Mark Storm.

His name draws a round of boos and she nods her head.

Kendall Kingham: I know, I know, but it just brings me to what I wanted to say quick. Which is like, because All Star Showdown was more personal than about the title don't think this isn't personal here. Because I need to take everything I carried in the ring there, and use this spotlight to show the type of stuff I'm made of. Which is why I said I'd give a rematch even if he sounded ready to move on. Because I'm not moving on from --

She crinkles her nose, losing her train of thought.

Kendall Kingham:-- being what I'm all about? I had a point there, but I lost it. Point is, like I said, he's just one name on a list of challengers I wanna face, but I can't get started if I don't handle business-- let's do it!

Handing the mic back off, she takes the center of the ring, awaiting her rival's entrance and looking ready to throw down.

"Short Change Hero" by The Heavy begins to play through the speakers and the lights in the arena simultaneously dim down. Smoke begins to rise from the top of the stage and appearing on the screen above are the following words;

YOUR HERO, AND MINE

Boo's echo through the arena as Mark Storm emerges from the mist of smoke, chewing gum calmly as he takes off his shades and stares down at the ring. He can't help but allow his sadistic signature smirk to appear upon his lips as he closes his eyes and spreads his arms out wide, soaking in the jeers of the audience. The former 15 Champion looks ready to regain the championship he lost two weeks ago.

★★★ FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP ★★★
(c) Kendall Kingham vs. Mark Storm

As soon as the bell sounds, Storm races over and executes a running hurricanrana, sending the new champion through the ropes and to the floor. While Kingham pulls herself up on the outside, Storm takes off into the far ropes, comes back he takes her out on the outside with a topé con hilo! Storm brings the action back inside and makes the cover. But he only gets a two count.

Storm stays on top of things as he moves Kingham into the corner. A series of knife edge chops end up lighting up the cham’s chest. He then sends Kingham into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Storm runs over to follow up with an attack when Kingham knocks him back with a back elbow. Storm shakes off the blow before returning to the corner. This time, Storm gets caught with a European Uppercut. After switching positions in the corner with the former champion, Kingham places Storm in a Thai Plum before delivering short elbows and knees to the chest and head. After a hard irish whip sends Storm crashing into the opposite corner, the Dog of War member staggers away from the turnbuckles as Kingham rushes over and knocks him down with a running European Uppercut for a two count.

In the third minute, Kingham takes control of the arm after bringing Storm back to his feet. Once she delivers an arm wrench, Storm is quick to reach over and reverse into an arm wrench of his own. Your Hero and Mine doesn’t appear heroic as he begins to try and rip Kingham’s arm from out of its socket! The assault brings the new champion down to a knee. The ref kneels down next to her and checks in with her. Kingham’s fought a long time to win her first championship. She’s not about to give it up this easily! So she rolls forward, bridges back, turns over onto her knees, flips over with a headstand and sends Storm crashing shoulder-first to the mat with an arm wringer. Kingham quickly tries to straddles Storm’s back and lock him in The Tombs (grounded top wristlock)! But Storm is able to slither his way out of Kingham’s grasp and grab a hold of the ropes. Kingham is then forced to move back to allow Storm some space. Kingham reluctantly does as the ref instructs. Once Storm pulls himself back up using the ropes, Kingham rushes over to attack. But Storm is ready for her as he ducks and dumps her over the top rope and to the outside!

Storm rolls to the outside and goes after Kingham with stomps to the back. He pulls Kingham up from behind by the hair before bringing her back down with an inverted exploder suplex! Your Hero and Mine keeps up the offense as he follows up with a deadlift vertical suplex! The boos continue as Storm keeps the pressure on the new champion. He reaches down, picks up Kingham and whips her down ringside, sending her crashing hard into the guard rail! The crowd in the front row gasp at the sound of Kingham’s body smacking against the steel railing at high speed. The wiley veteran rolls back in, then back out to restart the count. Storm then races down ringside before connecting with a dropkick, sending Kingham flipping over the guardrail and into the crowd! Storm climbs over the guard rail and slowly pulls up Kingham… only to lift her up and drop her across the top of the guard rail with a flap jack. A groan comes from Kingham as she bounces off the top of the rail and falls back to ringside. Storm climbs over the rail and brings the action back inside, where he makes a lateral press for the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Kingham gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Storm pulls up Kingham and goes for another vertical suplex. This time, Kingham slips down from behind. As she applies a waist lock to set up a German, Storm catches her with a back elbow to the face. After Storm delivers a back elbow to the midsection, Storm performs a standing switch before throwing Kingham down hard with a sitout face slam! He rolls over, sits on top of Kingham and hooks the leg. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Kingham gets her shoulder up. An irish whip then sends the champion into the ropes. When Kingham returns, Storm lifts her up, turns and throws her down with a spinebuster! He rolls across Kingham and hooks the leg. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Kingham gets her shoulder up. After a lariat turns Kingham inside out, Storm hoists her up off the canvas before delivering a deadlift gutwrench sitout powerbomb! The ref slides into place for the count. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! The crowd gasps, then cheers when Kingham gets her shoulder up.

During the seventh minute, Storm pulls Kingham back to her feet and delivers a high intensity combination of strikes with his hands before following up with a spinning back kick. While Kingham is doubled over, Storm lifts her up onto his shoulders to set up an elevated powerbomb. Before he can raise Kingham up even higher, she rains down a flurry of punches to the head. After Kingham drops down in front of Storm, she drops him with a Samoan Spike! Storm gasps for air as he clutches his throat. While he turns over on all fours, Kingham heads into the ropes. When she returns, she knocks Storm down with a Knee Trembler! As Storm starts to get back up, Kingham runs over and catches him with another Knee Trembler! This time, for a two count. Kingham keeps on offense, sending Storm into the corner with an irish whip. She then heads into the corner and follows up with a running European Uppercut! Kingham then delivers an irish whip, follows Storm across the ring into the opposite corner and connects with another running European Uppercut! Once Storm is whipped back across the ring, Kingham goes for a third running European Uppercut. But Storm knocks her back with a boot to the face. The champion is dazed, Storm rushes out of the corner and brings her down with a Sling Blade! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Kingham gets her shoulder up. Storm runs his hands through his hair in frustration.

Your Hero and Mine has had enough! Once Kingham is in position, he rushes over and throws out Shoot to Kill (running bicycle knee). But Kingham swats down the knee and counters with a Brazilian Kick! While Storm is dazed, Kingham brings him down with a single arm DDT! After delivering an arm breaker across her shoulder, Kingham brings him down with a three quarter facelock russian leg sweep. She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Storm gets his shoulder up. After an irish whip, Kingham knocks him down with a crossbody block. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Storm gets his shoulder up. Kingham heads into the corner and hoists herself up onto the middle ropes. Once Storm returns to his feet and turns around, Kingham knocks him off his feet with a diving European Uppercut! She then steps out onto the apron and waits for Storm. When Storm gets into position, Kingham goes for a slingshot spear. But Storm counters with Shoot to Kill! The boos continue as Storm picks up Kingham, lifts her up onto his shoulders for Heroes End (one-handed electric chair driver). But Kingham is able to slip down from behind, spin Storm towards her and counters with a double knee armbreaker! Storm clutches his arm. But Kingham’s able to pry his arm free and lock him in The Tombs! Kingham wrenchers further back while Storm howls in pain. He tries to pull himself towards the ropes but Kingham is having none of that and puts a stop to it by pulling back even further. Storm seethes before letting out a wail. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. Storm fevershy shakes his head ‘no’. Storm refuses… and refuses… and refus-NO! Storm has reached his limit! The crowd explodes with cheers as Storm nods ‘yes’ to the referee, who immediately calls for the bell!

TITLE RETAINED!
Kendall Kingham O || The Tombs (12:42) || Mark Storm X

Kingham gets the 15 Championship from the referee. She begins to celebrate in the ring before rolling to the outside and high fiving fans in the front row. The camera slowly pans over to Geoff Penzer at ringside.

Geoff Penzer:  Hello, wrestling fans, and welcome to another installment of Flashpoint. I am your host, Geoff Penzer! Tonight, we see the aftermath of All-Star Showdown VII, where Flashpoint won both the Eight Team Tag Team Match, as well as the Five on Five Tag Team Match! While those were huge victories for Flashpoint, this brand did come up short in the Interbrand Battle Royal despite some impressive showings from both Patrick Jones and Vince Steel. I am also sad to report that Evan Envi is still in possession of his championship. But it is no longer being called the FGA Undisputed Championship! When Envi committed his cowardly act some months ago by signing exclusively to Vertigo and failing to appear on this show, he thought that he was screwing this roster over and for a time, he was. While Envi was successful in his match at the Pay Per View, he and General Manager Brandon Macdonald continue to refuse to have Envi show up here on Flashpoint. With those two drawing the line in the sand, our GM Hadley Herrera, with the help of the Executive Committee, have created the International Heavyweight Championship to counteract Envi making his championship Vertigo-exclusive. Tonight, we will see two Fatal 4-Way Matches. The winners of those two matches will go on to Above & Beyond VI, where the first International Heavyweight Champion will be crowned. Also here tonight, The Chaotics will once again meet Smart Style with the Tag Team Championship on the line. This time, in a Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match! Logan Alexander has a lot of explaining to do with regards to his actions from two weeks ago. We've got a lot of... hold on just a moment, fans. I'm being told that we've got a hold of the other half of the Chaotics, Ashlyn De Luca! Let's send it to the back!

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area, where one half of the Chaotics, Ashlyn De Luca is visible on camera, earning a pop from those in attendance in Eugene, Oregon. She is already in her wrestling gear, though she has her eyes closed, fingers interlocked over her stomach, sunken into a giant, leopard-print bean bag chair in the far corner of the locker-room. The FGA World Tag Team Championship is visible, lying on top of a duffel bag a few feet away. For a few seconds, the scene is silent-- until there’s a knock on the door.

Ashlyn sits upright, slowly, narrowing her eyes as she looks at whomever is in the doorway before sighing and leaning back again, letting her eyes drift closed. She’s quiet for a moment before speaking out to the person out-of-frame in a short tone.

Ashlyn De Luca: It’s your locker room too. Don’t have to knock.

Slowly stepping into the room, Logan Alexander seems overly cautious. He regards his partner as he does so.

Logan Alexander: Seemed like the proper thing to do. You don’t usually barge back into another person’s place after you’ve been rude or disrespectful to them recently.

Ash laughs bitterly, opening her eyes, but keeping her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

Ashlyn De Luca: Holy sh… ah… ha… okay, so now you’re worried about being rude or disrespectful? After All-Star Showdown? Wh…

She finally looks at her partner, sitting upright on the bean bag chair again, shaking her head, slightly.

Ashlyn De Luca: Seriously?

Logan Alexander: Well, to you, yes. To everyone else on the team, no regrets on my end.

Ashlyn looks at Logan in silence for a few seconds before slowly shaking her head, once again leaning back, looking straight upright with a clenched jaw.

Ashlyn De Luca: Help me figure out what I’m missing here.

She inhales sharply before finally sitting up a final time and rising all the way to her feet, gaze moving from the ground, up to her partner’s eyes.

Ashlyn De Luca: I have never lost trust in you. I’ve always tried to support you. I’ve always tried to be honest and like… transparent. But you--

Ashlyn finds herself shaking her head, eyes narrowed at Logan again as she searches her mind for the correct words.

Ashlyn De Luca: You didn’t just slap everyone else on our team in the face two weeks ago, man. You did it to me, too. You didn’t give me any clue as to what was going on. Like-- I had to find out you were gonna be a dick at the same time everyone else did. And surprise dick is the worst kind of dick. Obviously.

She huffs and turns, picking her championship up and sliding it around her arm, onto her shoulder. To his credit, Logan does look remorseful.

Logan Alexander: I know. I was worried that if I told you what was going through my head and what I was considering that you’d convince me to not do that. Or worse, join in on it. I wanted to keep you clear of any of the consequences of what would follow. There was no sense in both of us being blackballed by Hadley for such blatant insubordination. And I didn’t want to be talked out of it either because that would have been like saying that I was okay with everything that happened.

There is another familiar stretch of silence while Ashlyn looks up at Logan. She bounces on the heel of her foot a bit, taking a deep breath before rolling her eyes away from him.

Ashlyn De Luca: Logan…

Logan just watches her quietly. His face is inscrutable as he waits for her response to his explanation. De Luca draws a small breath and moves her free hand back through her hair, moving away from Logan toward the door… before swiftly pivoting, looking back toward him.

Ashlyn De Luca: What happened… wasn’t okay. And we should hold ourselves to a higher standard. We shouldn’t let people take liberties with us. Never. You taught me that. I agree.

Ashlyn takes another breath and moves forward, giving Logan a faint smile.

Ashlyn De Luca: But I feel like somewhere along the line we stopped reading the same book. And Smart Style is gonna notice that. And if you can’t pull your head out of your ass long enough to defend our Tag Team Titles-- I’m gonna have an emotional breakdown. So I just wanna know… before we go out there… before we put these on the line against Bisley and Majima in two-out-of-three-falls, is there ANYTHING you feel you should tell me?

He considers his response briefly.

Logan Alexander: Yes. All Star Showdown wasn’t the end of this. I know that you didn’t like what I did. I understand that and I accept that. At this point, I can tell you that it’s most likely going to get worse before it gets better. So, if you don’t want to deal with any of the fallout that may follow, tonight would be your chance to cut ties. I know it’s not something teammates should consider before a big match, but I think it’s something you might want to think about between now and then.

He lets out a breath and steps past Ashlyn, heading back towards the open door.

Logan Alexander: I know that us being champions and even being a team together means a lot to the both of us. Just… make the best decision for you here tonight.

The ominous words draw a low groan from many in the crowd, following up with scattered boos. Ashlyn turns as Logan lingers by the doorway. She sighs, fingers clenching into fists.

Ashlyn De Luca: Know what? Don’t even come out there tonight. I’m asking.

Logan glances back towards Ashlyn. No response. No change of expression. Just that same inscrutable look from earlier. Moments later, he’s out the door. The action earns another chorus of boos from the live audience and for a few moments, Ashlyn stands, simply looking down at the Tag Team Championship, mind clearly swimming with thoughts.

Until.

???: ...Ashlyn?

Ashlyn looks fully annoyed as she looks back over her shoulder. We pan out a bit, allowing interviewer Amanda Johnson to walk into frame.

Amanda Johnson: Sorry. I heard a lot of that… I know it’s not the best time, but I just have to ask-- with your Tag Team Title match against your biggest rivals, Smart Style, looming with a two-out-of-three falls stipulation on top of it… what’s the state of the Chaotics?

Ashlyn rubs at her eyes with one hand, grumbling under her breath as Amanda grows nearer.

Amanda Johnson: I overheard you tell Logan to stay away from the ring tonight. But all due respect, Ashlyn, when you’re standing across the ring from Shintaro Majima and Mark Bisley, who led Team Flashpoint to a victory at All-Star Showdown despite Logan’s efforts to disrupt the team’s performance… you can’t feel confident making a call like that. You have to have some reservations about this. About tonight.

Exhaling, De Luca finally turns to look at Amanda.

Ashlyn De Luca: I…

She glances down at the FGA World Tag Team Championship once more before placing it back over her shoulder.

Ashlyn De Luca: I just…

After prying her eyes away from the gold, Ashlyn looks at Amanda Johnson for a few moments, as if contemplating something to say… before simply sighing, giving the interviewer a tired, joyless smile, and a small pat on the shoulder. De Luca moves past Amanda and out of the locker room. Amanda looks on disappointedly as the champion walks away before the scene fades.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

We see Cherry Baum standing outside Johnny Karma’s locker room, checking the clock on her phone a couple of times before she raps the back of her hand against the door a few times

Cherry Baum: J-K? Are you decent in there?

Expecting an immediate answer, Cherry is at first puzzled to not receive one – but the puzzlement soon turns to concern when she hears something heavy collide with the locker room door, at which point she grabs hold of the door handle and puts all her weight behind her as she tries to shove the door open – only to practically fly through the locker room door, coming to a rest in Johnny Karma’s unsuspecting arms

Johnny Karma: …

Cherry Baum: …

As she regains her senses, Cherry notices that Karma is still wearing his street clothes instead of his ring gear, and as she turns to look behind her she sees Karma’s bag lying on the locker room floor in about the sort of place it would be lying if it had been punted there by somebody opening a door with all their weight put behind it

Cherry Baum: So…uhhh…is there a reason your bag’s on the floor over there?

Johnny Karma: Well, it’s a little…errrm…?

Karma pauses, trying not to draw attention to the fact that Cherry’s still resting neatly in his unsuspecting arms, but letting Cherry know it’s a little awkward to have this conversation with the two of them in such a position when the locker room is wide open

Taking the hint, Cherry extracts herself from Karma’s arms and backs up a couple of steps, with a sheepish smile as she does so

Johnny Karma: So, yeah, the bag.  It’s a little embarrassing, but…I put the wrong padlock on it, so I can’t actually get into my bag, and I chucked it over there because it was…

Cherry Baum: …frustrating?

Karma looks to reply verbally, but instead he simply nods

Cherry Baum: Let’s see…you got a pen?

Johnny Karma: Hold on…

Picking up his rucksack, Karma has a quick rummage and produces a biro, handing it to Cherry with a confused look on his face

Johnny Karma: I don’t know what good this will…

Before he’s finished asking Cherry what her idea is, she’s taken the cap off the pen and skilfully worked it into the bag’s zip to create a small hole, at which point she slowly begins to pull the zip apart before pausing to look in Karma’s direction

Cherry Baum: That should do it.

Karma looks impressed, although slightly dumbfounded that Cherry has knowledge of how to open an already-locked bag – something Cherry picks up on

Cherry Baum: Oh come on, don’t look at me like I’m Coney Island’s most notorious pickpocket!  It’s a trick I learned when I needed to “borrow” the good cosmetics my college roommate kept stashed away.

Johnny Karma: That doesn’t actually sound much better…

Cherry playfully slaps Karma on the arm, although when she’s not looking he rubs it to imply she maybe left a little too much behind it

Johnny Karma: So…did you really come busting in here to rescue me?

Caught by surprise by Karma’s question, Cherry blushes as she attempts to think of an answer

Cherry Baum: Well I heard something hit the door, so I was thinking that…well you know, it’s almost time for yet another gang of wrestlers to take it in turns to jump you from behind, so I thought they were getting an early start.

Once she’s responded, Cherry attempts to shy away from Karma’s gaze, fully aware that she’s blushing

Johnny Karma: No, it’s not that, it’s just…well that’s not like you, is it?  I mean I can count the number of times you’ve thrown yourself in the path of danger and have plenty of leftover digits – not that I’m saying that’s a bad thing, believe me I’m not, it’s just it was a little…

Cherry Baum: …surprising?

Johnny Karma: …yeah.  Especially when you cleared half the room, because from what I can see it doesn’t look like you could get much of a run-up.

Cherry peeks over her shoulder again to see the few feet’s distance between the locker room door and the other side of the corridor, keeping it to herself that she didn’t even use that to bust her way in – at which point her face reddens for another reason, namely a touch of embarrassment, so to cover this she walks over to the door and closes it, hoping to compose herself in those few seconds…yet once she closes the door something occurs to her

Cherry Baum: Are you sure it was just the padlock that made you want to hurl your bag across the room?

Hearing nothing but silence behind her, Cherry takes her time turning around to face Karma – only to find he’s sitting down on the bench with his head held in his hands

Johnny Karma: I had it, Cherry, I had it.  I’d done every single thing I could do to regain the title, and I’d done them right, and it still wasn’t enough. That’s the thing that hurts: I didn’t make a mistake, I didn’t do anything differently to how I should’ve, yet I still had the result stolen from me. That’s been gnawing away at me ever since, keeping me awake at night, making me second-guess myself…

Rather than continue, Karma lets out a sigh, which leads to Cherry crossing the room and standing next to Karma as she places a reassuring hand on his shoulder – a hand which, until recently, was clad in a plaster cast

Cherry Baum: I know you remember what you said to me the first time you saw this hand in a plaster cast, and I know you were working so goddamn hard to stay calm on my behalf when you were tempted to bust down the door of whichever motel room Evan Envi was staying in so you could ask him what the hell his friends were willing to do – but I know that you kept your head together for me, and that makes you a hell of a lot stronger than you think it does.  So here’s a deal I’m going to make with you: you’ve got a chance to gain a little redemption tonight.  It’s not the vengeance you were seeking and came so close to getting, it’s not going to see Evan Envi limping for the next few weeks as he looks at the empty space around his waist where a belt used to be, but it’s a chance to get right back to where you were and all you have to do is be you.  Nobody else, you.  Because I know you’re feeling low right now, and believe me I understand why, so if you promise me that you’ll do everything you can to get back to where you know you belong, I promise you that I will never, ever let anybody make you feel so low ever again.  So what do you say?

For a moment the locker room is completely silent, with Karma almost looking shocked that Cherry seems determined to drag him out of the pit by her fingernails if she has to, yet he also sees the compassionate look on her face as she says it

Once that initial moment has passed, Karma simple places his hand on top of Cherry’s and gives it the lightest squeeze, looking her in the eye as he nods in agreement .

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to find James Edwards standing in the interview area in his wrestling tights and an All-Star Showdown t-shirt. His arms are crossed, and he is tapping his foot like an irritated tourist waiting for a taxi before he spots the camera crew.

James Edwards: Good y'all are here.

Cameraman: Sorry our production meeting ran ten minutes over, or we would have been here on time.

Edwards' eyes blaze with outrage, and he starts to ball one of his fists before suddenly bringing it up and running it through his hair. He takes a few deep breaths, momentarily eyes the ground, and then shakes his head knowingly.

James Edwards: Sh*t happens, y'all couldn't help it. Anyways, let's do this.

Cameraman: So what's on your mind, Jimmy E?

James Edwards: This fight I've got tonight. I ain't one to advertise how I feel but I can't remember the last time I was this nervous, hell this might be the most nervous I've ever been.

Cameraman: Why? You've been in plenty of title eliminator matches before.

He shakes his head to indicate that is not the case.

James Edwards: This is different. A world title shot is on the line.

Cameraman: You're a three-time world champion, you've been in this situation before plenty of times.

He shakes his head again and glances around the area, looking for something to occupy his attention, until he finally focuses back on the crew in front of him.

James Edwards: Not here.

Cameraman: Sorry, I'm just not following what has you rattled.

Instinctively, James tries to slide his hands into non-existent pockets. Not finding any, he claps them in front of him almost as if he is going to say grace.

James Edwards: When I talked to Amanda after the show in Seattle, I said that my career in FGA had come full circle. I went from being the guy concerned about provin' he belong here to the guy who couldn't keep his mind off Colton Sterling to save himself to the guy who willingly took the bullets for Team Flashpoint. I'm finally a man who can put his wants aside for the greater good.

He looks beyond the crew again, off into the distance like he is gazing at a movie screen telling a familiar story.

James Edwards: But I'm still the same guy who couldn't beat Mark Storm at All-Star Showdown VI. I've been eliminated from plenty of contendership battle royals early enough not even to sniff a win. I went out in the first round of the Frontier Lion's Cup. I didn't get pinned, but I didn't win the number one contender triple threat at A New Odyssey. I came in fourth in the Gold Rush Rumble. My story here is equal parts hot-head and fighter who comes close but never finishes the job.

Cameraman: And your point is?

James Edwards: This fight isn't just about a world title shot. This fight is another chance to come full circle a second time in as many shows. Before I got here in FGA, I was a guy who made an impact in a very short amount of time when he went into a company. It only took me three months to win my first championship in Fight One. All it took was five months in the UWL. Five months again in New Kingdom Pro over in Europe. Five weeks in Lion's Road. Two shows in Iron Japan. One night in both the UKWF and Seattle Pro. The only other company it took me longer than that was in the Underground, and I think most fans and fighters alike would tell you it would've been a helluva lot sooner if it wasn't for Bobby Barrabas.

A dark look momentarily overtakes Edwards, a reaction to a debt left unpaid elsewhere.

James Edwards: Compare my history everywhere else and here. Outside of FGA, I'm considered just as good as Johnny Karma or Chandler Scott. Here, I'm no better than Mark Storm, a guy who hasn't done sh*t to realize his potential, and Storm has actually won a title here. I haven't even earned a shot at one. I'm tired of being in the almost. I wanna be the same me that I am around the rest of the fightin' world. It's why I have to win tonight. It's the only way I can be whole in this company.

Cameraman: And what happens if you don't?

Edwards turns pensive.

James Edwards: I can't answer that question, because if I do, that means that failure is a possibility tonight, and I refuse to fail again. Anyways, I appreciate y'all taking the time to film this for me. Have a good one.

Cameraman: No problem, James, good luck tonight.

Edwards nods his head and begins to walk out of the picture. The camera does not cut away from him for a few moments. The Burning Heart's exit is slow, the march of a young man who knows all too well that the line between the freedom of victory and the burden of another crushing defeat is razor thin tonight.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Patrick Jones vs. Liam Richardson III

The match starts off with a collar-and-elbow tie up. Jones gains control of the arm. After a pair of arm wrenches, Richardson is shot off into the ropes. When he returns, Jones brings him down with a pair of arm drags before transitioning into an amr bar. After Richardson battles back to a vertical base, he moves Jones into the near ropes before shooting him off into the far ropes. When Jones returns, Richardson goes for a back body drop. But Jones slips down from behind. He applies a waist lock to set up a German Suplex. But Richardson runs forward, wraps his arms around the ropes and then yanks back, sending Jones falling off his back and to the mat. As Jones rolls back up to a vertical base, Richardson runs over and knocks him down with a dropkick for a two count. He catches Jones off an irish whip rebound and brings him down with a drop toe hold. Richardson quickly follows up with a jumping leg drop across the back of the neck for another two count. After Jones is sent back into the ropes, Richardson brings him down with a hip toss, cartwheels over, claps his hands and follows up with a dropkick to the face for another two count.

As the match continues, Jones is moved into the corner. Richardson fires off a trio of chops before sending him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. The Assassin runs over to attack when Jones ducks and dumps him over the top rope. After Richardson lands on his feet, Jones turns around and rocks him with a roundhouse kick, sending the Dog of War off the apron and to the floor. While Richardson tries to shake out the cobwebs, Jones turns and runs into the far ropes. When Jones comes back, Richardson slides back in before turning him inside out with a clothesline! He makes the cover, but Jones gets his shoulder up at two. Richardson then goes for a belly to back suplex. But Jones rolls over his shoulder and lands on his feet. Jones then goes for a belly to back of his own. But Richardson rolls over his shoulder and lands on his feet. He spins Jones towards him before scooping him up across his shoulders. Richardson rushes across the ring, brings Jones down with a rolling fireman’s carry and goes to follow up with a springboard moonsault off the second rope. But Jones is able to get his knees up, forcing Richardson to crash down across them!

Jones keep the advantage in the fourth minute, as he doubles Richardson over with a spinning back kick. He follows up with a double underhook suplex for a two count. A northern lights suplex garners another two count. When Richardson comes back after an irish whip into the ropes, Jones throws out a clothesline. But Richardson ducks and continues to run the ropes. When he returns, Jones throws him down with a belly to belly suplex for another two count. Jones then applies a Dragon Sleeper. But Richardson is able to reach up, grab the hair, pull down on Jones’ head and repeatedly knees him in the face, breaking the hold. Richardson follows up with a DDT for a two count. He knocks Jones back with a series of palm thrusts before connecting with a bicycle kick to the face, knocking Jones through the ropes and to the floor. Richardson brings him back inside with a vertical suplex for another two count.

After Richardson applies a rear chinlock, Jones battles back to his feet before burying four elbows into The Assassin’s chest. Once free, Jones takes off into the ropes. But upon his return, Richardson lifts him up, turns and throws him down hard with a sitout spinebuster! The back of Jones’ head smacks hard off the canvas. The ref scuries over before dropping down to make the count. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! The crowd cheers when Jones gets his shoulder up. The DoW member pulls up Jones before sending him back into the corner with an irish whip. Richardson makes his way over towards the corner and connects with two knife edge chops. The last chop causes Jones to stagger out of the corner. With his opponent hurt, Richardson decides to take off into the ropes. When he returns, he throws out a big boot. But Jones swats the foot away from him, grabs Richardson from behind and delivers a release German Suplex!

The crowd begins to rally behind Jones while he fights to get back to his feet. Jones takes Richardson and sets up for an irish whip. But it’s reversed! Richardson charges in with a follow up attack, but he gets caught with an elbow to the face. Jones quickly takes advantage of the opening and plants him with a Tornado DDT for a two count! Multiple left and middle kicks stun Richardson before Jones knocks him down with a leg-feed enzuigiri for another two count. After Richardson is whipped into the far ropes, Jones knocks him down with a running forearm! Jones then delivers a scoop slam before stepping out onto the apron. The veteran scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and delivers a diving elbow drop! Jones returns to his feet and waits in the corner, where he puts his right index finger in the air while Richardson stirs on the mat. Once Richardson gets back to his feet and turns around, the crowd cheers when Jones connects with Zoned Out (superkick) and gets the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Patrick Jones O || Zoned Out (8:24) || Liam Richardson III X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

We come back from break as Tristan Ambrose, leader of The Resistance is surrounded on each side, Alexander to his right, with Ragnar and Gunnar in front of him. To his left? Tyler Kingsley, the young man that interfered at Glory Road.  Looking around at each of them, he stares at Ragnar, proving that despite his size, Tristan has a profound power over all of them, not out of fear, but because they show him the respect that he strives for.

Tristan Ambrose: Tonight.. This is what it comes too. Everything that we worked for over the summer, is now at our feet... My feet.

The monster puts a hand on Tristan’s shoulder, giving him a few pats.

Ragnar: Don’t you worry about a thing boss. Tonight, the three of us are going to make sure that you advance to the Championship matc-

Tristan Ambrose: No!

Ambrose holds out his hand, patting Ragnar on the chest.

Tristan Ambrose: Everything needs to make a statement. At Glory Road we made a statement. A statement that just because she brought in people to fight us, we will adapt, WE will overcome. And we did, winning at Glory Road didn’t matter, leaving them laying did. Tonight is different.

Alexander pulls out from the group to answer a call, all while Ambrose moves to the front of the group. Looking at each of them before continuing.

Tristan Ambrose: Tonight, I have to win. On my own. Everyone in FGA thinks that I’m a joke, a trickster that hides behind you three. That is not what I am, I am a leader. I lead with strategy, not brute force and with a lack of thought. Tonight I prove that I am worthy of being Flashpoint’s Champion. That way whenever Vertigo wants to show their head, The Resistance would be there to show them the door. Tonight I want you to make sure that NOTHING interferes with this match. No Triple A, no Ashley.. Just let me do what I do, and I promise.. I won’t let you down.

The three members of The Resistance bump fists with Ambrose before leaving the room, leaving Tristan alone with his thoughts.

[FGA Office]

After a brief recap of everything that went down between Salem Kaiser and Alex Chalwell in recent weeks, the camera opens up to reveal the man himself, sitting in a balcony inside the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. Chalwell seems focused on the action tonight as he barely acknowledges the cameraman behind him. Wearing a tight navy blue suit and his now trademark brown and mustard scarf; he looks down towards the ring, as he starts talking.

Alex Chalwell: It feels so good to have a night off, you know. I mean, taking in the action like any normal lowlife would. Watching from the stands as my peers try to invoke reactions such as the ones I gather just by standing amongst the masses. It’s a cute perspective.

Chalwell takes a moment to breath and suck in the atmosphere that’s created by the fans in the stands below him.

Alex Chalwell: But I know that’s not why you’re here. They sent you to take visuals of a fallen tree. To see what a man that has been defeated looks like. To show the world how a man that’s been left out, looks down…

Chalwell stands up, still with his back turned to the camera. He adjusts his suit and turns around with a confident smirk on his face.

Alex Chalwell: I’m sorry to disappoint.

He chuckles, before driving his left hand towards his chin and continue talking.

Alex Chalwell: I mean, not only don’t I look like a man defeated— but also I don’t look like a man left out. I’m merely a man waiting for my opportunity to strike down. I heard there was going to be a new champion to be crowned and what I believe are the four people directly involved in the crowning of said champion, are in tonight’s Main Event— so I merely decided to scout tonight.

Chalwell moves his left hand and for a brief second he points at the camera. He then puts both of his hands in his pockets as he speaks.

Alex Chalwell: I decided to watch because, it’s just a matter of time before I prove to y’all what Alex Chalwell is capable of doing by climbing the ladder quicker than anyone else. I might not boost a W against Salem Kaiser— but I do have valuable knowledge now about her in ring skills. I’m a learner, you see— I adapt, I overcome. My match with her at Glory Road, was just a bump on my climb to the top. I know my place, but that place is about to change.

Another chuckle and another smirk from Chalwell.

Alex Chalwell: So if you feel comfortable in the place you’re sitting; be aware, because Alex Chalwell is looking to take over any throne he sees fit— and if you don’t like it…

The Virgin Islander looks to the side and then up, while licking his bottom lip.

Alex Chalwell: Then, I don’t know what to say to you, other than, enjoy the ride.

After that Chalwell moves forward and pushes the cameraman out of the balcony.

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson is backstage trying to get some words with the participants of tonight’s main event, when in walks the Witch herself; Salem Kaiser.  She already has her ring gear and jacket on and hood up, twirling her silver cane in her hand; a look of focused determination in her eyes.

Amanda Johnson: Salem, wow you look serious.  What are your thoughts on the match later tonight?

Her hair hanging down in her face, she didn’t remove the hood but looked up ever so slightly and raised her eyebrows.

Salem Kaiser: Serious?  Amanda, this is serious business...serious as a heart attack on a five hundred pound man who subsists on meals of five cheeseburgers at a time every sitting.  You know it’s going to be bad, but it’s unavoidable.  Ever since they announced the two Fatal 4-way matches tonight with the winners going on to Above & Beyond VI to crown the first ever International Heavyweight Champion of the Flashpoint brand, it’s been on my mind.  And with good reason.

Amanda Johnson: How do you feel about being a last minute replacement in this match tonight?  It was supposed to be Savannah Taylor after all.

Salem allowed herself a wry smile to enter the corner of her mouth for half a second and nodded.

Salem Kaiser: You know what, that’s true.  Savannah is a busy gal, wrestling in a few places and traveling here and there.  She’s a two-time and current reigning U.S. Champ.  And not that long ago I corrected a grave error of mine losing to her at Rey del Aire by beating her in a non-title match.  So I think I’m a suitable replacement, not a third rate knockoff by any means.  But still, there’s a little chip on my shoulder, Amanda.  Why wasn’t I in the match originally?  Maybe I haven’t been back long enough, who knows.  It just makes me want it that much more.  It’s been almost two years since I was Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ here in FGA…. for some wrestlers that’s a career.  I’m certainly not ready to call it a career just yet.  

Amanda Johnson: Well, judging by your recent matches since being back here full time, I think you have a lot of gas left in the tank!  What do you think of the other opponents in the match tonight?

Salem rubbed her chin in thought for a moment, twirling the silver cane in her other palm.

Salem Kaiser: What do I think of them and this match tonight?  It’s going to be brutal, it’s going to be a show for the fans.  Whoever wins this match is going to earn it, and take some lumps.  Cassius Reed; he’s held belts all over in EXODUS and Phoenix for example.  Been an executive in HKW, I’m familiar with him no doubt.  He’s the frickin’ Funky Dragon after all.  He’s unpredictable for sure.  My eyes have to be on him at all times.  And then you’ve got Johnny Karma, who if you look on paper is probably the odds on favorite to win this match.  He’s a multi-time Pride Champ and was the FGA Undisputed Champion for over seven months, his reign ending earlier this year.  He was a real fighting champion too.  The dude is running on all cylinders.  Too bad wrestling matches aren’t fought on paper huh?  Sometimes from match to match, pedigree is just a name of dog food and doesn’t mean that much.  Anyone can lose at any given time.  And then you’ve got…

A commotion of a door slamming down the hall interrupts her, as some boxes are knocked off a table as well as a figure lumbers forward. It’s BROOKFORD, the only person Salem hasn’t offered her thoughts on. He looks at her. Then at Amanda who rolls her eyes at him. His attention returns back to Salem. Salem puts an arm in front of Amanda and eases her back, as it seems the two wrestlers will carry the weight of this interview.  Amanda holds up the microphone in front of them.

BROOKFORD: Hey.

Salem looks back at him, assessing his presence.  She swallows hard and continues.

Salem Kaiser: Hey yourself.  I was just getting ready to talk about you, speak of the devil and here he is.  Maybe I was saving the best for last, huh?

BROOKFORD: Maybe. Go ahead. What were you planning to say? Floor is yours.

She removed the hood from her head and smooth it back.

Salem Kaiser: Okay.  *Ahem*  As I was saying, out of all my opponents tonight, I know the least about you.  And that can be a very dangerous thing.  Especially when it coincides with what I do know about you.  Take no prisoners, merciless.  Mr. Kick Your Butt For A Buck, that it?  The fixer, the problem solver.  A walking bulldozer with the bedside manner of a dog fight pitbull.  Am I close?

She folded her arms and looked at him. BROOKFORD nods.

BROOKFORD: Definitely smarter than the last person I choked out. Some people don’t get it. You do. Kudos for that.

Salem nodded back.

Salem Kaiser: Yeah I never went to college, but I can be a realist when the facts are presented.  Just before my match at Glory Road, I watched on the monitors backstage as you drained the life out of Sage Clark in front of thousands.  Me being the student of the game that I am, I watched intently.  All I could think of was I’d never let myself get in that position.  But then again, Sage is a relative rookie to the business.  I most certainly am not.

BROOKFORD folded his arms. He smirks.

BROOKFORD: That much is true. Know what else is? Flashpoint has a problem. A big part of the reason why we are in this situation is because of Johnny Karma. If he didn’t lose what was known as the Undisputed Championship to that weasel on the other show, it’s a safe assumption there wouldn’t be a tournament to crown a brand new champion. The way I see it, Johnny shouldn’t be rewarded for being responsible for this chaos. He’s in this match. It’s whatever. That’s cool. Part of the reason I exist. To solve problems. Karma winning this match is a problem. I intend to correct that.

BROOKFORD: This goes a lot bigger then just him. The Flashpoint brand needs a top champion the company can be proud of. Someone who is going to put asses in seats, someone who gives the fans a reason to care. Which of the four of us is actually best for business? Not Johnny. He failed this brand like I said. Cassius? He’s ok. Then we have you, Salem.

BROOKFORD inches closer to Salem, he narrows his eyes. Not in a menacing way, he wants to let her know that he’s dead serious.

BROOKFORD: You’re good. Give you that. I’m a student of the game too. You gotta ask yourself a question, why was Savannah the first choice? Why would the company go out of their way to announce if it wasn’t for her outside commitments, you wouldn’t be in this position right now? Clearly, Hadley didn’t see you as the outright number one choice. So are you really best for business? If you manage to get through the three of us, that’ll always be the question. Why weren’t you number one? No one will doubt me. Know why? People love destruction. They love chaos. And they love to tear down a person who is like a God. That’s me. I’m the guy others want to see get what’s coming to them. Hasn’t happened, yet. Sage was supposed to be the hero. I killed his hopes, just like I’m gonna kill yours and the others hopes tonight. I don’t care who I choke out. I win. That’s all there is to it.

She returned his gaze note for note, unflinching.  Whether that was smart or not was anyone’s guess.  She looked up at the taller man and shrugged like David to Goliath.

Salem Kaiser: It’s a hell of a thing, ain’t it?  We both want the same thing.  Maybe not for the same reasons.  You just want to be a wrecking ball tearing everything down.  Where’s the virtue and integrity in that?  You know who solve problems by breaking everything?  Children, that’s who.  If that’s your way of problem solving, you need to go back to the drawing board.  You think I haven’t thought about why I wasn’t in this match to begin with?  It gnaws at me, sure.  Nothing I can do about it now.  Oh, except one thing.  Go out here tonight and kick Johnny, Cassius, and you to the curb and go on to Above & Beyond and win that too.  We’re looking at history here, one of us gets to be the first ever International Heavyweight Champ.  If I win tonight and then, that’s all the confidence I’ll ever need.  Confidence in yourself can be infectious.  Hadley and the others can come around and buy into it, or not.  It’s their choice.  You solve problems?  I’m the monkey wrench of pro wrestling, I am by my very nature problematic, gumming up the status quo and putting a new spin on things.  That’s the thing about bullies like you, you think you can kill an ideal like hope.  Hope is everlasting.  Even if you stomp me down, I will come back again and again.  Because I am That Witch.  And That Witch Endures.  Maybe you haven’t checked your calendar… but ‘Tis The Season, Brooky.  

She smirked up into his face, the shit eating grin the equivalent of sticking your arm in the lion’s mouth. BROOKFORD unfolds his arms. He comfortably rests his left hand on her right shoulder. He tilts his head slightly to right.

BROOKFORD: This is just business. The International Heavyweight Championship is a means to an end. Equals more main events. Equals a bigger pay day. More leverage for my next contract. I’m a businessman, not a bully. Bullies take out their angst cause they were made to feel powerless. They feed on the weak. You’re one of the strongest. So are they. No, I’m not a bully. A true businessman will cut down anyone, strong or weak to complete a task. Virtue and integrity don’t pay bills. Winning does. Being on top, does. Keep your integrity and virtue. I’ll sleep just fine knowing I’ll leave Above & Beyond the brand new International Heavyweight Champion. Since I respect your gumption, I’ll give you the first crack. How about that?

BROOKFORD cracks a smile. She looks at his hand on her shoulder and then back at him.

Salem Kaiser: Time and place, Brookford… time and place.  I would say save it for the ring, ain’t much being gained by extracurriculars back here.  If you want to be a businessman, go buy yourself a McDonalds franchise.  If you want to be a wrestler, I’ll see you in the ring tonight.  Otherwise, if you don’t take your hand off of me you’re going to see how quickly my left foot can contact the right side of your face, Billy Jack style.  Capice?

BROOKFORD: No point wasting the action back here.

BROOKFORD removes his hand.

BROOKFORD: See you out there.

BROOKFORD turns around to leave the same way he came.  Amanda gives Salem a worried look, but the Witch just shakes her head and watches him leave, wiping off her shoulder and putting her hood back up as we leave the scene.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Our scene cuts to Amanda Johnson, who is standing by backstage in front of the Flashpoint backdrop.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, Chandler Scott

The crowd roars with cheers at the mention of Chander’s name. The cheers get a little louder when the man himself makes his way into the frame donning his wrestling attire.

Amanda Johnson: Chandler, you're one of the eight hopefuls tonight that will be fighting in two seperate Fatal 4-Ways. The two winners will go on to challenge for the brand new, Flashpoint-exclusive International Heavyweight Championship at Above & Beyond. Tell me what's going through your head right now.

Chandler flashes a smirk.

Chandler Scott: What's going through my head? Hmm.  As I take a look back, Amanda, I can't help but think of all the things I've accomplished. I've wrestled in various countries all over the world. My name is held in high regard by quite a number of people. I've defeated my fair share of big names. And championships? Heh. I've held titles here. I've held titles there. I've won tournaments here. I've won tournaments there. I've held the top title that a company can offer a wrestlerson more than one occasion. And this past November, I received the highest honor a company can bestow upon you - a Hall of Fame induction.

Cheers and applause can be heard in the background at the mention of the Hall of Fame nod.

Chandler Scott: Yet despite all of the places I've gone, the people I've shared the ring with and the accolades I've obtained, I walked into this arena tonight... nervous.

Amanda gives Chandler a quizzical look.

Chandler Scott: As I'm talking about this upcoming match, I feel those butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. And I'm sure that once I make my entrance and that bell sounds, my heart will feel like it's about to burst out of my chest. And why, Amanda? Why is someone like me, who has done so much, nervous? It's because of the opportunity that is at stake. It's because of what this opportunity means. Myself and seven others were given this platform tonight to compete for the International Heavyweight Championship. Despite what one or two people might be saying over on that other show, championships aren't being handed out everyday. Over on Flashpoint? THE show here in FGA? We don't kiss the General Manager's ass for favors. We don't reside under the office table to stay in his good graces. The championship opportunities on this show? They are earned. Now do I agree with every person being in these two Fatal 4-Ways? Of course not. I'd love to have seen Noelle fighting in one of these especially after all the BS she’s had to overcome. But unfortunately she's made the tough decision to call it quits. I'd love to have seen Ashley Sullivan in one of these. But what I can say is this. I know for a fact that the seven other athletes in these matches will be fighting like hell to make sure that they're one of the two walking into Above & Beyond for a shot at the new title. I know for a fact that they'll fight with every fiber in their being. I know for a FACT that all of them will go that extra mile.

Another roar of cheers comes from the crowd.

Chandler Scott: And why? Because despite what Envi Envi and his latest meatshield Ricky Valero think, this International Heavyweight Championship IS worth something. It DOES have meaning. It IS a valid championship, per our GM and the Committee. See, The Worst Guys can make all the slick underhanded comments that they want. They can trash our GM and the creation of this championship because Hadley "didn't get her way". But guess what? Who is the one that ran off to Vertigo because he didn't get his way? Who is the one that signed an exclusive contract over there because everyone didn’t fawn over him on Flashpoint? Who is the one that vowed to never appear on Flashpoint or defend his championship on our show bout of spite? Gee, I wonder who that was?

Chandler shakes his head before continuing.

Chandler Scott: See, they mock the creation of our championship. Yet when it came to Macdonald creating the United States Tag Titles, not only did they have no problem with that announcement, but they were one of the first in line to fight for those shiny new belts. Funny how that works. You know, I'd tell Envi and Valero to stop before they make themselves look stupid. But that would be a lost cause, isn’t that right, Amanda?

Amanda looks down and tries her best to remain professional and impartial.

Chandler Scott: But enough about Vertigo. We took care of them at All-Star Showdown. So let’s shift the topic of conversation back to tonight. Yours truly is one of eight hopefuls looking to challenge for the International Heavyweight Championship. Hadley Herrera said that Flashpoint deserves a champion of the highest level. Now I don’t know about you, Amanda, but when I hear “champion of the highest level”, that sounds an awful like Chandler Scott to me. But I might be biased…

Chandler trails off with a smirk before continuing...

Chandler Scott: So now it’s up to me to go out there and make it happen. No hoping. No wishing. No praying. No “speaking it into existence”. Just simply going out there and getting the job done, no matter the cost. Will it be as easy as snapping my fingers? Of course not. This journey leading up to our top championship will be far from a cakewalk. But I believe that deep down, I will be the last man standing because when it comes to performing under pressure? There are very few that can deliver like yours truly. And yeah, sure, I know that the seven other athletes, especially the three in my match, will take issue with that. I’m sure they’ll come to you and talk about how they’ve been busting their ass for this moment. They’ll talk to you about how they’ve worked so hard to get to this point, how far they’ve come and how it’s finally their time to shine. And that all sounds great. But guess what? We’ve all bled. We’ve all teared. We’ve all been on our grind. We’re all talented. But when it comes to competition at the “highest level”, Amanda? The margin of error is razor thin. And tonight, Brian Stryker, Tristan Ambrose and Jim Edwards will all find that out the hard way via heartbreak.

Another round of cheers from the crowd.

Chandler Scott: When the dust settles, every head will bow and every tongue will confess that the DNA of FGA... will be the IHC.

[FGA Office]

★★★ FATAL 4-WAY ★★★
Brian Stryker vs. Chandler Scott vs. James Edwards vs. Tristan Ambrose

The match starts with all four grapplers slowly making their way towards the center of the ring. Ambrose then begins to mouth off to the other three grapplers while pointing his finger at them. Stryker, Scott and Edwards all look at each other in disbelief before Stryker socks Ambrose with a right hand! The leader of The Resistance returns to a vertical base before Scott knocks him down with another right hand. Once Ambrose gets back to his feet, Edwards delivers a double leg pickup, runs towards the corner and rams him back-first into the turnbuckles! From there, Edwards delivers multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection that double him over. After standing Ambrose back up, the Burning Heart unleashes a blistering series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. While Ambrose is covering his chest, Edwards pries one of his arms free and sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Stryker runs over and connects with a clothesline. As Stryker moves out of the way, Scott runs across the ring, jumps and connects with a flying corner elbow smash! As Scott backs away from the corner, Edwards grabs him from behind and throw him down with the Half Cut (Half-Nelson Suplex)! As Scott rolls over into a seated position, Edwards’ eyes widen as he sees Scott in perfect position. So the Burning Heart turns and runs into the far ropes. When Edwards comes back, he motions for the Violent Gospel (Running PK). But Stryker cuts him off with a running front dropkick, resulting in a mixture of cheers and jeers from the crowd.

Stryker picks up Edwards and goes for an irish whip. But it gets reversed. When Stryker returns, he brings Edwards down with a running hurricanrana, sending him rolling underneath the bottom rope and to the floor. While Edwards picks himself up on the outside, Stryker turns and runs into the far ropes. When Stryker returns, he goes for a springboard Shooting Star Splash. But Edwards moves out of the way, causing Stryker to crash onto the floor! As Edwards gets up on the apron, Scott runs over and knocks him off with a running European Uppercut. Before Scott can turn around, Ambrose rolls him up from behind with a schoolboy for a two count. After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Scott tackles Ambrose to the mat with a standing double leg takedown. He then begins to set Ambrose up for the Scott Lock (Scorpion Death Lock). But Ambrose is able to use his leg strength to shove Scott down to the mat. As Scott picks himself back up, he gets caught with a right hand. The boos continue as Ambrose whips him into the ropes. Instead of Scott coming back, he gets yanked face-first to the mat by Edwards. The Burning Heart drags Scott out of the ring before doubling him over with rights and lefts to the midsection. While Edwards is going to work on Scott, Ambrose turns and takes off into the far ropes. When Ambrose returns, he jumps up for a dive over the top onto Edwards & Scott. But Stryker leaps up onto the apron and knocks him back into the ring with an elbow. After quickly checking behind him, Stryker takes out Edwards & Scott on the outside with a springboard corkscrew moonsault!!! He then quickly slides back in and makes the cover on Ambrose. But he only gets a two count.

As the match continues, Stryker knocks Ambrose down with the First Stryke (arm twist/hook kick combo) for a two count. He then brings the action into the corner before lighting up Ambrose’s chest with chops. After an irish whip sends Ambrose into the opposite corner, Stryker runs across the ring to follow up with an attack. But Ambrose turns him around with a boot to the face. Ambrose goes to follow up with a running bulldog out of the corner when Stryker shoves him off into the ropes. When Ambrose returns, Stryker throws out a clothesline. But Ambrose ducks. When Stryker turns around, he gets caught with a pelé kick. While Stryker is dazed, Ambrose moves him into the corner, places him in the clinch and delivers alternating knee strikes to the head. After an irish whip sends Stryker into the opposite corner, Ambrose runs across the ring and connects with a forearm strike to the face. He then whips Stryker back across the ring before following up with a running knee to the gut. While Stryker is doubled over, Ambrose pulls him a few steps back from the ropes before setting up for a turnbuckle powerbomb. Before Ambrose can lift Stryker up, Edwards catches him from behind with the Double Tap (consecutive spinning backfists)! He then pulls Ambrose away from Stryker before bringing him down with a Half Cut! Edwards then heads over to Stryker, grabs him from behind and delivers a Half Cut for good measure! Once the Burning Heart returns to his feet and turns around, Scott is seen crouched up on the top turnbuckle. He then stands up, leaps off and goes for a frog splash crossbody. But Edwards counters with a snap powerslam! He hooks the leg for the cover. ONE! TWO! Scott gets his shoulder up. Edwards then goes over and makes the cover on Stryker. ONE! TWO! Stryker gets his shoulder up. Edwards heads over and covers Ambrose with a lateral press. ONE! TWO! Ambrose gets his shoulder up.

The Burning Heart remains in control by blasting Ambrose with a headbutt, sending him stumbling backwards into the ropes. He then picks up Scott before dropping him with the Double Tap! After a hard elbow rocks Stryker, Edwards takes him and whips him into the far ropes towards Ambrose. But Ambrose ducks and dumps Stryker over the top rope and to the floor! Edwards the runs over to attack when Ambrose knocks him back with a back elbow. After quickly hopping out onto the apron through the ropes, Ambrose knocks him down with a springboard forearm smash! He makes the cover, but Edwards gets his shoulder up at two. Ambrose picks up Edwards and is about to position him for a turnbuckle powerbomb when Scott nails him across the back of the head with a Roaring Hammer (polish hammer)!!! Scott makes the cover after Ambrose crumbles to the mat. ONE! TWO! Edwards shoves Scott off of Ambrose. After both grapplers get back to their feet, Scott throws out a right hand. But Edwards blocks and counters with a punch of his own. Scott throws out another right hand. But again, Edwards ducks and counters with a punch of his own. He then blasts Scott with a headbutt, sending him stumbling backwards into the corner. Edwards moves forward, grabs Scott and whips him into the opposite corner. The Burning Heart runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when Scott cuts him off with a European Uppercut. After moving Edwards into the corner, Scott sits him on the top turnbuckle before bringing him down with the Mass Spike (top rope-hung Cutter)! He pushes Edwards over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Stryker drags Scott to the outside before tossing him into the guardrail! While Edwards is still sprawled out on the mat, Stryker climbs up onto the apron. After grabbing the top rope, Stryker goes for a springboard Phoenix Splash. But Edwards rolls out onto the apron, causing Stryker to crash onto the canvas!

After Stryker picks himself backup, Edwards reaches back in from the apron and tries to German Suplex Stryker out of the ring and to the outside! But Stryker hooks his foot over the bottom rope, breaking the hold. While Edwards continues to try to hurl Stryker to the outside, Ambrose runs across the ring. Stryker sees him coming, so he leans forward. Ambrose then throws out a jumping knee strike that knocks Edwards off the apron and to the floor! Stryker quickly follows up with Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex) on Ambrose! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Ambrose gets his shoulder up.

Stryker takes Ambrose and goes for an irish whip. But Ambrose reverses. When Stryker returns, he goes for another running hurricanrana. But as soon as he lands on Ambrose’s shoulders, Ambrose runs forward and throws him into the corner with a turnbuckle powerbomb! He then follows up with a T-Bone Suplex! The boos continue as Ambrose makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Scott dives over and breaks up the pin! Scott picks up Ambrose and goes for an irish whip. But again, Ambrose reverses. When Scott returns, Ambrose hoists him up for a Pop-Up Uppercut. But on the way up, Scott connects with the Pinpoint Dropkick! He then pulls Ambrose into a seated position before running into the far ropes. Instead of Scott coming back, Edwards yanks him down to the mat and yanks him to the outside. Edwards then rolls back in, runs over and flattens Ambrose with the Violent Gospel!!! The crowd explodes with cheers as Ambrose is sprawled out on the mat. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Scott dives over and breaks up the pin!

Scott takes Edwards, marches over into the corner and goes to slam him into the top turnbuckle. But Edwards blocks the move before taking Scott and slamming him face-first into the turnbuckle. After turning Scott around, Edwards lights up his chest with knife edge chops. He then rocks Scott with a forearm strike. Scott comes back with a forearm of his own. Edwards then blasts him with another hard forearm strike. Scott responds with a European Uppercut. The crowd cheers as Scott unleashes multiple European Uppercuts. Each blow knocks Edwards away from the corner and closer to the center of the ring. While Edwards is dazed, Scott turns and heads into the far ropes. When he comes back, he brings Edwards down with a Sling Blade! After pulling the Burning Heart up into a seated position, he takes back off into the far ropes. When Scott returns, he flattens Edwards with a sliding forearm smash! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO T-NO! Edwards gets his shoulder up. Scott pulls up Edwards before shooting him into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when Scott knocks him down with a Pinpoint Dropkick! While the cheers continue, Scott pulls up Edwards and pulls him into a front facelock. Before Scott can deliver the DNA Driver (Bloody Sunday), Edwards grabs the arm, rolls out and throws out a short-arm lariat. But Scott ducks, floats over Edwards’ back, lifts Edwards across his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! He then sits up Edwards before delivering a rolling neck snap. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Stryker breaks up the pin with a baseball slide.

As the match continues, Stryker knocks Scott back into the corner with the First Stryke. After making his way over into the corner, Stryker unleashes a flurry of right hands. He then takes Scott and goes for an irish whip. But Scott reverses, sending him into the opposite corner. The FGAce runs across the ring and throws out a flying corner elbow smash. But Stryker slips out of the way, causing Scott to crash into the turnbuckles! As Scott stumbles back, Stryker grabs him and goes for Stryke 2. But Scott slips down from behind. He quickly takes Stryker and chucks him over the top rope. As soon as Stryker lands safely on the apron, Scott connects with a Pinpoint Dropkick, knocking Stryker to the floor! Back inside, Scott sees Edwards slowly picking himself up. So he runs up from behind before driving Edwards down with a reverse Sling Blade! While Edwards is in the prone position, Scott heads into the ropes. When he returns, he connects with a jumping knee drop to the back of the head. He then pushes Edwards over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! The crowd cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up.

After an irish whip sends Edwards into the corner, Scott runs across the ring and connects with a European Uppercut. Once Edwards is sent across the ring into the opposite corner, Scott follows up with a running European Uppercut. He then pulls Edwards from out of the corner and goes for a Shotgun Stunner. But on the way down, Edwards grabs Scott from behind and counters with a release Dragon Suplex! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Scott gets his shoulder up. The Burning Heart pulls up Scott… before driving him head-first into the mat with a Headlock Driver! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Scott gets his shoulder up. Edwards pulls up Scott before driving him face-first into the mat with a Snapmare Driver! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Scott gets his shoulder up. Edwards pulls up Scott by the hair before lifting him up across his shoulders and delivering a fireman’s carry neckbreaker of his own! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd cheers when Scott gets his shoulder up. Edwards pulls up Scott before dropping him with the Double Tap. After pulling Scott up into a seated position, he turns and runs into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, he throws out the Violent Gospel when Scott grabs his leg. Scott keeps his arm wrapped around Edwards leg until Edwards reaches down and hammers him with hammer fists to the head! Once Scott lets go, Edwards takes a few steps back, runs forward and throws out another Violent Gospel. This time, Scott leans back out of the way before wrapping up Edwards in a school boy. ONE! TWO! Edwards kicks out. After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Edwards throws him down with a running STO! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd cheers when Scott gets his shoulder up.

As Edwards pulls Scott up, they both turn to the side as Ambrose and Stryker knock them down! Ambrose with a springboard forearm and Stryker with a springboard missile dropkick! Ambrose makes the cover on Edwards. Then Stryker covers Scott. Since Ambrose made the cover first, the ref counts for him. ONE! T-NO! Stryker dives over and breaks up the pin. Stryker continues to club away across Ambrose's back before he pulls him up to his feet. After doubling Ambrose over with a knee to the gut, Stryker brings him down with the Freak Accident (pumphandle neckbreaker lift into a cutter)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Ambrose gets his shoulder up. Stryker runs over and knocks Edwards back down with a running forearm. He then runs over and drives Scott face-first into the canvas with a spike hurricanrana! Stryker goes back over and puts the boots to Edwards as he stomps him out of the ring. After grabbing Ambrose, Stryker brings him into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then sits Ambrose up on the top turnbuckle facing away from the ring. After climbing up onto the ropes and getting in position, Stryker grabs Ambrose around the waist and throws him down to the mat with a Spider Suplex. But Ambrose is able to rotate and lands on his hands and feet!!! While Stryker is still hanging upside down in the corner, Ambrose gets up, runs over, jumps and connects with a hesitation dropkick! Ambrose throws Stryker down from the corner before dragging him towards the center of the ring. The leader of The Resistance pulls Stryker up to his feet before bringing him down with theドームズデー (Pumphandle Neckbreaker)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Cheers and jeers come from the crowd when Stryker gets his shoulder up.

Ambrose takes Stryker and shoots him into the ropes. When Stryker returns, a running knee to the gut stops him in his tracks before dropping him to all fours. Ambrose then hoists Stryker up off the mat before spiking him with a gutwrench piledriver! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Stryker gets his shoulder up! Ambrose pulls up Stryker, lifts him up, runs towards the corner and delivers another turnbuckle powerbomb! After Stryker crumbles to the mat, Scott runs over and throws out a discus Roaring Hammer. But Ambrose ducks. When Scott turns around, he gets caught with a pelé kick! While Scott is dazed, Ambrose doubles him over with a boot to the midsection. He then lifts him up, turns runs and throws him into another corner with a turnbuckle powerbomb! Ambrose turns and sees Edward pulling himself up onto the apron. So he runs over before dubling Edwards over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. After stepping out onto the apron, the crowd gasps when Ambrose lifts Edwards up onto his shoulders, runs along the apron and throws Edwards against the ring post with a powerbomb!!! Edwards bounces off the post before falling to the floor. While Stryker is still down, Ambrose scales to the top turnbuckle. The crowd boos as he flips off for a 450 Splash. But the boos turn to cheers when Stryker gets his knees up!

While Ambrose is curled up on the mat, Stryker rolls out onto the apron. He struggles to pull himself back to his feet. After scaling to the top turnbuckle, Stryker flips off and connects with the Air Stryke (Shooting Star Press)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd cheers when Scott dives over and breaks up the pin. He quickly drags Stryker off of Ambrose, pulls him up towards the center of the ring, lifts Stryker up and plants him with the DNA Driver to an explosion of cheers! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd gasps, then cheers when Edwards breaks up the pin with a diving headbutt off the top turnbuckle! Edwards pulls up Scott by the back of his tights before throwing him down with a release reverse Exploder Suplex!! As Scott rolls over onto his knees, Edwards turns and heads into the far ropes. When Edwards returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when he nearly kicks Scott’s head off with a Violent Gospel, sending Scott’s body rolling towards the ropes. Edwards scurries over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!!!

James Edwards O || Violent Gospel (22:00) || Brian Stryker X || Chandler Scott X || Tristan Ambrose X

NO!

The ref points over to Scott’s right foot, which is underneath the bottom rope. The Burning Heart looks on in disbelief. After snapping out of it. Edwards drags Scott away from the ropes and makes another lateral press. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd boos when Ambrose breaks up the pin with a deadlift release German Suplex! As The Burning Heart slowly turns over and gets on all fours, Ambrose runs over, jumps off and drives him face-first into the mat with The Cure (Curb Stomp)! He pushes Edwards over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd gasps, then explodes with cheers when Edwards gets his shoulder up. Ambrose looks up at the ref in shock. But the ref assures him that Edwards got his shoulder up in time. While Ambrose continue to argue with the ref, Scott slowly pulls himself up to the top turnbuckle. Once Ambrose turns around, Scott knocks him down with a frog splash crossbody! ONE! TWO! Stryker dives over and breaks up the pin. Stryker picks up Scott and shoots him into the ropes. When Scott returns, Stryker sets up for a back body drop. So Scott stops, grabs Stryker and counters with the CRS-Two (End of Heartache)! Scott picks up Stryker and delivers a snap suplex. He rolls over, pulls Stryker back up and delivers a second snap suplex. After pulling Stryker back up, Scott drags him over towards the corner before delivering a third snap suplex into the turnbuckles! Scott picks Stryker up, lifts him up from the side and brings him out of the corner with a running backbreaker. While Stryker is sprawled out on the mat, Scott lifts up his legs before turning him over into the Scott Lock. Stryker howls in pain while the crowd chants for him to tap. The ref asks Stryker if he wants to give up. But Stryker refuses. While Stryker struggles to hang on, Scott leans back, applying even more pressure to hold. While the Scott Lock stays applied, Edwards runs past Scott into the ropes. When Edwards comes back, Scott lets go of the hold, stands up and catches Edwards before he can strike with a Pinpoint Dropkick! As Scott goes over to reapply thr Scott Lock, Stryker reverses into a small package. ONE! TWO! Scott kicks out. When both grapplers return to a vertical base, Scott gets caught with a forearm strike. After he gets shot into the corner with an irish whip, Stryker runs across the ring and connects with a back elbow to the face, followed by a CSS Enzuigiri. After Scott is sat down on the top turnbuckle, Stryker climbs up and sets up for another Spider Suplex. Edwards then runs into the corner, runs up to the middle ropes, grabs Stryker and throws him down with a German Suplex while Stryker delivers a German os his own to Scott!!! The crowd explodes with cheers and applause for the action.

With Stryker and Scott down, Edwards scratches and claws himself over towards his nearest opponent. As Edwards continues to pull himself across the ring, Ambrose comes out of nowhere and drives him down with The Cure!!! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! Scott dives over and breaks up the pin. Scott picks up Ambrose and goes for an irish whip. But Ambrose reverses. When Scott returns, Ambrose throws out a roundhouse kick. But Scott ducks and heads into the far ropes. When he returns, Ambrose goes for the Lethal Dose (jumping knee strike). But Scott counters with a flapjack. After grabbing Ambrose from the side, Scott hoists him up before throwing him down with a deadlift gutwrench sitout powerbomb! ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Ambrose gets his shoulder up. Scott then sends Ambrose into the corner with an irish whip. Scott runs across the ring and goes for a flying corner elbow smash. But Ambrose catches on the way down and counters with a reverse STO into the turnbuckle! While Scott is down, Ambrose steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down on top of Scott with a 450 Splash! The crowd erupts with boos while Ambrose makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Edwards dives over and breaks up the pin. The Burning Heart pulls Ambrose towards the center of the ring lifts Ambrose up and plants him with the Foxfire (fisherman brainbuster)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Scott drags Edwards off of Ambrose.

Scott pulls up Edwards and nails him with a right hand. Edwards answers back with a punch of his own. Scott socks Edwards with another right hand. Edwards answers right back with another punch of his own. Scott throws out a third punch. This time, Edwards blocks and counters with a punch of his own. He then beats Scott to the punch with another punch. Edwards fires off a flurry of right hands. He then takes Scott and goes for an irish whip. But Scott reverses and throws out a Pinpoint Dropkick. But Edwards hangs onto the ropes and watches Scott fall to the canvas. As Scott goes to pick himself back up, Edwards rushes over and throws out a lariat. But Scott ducks and lifts him up across his shoulders. Before Scott can deliver his next move, Edwards delivers multiple elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, he turns Scott towards him, lifts him up and plants him with the Foxfire! He then sits Scott up before taking off into the ropes. When Edwards returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when he flattens Scott with a rebound wheel kick! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! Stryker goes to dive over and break up the pin. But Edwards rolls out of the way, causing Stryker to land on Scott. Edwards then takes Stryker, runs and chucks him through the ropes! The Burning Heart scurries back over and drops down into a lateral press on Scott for the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd boos when Stryker breaks up the pin with a springboard leg drop!

Stryker picks up Edwards and knocks him backwards with multiple forearm strikes. He then turns and heads into the far ropes. When Stryker returns, he executes a running hurricanrana, sending Edwards through the ropes and to the floor. Back inside, Stryker takes Scott and brings him down with the Overdose (straight jacket Shiranui)! After dragging Scott into position, Stryker steps out onto the apron. He goes to scale the turnbuckles. Once Stryker reaches the top, he’s about to deliver the Air Stryke when Edwards leaps up onto the apron, grabs Stryker’s right ankle and yanks him down. The crowd cheers while Stryker is crotched on the top turnbuckle! The cheers quickly turn to boos when Ambrose knocks Edwards off the apron with the Lethal Dose! He then turns and sees Scott slowly picking himself up off the mat. Ambrose then runs over and leaps into the air for The Cure. But Scott catches him across his shoulders before delivering a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! The cheers continue as Scott picks up Ambrose, lifts him up and plants him with the DNA Driver! He turns around and makes the cover for the ONE, TWO, THREE!!!

Chandler Scott O || DNA Driver (32:18) || Brian Stryker X || James Edwards X || Tristan Ambrose X

The scene switches to a shot of Ashlyn De Luca walking down the corridor to a pop from the Oregon audience. The look on her face is one of determination and she grips the FGA World Tag Team Championship in her left hand as she marches toward gorilla.

Geoff Penzer: Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next is our headline match of the evening-- the FGA World Tag Team Champions, the Chaotics, defending their titles against their arch-rivals, Smart Style, in a two-out-of-three falls bout... but is Ashlyn going it alone? Is she really willing to face Shintaro Majima and Mark Bisley without the aid of the as-of-late unpredictable Logan Alexander? We'll find out in a few moments. Don't go anywhere!

We fade away as De Luca continues her trek down the corridor.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

When we catch up with the two members of Smart Style, Mark Bisley is wearing an expression remarkably similar to one worn by the cat who got the canary for reason which anybody who watched All-Star Showdown VII would be aware…but don’t fret, because Bisley is happy to remind you all anyway.

Mark Bisley: Before we begin discussing this evening’s match and the opponents we’ll be facing, I would like to take a moment to remind Brandon Macdonald that he had multiple opportunities to sign us to his brand, and he passed up every single one of them.  For somebody who gave so many grand speeches about proving he had the best tag team roster in Frontier Grappling Arts, it must have been galling to witness the team he passed on defeat the best he could put up against us.  But don’t worry, Mister Macdonald, I’m sure there will be a draft next year where you can rectify your mistake.

Giving little more than a half-hearted shrug at the thought of an annual draft, Bisley turns his attention towards this evening’s match

Mark Bisley: But that’s enough about the General Manager who wanted to prove he was in charge of the superior roster, only to fail miserably, and instead we shall talk about tonight’s match.  You see, it seems our paths can’t stop crossing with that of The Chaotics, be it in the Dynamic Duos, be it with the titles on the line, or be it when brand pride is at stake, and the one thing I have to say is that through all of this…

Without warning Bisley simply walks out of frame, which leaves Majima looking off camera as he appears to be watching Bisley walk away without so much as looking back, which leads to a moment of awkwardness as Majima is more focused on where the hell his partner’s walked off to than the camera that’s pointed right at him

Camera Operator: Uhhh, Majima?  We’ve got dead air here.

Turning his attention towards the camera, although he still takes a split second to cast his eyes in the direction Bisley walked away in, Majima thinks about what he is about to say in spite of the anxiousness from the camera crew

Shintaro Majima: How many times in recent months have I said that Logan Alexander is not deserving of calling himself a champion?  All we have ever heard from him is one comment to belittle us after another, never offering so much as an atom of respect and yet he expects to be given respect regardless of his words and deeds.  Yet when he has the chance to demonstrate that he has something other than an arrogant need to speak down about anyone he faces, he thinks only of himself and belittles all seven of his partners in one match by putting his ego ahead of everything else.

A brief flicker of rage appears in Majima’s eyes, as he’s clearly unimpressed at having to carry more of a match than he needed to due to Logan’s antics

Shintaro Majima: As my partner has said, time and again we find ourselves colliding, yet every single time Logan Alexander is the same: arrogant, condescending, and ignorant.  To be blunt, we bear no ill will against his partner, no matter how many times we have argued nor how many times we have faced each other in the ring, but Logan Alexander?  We have had a lifetime’s worth of his…

Without warning Bisley reappears, popping up on the opposite side of Majima to the one he was standing before, which causes Majima to pause and ever-so-briefly look towards the ceiling and catch his breath in case he says something a little less than honourable

Mark Bisley: Oh I’m sorry, Mr. Camera Operator, did you not appreciate me walking off in the middle of something only to reappear when I felt like it?  Did you find it a little annoying to have to go through that charade?

Bisley looks over to Majima, giving a “Sorry, bud” look, before gesturing towards the camera to ask if it’s okay to continue – which Majima patiently allows

Mark Bisley: If you thought that was annoying, imagine that happening when you’ve got eight people taking it in turns to punch, kick, slam, suplex and everything else you, and when you attempt to tag out of the match as much to catch a breather as change the match’s momentum and you find the guy who was on the apron a minute ago has taken another powder to ringside and there’s nobody to tag, that’s a whole new level of irritating.  More than anything else it’s completely unnecessary, as the match wasn’t about you Logan, it was about getting our hands on those Vertigo reprobates who assaulted us at our own show and prove that we’re superior.  The fact you wanted to make the match about yourself…

With a shake of the head, Bisley finds it hard to get his head around Logan’s logic system

Mark Bisley: I’ll tell you what, Ashlyn, say the word and leave your partner on his backside and we’ll let you join us.  It’ll be fun, the three of us, taking it in turns to see who’ll be competing in matches and defending the titles, all the while that arrogant ex-partner of yours is left in the dust where he belongs.  So if you hear this and you like the idea, all you need to do is drop off the apron when your partner’s desperate to tag out to save the match, and we’ll handle the rest.

Shintaro Majima: Your partner needs to lose everything to realise the mistakes he made.  The tag team titles.  His partner.  The respect of every single person in the locker room.  The universe itself needs to make an example out of him, because he should not be allowed to continue acting the way he does.

Mark Bisley: So congratulations, Logan, this match is all about you – because we’re making it our duty to make sure that not only are you not a champion after tonight, but we’re focused on making sure that you’re the one who eats both falls that see you lose the titles.  And if you’re driven by some misguided notion that you are in no way responsible for this, we will remind you on every single show that it was you who lost the titles Logan, it was you who lost the respect of your partner, and it was you who incentivised us to humiliate you in the ring for what you pulled.  So good luck trying to convince yourself of your version of events, because we’re not going to let you try and convince anybody else.

Shintaro Majima: And when we do, you will finally realise why we are the worthy champions that you could never be.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where Amanda Johnson is standing by with a microphone in her hand.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time, the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad!

She points off to her right as Dan Herrera and Peaches walk into shot. Neither are dressed to wrestle after being left off the card for tonight’s show, and are instead wearing jeans and t-shirts showing their support for their beloved Raleigh Renegades. Both members of the PLAS seem to be happy and smiling as they greet the interviewer.

Dan Herrera: Always a pleasure.

Peaches: Thanks for havin’ us, Amanda.

They take their positions on either side of Amanda as she starts the interview, looking towards Dan as she asks the first question.

Amanda Johnson: Guys, two weeks ago we saw you compete at one of the biggest shows of the year, All Star Showdown VII, where you participated in an eight team tag match as part of Team Flashpoint...

Dan and Peaches share a look at the mention of ’Team Flashpoint’, their eyes widened for a moment as Peaches has to stifle her laughter.

Amanda Johnson: Now, you got the win in the end but it wasn’t all smooth sailing there for a minute.

Dan Herrera: And to think, all that time we thought the Dogs of War were going to be the problem. How wrong we were. But, the important thing to remember is that Flashpoint picked up the victory in that match.

Peaches: An’ the five versus five match.

Dan Herrera: And that one too.

Dan laughs to himself, stroking his jaw as he continues.

Dan Herrera: Even if it felt like a seven-on-eight man match for most of it. But that’s Logan Alexander’s prerogative, isn’t it? He didn’t want to team with Smart Style after the sneak attack. He didn’t want to team with the Dogs of War after they left some members of Flashpoint high and dry, so they could get beat down by members of the Vertigo roster. I get where he’s coming from…

Amanda Johnson: But how do you feel about what he did? When he flipped off Smart Style and the Dogs of War, and left you high and dry to finish the match.

Peaches: As long as he don’t say he did the heavy liftin’...

The flippant comment comes in first, before Dan tries a more diplomatic response.

Dan Herrera: ...I get where he’s coming from. I can understand how he felt having to team with people he didn’t like - we’re not overly fond of either team ourselves. But the difference between us and Logan Alexander, is we’re willing to look at the big picture.

Amanda Johnson: The big picture?

She asks, before Peaches speaks up for a bit.

Peaches: See, All Star Showdown wasn’t just about findin’ out which brand was superior. An’ Vertigo can keep on boastin’ how they have the Und--sorry, World champion. Signin’ him one whole day before he won the title an’ all that…

Peaches rolls her eyes.

Peaches: But we showed ‘em that Flashpoint is better. That this is the best brand, an’ that we’re the A show round here. Ain’t no denyin’ it - not like that’ll stop ‘em from bein’ delusional - but we’re dealin’ in facts here, Amanda. But at All Star Showdown it wasn’t just about Vertigo versus Flashpoint, it was also about the tag divisions. An’ that night, when Logan Alexander walked out on us all? He sent us a very clear message. About what he thinks about us, an’ what he thinks about the tag division here on Flashpoint.

Amanda Johnson: Well he is one half of the current FGA World Tag Team Champions, and will be in action in a few moments when The Chaotics are set to defend those titles against Smart Style--

Again, Dan and Peaches share a look, nodding to one another as Amanda continues.

Amanda Johnson: --I assume you two will be watching this match with some interest.

Peaches: You’re damn right. ‘Cause as far as I’m concerned, Amanda, Logan Alexander ain’t the kinda person I want as a champion here on Flashpoint. Not when he walked out on us, an’ walked out on this brand two weeks ago.

Dan Herrera: The thing is...we don’t particularly want Smart Style to be champions either. You know how they are. But over the last few months we’ve shown that we’re willing to fight to defend this brand. We’re willing to bleed for this brand--

Dan taps his forehead, where the healed wounds are still partially visible after the Reapers in Pride put his head through a car windscreen recently. Peaches winces at the memory of that night.

Dan Herrera: --and we’re willing to help lead this brand in the future, and make 2019 the best year yet. But the best way to do that would be if the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad find a return to form. Show why we were the FGA 2017 Tag Team of the Year. And once again become the FGA World Tag Team Champions.

Peaches: So we’re gonna be watchin’ The Chaotics an’ Smart Style with some interest, Amanda. ‘Cause whoever wins tonight are gonna have to deal with us soon enough.

Amanda Johnson: Well there you have it, folks. The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad signalling their intent to become two time FGA World Tag Team Champions. Back to you at ringside!

[FGA Office]

HEADLINE
★★★ BEST 2 OUT OF 3 FALLS ★★★
★★★ FGA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP ★★★
(c) The Chaotics vs. Smart Style

The match starts with Smart Style coming out first. The challengers are feeling good about their chances after defeating the Tag Champs a little over a month ago, as well as getting the pinfall for Team Flashpoint at All-Star Showdown VII. The Chaotics are supposed to come out next. But the only member of the team that comes through the curtain is Ashlyn De Luca! De Luca makes her way down to the ring and is visibly annoyed with the situation at hand. As De Luca continues to make her way down the ramp, she keeps looking behind her. But there’s no sign of the other half of The Chaotics. Before De Luca gets to the edge of the apron, a commotion can be heard. Through the crowd comes Alexander before climbing over the guardrail. Chaos Stryke rolls himself into the ring and nails Shintaro Majima with a superkick from behind, knocking him down. Mark Bisley does a double take when he sees his partner drop to the mat beside him. When “Smart” Mark turns around, Alexander drops him with the Stryke Force (Ace Crusher)!

Alexander marches over and puts the boots to Majima. He makes it a point to stomp away on ShiMa’s fingers. While Alexander continues to go to work on Majima, a rocked Bisley slowly rolls out of the ring and onto the apron. Alexander can see Bisley pulling himself up using the ropes. So he runs across the ring, lunges at Bisley and spears him off the apron through the ropes, sending Bisley crashing against the guardrail on the way down!

Alexander pulls up Bisley before sending him crashing hard into the steel steps! Once Bisley slumps down against the steps, Alexander runs over and dropkicks Bisley against the steps! De Luca continues to watch on in shock as she slowly makes her way to the ring. While Alexander continues to go to work on Bisley, Majima rolls to the outside and knocks Alexander down with a running forearm smash to the back of the head. The Strong Style Savior picks up Alexander and slams him face-first onto the apron before rolling him back inside. While Majima gets back into the ring, Alexander leaps to his feet and puts the boots to him. He then picks up Majima, runs into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Alexander unleashes a flurry of punches to the midsection before switching targets and nailing Majima in the face. He then lights up Majima’s chest with knife edge chops. The Strong Style Savior then grabs Alexander, tosses him into the corner and throws out a backhand chop. But Alexander ducks out of the way, turns around and socks Majima with a haymaker. An irish whip sends Majima into the opposite corner. But Majima is quick to bounce out of the corner, run back over towards Alexander and throw him with a Uragaeshi (STO for a two count)! As the match continues, Majima stays on offense as he brings the action into the corner. The Strong Style Savior lights up Alexander’s chest with machine gun chops. After an irish whip sends Alexander into the opposite corner, Majima chargers across the ring and connects with the Kao No Nai (corner yakuza kick)! Once Alexander crumbles out of the corner, Majima makes the cover. But he only gets a two count.

In the sixth minute, a backhand chop knocks Alexander back into the corner, Majima proceeds to send Alexander slumping down in the corner with Mongolian Chops. After Majima delivers the Noshinto (running knee to seated opponent in the corner), Majima makes the cover. But again, he only gets a two count. Majima delivers the Kurifu (back suplex side slam) for another two count. Majima then goes for the Akuma-fu (repeated short-arm clotheslines). But Alexander ducks the first clothesline. When Majima turns around, Alexander rakes him across the eyes before planting him with DDT for a two count. He then takes control of Majima’s legs, wraps his arms around them and leans back, catapulting Majima into the corner. As Majima smacks off the ring post and stumbles back, Alexander brings him down with a russian leg sweep. After rolling to the outside, Alexander drags Majima closer to the corner before swinging his right leg against the ring post. Alexander then swings Majima’s leg against the ring post a second time. Then a third. Then a forth! Majima groans while he clutches his right leg. The ref scolds Alexander on the outside and tells him to bring it back inside. Alexander responds by smacking Majima’s leg off the post for a fifth time. De Luca runs her hand through her hair as she continues to look on in disbelief at Alexander’s aggression. But Chaos Stryke is far from done. He crosses Majima’s leg before applying a figure four around the ring post! The ref gives Alexander to the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FIVE!

The ref scolds Alexander for not letting go of the hold. But Alexander ignores him and keeps the hold applied. So the ref gets down and has to physically pull him off of Majima. Once this doesn't work, he waves for another official to come down to help him out. Two more officials come down and help the assigned official pry Alexander off of Majima. Once Alexander returns to his feet, the officials scold him about his actions. The assigned official is about to call for the DQ when de Luca goes over and pleads with the ref not to DQ them. Bisley comes back into the picture and argues for the DQ! While this is going on, Alexander makes his way past the scene he created at ringside and rolls back inside. He stalks Majima before marching over to attack. As he slowly pulls Majima up off the mat, Majima quickly catches him off guard and rolls him up in a tight small package. The ref slides back in and makes the count. ONE! TWO! THREE!

(c) The Chaotics - 0
Smart Style - 1

Incensed, Alexander runs over and tackles Majima to the mat with a double leg takedown! He mounts himself on top of Majima and fires off short-range punches to the face. Alexander grabs a hold of Majima’s hair with both hands and repeatedly rams the back of his head against the canvas! The ref tries to get Alexander to let up. But again, it’s to no avail. Alexander pulls Majima up off the mat, moves him into the Chaotics’ corner and applies a two handed choked. De Luca realizes that Alexander is testing the ref’s limits. Fearing that the team could be disqualified and not wanting to retain the belts on a technicality, she reaches over and tags herself in. De Luca brushes past Alexander before delivering a trio of chops to Majima. She pulls the Strong Style Savior out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But Majima reverses. When De Luca hits the far ropes, Bisley hits her with a rope-assisted gamengiri to the back of the head! As De Luca staggers over towards Majima, he throws her down with a Uragaeshi! Alexander tries to get in to attack. But the ref gets in his way and holds him back. While the ref’s back is turned, Smart Style put the boots to De Luca! Bisley then makes a loud clap, which gets the ref’s attention. Majima heads out onto the apron while Bisley takes his place as the legal man. Bisley then delivers the KneeDT (foot DDT) for a two count. Bisley delivers the Iko uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the face), followed by Greetings from the Twin Cities (hangman’s neckbreaker across the knee) another two count.

Bisley brings the action into the corner before delivering the Minnesota Buzzsaw (repeated shoot kicks in the corner) to De Luca. “Smart” Mark then takes De Luca and shoots her into the opposite corner. Bisley runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when De Luca knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. After shaking off the blow, Bisley runs back into the corner and gets knocked back by another back elbow for his troubles. Majima then runs along the apron and throws out the Kurimuzon Kasai (lariat). But De Luca ducks. When Majima turns around on the apron, the crowd explodes with cheers when De Luca executes a slingshot hurricanrana, sending Majima flipping off the apron and falling to the floor! When De Luca gets up on the outside and turns to face the ring, she gets wiped out by Bisley with a suicide dive! Bisley gets to his feet, rounds the ring post and taunts Alexander. Chaos Stryke then drops off the apron and marches over towards Bisley. But the ref rolls to the outside and cuts him off. Smart Style proceed to stomp away on De Luca before delivering a double snap suplex on the floor! Bisley pulls De Luca back up before delivering an overhead belly to belly suplex against the ring post! De Luca smacks off the post before dropping straight down on her head! The crowd gasps as De Luca clutches the back of her head. Majima then pulls up De Luca before delivering a release powerbomb across the edge of the apron! Alexander tries to get past the assigned official. But the two extra referees from before rush back down and help the assigned official hold Alexander back. Bisley then takes the steel steps and drags them over into position. After pulling off the top half of the steps, Majima lifts up De Luca and throws her down across the bottom half of the steps with a Uranage! Bilsey takes De Luca and rolls her back inside. “Smart” Mark rushes back in and yells at the ref to get back inside. Once the referee does as instructed, Bisley makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd explodes with cheers when De Luca gets her foot on the bottom rope!

Bisley takes De Luca and moves her into the corner before applying a foot choke. “Smart” Mark is able to break the choke in time, unlike Alexander. After a tag is made to Majima, the Strong Style Savior gets into the opposite corner where Bisley heads to the apron. On cue, Smart Style run towards the corner and nail De Luca with Hotline Meiji (Noshinto from Majima, apron enzuigiri from Bisley)! After turning De Luca around, Majima throws her out of the corner with the Tora O Rirīsu (release tiger suplex)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! De Luca gets her shoulder up. Majima then delivers the Akuma-fu, with the last clothesline turning De Luca inside out. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! De Luca gets her shoulder up. Tag out to Bisley. “Smart” Mark scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks De Luca down with a missile dropkick to the back of the head. He looks directly at Alexander as he makes the lateral press. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! De Luca gets her shoulder up. After a rolling solebutt doubles De Luca over, Bisley brings her down with the Blind Destiny (Canadian backbreaker rack dropped into a double knee gutbuster)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd cheers when De Luca gets her shoulder up! Bisley heads over and tags in Majima. Once Smart Style switch position, Majima takes De Luca and hoists her up onto his shoulders. When Bisley is ready, Smart Style deliver the Bakumatsu (combination springboard lariat by Bisley and powerbomb from Majima)! Bisley then darts over and knocks Alexander off the apron with a running dropkick as Majima makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd explodes with cheers when De Luca gets her shoulder up. Majima then hoists De Luca up onto his shoulders as Bisley heads ot the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle. Smart Style then goes for the Six Stars (Doomsday Cutter)! But De Luca counters with a tight victory roll. ONE! TWO! THREE!

(c) The Chaotics - 1
Smart Style - 1

Smart Style quickly return to their feet and put the boots to De Luca! After yanking her up off the mat, Smart Style shoot her into the corner with a clothesline. Majima runs over to attack. But he’s knocked back by a boot to the face. De Luca quickly hoists herself up onto the apron, dives off, grabs Majima in mid air and plants him with a Tornado DDT! When De Luca returns to a vertical base and turns around, Bisley runs over and throws out another lariat. When De Luca ducks, Bisley’s momentum sends him into the ropes. When Bisley returns, De Luca connects with the Syxx Kick (Running Double Spinning Wheel Kick)! Bisley gets knocked back before falling through the ropes and landing on the floor. As he starts to pick himself up on the outside, De Luca takes off into the far ropes. When De Luca turns, Majima throws out a Kurimuzon Kasai. But De Luca ducks, runs, leaps through the ropes and flattens Bisley with a running suicide front kick! When De Luca climbs back up onto the apron, Majima runs over to attack when De Luca knocks him back with a rope-assisted gamengiri. De Luca then brings Majima down with springboard double knees!

With Bisley sprawled out on the floor and Majima down in the ring, De Luca rolls over and sees Alexander in the corner. He looks over at De Luca before putting his arm out for the tag. De Luca begins to pull herself across the mat. The capacity crowd begins to rally behind De Luca as she continues to claw her way towards the corner. Just as De Luca motions to dive over to make the tag, Majima rolls over and grabs her by the ankle. The Strong Style Savior drags De Luca back towards the center of the ring. He pulls De Luca up from behind before bringing her down with the GOJU50 (half and half suplex)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! De Luca gets her shoulder up. Majima pulls De Luca back up and whips her into the ropes. When De Luca returns, she connects with a running elbow strike. While Majima is dazed, De Luca runs back into the ropes. When she returns, she connects with another running elbow strike. She then turns and heads back into the ropes. When De Luca returns, the crowd cheers as she knocks Majima down with a single leg dropkick! She makes the cover ONE! TWO! Majima gets his shoulder up.

An irish whip is reversed, sending De Luca back into the ropes. When she returns, she goes for a hurricanrana. But Majima blocks the move, leaving her hanging upside down. Majima then lifts her back up onto his shoulders for a powerbomb. But before he can release the hold, De Luca turns on his shoulders, flips back and spikes him with a reverse hurricanana! De Luca then rolls forward, dives over and makes the tag! Cheers and jeers can be heard from the crowd. Cheers for De uca finally being able to tag out, but jeers for Alexander over his recent actions. Alexander rushes into the ring and knocks Bisley off the apron. He then runs back over and knocks Majima off his feet with a lariat takedown. After delivering an inverted atomic drop, Alexander brings him down with a russian leg sweep. He then heads into the corner, climbs up to the middle ropes and connects with an elbow drop. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Majima gets his shoulder up. Majima is then sent into the ropes with an irish whip. When Majima returns, Alexander sets up for a back body drop. But Majima stops and counters with a fisherman buster! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Alexander gets his shoulder up. Majima pulls up Alexander and delivers a bridging German Suplex. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Alexander gets his shoulder up. Majima then pulls Alexander back up and hoists him up onto his shoulders. Alexander tries to block with multiple punches the head. But The Strong Style Savior fights through it and executes a release powerbomb! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Alexander gets his shoulder up.

Majima takes Alexander and whips him into the far ropes. When Alexander returns, Majima throws out the Kurimuzon Kasai. But Alexander ducks. Both grapplers continues to run the ropes. When they come back, Alexander brings him down with the Chaotic Impact (STO)! Alexander rolls to the outside, charges at Bisley and tackles him back down with another spear! After rolling back inside, Alexander goes for a spear on Majima. But ShiMa counters with a knee lift! While Alexander is stunned, Majima turns and heads into the ropes. When he comes back, Alexander catches him with a superkick. While Majima is dazed, Alexander turns and heads into the ropes. When he returns, Majima throws out a big boot. But Alexander catches the foot, swings the leg away from him, grabs Majima from behind, lifts him up and drops him with the Chaotic Shockwave (inverted Implant DDT)! Alexander pulls up Majima and sets up for Stryke Force. But Majima shoves him off into the ropes. When Alexander returns, Majima throws him down with the Uragaeshi! The Strong Style Savior steps out onto the apron and waits patiently for Alexander. The tension builds as Alexander struggles to pick himself back up. Once Chaos Stryke gets back to his feet, ShiMa goes for the Hakai Tsuchi (slingshot shoulder block). But Alexander ducks and catches Majima across his shoulders. Alexander carries him back towards the center of the ring before driving him down with the Chaotic Evolution (Cradle Shock)! The ref slides into place to make the count. ONE! TWO! THREE!

TITLES RETAINED!
The Chaotics O || Chaotic Evolution (18:09) || Smart Style X

After the match, the referee raises Alexander’s arm in the air. When Alexander turns, he sees De Luca storming to the timekeeper's table and grabbing both sets of tag team title belts. De Luca doesn’t celebrate with Alexander or even look in his direction. Alexander watches on as De Luca makes her way down ringside, rounds the ring post and makes her way up the aisle and up the ramp, leaving Alexander alone in the ring...

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★