2018: A New Odyssey (03.03.18)

[FGA Office]

Recorder Earlier
Los Angeles California

Inside Susan Kent's apartment, Jessie Pederson is setting up for her interview with Susan, after going through all the checks she sits on the couch opposite Susan and receives her countdown.

Jessie Pederson: Hello Vertigo fans, Jessie Pederson and I’m here today in the for a special on-location interview, so please welcome my guest Susan Kent.

Susan wearing jeans and sweatshirt smiles and waves to the camera.

Jessie Pederson: First, I would like to thank you for inviting me here today.

Susan Kent: No, problem Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: At Vertigo 49, you took a nasty spill during your tag team match, and rolled your ankle, and unfortunately had to be helped to the back by members of the training staff. So the first question how is the ankle?

Susan Kent: Fully healed Jessie. My doctor cleared me to wrestle, and I’ve been training hard for New Odyssey.

Jessie Pederson: That’s great news, Susan. So about this match against Flavia Rocha. It's being called a title eliminator match. So winning it would be huge for you.

Susan Kent: Yes, this is probably to most important match I’ve had in my career on Vertigo. Title matches aren’t just handed out they are earned. And If I can win my match against Flavia at New Odyssey that would huge, and it would put me closer to a title match.

Jessie Pederson: Did you have much time to study your opponent?

Susan Kent: Yeah, Dana made sure of that. We binged watched her matches during my recovery and she is very good I won’t lie about that, and this is going to be a tough match for me.

Jessie Pederson: You're known for your fast-paced high flying style. Do you have any reservation about taking risks considering your recent injury?

Susan Kent: Without risk, there is no reward. I haven’t had any problems in training, so I should be fine.

Jessie Pederson: Great, so how do you feel about wrestling in Montreal?

Susan Kent: Well I’ve never been to Canada or Montreal but I hear they have great wrestling fans up there.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, once again thank you for inviting me here today and good luck at New Odyssey.

Susan Kent: Thanks, Jessie.

[FGA Office]

PRE-SHOW
• Title Eliminator •
Susan Kent vs. Flavia Rocha

The match started off with Kent offering a handshake. After the events that unfolded in their tag match against Reapers in Pride, it was unknown if Kent was faking the ankle injury to force Rocha into wrestling most of the match for them. After thinking it over, Rocha accepted the handshake, which got some cheers from the crowd. Rocha controlled the action early on by bringing Kent down with a running hurricanrana. She followed up with a pair of dropkicks for a two count. A lateral press followed a snap suplex from the Brazilian, which also garnered a two count. Kent found her opening after Rocha threw out a spinning heel kick too early.

After a few backhand chops, an irish whip sent Rocha into the ropes. When the Brazilian returned, Kent took her down with a spinning heel kick of her own for a two count. An irish whip was followed by a pair of dropkicks got another two count. An irish whip reversal then sent Kent into the ropes. When she returned, she executed a headscissors takedown.

In the third minute, Kent went for a running bulldog. But Rocha shoved her off into the ropes. When Kent returned, Rocha knocked her down with a bicycle kick to the face and followed by with a standing moonsault for a two count. After a neckbreaker brought Kent back down, Rocha followed up with a jumping elbow drop (with theatrics) for another two count.

In the fifth minute, Rocha went for Face Meets Mat (Jumping DDT). But Kent caught her in mid air and rammed her back-first into the turnbuckles. After an irish whip into the opposite corner, Kent ran across the ring and connected with a dropkick that sent Rocha slumping down in the corner. Kent rounded the ring before coming back to the corner and going for a Bronco Buster. But Rocha moved out of the way and followed up with a leaping reverse bulldog. She made the cover. But Kent got her foot on the bottom rope just before the three count.

As the match progressed in minute eight, Rocha countered a back body drop attempt with a kick to the face. Once Kent stood up after the kick, Rocha planted her with Face Meet Mat. She then went up top and went for the Sand Drop (corkscrew leg drop). But Kent rolled out of the way. While Rocha favored her leg, Kent went up top and came down across the legs with the Photo Op (Frog Splash). Kent went back to the top, jumped off and crashed down across Rocha’s torso with a second Photo Op for the three count.

Winner: Susan Kent

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

The camera cuts to the middle of the ring, where Vertigo General Manager Brandon Macdonald stands, dressed in a suit and showing off his newly blonde hair. He has a microphone in hand as he waits for the crowd to die down a bit before speaking.

Brandon Macdonald: Ladies and gentlemen...welcome...to A New Odyssey!

The crowd erupts into cheers again as Macdonald claps his hands in appreciation. He once again waits for them to quiet down for a bit.

Brandon Macdonald: Obviously we’ve got ourselves a phenomenal show planned. A main event that’ll be remembered forever. A Pride Championship match that has still yet to be determined. Five incredible tag teams competing in different matches. Mitsuo Shimada and Chris Madison going head to head. And plenty more. But you all already know that. That’s not why I’m out here. There’s something I wanted to address, something I wanted to get out in front of before it becomes something way too overblown.

Macdonald pauses for a moment as he puts his hand on his chin and hesitates, trying to make sure he stays calm to explain himself.

Brandon Macdonald: See, last week at Grapple Kingdom 2, General Manager Hadley Herrera made some pretty remarkable claims. She went on air and said that I was the one who orchestrated the attack on Brian Stryker before his Pride Championship match on Vertigo two months ago. That it was my idea to prevent him from wrestling in what would have been a massive ratings boost match for my show. That I somehow didn’t believe in Chris Madison, a man I’ve booked in two matches tonight because I have that level of trust in him.

He pauses again as the heavily pro-Vertigo crowd begins to boo Hadley in support of him. He nods his head.

Brandon Macdonald: And she made this claim based solely on the word of a liar and an ex-Vertigo wrestler, Julian Tijerina. I don’t think it needs to be said, but I will anyways. Tijerina is a liar.  

The crowd begins chanting “Liar” loudly as Brandon nods along with them.

Brandon Macdonald: Tijerina wants to get me back because of what I did. I broke up Serpent's Touch by shipping him off to Flashpoint. I sent him to a brand that does not care for him very much. So he’s trying to get revenge. But this is the exact reason I traded Julian. Because this is just the kind of person he is. He doesn’t get his way so he lies about this kind of thing to try to enact some form of revenge on me. He’s trying to manipulate Hadley into some kind of anger and dislike for me, all because he’s a petulant child who didn’t get his way. It’s pathetic really, and I have absolutely no regrets about getting him off my brand.

He stops for a moment to allow the crowd to cheer along in support of him. Macdonald motions for them to stop so he can add something more.

Brandon Macdonald: But what’s even more disappointing, is Hadley’s absolute blind willingness to trust what he told her. She claimed last week that I wasn’t returning her calls, but she left out an important detail. She called one office, and if she had bothered to listen she would’ve heard the message I left saying that the office was empty and that I would be at my Los Angeles office for the week. But did she try to call me there? Of course not. She kept calling the other. Seeing her mention it on Grapple Kingdom 2 was the first time I had ever learned that she had tried to contact me. So naturally I called her back right away and told her secretary that I’d like to meet in person to hash this out. Or at least get a good call in. But did I ever hear back from her? Of course not.

Brandon took a deep breath as he tried to remain calm, though he was clearly getting a little more tense as he clutched the microphone with a death grip.

Brandon Macdonald: I don’t appreciate people making unfounded claims against me. I also don’t appreciate people making a minimal effort to get in touch with me. She claims that she wants to talk to me so badly, then she could figure out which office I’m at and get ahold of me. Or she could return my call. But no, she wants to make sure everyone thinks that she’s the victim here. For all I know, she could’ve ordered the attack on Stryker in an effort to keep him from changing his mind about my offer to have him join Vertigo. That seems a hell of a lot more likely than me willingly sacrificing a match that would’ve brought huge attention and ratings to my brand.

The crowd voices their support for Macdonald very loudly as he thanks them.

Brandon Macdonald: So Hadley, I have one message for you. Know the facts before you go out throwing baseless accusations around based solely on the word of a disgruntled employee. This is something that I will not forgive...or forget

He grins to himself as he echoes the very words that Hadley used at Grapple Kingdom 2. The fans react with cheers in accordance.

Brandon Macdonald: Now, without further ado, please enjoy A New Odyssey!

The crowd erupts with their loudest cheers of the night as Macdonald ducks under the top rope and hops out of the ring, walking up the ramp as the cameras fade to a video package.

[FGA Office]

They’ve been building a dome of steel in Montreal...

A cage to enclose “The Match Beyond”...

STEEL WARFARE!

Witness the might of giants when the infamous New Murder, comprised of Fenrys, Jaelynn Ramsey, Chris Bond, Molly Reid and team captain, “The Tenacious Little Bastard” Dom Harter, clash with the force of Team Page, comprised of Pendragon, Sadie San Francisco, Malcolm Drake and team captain, “The King of the F’n World” Jimmy Page.

10 grapplers will enter...

But only five will leave!

In two rings back-to-back, it’s one-on-one.

Then two-on-one!

A flip of the coin will determine which team dominates until the full battle is joined!

Submission or surrender will decide the victors of this match!

There are no pinfalls, no countouts and most important, NO DISQUALIFICATION!

Anything goes when the double wide steel cage is dropped here tonight in Montreal. Bones will break! Bodies will be shattered! Spirits will be shaken! Wills will be tested! Blood will be spilled!

The Bell Centre will play host to the battleground for “The Match Beyond”...

STEEL WARFARE!!!

[FGA Office]

And now, Vertigo presents…

The scene shifts to an outside shot of the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada! We then transition inside the arena, where red and white fireworks shoot off in various patterns. We then head to a wide shot of the arena. The camera pans around, capturing the rabid crowd.

Kris Cruise: Welcome, everyone, to Montreal! Welcome, everyone, to the Bell Centre! Welcome… to A NEW ODYSSEY! Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got ourselves a stacked card from top to bottom. But before we get into any of that, we have to address to announcement we just heard from GM Brandon Macdonald moments ago. The Vertigo GM says that he’s innocent!

Stephy Auger: And I believe him! The nerve of Hadley Herrera to believe someone like Julian Tijerina. He’s just telling her everything she wants to hear. I’d expect her to be smarter than that. But at the end of the day, she IS a Herrera, after all.

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: What? Don’t tell me you believe her story!

Kris Cruise: I don’t know...

Stephy Auger: What is there not to know? GM Macdonald provided a very reasonable explanation for Hadley’s baseless accusations.

Kris Cruise: I don’t know. If someone threw that type of accusation out there about me, I’d want to get my side of the story out there as soon as possible. Instead, GM Macdonald waited a full week later. Why? To get his story straight?

Stephy Auger: I can’t believe you’re taking her side! Actually, I can believe it because you’re just as nuts as she is!

Kris Cruise: I’m not taking anyone’s side! I just don’t think we’re being given the whole truth.

Stephy Auger: No, we got the truth! You just can’t handle it! If you love Hadley and Flashpoint so much, you can gladly get shipped over there. I can call this show all on my own.

Kris Cruise: Great, so we can get to listen to you wax poetic about Kol all night? No thanks.

Stephy Auger: Well speaking of our soon-to-be new Pride Champion, let’s check out these comments from Kol earlier today!

Kris Cruise: ...

[FGA Office]

PRE-RECORDED

The scene cuts to an interview room. We see FGA interviewer Jessie Pederson on one side, sitting in a chair, and a casual dressed Kol (black jacket, white shirt, black jeans) sitting on the other chair.

Jessie Pederson: Alright, let’s just get down to the nitty gritty, Kol. We’re a few months removed from your re-debut. How would you rate your performances so far?

Kol scoffs.

Kol: Great matches, as what you can expect from someone like me, with some of the results not going my way. My path to dominating this company has been filled with roadblocks, but the best always enjoy a challenge.

Jessie Pederson: I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it now, but-

Kol: But did the match with Owen Gonsalves strike a blow to my ego?

Jessie nods, despite being interrupted. This gets a chuckle out of Kol, who leans back in his seat.

Kol: When you know you’re the best, your ego is always at full force, even when someone pulls off the upset. You see, I don’t worry about matches like Owen Gonsalves because in the long run, this will be a win that defines his career. Do you know what this loss does to me? It gives my opponents something to use against me....until I drive them into the mat and pin them. It’s a loss that you’ll forget all about when I’m the Pride champion and possibly the FGA Undisputed champion at the same time.

Jessie Pederson: Fujiko Mine-

Kol: She said she wanted to knock my ego down a notch and that Owen Gonsalves may have already done so.

Jessie Pederson: And what do you think about that?

He chuckles once more.

Kol: I think she’s delusional. My ego is always at full blast, and that’s because I know that it bothers people like her. People who try to do the right thing. Who won’t take advantage of every single opportunity they can get. That won’t cheat, or lie, or steal. That just simply won’t sink to the lows that I and others are willing to sink to. It bothers them that I could lose 20 matches in a goddamn row if I wanted and still be more confident than most of this roster. Fujiko Mine won’t be destroying my ego, especially if she somehow wins this triple threat.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, well, Fujiko isn’t the only one who has been vocal about you, Kol. James Edwards has as well.

Kol: Of course. He talks more about me than my ex.

Jessie Pederson: Well, we know you and Edwards don’t exactly like each other. Do you think he respects you? Do you at least respect his talent?

The New Yorker shrugs.

Kol: I can respect the fact that he’s as stubborn as he is. I can respect his ability. I don’t like him one bit. I think he’s not on my level, but I can respect the fact that even though he knows he’s not in my league, he’s at least trying. That shows some balls. As for whether he respects me or not?

Kol lets out another chuckle.

Kol: I honestly don’t care what he thinks about me. James Edwards’ opinion of me isn’t going to make me stop doing what I’m doing. He’s simply someone I just need to finish any issues with and move on from. In fact, I’ve grown quite tired of dealing with him. So hopefully, tonight will be the night where I’m finished having to deal with him.

Jessie Pederson: Alright. One person you haven’t really spoken about is Chris Madison.

Kol: What would you like to know, Jessie? My opinion on him? I think he’s a very talented wrestler. He’s certainly got the accomplishments to back it up and he’s done a great job as Pride champion. Do I think I can beat him? Absolutely. I think I can beat anyone on any given day. Chris Madison, Fujiko Mine, James Edwards, Dom Harter, Chandler Scott, bring Cordy Stevenson’s ass out of retirement and I can beat her too. Put Andreas Lasiewicz in the ring with me and I think I can beat him as well. Karma? You bet your ass I can beat him too. I don’t sit here and proclaim to be one of the best just because I can. It’s because I know that at my best...I’m practically unbeatable.

The former FGA World Tag Team champion scoffs.

Kol: Chris Madison is good, but he’s going to find out, especially after I win the triple threat, that I’m not some kind of one company pony. Hell, I’ve proven that enough,

Jessie Pederson: That “one company pony” thing you just said....is it because he said this was FGA, not HKW?

The New Yorker lets out yet another chuckle as he stares at the FGA interviewer.

Kol: Yes, it is. He mentions HKW as if I’ve not gone anywhere else and achieved some things. Sure, a majority of my success has come from Hard Knox Wrestling....but hasn’t a majority of Madison’s success come from 4 Corners? After all, unlike him, my first run here actually ended with me capturing gold. The same gold he was coming after and failed to capture, which eventually lead to him putting his tail between his legs and...

Kol imitates someone walking away with the index and middle fingers on his right hand.

Kol: Walked away. Chris Madison doesn’t realize that he was projecting a little bit with that dig. Yes, I’m a triple crown winner in HKW. But I was the New Kingdom Pro Openweight champion for 6 months and will be their future Grand champion. I went to Cardinal City Pro, back when I was at my weaker form known as Colton Sterling, and won their tag team titles with relative ease while dominating that division for months.

The disliked wrestler smiles.

Kol: Chris Madison couldn’t beat a younger me when he had a talented partner and I was carrying dead weight and trying to make it relevant. If he couldn’t beat Colton Sterling with a reliable partner, what the hell has he done since the last time we met that makes him think he’s going to beat me when I’m at this level? Tell me, Jessie.

Jessie seems caught off by the question.

Jessie Pederson: I- well, uh...I’m-

Kol: The answer is he’s got nothing...and he knows it. The man almost lost to James Edwards and would’ve been pinned by him if it wasn’t for me. Sure, I cost us the match and I can take the fault for us losing if he’d like to throw that out there. But I consider that the second to last favor I do for Chris Madison. The final one will be getting rid of Fujiko Mine and James Edwards from Pride title contention.

The former HKW Global champion smirks.

Kol: Then, after I do that, I’m going to do Chris a nice favor and help him drop a couple of pounds after I pin him and take that belt from him.

Jessie Pederson: Well, I think that’s all I have to ask. Is there anything you want to add?

Kol: Actually, yes. You see, it’s been made very clear why everyone wants to be Pride champion at the end of the night. Fujiko Mine is tired of being underestimated and overlooked. Capturing the title would shut up a lot of people up. James Edwards wants to prove that he’s one of the best pure wrestlers in the world and officially shut me up....good luck with that by the way. And Chris Madison wants to defend this title and continue to show he’s a fighting champion by giving Stryker a rematch he was screwed out of. But....do you know why I want this championship, Jessie?

She shakes her head, getting a smile from the Vertigo wrestler.

Kol: It’s not to take it to newer heights. I’ve already done that enough with other championships and unlike some past champions I’ve had to dethrone, Chris isn’t complete dogshit as champion. He’s actually a very good one. It’s not to break records, though I do that at this point without even really trying. It’s not even because I want people to stop underestimating me or prove that I’m a good wrestler. People know what I bring to the table, that’s why my signing helped make Vertigo the “A brand”. People already know I’m a great wrestler too, so there’s no need to prove that either. No, my need for that Pride championship is...well, it’s very selfish. I’m only really thinking of feeding my ego.

He leans forward as he stares right at Jessie.

Kol: You see, Jessie, I enjoy making history and I enjoy knowing I can do something that most of this roster won’t ever achieve. Luckily for me, the tag team title reign is out of the way. Now, all I need to do is win the FGA Undisputed title...and one other championship. You see, I don’t care for the Pride championship as much as Chris does or as much as Fujiko does. To me, that title just gets me one step closer to proving my superiority. Dom Harter is a Grand Slam and Triple Crown champion and for me to also reach that pinnacle not many will get to touch, I need to win that Pride championship. Is that going to make others mad?

Kol shrugs.

Kol: I truthfully don’t care. I’m not in the business of making other people happy. I’m here to make a name for myself and knocking off James, Fujiko, and Chris in the same night will do that. That title is simply a piece of the puzzle for me, nothing more. Sure, I’ll defend it afterwards, just don’t be really mad when you see that I don’t care about it as much as Chris or Fujiko or James. This is a business and I’m simply trying to make sure that business is always good for me. Being the Pride champion gets me more opportunities, inside the ring and out, and gets me closer to the Triple Crown and Grand Slam. Now, wrap it up, Jessie. I’m a busy man.

Jessie blinks a few times, stunned by what she just heard before she finally shakes it off.

Jessie Pederson: Thanks for joining me here today, Kol.

Kol: You’re welcome. I know it was your pleasure to have me here, especially since Spencer seems to get all the interviews sometimes.

Jessie goes silent once more before Kol rolls his eyes and rips off the mic around his shirt and tosses it aside, walking off.

Kol: Idiots around here, I swear....

With that, we cut elsewhere as Jessie seems to be at a loss for words.

[FGA Office]

Cameras catch Piper Lennon moments before her showcase match against Aria Echkart, sitting on a crate in a loading area backstage with her legs dangling in the air. She's got her hair tied back in a neat ponytail, with her familiar Polaroid camera strapped around her neck. She flashes a smile as she spots the camera crew approaching, while twirling her index fingers around each other in a circle.

Piper Lennon: I guess you found me; I was trying to lay low before I tango with Aria, but that's okay. Really, I should have expected you'd track me down if you wanted to.

She lightly shrugs her slight shoulders.

Piper Lennon: I'm not some evil puppetmaster pulling strings, no matter how much Aria would like me to be-- I don't claim to be smarter than everyone else out there. Nah, I'm barely twenty years old. I just turned it a month or so ago. I'm basically a neophyte not just at this wrestling thing, but at life. Trust me, I'll be the first to admit that I've got a lot to learn not just about the World around me, but about myself too, which is why I'm so excited for tonight.

Her expression doesn't seem to change much, despite how excited she claims to be.

Piper Lennon: It's why I take such care to document my journey, y'know what I'm saying? But I will let you in on a little secret here. I know Aria has been trying to talk this up as some transformative moment for her, but the way I see it, she's the one that's already left a lasting impression on me.

Piper runs a finger across her forehead.

Piper Lennon: If anything, this is much more about me taking a pretty substantial step forward not just in my career, but overall. I--

She jabs that same finger towards her chest, directly above her dangling camera.

Piper Lennon: -- I wasn't gonna commit myself to filling my dance card on a stage like this for the first time, big show and all, if there wasn't some kind of special experience I could get from it. What that'll be exactly, I'm excited to find out, but whatever it is? Pretty sure it'll be worth taking a picture of.

On that note, she hops off the crate and ambles off out of view.

[FGA Office]

Tyler Storm stands with his back against a plain wall as he is fully geared up in his ring attire, prepared for tonight's big matchup with Seth Iser. He closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath...thinking to himself for several moments before speaking.

Tyler Storm: It's been so long since I've found myself on a stage so perfect. Big show, in front of an amazing crowd, everyone prepared to see the things you could achieve. Last time I was in this position, on a pay-per-view stage...I fought my heart out against a woman I have a lot of respect for, and when all of that was said and done my career got a huge blow, my back decimated from years of abuse finally collapsed, and I was going from staring up in a ring to doing the same in a hospital room. Remembering it all now, going back through that horrible moment, it all brings me to feeling a little nervous about tonight.

He opens his eyes back, with them glistening from the thoughts racing in his mind bringing him to show the emotion he expressed verbally.

Tyler Storm: It makes me feel scared in a way, scared of history repeating, scared of letting people down...scared of all my work to get back ending so soon. But that fear has lessened more and more throughout the months, throughout the incredible matchups I've been having with people all over the globe not just here in FGA but the opportunity I took with the Young Guns Cup as well. I pushed myself to limits even further than I did before that terrible day...and I survived stronger than ever, win or lose. I know it's a broken record at this point...but this particular night is exactly the moment where this chapter finally is put to rest. This night is where I move to my next path, the path to the top where I know I can still make it and stay with the big dogs. The path to being me again without any doubts.

Tyler smiles and wipes at his eyes with his arm before leaning off the wall and continuing on.

Tyler Storm: Seth Iser, tonight you are the man standing in my path and win or lose, I intend on bursting through this final door with my heart on my sleeve and my smile as bright as ever. Tonight is more than just about this little story me and you have built since our first encounter on Vertigo all those weeks back, it's more than just about my issues with your integrity, it's more than just my issues with your managing partner sticking his nose in business he shouldn't. Tonight is about proving to you that I am worth it, proving to anyone back in this locker room I am worth it, proving to the world I am damn worth it! I am worth the time and effort, I am worth the tears and blood, I am worth the fears, I am worth the triumphs, I am worth being who I am no matter if it's pushing my body beyond it's limits anymore!

He pushes behind him at the wall and forward towards the camera, his smile growing the more fired up he gets.

Tyler Storm: You told me you want me to be a man and not "a boy taking my money." Buddy, whether you want to believe it or not, I was a man the moment I stepped up to you and your manager and made sure the bull stopped and even a long time before that. That has never changed about me. You can label me, you can turn this story how you want Iser, but I am Tyler Storm and the world knows what I put on the table every damn moment. I don't put this on as a show, I don't do this for the thrill of success, I do this because it's all in my blood and DNA! Wrestling is who I am, being the genuine person for the boys and girls backstage and in the crowd is who I am, giving 1000% in the ring and still adding another 1000% when necessary is WHO I AM, and I will take the labels of "fake" and "glory-hog" and anything like that if it means I am fighting for me and those that came before me and those that will come after me!

Tyler closes his eyes back and stays silent, walking backwards back onto the wall and leaning to it, right back to how it all began.

Tyler Storm: Judge me beforehand Seth for all of this, take me for someone that isn't going to come out with my all, take me for a boy...tonight isn't going to be about my manhood, it's gonna be about yours. Oh...and tell Vincent I said hi.

Tyler's eyes open back and he nods to the camera before leaning back off the wall and walks off, the bare wall staying there until it fades off.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Piper Lennon vs. Aria Eckhart

“Outlet” by the eccentric artist Desiigner sets the P.A. System ablaze as the feet cuts to the backstage area where Aria Eckhart is spotted heading towards gorilla position!

Kris Cruise: Over the past few weeks, Piper Lennon has tried to bring out the ugly side of Aria Eckhart and she may have succeeded a month ago when a heated confrontation between the two turned physical.

Stephy Auger: “May have”? Oh no, Cruise. She did succeed! Aria can try and change her last name to her fiancé’s. But we all know what her last name REALLY is. We all know who she REALLY is underneath all the smiles, the fake positive attitude and hiding behind that stupid Parrot. Everyone in her family has that ugliness to them on the inside. Eckhart can deny it all she wants. But it’s there and Lennon successfully pulled it out!

Kris Cruise: There’s no doubt that Eckhart acted out of character a month ago with that attack. Even the young Darling herself was disappointed in her actions. But when Lennon tried to goad her again two weeks ago, Eckhart didn’t stoop to her lows! I’m proud of this young woman for standing up for herself and not falling to the same trap that Lennon laid out for her before.

Stephy Auger: Aw, well isn’t that just sweet. YAWN!

She reached the curtain - taking in a few breaths. Aria pulled the curtain open slightly so the people watching on television at home could hear the cheers.

The energy of the FGA fanbase....

The Darling pushed passed the curtain. She began to walk to the ring slapping hands with some of the fans who were in attendance to see some fantastic action in the (INSERT ARENA HERE) tonight. After giving one of the younger children a hug Aria continued to make her way to the squared circle.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, now residing out of Chicago, Illinois! Standing at SIX FEET tall! She is Vertigo’s very own “Darling”, ARIA EEEEEEEECKHAAAAARRRRRT!!!

Once Aria was closer to the ring she climbed up the steps before entering the ring. There she walked towards one of the corners climbing up to the second turnbuckle. As she pointed towards select fans “Baker Street (Instrumental)” took over the tune of Aria’s own music.

The arena lights dim as the instrumental version of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" begins to play. A few moments pass before Piper Lennon ambles out from behind the curtain, pausing at the top of the ramp to survey her surroundings. She zigs and zags, taking her time as she makes her way down the ramp, taking everything in but not paying the fans any particular mind.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, from La Jolla, California… PIPERRRRR LEEEENNOOOONNNN!!!

After circling halfway around the ring, she removes her jacket and camera, leaving them at the timekeeper's area. She stops in front of the announce desk, leaning back against it and staring up at the ceiling. Only then does she pick the pace up, lurching forward and sliding under the bottom rope into the ring, then popping up to her feet. She takes her corner, slouching back and drumming her fingers as she waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon and her “unique” approach has garnered her success since stepping foot in Frontier Grappling Arts. To this point, Lennon has yet to taste defeat.

Stephy Auger: That fact won’t be changing here tonight. She’s going to get inside the mind of Aria Eckhart. She’s going to toy with her, expose her ugliness for the world to see live on pay per View and then beat her in the center of the ring!

The bell sounds as Lennon gets in Eckhart’s face to start things off. Lennon tries to goad Eckhart into attacking her by trying to get into her head. But Eckhart shakes her head ‘no’ and refuses to take the bait. Lennon smirks as she steps back from Eckhart before circling the ring. Eckhart joins her in circling the ring. The two then heads towards the center and motion for a lock up. But at the last second, Lennon opts out in favor of a throat cross chop. The boos continue when Lennon hits Eckhart with another throat cross chop. She then moves Eckhart against the ropes before hitting her with three backhand chops across the chest. She then takes Eckhart and whips her into the far ropes. When Eckhart returns, Lennon throws out a clothesline. But Eckhart ducks and runs into the ropes. When Eckhart comes back, Lennon goes for a back elbow to the face. But Eckhart ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When she comes back, she knocks Lennon down with a crossbody block.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon kicks out.

Eckhart picks up Lennon and places her in a side headlock. As Eckhart tries to cinch in the hold, Lennon is quick to shove her off into the ropes. When Eckhart returns, Lennon goes for a back body drop. But Eckhart slips down from behind. She then spins Lennon around towards her before bringing her to the mat with a side headlock takedown. Lennon is able to reverse into a headscissors. But Eckhart ends up escaping with a kip up. After Lennon scrambles back to a vertical base, Eckhart throws her down with an arm drag. Lennon gets up, only to get sent back down by another arm drag. The Darling then transitions into an armbar.

Kris Cruise: Eckhart wasn’t about to play into Lennon’s hands. She’s going to his this match her way!

Stephy Auger: We’ll see how long that lasts.

The ref gets down and asks Lennon if she wants to give up. Lennon shakes her head ‘no’ before complaining to the referee. The referee confronts Eckhart only pulling Lennon’s hair. Eckhart swears that she didn’t. While Eckhart is distracted, Lennon reaches up with her free arm and thumbs Eckhart right in the eye, breaking the hold.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: I agree! That nasty Eckhart was at it again. She was trying to rip Lennon’s locks right out!

Kris Cruise: ...

Lennon takes Eckhart, brings her over towards the ropes and presses down on the back of her neck. The crowd boos at the sight of Eckhart being choked across the rope rope. She flails her arms around helplessly while Lennon continues to try and choke her out. The ref gives Lennon until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Lennon lets go. She then takes Eckhart, places her in a headlock and rakes her face along the top rope. The boos continue as Eckhart staggers over into a nearby corner. After nailing Eckhart in the lower back with a forearm strike, Lennon turns her around and delivers three more backhand chops to the chest. Lennon then switches to alternating jabs and knife edge chops. She takes Eckhart by the wrist and sends her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. She then runs across the ring and goes for a leaping corner bionic elbow. But Eckhart moves out of the way, causing Lennon to crash into the turnbuckles. The crowd cheers when Lennon misses. After turning Lennon around, Eckhart lights up her chest with knife edge chops. She then sends Lennon back over into the previous corner with an irish whip. The Darling runs across the ring to follow up. Lennon sees the attack coming, so she ducks and dumps Eckhart over the top rope. After Eckhart land safely on the apron, Lennon turns around and knocks her down to the floor with a rope-assisted gamengiri.

Kris Cruise: Down goes Eckhart!

Lennon exits out onto the apron and takes a few steps back. She then runs along the apron before jumping off and crashing across Eckhart with a Cactus Elbow!

Stephy Auger: Ooooooh, Lennon with the elbow right to Eckhart’s cold, black heart!

Kris Cruise: Oh stop it!

Lennon pulls up Eckhart and rolls her back inside. She then slides back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Eckhart gets her shoulder up.

Lennon picks up Eckhart, throws her down with a scoop slam and follows up with a jumping double stomp. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Eckhart gets her shoulder up.

Lennon sits up Eckhart and applies a rear chinlock. The ref gets down and asks Eckhart if she wants to give up. But she refuses. The Darling starts to fight through the pain as she turns over onto a knee. After returning to a vertical base, Eckhart nails Lennon with several elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. She then turns and runs into the ropes. When Eckhart returns, Lennon brings her down with a flapjack.

Stephy Auger: She thought she was home free, didn’t she!?

The boos continue as Lennon pushes Eckhart over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Eckhart gets her shoulder up.

Lennon picks up Eckhart and goes for an irish whip. But Eckhart reverses, sending Lennon into the ropes. When Lennon returns, Eckhart sets up for a back body drop. But Lennon knocks her down with a running knee to the head. The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Eckhart gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Yet another nearfall for Piper Lennon.

Stephy Auger: That little runt will not stay down.

Lennon picks up Eckhart and brings her into the corner. After sitting Eckhart down across the top turnbuckle, Lennon climbs up to the middle ropes and goes for a belly to back superplex. But Eckhart turns in mid air, crashing down directly across Lennon!

Stephy Auger: AH!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Eckhart takes Lennon and goes for an irish whip. But Lennon reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Eckhart returns, she knocks Lennon down with a lariat. Lennon gets back up and gets caught with another lariat. Eckhart then shoots her into the ropes with an irish whip. When Lennon returns, Eckhart turns her inside out with a third lariat! The cheers continue as she drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon gets her shoulder up.

Eckhart picks up Lennon, lifts her up across her shoulder and goes for a running powerslam. But Lennon slips down from behind and brings her down with a side russian leg sweep. Lennon reaches down, grabs Eckhart by the wrist and pulls her up to a seated position. Lennon begins to nail Eckhart with a soccer kick flurry to the chest until Eckhart catches her leg on the last kick attempt. Once Eckhart gets back to a vertical base, she throws Lennon’s leg down before delivering a leg hook reverse STO! With both grapplers down, the ref starts his count.

Kris Cruise: Who is going to get back to their feet first!?

ONE!





TWO!





THREE!





FOUR!





FIVE!





Both grapplers begin to stir on the canvas. Eckhart and Lennon slowly turn over onto into the prone position and get up on their knees in front of each other. Lennon begins to try and goad Eckhart into snapping again. But Eckhart doesn't take the bait. So Lennon smacks her across the face. When Eckhart turns back towards Lennon, she smacks Eckhart across the face a second time! Lennon returns to her feet. She begins to berate Eckhart, telling her that the fans don’t care about her, her family and friends don’t care about her. Not even that stupid parrot cares about her. Eckhart slowly rises back to her feet. Her fists are shaking in anger as Lennon continues to try and get her to snap.

Kris Cruise: Don’t succumb to it, Aria! Fight through it!

Stephy Auger: She’s gonna snap! She’s gonna snap!

Lennon succeeds as Eckhart tackles her to the mat with a double leg takedown! The crowd cheers as Eckhart mounts on top of Lennon and hammers down with a flurry of punches to the face.

Kris Cruise: Eckhart is going to town on Lennon!

Eckhart continues to rain down punches. Lennon, surprisingly, isn’t making any attempt to try and block the punches. Instead, she lays there and smiles as Eckhart continues to punch away at her face!

Kris Cruise: Look at Lennon! She’s enjoying this! How sick can someone be!?

Suddenly, Eckhart stops once she realizes what’s just happened. A horrified look comes across the face of The Darling as she stands up and looks down at her right knuckle, which has some of Lennon’s blood on it. She then looks down at the bloodied nose of Lennon. Eckhart puts her hands on her head in disbelief as she turns and walks away from her opponent.

Stephy Auger: OOPS! Too late now! HA HA!

Eckhart shakes her head ‘no’ over and over as she heads into the corner. She rests her forearms across the top rope before burying her face in her hands. While Eckhart continues to be distraught over her actions, Lennon slowly turns over onto a knee. The slightest hint of a smirk is on her face as she raises back to a vertical base. She then charges over, runs up from behind and bashes Eckhart in the back of the neck with a corner leaping bionic elbow. The boos continues as she pulls Eckhart away from the corner before dropping her with a jumping neckbreaker slam. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

Eckhart gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Eckhart’s not done yet!

Stephy Auger: Oh, but she will be. Very soon, in fact.

Lennon pulls up Eckhart, places her arm behind her head and holds it place before throwing out a Heart Punch. But Eckhart ducks. When Lennon turns around, Eckhart takes her by the wrist and whips her into the ropes. When Lennon returns, Eckhart throws her down with The Prettyslam (snap scoop powerslam)! The crowd cheers while Eckhart pumps her fists.

Kris Cruise: Eckhart’s feeling it!

Eckhart pulls Lennon back to her feet before pulling her into a front facelock. The crowd stands on their feet as they recognize what could be seconds away. Eckhart turns to all four sides of the crowd before planting back and planting Lennon with the EDT (DDT)! Lennon stands on the top of her head for a second or two before falling to the mat. Eckhart turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Outlet” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this contest, ARIA ECKHART!!!

The cheers continue as Eckhart gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Aria Eckhart has done it! She’s found through the mind games of Piper Lennon. She fought through the physical fight that Lennon brought to this match and walked away the winner!

[FGA Office]

In 1849, California Gold Rush era....



Treasure seekers the world over streamed to California looking for a quick fortune!


Just over 150 years later, Frontier Grappling Arts will witness the event again!


This time, in Orlando, Florida! 30 FGA grapplers will meet up in the ring for one night only!


It's a shot at glory!


It's a shot at gold!


There can only be one!



Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Who will be the last grappler standing?

[FGA Office]

Backstage, clad in black shorts and shirt, James Edwards leans back against a wall.

James Edwards: I got a confession to make to y'all tonight. I got a problem with hate. I'm addicted to it. It makes me feel good, more powerful than I have in my entire life.

His face contorts into something akin to a man who just swallowed an entire lemon.

James Edwards: I hate Kol. I hate everything about em'. His arrogance and his cowardice. I hate the way he can't fight like me like a man. I hate the way he stole wins that would have made me in FGA from me. More than anything I hate the fact that I let the asshole get into my head.

He looks like he wants to spit so severely it hurts his very being.

James Edwards: But it is too late to change any of that. Tonight I take all this anger inside me, and I use to burn the bastard alive. I'm gonna let this hate wash over me and guide me one last time, and then when Kol is done, maybe I can be the better man that I wanna be, a man good enough to hold the Pride Championship with honor.

The look in James' eyes tells a different story. He is bent on destruction tonight, no matter what the cost.

[FGA Office]

The broadcast cuts backstage and we open to the locker room of the reigning FGA Pride Champion, Chris Madison. Madison is dressed down to his fight shorts, pacing back and forth in the center of the locker room on top of a blue mat. Under the watchful eye of his manager, Frankie Morrison, Madison crouches, drops down to one knee, and instantly pops up as if he was shooting in for a double leg takedown. Madison stands tall, shakes out his arms, and begins shadow boxing - mixing up his strikes between punches, elbows, and knees. Once again, Madison stands tall, shaking out his extremities in an attempt to loosen up.

Chris Madison: Tonight is the biggest night of my FGA career.

Madison steps over to his locker and pulls out the FGA Pride Championship, flipping it over his shoulder as he turns back towards the camera.

Chris Madison: Tonight I take on, arguably, my most heated current rival, and then after what will be an all out war, I WILL defend my Pride Championship against one of three talented contenders.

He bowed his head, thinking about his impending matches.

Chris Madison: Brandon Macdonald brought Mitsuo Shimada in as some kind of ace up his sleeve. As bitter as this rivalry has become durin’ our time in New Japan Fightin’ Championship, it’s a rivalry that has been built on a feelin’ of inadequacy and jealousy. Shimada, wants so desperately to be the face of New Japan. He absolutely despises competitors that travel over there and outshines the homegrown talent. Simply because he knows deep down, he can’t compete with the caliber of wrestlin’ that NJFC is showcasin’. The man who wants to be the star just gets lost in the shuffle! Three times we’ve competed over there. One thing remains true. Shimada has yet to figure out how to beat me!

His eyes pierced through the lens as he grinded his teeth.

Chris Madison: If Brandon Macdonald really wanted to bend me over and stick it to me, he would have done his homework and reached a bit deeper into his bag of tricks. Throughout my seventeen year career, I have faced some of the stiffest competition. And I’ll be the first to admit, I haven’t always had the best track record. There are plenty of people in this business that flat out had my number. Brad Jackson and Spiral from my PCW days. Jace DeShea from my brief run in Second-to-None Wrestlin’. Hell, just about anybody on the current 4CW roster would have fit the bill and given me more of a challenge than Mitsuo Shimada. All this match does is afford him the opportunity to further his career at the expense of my name - somethin’ he’s been desperately tryin’ to do since NJFC reopened their doors this past April.

A smirk escaped Chris’s ferocious staredown.

Chris Madison: Much like his attempt to get away with screwin’ Brian Stryker over without bein’ exposed, Brandon Macdonald will realize that he failed. He failed to pick an opponent that’ll put me at a disadvantage when I go on later in the night to defend this…

His head tilts down, looking at the Pride Championship on his shoulder. With his free hand he rubs the main plate in a circular motion before patting it.

Chris Madison: When I made the Pride Championship my goal, I wanted to change its image. It had become a title that was hardly sought after and rarely defended. I told myself that when I became champion, I would take on all comers. After beatin’ Fujiko Mine at Final Frontier, I figured it wouldn’t take long for a new challenger to emerge. And I was right... Kol, James Edwards, and Fujiko Mine marched to that ring, plead their case, and set their sights on me. If I had it my way, this circus wouldn’t be goin’ on tonight. Brass told me a multi-person Pride Rules match was impossible. An alternative needed to be sorted out. I would have defended my belt in a fatal four way, the first person to two falls becomes the Pride Champion. I would have defended my belt in three consecutive shows, each time facin’ any of the three of them. Hell I would have defended my belt in a gauntlet match had they let me!

Chris paused for a moment, not blinking as he snarled at the camera.

Chris Madison: But that just didn’t seem to be in the cards. Instead, Brandon Macdonald came up with tonight’s lineup. Kol versus James Edwards versus Fujiko Mine in a triple threat match, the winner challenges me later on in the night, after I go toe to toe with Mitsuo Shimada. I don’t care which of the three comes out victorious and faces me later on, nothin’ changes… I’m walkin’ out of here as the Pride Champion and I will figure out a way to get the only person who actually deserves an opportunity, Brian Stryker, his chance to go one on one with me!

Chris shrugged his shoulder, readjusting the championship belt.

Chris Madison: I have come too far with this championship to have it ripped from me again. I slipped once and Savannah Taylor benefited with a Pride Championship reign; I’m not goin’ to slip again! For one hundred and seventy-five consecutive days I have held this championship. It has become apart of who I am. And for as long as I am apart of Frontier Grapplin’ Arts, this championship, makin’ it the most sought after belt in the company, and defendin’ it with every ounce of fight that I have in my body, will always be my top priority!

The camera zooms into the FGA Pride Championship and slowly zooms back out.

Chris Madison: This is my belt... There are many like it, but this one is mine!

The feed for A New Odyssey cuts away as Madison stands tall with his manager continuing to watch on from the side, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Chris Madison vs. Mitsuo Shimada

As the opening of Stardust by Kazsin plays through the speakers, the arena falls to silence as the lights also dim down. Strobe lights of red and gold suddenly shine towards the stage and emerging from the back is "The Savior, The Myth, And The Legend" Mitsuo Shimada, who has a stern look on his face as he stands on the top of the entrance ramp. He's all suited up, with his hands tied behind his back, he looks down and closes his eyes.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, from Adachi, Tokyo! Weighing in at 225 pounds! He is The Savior, The Myth and The Legend… MITSUUUUOOOOO SHIIIIIIMAAAAAAADAAAAA!!!

Opening his eyes, he looks back up as Kado finishes her sentence and within his eyes you can see the evil beneath. He smirks as he makes his way down the entrance ramp, jeers coming from all over the arena but he doesn't care. He's blocked out the noise of the crowd and his sole concentration is now on the ring. Reaching the edge of the ramp, he pauses once more and looks inside the ring, nodding his head before walking around the edge of the ring and mocking the fans around him. He then jumps onto the apron and latches onto the ropes, inhaling, exhaling, before entering the ring. He takes off his pants from the bottom, extinguishing them before taking his blazer and shirt off, throwing that out of the ring too, with staff on the go to collect those items.

Kris Cruise: Mitsuo Shimada has been brought in to face Chris Madison while contenders James Edwards, Kol and Fujiko Mine will face off in a Triple Threat Match in a little bit. The winner of that match will face Madison for the Pride Championship later on tonight. Stephy, of all people that GM Macdonald could have brought in, why Shimada?

Stephy Auger: Why not Shimada? He’s one of the founding fathers of the Dogs of War! That group has been ripping through the wrestling world. Macdonald saw Flashpoint getting some of that Dogs of War action with Mark Storm & Liam Richardson the Third and decided he wanted a piece of the that. Besides, Shimada and Madison have a well documented history. So why not give him adequate competition in the from of a heated rival?

The arena's lights dim to black as the opening guitar riffs to "War Machine" by KISS begin to screech over the P.A. system. The video screen lights up with visual static noise. Suddenly in the center of the screen a black handprint begins pulsating to the beat of the drum that has began to play. A spotlight shines on the entrance ramp and we see Chris Madison standing with his head bowed under a black towel, wearing an official FGA licensed t-shirt that says, "Always Ready For War," across the chest, and the FGA Pride Championship belt secured around his waist. He nods his head and taps the main plate of the championship belt to the beat of the drums. As the chorus breaks he rips the towel from his head and tosses it into the live audience, starting his way down the ramp toward, the ring.

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine
Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

J.A. Aldridge: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by his manager, Frankie Morrison! From Long Island, New York! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is the reigning FGA Pride Champion… “Mayhem” CHRIIIIIIS MAAAAAADIIIIISOOONNN!!!

Madison makes it to the base of the steps and places one foot down before scoping out the fans directly behind him by peering over his shoulder. He smirks as the live audience sings along to the entrance music and then marches up the steps and climbs through the ropes. He immediately leaps up onto the middle rope and faces out towards the crowd. He brings his fists up to his face and punches his jaw with each hand before shooting his arms out horizontally with his hands wide open, welcoming whatever challenge is coming his way. Madison hops backwards, bouncing off of his feet and turns towards the center of the ring, snarling and ready to go. He reaches behind his back and unsnaps the FGA Pride Championship belt, slowly raising it above his head, inducing a roar from the crowd behind him.

Kris Cruise: Everyone knows that Chris Madison is a fighting Champion. But this match is non-title. Shimada gets nothing out of this besides a chance to beat up his rival. With no title on the line, who is to say that Shimada doesn’t go into this match with the intent to injure Madison ahead of his title match later on tonight. GM Macdonald was the one that brought him in. Who is to say that Macdonald didn’t bring Shimada in with that goal in mind?

Stephy Auger: What is with you tonight? First you believe Hadley’s stupid story about our GM being behind the attack on Stryker. Not you’re suggesting that Mr. Macdonald brought in Shimada to rough up Madison before his title match later on.

Kris Cruise: I’m just looking at all the evidence.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, okay...

The bell sounds as Shimada rushes across the ring to attack Madison. The Pride Champion goes to cut off Shimada with a clothesline. But Shimada’s able to roll underneath the clothesline attempt. When Madison turns around, Shimada catches him with a spinning back fist to the face! He then takes Madison and whips him into the ropes before going for a hurricanrana. But he does so too early, allowing Madison to hang onto the ropes. The Pride Champion then watches Shimada fall back-first to the canvas. He then marches over, lifts up Shimada’s left leg and tries to turn him over into a single leg crab. But Shimada counters by using his right leg to kick Madison in the face. After Madison lets go, he turns away from Shimada and holds the side of his face. Shimada sees Madison in prime position. So he scrambles back to his feet, rushes over and goes for Eat The Canvas (rear leapfrog transitioned into a one-handed bulldog). But Madison ducks. He quickly grabs Shimada around the waist when he lands on his feet, rolls him out in front of him and throw sout Comatosed (ripcord rolling elbow). But Shimada is able to duck and counter with a pelé kick, which sends Madison stumbling back into the ropes. Shimada scrambles back to a vertical abse before taking off into the ropes. When he comes back, Madison ducks the attack and sends him crashing to the floor with a back body drop! The crowd cheers as Shimada howls in pain on the outside.

Kris Cruise: Did you see the hangtime Shimada got before crashing hard on the floor?

Stephy Auger: Don’t try and sound so excited, Cruise! One of the best in the game today may be hurt!

While Shimada arches his back on the outside, Madison rolls to the floor, picks him up and slams him face-first onto the apron. He pulls Shimada’s head back by the hair before slamming him face-first onto the apron again. Mayhem pushes Shimada back inside before climbing up onto the apron. After Madison steps back in through the ropes, he pulls Shimada back to his feet, delivers a double leg pick up, runs across the ring and rams him back-first into the corner. He proceeds to nearly drive the air out of Shimada with several shoulder thrusts in the corner. Madison then takes Shimada by the wrist and whips him into the opposite corner. Shimada arches his back after it collides with the turnbuckles. Madison runs across the ring to follow up with an attack. But Shimada counters with a back elbow to the face. After a back kick doubles Madison over, Shimada places him in a front facelock and goes for a springboard Tornado DDT. But Madison shoves him off mid-turn. After Shimada lands on his feet, he rushes back over to attack Madison. But Madison is once again able to duck and dump Shimada over the top rope. Instead of crashing to the floor, Shimada lands safely on the apron. When Madison turns around, Shimada doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then reaches in, grabs Madison and pulls his upper body through the ropes. Shimada then takes a few quick steps backwards on the apron, runs forward and nails Madison in the side of the head with a single leg dropkick! Madison collapses back into the ring. Shimada is quick to slide back in and make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Madison kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Madison got caught right in the side of the head with that dropkick.

Stephy Auger: I’m sure that rung his bell!

Shimada picks up Madison, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He turns Madison around and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. While Madison is hurting from the chops, Shimada smirks at his rival before delivering a slap across the face. Madison slowly turns back to Shimada and gets a backhand slap across the face.

Kris Cruise: Look at the disrespect!

Stephy Auger: Like Madison doesn’t disrespect him every chance he gets!

Madison slowly turns back to Shimada. Mayhem is trembling with anger. But Shimada doesn't back down. Instead, he gets right in his face and smirks. But the smirk quickly goes away when Madison grabs Shimada, tosses him into the corner, places him in a Muay Thai Clinch and nails him with repeated knees to the midsection. Madison then takes Shimada by the hair and flings him out of the corner. Shimada spins through the air like a propeller before crashing onto the mat. As Shimada slowly pushes himself up off the mat and gets back to a vertical base, Madison runs from out of the corner and throws out a running bicycle knee strike. But Shimada ducks, catches Madison across his shoulders, turns and delivers a rolling fireman's carry slam. He then pops up, springboards onto the middle ropes, flips back and connects with a moonsault. He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Madison gets his shoulder up.

Shimada picks up Madison and lifts him up across his shoulders. As Shimada heads back towards the center of the ring, Madison begins to nail him with elbows to the side of the head. He then slips down from behind before lifting Shimada up onto his shoulders for the End Game (electric chair lift dropped into a bridging German Suplex). But before Madison can finish off the match, Shimada nails him with repeated punches across the top of the head. He then turns around on Madison’s shoulders before bringing him down with a hurricanrana. Shimada reaches back and hooks a leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Madison kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Shimada drops Madison down to a knee with a leg-feed enzuigiri. He returns to his feet before heading into the ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Madison down with a dropkick. The boos continue as Shimada makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Madison gets his shoulder up.

Shimada picks up Madison, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Madison around, Shimada sends him slumping down in the corner with repeated forearm strikes. After delivering several stomps to the chest, Shimada applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope. The ref gives him until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Shimada willingly breaks the choke and walks away from the corner… only to rush back over and apply another foot choke while pulling down on the top rope!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR...FI-

Shimada breaks the choke and innocently puts his arms in the air. The ref is quick to reprimand Shimada for pushing it. He then saunters back over towards the corner and begins nudging Madison in the face with the toe of his boot. The boos continue as Shimada goes from nudging Madison in the face to delivering boot scrapes across the face. He then reaches down, slowly pulls up Madison and nails him with an elbow strike. Shimada grabs Madison by the wrist and sends him into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Shimada runs across the ring to attack, but Madison knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. After Shimada stumbles back, Madison runs out of the corner to attack. But Shimada sends him crumbling down to the canvas with a low dropkick to the knee. After Madison rolls over and gets up on a knee, Shimada is quick to blast him with a superkick before planting him with a kneeling DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Madison gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Shimada!

Stephy Auger: He’s been taking it to Chris Madison! The Pride Champion has had no answer for him! None!

Shimada picks up Madison, lifts him up across his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry gutbuster. After Madison turns over onto his back, Shimada takes off into the ropes. When he returns, he goes for a somersault senton. But he ends up landing right across Madison’s knees.

Kris Cruise: Madison got his knees up!

Madison turns over onto his knees while Shimada crawls over towards the ropes. After pulling himself up using the ropes, he turns and sees Madison getting back to his feet. Shimada narrows his eyes. Once Madison turns around, Shimada rushes over and throws out a spinning backfist. But Madison ducks, lifts Shimada up onto his shoulders and slams him down with authority with an Alabama Slam! Shimada arches his back in pain before Madison drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Shimada gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Madison threw him down hard with an Alabama Slam! But Shimada was able to get his shoulder up.

Madison pulls up Shimada and whips him hard into the corner. As Shimada staggers out, Madison doubles him over with a kick to the midsection, grabs him from the side, lifts him up and throws him down with a pumphandle slam. Shimada arches his back before Madison drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Shimada gets his shoulder up.

As Madison pulls Shimada back to his feet, Shimada punches him in the midsection before raking his eyes. He then takes Madison and whips him into the ropes. When Madison returns, Shimada leans forward to set up a back body drop. But Madison stops, hooks his arms and lifts him up over his shoulder before bringing him down with a Colt 45 Backbreaker! Shimada groans as he bounces off of Madison’s shoulder before hitting the mat. Madison makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Shimada gets his shoulder up.

Madison picks up Shimada, quickly steps behind him and applies a sleeper. As Madison goes to cinch in the hold, Shimada grabs his arm and hurls himself towards the mat, sending Madison flying off his back and down to the canvas. After both grapplers return to their feet, Shimada rushes over to attack. But Madison brings him down with a Pop-up Codebreaker. While Shimada is sprawled out on the mat, Madson steps out to the canvas and scales to the top turnbuckle. He leaps off and goes for a diving double foot stomp. As Madison is on the way down, Shimada rolls out of the way. Once Madison lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Once Madison rolls back to is feet and turns around, Shimada rushes over to attack. But Madison turns him around with a yakuza kick before delivering a release Dragon Suplex that leaves him folded up on the canvas!

Kris Cruise: Look at the way Shimada landed! It’s gotta be over for him!


The cheers continue as Madison heads over, pushes Shimada over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd boos when Shimada gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Madison pulls up Shimada, grabs him from behind and pushes him against the ropes. After Shimada ricochets off the ropes, Madison goes for a backwards roll into a German Suplex. After rolling back to his feet, Madison chucks him over his head for the German. But Shimada’s able to flip over and land on his feet. Once Shimada finds his balance, he runs back over and knocks Madison down with a flying forearm smash! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Madison gets his shoulder up.

Shimada picks up Madison and brings him down with Evolucion (swinging leg hook Samoan Drop). He then heads into the corner, scales up to the top turnbuckle and flips off for the Fall of God (corkscrew moonsault). But Madison gets his legs up and kicks him out of the air.

Kris Cruise: Madison counters!

After both grapplers return to their feet, Madison rushes over and goes for a Lou Thesz Press. But Shimada catches him in mid air, counters with an inverted atomic drop, and follows up with a double underhook DDT! The boos continue as he turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Madison gets his shoulder up.

Shimada picks up Madison and goes for an irish whip. But Madison reverses, sending Shimada into the corner. Madison runs over to follow up with an attack. But a boot to the face turns him around. As Madison staggers from out of the corner, Shimada runs up from behind and brings him down with eat The Canvas! He then pulls Madison up from behind, lifts him up and brings him down with the ShimadaSlam (lifting hammerlock cradle hold dropped into a sitout side powerslam).

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: I thought that was three!

Kris Cruise: That isn’t the first or last time you’ll be wrong tonight.

Shimada picks up Madison and whips him into the corner. As he runs over to attack, Madison goes to counter with a boot to the face. But Shimada stops, catches his foot and swings his legs away from him. While Madison is now seated across the middle rope, Shimada hooks him from behind and bringing him down with a rope hung sitout reverse DDT! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up.

Shimada picks up Madison, lifts him up and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. He then climbs up to the top ropes, hops onto Madison’s shoulders and goes for a super hurricanrana. But Madison counters by throwing Shimada down with a powerbomb! While Shimada marches his back on the mat, Madison stands up on the top turnbuckle, jumps off and comes crashing down on his chest with a diving double foot stomp! He drags Shimada away from the ropes and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd boos when Shimada gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Oh, so close!

Madison picks up Shimada and whips him into the corner. The Pride Champion then runs across the ring and blasts him with a running yakuza kick! Madison turns Shimada around, grabs him from behind and brings him down with a backwards roll into a bridging German Suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd sighs, then boos when Shimada turns over to get his shoulder up!

Madison turns over with Shimada without letting go of the waist lock. He then pulls Shimada back to his feet, rolls him out in front of him and clobbers him with Comatosed! The crowd explodes with cheers as Shimada’s eyes close as he slowly collapses face-first to the canvas. Madison reaches down and slowly pulls him up from behind. After lifting Shimada up onto his shoulders, Madison goes for the End Game. But as soon as Shimada is dropped down in front of Madison, Shimada nails him with a mule kick. The crowd erupts with boos at the blatant low blow. The ref calls for the bell.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: Wait! What happened!?

Kris Cruise: You know exactly what happened! Shimada just blatantly low blowed Madison!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner as a result of a Disqualification, CHRIS MADISON!

While Madison remains doubled over, Shimada turns around, hoists him up and brings him down with Destiny Calls (Pop-up Powerbomb)! He then turns Madion over into a leg scissors cross kneelock.

Kris Cruise: Shimada with the kneelock!

Shimada cinches in the hold while the bell repeatedly sounds.

Kris Cruise: Shimada is trying to injure Madison before his Pride Championship match later tonight! Just like I said he would!

The ref pleads with Shimada to break the hold. But Shimada refuses. The ref then calls for additional help. Three more referees run down to the ring. After they get inside, all four referees pull Shimada off of Madison. The Pride Champion turns over and clutches his right knee as Morrison gets inside to check on his client. After Shimada swats the referees away, he makes his way back over to Madison and Morrison. Shimada smirks as he squats down next to the two of them. He then rolls to the outside and raises a fist in the air as he makes his way around ringside and back up the aisle.

Kris Cruise: Chris Madison gets the win here tonight. But it was due to a Disqualification, thanks to a blatant low blow from Mitsuo Shimada! Who knows how much damage that kneelock did to Madison!

Stephy Auger: Stop being so dramatic, Cruise. I’m sure he’ll be fine. If not? Eh, oh well!

[FGA Office]

The faint sound of ticking is heard in the background as you see gears spinning in this room. The sound of ticking continues as the gears continue to spin...ever so slowly. In essence with work of a clock. It’s in a black and white view. Soon you can see as the gears spin a figure starting to come into view dressed in his ring attire. The bearded figure of Seth Iser as soon as he is face first on the camera gets off the gear that continues to spin and looks forward but things continue like clock work.

Seth Iser: There is only one opponent no wrestler can ever fully defeat. And it’s reach in how it claims careers differs whether it’s an injury here...or taking advantage of your mental weaknesses there. And that would be father time. None of us, no matter how much we brag or flare up our egos, can ever conquer something like that. The truth is in life...even if we are able to adapt to things in our ever evolving world...we all have an expiration date.

The gears continue to go off as the ticking gets a little louder as there is just a stoic look on Iser’s grizzled face. The long black hair of his as it often does in his age, experience, and probable stress in life. There is probably some grey mixed in there somewhere.

Seth Iser: And often times in an industry that’s really the spiritual successor to the roman gladiators we lose sight over what is important. Often times things get far too personal and we become fixated on just one thing...and pursue it with tunnel vision without looking around at our surroundings and seeing both the potential opportunities that could be had...and the hazards that could steamroll you closer and closer to retirement’s door.

The only thing that you can hear besides Iser’s cold tone is the heartless sounds of that clock. He makes sure to brush away the black hair.

Seth Iser: And truthfully...tonight is about a ton of things really...about Tyler Storm’s legacy on whether or not he’ll be a man...a peer even toward yours truly or just a boy who cost me money. But also it’s about my word as a man. Unlike many people who pay a ticket...I’ll admit to many things I’ve done that you could deem as unsavory but at least I’m honest enough to say that I’ll do them. But that mindframe doesn’t seem that accepted...in fact it almost feels lost in essence…all because it seems like too many of us are chasing...the chants of an audience and looking for their approval.

Iser just sneers calmly as the ticking slows down in the background. Though behind that calm mask of his...there is a fire in his eyes that could lash out at any minute. He looks down for a minute as he has his hands behind his back and paces a little from side to side.

Seth Iser: My opponent is also guilty of this considering how he often likes to play into getting their approval whether it’s for his own sense of fun or to try to spread his version of joy...his own message to wrestling. To say I disagree with that view is an understatement considering this is more of a job and you’re paid to do so effectively and not screw around but that’s not the bigger point of contention. The bigger point...is it feels like many of us would rather go for the flashy move that is going to be a part of highlight films...rather than what pays us more...and that’s the victory. And it’s shortsighted considering everyone is going more and more for those highlight reel moments. As I mentioned earlier, Tyler...you did leap off that cage for the highlight reel when you could’ve went for the victory at that other company we were at. And then it helped accelerate the fact that you took off a ton of time from the sport due to that back injury.

At this point Iser is standing profile except for his head turning to face the camera to reveal a menacing glare etched on his face.

Seth Iser: And yet you don’t think I’m man enough to beat you...because I don’t have the mind frame of going for an ‘awesome’ match by your definition and I’m smart enough to use any and all resources to my advantage. And for the record that draw wasn’t awesome in my book...why? Because nobody won. Nobody got the winner’s pay. Nobody got closer to a championship with that match. And going home to both of us not knowing who is better is a horrendous feeling.

Iser lets out a laugh but not out of any kind of enjoyment...because then there’s that great anger that’s pouring in.

Seth Iser: But on a pay per view stage, boy...I’m going to figuratively rip your damned heart out and throw it against the wall if you aren’t prepared to do whatever it takes to put me down. And I guarantee you’ll be sore for days because you were in the ring with the one person who makes every single thing he does hurt. And oh yes Tyler...you’ll know you were in the ring with Seth Iser tonight with what I want to do to you...just to achieve the victory.

The ticking continues to slow down in the background as the gears are almost going in slow motion. As if we’re in one of those moments where time slows down like it often does for wrestlers in the ring in specific situations. It’s at this point where we change from the black and white view to a full color...you see the black and purple ring attire Iser is donning...the grey that is there in his hair showing his age and even more than ever the menacing look in his eyes.

Seth Iser: But Tyler...long after we reach our expiration date...above any other matches we all look back and wonder if we were people of our word. You’ll find tonight...I’ll do whatever it takes to you to get the victory...and teach you that lesson the hard way a second time...but after I do what I have to in order to secure the victory...are YOU going to be man enough to live up to our agreement because I will on my end. Are you going to be a true peer of mine in the industry? A peer of many of the elder generation? Or are you going to just be one of those people that many people outside of the industry like...but people like me just view you as someone who you can’t trust their word. Because you put out a slander campaign against Moretti and I...and we both will expect our apologizes. And that might not matter to many of the young kids in our locker room...or most of the idiots who pay the tickets…because we didn’t sign a contract for that agreement. It was just a handshake.

Iser then pauses for a second as the ticking stops entirely.

Seth Iser: But...when the time comes...after I’ve kicked your ass and you feel dejected and heartbroken over this defeat...will you be man enough to admit your fault? Will you be man enough to sit Cali-Kate down and your kids down and tell them that for a second time...you indeed lost to a better man and that you shouldn’t verbally slander someone, especially a veteran, in this industry? That will only be between you and me. Something like this...above any other performance in the eyes of what wrestling used to be...and SHOULD be for that matter...is more important than what your priority list is. But whether or not you’re a real man in this sport...time is running out on an answer...and we’re learning it tonight.

Iser then ends up walking away from this as things go to static.