Vertigo (09.01.18)

[FGA Office]

Backstage, we find cameras focusing on the FGA Pride champion, who sits on a box backstage, adjusting her kickpads. Her prized championship is propped up by its straps next to her as she takes care to make sure that her equipment sits on her comfortably. She appears satisfied, and hops down off the box. Her championship is collected, and she turns it around before fastening the straps around her chest. She then turns the belt around, so that the main plate is like armor on her chest. She goes to move, but then gives a look off camera that could only suggest that a person of great importance has entered her field of vision.

The camera makes a move to reveal the individual, only for the fans to get something jeer (and obstainly cheer at) in the form of Izzy Anders. The former Undisputed Champion looks around the room, no sign of the Cheshire-like attitude that normally accompanies her. She steps towards Fujiko, however with a degree of nervousness, and gives her a hard look.

Izzy Anders: Are you ready?

Fujiko adjusts the championship across her chest, not giving Izzy sustained eye contact.

Fujiko Mine: Yeah. The main event of Vertigo, the debut of you and I as a tag team...the opportunity for us to add Dynamic Duo’s trophy to our list of accolades. Of course I’m ready.

Izzy’s hardened expression contrasts against Fujiko’s words.

Izzy Anders: Not at all nervous about the possibility of me attacking you? Or doing anything to jeopardize this? Or even…

The Mindkiller makes a move to further close the gap. Her tone is deep.

Izzy Anders: Another attack by Evan and Ricky? No, they wouldn’t get you shook, but there was...something there.

Making a move to get in Fujiko’s face, forcing them to meet eyes, Izzy narrows her bright ones. The corner of her mouth twinges with a latent frustration.

Izzy Anders: Fujiko, look me in the eye and tell me that you’re 100 percent. I’m not talking about physically. I’m talking about mentally.

She pauses, letting her words initially linger in the air for Fujiko to interpret.

Izzy Anders: I’m talking about emotionally.

Fujiko moves quickly, grabbing the larger Izzy by the shoulders and spinning her so she is pinned up against the production box she was sitting on earlier. She jams her forearm against Izzy’s throat, keeping her off balance and herself in control.

Fujiko Mine: You of all people are going to question my emotional stability?! Anders, if you wanna play mind games with me by attacking me during this tournament, go ahead. This isn’t two years ago, and you will find that I’ll be happy to personally pull out every single one of your eyelashes if you stab me in the back. DO NOT test me. I’m not in the mood.

She growls that last sentence, her face just inches from Izzy’s.

Fujiko Mine: Emotionally? I’m ready to not only break Dani and Nick’s dreams of advancing in this tournament, but to send a message to Ricky and Evan. They like to play dirty? Have my own friends attack me? This is going to be a preview of what awaits Ricky Valero in a few weeks. He’s going to be forced to heel by my hand, and so will you if you even give me the idea that you are going to sabotage this for us.

She removes her forearm from Izzy’s throat, and pulls Izzy back to her feet. The anger and aggression flashes away, and she calmly readjusts the championship so it is back in its desired position.

Fujiko Mine: I am giving you a second chance, Izzy. Don’t be foolish enough to squander it. There won’t be a third.

Izzy takes the time to adjust her attire, making sure nothing slips out. With a sigh, she lets the grin that many people despise dawn on her face.

Izzy Anders: I’m glad you got that out of your system.

She heads towards the door, stretching her back that met the production crate. An audible pop echoes throughout the room, along with a satisfied gasp from the sinister wrestler.

Izzy Anders: I was just checking on you because there’s monitors all over and I saw you and Natalie talking. So, I was coming to see if you weren’t thrown off or anything like that. But...then that happened. Glad to know that you’re honest about it.

A low giggle escapes her, as she reaches into her pocket and takes out her eyepatch. Izzy fastens it on quickly and doesn’t bother to turn her head back to Fujiko.

Izzy Anders: Now, everyone’s so preoccupied about me betraying you, but has anyone given thought to you doing it to me?
Once again, she accents her voice with a rare serious tone. She looks up to the ceiling for a second and back down.

Izzy Anders: There’s a thought, huh?

Leaving Fujiko, the camera naturally pans back to the Pride Champion.

Fujiko turns her head slightly in Izzy’s direction.

Fujiko Mine: There’s a thought indeed...

She says, her lips pursed tight as the action goes back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Sadie San Francisco vs. Fenrys

Fenrys tries to catch Sadie San Francisco off guard with a Rolling Elbow to start off the match. But Sadie cut him off with a forearm strike. Two more forearms knock Lil Wolf back before an irish whip sends him into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Sadie sets up for a back body drop. So Fenrys hurdles over her before continuing to run the ropes. As soon as Fenrys hits the ropes, Sadie connects with a running high knee for a two count. The Pope then brings Fenrys into the corner and delivers knife edge chops to the throat. After sending Fenrys into the far corner with an irish whip, Sadie runs across the ring to follow up with an attack. But Fenrys counters with a European Uppercut. A Roaring Elbow follows, knocking The Pope down for a two count.

Fenrys stays in control during the second minute, driving Sadie down with a two-handed bulldog for a two count. Sadie is then sent crashing into the corner. As she staggers away from the turnbuckles, Fenrys runs over and connects with a front dropkick, sending Sadie flying backwards into the corner. After pulling Sadie back up in the corner, Fenrys lifts her up and sits her down on the top turnbuckle. Fenrys begins to scale the ropes and grabs Sadie for a superplex. But The Pope blocks the move. So Fenrys tries to muscle her up for another superplex attempt. But again, Sadie blocks it. After Fenrys lets go, he goes to punch Sadie. But Sadie blocks and counters with a left-arm forearm strike. Sadie fires off multiple forearms until Fenrys is knocked down to the mat. The Pope then leaps off from the top before crashing down across Fenrys with a diving knee drop for a two count!

In the fifth minute, Sadie sets up for a German Suplex. But Fenrys counters with multiple back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, he brings Sadie down with a pulling backbreaker. After tossing Sadie through the ropes onto the apron, Fenrys heads into the corner and knocks her off with a triangle dropkick. Lil Wolf then leaps through the ropes and takes The Pope out with a topé suicida! He rolls Sadie back inside and makes the cover, but Sadie gets her shoulder up at two.

Fenrys brings Sadie down with a Lungblower. He follows up with a standing senton for another two count. After whipping The Pope into the ropes, Fenrys spikes her with a frankensteiner for another two count. He then goes for an irish whip and sends The Pope into the corner. Fenrys runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when Sadie counters with a snap powerslam into the turnbuckles. After holding Fenrys in the Tree of Woe, Sadie follows up with a jumping stomp to the jaw. The Pope then brings Fenrys down with a Downward Spiral before following up with a Fameasser for a two count. Fenrys reverses an irish whip, sending The Pope into the ropes. When Sadie returns, she knocks Fenrys down with the Palo Alto (running corkscrew roundhouse knee strike)! Sadie then goes for the Vaticanplex (rolling double Fisherman Suplex). But Fenrys counters with a small package for a two count. After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Sadie delivers a kneeling jawbreaker. While Fenrys is dazed, Sadie delivers a vertical suplex into a facebuster! The Pope pulls Fenrys into position before bringing him down with Vanity (Unprettier) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Sadie San Francisco O || Vanity (7:32) || Fenrys X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo cameras catch Susan Kent and Kendra Hollis entering her locker room, where the door is swung open. As they enter, it becomes clear that someone has decided to make their way at home in the locker room. That somebody is Piper Lennon, leaning back in a chair with her feet kicked up. Hollis goes to protest her presence, but the young blonde raises an index finger.

Piper Lennon: Easy, easy, I’m just here to congratulate your client. I’m not here to start anything.

She plays with the strap of the Polaroid camera hanging from her neck.

Piper Lennon: I mean we’re gonna scrap in a bit, but I always like getting into it with Suzie, always know I’m gonna get my hands dirty against her. It’s invigorating, it really is; good times. And props, she showed me a new edge last time out, some fire I didn’t know was there. Surprises, that’s what life’s about; discovering new things, you know?

Piper quirks a brow.

Piper Lennon: Looks like we both want the same thing, so I’m looking forward to having some fun with that. I mean, even if it seems like management doesn’t really have a lot of respect for her.

A shrug.

Piper Lennon: I mean, far be it from me to start anything, but seems to me like she’s been here grinding and earning her keep. Then you’ve got this … dude strolling in, thinking he’s entitled to stuff just because, trying to walk all over her and it seems like he’s being kept in the mix. You stood up to him, you put him in his place when he tried to push you around and your reward is … having to team with the dude when you know his ego’s gonna be bruised. Again, I’m not trying to stir things up or start anything. Wouldn’t want anything less than you giving me everything you’ve got. Just kind of got thinking while I was here to give you your props, that you know if I was you?

Piper points two fingers towards her eyes, then towards Susan.

Piper Lennon: I’d keep my eyes open, because he’s not gonna think he’s lucky to be fighting for the same goal as the rest of us-- he’s gonna be feeling like you wronged him and he needs to get you back.

Kendra Hollis: Obviously when Susan dropped you on your stupid ugly face, it knocked most of your common sense, you have to realize that Susan is the real rising star here and after she wins this match tonight, you will realize your place and that’s at the back of the line in Susan’s shadow, do you understand that or do I need to have Susan show you right here right now.

Piper smirks and advances towards Kendra, Susan steps between Kendra and Piper and folds her arms.

Susan Kent: I don’t mean to be rude, but I think you should leave.

Lennon giggles.

Piper Lennon: Of course, of course, wouldn’t want to impose.

As she starts shuffling out the door, she yells back.

Piper Lennon: I like that stern look on your face though, it really brings out your cheekbones, keep it up.

She turns out into the hall and disappears out of sight, leaving Susan and Kendra behind.

Kendra Hollis: F*ck, I hope you kick her butt again tonight.

[FGA Office]

HEADLINE
• Tag Team Match •
Marlon Cure & Piper Lennon vs. Susan Kent & Bryan Law

Susan Kent starts off the match by immediately going after Piper Lennon! But Lennon turns and tags out to Marlon Cure, much to the chagrin of the crowd. Kent is then caught with a shoulder thrust through the ropes from Cure. The reigning Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion follows up with a sunset flip. But Kent rolls through it and follows up with a dropkick to the face. She goes for the cover, but Lennon steps through the ropes and breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back! Kent gets back to her feet and goes back after Lennon. But Lennon wisely hops down to the floor. Before Kent can turn back around, Cure knocks her down with a superkick to the back of the neck, sending Kent through the ropes and to the floor. On the outside, Lennon puts the boots to Kent. Once Kent backs to her feet, Lennon runs over and follows up with a running front dropkick, knocking Kent into the steel steps! She rolls Kent back inside. Cure makes the quick cover, but Kent gets her shoulder up.

Lennon tags herself back in. She delivers multiple backhand chops to Kent in the corner. After sending Kent across the ring with an irish whip, Lennon runs over to attack when Kent ducks and dumps her over the top rope. When Lennon lands safely on the apron, Kent turns around and goes to attack. But Lennon ducks and doubles her over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. She goes to suplex Kent out to the floor! But Kent blocks and counters with a suplex back into the ring! A pair of dropkicks return Lennon to the canvas. After Lennon is whipped into the ropes, Kent catches her off the rebound with a spinning heel kick for a two count.

Kent makes the tag out to Bryan Law in the fourth minute. Law takes Lennon down with an enzuigiri, followed by a corkscrew fist drop for a two count. A tag is made back out to Kent, who gets in and wrenches Lennon’s arm repeatedly. Lennon then reaches over with her free arm and rakes Kent across the eyes. She then doubles Kent over with a knee to the midsection before turning and chucking her through the ropes and to the floor. The tag is made back out to Cure, who walks along the apron and lines himself up with Kent. Once Kent gets back to her feet, Cure goes for an Asai Moonsault. But as soon as he lands on the middle rope, Law comes out of nowhere and knocks him off with a flying sidekick! Law then turns and runs into the far ropes. When Law comes back, Lennon brings him down with a leg lariat! Once Lennon returns to a vertical base and turns around, Kent leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks her down with a missile dropkick! Once Kent returns to her feet and turns around, Cure brings her down with a running Spanish Fly for a two count!

Cure stays in control, knocking Kent down with a yakuza kick for a two count. An irish whip gets reversed, sending Cure into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Kent down with a frankensteiner. He goes to follow up with a cartwheel into a standing corkscrew 450° splash. But Kent gets her knees up! She follows up with a Lionsault for a two count! Kent then brings Cure down with a Codebreaker before following up with a Rolling Thunder senton. She makes the cover, but Cure gets his shoulder up at two. Kent stays in control, bringing Cure down with an inverted headlock backbreaker for a two count. She then delivers an inverted atomic drop, followed by running corkscrew neckbreaker for another two count. After a springboard Tornado DDT plants Cure, Kent heads back to the top and goes for the Photo Op (Frog Splash). But Cure gets his knees up. While both grapplers are down, they go and crawl towards their respective corners. Cure leaps over and makes the tag, but Lennon hops down off the apron! Meanwhile, Kent tags out to Law. Law rushes across the ring and hits Cure with a rolling calf kick in the corner for a two count. He brings Cure back to his feet, only to take him down with the Triple Dragon Kick (Leg Kick, Round Kick to Mid-Section, Spinning Hook Kick to the Head Combo)! He makes the cover, but Cure gets the shoulder up at two. Law then goes for 36 Chambers 36 Chambers (Running Senton, Standing Moonsault, Somersault Legdrop Combo). But Cure rolls out of the way of the somersault leg drop. He follows up with a standing corkscrew Shooting Star Press for a two count.

After an irish whip is reversed, Law runs over and throws out another flying sidekick. This time, Cure dives out of the way, causing Kent to get knocked off the apron! Cure then brings Law down with a Ripcord Slingblade! After Law gets rocked with the Coming of Age (Double wrist-lock knee strike to a kneeling opponent), Cure throws him down with the Run N Gun (Michinoku Driver II)! King Cure then scales to the top turnbuckle with hopes of completing the Reign Storm (Ropewalk Corkscrew 630° senton). But Lennon reaches up and tags herself in. Lennon then steps back into the ring, pulls up Law and hits him with the Heart Punch before bringing him down with The Snapshot for the ONE, TWO, THREE! After the match, Lennon takes a polaroid of the downed Law before turning to her team’s corner. She looks up and sees Cure still on the top turnbuckle and still pissed off that she stole his thunder. So she takes a polaroid of him as well.

Marlon Cure & Piper Lennon O || Snapshot (8:21) || Susan Kent & Bryan Law X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
• Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament (First Round) •
Fujiko Mine & Izzy Anders vs. The BAETeam

The bell sounds as the FGA Pride Champion and the decorated SSWA wrestler start things off for their respective teams Fujiko Mine and Danielle Vasquez circle the ring and applaud to get the crowd hyped up. The capacity crowd here in Pittsburgh quickly take their cue from the two accomplished athletes and join in with the buzzes. Fujiko and Vasquez then head towards the center of the ring and lock up. After jockeying for position, Fujiko places Vasquez in a side headlock. Vasquez tries to shove her off, but Fujiko cinches in the hold. Vasquez can be heard groaning as Fujiko gets the hold on nice and tight. She tries to shove Fujiko off her. But again, Fujiko goes nowhere. The Pride Champion then performs a standing switch before transitioning into a hammerlock from behind. Vasquez quickly leans forward before reversing into a hammerlock of her own. Fujiko then reaches back with her free arm, grabs Vasquez and brings her down with a jumping snapmare. As Vasquez gets back to a vertical base, Fujiko rushes over and connects with a running shoulder block, knocking Vasquez backwards into the ropes. After Vasquez comes back off the ropes, Fujiko brings her down with an arm drag. Another arm drag brings Vasquez back to the mat. She then slaps on an armbar. The ref asks Vasquez if she wants to give up, but she refuses. After Vasquez gets back to a vertical base, Fujiko delivers an arm wrench. She then delivers another for good measure. Vasquez then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of her own. Fujiko then rolls forward, bridges back, turns over onto her knees, flips over with a handstand, spins in place and reverses into another arm wrench of her own. Vasquez then cartwheels over before reversing into a hard arm wrench, sending Fujiko flipping down to the canvas. Vasquez goes to follow up, but Fujiko rolls back before knocking her down with a double upkick to the chest. After both grapplers return to a vertical base, Vasquez brings Fujiko down to the canvas with a double leg before flipping over into a jackknife pin. ONE! TWO! Fujiko bridges up, turns, turns again, hooks Vasquez’s arms from behind and brings her down with a back slide. ONE! TWO! Vasquez slips out. After both grapplers return to their feet, Fujiko takes Vasquez and whips her into the ropes. When Vasquez returns, Fujiko leapfrogs over her. Vasquez continues to run the ropes. When Vasquez returns, Fujiko (without turning around) leapfrogs over Vasquez again. Vasquez continues to run the ropes. When Vasquez returns, Fujiko knocks her down with a pair of dropkicks. She makes the cover. ONE! Vasquez kicks out. Fujiko then takes Vasquez and whips her into the ropes. When Vasquez returns, Fujiko goes for a hip toss. Vasquez then hops through it and goes for a hip toss of her own. But Fujiko blocks it. So Vasquez doubles her over with a palm strike to the midsection, drapes her leg across the back of Fujiko’s neck and performs a back flip. Once Vasquez lands on her feet, she pulls Fujiko to the mat with a wrist lock takedown. Fujiko returns to her feet, only to be returned back to the mat with an arm drag. Vasquez then takes the Pride Champion and shoots her off into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she goes for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover. But Vasquez cartwheels out of it. She then runs back over to Fujiko and goes for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors of her own. But Fujiko cartwheels out of it. She then runs over towards Vasquez, hops onto her shoulder and turns. Before Fujiko can flip back for a poison rana, Vasquez hoists Fujiko off of her shoulders. Once Fujiko lands behind Vasquez, Fujiko grabs her from behind and throws out a German Suplex. But Vasquez is able to rotate in the air and land on her feet. After Fujiko scrambles back to a vertical base, her and Vasquez are face to face. The crowd applauds as both grapplers reset!

Both grapplers circle the ring. They’re about to lock up again when Fujiko stops. She notices The Mindkiller out of the corner of her eye. The Pride Champion turns to Izzy Anders, who has her arms stretched out of the tag. Fujiko makes her way over and tags out to Anders. Large boos, with a smattering of cheers, erupt when Anders steps into the ring. Anders and Vasquez make their way to the center of the ring and stare each other down. After a few seconds, Anders rocks Vasquez with a forearm strike. Vasquez returns the favor with a forearm of her own. Anders blasts Vasquez with another forearm strike. Vasquez answers back with another forearm of her own. Vasquez then cuts Anders off with another forearm strike, sending The Mindkiller stumbling back a few steps. Another forearm sends Anders back into the ropes. Vasquez takes her and goes for an irish whip. But Anders reverses. When Vasquez returns, she goes to slide through Anders’ legs. But The Mindkiller reaches down and grabs Vasquez by the hair just in time. She then turns and slowly pulls Vasquez back up to the mat. After a knee strike doubles Vasquez over, Anders goes to lift her up for a Running Liger Bomb. As soon as Vasquez is lifted up onto Anders’ shoulders, she rains down punches to the head. After slipping down in front of Anders, Vasquez jumps up and brings her down with Kisses (leaping reverse STO)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Anders kicks out. After whipping Anders into the ropes, Vasquez turns her inside out with a clothesline! While Anders is recovering on the mat, Vasquez steps out onto the apron and scales the turnbuckle. Nick Redfield can be seen clapping as he continues to hype up his partner and the crowd. Once Anders gets back to her feet and turns around, Vasquez goes for a diving crossbody block. She takes Anders down!

…. But Anders rolls through it, pulls Vasquez back up off the mat, hoists her up across her shoulders and follows up with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! Vasquez clutches the back of her neck as she slowly rolls out of the ring and drops to the floor. While Vasquez tries to pick herself back up, Anders runs into the near ropes. She then bounces off, runs across the ring and jumps into the far ropes. When Anders returns, she looks like she’s going for a dive. But at the last second, she performs a Tranquilo Roll before posing in the center of the ring. Vasquez makes her way back up onto the apron before stepping in through the ropes. She motions to go after Anders when she sees Redfield holding his arm out for the tag. Vasquez looks at the crowd before turning back to Redfield and tagging him in. Redfield and Anders circle the ring before locking up. Redfield uses his strength advantage to move Anders towards the corner. At the last second, Anders turns and presses him against the ropes. Once the ref’s count reaches ‘four’, both grapplers go for a clean break… until Anders slaps the taste out of Redfield’s mouth! She then goes for an irish whip. But Redfield reverses, sending Anders into the far corner. Redfield runs over to follow up with an attack. But he gets turned around with a big boot to the face. While Redfield staggers towards the center of the ring, Anders runs into the far ropes. When she returns, Redfeld throws her down with an overhead belly to belly suplex! He follows up with a running Shooting Star Press! ONE! TWO! Anders gets her shoulder up.

In the sixth minute, a series of chops knock Anders back into the corner. Redfield then sends her into the opposite corner with an irish whip. Redfields runs back in to attack and gets turned away with another big boot. Anders motions to go after Redfield when he quickly hits a pelé kick from out of nowhere! After sending Anders into the far corner with an irish whip, Redfield runs across the ring and connects with a corner forearm smash! He then grabs a hold of Anders, switches positions and goes for an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. But Anders counters with elbows to the side of the head! After catching Redfield off guard with a European Uppercut, she sends him across the ring with an irish whip. The Mindkiller then darts across the ring before rocking him with a running European Uppercut! After another irish whip sends Redfield back into the previous corner. Anders darts across the ring and blasts him with another running European Uppercut. This one sends Redfield slumping down in the corner. Anders reaches down and playfully slaps him across the top of the head before pulling him back up. After an irish whip sends Redfield into the opposite corner once more, Anders runs across the ring. But instead of delivering another European Uppercut, she does a Tranquilo Roll right in front of him! Redfield quickly gets a burst of energy, rushes out of the corner and grabs Anders by the legs. She tries to kick him off, but it’s to no avail. After hooking Anders’ legs, Redfield leans back and catapults The Mindkiller into the corner! As Anders stumbles back, Redfield grabs her from behind and throws her over the top rope and to the floor. While Anders tries to get up on the outside, Redfield runs into the far ropes. When he returns, he leaps through the ropes and takes out Anders with a suicide dive! Once Redfield gets back to his feet and turns around, Fujiko knocks him down with a corkscrew plancha!! Once the Pride Champion returns to her feet and turns to the ring, Vasquez wipes her out with a Space Flying Tiger Sault!!! She rolls Anders back inside before helping Redfield back to his feet. He gets back in for the cover. ONE! TWO! Anders gets her shoulder up.

Redfield makes the tag out to Vasquez in the ninth minute. A series of knife edge chops in the corner echo throughout the arena. Vasquez then brings Anders from out of the corner and sends her into the far ropes. When Anders returns, Vasquez knocks her down with a pair of calf kicks before planting her with The Heavy Hitter (Tilt-a-whirl DDT)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Anders gets her shoulder up. A tag is then made back out to Redfield. He gets in, grabs Anders and brings her down with a Straightjacket DDT. Redfield steps out onto the apron and heads to the top turnbuckle. From there, he goes for Burying the Hatchet (diving double foot stomp). But Anders rolls out of the way. Once Redfield lands, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Once Redfield rolls back to his feet and turns around, Anders sends him crumbling to the canvas with a roundhouse kick! Fujiko finally gets tagged back in. After sending Redfield into the ropes with an irish whip, a spinning back kick to the midsection drops him down on all fours. Fujiko steps up onto his back before flattening him across the mat with a standing moonsault across the back! She pushes him over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Redfield gets his shoulder up. Another irish whip sends Redfield back into the ropes. When he returns, Fujiko knocks him down with a running dropkick. She then grabs Redfield by the wrists before bashing him with Yount’s 3000th Hit (double wristlock knee to the face)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Redfield gets his shoulder up. Fujiko executes another irish whip. This time, into the far corner. The Apex Goddess rushes in to attack. But Redfield counters with a back elbow before following up with a Reverse STO into the turnbuckles! While Fujiko is down, Redfield walks alongside the ropes before tagging Vasquez back in. Once Fujiko returns to her feet, Vasquez knocks her down with a flying forearm smash! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Fujiko gets the shoulder up.

As the match continues in the twelfth minute, Vasquez goes for a vertical suplex when Fujiko slips down from behind. She then hops up onto Vasquez’s shoulders, spins and brings her down with a hurricanrana. She reaches back and hooks a leg. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Vasquez kicks out. After both grapplers return to their feet, Fujiko throws out a roundhouse kick. But Vasquez swats the kick away. Vasquez then throws out a standing side kick. But Fujiko swats it down. After dropping Vasquez down to a knee with a low dropkick to the leg, Fujiko scrambles back to ehr feet before delivering a facebuster headscissors! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Vasquez gets her shoulder up. Fujiko bricks Vasquez back to her feet and hits three punches to the face. She throws out a step-up enzuigiri. But Vasquez ducks. She then runs towards the ropes. When Vasquez returns, she sees Fujiko running past her. So Vasquez slams on the breaks. When Vasquez turns around, she gets caught with a handspring enzuigiri! Fujiko then heads into the far ropes. When Fujiko returns, she goes for a Running SHooting Star Press. But Vasquez rolls out of the way, casing Fujiko to crash on the canvas! When Fujiko gets up on a knee, Vasquez runs over and flattens her with a Shining Wizard! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Fujiko gets her shoulder up. Vasquez picks up Fujiko and whips her into the #BAETeam corner. She then runs over and follows up with a corner splash! Vasquez tags out to Redfield, who gets in, grabs Fujiko, switches positions and throws her into the turnbuckles with an Exploder Suplex! Redfield then steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with Burying the Hatchet! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Redfield stays on offense, knocks Fujiko down with a running clothesline for another two count. He then pulls Fujiko up into a standing headscissors before going to lift her up for a piledriver But on the way up, Fujiko counters with a kick to the head! After Redfield lets Fujiko back down, Fujiko knocks him back with a handstand calf kick. While Redfield is dazed, Fujiko turns and heads into the far ropes. When she returns, Redfield tries to cut her off with another clothesline. But the Pride Champion ducks and continues to run the ropes. When Redfield turns around, Fujiko knocks him down with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick)! While both grapplers areo down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!






TWO!






THREE!






FOUR!






Redfield begins to stir on the mat while Fujiko turns over on all fours.






FIVE!







SIX!







Redfield slowly sits up and tries to shake out the cobwebs. Meanwhile, Fujiko can be seen pulling herself across the mat.






SEVEN!








EIGHT!

When Redfield returns to his feet, Fujiko dives over and tags out to The Mindkiller! When Redfield turns around, Anders knocks him down with a step-up enzuigiri! She then pulls Redfield back up, makes a beeline to the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Redfield around, Anders sends him slumping down in the corner with MUDA MUDA MUDA (machine gun punches in the corner)! Anders pulls Redfield back up before sending him into the far corner with an irish whip. The Mindkiller runs over to follow up with an attack when Redfield counters with an overhead belly to belly suplex into the turnbuckles! He then grabs Anders before lifting her off the mat with a Deadlift German Suplex! ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Anders gets her shoulder up.

Redfield pulls up Anders, grabs her by the arm and motions towards the #BAETeam corner to tag out. But Anders reaches out with her free arm, pulls Redfield away from Vasquez and back towards her and brings him down with a double knee armbreaker! The Mindkiller pulls Redfield back up, positions herself behind him and then throws out the Black Song (Hammerlock Lariat). But Redfield ducks the lariat. He runs over towards the #BAETeam corner to tag out. Vasquez reaches out for the tag. But Anders reaches out and grabs the back of Redfield’s tights with both hands! She then yanks Redfield back cover towards him before nailing him with a hard forearm strike to the lower back! While Redfield arches his back, Anders grabs him from behind before knocking him down with the Black Song! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Redfield gets his good shoulder up. Anders picks up Redfield and goes for an irish whip. But Redfield reverses. When Anders returns, she sees him setting up for a back body drop. So she stops and counters with a single arm DDT! The Mindkiller then drags Redfied over towards the corner, rolls to the outside and delivers The Break Up, Part II (armbreaker across the ring post)! Anders rolls back inside, grabs Redfield and goes for a Running Liger Bomb. But Redfield counters with a back body drop. Redfield turns around before falling against the turnbuckles. Vasquez can be seen across the ring with her arm out for the tag. Redfield begins to make his way across the ring. As he turns to his left, he sees Anders getting back to her feet. They both then rush voer towards the #BAETeam corner. Redfield dives over for the tag, but Anders dives past him and knocks Vasquez off the apron and to the floor with a European Uppercut! Redfield then grabs Anders from behind and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

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

When Anders goes down, Redfield steps out onto the apron, climbs to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and brings Anders down with the Alabama Hot Pocket (top rope Fameasser)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Anders gets her shoulder up. Redfield steps out onto the apron and waits for Anders to get up. Once Anders turns around, Redfield goes for a springboard clothesline. But Anders counters by pulling him down into the Amputator (Fujiwara Armbar)! The ref gets down and asks Redfield if he wants to give up. Just then, Vasquez rushes in and breaks up the submission with a stomp to Anders! This brings in Fujiko, who takes Vasquez down with a running hurricanrana. As Vasquez gets back to her feet, Fujiko runs over to attack. Vasquez then ducks and dumps Fujiko over the top rope and to the floor! Back inside, Anders runs at Vasquez. But Vasquez ducks and dumps her over the top rope and to the outside as well! While The Mindkiller is picking herself up on the outside, Vasquez turns and runs into the far ropes. When Vasquez comes back, she goes for a Spaceman Moonsault to the outside of Anders. But Fujiko pushes Anders out of the way, sacrificing herself for the team! While Fujiko are Vasquez are down on the floor, Anders picks herself back up on the apron. She gets hit with a punch through the ropes from Redfield. He then grabs Anders and goes to bring her back inside with a vertical suplex. But Anders slips down from behind. She grabs a hold of Redfield until he hits her with multiple back elbows to the face, sending Anders stumbling back. Redfield then bounces into the ropes. When he comes back, Anders brings him down with another Amputator! Vasquez rolls back in to try and break up the pin. But Fujiko reaches in and hangs onto Vasquez’s ankle for dear life! While Vasquez is trying to kick Fujiko off of her, Anders pulls back on Redfield’s arm. Redfield refuses to give up! When Anders pulls even further back on the arm, Redfield drops his head before tapping out on the mat!

Fujiko Mine & Izzy Anders O || Amputator (21:50) || #BAETeam X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box” thrums over the speaker system causing the PPG Paints Arena crowd to pop in recognition of Malcolm Drake’s familiar music. There is a long pause and the distant murmuring the crowd before Drake finally appears from behind the curtain. His face bears the marks and scars from the New Murder’s assault from two weeks ago; a black eye fading into the kaleidoscope of purples and yellows around both eyes and the bridge of his nose, and a slight but noticeable limp to his gait.

For his part, Drake struts toward the ring with his head held high. The stringy mess of hair pulled back from his face and scraggly beard. There is an aura of pride in his walk - like that of a man who is already assured of victory - juxtaposing the battered body that carries it.

Drake opts for the steps into the ring, instead of his usual slide or roll, taking his time and gingerly stepping between the ropes before asking for a microphone. The crowd is largely receptive to him, coming off the vicious assault from the New Murder.

Malcolm Drake: Well…

Drake begins, the word almost slithering from his lips.

Malcolm Drake: When you’re right, you’re right. And it seems as though - yet AGAIN - that I was right. I was right about Chris Bond and the... fathomless depths of his cowardice.

The crowd applauds, largely in agreement; Bond’s absence over the last month and change has not gone unnoticed or unremarked upon. There are a few small smatterings of chants for the Battle-Hardened Veteran mixed in. A mix die-hard fans and those weary of Drake’s bi-weekly diatribes.

Malcolm Drake: You see, two weeks ago I called out Chris Bond. Just like two weeks before THAT I called out Chris Bond. I didn’t so much challenge his manhood as I denied its very EXISTENCE. And what did the ‘Battle-Hardened Veteran’ do? Hmmm...? He sent out Dominic Harter and his goon squad to do what he psychically cannot: ...beat Malcolm Drake.

Malcolm Drake: And as poor of a pantomime as it was of the days when the REAL Murder ruled the roast, it wasn’t all bad. Hehe. It was... a pleasure... to FEEL so many of them ACHING to get their hands on me. To see their blood rise and their bodies FLUSH... for there is no bloodlust without... lust. And much like the Crimson Baroness before her, little Annie got to lay her hands on a real man…

The crowd lets out an audible “oooooh” noise, as Drake lowers the microphone to his side and smirks directly into the hard camera. His tongue slides slowly over his over lip in a clear, personal goading of the New Murder. As the crowd gradually settles back down, Drake continues.

Malcolm Drake: But more importantly, I received these.

Drake with a sweeping motion towards his face, Drake indicates the bruising along his eyes and nose.

Malcolm Drake: Each of these bruises, each of these scars is a monument, a testament to the unbridled COWARDICE of Chris Bond. A man who hides in the back. A man who hides in the shadows. A man who hides behind the --

"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell interrupts Drake over the speaker system, followed by the cacophonous roar of the Pittsburgh crowd as Chris Bond FINALLY makes his way out onto the entranceway.

The Battle-Hardened Vet stands atop the entrance way, staring out into the sea of mostly jeering fans. Once again, it's easy to see he's in a much better shape. Leaner, more toned. His eyes are no longer bagged down by stress and angst. He seems oddly calm and content. And he's repping a New Murder tee, so that kind of adds a suspicion of arrogance.

Malcolm Drake: At long last. Though I’m surprised to see you here with your little flock.

Chris Bond Let me just stop you right there, Malcolm. I had nothing to do with your little dance with the devil. I never asked them to come down here and stick up for me. But they did. And here you stand, running your trap yet again. Trying to paint this picture that I was off licking my wounds. I was not.

Bond lowers his mic and shakes his head no. The crowd boos slightly. Drake shakes with a hint of rage. He clearly disagrees, screaming “Liar" at his former opponent.

Chris Bond You can throw your little tantrum, truth of the matter is I had nothing to do with their gangland style beatdown.

In fact, Malcolm, earlier this evening I told them to leave you alone. Because after what happened at Glory Road, I'd say we have some unfinished business. And I want you all to myself.

Bond stands firm, his body showing no signs of dishonesty.

Malcolm Drake: And I suppose I should just take the word of a COWARD? Not that it matters. I know why you’re here, we ALL know why you’re here. You are here to PICK the bones like the snivelling scavenging COWARD… that you are. So why don’t you just come on down here and TRY.

Drake drops the microphone onto the mat and motions for Bond to come down to the ring. The crowd has worked itself into a froth, egging on the encounter. But Bond doesn't budge.

Chris Bond No.

The crowd immediately launches into a cascade of boos. Some even chant “coward” at Bond.

Chris Bond No. No, I’m not going to do that. Not because I don't want to, but because I want you to heal up, Malcolm. I need you at your very best. I want you at one-hundred percent... so that when I beat you at Capital Combat, you won’t have any excuses to hide behind.

The crowd pops for the match announcement for Capital Combat. Bond drops the mic and turns to leave. Drake, confused, looks on before scrambling to pick up his own microphone before Bond can walk off.

Malcolm Drake: WOW. How BRAVE. How NOBLE. And here I thought your wife was the only ***** in the family.

The crowd gasps in shock. A gasp that turns into roaring cheers as Bond turns on his heel and darts to the ring on a full sprint. Drake immediately stomps on Bond as he slides in, momentarily gaining the upper hand before Bond executes a double-leg takedown, mounting Drake and raining down blows on his head with lefts and rights.

It doesn’t take long for Bond to subdued the already injured Drake. Bond picks him up and tosses him into the ropes, and Bond goes for a clothesline but Drake ducks, and springboards off the ropes right into a vicious Double-A styled backbreaker. Drake rolls around in pain, holding his back. Bond decides not to press his luck, and he glances around for the mic before retrieving it.

Chris Bond There’s a few more monuments for you, Malcolm. Heal up. I’ll see you at Capital Combat.

Bond flips the mic on Drake’s chest, before dropping and rolling out of the ring. “You Know My Name" picks back up and Bond turns back to the ring, slowly walking backwards as Drake rolls over onto his stomach, his face wincing in pain as Bond smirks momentarily before turning and heading to the back. Drake looks around for a moment, and he too smirks before wincing in pain once more.