Capital Combat (09.29.18)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

EARLIER TONIGHT…

Jessie Pederson: Hello ladies and gentlemen, with me at this house is a man who has set his sights on become a two-time FGA champion; That man being...Jimmy Page.

Page is dressed in his street clothes, looking as if he just arrived at the arena. The fans react positive towards Page with a few scattered boos mixed in-between.

Jessie Pederson: Jimmy tonight you have the opportunity to put this entire thing to rest. If you walk out of Capital Combat tonight with the FGA World Championship, you not only become a two-time champion, but you end--what some might think to be--a reign of terror under Evan Envi. Can you give us some thoughts, and why you made this match a Lumberjack Match…?

Jimmy Page: I wanted this match because I wanted witnesses. I wanted people to see what Envi is; To let Envi burn on a metaphorical stake if you will. See, winning isn’t enough for me in this entire time I’ve dealt with him. No, I don’t just wanna win, I want to embarrass him in front of the locker room. He can try all he can to weasel out of this match. Hell, if he’s made some calls for the thing, that’s fine with me. He needs as many friends as he can get. But for me, those bodies might pile up like a mountain stone, but I’m the tide that’ll wash it all away and make sure Envi goes along with it. I will walk out of Capital Combat the new champ. That’s what the people want, and that’s what I want. So…

Jessie Pederson: Thanks Jimmy.

Jimmy gives a modest nod and lugs his bags towards the arena, leaving Jessie to go prep for his match.

Jessie Pederson: Alright, that’s Jimmy Page focused and determined in the main event of our show! We’re live in Washington D.C. this nation’s capital eagerly waiting for the start of Capital Combat! We have an exciting night planned for you all, so stick around and enjoy--

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONK!!!! HONK, HONK, HONK, HONK!!! HOOOOOOOOOOOONK!!!!


Jessie Pederson: Excuse-- excuse me for one moment guys, I can barely hear mys…

Pederson’s words are drowned out by the honking of a plaid-decorated limousine which pulls up about ten feet away from the interviewer. She uses one hand to shield her eyes from the setting sun and the other to hold her mic, looking back at the camera operator to make sure he or she is filming the door of the limo. The door is pushed open… and the audience watching the pre-recording reacts with a deafening mixed reaction as FGA World Champion, “The Chief”, Evan Envi steps out of the limo with a broad grin on his face. Even with shades on, it’s clear that Envi is giving Pederson a wink before he turns back, holding a hand out to the open door, accepting the FGA World Championship belt into his hand, throwing it over his shoulder with a grin.

Evan Envi: Hey, Jessie!

Jessie Pederson: Heeyyy… guys…

The interviewer’s eyes wander as a second vehicle-- this one being a whited-out 2018 Dodge Durango-- pulls up behind the limo. Before she can turn her attention to it fully, Natalie McKinley steps out of the plaid limo to a mixed reaction from Washington DC audience-- and as she moves out of the way, Ricky Valero emerges from the limo, drawing by far the most unanimous negative reaction of the evening.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The camera pans over to the SUV, where brothers Max and Kyle Greenback emerge, already decked out in obnoxious, white faux-fur coats which read #GOODGUYS and plaid-themed long tights-- with plaid tassels, of course. Doors can be heard shutting off-camera, and moments later, the brothers are flanked by four bright-faced hipsters, all in skinny jeans and plaid button-ups straight from the racks of Hollister Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Jessie Pederson: Oh, wow. There’s… you brought a lot of friends.

More doors close off camera, these to the limo, and a wider shot catches SSWA’s New Golden Age faction, consisting of Lionel Long Beach, Becky San Clemente, and SSWA Rising Star Champion, Lani San Diego. Evan gestures with his eyes for the camera to pan down-- revealing former CWL Caribbean Heavyweight Champion, Reventon, who’s wearing a lumberjack shirt on top of the bull costume. All earning another loud mixed reaction from the DC audience viewing the footage for the first time. Capturing the thirteen-in-total all in one shot for a moment, the camera centers on the Chief as he addresses Pederson with a look, feigning surprise.

Evan Envi: “Friends”? Jessie, jeez! I mean-- sure, yeah, most of the people here are friends of mine, but more importantly, they’re honest, unbiased people. They’re… quality yardspeople. And? AAAAAND? They’re good guys.

This brings another chorus of boos from the DC crowd.

Jessie Pederson: If you don’t mind me asking-- how exactly are the number one contender, Jimmy Page, the other lumberjacks, and the people in general supposed to believe that your hand-picked lumberjacks are out there to be fair… and unbiased--?

There’s a collective gasp from the group.

Ricky Valero: Are you serious?

Evan Envi: Wow.

Ricky Valero scoffs.

Lani San Diego: Whaaat is she trying to say?

Jessie looks around at everyone and clears her throat a little before continuing.

Jessie Pederson: I mean… isn’t it fair to think that you guys are blatantly on the side of the man you literally just arrived to the arena with?

Shock. Looks of pure shock every-freakin-where. Except for Lionel Long Beach, who seems to see the validity in the question. Reventón beats his chest with both fists before raising them up above his head, almost as if to say…

Reventón: ...Si, Reventón will be the best lumberjack!

The little bull nods his head enthusiastically as Jessie wonders what just happened. An audible scoff can be heard coming from the younger of the Greenback brothers, that being Kyle, who adjusts his plaid bandana on his head.

Kyle Greenback: Woah, woah, woah, and WOAH. How dare. HOW DARE. Me and my brother? Bias? That is the most preposterous thing I have ever heard in my life! Do you speak to your mother with that mouth? We are nothing if not impartial here, you….you rube!

Lionel Long Beach: I mean. I think it’s a somewhat logical quest--

Lani San Diego: Not now, Lionel!

Evan Envi: ...yeah, Lionel!

Lionel Long Beach open his mouth to respond, but sighs and shakes his head, throwing his hands up in defeat as he receives matching glares from Kyle and Max Greenback before our camera pans back over to the other members of the New Golden Age. Lani is still scowling at Jessie, before pointing a finger at her.

Lani San Diego: We have a worrrd for people like you in SSWA, Jessie.

Pockets of the audience pop in anticipation as the camera pans over to Becky San Clemente, with those familiar with the team in SSWA promptly shouting the word as Becky speaks it:

“RUDE!”

The audience roars, proud of themselves, but Envi strolls into frame again, raising an eyebrow toward Jessie Pederson.

Evan Envi: But if by “the people in general”, you mean the people here in D.C… not a chance, Jess. We’re not in Baltimore anymore. We’re in the actual colon of America. Like… I know I say I dislike a lot of places. I dislike Alabama. I dislike Mississippi. I dislike Minnesota for complicated reasons which we’ll unpack on a short-form documentary or something but… Jessie, I absolutely hate Washington D.C.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Envi turns, looking back at his handpicked Lumberjacks before smirking at Jessie.

Evan Envi: But we’re gonna party anyway, Jessie. Responsibly, obviously-- not like that raging maniac James. We’re gonna pregame with a Pride Title victory…

Evan slaps a hand on Ricky’s shoulder, pulling him into a hug while the nameless hipsters cheer and bark, before Envi turns to Jessie again.

Evan Envi: ...and then we’re gonna turn the main event into a celebration, all expenses paid by James Page and whichever idiots from the locker room decide to follow him down to the ring. I’m gonna humiliate James tonight. We are gonna humble a BUNCH of people, like, pretty much all in one go. And I’m gonna leave the Nation's Capital in a better place than I found it because I’m gonna march through these streets still your FGA World Champion. The OG World Champion, Jessie.

The hipsters, as well as Ricky Valero and the Greenback brothers all applaud the speech and Envi begins to lead the way-- before pausing and laughing a little.

Evan Envi: I’m kidding. I’m not really marching through these streets. I’m taking my title and getting allllll of us the heck out of here as fast as I can. Bahaha.

Envi sighs while the live audience watching this hours later boos mercilessly. Envi leans a little closer to the interviewer, speaking in a quieter voice.

Evan Envi: And… still.

Envi sniffs and stands upright, walking out of frame with his hand-picked lumberjacks marching behind him as we fade.

[FGA Office]

The scene shifts to an outside shot of the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.! We then transition inside the arena, where white and green fireworks shoot off in various patterns. We then head to a wide shot of the arena. The camera pans around, capturing the rabid crowd.

Kris Cruise: Welcome, everyone, to our nation’s capital! Welcome, everyone, to the District of Columbia! Welcome… to CAPITAL COMBAT! I’m Kris Cruise! Joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger and tonight, we present to you Capital Combat, the latest pay per view experience from the Vertigo brand!

Stephy Auger: Which is still THE brand here in FGA. Don’t let those fools over on Flashpoint fool you!

Kris Cruise: Tonight, we are coming to you live from Washington, DC! While we have been without a General Manager for the majority of the last two months, we have still been able to put together what I feel like is an amazing card here tonight.

Stephy Auger: True, we have. But let’s not act like Brandon Macdonald isn’t missed!

Kris Cruise: Believe me, Stephy, he isn’t missed. By anyone. Except maybe you...

Stephy Auger: …

Kris Cruise: Tonight we have a card of action from top to bottom. All of the Vertigo branded championships will be on the line here tonight. But that’s not all. Wars will be waged in that ring tonight. Scores will hopefully be settled. We haven’t been on our own pay per view since 2018: A New Odyssey back in March...

Stephy Auger: a.k.a. THE FGA Show of the Year, might I add…

Kris Cruise: … but here we are once again to bring you the best action here on Vertigo!

Stephy Auger: … and all of FGA, really!

Kris Cruise: Starting from the first match, we’ve got the Super Mario Wrestling Bros taking on the team of Silk & Cyanide.

Stephy Auger: The SMWB popped out of whatever tunnel they’ve been hiding in to attack Silk & Cyanide like the cowards that they are. But Silk & Cyanide have gotten the better of those two geeks since then. That trend will continue here tonight.

Kris Cruise: The latest chapter in this heated rivalry will be written tonight when Jaelyn Ramsey goes one on one with Sadie San Francisco. Two former FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champions will collide tonight, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: That’s right, the next chapter will be written. That’s the last chapter because Jaelynn Ramsey is going to close the book on Sadie and her jealousy towards her.

Kris Cruise: Sadie jealous of Jaelynn? That’s the first I’ve heard of this.

Stephy Auger: Then you should open yours eyes and your ears more often, Cruise. Jaelynn knocked The Pope out of action a few months ago. Tonight, she’s going to K.O. Sadie once again.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship, Marlon Cure will be defending his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Piper Lennon and Susan Kent. it’s Triple Threat Rules, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: I’ll admit that the numbers game aren’t in Marlon’s favor. But if anyone can overcome this disadvantage, it’s our noble king, King Cure!

Kris Cruise: After that, it’s our second championship match of the evening when Pendragon defend their United States Tag Team Championship against Dom Harter and Annie Zellor, the Tenacious Wrecking Crew of The New Murder!

Stephy Auger: Correction, it’ll be the Tenacious Wrecking Crew defending THEIR US Tag Titles here tonight against Pendragon.

Kris Cruise: Oh don’t you start with this!

Stephy Auger: Don’t start with what? The truth! It’s not their fault that the title history hasn’t been updated yet. But what else would you expect on a show without a GM. Madness like Pendragon still being wrongfully referred to as the Tag Champs ends up happening. But The Tenacious Little Bastard and Bad Bad Annie Z will right that wrong here tonight. They’ve recently acquired one set of Tag Titles. Why not make it two?

Kris Cruise: In our third championship match of the night, the reigning Pride Champion Fujiko Mine defends against Evan Envi’s best friend, Ricky Valero. Fujiko is one win shy of tying the record for most Pride Title defenses. She would love to get that record tonight, especially by beating someone that has done nothing but tear her down for months and months on end.

Stephy Auger: It’s not Ricky’s fault that Fujiko is a glutton. He’s just trying to bring to light her bad eating habits.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko looks like a healthy woman to me!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, well, you might need to get your eyes checked because I know a Fatty McFatterson when I see one.

Kris Cruise: Stop it!

Stephy Auger: I just hope that Fujiko is in tip top shape because THE FRANCHISE is going to run circles around her here tonight.

Kris Cruise: You hope Fujiko is in tip top tape? There’s arguably no one more athletically gifted in FGA right now than Fujiko!!! We haven’t even talked about the amazing year that she’s having!

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah? Well that year is going to take a nosedive when Valero takes her Pride Championship!

Kris Cruise: That remains to be seen. In our Headline Bout, Chris Bond and Malcolm Drake will go at it once again. This time, in a 30-Minute Iron Man Match. What a match this is going to be, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: These two men were supposed to settle their differences at Glory Road this past July in the Dog Collar Match. What happened? They ended up choking each other out! Now here comes Chris Bond to beg and plead the officials for this match. Bond wants Drake. He NEEDS Drake. He wants his pound of flesh. But The Battle-Hardened Veteran should be careful what he wished for, because this might just be Bond’s final battle!

Kris Cruise: What did you make of the remarks from Drake from the last episode of Vertigo? Drake has always held a high opinion of himself. But he was downright arrogant!

Stephy Auger: I gotta say… I liked it! I liked what I heard. Maybe it’s just me, but I think Bond is starting to go soft. I’m starting to wonder what’s up with Bond. He’s not here flying The New Murder flag like Jaelynn, Fenrys and Annie! He’s telling The New Murder he doesn’t need their help! He sounded genuinely upset that The New Murder took it upon themselves to attack Drake a few weeks ago.

Kris Cruise: It’s been an interesting reversal of roles in recent weeks. The behaviors of both Drake and Bond have as of late have left me with more questions than answers. But I have to respect Bond for letting it be known that he’s his own man and that he’ll handle the business with Drake by himself. Then, in our main event, it will be Evan Envi defending his FGA World Championship against Jimmy Page in a Lumberjack Match! There’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide for the Chief!

Stephy Auger: This is an absolute outrage! Our honorable Chief has never done anything against these Lumberjacks! He’s never done anything to put our brand in jeopardy! Yet this is how he gets rewarded! Page LOST at All-Star Showdown Seven! But guess what happens? Our GM gets screwed out a job and that madman gets handed another shot at our great World Champion on a platter. What if the Chief needs to roll to the outside to take a breather? What if he becomes parched and needs to have his thirst quenched? You think those savages are going to hand our Chief a refreshing drink? No, they're going to roll him back into that ring so he can get attacked by that lunatic Page! Thankfully, the Chief was able to outsmart our officials and will be bringing a group of his own Lumberjacks.

Kris Cruise: Yeah, I’m sure they’re the best Lumberjacks money could buy because I highly doubt any of these people would show up out of the goodness of their hearts!

Stephy Auger: Don’t be absurd! The Chief only surrounds himself with the most upstanding citizens of the world. Why else would he hang out with Ricky Valero and Natalie McKinley?

Kris Cruise: …

[FGA Office]

Earlier this evening...

Deep inside the some woodland not too far from the Capital One Arena the air crackles with the unmistakable sound of a bonfire, filling the area with the potent yet intoxicating scent of the smoke that is lending the area an almost otherworldly appearance as light and shadow clash to create all manner of ominous shapes that from and dissipate in the blink of an eye

Standing within the very heart of the scene is Erin Mariani, watching on as Sara Mason uses a stray brand to literally stokes the flames while the smoke rises and the embers fall around her, wearing an expression of amusement with a subtle hint of malice – an expression that doesn’t shift even as Mason grows bored of stoking the flames and instead decides to hurl an armful of dried leaves onto the flames just so she can watch them burn to nothingness

Erin Mariani: I believe the flames are at their highest, so we shouldn’t waste time.

Instead of hearing a response that affirms what she believes, instead Mariani is met with a mildly amused chuckle

Sara Mason: Believe me, E, we can make these flames a lot higher.

Erin Mariani: How so?

Sara Mason: Well for one thing…

Instead of simply finishing her sentence, instead Mason turns and strolls past the fire, completely indifferent to how close she is to the flames or how she’s casually walking past them as if they didn’t even exist, and as she approaches it’s clear she’s carrying a bottle of overproof rum in her hand

Sara Mason: …we could always use a little bit of this to liven things up.

Considering the proposition for a moment, Mariani’s eyes flick between the flames and the bottle in Mason’s possession, before he simply extends her hand in Mason’s direction and uses a violet-painted finger to beckon Mason that little bit closer – and when Mason steps a little closer she instinctively hands over the bottle

Erin Mariani: I would have preferred if we had something to drink this with, but needs as needs must…

After wiping the neck of the bottle with her thumb Mariani takes a good, long swig directly out of the bottle as if it were water, although the look in her eyes after she takes her share implies it hit a particularly dark spot, before she hands it back to Mason who doesn’t bother wiping the bottle neck before she brings the bottle to her lips – but instead of taking a swig of her own, instead she fills her mouth with the liquor before spitting it into the flames, creating a jet of flame that creates an angry “Whooosh” sound

Looking over to Mariani with a “See?” look on her face, Mason snickers to herself as she takes a well-deserved swig from the bottle - not least to rinse out the smoky aftertaste of her impromptu fire breathing act - before she once again strolls back to where she was tending to the fire, picking up her branch and noticing flames beginning to engulf the end of it, so she tosses the branch onto the fire where it begins to burn

Sara Mason: But you know what they say, you can’t have the same thing every day and expect it to be as satisfying as it once was. That’s why a little variety is required, something to cleanse the palate, something like…

Reaching into a previously obscured garbage sack, Mason pulls out a SMWB t-shirt – and without as much as a second’s hesitation she bunches it in her fist and hurls it onto the flames, looking on with a transfixed expression as the flames converge upon the garment and begin to consume it, slowly but relentlessly turning the brightly-coloured t-shirt into little more than a blackened pile of ash that vaguely resembles the shape it hit the flames in

Sara Mason: Because that’s the thing: doing the same old same old time and again not only shows a lack of imagination, it leaves people weak when they come face-to-face with something so far from their understanding they’re powerless to offer resistance.

Still watching her handiwork, Mason grabs the garbage sack and tosses it over the fire – barely clearing the flames that lick at it – to Mariani, who catches the bag so she can find something to destroy, having a good rummage inside before she picks out a promotional 8x10 of The SMWB, letting out a dark chuckle as she looks at the goofy facial expressions Powers & Knight are pulling, at which point she holds the photo to the flames so a corner catches light before she pulls it from the fire and watches the fire slowly spread along the photo, causing it to slowly but steadily warp and discolour as the flames take hold

Erin Mariani: I wonder if the two of them are even capable of understanding what they so willingly subjected themselves to.

Seeing the flames are rapidly spreading towards her hand, Mariani casually tosses the photo aside like the insignificance it is so it too lands on the bonfire, consigning it to its inevitable destruction

Erin Mariani: They do not seem to understand that how we decide to entertain ourselves at the expense of whoever it was we were allowing a glimpse of what we are willing to do did not involve them, and they could have easily left alone and lived a quiet, peaceful life where they do not wake in the night in a cold sweat as they think back on the horrible things we subjected them to or, better yet, dreading the things we have yet to do. But instead they sought to interject themselves in our business, they had the arrogance to mock us, and even after we gave them a taste of what they were in for they lacked the intelligence to get down on their hands and knees and beg for us to stop.

Reaching inside once more, Mariani pulls out a Max Powers action figure – and seeing the expectant look on Mason’s face, she digs around in the bag until she finds a Landon Knight figure which she tosses to Mason, and without the pair saying so much as a word they toss the figures onto the fire in perfect unison, causing the figures to slowly distort and corrupt as the plastic is melted by the intense heat

Erin Mariani: So no, tonight we will not toy with the pair of them, we shall not amuse ourselves at their expense – we shall destroy them, utterly, leaving those cheers they heard when they first reappeared nothing but the most distant memory as they spend the rest of their lives gripped by pain, fear, and somewhere deep inside the corners of their mind an acceptance that it had to end this way.

Mariani lets out a full-throated laugh at the thought, a laugh which somehow sounds more unnerving than anything she has described in the last few minutes, as Mason once again snickers as she gazes upon the flames – yet once Mariani has the laugh out of her system, she looks at the fire and can’t help but notice the figures of Knight & Powers are still in something resembling their original form

Erin Mariani: Are you sure that the flames are at their highest?

With a conspiratorial look in her eye, coupled with a giddy grin, Mason begins to answer

Sara Mason: Oh yes, this is as good as they’re going to get…

However, once again her answer’s not quite finished, as she drops to a crouch for a split second that leaves her completely masked by the flames – that is until she pops back up again with another bottle, but this one doesn’t appear to be liquor, and more than anything else it’s got a rag stuffed into the bottleneck

Sara Mason: …but that’s why I came prepared.

Not needing any encouragement whatsoever, Mason gleefully touched the rag to the flames to light the wick before casually tossing it a few feet into the air as both she and Mariani take a few steps back – for reasons that soon become apparent because the second the bottle crashes down onto the fire the flames rocket high into the night sky as the petrol inside the bottle feeds the flames and makes them ravenous, burning with such ferocity the last thing we see is the shape of the two Silk & Cyanide members silhouetted against the backdrop of the flames as the pair watch the destruction they have brought reach critical mass

[FGA Office]

TAG TEAM MATCH
Silk & Cyanide vs. SMWB

DING! - DING!! - DING!!!

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!

"Rockit" begins to play over the speakers as the the lights in the arena dim. Two individuals step through the curtains wearing jackets that flash red, blue, green and yellow colors. At the 28 second mark, the lights come back on, revealing the SMWB to a positive reaction from the crowd. Max Powers and Landon Knight slap hands with the fans on their way down the aisle. After sliding underneath the bottom rope and into the ring, they push themselves up and head into opposite corners.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, in the ring, at a combined weight of four hundred and forty-three pounds; Max Powers… Landon Knight… the Super Mario Wrestling Bros!

After climbing up onto the second rope and throwing their index fingers in the air, they climb to the top turnbuckle and backflip off, landing safely on their feet in the ring to cheers.

Kris Cruise: What an ovation for the Super Mario Wrestling Bros here tonight in the Capital.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, yeah… people around here are easily pleased, Kris. Don’t read too much into it.

The arena lights dim as the sound of a woman's laugh heavy with contempt echoes through the arena, which soon segues into the bassline of "She's Gone Away" signals the arrival of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason as the duo slink onto the entrance ramp and pause for a moment, with Mariani looking towards the ring in disgust while Mason looks as if she's waiting for any excuse to start a fight.

You dig in places till your fingers bleed
Spread the infection, where you spill your seed

The pair turn their heads towards one another and share a conspiratorial look before they slowly turn their attention back towards the ring and without a moment's hesitation the pair begin to walk towards the ring, keeping in step with one another and maintaining focus on what they have planned for the sorry individuals that await them.

J.A. Aldridge: And introducing their opponents…

I can't remember what she came here for
I can't remember much of anything anymore

Once the duo reach ringside Mariani climbs the ring steps and climbs the ropes so she's perched with one foot upon the top turnbuckle as she literally looks down upon Her opponent while, at the same time, Mason dives under the bottom rope and slides into the ring and quickly rises to a knee and looks directly towards their entertainment for this evening.

J.A. Aldridge: ...at a combined weight of two hundred and forty-eight pounds, they are the team of Sara Mason and Eric Mariani… SILK & CYANIIIDE!

She's gone, she's gone, she's gone away
She's gone, she's gone, she's gone away

Having staked their place in the ring, Mariani vaults over the ropes and twists in mid-air so she lands on Her feet in the corner while looking directly towards the opponent while Mason slowly crawls back towards the same corner while maintaining a stare in the opponent's direction the entire time before she reaches to her sides to pull herself into a crouching position

Away...
Away...

As the duo await the opening bell Mason gestures towards the opponents, daring them to come a little closer to see what will happen, while Mariani wears a bemused smirk upon Her face knowing full well what the duo have in mind for the duo standing across the ring from them.

Kris Cruise: It was about four weeks ago when Silk & Cyanide jumped the Super Mario Wrestling Brothers after their return to the company. At one point, Mason even assaulted the team with a crowbar and the state that the Brothers were left in--

Stephy Auger: Wait, wait, WHOA. WHOA. You say this like the Super Nerds didn’t attack Mason and Mariani first back in August!

Kris Cruise: “Attack”? You mean when the Brothers saved Pedro Gonzales and the Power Princess, Maritza Diaz from a post-match beatdown? That “attack”?

Stephy Auger: Wow. The bias smells terrible, Cruise.

The referee calls for the bell as Landon Knight and Sara Mason start off in the ring for their teams, respectively. Landon starts off, saying something to Mason in an uncharacteristically serious tone-- words that the mics and cameras don’t pick up, but without hesitation, Sara Mason rears back and delivers a vicious slap across the jaw! Lips tight, Mason grins evilly into Knight’s face while Mariani glares at him from the apron.

Kris Cruise: She didn’t even think about it. I guarantee this one’s gonna be bookended with physicality!

Knight rubs his jaw for a moment and shoots a look back toward Powers, who gives Knight a knowing smile. Knight turns back to Sara Mason, who boots him in the gut, knocking him back several steps. Several chops send Knight stumbling all the way back toward the neutral corner, but as Mason goes to land one more chop, Knight captures her arm and steps out of the corner, immediately reeling her with a lightning-quick Chain Chomp (Arm wrench into a short-arm forearm smash) before hitting the ropes, rebounding with a high knee strike! Mason, completely stunned, falls back into the corner and Knight hits the ropes again to a pop from the crowd, coming back with a Flying Hip Attack right to the chin of Sara Mason, snapping her head back against the top turnbuckle before she collapses face-first to the mat!

Stephy Auger: Ahh! No, stop!

Kris Cruise: Tail Attack by Knight! Sara Mason’s out!

Landon Knight pushes Mason onto her back and hooks both legs for a pin!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.

Kris Cruise: What is this?!

Eric Mariani rushes into the ring and delivers a punt to Knight’s exposed ribcage! Landon sits upright, crying out in pain as he releases the pin-- and Mariani follows up with a boot to the side of the head! The referee scolds Mariani, demanding she get out while the D.C. audience boos mercilessly.

Stephy Auger: Brilliant! That’s what it is!

Kris Cruise: Get her out of there!

Landon rolls over onto his elbows and knees, groaning while Mariani argues with the ref, but the energy in the Capital One Arena changes, many beginning to cheer. We pan out, revealing Max Powers as he darts across the ring from his corner, using Knight’s back as a step for extra leverage as he nails a Rolling Koppu Kick to Mariani, causing the ref to flinch and knocking Mariani rough the ropes and clear to the floor!

Kris Cruise: WOW! A little unintentional assistance from Landon Knight on that Koopa Kick! The SMWB are on fire, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: …

Powers begins to lead the crowd in a “1-UP!” chant while Stephy Auger audibly groans on commentary.

“1-UP!”

“1-UP!”

“1-UP!”

Landon Knight slowly makes his way to his feet and his partner checks on him though the ref urges Powers to leave the ring, and it looks like Max is about to comply-- until suddenly, Sara Mason shoves Knight forward, forcing the SMWB to knock heads! Max Powers hits the ground, rolling out and falling to the floor while Mason rolls Knight up from behind with a Schoolboy!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
TH--!

Knight kicks out of the move and scrambles to his feet but Mason is a split-second quicker, jumping up to catch Knight in a front facelock before bringing him down with a double-knee chestbreaker, pushing him over into the cover!

Kris Cruise: Two knees straight into Landon’s heart, his sternum, and Sara Mason might take this away off the miscue!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THR--!

Landon kicks out emphatically, shoving Sara Mason clear off of him, coughing, looking for air as he staggers to his feet-- but Mason is up just as quick, shooting the ropes, rebounding with a Thesz Press! Landon catches Mason, but she hits him with one headbutt-- two, three, four, until Landon crashes to the mat! Sara rolls over him, hooking both legs for a jackknife pin!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRE-!

Landon throws a shoulder up, kicking out, clutching his head.

Stephy Auger: Great-- another slow count by the official! What does this company have against Silk & Cyanide?

Kris Cruise: ...sounding a little delusional there, Stephy. But there goes Sara Mason, looking for the first tag of the match!

Sara rolls to her knees and crawls toward her corner as Erin Mariani climbs onto the apron. The two make a tag, earning boos from the crowd. As Landon Knight climbs to his feet, Mariana grabs his wrist before nailing a Short-Arm Clothesline! Mariani keeps a hold of the arm and rolls Knight over, pulling him into a seated position-- right into a Sliding Clothesline from Sara Mason! Immediately, Max Powers slides into the ring, making a beeline for Mason and Mariani, but the referee cuts him off, telling him to get to his corner!

Stephy Auger: Good, ref! Restore some order!

...meanwhile, behind the referee’s back, Sara Mason wishbones Knight’s legs with an evil grin toward Powers-- while Mariani shoots the ropes and rebounds with a double stomp to the--

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: ...ow. Bad Things by Silk & Cyanide!

Stephy Auger: Ahaaa! That’s what the Bros deserve!

Powers is uncharacteristically beside himself, trying to get the ref to turn around while Mason slides out of the ring. Mariani drops into a cover, hooking both legs, shouting for the ref, prompting him to turn around and make the count.

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRR--!

Knight kicks out and rolls onto his stomach, immediately making a power-crawl toward Powers to the delight of the crowd, but Mariani scrambles to her feet and hits the near-ropes, quickly rebounding into a Handspring Moonsault to Knight’s spine, stopping him about a foot short of Powers’ outstretched hand! Knight cries out, rising to his knees! Mariani forces him upright by the hair and nails a double-knee backbreaker! Knight cries out in agony and Mariani hits the ropes again-- nailing a second Handspring Moonsault! Knight writhes in pain and Mariani glares at him from her knees, nodding a bit to herself.

Stephy Auger: They are ripping the midsection of Landon Knight apart, Cruise, and Max hasn’t been able to get in this for a second!

Kris Cruise: At least not legally.

Stephy Auger: This is what tag team wrestling is all about!

Dragging Knight to her corner by the hair, Mariani tags in Sara Mason-- but she clocks Knight with an elbow immediately after, knocking him to his back! Grabbing Knight’s legs, Erin Mariani slingshots the opponent into the ropes-- while Sara Mason simultaneously leaps into the ring for a Slingshot Cross Body, violently and awkwardly driving Knight backwards across Mariani’s knees! Mariani rolls out of the ring while Mason laughs at the writhing, screaming Landon Knight.

Kris Cruise: Oh my God.

Stephy Auger: No, it’s called F.W.Y. And there’s the cover by Mason!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRE-!

Knight kicks out and the audience roars, though Knight is shaking, grabbing at his back. Max Powers paces on the apron with wide eyes, his lip quivering in concern for his partner. He claps along with the pocket of the crowd that starts up a “LET’S GO LANDON!” chant. Mason, meanwhile, keeps Knight grounded with a stomp to his back-- then a second, a third, fourth, fifth, sixth…

“YOU SUCK!”

“YOU SUCK!”

“YOU SUCK!”

Mason nails a Leg Drop to the back of Knight’s head before simply yelling out into the crowd “you suck!”, earning a deep chorus of boos. Mason briefly smirks, but the natural scowl returns as she rises to her feet, looking at Landon Knight, who rises to his knees. Mason delivers a hard boot to the side of his head, causing Knight to reel! She pivot and shoots the ropes, rebounding for a Clothesline-- but Landon Knight counters with what looks to be a release Flapjack… but ends up becoming a Pop-Up European Uppercut! Mason corkscrews through the air and violently smashes into the canvas as a result!

Stephy Auger: NOOOO-- WHAT HAPPENED?!

Kris Cruise: 1-Up Uppercut! That’s what!

The audience erupts with chants of “HOLY SHIT!” at the move, with both Grapplers lying motionless in the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Landon Knight might’ve just found a way back into this thing, but he can’t follow up!

The audience claps for the SMWB as Landon begins to crawl across the ring. Erin Mariani impatiently yells for Mason to crawl faster and make the tag on the other side of the ring, but Landon is faster. With one faithful leap, he dives across the ring and makes the tag to Max Powers, earning a roar from the Nation’s Capital!

Stephy Auger: Ugghhh…

Kris Cruise: TAG!

As Sara Mason reaches her feet in the center of the ring, Max Powers leaps to the second turnbuckle and seamlessly steps to the top before leaping off with a Diving Double Knee Drop to the back of Mason! Mason hits the ground roughly, crying out in pain as Max rolls backwards to his feet and backs into a neutral corner. He steps up to the second turnbuckle-- and leaps off for a Mushroom Stomp to the spine! Max Powers pushes Sara Mason over into a tight cover, hooking the far leg!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THR…!

Mason barely gets her shoulder off the mat, but sits upright and violently nails Powers with a headbutt, sending the Super Wrestling Mario Bro rolling across the ring, clutching his face.

Stephy Auger: Beautiful! A quick headbutt by Mason out of nowhere and-- there! A tag to Mariani!

Mariani bolts into the ring and rushes after Max Powers as he crawls toward his corner, nailing a punt to the ribs! Powers rolls into a seated position against the ropes and Erin Mariani stomps away at his ribs and sternum until the official finally begins to count her out, his own voice muffled by the boos of the crowd.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Mariani backs away, hands raised in the air… but moves past the ref and begins to stomp at Powers again-- but Powers rolls out of the way, shoulder-rolling to his feet! Erin Mariani charges at him… and Powers nails a Spinning Heel Kick, pausing only slightly to favor his midsection afterward. Mariani gets up again and Powers nails a second Spinning Heel Kick, taking her to the canvas! He shoots the ropes as Mariani climbs to her feet and nails a Running Front Dropkick! Mariani hits the ropes spine-first and bounces forward into a loose Small Package!

ONE
.
.
.
T--!

Mariani kicks out with such emphasis that Powers staggers to his feet, back into the ropes-- where Sara Mason nails a sharp kick to the spine! Powers cries out and Mariani rolls to her feet, hitting Powers with a Bridging Northern Lights Suplex, but instead of pinning him, flips backwards to her feet, bridging into a second, deadlift Northern Lights Suplex, earning a thunderous mixed reaction from the crowd! Mariani rolls over into a cover, hooking both legs!

Stephy Auger: Acknowledge that power, Cruise!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRE-!

To a roar from Washington D.C., and a cry of jubilation from Landon Knight, Powers throws the shoulder up!

Kris Cruise: Amazing show of power from Erin Marini, but amazing heart-- amazing resilience from Max Powers!

Mariani hammers away with right hands to the grounded Max Powers, hammering him with forearm after forearm until the boos that fill the Capital One Arena become unsettling. Finally, Mariani forces Powers upright and Irish Whips him toward her corner-- but Powers counters, sending Mariani into it with force! Mariani crashes sternum-first into the corner and collapses… but not before Sara Mason tags herself in! Powers sees this and rushes to the corner, but Sara Mason hits the Springboard Cross Body…

...though Powers catches her, countering with a Running Snap Powerslam into the corner! The audience roars and Mason screams from the impact before Powers rolls her onto her back and begins to ascend the turnbuckles!

Stephy Auger: WHAT WAS THAT?!

Kris Cruise: Innovation! Sara Mason is hurt!

Powers climbs to the top turnbuckle-- but pauses as Eric Mariani makes her way toward him, grabbing at his leg. Powers tries to kick her off… but finds it unnecessary as Landon Knight grabs Mariani from behind, seemingly out of nowhere, nailing a Running Back Suplex on the apron with a SMACK! Both Grapplers fall from the apron, to the floor, Mariani crying out in pain while Powers continues to the top! He leaps off for the Imploding 450 Splash to Mason below!

Kris Cruise: Starman Special-- NOO!

Sara Mason gets both knees up!

Stephy Auger: HAAA!

--but Max Powers lands on his feet, his hands on the middle rope, stopping himself about an inch short of Mason’s knees! The audience erupts!

Stephy Auger: WHAT?!

Kris Cruise: Max Powers stuck the landing!

Powers hammers away at Sara Mason with hammerfists while D.C. grows deafening in approval! Mason crawls for the ropes, but Powers pulls her up in a rear waist-lock and goes for the Bulldog-- and Mason shoves him off, into the ropes… only for Powers to rebound with a Step-Up Enzuigiri with a CRACK! echoing throughout the arena! Mason goes noodle-legged, glassy eyes locked on Powers.

Stephy Auger: No! Stop it!

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide are getting exactly what they deserve!

Powers cries out and nails a second Step-Up Enzuigiri! Mason staggers, falling against the ropes before bouncing back into a Reverse Hurricanrana! Spiked into the mat, Mason flips onto her back, the audience roaring as Powers hooks the far leg, grapevining the near one!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRE-

Sara Mason barely kicks out and the audience responds with a thunderous mixed reaction! A groggy Landon Knight stands on the apron, calling for the tag as Max Powers rolls onto his stomach. Powers begins the crawl toward his corner, though Mason’s corner remains empty. Sara writhes in the center of the ring, crying out for the referee as she clutches her neck.

Kris Cruise: Sara Mason might be seriously hurt…

Stephy Auger: Ugh. At the hands of idiots! These guys are low-rent, nerdy thugs, Cruise!

The official checks on Sara Mason, motioning for the ringside doctor while Powers continues to crawl toward his corner… but before he can make the tag--!

Kris Cruise: HEY!

--Erin Mariani runs up to the SMWB’s tag corner and swings a crowbar at full force into Landon Knight’s right calf! Knight cries out in agony and immediately falls to his back on the apron before bouncing down to the ground!

Stephy Auger: ...ahahahahaha, OH MY GOD! Brilliant! Cruise-- Cruise, that was tag team 101!

Powers rises to his feet, looking down in a mix of confusion and frustration as Erin Mariani throws the crowbar back into the apron, beneath the ring, glaring up at him while Knight writhes in pain on the floor.

Kris Cruise: Powers needs to pay attention!

Sara Mason nudges the ref and ringside doctor away as she stumbles to her feet-- nailing an immediate Heel Kick to the back of Max Powers’ head! Powers crashes to the mat and Mason falls beside him, pushing him over, hooking both legs.

Stephy Auger: Aphrodite’s Sweet Dream!

Kris Cruise: Not like this…!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THREE!

DING! DING!

Boos resonate through the arena and “She’s Gone Away” hits the PA system. The ref helps Sara Mason to her feet while Eric Mariani rolls into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners… SIIIIIILK & CYYYYYYANIDE!

Mason and Mariani exchange words as they lean against each other for support before both drop to the mat and roll from the ring, shooting a glance into the ring at the writhing Max Powers while Landon Knight clutches his leg, sliding into the ring to check on his partner.

Stephy Auger: This was awesome! Like a David Lynch movie come to life, Cruise! That had everything! And it had the good guys getting one up on those Jerkbag Wrestling Bros… hahaha-- get it? One up?

Kris Cruise: Uh. Hm. I get it.

Mason and Mariani back up the ramp, allowing the ref to raise their arms. We fade away as the SMWB help each other to their feet in the ring, gazes set on the departing Silk & Cyanide.

[FGA Office]

As the attention of the camera switches elsewhere, Spencer Burke is shown backstage at the Capital One Arena, microphone in hand.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time... the FGA United States Tag Team Champions, Neal Durden and Lowri Moss… Pendragon!

The camera pans out, and the audience respond with a loud cheer, as the two Welsh grapplers come into view. With their match not being until later on in the show, neither Neal nor Lowri are yet dressed in their ring attire, instead they are each wearing a pair of jeans and a Pendragon t-shirt, while draped over one of Neal’s shoulder is the championship belt that they recovered two weeks ago from Annie Zellor.

Spencer Burke: Neal, Lowri; later on tonight, the two of you are going to be defending your United States tag team titles against the Tenacious Wrecking Crew, Dom Harter and Annie Zellor, in a ladder match. It’ll be the first time that you’ve defended the titles since winning them back in June, and with everything that has happened in the three months since then, what mindset is each of you in, heading into this match?

Neal looks at Lowri and a smirk draws on his face. He then turns back towards Spencer and then looks at the camera.

Neal Durden: A short video I decided to record from Dublin circled around social media this past week and there I think I put my mindset heading into this match on display. But to the benefit of those who aren’t following me on social media, I’ll try to capture the essence of what was said there.

A rather sinister looking smirk appeared on Neal’s face as he ushered those final words. Almost as if he was waiting for the opportunity to touch back on what he said on that video.

Neal Durden: I don’t know what Dom Harter has against the two of us, why he has repeatedly singled us out from the whole roster. But, he managed what many have tried before; he cracked the two good kids. Yes, Spencer… Dom Harter broke us; but in doing so, he managed to put the last inch of pressure that we needed in order to become diamonds.

That last sentence draws a wry smile from Lowri. Neal’s choice of words was deliberate, making reference to a note that was given to Lowri by Annie Zellor - of all people - last December following Final Frontier, that read, ‘Diamonds are formed under pressure,’ something that both he and Lowri knew their rivals were bound to pick up on.

Lowri Moss: My mind is in a better place than it probably was when you last interviewed us, Spencer: last month, after we had just watched Dom and Annie appear on screen with our belts, claiming to be the “rightful champions.” I was in a foul mood then, I was angry, whereas now, I’m far more composed - you might even say that I’m serene. But this is just the calm before the storm. Once that bell rings, I’ll be ready to tear into those two crows. I’m going to channel all of that anger I’ve felt since All-Star Showdown, and this time I’m going to put it to good use, unleashing it with every strike and every blow that I deliver to either Dom or Annie. Because this match isn’t just about a championship, and proving who’s the better team, it’s also about us getting revenge for everything that pair have forced us to endure in the past few months.

Spencer Burke: On that subject, you both got a measure of revenge two weeks ago, when you ambushed Annie Zellor backstage. That incident followed what happened earlier in the evening, when Annie and Dom attacked you in your locker room, prior to your match against Bristow & Barnes. I imagine it must have been something of a cathartic moment for you.

Lowri Moss: I guess you could say that, Spencer.

A small smile crosses Lowri’s face, but it fades almost soon as it appears, and she lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: I’m not proud of what we did, Spencer, assaulting Annie two-on-one backstage, like you said, but that’s what she and Dom have driven us to - as Neal just said a moment ago, they got us to crack, and they dragged us down to their level. Stealing the US tag titles from us was bad enough, but trying to cost us the Legión del HELL Championship before it was even time for our match… that was the last straw. After that happened, we both resolved that once we had taken care of Bristow & Barnes, we would go looking for Dom and Annie, to get some payback on either one of them, or both of them... and yeah, attacking Annie, and getting a pound of flesh was satisfying.

The smile returns to Lowri’s face, a bit more prominent this time.

Lowri Moss: Plus, we managed to retrieve one of our stolen belts, which was an added bonus.

Lowri turns towards Neal, as they both look at the belt that is draped over his shoulder. Neal turns to Lowri, and then to Spencer, as he takes the word.

Neal Durden: After all that’s happened to us over the last year or so, getting some measure of revenge was indeed cathartic… but what happened that time is in the past. We stepped down to the crows level, we showed them that we aren’t afraid of taking the same road they take. Again, they managed to get the “good kids” to crack… but they also managed to get us on a mentality that will allow us to do whatever it takes to end this tonight.

Spencer Burke: It was yourselves that laid down the challenge for a ladder match… why in particular did you want this match to be a ladder match?

Lowri Moss: Because if Dom and Annie want to get their hands on our belts so badly, then what better kind of match for us to have, than one where the only way to win is by grabbing the belts from above the ring?

A sly smirk appeared on Neal’s face as he looked at Lowri. As she finished her thought, Neal turned his attention back to Spencer, and seemingly continued where Lowri had left it.

Neal Durden: Besides, as I just said, we’ll do whatever it takes to end this tonight. What better way for us to do this one way or the other than with the danger of a fall, the steel of the ladders and the dread of getting injured. Sure, we might’ve chosen any other stipulation, cage match, last team standing, whatever… but the metaphor of climbing the ladder to once and for all tell the world that WE earned this; the catharsis, to steal a word from you, Spencer; of knowing you had to outlast everything in order to climb to the top and retrieve the titles… that’s what we aimed for with this stipulation.

Lowri nods her head, before adding something else.

Lowri Moss: You know, the two of them have tried to act as though we were never the US Tag Team Champions to begin with, but as I posted on Twitter last week, when we won the tournament to become the inaugural champions, back in June, Dom actually acknowledged us as the champions, and Annie even congratulated us on our victory.

She looks directly at the camera, a smirk on her face.

Lowri Moss: Be careful what you put on social media, kids. It could come back to haunt you.

She then looks back to Spencer.

Lowri Moss: With how much garbage Dom and Annie come out with, they should start a Facebook news page. They can try to spin things however they want, but when we climb the ladder and seize our belts, we're going to prove that even if they had been in that tournament, the end result would still have been the same, and we're going to show that we are the best tag team on Vertigo, if not the best team in all of FGA.

Spencer Burke: In a clip that aired during the AfterBurn following Vertigo two weeks ago, Annie Zellor reminded everyone of the success that she has had in previous ladder matches in her career. Are you at all concerned by her record in ladder matches?

A light scoff escaped Neal as he looked at Spencer, ready to speak.

Neal Durden: Not at all...

Neal’s quick and decisive answer to a valid question from Spencer Burke seemingly astonished the interviewer. Burke looked at Neal with a bit of intrigue in his eyes, to which Neal replied by continuing his train of thought.

Neal Durden: Buddha once said do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment, and I think that applies to this match. Sure, past records might be impressive to look at, but they are part of history. Future events might be interesting to think off, but they are just that… ideas. It’s what’s happening right now that really should be important… and right now, Annie Zellor and Dom Harter have their hands full with US... they haven’t faced two-on-two against us… and we haven’t faced them two-on-two… so, why dwell and bring the past or talk about the future… when right now, the present… is the only thing we can “control.”

After watching Neal with a smile on her face, Lowri looks to Spencer Burke, and gives her response to his latest question.

Lowri Moss: Spencer, I’m not going to quote any religious leaders, like Neal did, but I do agree with his sentiment. There’s no denying what Annie has accomplished in the past in ladder matches, but I don’t think that gives her and Dom any sort of edge in this match. I mean, say we had challenged them to a scaffold match, rather than a ladder match… I was the winner of the only scaffold match in FGA history, but that wouldn’t give me and Neal any advantage whatsoever.

Spencer Burke: Well, in addition to Annie Zellor’s past success in ladder matches, she and Dom are just six days removed from winning the HKW world tag team titles.

This is not news to Lowri, herself a wrestler in HKW Underground, and she rolls her eyes.

Lowri Moss: I’m well aware of what happened at Destiny, Spencer. And like I just said to you, and like I’ve told Jessie as well previously, there’s no denying the ability of Dom and Annie, or what the two of them have achieved. But as we’ve already mentioned, they aren’t the only ones who currently hold a tag championship elsewhere.

She and Neal exchange a glance, with a shared smile. She then returns her attention to Spencer.

Lowri Moss: Also, Spencer, something you didn’t mention about Dom and Annie’s victory at Destiny last Sunday, is that it came in a three-on-two handicap match, in which the odds were in their favour. Like Neal just said though, tonight, it’s two-on-two. Now, we both know there are no disqualifications in a ladder match, which means that theoretically one or more of their fellow crows could try to help them. However, I’m sure the focus of Chris Bond and The Crimson Baroness right now is solely on Bond’s match later with Malcolm Drake, while I expect that Sadie is going to take care of Jae shortly, so… I suppose that still leaves Fenrys, but if he does try to get involved in the match, we’ll be quick to put the wolf down.

Neal looked at Lowri, almost as if he pitied Fenrys. He let out a sigh and interjected himself into the conversation, if only to say something about the poor wolf guy.

Neal Durden: Aww, Fenrys isn’t at fault that the guys commanding him are such assholes. I mean, he’s a dog on a leash, they don’t let him bark, they don’t let him play… he’s not free. If anything, we should liberate him…. but maybe not.

Neal shrugs and lets Lowri continue.

Lowri Moss: Calling them arseholes is being kind - I think a more accurate term for them would be [BEEP][BEEP].

Neal and Spencer both look a bit taken aback by Lowri’s choice of language, but she does not skip a beat, immediately carrying on with her train of thought.

Lowri Moss: Until I encountered Dom Harter, I didn't realise it was possible for me to detest someone as much as I've come to detest him; Annie is starting to give him a run for his money though.

Lowri lowers her gaze towards the floor, lingering feelings of the hurt she has suffered from her now-former friend’s betrayal apparent in her eyes.

Lowri Moss: I used to really like Annie... but now, I despise her. I see her on Twitter, acting like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth, and congratulating people on winning titles, as if she wouldn't steal their belts too given half a chance. I know the real Annie though. She pulled the wool over my eyes for quite a while, but then she showed her true colours, choosing a championship over our friendship; she’s going to finish tonight without either of those things.

She raises her head, the expression on her face having changed to one of determination.

Lowri Moss: Around six or seven months ago, back when I still considered Annie a friend, we joked about having a powerbomb-off, to determine which of the two of us could do a better powerbomb. Well, if I have my way, tonight, Annie's going to get a powerbomb-off - a powerbomb off the top of a [BEEP]ing ladder! And maybe Dom will get a Welsh Destroyer that'll better the one that I gave him off the top rope in our match last December at Final Frontier; whatever it takes to ensure that Neal and I leave Washington with the belts that we've been separated from for far too long.

Spencer Burke: Okay, so, after everything that both of you have been through as far as The New Murder are concerned, and not just in recent months, but at the end of last year and the start of this year too, what would a win tonight mean to you?

Neal looked down, obviously looking at his ankle, the same one that was aggravated by a New Murder attack almost a year back exactly. He then saw Lowri motioning to answer the question but gestured that “he got this one…” He then turned his attention back to Spencer Burke and after a deep sigh he spoke.

Neal Durden: It would be dumb to think this would be the end. As long as Lowri and I have our names etched along the word champions, as long as Dom, Annie, Jae or whoever joins their ranks wants something we have; we’ll be battling them and fending them off.

Neal drives both of his hands towards his hips and looks right up to the ceiling, as he continues.

Neal Durden: But a win tonight will validate everything we’ve said so far. We ARE the champions, even if some believe we’re not. A win tonight will prove to Dom Harter, that what happened at A New Odyssey wasn’t a fluke, that for as long as he keeps trying the same thing… he’ll be thwarted in his attempts at “glory”... a win tonight, Spencer… FGA… will prove ONCE AND FOR ALL that Pendragon lives forever…

The Welsh duo then take their leave, to finish getting ready for their big match, and the camera cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

GRUDGE MATCH
Jaelynn Ramsey vs. Sadie San Francisco

DING! - DING!! - DING!!!

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

"No Regrets" by the Sohodolls begins to play throughout the venue. A small cloud of smoke appears on stage, outlining the silhouette of a petite woman. The woman, revealed to be Jaelynn Ramsey walks through the cloud and onto the ramp.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, from Salt Lake City, Utah; Weighing in at 133 pounds... JAELYNN RAMSEY!!!

Kris Cruise: This match starts way back at Only The Strong Survive in-which--after a disappointing loss to FGA Mid-Atlantic Champion Lowri Moss--Sadie San Francisco was viciously attacked by former Mid-Atlantic Champion Jaelynn Ramsey.

Stephy Auger: For what it’s worth Sadie should’ve stayed on hiatus! She could’ve taken this year off and not have to face some of Jae’s caliber. Truly this is a mismatch!

Kris Cruise: Oh please Jaelynn ambushing Sadie like that, you’d be crazy to think Sadie would sit down and let that go! Now it’s just her and Jaelynn in the ring, now let’s see how tough she is without a chair!

She struts down the ramp completely ignoring the fans. She then walks up the steel steps, entering through the ring ropes. As the music fades out, she backs into a turnbuckle, eyeing her surroundings before go-time.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent…!

The lights in the arena fade to a rose color as the familiar sound of smooth jazz echoes throughout the building. “Young Nation” hits the PA system and a roar surges through the audience. Sadie San Francisco steps out onto the stage, a brow raised, and a small smirk on her face, expression hidden behind tinted aviators.

J.A. Aldridge: From the “WEST SIDE”; Weighing in at 128 pounds. She is “The Pope” SADIE. SAN. FRANCISCO!!!

She walks down the ramp, a hand resting on the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship around her waist. She pauses in front of the ring, glancing up into it before calmly walking around toward the side which the hard-camera faces.


Kris Cruise: It’s great to see Sadie back in a FGA ring!

Stephy Auger: I’m indifferent to be honest.

Kris Cruise: You probably don’t want Sadie to get Jaelynn’s just desserts. What comes around goes around, and Jaelynn’s getting it back tenfold!

Sadie places a hand on the bottom rope before turning, looking over her shoulder toward the audience. With one finger, she lowers her sunglasses for just a moment to wink out at the audience before pushing them back into place and swiftly pulling herself into the ring beneath the bottom rope and right back up to her feet. Sadie calmly removes her sunglasses, handing them off to the referee, slowly walking the ropes and unhooking her belt, raising it above her head with both hands as she ascends to the second turnbuckle. Earning another pop from the audience, Sadie lowers the belt onto her shoulder and hops down from the corner, pacing the ring a bit as she readies herself.

Kris Cruise: Both competitors are set, we’re underway!!

DING!! DING!! DING!!!

The bell sounds and Sadie and Jaelynn circle the ring. Jae has a cocky smirk painted on her lips while Sadie looks determined to seek revenge on the assailant that put her on the shelf five months ago. Jaelynn and Sadie tie up with Jaelynn getting the upperhand! Jaelynn pushes Sadie all the way back into the corner behind Sadie. The referee comes in to break it up and begins to count…

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

FOUR!!!!

SMACK!!!!

Jaelynn smacks Sadie hard across the face. Sadie winces as she clutches her left cheek. Jaelynn steps back and taunts the crowd, giving a big grin. Sadie scowls and as Jaelynn turns around she takes her down and begins to rain down punches!!! Lefts and rights fly everywhere as Jaelynn shouts for the referee to get her off!!

Kris Cruise: Not a smart move! I bet Jaelynn’s learning right now that this is gonna be a fight!

Stephy Auger: This looks like a street fight more than a fair fight! Get her off my girl ref!!!

Sadie rolls off of Jaelynn who’s groggy while she also stands. Jae turns around into a knife edge chop right on her chest! “WOOOOOO!!” echoes through the D.C. crowd as Jaelynn stumbles back. Sadie unleashes another knife edge chop and backs Jae up into the corner. Sadie then alternates into a left handed forearm strike. Then another chop! Then another club!!! Chop, club, chop, club!!! Sadie backs up and is pump as she shouts at the crowd who cheer her on!!

Stephy Auger: Oh no Jae-Jae!!

Kris Cruise: Sadie is on fire here tonight in D.C.!!!

Sadie lines Jaelynn up and rushes forward running high knee!! Jaelynn stumbles out dazed, Sadie grabs her and drops down, jacking Jaelynn’s jaw with a jawbreaker! Jaelynn drops and Sadie makes the first cover of the night!

ONE!
.
.

TWO!
.
.

Kickout! Jae gets a shoulder up!

Kris Cruise: Sadie’s in control, I guess Jae’s bitten off more than she can chew!

Stephy Auger: Oh be quiet, if Sadie played fair Jae would totally be the one in control! This is crap! Get up Jaelynn!

Sadie keeps on the attack and locks Jae in a side headlock on the ground. She’s really wrenching it, almost looking like she wants to pop Jae’s head off! Jae’s eyes widen at how tight this hold is as she tries to fight to get to the ropes. The referee asks if she wants to quit, but Jae is still fight for that top rope. Before she can reach them, Sadie picks her up and drop him on her neck and shoulders with a back suplex!! Sadie floats over for the cover!

ONE!
.
.

TWO!
.
.

TH--kickout!

Kris Cruise: Things don’t look good for Jaelynn!

Stephy Auger: Shut up Cruise!

Sadie keeps up the pressure, picking Jae up and unleashing another chop! “WOOOOOO!” echoes through the arena. Sadie presses Jaelynn up against a corner, then whips her into another. Sadie runs in for another attack, but Jaelynn moves out of the way. Sadie goes crashing chest forward and backs up. Jaelynn grabs a good chunk of Sadie’s hair and whips her down!! Sadie writhes in pain as she clutches the back of her head. The referee warns Jae on the cheap trick! Jae gives the referee the hand with an eye roll as she goes over and puts the boots to Sadie!

Stephy Auger: Ha! There we go Jae!

Kris Cruise: Seriously?! She just tugged her hair, that’s--

Stephy Auger: Exactly what she’s gotta do to beat Sadie! She wants a brawl, well Jae’s gonna give it to her!

Jaelynn scoops Sadie up by the hair. She hits Sadie hard in the jaw with an elbow strike that staggers her back. Jae makes sure she doesn’t drop, grabbing her by the left wrist and sling her forward into a clothesline! Sadie folds and Jaelynn makes the quick cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
TH--kickout!!

Jae picks Sadie up by the wrist again, dragging her back to her feet. She loads up for another clothesline, but Sadie blocks it. Sadie clobbers Jae in the face with rapid forearm clubs. Sadie takes some time to recover, and hits the ropes. When she goes to do just that, Jae grabs her by the hair again and smashes the back of her head against the canvas!

Kris Cruise: C’mon ref, this isn’t fair!

Jaelynn smirks and mocks the crowd who is starting to really be annoyed by her cheating antics. She makes a “boo-hoo” gesture and waves the crowd off. Jaelynn coils her hand around Sadie’s hair again who shouts in pain. Jae gives her a knee to the mid-section which doubles Sadie San Fran over! Jae hits the ropes and goes for clothesline, but Sadie ducks it. Jae shoots the ropes again and goes for another, but Sadie ducks underneath that one! When Jae comes barrelling forward, Sadie smacks a chop right into her throat which causes Jae to stumble back and gasp for air. She has such a hard time breathing she drops to her knees and crawls on all fours.

Kris Cruise: Serves her right!

Stephy Auger: She could’ve damaged her trachea!!

Kris Cruise: I’m sure she’ll cry into the hair she pulled from Sadie’s head!

Sadie glares at Jae with disdain, she stomps over and as Jae crawls, she stomp down hard on her hand! Jae lets out a shriek as she frantically waves her hand in pain. Sadie snatches her injured hand back down and stomps on it again! Jae lets out another pained scream as she tries to get away from Sadie! Sadie grabs a hold of Jae’s injured hand and cranks on it. Jae pleads for her to let go, but isn’t having it. Jae is desperate, so she decides the best course of action in her mind is to rake the eyes! Sadie jolts back from pain holding her face. Jae bares her teeth with angry eyes. Jae hits the ropes and comes down with a scissors kick on the back of Sadie’s neck! Jae makes the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
THREE--NO! Sadie kicks out!

Kris Cruise: Jaelynn is in survival mode at this point! She’ll do anything she can to get out of this match with Sadie and that means bending the rules it seems.

Stephy Auger: Have you seen Jaelynn’s fingers?! Sadie’s big feet just smashes her pedicure job! She’s the rule monster!

Jaelynn doesn’t let Sadie rest, she locks Sadie into a chokehold and squeezes as tight as she can. Sadie reaches out for the ropes but can’t move from her seated position. Sadie’s in trouble and knows it. She gasps for air, but the hold is tight. The referee looks at Sadie asking if she wants to give up. Sadie can’t respond as she starts to fade away. The crowd however, won’t let that go down.

“LET’S GO SADIE!
clap-clap-clap
LET’S GO SADIE!
clap-clap-clap
LET’S GO SADIE!”

Sadie begins to come alive. She begins to stand up, driving elbows into Jae’s mid-section! She fights all the way to a vertical base. She clobbers Jae with forearms. She hits the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Jae cuts her short, showing an explosive step as she leaps into the air and takes Sadie down with With A Twist (Hurricarana)!! Sadie is snapped down onto her back! Jae makes the quick cover!

ONE!!
.
.
TWO!!!
.
.
THREE?!
.
.
NO!! Sadie shoots a shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Sadie is still in this fight!

Stephy Auger: Ugh stay down already!!

Jae doesn’t like either, she gets in the referee’s face and argues the call. The referee not having this disrespect points at his shirt and says the count was two and that’s official. Jaelynn rolls her eyes in annoyance. She goes back on the offensive, getting Sadie on one knee. She blisters Sadie’s chest with a chop. Sadie crinkles her face up and comes back with a chop of her own. Jae chops her again, and Sadie come back with another one her own.

Jae chops.

“BOO!!”

Sadie chops.

“YAY!”

Jae chops.

“BOO!!”

Sadie chops.

“YAY!”

She chops again, and again, and again, and again!

“YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!!!”

Jae’s on wobbly legs.

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH…”

Sadie gets a running start and throws out Palo Alto (Running Corkscrew Roundhouse Knee Strike), but Jae side steps it. She grabs Sadie from behind and goes for a German suplex, but Sadie down a standing switch and tosses her over with a German over her own! Jae rolls through and is on her knees! Sadie runs full charge and blasts her with Palo Alto!!! Jae drops face first and Sadie turns her over!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
THREE!!
.
.
OR NOT! Jaelynn Ramsey shoots a shoulder up!

Kris Cruise: This close, Sadie San Fran with this close to ending this match.

Stephy Auger: Well she’s not close enough!

Sadie lets out a sigh of disbelief as she glances down at her rival. Sadie goes to grab Jae off of the canvas by her upper body, but completely doesn’t sense Jae’s leg come up and kick her in the crown of her head. This causes Sadie to stumble into the corner behind her. Jae scowls and screams running at Sadie, but Sadie catches her and snap her into the corner with a powerslam!! Sadie isn’t done, she takes the opportunity to grab her in a facelock, and hits Vaticanplex (Rolling Double Fisherman’s Suplex)!! She keeps a bridge and goes for another cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
THREE?!?
.
.
.
.
NO!!! Jae kicks out again!

Stephy Auger: Ha ha, Jae’s still in this!

Kris Cruise: But for how long?!

Sadie has had enough, she waits for Jae to stand up and calls for the finish. Sadie goes for Vanity looking to drop her face first into the canvas. But Jae shoves her off and almost into the ref. Sadie being ring aware stops. She turns around and gets smacked in the jaw with a superkick!!! Sadie drops on her back and looks out. Jae shouts for the referee to move and climbs the top rope. Jae leaps off and hits her with Down by the Jae (Moonsault)!!!

NO!! Sadie gets out of the way, but Jae lands on her feet. Jae rushes Sadie with a clothesline, but Jae hooks the arm and spins her. When Jae comes back around she’s met with another Palo Alto!! Jae is groggy and Sadie takes advantage and grabs Jae from behind and hits Vanity!! Sadie turns her over and gets the pin!

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

The bell sounds and "Young Nation" by Aaliyah plays. The crowd cheers as Sadie sits up a bit banged up, but a smirk is on her face. Sadie gets her arm raised high as she seems relieved to have put Jae away.

Kris Cruise: Sadie San Francisco comes out on top and the crowd loves it!

Stephy Auger: D.C. is suppose to be all about democracy, how can this crowd be so bias!

Kris Cruise: Whatever you say Steph, but right now this is Sadie’s moment and we’re gonna let her have it!

Sadie climbs out of the ring and slaps the hands of the fans. She celebrates on the ramp and looks back into the ring where Jaelynn is angry. Sadie gives Jae a little wink and walks to the back while Jae throws a tantrum inside of the ring. The scene fades with an angry Jae shouting at the referee.

[FGA Office]

A pre-recorded video starts to play of Piper Lennon somewhere in DC, the exact location where doesn’t matter. She’s sitting on top of a loading crate, Polaroid hanging from around her neck, clad in a baggy hoodie and jeans. Calmly, she flips the hood back and then fixes her hair while adjusting her glasses.

Piper Lennon: This has been fun, hasn’t it?

She flashes a big toothy grin.

Piper Lennon: It’s been like, a real learning experience, you know. Survival of the fittest at its finest, Darwinism and all that good stuff. Started with four, there was that one guy who came in all entitled and thought he was gonna make a name for himself but he quickly found he couldn’t swim with the sharks. And yikes, imagine Maritza Power Princess being too sharky for you to swim with like she was last Vertigo.

Piper cringes at the thought of that before refocusing.

Piper Lennon: But now we’re down to three, lil’ ol’ me and Suzy Kent going at it once again. Feels kind of fitting, we’ve been joined at the hip a bit and I dig it. Like she’s just fascinating to watch, because she’s like this Pinocchio with titties trying so hard to be a real girl, but her wants and desires are getting pulled in a different direction by the middle-aged sexual predator lesbian that’s grooming her-- keeping her under her thumb. It’s just, it’s gripping man.

She clenches her hands together.

Piper Lennon: Like, all sincerity, as someone who’s out here trying to learn and document as much about the World as I can, this is great. Like the human drama, the emotion of her getting pulled in all these different directions, beaten down by me like a zillion times including in the Interbrand Battle Royal until it all just finally boiled over and she declared with a mighty yell ...

Piper puffs her chest out and extends her spindly arms wide.

Piper Lennon: … NOOOOOOO!!! I WILL BE FREE! I WANT TO LIIIIIVVVEEE!!! And finally getting one over on me, that was, man that was just some groovy shit to scrapbook with my trusty ol’ faithful.

She raps a finger lightly against her Polaroid.

Piper Lennon: And there’s the Champ himself, and honestly I’m happy for him I really am. Because he needs this, he needs to have people vying for his attention because like, man. He sure likes to make noise, doesn’t he. And I’m not judging him for it, on the contrary, I think he makes a fascinating case study-- or would for someone more qualified in those sciences than I am. After all, I’m just a kid.

A playful wink.

Piper Lennon: But man, you like just see how much work he’s put into being as talented as he is and how much it means to him. Because he’ll bluster far and wide and loud whether on Vertigo, on social media or anywhere else about how great he is, how he’ll steal the show and the spotlight, yadda yadda. And that’s not something someone who’s actually confident does, it’s kinda the opposite from what I understand. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not judging, again I think he’s a pretty awesome case of how someone can overcome their insecurities.

She holds a hand out to emphasize that people watching need to pump their brakes.

Piper Lennon: Because just like, the Shenocchio thing you can just see him transforming into what he wants to be with each flippy doo and each confident utterance. The louder he says he’s the best, his dangly parts grow just a little bigger! The more swag he adjusts his crown with, it’s like those bed-wetting incidents as a youngin’ never happened … or at least were a lot easier to break.

A light shrug.

Piper Lennon: The point is, it’s pretty inspiring stuff, it’s illuminating to see two people just like escape the boxes life put them in and make more of themselves with every day. But they’re so focused on that, I kinda wonder if they see what’s in front of them. Suzy’s got her own drama to focus on and Marlo’s so focused on “I AM THE BEST” he gets so hot under the collar any time I take what he thinks might be “his moment” that it kinda seems like the actual desires and motivations and thought processes of those gunning for him go right over his head. So here’s the thing --

A small smile, and she adjusts her glasses.

Piper Lennon: I said the belt was shiny, and I’m gonna take it because that’s what I want to do. I’m not an arrogant person, I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone, I’m living life. Like, I do what I want when I want because I think that’s the only way to live life-- no limitations, set your own course. Pretty sure I’m gonna take that shiny because I want to, and you know what I’m gonna do after that? … That’s right, still what I want. If for some reason things don’t go my way, that’s happened to me before, and every single time I’ve graciously dusted myself off with a smile and still done what I want.

She lets a beat pass.

Piper Lennon: You can’t change me, you can’t deter me, and if you ask me? I dunno, but that sounds like some pretty cool qualities for a Champ to have to me.

Static.

[FGA Office]

Capital Combat switches from the in-ring action to the backstage area, where Jessie Pederson is standing in the interview area.

Jessie Pederson: Please welcome my guest at this time, Susan Kent.

Susan Kent and her Trainer/Mentor/Wrestling Manager Dana Wheeler step into the interview.

Jessie Pederson: This is a big night for you Susan all of your hard work leads to tonight.

Dana Wheeler: What do you know about hard work.

Jessie Pederson: I was just saying how hard Susan has worked.

Dana Wheeler: Again what do you know about hard work, all you do is stand and hold a microphone, not really hard work. But your right Jessie, Susan has worked hard to get to this match tonight, tonight my protege proves what I’ve been saying these last few weeks that Susan isn’t a star on Vertigo, she is the star on Vertigo.

Jessie Pederson: You seem to be taking credit for Susan’s success, no offense.

Dana Wheeler: I never once claimed to the responsible for Susan’s success, yes I trained her, and yes I pushed her harder than my other students, she is a talent that only comes along once in a generation, she has made her own success in the ring.

Jessie Pederson: Piper Lennon is also in this match and she has proved to be a pretty good competitor as well.

Dana Wheeler: Your right about that Piper is a good wrestler, but not a great wrestler like Susan, the last time Susan and Piper wrestled one on one Susan beat her, but you have seemed to have forgotten that fact, tonight there will be no doubt as to just how great Susan is compared to Piper Lennon and Marlon Cure, when she walks out of this cesspool known as Washington D.C. as the New Mid Atlantic Champion.

Jessie Pederson: So what do you think Susan.[/color]

Susan Kent: I think it's going to be a great match one that has the potential to steal the show, I know what Piper can do in the ring and I know what Marlon can do in the ring, but like Dana said I’ve worked hard to get to this moment, and I aim to win tonight, but I know it isn’t going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to win because I feel that my time has come and tonight Jessie I’m winning the Mid Atlantic title.

[FGA Office]

The FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion and self-professed "King" Marlon Cure paces back and forth in front of his Locker Room, bouncing lightly between each step as he mentally prepares himself for the task at hand. Standing at attention is his driver and assistant, Keiko, watching him as she held his championship in her hands. There's a look of intense focus on Cure's face as he mentally goes over the ways to dispatch of each of his opponents, muttering to himself about the possibilities. He's so caught up in his preparations that he doesn't notice Spencer Burke making his way towards them.

Spencer Burke: Marlon, may I have a moment of your time for...

He pauses as he notices Keiko shaking her head at him from her place against the wall, almost as if silently warning him against interrupting Cure's thoughts. Burke frowns for a moment and considers heeding her warning... but he did have a job to do. Clearing his throat, Burke turns back to Cure, who still hasn't even acknowledged his presence.

Spencer Burke: Marlon, tonight you defend your Midp-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Susan Kent and Piper Lennon in a Triple Threat Match. This coming off of the heels of a fantastic Main Event against Jimmy Page that had to take a lot out of you, given how close things were in the end--

THAT got Cure's attention. No sooner had the words left his mouth, Burke found himself staring into a pair of very angry brown eyes as Cure stood right in front of him.

Marlon Cure: I hope you wasn't about to fix your lips to say I was close to taking an L, Burke...

Burke took a step back at the calm question, though he could hear the implied threat of "Choose carefully" underneath it.

Spencer Burke: N-no! It's just that the match was extremely close up until the end...

Cure stares at Burke in silence for a few moments, before he gets straight to business.

Marlon Cure: You here to see what I'm thinking about on this Triple Threat Match, right right?

At Burke's nod, Marlon continues

Marlon Cure: So this is the part where I'm supposed to be shook. Where I'm supposed to be up here throwing a fit because it won't take much to dethrone me in this match. Anybody else would be going up out they mind at the idea because all it takes is a minor slip up. Shit, I don't even gotta be involved in the decision for the title to change hands. You could be outside recovering and the next thing you know, that's the end of it. I don't get pinned, I don't tap out. I'm no longer the champion.

With an arrogant smirk, "King Cure" continues on.

Marlon Cure: Nah... I ain't going out like that tonight. My opponents don't have it in them to take this --

He raises the Mid Atlantic-Legacy Championship from Keiko's hands.

Marlon Cure: -- Up out my hands. First you got Susan Kent, who I ain't concerned about in the slightest. Why? Because she needs somebody to make her moves for her. Since you wanna throw out hypotheticals Burke, lemme toss one out to you. Do you think Kent would've been anywhere NEAR this Supershow, in a match against me if I wasn't out there handing out a free one? Or how about the fact that she got somebody out here speaking for her, not even bothering to stand up on her own two and speak on things herself.

Marlon Cure: Doesn't even have the the confidence in herself to say she can beat me by her lonely. She gotta have her moms... my fault, her "Mentor" play mouthpiece. Ain't that some shit. Then you got Piper...

Cure's lips curl into an annoyed frown.

Marlon Cure: Girl gotta learn the hard way that Mind Games and bullshittery can only get you so far. She picked her spots, she ALMOST has y'all buying into her shit, that there's something not quite right with that girl... but then there's that glimmer about her. That look in her eyes when she sees she actually got under Lil' Sue-Sue's skin back when this all started. She's playing the game and played it well up to this point but now she's gotta actually put in work to make it all pay off. And between you and me? She doesn't have it. Lennon, Kent, neither one of them is f*BLEEP*cking with me, in the ring or otherwise.

Cure places one of his hands on the face plate of his title.

Marlon Cure: But it's through no fault of theirs though. Nobody is seeing me in a fair one... Nobody on Flashpoint, nobody on Vertigo. I can go tit for tat, hold for hold with whoever the Wrestling World at large wants to anoint their next GOAT and leave them shivering and shaking on their home canvas til the message is clear.

Cure looks into the camera, his crown tilted sideways upon his head as he speaks.

Marlon Cure: King stays King in the end... the rest of y'all are just playing for 2nd Place.

With a smirk, Cure walks off camera to continue to prepare. Keiko spares Burke one last look before following after her employer, leaving the interviewer alone.

Spencer Burke: And back to you guys at ringside...

[FGA Office]

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
FGA MID-ATLANTIC LEGACY CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Marlon Cure vs. Piper Lennon vs. Susan Kent

DING! - DING!! - DING!!!

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is a TRIPLE THREAAAT MATCH and it is for the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship!

The arena lights dim as the instrumental version of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" begins to play. A few moments pass before Piper Lennon ambles out from behind the curtain, pausing at the top of the ramp to survey her surroundings.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, on her way to the ring, the challenger, hailing from Ja Jolla, California… PIIIPER LENNNNON!

She zigs and zags, taking her time as she makes her way down the ramp, taking everything in but not paying the fans any particular mind. After circling halfway around the ring, she removes her jacket and camera, leaving them at the timekeeper's area. She stops in front of the announce desk, leaning back against it and staring up at the ceiling. Only then does she pick the pace up, lurching forward and sliding under the bottom rope into the ring, then popping up to her feet. She takes her corner, slouching back and drumming her fingers as she waits for the match to begin.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent…

“All Grown Up” by Jackie-O hits the PA system, drawing a pop from pockets of the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: On her way to the ring, the challenger, hailing from Wichita, Kansas, SUUUUSAN KEEEENT!

Susan appears on the stage and uses her hand to fans the crowd, she walks to the ring shaking hands with the fans, she climbs the ropes from the outside and waves to the fans, then climbs down into her corner, giving Piper Lennon a long look before shaking her head a bit and turning her attention toward the ramp as the music fades.

J.A. Aldridge: And their opponent…

*Static Cut Intro*
This is a public service announcement
Sponsored by Just Blaze and the good folks at Roc-A-Fella Records.

"Fellow Americans, it is with the utmost pride and sincerity

That I present this recording, as a living testament and recollection

Of history in the making during our generation."

The arena darkens as Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement” plays, and the fans boo as Just Blaze's words echo throughout the arena following Jay's introduction and a lone spotlight appears on the stage. The ominous sounding piano goes louder as all of the lights in the arena go out, leaving it completely black as the intro ends...

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

A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show the silhouette of a man on the stage. The lighting cuts back in and turns a golden hue as Marlon Cure stands with both arms outstretched on either side of him, eyes closed and his head tilted back, soaking in the atmosphere and energy from the crowd. Cure walks down the ramp but stops halfway, unhooking the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship from around his waist as he looks down at the face plate, before raising both hands to his side as the camera pans around Cure and dollar bills begin to fall from the ceiling.


Stephy Auger: Money LITERALLY raining from the sky Cruise! This man is made of money!

We briefly fade from the falling money to a shot of the commentary table where Kris Cruise reaches down and picks up one of the dollar bills, examining it for a moment before

Kris Cruise: ...this money has his face on it…

Stephy Auger: HIS FACE IS ON IT! CRUISE! THIS MONEY HAS MORE VALUE THAN WE COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED! STUFF YOUR POCKETS!

The camera settles back into place as Cure puts the title over his shoulder and continues to the ring, then gets a close up of one of the bills to see that Cure's image has been superimposed onto them.

J.A. Aldridge: Making his way to the ring! From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at one hundred and ninety-six pounds, he is the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion! MARLON! CUREEEEEE!

The High Flyer walks down to the ring with purpose, oozing confidence as he hops up the steel steps and climbs up to the top rope, reaching a hand for the sky with the MAL Championship in his grasp as the fans boo heavily before hopping into the ring. Cure shrugs the sleeveless long coat off of his shoulders and places the black and gold crown around a nearby ringpost as he leans back in the corner, allowing the ref to take his title belt-- but only after Cure holds up a finger motioning for “one sec” and turns to the hard cam, raising the title high above his head once more.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Cure smirks and hands the ref the belt, allowing the official to hold it up, displaying it to each side of the audience before handing it to the timekeeper.

Kris Cruise: We’re about to enter triple threat rules. One fall to the finish and the only ways to win are by pinning or submitting your opponent in the middle of the ring. It’s probably common knowledge to most, but I have to stress-- Marlon Cure, the champion, does not have to be pinned or submitted to lose his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Title here tonight. And from what we’ve seen on social media, he’s eager to put on a show at the expense of Lennon and Kent after having his match with the FGA World Title’s number one contender, Jimmy Page, being interrupted two weeks ago.

Stephy Auger: Cure’s gonna get over that. That night could’ve gone worse for him! What he needs to focus on now is making sure he doesn’t lose that title before he’s even had a chance to get comfortable with it!

The ref calls for the bell and all three competitors make a dash for the center of the ring-- before Cure throws up a hand and takes a stride back, feigning disinterest as he motions for the challengers to start without him.

Kris Cruise: Oh-- maybe I take back what I said about Cure being eager to put on a show here.

Kent turns to Cure with an eyeroll and jaws off to him, but immediately Piper Lennon drills her with a cross throat chop! Kent gags for air and falls to her knees while Lennon grabs her wrist and unloads with vicious soccer kicks to the chest! After the fourth one, she allows Kent to crumble to the canvas, but before she can even think about a pin, Cure races over, nailing a Flying Forearm Bash to the ide of the head! Lennon tumbles across the ring and Cure quickly rolls onto Kent for a cover!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
Lennon, back on her feet, hits a low running Dropkick to the face of Cure, sending him rolling off of Kent. Lennon scrambles into the cover, hooking both of Kent’s legs!

ONE
.
.
.
T-!

Kent kicks out at 1½ and sits upright-- only to be immediately blasted by a Shining Wizard from Cure! He barrels over Kent, who rolls away, a hand over her face while Cure rises to his feet, getting in the face of Piper Lennon who simply greets him with a look of curiosity-- before Cure strikes first and the two begin exchanging elbows! The audience grows loud for the exchange, with Cure gaining the advantage after an unanswered sixth, seventh, and eighth elbow! Piper drops to her knees and Cure hits the ropes, rebounding for a Shining Wizard-- but Piper Lennon counters with a jumping double stomp to the chest! She rolls through, hitting the rising Susan Kent with a Leg Lariat, taking her hard to the mat! Again, Piper rolls through and to her feet, pivoting and nailing Marlon Cure with a running knee right to the jaw as he sits up! Cure is thrown onto his neck and shoulders from the impact and Piper stacks him up like this for a pin!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRE-!

Cure kicks out and Piper grabs for him, but Cure rolls out to the apron, dropping to the floor below.

Stephy Auger: Wisely, Cure gets the hell out of dodge to regroup and luckily there are no countouts in a triple threat!

Kris Cruise: Or unluckily, depending on how you view it. Under normal circumstances, Cure could grab his belt and walk out of here, still the champion. In a triple threat, if Cure’s not in the ring when the decision occurs, he’s short. He’s lost his title.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but you think Cure would do that? No! Marlon Cure is HAPPY to humble Piper Hennon and embarrass Susan Kent, but he’s taking his time right now. He’s smart. You calm down.

Cure dismissively waves Piper off as she beckons him to return to the ring. Kent approaches Piper from behind, catching her with a rear waist lock, but Piper nails a back elbow, staggering Kent. Lennon follows up with a Side Russian Leg Sweep, floating over for the pin-- but Cure slides into the ring before the ref can even count one! Seeing this, Piper springs to her feet, nailing a throat chop to the oncoming Cure! Cure gags and Piper follows up with a Gamengiri! Cure collapses to the mat and Piper crawls over to him, hooking the near leg for a pin!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
Out of nowhere, Kent rolls into the pin, capturing Piper in a La Magistral, pulling her off of Cure and pinning her shoulders to the mat!

ONE
.
.
.
Kickout!

Piper rolls out of the move and immediately begins laying into Kent with forearm strikes, hitting her until Kent is forced to cover up on the mat, earning a chorus of boos from the audience. With Kent groggy on the mat again, Piper nails a stomp for good measure before applying the Rear Chinlock, grinding a knee into Kent’s spine.

Kris Cruise: Excellent thinking there by Susan Kent, but she’s not necessarily known for her mat wrestling. She couldn’t quite secure Lennon for that pin, but she did what she needed to do! She broke up Piper’s attempt to win the title--

Stephy Auger: --and now she’s paying for it. Yeah. Brilliant, Cruise!

While Kent refuses to submit to the chin lock, many in the audience roar, the energy in the Capital One Arena changing! Lennon looks up right as Marlon Cure sails through the air with a Springboard Diving Side Kick, catching the photographer between the eyes! Lennon goes rolling across the ring and Cure lands on his feet, looking at the grounded Susan Kent before going for a Standing Moonsault-- but Kent gets the knees up! Cure howls in pain, staggered while Susan pulls herself up and blasts Cure with a hard left hook! The CRACK! echoes throughout the arena and the champion goes completely limp, falling to the mat!

Kris Cruise: SUSAN KENT! Susan Kent, the one that originally answered Cure’s challenge six weeks ago might walk away as champion!

Kent runs to the ropes and hits a Lionsault flush across Cure’s ribs! She hooks the legs!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THR--!

Cure kicks out with such emphasis that it sends Kent staggering to her feet, right into the now-standing Lennon who grabs her by the hair and launches her through the ropes, out to the floor! Lennon backs into the corner, pushing herself to the second turnbuckle as Marlon Cure stumbles to a vertical base-- and catches him with a Flying Knee Strike, grounding the champion again! Lennon circles the champion for a moment before choosing to step out to the apron. She waits for Kent to get up-- and then nails a flying knee strike that hits Kent right in the jaw! Susan Kent stumbles into the barricade and Lennon backs up a bit-- before charging forward with a Running Front Dropkick, sending Kent spine-first into the barricade and hard to the floor with a cry. Lennon darts back into the ring as the champion groggily gets to his feet.

Stephy Auger: Piper Lennon is all over the place! She has the right idea!

Piper takes Marlon Cure to the mat with a Swinging Neckbreaker and hooks his leg for a cover!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
Kickout!

Lennon blasts Cure with a few right hands before climbing to her feet, pacing in front of Cure for just a second before beginning to stomp away at him, forcing the champion to crawl to the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon usually seems like she’s ahead of the curve, but she’s really having to dig deep to figure out how to make this triple threat work for her.

Stephy Auger: Obviously. The gears are turning. She has to keep her opponents separated, but she can’t completely devote her attention and her energy to just one.

Cure grabs the bottom rope, but the referee doesn’t count Piper out since there are no DQs! Grunting, Cure slides out of the ring to seek refuge and Lennon goes out after him, clubbing him with forearms and elbows! Cure covers up, stumbling away from Lennon and toward the announce table. Lennon goes to slam Cure’s face into the top of it-- but Cure counters with an elbow to the gut and a Rolling Elbow out of nowhere! The CRACK! echoes throughout the Capital One Arena and the audience erupts, but--

Kris Cruise: What a shot…

Stephy Auger: She’s still up!

Piper, though dazed, runs at Cure, who counter with a Hip Toss onto the top of the table! Piper bounces off, right between the two announcers and Cure wastes no time pivoting, charging at the rising Susan Kent, using the steps as a “springboard” to hit a Blockbuster on the floor! Cure picks Kent up and rolls her into the ring, following up with a cover while the audience continues to go wild for the display!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
TH--!

Kris Cruise: And a kickout by Susan Kent!

Cure yells out in frustration, backing into the corner, motioning for Susan to climb to her feet. Groggily, Kent gets up… and Cure runs forward for a Bicycle Knee! Kent counters with a Spinning Heel Kick, turning Marlon inside-out and earning a roar from the crowd! Cure finds his way back up, this time hit with a Headscissors Takedown! Once more, Cure find his footing at the same time as Kent-- and she rushes forward, spiking him into the mat with a Tornado DDT! The champion flips onto his back from the impact and Susan makes the cover!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THR…

Kris Cruise: What the--?!

Boos resonate through the arena as Piper Lennon drags Kent off of Cure and out of the ring before looking to Irish Whip her into the stairs-- only for Kent to reverse, sending Lennon careening into them! Lennon cries out in pain as the steps separate. Meanwhile, Kent climbs up onto the apron and ascends to the top rope, eyes locked on Marlon Cure who rolls to the center of the ring and begins to push himself to his feet.

Stephy Auger: What is happening right now?!

Kris Cruise: Susan Kent has just taken control! She has the champion in her crosshairs!

Cure stands up and Kent hits a Missile Dropkick, securing a tight pinfall!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THRRR-!

Cure kicks out, reaching up for anything to grab onto, but Kent is on top of him, forcing him upright and Irish Whipping him into the ropes. Off the rebound, Kent hits a Frankensteiner, nearly spiking Marlon Cure into the mat! Dazed, Cure staggers upright, eyes completely glassy.

Kris Cruise: Marlon Cure is fighting up to his feet, but he has no idea where he is!

Cure turns around and Kent runs, leaping up for a Codebreaker… but Cure catches her legs, allowing her to hit the mat back-first before catapulting her into the turnbuckles!

Stephy Auger: Counter by Cure, hah!

Kris Cruise: But Susan caught herself!

The audience pops upon seeing that Susan has landed safely on the middle turnbuckle! She steps up to the top and leaps off for a Moonsault to Cure-- who blasts her with a Super Kick in mid-air! Kent corkscrews to the mat, landing violently on her back, clutching her head as she moans in pain.

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

Kris Cruise: GOOD GOD!

Stephy Auger: HE JUST TOOK HER HEAD CLEAN OFF! SERVES HER RIGHT!

Cure drags Kent to the center of the ring-- and Piper Lennon uses Kent’s body as a ramp to dart from out-of-nowhere and hit a high knee to Cure!

Stephy Auger: Where did she even come from?!

Cure stumbles back into the ropes and Lennon Irish Whips him but Cure reverses, sending the photographer into the ropes! Cure bends down for a Back Body Drop off the rebound but Lennon hits the brakes and nails a sharp kick to the sternum, forcing Cure to stand upright. Lennon delivers a huge open-hand chop out of nowhere, stunning Cure and knocking him back into the corner! Lennon backs up to build momentum before sprinting forward, hitting a Leaping Bionic Elbow to the cornered champion! Cure clutches his head and stumbles forward into a Flapjack, driving him to the mat! Piper pulls herself to her feet, eyeing Susan Kent, who rises to a knee, trying to maintain her equilibrium. Lennon charges forward-- and Susan catches her with an out-of-nowhere Belly-to-Belly Suplex, launching her across the ring! All three competitors lay sprawled out in different positions with the audience applauding the carnage!

Kris Cruise: All three of these competitors are putting it all out there tonight for the honor of holding the FGA Mid-Atlantic Championship!

Stephy Auger: And all three are down, but it’s Susan Kent, still rocked from that Super Kick that’s stirring first!

Kris Cruise: She’s stirring first, but the problem is, she’s completely out of it. Susan looks absolutely lost right now.

Kent crawls toward Cure, pushing him over for a cover! The ref makes the count, with many coming to their feet in anticipation!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
Kickout!

Cure kicks out, sending Susan rolling away, but Susan uses the momentum to her advantage, throwing herself on top of Piper Lennon, hooking both legs for a deep cover!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THR--!

Lennon pushes Susan off of her, but Kent stomps her for good measure and immediately goes out to the apron, climbing to the top turnbuckle!

Kris Cruise: Susan is looking for whatever’ll stick at this point!

Lennon begins to crawl to her hands and knees. Kent leaps from the top, hitting a Diving Leg Drop across the bac of Piper Lennon! Susan pushes her over for a pin-- but she’s hoisted to her feet from behind and drilled with a Back Suplex by Marlon Cure! Susan rolls to her feet, but Cure is quick to follow up with a roundhouse kick, taking her to her knees-- and then an axe kick to the base of the neck! He forces Susan up to her feet and Irish Whips her into the ropes, catching her with a Bicycle Kick off the rebound, flipping Susan onto her stomach! Cure turns his attention toward Piper Lennon as she reaches her knees. The champion grabs each of her wrists and blasts her with a knee strike, sending spit flying through the air!

Stephy Auger: Coming of Age!

Lennon reels, but she doesn’t go down, instead giving Cure a calm, challenging look. Cure laugh bitterly, shaking his head before grabbing Lennon’s wrists again-- but Lennon wrenches an arm free and delivers a straight right hand to the champion’s groin! Cure howls out in agony… a sound which is cut short as Lennon pops to her feet to nail a closed fist to the jaw, taking Cure to the mat!

Kris Cruise: A shot below the belt and a closed fist-- I don’t know if I would agree with it, but it’s all legal under triple threat rules! And Piper Lennon seems to have found her second wind here!

Lennon goes out to the apron, looking at her opponents before scaling the nearest turnbuckle, slowly ascending to the top as Cure stumbles upright. Lennon dives off, hitting a Diving Elbow Drop to the champion, taking him to the mat! Without hesitation, Lennon goes out to the apron again, climbing the turnbuckles on the other side of the ring as Susan Kent staggers upright-- and Lennon leaps from the top, nailing a Diving Elbow Drop to the standing Kent, sending her crashing back-first across Cure’s ribs! Lennon scrambles to throw herself on top of both of them!

Stephy Auger: Look at this!

The ref looks confused at first, but counts all four shoulders down!

ONE! ONE!
. . .
. . .
. . .
TWO! TWO!
. . .
. . .
. . .
THRE-! THRE-!

Kris Cruise: Did she?--no! Kickouts! And neither one could have been any closer, Stephy!

Marlon and Susan kick out simultaneously, sending Piper rolling across the mat while the audience comes to their feet in ovation for the action! Lennon finds her footing in the corner, studying Kent and Cure as they use each other to get themselves to their feet. Piper rushes forward and leaps up for what appears to be a Double Leg Lariat-- but she’s caught! Marlon and Kent both rush forward, launching Piper spine-first into the corner with a Double Buckle Bomb! Piper staggers out of the corner into a Discus Elbow by Cure, taking her through the ropes and spilling onto the apron-- a split-second before Susan Kent spikes Marlon Cure with a Reverse Hurricanrana!

Stephy Auger: You’ve gotta be kidding me!

Kris Cruise: She’s going up top!

Kent crawls out to the apron and pulls herself up to the top turnbuckle, ripping away the padding from the top to secure her shaky footing. Kent perches herself, taking a deep breath-- before sailing halfway across the ring for a Frog Slash to Marlon Cure…

...and Cure rolls out of the way! Kent crashes into the mat, bouncing violently onto her back!

Kris Cruise: OH GOD!

Stephy Auger: For the second time, Susan Kent tries to take to the skies and Marlon Cure makes absolute certain she goes down in flames! AND LOOK!

Kris Cruise: Breathe Easy!

The audience erupts with boos as Marlon Cure locks Susan Kent in the Over-the-Shoulder Crossface! Kent cries out in agony and Cure wrenches the hold, rocking back and forth! Susan crawls toward the ropes, but Cure wrenches her neck! Kent slumps to the mat and Cure yells for her to “TAP!” Kent’s cries grow more labored and she raises her hand in the air shakily-- but Piper Lennon slides into the ring and rushes over, diving with a double-axe handle into Cure’s skull! Cure rolls off of Kent, but is quick to get back to his feet, running at Piper Lennon for another Discus Elbow… only for Lennon to duck! She blasts Cure with a shot to the ribs and goes to lock in the Cravate, but Cure fight out of it with elbows and finally a forearm strike to the face! As Piper reels back, Cure hooks her leg with his and tries to hit his Leg Trap Sunset Flip Powerbomb-- and this time it’s Lennon that fights off with elbows, each one landing flush with the side of the head! Both Grapplers stumble away from each other in a stalemate.

Kris Cruise: Piper looking for the Snapshot, the reigning champion looking for the DYW, neither able to gain the advantage, but you can feel the urgency in the air. You can feel--!

Stephy Auger: They’re at it again!

Cure strides forward and blasts Lennon with a forearm, but she fires back with lightning-quickness, drawing a pop even from those booing her moments ago! Cure is forced back against the ropes, rocked by a stomp to the midsection that forces him into a seated position on the middle rope. Piper shoots the far side of the ring and rebounds, hitting a Front Dropkick! Cure is knocked violently down to the apron and Piper turns, sizing up the rising Susan Kent as if framing her for a picture… a groan escapes the audience as Kent staggers upright, right into a Cravate from Lennon. Lennon leaps up for the Facebreaker!

Stephy Auger: Snapshot!

--but Kent manages to shove Lennon off in mid-air! Lennon lands on her feet and turns around into a stomp to the gut by Susan Kent!

Kris Cruise: Not so fast! Susan’s looking for Star Struck!

Kent tries to hit the Pedigree, but Lennon fights it… until finally being able to take Kent to the canvas with a double-leg takedown! Lennon mounts Kent and delivers an unrelenting duo of elbow strikes, with the second smashing Kent’s head against the mat! Lennon sits atop Kent, hooking one of her legs beneath her arm as the ref counts!

ONE
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
THRE-!

The audience pops as Susan Kent weakly gets a shoulder off the mat. Lennon throws her head back, jaw clenched, eyes closed in a rare show of frustration before she stands up and rips Kent up by the hair! Lennon applies the Cravate, and nails a jumping Facebreaker, driving her knee into Kent’s jaw! Susan goes limp, hitting the canvas and Lennon pushes herself up, walking over to her--

--but turns as she sees Marlon Cure out of the corner of her eye. Cure nails a Springboard Corkscrew Senton, roughly taking Lennon down with No Ceilings v2!

Stephy Auger: No Ceilings!

Kris Cruise: But how much did it take out of the champ?!

Cure is right next to Lennon, who squirms in pain on the mat. He props an elbow under himself, seemingly unable to stand-- but out of nowhere he dives on top of the crawling Susan Kent, locking in the Over-the-Shoulder Crossface! Kent cries out, flailing her free arm, to escape the hold! She begins to crawl… and Piper Lennon weakly reaches over to tug at Kent’s leg, a desperate attempt to somehow interfere with the submission, but it’s to no avail! Kent taps out against the mat and the audience erupts with a mixed reaction, many raining down boos as Cure rolls onto his back, the bell ringing!

Kris Cruise: Marlon Cure with Breathe Easy, and he just retained his championship in one hell of a triple threat!

“Public Service Announcement” hits the PA system as Cure is aided to his feet. The referee hands Marlon Cure the title and raises his arm.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner… and STILLL the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… MAAAARLONNN CUUURE!

Cure grins, smugly holding his arms out to his sides as he allows the ref to place the belt around his waist, drawing unanimous boos from the audience.

Kris Cruise: That has to be frustrating, Stephy. Piper Lennon was coming to. She was trying to dig deep and find a way to get in there and keep this match going, but she couldn’t get there in time.

Stephy Auger: Don’t undersell this brave performance by King Cure! He was on a mission! Susan Kent couldn’t cut it! Piper Lennon was close, but she couldn’t cut it! Marlon Cure is STILL your Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion! Get used to it!

As Lennon shakes her head in the corner and Susan Kent is helped out of the ring by the referee, we pan in on Marlon Cure as he places his crown back on his head, winking into the jeering audience as he slaps the faceplate of his retained Mid-Atlantic Legacy Title.

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke’s smiling face greets the camera as it switches backstage.

Spencer Burke: Spencer Burke here, and I’m standing here with the former FGA Undisputed Champion and co-winner of this year’s Dynamic Duos, Izzy Anders.

The crowd’s mixed reaction encourages the camera to draw back, revealing the Mindkiller standing confidently with her trophy.

Izzy Anders: Spenceeeeer, it has been too long. I’m glad to see you’re smiling and unhurt. I thank you for taking the time out to talk to me. You saw that some people wouldn’t.

Spencer awkwardly nods.

Spencer Burke: Izzy, Mr. Asherman would have something to say to you if you didn’t lay him out when you left FGA.

Izzy shrugs.

Izzy Anders: It’s because I’m--

She pauses, adjusting herself with a movement of the head. Spencer looks on wondering what she was about to say, but Izzy puts up her hands.

Izzy Anders: No, no, Spencer, I get why he won’t talk to me. I don’t expect him to. Really, it’s all better than we don’t talk unless we seriously have to. We won’t see eye-to-eye and that’s the fact of the matter. I didn’t take you away from your busy schedule to talk about politics and hurt feelings. I came to talk about this.

Spencer smiles, agreeing with Izzy.

Spencer Burke: Yes, Izzy, many people doubted you teaming with Fujiko Mine. I mean, they thought you had an ulterior motive, trying to take away that Pride Championship from her, or just try to, well, ruin her. Fortunately, you’re standing here with the trophy and now people are wondering not about you two’s relationship, but about who you’re going to face.

Izzy ponders on the words for a moment.

Izzy Anders: There’s possibilities, Spencer. The immediate finger points to going against Pendragon, if they win tonight, but Fujiko and I had a small discussion. We can face either of the tag team champions and we shouldn’t choose so quickly. I came up with the idea to keep you all guessing for a little bit while Fujiko focuses on her championship match. This tournament win came from us working hard together and giving each other support. I’m not going to bog her down with those thoughts when she has, well, Evan’s side ho to worry about.

The crowd takes favorably to the jab against Ricky Valero.

Spencer Burke: So is it safe to say that you’ll be in Fujiko’s corner?

Izzy looks around the room.

Izzy Anders: She didn’t ask me to be. I think XENA has a grip on that, but if the numbers get too much, I guess I should go and help out my tag team partner. Can’t let all that hard work, emotional progress, and our victory go to waste.

Spencer Burke: Izzy, I’ll be honest. I’m glad to see that you’re not on another crusade against wrestling like you were last year. You seem happier.

Izzy takes another moment to let Spencer’s words touch her. A small smile tugs at her lips, breaking through the capricious visage she keeps up.

Izzy Anders: It’s good to love wrestling again, y’know?

Spencer chuckles at the response.

Spencer Burke: I need to ask. The camera caught you peeking at Fujiko’s Pride Championship. Is that a target?

Izzy purses her lips.

Izzy Anders: How do you know I wasn’t taking a peek at that glorious rack of hers?

Spencer gives Izzy a look that makes the Mindkiller playfully roll her eyes.

Izzy Anders: Yeah, I did take a look at the championship. Fujiko and I both know that we may be a team of some variety, but we also have that championship between us. When she wins tonight, I’ll be the first to formally challenge her. And really, this will be the true test of if we can survive as a team or not. If she accepts my challenge, then I’ll walk in as a respectful contender that sees Fujiko as all she is and doesn’t try to deride her. Not as some horrible person that hates her or whatever. Just a challenger and, more importantly, her tag team partner.

Izzy shifts the trophy in her hands, feeling the weight.

Spencer Burke: I look forward to seeing that if it happens. Thank you for your time, Izzy.

Izzy gives Spencer a wink before walking away.

Izzy Anders: God, this thing is heavy.

[FGA Office]

Previously Recorded

The scene opens backstage earlier today, where the self-proclaimed FGA United States Tag Team Champions, The New Murder are together. Dom, sitting on a bench with their sole title belt clutched in his hands as his elbows rest on his knees. Clad in his ring attire, complete with the leather jacket and bandana around his neck. Annie stands behind him wearing the same thing, looking annoyed at her lack of an FGA tag title – they didn’t feel the need to rub their newly won HKW World Tag Team titles in the face of an FGA audience!

Annie Zellor: Cute, Neal. Very cute.

She sneers before scoffing, shaking her head as Dom looks up towards the camera.

Dom Harter: But you still don’t get it, do you? Nobody has thought you two are the happy-go-lucky sort for a long time, boy – maybe threatening to blow up a couple of buildings will do that to you.

Annie Zellor: Or aligning with psychos like Jimmy Page and Malcolm Drake.

Dom Harter: And nobody has ever accused you of having to step down to our level, boy. Look at us. We’re a hundred floors above you! We’re what you aspire to be. We’ve made tag team wrestling in FGA what it is since day one. The teams today dream are doing what we’ve done; winning Dynamic Duos, holding the tag titles here in FGA – and even NOW! Three years after we last held tag gold here…

Annie Zellor: People still talk about the #sparklebuddies and what we did. They wanna run through the tag division like The Murder did.

Annie starts pacing back and forth behind him, but Dom remains calm. Almost placid as he gazes down at the title belt in his hands.

Dom Harter: And if you’re the diamonds we created, then you’re chipped. Cracked. Look at yourself, boy. You can think of yourself as the rock in your metaphor, but we’re not drops of water, boy. We’re a goddamn typhoon. We’re a tsunami. And you can hark back to A New Odyssey…

Annie Zellor: And his new puppet…

Annie glares at the camera after using her mocking voice to express her dismay at the pet name.

Dom Harter: …and think that in those four months I stood on the sideline, just healing up and licking my wounds. You can think that I imagined nothing but exacting my revenge on you both. That I wanted to get even with you for taking time out of my career. For putting me out of action. You can imagine that I harboured a grudge because Lowri took my opportunity to participate in the World Cup. That I begrudged or despised you for winning some ill-conceived tournament…

Annie giggles softly in the background as Dom smirks at the camera, that familiar crooked grin on display for all to see as he pushes himself up to his feet. Annie moves around to stand in front of her boyfriend as he places the title belt over her shoulder. The New Murder members both smirking now as Dom speaks again.

Dom Harter: …so short sighted.

Annie Zellor: And you can pull that heartbroken act all you want, Lowri. Act like I stabbed you in the back. But you wouldn’t be where you are without me. I’ve been there for, like, as long as I can remember. Pushing you. Helping you get better. I picked you up when you were down! I gave you goals to achieve. When it was title you were gunning for, I didn’t act like that was a betrayal did I? And how did you repay me, Lowri? Huh?!

Dom Harter: You see, you two made a terrible mistake two weeks ago. When you sunk to a new low. When you attacked Annie and stole one of our title belts. And you can think – maybe even dream – that a ladder match is going to help you somehow. You can stack the deck against us any way you want, Pendragon. But after tonight, when we have both of these United States Tag Team titles back in our possession. When we’re back on top, and this whole ugly little episode is finally behind us once and for all. Then you’ll see the big picture. And then you’ll realize why you don’t cross The New Murder.

Dom poses with his arms outstretched as Annie pats the title belt on her shoulder, and the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

LADDER MATCH
FGA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Pendragon vs. The New Murder

DING! - DING!! - DING!!!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a LADDER MATCH for the FGA UNITED STATES TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP! Here are the rules. There are no pinfalls, submissions, disqualifications or countouts! The only way to win the match is by climbing the ladder and retrieving BOTH championships belts that have been hung above the ring. The team that retrieves both titles will be your UNITED STATES TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!

I THINK YOU’VE GOT A LOW SELF OPINION MAN
I SEE YOU STANDING ALL BY YOURSELF

The opening chords of “Low Self Opinion” begin to play throughout the arena, and the boos start almost immediately. After ten seconds or so, Dom Harter and Annie Zellor step out from behind the curtain. He throws his arms out to either side, the ever familiar crooked grin plastered on his face, as Annie poses in front of him; she’s crouched down with her biceps flexed, their matching leather jackets and bandanas visible for all to see. One belt hanging from the front of Harter’s pants, while Annie’s waist remains bare… for now.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, the challengers! Making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 360 pounds! They are the team of Dom Harter and Annie Zellor, THE NEW MURDER!

They begin to stride down the aisle, soaking in the reaction that are coming from the fans. Annie leads the way, pointing to the belt around Dom’s waist and playing to the camera as she goes. The smirking Harter follows closely behind, strolling confidently as he looks out across their ‘adoring’ fans. He climbs up the ring steps first, and holds the ropes opens for Annie to enter the ring. Once inside the squared circle, Annie climbs up to the middle rope and slips her leather jacket off her shoulders, posing for a moment. On the other side of the ring, Harter has climbed the opposite turnbuckle, posing with the title belt up in the air. The pair step down from the turnbuckle and removes their jackets and bandanas, sharing a quick kiss together before heading to their corner.

Kris Cruise: Dom Harter continues to outdo himself by sinking to a new low. You would think that he would have learned his lesson at A New Odyssey. But what does he do? He plots this entire time against Pendragon and then steals their United States Tag Titles, the titles that Pendragon EARNED! But what makes it worse is the fact that Annie Zellor, someone whom Lowri Moss considered a friend, turned her on for gold!

Stephy Auger: What are you talking about? The Tenacious Wrecking Crew of The New Murder won those titles fair and square, just like the won the HKW World Tag Titles fair and square.

Kris Cruise: It was a three on two Handicap Match! Plus they never won those US Tag Titles! They stole them right out from under Pendragon!

The lights flicker as "Take A Chance" by CFO$ begins to play over the PA system, and out through the curtains walks Neal Durden, followed closely by Lowri Moss. Durden has his title belt wrapped around his waist while Moss has to watch Harter parade around with her title. The Welsh duo stand side by side on the stage for a moment, surveying the crowd, before they make their way towards the ring, with Neal leading the way.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 320 pounds! They are your reigning… defending… FGA United States Tag Team Champions! Lowri Moss… Neal Durden… PENDRAGON!

After climbing the steps and entering the ring, Lowri heads for one of the corners and climbs to the second rope to look out at the cheering fans, while Neal simply stands in the middle of the ring with his pinky finger up and a smirk on his face.

Kris Cruise: Pendragon are fired up, Stephy! The team of Lowri Moss and Neal Durden gained a measure of revenge a few weeks back when they attack Annie Zellor and took back half of their Tag Titles.

Stephy Auger: Correct, they JUMPED sweet lil Annie Zellor from behind like the thugs that they are.

Kris Cruise: If you’ve been following Annie Zellor for the last few years, then you would know that the words “Annie Zellor” and “sweet” should never, ever be used in the same sentence again. She’s been shown her true colors. She’s no better than Harter! Pendragon took back half of their titles on the last Vertigo. Tonight, they take back both belts and finish this once and for all!

The ref stands in the middle of the ring and calls for the silver ring above to be lowered down. Once the silver ring has been lowered, the ref calls for Neal Durden to hand over the United States Tag Team Title belt. Durden slips the belt off of his shoulder before handing it over to the ref. Once the ref secures the belt to the silver ring, he then calls for the other half of the belts. Dom Harter, who still has the title belt hanging from the front of his pants, makes his way over towards Lowri Moss. Harter sticks his pelvis out towards Moss and invites her to take the championship.

Kris Cruise: How disgusting!

Stephy Auger: Whaaaat? Moss wants it so bad? Just reach down and take it!

Moss grumbles before trying to go after Harter. But Durden holds her back. This gets a laugh out of both members of the Tenacious Wrecking Crew. Once Harter relinquishes his half of the Tag Titles over to the referee, it gets attached to the ring silver ring. Cheers and applause soon come from the crowd as the United States Tag Team Championship belts are raised high above the ring.

Kris Cruise: There they go, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: They’re gonna be high above the ring for now. But by the end of the night, both titles will be back in the possession of the rightful champions, The New Murder!

The bell sounds as Moss rushes over and goes after Harter, nailing him with a flurry of European Uppercuts! Zellor then turns and tries to go out of the ring and grab one of the ladders. But Durden rushes over and grabs her from the back of the tights. Durden pulls Zellor back inside before whipping her into the far ropes. When Zellor returns, Durden lifts her up across his shoulders. He’s about to go for an Airplane Spin when Zellor counters with rapid elbows to the side of the head. Once Zellor slips down from behind, she quickly brings Durden down with a leapfrog transitioned into a one handed bulldog!

Across the ring, Moss knocks Harter into the corner. The former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion begins to wail away on Harter with a flurry of right hands until Zellor comes from behind and grabs her arm. Harter then lunges out of the corner and sucker punches Moss! The boos continue as the Tenacious Wrecking Crew beat down on Moss with clubbing strikes to the back, head and neck. They then take Moss and whip her into the far ropes. When Moss returns, the crowd boos when she gets thrown to the mat with a double back body drop! They then rush over and put the boots to Durden. The Tenacious Wrecking Crew pull Durden up off the mat before sending him into the far ropes. When Durden returns, Harter and Zellor double him over with boots to the midsection before driving him down with Wrecked (double team double arm DDT)! While both members of Pendragon are down, Harter points ot the outside. Zellor follows direction and heads to the outside with Harter. The crowd boos as the two members of The New Murder close the ladder that’s placed at the end of the aisle before sliding it back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: There they go, Cruise! Those titles will be theirs once again shortly.

Kris Cruise: They’ve got to climb the ladder and retrieve them first.

Once Harter and Zellor roll back in, they bring the ladder over towards the center of the ring. After the ladder has been opened up, Harter holds the ladder in place while Zellor begins to climb the rungs. The boos turn to cheers when Moss runs over and knocks Harter back with a running European Uppercut. Zellor hangs onto the ladder for dear life as Moss turns around, grabs the legs of the ladder and starts shaking it violently! Moss continues to shake the ladder until Harter grabs her from behind and connects with a ripcord headbutt! Once the ladder has stabilized, Zellor continues to climb up the ladder. The crowd boos as Zellor continues to ascend up the ladder. But the boos turn to cheers when Durden connects with a springboard roundhouse kick off the top rope, knocking Zellor down! As Durden turns to get up off the mat, Harter quickly grabs the the ladder and shoves it down…

*CRACK*

… cracking Durden right across the top of the head! The crowd gasps, then boos when Durden crumbles to the mat.

Kris Cruise: Did you hear that, Stephy!?

Stephy Auger: I did! It was great!

The Tenacious Little Bastard marches over and stomps away away on Durden. He then takes the ladder and folds it shut. He then turns, takes Moss and pulls her inside a standing headscissors.

Stephy Auger: IT’S PILEDRIVIN TIME!

The Tenacious Little Bastard flashes his signature crooked grin as he has Moss positioned for a piledriver onto the ladder. The crowd boos as Harter’s about to pull Moss up. The boos then turn to cheers when Durden hits the ropes, comes back and delivers a Sling Blade, bringing Harter down back-first across the ladder! The crowd cheers while Harter howls in pain.

Kris Cruise: Harter’s down and he is hurting!

Stephy Auger: Try not to sound too excited, Cruise.

Harter continues to arch his lower back before he rolls off the ladder. The Tenacious Little Bastard can be seen holding his lower back. While Harter is down, Pendragon take the ladder, lift it up horizontally and bring it into the corner. After laying the ladder down across the middle ropes in the corner, they head back over to Harter. Pendragon then pull up Harter before whipping him hard into the corner. The crowd explodes with cheers when Harter’s lower back collides with the legs of the ladder! Harter howls in pain before crumbling to the mat. Pendragon takes the ladder and pulls it out of the corner before dropping it down near the center of the ring. Moss then heads over, grabs Harter by the hair and pulls him over towards the center of the ring, Durden then heads into the ropes. When Durden returns, the crowd cheers when Pendragon send Harter face-first into the ladder with a Reverse STO/step-up enzuigiri combo!

Kris Cruise: Harter might be out of it after that one!

Pendragon go over and pull Zellor back to her feet. Once Durden brings Zellor over towards the ladder. He lifts her up and delivers a gutbuster. Durden holds her in place across his knee while Moss heads into the ropes. When Moss returns, the crowd cheers when she brings Zellor down with a corkscrew neckbreaker onto the ladder!

Stephy Auger: Come on! This is unfair, don’t you think?

Kris Cruise: Unfair? It’s a Ladder Match, Stephy! There aren’t any disqualifications!

While Durden takes Harter and whips him into the corner, Moss lifts up the ladder, opens it and stands it up before climbing. Durden runs into the corner and blasts Harter with an arched big boot while Moss continues her climb up the ladder. Suddenly, the cheers turn to boos when Fenrys leaps onto the apron behind Moss!

Kris Cruise: What the heck?

Stephy Auger: It’s Fenrys!

Fenrys springboards onto the top ropes, leaps from off the ropes, grabs Moss from behind and brings her down with a Lungblower! The crowd erutps with boos!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: What was that you were just telling me? Something about how there are no disqualifications in a Ladder Match? Did I hear that right? Please, speak up, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: ...

Durden turns around and sees Moss down, then sees Fenrys standing over her. He then rushes over to go after Fenrys. The New Murder member begins to hightail it. But Durden is right on him. Durden continues to chase Fenrys around the ladder twice before Fenrys ducks and runs between the legs of the ladder. Durden then tucks his head as he runs underneath the ladder. As soon as Durden sticks his head up, Fenrys blasts him with a rolling elbow! After a knee strike doubles Durden over, Fenrys grabs him and chucks him through the ropes and to the floor. The boos continue when Fenrys looks up and howls.

Kris Cruise: Yeah, there aren’t any DQs in a Ladder Match. But this should be settled two on two, not with Fenrys or any other member of The New Murder getting involved.

Fenrys drags the ladder into position before beginning to climb the ladder.

Kris Cruise: Now what is this!? He isn’t even in the match!

Stephy Auger: It doesn’t matter. It’s all legal, Cruise!

The boos get louder as Fenrys continues to make his trek up the rungs. He then stops, turns to the crowd and howls. Fenrys then turns his attention back to the US Tag Title belts hanging above the ring. The boos continue while Fenrys continues his climb. Suddenly, Durden pulls himself up using the edge of the apron. After pulling himself up onto the apron using the ropes, he springboards onto the top rope, leaps across the ring and lands on the ladder, startling Fenrys! Fenrys sees Durden across from him on the ladder and begins to quickly climb the rungs. But Durden is right there matching him step for step. Once both grapplers get to the fourth to last rung, Fenrys reaches up, but he’s not quite there. The belts are still out of his reach. Durden then reaches over, grabs Fenrys by the hair with both hands and slams him down face-first onto the top cap of the ladder while the crowd counts along…

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

“NINE!”

“TEN!”

Durden then carefully climbs across from his side of the ladder to the other. After grabbing a hold of Fenrys, the wolf shakes his head as Durden lifts him up, jumps and brings him down hard to the mat with an Olympic Slam off the ladder! Cheers and applause from the crowd soon follow!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Durden just suplexed Fenrys off the ladder! That should be the last we hear of Fenrys for tonight!

Durden slowly picks himself back up. He heads over, drags the ladder into position and begins to climb up. Durden continues to climb the steps until Zellor grabs a hold of his ankle. Durden tries to shake Zellor off. But she’s hanging of for dear life. Harter then makes his way over and grabs the other ankle. Harter and Zellor then yank Durden down. Once Durden lands on his feet, Zellor and Harter each grab Durden before throwing him against the ladder! The crowd boos as Durden and the ladder both topple over to the mat. After Zellor rolls Durden across the ladder leg that’s on the mat, Harter grabs ladder leg that’s sticking in the air. Zellor then grabs the opposite end of the ladder leg that’s in the air. On Harter’s cue, the Tenacious Wrecking Crew continuously bring the ladder leg down across Durden’s chest to boos from the crowd! While Durden is sandwiched between the ladder legs, Zellor heads into the ropes, comes back and connects with a jumping knee drop to the face! Harter then lifts up the ladder leg so Zellor can roll Durden off the other ladder leg. After Harter slams the ladder shut, Zellor takes Durden and whips him into the corner. She then runs across the ring, connects with a discus clothesline and follows up with a running bulldog across the ladder! Meanwhile, Harter takes Moss and whips her into the corner. The Tenacious Little Bastard then runs across the ring before hurling himself at Moss with a running double knee lift! While Moss is doubled over, Harter and Zellor grab her, pull her towards the center of the ring and double suplex Moss onto Durden!

Stephy Auger: Look at that teamwork, Cruise! They’re like a well-oiled machine!

Kris Cruise: More like a bunch of common thiefs!

Stephy Auger: How dare you!?

Zellor takes Moss, drags her over towards the side of the ring and chokes her across the middle rope. Meanwhile, Harter takes Durden, drags him towards the opposite side of the ring and chokes him across the middle ropes. Zellor turns around and flashes Durden the #grrface before running across the ring, swinging through the ropes and blasting him in the face with the Rough ‘n’ Tumble (Tiger Feint Kick)! The boos continue as Zellor runs across the ring, swings through the ropes and goes for another Rough ‘n’ Tumble. But the boos turn to cheers when Moss blocks by grabbing a hold of Zellor’s legs. Zellor tries to kick Moss off of her, but it’s to no avail. The former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion returns to her feet, hooks her arms around Zellor’s legs and leans back, catapulting Zellor throat-first against the top turnbuckle! The cheers continue while Zellor clutches her throat with both hands.

Stephy Auger: Oh no! Poor, sweet lil Annie!

Kris Cruise: There’s nothing “poor” or “sweet” about Annie Zellor.


Before Moss can turn around, Harter darts over and drops her from behind with a forearm smash! The boos continue as the Tenacious Little Bastard puts the boots to Moss. He then yanks Moss from up off the mat and whips her into the corner. Harter runs across the ring and throws out a yakuza kick when Moss catches his foot. Moss shakes her head at Harter before shoving him down to the canvas. As Harter rolls across his back and over onto a knee, the crowd cheers when Moss runs from out of the corner and flattens him with a Shining Wizard!

Kris Cruise: Moss with the knee right to the face!

Stephy Auger: Like that would ever shut up Harter.

Kris Cruise: A man can dream.

Moss marches across the ring into the corner. She looks to the outside and sees Zellor starting to stir. So she begins to climb the turnbuckles. As soon as Moss gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Fenrys leaps onto the apron and wraps his arms around her ankle!

Kris Cruise: That damn Fenrys is at it again!

Stephy Auger: Good boy!

Moss reaches down and nails Fenrys with repeated right hands to the face. She then grabs a hold of Fenrys, pushes off the top turnbuckle and plants him with a Tornado DDT off the apron and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Fenrys just got dropped with a Tornado DDT off the apron!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

While Fenrys is sprawled out on the floor, Moss pulls herself back up onto the apron. As she begins to climb the turnbuckle, Zellor climbs up onto the apron, jumps up onto the middle turnbuckle and rakes her across the eyes. The boos continue when Zellor gouges Moss’ eyes. Zellor then climbs up onto Moss’ shoulder, turns and flips back, delivering an inverted frankensteiner off the middle turnbuckle and to the floor! The crowd gasps as Moss goes down hard!

Kris Cruise: MY GOD!

Stephy Auger: What? Is Annie okay?

Kris Cruise: Annie Zellor is just fine! I’m talking about Lowr-

Stephy Auger: GOOD! That’s all I care about.

Kris Cruise: ...

Zellor pulls herself up using the edge of the apron. Just as she climbs up onto the apron, Durden doubles her over with a hard shoulder thrust through the ropes. After hitting Zellor with another shoulder thrust for good measure, Durden turns and heads into the far ropes. When he comes back, the crowd explodes with cheers after he runs across the ring, flips over the top rope and throws Zellor down hard with a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Zellor is sprawled out on the floor after that sunset powerbomb from Durden! What a move!

As Durden picks himself up on the outside, Harter grabs a hold of the ladder and runs towards the side of the ring. When Durden turns around, the crowd erupts with boos when Harter throws the ladder turn, whacking Durden right across the face as the top of the ladder flies between the middle and bottom ropes!

Stephy Auger: HELLO!

Kris Cruise: Durden nearly got his head taken off there!

Harter heads to the outside and positions the ladder to that the top half is across the top of the guardrail while the bottom half is underneath the bottom rope. He then pulls Durden up onto the apron.

Stephy Auger: Uh oh...

Harter pulls up Durden and talks trash before hoisting him up and throwing him down across the aldder with the Fuckboi Bomb MK I (Pop-up Powerbomb)!

Kris Cruise: GOOD GOD!

The boos continue while Durden lays across the ladder. The Tenacious Little Bastard climbs back down, heads towards the side of the ring in front of the announce table and kneels down before pulling up the ring skirt. Harter reaches in… and slowly pulls out a second ladder. The boos continue as Harter takes the ladder and slides it into the ring.

Stephy Auger: Harter’s about to make the climb, Cruise!

Harter rolls back inside, opens up the ladder and stands it up on the mat. He then drags the ladder into position. Once he confirms that the coast is clear, Harter begins climbing the ladder.

The crowd boos as the Tenacious Little Bastard continues his climb up the ladder. The boos then switch to cheers when Moss rolls back into the ring. She rushes across the ring and shoves the ladder. Harter looks around in panic as the ladder slowly tips over. He then jumps off one of the rungs. But he misjudges the distance and ends up crotching himself as he falls across the top rope!

Stephy Auger: OH NO!

Kris Cruise: OH YEAH!

The cheers continue as Moss marches over, grabs the top rope with both hands and repeatedly shakes yanks the ropes up and down. Haretr howls in pain as his eyes roll to the back of his head.

Kris Cruise: Harter’s gonna be hitting all the high notes on those Langley Falls records now!

Stephy Auger: THIS ISN’T FUNNY!

Once Moss lets go, Harter slowly tips over towards his left. He then falls towards the outside of the ring. Harter doesn’t hit the floor as his ankles ends up getting caught in the middle and top ropes! Harter can be seen frantically swinging his arms up. But it’s to no avail. While Harter is trapped, Moss takes the ladder and drags it back over towards the center of the ring. The crowd cheers as Moss begins to climb the ladder. However, the cheers turn to boos when Zellor climbs up onto the apron and follows up with a springboard dropkick off the top rope, knocking Moss down off the ladder from the side!

Zellor takes the ladder, clossd it shut and drags it into the corner. After placing the ladder up in the corner, Zellor heads back over, grabs Moss by the legs and drags her into position. Zellor hooks her arms around Moss’ legs before leaning back and catapulting Moss into the ladder! Zellor then gets up, turns Moss around in the corner and grabs her by the hair with both hands before ramming the back of Moss’ head against the ladder! While Moss continues to lean against the ladder, Zellor runs across the ring, bounces out of the corner, runs back across the ring and squashes Moss with a corner running double knee strike! As Moss slumps down against the ladder, Zellor runs back into the opposite corner. She bounces off the turnbuckles, runs back across the ring and hurls herself at Moss with the Sparkelbutt (running butt bump). But Moss rolls out of the way, causing the Zellor to crash into the ladder! The crowd explodes with cheers!

Kris Cruise: Nobody was home on that one!

Zellor crumbles out of the corner. Once she slowly gets up on a knee, Moss heads over and nails her with a Scorpion Kick to the face, followed by a Switchblade Kick to the back of the neck that flattens her on the mat! She then pulls Zellor up from off the mat, lifts her upside down and plants her with a cradle piledriver to cheers from the crowd! While Zellor is sprawled out on the mat, Moss heads into the corner, grabs the ladder and pushes it down across Zellor! She then drags Zellor out from underneath the ladder before throwing her down across it with a scoop slam. Moss then takes the ladder, with Zellor still on it, and drags it into position. Gasps and cheers are heard as Moss turns and heads into the corner.

Kris Cruise: What’s Moss going for here?

Moss begins to climb the turnbuckles. As soon as she reaches the top, Harter rushes over and pushes her legs out from under her. After Moss slips and ends up crotched on the top turnbuckle, Harter grabs her and pulls her down into the Tree of Woe. The crowd gasps after Harter rolls Zellor off the ladder and picks it up.

Kris Cruise: Oh no...

Harter takes the ladder, runs into the order and throws the top cap of the ladder against Moss’ midsection! The crowd erupts with boos as Harter reaches down, picks up the ladder, moves his arms back and swings the top cab of the ladder into Moss’ midsection again… and again… and again… and again… and again… and again… and again! The boos continue while Moss hangs helplessly in the corner.

Kris Cruise: Dom Harter is out of his mind! What the hell is his problem!?

Stephy Auger: Lowri Moss’ existence.

Harter drops the ladder before positioning it right next to Moss’ face. The Tenacious Little Bastard flashes his crooked grin as he backs up across the ring and into the opposite corner.

Kris Cruise: No! Please, NO!

The crowd gasps as Harter runs across the ring with visions of knocking the ladder right into Moss’ face with a baseball slide. But when Harter gets halfway across the ring, Durden leaps off the top rope and knocks him down with a diving knee strike!

Stephy Auger: Where did that twerp come from!?

When Harter gets back to his feet, Durden runs over and plants him with a Tilt-a-whirl DDT! After both grapplers start to get up off the mat, Durden heads towards the ropes, bounces back and throws out a handspring back elbow. But Harter catches him and counters with a ripcord headbutt! While Durden is dazed, Harter scoops him up across his shoulder and sets up for a running powerslam. But Durden kicks his feet, flips down from behind and counters with a Rolling Cutter! When Durden gets back to his feet, Zellor runs over and leaps onto his shoulders from behind. But before she can flip back and deliver another inverted hurricanrana, Durden pushes her off of his shoulders. After Zellor lands in front of him, Durden grabs her from behind and connects with a ripcord knee strike! While Zellor is dazed, Durden runs towards the ropes, bounces back and knocks her down with a handspring back elbow! He then heads over into the corner and frees Moss out of the Tree of Woe.

After Durden helps Moss back to her feet, Pendragon turn around and see Harter with the ladder held up horizontally. He then rushes over and tries to take them both out with the ladder. But Pendragon ducks. When Harter turns around with the ladder, Moss and Durden deliver a double drop toe hold, sending Harter face-first into the ladder! They then take the ladder and set it up in the corner. After heading back over to Harter, Pendragon pick up the Tenacious Little Bastard before they each hook an arm. They then run towards the corner before throwing Harter into the ladder with a double hip toss! After Harter bounces off the ladder, he falls to the mat. Pendragon then pull the ladder down before placing Harter across it. Durden then gets up and sits down on the top turnbuckle. After Moss climbs up onto the middle ropes, she hops onto Durden’s shoulders and flips back for a hurricanrana, which sends Durden flipping off the top turnbuckle into a somersault leg drop. But instead of crashing across Harter with the somersault leg drop, Zellor drags Harter out of the way, causing Durden to crash leg-first across the ladder! The crowd boos while Durden clutches the leg.

Kris Cruise: Zellor just saved Harter right there!

Stephy Auger: Behind every good man is a good woman, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Dom Harter, a good man? That’s about as believable as Evan Envi and Ricky Valero calling themselves The Good Guys!

The New Murder take Moss and whip her into the ropes. When she returns, Harter and Zellor throw out a double clothesline, which Moss ducks. When Moss turns around, she throws out a kick to Harter. After Harter catches her foot, she throws out an enzuigiri. Harter ducks the kick, but Zellor ends up getting caught with the kick to the face! Harter then doubles Moss over with a knee strike to the midsection. The Tenacious Little Bastard lifts up Moss, walks over and delivers a backbreaker. Harter keeps Moss held in place across his knee over the ladder while Zellor heads out onto the apron. The boos continues when Zellor knocks Moss off of Harter’s knee with a slingshot somersault senton, sending Moss down across the ladder! Zellor then climbs up an sits down on the top turnbuckle. Harter then picks up Moss, hoists her up and places her on Zellor’s shoulders. Zellor then stands up while Moss hangs down in front of her.

Kris Cruise: What’s this?

The crowd boos when Zellor jumps off and sends Moss crashing down across the ladder with Kindness (Styles Clash)!

Stephy Auger: Down goes Moss! It’s over, Crusie!

After rolling Moss off the ladder, Harter takes the ladder, opens it up and stands it up. After Harter drags the ladder into position, Zellor starts to climb it. Durden rushes over to push over the ladder when Harter catches him in a front facelock! Durden reaches out with his arms. But Harter keeps him held in place and just out of reach. While Zellor continues to climb the ladder, Durden lifts up Harter and delivers an inverted atomic drop that doubles him over. Just as Zellor’s about to grab one of the title belts, Durden grabs the ladder and drags it away from underneath the belts. Zellor reaches over towards the belts, but they’re just out of her reach! Durden then takes Harter and goes for an irish whip. But Harter reverses, sending Durden into the corner. Harter then runs over towards the corner and hurls himself at Durden with the double knees in the corner. But Durden dives out of the way, causing Harter to crash into the corner!

Harter rolls away from the corner before clutching his knees. Meanwhile, Durden crawls across the ring before slowly pulling himself back up using the ropes. Once The Tenacious Little Bastard returns to a vertical base and turns around, Durden charges across the ring to attack when Harter counters with an overhead belly to back suplex, sending Durden flying over the top rope and landing across the ladder that’s placed across the top of the guardrail and the edge of the apron!

Kris Cruise: GOOD GOD!

Back in the air, Zellor continues to stretch her arms out as far as she can, but the belts are still out of her reach. She then begins to judge the distance between herself and the belts. Back down below, Harter gets back to a vertical base. When he turns around, the crowd cheers as Moss leaps off the top turnbuckle for a diving crossbody block. But the Tenacious Little Bastard catches her in mid air! After lifting Moss up across his shoulder, he goes for a running powerslam when Moss slips down from behind and shoves Harter into the ropes. When Harter returns, Moss connects with a dropsault, knocking Harter through the ropes and onto the apron. She then rushes over, grabs the ladder and shoves it over towards the right side, sending Zellor tipping over. Zellor leaps up and tries to grab onto the silver ring up high above. But Zellor just misses and catches nothing but air. The crowd cheers as Zellor falls and crashes onto the mat below!

Moss rolls to the outside. After lifting up the ring skirt, she reaches underneath the ring and pulls out another ladder! Cheers follow when Moss takes the ladder and slides it back into the ring. Moss then rolls back in, takes the ladder and begins to open it up. After standing the ladder up on the canvas, Moss begins to move it into position and begins to climb it when Harter grabs her from behind by the ankle, yanks her down to the mat and follows up with a Reverse DDT! The boos continue as Harter takes the ladder, closes it shut and moves it into the corner before positioning it up against the turnbuckles in the corner. The Tenacious Little Bastard heads back cover, pulls up Moss, lifts her up onto his shoulders, turns around, runs and throws her into the ladder with the Fuckboi Bomb II (Tunbuckle Powerbomb)! The crowd erutps with boos as Moss crumbles from out of the corner.

Kris Cruise: Moss just got powerbombed right into the ladder!

While Moss can be heard wailing on the mat, the boos continue as Harter makes his way over to Moss and delivers a gentle kick before asking her, “you dead?”

Harter delivers another gentle kick to the side of the head.

“You dead?”

Harter with another gentle kick to the side of the head.

“You dead?”

Harter delivers another gentle kick to the side of the head.

“You dead?”

Moss slowly pushes herself up onto all fours when Harter nudges the side of her head with the sole of his boot.

“You dead?”

When Moss turns and looks up at Harter, Harter places the sole of his foot across her faces and nudges her head away from him.

“You dead?”

Moss slowly gets up on a knee when Harter reaches down and smacks her upside the back of the head.

“You dead?”

Moss slowly gets back to her feet. She grumbles to herself while narrowing her eyes at Harter. The Tenacious Little Bastard just flashes his crooked grin at her. The smirk is quickly wiped off his face when Moss grabs him by the head with both hands, leans her upper body away from him and lunges forward…

*THUD*

The crowd explodes with cheers when Moss cracks him across the face with a headbutt. Suddenly, a trickle of blood begins to roll down Harter’s forehead as he drops down to a knee. Moss then turns and heads into the ropes. When she comes back, she flattens Harter with a Shining Wizard!

While Harter lays sprawled out on the mat, Moss returns to her feet. She then gives Harter a taste of his own medicine by delivering a gentle kick to the side of the head and asking him, “You dead?”

Moss delivers another gentle kick to the side of the head.

“You dead?”

Moss with another gentle kick.

“You dead?”

And another.

“You dead?”

Harter turns slowly turns over all fours. Moss then runs the heels of her boot across the back of his head.

“You dead?”

Harter slowly gets up on a knee. When he looks up at Moss, Moss places the sole of her foot across his before nudging his head away from her.

“You dead?”

Harter gets back to his feet and leans forward. Moss does the same. The two rivals are face to face until Moss nails him with a European Uppercut. Harter fires back with a European Uppercut of his own. Moss then blasts Harter with another European Uppercut. Harter answers back with another European Uppercut of his own. Moss motions for another European Uppercut when Harter quickly cuts her off with another European Uppercut! The boos continue when Harter fires off and connects with another European Uppercut… and another… and another. He then throws out a discus forearm smash, but Moss ducks. When Harter turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Moss sends spittel flying out of his mouth with the Breuddwydion Melus (Superkick)!

Kris Cruise: Harter nearly got his head kicked off his body!

After Harter crumbles to the mat, Moss drops down to all fours. She then crawls over and grabs the ladder she brought into the ring. Meanwhile, Zellor crawls over and grabs the ladder that was previously brought into the ring. Both grapplers slowly push the ladders over towards the center of the ring. Once they get to their feet, they open the ladders, stand them up next against each other and begin a mad dash up the ladders. The crowd boos when Zellor reaches over with her left leg and kicks Moss’ ladder, causing Moss’ lead to tip over a bit! But it then falls back into place. Once the ladder is stabilizes, Moss looks up and sees Zellor a few rungs above her. So Moss tries to pick up the pace. The crowd gasps and boos when Zellor reaches up and grabs a hold of one of the belts!

Stephy Auger: She’s almost there!

Zellor tries to unbuckle the belt from the ring, but Moss reaches up, grabs Zellor by the back of the tights and slowly pulls her down a couple of rungs until they’re each side by side. She then grabs Zellor by the back of the neck, pulls it back and then slams her face-first into the ladder rung! The crowd counts along.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

“NINE!”

“TEN!”

While Zellor is dazed, Moss slowly turns Zellor so that Zellor’s back is facing her. She then places Zellor in an inverted front facelock. The crowd gasps.

Kris Cruise: You don’t think…!?

Stephy Auger: She better not! SHE BETTER NOT!

Moss spins off the ladder, sending both grapplers crashing down hard to the mat below with the Nos Da (Rolling Cutter)! The crowd explodes with cheers and applause.

Kris Cruise: NOS DA OFF THE LADDER!!!

Stephy Auger: GAH!!!

Harter is still sprawled out on the mat from the superkick! Both Moss and Zellor are down! The crowd cheers when Durden can be seen pulling himself up using the edge of the apron. He then slowly rolls himself back inside. Durden looks to his right and sees Harter down. He then turns to his left and sees Moss and Zellor down. After returning to a vertical base, he staggers across the ring before bracing himself against the ladder that’s still up. Durden looks up at he tries to get the ladder lined up perfectly. Once he feels he’s got the ladder where it needs to be, Durden begins his ascent.

Kris Cruise: Go, Neal! GO!

The crowd continues to cheer Durden as he continues his climb up the ladder rung by rung.

Kris Cruise: KEEP CLIBMING, KID!

Stephy Auger: SLIP! SLIP! SLIP!

Durden is halfway up.

Kris Cruise: YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!

Stephy Auger: Where is Fenrys when you need him!?

The crowd gasps when Durden reaches up. But the belts are still out of his reach! Durden then climbs up two more rungs, putting himself on the third to last rung on the ladder. Durden reaches up and grabs one of the US Tag Titles belt!. He frantically grabs the strap and unbuckles it from the silver ring! He then reaches over and grabs the second title belt. He fidgets with the strap before ripping it off the silver ring! The bell sounds once Durden has retrieved both title belts!

“Take A Chance” blasts over the PA while the crowd explodes with cheers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners aaand STIIIILLLLLL the FGA United States Tag Team Champions, PENDRAGON!

Kris Cruise: Neal’s done! He’s grabbed both belts! Pendragon retain the United States Tag Team Championship! What a war we just saw!


Durden carefully turns towards the hard camera and raises the United States Tag Titles belts in the air! Suddenly, Sara Mason and Erin Mariana can be seen leaping over the guardrail before sliding into the ring behind Durden.

Kris Cruise: Wait wait WAIT!

Stephy Auger: Uh oh…

Silk & Cyanide each grab a side of the ladder, lift it up, head towards the side of the ring and push the ladder over.

Kris Cruise: NOOOOOOO...

Gasps and screams can be heard from the crowd as Durden flips off the ladder…







Flies to the outside of the ring…







And violently crashes through the ladder that positioning across the top of the guardrail and the edge of the apron, breaking it in half! Shots of the fans in the crowd follow. Some hold their hands over their mouths. Some parents shield the eyes of their young child. Some place their hands on the top of their heads. Some shake her heads in disgust. Some look furious. The shocked silence that’s overcome the arena is soon filled by an eruption of boos.

Kris Cruise: Damn them! DAMN THEM! Pendragon have had their titles stolen from them! They've been beaten up by The New Murder! Finally, they win the war! But they don’t even get to enjoy it for a single minute thanks to Silk & Cyanide! WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH THEM!?

The boos continue while Durden lays a motionless, mangled mess on the ladder. Silk & Cyanide slowly pick up the US Tag Title belts and examine them before tossing them onto Moss’ body. Mason and Mariani then exit the ring with the crowd directing all of their energy and hate towards them.

[FGA Office]

The scene fades into one of the walls backstage at the Capital One Arena. Posters of stars from both the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals adorn the walls. But between them, stands the FGA Pride Champion. Her hair is down, the bob hairstyle brushing along her jaw as she holds the aforementioned championship up on her shoulder. Her gaze starts away from the camera, but then turns to face the camera as she begins to speak.

Fujiko Mine: You know, Ricky Valero used to be great. He was, at one point..the Ace of GFP. He was a star over in Japan. One of the biggest and brightest. And he began to feel confident in himself. Rightfully so, you know? He was on top of the world over there. Almost a household game. So he wanted to turn that success into success over here in the states. He joined FGA. He’s been here a while now, but what has he done?

Fujiko tilts her head.

Fujiko Mine: I don’t mean that in a ‘what have you done’ lately. There’s is no question that Ricky Valero has done a lot in this business. I am not interested in trashing Ricky’s accomplishments. But I mean: What has he done to his career?

She rolls her eyes.

Fujiko Mine: Ricky used to have a pride in himself and in his career. But he let his ego get in the way of things. He let all of that cloud his judgement. He has all this ability, all this talent, and what has he done?

Her shoulders slump, and her head shakes from side to side.

Fujiko Mine: He’s wasted it. He let his ego convince him that he could coast here. That he wouldn’t need to work hard like he did in Japan. He let his ego convince him that he was God’s gift to wrestling, no matter how much effort he put in. And now, where is he? He’s not at the top of the world. The only championship he won? He disgraced it. He let his ego ruin that for him. And now he’s not even the sidekick to our despicable World champion. He’s the low man on the totem pole. He’s the sidekick to the sidekick, and he thinks that he can just waltz in, call me an instagram reject, and just take my championship. You want to know what I’ve done, Ricky?

She gives the camera a disgusted look.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve been busy elevating myself each and every time I’ve appeared on an FGA show. I’ve gone from the woman everyone said couldn’t wrestle, to the MVP of FGA. I’ve become arguably the greatest wrestler to hold this championship, and I’ll further that when I beat you tonight and tie the record for most defenses of this gold. I’ve got the best record of anyone in FGA, Vertigo or Flashpoint. I just won Dynamic Duos with Izzy Anders, if you’ve been paying attention, and now? I’m about to show you...and the world why I call myself the Apex Goddess.

She gently pats her championship.

Fujiko Mine: I don’t even recall you earning this shot, Ricky. You were given it by the fool that used to be our general manager. Not because you earned it, like Tyler Storm, Seth Iser, or Chris Madison. But because MacDonald liked you. He thought that he was rewarding you. But little did you both know...he was punishing you. Because I’m going to hurt you tonight. I’m going to put you through hell for even thinking that you could step to me. I’m going to expose you, because truth be told? You’re not even a shell of your former self now. You might’ve stood a chance when you had it all together, but now? Bring Evan to help you. He’ll need to help you if you want to stand a chance.

She takes a step forward.

Fujiko Mine: In another time, another place, maybe another reality...I would have been excited for this match. I know that you tried the cliche approach. You can’t say anything about my ability, so you say that I don’t look like I belong. That I look like someone’s arm candy rather than a wrestler. But what is it going to say when you tried to demean me like that, just like others have, and you fare no better than they did?

She brings a satisfied smile to her lips for a moment. It vanishes shortly thereafter.

Fujiko Mine: Ricky, I would have been excited to face you in another time. Another place, another reality. But now? I’m really just disappointed. Disappointed in your decisions. Disappointed at the match that we’re going to miss out on. Disappointed that you let your ego turn you into this.

She takes another step, so that she fills the view from the waist up.

Fujiko Mine: Bottom line, Valero? I’m not going to let someone who doesn’t even have pride in themselves even try to take this from me.

Fujiko takes a few steps back, then she adjusts her grip on the belt, until she is able to raise it over her head. She then takes a look up at it, before lowering it to her shoulder and turning to her left. She takes a look up and down, as if sizing something up. She shakes her head, and exits the scene.