AfterBurn for 7YA Show

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on AfterBurn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on AxxessNet!

[Fujiko Mine]

Backstage at the Prudential Center, the Seven Year anniversary show has just concluded. Cameras are hunting for someone to capture in their lenses, and they do not have to search for long.

Fujiko Mine, now former Pride champion, limps alone. Her main event match against Izzy Anders was one for the ages, but it turned out as it had the two previous times.

In loss for the woman rarely known as Lady Luck.

She uses the nearby wall to help her along the way. The massive XENA was nowhere to be found. After a few pained strides, she looks up at the camera and smiles.

Spencer Burke: Uh…

Fujiko’s eyes looks to her left, spotting Spencer Burke slowly coming into the shot. She nods to him, already knowing he is attempting to be delicate with the situation.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, tough loss out there tonight in that Pride championship match against Izzy Anders. Can we get your thoughts?

She stops moving alongside the way and stays static for a few moments. She then lifts her head up a little higher than it was before and shakes her head.

Fujiko Mine: That’s Izzy’s moment. If you want thoughts on that, you’ve gotta go talk to her.

Spencer appears puzzled by her response.

Spencer Burke: Do you think this affects your partnership with the new Pride champion?

She lets a smile come across her face for a moment as she absorbs the question.

Fujiko Mine: I think that you just watched Izzy and me put on one of the best Pride championship matches you will ever see. She did everything she could, even pushed past some limits she had to win that match. I pushed through some limits I had to try and stop her.

There is a slight growth in her smile.

Fujiko Mine: If I were Pendragon or the Chaotics...I’d be very worried.

Spencer Burke: So, can we look forward to you exercising your re-match clau-

Fujiko Mine: No.

She says this with force not seen in her interviews with Spencer before. It catches him off-guard.

Fujiko Mine: That Pride championship loved me for a long time. I did good for it, and it did good for me. But if I learned anything tonight? It was time to let it go. Izzy coming for me and taking it? Told me it was time. Maybe I’ll put my name on the list of people to hold it three times. Maybe be the first person ever to do that. But that’s for another time. It’s Izzy’s time to be champion.

Spencer Burke: Uh, alright…

Spencer seems like he is, for once, at a loss for words. There is an almost awkward silence between them, then Fujiko speaks up.

Fujiko Mine: You know? I don’t care what Ricky, Seth, or Dom have to say, Spencer. You aren’t the worst. You’re actually one of the best. But…

A laugh draws out of her throat, chased by a ragged cough.

Fujiko Mine: Maybe don’t mention my name around Seth anymore? It’s clear he is still big mad that his crusade against me has proven fruitless.

A twinkle in her eyes, reminiscent of the past, shows that she is not dwelling on the loss of her championship.

Fujiko Mine: I hope he advances. I hope he gets to face Tyler or Sadie and that he uses his manager to help him win. I hope I get to meet him again in the semifinals of this tournament. The right to go to the finals on the line. Because I can’t wait to see the desperation in his eyes again. That desperation that he had when he had me in a one-on-one match that caused him to do to me what he did to Izzy to knock her out of the Frontier Lions Cup.

She exhales hard.

Fujiko Mine: I want to see him look across the ring from me and know that he is in trouble. That he won’t be able to save himself. That all his nonsense about me being ‘two-faced’ and ‘selfish’ may help him sleep at night, but that none of it will save him when he is severely outclassed by the Apex Goddess. Because he is. He fared better than Ricky did against me, true, but he still fell to a knee before me. The Gold Rush Rumble was very much the same, if I recall correctly. Maybe third time beating him will be the charm?

The bravado falls from her voice.

Fujiko Mine: But...I’ve got a ways to go to get there. Piper Lennon awaits. She wants to be the one to make sure I don’t add this accolade to my trophy case. And if I get past her, I could face Evan Envi. The former disputed champion. What a match that would be, hm?

Possibility dances in her brown eyes.

Fujiko Mine: Or I could face Lowri? Wouldn’t that cause some strife for our new Pride champion? So many possibilities, but if I have anything to say about it, they all end with one constant result.

She smiles.

Fujiko Mine: Spencer, I-- ...there is the possibility I was just having a bit of fun when I suggested on social media that it was the “Year of the Fujiko.” But...if I wasn’t...I think that the best way to end the year that has been so good to me would be by winning the Frontier Lions Cup, yeah?

She seems to relish that thought. After a moment, she begins to move in the direction she was headed initially, drawing her attention away from Spencer. He seems flustered by this, and makes his presence known with one last question.

Spencer Burke: Sorry, but uh... Fujiko?

She looks over at him, stopping to listen.

Spencer Burke: What was it that you said to Izzy at the end of that match?

Fujiko closes her eyes, taking a few moments to just breathe. She opens them, looks over at Spencer, and then into the camera.

There is a slight hint of a something there, but her lips never part. She nods to Spencer, and then slowly limps off screen. The camera then centers on Spencer, who gives a puzzled look in Fujiko’s direction as the FGA logo replaces the scene.

[Susan Kent]

Backstage in her locker room, Susan is packing up her things. She looks at the lingerie that was given back to her by Delikado.

Susan: Burn that, who knows what the guy has done with it.

Kendra: I'm not touching that.

Jessie Pederson enters at just the right time.

Jessie: Oh hey Susan, how is your shoulder doing.

Susan: Still waiting for clearance.

Jessie: So what about earlier tonight, you seemed to have formed an alliance with Delikado.

Susan: Yeah, the dude seems nice even though he just sat there in his chair.

Kendra: I don't trust the guy or his goons.

Jessie: So anyway, I just stopped to see how you were doing and ask you about Deikado.

Susan: no problem Jessie.

Jessie leaves the locker room and Susan finishes her packing, she and Kendra leave and exit the area and notice Kendra's limo now parked in the Super handicap parking lot. Kendra actually smiles.

Kendra: I like this new alliance already, look how close my limo is parked to the exit, we need to milk this for all its worth.

The driver opens the door Kendra and Susan climb in and they drive off.

[Seth Iser]

The camera continues it’s long hunt to continue to find people to catch and at the parking lot at the very end of the building it seems they have found someone. The hooded Seth Iser, with bags over his shoulders in this chilly evening on this anniversary show. The footsteps of Spencer Burke end up sprinting into the scene to try to catch up to him.


Spencer Burke: Seth...hang on a minute.


This freezes Seth momentarily as he cocks his head toward Spencer with a glance and puts down the hood on his hoodie to eyeball him properly and he’s...by the standards of Seth Iser anyway, in a good mood. Just a contemplative scowl. Spencer then has this opportunity to stand next to the much larger man and Iser just puts his bags down on the asphalt. You can see Spencer’s breath with how cold it is in the winter at the heart of New Jersey.


Spencer Burke: Dom Harter did what you seemed to ask of him and that’s get his victory...now you two are destined to clash to see who will advance in the tournament.


Seth Iser: Well well...guess who got exactly what he wanted…again.


Seth darkens after saying the word again visibly as the scowl showing a little more hostility even if he proclaims some happiness. This does make Spencer tense up.


Seth Iser: The outsider got his ass kicked and Dom got his victory and now we can all focus on the next round of the tournament because Dom goes from having one hell of a fight kicking Josh’s ass to having to deal with somebody like me.


Spencer Burke: Before we go further I’m guessing you’re happy about Fujiko’s loss.


Seth Iser: Not entirely, no.


Seth shakes his head with a scowl still glued to his face. Spencer’s eyebrows raise up as that wasn’t the expected answer.


Seth Iser: Does she deserve to be served humble pie for being a hypocrite and touting about ‘great match’ this and that already and that we should be intimidated by it? Yes...because whenever someone beats their drum about that...it overshadows the important thing...who won...and who lost. But the fact that it wasn’t me that did it bothers me completely and I’m the one who should’ve done it and reaped the reward for it. You can call me greedy if you want for thinking that way but I still think back to having my attention divided ever so slightly in that moment...and losing...and not only wanting to humble her even more but wanting to be champion even more that day. As much as I just want to give the stock ‘no comment’ answer...I haven’t made my reputation by being a liar.


Spencer Burke: She did have some things to say about you.


Seth Iser: She does that and keeps thinking about what I might say or do or think and Piper Lennon will take her damned head off. I got a long diatribe and her opponent got merely a sentence. It’s why I call her a hypocrite...she disrespected Tyler when offering me a title opportunity right away and compounded it with her entrance. And now she’s disrespecting Piper Lennon. Yet we’re the ones that are supposed to view her as a morally right human being? Eyes on the prize kid...one match at a damned time. She does that and Piper might take her damned head off.


Iser’s face is twisted into a huge frown while shaking his index finger.


Seth Iser: Again. That’s the honesty that gets me in trouble. I tell the truth. Enough of that detour on hypotheticals and what ifs...let’s get back to the here and now, boy or else I become the hypocrite. My focus in this company is facing Dom Harter and I’ll worry about either Tyler Storm or Sadie after I beat him.
That's what a professional does.

Spencer Burke: You do know considering how most people put Izzy over you that you’ll be a huge underdog against Dom H---


Seth Iser: Underdog?


Seth spits that tone with particular disgust. Whatever semblance of a decent mood he had is gone. He tilts his head slightly almost as if he can’t believe that word was said.


Seth Iser: Let me educate you on what an underdog is. An underdog is someone who any given night might be able to beat somebody if things go right. An underdog is somebody who has many hopes of grandeur or hoping for the last run because they know the exact end is right there. An underdog is somebody people often look past at the end of the day because they aren’t the most imposing thing. And an underdog wouldn’t get past Izzy yet alone have a prayer against Dom because Dom wouldn’t look past them if they won a damn match in the tournament! That is not what I am. I’m not a damned underdog, do you understand?


Spencer opens his mouth to try to answer but Seth now has a vein popping in his head.


Seth Iser: Eyes open and mouth shut damn you. I’m one of the greatest wrestlers this industry has ever known because in a young man’s sport I not only survive but CONTINUE TO THRIVE! For almost seventeen years I’ve done this and in the last year I’ve won my first championships in Australia, a country I had zero history in except for whatever Owen said in a lie to his countrymen. And I padded my title resume there quite a bit now didn’t I? I added to my legacy of excellence. That is NOT...an underdog. I am NOT like those people and I am NOT like something those people want to relate to. I’m SUPERIOR to them based on my own merit and track record and the facts prove it!


Iser’s not letting Spencer get another word in edgewise right now...he’s boiling.


Seth Iser: If that isn’t enough to clue you into what I really am...then let me add this. Six foot five and two hundred and forty-three pounds while working myself into the best shape of my life, wrestled in Japan, England, Australia and around the world...perhaps the greatest defensive wrestler in the industry has ever seen because I’ve seen it all and I can and will turn it into my advantage. I’m also one of the most devious rulebreakers the industry has ever seen...and there isn’t a trick I won’t do when that bell rings. And I’m also one of the meanest bastards you’ve ever seen because I will run someone out of the industry completely both to boost my legacy and to harm someone that absolutely deserves it. I did just that in 2018 didn’t I since you started with me getting things that I wanted…


Iser’s face is contorting into something very profane and very disgusting as he’s even pulling on his hair and beard frustrated that the word ‘underdog’ was used.


Seth Iser: You throw that label on me...even Stephy Auger saying it was a surprise helped throw that label on me...and I’m getting absolutely sick of all the disrespect because the entire world continues to ignore why I’m Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. I might not run as fast as I once did or do a bunch of back flips but I’ve outsmarted many people and knocked many other’s heads off...and I’ll continue to do so until I decide to hang them up. And that continues when I face Dom Harter…now come in…


Iser gestures toward the camera man while continuing to mute Spencer by snatching the microphone from him this time. And the cameraman cautiously steps closer toward Seth.


Seth Iser: A little closer…


Again it’s a little closer before Seth then lunges toward him with one hand on the camera.


Seth Iser: LOOK AT ME WHEN I’M TALKING TO YOU!


This scares the crap out of the camera man who nearly falls over and Spencer too at this sudden explosion from Seth...and he seems increasingly unstable and angry over the label and the disrespect.


Seth Iser: Let’s tell it straight, okay? I like Dom more than I like most people in this particular locker room. We even team together and give various people vicious lariats in England. He’s as good as any professional wrestler on the planet...and he’ll tell you about all his endless accomplishments. That’s why Josh came here to challenge him. This tournament is the one thing he wants more than anything else right now. It’d be his redemption...and it’d complete his FGA legacy. Hell, it’d make him all the easier of a Hall of Fame induction for this company and if you don’t like hearing that get over yourselves because again...I speak the damn truth.


Iser then raises his finger in the air...as if he’s finally calming down ever so slightly.


Seth Iser: But...I’m going to prove that I’m greater than even THAT and not an underdog. I am going to go in there with him, someone who is a partner of mine in England like I said...and we’re going to beat the living hell out of one another. It’s going to be a damn war. But when the dust settles and all is said and done...every single one of you are going to get a harsh reminder as to why I’m one of the best in the industry when I unleash every little trick, even the ones you don’t see that often anymore, to get the job done and get my hand raised. It’ll be me going on to the next round because this is MY tournament to win and this is MY way to add onto an approaching seventeen year legacy of excellence. And you can take your underdog labels and your discounting of my talents and kiss my ass...I’ll remember all of this. You try to kick me when I’ve been down or forgotten? You want to hate my guts before, during or after this? I’ll welcome your hatred...and then kick ALL of you when you’re down because you did the same to me. That’s a promise.


With that Iser ends up shoving the camera and the cameraman down on the asphalt and then points at Spencer to go to the door.


Seth Iser: Now this interview is over. Be gone!


The two end up doing what they are told on Iser’s intimidating orders as he picks up his bag and walks toward his vehicle to leave.

[Jaelynn]

After Seth Iser is seen leaving in his vehicle, the feed then cuts to the backstage area outside of The New Murder locker room. The room is filled with holiday decorations, an indication of Dom Harter attempting to spread the holiday spirit for his fellow crows. Everyone but Jae Ramsey has seemed to have left the Prudential Center relieved of their duties after the highly anticipated Seven Year Anniversary Show went off the air.

The blonde Utahn is changed out of her ring gear, wearing an overly sized hooded sweatshirt and black tights. She is captured by the cameraman angrily shoving her belongings in her bag. Noticing the cameraman from the corner of her eye, she says some inaudible things under her breath. As she is about to leave, Spencer Burke is seen standing outside with a mic in hand. He clears his throat gently before addressing the Vertigo roster member.

Spencer Burke: Jaelynn, if I could have a moment before you head out for the night?

Jaelynn Ramsey: Have you not had enough for the night? Unless you have some good news...

Spencer Burke: What would you consider good news right now?

She pauses momentarily before responding.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Tyler Storm vanishes as Gabbi Beltran did. I mean, why is Shoot Camp still a thing? Or hell, I’d take the referee who worked my match being fired. But I’m not that lucky, Spencer.

Spencer Burke: Real quick, please. Share with everyone your thoughts on tonight’s match?

Jaelynn Ramsey: I could’ve done better, I know it. And what would’ve been my prize then? Another chance to kick Sadie’s ass? I guess if “fans” have something to be disappointed about, it would be that. I don’t care how close I came because it does nothing for me.

Tyler needed to sleep through his deprivation instead, because he may feel like a hot shot right now, he’ll “burn out” soon enough. His sights and focus will go away the moment he’s presented with another shiny thing - figuratively speaking. Shoot his shot where it’s convenient.

She says this bitterly.

Spencer Burke: Now that you are out of the Frontier Lions Cup tournament, what’s next for you?

Jaelynn Ramsey: To get better. Some would justify that I haven’t had “easy” bookings and that the opponents I have are great to test my abilities against. I won’t settle for that and both rosters have been informed as of tonight.

And with that, Ramsey walks over to the center of the room, unplugging her phone from a wall charger. She pockets the phone and knocks over a small artificial Christmas tree with a big boot kick. She then picks up her bag, shooing Spencer out of her way as the scene then fades out.

[Deleted]

Twas the night of the Anniversary Show when all through the arena, not a person was stirring not even a Xena. But standing there outside their locker room an interviewer did wait, with microphone in hand, their mood he’s sure to deflate.

Dom Harter: Spencer, baby! Have you come to congratulate me on my EPIC victory?

Dom Harter and Annie Zellor, both now dressed casually in their New Murder hooded tops, jeans, and Santa hats. The effects of the match against Josh Kennedy are clear for all to see on Dom’s face, no matter how much he tries to mask it with a smile.

Spencer Burke: Uh, no–

Dom Harter: Nonsense. Come in, I’m sure we’ve got something non-alcoholic for you to drink. You’re still on the clock, right?

He says as they enter the locker room, only to notice the artificial Christmas tree has been knocked over. The smiles fades from Dom’s face almost instantly – all his hard work in spreading the Holiday Spirit being disrespected like this!

Dom Harter: W-what happened here?! My tree?! This better not have been Fenrys!

Annie Zellor: We can pick it right back up, Dommy, don’t stress.

Spencer Burke: It was Jaelynn. She was, uh, a bit upset after that loss against Tyler Storm earlier tonight.

There’s a moment of silence as Dom takes in the words, before he just shrugs and nods his head.

Dom Harter: Ok, that’s understandable. But Jae’s a tough girl, she’ll bounce back from this one. There’s a reason why she’s a former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion; why she’s been involved in what is sure to be the Match of the Year in that Steel Cage Warfare; why she’ll be the one to watch in 2019! And no damn loss against Tyler Storm is going to stop any of that.

As he’s speaking, Annie is busy picking up the small tree that got knocked over earlier tonight. The pair stand alongside Spencer in The New Murder locker room, Annie with her arm around Dom’s waist as he wraps his around her shoulder, looking expectantly at the interviewer as he prepares to ask the next question.

Spencer Burke: First off, congratulations on your victory tonight, Do–

Dom Harter: Thank you, and I’ll accept your apology.

Spencer Burke: –uh, my apology?

Dom Harter: For doubting me.

He deadpans, prompting Spencer to do a double take.

Dom Harter: I mean, you thought Josh Kennedy was going to walk out of here with his arm raised, didn’t you? You thought I was going to end tonight looking up at the lights, right? That I wasn’t good enough to hang with someone like Josh Kennedy?

Spencer Burke: Uh, I–

But Dom cuts him off.

Dom Harter: I’m a reasonable man, Spencer. Some might say the most reasonable man in wrestling. So I suppose I might be able to see where you’re coming from. And I’m not about to stand here and diminish Josh Kennedy; he took an absolute beating tonight and stuck in there until the end. But there’s some people in this world who can’t kick out of being dropped on their head from six, seven feet up in the air.

Annie Zellor: Most people…

Dom Harter: Yeah, probably. But he’s earned my respect. And I’ll be ready for round two when he wants to try again, because fighting the best in the world is what I do, Spencer. That’s why Josh Kennedy is now on a very special list, with esteemed colleagues like Emery Layton, Eddie Jacobs, Aokigahara Zombie, as people who tried and failed to beat Dom Harter!

That familiar crooked grin spreads across Dom’s face as Annie leans upwards to give him a kiss on the cheek. But the fatigue is still showing through as Dom is forced to steady himself against his girlfriend.

Spencer Burke: And next up you’ll be back in Frontier Lions Cup action–

Dom Harter: First round action against Seth Iser!

Spencer Burke: Now I caught up with Seth earlier tonight–

Dom Harter: I’m sure he had nothing but positive things to say about me.

Spencer Burke: –and it seems like some people are already pulling for him to eliminate you from the tournament.

Dom and Annie both look ‘shocked’, standing there with mouths agape and hands on their chests after hearing the statement.

Annie Zellor: You mean…

Dom Harter: …people want me to lose?!

Annie Zellor: I’m shocked. SHOCKED!

The feigned act is dropped as both Dom and Annie shake their heads in dismay.

Dom Harter: Everybody wants me to lose, Spencer. You ask Piper, Fujiko, Tyler, Sadie, even Izzy Anders – actually she might right now! I mean, did you see her face at the end there? That’s the face of someone who just realized I was right all along. But if you ask the rest of them, Spencer – even the Flashpoint folks - if they want me to go through to the next round and they’ll tell you no. Ask my opponent and he’s sure to want to be the one to knock me out of the Frontier Lions Cup. More than that, Spencer; they all want to be the one to try and end my year on a low note. They want to be the one to cost me the Golden Crown!

He emphasises those words, gesticulating as he does so.

Dom Harter: Now Seth and I have put some of the hardships behind us after that battle royal, and the little low blow incident – not a big deal, really. And I like the guy. Even respect him after all he’s done, all the years he’s put into this business. But he’s not going to be the one to cost me my crown. And for as long as I can remember - people wanted to stop me from becoming the Triple Crown champion, and not even Tony Carmine – one of the best wrestlers we’ve seen in recent years – not even he could stop me, Spencer. They wanted to stop me from getting that Grand Slam. Stop me from becoming the FIRST EVER Grand Slam winner in FGA history. But not even this hot piece of ass could stop that…

He squeezes Annie’s shoulder as she glares up at him with tight pressed lips.

Dom Harter: …and now, in a year when I’ve travelled the world! When I’ve gone to Japan and defeated the first ever Kamikaze Pro Evolution Champion in his backyard. When I’ve sailed the seven seas, and bested Pirate Emery Layton! When I’ve out thotted the Thot Killer, Eddie Jacobs! When I’ve done the unthinkable, the impossible, and I pinned Josh Kennedy dead center in an FGA ring tonight!

Pause.

Dom Harter: Who’s going to stop me from taking that Golden Crown?

With that the scene comes to an end, fading to black as Dom and Annie stand proud in the middle of their locker room.

[Delikado]

Sometime after the Seven Year Anniversary match against Nate Bristow, Delikado is sitting in his wheelchair apparently in the midst of his telepathic communication with Sofia Monzón. She’s currently in the process of looking over the Cuban’s grey head, pulling at a particular hair.

Sofia: …Okay, maybe you’re right and that’s a black hair, I’d hardly call it a “miracle in the de-aging process.” If you’re right about this curse of yours, then this is just the beginning anyway. There’s no reason to act like a “speed-head” right now. Yes, you defeated Bristow, and yes, your debut overall wasn’t the worst showing we could’ve expected after you’ve been away for the past few years, not to mention being you’re little better than Stan Lee right now, but I—

…

Sofia: Shut up. I know that’s a “too soon” comment. I’m just pissed off at Ewan right now……Fine, “RIP”, now back to point A: Shut up. Bristow has a tag team partner, Barnes, and I can guarantee he’s going to come after you now.

…

Sofia: Ohhh, I know how you want to “team up” with your new little gal pal Kent, but I’ll tell you like I told Ewan—I don’t trust her. I haven’t seen or heard anything so far in FGA that makes me believe her a proper ally for us. Her kind, they have no solid foundation. She’s a finicky Barbie bitch who’ll use you for as long as there’s treats to be won, then when your hour’s up, she’ll leech onto someone else.

…

Sofia: “Slut” is an understatement.

Delikado squeals with apparent enjoyment at this remark, causing Sofia to roll her eyes in disgust.

Sofia: All this time and you STILL have no shame. Didn’t you learn ANYTHING from, oh I don’t know, me? You and I could write a book on all the times we used and betrayed each other—a freaking SERIES. Maybe I should pluck that black hair out just to remind you that we need to be smart out here.

Delikado growls in defiance, although it comes off as laughable in his current state. Sofia sighs and sits down in a steel chair opposite her perverse client. She folds her arms and seems to think.

Sofia: 100 wins? Jesus, this’ll take us another 100 years to fix you as long as Susan-<BEEP>ing-Kent is where your head is! Still, at least she’s in plain sight, the poor little cripple girl. I reckon we can find a way to work this angle. Let people see us cementing a firm base in the company, management will notice, and we’ll get more matches, better matches. And now to return to that point: Barnes and Bristow. I can feel it in my bones that Tully Barnes will be your next opponent. It just makes sense from a business standpoint, a marketing standpoint, and from their personal standpoint. They can’t take your victory lying down. Do you know how embarrassing it must be for a tough guy like Nate to be overwhelmed by Estelle Getty? Because that’s what it—

…

Sofia: It’s been ten years, that is NOT a “too soon”! Jesus, why didn’t that Fountain of Old come with a mute button? I’m talking strategy here, you braindead Cuban. If those two decide to play to their strength in tag team wrestling, we’re screwed without a fleshed-out ally, so we might as well use Susan as I’m sure she’ll use us for her “therapy” or whatever the hell she intends to milk out of you.

Delikado lets out an old man snicker, prompting yet another groan of revulsion from his manager.

Sofia: You’re hitting all those checkboxes for “lecherous old man” aren’t you? But listen, seriously, you’ve been at this even longer than I have, so I need you to hit those “wrestling veteran” checkboxes as we move forward. Take whatever magic you used to pull off your debut win at the Seven Year Anniversary and use it on Tully. You know what it is. Fight for your spot. Show off in a manner that’ll put this business on notice. Be passionate. Dare to go outside the box. You know what you are, Delikado, and if after a decade-plus you haven’t changed to the point your schtick STILL works, then keep doing it. We can’t let two tag team wannabe tough guys stop the momentum.

If you’re fighting for your life, then do that. They may be more aware of who and what they’re facing this time around, but you have to make sure it doesn’t matter. Survival, resurrection, undoing the cruelty fate has, to be fair, rightly put upon you, call it whatever the “Delikado brand” thinks is nicest. Make getting these 100 victories and back to your natural self your creed in Frontier Grappling Arts. Everyone’s got a mission in this business, and it’s up to you every show to announce clear as day that yours is one of the unstoppable ones. It’s better than the cause Bristow had, and that’s why he lost. It has to be better than what Barnes is fighting for, so pair him up with his teammate in the “L” column. Fight for every freaking black hair on that decrepit head of yours. Just don’t let it get caught up in the wrong shit, like trying to get in that stupid girl’s pants.

…

Sofia: You know what, if it turns out Susan Kent IS sincere and wants to keep this partnership going for the long haul, I will gladly step aside and let you try to bang her, as wrong as it is for ratings, your career, and general humanity. For now, let’s keep it strictly professional. Do you know what that means…?

Cue a twitchy Delikado smirk.

Sofia: Uh-uh. We’ll arrange a “spar day”. Since you can’t actually compete, you can get Ewan to help train her back to fighting form. I’ll watch her potential as a tag partner in case I’m right about Bristow and Barnes. If she’s got a secret, I’ll find out. I’d tell you what *you* should do, but I know you’re just going to be stealing blatant glances at her tight little body in her gear. Who knows? Maybe she has “granddaddy issues” and you’d both get benefits from it.

Delikado wheezes out what is presumably a chuckle, causing Sofia to smirk ever so slightly.

Sofia: You may not have learned much from me, Deli, but I sure as shit learned a lot from you…

…

Sofia: I don’t know where exactly Ewan is right now. After that whole “vegan candy” debacle he was on earlier I sent him out to work on one of your stupid “super parking lots”. Hard work always clears his head and brings him back to Earth. That’s where we need him, not out in “la-la land” seeing enemies where there’s nothing. The last thing we need is for our lives to get more complicated right now.

Cut to another part of the FGA universe where a staffer is busy showing a vending machine to an unseen person.

Staffer: So yeah, the guy just took the candy and ran off after the vending machine cut out. Security almost caught him, but he’s still out there.

?: And the candy was………vegan?

Staffer: I guess so. Either way it’s theft of arena property and looks bad on the company.

?: But more importantly, it’s a snack that’s gone missing, and its abductor is still free.

Staffer: ……..Yes? Anyway, my GM asked me to show you damages and here it is. Is there anything else I can do for you Mister….?

The camera spins around to reveal a heavyset bald man, menacing-looking in appearance, with a gravely voice to match.

Frik Snackey: Frik Snackey, part-time detective, full-time FGA purveyor of foodstuffs and vittles--specialty snacks--and no.

The staffer gives an “oookaaaaay” face and walks off as quickly as possible as this intense man stares into the broken vending machine. He squints and proceeds to hold up an empty snack wrapper. With a might inhale, he sniffs the bag and growls in thought.

Frik Snackey: Candy Kittens Gourmet Sweets…*second sniff* Lemon flavored. One of the rarest of delicacies. Only a true monster would take you and consume your innocent flesh through vandalism. Well, I will find you, my Gaiseric, and I will destroy you. Frik Snackey is on the case, and through his perseverance, violent disposition, and extravagant taste in pugilism as well as capitalist snack-time salvation he’s never, EVER failed.

He promptly inserts the wrapper into his mouth and walks off like a man on a mission. The camera pulls in the other direction to find Ewan Jakeway around a corner, holding some building equipment for the parking lot, but apparently he’s stopped and heard this whole exchange. He immediately puts on a dramatic face of true distress and woe.

Ewan Jakeway: Oh fu—

Cut to black.