Vertigo (10.20.18)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Vertigo cameras cut to the office of the new General Manager for the moment people-- Evan Envi at least-- have been waiting for, the reveal of Vertigo’s new leader. Their desk is set up, already filled with paperwork and the like, the back of a chair facing the camera. The chair slowly spins around, finally turning all the way forward to reveal the new General Manager. They give a short, curt wave of their hand to the camera.

Jenevieve Geroux: Hello, they wanted to do a big dramatic reveal of me, apparently it makes for good television. I don’t think it’s that big a deal, but I settled on the slow spin around eventually-- this is a pretty good chair they gave me, it spins.

A beat skips.

Jenevieve Geroux: For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jenevieve Geroux, and I’m your new General Manager. I’ve been in and around the wrestling business for the majority of my life. Competed in the ring, worked as a trainer for other combat sports, and currently I’ve been serving under Bart Huff as the General Manager of the Shooting Star Wrestling Alliance in the U.K. I said that I don’t think this is that big a deal, not because I don’t understand the importance of having strong leadership, or anything like that. Rather though, that I think if you’re around wrestling enough you realize that certain things about it are pretty simple. The more complicated you try to make it, the easier it is to screw things up, and I think that goes for the General Manager position too. I feel that a good GM is one that you don’t notice.

The brunette folds her hands over themselves and rests them on the desk in front of her.

Jenevieve Geroux: I’m sure I’ll be seen on screen from time to time going forward, but I think if you’re really noticing a GM it’s because they’ve screwed something up or decided to make themselves the center of attention, which is a mistake in itself. Not every decision I make will work out, but I think I have enough knowledge and a clear enough vision that the brand can keep moving together strong. And that’s really why I’m taking this time to talk to you all, to talk about my vision for Vertigo.

She clears her throat.

Jenevieve Geroux: I heard a lot of talk beforehand that Flashpoint was more of “the wrestling show” and Vertigo had its own identity under GM Macdonald. That’s stupid to me, you’re all professional wrestlers, there’s a serious problem if a show you’re competing on has an identity as anything besides a “wrestling show”. I don’t think any of this is rocket science if you can keep your ego out of it as a matchmaker. Without stripping anyone of their personality, or individuality, everyone needs to be on the same page that we handle things very simply as wrestlers. Whether it’s a personal issue, or a matter of figuring out who is better, has bragging rights, or the claim to a Championship, you handle those matters inside that ring. I’ve been there myself where emotions spilled over, and it wasn’t beneficial to me, my employer, or anyone else.

Looking straight ahead at the camera, the GM continues on.

Jenevieve Geroux: So my vision is pretty simple, whether you’re a fan favorite, someone the crowds hate or anywhere in between, as long as you put your personality, your aspirations to succeed forward, that should create enough drama and conflict on its own. My job is to put you in positions by making the matches to settle those issues, and compete. Perform to the best of your abilities once I put you in that position, and everything should run smoothly. Let’s not make things more complicated than they have to be. Having a good wrestling show isn’t complicated, just don’t be crap, and don’t distract from what matters.

She glances down at her wrist before looking back up.

Jenevieve Geroux: With that said, I should take my own advice and shut up. Let’s go out there and deliver, and after all the posturing back and forth between brands, let’s put on performances that speak for themselves.

With that conclusion, the video cuts out and we head back to ringside to the announce desk.

[FGA Office]

MassMutual Center
Springfield, MA

Kris Cruise: Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of Vertigo!

Stephy Auger: THEE Flasgship show here in FGA!

Kris Cruise: I am Kris Cruise. As always, I am joined here tonight by my colleague, Stephy Auger and Stephy… a major bombshell was just dropped at the start of tonight’s show.

Stephy Auger: That’s right! Once again, Vertigo, THEE show here in FGA, does it once again by making a blockbuster announcement. We have a neeeewwwww General Manager and her name? It’s Jenevieve Geroux!

Kris Cruise: That’s right! Ms. Geroux has competed as a professional wrestler, so she has experience at getting it down between the ropes. But she also has experience in the office, as she is currently serving as the General Manager in Shooting Star Wrestling Alliance!

Stephy Auger: SSWA, arguably the hottest brand on the UK scene. Vertigo, THEE hottest brand here in FGA? That Geroux sure does know how to pick ‘em!

Kris Cruise: She sure does. While Bart Huff has to share some of the credit for SSWA’s recent success, we can’t discount that the strides that company has made with Geroux as GM. If Ms. Geroux can bring those same results to Vertigo? Boy, the sky will be the limit.

Stephy Auger: Yes it will and we will leave Flashpoint right in the dust!

Kris Cruise: We kicked off tonight’s show with a bang and we will be ending it with a bang. In our main event, we will have an Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal to determine the new number one contender to Jimmy Page’s FGA World Championship. Ms. Geroux is wasting little time making an impact.

Stephy Auger: No she isn’t! Look at the level of talent in that match. Dom Harter! Annie Zellor! Jaelynn Ramsey! Oh yeah, even Fenrys!

Kris Cruise: … you’re naming all New Murder members.

Stephy Auger: ...yeah, so?

Kris Cruise: *sighs* We also have Fujiko Mine, the reigning FGA Pride Champion! How about Marlon Cure, the reigning FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. Both champs are coming off of big victories at Capital Combat. They would love to ride that wave of momentum into the main event here tonight. But that’s not all. You spoke about The New Murder? How about Chris Bond, who had one hell of a match against Malcolm Drake at Capital Combat! Seth Iser, who is always a dangerous man inside that ring. Going back to the champions, Pendragon will be in this match after successfully defending their United States Tag Titles at Capital Combat!

Stephy Auger: They may have won, but the only team I saw standing tall at Capital Combat was Silk & Cyanide! They’ll also be in tonight’s Battle Royal.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon, Maritza Diaz, Sadie San Francisco and even Kol will be participating in tonight’s main event. There are tons of potential winners to choose from...

Stephy Auger: … but there’s no bigger name than the Chief, Evan Envi! After being R-O-B-B-E-D robbed of his championship at Capital Combat, Envi will be competing in tonight’s main event. He shouldn’t even be in this match if you ask me.

Kris Cruise: Well it’s a good thing I didn’t! That’s not all. The Super Mario Wrestling Bros return to tag team action in just a little bit. A team that knows the SMWB very well, Silk & Cyanide, will also be competing in a tag team contest here tonight. Of course, we also have a battle of two of arguably the greatest Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champions in company history. I’m talking about Izzy Anders going one on one with “The Pope” Sadie San Francisco! Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got a ton of action for you here tonight. But right now, let’s throw it to the ring...

• Tag Team Match •
Super Mario Wrestling Bros vs. Bristow & Barnes

DIGN! - DING!! - DING!!!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, already in the ring! Weighing in tonight at a total combined weight of 495 pounds… BRISTOW & BARNES!

Bristow & Barnes perch up on the ropes on the opposite of the ring, one foot on the bottom rope and one foot on the middle, taunting the fans as they await their opponents.

Kris Cruise: This crowd is already letting Bristow & Barnes have it.

Stephy Auger: What else would you expect from a bunch of Massholes.

"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.

J.A. Aldridge: They’re opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 373 pounds! They are the team of Max Powers and Landon Knight, the SUPER MARIO WRESTLING BROS!

After sliding underneath the bottom rope and into the ring, they push themselves up and head into opposite corners. 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: The SMWB are returning to acting after falling to Silk & Cyanide.

Stephy Auger: They fell victim to Silk & Cyanide, that’s what happened! Sara Mason and Erin Mariani told those two geeks not to mess with them. And look what happened? They got what was coming to ‘em, Cruise, just like Pendragon!

The bell sounds as Max Powers and Nate Bristow look to start things off with a lock up. The crowd quickly boos when Bristow kicks Powers in the midsection and follows up with clubbing strikes across the back. He then takes Powers and whips him into the far ropes. When Powers returns, Bristow sets up for a back body drop. Powers sees it coming, so he hurdles over Bristow before heading into the far ropes. When Bristow stands up and turns around, Powers knocks him down with a spinning heel kick! Powers picks up Bristow and whips him into the ropes. When Bristow returns, the crowd cheers when Powers knocks him down with a front dropkick. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bristow kicks out.

Powers picks up Bristow and goes for an irish whip. But Bristow reverses. When Powers returns, he brings Bristow down with a headscissors takeover. The cheers continues as he follows up with a standing moonsault! He hooks the leg for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bristow gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another early nearfall for Max Powers!

Stephy Auger: Don’t get too excited, Cruise. The match has just started. It’s still early, you know.

Powers picks up Bristow and knocks him into the corner with the Chain Chomp (arm wrench into a short-arm forearm smash). He then heads over and tags in Landon Knight. After Knight slingshots himself into the ring, the SMWB bring Bristow from out of the corner before whipping him into the far ropes. When Bristow returns, Knight brings him down with a drop toe hold. Powers then runs over and flips into a Last Chancery while Knight heads into the ropes. When he returns, he follows up with a low angle dropkick to the face! He turns Bristow over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bristow gets his shoulder up.

Knight heads over and tags Powers back in. He then heads over, picks up Bristow and delivers a backbreaker. While Knight keeps Bristow held across his knee, Powers runs over and knocks him down with a somersault leg drop! He cheers continue as he e makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Tully Barnes rushes over and breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

The boos continue as Barnes pulls up Powers and goes for an irish whip. But Powers reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Barnes returns, he ducks under a leapfrog from Powers. As soon as Branes stands back up, Knight lifts him up across his shoulders. Powers then runs into the far ropes. When Powers returns, the crowd cheers when the SMWB deliver the Koopa Troopa Drop (Samoan Drop/Running Corkscrew Neckbreaker combination)! Powers then heads back over, picks up Bristow and goes for an irish whip. But Bristow reverses, sending Powers into the corner. Bristow runs in to follow up with an attack when Powers knocks him back with a boot to the face. While Bristow is dazed, Powers slingshots out onto the apron, springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and drives him down with the Thwomp (diving double knee drop to standing opponent)!

Kris Cruise: Bristow just got squashed!

Powers heads over and tags Knight back in. Once Knight gets in, he heads over and turns Bristow over into the prone position. After hooking the legs, the crowd cheers when the SMWB deliver the Mario Clash (wheelbarrow lift/springboard somersault sitout facebuster combination)! After Powers heads back out onto the apron, Knight pulls up Bristow, lifts him up across his shoulders, heads towards the corner and delivers a rolling fireman’s carry. Powers then springboards to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Bristow with a 450 Splash! As he rolls off of Bristow, Knight springboards to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Bristow with a Phoenix Splash!

Kris Cruise: SUPER SMASH MELEE!

Stephy Auger: Stop screaming in my ear! I’m right next to you!

The ref slides into place for the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Rockit” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners, the SUPER MARIO WRESTLING BROTHERS!

The cheers continue as the SMWB get their arms raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: The Super Mario Wrestling Bros bounce back with a win here tonight on Vertigo!

Stephy Auger: Bristow & Barnes weren’t ready! They caught the off guard! Let’s this match happen on a different day and I guarantee you that the results will be different.

Kris Cruise: Well while you continue to make excuses, we’ll be back after this quick break...

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

The camera returns backstage to where Spencer Burke is waiting with a look of both excitement and vexation. He already knows that something is about to get bothered, and more than likely, it’s going to be him. The crowd is let in on this as Izzy Anders makes her way into the camera shot. The first thing she does is takes his tie out of its tucked place on his suit and flips it over his head. Burke stands there momentarily, letting the visual sink in for the viewers until the tie slides down the top of his head, forehead, and back over his chest. Izzy snickers at the sight while receiving a minorly bothered look from the veteran interviewer.

Spencer Burke: Izzy, I wasn’t necessarily wanting my tie to be out of place tonight.

Izzy’s snickering evolves into full-on laughter, but it subsides when she speaks.

Izzy Anders: It’s alright, Spence, I’ve been resisting the urge to do that for three years. Cut me some slack.

Spencer tucks his tie back into his suit jacket, trying his best to realign it into its original place.

Spencer Burke: While I fix my tie, no thanks to you, but tonight, you take on a fellow former MAL Champion in Sadie San--

Izzy lets out a squeal, which admittedly catches Burke off guard.

Spencer Burke: I see you’re excited.

The Mindkiller nods.

Izzy Anders: Why shouldn’t I be? Sadie’s like my best friend. She’s the deadpan goth type and I’m the sassy Latina. We’re perfect for one another and our styles are perfect for a wonderful wrestling match. So what is there not to be excited about?

Spencer Burke: Fair enough. She’s hot off her victory over Jaelynn Ramsey--

Izzy Anders: I beat her too.

Spencer hears Izzy’s muttering as does the camera’s microphone.

Izzy Anders: Sorry. Sorry. It’s just that Sadie’s great. I do believe that. As of late, though, I’ve been given these matches where I test out some of the newer roster members and those who have been here for a spell. It has always been that way. Sadie’s another one, but you know something? I’ve been on this track of beating every former MAL Champion. AMIRA teamed with me, so she narrowly escaped, but you can check the record. Beating Sadie would just add to that cute accolade I’ve made for myself. She’ll bring the heat, I know. She’s damn good and she’s ready to get into...say, the Pride Title division.

She looks as if she’s going to say anything more, but she pauses.

Spencer Burke: Are you waiting for me to ask you about that?

Izzy nods, drawing her finger up to cue him in.

Spencer Burke: So what about the Pride--

Izzy claps her hands, scaring Spencer and the cameraman.

Izzy Anders: I’ve beaten a fair chunk of the Pride Champions too. Plenty of them! Check that record, isn’t it beautiful? That being said, everyone’s asking me if I’m going to follow up with the rumors and the speculations about me challenging Fujiko for the Pride Championship.

Spencer Burke: Yes, and will you be challenging her?

Looking around the room, the former Undisputed Champion catches a thought and shrugs.

Izzy Anders: I dunno yet. I got a match to get ready for. Maybe next Vertigo, I’ll have an answer for you.

She goes and fixes Spencer’s tie for him.

Spencer Burke: Oh, thanks--

Izzy then ruffles his hair before stepping fully away. Spencer, unable to reply, just lifts his arms up in exasperation before he tells the crew to move onto somewhere else.

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area where Spencer Burke leads the camera man toward a door, which we see is marked “GOOD GUYS”, earning an immediate chorus of boos from the live Springfield audience. Spencer stops walking, pausing right in front of it as he makes sure he’s center frame.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve just been informed that Evan Envi has arrived at the arena. He hasn’t allowed any interviews since losing the FGA World Championship to Jimmy Page three weeks ago. Hopefully now that he’s here in Springfield, we can get the first words from the former champion since Capital Combat.

Spencer turns to the door, raises a fist, and knocks loudly.

Spencer Burke: Evan?

The interviewer is met with silence. A few seconds pass before he raises his fist and knocks on the door again.

Spencer Burke: Evan? Natalie? ...Rick--?

Spencer seems a bit startled as we hear the slam of a door on the opposite side of the corridor. There is a moderate pop as Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter and Jillian Clay of the Saturnian Connection make their way out of a unmarked dressing room, both already dressed to compete. Nando raises a brow at Spencer.

Nando Fresno: Good luck. Walked right by us when we tried to say hi when he came in. Just… gave us this look. Walked into the room. Some people.

Jillian Clay: No one’s polite anymore.

Nando Fresno: It’s true. No one.

Spencer spares one more glance back toward the Good Guys’ locker room door before he clears his throat a little and makes his way over toward the Saturnian Connection.

Spencer Burke: Nando. Jillian. Good to see you. Got a moment?

Neither member of the team responds, but Jillian gives Spencer a broad smile, head tilting to the side a bit as she gives the interviewer a curious once-over.

Spencer Burke: It’s been a while since you’ve been in action here in FGA but tonight, first match since the opening rounds of the Dynamic Duos tournament, you have a really, really tall order ahead of you in the form of Silk & Cyanide.

Jillian laughs-- a noise which seems out of place. She sways oddly, looking at Burke with curious eyes.

Jillian Clay: Ssssspeaking of people who aren’t really good at being polite-- they are the worst. There’s… this... fascination people have with attacking people after they've already fought. Sara and Erin really, really, really enjoy it. That... seems inherently wrong... doesn’t it?

Spencer Burke: Maybe that’s not for me to say, necessarily. It’s not ideal. Nando?

Nando Fresno’s posture has remained unchanged since arriving onto the scene. He pushes his long hair out of his eyes and takes a breath before crossing his arms.

Nando Fresno: Silk & Cyanide don’t have the option of fighting a team that’s wounded or exhausted tonight. It hasn’t stopped them before though. They always seem to find a way, whether it’s by methods we would like to deem legitimate or not. Tonight isn’t about introducing them to some kind of moral compass. That’s hopeless. Tonight is about stopping their upward momentum before it’s too late.

Nando shrugs slightly.

Nando Fresno: You saw what they did to the United States Tag Team Champions. You saw the kind of shots that were fired. They’ve not only shown themselves to be a threat, Spencer… but now they’ve become a team that Pendragon wants to fight. They’ve become a team that Pendragon has to fight.

Nando shakes his head a little.

Nando Fresno: They continue this roll they’re on and beat us tonight, then Pendragon has a reason to face them. A reign like that-- like the reign Silk & Cyanide would have-- well that would be brutal. That would be a textbook reign of terror. And that has the potential to keep a lot of teams-- people like us-- far away from those Tag Team Titles. And we’d like to be much closer to them.

Jillian laughs again, leaning on Nando as she looks directly into Burke’s eyes.

Jillian Clay: Much closer.

Spencer nods, looking at the team, though Nando speaks up before Spencer can utter another word.

Nando Fresno: The things they’ve done to the Super Mario Wrestling Bros… to Pendragon… that kind of stuff is inhumane, Spencer. Hope, for our sakes, we put them down before the sames happens to us. Or to others.

Nando gives Spencer a long gaze before he turns, making his way back into the dressing room he’d walked out of. Jillian lingers, grinning broadly at Spencer before she laughs again and staggers back, pivoting to follow Nando into the room. Spencer raises a brow at the camera as we fade away.

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

Vertigo cameras caught up with Piper Lennon, who most recently was seen challenging for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, and then promptly creeping out the Champion Marlon Cure as she made her way through the back parking lot approaching the arena in Springfield. She's in her usual baggy clothes, Polaroid camera strap hanging from around her neck, and a beret that's uh-- something, sure is something-- resting on her head.

Piper Lennon: Well, this is exciting isn't it? New era, and all that jazz.

She cranes her head back and flashes a smile.

Piper Lennon: Someone less ... full of wonderment and excitement might be skeptical that something exciting could be happening in Springfield, which I wasn't even sure which direction outside of Boston it was. Like, I know I'm a West Coast girl, but it's not even Lowell or Foxborough. Personally, I think it's kinda quaint, it's got kind of an angry Northeast charm going.

With a flourish, she giggles before shifting gears.

Piper Lennon: Either way, it's not about the location, it's about finding something worthwhile to do there. And I gotta admit, I was a little bit worried after Cap Combat. It was a jaunty romp we had and all that, but certainly not as clear a path to figure out what was next for me as there would've been if I had won. Was gonna really have to search out something new to sink my teeth into. But then it was like, I don't believe in divine intervention or anything, but a gift from the heavens got sent down to me with this new GM and this card.

Piper stops in place on a dime, adjusting her glasses after doing so.

Piper Lennon: I mean it was a little disappointing they haven't got back to me about my suggestion for a nude art class segment of the show, but I'll give them time, I'll give them time. Like, I have to after what they gave me here. Not the match with Maritza Power Princess, which I get why they made. Like I'm sure someone took me saying that what's his face, Jet Li, Jet Law, whatever losing to her was a 'yikes' deal because she's not very good as me trying to start something. I was just making an observation of the World around me, that's kinda what me and my ol' camera do, but I'll deal with that-- I'm down.

A light shrug.

Piper Lennon: Nah, I mean this battle royal they put me in! Now that's pretty sick, you know what I mean? I've really gone on the record before, like before that Interbrand Battle Royal I won, about how much I love them. And me having success in them isn't why I'm looking forward to this. I have success in them, because they're something worth looking forward to. The whole survivalist, feral nature it takes, life at it's rawest form, there's something artistic to it.

She tilts her head.

Piper Lennon: I mean, most people are just looking at the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and don't get me wrong! Obviously I want that too, going toe to toe with Jimmy Jam would be a whole new exciting world to explore-- I've only gotten a small chance to do that before. But like you put this many freaky weirdos in an uncomfortable environment like this, there's so many to pick apart, so many to see if their shoulder pops the same way Suzie's did at the end of my last match or if they have more of a bubble wrap, or Rice Krispies sound. And there's so many doors, so many that can be opened up for me. Should be a blast, can't wait to see what happens!

With a big toothy grin, and a bounce in her step, she bounds off and the video cuts out.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Piper Lennon vs. Maritza Diaz

“Fireball” by Willow ft Nicki Minaj fills the arena as Maritz Diaz slowly walks out to the stage in a long black and red silk robe, and a traditional Mongkon headpiece. For a moment she simply smiles and looks out at the fans before uniting the belt on her robe and removing it completely. She does a double bicep pose before heading down to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, from Miami, Florida! Weighing in at 175 pounds! She is “The Power Princess”, MARITZA DIAZ!

As she walks she high fives fans as she passes before running and sliding under the bottom rope. Once in the ring she stands in the center rattling off a series of punches, elbow strikes, knees, and kicks in rapid succession before bowing and removing her Mongkon and Pra Jiad arm bands.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon talked down to Bryan Law for losing to the likes of Maritza Diaz. Well GM geroux is giving Lennon the opportunity to prove herself against The Power Princess.

Stephy Auger: Don’t you worry, Cruise. Lennon is going to put her money where her mouth is here tonight.

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. 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.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, from La Jolla, California! Weighing in at 144 pounds… PIPER LENNON!

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.

Stephy Auger: Speaking of proving herself, Piper Lennon proved herself a few months back at All-Star Showdown when she won the Interbrand Battle Royal. I know I said that Evan Envi has to be the odds on favorite to win. But Lennon is right up there.

Kris Cruise: Lennon does have that going for her. But first, she’s got to get past The Power Princess!

The bell sounds as Lennon tries to sneak up on Diaz. But Diaz catches her and knocks her back with knife edge chops. The Power Princess then tackles Lennon to the mat with a double leg takedown before following up with rights and lefts to the face.

Kris Cruise: Diaz isn’t wasting any time taking it right to Lennon!

Diaz picks up Lennon and throws out a short-arm clothesline. But Lennon end sup ducking before running the ropes. When she returns, Diaz throws her down with a back body drop. She then pulls Diaz back up, lifts her up and holds her in place for a good ten seconds before delivering a stalling vertical suplex!

Kris Cruise: The power of The Power Princess was on display there!

Diaz picks up Lennon, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Lennon around, Diaz grabs Lennon by the throat and launches her towards the center of the ring. After Lennon crashes onto the canvas, she arches her back before turning over onto her knees. Diaz marches over, pulls up Lennon and whips her into the far ropes. When Lennon returns, Diaz catches her by the throat before hurling her across the ring with Head Over Heels (overhead choke suplex)!

Kris Cruise: Diaz just threw Lennon clear across the ring!

Stephy Auger: The ref needs to step in so Lennon can take a breather!

Lennon rolls out onto the apron as Diaz stalks her across the ring. Diaz reaches over the ropes and pulls up Lennon. Suddenly, Lennon grabs Diaz and drops off the apron while delivering a hangman across the top rope!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

The crowd boos as Diaz stumbles back away from the ropes. Lennon then rolls back in, darts over and brings her down with a leg lariat. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Diaz kicks out.

Lenoon picks up Diaz and doubles her over with a throat cross chop. After a knee lift knocks Diaz upright, she then knocks Diaz back with a front kick to the chest. Another front kick to the chest knocks Diaz into the corner. Lennon follows up with multiple open hand chops across the chest. She then takes Diaz and goes for an irish whip. But Diaz reverses, sending Lennon into the far corner. Diaz runs across the ring to attack when Lennon counters with a back elbow to the face. She then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, leaps off and knocks Diaz down with a flying knee strike! Lennon returns to her feet and delivers a spinning boot scrape across the face.

Stephy Auger: I don’t hear you talking up Diaz now, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: Lennon has turned the tide, I’ll give her that.

Lennon circles Diaz while targeting each limb with a Garvin Stomp!

Stephy Auger: Lennon is taking her apart limb by limb!

Lennon reaches down, takes Diaz by the arm, pulls her up to her knees and follows up with a kick flurry. While Diaz is still on her knees, Lennon turns and runs into the ropes. When Lennon returns, she runs over Diaz with a running knee to the face! The boos continue as Lennon reaches down and pulls up Diaz by the hair. After she doubles Diaz over with a Heart Punch, Lennon follows up with the Snapshot (cravate knee facebreaker)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd boos when “Baker Street (Instrumental)” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, PIPER LENNON!

The boos continue as Lennon takes her polaroid, stands over Diaz and snaps a picture of her.

Kris Cruise: Like the SMWB earlier tonight, Piper Lennon also bounces back from a loss at Capital Combat with a win here tonight.

Stephy Auger: That’s right! She’s picked up the win and if Piper has her way, this won’t be here only win here tonight. She’s got an opportunity of a lifetime coming up in tonight’s main event and she may just end up making the most of it.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

The show returns from the commercial break; a cameraman is walking down the corridors of the MassMutual Center as Jessie Pederson walks into view with a smile and her mic in hand.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, we have quite the show lined up for you tonight as all eyes look towards The Main Event! A who’s who of Vertigo talent competing in a Battle Royal for the right to challenge Jimmy Page for the FGA Heavyweight Championshi--

Jessie is cut off as a wisp of smoke floats into her face, causing her to break out in a fit of coughs as she holds a hand over her mouth. Looking around, Jessie’s half expecting to see the only person she’s seen so far to see the smirking visage of FGA’s Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Marlon Cure, but to her surprise he’s nowhere in sight. The camera then turns towards a nearby locker room, where one can see little tufts of smoke escaping from underneath the door. Jessie approaches the door and she can hear something coming from the other side, as well as a series of muffled curses. Making up her mind, she opens the door and peeks inside…

...and blinks in surprise at the sight before her.

Inside is The FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Marlon Cure, along with a Stagehand and his Personal Assistant, Keiko… playing a game of Chess. But it looks as though each is playing with actual money, as evidenced by the rather large stack of bills resting right next to Cure’s arm. Cure looks confident as he makes his next move, while the Stagehand looks as though he’s trying to concentrate. He slowly goes to move a piece… only to pause as he sees Keiko shaking her head at him, indicating to try something else. Huffing in annoyance, he tries again, only for Keiko to audibly warn him off. His eye twitches in annoyance as he goes to move another piece right as Jessie decides to make her presence known.

Jessie Pederson: Marlon, can I have a moment of your --

This is as far as she gets before the Stagehand throws his hands into the air and lets out a frustrated noise before getting up.

Stagehand: That’s it! I quit! I don’t even care about the money anymore! You win!

The Stagehand storms out, causing Cure to chuckle as he puffs at his cigar. Reaching down, he picks up a $50 Dollar Bill and hands it to Jesse with a smirk.

Marlon Cure: Ayo, thank you for the assist. He was starting to figure shit out for a minute.

Unsure of what just happened, Jessie awkwardly takes the $50 and pockets it.

Jessie Pederson: Um.. thank you…? What is all this???

Marlon Cure: This? This is “Successful Title Defense” Money. Yeah, it’s nice but you can always add onto it, right right?

Jessie nods slightly in agreement as Cure picks up the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship and places it over his shoulder.

Marlon Cure: I meant what I said a few weeks back. I wanna make The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship everything I said I’d make it, why? Because before me only ONE person who wore this title was able to go out week in and week out with the mentality of “This title doesn’t make me, I make this championship”. I’m trying to raise the status quo up for every champion in here that came before or those who try to follow.

Cure’s fingertips drum along the faceplate as he continues speaking.

Marlon Cure: But tonight, I got the opportunity to do just that and more. I got the chance to add on when I win this battle royal. Not only can I run back the match between me and Page from a few weeks ago, but now I got the chance to do it with gold and everything that comes with it up in the air.

He gives a small shrug.

Marlon Cure: Y’all can say it’s me being greedy, but nah. I just want more. “Successful Title Defense” money is already in the bag… so why not snatch “Heavyweight Title Contender” money while I’m at it? We all tryna get there, Fujiko, Iser, Harter, Bond, Kol, Moss… and I’m tryna get it by any means. I’m tryna get it so when y’all see me walk out to that ring and talk that sh*t that only I can, letting my ego and my arrogance flow? The whole world will know that they listening to the future Greatest of All Time in his prime. Mr. Two Reigns. KING… Cure.

Cure looks up at the clock, before glancing at both Pederson and the cameraman.

Marlon Cure: Now if y’all will excuse me, I got a match to prepare for.

The camera fades to black as Keiko and Cure go about getting him prepared for the main event as a graphic for the match in question, the absolutely STACKED #1 Contenders Battle Royal, fills the screen.

[FGA Office]

There is a roar from the audience, as the two members of Pendragon are seen stood somewhere backstage at the MassMutual Center, both dressed in their ring attire, ahead of their participation later on in the show’s main event.

Lowri Moss: What’s occurring, Springfield?

The mention of the location of tonight’s show of course earns a cheap pop.

Lowri Moss: I’m Lowri Moss, he’s Neal Durden--

She points towards her other half.

Lowri Moss: And after what happened in our match three weeks ago at Capital Combat, we are… undeniably… the FGA United States Tag Team Champions!

Lowri and Neal each have their half of the titles draped over their shoulders, and smiles on their faces. It is the first time in a long time that the two of them have gotten to appear on camera with both of the belts in their possession; the belts are back where they belong - or so they would argue. Neal taps on the title over his shoulder and looks at the camera as he adds to Lowri’s remarks.

Neal Durden: And it feels so good!

She nods her head in agreement.

Lowri Moss: It certainly does. We had been separated from these belts for too long, and we went to war with The New Murder - not for the first time this year - but not only did we get our belts back, we also did exactly what we said we would, and proved that we’re the best tag team on Vertigo; Dom and Annie are good, but right now, we’re better.

Knowing what happened after the match, and knowing he fell awkwardly, Neal touches his back slightly before remarking.

Neal Durden: And we’re sure we have a big target on our backs now. Everyone will be gunning for these…

He says as he taps on the belt over his shoulder once more.

Neal Durden: Yet, they’ll have to kill us before they can take them off of us.

An awkward smile escapes Neal, knowing full well that the fall he took after the match with Dom and Annie ended could have gone all kinds of wrong had he landed inches away from where he did, so his remarks might end up becoming a reality.

Lowri Moss: Not that that won’t stop other teams from trying.

Neal shrugs, acknowledging that what Lowri is saying might be true, after all, many have tried in the past.

Lowri Moss: Back in June, no sooner had we won the titles than we became aware that every other team on Vertigo would have their sights set on trying to prise these belts away from us. That comes with the territory of being champions. Whether you're at the top of a ladder, or at the top of a division, like we are, there's always going to be someone that will try to knock you off your perch.

Neal looks up, takes a deep breath and interjects himself into Lowri’s speech once more.

Neal Durden: Speaking of being at the top of a ladder… and having a loud fall. I think we already know who wants first dibs…

Neal’s sigh says it all. He is really feeling the effects of the attack they were the target of after their successful defense of the FGA US Tag Team Titles.

Neal Durden: Silk & Cyanide…

Seemingly tired of being constantly attacked from behind, Neal’s expression changes from the usual corny smile he has; to a more serious look in his eyes.

Neal Durden: We know it, being a target comes with the territory…

Lowri places a hand on his shoulder, as she chips in.

Lowri Moss: That doesn’t mean we have to endure it and not fight back though.

Neal lets a sigh gets by him and calms himself down and goes back to a smile.

Neal Durden: You’re right, after all, we always fight back… even when they left us for dead, we come back up and fight… and that’s precisely what we’re going to do.

Lowri Moss: We knew that once we had taken care of the Tenacious Wrecking Crew, there was bound to be someone else just waiting to have a crack at us. We wondered who our prospective next challengers might be… and we didn’t have to wait long to find out.

Neal nods as he continues.

Neal Durden: We certainly didn’t have to wait long. Silk & Cyanide made it clear they wanted to be next in line and we’re glad to give them their fair shot. Sure, they might’ve taken the crowdest road possible to get it, but they’ll get it. I mean, we’re fighting champions, we’re not going to hide away to keep the belts hidden. These were created to show Vertigo has the superior tag team scene; and the best way to showcase it is to defend these belts. So, Silk & Cyanide… you want us, here we are.

Lowri Moss: Yeah, I mean… all four of us are going to be in that battle royal later, but why wait until then, where there will be a dozen or so other people in the way? If the two of you want us, we’re standing right here.

Neal takes the belt off of his shoulder, bracing himself for anything. If the past few months have taught them anything, it is that you are not safe anywhere with a target on your back, so you better be ready. Then, a slight smirk appeared on his face.

Neal Durden: But, of course you wouldn’t come in when we ask you to do so. Why would you? I mean, why would anyone… after all, it’s better to blindside or attack people when they least expect it… isn’t it?

Neal’s sarcastic tone of voice denotes a bit of frustration; yet, he still has the title hanging from his right hand and is expecting to get jumped at any moment. He looks at Lowri who seems quite confident after her remarks.

Lowri Moss: All of these sneak attacks… The New Murder, Silk & Cyanide… I guess it’s expecting too much of some people to ask them just to come at us face-to-face.

Lowri looks at Neal and shrugs. With the belt still hanging from his hand, Neal returns the shrug, and a moment of uncertainty follows. Neither Neal or Lowri knows what to expect at the moment; they just wait awkwardly in silence for their opponents to make their presence felt. Having dealt with The New Murder for the better part of the past year, they know someone might be lurking in the shadows, but time keeps ticking and there is no sign of Silk & Cyanide. Growing tired of waiting around, the two members of Pendragon look to one another and mutually decide that it’s time to leave and begin to walk away – yet as they begin to walk away they’re distracted by a familiar-sounding voice…

Sara Mason: Oh I’m sorry, were the two of you going somewhere?

Already knowing what to expect, Moss and Durden tentatively look back over their shoulders to see Sara Mason stood a few feet down the corridor with a sardonic expression upon her face as she stands, arms folded, impatiently taps a black-painted fingernail into the pit of her elbow.

Standing next to her, however, Erin Mariani doesn’t appear to be in such a playful mood as she aims a cold stare in their direction, and she waits for Neal and Lowri to turn around and face her to make sure that she has their full and undivided attention – but even when she does, her expression does not change even as she begins to speak.

Erin Mariani: As you are so determined to understand our motivations, allow me to tell the two of you a story that will leave no doubt in your minds.

A flicker of a smirk crosses the corner of Mariani’s lips, but she soon suppresses it.

Erin Mariani: Some time ago there was a team who had surprised everyone who thought they knew better by defeating teams it was assumed that they had no right to defeat, and in the process they earned the right to challenge for that company’s tag team championships. And yet in that moment, just as it appeared that they were going to meet their destiny, they found themselves being interrupted by a team who felt that they had the right to hold any and all titles that were available, and to prove just how misplaced their sense of entitlement was that same team conspired to talk themselves into the title match before they conspired to lose the title match, so having earned the right to challenge for those titles the opportunity was taken from them by the team so arrogant when thinking they should be champions but so ignorant when the talking finished. Having had what they earned taken from them, this first team decided it was time to spread their wings and make themselves known in another company, and yet the moment they arrived not only did they find those bothersome insects were once again causing problems as they stole their thunder by also announcing their arrival that very same night, they also found themselves rewarded with a title match based solely on who they are. In that moment we decided there was only one course of action to take, and that course of action was to wait until they had grabbed those titles for themselves, and as they celebrated their triumph we would strike and remind the two of them that we have unfinished business with them, and that business would finish when we destroyed them and took those titles and left them a broken shell of the arrogant, boastful whelps that thought themselves so much more worthy than us.

Raising a finger with a combination of speed and precision it’s surprising that it doesn’t cause the air around it to crack like a whip, Mariani levels an accusing finger in Pendragon’s direction, with the point of her fingernail almost resembling a dagger as her eyes widen.

Erin Mariani: In defeating them you stole that moment from us, meaning that we would not have our moment of satisfaction just as those troublesome insects that you defeated would be able to go through the remainder of their lives believing that they had escaped our wrath. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that there is only one way to correct this course of events: you would have to receive every single moment of pain and torment in their stead, and that is why your moment of triumph was replaced by a moment where agony coursed through your bodies, that is why you are walking around like a pair of lost lambs unable to understand what it is that you did, and that is why we are here to inform you that if you do not give us exactly what we want things will only get worse for you, for example…

Without so much as a cue, Mason takes a couple of steps forward before reaching into the waistline of her jeans and looking towards Lowri with a full-on slasher smile upon her lips.

Sara Mason: Here, you can have this.

Mason tosses whatever she had in her hands in Lowri’s direction and she instinctively catches it, and when she does she looks down in her hands to see a blackened and melted piece of plastic that looks uncannily like the Max Powers action figure that was last seen being thrown onto the bonfire Silk & Cyanide held in The SMWB’s honour at Capital Combat – and without allowing for so much as a second for Lowri to react, Mariani continues.

Erin Mariani: Just a little reminder of the last duo who thought it was wise to take us lightly.

As soon as she says this Mariani’s familiar cruel smirk begins to creep across her lips as she looks upon Pendragon like a pair of unruly children as she enjoys a dark chuckle at their expense – yet next to her Mason seems more concerned with having her effigy returned as she uses her hand to beckon to Lowri to toss it back.

Lowri Moss: You want this back? Here, take it.

Lowri chucks the melted action figure back to Mason before looking to Mariani.

Lowri Moss: We aren’t about to shy away. Here’s a reminder for you of how the last duo who thought they could torment Neal and I fared against us.

She then taps the faceplate of her US tag title belt, smiling proudly, almost smirking. Neal follows that up by putting his index finger up and shrugging - yet all this does is draw an amused chuckle from Mariani.

Erin Mariani: Oh, my dear girl, you really don’t understand. Our relieving you of the burden of carrying those titles isn’t just to torture and torment you, something we would do gladly, it also allows us to torture and torment that aforementioned duo as they will have to watch on and realise we could do something they never could - and in the event that they think it wise to challenge us for those titles…

Gesturing towards the floor, yet maintaining eye contact with Lowri, Mariani can't help but smile at the thought of what she's imagining.

Erin Mariani: ...there’s just one place where their hands and knees should be.

As soon as Mariani ends her sentence, the champions stand in front of both members of Silk & Cyanide, with a defiant look on each of their faces. Pendragon and Silk & Cyanide stand face-to-face, until a bunch of backstage personnel stand between them, preventing the confrontation from escalating any further.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

The darker corridor with various steel mesh scattered about in a disorganized matter doesn’t seem like a very homely environment at all but Spencer Burke is navigating along all of this trying to get to who he is going after. At last he’s found a man with a black towel over his head but dressed in a suit obscuring his face. But the man next to him is the silver fox Vincent Moretti dressed in a suit himself which...connecting the dots...makes the man with the towel over his head Seth Iser, a man who hasn’t spoken out in a while.

Spencer Burke: Seth, Vincent...I’m not sure why you’re skulking about here...but

Vincent Moretti: You’re the one who wanted to butt in...but go ahead...ask us away! We won’t hide anything.

Spencer Burke: Well then...your client hasn’t had the best of results especially after that victory over Owen Gonsalves and I was just wondering where his head was at.

Vincent Moretti: First of all...let’s just say I’m glad Owen took my advice in the end as he’s not here now. He did the right thing even if some blowhards say otherwise even though a certain other shootcamp member didn’t do me right by breaking my damn ankle...but he’s not here either. Everything could be great. Just fine. Peachy. Tremendous.

Moretti has that catbird grin etched on his face as the face buried Iser hasn’t even shown himself or made a move. He’s standing still.

Vincent Moretti: But there’s one hell of an opportunity at that main event right? We can forget about the failure against Fujiko. We’ll be able to forget about the defeat against Sadie yeah? Any given night is a thing for starters, and second...never underestimate a veteran who has his back against the wall. You know that as well as anyone. So in a battle royal it’s hard to get a larger man out to begin with and you know damn well my client on that logic alone has as good of a shot as anyone.

Spencer Burke: Unlikely alliances happen like they did at the Gold Rush Rumble an---

Seth Iser: Boy.

Iser’s direct line scares Spencer into shutting up and Seth ends up reaching over and grabs Spencer’s wrist forcefully while peeling off the towel to reveal he is indeed still wearing that mask for the moment.

Seth Iser: You keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut right now. Do you understand?

Spencer Burke: We-

Seth Iser: Do. You. Understand?

Iser ends up squeezing down on that wrist and Spencer’s face contorts in pain and discomfort. Vincent lets out a high pitched laugh at his misfortune.

Spencer Burke: Yes sir!

Seth Iser: Good...now...from the start...I won’t lie. I took my eyes off the prize because of one man. A man who isn’t here anymore because I put the fear of God into him...that being Owen Gonsalves. The hatred that I have for him...inhumane and the things that we’ve done to each other...and even did in our previous singles match with how he tried to maim and torture me with every bit of his ability to try to get that elusive victory he was searching so much and I ripped it away from him. And then even after a couple of weeks he kept sniffing around. I know he did. It’s part of why I hadn’t been at full swing because as much as what I’m capable of...this is a man that BROKE INTO MY HOUSE Spencer. I can’t repeat that enough. He broke into my house and harmed my daughter and yet HE’S the one treated like a hero?

Vincent Moretti: That’s not a hero!

Seth Iser: Show me a hero and I’ll write the tragedy. And the tragedy for him is...once I showed him this mask...he realized how far I was going to take myself out of my OWN professional career in order to get him out! And in 2018 I said he would be gone...and guess what. OWEN GONSALVES IS F*BLEEP*ING GONE! HE’S OUT! I finally ran him out! I spent the last three years of my life on and off trying to get him gone and now I’ve accomplished that goal. Unlike what happened in that Iron Man match and people are all mad at how that went down...and yes Malcolm Drake is a damn psycho who can mutilate anyone he damn well pleases...but he didn’t get the job done the way he wanted to. He didn’t accomplish his goal. Neither did Chris Bond, the other major veteran in this company with a bad knee, comparatively speaking. And Fujiko didn’t either because in my mind despite what she can do in the ring she’s still a vein hypocrite tearing down the FGA Pride title and I would be the champion if it weren’t for Owen...but unlike all of them...I GOT THE JOB DONE! OWEN IS GONE!

Moretti continues to smile as wide as he ever has...as Iser is breathing in and out as he puts his head down and his body language is a little less aggressive…even a chuckle...sinister in nature.

Seth Iser: For the first time in years...I can lace up my boots in a wrestling show...without that constant anxiety of that lunatic Owen breathing down my neck. And I’ve accomplished things all around the world with that threat...without that now on my back?

Iser then starts to undo his mask...and after a moment he ends up taking it off.

Seth Iser: For the first time in years I can properly show off this face and again not worry about that lunatic...but that burden...off my back. A thousand pound weight off my shoulders...because the fans didn’t get what they wanted. Owen’s damn disrespectful wife didn’t get what she wanted when she slapped me all those years ago. And the people who have helped try to poison my name in the industry didn’t get what they wanted...because I DID! I GOT WHAT I WANTED AT LONG LAST! And you have to see the face that did it and not the person behind the mask that intimidated him out.

Vincent spins his cane around in excitement while still hobbling on that ankle while Iser’s face morphs into a sneer and again you can see Spencer grow uncomfortable with the pain his wrist is in holding the microphone a certain way for a 6’5 man who is obviously a little bit incensed at the moment.

Seth Iser: And what does that mean for my future?

Vincent smirks as he almost wants to start dancing on the spot knowing again this big anxiety is gone for good.

Seth Iser: It’s going to take me some time to get used to not competing with that kind of anxiety hanging over me. But it’s going to feel liberating...because I’m fully free to carve out the last end of my career winning the championships that I should’ve won in my youth. I know Moretti did his job but I’m also not a fool. Envi is smarting about what happened because now he has to deal with the reality that he isn’t the champion right now and could do anything to win that battle royal.

Iser pauses for a moment blinking.

Seth Iser: Dom Harter, the tenacious and intelligent bastard that he is knows that he has an ally in Annie and he’ll do whatever it takes as well. Same principle with Lowri and Neal. It might be every person for themselves but they’re smart enough to work together to make the odds better for themselves and in case you haven’t noticed partially because of Owen’s little smear campaign I’m not exactly a well liked person in that damn locker room. And we know Fujiko’s ability in a battle royal type of presence with her history in the Gold Rush and she doesn’t have to worry about out-enduring various wrestlers. But I’d take personal pleasure in throwing her hypocritical holier than thou ass over the top rope just to repay her for the Rumble and the title match.

Vincent Moretti: You boys can take your alliances...your craziness...your elements of danger and veteranosity or even your youthful exuberance all you want...because my client has something else…

Seth Iser: For the first time in years...I’m wrestling free and loose...playing with house money with this feeling. And if I do win and earn that opportunity...the entire wrestling world who has slandered me for YEARS can enjoy wallowing in the muck of your own envy. It might not be tonight...but I will be a champion here one way or another. That’s the goal. And no Owen sidetracking me. And there isn’t a card I’m not willing to play in order to get the job done at the end of the day. But I guarantee every single one of you at the end of the night...even if I don’t win...you’ll feel the sting knowing you were in the ring with me. And I will get used to this freedom...and turn it into accomplishment, prestige and gold…

With that Seth finally relinquishes Spencer from his interview duty and starts to walk off but Moretti ends up poking him with the cane he is using to cause him more discomfort before he lets out another shrill laugh making fun of Spencer’s discomfort.

[FGA Office]

Backstage, and Annie Zellor is standing in front of an FGA backdrop with a microphone in hand. Dressed in her ring attire and that limited edition Tenacious Wrecking Crew t-shirt ahead of tonight’s main event, along with the now familiar leather jacket and bandana that are a part of The New Murder uniform. The diminutive dynamo looks smug and self-assured as she starts talking.

Annie Zellor: Now, I know what you’re all thinking. After Capital Combat, you think I’m gonna be disappointed. I’m gonna be sad, ‘cause Pendragon are the new United States tag champs. ’Cause Sadie was able to beat Jaelynn…

Annie just shakes her head, sneering in disapproval at the camera.

Annie Zellor: You think I’m gonna be sad ‘cause things aren’t going my way. But you guys don’t really know me anymore, do ya?

Annie smirks, brushing some hair back behind her ear as she continues.

Annie Zellor: ‘Cause while Dom doesn’t necessarily share my optimism – then again, I am, like, a shining rainbow of hope. But while Dom doesn’t share my optimism, I see tonight as my chance. My opportunity. ‘Cause tonight is Jimmy Page’s worst nightmare…and that makes me very happy.

That smirk grows wider as Annie starts to pace back and forth in front of the camera.

Annie Zellor: Think back to when I was in FGA for the first time. And think back to when I was there beating the biggest names in FGA history. When I was taking on the baddest men to ever walk this planet. And think back to how many times I left Jimmy Page on his back, looking up at the lights…

She pauses.

Annie Zellor: Do you remember those times, Jimmy? Or did you drink away those bad times?

A shrug of the shoulders and Annie continues pacing.

Annie Zellor: Now think, really think about who in tonight’s main event is the laaaast person Jimmy Page wants to face again. ‘Cause it’s not Evan. And it’s not Marlon, or Kol, or Sadie.

Annie smirks again as she stops pacing and faces the camera again.

Annie Zellor: It’s me. And tonight I’m taking my first step in becoming a triple crown winner here in FGA. So the heart may be missing from the tag division, but soon enough when I’m the FGA World Champion: then business is really gonna pick up…

With that, Annie pulls a #grrface and throws up the devil horns, before walking away.

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Silk & Cyanide vs. The Saturnian Connection

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, already in the ring! Weighing in this evening at a total combined weight of 286 pounds! They are the team of Jillian Clay and Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter, THE SATURNIAN CONNECTION!

Kris Cruise: We haven’t seen the duo of Jillian Clay and Nando Fresno in a couple of weeks. But they’re ready for action here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Are they? Did you hear how worried Fresno sounded? He looked like he was terrified at the thought of Silk & Cyanide and you know what? He should be!

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: They’re opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 248 pounds! They are the team of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason… SILK & CYANIDE!

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

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 poor souls standing across the ring from them.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have once again left their mark on yet another tag team. This time, it was Pendragon. The duo of Lowri Moss and Neal Durden were once again attacked after a match. In this instance, Silk & Cyanide sent Durden tumbling off the ladder in the ring and crashing through the ladder bridge that was set up on the outside! Thankfully for Durden, he wasn’t severely injured! Did you hear Silk & Cyanide’s excuse for their attack earlier tonight? Unbelievable!

Stephy Auger: I disagree. It sounds very believable! I’ll go even further to say that they’re justified in feeling the way that they do!

Kris Cruise: What? Are you out of your mind?

Stephy Auger: They were wronged in HKW. On second thought, let me not even sugar coat it. They were screwed over in HKW! They were then screwed over here on Vertigo! Enough was enough for Mason & Mariani. They had enough and decided to do something about it!

Kris Cruise: Well I can tell you that Silk & Cyanide haven’t heard the last of Pendragon. Our reigning US Tag Team Champions aren’t going to take this lying down!

The bell sounds as The Saturnian Connection overwhelm Silk & Cyanide with quick strikes!

Kris Cruise: Look at this!

Jillian Clay blitzes Erin Mariani with multiple forearms to the face while Nando Fresno peppers Sara Mason with snapping jabs! They then take Silk & Cyanide and go for an irish whip. But Silk & Cyanide reverse, sending Clay and Fresno into the ropes. When the Saturnian Connection return, Clay executes a headscissors takedown on Mariani while Fresno knocks Mason down with a spinning heel kick! Fresno picks up Mason and whips her into one corner while Clay takes Mariani and whips her into the opposite corner. Clay runs across the ring and nails Mason with a forearm strike while Fresno hits a Stinger Splash on Mariani! The cheers continue as Clay and Fresno run past each other before delivering a running forearm to Mariani and a Stinger Splash to Mason, respectively! After Mason slumps down in the corner, Clay runs back across the ring. Fresno drops down on all fours so that Clay can use him as a launching pad to deliver a cannonball senton onto Mason!

Kris Cruise: Look at this teamwork, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: I can see, Cruise. The ring is right in front of me!

The Saturnian Connection head across the ring, pull up Mariani in the opposite corner and pull her away from the turnbuckles before sending her off into the far ropes. When Mariani returns, the Saturnian Connection throws her down with a double back body drop! Clay and Fresno follow up with a pair of double dropkicks! Once Mariani gets back to her feet, the Saturnian Connection runs forward and connects with a double clothesline, sending her over the top rope and to the floor! While Cay and Fresno watch Mariani on the floor, Mason slowly crawls out of the corner. She then gets to her feet and runs over at the Saturnian Connection. She goes to attack from behind when Clay and Fresno turn around, lean forward and deliver a double back body drop, sending Mason over the top rope and crashing down across Mariani! The crowd explodes with cheers!

Kris Cruise: Listen to this capacity crowd! They are on their feet! The Saturnian Connection have gotten the better of Silk & Cyanide! Mason & Mariani thought this was going to be a cakewalk. But they couldn’t have been more wrong!

Stephy Auger: Calm down, Cruise. They haven’t even gone for a pin yet.

As Silk & Cyanide pick themselves up off the floor, Fresno turns and runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, the crowd cheers when he takes them both out with a corkscrew plancha to the outside!

Kris Cruise: The Alien Hunter takes it to the air before taking out Mason & Mariani at ringside!

Fresno picks up Mason and rolls her back inside. Clay quickly scrambles over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason kicks out.

Clay picks up Mason and whips her into the ropes. When Mason returns, Clay throws her down with a japanese arm drag. Clay follows up with another japanese arm drag. Once Mason gets back to her feet, Clay runs over, spins around her and delivers an overflow arm drag that sends Mason rolling to the outside! Fresno rolls back in and runs towards the far ropes. When Mason gets up, the crowd cheers when Fresno is right there to knock her back down with another corkscrew plancha!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Nando Fresno once again! This isn’t luck we’re seeing, Stephy! This is skill! The Saturnian Connection are looking to insert themselves in the tag title mix!

Stephy Auger: Whatever...

Fresno pulls up Mason and rolls her back inside. Clay then pulls Mason back up, only to bring her down with a somersault shoulder jawbreaker! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason kicks out.

Clay picks up Mason, takes her by the arm and sends her down to the mat with a somersault sitout arm wringer. She then transitions into an arm triangle choke! The crowd cheers as Clay cinches in the hold. But the cheers turn to boos when Mariani reaches in, grabs Mason by the ankle and drags her foot underneath the bottom rope to force a rope break. As Mariani climbs up onto the apron, Clay releases the hold, scrambles back to her feet and greets her with a flurry of forearm strikes to the face! The last of which drops Mariani down to a knee!

Stephy Auger: Wow, some sportsmanship there!

Kris Cruise: What would Silk & Cyanide know about sportsmanship?

Stephy Auger: Plenty!

Kris Cruise: Yeah, okay. Tell that to Pendragon or the Super Mario Wrestling Brothers!

Clay turns back to Mason and goes for an irish whip. But Mason reverses. When Clay returns, Mason leapfrogs over her. Clay continues to run forward and nails Mariani with a running forearm strike that knocks her off the apron and to the floor! After Clay backs up and turns around, Mason doubles her over with a cross chop to the throat.

Kris Cruise: A chop to the throat? Oh come on.

Stephy Auger: Good! It serves her right!

Mason heads into the ropes, comes back and brings Clay down with a one-handed bulldog! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay kicks out.

Mason pulls up Clay and whips her into the ropes. When Clay comes back, Mason goes for a back body drop. But Clay slips down from behind. Clay then goes to follow up with a belly to back suplex. But Mason rolls over her shoulder and lands on her feet. Mason quickly follows up with the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat)! The boos continue as she pulls Clay over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Clay avoids the three count. But Mason has turned this match around for her team.

Stephy Auger: Damn right she has!

Mason takes Clay and whips her into the ropes. When Clay returns, Mason goes for a Lou Thesz Press. But Clay catches her in mid air and counters with a flapjack! She then calls Fresno into the ring. Clay pulls up Mason and hits her with multiple forearm strikes. Each forearm knocks Mason closer and closer to the ropes. After the last forearm knocks Mason into the ropes, Clay takes a few steps back before dropping down on all fours. Fresno then steps in, runs across the ring and uses Clay as a launching pad to deliver a Cactus Leg Lariat. But Mason moves out of the way, causing Fresno to end up crotched across the top rope!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

The crowd eurpts with boos as Mariani climbs up onto the apron, grabs the top rope with both hands and violently shakes it! Fresno howls in pain before tumbling off the top rope and falling to the floor!

Stephy Auger: AH HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Back inside, Mason blasts Clay with a headbutt. She then grabs a hold of Clay and brings her down with a jumping front facelock into a double knee chestbreaker! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Go ahead, Cruise. Heap praise on Silk & Cyanide like you were doing with the Saturnian Connection earlier. Go ahead, do it!

Mason heads over and tags in Mariani. Once Mariani gets in, Silk & Cyanide deliver a double arm wrench followed by stereo palm thrusts to the chest that knock Clay down. Silk & Cyanide then head towards opposite sets of ropes before coming back to deliver a combination handspring moonsault and running leg drop! Mariani makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay gets her shoulder up.

Mariani picks up Clay, moves her against the ropes and chokes her while the crowd boos. The ref is quick to give her until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

As soon as Mariani breaks the choke, Mason holds Clay in place with a rope-hung crucifix! The crowd boos as Mariani takes advantages and repeatedly slaps Clay across the face! Once Mason lets go of the crucifix, Mariani takes Clay and whips her into the far ropes. When Clay returns, Mariani brings her down with a running elbow tackle! She then sits up Clay, delivers a kick to the spine, followed by a eye rake, followed by a knee drop! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay gets her shoulder in.

Mariani pulls up Clay, heads over and tags Mason back in.

Stephy Auger: Fresno and Clay had their little fun. But this match is all Silk & Cyanide, Cruise. You and I both know it’s only a matter of time until Mason & Mariani put them down.

Kris Cruise: That is not true. This match is by no means over.

Mariani heads back towards the center of the ring and drops down to a knee. Mason then grabs Clay, runs and delivers the Vow (one-handed bulldog by Mason over Mariani’s knee)! The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide pull up Clay, lift her into the air and bring her down with the Descent Descent (double suplex dropped into sitout gourdbuster from Mariani)! Mason makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Fresno dives over and breaks up the pin!

Stephy Auger: Where did that little runt come from?

While Fresno heads back into his corner, Mariani runs across the ring, grabs him from behind and brings him down with a half nelson facebuster! Silk & Cyanide then pick up Fresno and whip him into the far ropes. When Fresno returns, Silk & Cyanide deliver a double hip toss over the top rope and down to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide with a reckless toss to the floor!

Stephy Auger: They nearly hip tossed him over onto our desk! It’s a shame that they didn’t!

Kris Cruise: I now see why Laurel Anne Hardy can’t stand you.

Stephy Auger: Oh please, who cares what that blowhard thinks. I know I don’t!

As Mason and Mariani head back over to Clay, Clay gets in and begins nailing them both with forearm strikes. The cheers continue as Clay continues to fight back with all her might.

Kris Cruise: Jillian Clay is fight back!

While Silk & Cyanide are dazed, Clay turns and runs into the far ropes. When she returns, Silk & Cyanide go to take her head off with a double clothesline. But Clay ducks and continues to run the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd cheers when Clay dives across the ring and knocks them both down with simultaneous clotheslines! Clay then knocks Mariani down with a dropkick! Then Mason gets caught with a dropkick! Clay drops Mariani with another dropkick! She goes for another dropkick on Mason when Mason sidesteps and swats her down. Mariani then pulls up Clay by the wrist, delivers an arm wrench, hits a short-arm clothesline, keeps hold on the amr and rolls over so the momentum pulls Clay into a seated position. Clay then gets flattened by a sliding clothesline from Mason!

Stephy Auger: Awwww! She sure tried, didn’t she?

The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide pull up Clay, lift her up and throw her down with the Haute Tension (double team inverted crucifix powerbomb)! Mason makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos when “She’s Goen Away” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners, SILK & CYANIDE!

The boos continue as Mason and Mariani raise each others arms in victory.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have picked up yet another win. This time, over The Saturnian Connection! This was more of a battled than they wanted!

Stephy Auger: Jillian Clay and Nando Fresno might have given them a little scare. But at the end of the night, the better team won. If Pendragon ever have the guts to defend those titles against Silk & Cyanide, then the better team will win then, too!

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

The opening chords of ‘Low Self Opinion’ sound out around the MassMutual Center, and the crowd here in Springfield, Massachusetts immediately begin to boo. Except for a small chunk of the crowd full of Massholes who love the local boy for whatever reason.

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

UNABLE TO EXPRESS, THE PAIN OF YOUR DISTRESS
YOU WITHDRAW DEEPER INSIDE

After nearly thirty seconds The Tenacious Little Bastard finally steps out from behind the curtain to even more boos. But he seems to be lacking some of his usual swagger, or his joie de vivre if you will. He’s even foregone his usual leather jacket in favor of a Tenacious Wrecking Crew t-shirt and a pair of torn at the knee jeans.

Kris Cruise: Looks like we’re being graced by the presence of Dom Harter himself, and it would seem without any of his crows.

Stephy Auger: They don’t follow him everywhere, Cruise. Don’t be so narrow minded.

Without even so much as posing, Harter continues his slow trek to the ring. The crowd still jeering him as he holds his head up high, gazing around with a look of contempt plastered on his face. Harter pauses at the bottom of the steps before he climbs up, and enters the ring through the middle rope. His music dies down, as does the crowd as J.A. Aldridge hands Dom a microphone.

Stephy Auger: We all know Dom’s one of the many wrestlers involved in tonight’s main event, where he’ll compete in an over the top battle royal to determine the new number one contender. But there must be something on his mind right now to come out here and address the crowd, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: And it looks like we’re about the find out what that is.

As the crowd finally become quiet enough, Harter lifts the microphone to his lips and gets ready to speak.

Dom Harter: The last time you saw me...that wasn’t my proudest moment.

The thought of Pendragon defeating The New Murder at Capital Combat is enough to give the fans something to cheer about though. But Dom just shrugs his shoulders as he paces around the ring.

Dom Harter: And I know...we’ve been quiet since then. I’ve been quiet since then. Whereas before I’d be shouting from the rooftops demanding another chance. Yelling about how we were robbed. About how we deserved better. The truth is...I just...I couldn’t bring myself to care…

Dom stops in the center of the ring, holding the microphone down by his side for a moment as the crowd boo him some more.

Stephy Auger: He what?

Kris Cruise: Harter going for the brutal honesty tonight? I don’t know, for some reason I don’t believe him, Stephy.

Dom Harter: And that hurts. It probably hurts me a hell of a lot more than it hurts you all, because f*ck Dom Harter, right?

Yeah, the crowd seem to agree with that sentiment.

Dom Harter: But I’ll tell you what. It wasn’t the losing that bothered me. It wasn’t the failing that got to me. I’ve failed more times than most of you will ever even try! And it wasn’t missing out on another title reign that pissed me off. Hell, I’m already the only Grand Slam champion in FGA history!

Kris Cruise: For now.

Stephy Auger: Shh, let the man talk!

The crowd calm down after a moment of excitement brought about by the mention of the Grand Slam, as Dom continues pacing around the ring once more.

Dom Harter: I’ve got a Dynamic Duos win under my belt. The very first Dynamic Duos way back in 2013. I’ve won the Gold Rush Rumble twice, and still four years later nobody has even tied that record.

Kris Cruise: Jimmy Page, Johnny Karma, Cordy Stevenson, Tony Carmine, and Johnny Cannon are all there on one win each though.

Dom Harter: There is... there’s one thing missing from that list though. One event that I haven’t yet won. That I’ve only ever had one chance at, and then I came up against a formidable foe in Chandler Scott in the first round…

Another cheer from the crowd at the mention of the International Heavyweight Champion. An audible sigh escapes Dom’s lips before he starts up again.

Dom Harter: Got some Chandler Scott fans in the house? Well nobody ever claimed Springfield had good taste. BUT! But here’s the thing. While I’ve been quiet, while I’ve been thinking, between that night and now, I’ve been a busy little bastard. I’ve gone to San Antonio and wrestled in front of a sold out crowd! I’ve toured the UK! I’ve become a captain of the high seas! And each and every one of those...they made me realize what was wrong.

Harter pauses for a moment, looking around the arena at the eight thousand or so fans. His grip tightening around the microphone as he lifts it to his lips again.

Dom Harter: Because during that time I got to wrestle against some of the top up and coming talents in pro wrestling, and none of them are in FGA. I got to challenge for titles I’d never usually have an opportunity to compete for. To become the last ever HKW World Tag Team Champions. And I got to wrestle in arenas and environments that FGA will never visit. Hell, I even got to have more than one f*cking match in four f*cking shows!

He raises his voice for a moment, but even as he puts the microphone to his side it still picks up Dom yelling one f*cking minute of wrestling, that’s all!. The fans in attendance boo just like they’re expected to do, forcing Harter to be silent as he stands in the center of the ring. But after a moment of composing himself, Dom speaks up again.

Dom Harter: Because we’ve gotten complacent. Because we’ve gotten lazy. Because in the year 2018 we can still have back to back pay-per-views headlined by Chandler Scott versus Johnny Karma, and Jimmy Page versus Evan Envi. Because we’re not building the future stars. The glass ceiling is holding them down lower than ever before. And what talent we did have, we’re losing! They’re abandoning ship. Jumping overboard before we hit the iceberg ahead. And I don’t blame them. Greener pastures and all that. And because I know, one day in the very near future, FGA management are going to try and think what to do next...and I know that the answer is going to be ‘repeat what we did two or three years ago’. And that pisses me off!

A momentary pause as Harter looks out across the crowd again.

Dom Harter: Because I’m the man who built this promotion. It’s my blood, sweat, and tears in the foundations here. And you’re all letting it crumble. You’re all going through the motions. And it’s sickening. Because as I look out across the FGA roster and wonder ‘where do I strike next’? There’s nobody worth my time and energy...not yet anyway…

“Trainwreck 1979” by Death From Above hits, the screeching guitar giving way to the thick, distorted lead riff of the track. In the ring, Dom can be found staring down the aisle with a bemused expression on his face.

“I was born, on the highway, in a trainwreck
With a heart, that was beating, out of my chest
So now I follow it, around the world, I can't keep up
If I don't get it soon, I know I'll bleed, until I drop”

There’s a loud pop from those in the FGA crowd familiar with the track and whose arrival it signals preceding the entrance of Josh Kennedy. The skinny, long-haired deathmatch wrestler appears, striding confidently and quickly towards the ring as Dom leans on the top rope, staring down the aisle towards the former CWC World Champion. Those less familiar with Josh stay silent, waiting to see what this means for the company they love.

Kennedy holds a microphone in his hand, wearing a black t-shirt, reading “Kennedy’s Gonna Kill You”, the same design his sister wore for Southside just a few weeks prior.

Josh Kennedy: So… You ain’t happy with the level of competition here, huh? Mr. Harter deserves better?

Dom nods his head as he backs up a step, letting Josh move closer to the the center of the ring. In response, however, Josh just rolls his eyes.

Josh Kennedy: Well, come on then, let’s shake the game up, see what the man who ‘single-handedly built FGA’ can do. You want a challenge? You want somebody worth your time and energy? Well, he’s standin’ right f*ckin’ here.

Josh says, emphasising his paraphrasing of Dom’s claims with sarcastic finger quotes before stepping right up to Harter until the two are face-to-face. The two men stay silent for a couple of seconds, just letting the fans enjoy the moment as two of the biggest names in pro wrestling share a ring for the first time ever. Kennedy staring intently at The Tenacious Little Bastard, who smirks back at the man standing opposite him.

Dom Harter: You? The Dragonslayer?

Those familiar with the matter cheer at the reference to Josh’s recent title win in Death trip Wrestling.

Dom Harter: Want to step into an FGA ring…

Josh nods his head, not wanting to let Dom get away with his self pity. The crowd positively buzzing in anticipation.

Dom Harter: ...to face me?

Kris Cruise: I think I know what the fans want to see happen here!

Stephy Auger: It’s not just the fans, Cruise. I want to see that too!

Both men look around the arena, judging the crowd’s reaction for a moment longer before Kennedy raises the microphone to his lips once more.

Josh Kennedy: You want competition? You and me, November 17th in Newark, New Jersey, at FGA’s Seventh Anniversary Show!

A “yes” chant starts up among the crowd as the two men stand face to face in the center of the ring. The chant grows louder with each passing second; Kennedy can be seen jaw jacking out of range of the microphone as Dom continues smirking at him. Until, finally, the Tenacious Little Bastard raises his microphone.

Dom Harter: You’re on!

A loud cheer goes up around the arena as the fans holler in delight! Meanwhile, inside the ring, Josh extends his hand out. Harter accepts it almost immediately, and “Trainwreck 1979” starts playing again. Kennedy walks away without taking his eyes off his future opponent, before stepping out through the ropes. He walks away up the aisle, slapping hands with the fans as he goes, leaving Dom standing alone in the ring.

Stephy Auger: There we go! The Anniversary Show just got interesting, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: You’re not wrong. Josh Kennedy, a multi-time World champion has decided to step foot in an FGA ring for the first time. And he’ll be going one on one with The Tenacious Little Bastard himself!

Stephy Auger: I think that might be the level of competition Dom was expecting! He’ll have a challenge on his hands, and we’ll see him in action later tonight in the main event.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Backstage at the MassMutual Center, Susan Kent is seen exiting the trainer's room, her left arm in a sling. Jessie Pederson approaches.

Jessie Pederson: So what’s the update.

Susan Kent: The doctor hasn’t cleared me to wrestle tonight, and to be honest it kinda sucks, because I lose out on an opportunity to become number one contender for the FGA world title.

Jessie Pederson: So how severe is the injury?

Susan Kent: Well I have to keep my arm in this sling for another few weeks, so my status for Vertigo 62 is also in jeopardy, but I’d rather heel up and be one hundred percent, then wrestle and risk further injury.

Jessie Pederson: Thanks for the update.

Susan Kent: No problem Jessie.

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up on a shot of a dressing room door with a sign that reads “GOOD GUYS”, on-screen for the second time of the night. The Springfield audience responds loudly with most of them booing at the sight. A fist pops into frame, knocking loudly on the door. As we pan out, we see it’s Vertigo interviewer Spencer Burke, back at the door for the second time. The interviewer shoots a glance toward the camera man.

Spencer Burke: I’m here again, backstage at the MassMutual Center, trying to get a couple of words with Evan Envi before tonight’s main event-- a battle royal to determine the next number one contender to the FGA World Championship that Evan lost three weeks ago at Capital Combat.

Spencer sighs as he shoots a look at the door again.

Spencer Burke: But it seems like it’s getting difficult to get a word with the former champion. Admittedly, I’m not sure if Ricky Valero is here, or if we could get a word with Natal--

Spencer stops, turning quickly as pair of footsteps echo down the hall. The camera pans over as well-- and the audience roars at the sight of Sadie San Francisco. She gives Spencer a faint smile, prepared to continue walking down the hall.

Spencer Burke: Oh-- Sadie! Sadie, a moment?

Sadie slows to a stop, turning toward Spencer as he moves over toward her.

Sadie San Francisco: What’s up, Spence?

Spencer Burke: Well. Initially we were set up here to get a word with Evan Envi before tonight’s main event but… doesn’t seem like he’s feeling social tonight. I am glad we ran into you though because tonight is a potentially huge night for you here.

Sadie nods a little.

Sadie San Francisco: It is. I might have… legitimately the toughest singles match of my career coming up-- and considering the wars I’ve had with people like Lowri Moss and Jaelynn Ramsey throughout 2018, that’s saying something. Then on top of that, I have a chance to become the number one contender to the World Title in the main event. Hahh... I mean, I don’t even know if “huge night” really sums it up.

She gestures toward the door.

Sadie San Francisco: And it sucks for him. I feel for Ev, I guess. But if he’s caught in his feelings and he doesn’t come out in the main event… one less person to chuck out of the ring, you know?

A small shrug.

Spencer Burke: Indeed, indeed. And as you said, before our main event we have a match that you’ve obviously been looking forward to ever since it was announced-- a match you already said could be the biggest challenge of your career... you versus a close friend of yours in Izzy Anders.

The audience pops for the very mention of the match and Sadie nods.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah. I expect to be able to hold my own out there. I don’t think that part should surprise people. But…

She pauses, thinking over the rest of her response for a moment.

Sadie San Francisco: Beating Izzy Anders decisively in the middle of the ring… that would be what shocks people. And I get it. I mean, the realization that people expect Izzy to win— like it’s a lock— that annoyed me at first. But I do get it. She’s not just good, but legitimately a great wrestler.

Sadie takes a small breath.

Sadie San Francisco: And when I came to Vertigo last summer, it was like… I was riding this high for a long time that I felt like I didn’t earn. I was the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion and I… I dunno, I loved what that felt like. Even if people were constantly putting my reign next to Izzy’s for comparison, I just… I loved that title. I loved being champion even when that meant I was a target.

Sadie’s expression changes a bit, a kind of bitter smile crossing her face as she looks at Spencer.

Sadie San Francisco: But if we’re being honest… ever since I broke away from Camp Envi, I felt like I wasn’t doing as much as was expected of me. I had an awesome reign as the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. I helped put the New Murder down in Steel Warfare. I had some of the best matches of my career… but throughout all of, it just didn’t feel complete. Even coming back and beating Jae— as amazing as that finally felt— didn’t fix that. Something always felt like it was… missing…

Sadie looks down for a moment, in thought, hands resting on her hips.

Sadie San Francisco: I know Izzy knows what that feels like…

She looks back toward Burke.

Sadie San Francisco: ...but after tonight, I’m not gonna feel this way anymore. I’m gonna make sure of it.

Sadie gives Spender another small smile and moves past him, continuing her trek down the corridor.

Spencer Burke: Thank you, Sadie.

Burke watches her depart briefly before his eyes drift back toward the Good Guys’ dressing room door. He sighs and raises a fist, knocking on it once again as we fade away.