Flashpoint (09.08.18)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

"Perfect Insanity" by Disturbed plays as a video package is shown of various FGA grapplers making their way through various entranceways. The video then switches to various FGA grapplers getting kicked, punched, slammed, suplexed and dropped onto the mat....

Come inside and be afraid
Of this impressive mess I've made
If you take a look now you will find

I have thrown away my vice
Done away with paradise
See what's going on inside my mind
Please let me out
Please let me out
Please let me...

After dramatic slow motion shots of various grapplers flipping off the top turnbuckle, the video switches to the Flashpoint logo as the chorus kicks in.



The video fades to an outside shot of the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd...

★★★ 15 CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH ★★★
(c) Kendall Kingham vs. Cassius Reed

The match starts with Kingham and Reed circling the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Reed uses his strength advantage to move Kingham into the corner. Once Reed presses Kingham against the turnbuckles, the ref scurries over and gives both grapplers until the count of five to break it up. Once the count reaches ‘four’, both grapplers make a clean break. While Kingham has her arms in the air, the crowd boos when Reed takes advantage and delivers multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then takes Kingham and whips her into the far corner. The Funky Dragon runs across the ring to attack when Kingham ducks and dumps Reed over the top rope. But instead of crashing to the floor, Reed lands safely on the apron. When Kingham turns around, Reed grabs her by the back of the neck with both hands and drops down to the floor, delivering a hangman across the top rope. While Kingham stumbles back, Reed leaps up onto the apron and goes for the Funkensteiner (springboard huracanrana). But Kingham counters with an inverted atomic drop. While Reed is doubled over, Kingham rolls him up with a small package. ONE! TWO! Reed kicks out.

As the match continues, Kingham places Reed in a Thai Plum before moving him against the ropes. From there, the champion delivers short elbows, knees and uppercuts. The last uppercut rocks Reed. While Reed is still dazed, Kingham turns and runs into the far ropes. When Kingham returns, Reed runs over and knocks her down with a dropkick! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Kingham kicks out. Reed pulls up Kingham and rattles off a series of snapping jabs before shoving Kingham into the corner and delivering body blows. He then takes Kingham and whips her back into the far corner. Reed runs over, jumps and throws out the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow). But Kingham slips out of the way, causing Reed to crash elbow-first against the top turnbuckle. When Reed stumbles back and turns around, Kingham brings him down with a pair of deep arm drags. When The Funky Dragon gets back to his feet, Kingham whips him into the ropes. When Reed returns, Kingham brings him down with a Japanese Arm Drag before transitioning into an armbar. The ref asks Reed if he wants to give up. But The Funky Dragon refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Reed uses his free hand to move Kingham into the ropes to initiate a rope break. Once the ref’s count reaches ‘four’, Kingham lets go of Reed. Reed goes to take advantage of Kingham’s positioning with another series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection. But Kingham catches him with a knee lift to the face. She then switches positions, presses Reed up against the ropes and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. The 15 Champion then turns and runs into the far ropes. When Kingham returns, Reed ducks and dumps her over the top rope. Instead of crashing to the floor, Kingham lands safely on the apron. When Reed turns around, Kingham throws out a strike. But Reed ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. While Kingham is doubled over, Reed steps out through the ropes before planting Kingham on the apron with a Snap DDT! Reed rolls back inside. He then drags Kingham back into the ring before pulling her over for the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Kingham gets her foot on the bottom rope.

In the fifth minute, Reed takes Kingham and chucks her through the ropes and to the floor. He then grabs a hold of the top rope with both hands as he readies himself for something to the outside. When Kingham returns to her feet, Reed follows up with a slingshot huracanrana to the outside! Reed rolls Kingham back inside before climbing back up onto the apron. From there, Reed follows up with a springboard leg drop! He reaches over and hooks the near leg for the cover. ONE! TWO! Kingham gets her shoulder up. Reed pulls the champion back to her feet. He pops her with a right hand, sending Kingham stumbling backwards into the ropes. After Kingham bounces off the ropes and staggers back over towards Reed, The Funky Dragon knocks her down with the Spanish Archer. He pulls Kingham back to her feet before delivering a jumping Spanish Archer to knock her back down. Reed pulls Kingham back up before taking off into the ropes. When Reed returns, he goes for a running Spanish Archer when Kingham brings him down with a Fujiwara Armbar from out of nowhere! The crowd cheers while Reed can be heard howling in pain. The ref gets down and asks Reed if he wants to give up. Reed shakes his head ‘no’, refusing to quit. So Kingham pulls back on the arm to apply even more pressure to the hold. There is a grimace look on the face of The Funky Dragon. The ref continues to check in with him and asks him if he wants to give up. But again, Reed refuses. Reed then tries to pull himself towards the side of the ring. Kingham continues to hang on as she fights for the submission. The crowd cheers Kingham as they want to see another successful defense from the champ. But the cheers soon turn to boos when Reed reaches out with his right leg and gets his foot on the bottom rope, forcing a rope break. A disappointed Kingham lets go.

As the match continues, Kingham reaches down and slowly pulls up Reed when Reed grabs her by the front of the tights and yanks back, sending Kingham through the ropes and to the apron. Once Kingham gets back to her feet, Reed throws out a discus punch. But Kingham ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. While Reed is doubled over, Kingham reaches through the ropes, grabs Reed by the arm and drops off the apron, delivering an armbreaker across the middle rope! Reed howls in pain as he turns and staggers towards the center of the ring. As Reed drops down to all fours, Kingham rolls back in. She scurries over towards Reed and tries to lock him in The Tombs (grounded top wristlock). But Reed slips out from below. When Kingham turns around, Reed pops up to his feet before popping her in the mouth with a right hand. After a knee strike doubles the champ over, he knocks her upright with a knee lift before going for a bridging Northern Lights Suplex. ONE! TWO! Kingham gets her shoulder up. Reed takes Kingham and whips her into the corner. The Funky Dragon runs in to attack when Kingham turns him around with a boot to the face. She then applies a hammerlock from behind. But Reed is quick to take his free arm and nail her with a back elbow to the face. Reed then turns around and rocks Kingham with a European Uppercut, knocking the champion back into the corner. He then pulls Kingham from out of the corner before bringing her down with a snap suplex. Reed turns over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Kingham gets her shoulder up.

Reed pulls Kingham back to her feet before bringing her down with a neckbreaker. He then heads into the ropes, comes back and delivers a running elbow drop. The Funky Dragon turns around and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Kingham gets her shoulder up. Reed pulls Kingham up and goes for another snap suplex. This time, Kingham blocks the move. So Reed goes for another suplex attempt. But again, Kingham blocks the move. Reed then muscles Kingham up for a vertical suplex. But Kingham’s able to slip down from behind. She then goes for a German Suplex when Reed counters with a back elbow to the face. The Funky Dragon then runs into the ropes. When Reed returns, he sees Kingham running past him, so he stops. When Reed turns around, the crowd cheers when Kingham knocks him down with a roaring European Uppercut! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Reed gets his shoulder up. Kingham pulls Reed back to his feet and wrenches his arm. Kingham yanks the arm hard twice before sending Reed falling shoulder-first to the mat with an arm wringer. She then drops down, applies a grounded hammerlock before delivering repeated knees to the arm. Kingham then pushes Reed over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Reed gets his good arm up. Kingham brings Reed back to his feet before delivering an armbreaker across the shoulder. After the move, Reed staggers overs into the corner. Kingham approaches from behind, turns Reed around and rocks him with another European Uppercut. After taking the challenger and whipping him into the opposite corner, Kingham runs across the ring for an attack when Reed knocks her back with another European Uppercut of his own. While the champ is dazed, Reed turns to face the turnbuckles before slingshotting himself out onto the apron. Reed then goes for the Bride of Funkenstein (springboard somersualt huracanrana). But Kingham baseball slides out of the way. Once Reed lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Once Reed rolls back to his feet and turns around, he charges back into the corner when he gets caught with a back elbow to the face. As Reed stumbles back, Kingham hoists herself up onto the middle ropes before knocking Reed down with a diving European Uppercut! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Reed gets his shoulder up.

As the action continues in the twelfth minute, Reed reverses an irish whip, sending Kingham into the ropes. When Kingham returns, she sees Reed setting up for a sunset flip. So she counters with a sunset flip. Reed can be seen swinging his good arm wildly as he tries to regain his balance. The crowd cheers as Kingham tries to pull Reed down. Once Reed regains his balance, he drops down to his knees and hooks one of Kingham’s legs for the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Kingham kicks out. When both grapplers return to their feet, Kingham gets hit with the Pimp Slap Symposium (Quick Right Handed slap to opponent’s face to get opponent to drop their guard, into a quick Right Jab - Right Jab - Left Hook Boxing Combo, dazing the opponent, and ending with a Michael Jackson style spin straight into a (Left Handed) Spinning Backhand Slap to opponent’s face WITH AUTHORITY)! While Kingham is rocked, Reed brings her down with a split-legged Stunner! Reed then steps out onto the apron before climbing up to the top turnbuckle. From there, Reed flips off as he goes for a diving somersault leg drop. But Kingham rolls out of the way, causing Reed to crash onto the canvas! As Reed tries to get up off the canvas, Kingham rocks him with a Knee Trembler! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Reed gets his good shoulder up.

During the fourteenth minute, Kingham goes for an irish whip. But Reed reverses. Reed then runs into the corner to follow up with an attack when Kingham counters with a European Uppercut. While Reed stumbles back, Kingham turns to face the turnbuckles before knocking Reed down with a springboard European Uppercut! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! The crowd sighs, then boos when Reed gets his shoulder up. Kingham pulls up Reed, grabs him by the arm and brings him down with a single arm DDT! The cheers continue as Kingham turns over and locks Reed in The Tombs! The crowd cheers while Reed cringes from the pain. The ref gets down and asks Reed if he wants to give up. Reed feverishly shakes his head ‘no’. So Kingham pulls back to apply even more pressure. The cheers grow louder when they see Reed raise his free arm off the mat. Just as the arm’s about to go down, the bell sounds! Kingham lets go of the hold and raises her arms in the air. The crowd cheers for Kingham after a successfully title defense by submission! The 15 Champion keeps her arms held in the air. When she turns around, she notices the referee and Melanie Sierra having a conversation at ringside. Sierra turns to address the crowd.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has informed me that since a fall could not be decided during the fifteen minute time limit, this match… is a DRAW!

The crowd erupts with boos at the announcement of the draw. Kingham throws her arms up in disbelief before placing her hands on her head. She then turns to Reed, who holds his arm as he rolls to the ropes. The match will go down in the record books as a successfully defense for Kingham. But she isn’t satisfied. The 15 Champion looks around at the disappointed crowd, and shakes her head before calling for a mic. After receiving it, the former Sin City Wrestling GM & competitor raises it to her lips.

Kendall Kingham: Nah, nah, I don’t want this night to end like that.

She crinkles her nose.

Kendall Kingham: Well, uh for me that is. I guess this tech is kicking off the night. But I don’t want to be a Champion that gets by on technicalities. Whatever the result, I go out there to either prove I’m the better wrestler on that night or that I’ve got some work to do. And I know firsthand from all the years I worked here that the fans in Las Vegas--

Cheap pop!

Kendall Kingham: -- want a real result. So come on, this was just heating up, let’s give them five more minutes … right here in ttthhheee Flashpoint Zone!

She looks around, playing to the crowd and working them up, getting them to cheer.

Cassius wipes the sweat from his brow, clutching his side. He looks out at the cheering crowd, begging for five more minutes. He looks at Kendall, staring a hole straight through her, before slowly walking over, hand extending. The crowd cheers as Kendall extends hers in response… only to be cut short as Cassius snatches the microphone from her grip.

Cassius Reed: So that’s what you want? Five more minutes? That what alla you up in here want?

The crowd roars in response.

Cassius Reed: Never let it be said that Cassius don’t know how to please a crowd.

Once more, Cassius thrusts his hand puts his hand out for a handshake. Kendall takes a moment to consider the proffered limb, prompting Cassius to thrust it forward again. The roar of the crowd builds as Kendall reaches for his grip, building to a cacophony… until at the last moment Cassius whips his hand back, leaving Kendall grasping at air as he brings his fingers up through his ‘fro as he moonwalks back a few seconds.

Cassius Reed: Did you hear that, though? How loud these suckas just got? Now imagine that… but bigger. Cassius is out here wrestlin’ a story, and if the next chapter is “Cassius Reed: 15 Champion”, then he don’t want that start on “Flushpoint Number 675426”. Nah, girl. This ain’t a freeview story. This sh*t is Pay Per View, you dig? That is… if you want to be known as a fightin’ champ...

Kendall’s excitement and readiness to scrap some more-- she’d totally bitten on the fake out after he’d snatched the mic away-- quickly turned to a dejected, completely unironic, puppy dog look, as she tried hard not to pout in the middle of the ring. Finally, she collected herself and nodded her head at Cassius who was smirking, ignoring the boos of the crowd as he cockily made his exit, nodding her head and being picked up mouthing that she’ll see him at Above & Beyond by the ringside mics.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Strides are taken towards the camera, and as the strides slow down in pace, the camera tilts upwards to reveal Your Hero and Mine, a grin from ear to ear covering his face. Boo’s can be heard echoing from the main arena but that doesn’t stop Mark. He’s in his usual casual attire; consisting of a purple suit and tie, with shades covering his eyes. But he takes them off and slides them into his jacket pocket, nodding his head before walking towards a figure who has his back to him.

Mark Storm: Well if it isn’t Chandler Scott!

A massive pop ensues once the figure turns around and the fans find out that it is in fact, Mr Scott, who looks surprised to see Mark greeting him with a firm handshake.

Mark Storm: Chandler, Chandler, Chandler… how’s it going man?

An annoyed sigh escapes the lips of Chandler Scott. He shakes his head subtly.

Chandler Scott: What could you possibly want?

Before Chandler can even finish his sentence, he’s interrupted.

Mark Storm: You know, I saw what happened a fortnight ago on Flashpoint, man. I’m sorry I wasn’t around… because you know, if I was around, I would’ve totally come down and helped you out, because that’s the sort of person I am. Not only am I the people’s hero, I’m yours.

A gentle, yet awkward pat on the shoulder follows.

Mark Storm: And just so you know, this whole International Heavyweight title business…

He pats him on the chest, harder than his gentle pat on the shoulder.

Mark Storm: I’m rooting for you.

Chandler narrows his eyes while he tilts his head. He examines Storm’s face before corpsing.

Chandler Scott: Wow, I can’t believe that my very own hero is rooting for me.

The FGAce breaks out into a snicker before settling back down.

Chandler Scott: Don’t do this, Mark. Seriously. Don’t do this.

He scoffs, surprised and insulted.

Mark Storm: What do you mean, Chandler? I’m out here, showing you some respect and letting you know, that I’ve got your back! You’re misreading the situation, my man…

Chandler disagrees.

Chandler Scott: No, I think I’m reading this entire situation 100 percent correct. Let me guess, let me guess.

Chandler closes his eyes while he holds his index and middle fingers to his temples.

Chandler Scott: You think that Karma’s time on top is done. Having him win another title would be returning Flashpoint to the “status quo”. So you want me to know that you’re going to be there for me to ensure that I become the International Heavyweight Champion. Am I right? I was right, wasn’t it?

Chandler lowers his hands while he opens his eyes. He shakes his head.

Chandler Scott: Let me make something abundantly clear to you, since apparently you didn’t learn from Brookford two weeks ago. I don’t want your help. I don’t need your help. Nor do I want to become the 200th member of the Dogs of War. I will do this on my own. I will defeat Johnny Karma on my own and I will become the International Heavyweight Champion on... my... own. I mean, did you honestly think that I would trust you, of all people? After you sat there with Liam and Reyes and watched Flashpoint get ran over by Vertigo? Nah, I’m good. Thanks… but no thanks.

Storm glares at him, a look of disappointment slowly turns into a sadistic smirk, one that Storm can’t hide even if he tried.

Mark Storm: You think you’ve got me all figured out, huh?

He chuckles to himself.

Mark Storm: OK Chandler, I get it. And you know what, I’m going to respect your decision because that’s the sort of person I am. And if you decide to change your mind Chandler, then I’ll be here, waiting for you, ready to go to war with anyone who stands between you and that Heavyweight title. This was a good talk.

He nods his head, pleased with himself.

Mark Storm: Yeah, this was a good talk. I’ll see you around, bud.

Storm brushes passed Chandler, patting him on the shoulder one final time before walking off into the distance, leaving Chandler alone with an expression that exudes confusion.

[FGA Office]

★★★ RECORDED EARLIER TONIGHT ★★★

A pair of double doors greets the audience. One swings open and James Edwards steps into the picture. “The Burning Heart” walks with a slight limp, his knee still not fully recovered from the work Mark Bisley did on it two weeks prior on FlashPoint.

Cameraman: James, do you have a few moments?

Edwards’ lips curl, his mind racing to a smart ass reply, but he pauses and thinks better of it.

James Edwards: Not really, but if you walk with me I reckon we can kill two birds with one shot. So c’mon.

The cameraman starts to back peddle and the scene takes on the fabled “walk and talk” vibe from the early seasons of The West Wing.

Cameraman: How is the knee feeling?

James Edwards: I’m still limpin’.

Cameraman: Are you cleared to compete tonight?

Edwards draws in a deep breath to stifle a curt remark.

James Edwards: The doc told me I’m good to go since it is a tag fight.

Cameraman: Finally, any words for Brian Stryker after your confrontation on the last show.

James Edwards: Yeah, the son of---

Edwards doesn’t finish his sentence because from out of nowhere Brian Stryker ambushes him from the side with a steel chair. The weapon slams hard into Edwards’ rib cage, drawing an audible gasp from James as the wind is knocked out of him and he doubles over.

Seeing an opportunity, Stryker shortens up his grip on the chair and brings the curved edge crashing into the small of Edwards’ back, dropping the Kentuckian onto all fours. A hard stomp from Stryker sprawls Edwards out spread eagle. Stryker adds two more before ramming the edge of the chair up and down his former teammate’s back, each blow harder than the last.

Stryker drops the chair as he smiles down at Edwards, grabs him by the hair and pulls him up so the two can talk face to face.

Brian Stryker: YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANY RIGHT TO TALK ABOUT ME!? YOU ARE NOT EVEN WORTH SPITTING ON YOU HEAR ME? YOU ARE WORTHLESS AND PATHETIC!

Stryker throws Edwards back down on the ground and kicks him hard across the ribs with the top of his foot. He looks over at the cameraman who is looking to make a run for it, but stops him.

Brian Stryker: You, camera guy, keep rolling. I want everyone to see this.

Stryker fixes his shirt as he faces the camera.

Brian Stryker: Ladies and Gentlemen of FGA. I am here to tell you all, I am sick and tired of the disrespect I continue to receive each and every week. Since signing with this company, I have done nothing but work my ASS off earning my stripes and earning everything I got. FGA 15 Championship, first man to defend it four times. First man to cash in for a title. And then you all sat back and watched as a corrupt piece of sh*t cost me my chance at the Pride championship.

Brian Stryker: Then I was screwed even more when I never got my fair shot when I was promised it. No instead other people cut in line for the title THAT I DESERVED! So while you fans were constantly cheering for the next flavor of the week in wrestling, I was being forced to sit back and watch as other people took my spots. Now I got this f*cking hick coming out on TV and saying HE deserves a chance at the world title? How HE is gonna challenge the former champs? Well I’m done letting other idiots take my chances. I’m done watching and waiting for my chance. If I gotta beat this idiot into a hospital to prove it to you, then fine. Remember though, his blood is on all of your hands for it.

Stryker looks down at Edwards again as he pushed him over with his foot, stepping over him, jamming his heel into the same ribs he targeted.

Brian Stryker: Get up Jimmy, it looks bad for you.

Stryker shakes his head and walks away, leaving James in a wreck behind him.

[FGA Office]

★★★ TAG TEAM MATCH ★★★
The Fam vs. Olé Anderson & Gully Blanchard

The match starts with Anderson and Blanchard double teaming Steel from behind with clubbing strikes to the back. They then take Steel and whip him into the far ropes. When Steel returns, he runs over them both with a running shoulder block. When Anderson & Blanchard return to their feet and turn around, Steel runs over and knocks them both down with a clothesline. Once they return back to their feet, Steel runs back over and throws out another clothesline. But Blanchard & Anderson stop him with kicks to the midsection. They then grab Steel and go for a double suplex. But Steel counters with a simultaneous suplex on them both. Steel then takes Blanchard and whips him into the far corner. After grabbing Anderson, Steel takes him by the wrist and whips him across the ring and into Blanchard in the corner. Anderson staggers out of the corner before Steel throws him down with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Blanchard runs out of the corner until Steel grabs him and throws him down with a two-handed overhead chokeslam toss! Tillman then gets tagged in. Triple T runs over and knocks Blanchard down with a Shining Black! He then takes Anderson, whips him into the far corner, runs across the ring and connects with a back elbow before following up with the CSS Enzuigiri! He then pulls Anderson from out of the corner before bringing him down with the Top-Tier-Takedown (leaping reverse STO)! Tillman then steps out onto the apron, climbs to the top rope, flips off and crashes on top of Anderson with the Skyfall (450 Splash) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

The Fam O || Skyfall (1:09) || Olé Anderson & Gully Blanchard X

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad locker room. Dan Herrera and Peaches are together, as he’s finishing his preparation for his latech later tonight. The pair are both dressed in their ring attire and talking as the scene opens.

Peaches: You ready for this?

Dan Herrera: It’s been a while since my last singles match, but I think I can remember how to do it.

He jokes with his wife, causing Peaches to laugh.

Peaches: I know, but a singles match against one of The Resistance? This is huge! An’ it could show that we’re a force as singles competitors as well as bein’ the next FGA World Tag Team Champions.

Dan Herrera: One eye on Above & Beyond at all times, I know. And I know what a win over Tristan Ambrose would mean to us.

Peaches: We’ve got the Frontier Lions Cup just ‘round the corner too - maybe Ashlyn wants to try an’ stake her claim to that one. An’ it’d help her out if we take those belts from The Chaotics in two weeks time.

Dan Herrera: Lets not get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got The Chaotics and The Dogs of War ahead of us, it’s not going to be a cake walk. It’s not going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination.

He uses a sterner tone than before, making sure that Peaches understands the ramifications of the upcoming title match.

Peaches: I know, Dan. The toughest match we’ve ever had. An’ we’ve gotta want it more than we’ve ever wanted anything before. If we’re gonna go on to become two time FGA World Tag Team Champions. If we want a chance at becoming the Tag Team of the Year again. If we wanna get redemption for the losses we’ve suffered in the past.

Dan Herrera: All of that and more, babe. So we’ve got to focus, and not let anything get in our way tonight.

Dan leans across to give his wife a kiss on the lips, and Peaches breathes a sigh of relief.

Peaches: You’re right. An’ when you’re right, you’re right. But you just finish gettin’ ready, I’m gonna go grab us some more Gatorade

Dan Herrera: Ok, I’ll be right here when you get back.

On that note, Peaches leaves the locker room as the cameraman decides to follow her for whatever reason. She rounds the corner and heads towards the vending machine to buy a couple of bottles of delicious Gatorade - but Peaches is sent hurtling forward into the machine! A forearm strike to the back of the head does the job as Liam Richardson III and Rumble Reyes appear on the scene.

Peaches tries desperately to fight back, but the numbers are just too much for her as Reyes’s clubbing blows to the back force the former tag champion to the floor. The Dogs of War continue stomping until Peaches can’t fight back anymore, but they’re not done yet. Reyes picks Peaches up over his shoulder, and moves further down the corridor, until they reach the catering area. Backstage staff scurry away as they see the DoW coming

Rumble Reyes: Get that table.

He says, pointing to a table where the cakes and pies are situated. Richardson pulls it away from the wall as Reyes repositions Peaches, lifting her up for the Richter 9 Powerbomb (Bad Luck Fall) through the dessert table! The cakes and pies spill everywhere, with a fair portion landing on Peaches herself before those same backstage staff who scarpered moments ago reconvene to stop the attack from going any further.

Rumble Reyes and Liam Richardson III take their leave, walking away without incident as the camera pans around to an unconscious Peaches laying on the ground, covered in various desserts as the show cuts to commercial.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The scene fades in to one of the Flashpoint locker room, where Sloan Talbot sits in solitude, aggressively taping his wrists as he mumbles to himself. The big man, as usual, wears a frown on his face, and looks ready to explode in a fit of rage before his tag team match tonight. As he rips off some tape and throws the roll aside, his eyes slowly look over to his left, where his tag team partner Alex Chalwell stands, shades and all.

Alex Chalwell: Yo big guy, look - I know you don't like teaming, but hey, tonight? I got your ba--

Before he can finish, Sloan stands, towering over Chalwell. Talbot stands in silence for a moment before speaking.

Sloan Talbot: You're right. I don't like teaming. And as for you havin’ my back? Don't need it. See, tonight one thing is gonna happen. I'm gonna break Patrick Jones in two. F’all intents and purposes, Jones is a dead man. You can be a part of the solution, or you can be a part of the problem, don't matter to me - just keep this in mind...stay outta my damn way.

Talbot smacks a parting hand against Chalwell's chest, causing the young wrestler to wince in pain as Sloan walks out of shot and the camera goes elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

As the scene shifts from one part of the arena to the other, the first thing that comes into focus is the familiar face of backstage interviewer extraordinaire, Amanda Johnson. Amanda stands in front of the Flashpoint backdrop with a microphone in her hand and a smile on her face as she begins to speak.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is the reigning FGA United States champion, Savannah Taylor.

The fans out in the Orleans Arena erupt in a seemingly rare chorus of cheers as the champ, and Las Vegas native walks onto the scene. Dressed in her pink and black ring attire, she has a Las Vegas Golden Knights jersey worn over her ring top and her United States title slung over her right shoulder. A wide smile is on her face as she stands next to Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: Savannah….

Savannah raises a hand up and cuts Amanda off. She listens to the crowd still cheering and sighs happily.

Savannah Taylor: You hear that, Amanda? That is the sound of the best fans in all of wrestling showing their hometown hero the respect that I deserve. That is the sound of fans who know who they want to see succeed. These fans are absolutely brilliant.

Amanda Johnson: Let’s talk about tonight. You are set to do battle against Salem Kaiser and BROOKFORD, but in a tag team match. They are teaming up together to face you and a mystery partner. Aren’t you at all concerned about how this is all going to go down?

Savannah Taylor: You all can thank me for this match, by the way.

Amanda Johnson: Oh?

Savannah Taylor: Yes. You see, there is a lot of chaos and drama surrounding my championship. One person demands a shot, someone else demands a shot, and so on and so on. So I went to management and suggested this match. Funny enough, they actually listened to me. If they want MY championship so badly, then they are going to have to work together tonight. If they want me so badly, then here in my hometown, they are going to have to get along in order to beat myself and my mystery partner. Now, you are a smart woman, Amanda. You must know that the odds of them getting along are slim to none.

Amanda Johnson: The odds do seem low, yes.

Savannah Taylor: Exactly. So when my partner and I win tonight, I will be DONE with Salem and BROOKFORD. Not only that, but I will choose who I face at Above & Beyond. I know there is someone on the Flashpoint roster that is deserving of this shot. A one on one match will be delightful.

Amanda hesitates for a second before clearing her throat.

Amanda Johnson: You have to look at the other side of the coin, though.

Savannah Taylor: Which is….

Amanda Johnson: Well, if Salem and BROOKFORD win, then the match at Above & Beyond will be a triple threat match.

Savannah draws in a sharp breath and purses her lips together. Her eyes narrow a bit before she turns to Amanda.

Savannah Taylor: Then my partner and I are going to work our collective asses together to make sure that doesn’t happen, now won’t we?

With that, Savannah turns on her heel and walks off down the hall as the scene switches to ringside.

[FGA Office]

★★★ TAG TEAM MATCH ★★★
Michael Tomkins & Patrick Jones vs. Sloan Talbot & Alex Chalwell

The match starts off with Michael Tomkins dumping Alex Chalwell over the top rope and to the floor. Jones then runs over and knocks Sloat Talbot back with a pair of dropkicks. Tomkins & Jones then turn to each other and nod before running over and delivering a double clothesline, knocking the big man over the top rope and to the floor! Jones then runs into the far ropes while Tomkins bounces against the near ropes. After they run past each other in the center of the ring, Jones leaps through the ropes and knocks Talbot down with a suicide dive! Meanwhile, Tomkins leaps through the ropes and knocks down Chalwell with a suicide dive of his own!

Once Chalwell is rolled back into the ring, Tomkins works his arm over with a few arm wrenches before knocking him down with a hook kick for a two count. A tag is made out to Jones, who comes off the top and comes down across Chalwell’s outstretched arm with a double ax handle. He delivers an arm wrench of his own until Chalwell rakes him across the eyes. An irish whip then sends Jones into the ropes. When he returns, he knocks Chalwell down with a flying forearm. After Chalwell gets whipped back into the ropes, Jones brings him down with a bridging northern lights suplex for a two count. In the third minute, Jones whips Chalwell into the far corner. He rushes in to attack when Chalwell cuts him off with an elbow smash. After tossing Jones into the corner, Chalwell hits him with repeated slaps and chops. Jones then reverses an irish whip, sending Chalwell crashing into the opposite corner. As Chalwell staggers out, Jones leans forward before throwing him down with a back body drop. A pair of dropkicks from Jones sends Chalwell rolling to the outside. Chalwell throws a tantrum at ringside before a stern look from Talbot forces the Virgin Islander back inside.

Jones quickly regains control, doubling over Chalwell with a spinning back kick before planting him with a DDT for a two count. An irish whip is reversed, sending Jones into the ropes. As soon as Jones hits the ropes, Talbot yanks down the top rope, sending Jones flipping down and crashing hard to the floor! Talbot leaps down to the floor and puts the boots to Jones. He lifts Jones up, lifts him up into a bearhug and rams him back-first into the steel ring post. He then drops Jones throat-first across the top of the guardrail with a snake eyes. Talbot takes Jones and rolls him back inside, where Chalwell makes the lateral press for a two count. The tag is then made out to Talbot, who delivers a series of shoulder thrusts, followed by a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of back elbow strikes in the corner. He then takes Jones and launches him towards the center of the ring! Talbot comes barreling out of the corner before running Jones over with a running shoulder block. A European Uppercut then sends Jones staggering into the ropes. Talbot heads over, takes Jones and shoots him into the far ropes. When Jones returns, Talbot brings him down with a hip toss neckbreaker for a two count. A flapjack also gets a two count. Jones starts to fight back with elbows to the midsection. He then turns and runs into the far ropes. When Jones returns, he goes for a flying forearm when Talbot catches him in mid air and throws him down a powerslam for another two count!

As the match continues in the seventh minute, Talbot lifts up Jones for a chokeslam. But Jones elbows him in the side of the head of the way up. Jones follows up with a step-up enzuigiri, sending Talbot staggering over towards the ropes. When talbot turns back to face him, Jones runs over, grabs Talbot and brings him down with a springboard Tornado DDT! He then rolls across the ring and tages out to The Rogue! Once Tomkins gets back in, he lights up Talbot with right hands. Talbot then quickly reverses an irish whip, sending Tomkins into the ropes. When Tomkins returns, Talbot goes for a big boot. But Tomkins catches his foot before knocking the big man off his feet with a leg sweep. As Talbot tries to get back to a vertical base, he gets rocked with a roundhouse kick.!Tomkins then delivers a shoulder jawbreaker while further stuns Talbot! Tomkins then runs into the far ropes. When The Rogue returns, he brings Talbot down with an STO! Tomkins makes the cover, but Chalwell dives over and breaks up the pin at two! He continues to rain down clubbing strikes across Tomkins’ back until Jones rushes over and knocks him down with a running knee. He then takes Chalwell and whips him into the ropes. When Chalwell returns, Jones drops him with Zoned Out (Superkick)! Jones turns around and gets grabbed him by the throat by Talbot. Talbot then hoists Jones up before throwing him down with authority with a chokeslam. Talbot turns around and nearly gets his head kicked off by Tomkins with A Taste of Greatness (left foot superkick)! But Talbot catches his foot. He then swings Tomkins’ leg away from him before swatting him down with a lariat from behind! Talbot then pulls Tomkins up off the mat, lifts him high above his head and brings him down with Diggin Graves (Gorilla Press Spinebuster) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

As Talbot exits the ring, Chalwell goes for a high five. But another stern look from Talbot causes Chalwell to lower his arm. Talbot turns back to the ring and sees Jones heading over to check on Tomkins. Jones had words for Talbot. But Talbot doesn’t look fazed.

Michael Tomkins & Patrick Jones X || Diggin Graves (8:24) || Sloan Talbot & Alex Chalwell O

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Dan Herrera vs. Tristan Ambrose

Herrera starts off the match by overpowering Ambrose. A back body drop throws Ambrose down to the mat. Herrera then knocks him back down with a pair of lariats. After an irish whip sends Ambrose into the ropes, Herrera throws him down with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Herrera then brings the action into the corner and slams Ambrose face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Ambrose around, Herrera lights up his chest with knife edge chops. He then sends Ambrose crashing into the far corner with an irish whip. As Ambrose staggers out, Herrera runs over and knocks him down with a spinning heel kick for another two.

As the match continues, Ambrose finally gets on offense after he reverses an irish whip. When Herrera returns, Ambrose brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two count. Ambrose positions Herrera for a T-Bone Suplex when Herrera counters with back elbows to the side of the head. He then takes Ambrose and shoots him into the ropes. When Ambrose returns, he knocks Herrera down with a discus clothesline for a two count. Ambrose moves Herrera into the corner and applies a Muay Thai Clinch before delivering knees to the head and body. Herrera then reverses an irish whip, sending Ambrose into the corner. As Herrera rushes in for an attack, Ambrose cuts him off with a back elbow before following up with a reverse STO into the turnbuckle for another two count.

Herrera is then sent into the ropes. When Herrera returns, he throws out a lariat. But Ambrose ducks, grabs him and counters with a T-Bone Suplex for a two count. A lifting side slam gets another two count. Herrera is then sent off into the ropes once more. When Herrera returns, Ambrose knocks him down with a Pop-up Uppercut. He then positions Herrera for a Turnbuckle Powerbomb. But when Herrera is lifted up onto Ambrose’s shoulders, Herrera rains down punches to the top of the head. After slipping down in front of Ambrose, Herrera positions him for a DDT when Ambrose grabs him and runs forward, ramming Herrera back-first into the corner. Ambrose pulls Herrera from out of the corner, lifts him up and delivers a Turnbuckle Powerbomb. After Herrera crumbles from out of the corner, Ambrose steps out onto the apron before scaling the ropes. He flips off from the top rope and goes for a 450 Splash. But Herrera rolls out of the way. Once Ambrose lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. When Ambrose rolls back to his feet and turns around, Herrera nearly knocks his head off with a discus elbow strike. But Ambrose ducks. When Herrera turns around, he gets caught with a pelé kick. Ambrose the heads back out onto the apron. When Herrera returns to his feet, Ambrose goes for a springboard flying forearm. But Herrera catches him across his shoulders and counters with a Samoan Drop.

In the seventh minute, Herrera brings Ambrose down with a russian leg sweep, followed by a leg drop for a two count. He plants Ambrose with a Tornado DDT for another two count. Herrera lifts up Ambrose for an Electric Chair. But Ambrose counters with punches to the top of the head. After slipping down in front of Herrera, Ambrose rocks him with another pelé kick. While Herrera is dazed, Ambrose takes off into the ropes. When he returns, Herrera leans forward, lifts Ambrose up onto his shoulders and throws him down with the Wit’s End (double leg slam)! He then hoists Ambrose back up before throwing him down with the Final Word (pumphandle slam). He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Ambrose gets his shoulder up. Herrera sets up for another belly to belly. This time, Ambrose counters with a bell clap to the ears. After whipping Herrera into the corner, Ambrose runs in and throws out the Lethal Dose (jumping knee strike). But Herrera slips out of the way, causing Ambrose to crash into the turnbuckles. As Ambrose stumbles back, Herrera knocks him down from behind with a discus elbow strike. He then sends Ambrose into the ropes with an irish whip. When Ambrose returns, Herrera tackles him down with a spear. He then moves Ambrose into the corner. He sits him on the top turnbuckle, lifts him off, heads towards the center of the ring and delivers the Walking Papers (Muscle Buster)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Dan Herrera O || Walking Papers (7:48) || Tristan Ambrose X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The scene opens in the hallway. A man that appears to be BROOKFORD is sitting on a steel folding chair. The crowd boos upon seeing him. With a white towel covering his face he is staring at the opposite wall in an almost meditative silence. It appears that he doesn’t want to be bothered by anyone. There is a big match tonight, and getting himself in the zone is of the utmost importance. Just like two weeks ago, his moment is interrupted by the one and only Salem. He doesn’t notice she’s there. The towel blocking his view as she stands beside him.

She waits a beat, putting her hand on her hip. Finally she blows a bit of bangs away from her eyes with an eye roll and lifts the towel.

Salem: Okay it’s that time of the week where Salem pokes the bear again. Helloooo, anybody home? I haven’t got any honey but there is the prospect of something sweeter on the horizon.

She takes the towel up in her hands, wrenching it in her fingers for a moment before folding it neatly and draping it across his big shoulder and smoothing it out. BROOKFORD doesn’t say a word, but looks up at her mostly expressionless yet the annoyance is evident. Salem gives him a little wave and an impish smile.

Salem: If you’re still fuming about two weeks ago, it’s understandable. But I did what I had to do. I’m not going to be put on the backburner by you, Savannah, or anyone else in FGA who has the express interest of impeding me from my goals. Right now my focus is the United States Championship. And besides, the past is the past.

She wipes at her nose, licking her lips to buy time formulating what comes next before jabbing a finger into the air, not directly at BROOKFORD but more to make a point.

Salem: I’m here to talk about the present. I’m not that religious but I come here now not unlike Daniel in the lion’s den. I know you’re capable, I know you’re dangerous. I’ve never written you off in that regard. You could very easily jump up and knock me from pillar to post back here right now, that’s a distinct possibility. But hear me out: the thing is, it seems we are currently presented with an opportunity. And I know it sounds crazy to refer to Salem and BROOKFORD as ‘we’ in any sense of the word because we clearly don’t see eye to eye on many things. Except one, as far as I can tell: we both want that US Title, we both want to unseat Savannah Taylor.

She paced a bit, cracking her knuckles and returning to where she stood. His eyes never leaving her.

Salem: Savannah in her sometimes debatable but always crafty wisdom has somehow concocted a match that appears to be a stacked deck against us. In her hometown of Vegas, with a mystery partner of her choosing it seems against the two of us that have only ever thrown punches at each other when we were in the ring together. We have to partner in an honest to god tag team for one night. The stakes? If we lose, then it’s back to the drawing board. Savannah won’t have to grant either one of us a shot. But if we win… if we can coexist for one night then both our tickets are punched and we both face Savannah at Above and Beyond VI… a triple threat match for the US Title. We both get what we want, albeit in the same match. I will say this, I will give my all out there to make sure we win, I will reach for tags and I will break up pinfalls at every turn within my power to make sure this match continues until our hands are raised. So what do you say, ‘partner’? Are we gonna get along for one night, or what?

Salem extends her hand to him, an offer to shake hands… a temporary truce if you will. After processing everything Salem had to say, BROOKFORD stands up, clearly towering over her. He folds his arms.

BROOKFORD: Likewise. Your right, I wasn’t thrilled with your play two weeks ago. The last person who cost me an opportunity to become United States Champion no longer works here. Because of me! I was tempted to hunt you down, Salem. I thought about it. I don’t approve of you crossing me, at least you aren’t afraid to get in my way. More than I can say for our “champion.” She’s ducking of us. Tonight is her way to get rid of us once and for all.

BROOKFORD scoffs.

BROOKFORD: Likewise. Clearly she’s scared. She is not the fighting champion that belt deserves. So sure, truce.

BROOKFORD shakes Salem’s hand to the surprise of everyone watching. Salem smiles. Suddenly he pulls her in close and her smile fades. The tension between them would need a very durable knife to cut through.

BROOKFORD: Likewise. Tonight we do what is best for business. After we win... all bets are off. Understood?

Salem looks at his hand gripping her harshly and then back to his face. She scrunches her nose and then nods, wriggling her hand free and rubbing it.

Salem: Understood. From bell to bell, I got your back. Afterwards, I’m watching mine.

BROOKFORD: Likewise.

With nothing left to say, BROOKFORD turns his back to Salem and walks off in the opposite direction leaving her there alone. She watches him leave, still rubbing her hand as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

Dan Herrera: Where are they?

The voice rings out throughout the corridors as Dan Herrera - still feeling the effects of his match against Tristan Ambrose - is storming through the Orleans Arena.

Dan Herrera: Where are the Dogs of War?!

He asks the members of the backstage staff. A few men dressed in black polo shirts look on, clueless on how to help the irate Dan Herrera. So he moves on. Down the hall he goes, his head on a pivot as he looks down all the halls for a sight of Rumble Reyes or Liam Richardson III. As Dan asks another member of staff, however, this one points down the hall to where Liam Richardson III can be seen just entering a locker room.

Herrera forces himself to head down the hallway, before shoulder barging the door open. An almighty bang can be heard as the door swings open and a shocked Richardson barely has time to react before Herrera tags him with a forearm strike! A few more strikes land, forcing Liam back against the lockers before Dan grabs him by the head. Herrera spins his foe around and slams Liam head first into the steel lockers!

Dan Herrera: Attack my wife will you?

Liam stumbles out of the locker room into the hallway, holding his face in pain as he goes. He does turn around to face the doorway, however, just as Herrera bolts out of the room with a huge spear that sends Liam Richardson III hurtling back against the wall. But Herrera’s glory is short lived as he stands over his downed foe. Rumble Reyes appears on the scene - all 360 pounds of him - as he drills Dan across the back with a clubbing blow!

Running on adrenaline, Herrera stumbles but turns to fire back at Reyes! The former FGA World tag team champion managing to land a few shots before Reyes delivers a thunderous headbutt! And another! Dan staggers backwards as Reyes stays on his case. The big man landing a few shots that have Dan reeling when--

???: Uhhhhholy shit.

The cameras— and Rumble Reyes— swing around toward the sound of the voice. A shocked-looking Ashlyn De Luca stands several feet away, having just walked around the corner, a Tag Team Championship belt gripped in each hand as she looks down at Herrera, then up to Reyes. Down to Herrera, back up to Reyes… who now meets her gaze. Without warning, Reyes delivers a vicious elbow strike to the side of Herrera’s head before launching him toward De Luca by the base of his neck. Ashlyn pivots, spinning out of the way, one of the Tag Team Title belts falling to the floor in the process, but with a cry she rushes at Reyes, swinging the other belt full-force at him! Reyes gets an arm up, knocked back into the wall by the shot. Ashlyn rears back and prepares to Super Kick the now-unprotected Reyes-- but stops as a pair of hands yank the belt out of her hands.

Ashlyn De Luca: What--?

De Luca doesn’t even get to fully turn around before a recovered Liam Richardson III smashes the Tag Team Title belt into the side of her head, sending De Luca slumping to the ground!

Geoff Penzer: Oh my God!

Dan Herrera pushes himself up to a knee. Richardson turns around and Herrera throws a right hand, catching him in the gut. Richardson grunts in pain before swinging the belt at Herrera, hitting him between the eyes! Herrera slumps to the ground and Richardson delivers a stomp to his back for good measure before turning toward De Luca, prompting Reyes to pull her up with a handful of hair.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Geoff Penzer: Somebody has to get back there and stop this! The Dogs of War are out of control!

Liam opens his mouth to say something to the glossy-eyed Tag Team Champion, but his eyes suddenly widen and whatever he’s about to say never gets out as from out of nowhere, Logan Alexander spears Reyes, sending the two of them down in a tangle and releasing his hold on De Luca. Logan quickly mounts Reyes and begins raining down punches on the big man.

Logan Alexander: You don’t touch my partner!

Richardson quickly heads over and swings with the belt, but Logan catches sight of him coming and ducks the shot. He quickly rolls off or Reyes and starts to get to his feet, when Richardson takes another swing. Logan only has time to bring his arms up enough to block the blow, but it’s enough to knock him over. Richardson pounces, dropping the belt, and starts punching away at Logan, who covers up. Suddenly, Logan is able to roll Richardson over and now Logan is throwing mounted punches at him.

Geoff Penzer: It looks like the timely intervention of Logan Alexander has managed to halt the Dogs of W--

Logan is unexpectedly sent sprawling, as Reyes makes his presence known again courtesy of a big boot. He steps over his partner, reaches down and grabs hold of Logan by the front of his shirt. He then effortlessly hauls Logan up and slams him back against the nearby wall. Logan grabs hold of Reyes hands and tries to pry them open, but to no avail. He looks past Reyes to see Richardson back up on his feet and retrieving the Tag Team championship he’d dropped. He starts towards Logan and Reyes, when Dan Herrera and Ashlyn De Luca tackle him down to the floor. The five wrestlers brawling amongst themselves as FGA officials arrive and try to break up the fracas.

Geoff Penzer: We’ve got some order-- or at least the officials are trying their best!

Officials and crew members manage to separate the wrestlers, pulling Dan Herrera away first before getting the Chaotics on the other side of the swarm of staff. Liam Richardson III chucks the Tag Team Title belt toward the Chaotics, catching one of the arena technicians between the shoulder blades, sending him to the ground howling in pain. Richardson slaps Reyes’ chest and pivots, walking quickly away from the scene. Reyes follows behind with another glance back toward Dan Herrera and the Chaotics. Ashlyn holds a hand to her head, groaning loudly.

Ashlyn De Luca: It never stops…

The camera pans away from her toward Dan Herrera, who glares a hole through the departing Dogs of War. Finally, we pan toward the seething Logan Alexander, redfaced from the altercation, taking slow, deep breaths as our camera slowly fades to black.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Ashley Sullivan vs. Mark Storm

Storm rushes over to Sullivan to start off the mat with a lariat. But Sullivan ducks. When Storm turns around, Sullivan knocks him down with a leg sweep! She follows up with a standing moonsault for a two count. Sullivan then moves Storm into the corner before delivering knife edge chops to the chest. She goes for an irish whip, but Storm reverses. Storm then runs over into the corner when Sullivan turns him around with a boot to the face. She follows up with a one-handed bulldog out of the corner for a two count.

As the match continues, Storm reverses an irish whip, sending Sullivan into the ropes. When she returns, she executes a running hurricanrana, sending Storm through the ropes and to the outside. While Storm picks himself back up, Sullivan runs over towards the corner, springboards to the top turnbuckle and flips back, knocking Storm down with a moonsault to the outside! Sullivan picks up Storm and rolls him back inside before sliding back in to make the cover. But Storm gets his shoulder up at two. Storm is then whipped into the far ropes. When Storm returns, Sullivan knocks him down with a spinning heel kick. She then steps out to the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. Once Storm gets up and turns around, Sullivan goes for a missile dropkick. But Storm side steps and swats her down. Storm follows up with a deadlift gutwrench sitout powerbomb for a two count!

Storm keeps on offense as he whips Sullivan into the ropes. When she returns, Storm brings her down with a pancake before transitioning into an ankle lock. Once Sullivan stands up on her hands, she rolls forward, sending Storm crashing into the corner. As Storm stumbles back, Sullivan grabs him from behind. Before she can lift Storm up, he counters with three back elbows to the face. Storm then performs a standing switch before throwing her down with a sitout face slam for another two count! Sullivan reverses an irish whip and sends Storm into the corner. She runs over to attack when Storm counters with back elbow to the face. Storm then goes for a springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT. But as soon as Storm lands on the middle ropes, Sullivan connects with a dropkick to the back, knocking Storm over the top rope and to the floor. Sullivan then turns and runs into the far ropes. When she comes back, Storm slides back in and turns her inside out with a lariat! He makes the cover but Sullivan gets her shoulder up at two.

During the sixth minute, Storm delivers a backbreaker followed by a gutbuster. He makes the cover, but he only gets a two count. After bringing Sullivan down with a Sling Blade, Storm goes to lift Sullivan up for a Tombstone Piledriver. But Sullivan’s able to slip down from behind. She then spins Storm towards her before bringing him down with Into Dust (Codebreaker)! She then heads into the corner and hoists herself up onto the middle ropes. Once Storm gets to his feet and turns around, Sullivan leaps off and brings him down with a Blockbuster! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Storm gets his shoulder up. Sullivan brings Storm back into the corner before bringing him down with a Tornado DDT! She then runs over and flattens him with a Shining Wizard! Sullivan returns to her feet before heading back into the ropes. When she returns, she connects with the Wind Whisper (rolling senton)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Storm gets his shoulder up. Sullivan then takes Storm and whips him into the corner. She then runs over and sends him slumping down with a spinning heel kick. Sullivan pulls Storm back up before sending him into the far corner. She then runs over and blasts Storm with the Wind Kick (corner big boot)! After Storm crumbles from out of the corner, Sullivan steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle and flips off for the Sunset (Swanton Bomb). But Storm gets his knees up! After Sullivan crashing across his knees, Storm pulls her up before dropping her with a jumping spinning Tombstone Piledriver! Storm pulls Sullivan back up, hoists her up onto his shoulders and brings her down with the Heroes End (One Winged Angel)! ONE! TWO THREE!

Ashley Sullivan X || Heroes End! (8:31) || Mark Storm X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

★★★ MOMENTS AGO ★★★

We open to a shot of the door leading into the trainer’s room inside Orleans Arena. The door promptly swings open and out steps ‘The Burning Heart’, James Edwards to cheers from the crowd. As he clears the doorway, we catch sight of Ashlyn De Luca just a few steps behind him, once again carrying both World Tag Team championships, one on each shoulder, and drawing a louder cheer than Edwards. Bringing up the rear of this procession is Logan Alexander, who draws a more muted but still positive reaction.

Once clear of the doorway, the banged up trio fall into step beside each other, Ashlyn flanked by Edwards on the left and Logan on the right and they make their way down the corridor. Logan throws a glance at the other two.

Logan Alexander: Well…

Edwards and Ashlyn look back towards him.

Logan Alexander: … now that the game has been established…

Logan smirks slightly.

Logan Alexander: … shall we show them how to play?

Ashlyn looks down toward the ground, only the sound of her breathing heard in the dead-silent corridor for before she closes her eyes for a moment, her breathing growing more muted before she finally looks toward Logan, slowing to a stop, falling behind them. She bites the inside of her cheek, eyes narrowed at her tag team partner before she nods to herself a little.

Ashlyn De Luca: I get it.

She glances toward her right shoulder and allows the FGA World Tag Team Championship to slide down into her hand. Gaze locked on the belt for a moment, she finally lifts it up, handing it toward Logan, earning a roar from the audience. Logan stops. He looks at the belt being offered back to him. He starts to reach out for it, but then stops.

Logan Alexander: Actually…

He lowers his hand.

Logan Alexander: … you hang onto it. I still have some work to do tonight and a few weeks from now to earn it back.

The audience seems unsure of what to make of this at first before boos begin to trickle in from the crowd. Ashlyn blinks a few times before shaking her head, pulling the title back up onto her shoulder and rolling her eyes at Logan.

Ashlyn De Luca: Seriously.

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes toward James Edwards.

Ashlyn De Luca: See you out there, James.

Ashlyn turns to Logan again, giving him an odd look and a once-over before uttering a tiny “hmph” and marching away, out of frame to pockets of laughter from the crowd.

Not sure of what he should do in such an awkward situation, Edwards hollers a cordial response that echoes down the hall.

James Edwards:: Yeah, you too

Edwards turns to Logan and furrows his brow.

James Edwards:: Why didn’t you just take the damn belt? It would’ve made our job tonight a helluva lot easier.

Logan looks back at Edwards.

Logan Alexander: I don’t deserve it.

He lets out a breath.

Logan Alexander: But it shouldn’t affect our job tonight. We know what we’re up against. We know what we have to do. I’m sure the three of us are on the same page… well, mostly anyway.

He shrugs slightly.

Logan Alexander: I know I can trust you and Ashlyn out there. I intend to be worthy of whatever trust you and Ashlyn extend me as well. I don’t think we need any more than that. We just have to go out and take care of business.

Logan smirks again.

Logan Alexander: Heck, you anchored Team Flashpoint when they needed someone focused on the important stuff. Keeping us on track should be a much easier task.

Edwards disappointedly shakes his head.

James Edwards:: There’s a difference between being an anchor and being a martyr. An anchor sinks and rises, it just does its damn job and that is it. A martyr makes a show out of doing their job.

Seeing that his homespun logic is confusing the veteran, James runs his hand through his hair, racking his brain for a simpler explanation.

James Edwards:: Sorry for being this blunt, Mr. Alexander...I mean Logan, but just take the damn belt and work on whatever is botherin’ you in private. It’ll make your life with her easier and you’ll feel a helluva lot better. That’s just my two cents.

Alexander smirks again, chuckles and gives James a hearty slap on the back before walking off and leaving a confused Edwards in his wake.