All-Star Showdown VII (07.14.18)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

And now, Vertigo and Flashpoint present...

The scene shifts to an outside shot of Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington! We then transition inside the park, where blue, green and white fireworks shoots off from the stage before exploding in the sky above the field. We then head to a wide shot of Safeco Field. Cheers and applause are coming from each and every direction. Various signs supporting their favorites or trash talking the villains are shown. The camera pans around, capturing the rabid crowd.

Kris Cruise: Welcome to the Emerald City! Welcome to Seattle, Washington! Weeeelllllllcome… to ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN SEVEN!!! I am Kris Cruise! Joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger! Also here tonight from Flashpoint is Geoff Penzer! Guys, it is finally here! This is All-Star Showdown Seven! This looks to be one of the biggest shows in this company’s history!

Stephy Auger: It’s definitely the biggest venue we’ve ever called a show in!

Geoff Penzer: That’s right, Stephy! Tonight, we are coming to you live from Safeco Field here in Seattle, Washington! FGA went big last year by having All-Star Showdown split up between two nights at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California! But this year, the company has upped the ante! This is the biggest venue that FGA has ever run in. If they were going to go big, then what better event to do that in than at All-Star Showdown, am I right?

Stephy Auger: For once.

Geoff Penzer: ...

Kris Cruise: Last night, Vertigo and Flashpoint came together to present to you Glory Road on AxxessNet. The main event from last night was absolute insanity and we hope that we can provide you with an update on both Chris Bond and Malcolm Drake at some point during the pay per view. But tonight, you guys, is jam-packed. Both of these brands have come together to bring you what might go down as one of the greatest events in company history. I know that’s a lot of hype. I understand that those comments put a lot of pressure on the members of both Vertigo and Flashpoint that are competing here tonight. But if anyone can live up to those expectations I think it’s the grapplers that make up both rosters.

Stephy Auger: Well I don’t know about Flashpoint. But there isn’t a doubt in my mind that Vertigo will live up to the hype. Not only that, but they will leave Flashpoint in the dust, once and for all! I am predicting a sweep here tonight in all of the cross branded matches. Vertigo is winning the Interbrand Battle Royal. Vertigo is winning both the Eight Team Tag as well as the Ten Man Tag Team Matches. Of course, you know that the FGA Undisputed Championship will remain in Vertigo possession after tonight. I MIGHT even be fine with that inner city scumbag Jimmy Page winning. As long as Crybaby Karma doesn’t get the belt back. Can you believe what he did to our esteemed champion, Evan Envi? Why would he do such a thing? Evan Envi is the very definition of a Good Guy. It’s bad enough that Envi had to run for his life after those heathens from Flashpoint invaded our show. Unprovoked, might I add! But then, to attack the face of the company at a fan event? Unacceptable!

Geoff Penzer: The only thing acceptable is the way that Evan Envi has handled himself over the last several months. He sent Neon to attack Cherry Baum, then threw her under the bus. Then he screwed over Chandler Scott with the help of Ricky Valero. Then he screwed Karma out of the FGA Undisputed Championship, signed a backroom deal with Brandon Macdonald, helped members of Vertigo attack Flashpoint and has been holding the Undisputed Championship hostage ever since! Don’t even get me started on him dragging Page’s name through the mud!

Stephy Auger: Page’s name deserves to be in mud because he’s nothing but filth!

Kris Cruise: Envi has been doing a ton of damage, both verbally and physically over the last several months. But tonight, his back is against the wall. This isn’t a Three Way Dance where eliminations occur. This is a Triple Threat Match. First fall to a finish wins! Which means that Envi could very well lose his championship without getting pinned or submitted!

Geoff Penzer: If that were to happen, it would serve him right after all that he’s done!

Stephy Auger: It would not! It would be a travesty!

Kris Cruise: Alright, alright! We’ve got plenty of time to talk about tonight’s main event, which has huge implications for both Vertigo and Flashpoint. But that’s not the only thing on tap here tonight. As Stephy alluded to before, we’ve got three more interbrand matches here tonight. The best of both brand’s tag team divisions will link up when Reapers in Pride, Maritza Diaz & Pedro Gonzales, Bristow & Barnes and the inaugural United States Tag Team Champions, Pendragon take on Flashpoint’s Smart Style, Dogs of War, Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad and the reigning World Tag Team Champions, The Chaotics! Then in Ten Man Tag Team action, Team Vertigo, being represented by Ricky Valero, Kol, Molly Reid, Marlon Cure and GM Brandon Macdonald will take on Flashpoint’s Brian Stryker, Noelle Smith, James Edwards, reigning United States Champion Savannah Taylor and Chandler Scott! In our opening contest, we’ve got an Interbrand Battle Royal! It’s going to be a fight for brand supremacy! But who will be the last grappler standing?

Stephy Auger: Someone from Vertigo, obviously!

Kris Cruise: Also here tonight, we’ve got former Undisputed Champion Izzy Anders going one on one with Vertigo’s very own darling, Aria Eckhart! The first FGA Heavyweight Champion, Michael Tomkins, the man who main evented the very first All-Star Showdown, is back on the Showdown stage to go head to head with the 2018 Rey del Aire winner, the Funky Dragon himself, Cassius Reid!

Geoff Penzer: Then, Kendall Kingham will look to get her hands on

[FGA Office]

Previously Recorded

The camera finds Susan Kent sitting high up in the bleachers of Safeco Field, surprisingly neither Kendra Hollis or Dana Wheeler are present. As the camera zooms in, Susan begins to speak.

Susan Kent: I entered professional wrestling with the purpose of helping my Mom, even though she has a steady job and is married to the heir of the Mossberg Hardware empire, my Mom is the reason I am who I am today.

The air blows through Susan’s long brunette hair.

Susan Kent: My life has been a whirlwind lately, acting, modeling, professional wrestling, of trying to have a personal life.

Susan smiles and waves at the camera.

Susan Kent: Hey Carter. Finally I’m starting to hit my stride on Vertigo, in my last two matches I’ve beaten two tough opponents in Ryan Wilson and Yan Yungsung and they are featured in tonight’s battle royal, a win tonight in the battle royal would be huge for me, it keeps my present momentum going and it makes Management see that I’m someone they should be watching in the future. But winning this battle isn’t going to be easy. I have to survive and be the last person standing. All the competitors in the battle royal are as hungry as I am to win and move forward to future opportunities. I’m confident I can win and tonight I will win. It’s been nice talking to you, but I have some final preparations to do before the battle royal. Wish me luck.

Susan stands up and jogs down the steps.

[FGA Office]

Previously Recorded

In the middle of a bustling crowd at Frontier Con, we see Vertigo's Piper Lennon wandering around recording a video of herself on her cellphone. For someone who professes herself to be an observer of the world around her, she seems to be a bit detached from her surroundings, although she has managed to avoid bumping into any of the fans.

Piper Lennon: Hey everyone, Piper here at this whole Frontiercon deal. I think I'm supposed to be at some kind of table right now or something for some deal, but I kinda decided to go off and do my own thing. No offense, it's not that I think I'm too good for it, I just felt like I needed to uh, immerse myself in this whole experience-- y'know?

She shrugs and keeps on walking.

Piper Lennon: And I got a bit of a spark of inspiration, I guess you could call it. In the mood to talk about this shindig I've got coming up at the ass-seven, the Interbrand Battle Royal. I've already said-- or at least I'm pretty sure I have-- that I don't think this is getting the appreciation it maybe should be. Which I get, maybe not all the names in it jump off the page to people, but for me that's what's so fascinating. There's a chance to go one way or the other, maybe not a guaranteed chance for success, but to kick a door open that otherwise might not open up for you.

Looking around, she gestures at some of the fans walking around the Washington State Convention Center.

Piper Lennon: Just like a lot of these faces you see here, a lot of these names and faces in this fight are gonna be unremarkable, they'll fade away and you'll forget they existed. That might even be the case for most of them.

She pauses and adjusts her glasses with a free hand.

Piper Lennon: I know it's typical to hyperbolize to hype a thing like this up, but I'm really not, I'm just taking like a uh, scientific view of things. Investigating, hypothesizing all that. Like, it's not just about this being FGA's big show and all that, there'll be one next year as long as this place is still around. But that's the thing, you don't know what next year will bring. The world changes around you, and opportunity slips away if you don't act on it. Like, not to be morbid but there's a dece chance that Vinny Steel guy has a heart attack with all the stuff he's got pumped into his system, just like there is that one of these fans in attendance at this little convention has one-- and it might not even be a heavy one like you'd expect!

Lennon points at a tall skinny guy in a Susan Kent shirt.

Piper Lennon: It might be this guy here-- I'll just call him Ted for the sake of this-- his hair might be a bit greasy, might look a bit dull in the eyes, but seems to be in decent physical shape. But you don't know, he could keel over, just like someone you don't expect could have their career cut short. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, then suddenly this ol' mong Ted here keels over and someone else rises up to take his place as king of the bog people!

She gently pats the clearly agitated fan on the arm and keeps moseying along.

Piper Lennon: But the point is chances to do stuff, you don't know when they'll suddenly disappear. Like you might not believe this-- it's a little before my time-- but Seattle used to have a basketball team, apparently ... a professional one in the NBA!

Her face lights up when sharing what she clearly finds to be a very interesting piece of information.

Piper Lennon: So there could be a guy here whose dad told him he'd take them to a game next season, then poof the team moved away, and they were left unfulfilled. Suddenly their view of the world is a little darker and they're at a convention center hoping to get an autograph from Luke Jackson and maybe glean a few words about what it's like to be the world's most emo gym-bro.  

Doing a whirl in place she holds the phone up closer to her face.

Piper Lennon: I think I've talked about battle royals having a grittiness, a darwinistic survival type feel to them. And that's just amplified with people maybe fighting for the survival of their professional hopes and dreams here. I dig it man, I dig it, I get to mix it up with a bunch of lost souls looking to find their way-- can't wait.

She flashes a smile then glances around.

Piper Lennon:Anyways, I think I'm gonna find out if I was supposed to be doing a meet and greet or trivia or what, peace dudes.

Fin.

[FGA Office]

Interbrand Battle Royal
Featuring: Piper Lennon, Susan Kent, Yan Yungsung, Fenrys, Ryan Wilson, Ymir Ocampos, Luke Jackson, Terrence Tillman, Vince Steel and Patrick Jones

Once the last of the competitors has made their way into the ring, the referee turns in the timekeeper's direction and is about to signal for the opening bell. But in the split second before he can make the match official, the lighting rig that illuminates the ring cuts out and plunges the ring into darkness

Geoff Penzer: Our apologies, ladies and gentlemen. But it seems as though we’re experiencing some type of electrical malfunction.

Stephy Auger: Boy, this is embarrassing. I guess this is what we when when we have Hadley Herrera in charge of production.

Kris Cruise: Oh stop it, Stephy!

With the action momentarily postponed the crowd respond in a variety of ways: some of them find it amusing that the match is being held up for a few moments, others are already venting their irritation at the delay, and some even resort to drowning out the dead air with chants of "F-G-A" - that is until a voice which sounds as soft as velvet yet as cold as the grave creeps through the Safeco Field sound system and silences the crowd

“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
 The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
  And I've a many curious things to show when you are there.”

As soon as the voice finishes speaking the lighting rig illuminates the ring once more, with the referee looking as surprised as the ringside techs who had been attempting to address what they believed to be a technical issue.

Kris Cruise: What on earth was that all about?

Geoff Penzer: I’m just as confused as you are, Kris.

Satisfied there won't be any more gremlins affecting the show, the referee once again turns in the timekeeper's direction and - with a little trepidation - signals for the opening bell.

Piper Lennon, Susan Kent, Fenrys, Ryan Wilson, Yun Yungsung, Luke Jackson and Ymir Ocampos all gang up on then powerhouse Vince Steel. This causes his cousin, Terrence Tillman and fellow Flashpoint grappler, Patrick Jones, to rush over for the save. Tillman pulls Lennon off of Steel and knocks her back with several right hands. Meanwhile, Jones takes Fenrys and knocks him down to the canvas with a right hand. Fenrys gets back to his feet, only to be returned to the mat by another right hand. Once Fenrys gets back to a vertical base, Jones takes him and sends him into the far ropes with an irish whip. When Fenrys returns, the crowd cheers when Jones connects with Zoned Out (superkick), knocking Fenrys down to the mat!

Across the ring, Steel shoves Yungsung down to the canvas. He then grabs Wilson and knocks him down with a huge clubbing strike. This brings back over both members of Firing Squad, who knock Steel back with a pair of dropkicks. Firing Squad then turn and run into the far ropes. When Ocampos and Jackson return, Steel runs over them with a double clothesline! He yanks Jackson up off the mat before whipping him back into the ropes. When Jackson returns, Steel throws him over his head with an two handed overhead choke toss! When Steel turns around, he gets caught with a blitz of kicks from Ocampos. While Steel is momentarily dazed, Ocampos slingshots herself out onto the apron and goes for the Black Rain (springboard clothesline)! But Steel catches her in mid air. He then turns before throwing Ocampos with a running powerslam down onto Jackson!

In the corner, Tillman lights up Lennon’s chest with knife edge chops. An irish whip is reversed, sending Tillman into the corner. Lennon rushes over to attack when Tillman blocks with a back elbow before countering with the DDTripleT (Stylin DDT)! With Lennon down, Tillman drags her into position before heading out onto the apron. He scales ot the top turnbuckle for Skyfall (450 Splash). But he sees Wilson rushes over to shove him off. So Triple T leaps over Wilson. Once he lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Once Tillman rolls up to a vertical base, Kent grabs him from behind and tosses him over the top rope!

...but Tillman lands on the apron.

Back in the ring, Steel lifts up Jackson and throws him over the top rope with a Uranage! Jackson bounces off the apron before crumbling to the floor.

Luke Jackson - ELIMINATED

When Steel turns around, he sees Ocampos charging at him. So he heaves her over the top rope and to the floor with an overhead belly to belly suplex!

Ymir Ocampos - ELIMINATED

When Steel turns around, Lennon drops him to a knee after a running front dropkick to the leg. With Steel down on one knee, Lennon grabs one of his wrist and hits him with a soccer kick flurry to the chest. She then places him on a cravate as she pulls him back to his feet. The crowd boos as Lennon goes for the Snapshot (cravate knee facebreaker)! But Steel catches her in mid air before chucking her across the ring with a modified fallaway slam! As Steel is getting back to a vertical abse, Fenrys comes out of nowhere and rocks him with a Rolling Elbow! The crowd boos as The New Murder members connects with another Rolling Elbow, sending Steel back three steps. After running into the far ropes, Fenrys comes back and connects with a front dropkick, which knocks Steel back a few more steps. Fenrys gets back to his feet, rushes over and executes a running hurricanrana, sending Steel into the ropes. As Steel bounces off the ropes, Fenrys delivers a Lungblower! After Steel turns over and gets up on a knee, Fenrys hits him with a rear Shining Wizard. While Steel is still rocked, Fenrys drives him down with a two-handed bulldog. Fenrys gets up and howls while the crowd boos. When Fenrys turns around, Jones throws out Zoned Out. But this time, Fenrys ducks. When Jones turns around, he gets caught with a corkscrew enzuigiri. After Jones is whipped into the ropes, Fenrys spikes him with a hurricanrana! The New Murder member grabs Jones, rushes over and tries to chuck him over the top rope. But Jones wraps his arms around the top rope. While Fenrys tries to lift Jone sup and over the top rope, Kent comes over to make the save.

Across the ring, Wilson and Yungsung are double teaming Tillman. They then take the leader of the T-Unit and send him into the opposite corner. Yungsung rushes over and throws out a corner dropkick. But Tilman moves out of the way, causing The Lone Dragon to crash into the turnbuckles. When Wilson rushes over, he gets caught with a Chin Checka (savate kick). After a boot to the midsection doubles him over, Tillman head sinto the ropes, comes back and knocks him down with the Terrific Kick (Scissors Kick)! Triple T then takes Wilson, runs and tosses him over the top rope and to the floor.

Ryan Wilson - ELIMINATED

Before Tillman can turn around, Lennon rushes over, wraps her arms around one of his legs and hoists him up and over the top rope, sending him to the floor to boos from the crowd!

Terrence Tillman - ELIMINATED

Back inside, Kent knocks Fenrys down with a dropkick in the corner. After The New Murder member slumps down in the corner, Kent runs back over and delivers a Bronco Buster! She pulls Fenrys up by his mask, leads him out of the corner and brings him down with a sitout facebuster! As Fenrys rolls over onto his back, Kent heads towards the side of the ring, hops onto the middle rope, flips back and goes for a Lionsault. But Fenrys gets his knees up! The boos continue as he picks up Kent and sets her up for No Forgiveness (Bloody Sunday). But before Fenrys can lift her up, Jones knocks him down with a running forearm. Another running forearm returns Fenrys to the mat. After a spinning back kick doubles over Fenrys, Jones throws him down with a double underhook suplex. Yungsung runs over to attack. But he, too, gets doubled over with a spinning back kick before getting thrown down with a double underhook suplex. Once Yungsung gets back to his feet and turns around, Jones runs over and delivers a clothesline, sending him over the top rope and to the floor.

Yan Yungsung - ELIMINATED

Back inside, Jones turns around and sees Fenrys charging at him. So he ducks and dumps Fenrys over the top rope. When Fenrys lands on his feet, Jones moves out of the way, causing Kent to knock Fenrys off the apron with a European Uppercut.

Fenrys - ELIMINATED

When Kent turns around, Jones throws out Zoned Out. But Kent ducks and counters with an inverted headlock backbreaker. She then heads towards the ropes before delivering a Lionsault. Across the ring, Lennon is delivering alternating jabs and knife edge chops to Steel. Steel then swats Lennon down with a clubbing strike across the head. After pulling Lennon back up, Steel sends her into the corner with an irish whip. He rushes over to attack when Lennon counters with a back elbow. After delivering a front kick, she hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and knocks Steel back with a flying knee. Lennon gets back to her feet, rushes over and delivers an open hand chop to Steel’s chest. She delivers another chop… and another… and another. She then turns to run to the far ropes. But Steel grabs her from behind before delivering a release German Suplex. The crowd gets behind Steel as he telegraphs a running lariat. Across the ring, Lennon can be seen struggling to pull herself back up. Once she pulls herself up using the ropes and turns around, Steel runs across the ring and throw out a lariat. But Lennon grabs the top rope and drops down, sending Steel falling over the top rope and to the floor!

Vince Steel - ELIMINATED

Across the ring, Jones sets up for a German Suplex of his own. But Kent counters with multiple elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, she spins Jones towards her before delivering a Codebreaker. As Jones stumbles back, Kent runs over and connects with a dropkick, sending Jones over the top rope and to the floor.

Patrick Jones - ELIMINATED

Before Kent can turn around, he is quickly knocked down by a running double ax handle to the back. The boos continue as Lennon puts the boots to her. After slamming Kent’s face into the top turnbuckle, Lennon lifts her up and sits her down on the top turnbuckle. Lennon then climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Kent and brings her down with a belly to back superplex! The boos continue as Lennon pulls Kent up to a kneeling position and delivers a flurry of soccer kicks to the chest. After pulling Kent back up to a vertical base, Lennon throws out a Heart Punch. But Kent ducks and counters with another inverted headlock backbreaker. After a running bulldog brings Lennon down, Kent delivers a Rolling Thunder senton. Then a Lionsault. Kent steps out onto the apron before climbing up to the top turnbuckle. Kent then leaps off and goes for the Photo-Op (Frog Splash). But at the last second, Lennon rolls out of the way, causing Kent to crash onto the canvas! When Kent slowly gets back up and turns around, Lennon drops her with a hotshot across the ropes. The boos continue as Lennon pulls Kent back up before delivering the Snapshot! She then takes Kent, runs and tosses her over the top rope and to the floor.

Interbrand Battle Royal Winner: Piper Lennon || 12:53

As Lennon soaks up the boos after their hard-fought victory, she climb the turnbuckles to get a Polaroid...but as she celebrates, the lighting rig once again cuts out, but this time there isn't so much as a second to make people believe this is some kind of technical glitch, as we hear a woman's voice slink across the sound system - but it’s not the same as the first one we heard, as this one sounds has a warmer, more playful tone to it - yet every single word seems to be dripping in malicious intent

The Spider turned him round about, and went into her den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So she wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set her table ready, to dine upon the Fly.

Once more the lights come back up. But as they do, Lennon realizes she isn’t alone inside the ring as she’s standing face-to-face with Erin Mariani, looking upon them with a contemptuous look in her eyes yet a self-satisfied smile forming upon her lips - the reason for which soon becomes apparent as Sara Mason takes advantage of the distraction to slide into the ring behind Lennon and gleefully takes the opportunity to connect with Aphrodite’s Sweet Dreams to the back of their head, causing Lennon to fall at Mariani's feet.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide!? What on Earth are they doing here!?

Looking down at her prey, Mariani crouches down and places a couple of fingers under Lennon's chin, tilting their head up so she can look him directly in the eye as she takes the time to let Lennon know exactly what is about to happen to them while Mason looks on and snickers at what's unfolding in front of her, and only when Mariani has said exactly what she has in mind do she and Mason drag a dazed Lennon to her feet, pausing as Mariani appears to indulge in the crowd's anticipation for what is about to happen with a wicked smile upon her face, and only then do she and Mason hoist Lennon into the air before driving them back down to the mat with Haute Tension.

Geoff Penzer: Silk & Cyanide are making a statement by taking out Piper Lennon! The same way Lennon burst onto the FGA nearly a year ago by taking out AMIRA!

With their prey duly dispatched, Mariani calls for a microphone to be handed over while Mason pokes at their victim with the toe of her boot a few times to make sure they're not getting up, mindlessly twirling a strand of hair in her fingers as she does so while wearing an "Awww..." expression upon her face - yet as Mariani prepares to speak, she stops acting so playful and looks on as her partner prepares to speak

Erin Mariani: It would appear that this company had forgotten that, a little under two years ago, they invited a team into the heart of their company - only to discard them as soon as their little tournament was finished, thinking that there would be no issues to arise from their actions.  And for those two years, we did not forget this.  We remembered it, channelled it, used it as the basis of inflicting pain and fear upon every poor, unfortunate soul we encountered.  But now this company not only invited itself into our home, they lacked the manners to so much as invite us to their shows, seemingly forgetting all about us.

Looking down upon Lennon's fallen body with a look of sheer disgust upon her face, Mariani's lips curl into a snarl as pure venom infects her voice

Erin Mariani: So now we are going to educate each and every you to never make that same mistake again.

As Mariani's eyes glisten like a snake's, she hands the microphone to Mason - but rather than say a word, she merely drops the microphone onto Lennon's prone body as the two exit the ring - yet as they exit the ring Brandon Macdonald is seen standing in the entranceway, looking on as the two members of Silk & Cyanide glide through arena security and disappear into the crowd before anyone can catch up to them.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts to the backstage area, where we find Team Vertigo members Kol, Molly Reid, Marlon Cure and general manager Brandon Macdonald gathered together outside the locker rooms. At the forefront is Ricky Valero, sporting a camouflage combat helmet with fake twigs attached it on each side.. Of course, he is flanked by best friend and FGA Undisputed Champion, Evan Envi, who is proudly looking on while also wearing one of those ridiculous helmets.

Ricky Valero: Okay gentlemen--

Molly interrupts Ricky’s speech with an over exaggerated AH-EM, but Ricky doesn’t even acknowledge her.

Ricky Valero: Tonight is a very important night for the Vertigo brand. For months now, we’ve proven that we are the greatest wrestling show in the world boasting some of the greatest talent this sport has ever seen. Look at the people in this room. We are the best in the world at what we do, and our fans could not be more blessed that they have the opportunity and the pleasure of witnessing us perform inside that ring for their entertainment. But tonight, tonight is about more...Tonight, we officially assert our dominance over Flashpoint and stake our claim as the true and undisputed flagship show here in FGA!

An enthusiastic Macdonald pumps his fist with pride. Valero responds with a fist pump of his own. Evan Envi claps excitedly in the background, beaming with pride.

Ricky Valero: Tonight is about brand supremacy and it’s going to be an all-out war out there in that ring. It’s not going to be easy. I’m man enough to say that; they have put together a pretty strong team themselves...Brian Stryker, James Edwards, Noelle Smith, Savannah Taylor…

He scoffs and sucks his teeth with fury in his eyes.

Ricky Valero: ...Chandler Scott.

Evan Envi: Uuuugh. Bro.

Though the live audience pops at the mere mention of Scott, the Good Guys look visibly ill. Eventually, the camera pans back over, solely to Valero.

Ricky Valero: It’s no Team Vertigo, but those five can certainly hold their own individually. The advantage we have...is that Team Vertigo is a unit. Cohesive. A band of brothers with one common goal: Burn Flashpoint to the ground! We’re not a bunch of selfish, egotistical so-called “stars” out to make ourselves look good out there to improve our idiotic GM Hadley Herrera in hopes she might gift wrap us another opportunity we don’t deserve us. And why’s that?

Valero smirks.

Ricky Valero: Because our GM is right there in the trenches with us! He recognizes the importance of this fight and he’s ready to fight tooth and nail to make sure we silence those second-rate losers once and for all. I could not be more proud to be a part of this team, joined by a GM so passionate about the people who work for him and the show we put on, and I am confident I will lead us to victory!

Evan Envi: Wooooo! Hahaaa, that’s my boy, y’all!

Envi claps loudly and slaps his hands on Valero’s shoulders before the camera slowly pans over to Kol, who once again looks close to irritation at Valero’s pep talks.

Kol: Was this the point of this meeting? You giving us a pep talk?

Kol sighs.

Kol: That’s nice and all, but we don’t really need one. I’m sure we’ve all got our reasons for being here and for fighting for this brand. Valero, you hate Hadley so it’s an easy thing for you to join. As for you two?

The former HKW wrestler motions to both Molly and Marlon, the latter of which gave an arrogant smirk and sarcastic wave.

Kol: I’m sure that you’ve got a prize waiting for you in the end in case you do win. Then there’s me, who knows that after we win this, all that’s left is for me to get my shot at the title in Evan’s possession right now. After all, I did beat him once and Jimmy Page TWICE, so in case he can’t hold on to it after tonight and it still remains on our brand?

A grin appears on his face.

Kol: I’ll still get that shot. Just don’t lose to Karma. I don’t need him mucking up my future shot at that title.

The audience buzzed loudly and the camera slowly pans out, catching Envi in the shot. Envi looks at Kol in silence, holding a fist over his mouth for a moment before taking a deep breath and raising his index finger in the air.

Evan Envi: ...knock ‘em dead, team, just like the Chief would! I wish I could be out there on the frontlines of brand war with you.

He slaps the face of his belt as he winks toward the team, continuing in a lower tone.

Evan Envi: But duty calls.

Envi pats Ricky on the shoulder before backing out of frame, eyes locked on Kol the entire time until the Chief disappears. Ricky nods his best friend off as Envi departs before turning back to his teammates.

Ricky Valero: Yes, Kol, this is a pep talk. It’s not because I think we need one, but because I’m so damn hyped for this match and I know all of you are too. You’re right. We all have our stakes in this one, but at the end of this night, it’s all about the Vertigo brand. I don’t care how we get there. I don’t care what we have to do to make it happen. All that matters to me--and hopefully to all of you--is that when the dust clears inside that ring there is no doubt that Vertigo is the best show, not just in FGA, but throughout the entire sport of professional wrestling. We get that done, and you’re absolutely right, Kol…

He says begrudgingly as his eyes lock with his former rival.

Ricky Valero: You can guarantee big opportunities for each and every one of us. Opportunities I know our gracious general manager would be more than happy to reward us with.

Ricky pounds his chest twice before bumping fist with Macdonald. The Vertigo GM is beaming with joy. The crowd within the arena, however, are less than impressed with the Vertigo members and they show it with a chorus of boos. A slow, sardonic clap is heard as the camera turns to Marlon Cure, who is standing near the doorway with a lit cigar chomped between his teeth.

Marlon Cure: Brilliant speech, Ricky Rick… but ain’t any need for it.

Cure pushes himself off the wall and brushes off the shoulders of his jacket, before glancing back at the rest of the room.

Marlon Cure: We don’t need to be told who or what we are, why? Cause we already know. We know that we illuminate the entirety of FGA and the wrestling world at large and we know everybody here isn’t for play. We knew it when day one, we went into Flashpoint and smashed their best stars, their alleged “Elite” right in the mouth and left them slumped for all the world to see. We knew when it took them weeks and weeks of doing just what you so call yourself doing right now and trying to rally the troops, gassing themselves up to try for the getback. Their own GM isn’t even willing to get her hands dirty after her brand got exposed and step on their team for the chance to get a lil’ payback of her own.

The self professed “King” looks around the room, then gestures to the rest of their teammates.

Marlon Cure: I don’t know what’s driving y’all to go out there and bust they asses and I’m not press y’all to speak on it because we don’t got that kinda time to waste. But for me? I want the throne. I want everything that comes with beating the best of the best to bring acclaim to my name. And to do that? I’m gonna start by dismantling the entire Flashpoint Squad, member by member…

Cure pauses, then looks around the rest of the room with a raised eyebrow.

Marlon Cure: ...Any objections?

While the others nod in approval, Ricky stands with his lips pursed and his left index finger pressed against the tip of his nose. Suddenly, a devilish grin creeps across his face and he joins in his teammates with an approving fist pump.

Ricky Valero: That’s exactly what I’m talking about! Tonight, we go to war, boys…

This time, Molly just rolls her eyes while she stands in the back of the group with her arms crossed, leaning against the hallway wall.

Ricky Valero: Team Vertigo on three??!

Ricky shoots his hand out in front of the other members of Team Vertigo with a big, stupid grin on his face. Brandon Macdonald gleefully throws his hand in the mix to Ricky’s enthusiasm, but the other members just let out a sigh and head off in different directions. Marlon Cure brushes by Ricky, chuckling as he pats the self-proclaimed “Team Vertigo” leader on the shoulder. Not willing to let the lackluster response get him down, he gives Macdonald a nod of reassurance.

Ricky Valero: It’s game time baby.

That trademark smirk stretches across his face and he and Macdonald share a firm handshake as they turn to watch the other members of Team Vertigo disappear down the hallway. Our scene fades.

[FGA Office]

A calm smile is on Spencer Burke as it looks like he has interview duty now before things begin.

Spencer Burke: Before we get to the next match, it seems we have a gentleman who has something to get off of his chest. And this gentleman will be wrestling in the most personal of the matches tonight where he takes on Owen Gonsalves…

When he says that Seth Iser steps onto the screen not quite in his in ring gear yet but dressed immaculately in a black and gold suit considering the high stakes. There is a scowl etched on his face as he has his arms crossed at the 6’5 man dwarfs the more normal sized Spencer.

Spencer Burke: I think everyone now knows both perspectives with what has happened between you and Owen Gonsalves…

Iser raises one finger and this silences Spencer briefly and he faces the man directly for a moment.

Seth Iser: Eyes and ears open...and your mouth shut boy.

An authoritative air to the request rather than purely hostile as he closes his eyes briefly and finally turns toward the camera.

Seth Iser: You’re half right Spencer. Owen Gonsalves gave his perspective for everything that has happened and continued to happen between the two of us. He didn’t have the courage to put it on national television but he did put it on the internet...so I suppose that counts for something...but he did nonetheless put it out for everyone to see. He sat there and told us all a bold faced lie. And if there’s something that I’ve done for my sixteen years...I call a spade a spade...and I call a lie exactly what it is.

Iser’s tone of voice is low and getting lower but you can tell he’s filled with hatred in his heart.

Seth Iser: You said you took a piece away from me that night when we had the I Quit match...three years ago. That I discarded morality on that exchange…

There’s a bitterness hanging in Iser’s tone even though he isn’t yelling as he puts his hand on his bearded chin thinking for a moment with his eyes closed almost as if he’s thinking back to that night.

Seth Iser: You did what you’ve often accused me of for years Owen and that’s twist what could be truthful into something indistinguishable...even a lie. I admit you took that piece away from me...but it happened not during that match...no...it happened when you changed the rules between us and broke into MY house. And then you have the temerity to play equivalency on our crimes when...quite frankly Owen you’re the one who's guilty...not me. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised when you feed a lie to your fans and then they buy it hook line and sinker...then they add this among all of the other false propaganda that they use to try to slander me and my legacy…

The bitterness is growing deeper as he lowers his head slightly and you can hear him let out a brief sigh.

Spencer Burke: Aren’t you being a little unfair?

Seth Iser: Unfair?

Iser snaps his head toward Spencer as soon as that word is spoken.

Seth Iser: You don’t even know the meaning of the word. It was me who has to deal with false accusations from the fans preaching Owen’s lies...not anyone else. It was me who has to listen to those same people regurgitate the same incidents saying that they’re equal and even saying I deserved to have an actual CRIME committed against me.

Seth takes a step toward Spencer and you can see the interviewer take a step back. Seth obviously isn’t going to pick a fight but...he’s proving a point.

Seth Iser: They also lied about the fact that Owen Gonsalves is better than me when the record has stated the opposite fact, Spencer…

Spencer Burke: I know that...but tonight could be different, we know this.

Seth Iser: It won’t. Because you want to know something that’s the truth and I know it’ll cut close to the bone Spencer? It's something that Owen wouldn't ever want to admit to the world...but he knows deep down and he knows between the two of us...that I'm right?

Iser turns to the camera and for the first time there’s a semblance of a smile on his face...and it’s an evil looking smile.

Seth Iser: Owen Gonsalves is the biggest reason my legacy continues to grow today.

Iser let’s that sentence hang for a moment and you can hear a chuckle come out of him and it isn’t pretty because he rarely laughs.

Seth Iser: Yes Owen...as much as I hate your guts...for everything you and your fans have done to me or tried to do to me...I should thank you in one respect...the wrestling historians are going to conclude that you’ve added so much to my legacy by accomplishing so much...winning all those titles at just about every stop the last year and a half...and as you’ve often reminded the audiences...you’re indestructible physically. Never been another human being that has been able to give you a beating you haven’t been able to come back from eventually…and yet all of those gifts have never been able to overcome yours truly...

That smile stays on his face as he delivers this news and there is obvious ill intent here.

Seth Iser: Yes Owen...you’ve become the greatest enabler as to why my legacy continues to grow. And you cannot deny this truth at all! Neither you nor any of the people that’s ever bought one of your t-shirts or shootcamp memorabilia can because guess what...every piece of real estate you try to claim for yourself to try to plant your flag to grow how great you are...it’s stuck in my shadow as I take those pieces away from you...with victory after victory these last three years. And it gets worse and worse for you every time you lose to me.

A second chuckle from Seth.

Seth Iser: Hell Owen...every time you win something great...I win as well because it’s a piece I get from you. And every single time you lose...you’re thinking of me...and I win just the same because it’s something else from you I’ve taken...

The chuckle he had earlier turns into an outright sinister laugh...again a rarity from Iser. But after that evil laugh his face goes glacial.

Seth Iser: Every time you try to challenge me...try to break my legacy and retake everything for yourself man...you’ve made my own legacy greater because you continue to come up that little bit short. And I never tire of it...because not only do I destroy you piece by piece for everything you’ve ever done to me...and what you did to my daughter...but you make me richer. You make my name greater, Owen! And it’s your own fault. Sure, I would achieve such heights anyway...but you make my path easier! Not because you’re some scrub...but because you’re one of the game’s greats...whose inferior to me and has tried and failed to beat me for the last three years!

Iser’s stern face is apparent as he then raises that index finger a second time.

Seth Iser: I have a simple question with you now knowing all of this for you Owen: How does it make you feel knowing that everything you do, every height you climb to...and even every big accomplishment that you achieve...you only make my name greater? What was the biggest reason I was able to be in this company? My record against you...and I find another way to haunt you. What was one of the big reasons why a company on Australia took a chance on me despite me having no history in that country as a performer? My record against you…and I’ve certainly added to my record there too...on top of my legacy, bank account and championship reigns there...

Iser balls his right hand in a fist while pointing with his left hand in a threatening manner.

Seth Iser: But I think it’s time Owen...I add one final piece to my legacy and take away that final piece from you. And in my gut that tells me that it’ll be tonight. I’ll make you wish you never were so physically indestructible by breaking you mentally at long last...by beating you one more time...and driving you out of this industry so you can never harm anyone like you’ve done to me ever again. I just hope when that day happens you’ll actually sit down and tell the truth for once when I take this last piece away from you...no sense in clinging onto a lie if you have no way to try to properly change the narrative after all…

Iser’s face turns into an absolutely disgusting sneer as you can see his fury.

Seth Iser: By 2018 I’ve said it boy...you’re going to be out of this industry. It’s not going to be Frank Finelli...God rest his soul or Terry Roberts or Ricky Valero or Artemis f*bleep*ing Kaiser who runs you out boy. It’ll be ME...Seth Iser. The Deity of Destruction...that’s WHO will run you out. And I’ll see to it by taking a big enough piece of you that you’re mentally broken by the end of this match!

With that declaration Iser ends up walking away with a glare etched on his face as Spencer just winces at what he had endured.

Spencer Burke: Back to you guys…

Spencer gestures toward the camera and the smile he had at the start...completely gone as there’s a genuine look of concern etched on his face for what might come later in the night as we fade out.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Izzy Anders vs. Aria Eckhart

The bell rings and both women look across the ring from each other intently. Izzy walks forward and says something to Aria that can’t be picked up by the camera, prompting a frown and a hard shove from Eckart that knocks Izzy into the ropes. Izzy opens her mouth to say something back-- but instead floors Aria with a hard right hand! Aria clutches her jaw and scrambles back to her feet, but the Stockton Slap knocks her back a bit. Izzy grabs a handful of hair and swings Aria over the top rope! Aria lands unsteadily on the apron, and Izzy grabs a fistful of hair again before unloading with a series of elbow strikes to boos from the crowd. “The Darling” tumbles from the apron to the floor as Izzy releases her. The referee warns the former Undisputed Champion, but Izzy ducks out of the ring and forces Aria up. She slams Eckart back-first into the barricade and jaw-first into the apron before rolling her into the ring. The referee scolds Izzy again, but it’s ignored as Anders forces her opponent to her feet and charges to the other side of the ring, launching her over the top rope again, this time sending Aria straight to the floor! The referee loudly reprimands Anders before rolling out of the ring to check on Aria.

Izzy keeps an unflinching gaze on the writhing Aria as boos rain down on her. The referee begrudgingly re-enters the ring to begin his ten-count. Izzy stoops down, watching as Aria struggles, crawling to her knees, and then feet with assistance from the steps. Aria rolls into the ring at the ref’s six count, prompting an eye roll from Izzy who charges the rising Aria with a European Uppercut! Aria rebounds off the ropes into a swift roundhouse kick, earning a groan from the crowd. Izzy hooks the far leg for a two count. Frustrated, she covers again, hooking both legs, but earns another count of two. Shaking her head, Izzy climbs to her feet and points to a kid in the front row as she leans against the ropes, wickedly grinning as she mouths “a gift for you” before sprinting at Aria for a Penalty Kick-- but Eckart rolls out of the way! Izzy pivots and Aria blasts her with a spinning back kick that sends a CRACK! throughout the arena! Izzy collapses and Aria crawls into a cover… but Izzy’s shoulder pops up at 2½!

Chants for Aria echo throughout Safeco Field as she begins to pull herself to her feet. She grabs the rising Izzy and Irish Whips her across the ring and looks for a second spinning back kick upon the rebound but Izzy is able to slide beneath the leg and pop up behind Aria with a Release Dragon Suplex! Aria holds a hand up in the air as she writhes in pain-- and Izzy grabs that left wrist, delivering hard, unprotected boots to Aria’s shoulder! Aria cries out and hooks a leg around the bottom rope! The referee initiates a count, but to boos from the crowd, Izzy yanks Aria away from the ropes… only to be pulled into an Inside Cradle, but Izzy kicks out at two! Izzy scrambles to her feet, but Aria captures her with a Small Package, this time for a one count. The women race to their feet, exchanging hard blows to the delight of the crowd! Izzy gains the upperhand with a European Uppercut and rebounds off the ropes for a Lariat-- only for Aria to nail a Tilt-A-Whirl Slam! She clutches her left arm, wincing as she rolls to the ropes.

Anders rolls out to the apron for a breather, though it immediately seems to backfire as Aria charges the rising Izzy Anders, leaping over the ropes and performing a Sunset Flip Powerbomb…

...nearly! Anders grips the top rope with both hands while a roller-coaster “OOOOOHHH…” rolls through the audience! Izzy yells for the referee to do something as Aria tries to Powerbomb her off of the apron to the floor. Izzy’s fingers begin to slip one by one…

...until she raises a foot high into the air and drives it down, mule kicking the back of Aria’s head! Aria stumbles forward, nearly losing her footing as she falls against the barricade, boos resonating through the crowd. Izzy smirks and prepares to step back into the ring-- but Aria races back over and yanks her by the foot, pulling her off of the apron and onto her shoulders for a Fireman’s Carry into a Neckbreaker on the floor! The audience erupts as Izzy bounces off of the floor, screaming out in agony. Aria sits upright, nodding to herself a bit before lifting Izzy up, sliding her into the ring at the referee’s seven count before following suit. Aria moves to the corner and pulls against the ropes as she signals for the end! Seattle reaches a fever pitch!

Anders groggily gets up in the middle of the ring and Aria runs toward her-- but a Bicycle Kick turns the Darling of Vertigo inside-out, drawing a unique sound from the previously-cheering Seattle crowd. Izzy stomps down on Aria for good measure and hoists her up for an Aniplex-- the Cutthroat Brainbuster! Izzy hooks the far leg and grapevines the near one for a ONE … TWO … THRE-!

Eckart kicks out and Izzy looks bewildered at first… before amused. She shakes her head, rubbing a hand down her own face before pacing the ring a bit. Izzy shakes her head and runs at Aria, stomping viciously down on her body and then focusing on her left arm! Aria crawls to the ropes, crying out in pain. She throws herself onto the bottom rope, but Izzy uses her knee to choke Aria against it! The referee counts, but Izzy breaks at four. She picks Aria up by the hair and rushes the ropes, throwing her over the top once more before turning her back, clapping her hands to clean them of the situation… but she’s unaware that Aria’s held on! Izzy turns and looks at Aria with annoyance before sprinting at her-- only for Aria to pull a page from Izzy’s book, launching herself into the ring with the Lawn Dart for a quick two count, surprising Izzy. The two women reach their feet simultaneously, and Aria blasts Izzy with a stiff boot to the face! Izzy reels and Aria grabs her by the hair this time, saying something into her face before rushing the ropes, going to through Izzy through!

Izzy catches herself between the top and middle rope, almost leaning across the middle rope as if lying on a bed as she winks at Aria and blows her a kiss. Aria shakes her head and rushes forward for a Dropkick, but Izzy sits upright! Aria lands in a seated position on the middle rope, allowing Izzy to nail a Superkick to the injured left shoulder! Aria slumps forward and Izzy nails an Axe Kick to the base of the neck! Aria falls backwards off of the ropes and to the mat while Izzy paces around the ring, signaling for the end to the deafening crowd.

Anders lifts Eckart up for the Fisherman Driver-- but Eckart elbows out of it! Izzy responds with a hard slap to the jaw, reeling Aria! She goes to Irish Whip the “Darling”, but Aria reverses… and catches Izzy with a Running Powerslam on the rebound! Aria cries out in pain, clutching her shoulder, but motions for the end once again! She waits in the corner for Izzy to stumble upright. Aria runs forward and catches Izzy in the twisting double-underhook, looking for The Chicago Cross… but Izzy grabs her arm and wrenches it! Aria cries out in agony and Izzy nails the Fisherman Driver… Shotgun Party II!

A mixed reaction rains down on Anders as she hooks both legs for a cover!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THREE!

The bell sounds and Izzy sits upright, grinning as “Bad Dreams” hits the PA system. She climbs the ropes, reminding the crowd that she said she would do this. Izzy continues to mouth off to fans in the front row as she circles the ring, grinning in the face of the jeering. She makes her way backwards up the ramp, looking at the ring as the referee tends to the fallen Aria Eckart.

Izzy Anders O || Shotgun Party II (10:32) || Aria Eckhart X

[FGA Office]

A small light partly illuminates a room backstage. Sitting half in darkness is 'the Rogue' Michael Tomkins. He seems to look older in this light, with the wrinkles of a darker life etched clearly. He eyes the camera with a deep penetrating stare as though he is looking through the lense.

Michael Tomkins: Whether tonight is about redemption, reinvention or recognition is not yet clear. Am I here to wipe away the sins of tester and rewrite the wrongs of my life? In a word, no. This isn't about righting wrongs or making up for lost time. Reinvention? I don't think anyone would be fooled by that one. I was always a proud, somewhat arrogant guy who would just as happily verbally rip you to pieces as I would beat you down in the ring. If I were to claim that a new and improved Michael Tomkins was here that would be very shallow of me. Recognition? That's possibly where you come in. You have spent the good part of your time here interrupting me. You are cocky, flamboyant and oozing character. Just like me you are extremely arrogant but then again just like me you have every right to be. You are good in the ring. You are full of life and energy. So tonight on the biggest night of the year you want me to recognise the abundance of talent you have. No, you want the world to recognise what talent you have and you aim to do it by taking out the first ever Champion.

Tomkins smiles, before switching the lamp beside him off as another switch simultaneously turns the main light on.

Michael Tomkins: I don't need to tell you that many have tried and only a few have succeeded. What I promise you is that our match will be full of ups and downs, highlighting the best of what I have and the best of what you have. When it is over, the world is going to think highly of the effort you put into it. There's potential for a match of the year between you and I. But if you think it's going to be a walk in the park for you or that you are going to get the better of me, think again.

He pauses, with the old arrogant half smile spreading across his face.

Michael Tomkins: It takes three seconds to win a match; just three... and they always belong to me.

[FGA Office]

The night of the biggest fight of your life. What do you do? Well in James Edwards case it means finding a lonely hallway and bounce a tan rubber off a wall while leaning on the one opposite of it.

James Edwards: I've had enough of team huddles and one-on-one conversations.

His tone of voice is matter of fact and has an odd cadence to it that matches the continually bouncing of the ball.

James Edwards: I don't do people. Y'all watchin' at home have seen that for the last two months. The four other folks on Team Flashpoint remind me of it every time we get together. So I'm taking a break from them and everybody else until the match tonight because if I have my loyalty questioned one more time I'm gonna end up throwin' something a lot harder than this ball at somebody's head.

He takes a moment to focus on the ball in an attempt to calm his rising temper, but a hint of frustration remains in his voice.

James Edwards: How many times do I have to tell people that they can trust me? How many times do I have to point out I ain't gone into business for myself like other folks have? Too many damn times!

He spikes the ball with enough force to make zig-zag for a brief amount of time.

James Edwards: Nobody believes me. They think I'm here to end things with Colton, and that's wrong. I got my closure by walkin' away from that corrupt ass show and then kickin' his head in a few weeks ago.

He begins to pace back and forth, either torn or agitated.

James Edwards: So I guess I gotta show em' all. I gotta swallow my pride and work with people I can' stand. I gotta risk my body to keep them safe; to keep their paths to revenge open. I can't expect any thanks or respect. And why?

He turns to the camera and shrugs.

James Edwards: Because I have this stupid dream I can't let go of. A dream of an FGA where past successes don't guarantee opportunity, hard work and wins do. A place where you can settle your issues in the ring without the other party hidin' behind their buddies in high places.

He slumps back against the wall.

James Edwards: I've said this all before. I can keep sayin' it till' I'm blue in the face, it ain't gonna change things. If anything, I gotta prove I can change, and that means I have to do the one thing I dread, I've got to be part of a team.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Michael Tomkins vs. Cassius Reed

The match starts with Reed rocking Tomkins with multiple snapping jabs. Reed then goes for a Discus Punch. But Tomkins throws him down with an STO for a two count. Tomkins brings the action into the corner and unleashes a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the venue. He then delivers an irish whip before following Reed across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Reed grabs the top ropes and jumps back over the oncoming Tomkins with a corner slingshot. When Tomkins turns around, the crowd boos when Reed whacks him with a Pimp Slap! He then brings Tomkins from out of the corner and shoots him into the far ropes. When Tomkins returns, Reed sets up for a back body drop. So Tomkins counters with a sunset flip. But Reed rolls through it before countering with a front dropkick to the face! He makes the cover. But Tomkins kicks out at two.

Reed stays on offense as he brings Tomkins against the ropes. After hooking both of Tomkin’s arms around the top rope, Reed lights up with chest with knife edge chops. He then blasts Tomkins with a Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow) before shooting him off into the far ropes. When Tomkins returns, Reed sets up for a back body drop of his own. But Tomkins hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Reed stands up and turns around, Tomkins knocks him down with a spinning heel kick for a two count. After a knee to the stomach, Tomkins throws him down with a gutwrench suplex for a two count. Tomkins pulls Reed back up and goes for a belly to back suplex. But Reed rolls over his shoulder, lands on his feet and follows up with a back rake. The Funky Dragon then follows up with a reverse DDT. for a two count. Reed then hits Tomkins with two European Uppercuts before sending him stumbling back with a split-legged Stunner. While Tomkins is rocked, Reed turns and heads into the far ropes. When Reed comes back, he sends Tomkins through the ropes and to the floor with a running huracanrana. Once Tomkins returns to his feet on the outside, Reed brings him down with a slingshot huracanrana! After rolling Tomkins back inside, Reed climbs back up onto the apron. When Tomkins gets in position, Reed goes for the Funkensteiner (springboard huracanrana). But Tomkins counters with an inverted atomic drop! The Raise-The-Bar Superstar quickly follows up with a hook kick. But Reed gets his shoulder up at two.

As the match continues, Tomkins throws Reed down with a vertical suplex. With The Funky Dragon down on the mat, Tomkins points to the top turnbuckle as he heads out onto the apron. Tomkins goes to climb the turnbuckles. But once he reaches the top, Reed runs over and shakes the hell out of the top rope until Tomkins slips down and ends up crotched up top! The boos continue as Reed climbs up onto the middle ropes. He grabs a hold of Tomkins and goes for a vertical suplex. But Tomkins blocks the move. So Reed tries to muscle him up for another superplex. But again, Tomkins blocks the move. After Tomkins delivers clubbing strikes to the back, the crowd shrieks and cheers as Tomkins goes to lift Reed up for a superplex to the outside. But Reed kicks his legs, forcing Tomkins to lower him back down. Reed then lets go and throws out a punch. But Tomkins block and counters with a punch of his own. Tomkins fires off three more punches before shoving Reed down to the mat. He then stands up on the top turnbuckle, leaps off and goes for a top rope leg drop. But Reed rolls out of the way! The boos continue as Reed locks on a leg grapevine! The ref asks Tomkins if he wants to give up. When Tomkins refuses, Reed arches his hips to increase the pressure of the hold. The boos continue while Tomkins can be seen cringing from the pain. After the ref asks him if he wants to give up, Tomkins refuses. He then scoots himself back towards the side of the ring and grabs a hold of the bottom rope.

Once Reed breaks the hold, he returns to his feet and stomps the heck out of Tomkin’s leg. He pulls Tomkins back up to his feet and delivers a shin breaker. After a second shin breaker is delivered, Reed brings Tomkins down with a belly to back suplex. Reed gets the cover, but Tomkins gets his shoulder up at two. A snap suplex scores Reed a two count. A bridging northern lights suplex garners The Funky Dragon another two count. While Reed is pulling Tomkins up of the mat, he gets nailed him right hands to the midsection. The cheers get louder when Tomkins stands up and rocks Reed with a right hand. Tomkins nails him with another right hand… and another… and another… and anoth-NO! The crowd boos when Reed counters with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch to the midsection)! After rolling onto his back, Reed follows up with What Da Funk (kip up huracanrana)! While Tomkins is down, Reed heads to the ropes to taunt the crowd. He then moonwalks away from the ropes as he runs his hands through his fro. After checking over his shoulder and seeing Tomkins still down, Reed goes for Funky Knee, Funky Do (standing moonsault double knee). But Tomkins rolls out of the way, causing both of Reed’s knees to crash onto the canvas! The cheers continue as Reed hugs his knees.

While Reed is down, Tomkins quickly lifts up one of Reed’s legs and turns him over into a single leg crab. The crowd cheers while Reed howls in pain. The ref gets down and asks Reed if he wants to give up. But Reed refuses. So Tomkins pulls back and increases the pressure of the hold. Reed won’t give up. But he is in immense pain. Reed tries to block out the pain and crawl towards the ropes. But Tomkins drags him right back to the center of the ring. The ref continues to ask The Funky Dragon if he wants to give up. To Reed’s credit, he continues to hang in there. Frustrated, Tomkins lets go of the hold. He then pulls up Reed from behind and goes for a German Suplex. But on the way up, Reed nails him with a back elbow. After dropping Reed back to his fee, Tomkins goes for another German. But again, Reed counters with a back elbow on the way up. After performing a standing switch, Reed hops onto Tomkin’s shoulders, spins around and motions for a huracanrana. But Tomkins counters with a sitout powerbomb! The ref slides into place for the count. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! The crowd gasps and boos when Reed gets his shoulder up.

In the eleventh minute, Tomkins slowly pulls up Reed by his fro when Reed doubles him over with an elbow to the gut. After a backfist knocks Tomkins upright, Reed unleashes the Pimp Slap Symposium (right jab, right jab, left hook boxing combo, Michael Jackson-style spin straight into a left-handed spinning backhand slap). While Tomkins is dazed, Reed holds his knees before running into the far ropes. When Reed returns, Tomkins lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! The cheers continue as he rolls across Reed and hooks the near leg for the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd gasps and boos when Reed gets his shoulder up. Tomkins pulls up Reed and throws out a roundhouse kick. But Reed swats it away, blasts him with a Spanish Archer, delivers an inverted facelock backbreaker and follows up with the Funky Knee, Funky Do! After rolling out onto the apron, Reed slowly pulls himself up using the ropes. Reed winces as he walks along the apron and positions himself near the ring post. Once Tomkins gets into position, Reed delivers the Bride of Funkenstein (springboard somersault huracanrana)!! The boos continue as the ref slides into place for the count. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Tomkins kicks out. Reed looks around in disbelief. He holds up two fingers at the ref. But the ref shakes him off and holds up three fingers back at him. The Funky Dragon then snaps out of it. After picking up Tomkins and throwing him down with a scoop slam, Reed steps out onto the apron. The crowd rises as he climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Reed flips off for a somersault leg drop. But Tomkins rolls out of the way. The crowd explodes with cheers when Reed crashes onto the canvas!

As Reed pulls himself up using the ropes, Tomkins grabs him from behind. After an initial struggle, he’s able to pull Reed from off the ropes and throws out a German Suplex. Reed flips over and lands on his feet. But his leg quickly buckles, dropping down to a knee. While Reed gets back to a vertical base, Tomkins runs over and plants him with a jump swinging DDT! Once Reed gets back to his feet, Tomkins rocks him with the Taste of Greatness (left foot superkick). But Reed rolls out of the way, causing the ref to nearly got his head kicked off. But the ref turns away at the last second. When Tomkins turns around, he runs over towards Reed. But Reed hoists him up over his head with a pop-up. As Tomkins is coming down behind him, the crowd erupts with boos when Reed catches him with a mule kick. After Tomkins crumbles to the mat, Reed drags him into the corner before hitting the Plan C (split-legged corkscrew moonsault) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Michael Tomkins X || Plan C (14:38) || Cassius Reed O

[FGA Office]

EARLIER TODAY

The cameras cut to a shot of the new United States Tag Team Champions, Pendragon, arriving earlier at Safeco Field, ahead of tonight’s show. Both dressed casually in t-shirt and shorts, Neal Durden and Lowri Moss are each pulling a trolley case behind them as they make their way through the stadium’s parking garage, and they are almost at the entrance to the building, when they are accosted by Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Neal! Lowri! Sorry to pounce on you guys like this, before you’ve even had a chance to go to your locker room, but could I get a word with the two of you?

Jessie’s timing is not exactly ideal, but Lowri offers her a polite smile regardless.

Lowri Moss: Sure, Jessie. No problem.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, great. So, before I go any further, I guess I ought to first say congratulations to both of you, on becoming the first ever FGA United States Tag Team Champions.

Neal Durden: Thank you.

Lowri gives her thanks with a nod of the head. Jessie then continues.

Jessie Pederson: Prior to the match three weeks ago against the Reapers in Pride, you talked about some of the opportunities that you had been denied previously during your time together, outside of FGA, so after finally getting the chance to compete for a set of tag team titles, can you put into words how you felt when you won the match, and the titles?

Neal gives Lowri a look and a wide smile appears on both of their faces. He then looks at Jessie and proceeds to answer her question.

Neal Durden: Relief, pride, sense of accomplishment… name it as you want, Jessie. For us it has been a long journey to get to this point, where we are enjoying tag team success. Setback after setback prolonged our wait for this moment and now that it’s here, it’s almost like a lot of weight was taken off of our backs.

Neal looks at Lowri before continuing.

Neal Durden: Now, that doesn’t mean we’ve accomplished anything. We merely made it to the top of the mountain, but as they say, the toughest part of it all is keeping ourselves on top.

Lowri Moss: For me, Jessie, I think it was just a feeling of pure unadulterated joy. Neal and I have been a team for nearly two years, and of course in that time we’ve become more than simply tag partners, so... to win a championship was one thing, but to win it with my best friend was…

Lowri pauses to look at Neal, and her smile broadens further still.

Lowri Moss: That was something else - it was a moment and a feeling that could be difficult to top. It’s like the US tag titles are everything we had been working for since our first match together, and after two years of toiling away, we finally get to call ourselves tag champions. In the past, whenever we were getting close, or we thought we were getting close, there was always something that happened to derail us, but this time, nothing, or no one, was able to stop us - not The Keisters, not the Good Guys, and not the Reapers in Pride.

She lets out a sigh of contentment.

Lowri Moss: Like Neal said though, we know we’ll have to continue to work hard if we’re to remain the champions, so there’s no chance that we’re going to be resting on our laurels.

Neal then throws in a comment.

Neal Durden: I think you mean, we won’t be resting on our Yannys.

Lowri cannot help laughing at Neal’s joke, with Jessie doing her best to keep a straight face, trying to remain professional.

Jessie Pederson: However much joy and however much pride you felt after winning the United States tag team titles had to be tempered though by what happened barely half an hour or so later, when yourselves, as well as the rest of the Vertigo roster, were ambushed by members of the Flashpoint roster.

Lowering her gaze towards the floor, Lowri makes a remark in a somewhat hushed tone of voice.

Lowri Moss: Just once, I’d like to be able to win a championship and then not get attacked afterwards.

Lowri is of course making reference to what happened back in February after she won the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, when the now-former champion, Jaelynn Ramsey, struck her with the belt immediately following the match. Neal interjects before Lowri can say anything else, with a face that shows everything but surprise.

Neal Durden: I can’t say I’m surprised about what happened. I’ve been expecting Flashpoint to make their statement for a while now. So, I guess, that was as good time as any to do so. Take out the roster, show your might… I get it. But, as Lowri said…. we’re kinda getting used to being attacked after winning… anything really.

Neal lets out a sigh of disappointment more than anything, before he continues.

Neal Durden: But if anyone thinks we’re gonna let that get in our heads, well… I’m sorry to disappoint you all.

Jessie Pederson: Well, tonight you have the chance to get a measure of revenge for that attack, when you and three other Vertigo tag teams take on four duos from Flashpoint. How well do you think you’ll be able to coexist with your partners - in particular the Reapers in Pride, after your win over them in the final of the US Tag Team Championship tournament?

Neal looks at Lowri, as if to say “I got this”. He then turns towards Jessie and answers her question.

Neal Durden: Well, I like to think RIP are the kind of wrestlers that would take pride in defeating Flashpoint and proving we have the superior tag team division. So, between bells, I don’t think we should have any earth shattering differences. Yet, after the match ends, well, alliances are off and I would be surprised if they didn’t take a shot. Same thing goes for the other two teams representing Vertigo in that match.

Lowri purses her lips, taking a few seconds to contemplate what to add, before she speaks.

Lowri Moss: I know this is probably stating the obvious, but we can’t control what our partners do, we can only control what we do. We’ll just make sure we keep up our side of the bargain, and not worry too much about whether the Reapers in Pride, or whoever else, have any intentions of betraying us. Besides, The Chaotics are going to be defending their titles against Smart Style in a couple of weeks, aren’t they?

Jessie gives a nod of her head to confirm that what Lowri said is indeed correct.

Lowri Moss: And the Dogs Of War aren’t exactly the most trustworthy group either, they’re only out for themselves; the four teams from Flashpoint may have an even more fragile alliance than those of us representing Vertigo do.

Jessie Pederson: On the subject of champions who have title defenses scheduled for after tonight, it was announced last week that the next episode of Vertigo will see you, Lowri, defending the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Marlon Cure. Is there a danger that when you’re in the ring later your focus could be elsewhere, possibly with one eye already on that match with Marlon Cure?

The question draws a wry smile from Lowri. She takes a moment or two to think carefully about her choice of words, before she answers.

Lowri Moss: This is probably the part where I’m supposed to say that, I’m not thinking at all about my impending match with Marlon Cure, and that I’m fully concentrated on the match tonight. However, that would be a lie.

Jessie looks a bit surprised by that admission from Lowri, who continues.

Lowri Moss: Now, I’m still going to go out there tonight and give the match my all - I’m not going to put in less effort than I usually would, and just play it safe to make sure I don’t pick up an injury three weeks before I have to defend one of my titles; I still want to this match tonight, just like I know Neal does. That’s the difference between this match and the one in three weeks though: tonight, I want to win, whereas in three weeks’ time, I have to win. Or to put it another way, I don’t really have anything to lose tonight, whereas in three weeks, I have everything to lose.

No sooner had Lowri finished that sentence than she looked toward Neal, realising her faux pas immediately. Even if she was to lose to Marlon Cure, she would still have one championship to her name in FGA.

Lowri Moss: Well, not quite everything.

Lowri gives Neal a smile, and he responds in kind, reassuringly. She then turns her attention back to Jessie.

Lowri Moss: What I mean, Jessie, is that of the two matches, with what’s at stake in each of them, the one in three weeks against Marlon Cure is definitely the more important of the two for me. So yeah, I do already have one eye on that match, and on retaining the title that I worked so hard for so long to earn. But even so, I don’t believe that will be too detrimental to my performance this evening; once that bell rings, I’ll still play a prominent role in trying to help Vertigo get some bragging rights over Flashpoint.

Neal nods his head in agreement with Lowri.

Jessie Pederson: Alright, well, I guess I had better let the two of you get inside. Thank you both for you time.

Lowri Moss: No problem, Jessie.

As the two members of Pendragon then head for the venue’s entrance, the cameras cut away.

[FGA Office]

The challenger for the FGA 15 Championship Kendall Kingham is pacing around backstage dressed in her ring gear, prepared for the match. She has an airbrushed jacket on for her entrance that reads "STORM WATCH: FORECAST CALLS FOR A 100% CHANCE OF KENDALL" on the back, whatever the hell that means. Her shutter shades are tilted up to rest on her forehead, allowing her to lock eyes with the camera.

Kendall Kingham: This is it, it's the big night.

She takes a deep breath and exhales, a little bit fidgety as she bounces in place a bit.

Kendall Kingham: I keep kinda have two minds going back and forth on things.

Her hand gestures from side to side.

Kendall Kingham: Like I've got my own thing to take care of, but it's also a big night period with the whole brand versus brand thing going on. I've repped the Flashpoint Zone hard every night, it's the show I want to be on, so part of me kinda wishes I could be in one of those matches.

She shakes her head.

Kendall Kingham: But I've gotta take care of me.

Pointing a finger towards her chest, she continues.

Kendall Kingham: It's not just hype when I call this the biggest match of my career, it's facts. There's so many factors in it, there's standing up for myself and what I believe in against a guy that's had a whole vendetta dealie against me for reasons I still don't get. There's the fact I haven't won a Championship, that I keep finding ways to impress people but not get over the hump and get that really big moment to hang my hat on and say this is what I'm all about. It seems like the story of my career, not really being able to find my place, but I change that.

This time she gives a short nod.

Kendall Kingham: Storm, a while back he was a guy who would star a place or two but he was largely a dude who would just get ripped on by co-workers for working in a zillion companies, he was the butt of some jokes. But he's changed that, he's got his whole deal going on now where he's let the dogs out and he's a big deal a lot of places, I'll give him that. So I've got this opportunity right now, not just a the FGA 15 Championship, or payback or any of that, but of using that spotlight to show what I'm all about.

A brief pause.

Kendall Kingham: And the best way I can represent myself, and the Flashpoint Zone, what it was supposed to be all about what I signed there is to just go out there and do some great wrestling stuff. I opened myself up to this whole deal by getting a little over-excited in saying I just wanted to focus on having my matches and what happens in the ring. So I need to just learn from that moment or two where I did slip up a bit and not let those define me. I need to show that after everything that's gone down, I'm not gonna be changed, I'm not gonna stop being me.

So I'm going out there to show what I'm about, what the place I call home is about, and I plan on taking that 15 Championship and using it as a spotlight for what matters-- the wrestling. This isn't gonna be only about Mark Storm, no matter how much he wants to make it that way, no matter how close I came to taking his bait. This is gonna be about what we do, what I do, the reason the people show up. And if anyone's forgotten what that is?

The smile people are used to returns to her face, and she pulls the shades down over her eyes.

Kendall Kingham: I'm ready to remind them.

[FGA Office]

With Kendall's time wrapping up just moments ago, we cut to the front of Safeco Field. It looks to be a tad earlier in the day, before much of the crowd for tonight's All-Star Showdown pay-per-view event arrived to fill the 47,000 plus seated baseball park in the south of downtown Seattle, Washington. Right in the center of the scene is the bronze statue of Ken Griffey Jr, sitting upon it's marble base with Griffey trademark follow-through portrayed for fans to see for centuries to come. Beside it is one of the competitors of tonight's festivities, wearing a Mariners jersey with "STORM" and a blue number 3 graced on the back of it. Tyler Storm turns his face to the statue and smiles.

Tyler Storm: There are so many great players that created fantastic moments for this Mariners team in Seattle, especially here at Safeco Field. I could talk about Jay Buhner knocking a fastball way over left center field for his 300th homer of his career...Mike Cameron's 19th inning walkoff homer against the Red Sox...Guillen's masterful bunt that secured victory over the White Sox's in the ALDS. But no matter what, eventually you have to turn to one man who defined Mariner baseball in every way, this bronze-casted hero who wore the white and blue better than most anybody that came after.

Tyler turns away from the statue and shrugs his shoulders, nodding in thought.

Tyler Storm: Of course there are the greats that still came after and before, god knows one day we will probably see the statue of a certain Japanese powerhouse who may have finally hung up the bat and cleats this year. But for now...we just have this player...this force...who defined what it meant to be one of the best to ever play. Griffey was a 13 time All-Star, 10 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, 4 time home run leader in the AL, and he's a Hall of Famer. He belted through so many great teams in his around 12 seasons in Seattle, the 8 seasons in Cincinnati, even the little he contributed in Chicago with the White Sox. Griffey will go down as a man who defined a baseball generation and this will always be The House that Griffey Built, Safeco Field.

Tyler starts to unbutton the jersey, a plain white t-shirt underneath as he continues.

Tyler Storm: Now Griffey wasn't perfect, he had his critics and he certainly made his mistakes, he had to come back from some dark times early in his life. Not to mention, later in his career, he was cursed with an injury that he had to rebound from to even get what he could out of the final years of his career. For me, seeing that and everything he did and knowing the name on his back, knowing the legacy he was following with the things his dad did in this sport...that gets me right in the heart because it's a path I'm far too familiar with. I started this career following in the footsteps of my now late father, feeling so proud of everything he did in professional wrestling even if it wasn't to any sort of national scale. But I knew this was my path, even today that does not change with how much my life has tried to take me away from this amazing sport.

He removes the jersey fully and drapes it over his arm, looking at the "STORM" name and closing his eyes.

Tyler Storm: I still do so much for his name, for his legacy, the things he never could accomplish himself. But I understand, and I'm sure Griffey Jr. understood...it still has to be MY path, it still has to be the path I take because I want to, not just to follow in footsteps. Following in footsteps isn't what made him the 6th highest total home run hitter in MLB history, or helped him be tied for the longest streak of games with a home run ever, and so many other things. And just following in footsteps isn't going to get me on the level I want to climb to in this sport, in this company, and anywhere else that I happen to go. "Rockstar" Tracy Storm is always in my heart and always an inspiration...but he knew Tyler Storm had to create his defining legacy. And legacies, like my father's small and maybe uncared for one, or ones like Griffey Jr's...that's the topic here because I still feel like there is so much more to create the Tyler Storm legacy.

Laying the jersey now to the ground, Tyler raises back up and holds up his hand, counting on it as he talks.

Tyler Storm: I've done plenty in my career already, being a 1 time World Champion, a 6 time singles champion outside of world titles, accomplishing that in 4 different companies, a Young Guns Cup quarter-finalist and the last male standing in the 2018 tournament, really a tournament specialist who just has never gotten a chance to win one. And then even here in FGA I've already solidified my status as, at least for now until some other great competitor takes it away, the longest lasting male in the Gold Rush Rumble. But I see all of that and that is a legacy in and of itself...but that's where my mind can't agree with my heart. My mind says I've done what I've needed to do in the last 8 years...my heart says something different though...it says that all of that was yesterday and now it's a new chapter I need to write.

Tyler holds his palm out as if it was a pad and uses his other hand to hold an imaginary pencil as he writes.

Tyler Storm: I see so much more material to write and so much more story to add on and on to this everlasting story of who Tyler Storm is, and I just think on all this and keep realizing that I write not just because I want to top what I've already done. On the contrary, I want to relive those moments when I can. But I want to write because...why stop when I feel the happiest and most inspired to create new material in my career? That's what led me to FGA, what led me to my defining moment in the Gold Rush Rumble, what led me to triumph over Seth Iser, Chris Bond, Susan Kent...and it's what leads me to Griffey's House tonight for the single greatest opportunity presented to me since my debut in FGA.

He points towards the walls of Safeco Field and smiles.

Tyler Storm: Tonight I step in front of a thousands of fans here in Seattle, right in the middle of the field where so many Mariner greats have played, and I get to go toe to toe against an icon of FGA and the Vertigo brand. I get to face arguably the greatest female athlete to step foot in this company and someone I have so much respect for. Fujiko Mine is someone that shows every night in that ring why she is currently holding that Pride Championship and doing so with honor and respect for her fellow competitors. Fujiko knows I am beyond proud to be facing her tonight in a battle of two people who have come back from difficult personal odds and have redefined the Vertigo brand's landscape. I understand she is coming into tonight fully expecting to walk out the champion and she may very well, but I'm not going to make it easy for her. For as proud as she is to be Pride Champion, as much as she says she wants this more than I do and I have 0 doubt she wants this a lot, I know I want this moment tonight.

Tyler takes a deep breath and runs his hand through his hair, looking up towards the sky as he does.

Tyler Storm: Fujiko, I can't 100% say if you have overlooked me, personally in some ways I do feel like you have. But I have not overlooked you one moment, nor do I anyone. I get you are a fighting champion, I get you want to face anyone at anytime for that belt, you made that clear when you spoke to Seth. While that is admirable, while that is worthy of a fighting champion...apologies if I've felt like this match tonight has just been another match on table, Fuji. I like you a lot, I've looked forward to facing you the moment I became the #1 Contender, when we stood side by side in the Gold Rush Rumble, being able to have my name alongside your record time in the Gold Rush Rumble history books makes me beyond proud. But yet I feel like I'm just another wrestler to you...and I'm not and I refuse to be labeled that way. I am Tyler Storm...someone who has fought his entire career for the fans to give them entertainment and someone to stand with who isn't about trash talking and being this dick one moment and a good guy another. I show everyone respect as long as they do the same to me, and that is what I look for tonight from you. I feel like you do respect me, but if you really want to show it I better not just get half your best tonight. I want the Fujiko Mine who fought through sweat and tears to win back her baby that is the Pride Championship, and I want her to beat the snot out of me trying to defend it. Win or lose, I want to shake your hand and show you...you are worthy competition for any FGA talent and I will defend you into the final days.

The smile slowly growing on Tyler's face begins to show his toothy grin and he points at himself.

Tyler Storm: I'm coming tonight to win, I won't deny that, I'm coming tonight to fight. I want to walk out with that title because it means so much to me to hold something so many others have made a prestigious award, I want to walk out with it because I know I can write a new chapter with a new face for this company that everyone will be proud of, I want to walk out with the Pride Championship because I want to represent all the good I try to preach on the highest level. So I'm gonna fight with all I have ever fought with...and damn it if I'm not gonna feel like this is bigger than any championship I will ever win because my whole heart is going into this match. Tyler Storm's legacy is defined...tonight. I'm calling my shot my shot like Ruth...but I'm following through like Griffey with the swagger and the confidence that this is going to be a night for everyone to remember. Fujiko...no matter what, your legacy as champion is going to be one that people will admire and hold you to high regard with. But champ, I not only have a legacy to live up to myself, just as you do, I also have my own next chapter of legacy to create. Win or lose, I’m walking head held high knowing I just took the step in the right direction to define Tyler Storm. Good luck tonight, because I’m ready to create something special.

Tyler turns back to the Griffey statue and gives it a salute before walking away, the camera panning down to show the jersey still laying on the ground with the back in view, cutting away as it zooms in on the 3 and "STORM."

[FGA Office]

FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP
Mark Storm vs. Kendall Kingham

The match starts with a stare down as both competitors step towards the center of the ring. Kingham doing her best to contain all her emotions after enduring weeks of attacks and traps, while Storm just smirks confidently at her. Alas, those emotions quickly overflow as Kendall lashes out with a couple of forearm strikes, backing Storm against the ropes. An Irish whip follows, but Storm manages to reverse that and send Kingham across the ring before he knocks her off her feet with a dropkick. She stays down for a moment as Your Hero and Mine kips up to his feet and mocks Kendall with a tap of his temple.

Kendall is given the opportunity to get back to her feet as Storm maintains a safe distance, and both competitors circle the ring for a moment before they lock up collar and elbow. Mark gains the upper hand again, going behind with a hammerlock. But Kendall drops down to the mat and hooks her opponent’s legs, rolling him forward into a pinning predicament for an early one count. This time it’s Kendall’s turn to taunt her opponent as she backs away to give Mark Storm chance to get back to his feet.

The crowd remain firmly behind Kendall as they circle the ring again; she’s reaching out for the grapple but Storm manages to evade her grasp, avoiding the headlock attempt before Kendall grabs him with a single leg takedown, quickly followed up with a side headlock as they’re down on the mat. Storm battles back to an upright position, countering the side headlock with a wristlock submission. Kingham bridges backwards to weaken his grip, forcing a break before she rolls through into another single leg takedown. A kneelock applied by Kingham, but Storm uses his free leg to push her backwards towards the mat. Kendall tries to keep hold of the leg, but as they stand back up Storm reaches the ropes to force a break.

That’s when Mark’s temper gets the better of him. The crowd booing loudly as he unleashes a barrage of strikes, forcing Kendall back into a corner. He soon follows up that combo with a spinning back kick, sending Kendall flying back against the turnbuckles as Storm looks out across the disapproving faces of the crowd. A series of palm strikes and uppercuts ensue, the Fifteen Champion wearing his challenger down as he brings Kendall out of the corner with a snapmare, followed by a soccer kick to the spine. He runs against the ropes, coming back with a basement dropkick to the face before hooking the leg for a two count.

Storm keeps the pressure on for a few minutes; a slingblade takes Kendall down, as a backbreaker followed by a gutbuster. But not even a suplex into the turnbuckle can keep Kingham down for the three count as Storm starts to look more frustrated. So much so that he even resorts to tossing Kendall out through the middle ropes, all the way to the outside. He rolls out after her, throwing Kendall against the guard rail before throwing her back against the ring apron. The referee even begins his count out as Storm watches his opponent staggering towards the ring post as he charges in with a lariat – NO! The crowd cheer as Kingham dodges the attack, and Mark Storm wraps his arm around that steel pole. He quickly rolls back into the ring to get away as Kendall climbs up onto the apron, then up to the top rope as she leaps off with a missile dropkick right to that shoulder!

The momentum shifting as Kendall seizes the upper hand. Feeding off the crowd’s energy she manages to connect with a couple of Japanese arm drags out the gate, before catching Storm with a double knee armbreaker into an arm bar. But he manages to get a leg over the bottom rope to force a break on this occasion. Kingham stays on her opponent though, landing some kicks to the body to try and wear Storm down before going up high with the Brazilian kick! It’s enough to send the champion staggering back into the corner, where he falls down into a seated position. And just the perfect set up for Kendall to rush in with a facewash! She drags Mark out of the corner for a pin attempt, but only get a two count.

Kingham keeps the pressure on, however. A single arm DDT a minute later seems to put Storm in a precarious predicament as he backs away towards the ropes. But as Kendall runs in he manages to catch her with a flapjack, sending her throat first down across the top rope. He seems to be feeling the effects of it, but not as much as Kendall is as she staggers away clutching her throat. Gasping for breath, Kendall charges in again, and gets dumped over the top rope with a back body drop – only to see her land on the apron. The champion doesn’t notice this, however, and turns around just in time to take a slingshot spear to the gut! And Kendall covers. ONE! TWO! THR-NOO!

Storm rolls out of the ring to regain his bearings, buying himself some time as Kendall waits for him to re-enter the squared circle. Not that does so, not soon anyway. So by the count of five, Kingham rolls out of the ring to give chase. Storm backs away around the corner before he rolls into the ring, followed close behind by Kingham – who gets stomped! He lured her into that trap. But the kicks aren’t enough to keep Kingham down. Well, until the standing enziguiri connects. That buys Storm some more time as he’s able to pull off the springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT that earns him a two count.

That arm still bothering him from the looks of things as Storm picks up the pace again. A hurricanrana a minute later earns him another two count, but it’s just not enough. So the champion goes high impact as he soon follows up with Shoot to Kill! (two bicycle knee strikes) Followed by a lateral press. ONE! TWO! THR-NOOO! Wait a minute, Kendall grabs hold of that shoulder and rolls through, forcing Storm onto his stomach as she positions herself on top with The Tombs (Grounded Top Wristlock Submission) applied! The crowd suddenly cheering as Kingham wrenches it further back. She can see the timer ticking down as Storm claws and crawls his way closer to the ropes, looking for that break! Kendall digs her heels in, wrenching further back, tightening her grip as Storm reaches out for the ropes…no. He drags them closer still, yelling out in pain as he’s almost within reach…NO! Storm taps out as the referee signals for the bell! We have a new Fifteen Champion!

TITLE CHANGE!
Mark Storm X || The Tombs (14:52) || Kendall Kingham O