Only the Strong Survive (04.28.18)

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
GOLD RUSH RUMBLE

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the GOLD RUSH RUMBLE!

The crowd explodes with cheers.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are the rules! Earlier today, 15 grapplers from Vertigo and 15 grapplers from Flashpoint drew from numbers one through thirty. The two individuals who drew numbers one and two will start off the match. Every two minutes, a new participant will enter the match. This process will occur until all 30 participants have entered the ring. Eliminations can only occur when a participant has been thrown over the top rope and both feet have touched the floor. The last grappler standing will be your 2018 Gold Rush Rumble and will go on to challenge for the FGA Undisputed Championship at ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN SEVEN!

The fans inside the Amway Center cheer and applaud the announcement.

J.A. Aldridge: Now let us find out who drew number one!

Kris Cruise: Alright, guys, who do you think is going to be number one?

Geoff Penzer: I’ve got no idea, Kris.

Stephy Auger: It better not be Kol!

“Amazing” by Kanye West hits, lifting the fans to their feet in a fit of rage. White and pink strobe lights start to flash throughout the arena.

Geoff Penzer: HUH!?

Kris Cruise: What the…?

Stephy Auger: Tell me this is happening! PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS HAPPENING!

It's amazing
I'm the reason
Everybody fired up this evening

I'm exhausted
Barely breathing
Holding on to what I believe in

No matter what
You'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky Valero emerges from the back amidst a cloud of fog.

Stephy Auger: YESSSSS!

Geoff Penzer: Oh give me a break!

No. 1 - RICKY VALERO
VERTIGO

With that trademark smirk stretched across his face, he scans the arena with hubris. He puts his legs together, extends his arms outward, throws his head back and basks in the building’s negative energy.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing the man who drew number one, representing Vertigo… RICKYYYY VAAAAALEEEEROOOOO!!!

It's amazin', so amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin'
So amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin' (Let's go)

He makes his way toward the ring intentionally ignoring the outstretched hands of front row fans along his route. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and leans his back against the ropes, bouncing against them a few times with his arms wrapped over top of them before slipping into the ring.

Kris Cruise: Ricky Valero is back not just in FGA, but he’s back in the Gold Rush Rumble match!

Geoff Penzer: How!? He was fired just a few weeks ago by Hadley Herrera! He can’t do this!

Stephy Auger: Oh yes he can! Clearly Valero was unappreciated over on Flashpoint by your bogus GM! But your loss is our gain. So suck it, Flashpoint!

I'm a monster
I'm a killer
I know I'm wrong, yeah

I'm a problem
That'll never
Ever be solved

And no matter what
You'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky spins around in the center of the ring with his arms extended out, absorbing the crowd's disdain. He walks towards the ropes on the far side of the ring and simply smiles. The music slowly quiets down as Ricky turns and leans against the ropes closest to the entranceway, awaiting his opponent.

Kris Cruise: We definitely were not expecting Ricky Valero to resurface in FGA anytime soon, if ever again.

Stephy Auger: It better not be Kol!

Geoff Penzer: At this rate, I can only imagine who is coming out next.

Geoff Penzer: What is her deal, Kris?

Kris Cruise: *sigh* You don’t want to know...

J.A. Aldridge: Now let us find out who drew number two!

"CUT MY LIFE INTO PIECES, THIS IS MY LAST RESORT." Papa Roach's 'Last Resort' blares through the speakers. A few seconds pass. "Cut my life into pieces, I've reached my last resort sort, suffocation, no breathing..."

Kris Cruise: Who’s theme is this?

Geoff Penzer: I don’t recognize this music at all. I’m at a loss here.

Stephy Auger: I don’t know who this is, either. But I do know this. The year 2000 called and they want their horrible music back!

...Michael Tomkins walks through the curtain! The audience take a few moments to react before a few cheers break out through the crowd!

No. 2 - MICHAEL TOMKINS
FLASHPOINT

Kris Cruise: NO FREAKING WAY!

Stephy Auger: AH!

Geoff Penzer: Michael Tomkins?! Tomkins is back in FGA and the next entrant in the Gold Rush Rumble! I can't believe it!

Stephy Auger: But what does this mean? Is he back? What show is he on?

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing the man who drew number two, representing Flashpoint! He is “The Rogue” MIIIIICHAAAEEELLLLL TOOOOMMMMMKIINNSSSS!!!

Geoff Penzer: He’s on Flashpoint, Stephy! The Chase for the Crown Tournament winner and the very first FGA Heavyweight Champion is back in FGA and is coming to Flashpoint!

Kris Cruise: What a coup by Hadley Herrera!

Stephy Auger: Hey, don’t you dare give that witch any credit! She fired poor Ricky Valero!



Tomkins is wearing a vintage black "3 seconds" tee, and a pair of black and white pants. He looks from left to right before looking at the competitors in the ring. He slowly walks down the ramp before rolling into the ring to join the action.

The bell sounds. Tomkins puts his hands on his hips and takes a look around at the crowd.

HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!

Kris Cruise: Listen to this capacity crowd!

Stephy Auger: I’d rather not!

Geoff Penzer: What an ovation for Michael Tomkins! What a surprise to kick off the Gold Rush Rumble!

Stephy Auger: He’s not a bigger surprise than Valero being rehired and coming to Vertigo, though!

Geoff Penzer: Yeah, okay...

Tomkins and Valero begin circling the ring. The Raise-The-Bar Superstar begins clapping his hands. The capacity crowd quickly take their cue from the first FGA Heavyweight Champion and join in with the clapping. Both Tomkins and Valero then stop to size each other up. They then head towards the center of the ring and motion for a lockup when Valero nails him with a kick to the midsection. The crowd boos as Valero knocks Tomkins back with a trio of punches to the face. He then takes Tomkins and goes for an irish whip. When Tomkins returns, Valero throws out a clothesline. But Tomkins ducks and heads into the far ropes. When he comes back, Valero throws out a back elbow to the face. But again, Tomkins ducks and heads into the ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Valero down with a diving spinning back elbow. After Valero gets to his feet, he runs over to attack. But Tomkins throws him down with an arm drag. Valero gets brought back down with another arm drag. As Valero gets back up, Tomkins grabs him by the wrist, wrenches his arm and follows up with a hook kick, sending Valero stumbling backwards into the ropes. Tomkins then turns and runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, Valero ducks and dumps Tomkins over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: So much for his big comeback!

The crowd boos as Valero as he walks towards the center of the ring with his arms raised. But unbeknownst to him, Tomkins isn’t eliminated! He landed safely on the apron!

Kris Cruise: Rickyyyy. Oh Rickyyyyy…

When Valero turns around, the crowd cheers when Tomkins knocks him down with a springboard clothesline! He then picks up Valero and whips him into the ropes. When Valero comes back Tomkins connects with A Taste of Greatness (left foot superkick), knocking Valero through the ropes and to the floor. Tomkins then turns to the crowd and waves his arms up and down to hype them up!

YOU’VE STILL GOT IT!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

YOU’VE STILL GOT IT!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

YOU’VE STILL GOT IT!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

Geoff Penzer: Tomkins has gotten the better of Valero in his first exchange since returning to FGA for the first time in four years!

Stephy Auger: But Valero isn’t eliminated! You’ve got to be through over the top rope, not through the ropes!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Lik Down” blares throughout the arena as NEON comes out to a mixed reaction from the crowd.

No. 3 - NEON
FLASHPOINT

Geoff Penzer: Here comes Neon! Some would say that she’s the person that Evan Envi dumped in favor of Ricky Valero!

Stephy Auger: You’re not funny, Penzer! I watch Flashpoint. Usually out of boredom. From what I saw, The Chief decided to get rid of the dead weight that was Neon and upgraded by replacing her with Valero!

Kris Cruise: ...sooooo basically what Geoff just said.

Geoff Penzer: Right! For the better part of a year, Neon did Envi’s dirty work for him. Then, when he felt like she was no longer worth keeping around, he cut bait. What a guy!

Stephy Auger: Well he must be doing something right since he’s now your NEWWWWWW Undisputed Champion!

Kris Cruise: Don’t even get me started on that.

As soon as NEON gets in the ring, she’s met with a series of right hands from Tomkins. Tomkins then moves NEON into the corner before lifting up her chest with knife edge chops. He then takes NEON and goes for an irish whip. But NEON reverses, sending Tomkins into the corner. NEON runs over to attack. But Tomkins knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. Tomkins hoists himself up onto the middle ropes for a Tornado DDT. But before he can grab a hold of NEON, The Queen of Mean grabs him by the ankle and yanks him off the ropes. The crowd boos as Tomkins smacks the back of his head against the canvas after falling down. NEON quickly puts the boots to the former champion. She then pulls up Tomkins and whips him into the corner. NEON then runs over and connects him with a running wheel kick! The boos continue as she pulls Tomkins back up before climbing up onto the middle ropes. NEON then swings out and brings him down with a Tornado DDT!

NEON returns to her feet and taunts the crowd as they boo. While this is happening, Valero quickly rolls back in, grabs NEON from behind, runs and throws her over the top rope and to the floor!

NEON - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: NEON is the first person eliminated in the Gold Rush Rumble! Even worse, she was eliminated by Ricky Valero! That’s gotta sting!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Blockbuster Night Part I” blasts over the PA  to an explosion of cheers from the crowd.

No. 4 - OWEN GONSALVES
VERTIGO

Gonsalves charges down to the ring while Valero waves him on!

Kris Cruise: It’s Valero’s old rival, Owen Gonsalves!

Stephy Auger: I hope Pretty Ricky makes short work of him just like he did Neon!

As soon as Gonsalves slides into the ring, he and Valero begin trading fists as the crowd cheers. The two fists continue to fly until Valero tackles Gonsalves to the mat with a double leg takedown. He then mounts himself on top of Gonsalves and rains down punches to the face. Gonsalves then rolls over, mounts on top of Valero and hammers down with punches of his own. He then pulls up Valero, moves him into the corner and delivers three European Uppercuts. Valero then grabs Gonsalves, tosses him into the corner and gives him three European Uppercuts of his own. Gonsalves then takes Valero, tosses him into the corner and delivers a hard knife edge chop. Gonsalves then grabs Valero, tosses him into the corner and delivers a blistering knife edge chop. Valero then tackles Gonsalves back down with another double leg takedown.

Kris Cruise: Look at these two going at it!

Kris Cruise: There’s no love lost here!

Valero mounts himself on top of Gonsalves, grabs him by the side of the head with both hands and proceeds to ram the back of his head against the canvas. He then pulls up Gonsalves, runs and tries to throw him over the top rope. But Gonsalves wisely wraps his arms around the top rope. So Valero delivers several clubbing strikes across the back. He then wraps his arms around Gonsalves’ left leg and tries to lift him over the top rope. But Gonsalves hangs on for dear life. So Valero lowers him back down before delivering several forearm strikes to the lower back. After wrapping his arms around Gonsalves’ waist, Valero tries to lift him up and dump him over the top rope. But Gonsalves continues to hang on. Valero’s got Gonsalves’ body parallel to the top rope.

Stephy Auger: He’s almost got Gonsalves out!

Just as it looks like Valero’s about to dump Gonsalves over the top rope, the crowd cheers as Tomkins rushes over and delivers a running double ax handle smash across Valero’s back, forcing him to drop Gonsalves. Tomkins then pulls Valero away from Gonsalves, moves him into the corner and give shim three knife edge chops. Valero responds with an eye poke.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

"Live Long Enough to Become the Hero” blasts over the PA.

No. 5 - NEAL DURDEN
VERTIGO

Kris Cruise: It’s the 2018 Rey del Aire runner up, Neal Durden!

Stephy Auger: Aka, “the OTHER member of Pendragon”!

Geoff Penzer: The Rey del Aire tournament was a coming out party for Neal Durden! Everyone knows how well he works as apart of a tag team. But this tournament proved that Durden can get the job done as a singles competitor as well.

Stephy Auger: Uh, clearly not because he LOST to Cassius Reed!

When Durden gets in, he goes over and throws out a right hand at Valero. But Valero blocks and counters with a kick to the midsection. He then sends Durden towards the ropes with an irish whip. But Durden comes back and knocks Valero down with a handspring back elbow! He then throws Valero down with a japanese arm drag. Then another. After an arm wrench, Durden throws Valero down with a release northern lights suplex. He then pulls up Valero, lifts him up onto his shoulders and delivers a Helicopter Spin. After lowering a dazed Valero back down, Durden grabs him, runs over to the side of the ring and tries to toss him over the top rope. But Valero wraps his arms around the top rope. While Durden wraps his arms around his waist and tries to lift him over the top rope, Valero reaches back and catches him right in the face with a back elbow. The boos continue as he takes Durden, places him against the ropes and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. He then hooks his arms around Durden’s legs and tries to dump him over the top rope. But Durden blocks by hooking his arms over the top rope. The crowd cheers when Gonsalves pulls Valero off of Durden before knocking him down with a European Uppercut. Valero gets back to his feet… and gets knocked back down by another European Uppercut. Gonsalves then takes Valero and goes for an irish whip. But Valero reverses, sending Gonsalves towards the ropes. Gonsalves comes back and knocks Valero down with the Sky Uppercut (springboard corkscrew european uppercut)!

Valero turns over and sees Gonsalves, Tomkins and Durden slowly stalking him. The crowd cheers as Valero looks around with a look of concern on his face. He slwoly scoots himself away as he tries to call for a timeout. But the three grapplers don’t want to hear any of it.

Stephy Auger: This isn’t fair! It’s supposed to be every man for himself!

Geoff Penzer: After all the garbage that Valero has pulled over the last year, this serves him right!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“You Know My Name” blares throughout the arena!

Stephy Auger: Thank God! Finally!

The crowd erupts with boos as Chris Bond makes his way to the ring.

No. 6 - CHRIS BOND
VERTIGO

Kris Cruise: Chris Bond is out next! But conspicuous by her absence is The Crimson Baroness!

Stephy Auger: Of course she’s absent! She was viciously attacked by that coward Malcolm Drake early tonight!

Geoff Penzer: I wouldn’t exactly call it a “vicious” attack, per se.

Stephy Auger: Of course you wouldn’t! If it happened to some of your beloved favorites, you’d all be crying foul! But a defenseless manager was attacked and you all jump for joy!

Kris Cruise: No one is saying that Malcolm Drake didn’t cross the line and make this personal. But The Crimson Baroness is a trained professional wrestler. A highly successful one, might I add.

Stephy Auger: So? So what, she’s just supposed to take it? That makes the attack acceptable because she’s a wrestler? I can’t believe the two of you!

As soon as Bond gets in, he darts over and socks Durden with a right hand, knocking him down to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: You know Bond has been waiting since A New Odyssey to do that after Team Page defeated The New Murder inside Steel Warfare!

Stephy Auger: Don’t remind me!

Geoff Penzer: Sure. We also won’t remind you that Molly Reid left The New Murder, Jaelynn Ramsey still doesn’t have the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship and Dom Harter hasn’t been seen in FGA since that night.

Stephy Auger: ...

Bond picks up Durden, runs over to the corner and tries to slam him face-first into the top turnbuckle. But Durden gets his foot on the middle rope, stopping the attack. After an elbow to the midsection, Durden takes Bond and slams him face-first onto the top turnbuckle. He then turns Bond around and whips him into the opposite corner. Durden runs across the ring to attack when Bond ducks and dumps him over the top rope…

Stephy Auger: YES!


… but Durden lands safely on the apron. When Bond turns around, he throws out a right hand. But Durden ducks. He then throws out a left hand that also gets ducked. Durden then goes to follow up with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. But Bond catches him with a knee lift to the face. The boos continue as he places a front facelock, drags Durden across the middle rope and plants him with the Rejection!

Across the ring, Tomkins is holding Valero back while Gonsalves delivers a series of European Uppercuts. After Tomkins lets go, Gonsalves grabs Valero and hooks his arms from behind while Tomkins rattles off a series of snapping jabs to the body, followed by a right hand to the face. Gonsalves and Tomkins then take Valero and bring him down with a double vertical suplex.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Champion” blasts over the PA.

No. 7 - FUJIKO MINE
VERTIGO

Fujiko Mine jogs down to the ring as the crowd explodes with cheers.

Kris Cruise: It’s Fujiko Mine! She defeated Chris Madison earlier tonight to retain the Pride Championship! Now she’s looking to get another big win here tonight, the Gold Rush Rumble!

Geoff Penzer: It was two years ago at this event that Fujiko Mine was the runner up, lasting a record 56 minutes! She’s proven she’s got the stamina! She’s proven that she can go! She’s beaten big name after big name! Her record is spotless here in 2018, Stephy! Even you’ve got to admit that she’s a heavy favorite, if not THE favorite!

Stephy Auger: I don’t have to admit anything.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on, Stephy! Are you really going to let your bias cloud your judgement and prevent you from admitting that she’s got a great shot to win this match?

Stephy Auger: Um, YEAH!

Geoff Penzer: Unreal!

As soon as Fujiko gets in, she rushes over and delivers a spinning back kick to Valero, doubling him over. After a shoot kick to the back of leg drops Valero down to a knee, the crowd cheers as Fujiko goes to work on Valero. She nails Valero with a shoot kick to the chest.

YES!

Fujiko nails Valero with another shoot kick to the chest…

YES!

And another…

YES!

And another…

YES!

And another…

YES!

The Pride Champion turns and heads into the ropes. When she returns, she spikes Valero with a basement hurricanrana!

Stephy Auger: Poor Valero! He’s been attacked left and right!

Geoff Penzer: … as opposed to him attacking people from behind left and right all these months!?

Stephy Auger: Shut up, Penzer!

Kris Cruise: Geoff is right. Valero is getting what he deserves here tonight.

Fujiko picks up Valero, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After Fujiko whips Valero into the opposite corner, Tomkins runs across the ring and connects with a clothesline. After he moves out of the way, Gonsalves runs across the ring and connects with a European Uppercut. After he moves out of the way, Fujiko runs across the ring leaps into the air and connects with a corner dropkick, sending Valero crumbling out of the corner.

Back across the ring, Bond lifts Durden up for a gutwrench powerbomb. But Durden counters with a hurricanrana!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Psychosocial” blares throughout the arena.

No. 8 - SETH ISER
VERTIGO

The crowd boos as Seth Iser marches down to the ring. Gonsalves turns and sees Iser making a beeline towards the ring.

Kris Cruise: Out next is Seth Iser. I’m sure Iser isn’t in a good mood after losing the Fatal 4-Way earlier tonight.

Geoff Penzer: When is he ever in a good mood?

Kris Cruise: Good point!

Stephy Auger: But if there’s one thing that can brighten his mood, even just a little bit, it’s beating up Owen Gonsalves, which he does so well!

Geoff Penzer: Gonsalves has yet to defeat Iser, if I remember correctly.

As soon as Iser gets in, Gonsalves rushes over and hammers away with a flurry of forearm strikes to the face. Iser then palms Gonsalves’ face before shoving him down to the mat. After rolling over on the mat, Gonsavles gets back to his feet and rushes over to attack Iser. But Iser knocks him down with a running big boot, resulting in boos from the crowd. Iser picks up Gonsalves, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Iser turns Gonsalves around in the corner and applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope.

Near the middle of the ring, Fujiko goes for an irish whip. But Valero reverses, sending her towards the ropes. Fujiko then comes back off the ropes and brings him down with a handspring rebound ace crusher! The crowd cheers as Fujiko picks up Valero, brings him over towards the ropes and tries to dump him over the top rope. But Valero wraps his arms around the top rope. Tomkins then heads over, grabs Valero’s other leg and tries to help Fujiko dump Valero over the top rope. Just as the two of them near having Valero up and over the top rope, Bond rushes over and nails Tomkins with a kick to the ribs. The boos continue as he reaches over and rakes Fujiko across the eyes. He then heads back over, takes Durden and whips him into the ropes. When Durden returns, Bond lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! Tomkins runs over and throws out a clothesline. But Bond ducks. When Tomkins turns around, Bond lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! Fujiko runs over over and tries to attack. But she, too, gets taken down with a spinebuster. The crowd erupts with boos as Bond stands tall in the middle of the ring.

Stephy Auger: Bond is taking out everything that mo-

Suddenly, the boos turn to cheers as “Man in the Box” blasts over the PA!

Kris Cruise: What just a minute!

Geoff Penzer: That’s Malcolm Drake’s music! But it’s not time for the next entrant to come out!

Kris Cruise: Even if it was, I don’t think he’s even in the Rumble!

An enraged Bond starts looking around the arena before barking at the entrance ramp.

Kris Cruise: Bond wants Drake! Especially after what happened earlier tonight in the Fatal 4-Way!

Stephy Auger: But where is he!?

As “Man in the Box” continues to pump through the speakers, Bond waves Drake down to the ring. But there’s no sign of the original Head Crow of The Murder. Drake’s theme music abruptly cuts off when Fujiko turns Bond around and knocks him back with multiple forearm strikes to the face. She then turns and runs into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she executes a running hurricanrana, sending Bond rolling across the ring. Once Bond gets up, Fujiko runs over and connecte with a running clothesline, sending them both over the top rope. But While Bond hits the floor, Fujiko hangs on by the top rope! She then reaches up and grabs the top rope with her other arm before “skinning the cat” and pulling himself over the top rope and back into the ring!

Chris Bond - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: Bond’s it out of here! He’s done for the night!

Stephy Auger: Drake attacked The Crimson Baroness! He cost Bond a shot at the Pride Championship! Now, he’s cost Bond a chance at the Gold Rush Rumble!

Geoff Penzer: Turnabout is fair play, Stephy! Team Page won Steel Warfare fair and square. Bond should have just left well enough alone and let Drake be. Instead, he went out of his way and attacked Drake! He reignited this whole thing!

When Fujiko turns around, she sees Tomkins rushes over. So she slingshots herself over the top rope, lands on the apron, jumps up and wraps her legs around Tomkin’s neck before bringing him over the top rope with a rope-aided headscissors, sending Tmkins to the floor. Fujiko then quickly steps back in through the ropes.

Michael Tomkins - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: After nearly fourteen minutes in the Rumble, Michael Tomkins has been eliminated by the Apex Goddess!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)” blasts over the PA.

No. 9 - TYLER STORM
VERTIGO

The crowd explodes with cheers as Tyler Storm marches don to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm, the other half of Shootcamp, is walking towards the ring with a purpose.

Geoff Penzer: Gonsalves is still in the corner getting worked over by their rival, Seth Iser! But also standing in the ring with Fujiko Mine, the woman that Storm will be challenging at some point for the Pride Championship!

Storm rolls into the ring, rushes over into the corner, spins Iser around and socks him with a right hand. He then knocks Iser back with another right hand… and another… and another. He then takes Iser and goes for an irish whip. But Iser reverses, sending Storm into the ropes. When Storm returns, he sees Iser setting up for a back body drop. So he stops and counters with a kick to the face that knocks Iser upright. The crowd cheers as Storm lifts Iser up across his shoulder before lifting him up even higher for the Bite Bound (crucifix cutter). But before Storm can hit the move, Iser kicks his legs before slipping down from behind. He then shoves Storm into the ropes. When Storm comes back, he throws out a bicycle kick. But Iser catches his foot. He shakes his head at Storm before swinging the leg away from him. Iser motions for an attack. But Storm uses the momentum to knock Iser down with a hard discus lariat! Iser gets back to his feet and gets knocked down by another lariat. After Iser returns to his feet, both members of Shootcamp double him over with a kick to the midsection. They then whip Iser into the ropes. When Iser returns, Storm brings Iser down with a Sling Blade! Gonsalves is quick to follow up with a somersault leg drop! Gonsalves then heads into the corner as Storm pulls Iser back up. After Storm lifts Iser up onto his shoulders, the crowd cheers when Shootcamp delivers an Alabama Slam/Lungblower combo! Iser holds his back before rolling to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Shootcamp have sent Iser retreating to the outside!

Stephy Auger: No, he’s not retreating! He’s simply rolling to the outside to put the brakes on this double team! It’s supposed to be every man for himself. If Storm was smart, he'd hook Gonsalves' tights and chuck him over the top rope from behind!

Back in the ring, Fujiko makes her way over to both members of Shootcamp. Gonsalves looks back and forth between the Pride Champion and her next challenger before stepping out of the way. Storm then throws a right hand, but Fujiko ducks and counters with a shoot kick to the leg. Storm throws out another punch to the face. But again, Fujiko ducks. This time, she counters with a spinning back kick that doubles him over. She then turns and runs into the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she sees Storm running past her. So she slams on the brakes. When Fujiko turns around, Storm throws out a yakuza kick. But Fujiko catches his foot, quickly knocks him down with a legsweep and follows up with a standing moonsault! She then reaches down, grabs Storm by the wrist and whacks him in the face with a ground arm pulled roundhouse kick! She then hits him with Sealed With A Kick two more times!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“I’m Bad” hits the speakers.

No. 10 - BROOKFORD
FLASHPOINT

The crowd boos as BROOKFORD marches down to the ring.

Geoff Penzer: It’s Flashpoint’s very own “Problem Solver”, Brookford!

Kris Cruise: Brookford may be Flashpoint’s “Problem Solver.” But he’s made it very clear for weeks leading up to the Gold Rush Rumble that he’s offering his services to the highest bidder! He’s willing to take out anyone for the right price!

Stephy Auger: Hopefully someone was smart enough to line Brookford’s pockets and get him on their side for the Rumble!

As soon as BROOKFORD gets in the ring, he makes a beeline towards Gonsalves and knocks him down with a hard lariat. The Problem Solver puts the boots to Iser while Moretti wheels himself down to the ring. The crowd boos as Moretti applauds the assault. But Moretti stops applauding and quickly grabs onto the wheelchair after nearly losing control.

Kris Cruise: I think we’ve just found out who might have taken up Brookford on his offer, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Moretti is not just a hell of a manager, but he’s a hell of a businessman! He knows when to pounce on an offer!

Storm marches over and turns BROOKFORD around. He he gets caught with a headbutt that knocks him down to the mat. The boos continue as BROOKFORD grabs Storm by the throat and moves him into the corner. After a series of back elbows strikes to the head, BROOKFORD unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body before blasting Storm with a kesagiri chop. He then grabs a hold of Storm by the hair and sends him slumping down in the corner with repeated headbutts. While BROOKFORD applies a footchoke, Gonsalves comes up from behind, jumps onto BROOKFORD’s back and applies a sleeper hold. The crowd cheers as Gonsalves tries to put the Problem Solver to sleep. After stepping away from the corner, BROOKFORD runs across the ring, turns and jumps into the corner, squashing Gonsalves against the turnbuckles and breaking the hold. He then blasts Gonsalves with a spinning backfist, sending The Technical Spectacle slumping down in the corner. BROOKFORD looks across the ring and sees Storm still down in the corner in a seated position. So he charges across the ring, hurls himself at Storm and squashes him with a cannonball senton! The Problem Solver returns to his feet, runs back across the ring and squashes Gonsalves with a cannonball senton! BROOKFORD is met with a chorus of boos when he returns to the ring and scans the crowd.

Kris Cruise: BROOKFORD has unleashed fury on both members of Shootcamp and Vincent Moretti looks happier than a pig in mud!

After Iser rolls back inside, he marches over into the corner where Gonsalves is and stomps the hell out of him. After Iser pulls up Gonsalves, he and BROOKFORD deliver a double front suplex across the top rope. After Gonsalves bounces off the rope and slip down to his feet on the apron, Iser and BROOKFORD rush over and nail him with a double big boot, sending Gonsalves to the floor!

Owen Gonsalves - eliminated

Stephy Auger: Owen’s outta here! That’s another tough loss here in FGA for Mr. Gonzalez! I feel so bad for him!

Geoff Penzer: How you put up with her every show, I don’t know.

Valero goes over to BROOKFORD to give him a high five on a jump well done on getting rid of Gonsalves! BROOKFORD smiles and slaps hands with Valero… before knocking him down with a headbutt! When BROOKFORD turns around, Durden runs over and connects with a running dropkick. But BROOKFORD doesn’t get knocked off his feet. So Durden goes for another dropkick. But BROOKFORD only stumbles back a few steps. So Durden turns and runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, the crowd boos when BROOKFORD sends him flipping down to the mat with a lariat takedown! When BROOKFORD returns to his feet, Fujiko turns BROOKFORD towards him and nails him with alternating shoot kicks to the legs before doubling him over with a spinning back kick to the midsection. She then ehads towards the roeps and comes back with a shandspirng back elbow. The crowd then gasps when BROOKFORD catches her in mid air.

Stephy Auger: UH OH!

BROOKFORD heaves Fujiko over his head for a German Suplex. But Fujiko’s able to roatte and land on her feet! As The Problem Solver gets back up, Fujiko runs over to attack. But BROOKFORD ducks his head and counters with a T-Bone Suplex, sending Fujiko rolls across the ring.

Back over in the corner, Iser lifts Storm up across his shoulders, turns, runs and tries to lawn dart Storm over the top rope. But Storm reaches out and grabs the top rope with both hands, blocking the move.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Lose My Breath” blasts over the PA!

No. 11 - NOELLE SMITH
FLASHPOINT

Geoff Penzer: It’s Noelle Smith! She lost the United States Championship earlier tonight. But her fortunes can be turned around big time here with a Gold Rush Rumble win!

As soon as Smith rolls into the ring, she nails Iser with a shoot kick to the back of the leg, forcing him to drop Storm to the mat. When Iser turns around, Smith nails him with another shoot kick to the leg! And another! And another! And anot-NO! The cheers turn to boos when BROOKFORD marches up from behind, grabs Smith by the hair and yanks her over towards the center of the ring.

Geoff Penzer: It looks like Brookford hasn’t forgotten about Smith beating him in the semis of the United States Championship Tournament earlier this year.

Stephy Auger: If I remember correctly, she won because that little gnat Sage Clark stuck his nose in business it didn’t belong in!

After hooking both of Smith’s arms, the crowd boos when BROOKFORD nails Smith with a series of trapping headbutts. He then lets go, doubles Smith over with a knee thrust to the midsection and throws her down hard with a pumphandle slam! The Problem Solver returns to his feet, puts his foot down across Smith’s throat and chokes her while he points his finger down at her and scolds her. The boos then turn to cheers as Sage Clark races down the aisle.

Geoff Penzer: Sage Clark!? IT’S SAGE CLARK! SAGE CLARK IS BACK!

Stephy Auger: What does that little runt want!?

Geoff Penzer: We haven’t seen Clark since he was attacked by Brookford months ago!

SAGE!
SAGE!
SAGE!
SAGE!

BROOKFORD does a double take when he sees Clark climbing up onto the apron. The expression on BROOKFORD’s face goes from annoyance to anger. His eyes widen as he slowly starts to shake with anger. The cameras cut over to Clark, who is shown yelling at BROOKFORD while pointing his finger at him.

Kris Cruise: I believe Clark is telling Brookford that he tried to take his career away from him.

Stephy Auger: If Clark doesn’t get off that apron, Brookford is going to do more than just “try.”

BROOKFORD steps off of Smith, rushes over and tries to grab Clark. But Clark wisely jumps down to the floor. Clark then circles the ring yelling at BROOKFORD while BROOKFORD stalks him every step of the way from inside the ring. After circling the ring, Clark steps back and continues to back away from the ring while continuing to yell at BROOKFORD.

Stephy Auger: Usually we see guys like Clark having more guts than brains. But he did the smart thing right here. He knew that if he ever got in the ring with Brookfield, he’d finished what he started all those months ago.

BROOKFORD continues to make threat at Clark while Clark backs away from the ring. When BROOKFORD turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Fujiko and Smith run over and connect with a double clothesline, sending BROOKFORD over the top rope and to the floor!

BROOKFORD - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: Brookford is done! He’s been eliminated by Fujiko Mine and Noelle Smith!

Stephy Auger: That little brat! This is all his fault! again!

The crowd continues to cheer while BROOKFORD is beside himself at ringside. He then turns and repeatedly kicks the guardrail before running up the aisle and to the back...

Back inside, Fujiko heads over into the corner and tries to help Storm eliminate Iser. Meanwhile, Valero runs up from behind and knocks Smith down with a running forearm strike to the back of the neck. The boos continue as he puts the boots to Smith. Valero then mounts himself on top of Smith’s back and rains down punches to the back of the head. But Smith’s able to cover up. So Valero slips his hands through Smith’s defense, grabs her by the hair with both hands and rakes her face across the mat while taunting the crowd.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

[FGA Office]

“You Suck” blares throughout the arena as the crowd boos.

Kris Cruise: Wait just a minute?

Geoff Penzer: Is this who we think it is?

Stephy Auger: It’s is!

Out from the back bursts Cassius Reed! Slowly rotating in his gold lined black ring robe Cassius soaks in the atmosphere for just a moment. Spinning to face the ring, he shadow boxes at the top of the ramp a short time more, before posing, spreading his arms wide, and sprinting down to the ring at full pace!

No. 12 - CASSIUS REED
FLASHPOINT

Geoff Penzer: It’s the 2018 Rey del Aire winner, Cassius Reed! And he’s signed to Flashpoint! Hadley Herrera with another big signing!

As soon as Reed slides into the ring and gets to his feet, he’s standing face to face with Durden, the Rey del Aire runner up.

Kris Cruise: Oh boy! This should be good!

Reed and Durden go back and forth with the words until Reed takes Durden and goes for an irish whip. But Durden reverses, sending Reed into into the ropes. When Reed returns, Durden leapfrogs over him. Reed continues to run into the ropes. When Reed returns, Durden crouches down and rolls backwards. So Reed dives over him and lands in a handstand. After Durden gets back up, Reed brings him down with a handstand handspring headscissors takedown!

Geoff Penzer: “What The Funk” from The Funky Dragon!

When Durden gets back to his feet, Reed knocks him down with the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow). Durden gets knocked down by another Spanish Archer. When Durden returns to his feet, Reed takes him by the arm, wrenches it and follows up with a release northern lights suplex. Reed then stands next to Durden before delivering the Funky Knee, Funky Do (standing moonsault double knee drop). The crowd gasps as Reed grabs Durden, runs and tosses him over the top rope…

... but Durden lands safely on the apron. Reed turns back around and runs back over to attack when Durden knocks him back with a rope-aided gamengiri. While Reed tries to shake out the cobwebs, Durden runs across the ring. He then goes to climb up the turnbuckles when Reed runs over into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes and tries to shove Durden off to the floor. But Durden blocks by grabbing onto the ropes. The crowd gasps as Reed continues to try and nudge Durden off the ropes. But Durden’s hanging for on for dear.

Stephy Auger: Reed nearly has Durden over the ropes!

Geoff Penzer: Durden is still fighting back! He’s not been eliminated yet!

Durden begins nailing Reed with elbows to the side of the head. He then shoves Reed down to the mat. After Reed turns over and gets back to his feet, he runs over to try and shove Durden off the ropes. But Durden steps up to the top turnbuckle before jumping off and landing near the middle of the ring. After Durden’s momentum sends him rolling forward, he turns around to a running discus punch from Reed. But Durden ducks and counters with a pelé kick! While Reed is dazed, Durden takes Reed, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and connects with a running arched big boot! He then takes Reed and throws him out of the corner with an Exploder Suplex! As Reed turns over onto a knee, Durden charges from out of the corner and flattens him with a Shining Wizard to cheers from the crowd!

Stephy Auger: Who is still in there?

Kris Cruise: Valero, Storm, Iser, Fujiko, Smith, Reed and Durden are all still alive.

Geoff Penzer: Valero’s been in there for rough;y 22 minutes. Durden’s been there for about 16. And it looks like we’re getting our next entrant, folks. Who is it going to be? Who is going to be number thirteen in the 2018 Gold Rush Rumble?

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

"Ahhh, ahh, ahhhhh!

Ahhh, ahh, ahhhhh!

So sick of sitting around, there's so much to do

So jump abroad and let's look at you."

Geoff Penzer: No…

Stephy Auger: No way!

Drive By Me's "Kerosine Dreams" starts up as Izzy Anders stroll onto the stage. She stares around the arena, taking in the crowd's disdain for the Dreamkiller. Once she is done there, she starts on her way down the ramp. The yellow and red lights cross her face, which give Izzy a sparkle with the many metals upon her gear.

Kris Cruise: What in God’s name is she doing back here?

No. 13 - IZZY ANDERS
VERTIGO

Back in the ring, Iser takes Storm and goes for an irish whip. But Storm reverses. As soon as Iser hits the ropes, Storm connects with a clothesline that nearly knocks him over the top rope. Fujiko then runs over and connects with a running clothesline that nearly knocks Iser out. Storm and Fujiko then deliver a double running clothesline, sending Iser over the top rope and to the floor! Moretti wheels over to his clint before smacking the crutch across the apron at Storm.

Seth Iser - ELIMINATED

Fujiko back away from the ropes. When she turns around, she finds herself face to face with Anders.

Stephy Auger: Fujiko’s nose to nose with one of her oldest foes.

Words are exchanged between Anders and Fujiko before they begin slugging it out. The crowd erupts with cheers as the Pride Champion and Anders trade blows. The fists continue to fly back and forth until Fujiko gains the upper hand. The crowd cheers as Fujiko begins knocking Anders back with each blow. She then goes for an irish whip. But Anders reverses, sending Fujiko into the ropes. The crowd gasps when Anders throws out the Capetown Sunset (540° Kick). But she throws it out too early, allowing Fujiko to hang onto the ropes. As Anders gets back to her feet, Fujiko rushes over and throws out a spinning back kick to the midsection. After Anders catches her foot, Fujiko follows up with a back elbow to the face. Once free, Fujiko runs towards the ropes and goes for a handspring back elbow. As Anders rolls out of the way, Fujiko rotates in the air and lands on her feet. Anders then runs back over and throws out a yakuza kick. But Fujiko catches her foot and swings her leg away from her. She then leaps up onto Ander’s shoulders. But before Fujiko can flip back for a poison rana, Anders pushes Fujiko off her shoulders. After Fujiko lands in front of Anders, Anders turns her inside out with the Black Song (hammerlock spun into a lariat)! She then picks up Fujiko and whips her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, the crowd boos when Anders brings her down with a jumping leg lariat. She then picks up the Pride Champion, runs into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Fujiko aorund, Anders sends her slumping down in the corner with MUDA MUDA MUDA (machiengun punches in the corner)! The Dreamkiller then pulls Fujiko from out of the corner and goes for Dirty Dancin (Kick Flurry). But Fujiko catches the third kick. She then knocks Anders down with a legsweep and goes to follow up with a standing moonsault. But Anders gets her knees up. While Fujiko picks herself back up, Anders grabs her from behind before bringing her down with the Toxic Shock (jumping inverted headlock backbreaker)! While Fujiko is down, Anders stands over her and puts her hand out, palm down in a ‘kiss the ring’ kind of gesture, stealing Fujiko’s taunt. Anders then winks at Fujiko before beckoning her to attack with her other hand.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Outlet” hits the speakers.

No. 14 - ARIA ECKHART
VERTIGO

The crowd cheers as Vertigo’s very own Darling, Aria Eckhart, jogs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Aria Eckhart is out next! She missed out on qualifying for the Fatal 4-Way from earlier tonight with a loss a couple of weeks ago. But she’s still got one hell of an opportunity here tonight at Only the Strong Survive with the Gold Rush Rumble!

Geoff Penzer: Vertigo’s very own Darling has been making a name for herself since joining FGA last fall. After being traded a few months back for Julian Tijerina...

Stephy Auger: … A trade that Vertigo won hands down, might I add...

Geoff Penzer: … Eckhart has continued to impress over on Vertigo. But a Gold Rush Rumble win tonight would catapult her not just to the very top of FGA, but to superstardom!

Kris Cruise: Eckhart has been trained by some of the finest wrestlers to ever grace the squared circle. I’m sure that her teachers have prepared her well for this moment.

Stephy Auger: But can she seize the moment?

Geoff Penzer: We’re about to find out.

When Eckhart slides into the ring, Smith runs over to attack. But Eckhart ducks. Smith’s momentum then takes her into the ropes. When Smith returns, she goes for a crossbody block. But Eckhart catches her in mid air before throwing her down with a fallaway slam!

Kris Cruise: How about that!?

Durden takes Eckhart, turns her around and delivers three knife edge chops. He then goes for an irish whip. But Eckhart reverses, sending Durden into the ropes. When Durden comes back, the crowd cheers when Eckhart throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl slam!

Geoff Penzer: Look at Eckhart go, Stephy!

Ander then turns Eckhart around and lights her up with Dirty Dancin. She then takes Eckhart and goes for an irish whip. But The Darling reverses, sending Anders into the ropes. When Anders returns, she slams on the brakes when Eckhart holds her hands out and shouts “WAIT A MINUTE!” This gets a laugh out of the crowd. But Anders finds nothing amusing and follows up with a STOCKTON SLAP! The crowd eurpts with boos while Eckhart doubles over and clutches the side of her face.

Stephy Auger: Anders just slapped the taste right out of Eckhart’s mouth!

Anders follows up with a kick to the midsection. She then lifts up Eckhart for a Running Liger Bomb when Eckhart counters with multiple punches to the top of the head. After slipping down in front of Anders, she brings Anders down with a leg hook reverse STO!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The first few bars of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” begin to play as the lights pulsate in time with the music. Slowly the curtains part, and Sloan Talbot steps through - his pace slow and methodical.

No. 15 - SLOAN TALBOT
FLASHPOINT

Geoff Penzer: We’ve reached the halfway point of this match as Flashpoint’s own Sloan Talbot is making his way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: This man is undefeated since joining FGA, you guys. He’s got size and strength! He’s relentless! He’s got a bad attitude! This is not the man you want to see inside the Gold Rush Rumble if you’re one of his competitors.

“You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down...”

Sloan runs a hand through his hair as he makes his way down the aisle, a stoic expression on his face. Completely ignoring the fans either side of him Talbot reaches ringside, placing a knee on the apron before pulling himself up using the middle rope. He takes a quick glance around the arena before stepping into the ring. Storm heads over and throws out a right hand. But Talbot blocks and counters with multiple punches to the face. After a knee strike to the midsection doubles Storm over, Talbot knocks him down with a clubbing strike across the back. Durden then runs over and leaps up onto Talbot’s back before applying a sleeper hold. The crowd cheers as Durden tries to put Talbot to sleep. But Talbot reaches up, grabs him by the hair with both hands and yanks him down hard to the mat. Talbot then delivers a hard stomp to the chest. But instead of taking his foot off of Durden, Talbot keeps his foot pressed down hard against Durden’s chest. Durden howls in pain while he kicks his legs. Valero then rushes over and connects with a running forearm strike to the back, knocking Talbot forward a few steps. Talbot slowly turns around as Valero turns and runs into the far ropes. When Valero comes back, Talbot lifts him up and brings him down with a flapjack. When Talbot returns to his feet, Eckhart runs over and nails him with multiple punches to the face. She then lights up his chest with backhand chops. The crowd cheers as Eckhart goes to town with the chops. But Talbot grabs Eckhart by the hair with both hands and flings her into the corner. He then rushes over into the corner to attack. But Eckhart moves out of the way. When Talbot turns around, Eckhart catches him with even more backhand chops. She then brings Talbot from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But Talbot hangs onto the top rope with his free hand. So Talbot grabs Eckhart and flings her over the top rope. The crowd gasps as Eckhart hits the top rope, flips over and behind to tumble down to the floor. But she’s able to grab the middle rope and pull herself back up onto the apron.

Stephy Auger: Talbot’s destroying everything in sight!

Kris Cruise: He’s having his way with everyone that ever dares to approach him.

Fujiko turns Talbot around and nails him with a flurry of forearm strikes to the face. She goes for an irish whip. But Talbot reverses and follows her into the corner. Instead of crashing into the turnbuckle, Fujiko runs up to the top turnbuckle, backflips off and lands in the center of the ring. She then turns and runs into the ropes while Talbot marches out of the corner. When he comes back, he throws out a big boot to the face. But Fujiko ducks and heads into the far ropes. When Talbot turns around, the crowd cheers when Fujiko knocks him back with the 4-Play! While Talbot tries to shake out the cobwebs, Fujiko runs back into the ropes When she returns, she nails Talbot again with the 4-Play!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s got Talbot teetering! He’s almost off his feet!

Talbot stumbles back closer towards the ropes. Fujiko gets to her feet and takes off into the far ropes. When Fujiko returns, she goes for a cross body block. But Talbot catches her in mid air.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

Geoff Penzer: This isn’t good…

The crowd boos when Talbot hoists Fujiko up across his shoulders before hitting a Samoan Drop!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

"Baker Street (Instrumental)" hits the speakers.

No. 16 - PIPER LENNON
VERTIGO

The crowd boos as Piper Lennon runs down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: The compelling Piper Lennon is always out next

Stephy Auger: She’s been known to push people’s buttons before. But I’m not so sure it would be the best idea getting on Talbot’s bad side.

As soon as Lennon rolls into the ring, she looks over and sees Talbot staring down at her. Lennon then wisely rolls back out of the ring.

Geoff Penzer: What is she doing? The ref’s need to make her get back in there.

Stephy Auger: Last I checked, there were no countouts in a Rumble, Penzer. Keep up!

While the ref’s are trying to talk Lennon into getting back inside, Smith turns Talbot around and connects with a series of knife edge chops. She then takes a few steps back, runs forward and connects with a step-up enzuigiri. Talot stumbles back a few steps. Smith then runs into the afr ropes. When she returns, she nails Talbot with an uppercut elbow that knocks him back a few more steps. Smith then turns and runs back into the ropes. When Smith returns, she connects with a jumping knee strike, knocking Talbot ever further back.

Geoff Penzer: Noelle’s got him rocked!

Kris Cruise: She’s poised to knock Talbot right out of this match. But can she do it? Can she deliver that knockout blow?

Smith turns and runs into the far ropes. When Smith returns, Talbot turns her inside out with a lariat! The boos continue as he marches across the ring, steps up onto the middle ropes, grabs Eckhart and brings her back into the ring with Enter Tragedy (superplex from the apron)!

When Talbot gets back to his feet, Storm runs over and knocks him back with a lariat. Another running lariat knocks Talbot further back. The cheers continue when Storm connects with a bicycle kick, knocking Talbot into the corner. Storm then marches into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes and rains down punches while the crowd counts along.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEV-

The crowd gasps when Talbot grabs Storm, walks towards the center of the ring and throws him down with a thunderous powerbomb! Boos soon follow as Talbot scans the crowd.

Stephy Auger: I don’t think there’s anyone that can stop Talbot! He might be looking at the next challenger for the FGA Undisputed Champion!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

Boo's echo through the arena as Mark Storm emerges through the curtain. “Short Change Hero” continues to blare throughout the arena 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.

No. 17 - MARK STORM
FLASHPOINT

Kris Cruise: It’s the Dogs of War’s Mark Storm!

Geoff Penzer: The reigning FGA 15 Champion is looking to add another piece of hardware to his collection here tonight!

Stephy Auger: In a match like this, endurance is key. Will Storm have anything left in the tank? He isn’t pulling double duty like some. But the man keeps a busy schedule outside of FGA.

As soon as Storm gets in the ring, he heads over towards Talbot, who is eyeing him from the center of the ring. “Your Hero and Mine” looks Talbot up and down before smiling at him. He then slowly raises his arm in the air and offers Talbot the “Two Sweet” gesture.

Geoff Penzer: What is Storm doing!?

Stephy Auger: Trying not to get on Talbot’s good side and offering him a spot in the Dogs of War. Could you imagine an FGA version of the Dogs with Storm, Liam Richardson, Qiang Chen AND Talbot?

Talbot looks Storm up and down before nodding his head. The crowd cheers as Talbot raises his arm in the air.

Kris Cruise: You’ve gotta be kidding me!

Stephy Auger: Talbot is a smart man. He knows what being associated with the Dogs can do for his career!

Talbot’s about to “too sweet” Storm when he quickly brings his hand back down and latches onto Storm’s throat.

Geoff Penzer: Or maybe not!

The crowd cheers. But not for Talbot. But at the sight of seeing Storm being choked. Storm grabs onto Talbot’s wrist and tries to pull his hand from around his neck. But it’s to no avail. Talbot has words for Storm before launching him across the ring. Lennon then slides back inside. When Talbot turns around, Lennon gives him alternating jabs and knife edge chops. Talbot throws out a right hook to swat her away. But Lennon ducks and counters with a gamengiri, knocking Talbot back. After multiple kicks to the midsection, Lennon connects with a sitout jawbreaker. But Talbot only stumbles back. He doesn't fall to the mat. So Lennon turns and heads into the ropes. When Lennon returns, Talbot throws her down with a powerslam! He then picks up Lennon, runs and tosses her over the top rope and to the floor.

Piper Lennon - ELIMINATED

When Talbot turns around, Reed nails him with multiple right jabs. Talbot throws out a right hook. But Reed ducks before lighting him up with more snapping jabs. He then nails Talbot with Johnny Cage (split legged punch) below the belt, doubling him over with the low blow. Reed gets back to his feet and runs into the ropes. When he returns, he connects with a high knee lift that knocks Talbot upright. Reed then nails Talbot with a discus punch. The Funky Dragon nails Talbot with another discus punch. Reed then deliver the Pimp Slap, which turns Talbot away from him! The slam garners a loud “OOOOOOOH!” from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Oh boy. I’m not sure that was a good idea.

Talbot holds his jaw while Reed spins in place. He then moonwalks away while running his hands through his afro. After showboating, Reed runs back over to attack. But Talbot turns around and grabs him by the throat. Talbot then moves Reed over towards the side of the ring, lifts him up and throws him down over the top rope with a chokeslam! Reed bounces off the apron before falling to the mat.

Cassius Reed - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: Sloan Talbot continues to dominate this Gold Rush Rumble match. Whoever comes out next is going to take one hell of a time getting this man off his feet, let alone over the top rope!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Ghost Riders in the Sky” hits the speakers.

No. 18 - A.C. SMITH
FLASHPOINT

The crowd cheers as A.C. Smith strides down to the ring.

Geoff Penzer: Oh were we go!

Kris Cruise: It’s “The Big Apple Asskicker” A.C. Smith!

Geoff Penzer: If there is anyone right now that can give Talbot a fight, it’s the 6’8” big man from the big apple!

A.C. Smith climbs up onto the apron before stepping over the top rope. The crowd is at a fever pitch as he walks over and gets right in Talbot’s face.

Stephy Auger: A.C. Smith is showing total disrespect to Talbot!

Geoff Penzer: No, he’s letting Talbot know that he’s not backing down!

The crowd is chanting for the two big men left in the match to fight. Words continue to be exchanged between both men until Talbot nails A.C. with a right hand. A.C. comes back with a punch of his own. Talbot then nails A.C. with another right hand. A.C. comes back with another punch of his own. After shaking off the blow, Talbot socks A.C.. with a right hand, knocking him back a few steps. A.C. shakes off the blow, rushes back over and knocks Talbot back with a punch of his own. Talbot comes back over to throw out a punch. But A.C. blocks and counters with a punch of his own! He then nails Talbot with another punch! And another! And another! He then goes for an irish whip. But Talbot reverses, sending A.C. into the ropes. When A.C. comes back, he goes for a running clothesline. But he doesn’t knock Talbot down! A.C. then looks Talbot up and down before turning and running back into the ropes. When he comes back, he connects with another running clothesline. But again, Talbot doesn’t get knocked off his feet! A.C. then points to the far ropes, daring Talbot to knock him down. Talbot obliges as he runs into the far ropes. When Talbot returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when A.C. knocks him down with a clothesline!

Kris Cruise: A.C. Smith knocked down Talbot!

When Talbot gets back to his feet, A.C. runs over and knocks him down with another running clothesline!

Geoff Penzer: He knocked him down again!

Smith picks up Talbot and whips him into the ropes. When Talbot returns, A.C. brings him down with a spinebuster!

Stephy Auger: A.C. Smith is taking it to Talbot!

As Talbot gets back to his feet and stumbles back, A.C Smith runs over and connects with a clothesline, sending Talbot over the top rope and to the floor!

Sloan Talbot - ELIMINATED

The crowd explodes with cheers after seeing Talbot eliminated. When Talbot gets back to his feet, he turns and sees Smith pointing to the back. The ref’s then instruct Talbot to head to the back. But he doesn’t leave right away. He gives Smith a steely, cold gaze. Smith then heads over towards the ropes, sits down on the middle rope and holds the top rope up for Talbot. Talbot responds by turning and walking away.

Kris Cruise: It looks like A.C. Smith wants some more of Sloan Talbot!

Stephy Auger: Well they’re both on Flashpoint. I’m sure Talbot won’t be hard to find.

Back inside the ring, A.C. Smith stands up from the middle rope. When he turns around, he sees Noelle Smith, Durden, Valero, Anders, Mark Storm, Fujiko, Eckhart and Tyler Storm all staring at him.

Geoff Penzer: A.C. Smith got rid of Talbot, who had proven himself to be the biggest obstacle in this match. Now A.C. is quickly realizing that he’s the biggest obstacle left now.

Noelle, Durden, Fujiko, Eckhart and Tyler Storm all rush over and gang up on A.C. The crowd cheers as the five grapplers try to lift Smith over the top rope. But it’s to no avail as Smith stands up and forcefully spreads his arms out, sending the five grapplers flying off of him!

Stephy Auger: So much for that!

As Smith makes his way towards the center of the ring, Mark Storm, Anders and Valero all gang up on him. But Smith is eventually able to swat away their strikes. He then knocks Valero down with a punch to the face! Anders is then sent down to the mat with a facepalm! Mark Storm is then knocked down to the mat after a back elbow to the face!

Kris Cruise: That attempt at trying to get out A.C. Smith didn’t go so well, either!

When Smith turns to his left, Noelle and Durden run over and connect with a double dropkick, knocking him back! Eckhart then runs over and connects with a lariat! Fujiko then runs over and connects with the 4-Play, turning Smith away! Tyler Storm then heads over towards the ropes and connects with the Hardcastle Treatment (springboard roundhouse kick), knocking A.C. Smith down to a knee! The five grapplers then pick up A.C. Smith, moves him over against the ropes and try to push him over the top rope. But it's to no avail as A.C. Smith wraps his arms around the top rope. Mark Storm and Anders step out onto the apron, head over and deliver clubbing strikes to the arms. They then slowly pull his arms from off the ropes around the ropes. They then try to pull Smith down from the outside while Valero joins in with Noelle, Durden, Fujiko, Tyler Storm and Eckhart!

Geoff Penzer: They’ve nearly got A.C. Smith parallel to the top rope! They’ve almost got him out!

The crowd explodes with cheers when Smith is then pushed over the top rope and sent to the floor!

A.C. Smith - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: What an effort! Eight grapplers it took to finally eliminated A.C. Smith!

Mark Storm and Anders are then shoved off the apron and to the floor by Durden and Noelle.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Professional Griefers” hits the speakers.

No. 19 - KENDALL KINGHAM
FLASHPOINT

The crowd cheers as Kendall Kingham makes a beeline towards the ring.

Kris Cruise: Kendall Kingham is out next and it looks like she’s already got her sights set on someone!

As soon as Kingham slides into the ring, she runs over and tackles Mark Storm down to the mat with a double leg takedown. Kingham mounts on top of Storm and rains down 12-to-6 elbows to the face. She then picks up Mark Storm, runs over into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Mrk around, Kingham applies a Thai Plum and delivers short elbows, knees and uppercuts!

Kris Cruise: Kingham is going to town on Mark Storm!

Geoff Penzer: She’s had enough of Storm’s lies and manipulation, Kris!

Back across the ring, Fujiko delivers the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check) to Durden. After Durden bounces off of Fujiko’s knees, he rolls over and pulls himself up using the ropes. Fujiko then runs up from behind, grabs him by the leg and dumps him over the top rope and to the floor!

Neal Durden - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: After nearly 29 minutes, Durden’s night is done!

Smith runs up and tries to catch Fujiko off guard. But Fujiko ducks and dumps Noelle over the top rope. As soon as Noelle lands safely on the apron, Fujiko connects with a pelé kick. The crowd gasps as Noelle leans back. She’s about to fall off the apron… when she lunges forward and grabs onto the middle rope with both hands. As Noelle pulls herself closer to the ropes, Fujiko connects with a rope-assisted gamengiri! While Noelle is dazed, Fujiko runs into the corner and connects with a springboard enzuigiri, knocking Noelle off the apron and to the floor!

Noelle Smith - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: And that’s seven eliminations for Fujiko Mine!

When Fujiko turns around, she gets caught with the Capetown Sunset! Anders then picks up Fujiko, leans her against the ropes, wraps her arms around both legs and lifts up, dumping Fujiko over the top rope and to the floor to boos from the crowd!

Fujiko Mine - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine’s been eliminated?

Stephy Auger: Fujiko’s been eliminated! She was eliminated by Izzy Anders! The Dreamkiller strikes once again!

Fujiko slowly pulls herself up from the apron. She stares up at Anders while Anders has words for her. While the Dreamkiller is distracted, Eckhart runs up from behind and connects with a lariat, knocking Anders over the top rope and to the floor to an explosion of cheers!

Izzy Anders - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: Izzy Anders has been eliminated by Aria Eckhart! The Darling has eliminated The Dreamkiller from the Gold Rush Rumble!

Stephy Auger: I don’t believe it!

Kris Cruise: Neither can Eckhart!

The crowd starts as “YES!!!” chant while Eckhart is in disbelief over eliminating a former Mid-Atlantic Legacy and Undisputed Champion! But the good times don’t last for long as Valero runs up from behind, grabs Eckhart, turns and chucks her over the top rope, sending her tumbling to the floor! The crowd erupts with boos as Valero flips them off.

Aria Eckhart - ELIMINATED

Stephy Auger: You’ve gotta keep your head on a swivel in a match like this! That’s a lesson that I’m sure the Darling won’t forget next time.

Back in the ring, Kingham goes for a running clothesline. But Mark Storm ducks. When Kingham turns around, he runs over and connect with a running clothesline of his own, sending them both over the top rope and to the floor.

Mark Storm & Kendall Kingham - ELIMINATED

Mark Storm and Kingham get to their feet and come to blows on the outside. But the refs are quick to step in and hold them back.

Valero laughs as he thinks he’s the last man standing. But unbeknownst to him, Tyler Storm has rolled back inside.

Stephy Auger: Ricky! RICKY! LOOK OUT!

When Valero turns around, Storm runs over and throws out a bicycle kick. But Valero catches his foot. He then swings Storm’s leg away from him behind dropping to a knee and delivering a low blow! The crowd erupts with boos as Storm crumbles to the canvas. The Shootcamp member rolls to the outside while Valero basks in his greatness.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

[FGA Office]

The lights dim as the sound of a guitar plays throughout the arena. Once their attention has been captured, the crowd turns to the entryway to prepare for the man that's about to walk out. At the 25 second mark, “Animal Ghosts” bursts through the speakers. Chandler Scott pushes through the curtain to a loud ovation from the crowd.

No. 20 - CHANDLER SCOTT
FLASHPOINT

Kris Cruise: It’s Chandler Scott!

Geoff Penzer: “The DNA of FGA” has got his eyes locked on Valero! Here’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide now!

Stephy Auger: Oh no! Ricky, RUN!

Valero is throwing a fit in the ring while Scott slowly walks down the aisle. Valero looks around. But Storm is still down on the outside. Just a few minutes ago, the ring was jam-packed with entrants. Now, it’s just Valero by his lonesome as Scott makes his way up the steel steps.

As soon as Scott steps in through the ropes, Valero runs over to attack. The crowd cheers when Scott blocks a punch and knocks him back with a punch of his own. Scott continues to knock Valero back with another punch… and another… and another. He then goes for an irish whip. But Valero reverses, sending Scott into the ropes. When Scott returns, Valero sets up for a back body drop. But Scott stops, lifts him up and brings him down with the CRS-Two (End of Heartache)! The crowd cheers as Valero bounces off of Scott’s knees. The cheers then turns to boos as Valero scoots back into the corner and calls for a timeout. But Scott’s having none of it. He the rushes over into the corner as Valero pulls himself up. Scott goes to crab Valero rakes him across the eyes. He then slams Scott face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Scott around, Valero sends him slumping down in the corner with a flurry of right hands. He then reaches down, pulls Scott back up and sends him slumping back down into the corner with mudhole stomps to the chest. The crowd erupts with boos when Valero applies a foot choke and pulls down on the top rope.

Stephy Auger: Look at Valero having his way with that fraud!

Kris Cruise: The only fraud I see is the one that calls himself “The Franchise!”

Stephy Auger: Which side are you on, Cruise!? Vertigo or Flashpoint!?

Geoff Penzer: He’s just calling it how he sees it!

Valero reaches down and pulls Scott back up. The crowd boos when he slaps Scott across the face. The boos then turn back to cheers when Scott reverses, sending Valero into the corner. Scott runs over and connects with a running European Uppercut. He then takes Valero, delivers an irish whip, follows him back over into the previous corner and nearly takes his head off with a running European Uppercut! He then sends Valero back over into the other corner with an irish whip. Scott runs, jumps and cracks Valero across the jaw with a flying corner elbow smash. After lifting Valero up onto the top turnbuckle, Scott turns around, reaches back and places him in a ¾ facelock before taking a few steps away from the crowd. The crowd is at a fever pitch. Scott looks around at the crowd before delivering the Mass Spike (top rope-hund Cutter). Scott then drags Valero back to the center of the ring. He then picks up Valero, places him in a front facelock and lifts his arm up. Valero tries to run away. But Scott’s not having any of it. He then lifts Valero up before planting him with the DNA Driver (Bloody Sunday) to an explosion of cheers from the crowd. Scott then picks up Valero, runs and tosses him over the top rope and to the floor!

Ricky Valero - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: After roughly 38 minutes, the night is over for Ricky Valero!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOOOOO!

Geoff Penzer: Say goodbye to “The Good Guy”, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Shut up, Penzer! Just shut up! This isn’t funny!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The crowd explodes with cheers as “War Machine” blasts over the PA.

No. 21 - CHRIS MADISON
VERTIGO

Chris Madison and Frankie Morrison steps through the curtain to cheers from the crowd. Morrison gives Madison soe last minute words. He then pats Madison on the back before turning to head to the back. Madison keeps his eyes locked on the ring while Scott paces back and forth.

Kris Cruise: The former two-time Pride Champion is out next! He lost his chance to become a record three-time Pride Champion earlier tonight. But the Gold Rush Rumble is still up for grabs!

As soon as Madison steps into the ring, he and Scott habe a staredown in the center of the ring. The crowd buzzes with anticpation before brekaing out into dueling chants.

LET’S GO, CHANDLER!
LET’S GO, MAYHEM!

LET’S GO, CHANDLER!
LET’S GO, MAYHEM!

LET’S GO, CHANDLER!
LET’S GO, MAYHEM!

Geoff Penzer: If you follow our affiliate New Japan Fighting Championships on AxxessNet, you will know that these two have been in some battles! They are no strangers to each other!

Stephy Auger: It looks like there’s no love lost, either!

The two fan favorites continue to jaw back and forth before the fists start flying. The fans explodes with cheers as Madison and Scott trade blows at a furious pace! The punches fly back and forth until Scott ducks and counters with a punch of his own. Madison throws out another punch. But Scott blocks and counters with a punch of his own. He then cracks Madison with a forearm strike before knocking him back with a European Uppercut. Scott takes Madison and whips him into the ropes. When Madison returns, the crowd cheers when Madison tackles him down with a Lou Thesz Press! He then mounts himself on top of Scott and hammers down with 12-to-6 elbows to the face. Scott then rolls over on top of Madison and delivers short-range punches to the face. Madison then grabs Scott and throws him off of him. After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Scott brings him to the mat with a double leg takedown. The crowd explodes with cheers when Scott goes for the Scott Lock (Scorpion Death Lock)! But Madison counters with hammer fists to the face! The last of which knocks Scott down to his knees. After Scott picks himself back up, Madison grabs him from behind and throws out the Comatosed. But Scott ducks and lifts Madison across his shoulders. Madison elbows Scott in the side of the head. But Scott fights through it before delivering a fireman’s carry neckbreaker!

Scott picks up Madison and whips him into the ropes. When Madison returns, Scott knocks him down with a Pinpoint Dropkick! The cheers continue as he takes Madison and whips him into the corner. Scott runs, jumps and goes for a flying corner elbow smash. But Madison moves out of the way, causing Scott to crash into the turnbuckles! Madison then comes from behind and delivers a backwards roll into a release German Suplex! The crowd gasps and cheers as Scott is left folded up on the mat. Madison marches over, pulls up Scott and places him in a standing guillotine. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as they know what’s about to come next. Madison then begins to spin in place before lifting Scott up off the mat with the Helicopter Guillotine! The crowd counts after each rotation.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
NINE!
TEN!

Madison lets go, sending Scott flying across the ring! Madison then saggers over towards the ropes. When he regains his balance, he runs across the ring and nails Storm with a running bicycle knee strike, knocking Storm off the apron and to the floor.

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

*Static Cut Intro*

This is a public service announcement

Sponsored by Just Blaze and the good folks at Roc-A-Fella Records..

The arena darkens as the ominous piano intro to Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement” plays, and the fans are able to make out the silhouette of a man walking out from the back. The Man crosses his arms into an X in front of his and lowering his head as the intro concludes…

ALLOW ME TO RE-INTRODUCE MYSELF, MY NAME IS HOV.

A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show Marlon Cure standing with both arms outstretched on either side of him, eyes closed and his head tilted back, soaking in the atmosphere and energy from the crowd. The camera pans around Cure as the fan reaction grows louder and louder.

No. 22 - MARLON CURE
VERTIGO

Geoff Penzer: What the hell!?

Kris Cruise: It’s Marlon Cure, one of the 2018 Rey del Aire Semifinalists!

Stephy Auger: You want to talk about your clueless GM making moves? This is a move!

The High Flyer walks down to the ring with purpose, oozing confidence as he hops up the steel steps and climbs up to the top rope, reaching a hand for the sky in a taunting manner before he finally drops down into the ring. He then rushes over to attack Madison, but Madison blocks the punch and counters with a punch of his own. He then nails Cure with another punch… and another punch… and another! Mayhem them takes Cure and goes for an irish whip. But Cure reverses, sending Madison into the ropes. When Madison returns, Cure leapfrogs over him. Madison continues to run the ropes. When Madison returns, Cure (without turning around) leapfrogs over him again. Madison continues to run the ropes. When Madison returns, he sees Cure running past him. So he stops. When Madison turns around, Cure executes a running headscissors takedown. As Madison tries to get back up, Cure runs over and knocks him down with a rolling koppu kick. Scott then turns Cure around and blasts him with a punch to the face. He then takes Cure and goes for an irish whip. But Cure reverses, sending Scott into the ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd boos when Cure brings him down with a flapjack before following up with a deadlift release German Suplex! When Cure gets back up, Madison grabs him from behind and goes for a German Suplex. But Cure blocks the move. After hitting Madison with three back elbows to the face, he performs a standing switch, grabs Madison from behind and brings him down with a ripcord Sling Blade! The boos continue Cure goes over to Scott, pics him up and whips him into the ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd boos when Cure brings him down with the Moment of Clarity (Running Spanish Fly)!

Kris Cruise: What a maneuver by Marlon Cure!

When Cure turns around, the boos turn to cheers when Storm knocks him down with a bicycle kick to the face. He then picks up Cure and lifts him up for the Bite Wound (Crucifix Cutter). But Cure kicks his legs until he slips down from behind. He then shoves Storm into the ropes. When Storm returns, Cure knocking him down with a jumping knee strike. With Storm, Scott and Madison all down on the mat, Cure steps to the center of the ring. He then brings his arms down to his side before leaning back slightly and spreading his arms out. The hard camera zooms all the way out, capturing the boos from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: Marlon Cure has just laid out Chris Madison, Chandler Scott and Tyler Storm! Not bad for your official first day in the company!

Geoff Penzer: He might have laid them out, but he hasn’t eliminated them! What is he waiting for?

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The crowd explodes with cheers when “The Greatest” blasts over the PA.

No. 23 - MOLLY REID
VERTIGO

Out from the back runs Molly Reid to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Molly Reid’s out next! She was one of the final four left in last year’s Rumble. This year, she wants to be the last one standing.

Stephy Auger: She’s pointing right at Cure!

Geoff Penzer: Those two are no strangers to each other, having competed in NKP. As a matter of fact, it was Cure that beat Reid for the NKP European Championship last September.

When Reid gets in the ring, she and Cure exchange words until Cure doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. He then grabs Reid, runs over into the corner and goes to slam her face-first into the top turnbuckle. But Reid gets her foot on the middle rope, stopping the move. After an elbow to the midsection, Reid takes Cure and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Cure around, Reid unleashes a quick flurry of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. She then takes Cure and whips him into the opposite corner. The crowd cheers when Reid runs across the ring and connects with a corner handspring back elbow! Reid takes a few steps away from the corner before following up with a pelé kick, causing Cure to slump down in the corner! Reid reaches down, picks up Cure, hooks her arms around his legs and tries to lift him over the top rope. But Cure wraps his arms around the top rope. Scott then makes his way over, grabs Cure’s other leg and tries to dump him over the top rope. Storm then heads over, positions himself up underneath Cure and tries to help Scott and Reid push Cure over the top rope. But Cure is hanging on for dear life.

Kris Cruise: Cure is almost out! He’s hanging on with all he’s got!

Madison steps out onto the apron. He then heads over and begins nailing Cure with hammerfists to the face while the crowd cheers.

Stephy Auger: This isn’t fair! It’s 4-on-1! It’s supposed to be every man for himself! But they’re all hanging up on Cure because he got the better of them!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The crowd boos when “Dead and Bone” pumps through the speakers.

No. 24 - TRISTAN AMBROSE
FLASHPOINT

Out from the back runs Tristan Ambrose to boos from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: Tristan Ambrose was the third grappler to be declared for the Rumble. He’s been talking a big game for the past two months. Now it’s time for him to back all those big words up.

After sliding into the ring, the crowd boos when Ambrose grabs Scott and Reid by their heads and slams them together with a double noggin knocker. Both Scott and Reid stumble back, causing them to lower Cure back down. Ambrose them tries to lift Cure up over the top rope by himself. But Cure nails him with repeated elbows to the head. Ambrose then runs over and connects with the Lethal Dose (jumping knee strike) to Madison, knocking him off the apron and to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Madison’s eliminated!

Kris Cruise: No he isn’t! He stepped through the ropes to get on the apron, Stephy. You have to go OVER the top rope.

Back inside the ring, Ambrose takes Reid and whips her into the ropes. When Reid comes back, Ambrose sends her flipping down to the canvas with a running knee to the gut. He then goes over, grabs Scott and whips him into the ropes. When Scott returns, Ambrose sends him flipping down to the canvas with a running knee to the gut. He pulls Scott back up, delivers knees to the head from the clinch and follows up with a T-Bone Suplex. The boos continue as he goes over, picks up Reid and goes for an irish whip. But Reid reverses, sending him into the corner. Reid runs over to attack when Ambrose counters with a back elbow to the face. He then quickly grabs Reid and delivers a reverse STO into the turnbuckle.

Stephy Auger: You said that Ambrose has to back up his words, Penzer? It looks to me like he’s doing just that!

Across the ring, Cure moves Storm into the corner and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the chest. He then goes for an irish whip. But Storm reverses, sending him into the opposite corner. Storm runs across the ring to attack when Cure counters with a back elbow to the face. A rope-aided gamengiri then knocks Storm back a few steps. While Storm is dazed, Cure bounces into the ropes. When he comes back, he throws out a rolling elbow. But Storm ducks, grabs him from behind and counters with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into a Rolling Elbow)! The cheers continue as Storm picks up Cure from of his knee, leans forward and lifts him up onto his shoulders for an Alabama Slam. When Storm turns around, Ambrose knocks him down with the Lethal Dose! The boos turn to cheers when Madison grabs Ambrose from behind and throws him down with the Millennium Suplex (crossface chickenwing suplex)!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

"The following beat down has been brought to you by Dark Horse Protection. Dark Horse Protection: Protecting your ass, cause we need root beer money."

"Yeah,
I've made my mistake
I've seen my heart cave in
I got my scars
I've been to hell and back again"

Dark Horses by Switchfoot starts to play as the guitar intro hammers out into the arena. Brian Stryker walks out from behind the curtain, his hood up. Brian walks to the center of the stage. He gets down on one knee and runs his hand over the floor of thee stage. He rises to his feet and throws his hood back as the fans start singing the bridge.

No. 25 - BRIAN STRYKER
FLASHPOINT

Kris Cruise: & Geoff Penzer: PAPA STRYKER!

Stephy Auger: Great, it’s The Big Baby of Professional Wrestling! Is he still whining about how our esteemed General Manager screwed him over?

Geoff Penzer: Yes, because that’s exactly what happened!

Kris Cruise: I mean… I don’t know. On one hand, it seemed like Macdonald had Stryker’s best interest in mind when he called off the match. On the other hand, it was strange that Stryker got jumped just a few minutes after turning down the opportunity to opt out of his contract and sign exclusively to Vertigo.

Stephy Auger: There’s no conspiracy! Brian Stryker’s big mouth got him in trouble with Julian Tijerina! His short fuse then cost him the 15 Championship against Mark Storm! No one is out to screw over Brian Stryker!

When Stryker gets in, Cure runs over to attack. But Stryker throws him down with a japanese arm drag. Another japanese arm drag sends Cure back down to the mat. When Cure returns to his feet, Stryker knocks him down with the First Stryke (arm wrench/leg hook combo)! Stryker then kicks Madison in the midsection before knocking him into the ropes with the First Stryke! After Madison stumbles back against the ropes, Scott runs over and tries to clothesline Madison over the top rope. The crowd gasps as Madison ducks and dumps Scott over the top rope…

Stephy Auger: Scott’s eliminated!

… but Scott lands safely on the apron. When Madison turns around, Scott doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then steps back inside, grabs Madison wraps the waist and tries to throw him over the top rope with a gutwrench suplex. But Madison reaches out and wraps his arms around the middle rope, blocking the move.

Across the ring, Ambrose takes Stryker and whips him into the ropes. When Stryker comes back, he brings Ambrose down with a running hurricanrana. When Stryker gets back to his feet and turns around, the crowd cheers when Reid throws out the Molly Kick (superkick)! But Stryker catches her foot. After signing Reid’s leg away from him, Stryker grabs her from behind and throws her down with Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex)!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

“Warrior” blares throughout the arena.

No. 26 - ASHLEY SULLIVAN
FLASHPOINT

Ashley Sullivan races down to the ring to cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Here comes Ashley Sullivan! She’s previously won a Rumble over in HKW! She, more than anyone left in this match, knows how to get the job done in a match like this!

Stephy Auger: I’m not the biggest Sullivan fan. But she did well for herself drawing such a late number.

Geoff Penzer: Not just any late number. But Number 26! Two former Gold Rush Rumble winners won from this number! Can Sullivan be the third person to win from Number 26!?

When Sullivan rolls into the ring, she’s met face to face with Stryker, her old foe from HKW. The two fan favorites take in the cheers from the crowd before going at it. Stryker ultimately gains the upper hand. He takes Sullivan and whips her into the ropes. When Sullivan returns, she slides through Stryker’s legs. When Stryker turns around, Sullivan brings him down to a knee after a low angle dropkick. She then runs back into the ropes, comes back and flattens him with a Shining Wizard! Reid then grabs Sullivan from behind and goes for a belly to back suplex. But Sullivan rolls over her shoulder, lands on her feet and follows up with a one-handed bulldog. When Sullivan gets back to her feet and turns around, the cheers turn to boos when Ambrose connects with a running front dropkick, sending Sullivan flying backwards into the turnbuckles. The boos continue as Ambrose puts the boots to Sullivan!

Geoff Penzer: Ambrose feels that the red carpet was rolled out for Sullivan as she was named the first participant for the 2018 Gold Rush Rumble. He’d love for nothing more than to eliminate her here tonight. Him and Brookford did a number on Sullivan and Kendall Kingham a few weeks back. Eliminating Sullivan here tonight would be icing on the cake.

Ambrose picks up Sullivan, lifts her up onto his shoulders and delivers a turnbuckle powerbomb. The boos continues as Sullivan crumbles from out of the corner. Ambrose looks down at Sullivan, then over to the top turnbuckle, then back down to Sullivan. A wicked smile forms on Ambrose’s face before stepping out onto the apron and climbing the turnbuckles!

Kris Cruise: Ambrose is going for something high risk! I’m not sure how wise that is in a match like this!

As soon as Ambrose reaches the top turnbuckle, Cure darts into the corner, runs up to the top turnbuckle and grabs a hold of Ambrose.

Geoff Penzer: This doesn't look good.

Stephy Auger: It’s NOT good!

Ambrose tries to fight back with an elbow to the side of the head. But Cure fights through it, flips off off the top turnbuckle and brings Ambrose down with a Spanish Fly off the top turnbuckle!

Geoff Penzer: What a move by Malron Cure!!!

Kris Cruise: It takes some major stones to pull off a move like that in a match like this!

Despite not being a fan favorite, the crowd gives it up for Cure with applause. While Cure basks in his glory, the crowd cheers when Reid is quick to grab him from behind and toss him over the top rope…

Stephy Auger: NO NO NO!

Instead of falling to the floor, Cure lands safely on the apron. Reid then throws out a right hand. But Cure ducks. After Cure ducks a left hand, he doubles Reid over with a shoulder thrust. Cure goes for a springboard maneuver. But in mid jump, Reid shoves him down! Cure then lands back on the apron. He then goes for a rope-assisted gamengiri. But Reid swats his foot down, quickly steps back and nails him with a Molly Kick! The crowd explodes with cheers as Cure slowly falls back and collapses to the floor.

Marlon Cure - ELIMINATED

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The crowd erupts with boos when “Just Close Your Eyes” blares throughout the arena.

No. 27 - SAVANNAH TAYLOR
FLASHPOINT

The Las Vegas Siren saunters down the aisle as the crowd boos.

Stephy Auger: Savannah Taylor defeated that nasty woman, Noelle Smith, to reclaim HER United States Championship! But of course, that’s simply not enough for a woman like Savannah Taylor! She wants it all and tonight, she looks to be the last one standing here in the Gold Rush Rumble!

As soon as Taylor enters the ring, she runs over and puts the boots to her old nemesis, Madison. She then steps back and applies a foot choke. While Taylor’s trying to choke the life out of Madison, Scott runs up from behind, grabs Taylor’s leg and dumps her over the top rope!

Geoff Penzer: Savannah’s been eliminated!

… but Taylor lands on the apron and rolls back inside!

Across the ring, Sullivan nails Ambrose with multiple punches to the face. Each punch knocks him closer and closer to the ropes. While Ambrose is dazed, Sullivan turns and runs into the afr ropes. When she returns, cheers as she connects with a running clothesline. But Ambrose doesn’t go over the top rope. So Sullivan reaches down, hooks his leg and tries to dump him over the top rope. The cheers then turn to boos when Ambrose rakes her across the eyes. He then switches positions with Sullivan and tries to push her over the top rope. But Sullivan’s hanging on. Storm then comes up from behind, grabs both Ambrose and Sullivan by the leg and lifts up, sending them both over the top rope and to the floor!

Ashley Sullivan & Tristan Ambrose - ELIMINATED

On the other side of the ring, Scott takes Stryker and delivers a snap suplex. He then rolls over, pulls Stryker back up and delivers another snap suplex. Scott rolls over, pulls Stryker back up, drags him over towards the corner and delivers a snap suplex into the turnbuckles! Stryker rolls out of the corner before holding his lower back. Scott reaches down, brings Stryker back to his feet, lifts him up and delivers the CRS-Two! The crowd cheers when Stryker bounces off of Scott’s knees. Scott picks up Strker and whips him into the corner. Stryker arches his back as soon as his spine collides with the turnbuckles. Scott then runs over, jumps and connects with a flying corner elbow smash! The cheers continue as Scott sits Stryker up on the top turnbuckle. He grabs Stryker, takes a few steps out of the corner and brings him down with the Mass Spike!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

A song crashes into the P.A. system that sounds of static and a guitar. “Murdered Out” blasts over the PA...

No. 28 - JIMMY PAGE
VERTIGO

The crowd explodes with cheera as Jimmy Page marches down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Jimmy Page is in at number 28! He had spent the better part of the last year feuding with Dom Harter and The New Murder. But after leading Team Page to victory inside Steel Warfare at A New Odyssey, Page has set his sights on getting back into the title picture!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but look who is standing in the ring waiting for him!

When Page climbs up to the top turnbuckle, he looks over and sees Scott standing right in the center of the ring waiting for him. The two arch rivals narrow their eyes at each other.

Geoff Penzer: There is clearly no love lost between these two! This rivalry goes back many years. This will be the first time in nearly two years that they’ve been in the ring at the same time. But the hatred between both men is as present as ever! You can feel it in the air, ladies and gentlemen!

Page slowly steps in between the ropes and looks over at Scott. The FGAce can be seen starting to breath heavier and heavier as his hatred of Page is starting to take over. Page can be seen mouthing off to Scott, which does nothing to deescalate the situation. Te crowd explodes with cheers as both men both to run towards each other. But they quickly get spun around. Page by Storm and Scott by Taylor. The crowd boos when Taylor doubles Scott over with a knee to the midsection. She then places him in a headlock, walks over towards the side of the ring and rakes his face along the top turnbuckle. After Scott staggers over into the corner, Taylor runs up from behind, grabs his leg and tries to dump him over the top rope. But Scott reaches over with his right hand and grabs a hold of the top rope. Madison then comes over, grabs Scott’s left leg and tries to dump him over the top rope. But Scott blocks by wrapping his left arm under and around the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: Chris Madison and Savannah Taylor are trying to get rid of Chandler Scott! But Scott is hanging on for dear life!

Across the ring, Storm marches into the corner and slams Page face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Page around, Storm unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body before following up with a hard European Uppercut!

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm has been in this match for over 38 minutes and isn’t taking it easy! He’s not holding anything back! He’s already got a future shot at the Pride Championship in the bag. But he wants the Undisputed Championship shot as well!

Storm takes Page and whips him into the opposite corner. The Shootcamp member runs across the ring to attack when Page steps out of the corner, grabs Storm and throws him into the turnbuckle with an Exploder Suplex! The cheers continue as Storm rolls out of the corner. Page pulls him back to his feet, doubles him over with a boot to the midsection and throws him down with a double underhook suplex! The King of the F’n World heads over, pulls up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Page throws out Sole destruction (discus big boot). But Storm catches his foot. He then swings Page’s leg away from him, grabs him from the side and brings him down with a Backdrop Driver! Storm heads into the corner and crouches down, waiting for Page to get up. As Page begins to stir on the canvas, Storm starts to wave him up. He continue to wave up Page as Page gets up on a knee. Once Page gets to his feet and turns around, Storm charges out of the corner and motion for a spear. But Page cuts him off with the Trauma Symphony (Boma ye)!

Kris Cruise: Page just clocked Storm with that hard knee right to the head!

Across the ring, Stryker takes Reid and whips her into the corner. The Dad of Professional Wrestling rushes in to attack when Reid knocks him back with a boot to the face. Reid then runs out of the corner and throws out a Superman Punch! But Stryker ducks underneath it. Once Reid lands on her feet and turns around, she gets caught with a pelé kick! The cheers continue as Stryker heads out onto the apron. When Reid returns to her feet, Stryker goes for a springboard flying forearm. But Reid leaps into the air and counters with That’s Using Your Face (double knee facebreaker), garnering an explosion of cheers from the crowd!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

The crowd explodes with cheers when “My Name is Human” blasts over the PA...

No. 29 - JAMES EDWARDS
FLASHPOINT

The cheers continue as “The Burning Heart” makes his way down to the ring.

Geoff Penzer: James Edwards defected to Flashpoint two months ago once his contract expired! Edwards was tired of all the politics and the BS he had to deal with over on Vertigo. Since joining Flashpoint, The Burning Heart has flourished and he’s looking to ride that wave of momentum all the way to a Gold Rush Rumble win!

Stephy Auger: Politics? Are you kidding me? There weren't any politics on Vertigo! The only thing that was BS was his attitude! You want to know what Edwards’ problem is? He’s a whiner! He’s a complainer! Which is great, because he fits right in with Stryker, Hadley Herrera and all the rest of the complainers on Flashpoint who cry foul every time something doesn’t go their way!

After Edwards gets in, he rushes over and delivers a forearm strike to the back of Madison, forcing the former Pride Champion to arch his back in pain. Edwards then grabs Taylor and knocks her down with a headbutt. The Burning Heart then turns Scott around and sends him slumping down in the corner after a blistering knife edge chop. Edwards then runs over and throws Reid down with a running STO. He gets to his feet, turns Stryker around and unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body before knocking him down with an uppercut. Edwards turns around, runs across the ring and knocks Storm down with a lariat! The cheers continue as Page turns Edwards around and doubles him over with a cross chop to the throat. He then positions Edwards for a double underhook suplex when Edwards breaks free and counters with a back body drop. When Page gets back to his feet, he gets caught with a series of rights and lefts. The Burning Heart then turns and runs into the afr ropes. When he comes back, Page doubles him over with a knee strike to the midsection. Page then turns and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Edwards catches him with a back elbow to the face. While Page is dazed, Edwards runs back into the ropes. When Edwards returns, Page throws out Sole Destruction! But Edwards catches his foot. He then swings Page’s leg away from him, grabs him from behind and throws him down with the Half Cut (half nelson suplex)! Page rolls back to his feet, charges over and flattens Edwards with Sole Destruction! The cheers continue as Page pulls up Edwards, grabs him from behind and throws out the Concussion (ripcord rolling elbow). But Edwards ducks and counters with the Double Tap (consecutive spinning backfists)! He then grabs Page and throws him down with a Sambo Suplex!

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!
*HORN SOUNDS*

Stephy Auger: We all know who this is!

"Tear Away" by Drowning Pool plays throughout the arena as the audience boos loudly! Once the beat kicks in, the man formerly known as Colton Sterling steps out from behind the curtain, a smirk on his face as he looks out at the audience.

Kris Cruise: Try to contain your excitement, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: KOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

Kris Cruise: …or not.

Geoff Penzer: Good grief, Stephy!

No. 30 - KOL
VERTIGO

Kol listens to them boo him before he nods and begins to make his way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Kol is in the enviable spot as the 30th entrant! While no previous winner was drawn Number 30, you’ve got to admit that drawing last gives him a distinct advantage over the rest of the competition!

Stephy Auger: Of course it does! Tyler Storm has been in there for 42 minutes! Chandler Scott’s been in there for 20! Chris Madison has been in there for 18 minutes! Molly Reid, Brian Stryker, Savannah Taylor, Jimmy Page? They’ve all taken a beating!

Geoff Penzer: But guess who is nearly as fresh as Kol is? James Edwards! He’s waiting right in the center of the ring for Kol, the man who had been a thorn in his side for the longest!

Stephy Auger: …until he ran to The B-Show!

Geoff Penzer: Edwards didn’t run from anything or anyone, thank you very much.

Stephy Auger: Sure, keep telling yourself, Penzer.

Edwards paces back and forth before stopping in the middle of the ring and waving Kol on. Kol slides reaches up and grabs the middle rope before pulling his knee up onto the apron. He then gets to his feet on the apron. Edwards crouches down and anticipates Kol rushing in to attack. As soon as Kol steps through the ropes, the crowd boos when Taylor drops to her knee and nails Edwards with a low blow from behind.

Geoff Penzer: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: There are no disqualifications in the Gold Rush Rumble!

After Edwards drops down to all fours, Kol goes to run over and deliver the Broken Dreams (running punt kick) to Edwards when he gets blindsided by a Molly Kick!

Stephy Auger: Where did she comes from!?

When Reid turns around, Scott throws out the Roaring Hammer (discus Polish Hammer). When Scott turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Reid knocks him down with a Molly Kick! Before Reid can turn around, Madison grabs her from behind and goes for a backwards roll into a release German Suplex. But Reid is able to rotate in the air and land on her feet. Once Madison scrambles back to a vertical base, he rushes over to attack Reid when Reid throws out a Molly Kick! Instead of getting caught with the move, Madison catches her foot. He then swings Reid’s legs away from him. The crowd explodes with cheers when he lifts Reid up onto his shoulders for the End Game. But before Madison can deliver the move, Reid rains down with punches to the top of the head. After slipping down in front of Madison, Reid steps forward before knocking him down with a Molly Kick! The cheers then turn to boos when Taylor grabs a hold of Reid from behind and drives her down with the Blonde Ambition (forward russian legsweep)! The boos continue as Taylor pulls up Reid, runs and tosses her over the top rope…


… instead of falling to the floor, Reid lands on the apron. She’s about to fall off the apron when she leans forward and grabs a hold of the top rope with both hands. Before Reid can pull herself towards the ropes, Taylor nails her with repeated hammerists to the hands before shvong her off, sending her to the floor. The crowd erupts with boos over the elimination while Reid covers her face with her hands in disbelief.

Molly Reid - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: Molly Reid is gone!

Geoff Penzer: She was one of the favorites to win this thing!

The boos continue while Taylor taunts Reid. When Taylor turns around, the boos turn to cheers when Scott connects with a running clothesline, sending Taylor over the top rope and to the floor!

Savannah Taylor - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: Savannah Taylor won the US Title earlier tonight! But she will not be winning the 2018 Gold Rush Rumble as she’s just been eliminated!

When Scott turns around, he sees Madison rushing over to knock him over the top rope. So Scott ducks and dumps Madison over the top rope. When Madison lands safely on the apron, Scott side steps and throws out a clothesline. But Madison ducks. Scott then turns and throws out another running clothesline. But again, Madison sucks. He follows up with a shoulder thrust through the ropes that knocks Scott back. Stryker then rushes into the corner and throws out a springboard enzuigiri. But again, Madison ducks. When Madison stands back up, Edwards runs over and catches him with a yakuza kick, knocking him off the apron and to the floor.

Chris Madison - ELIMINATED

Kris Cruise: Chris Madison goes home empty handed after being eliminated!

As Edwards steps back away from the ropes, the crowd boos when Kol comes from out of nowhere and brings him down with a jumping reverse bulldog! Kol rushes into the corner and crouches down as he waits impatiently for Edwards to get into position. Once Edwards slowly turns over onto all fours, Kol runs out of the corner for the Broken Dream when he gets blindsided by a spear from Storm!

Stephy Auger: No! Kol was about to send Edwards’ head into the fifth row!

The crowd cheers when Storm picks up Kol, runs and tosses him over the top rope. But Kol’s able to land on the apron before slipping back inside. As Storm turns around, the crowd cheers when Scott lifts him up across his shoulders for a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. But before Scott can deliver the move, Storm nails him with repeated elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Storm shoves Scott into the ropes. When Scott returns, Storm connects with a bicycle kick, sending Scott stumbling backwards into the ropes. Storm then runs over and connects with a clothesline, sending Scott over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: Scott’s done! Scott’s been eliminated!

Scott’s left foot hits the floor as he hangs from the top rope with both hands. His right foot then falls to the floor! But not before lifting his left foot up off the floor. Storm turns around and sees Scott hanging on for dear life. He goes over to knock Scott of the ropes when Scott skins the cat, pulls himself up and wraps his legs around Storm’s neck. The crowd cheers as Scott slowly pulls Storm over the top rope and down to the floor!

Tyler Storm - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: After nearly 49 minutes, Tyler Storm has been eliminated! What a showing that was by the Shootcamp member!

Stephy Auger: What a showing? He lost! You know what would have been great, him wi-

Kris Cruise: WAIT JUST A MINUTE!

While Scott tries to skin the cat and pull himself over the top rope and back into the ring, Valero comes from out of nowhere and whacks Scott across the chest with a steel chair. The crowd erupts with boos as Scott hits the floor.

Chandler Scott - ELIMINATED

Geoff Penzer: NO!

While Scott is doubled over, Valero takes the chair and whacks him across the back of the head with it, knocking him down!

Kris Cruise: Come on, Rick! Enough’s enough!

Stephy Auger: Valero’s far from done, Cruise!

The boos continue as Valero peels Scott up from off the mat before delivering The Franchise Tag (Cobra Clutch Suplex) on the floor! The capacity crowd lets Valero have it as the refs scold him.

Geoff Penzer: Chandler Scott has been screwed out of the Gold Rush Rumble thanks to Ricky Valero! Damn him! Damn him!

Kris Cruise: We’re now down to a final four, you guys! Jimmy Page! Brian Stryker! Kol! James Edwards! Two from Vertigo! Two from Flashpoint! But only one will win the Gold Rush Rumble and challenge for the Undisputed Championship at All-Star Showdown Seven!

Page, Kol, Edwards and Stryker are all in each corner. They four grapplers remaining slowly circling the ring as they look amongst each other… before Page, Edwards and Stryker all turn their attention to Kol.

Stephy Auger: Uh oh...

Page, Stryker and especially Edwards all rush over to attack Kol. But Kol wisely hops through the ropes and gets to the floor. The crowd eutps with boos as Kol avoids the action.

Kris Cruise: The ref’s need to get him in the ring!

While Edwards yells at Kol from inside the ring, Stryker quickly grabs Page from behind and goes for Stryke 2. But Page counters with a back elbow to the head. He then grabs a hold of Stryker, turns and brings him down with The Paralyzing (neckbreaker across the knee)! Page then steps back towards the corner. Once Stryker turns over and gets up on a knee, Page rushes out of the corner and looks for the Trauma Symphony when Stryker counters with a roll through into a single leg crab! Stryker keeps the hold until Edwards bounces against the ropes, comes back and knocks him down with the Pole Shift (rebound wheel kick)! Edwards then takes Stryker, brings him over towards the ropes and goes to lift him over the top rope. But Stryker wraps his arms around the top rope to block the move. While this is happening, Kol rushes up from behind, grabs Edwards by the leg and lifts up, dumping him over the top rope and to the floor!

James Edwards - ELIMINATED

Stephy Auger: YES! Take that, Edwards!

Geoff Penzer: Kol just snuck up from behind and eliminated James Edwards!

The crowd erupts with boos over the elimination of The Burning Heart. Edwards tries to get back into the ring to go after Kol when the ref’s hold him back.

Kris Cruise: Edwards is livid and I can’t say I blame him!

Back in the ring, Kol grabs a hold of Stryker and plants him with a DDT. He then marches over and puts the boots to Page before heading back over to put the boots to Stryker. Kol pulls up Stryker and whips him into the corner. He then takes Page and whips him into the opposite corner. After running over and hitting Page with a running clothesline, Kol turns around, charges across the ring and nails Stryker with double knees in the corner. He then turns around, charges across the ring and nails Page with double knees in the corner. Kol steps back as Page crumbles to the canvas. When he turns around, he still sees Stryker barely standing in the corner. So Kol rushes over and hurls himself at Stryker with double knees again. This time, Stryker dives out of the way, causing Kol to crash into the corner to cheers from the crowd! As Kol stumbles back, Stryker grabs him from behind and brings him down with Stryke 2!

Kris Cruise: Kol is down! Stryker is down! Page is down! Who will be the first to get to their feet! Which of these three will be left standing at the end of this match!?

After all three grapplers get back to their feet, Kol nails Stryker with a punch to the face. Stryker comes back with a punch of his own. Kol then nails Stryker with another punch to the face. Stryker comes back with another punch of his won. Kol then throws out a punch, but Stryker blocks and counters with a punch of his own. Kol throws out another punch. But again, Stryker blocks and counters. Stryker nails him with three more punches before following up with a roundhouse kick. The roundhouse kick turns Kol around towards Page, who knocks him down with Sole Destruction! Page then picks up Kol and whips him into the ropes. When Kol returns, Page and Stryker throw him down with a back body drop. As Kol gets back to his  feet and turns around, Page and Stryker run over and connect with a double clothesline, sending Kol over the top rope and to the floor! The crowd explodes with cheers!

Kol - ELIMINATED

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Kol is out! Kol has been eliminated! It’s now down to Page and Stryker!

Geoff Penzer: It’s been over three years since Page last held what was then the FGA World Championship! He has changed his life and has fought hard to get back into the title picture. On the other side, you have Stryker, who was screwed out of his Pride Championship Match! He was then screwed out of the 15 Championship! A Gold Rush Rumble win and a guaranteed shot at the Undisputed Championship would turn around Stryker’s fortunes! Who is it going to be?

Stryker runs over and throws out a punch. But Page blocks and knocks him down with a punch of his own! Stryker then gets knocked back down by another punch! Page takes Stryker and goes for an irish whip. But Stryker reverses, sending Page into the ropes. When Page returns, he sees Stryker set up for a back body drop. So he stops, lifts Stryker up, runs over into the corner and delivers a turnbuckle powerbomb! As Stryker staggers from out of the corner, the crowd cheers when Page grabs him and hurls him across the ring with an Exploder Suplex! After Stryker struggles to get back to his feet and turns around, Page rushes over and throws out Sole Destruction! But Stryker catches his foot. He then swing Page’s leg away from him, and grabs him from behind and delivers Stryke 2! The cheers continue as he heads into the ropes. When Stryker returns, he connects with a running Shooting Star Splash! The crowd cheers when Stryker picks up Page, goes over and tries to dump him over the top rope. But Page counters with multiple elbows to the head. He then shoves Stryker down to the canvas.

After Stryker rolls back to his feet, he runs over and brings Page down with a running hurricanrana! Stryker gets up and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, the crowd cheers when Page brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! After bouncing off of Page’s knees, Stryker rolls over towards the ropes. Page marches over and stomps the hell out of Stryker! He then reaches down, pulls Stryker up by the hair, lifts him up across his shoulder, turns, runs and goes to lawn dart Stryker to the outside! But Stryker slips down from behind and shoves Page into the ropes. When Page returns, the crowd cheers when he turns Stryker inside out with a lariat! Page then picks up Stryker, runs and tosses him over the top rope!




















But instead of falling to the floor, Stryker lands safely on the apron. Page rushes back over to attack when Stryker knocks him down with a springboard dropkick! He then picks up Page and whips him into the corner. Stryker runs into the corner, connects with a back elbow and follows up with a CCS Enzuigiri, sending Page slumping down in the corner. Stryker then heads over towards the adjacent corner before stepping out onto the apron. After scaling to the top turnbuckle, the crowd explodes with cheers when Stryker leaps across the ring and connects with Coast to Coast! Stryker picks up Page, pulls him from out of the corner and lifts him up for the Kilauea Eruption (Argentine powerbomb)! But Page is able to slip down from behind. He then quickly reaches back and grabs Stryker for Nirvana (hangman’s facebuster)! But Stryker is able to wrestle free, doubles Page over with multiple knees to the midsection and bring him down with the Freak Accident (pumphandle neckbreaker lift into a cutter)! After dragging Page into position, the crowd cheers as Stryker steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. Stryker raises his arms in the air before flipping off for the Air Stryke (Shooting Star Press).



















But Page gets his knees up, causing Stryker to crash down hard across them! Stryker bounces off of page’s knees before rolling across the ring. Page slowly picks himself up while a hunched over Stryker struggles to pull himself up using the ropes. As Stryker turns around, Page runs over and clobbers him with a Rolling Elbow, knocking Stryker over the top rope and to the floor!

Brian Stryker - ELIMINATED

The crowd explodes with cheers when “Murdered Out” blasts over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2018 Gold Rush Rumble… JIMMYYYYYYY PAAAAAAAAGE!!!

Page struggles to get back to his feet. Once he does, he’s met with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Page has done it! Jimmy Page has done it! Jimmy Page is the winner of the 2018 Gold Rush Rumble! He’s going on to challenge for the FGA Undisputed Championship at All-Star Showdown Seven! The last two years for Jimmy Page have been tumultuous. But he has persevered!  Page is not just the King of the F’n World, but he is also your 2018 Gold Rush Rumble winner! For Stephy Auger and Geoff Penzer, this is Kris Cruise signing off! We’ll see you back in two weeks on Vertigo!

Pyro goes off above the ring as Page turns and stares up at the All-Star Showdown VII banner. Page points up to the banner before moving his hands back and forth around his waist...

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area where Hadley Herrera, removed from the festivities at ringside is walking down a corridor, a look of concern twisted across her face. She rubs at her temples, mumbling something under her breath, still managing to clutch her phone with one hand. She stops, pausing by Jessie Pederson who’s standing in front of a monitor that shows the ringside area, talking to the seamstress before her eyes drift curiously to Hadley Herrera.

Jessie Pederson: Helloooo…

Hadley Herrera: Did Evan walk by here?

Jessie Pederson: A little bit ago. I think he was recording something with Amanda… you might’ve missed him. He--

Hadley Herrera: Which way?

Jessie Pederson: Probably the parking lot…

Herrera storms away, continuing in the direction she was originally headed. A few moments pass and she ignores the waves and greetings of crew members on either side of her before she pushes through a pair of double doors, stepping out into the employee parking garage. She looks to be at a loss, until a pair of lights drift past her in the scene. Hadley squints a bit, but her face contorts into one of anger as she begins to half-walk, half-jog.

Hadley Herrera: Hey. HEY! Evan!

The camera pans around, revealing, to a thunderous chorus of boos from the crowd, the still exhausted-looking, but still-grinning FGA Undisputed Champion, Evan Envi. He tosses his sports bag into the very backseat of the limo he’s standing beside, turning to face Hadley, raising the championship belt onto his shoulder.

Evan Envi: You look upset.

Hadley Herrera: How could you? How could you embarrass us like that? We promoted a classic-- a classic Undisputed Title match and you-- you--

Evan Envi: I… I… I what? I won?

Hadley Herrera: Evan, what happened to you?

Evan looks at Hadley, feigning confusion for a few moments before shifting the belt a little and raising his free hand… raising three fingers.

Evan Envi: Three things. Three things happened to me, man. One-- I got tired of being mocked. I got tired of being ridiculed by my peers who I mistakenly allowed to think were my superiors. Two. I became the FGA Undisputed Champion. How bout that?

Evan grins at her, lowering his hand before he turns, making his way toward the back door. Hadley throws a hand up, slapping it down at her side as she shakes her head at the Chief.

Hadley Herrera: That’s only two.

Evan nods a little and turns, looking over his shoulder at Hadley with a wink. Behind Evan, pushing himself up from the sunroof of the limousine stands Brandon Macdonald, a bottle of sparkling cider in hand as he grins down at Hadley. Macdonald pops the cork, allowing the cider to spill down all over the limo roof before he takes a swig. He chuckles a bit, giving Herrera a mocking once-over.

Brandon Macdonald: Oh, sure. Now you want to talk. Now she wants to talk.

Evan Envi: Choosing a fine time to pay attention to the Chief.

Hadley Herrera: What the hell’s going on?

Brandon Macdonald: What the hell is going on? Miss… what the hell’s going on is-- your negligence has cost you. Probably not for the last time, of course.

Hadley Herrera: What are you talking about?

Brandon Macdonald: Evan?

Evan turns toward the Vertigo general manager, who beams down at him from the sunroof. Reaching into the pocket of his shirt, Macdonald retrieves a vertically-folded trio of papers, stapled in the top left corner. He slides them across the roof, allowing them to fall into Envi’s hands. Envi brings the papers down onto the Undisputed Title belt and, without a moment of hesitation, accepts a pen from Macdonald and signs across the dotted line on the very last page. He tosses the pen and papers back up to Macdonald who laughs aloud. Hadley looks between the two, eyes narrowed.

Hadley Herrera: What was that?

Evan turns to Hadley and sighs a little, giving her a look of… pity.

Evan Envi: Three.

Macdonald grins.

Brandon Macdonald: Attention to detail. Evan’s contract expired twenty-four hours ago. You didn’t even know, did you?

Hadley Herrera doesn’t respond. She looks at Envi, jaw clenched, unmoving

Brandon Macdonald: Did you care?

Evan narrows his eyes right back at Hadley, knowing he doesn’t need to speak.

Brandon Macdonald: And you know what else?

Herrera shakes her head at Envi and turns back to the limo, prepared to say something up to Macdonald, but the window of the door in front of the rear slides down in dramatically slow fashion. The knot in her stomach only clenches tighter as Herrera’s eyes lock on the sly, sheepish grin of the second biggest pain in her neck...Ricky Valero, of course.

Ricky Valero: How does it feel, Hadley?

With a sinister laugh, Valero takes a big swig from a champagne glass and savors the moment with an overexaggerated “AHH!” as he gulps down some bubbly, a look of defeat slowly coming over Herrera’s face.

Ricky Valero: How does it feel to have everything in your world come crashing down on you at the simple snap of a finger? I’d love to say I feel bad for you, but you brought this on yourself, Hadley. And now, you have to live with the consequences of your actions while the two biggest stars on the Flashpoint roster have jumped ship to the better brand--one of which is the NEW FGA Undisputed Champion. So take a long hard look at Evan...

Valero eyes Envi like a proud father. He seems to be almost on the verge of tears as he looks on him with such admiration.

Evan Envi: Stop, I’ll blush! I’m blushing!

Ricky Valero: He looks good in gold, doesn’t he? This is what a real champion looks like. Not Karma. Not Chandler fucking Scott. Evan Envi is THE FGA Undisputed Champion, and it’s about damn time! A wiser general manager would’ve recognized his star power a long time ago, but you’ve been too busy with your nose up Johnny Karma’s ass to see it. So soak this moment in while you still can, Hadley...Because the Undisputed Championship is going with us to Vertigo, and there is not a single thing you or any of your so-called “superstars” can do about it!

Evan places a foot in the limo and sighs as he looks at Hadley.

Evan Envi: The only two actual superstars in this company are leaving. Not to leave Flashpoint, Hadley… but to leave you. We are so much bigger than… you. And we’re gonna build something so much bigger than you ever imagined.

Envi raises the title right in Hadley’s face, smiling at her before lowering himself into the limo, closing the door in her face, leaving Hadley looking back at her reflection. Herrera turns, looking toward Valero who grins, rolling his window up in Hadley’s face. Brandon Macdonald drums his fingers along the roof of the limo and smirks down at her.

Brandon Macdonald: Wow, losing the Chief and The Franchise. That’s rough. Hope you enjoyed the show though. You know. As a whole. Ha.

He pats the roof and calls out to the driver.

Brandon Macdonald: Let’s move!

The limo begins to pull away and Brandon turns, pointing at Hadley, laughing as he shouts one last thing.

Brandon Macdonald: Oh, one more thing. The beatdown on Brian Stryker? Yeah, that was me, too. BAHAAAAA! CHECK THE SCOREBOARD, HERRERA! VERTIGO OUUUUUUUT!

Brandon Macdonald’s laughter can be heard even as he drives clear out of the parking garage. Hadley Herrera watches the limo pull away, hands interlocked on top of her head as she closes her eyes, taking a deep breath while our show fades to black.