Vertigo (01.27.19)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


Hello hello
(Hola)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
(Donde esta?)
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something
I can feel, feel


Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea


FedEx Forum
Memphis, TN

If you take a life, do you know what you’ll give?
Odds are, you won't like what it is...
When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me...
By the merciless eyes I've deceived...
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights...
But you yourself are nothing so divine...
Just next in line..."

Kris Cruise: What a way to start off tonight, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: One can only wonder what he’s going to have to say for himself after what transpired at Final Frontier, Cruise.

The lights of the FedEx Forum dim, and multi-colored lights soon flicker throughout the filled-to-the-brim center. Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” blares over the announce system. The crowd jumps to its feet, blowing the roof off from the arena as Chris Bond makes his way out from behind the curtains. Dressed in a pair of jeans, his once-trademark “Red Lion - #FGAProud” tee, and he is accompanied by his wife, the Crimson Baroness.

Kris Cruise: In what can only be described as pure befuddlement, Chris Bond retired… himself, when he clearly had the match won.

Stephy Auger: I can’t disagree with you there. In all of my years in this business, I have never seen someone pull their own trigger, but even with that, I have to admit, that match was pure poetry.

There is a large burst of excitement from the crowd, as they start to chant “One More Match”, and Bondo just smiles. With a spotlight lighting his way, Bond and the Baroness make their way down the aisle and towards the ring, with Bondo slapping a few hands on the way down. Soon enough he jogs up the stairs, and walks along the ring apron before wiping his feet. Chris Bond steps over the second rope and into the ring.

Kris Cruise: You’re starting to sound like an actual human being, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Don’t remind me.

As he lifts the second rope up, and pushes the bottom rope down, the Baroness too enters the ring. Normally, she would usher in a chorus of booing, but the fans at the FedEx Forum are still cheering for the man of the hour. The Battle-Hardened Vet walks to the center of the ring and stands there for a moment, as flashes go off throughout the waves of fans. The Baroness stands off to the corner as Bondo circles the ring, arms outstretched, as the fans cheer loudly once again. Bond enjoys this, as his trademark smirk re-emerges across his face. Producing a microphone from his back pocket, the former two-time Pride Champion returns to the center of the ring. The Baroness joins him, placing her hand atop his shoulder.

Chris Bond: I uh, I was kinda dreading coming out here tonight, in fact, I wasn’t even sure I would be able to be out here tonight, in front of all of you guys, and not lose it. It’s been awhile since Final Frontier, and in all honesty, you guys have been nothing but supportive. But I…

Bond pauses, and exhales, clearly choking up over what’s on his mind. The Baroness rubs at his shoulder and his arm, and tells him that she loves him.

Chris Bond: I was twenty-two years old when I started doing this. And I was probably twenty-six or twenty-seven when I started coming into your homes every week or so on TV. And to be honest, it’s going to be hard to get used to not showing up each and every night.

Bond pauses as the fans starting chanting, “THANK YOU CHRIS! THANK YOU CHRIS!” Bond wipes away a small tear.

Kris Cruise: The fans here in Tennessee showing their love for the Battle-Hardened Vet.

Chris Bond: I uh, I really gotta say “Thank You” to you guys. You guys were the reason that kept me here all of these years. You guys, you fans, you are the reason we’re all here. You pay our bills. Your love and your devotion, or you boos and your hatred, and your pelting us with beers and popcorn, all of it, we love it. We need it. We crave it. You guys, you are the real heroes of this industry. You keep us… here.

Bondo stops as he looks around. Cameras continue to flash.

Chris Bond: You guys have always been the ones to believe in me, even when I wasn’t able to believe in myself. You’ve all helped me out over the years. You never knew it, but when life was hitting hard, you guys were always there to feed me with your energy. You all helped me get through every tragedy and triumph I’ve ever experienced. You helped me get over the loss of loved ones. You helped me get through addictions, and pain, and the loss of championships, and yeah, that last part is super petty, but in all honesty, if it weren’t for you guys, I don’t know how long I’d have been able to do this.

Bondo drops the mic and looks over to the Baroness, who nods in agreement. The fans continue to cheer; a small “One More Match” chant starts up. Bondo just smirks.

Chris Bond: I feel like I should thank some people, but there are just so many, and I don’t want to forget anyone. But there are a few people who I need to thank… one of whom is standing next to me. Katie, you’re my rock. You’ve been the biggest blessing in my life over these last couple of years. You’ve seen things in me I just didn’t think were there. You are the sunshine in my life, and I love you more every day. You’re great with Rhys, and he just adores you. Thank you, Babe.

Bondo lowers the mic and he and the Baroness embrace. He buries his face into the side of her head, the two exchanging a few private words and a few moments of intimacy. The two share a quick kiss before Bondo turns back. He takes his forearm and wipes away at his face, as the Baroness too is brought to tears. The fans erupt into another chorus of cheers.

Chris Bond: Now, I uh… I’m starting to become a mess now, but there are a few more people to thank. Uh, Kris Cruise, Stephy Auger, you guys are the voices each and every night here on Vertigo that really make or break us. You two are icons of this company, and the FGA wouldn’t be where it is without you. The same goes for you J.A. You are the trumpet bearer, the voice that gets our blood pumping. Thank you guys.

The camera pans to the ringside area, the voices of Vertigo caught off guard by this showing of respect.

Chris Bond: I need to thank some of my best friends in this business, who over the years, have become more like family. Alex Rockridge, who many of you may or may not know as Talon, who is my brother in arms and my brother. Myke Adams, an old friend, who helped me get back to this sport after I blew out my knee up in Simcoe. Bob Pooler, you crazy son of a gun. You are a ray of sunshine in a sky of darkness. Dom, I know this isn’t what you wanted, and I know we had our own words backstage, but you and I go back, way back, way further back than you’d like to acknowledge. Back to Canada, and before that. You are an ally, a friend, and a true professional. You are one of the pillars of this organization, and this company is that much better for having you.

Bondo pauses for a moment as the fans break-off in cheers for some of the names mentioned.

Chris Bond: There are so many partners over the years, many of whom you remember fondly, and others you all want to forget. But one man whom I have to thank publically, is the man behind the curtain. The man who is the very lifeblood of this organization. The man who keeps this company afloat with countless hours of work. Time sacrificed away from family, away from freetime. He’s the one who has stood on the sidelines all of these years and he is the reason the FGA is as strong as it is today. Thank you, he who shan’t be named, for giving me an opportunity back in 2013 when no one wanted to take a chance on an injured old addict who was really more of a liability than an asset. But you saw value where others saw none. Thank you, thank you for being a friend and a visionary.

The FGA fans stand and cheer for the man behind the curtain. Bond and the Baroness smile at each other. A louder “One More Match” chant breaks out, and Bondo wipes away another tear.

Chris Bond: You guys are something else. And believe when I say that a lot of you have made your opinions regarding the Chivalry is Dead match known to me. And I appreciate your honesty. But it’s time. For twenty-one years I have been doing this. I have used my body as a weapon for far too long. I have sweat, I have bled, and I have cried for you. Hell, I continue to cry for you guys.

The crowd laughs as Bondo wipes away another tear.

Chris Bond: But you guys, you know I wouldn’t do this lightly. It’s time for my family to get the kind of devotion that I’ve shown this business. It’s time for my son to get the kind of father I never had. It’s time for me to ride off into the sunset and let the next big thing have their moment in the sun. You guys have been a family that I never knew I had. And I’m going to miss each and every moment we’ll have had. But it has been nothing short of an honor and a privilege having been a vessel for your entertainment all of these years. Thank you all.

The crowd erupts in a chorus of cheering, even louder than all of the ones before. “Thank You Bondo” starts back up again. Bond’s lip trembles for a moment.

Chris Bond: You guys are seriously the biggest drug there is in life and I… I don’t know what I would have done without the highs you have given me. Thank you all, for everything. I uh, I don’t regret a single moment we’ve had. The blood-spills, the scars, the blowouts, the arrests, the beatdowns I’ve had and the beatdowns I’ve given. Hell, even the secret agent shtick and that time I wore leather bondage, they were all worth it. Every wrinkle, every scar, everything has been worth it. Thank you all for everything… thank you all.

Bondo places the microphone on the canvas in the center of the ring and stands there, a few tears roll down his cheek in blatant defiance of his will. He and the Baroness embrace once again, a hug so full of love and support, it’s truly beautiful. The two stand front and center in the middle of the ring, basking in the glow, as Bond’s music starts up one last time.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

It wasn't exactly clear where Piper Lennon was coming to us from, but that seemed intentional. All we had was an extreme close-up of her face as she tilted her head and peered into the camera. Maybe she wanted people to focus on her message not the surroundings, maybe she wanted people to examine her as closely as she examined them, or maybe she was just a spazzy little weirdo.


Piper Lennon: Me and Ms. Annie, we're different but the same.

A beat skips.

Piper Lennon: I mean, we're all unique special snowflakes and all that, but we're both in this little contender's shindig because we have our eyes set on the same place. That little shiny that's strapped around Marlo's waist, obscuring up his bulge.

She flashes a toothy grin.

Piper Lennon: Marlo doesn't seem to want to do much with me for whatever reason, but I've got more I want to do with him. Forget that the shiny he has is something that can open up the doors for me to experience all sorts of new exciting things. Fact is, I misjudged him, I misjudged him badly when I assumed he was compensating for having a tiny pecker so having that in mind?

Her cheery voice is reduced to a breathy whisper at this point.

Piper Lennon: There's a lot more of him that I need to understand, that I need to dissect, take my snapshots of and document so I can really understand all the pieces that make him up and make him the way he is. All part of growing and bettering myself as a person. Now Ms. Annie ...

Lennon slowly exhales.

Piper Lennon: ... Some might think that her, looking to add an accolade to her count. Another dalliance with a shiny trinket for bragging rights. That she might be the type that bores me, something I just see as a rote speedbump on the way to my final destination. But trust me, that's not the case, not ... the ... case. Because I mean, if you look at her, really look at her? The trials and tribulations she's had, the cracks in her former veneer, the transgression. Part of being human, part of growing up maybe, but the signs of someone who might just might be a tiny bit broken inside too. So I get a chance her, I get to really up close and personal see what's inside of her, I get to enjoy and take in all the scenery on the trip. Which should be a blast; time to stop and smell the roses.

Another wide smile, then static.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where one of the newest signings to Vertigo, and one half of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad, Peaches can be seen walking through the halls of the FedEx Forum. Ready dressed in her ring attire ahead of her upcoming match with Tyler Kingsley, Peaches has a smile on her face as she’s stopped by Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Peaches! I was wondering if I could get a word with you before your match.

Peaches: You sure can, Jess.

The two settle down, standing next to one another as Jessie clutches the microphone in her hand. Peaches takes a deep breath as she prepares herself for her first interview as part of the green brand.

Jessie Pederson: First off, welcome to Vertigo. No Dan with you tonight?

Peaches: Thank you, an’ not tonight. He took a knock in trainin’, probably gonna be a few weeks before he’s ready to get back in the ring. Plus the whole thing with Hadley, it ain’t been a good time for us lately.

Jessie nods, remembering the ending of the tag title match at Final Frontier.

Jessie Pederson: Understandable. Give him my best when you see him.

Peaches: Course I will, Jess.

Jessie Pederson: But tonight you’re making your Vertigo debut – a fresh start of sorts after all the trials and tribulations of the last year. You’ve got a match against Tyler Kingsley comi–

Peaches: Look, Jess, the last year has been one of the hardest of my life. But I guess we were just worn slap out by the time Final Frontier came ‘round. But Hadley’s gonna land on her feet. She’s a fighter. Dan’s gonna heal up an’ come back stronger than ever. In the mean time, I just gotta hold down the fort here. Tyler ain’t had the best of luck over on Flashpoint, so I reckon he’s gonna be wantin’ a fresh start here too. Him an’ The Resistance–

Suddenly, a booming voice rings out through the hallways, drawing the attention of Peaches and Jessie alike.

Dom Harter: Peaches!

They turn to look in the direction of the voice, only to see Dom Harter walking towards them with Annie Zellor and Mary-Jane McCracken in tow. The casual wrestling fan may not recognize the redhead, but the eagle-eyed fans may recognize her from EmeryTown a few months ago, where she participated as part of #HartersAngels. But their attention is mainly drawn to the cake that Dom’s holding in his hands.

Dom Harter: Welcome to Vertigo!

Peaches: Thanks, guys. Dom, Annie, always nice to see y’all again. An’ Mary-Jane, is it?

Dom Harter: Don’t forget Jae–

Dom stops himself, gritting his teeth together as he remembers that Jaelynn Ramsey got drafted to Flashpoint. One more hit to The New Murder, along with Chris Bond’s retirement.

Dom Harter: –no, nevermind.

Peaches: I ain’t even realize Vertigo had a welcoming committee. An’ with cake too.

Dom looks down confused.

Dom Harter: What? No! No, this is for us. To celebrate finally being rid of Pendragon!

Annie Zellor: And to all our future successes.

Dom Harter: Damn right! The draft may have shaken things up, we may have lost a few members along the way, but our plans are still in place. Starting tonight, when Annie becomes the new number one contender to the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title!

Peaches: Good luck, Annie. Maybe one day I’ll be there challengin’ you for that title…

Annie steps forward, smirking as she stands toe-to-toe with Peaches, who towers over her by more than a couple of inches.

Peaches: …or maybe I’ll be facin’ Marlon instead.

And there goes the smirk. Mary-Jane places a hand on Annie’s shoulder, almost as if she’s trying to stop her from swinging a punch.

Annie Zellor: Don’t be writing checks your butt can’t cash, Peaches. Pretty soon The New Murder is gonna be back at the top of the mountain, and you won’t want us as an enemy when we are.

Peaches: I ain’t tryna make enemies here…

But the tension is instantly dissipated as Dom steps between the two women, eating a handful of the Fudgey the Whale cake he’s holding.

Dom Harter: Ladies, don’t waste your energy just now. You’ve both got matches coming up, focus on those instead. We don’t want The Resistance getting too comfortable over here, right?

Peaches: Nah, we don’t.

Annie Zellor: Then go kick Tyler’s butt. And know, we’ll be watching.

With that, Peaches walks away…but not before grabbing herself a small scoop of fudge cake, much to Dom’s dismay! The three members of The New Murder are left behind with Jessie Pederson, but Dom shields the cake from her before she can have any as the show heads to ringside for the opening contest.

[FGA Office]

• Contender’s Match •
Piper Lennon vs. Annie Zellor

The sounds of “Devil’s Bleeding Crown” by Volbeat begins to play throughout the arena as the crowd immediately begin to boo. The lights go down; red spotlights flashing on the entrance ramp, keeping in time with music before the vocals finally kick in. Zellor emerges from behind the curtain, her back facing the ring. She stands with her arms held out to either side, spinning on her heel to suddenly face the ring. With a smirk on her face, Annie begins her slow approach down the aisle.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 125 pounds… ANNIE ZELLOR!

Some diehard Anniemaniacs reach out for the high five, and for those fans Annie happily obliges. But the majority continue booing the crow as she struts down the aisle. Zellor leaps up onto the apron, taking another moment to look out across the crowd before she flips backwards over the top rope to enter the ring. There, Annie heads to her corner and climbs a turnbuckle, before removing her leather jacket and bandana, ready for this match to get started.

Kris Cruise: Alright, Stephy, we’ve got our opening contest of the night set to get underway. It’s going to be Annie Zellor taking on Piper Lennon in a Contender’s Match! The winner will have a shot against Marlon Cure and his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship!

Stephy Auger: Both of these competitors want a piece of King Cure. Annie Zellor wants to make history while Piper Lennon has got her eyes set on Cure for… other reasons.

Kris Cruise: I’m surprised Cure hasn’t put a restraining on her after the way she’s been acting.

Stephy Auger: It’s simple, really. He likes it!

Kris Cruise: Well I highly doubt that!


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, hailing from La Jolla, California! Weighing in at 133 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.

Kris Cruise: Lennon has proven that she can hang with the best of them here in FGA. Getting to go one on one with Zellor is just the type of fight that Lennon’s looking for.

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah. Lennon is always down for a good scrape. So I’m sure she’s not going to shy away from getting into it with Bad Bad Annie Z. Besides, a shot at King Cure and his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship is on the line. I’m sure that Lennon will be more than driven to get the desired results here tonight.

The bell sounds as Lennon and Zellor circle the ring. The two grapplers slow inch towards each other and motion for a lock up. At the last second, Zellor is caught off guard by a open hand chop from Lennon. Lennon immediately follows up with another open hand chop. She throws out a third chop. But this time, Zellor blocks and counters with a punch to the face! Lennon throws out another open when before Zellor cuts her off with another punch to the face. Zellor throws out a third punch, but Lennon blocks it and counters with a throw cross chop. Zellor remains doubled over until Lennon knocks her upright with a knee lift. While Zellor is stunned, Lennon turns and runs into the ropes. When she returns, she throws out a running double axe handle smash. But Zellor ducks before heading into the ropes. Lennon stops on a dime. When she turns around, she turns into a headscissors takedown. Lennon returns to her feet, only to get returned to the mat with a step up enzuigiri! Zellor pulls her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon kicks out.

Kris Cruise: That kick to the head dropped Lennon to the mat. But it only gets a two count.

Stephy Auger: Zellor’s letting Lennon know she didn’t come here to play.

Zellor picks up Lennon and places her in a side headlock. The hold doesn’t stay on for long as Lennon lifts her up for a belly to back suplex. Zellor is able to roll over Lennon’s back and land on her feet. She quickly grabs Lennon from behind. Zellor rolls Lennon out in front of her and throws out a ripcord discus elbow. But Lennon ducks. When Zellor turns around, she gets knocked off her feet with a gamengiri! Lennon makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zellor kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Lennon returns the favor with a high kick of her own.

Stephy Auger: They’re going tit-for-that in there, Cruise.

Lennon picks up Zellor and moves her into the corner. From there, Lennon goes to work on The New Murder member with alternating jabs and knife edge chops. She then takes Zellor by the wrist before sending her into the far corner with an irish whip. Lennon charges across the ring, jumps up and goes for a leaping corner bionic elbow. But Zellor slips out of the way, causing Lennon to crash into the corner. Zellor immediately follows up with a schoolboy roll up.

ONE!
.
Zellor hooks the tights!
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Lennon powers out with a kickout.

Kris Cruise: Zellor nearly stole that title shot right out from under Lennon!

Both both grapplers return to their feet, Zellor gets struck with another open hand chop. Lennon then takes Zellor and goes for an irish whip. But Zellor reverses, sending Lennon into the ropes. When Lennon returns, Zellor throws out a discus elbow. But again, Lennon is able to duck before continuing to run the ropes. When Lennon returns, she gets knocked off her feet with the Sparkle Princess Special (540 Kick)! Zellor makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: Lennon wasn’t able to duck that one, huh?

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

Zellor picks up Lennon and whips her into the corner. She rushes in, connects with a discus clothesline and goes to follow up with a bulldog when Lennon shoves her off into the ropes. When Zellor returns, she gets brought down with a flapjack. Lennon pushes her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zellor kicks out.

Lennon pulls Zellor back to her feet and whips her into the corner. Lennon rushes across the ring, jumps up and bashes Zellor across the face with a leaping corner Bionic Elbow. She then brings Zellor from out of the corner before bringing her down with a side russian leg sweep. Lennon makes the cover.

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

Lennon takes control of the wrist and pulls Zellor over onto her knees before going to down with a soccer kick flurry to the chest. The last kick flattens Zellor on the mat. Lennon then targets each limp with a Garvin Stomp before following up with a spinning boot scrape across the face. While Zellor is still down, Lennon takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she delivers a double foot stomp to the midsection. She then drops down and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Lennon’s start to gain control over this contest.

Stephy Auger: She’s really starting to ramp up the offense. Zellor might want to think about rolling to the outside and putting the brakes on this match.

Lennon sits up Zellor and applies a rear chinlock. The ref gets down and asks Zellor if she wants to give up. She refuses. So Lennon yanks back on the hold. Zellor groans as she tries to fight her way out of the submission. She slowly turns over onto a knee. Once Zellor gets back to a vertical base, she reaches up, grabs Lennon’s hands and slowly pulls them from around her neck. She quickly follows up with a series of back elbows to the midsection. While Lennon is doubled over, Zellor motions towards the ropes. Before Zellor can get far, Lennon reaches out, spins Zellor back towards her and follows up with a push kick towards the ropes. Lennon then turns and heads into the far ropes. When Lennon returns, she sends both her and Zellor flipping over the top rope before crashing to the floor with a Cactus Clothesline! Lennon is back to her feet first and pulls herself up onto the apron. She takes a few steps back on the apron before running forward and jumping off for a Cactus Elbow. But Zellor rolls out of the way, causing Lennon to crash on the floor! Zellor gets to her feet and staggers towards over towards the ring. After pulling herself up onto the ropes, she takes a few steps back. Once Lennon gets back to her feet and turns around, Zellor runs along the apron before knocking Lennon down with an apron flipping senton!

Kris Cruise: Zellor flips off the apron and flattens Lennon with a dive!

Stephy Auger: That missed elbow was the opening Zellor needed to get back into this!

Kris Cruise: Marlon Cure’s got to have his eyes glued to this one. What do you think he’s saying right now!?

Stephy Auger: “GET UP, PIPER! YOU’VE GOT THIS, BABY!”

Kris Cruise: Oh cut it out, Stephy!

Zellor picks Lennon back up and rolls her back inside. She rolls back in for the cover.

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

Zellor picks up Lennon, sends her across the ring and follows her into the corner. As soon as Lennon hits the turnbuckles, Zellor immediately follows up with a corner running double knee strike! She then pulls a doubled over Lennon from out of the corner before bringing her down with Shade Thrown II (Moss Covered Three Handled Family Credenza)! With Lennon sprawled out on the mat, Zellor gets to her feet and heads into the ropes. When Zellor returns, she goes for a jumping knee strike. But she catches nothing but canvas after Lennon rolls out of the way! While Zellor tries to get back to her feet, Lennon takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she jumps up before bringing Zellor down with a leg lariat! She makes the cover.

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

Lennon grabs Zellor by the hair and slowly pulls her up off the mat… before immediately bringing her back down with a jumping neckbreaker slam! Lennon then heads into the corner before hoisting herself up onto the middle ropes. Once Zellor gets back to a vertical base, Lennon jumps off for a flying knee strike. But she whiffs after Zellor rolls out of the way! When both grapplers return to their feet, Zellor catches Lennon with a shoot kick to the right leg, a shoot kick to the left leg, a side kick to the midsection followed by a bicycle knee strike to the head! Zellor then takes Lennon and whips her into the corner. Zellor rushes over, hops on Lennon and then throws her out of the corner with a monkey flip! As Lennon gets back to her feet, Zellor rushes out of the corner before bringing Lennon back down with a wheelbarrow bulldog! Zellor pulls Lennon up before heading into the ropes. When Zellor returns, she drives Lennon back down with a leapfrog into a one-handed bulldog! Zellor pulls Lennon up from behind before delivering a front dropkick to the back that causes Lennon to stagger over and fall across the middle ropes. Zellor looks around at the booing crowd before giving them the #grrface! She then turns and heads into the ropes. When Zelor returns, she swings through the ropes before nailing Lennon with the Rough ‘n’ Tumble (tiger feint kick)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Devil’s Bleeding Crown” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… ANNIE ZELLOR!

The boos continue while Zellor “kicks dirt” on Lennon after her victory.

Kris Cruise: After weeks of trash talk, Annie Zellor will finally have her chance to put up or shut up! She’s now got a guaranteed shot at Marlon Cure and the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship coming up at Revelations! That’s going to be a good one!

Stephy Auger: King Cure is the new “It” Guy in wrestling. He’s got the gift of gab and the skill to back everything he says up. Annie Zellor know what it takes to be a champion and she will pull out everything in her bag of tricks to become a three-time Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion at Revelations.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Cutting to backstage following the quick break, we see Spencer Burke standing by with microphone in hand.

Spencer Burke: Coming off the heels of Final Frontier, we still have plenty of great action coming up on this episode of Vertigo. But before we get to that, let me first welcome my guest...Tyler Storm!

Tyler walks from the right of the scene and into view, standing beside Spencer and giving him a small nod.

Spencer Burke: So Tyler, tonight you have an opportunity to start off your new year here in FGA on a more positive note as you take on one of your most frequent foes in the company, Fenrys. What is the mindset coming into tonight?

Tyler Storm: The mindset? Well...do you want me to be absolutely honest with you Spencer?

Spencer nods, rather confusedly, and allows Tyler to continue. The larger athlete gives off a heavy sigh as he goes on.

Tyler Storm: My mindset tonight is frustration, Spencer, and I don't want to sugar coat that for you or for any of the fans here tonight or watching at home. I've said this to a lot of people, but 2018 was one of the best years of my career. I got to return from a debilitating back injury, re-establish myself in front of the audiences around the world I have an honor to wrestle in front of, I made new friends and a couple enemies...it was a fun and interesting year as an athlete...and yet...

Storm begins to tap his foot on the ground, not seen but audibly heard as he just shakes his head.

Tyler Storm: And yet for all the chances I was given in 2018, what do I honestly have to show for it Spencer? I mean look...the last thing I will ever define myself with is the things I don't do in wrestling, my career will never be defined by the material things so many other coworkers think is all this sport is good for. But I don't think anyone could say they wouldn't be disappointed by countless chances to reach a pinnacle of success, countless opportunities to hold championship gold...and you fail on every one by finger tips. It's just all frustrating to me as a competitor, as someone who does strive for success because it's something the fans deserve. They deserve that added effort from me, they deserve a champion who is going to fight for them and represent their voice.

He looks back to Spencer following that message and the look of determination fills his eyes.

Tyler Storm: That's why tonight is the start of a new path for me, Spence. Tonight, I again work to redefine who I am in this industry. No matter what I do, I'm still always going to continue to show up for these fans, for those that support me, and for an industry I love more than most things. But 2019 is also about not being 1 step away any longer for Tyler Storm. This year, I'm going to reach my goal of becoming a champion once again in professional wrestling, and I when it happens I will be a champion of...pride...actually...pride! What better title to really define the worth ethic I try and represent than by going for that Pride title? It's the title that was fingertips away from me here already in FGA when I fought Fujiko, it is currently held by Seth Iser who I went to war with many a time in 2018 and won the majority of those battles. Of course, the pinnacle of a company is always the World title, and when I deem that I am worthy of going for that prize, I will go for it and I welcome whoever it is that I would have to face for it. But as far as the goal right now...I'm aiming for Pride...mark that down Spencer and you don't forge-

Spencer Burke: I hate to cut you off short Tyler, but our producers are telling me we need to actually cut back to the ring for just one moment here.

With cameras cut back at the ringside area, “Watch Me Burn” starts to play over the speakers as the Vertigo faithful let out a loud deep booing, with a few rouge cheers mixed in as Brian Stryker walks out from the back. Dressed in his leather jacket and hat, he wastes no time in making his way to the ring, stopping to look at a young fan who held up a signing telling Stryker to go back to the “B Show”. Stryker stares at the kid a few moments before climbing up the ring steps and into the ring. He takes a microphone and stands in the center of the ring, a scowl on his face as he looks around at all the green, instead of his usual orange.

Brian Stryker: Ladies and gentlemen. Don’t adjust your TVs. Don’t refresh those illegal streams. And those in attendance, you’re not blind drunk. You are seeing Brian Stryker right here in a Vertigo ring. And I’m wasting no time tonight. I’m not coming out here to say how “happy I am to be on Vertigo.” No screw all that noise. I am for one reason. To get what is mine and to run rough shot over everyone who stands in my way.

For those of you who don’t remember, let’s take a trip back a few months shall we? One of the last times I was on Vertigo was back when I was the FGA 15 Champion. I was doing something no man in this company has EVER done before. I’ve successfully defended that title 4 straight times and EARNED myself a shot at the Pride Championship here on Vertigo. So here I am ready to compete, when that waste of donkey spunk of a GM Macdonald comes up and tries to bribe me away from Flashpoint with a contract. When I told him no, he gets Julian Tijerina to attack me and get my match called off unfairly. So I had to go back to Flashpoint without the Pride title AND without my 15 title. And you want to know the worst part of it all? You goddamn fans were.

The fans start booing as Stryker nods his head in agreement.

Brian Stryker: Yeah, I agree. You are all terrible. You sat around and did nothing when I got screwed over. You all sat there like “Oh it’s just Brian Stryker. Who cares if he was screwed over.” You guys would much rather beat off to a stupid Friday hashtag of instahoes than realize I was screwed over. I wasn't even granted a proper rematch. I was forced to carry a bunch of nobodies in a “brand warfare” match. I had to watch on a sideline while I was never rectified properly for the injustice I’ve faced. But that all ends tonight. Tonight starts my quest for revenge. My quest to claim what was stolen from me. I AM COMING FOR THAT PRIDE TITLE! I don’t care who thinks they deserve a shot back there either. You are all worthless pieces of sh*t compared to me in the first place. I am the rightful Number One Contender and I WILL be getting my match. I don’t care how, but I’m taking from all you mother f*ckers.

Stryker throws his mic down as he climbs out of the ring, ignoring the boos and middle fingers all the ringside fans are giving him as he walks up the ramp. With that, a quick cut backstage again shows Spencer and Tyler, who were watching on a monitor off screen of Stryker's message to the audience. Tyler can't help but chuckle as he looks back at Spencer.

Tyler Storm: I mean hey, you can never expect to call your spot and see no challengers. Brian Stryker is a challenger who deserves it...and the best I can say to all of that right now is simply welcome to Vertigo.

Spencer Burke: You are right to never expect the easy road, Tyler. Especially with how confident Brian Stryker is and his ability, being a former champion in his own right.

Tyler Storm: Which is why he is a welcomed member of this brand. I love the added competition, and he's called his shot for the same thing I called mine for. So I guess I'll be seeing a lot of Mr. Stryker here in the coming weeks and months. But until then...I believe I have a date with Fenrys to get to! I think this is our third dance so I've gotta make this one extra special.

Spencer Burke: You always find a way, Tyler. Thanks for the time and good luck tonight.

Tyler Storm: Much appreciated, Spencer. Take care!

Tyler, still with a small chuckle after watching Brian's segment interruption, walks out of view as the scene cuts away.

[FGA Office]

The camera opens us up backstage, just in time to see Marlon Cure watching the end result of The Contenders Match  from earlier in the night to determine who would challenge for his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. By his side as always is his assistant, Keiko, holding onto a pair of championships as she follows the action as well. King Cure's eyes narrow in distaste as the referee's hand comes down for the three to end the match, followed by a sneer of disgust.

A challenge was a challenge, feelings about the opposition aside.

Marlon Cure:... Aight, Bet.

Cure stands up, slipping on his coat and exits with Keiko following right behind him. As he turns down a hallway Cure can hear the faint sound of someone walking quickly towards them to catch up, causing him to come to a stop with a muted sigh of annoyance.

Marlon Cure: ...Lemme guess, Burke. I've been here a minute, so I think I got the routine down pat. You wanna get first the first take on Annie getting the shot at truly yours after months and months of jaw jacking and throwing subliminals to try and get my attention, right right?

Burke comes to a complete stop, looking a little sheepish as he nods.

Spencer Burke: Well... yes. Considering everything that's been going on between you two and the mutual dislike for one ano-

Keiko holds up a hand, cutting Burke off as Cure looks at him with a bemused expression.

Marlon Cure: ...You were about to imply it ran deeper than me not caring whether she lived or died on this shot she was chasing. A shot she'll front and say I made her jump through hoops to get when half the sh*t that came out? Came out of her mouth.

Cure smirks a little.

Marlon Cure: But it's all good though. I said I'd face anybody, anywhere and give them the honor and privilege of getting folded with the quickness when it comes to taking mines. She got her shot, she's finally healthy and talking that good good, now she gotta put action to words and go blow for blow with God. We'll see if she's up to par or if all that loud talking and barking is just for show.

With that, Cure walks off. Keiko gives a polite bow to Spencer, then follows after as the scene begins to fade out.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Peaches vs. Tyler Kingsley

"The End Of Heartache" blare out through the speakers of the FedEx Forum as the lights go out. Scenes of plaque doctors and men in gas masks flash across the screen. Riots and anarchy soon follow as white spotlights are the only other source of light as the go through the crowd. Soon the spot light sees a group coming out of the curtain. The Resistance are following young Tyler Kingsley out on the stage, standing in a row behind him as they make their way down the ramp, with Tyler flashing a cocky smile.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Chicago, Illinois! Weighing in at 143 pounds… TYLER KINGSLEY!

All the members of The Resistance take a spot in the four corners as Tyler enters the ring, before entering the ring and taking it off the shirt, tossing at the nearest girl that looked his age, before he pulls on the ropes to get ready.

Kris Cruise: The rest of The Resistance are making their way to the back while Tyler Kingsley gets his first taste of singles action here on Vertigo.

Stephy Auger: I believe this might be the first singles match that Kingsley has had since coming to FGA this past summer. A lot of the focus was on Tristan Ambrose, Gunnar and Ragnar. But rarely did Kingsley get any shine. We can credit Hadley Herrera and her cluelessness for that one.

Kris Cruise: Whatever him and The Resistance may have thought about their tenure of Flashpoint, the group is getting a fresh start here on Vertigo after being selected in the Draft Lottery. Word going around is that Kingsley wants to prove himself as one of the premiere cruiserweights in wrestling.

Stephy Auger: Well that’s going to be quite the task, considering that King Cure is on the same roster as him. But I like his attitude.

"Shit Shots Count" by The Drive By Truckers begins playing as Peaches bursts through the curtain with her arms outstretched to each side. She spins around as she slowly moves down the aisle, soaking in the crowd's cheers before picking up the pace.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Fayetteville, Georgia! Weighing in at 133 pounds… PEACHES!

As Peaches climbs up the ring steps she removes her flannel shirt, tossing it to a fan in the audience, before finally vaulting over the top rope as she waits for the match to start.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of the Draft Lottery, Peaches was selected by Vertigo along with her Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad tag partner, Dan Herrera! The two were one of the premier teams over on Flashpoint, holding the Tag Titles at one point and were even the 2017 Tag Team of the Year!

Stephy Auger: 2017 was a long time ago and “Mr. How Shiny is My Head” Dan Herrera is nowhere to be found. Which means that Peaches is going to have to fend for herself for the time being. We already saw her bumping heads with Annie Zellor just before the break. Though I suppose we can’t really fault her for that. Being an annoying pest is one of her character traits.

Kris Cruise: Please be nice, Stephy.

The bell sounds as Peaches and Kingsley lock up to start things off. Peaches gains the advantage with a side headlock. But it’s quickly broken when Kingsley shoves her off into the ropes. When Peaches returns, Kingsley throws out a pump kick. But Peaches avoids it with a slide. When Kingsley turns back around, Peaches catches him with a toe kick. After another toe kick doubles Kingsley over, Peaches takes his wrist and whips him into the ropes. She then rushes in to attack when Kingsley counters with a European Uppercut before following up with a reverse STO into the turnbuckles! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Peaches kicks out.

Kingsley moves Peaches back into the corner before delivering three knife edge chops. After sending Peaches into the opposite corner with an irish whip, Kingsley runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when Peaches ducks and dumps him over to top rope. When Peaches turns around, Kingsley knocks her back with a foreamsh smash. Kingsley then goes for a springboard maneuver. But before he can fly off the ropes, Peaches connects with a dropkick, sending Kingsley tumbling to the floor. Cappotelli rushes over and begins motioning for his client to get up. As Kingsley tries to get back to a vertical base, Peaches turns and runs into the far ropes. When she comes back, the crowd cheers when she leaps through the ropes before knocking Kingsley down with a suicide dive!

Kris Cruise: Peaches dives to the outside and takes out Kingsley!

Stephy Auger: She nearly took out Cappotelli, too! That reckless you-know-what needs to watch where she’s going!

Peaches gets to her feet and looks in Cappotelli’s direction, which forces The Resistance manager to put his hands up defensively and back away. Peaches turns back to Kingsley and rolls him inside. She then climbs up onto the apron before heading over towards the post. She begins to climb the turnbuckles. Once Peaches reaches the top, she leaps off and knocks Kingsley back down with a missile dropkick! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Kingsley kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Peaches with a high dropkick off the top! But it only gets a count of two. Stephy, this match is just as important to Peaches as it is to Kingsley. Both of these competitors want to make a statement here on their new brand.

Peaches picks up Kingsley and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, Peaches sets up for a back body drop. Kingsley sees it coming, so he hurdles over her before continuing to run the ropes. When Kingsley returns, Peaches goes for a leapfrog while he forward rolls underneath her. When Peaches lands on her feet and turns around, Kingsley rolls back to his feet and immediately follows up with a pelé kick! While Peaches is stunned, Kingsley turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, he flattens Peaches with a pump kick! The boos continue as Kingsley drops down for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Peaches kicks out.

Kingsley pulls up Peaches before knocking her back with a knife edge chop. He blasts Peaches across the chest with another knife edge chop. He then throws out an open chop before Peaches blocks and counters with a forearm smash. Kingsley motions for another open hand chop until Peaches cuts him off with another forearm smash. After a third forearm, Peaches goes to follow up with a toe kick. As soon as Kingsley catches her foot, Peaches throws out an enzuigiri. But Kingsley ducks. He quickly grabs Peaches around the waist, deadlifts her off the mat and throws her down with a gutwrench piledriver! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: What a move by Kingsley!

Stephy Auger: He dropped Peaches right on her fat head. I’m surprised this one isn’t over.

Kingsley picks up Peaches, places her in the clinch and moves her into the corner before delivering knees to the head. After the last knee, he takes Peaches and sends her into the far corner with an irish whip. Kingsley then rushes across the ring before connecting with a discus clothesline. After Peaches crumbles from out of the corner, he drops down and makes the cover.

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

Kingsley returns to his feet before stomping Peaches out of the ring. When Peaches starts to pick herself back up on the outside, Kingsley turns and heads into the far ropes. When he comes back, the crowd boos when he leaps through the ropes before knocking Peaches down with a suicide dive!

Kris Cruise: Kingsley returns the favor with a suicide dive of his own!

Kingsley returns to his feet before rolling back in. He keeps his eyes locked on Peaches. As soon as she tries to get back to her feet, he turns and runs back into the far ropes. When Kingsley returns, the crowd boos when he flips over the top rope before flattening Peaches with a somersault plancha!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Kingsley again!

Stephy Auger: He’s not letting up! I like it!

Kingsley pulls up Peaches and rolls her back in. He then slides back in, turns Peaches over and makes the cover.

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

Kingsley pulls Peaches up, grabs her from behind and then brings her down with a reverse DDT. After turning Peaches over onto her knees, Kingsley steps back before nailing her with the One Last Kiss (Avada Kedavra)! Kingsley then nailing Peaches with a second time! A dazed Peaches slowly falls forward and lands on her face. Kingsley then rushes over and slingshots himself out onto the apron. He can be seen waving Peaches up while Cappotelli slams down on the mat with both hands. After Peaches slowly pulls herself back up to her feet, Kingsley goes for Death From Above (springboard flying knee). But Peaches is able to roll underneath it. Once Kingsley lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. Once Kingsley rolls back to his feet, he’s quickly brought down from behind with a lungblower! She then takes Kingsley and whips him into the ropes. When Kingsley returns, the crowd cheers when Peaches brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Peaches picks Kingsley back up before sending him into the corner with an irish whip. She then rushes over, jumps on top of Kingsley and throws him out of the corner with a monkey flip. Once Kingsley gets back to his feet and turns around, Peaches rushes over before tackling him down with a spear!

Stephy Auger: NOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Peaches with a spare! I’m sure Dan is at home proud after that one!


Peaches steps out onto the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Once she reaches the top, the crowd cheers when she jumps off before crashing down across Kingsley with the Booty Drop (top rope seated senton)! The ref slides into place for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when ‘Shit Shots Count” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… PEACHES!

Peaches gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Peaches picks up her first win here on Vert-

The cheers immediately turn to boos when Tristam Ambrose turns Peaches around and drops her with a roundhouse kick!

Kris Cruise: Tristan Ambrose! What the heck is he doing out here?

The boos continue as Ambrose puts the boots to Peaches. He then reaches down, pulls Peaches up off the mat, lifts her up and delivers a pumphandle neckbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Tristan Ambrose has no business being out here!

Stephy Auger: Sure he does! Tyler Kingsley is apart of his Resistance!

Kris Cruise: Tyler Kingsley can fight his own damn battles. He got beat by Peaches here tonight. The better competitor won, end of story. There’s no need for this. There’s no need for it at all!

Stephy Auger: Well why don’t you go in there and tell that to Ambrose then!

Peaches starts to stir on the mat before slowly turning herself over on all fours. The crowd boos when Ambrose runs over, leaps up and flattens her with The Cure (curb stomp). The boos continue as Ambrose stands over Peaches and does The Resistance pose...

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

We cut backstage to find Mark Bisley sat behind a desk, dressed in a sharp suit with his hair slicked back and he looks calm, composed and confident

Mark Bisley: Ladies and gentlemen, as you are fully aware my name is Mark Bisley, and as you can see for the first time since I signed with Frontier Grappling Arts I am just that: Mark Bisley, not One Half Of Smart Style Mark Bisley, and I am sure you have a lot of questions about that. Well…

Bisley flashes a Cheshire Cat smirk

Mark Bisley: Let’s talk about that shall we?

Wiping one hand against the other, Bisley relaxes in his seat as he begins

Mark Bisley: I’m sure you all remember what I said at the very beginning about the plans that not only I but both members of Smart Style had, the plan to dominate this company one title at a time. For a while this plan appeared to be taking shape, with us winning the tag team championship due to a slight case of clearly being the better team. At that point things appeared to be looking up, but then the mistakes began to happen.

Letting out a sigh, Bisley regretfully shakes his head

Mark Bisley: Now while I accept that I could have done a little bit more to hold up my end of the bargain, it was my former partner whose mistake cost us the championship. He was wracked with guilt about this, and sought to make amends…only to once again cost us when we had earned the right to challenge for the titles again, which was even more unforgivable as he made mistakes to cost us both falls in a two out of three falls match, mistakes which he made because he had become obsessed with defeating Logan Alexander to the point where he could not focus on anything else. And this became a major issue, because his obsession with defeating Logan Alexander meant he was focused solely upon winning the tag team championship and nothing else, blinding himself with his obsession when the two of us should have been making good on our plans. That’s the problem with ShiMa: he’s selfish.

Knowing that he will need to back this up, Bisley holds up a hand to indicate we should give him a moment

Mark Bisley: Allow me to list one example of many. You all remember the Year End Awards, don’t you? Well ShiMa certainly does, as he spent weeks complaining about he, the Savior of Strong Style, did not even get nominated for the Best Striker category, let alone win it. At no point did it occur to him to ask how I felt about the great injustice that was me not being nominated for the Best Technical Wrestler category in spite of the wealth of evidence that I should have been on the ballot, it was all about him and his precious chops. And that was when I realised that things would not change if I continued to team with him, so I made a call to Jenevieve Geroux to see if she were interested in not only handing an opportunity to someone who was being held back but his partner and overlooked as a result, but also to make up for the mistake Brandon Macdonald made by allowing us to sign with Flashpoint because he just didn’t share the vision that the two of us had.

Once again Bisley holds up a hand, nodding to a question he appears to have imagined somebody in the room asking

Mark Bisley: Don’t worry about ShiMa, I’m sure he’ll be okay, after all he had a good run in the Frontier Lions Cup, where he showed that if he puts his mind to something he is more than capable of achieving something in Frontier Grappling Arts provided he doesn’t begin obsessing about yet another opponent like he did with Logan Alexander, like he did with Terrence Tillman…

Bisley pauses as he considers his last point

Mark Bisley: Meanwhile, the lucky people who watch Vertigo will finally get the chance to see what I am truly capable of when I’m receive the gift of wrestling freedom. Not tonight, obviously, but all in due time – and when they do they will soon realise I was not joking when I suggested dominating Frontier Grappling Arts one title at a time, I was merely setting a timetable.

[FGA Office]

Ewan Jakeway is walking backstage, talking on the phone to Sofia through FaceTime.

Sofia Monzón: So how’re things going? Is Delikado enjoying his night off or…?

Ewan Jakeway: Oh honey, he’s perfectly okay. I left him napping in his room—well, I guess he was napping. Really, you worry about him more than our son, I think!

Sofia Monzón: That’s because I know his curiosity is ten times greater than a toddler’s. He’s more liable to put things randomly in his mouth too.

Ewan Jakeway: Sofia, what kind of trouble can a mute cripple get into?

A beeping is heard on Jakeway’s phone.

Ewan Jakeway: Hang on, babe, I have another thing coming through.

Ewan swipes on his phone to bring up another screen showing Delikado sitting in his wheelchair holding up a sign that reads “Hi, I’m Delikado, and this is the Memphis Pyramid Dive of Love—Dedicated to Susan Kent. <3” Some random dude is then shown behind the wheelchair and pulling it back to reveal the video is being shot on top of the Memphis Pyramid. Placing a secondary camera in the catatonic Cuban’s lap, the random dude proceeds to push Deli down the steep Pyramid as some kind of epic stunt born of typical Delikado wackiness. The camera feed cuts out shortly after, leaving Ewan to blink awkwardly in silence before returning to his FaceTime with Sofia.

Ewan Jakeway: Okay I’m back.

Sofia Monzón: Everything cool?

Ewan Jakeway: As a….pickle, I mean cumquat, uhhh, I mean cucumber. Hey, fun fact: cucumbers are originally from Asia and the Romans used them for scorpion bites! Hahaha, aren’t fun facts fun?!

Sofia Monzón: ……Uh-huh. <skeptical>

Ewan Jakeway: *cough* Anyway, erhm, how’s your thing going?

Sofia Monzón: Oh….fine….I guess……whatever.

Ewan Jakeway: Now honey, Spymaster’s Anonymous will be good for you if you just give it a chance. You gotta shake this distrust you have of everyone and everything. Susan Kent is our FRIEND, and friends don’t spy on each other. Maybe we should arrange you two to have a “girl’s night” together, not have me or Delikado around so you don’t feel threatened by her and thus inclined to assert dominance under some “young versus old—” uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Sofia slowly tilts her head and cocks an eyebrow of “the eff you say”. Ewan just stammers and tries to work his foot out of his mouth.

Ewan Jakeway: W-w-w-what I meant was t-t-t-that an honest assembly is needed between you two, yeah! After all, in many ways she’s still a rookie girl and you’re the veteran woman. Susan would doubtlessly welcome advice from someone so strong and beautiful and compassionate—merciful some would say!

Sofia Monzón: <darkly> Oh I’ll give you something merciful alright, when I get back to the FedEx Forum…

Ewan Jakeway: <nervous> Ohhhh noooo! I mean, hahaha, I gotta go, a distraction just came in! Bye, love you!

Ewan quickly hangs up before his grave can get any deeper and sighs in only moderate relief.

Ewan Jakeway: It’s the jackal pit for me…*sigh*

?: Mr. Jakeway.

Jakeway turns to see a dweeby-looking guy in a tight business suit.

Major Dick Pict: Just a quick head’s up, your client has a match tonight.

Ewan Jakeway: W-W-WHAT?! That can’t be right! Nobody told us!

Major Dick Pict: Yeah, it kinda just sprang up on us out of the blue from “on high.” It’s to be Delikado vs. Gunnar. Anyway, it shouldn’t take much to see your man’s ready to go—I hear Delikado is ALWAYS ready.

Ewan Jakeway: Hold on one sec…

Ewan pulls out his phone again and does some quick typing. Some quick researching brings up all the necessary intel on Delikado’s opponent, and it horrifies the Cuban’s easily horrified manager.

Ewan Jakeway: Holy guacamole, this man’s a MONSTER! You can’t spring that on us, Mister…

Major Dick Pict: It’s Mr. Major Dick Pict. I’m from FGA Corporate, down to see how the business is doing.

Ewan Jakeway: Well honestly right now, the business is…it’s poop! That’s what it is! Poop! What did my client do to get put in this match?

Major Dick Pict: “Do?” He did nothing, Mr. Jakeway. A call just came in requesting he be booked to face Gunnar, and since neither of them had anything going on tonight, we thought it’d be a nice surprise treat for the FGA fans.

Ewan Jakeway: But Gunnar isn’t a treat! He’s a crazy person, a bloodthirsty freak of nature you only train for by loads of self-sacrifice and inner soul-searching and montages, and I base that entirely off appearances, as much as my mother always told me to never judge a book by its cover.

Major Dick Pict: Mr. Jakeway, I’m sure you’re overestimating what this match is about. Your client is an interesting character, as is Gunnar, and so why shouldn’t we suspect they’d make an interesting match-up for this Memphis crowd? Think of it like…David and Goliath, only David is super old and Goliath is like something off that show about the Vikings. What’s it called again? On the History Channel? I forget.

Ewan Jakeway: I don’t know! All I know is I gotta call my partner Sofia and figure this out……

He turns his back and goes to dial Sofia, but then the memory of his near-death experience of two minutes ago crosses his facial features and gives him pause.

Ewan Jakeway: Of course….she IS busy right now on self-improving. M-Maybe I can self-improve by handling this myself, as a professional wrestling manager would. Yeah!

Pocketing his cellphone, Ewan clears his throat and turns back to Major Dick Pict.

Ewan Jakeway: Mr. Dick, I’m going to sue you for this.

Major Dick Pict: …I’m sorry?

Ewan Jakeway: Yep! This is a screw-driverjob. My client may be talented, but at the end of the day, he’s still a tired old man trying to work his life out after falling into a magic pond thing that makes him active only when he climbs into the squared circle for matches, as we all do at one time or another in this world. Now you come along all “I’m with Corporate” and decide to put him against some gothic Thor-looking guy all out of the blue? Maybe Delikado can win, who’s to say? It’s his biggest challenge yet in FGA. However, let’s stop and think this situation over, because it has a strange odor to it. It stinks, like poop! What is Gunnar anyway? The Resistance? They’re bullies, like a lot of other people in FGA have been to us since we got here. And bullying is no good, so I say it’s time to stamp it out, starting with you, hence the suing for allowing and permeating such circumstances to occur!

Silence falls over the room as Ewan puts his hands on his hips and strikes his best “nailed it” smile. Major Dick Pict adjusts his glasses in a frown.

Major Dick Pict: Let me get this straight. Your client is a wrestler, one who has consistently promoted himself in the past as willing to take on all comers, at any given time, big or small, so when I offer him the chance to fight a greater opponent, and elevate his status in the FGA, to even more fame and possibly title shots down the line, your response, as the curator of his interests…is to put a lawsuit against me? Gunnar and Delikado have no history, sir. The Resistance might be rough around the edges, some might even say they’re dangerous, but Bristow and Barnes were both labeled the same way, and neither you nor your client had any qualms about facing them. Nothing to indicate bullying is evident. Plain and simple, this is a match-up requested by people who enjoy this sport, and frankly, as someone who has a son that has been bullied much of his young life, I resent you labeling this performance as this company’s attempt to “bully”. Furthermore, if your client chose not to compete as per his contract requirements, or you sought to pull him out against those same contract requirements, we could countersue you.

Ewan Jakeway: ……………………………………………………………………………………….It’s just a prank, bro! I’m sorry!!

Ewan drops to his knees, losing every shred of his “professional manager” image as he grovels.

Ewan Jakeway: I could never sue you! I’m out of my element, my girlfriend handles all this manager stuff, I just push the chair! I’m sure Gunnar’s swell, this is what I get for judging a book by its cover! Don’t sue my client or me, because Sofia will literally kill me through the phone like that girl in The Ring! “Seven days?” I won’t have seven seconds! I’m a sports guy, I get what you mean now when you say people request it! Book Deli in anything you want—handicap, Hell in a Cell, entire roster versus him—just let this go and let us be friends!

Major Dick Pict: You know, Frik Snackey said some interesting things about you three. I’m beginning to ponder if there might’ve been some truth to it all…

Jakeway gasps in shock at this name drop and begins to babble some more, although it becomes quite incoherent until Major Dick Pict leans down and looks at him in the face.

Major Dick Pict: Be very careful, Mr. Jakeway. I can’t say this “lawsuit” talk hasn’t sullied my mood tonight, so I’ll just say Bristow & Barnes already have a grudge against your client, who’s to say The Resistance won’t build up animosity toward him too? For that matter, there’s plenty of other tag teams around here that might deem it beneficial to go after Delikado and Miss Kent if the proper incentives are put out…..

Ewan Jakeway: W…What does that mean….?

The Major stands up straight and fixes his glasses again.

Major Dick Pict: Find your client and get him ready for his match tonight, Mr. Jakeway. Against Gunnar. Don’t keep the big man waiting long—I hear his temper is only matched by his half-brother Ragnar, who has no love of managers and is not afraid to assault them.

Major Dick Pict departs, leaving Jakeway on his knees looking confused.

Ewan Jakeway: What does THAT mean!? Ohhhhhhh jeeeeez! Oh good grief! I gotta talk to Sofia, no wait, I can’t do that cuz if I do I’ll die by her Ring girl powers! That means I gotta talk to Susan, no wait, cuz then she’ll question the strength of this alliance and back out, leaving me to die of humiliation! That means I gotta think, no wait I can’t think because I gotta prepare my client for a match cuz if I don’t I’ll die by an impatient Viking! That means I gotta find my client in the locker-room, no wait, my client’s not in the locker-room, he’s skyrocketing off the Memphis Pyramid and probably dead, meaning I’m going to die fishing his dead body out of the Mississippi River! So much death, and all of it on me! Doesn’t matter, Delikado’s the key to it all right now! I gotta run and do…SOMETHING!!! DELIKADO!!! DELIKADOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Like a madman, Ewan runs as fast as he can out of the FedEx Forum. The camera barely catches up to him as he hops in his car and speeds off into the night. We can only assume he’s off to rescue Delikado from his adventure at the Memphis Pyramid, and only time will tell how it all affects the Cuban in his match against the mighty Gunnar, set to begin in just a short time. Cut to black.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Tyler Storm vs. Fenrys

The scenes opens inside the arena as it was normally lit with the ring announcer ready to announce the upcoming competitor. Suddenly…

“GIVE US YOUR GOLD!!!!!”

Is heard blaring through the speakers as "Release The Hounds" by Satellites On Parade hits the PA System and the arena goes to pitch black. As the intro of the song plays out the lights flash red, blue and black constantly until Fenrys appears standing at the top of the ramp after forty seconds of the song plays out. With his hood of his coat up he stares down to the ring breathing heavy.

Fenrys then looks around to the fans and growls before he makes his way down the ramp. As he makes it to the bottom of the ramp he drops to all fours and proceeds to walk on his fours over to the left side of the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from The Wolves Den! Weighing in at 178 pounds… FENRYS!

Fenrys pops up to his feet as he leans over the barricade scarring the fans at ringside before darting towards the ring and sliding into the bottom rope. He stands on his knees in the center of the ring and looks up to the ceiling howling up to the sky while his arms were spread out.


He then stands up to his feet and walks over to a corner and removes his fur coat. After giving it to the stagehand outside the ring, Fenrys crouches down in the corner as we waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: Up next is our third contest of the night as Tyler Storm takes on the wolf of The New Murder, Fenrys!

Stephy Auger: Fenrys is looking to match the tone and follow the example set by Bad Bad Annie Z earlier here tonight. Can Fenrys get a big win here tonight over Tyler Storm?

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: Gee, thanks for the show of support!

The lights begin to slow fade out to the opening tunes of "Eye of the Tiger" before flashing quickly back on once the rifts of the guitar begin playing, along with being met with flashes of blue and gold light on the stage. Once the song picks up into it's normal tune about 25 seconds in, Tyler Storm rushes out from behind the curtain to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song and mouthing out to the fans.

Once the lyrics start, Tyler begins making his way down the ramp, walking along the left for the first half of his trek to the ring and high-fiving fans or talking with them, and doing the same in the second half of his walk on the right side. Before long he reaches ringside and after interacting with a few more people at ringside, he works his way up the stairs onto the ring apron. He rubs his feet off for a few moments, then gripping onto the top rope he jumps up and slides his legs in between the top and middle ropes and into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds… TYLER STORM!

The song goes on for a few more moments with Storm motioning out to the crowd for a reaction before rushing to one side of the ring just as the drawn out "Eye of the Tiger" lyric hits, landing his right foot on the bottom rope and his left on the middle rope with his arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm had an interesting start to the night, wouldn’t you say? Storm made it clear that he was aiming for the Pride Championship here in 2019. But a certain someone had something else in mind.

Stephy Auger: That’s right. We were blessed to get a glimpse of The Brian Stryker Experience live and in person inside that very ring. Stryker made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten about how he was screwed over a little over a year ago out of his Pride Title shot. Now that Stryker is officially on the A show, he’s coming for what’s his.

Kris Cruise: First off, didn’t you applaud that attack on Stryker after he refused to defect from Flashpoint?

Stephy Auger: … I don’t recall…

Kris Cruise: Suuuure you don’t. Stryker can call his shot all he wants. But he’s got to earn it around here.

Stephy Auger: Oh, you mean like how Tyler Storm wants to?

Kris Cruise: Yes, exactly! Storm didn’t come out here demanding this and that. He stated his intentions and also stated that he would work hard to secure a Pride Title shot for himself. Stryker seemingly wants it handed to him on a silver platter.

Stephy Auger: Well, if you were screwed over like Stryker was, I’m sure you’d feel some type of way, too.

Kris Cruise: I’m not saying he doesn’t have a right to still be upset. What I am saying, though, is that if he wants a crack at the Pride Championship, he’s got to earn it.

Fenrys rushes over to attack Strom at the start of the opening bell. But Storm is able to knock Fenrys to the mat with a standing shoulder block.

Kris Cruise: Fenrys tried to catch Storm off guard. But The Swiss Army Knife was ready for it!

Stephy Auger: Wait, that’s actually his nickname!?

Kris Cruise: Yes! I think it’s kind of catchy, actually.

Stephy Auger: … of course you would...

Storm pulls up Fenrys before rocking him with a European Uppercut that sends him into the corner. As Storm approaches, Fenrys throws out a kick to the knee. After another kick to the knee, he takes Storm and goes to slam him face-first into the op turnbuckle. But Storm puts out his hands to block the move, elbows Fenrys and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Fenrys around, Storm delivers a blistering knife edge chop that doubles The New Murder member over. Storm lifts him up by his chest before delivering another knife edge chop that echoes throughout the arena. Storm takes Fenrys and whips him into the far corner. He runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when Fenrys knocks him back with a back elbow. He then hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before knocking Storm down with a diving front dropkick. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Fenrys picks up Storm and goes for an irish whip. But Storm reverses, sending Fenrys into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Storm goes to return the favor with a back elbow of his own. But Fenrys ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Fenrys comes back, Storm throws out a spinning forearm. But again, Fenrys ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Fenrys comes back, he goes to slide through Storm’s legs. But Storm reaches down and grabs his mask. Storm shakes his head as he slowly brings Fenrys back to his feet. Before Storm can follow up with an attack, Fenrys swats his hands off of him before following up with a corkscrew enzuigiri. While Storm is stunned, Fenrys turns and heads into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Storm lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fenrys gets his shoulder up.

Storm picks up Fenrys and goes for an irish whip. But he reverses, sending Storm into the corner. He then runs across the ring, jumps up and throws out a corner bicycle kick. But Storm catches his foot. He then shoves Fenrys down to the mat. As Fenrys rolls backwards and gets up on a knee, Storm runs out of the corner and flattens him with a bicycle kick to the face! He then pulls up Fenrys before doubling him over with a kick to the midsection. Storm then turns and heads into the ropes. When Storm comes back, he knocks Fenrys down with a scissors kick to the back of the neck. Storm turns Fenrys over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Fenrys gets his shoulder up.

While Storm tries to pull Fenrys up off the mat, Fenrys nails him with punches to the midsection. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, he goes for a running hurricanrana. But Storm blocks the move, leaving Fenrys hanging upside down. Storm then lifts Fenrys back up, runs into the corner and delivers a Buckle Bomb! Storm then moves Fenrys out of the way, climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Fenrys and then plants him with a Tornado DDT! Fenrys bounces off the mat before falling back down. Storm heads over, picks up Fenrys and whips him into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Storm lifts him up across his back before bringing him down with the Rolling Tide (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker)! The cheers continue as Storm turns Fenrys over before locking him in the Tiger’s Cage (double underhook crossface)! The ref asks Fenrys if he wants to give up. Fenrys quickly nods his head before the ref calls for the bell.

The crowd cheers when “Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… TYLER STORM!

The cheers continue as Storm gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm starts off his 2019 here on Vertigo with a W over Fenrys. Storm made his intentions clear earlier tonight. He wants to win a championship here in FGA this year. Will we be seeing Storm’s arms being raised with a championship around his shoulder? We will found out in due time...

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Susan Kent, Kendra Hollis, and Dana Wheeler are sitting in her locker room.

Kendra Hollis: I still can’t believe to agreed to be the old pervert tag team partner, but like I said we can milk this to our advantage, and when the time is right.

Susan Kent: Yeah, but let’s see where the alliance takes us.

Dana Wheeler: Yeah and all those weeks of training we put in and you're not even featured in a match.

Susan Kent: It’s no big deal Dana, we can’t be on every show.

Kendra Hollis: Your “Shoulder Injury” really put you back a bit, but now that you “Healed”. You can get back to rising to the top of this show and to the top of the company where you belong.

Dana Wheeler: How did you get cleared anyway?

Susan Kent: Carter’s report was very throughout, and all that training with Delikado, yeah that really helped.

Dana Wheeler: The only thing Delikado was trained on was your ass, and how did they not find out that Carter isn’t a therapist or a doctor.

Susan Kent: He knew this guy who’s dad was a doctor, and he just put Carter's name on some old reports.

Kendra Hollis: Wow, that’s really shady and I like it.

Susan Kent: Yeah, now here’s what I think we should do next.

Dana shuts the door and the screen fades out.

[FGA Office]

We return to a shot looking over the FedEx Forum as the crowd are awaiting the next match...yet it isn’t the opening chords of a member of the Vertigo roster’s theme music we hear, instead we hear a woman’s bemused chuckling echo throughout the arena for a few seconds until the source of the chuckle makes itself known: the new United States tag team champions Silk & Cyanide have made their presence known as the pair slink onto the entranceway with their titles in hand, Mariani’s resting upon her shoulder while Mason carries hers as if were nothing and the strap drags along the ground behind her, all to a chorus of jeers from the crowds

Completely ignoring the irrelevant outpouring of emotions from the insignificant creatures that surround them, the pair are insouciance personified as they walk down to the ring looking mightily pleased with themselves, at least that’s the assumption that can be made considering the smirk on Mariani’s face gets increasingly malicious the closer she gets to the ring

Once they reach ringside the pair approach the timekeeper’s table and Mason uses a finger to gesture to J.A. Aldridge that it might be a good idea for him to hand over a pair of microphones now, a request he is quick to oblige, and having been given what they want Mariani and Mason both grab a folding chair from ringside, with Mariani sliding hers under the ropes while Mason simply tosses her into the ring

Having entered the ring Mariani and Mason set up the chairs side by side and Mariani sits on the one to the right, at which point she raises her feet and drapes them across the chair to the left while resting her arm on the back of her chair with the microphone dangling from her fingertips in a most equanimous manner, while Mason stands behind her twirling a strand of hair around her finger while chuckling to herself as Mariani prepares to speak

Erin Mariani: I find it terribly amusing that there are people who tear themselves apart in a pathetic effort to try and inch closer to the success they feel they are owed. They will dig their fingernails into every last rung, feeling the splinters piercing their flesh, and they will give every last ounce of energy they have and it is all for naught, as they are nothing. They tell themselves otherwise, they may even sound convincing, but there is none so blind as the one whose face is in the dirt where it belongs. In fact, they are so incapable of understanding their situation that they deny they are face-down in the dirt, even though to anyone with an ounce of objectivity they will see this fact clear as day.

Taking a moment to consider her words, Mariani looks up to the ceiling and runs her tongue over her lips while letting the microphone slip in her hand until it’s only prevented from dropping to the mat by the FGA flag

Erin Mariani: Consider the plight of those video game-obsessed wretches who thought it wise to interfere when we were having a little fun at the expense of somebody expendable. They thought they had the measure of us, they assumed superiority, and yet what happened? We not only took them apart piece by piece by piece, but our victory gave us immediate legitimacy in the eyes of those who seek to reward those with legitimacy. With that legitimacy we told the incumbent champions we were not wasting any time and we wanted what they held, and yet they believed they had enough to turn us back. I do not believe I have to go into detail about how events unfolded, do I?

Not needing to say a single word, Mariani merely takes a deep breath as she silently brushes the back of her fingers against the faceplate of her title belt, while the rising ire of the crowd do nothing but cause a wicked smile to cross her lips as she can barely contain her amusement

Sara Mason: Oh I’m sorry, did we say something you don’t agree with? Are you a little bit upset that, for all their talk and all their accolades, Pendragon not only couldn’t handle what we threw at them but had to scurry away to Flashpoint with their tails between their legs when we were done? All that we did was prove that all it takes to eliminate an obstacle is to find its weakness and apply a little pressure, increasing that pressure little by little until the obstacle…breaks. It’s never a question of “if” it happens, it’s only ever going to be a question of...

The devilish twinkle in Mason’s eyes turns to a hellish glare

Sara Mason: …when.

Mason maintains the glare for a few seconds, even when she begins chuckling to herself once more, while Mariani runs a crimson-painted fingernail along the base of her microphone

Erin Mariani: I am sure that plenty of people are foolish enough to tell themselves that they will be the ones to stand up to us, in fact we are counting on it, because there is a very good reason why so many are face-down in the dirt: because we did everything in our power to put them there. This is no threat, this is no boast of superiority, this is a statement of fact that only the most bitter individuals would attempt to deny. So the question is not who seeks to challenge us, the question is who intends to learn whether or not they are the perfect victim?

Kris Cruise: Well I don’t know about being “victims.” But I know of a team that would love a crack at the reigning tag champs.

There is no music, but the cameras focus at the stage as one person emerges to answer the call of the new United States Tag Team champions. Cheers ring out through the arena as the 2018 Wrestler of the Year, Fujiko Mine, stands opposite of the champions; curling her right hand around a microphone.

Fujiko Mine: Wow, look at the two of you. So proud of the way you won those championships, right? And how lucky are you that Pendragon are no longer on Vertigo, yeah?

Fujiko has a disarming smile on her face.

Fujiko Mine: The amount of luck you two have fallen into, with those two events falling like dominoes, one after the other? Crazy.

She has a bit of a wild look in her eyes as they flash in front of the tag champs.

Izzy Anders: It’s about time for that to all run out, huh?

Fujiko finds herself joined by her tag team partner, the former Pride Champion, Izzy Anders. Her face is serious, not carrying any of the playful air that she would commonly. There is a mixed reaction as the Dynamic Duos winners begin to approach the ring. Fujiko strolls casually, while Izzy takes the more direct approach. Izzy encroaches near the new champions as soon as she enters the ring, her bright eyes cutting at them. She makes sure to present her Lowri Moss shirt to them and the camera, showing her full-on support for her wrestling daughter.

Izzy Anders: Scurry? I think that’s the wrong word but I know how the song and dance goes. So let’s skip the formalities here because Fujiko and I have a nice, little trophy to cash in on and it’s perfect that it’s you two holding it. Lucky is the team that manages to evade an ass beating from the people they’ve victimized.

Fujiko’s grin grows a little wider, as she has now entered the ring to stand at Izzy’s side.

Izzy Anders: Buuuuuuuuut--

Izzy pauses, dipping her head low for a second.

Izzy Anders: Unfortunate is the team that lined themselves up in our sights.

Motioning between herself and Fujiko, Izzy keeps her eyes trained on the dubious team before her.

Izzy Anders: You got away with murder against Pendragon and that’s fine. But when you have the audacity to come out here and speak about some “facts?” Please. You’ve exhausted all your tricks and it’s now time for the toughest fight of your lives.

Izzy takes a step back, bumping against Fujiko’s shoulder.

Izzy Anders: Fujiko, what’s the tagline for this match?

Fujiko looks at her partner, a mock-up of surprise written on her face.

Fujiko Mine: Why, I feel like our opponents should know that better than anyone, Izzy. They know that for all the so called ‘devastation’ they’ve reigned down on the tag team division here on Vertigo...they haven’t stepped to us. The team that cut through the Dynamic Duos like a heated blade. The team that has been casually biding time until now. The team that watched you swindle your way into taking those…

She points the microphone at the belts on Mariani and Mason’s person.

Fujiko Mine: ...and knew in that moment that it was up to us to take them away from you. You can call it “retribution”, you can call it “revenge”, but we will just call it taking from you what never should have belonged to you in the first place.

Having heard quite enough from those who seek to speak ill of her and her partner, Mariani pivots on her chair so she’s sitting facing both Izzy and Fujiko, and the look of smug self-satisfaction has long since been replaced by an icy stare in their direction - but a tone thick with derision

Erin Mariani: How predictable. Two people who assume superiority, who assume that those who came before them and failed did so only because those who came before them were found sorely lacking, ignore the warnings and believe they know better. It would be amusing but we have heard every last hymn and aria before, and every single time we have heard them they have been followed by screams, by pleas for us to stop, and complete silence from the mouths of those supposedly brave souls we have put out of their misery.

Mariani can’t help but allow a malicious smile to form upon her lips as she pictures the scene she’s going into detail describing - right up until she raises a finger with whip-like speed, at which point the icy stare returns

Erin Mariani: But first you should consider why we didn't think it worth laying a finger on you yet. Consider our first victims, who thought it wise to interfere in our business on the assumption they wouldn’t pay for their actions. Consider our second victims, who stole our chance to gain a measure of revenge against those who had previously interfered in our business - but those titles they held made for a pleasant form of compensation, and they were so gracious to release them into our care. In comparison, what did the two of you have?

As Mariani scoffs at Fujiko and Izzy, Mason is more than happy to take up the mantle

Sara Mason: All you have to offer is a couple of awards from a glorified popularity contest. Pardon us for not thinking that either of those are worth our time, effort, or expertise...but they aren’t.

Mason picks up the second chair and folds it flat before dropping it on the mat at her feet, placing one foot on it as she continues

Sara Mason: The two of you need to be asking yourselves where you’re going to run and where you’re going to hide, because while Pendragon got the respite of being offered the chance to escape to Flashpoint the two of you don’t have that luxury, which means the whole world will see the pair of you face-down in the dirt once we’ve decided we’re finished with you, as worthless as that piece of paper you’re so determined to cash in.

Erin Mariani: But please, continue telling yourselves about how you’re immune to breaking when the right amount of pressure is applied to that weakness you don’t believe you have. It just gives us incentive to break you that little bit more slowly.

Mariani darkly chuckles at the thought as Mason watches Izzy and Fujiko intently, waiting to see if either of them does something stupid. Fujiko keeps her eyes trained on Mariani intently, her expression not changing.

Fujiko Mine: I get that you two were too busy scheming on how to get those championships on the path of least resistance, but you really should pay more attention.

She clicks her tongue.

Fujiko Mine: You can call our awards a “glorified popularity contest” if that is what helps you sleep at night, but we all know you’re saying that because you didn’t win a single...solitary...one.

She covers her mouth for a moment, but it’s clear a smile is present behind it. The crowd “ooohs” in response.

Fujiko Mine: But let’s take those out of the equation. Say you weren’t facing down with the woman who was the BEST wrestler in FGA, and the best Striker in FGA.

She displays a shrug for Sara and Erin.

Fujiko Mine: It still would render your comments foolish, as we proved that we have what it takes via the Dynamic Duos tournament...a tournament you were either too scared to enter, or weren’t even considered for…

A wink is sent in their direction as Fujiko shifts her weight onto her back foot. Izzy reaches into her back pocket, producing a list that unfolds before the Tag Team Champions’ eyes.

Izzy Anders: Let’s see here. Three top championships, eleven other championships, three awards, and numerous of the “popularity contest” awards. That’s the shared resume for you just so you can update your knowledge.

Izzy discards the paper with a lack of care. Fujiko nods as she does so.

Izzy Anders: We proved what it took to be a tag team when we were still butting heads, working out the issues, and now we’re here in front of you not as a team divided by our differences but rather a team reinforced by them. Fujiko and I have a vision here, where it involves us dropping you two, taking those belts, and I’m pretty sure I might be a little better than making people moan and scream than you two. So. Juuuuust maybe I could reverse the roles for you two and--

Izzy readjusts, covering her mouth with an adorable gesture.

Izzy Anders: Sorry, sorry, I can’t elaborate any further than that. I can’t give you two any previews into just how bad we’re going to beat you. But let’s turn the question back around. Let’s say that we do beat you. Let’s say we do take those championships. You asked us where we will go, but what about you two? You’ll be stuck between a rock and a hard place because you won’t go to Flashpoint because you’ll get dropped by Pendragon and if you stay here? Well, you can step back up to us if you really want to.

Fujiko Mine:...buuuuuut I wouldn’t recommend it. Because the two of you are finally going to get the destruction that you’ve been outpacing for a while now. You can’t run forever, and the sand in your proverbial hourglass is about to run out. That vision that Izzy revealed to you? That’s exactly what awaits at the bottom of that hourglass.

Having heard everything that Izzy and Fujiko have to say, Sara Mason merely tilts her head to one side and looks at the two of them as if they’re completely stupid

Sara Mason: Obviously it hasn’t occurred to you that we didn't even need to be in that tournament you’re so proudly boasting about winning. You see, while the two of you were making awkward conversation with one another about whether the two of you should maybe team up for the tournament, we were tearing the most successful team in this company to pieces. It’s almost as if E didn't use enough short words to make it clear to you that, all because of that, we did more to raise our stock than your career based on little more on cosmetic enhancements and cute comments.

Like an attack dog preparing to leap at its prey, Mason steps through the ropes and sits on the ring apron, drumming her black-painted fingernails on the chair that’s laying conveniently within reach

Sara Mason: But you really haven’t considered one thing: when I’m stamping on your face, you won’t be making cute comments, you’ll be begging me to stop - but I won’t, because I want to see just how many votes you’ll receive in that glorified popularity contest when you look like somebody shoved Barbie head-first into the waste disposal.

Rising from her chair, Mariani takes a few steps across the ring so she's standing by the ring ropes to stand beside her partner and, as Mason stares wide-eyed at Fujiko, Mariani speaks once more

Erin Mariani: By all means, talk about what you have done in the past, but do not for a second assume that it has any bearing on your future - because your future belongs to us, a future of regretting your hubris taking you down a pathway you cannot comprehend what awaits you at its end. Just remember that each and every word you have used to try and demean us comes with consequences, and we will gladly inflict those upon the two of you - especially you.

As Mariani points an accusing finger at Fujiko her words drip with venom, at which point her eyes slowly move on to Izzy

Erin Mariani: But as for you, Miss Anders, you really need to stop pretending that you are holier than thou, because those of us with long memories are fully aware that you needed three people supporting you in order to stay ahead of just one opponent, and yet in spite of your continued attempts to “get away with murder” as you so succinctly put it you not only failed, but your failure led to you desperately searching for a rock you could hide under. So do not think you can lecture us, because we know all about you - so why not spare yourself the embarrassment and abandon your so-called partner to the wolves now rather than continue to waste our time?

Izzy flexes her jaw, nodding at Mariani before deciding to get a little closer, kicking the chair out of the way. It was a moment of contemplation, but Izzy looks back at Fujiko for a second before backing down. She nods at them both.

Izzy Anders: Bring up the past, I get that. It’s an easy target but you should really keep digging. You’ll figure out a lot more than that. Don’t be so foolish, watch yourself, and get ready. Because the more you keep trying to push, the worse off you’ll end up being.

The Mindkiller turns to leave, patting Fujiko on the shoulder as she leaves.

Fujiko Mine: You two may think that you are on top of the world. But you don’t have long to rest at the top of the tag team mountain. And when you fall, you will fall directly at the feet of the Mindkiller and the Apex Goddess. It is our will…

She winks at the two of them, then follows Izzy out of the ring. “Can you feel it?” by the Jackson 5. Fujiko keeps her eyes trained on the champs, as she backs up the ramp.

Vertigo then goes to commercial.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Delikado vs. Gunnar

A gas mask jumpscare flashes across the screen killing the lights in the arena, as "Carrion Flowers" starts to play throughout the PA System. A strobe light spot light follows Gunner and a masked Ragnar to the beat of the synth opening, with white light flickering out in turn with the beat. Slowly, they make their way towards each other from the opposite ends of the stage, meeting in the middle, where Tristan Ambrose, Tyler Kingsley and Alexander Cappotelli are standing in the middle, The Resistance in full force stand center stage as a faint red flickering light replaces the white. They all start to make their way to the ring, Tristan leading the charge.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark! Weighing in at 225 pounds… GUNNAR!

As they reach the ringside area, Tristan, Ragnar, Tyler and Alexander stand where they are, as Gunnar heads up to apron, slowly entering the ring.

Kris Cruise: The rest of The Resistance members are making their way to the back as Gunnar gets set for singles action here on Vertigo. I still can’t get over what happened earlier tonight. Tristan Ambrose needs to answer for what he did to poor Peaches. Hopefully Spencer Burke or Jessie Pederson can get some answers out of Ambrose later on tonight or on the Afterburn.

Stephy Auger: That’s cute, you actually think that Tristan Ambrose owes you an explanation.

Kris Cruise: He doesn’t owe me anything. But I’m sure Peaches would love to know what the heck his problem is.

Stephy Auger: It’s simple, really. Peaches has a punchable face.

Kris Cruise: Would you cut it out for just one night?

Stephy Auger: Never.

“Rock You Like A Hurricane” echoes throughout the arena. All eyes turn to the entrance, where an utterly catatonic Delikado is rolled out in a wheelchair by his managers/caretakers Sofia Monzón and Ewan Jakeway. Though he’s cheered by fans, many look upon the greyed, motionless Cuban in equal bewilderment as he is rolled down to ringside wrapped in a comfy Cuban flag blanket by an equally emotionless Sofia and Jakeway.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Penar del Rio, Cuba! Weighing in at 169 pounds! He is… DELIKADO!

As they approach the ring, Sofia stops the wheelchair, takes a deep inhale, and exhales as she nods to Jakeway. Together Delikado’s caretakers promptly and unceremoniously hoist the wheelchair up, still carrying their practical corpse client, and dump him through the ropes into the ring, well, like trash. Flopping not unlike a fish before coming to a stop, Delikado lays face down for several moments…

…

….

….RIP?

No! Life becomes apparent! It’s as if he’s seemingly activated by the “magic” of the squared circle. It starts with a finger twitch or two, maybe a leg spasm or old man fart, but finally the centenarian-looking Mister Cuban springs to life and rises to his feet with the nimbleness of a cat. The crowd cheers as Delikado stretches out his joints and prepares to do battle, all with a cocky smile across his wrinkly face.

Stephy Auger: I’m shocked that that bumbling goof Ewan Jakeway was even able to get Delikado to the arena in time.

Kris Cruise: It’s never a dull night when it comes to DelikaHERE COMES GUNNAR!!!

Sofia Monzón and Ewan Jakeway try to get Delikado’s attention and point behind him. But it’s too late as Gunnar rushes over and attacks the Cuban Warrior shortly after the opening bell! The boos continue when Gunar turns Delikado around and blasts him with a headbutt. He then moves Delikado into the corner before delivering several kicks to the midsection. Gunnar then takes Delikado and sends him into the far corner with an irish whip. Gunnar then runs across the ring to attack when Delikado knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. After shaking off the blow, Gunnar rushes back in to attack. This time, Delikado knocks him back with a boot to the face. Delikado then rushes out of the corner before knocking Gunnar down with a running headbutt. Gunnar returns to his feet, only to get returned to the mat with another running headbutt. Delikado rushes in for a third running headbutt when Gunnar side steps, grabs him by the back of the neck, runs and tosses him through the ropes and to the floor. The crowd boos as Alexander Cappotelli applauds his client!

Stephy Auger: No wonder Ewan almost peed his pants when he found out Delikado was facing Gunnar here tonight. Even he knew that this was going to happen.

As Delikado slowly pulls himself back up onto the apron, Gunnar heads over and doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then grabs a hold of Delikado before bringing him back in with a vertical suplex. The boos continue as Gunnar turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Delikado kicks out.

Gunnar pulls Delikado up before sending him off into the ropes. When Delikado returns, the crowd boos when Gunnar knocks him down with a spin kick. The boos grow louder when Gunnar turns and raises his fist. He heads back over to Delikado and tries to pull him up when Delikado catches him in a small package.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gunnar kicks out.

Kris Cruise: The veteran nearly snuck away with a win here!

Stephy Auger: But he didn’t. So his best best is to try and sneak out of this match without taking any more damage!

After both grapplers return to their feet, Gunnar throws out a spinning backfist. But Delikado ducks the chop and counters with a knife edge chop! He goes for an irish whip. But Gunnar reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Delikado returns, he brings Gunnar down with a running hurricanrana! The cheers continue when Gunnar gets knocked off his feet with a dropkick. Another dropkick returns Gunnar back to the mat! Delikado throws out a third dropkick. But he goes to the well one too many times as Gunnar sidesteps and swats him down. As Delikado tries to get up, Gunnar throws out a Buzzsaw Kick. But Delikado ducks and counters with a schoolboy rollup.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gunnar kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Delikado!

After both grapplers return to a vertical base, Delikado takes Gunnar and whips him into the ropes. When Gunnar returns, Delikado throws out I’ve Got This [And So Does Everyone Else] (Superkick). But Gunnar is able to catch is foot. He then swings the leg away from him, grabs Delikado from behind and goes for a ripcord headbutt. But Delikado is able to counters with a belly to belly suplex! He makes the cover…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gunnar kicks out.

Stephy Auger: How in the heck did he pull that off!?

Kris Cruise: I’m unsure of how Delikado is able to do what he does.


Stephy Auger: … fair point.

Delikado picks up Gunnar, moves him into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He then takes Gunnar and goes for an irish whip when Gunnar reverses, sending Delikado into the far corner. Gunnar runs across the ring, lunges at Delikado and throws out a high knee. But Delikado slips out of the way, causing Gunnar to crash into the turnbuckles! As Gunnar stumbles back, Delikado turns him around, lifts him up and brings him down to the mat with SON OF A BITCH (fireman’s carry into a slam)! After stepping over Gunnar, Delikado flips back and connects with a standing moonsault! The cheers continue as Delikado gets back to his feet and delivers the Di-sextion (leg drop to the head, followed by a leg drop to the chest and then the legs)! He rolls across Gunnar, hooks the near leg and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gunnar pushes Delikado off of him.

Delikado picks up Gunnar and whips him into the ropes. Deli throws out a spinning heel kick. But he does so too early, which allows Gunnar to hang onto the ropes. The crowd boos when Deli whiffs and lands on his back. As Delikado tries to get back to his feet, Gunnar rushes over and knocks him back down with a jumping knee! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Delikado kicks out.

Gunnar picks up Delikado before throwing him back down to the mat with a judo slam. The boos continue as The Resistance member mounts himself on top of Delikado before raining down rights and lefts to the face! He then grabs a hold of Delikado, pulls him back to his feet and knocks him down with a headbutt. Gunnar pulls Delikado back to his feet before cracking him across the face with another headbutt. This time, Delikado is sent stumbling back into the ropes. While Delikado tries to shake out the cobwebs, Gunnar marches over before doubling him over with a toe kick to the midsection. He then takes Delikado and whips him into the far ropes. When Delikado returns, the crowd boos when Gunnar throws him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Gunnar marches over, peels Delikado off the mat and throws him back across the ring with another overhead belly to belly suplex! Gunnar takes his time making his way across the ring towards Deli. After pulling the Cuban off the mat, Gunnar positions him for another overhead belly to belly. This time, Delikado counters with a bell clap to the ear! While Gunnar is stunned, Delikado turns and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Gunnar off his feet with a spinning heel kick!

Kris Cruise: Delikado’s got Gunnar down! This is his chance to get back in this match!

Stephy Auger: I cannot believe this. Get him, Gunnar!

Both grapplers slowly return to a vertical base. Delikado nails Gunnar with a punch to the face. Then a second. Then a third. He then takes Gunnar by the wrist and goes for an irish whip. But Gunnar reverses, sending Delikado into the ropes. When Delikado returns, the crowd boos when Gunnar throws him down with a spinebuster! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Delikado gets his shoulder up!

Gunnar picks up Delikado and positions him for a Uranage Slam. But Delikado counters with multiple elbows to the side of the head. He then turns and runs into the ropes. When Delikado returns, Gunnar tries to cut him off with the Devil Strike (roundhouse kick). But Delikado ducks underneath it. When Gunnar turns around, he turns right into a superkick! Delikado then lifts him up across his shoulders before delivering a double knee gutbuster! The cheers continue as Delikado steps out onto the apron. Cappotelli rushes over to try and distract Delikado. But it’s to no avail as Delikado keeps his eyes locked on Gunnar before delivering a springboard body splash! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gunnar gets the shoulder up.

Delikado takes Gunnar and sends him into the ropes. When Gunnar returns, Delikado jumps up before spiking him with a Frankensteiner! Delikado then steps out onto the apron and waits for Gunnar. Once Gunnar gets back to his feet and turns around, the crowd cheers when Delikado plants him with the Last Call to Cuba (springboard 720 DDT)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers when “Rock You Like a Hurricane (Comeblack 2011 Version)” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… DELIKADO!

Knowing that the other members of The Resistance are likely nearby, Ewan and Sofia wisley reach in and pull Delikado to safety on the outside.

Kris Cruise: Delikado picks up yet another victory over another tag team competitor. This time, he gets the W over Gunnar. Deli keeps on rolling, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: It’s a shame he didn’t roll right off the Memphis Pyramid.

[FGA Office]

The crowd erupts with boos as Ambrose and Ragnar make their way down to the ring. Gunnar rolls to the outside and regroups with his Resistance brethren after the hard fought match. We see The Resistance starting to lumber up the ramp with Ambrose being vocal yet calm about what they are planning on doing and how to improve, coaching on the spot we see the lights dim and the entire group pauses for a moment ready for anything. The reveal on who is coming out is stated with one sentence with a familiar tone that hasn’t been heard in a while.

‘I DESERVE YOUR RESPECT!’

The boos begun to reign down as ‘Psychosocial’ then blares through the P.A. system as there is a momentary pause. First coming through the curtain is Vincent Moretti, aided with his cane, dressed in a dapper manner with a silver suit, befitting of his ‘silver fox’ name. And then following him is Seth Iser, the new Pride Champion, with a black and red suit of his own and the championship he just won proudly around his waist but a scowl etched on his.

Kris Cruise: You’d think Seth would be in a better mood after he finally accomplished the goal of winning the Pride Title, but he’s still got that same scowl on his face.

Stephy Auger: He’s one of the most driven people in the sport, Kris! He might’ve celebrated a little bit in the moment but now he’s thinking on ahead to what’s next.

As Iser and Moretti start to walk down, The Resistance as a whole locks eyes with the duo coming in and Iser feels the glances and looks at Tristan in particular. Gunnar, and especially Ragnar start to make a move toward Seth, ready to fight at any point at any time and the fans are warm to this proposition as Seth has his fists on the ready in a defensive stance, keeping his expression on Tristan. Finally, Tristan Ambrose just gives both of them one look and they know what their leader means by that. They drop their aggression but keep their hands up but Tristan and Iser just express a brief nod of acknowledgment before going in opposite directions, the Resistance to the dressing room and the Moretti & Iser duo toward the ring. The fans predictably boo the lack of violence between the rogues.

Kris Cruise: What the hell was that all about? We know Ambrose has a history with Seth but neither have spilled the beans on it. It seems like they’re at least cordial.

Stephy Auger: Then I dare one of the interviewers ask one or the other about them to find out about it in more detail.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think either are the friendly type for different reasons…

Moretti wipes some sweat from his brow knowing a fight didn’t happen and Seth just glances back up at the group retreating back before he goes back to lumbering down toward the ring. And you start to notice he’s still not using his left arm much even if he is a natural righty. He pulls himself into the ring mostly using the right arm and while Moretti has his own microphone, Seth is demanding one for himself and he’s not being refused. The fans are booing as Moretti signals for the music to be cut off.

Vincent Moretti: Let me do you a favor, Memphis and introduce something that your beloved Grizzlies will never be, a champion!

This statement doesn’t win him very many friends as the people boo the shot at their beloved sports team and Moretti beams a flamboyant smile for a brief moment before it turns serious.

Vincent Moretti: Now...it seems like there’s a problem with respect in the industry that’s becoming pollution. A problem that is threatening all of us! A problem that I fear is corrupting the whole industry. He mentioned it before but how many people came over and congratulated my client when he was the one who got his hand raised? Other than a couple of people...nobody did.

You can see Seth shaking his head with his arms crossed while Moretti continues on his point.

Vincent Moretti: And yet how many people were whining and complaining over twitter including the general manager about the foot ‘being on the ropes’ when...guess what it’s wrestling. There’s no do overs! There are no replays! That was all of you!

Seth Iser: Shame on each of you.

Seth finally chimes in with that baritone before he starts pointing at all of the people.

Seth Iser: Shame...shame...shame.

Moretti grins now that Seth is the one going off.

Seth Iser: I’ve been in this industry a long time...Vincent has as well. We’ve seen everything in seventeen years...but everybody here treated me as if I lost that night. ‘You don’t deserve it Seth!’ I’ve heard. ‘The victory is undeserved.’ was repeated at nauseum.

Seth is trying to raise his left arm to point at the people but it’s obvious discomfort in doing so but he manages to point.

Seth Iser: The smartest man in professional wrestling outsmarted everybody. It’s what I do. And I suppose you wonder what that means for everybody else. I’ve heard Mr. Stryker say that he wants an opportunity even though it was well beyond the jurisdiction of when he was ‘cheated’ out of a chance. Get in line. Tyler Storm might want one too considering he does hold two victories over me. I say the same thing...get in line and earn it. I don’t give out handouts like that. You have to earn it. And to the former champion...the woman I beat…young Izzy Anders.

Seth is pausing as the fans had cheered each name mentioned just because...well it’s better than dealing with Seth according to the audience at least!

Seth Iser: Yes I can call you young…

Moretti puts on a smirk and then the fans decide this is the perfect chance to interject with a chant.

‘ISER SUCKS!’

‘ISER SUCKS!’

‘ISER SUCKS!’

Seth Iser: Really? You’re starting with this crap again? You think buying the tickets gives you the right to disrespect anyone you don’t like? Entitled. All of you. Too much entitlement going on in the world. That and you don’t like a taste of your own medicine. We told you so. And now you can’t accept the truth. You should be ashamed.

Vincent Moretti: Shame.

Seth Iser: Shame.

Vincent Moretti/Seth Iser: Shame on all of you.

Another chorus of boos and Moretti is cackling while Seth is sneering now.

Seth Iser: Now Izzy. You want to try killing my mind? Third time’s the charm? Well...I say the same thing to you that I just told Tyler and that I just told Stryker. There’s a line forming...and you, and anyone else, has to go through the same fight that I’ve had to in order to get this championship. It took about a year for me to get there...one year of fighting to get there. One year of...wasting another portion of my career dealing with the piece of human garbage that was Owen Gonsalves…

An absolute look of bitterness is coursing through him.

Seth Iser: And I don’t really feel that generous. After a year now people have to come chase me not the other way around. And after hearing all of this garbage about how I don’t have what it takes anymore...how do you like it now!? You HAVE to respect me! And yet you don’t...what a load of garbage. Just yet another example in my long career how I’ve once again been slapped in the face for doing the right thing. Doing what anybody SHOULD do in that situation. And again I’m scorned for it...

Iser grunts in discomfort as he takes the title off around his waist and puts it over his shoulder but he doesn’t raise it about his head.

Seth Iser: This title says I’m the new King of the Jungle for the division! It’s the law. You want to earn your way to a fight, gladly. It makes for a great pay day and even more enjoyment when I kick you down to the curb. And well...you take a swing at the King...you best not miss…

As Seth’s words conclude, “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram kicks up, indicating the arrival of the very woman screwed over by Seth Iser. Izzy Anders comes from behind the curtain to a healthy number of cheers more than boos. And Moretti scrambles behind Iser right away while Seth just tilts his head looking displeased. She stands there with her microphone, twirling expertly in her hand, like a revolver. Looking as if she was going to speak, she looks towards the ring and then proceeds to make her way down the ramp.

She casts an accusatory look towards Iser and Moretti before she gets into the ring. As her theme dies out, the audience responds to her presence with a heavy amount of cheers, a contrast to the jeering extended to the Pride Champion. She notes it but she’s all business as she turns back to Iser.

Izzy Anders: Seth…

Izzy sighs.

Izzy Anders: Go on. You were about to say something about me before the audience let you have it.

Walking back towards the ropes, she uses it as a seat, watching the Pride Champion the whole time with an unusually amused expression.

Seth Iser: The--

Before Seth can even say a word the boos begin again and Seth just glances at the audience with disgust.

Seth Iser: People, I’m the one with the microphone if Izzy wants to hear what I want to say then YOU WILL LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY!

This predictably doesn’t stop their booing though at least it seems like it’s one loud boo that gets it out of their system. Moretti still stays hobbled hiding behind Seth’s broad shoulders.

Seth Iser: Well young Izzy...I’d rather say it directly to your face anyhow. It’s more convenient and rather than dance around...I’ll cut to the chase: You want a third go right? A third match with yours truly and a second go around with this on the line. 

He scowls at Izzy as he’s just shaking his head with some disgust that he can’t hide and another smattering of boos.

Seth Iser: Have to do the same thing I had to do. You have to go kick somebody’s ass to get an opportunity to try to crack my mind. Kick the right ass, make the case...you get the match. It’s how it goes. What I say to someone's face is the same to their back. That's how it is.

Izzy taps her chin for a second.

Izzy Anders: So even after you took an easy route--which I can’t disrespect, I would have done it too. But the idea that I have to go to the back of the line when there have always been rules in place? I’m not sure about that one. I’ve never been sure about a lot of things that goes on in FGA. You know this. They know this. But I digress.

The Mindkiller shrugs before getting up. She closes the distance between her and Iser.

Izzy Anders: But I’m not opposed to playing your game. All I have to do is kick somebody’s ass.

Izzy nods before pacing the ring.

Izzy Anders: Tyler Storm? I could beat him. Stryker would be fun but I would beat him. Hell, I’ve beaten Fujiko three times, something that you couldn’t do once.

She prods the Pride Championship, pushing Seth back slightly, but her hand remains up.

Izzy Anders: But I just have to beat one person?

Izzy goes silent, which sparks the crowd to start cheering. They feel as if a fight was about to break out but soon enough, Izzy relaxes her stance and starts to leave the ring. It flattens the crowd a little bit but she bears the same, amused smile on her face.

Izzy Anders: Okay, I can do that. That doesn’t sound too hard.

Seth has the poker face on as best he can.

Seth Iser: You got damn close to my personal space…

Seth scowls and shakes his head and Moretti is amusingly still hiding behind Seth but not using his microphone to talk.

Seth Iser: Some rules do need changed. The sport evolves, the wrestlers evolve, some of the rules...well they could use a little bit of evolving too even if I’m from an older brand of wrestling. I’m glad you’re so willing to agree to earning an opportunity even if you forgot I kicked Fujiko’s ass June the ninth in 2018. Give one of the elder statesmen a little more credit than that.

Seth puts on that smug look as Moretti is already starting to backstep out into a retreat not wanting anything to do with Izzy at all. Seth himself even takes a half of a back step to get just a slight bit of distance as his left arm isn’t at full strength with how ginger his movements with it have been. Seth does ball his right fist up with the microphone in hand and there is another sense of anticipation that again we could get more fireworks.

Seth Iser: But yes, you kick somebody’s ass and well...we have a deal. You’ll earn one more opportunity to see if the Mind Killer can finally crack Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. I’m sure Geroux would appreciate the marquee match you’ll bring to the table anyway.

A faint look of sincerity in Seth’s face when he said that...as if he actually means it.

Seth Iser: Though I know the people would enjoy us having a little scuffle now…

The audience does predictably cheer this proposition as Moretti bails from the ring entirely.

Seth Iser: But...everybody knows I’ll never fight for free on a whim. You do your job and we’ll make the big check with the right to see who gets a bigger one in this championship.

And with that declaration the boo birds are back and Seth back steps toward the ropes and follows his hobbling manager out of the ring.

The duo continue to retreat to the boos as Izzy doesn't take her eyes off of the duo and Seth keeps his eyes on Izzy though it's obvious he's mouthing 'A deal is a deal'.

Kris Cruise: I don't think Seth wants another confrontation with Izzy so soon.

Stephy Auger: He's the champ, Kris! It's his prerogative!

Kris Cruise: I wonder by the end of this one who will scramble fully into whom's brain...

• Commercial Break •