Vertigo (02.15.19)

[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


E64
Colonial Life Arena
Columbus, SC

Our scene opens up on a shot of the FGA World Championship. Though the shot earns a moderate pop at first, a chorus of boos begins to trickle in once the live audience slowly remembers the title’s owner.

As our shot pans out, the new FGA World Champion, Evan Envi is visible, currently dressed in a black V-neck and a pair of slacks, though he has a tie dangling around his neck and the World Title slung over his shoulder. It’s clear that we’re in some sort of conference room or larger office room. Evan is watching a few arena crew members shuffle large items around, each of them hidden under cloth.

Evan Envi: Perfect. Perfect. This is coming along great, you guys. Hahaaaaa, people are gonna love this.

The Chief’s eyes travel toward the doorway as a pair of footsteps shuffle to a stop a few feet away. His face lights up and he takes the World Title off of his shoulder, gripping it in his hand as he makes his way toward the newest arrival-- who is revealed to be Ricky Valero as we pan out just a bit, earning a unanimous chorus of boos from the audience packed inside the Colonial Life Arena.

Evan Envi: Richard!

Ricky looks at all of the stage hands making last-minute adjustments to whatever veiled props we’d just seen being moved around the room. He doesn’t look nearly as amused as the Chief seems to be.

Ricky Valero: What’s this?

Evan Envi: Oh-- didn’t I tell you?

Evan beams at Ricky and lifts the World Title belt a bit, pointing to it to explain his point.

Evan Envi: It’s uh… I like to call it an extravaganza. To celebrate the Good Guys’ second reign with the FGA World Championship.

Ricky nods a little bit and looks around at the decor being put together that the viewing audience isn’t allowed to see quite yet.

Ricky Valero: No sir. You didn’t tell me.

Evan laughs a little and throws his arms out for emphasis.

Evan Envi: Well… surprise! We’re gonna do it up, Richard. We’re not gonna just throw one of these ma-and-pa house parties that everyone in this business gets a quarter-chub for whenever they get their hands on some gold. It’s gonna be sic--

Ricky Valero: That’s all cool, Ev.

A small shrug.

Ricky Valero: You know I have a match tonight.

Envi looks a bit taken aback by the comment. He looks at Ricky for a moment with something of an expectant smile, as if waiting for Ricky to return it, but this doesn’t happen. Evan’s smile fades a bit and he nods a little.

Evan Envi: Yeah… yeah, I get that. Which is why I planned for this to happen toward the end of the night. I wanted to make sure you got a chance to attend! Haha, I already thought this through! You can get prepped, have your match, and then once that’s all wrapped up--

Ricky Valero: It’s a match against the Pride Champion. I need to make sure that’s got all my attention. Could end up being a big deal, right?

Evan looks at Ricky with a look that hovers around confusion before quickly giving him a nod.

Evan Envi: Yeah, man. Yeah. Take Seth out and then get yourself a Pride Title shot. And then? Obviously, then we’ll have an extravaganza to celebrate.

Ricky nods, looking at Evan with a half-smile.

Ricky Valero: To celebrate me winning it all by myself, just like you did. Right?

Ricky’s smile grows a bit brighter, prompting Evan’s to as well-- albeit with hesitation. The Chief nods.

Evan Envi: Right.

Ricky reaches up, giving Evan a firm pat on the shoulder, casting one last gaze toward the World Championship.

Ricky Valero: Don’t even worry. I’m gonna take those first few steps tonight to make sure the Pride Title finally ends up in Good hands. I’ll do my best to make it to the party though. Wish me luck.

Ricky departs with a small wink, disappearing the same way he came before Evan can get another word out. The World Champion fidgets uncomfortably before pulling the belt back onto his shoulder, clearing his throat, shouting after Ricky.

Evan Envi: It-- it’s actually an extravaganza, but good luck, Richard! Godspeed!

Envi frowns a bit, taking a deep breath. A few seconds pass where he lingers there, staring in the direction that Ricky had just left. His eyes drift toward the left as Natalie McKinley enters the frame, casting a look over her shoulder toward the departing Valero.

Natalie McKinley: Problem?

Evan Envi: No. No problem. In fact… in fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Natalie doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t state it outwardly. The camera pans in toward Envi as he turns, watching the off-screen arena staff work on the arrangements for his “extravaganza.”

Evan Envi: Everything’s perfect, Nat. Everything’s… Good.

The comment earns a chorus of boos from a majority of the audience. The scene slowly fades to black.

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

The shot moves around before coming into focus on the face of Piper Lennon as she shoots a handheld cellphone video. Lennon is outdoors, walking down a wooded trail, her location not evident besides that it's somewhere cold with snow. Flashing a smile, she adjusts her glasses.

Piper Lennon: Hey Marlo, it's me, Piper.

She takes a few more steps before continuing on.

Piper Lennon: Hope you're doing okay dealing with Ms. Annie there, uh, wherever Vertigo's being held this week. But I just wanted to send you this little message to let you know how I'm doing. You might be thinking I'm pretty disappointed about losing last show, but the truth is?

The pitch of her voice peaks as she cocks her head.

Piper Lennon: It's probably healthy for you and me to spend a little time apart. Because you seem to, to draw a little parallel with it being Valentine's season, overstated in your head the magnitude of what our relationship is. Truth be told, I'm not sure there really is one.

A shrug.

Piper Lennon: Like, you seem to have kinda taken this all the wrong way, and thought this is all about you. Like that me grabbing your dangly-rod and then apologizing for misjudging you was somehow me trying to like, have a moment or something. It was a moment of self-discovery and betterment, being able to find out I was wrong about something, and then admit it after.

She nods as if to affirm her own statement.

Piper Lennon: But it's not about you, it's never been about you being special. Interesting? Someone I'd like to explore a little deeper? Sure. But that was just a one night thing, so when you talk about restraining orders and stuff? You're kinda the one putting more weight between us than there actually is, you're the one trying to make something out of nothing, and build that tension in the air-- or at least it sure seems that way to me.

Piper goes to throw her hands out as if to say 'oh well' but soon realizes that's not really going to be doable with her holding the phone, so she just shrugs again.

Piper Lennon: It's not a you thing, it's a you have a thing I want and that I'm gonna take thing. Still got that shiny thing around your, admittedly now well-endowed waist. I like shiny things, and I'm going to have it, nothing's changed there. Not for the accolades, not for the acclaim, but for the simple act of setting a goal and following through. And make no mistake about it, I could've gone about things a lot differently. I went through the little contender's match deal because it seemed it'd be a good experience, but y'know when you set your mind to something there's always other ways to get there and you'd better believe now that I've gotten that out of my system, that I've had that experience? I'll find a way to get there. Dunno the exact details, but I'm sure I'll have a good time.

A wink.

Piper Lennon: So I just wanted to be real with you dude, to let you know that if you've been holding a flame in your head that there's something between us? Then you'd probably be best off making sure you retain that title, because if Annie takes it I'll be seeing her again really soon. Just wanted to lay it all out there all that's on the line for you there. I try to keep it real you know, because we're all human beings and deserve to be communicated with as such.

Stopping in her tracks, she smiles ear to ear as she prepares to wrap up.

Piper Lennon: Anyways that's all I had to say. I'd say goodbye, but I don't know if this is farewell, or just 'see you later' that's up to you, tiger-- toodles!

With a dainty wave the video abruptly ends.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Tristan Ambrose vs. Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter

The riff from Terror Metal's "Dead and Gone" blare out through the speakers as the lights change to gold and white. Out from behind the curtain comes Alexander Cappotelli, closely followed by Tristan Ambrose, After a moment, they both start making their way to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, Seattle, Washington! Weighing in at 225 pounds… TRISTAN AMBROSE!

Tristan hops up on the apron, before ascending the rope and putting his arms out. Hopping down, he makes his way to the center rope, raising his arm, fist out. Unzipping the top vest, he tosses it to Alexander, as he starts pulling on the ropes waiting for the opening bell.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, from already in the ring. Hailing from Fresno, California… NANDO FRESNO: ALIEN HUNTER!

Kris Cruise: Tristan Ambrose has wasted zero time making enemies here on Vertigo as he attacked Peaches on the last show after her match with Tyler Kingsley.

Stephy Auger: I mean, she DOES have a punchable face, Cruise. Even you know that!

Kris Cruise: She does not! The attack was uncalled for. It was unprovoked. If Ambrose wants to be upset that his fellow Resistance member couldn’t get the job done, then that’s fine. But don’t take it out on poor Peaches!

Stephy Auger: Didn’t you hear? Ambrose is done playing around! Now, it’s time for The Resistance to take what they want. Peaches can either get out of the way willingly or get put down. It’s her choice.

Ambrose and Fresno start things off with a lock up. Ambrose quickly overpowers the smaller Fresno and moves him against the ropes, where the ref gives them until the count of five to break it up. Once a clean break has been made, Ambrose tries to a sucker punch. But Fresno is able to slip out of the way. When Ambrose turns around, the crowd cheers when the leader of The Resistance gets lit up by Holyfield-esque jabs and hooks! Fresno then takes Ambrose and goes for an irish whip. But Ambrose reverses, sending Fresno into the far ropes. When Fresno returns, he brings Ambrose down with a running hurricanrana. A running dropkick returns Ambrose to the mat. Once Ambrose gets back to his feet, Fresno goes for another irish whip. But again, Ambrose reverses. When Fresno returns, Ambrose hoists him up for a pop-up maneuver. Fresno ends up countering with a pop-up hurricanrana! He reaches back and hooks a leg!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ambrose kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Nando Fresno is catching Ambrose off guard in the opening moments of this match!

Stephy Auger: The lil conspiracy nut is having his fun. Once Ambrose grinds him down into the mat, it’ll be all she wrote. Just watch.

Once both grapplers get back to a vertical base, Ambrose throws out a roundhouse kick. Fresno ducks and counters with a roundhouse kick to the back of the head! While Ambrose staggers forward, Fresno turns and hits the far ropes. When he comes back, he connects with a spinning heel kick, knocking Ambrose through the ropes and to the floor! The Alien Hunter grabs the top rope with both hands and readies himself for a dive to the outside. While Ambrose picks himself up on the floor, Alexander Cappotelli points behind him. When Ambrose turns around, he gets brought down by a corkscrew plancha!

Kris Cruise: Fresno connects with a huge dive to the outside! He’s got Ambrose reeling early on! What a win this would be for Fresno early in 2019!

Stephy Auger: This match isn’t over yet, Cruise. Calm yourself.

Fresno picks up Ambrose and rolls him back inside. As soon as Fresno rolls back in, he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ambrose kicks out.

Fresno picks up Ambrose, moves him in the corner and hits him with two European Uppercuts. After an irish whip sends Ambrose into the far corner, the Alien Hunter runs across the ring and goes for a Stinger Splash… only to crash into the turnbuckles once Ambrose rolls out of the way! Ambrose then grabs Fresno from behind behind hurling him across the ring with a German Suplex. The boos continue as he heads over and makes the cover.

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

Ambrose picks up Fresno and whips him into the ropes. When Fresno returns, Ambrose throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! He makes the cover.

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

Ambrose picks up Fresno before pointing over into the corner. He then hoists Fresno up for a Turnbuckle Powerbomb. As soon as Fresno gets on Ambrose’s shoulders, he counters with multiple punches to the head. Once Fresno slips down, he turns and runs into the ropes. When Fresno comes back, Ambrose turns him inside out with a discus clothesline! He makes the cover.

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


Stephy Auger: What did I tell you, Cruise? What did I tell you? Nando Fresno would have his fun. But eventually, Ambrose would put a stop to it. Now look at him!

Ambrose picks up Fresno before bringing him down with a Reverse DDT. Once Ambrose gets out on the apron, the crowd boos when he raises a fist in the air. He then begins to scale the turnbuckles. Once Ambrose reaches the top, he flips off for a 450 Splash. The crowd pops when Fresno gets his knees up!

Kris Cruise: Fresno countered the 450!

After Ambrose gets up and turns around, Fresno hits him with rapid palm strikes and chops to the face and neck. He then takes Ambrose and whips him into the ropes. When Ambrose returns, Fresno knocks him down with a standing heel kick. Fresno picks up Ambrose and sends him back into the ropes with another irish whip. When Ambrose returns, Fresno knocks him down with a dropsault. After dragging Ambrose into position, Fresno steps out onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he jumps off for a diving double foot stomp. On the way down, Ambrose rolls out of the way. When Fresno’s feet hit the mat, his momentum sends him rolling forward. When Fresno turns around, he gets caught with a pop-up uppercut! After doubling Fresno over with a boot to the gut, Ambrose lifts him up and delivers a turnbuckle powerbomb! After Fresno bounces off the turnbuckles, Ambrose throws him down with a T-bone Suplex! Ambrose then heads over, pulls Fresno back to his feet, lifts him up and drops him down with theドームズデー (Pumphandle Neckbreaker)! When Fresno turns over and gets up on all fours, Ambrose runs over, jumps up and then drives him down with The Cute (Curb Stomp)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “Dead and Gone” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout, TRISTAN AMBRO-

The boos turn to cheers when Peaches connects with a missile dropkick from behind! Ambrose staggering forward before falling through the ropes and to the floor. Peaches then turns and runs into the far ropes. When she returns, she motions for a suicide dive. The crowd boos when Peaches is forced to put on the breaks due to Ambrose scurrying out of the way.

Stephy Auger: What the heck is that slack-jawed yokel doing out here!?

Kris Cruise: She’s returning the favor! She’s had enough of Ambrose’s crap! She had to deal with getting attacked from behind on Flashpoint. The last thing she wants to do is deal with more of the same here!

Peaches continue to jaw at Ambrose from the ring while Ambrose and is manager make their way back up the ramp...

[FGA Office]

We cut backstage where we find Izzy Anders in her locker room, preparing herself for her tag team match later in the night. Primarily, she stretches her leg out, wincing slightly at the hint of pain coursing through. When she releases, she sighs out with a happy noise following closely behind. Yet as she ends her preparations and turns to leave, she hears an all-too-familiar voice behind her, which causes her to stop in her tracks.

Sara Mason: Are you going somewhere?

Izzy looks over to her shoulder to see Sara Mason a few feet away leaning against the wall she just walked past without seeing her, although Mason’s attention is less focused on Izzy and far more on the Barbie doll she’s holding in one hand while she uses the thumb and the forefinger of her other hand to pluck individual strands of hair from its plastic scalp

Izzy Anders: I assume that this is some horror movie bullcrap meant to bother me?

She speaks in an intrigued tone.

Sara Mason: You? No. Your partner?

Raising her head and turning to look in Izzy’s direction, Mason somehow manages to have an almost sweet smile as she darkly chuckles to herself while having an outright sinister glint in her eye

Sara Mason: ...perhaps.

Without a second's hesitation Mason tosses the doll aside, the impact causing it to shatter upon impact, and before the pieces have even hit the floor Mason’s standing right in front of Izzy and is looking her right in the eye with an almost feral look

Sara Mason: But are you really interested in talking about your partner, or would you rather talk about yourself while expecting me to stand here and let you carry on until you’ve finished?

Tilting her head slightly, Mason’s demeanour and voice take on a harsher tone as she practically hisses at Izzy

Sara Mason: Or did you get your fill of that the last time you and I spoke?

Returning her head to its normal position, Mason slightly raises an eyebrow as she awaits a response, even taking a fraction of a step back to indicate she's not preparing to bite Izzy’s head off

Yet…

Sara Mason: So let’s talk about your partner, Izzy. Let’s talk about the one person on earth you’ve decided you can trust for as long as it suits you, and we both know that clock’s ticking down one second at a time.

Izzy weighs her immediate options but chooses to ignore answering in favor of going to pick up the pieces of the shattered doll. There, she begins to put the arms and legs back on the disfigured body. As she gets off the ground, she points one of the arms in Mason’s direction.

Izzy Anders: Recently, I’ve been listening more than talking. I think I’m finding what people have to say these days far more intriguing. When people talk, and when they talk a lot, they leave a lot for me to ponder on, and well, you seem to be on a mission tonight.

She jabs the air with the tiny hand.

Izzy Anders: So go ahead, Sara, what do you got for me about Fujiko?

Arching an eyebrow, Izzy places the arm back onto the doll’s button. It takes a little effort but it gets back into place.

Sara Mason: So hostile, Izzy. I thought you were playing nice these days, because that’s the image you want to give off: you and Fujiko on the same page, united by the common goal of...whatever the hell you think your common goal is that week.

Mason cannot help but smirk

Sara Mason: Is this really the same Izzy Anders who would sic the rest of Heroes Never Die on anyone she felt like victimising because there was no depths she wouldn’t stoop to gain an advantage?

Mason pauses for a fraction of a second, at which point she flashes a wicked glare in Izzy;s direction

Sara Mason: Or is the real problem that you want to act like you’re the Izzy Anders of old, but in practice you’re a shadow of what you once were, something which was made painfully obvious when Seth Iser and Vincent Moretti did a number on you - and that begs the question where that partner of yours was? After all, you’re so quick to talk up some kind of unity when it suits you, but in reality?

Mason smiles sweetly at Izzy for just a second, before her expression drops once again

Sara Mason: That’s the problem, Izzy, you want to talk about how vicious you are but not only has Iser proven that your edge has been blunted, but your partner wants no part of it. That’s the thing with myself and E, neither of us shy away from making an opponent beg for us to end their suffering, and we don’t care about what it takes to leave a mark on them that will never fully heal. So if you want to keep acting cute, go ahead, we won’t stop you - because that’ll make it that much more enjoyable when we add you and your alleged partner to our list of victims.

Izzy contemplates on Mason’s words, even going as far as to rest her hands on her hips.

Izzy Anders: Acting cute?

The former world champion nods.

Izzy Anders: It has been a rough time changing, you know? That whole Heroes Never Die thing? I did it all to prove a statement but I lost myself in that mania. I became so obsessed with the idea of proving everything I said was right. I might have in the end but that’s no longer the point here. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle with that.

Her outwardly pleasant expression begins to harden as she takes a step towards Mason.

Izzy Anders: The whole thing with Iser? It’s funny that you mention that. It could have been easy just to fall into bad habits. I could have gotten a weapon and beat the man down with it. I could tried to convince someone to run interference. There’s a dozen different things I could have done to win that match. But I didn’t. That left the door open for Iser to do that, but that means I lost my edge?

The size difference between Izzy and Mason presents itself to the camera. Izzy continues to close the gap between them.

Izzy Anders: No, if anything that means that I’m still probably the same. I’m still probably the same woman who thought it was fine to beat a poor, defenseless woman down to mess with someone.

She gets a little closer.

Izzy Anders: I may be the same woman who helped retire one of FGA’s biggest stars.

Now, Izzy and Mason were mere inches from one’s another faces due to Izzy’s advancing.

Izzy Anders: But I think I can use this for something better now. Fujiko isn’t the type of woman who would go to depths like I did. For her...for myself, though? If I’m still the same bitch that did all those horrible things, right now I guess that I’m trying real hard to be the shepherd right now. You and Erin may be good at what you do, I can’t lie and say that it doesn’t enthrall me just a bit. However, I don’t think you got to your point yet and tonight isn’t the night to be dancing around it.

Her voice lowers to a raspy whisper.

Izzy Anders: Because I don’t think Erin is waiting on the other side of that door, so I got plenty of time to give you a reminder of who I’m trying not to be.

Not backing down so much as a millimeter, Mason keeps her eyes locked with Izzy while she bares her teeth - but not out of rage or anger, but with an almost sensual smile that’s crossing her lips as she seems to be enjoying this little tête-à-tête a little too much

At which point she snatches the damaged husk of what used to be a Barbie doll out of Izzy’s hand without breaking line of sight as she responds in a tone of voice filled with shadows and cobwebs that seems to emanate from somewhere deep within her soul

Sara Mason: If you cannot command the loyalty of your flock, you aren’t much of a shepherd Izzy. The question you need to ask yourself is why you waste your time and energy on that one sheep that wants to try its luck when facing with the wolves, because that sheep has already showed you that it won’t lift a finger if the roles were reversed. If you can’t rely on her to watch your back in those moments you need whatever backup you can get, that means only one thing for your so-called partnership…

Still maintaining her increasingly intense glare at Izzy, Mason snaps one of the arms off the Barbie doll and holds it up in the increasingly small space between her and Izzy, where she manipulates it between her fingers so it almost looks as if it’s waving goodbye. Izzy, meanwhile, reflects on Mason’s words before she takes the little hand from her enemy.

Izzy Anders: It just means that I need to be all that more perceptive so that we never find ourselves in those situations.

Izzy then looks around the room.

Izzy Anders: So, uh, unless you want to watch me stretch, you should take your leave now.

Mason shoots Izzy a look that indicates that maybe she’s considering the proposition...only to decide it isn’t worth the effort after all, instead plucking the arm from Izzy’s grasp and observing it for a moment before growing bored with it and dropping the dismembered Barbie doll onto the floor, at which point she sarcastically curtsies in Izzy’s face before backing out of the room, keeping her eyes on Izzy the entire way.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier.

Susan’s apartment.

Kendra Hollis: I really think you should have milked that injury a little longer.

Susan Kent: I know but I wanted to get back in action.

Kendra Hollis: Okay.

Susan Kent: Trust me Kendra this new planned I have devised is foolproof, with a conclusion no one will see coming.

Kendra Hollis: Okay. but I don’t trust that old pervert or the Sofia chick, she’s definitely up to something, and that other guy seems like he has the intelligence of a head of cabbage.

Susan Kent: But like I’ve been saying lets bind our time, and get by this match with Bristow and Barnes, and continue to play along with them.

Kendra Hollis: Then when the time is right.?

Susan Kent: Yeah I strike and the best part is no one will even see it coming. So time to head of to Columbus for Vertigo and play nice girl Susan Kent, carry Delikado in our tag team match and build my glory.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to where Cherry Baum alone, standing near the catering tables. Because nothing bad ever happens there. Dressed ready to accompany Johnny Karma to the ring later tonight for the main event, Cherry is casually browsing through her phone - what looks like Instagram to the trained eye - as some bodies pass her by.

The camera zooms out slightly to show two figures that have stopped near Cherry Baum; one on either side, in fact, who are revealed to be none other than the smiling figures of Annie Zellor and Mary-Jane McCracken. They’re dressed similar to one another, each wearing a New Murder t-shirt, but Annie has opted for jeans, whereas Mary-Jane is wearing jean shorts. Naturally, Cherry doesn’t seem too pleased to see them.

Annie Zellor: Heyyyy Cherry…

She chirps, sidling up close to Cherry as she peers over to look at the screen. But Cherry cradles her phone closer to her chest to prevent the invasion of privacy.

Mary-Jane McCracken: I follow that account too. Isn’t Peanut just the cutest?

Annie Zellor: Don’t be so, like, skittish, Cherry. We’re not here to harm you or nothing.

After peering over the top of her phone a second time, Cherry keeps one eye on Annie and M-J as she flicks her thumb to swipe her phone shut, and once she's done that she tucks her phone into a pocket

Cherry Baum: I hope you don’t take it personally when I say that I’m not convinced.

Pause.

Cherry Baum: On second thoughts, go ahead and take it personally.

Annie and Mary-Jane both feign shock, staring mouth agape as they hold a hand to their chests and take a step back.

Annie Zellor: Wow, Cherry. We were just passing by and I saw you, like, standing here all by yourself. And I said to Mary-Jane, she looks real lonely, and like she could probably do with a friend.

Mary-Jane McCracken: It’s true, she did. And who better to be your friends than us two?

Annie Zellor: Exactly. It’d be awesome. But there’s just, like, one little problem, huh. I mean, what would John think of us being friends?

Cherry pauses for a moment, looking between the two women standing either side of her.

Cherry Baum: Were either of you listening during the last show? If you were, you’d have noticed J-K making it pretty clear what he thought of The New Murder.

Cherry rolls her eyes, and when they return to the forward position she’s looking at Annie

Cherry Baum: Then again, on the last show we learned that Dom’s got problems with his hearing too. Do you guys meet in a subway tunnel or something?

Annie looks from Cherry to Mary-Jane and just shakes her head in dismay.

Annie Zellor: That’s what I thought, to be honest. But I’ll tell you what, Cherry. I know Dommy said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but--’cause I’ve always liked you, Cherry. You know that. So what I’m gonna do is ask Dommy to see if he’d give you two another chance to join The New Murder.

Mary-Jane McCracken: A second chance?

Annie Zellor: I know right! And those don’t come along too often! So whaddya say, Cherry? You go find Johnny and tell him that he might have another chance to, like, do the smart thing. And me and Mary-Jane, we’ll go try and sweet talk Dommy into giving you both another chance. Maybe we’ll even see Johnny Karma vs. Seth Iser for that Pride title at Revelations. Huh, don’t you like the sound of that?

Again, Cherry glances between both women. The insincerity in their smiles is clear for all to see, and Baum isn’t about to fall for it.

Cherry Baum: Maybe I should take this offer to J-K and see what he thinks about it. I’m sure he’ll be real excited to hear about it...

With that, Cherry walks away and pulls her phone out of her pocket, leaving Annie and Mary-Jane behind. Their smiles fade from their faces as soon as Cherry is out of sight though; Annie rolls her eyes as she scoff.

[FGA Office]

Susan Kent is backstage with Kendra Hollis and Dana Wheeler, in the midst of a quiet conversation. Kendra’s eyes widen in disbelief.

Kendra Hollis: You’re living with that old Cuban now?!

Susan Kent: Yes. As much as we can traveling from place to place. It’s him and Sofia and Ewan. Oh, and also a baby.

Dana Wheeler: Girl, I think you took a good bump on the head at some point!

Susan Kent: Listen, this is actually a great idea. We’re a tag team now, our match with Bristow & Barnes--this is how we build up our alliance and use it for all it’s worth. Delikado will be eating out of my hands in no time.

Kendra Hollis: Yeah, assuming he doesn’t go from that hand to your shoulder and find out your injury was a fake the entire--

Sofia Monzón: Time to talk strategy.

Susan shushes Kendra and Dana and the women turn as Sofia enters the scene, with Ewan Jakeway pushing Delikado in his wheelchair. The Cuban is presently dressed like Cupid, presumably in belated honor of Valentine’s Day, giving him an air of ridiculousness that might clash with everyone else…if he didn’t somehow pull the look off so stylishly well! Meanwhile Sofia and Ewan are wearing clothes that are clearly borrowed: Sofia is wearing a t-shirt that reads “F$#@ It, Let’s Shop!” and spandex tights, while Ewan is dressed like a referee. Susan gives a friendly smile.

Susan Kent: How’re those clothes fitting, guys?

Sofia grimaces at the mention of their attire. She knows it doesn’t suit her in the slightest.

Sofia Monzón: It’s…………..fine…………………….thanks…….

Ewan Jakeway: I’m pretty good. I can see why the refs dress like this. I just might take this on as regular apparel!

Sofia Monzón: No, you won’t. You look like a goddamn dork. In prison, we shanked people dressed like you. This is just temporary until we stop off somewhere and collect some proper clothing.

Ewan Jakeway: So, your shirt DOES apply to you!

He says it as a playful joke, but Sofia looks like she might take up her return to the prison days of shanking the dudes in striped clothing. Susan and Kendra laugh, which only seems to add to the Spaniard’s irritation. Swallowing any comments on that, she turns to her client’s tag team partner.

Sofia Monzón: …..Anyway. Bristow and Barnes issued the challenge, and your team’s going to make its response shortly. Obviously Delikado defeated them before one-on-one, but this match is more to their speed now. They know what to expect, they know how to operate as a duo, and they’ll exploit every advantage and every opening you give them. Neither Bristow nor Barnes are the type to just quietly fade into the background, which only adds to our bigger problem—

Kendra Hollis: What?

Sofia cocks an eyebrow of suspicion and annoyance at being cut off.

Sofia Monzón: I’m sorry, who’re you again?

Susan Kent: Kendra. She’s my agent. That’s Dana. They can be with us and hear this. Especially if you all want to stay with me at my place.

…………………………………………………………….

Getting some telepathic commentary from Delikado, who must be overjoyed every time he hears this, Sofia bites her hostile tongue and puts on her best fake smile.

Sofia Monzón: Of course. And Delikado wants to extend his eternal thanks to you once again for that, Susan. It’s been a hard few days.

…………………….

Sofia Monzón: [to Delikado] I’m not repeating that, nor am I going to put emphasis on particular words.

Susan Kent: I’m glad to help you, Deli. I can imagine how hard things are.

The Cuban squeals lightly, like a young child getting special attention from his favorite person ever and relishing every second. Meanwhile, the softhearted Ewan is getting a different kind of emotional as he dabs his watering eyes with his ref shirt.

Ewan Jakeway: It HAS been hard, Susan! The Resistance sacked our home with Superbowl snacks and put us on the run! We would’ve had no place to go if it wasn’t for you. Our clothes would still be layered with gooey cheese and hot wings, depriving us of these stylish wares you provided. We’d be a pack of gooey streetwalkers, just walking in the…in the streets….at the mercy of the elements and armies of Columbus’ stray dog problem.

Susan Kent: Is that a thing?

Ewan Jakeway: It might be! Why, I recall an article Delikado showed me where—

Sofia Monzón: We’re off-topic! The REAL problem IS an army, but it’s the army taking a central role in this company: The Resistance. Now, I don’t know if that actually was The Resistance that destroyed our home, since I didn’t see Ambrose or the “How To Train Your Dragon” crew at the scene, but nonetheless, word around FGA is bound to spread that The Resistance—or at the very least The Resistance-inspired wackos—struck a blow against us. Delikado provoked it, of course, but still, WHY they attacked in such a matter requires circumspection. Susan and Delikado, you are the newbie team. Your trial by fire tonight against Bristow and Barnes might show there’s still plenty of kinks that need to be worked out—

…..

Sofia Monzón: --Shut up. So, I believe The Resistance wants to knock this team out of the running for any advancement in the tag team division. It’s not that they’re afraid of us, why should they? They just want us set aside and buried. Eliminating the “weaker” team leaves them room to go after other teams, so tonight matters. We have to be stronger. We have to be better. Bristow and Barnes can NOT be the beginning and end of this team, not if we want to survive. Eyes, important eyes, will be watching your performance tonight. These teams we’re crossing, Bristow & Barnes, The Resistance, they’re driven by generic but understandable motives: they want power, obviously, and the tag titles have to be a goal for them. Therefore strategy-wise, I believe Delikado--

Ewan Jakeway: Hold up, Sofia. I’ve been thinking: we do a lot of talking for Delikado as his managers, but we’re co-running a tag team now. Maybe we should let the team speak for itself, huh? Delikado, what’s your plan? We all know you’ve got one!

……………………………………………………………….

Silence from the comatose Cuban. Ewan suddenly seems to remember that crucial fact about his client like he’d totally forgotten and sheepishly shrugs.

Ewan Jakeway: Heheheh...riiiiiiight, I forgot. Sofia, what’s he saying?

Sofia Monzón: *folding arms* <BEEP> if I know, I thought the team was speaking for itself.

That chilly response forces Ewan to turn to Susan and her agents.

Ewan Jakeway: Uhhh, okay. What do YOU propose we do, Susan…?

Susan Kent: We should beat Bristow and Barnes and send a message to the tag team division. As for the Resistance, we play it by ear, I guess.

Dana Wheeler: I’ve devised the perfect match strategy that’ll suit Susan and Delikado wrestling together, and how to work it against Bristow and Barnes.

Ewan Jakeway: Oooooh, I like the sound of that! We’re gonna get B&B good tonight! Just be careful for your shoulder, okay, Susan? We don’t want to aggravate the injury and set us back to square one!

Susan Kent: I’ll be careful.

Sofia Monzón: Pfft.

Everyone looks at Sofia with her skeptical expression.

Ewan Jakeway: Something wrong, honey?

Sofia Monzón: Nope. Continue with whatever you’ve “devised”, Miss…

Dana Wheeler: Wheeler. Dana Wheeler. Basically, Bristow and Barnes will probably want to go after Delikado the most, since he beat them before and they’ll want revenge, so he should distract them with everything he’s got, and Susan can blindside them with her swiftness. Then, if they decide to pursue Susan because of the previous injury, Delikado can dive in and floor them with his aerial style. Meanwhile, though I agree with Susan we should play it by ear with The Resistance, the rest of us can keep watch around ringside for any potential ambushes. Even if we can’t fight them off, we can alert Delikado and Susan to their presence and they’ll up their guard appropriately. We don’t want them to get hit like Peaches was at the last Vertigo.

Ewan Jakeway: *clapping* That’s what I’m talking about! Susan, you’ve put together a marvelous set of associates! I can see B&B tasting swift defeat tonight! And while The Resistance might not be afraid of us yet, I betcha that’ll change soon! We’ll make them take note, and one day they’ll be begging--no, pleading for forgiveness for snacking our house and leaving us destitute and at the mercy of the elements and...and…*sniff* I’m sorry, I’m emotional!

He once again dabs his eyes with his ref shirt. Sofia just rolls her eyes.

Susan Kent: Well, we should probably all go get ready for the match. It’s coming quick.

……………………………………………………………

Sofia Monzón: [to Delikado] I’m not surprised that’s what you said, but rather that you think I’ll say it out loud.

Susan Kent: Riiiiiight. See you out there, Deli.

With that, Susan and her group leave to go prepare for her return to the ring, while Delikado and his group stand about. When she’s sure they’re out of earshot (though it’s possible she might not even care if they did hear), Sofia scoffs in utter disbelief.

Sofia Monzón: So the bitch’s plan is to make one or both of them bait. Well, stupid typically leads the stupider.

Ewan Jakeway: Babe, you promised to try and make this team work!

Sofia Monzón: Oh, I’m willing to stand by and let this teaming go on so long as it works. Doesn’t mean I can’t speak to the blatant facts surrounding it. That way nobody in FGA thinks we’re a team blind to any faults. Surely you can appreciate plain speech.

…………………………………………………………………………….

Sofia Monzón: How the <BEEP> should I know what Susan Kent’s favorite lotion is?! Honestly, did you focus on ANYTHING in this strategy-making except her body and what you want to do with it?!

………………………………………….

Sofia Monzón: You will tag her hand and nothing else, you lecherous baboon, unless YOU want to be the one to destroy this team and your career for sexual harassment.

……….

Sofia Monzón: Ewan, take him to get geared up--and I DO mean for you to keep your eye on him this time. No zipping and zooming around Fort Jackson trying to piss off every tag team in FGA and the next company over.

Ewan Jakeway: B-B-But wait, you’re leaving me?? W-w-where a-a-are you going?!

Sofia Monzón: I’m still going to be around the arena, you whiner. Dana’s “perfect match strategy” did make me want to survey the area for Snackey or any of those Swedish lunatics who attacked us.

Ewan Jakeway: Oh honey, be careful!

Sofia Monzón: Just do your job, and I’ll do mine.

Sofia promptly exits to go off on her assignment while Ewan holds Delikado’s wheelchair and begins to roll it away.

Ewan Jakeway: So much drama and excitement going on, eh, Deli?

……………………………………

Ewan Jakeway: Heheh, right you are...I guess. You know I can’t hear anything you’re saying, right?

The scene fades out as they depart to go do their part in preparing for the debut of the team of Delikado and Susan Kent against Bristow and Barnes.

[FGA Office]

A door that says ‘Trainer’s room’ swings wide as we catch up to the action here and emerging it in somewhat of a rarity is Vincent Moretti by himself with a grin on his face and the crutches in hand. The cast on his ankle is finally gone, there is no cane, and he discards the crutches with a slam and starts moonwalking horribly for a moment celebrating the fact that he seems finally healthy.

Vincent Moretti: Wooooooooooooo! I’M FREE YOU IDIOTS!

Vincent continues his horrific touchdown dance styled celebration by switching from a moonwalk to a variation of an unchoreographed fargo strut.

Vincent Moretti: I am CLEAR! I am HEALTHY! I am GREAT! And EVERYONE has to celebrate this phenomenal occasion!

With that he regains his composure for a brief moment taking a deep breath and straightening his silver tie on his black and silver suit as the silver fox as he is sometimes called can’t have his mood ruined.

Vincent Moretti: You! Camera man! Strut with me!

There is a grunt from behind the camera as he doesn’t seem amused by it and Moretti just shakes his head, not letting this damper his mood in the slightest as he does a spin and straightens his hair before again doing a second horrendous fargo strut and then he leaps into a pose celebrating this.

Vincent Moretti: F*bleep* you Tyler Storm you can’t keep my ankle broken forever!

After that last ridiculous pose he starts walking a little further down the hall with that grin still on his face clapping, just utterly joyful but he can just feel something off and the smile slowly starts to fade away as his eyeballs just start to dart around as the hallway is...far less crowded than you’d expect for a wrestling event.

Vincent Moretti: ...Actually where the hell is everyone? They should be celebrating my good news!

The camera operator merely takes a few steps back, which is very visible to the audience. The reasoning for this inch-by-inch evasion is clear to see as well. At the end of the hallway, currently unknown to Moretti, is the Mindkiller, Izzy Anders. The lighting fixture flickers, leaving her in a dull lighting, but her stance indicates that something isn’t right. In her hand, she wields a steel chair, the only thing truly visible in the haunting environment.

Regardless of Moretti’s knowing, Izzy begins to walk down the hallway. She presents the chair to the wall, making it skip across the indentations of the bricks. That sounds makes Moretti jump, his good mood completely evaporated and now he’s spinning his eyes around paranoid trying to figure things out but unable to find the culprit.

Vincent Moretti: Must be some flunkie trying to please the people and prank me…

Vincent says that more to himself than to anyone else trying to convince himself nothing is wrong as he picks up the pace as much as he can. Accompanying his movements and Izzy’s stalking is her humming a tune, Bayushki Bayu, to be exact. The camera operator steps backward faster, as if they were the one in danger. Soon enough, Izzy starts to pick up speed, knowing that if Moretti does see her, he’ll use his newfound health to run as fast as he can. Vincent rubs some of the sweat from his forehead before taking a breath and continue walking forward. And then he freezes. He finally notices the humming.

Vincent Moretti: ...What is that humming?

He stands there as if he’s trying to put the whole thing together in his brain racking it through it all and again he’s glancing around, paranoid as he just now noticed the camera man picked up his pace.

Vincent Moretti: What the hell do you see that I don’t!?

He calls out for the camera man to aid him. No help for Vincent. The color drains slightly on the silver fox as now his glances are a little more hurried. The humming...getting louder. The sweat picking up on his face as he finally turns around fully. But he sees nothing right that moment and then he glances at the camera man with a disgusted look but more so a slight look of relief not seeing anything.

Vincent Moretti: Are you f*bleep*ing with me? There’s going to be a receipt for that! Turn the crazy music off too!

The relief is there for a moment and then he realizes the humming is still getting louder and he’s not seeing something.

Vincent Moretti: Wait…

The camera operator has since frozen in fear and anticipation. For as Moretti starts to put the pieces together, Izzy raises the chair high. Though it seems that his head was the target, Izzy swings low, yelling out a ye’ ol phrase.

Izzy Anders: Gotcha, bitch!

Vincent Moretti: What the fu---AHHHHHHHHH!

Moretti yelps out at the voice and is cracked with the steel chair at the back of the leg and he falls hard on the ground and he’s looking up and the intimidating sight of Izzy while holding his leg. The color is completely gone! He’s trying to scooch out of the way holding his knee muttering incoherently. Izzy, amidst his screams, continues to go to work, turning the chair vertical and dropping pinpointed on Moretti’s leg. Vincent flails around with his arms sitting up from the recoil with his eyes shut and letting out another blood curdling scream while comically flailing his arms around.

Izzy Anders: Shush now, this is for talking so much crap.

A few more times does Izzy Anders chooses to bring the cold steel down on Moretti’s defenseless leg. Vincent again recoils up but it’s not as swift as he’s starting to lose his will and his mouth for a brief moment.

Vincent Moretti: AHHHH! GOD! IT’S F*BLEEP*ING BROKE! ALL OF IT THIS TIME!

He curls up in a ball holding that leg trying to protect it as best he can. Izzy tilts her head, staring down at the leg in particular.

Izzy Anders: No, no, not yet. Let me show you the difference.

She opens the steel chair and wraps it cleanly around Moretti’s ankle, before standing up over him. With a comedic essence that shouldn’t be found in her actions, Izzy puts her hands on her hips.

Izzy Anders: Hm, something doesn’t look right? Don’t you agree, Mr. Moretti?

Vincent just tries to scooch slightly and when he’s out of options he just raises his arms up in the air in a begging motion.

Vincent Moretti: ...whatever it is I beg of you...DON’T DO IT! I LIKE YOU BETTER THAN FUJIKO DAMMIT!

Izzy shakes her head casually, as a parent does to a child that is trying to explain their case. They know their child is trying but they’re making no sense.

Izzy Anders: Oh, don’t bring Fujiko up. This is a more personal affair.

She squats down next to Vincent’s leg, where she seems to think on her next action. Soon, she snaps her fingers.

Izzy Anders: Ah, that’s what it is!

Her hands move to remove the chair. Vincent, while wide-eyed with fear almost takes a moment to take a breath now that his ankle isn’t consumed by the chair but he’s paralyzed wondering what’s next. Izzy shoots him a genuinely happy smile.

Izzy Anders: It’s not your ankle, silly!

She immediately moves the chair up his leg onto his knee, even more so, a little above it to rest on the femur.

Vincent Moretti: S*bleep*! F*bleep*! MOTHER*BLEEP*!

Vincent tries to take his hands in an attempt to dislodge the chair now in a pure panic while also trying to scoot away with the rest of his body while comically getting...almost nowhere while failing to dislodge the chair due to shaking hands.

Izzy Anders: Hey, I did what Seth told me to. Beat “someone’s” ass.

Vincent mutters something but nothing but air comes out as he shakes his head and his eyes are wide. Izzy steps onto the chair lightly, not applying much weight. She playfully balances herself on the seat, which does bring some of the steel tightly around Moretti’s leg more.

Vincent Moretti: Gah!

Izzy Anders: I’ve always wanted to take up ballet.

Vincent just shakes his head again but not because he’s disappointed, but because he knows the doom coming his way as he’s squirming to no avail. Izzy steps off the chair for a second before getting a brief but brisk running start. She leaps up in the air, which appears to go in slow motion.

CRUNCH!

Vincent lets out a LOUD scream as he sits up, his eyes nearly bulging out of his eyes as he’s convulsing and his silver hair flailing with every convolution as he’s just in an ungodly amount of pain from that. Only thing interrupting the scream is him taking a breath and he just lets out another yell finally clutching at his broken leg after he finally finished convulsing. Izzy gently takes the chair from off of the broken leg, staring at the mangled state with faux concern. Instead of helping him, she merely sets the chair next to Moretti.

Izzy Anders: Take a seat, buddy, you’ll be here a bit.

Vincent can’t even speak as he slowly tries to sit up while still clutching that leg before he collapses back down on the floor and rolls slowly toward the chair still holding his wheel and then letting out another howl of agony. Izzy pats Moretti’s fully healed ankle before heading off.

Izzy Anders: Congrats on the recovery.

There’s just a low, pained groan that escapes from Moretti before he finally stops moving right next to the seated chair, obviously unable to ‘take a seat’.

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Delikado & Susan Kent vs. Bristow & Barnes

Bright lights shine on the entranceway nearly drowning the entire scene in white as Tully Barnes and Nate Bristow emerge from the backstage area. The two tag partners stand at the top of the entranceway with smug smirks on their faces and their eyes focused on the ring in front of them. The lights quickly dim again and the arena is filled with green and yellow laser lights as Bristow & Barnes start toward the ring.

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

As Bristow & Barnes reach the ring, they turn toward one another and hit their forearms together. They head for opposite sides of the ring, leaping up to the apron and propping themselves up on one knee. They stare out into the crowd as they pop up to both feet with their backs against the ropes and their arms outstretched.

Kris Cruise: The team of Bristow & Barnes have each fallen to Delikado in singles action. Now they’re looking to settle the score in this tag team bout against Delikado and the returning Susan Kent!

Stephy Auger: Kent has been out with an injury for the longest, it seems. Let’s see if she’s still got her timing down.

Susan appears on the stage followed by her trainer and mentor Dana Wheeler. Susan uses her hand to fans the crowd, she walks to the ring shaking hands with the fans, she climbs the ropes from the outside and waves to the fans, then climbs down into her corner where Dana gives her last minute instructions as she waits for her opponent.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents! First, hailing from Wichita, Kansas… SUSAN KENT!

“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: Her partner, hailing from Pinar del Rio, Cuba… 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.

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen a budding friendship of sorts between Delikado and Susan Kent over the past several months. With Kent now back 100 percent, it’s time to see what the new team of Delikado and Susan Kent can do here in the packed tag team scene on Vertigo.

Stephy Auger: They’ve got their work cut out for them. Even if they get past Bristow & Barnes here tonight, they’ll be going up against teams with far more experience as a tandem than the two of them. Delikado and Kent couldn’t be any different from each other. I’ll be interested in seeing their chemistry, or lack thereof.

The match starts with Bristow & Barnes trying to get the jump on Delikado and Susan Kent from behind. But the fan favorites are able to duck the running clotheslines from behind. When Bristow & Barnes turn around, they’re met with multiple right hands from DeliKent. While Bristow & Barnes are wobbly from the punches, Deli and Kent knock them off their feet with dropkicks. Another pair of dropkicks return Bristow & Barnes to the mat.

Kris Cruise: The team of Delikado and Kent are looking good thus far!

Deli and Kent pick up B & B and send them into the far ropes. When Bristow & Barnes return, they see Deli & Kent setting up for back body drops. The crowd boos when B & B counter by grabbing them by the hair and throwing them down with mat slams!

Stephy Auger: See, what did I tell you!

Kris Cruise: Like you always scream to me, “it’s still early! It’s still early!”

Bristow takes Delikado and moves him into one corner while Barnes moves Kent into the opponent corner. He proceeds to send Kent slumping down in the corner with mudhole stomps while Bristow doubles Deli over with shoulder thrusts. He follows up with a series of clubbing strikes to the back while Barnes gives Kent a foot choke. He then pulls Kent back up in the corner and calls across the ring for Bristow. Once the two give each other a knowing nod, they go to irish whip Kent and Delikado towards the center of the ring. But the fan favorites reverse. The crowd cheers when Bristow & Barnes collide in the center of the ring! As Bristow stumbles back, Delikado spins him around before throwing him down with the SON OF A BITCH (fireman’s carry into a slam) while Kent brings Barnes down with an inverted headlock backbreaker!

Kent makes her way over to Delikado before they pick up Bristow and send him into the ropes. When Bristow returns, Deli and Kent throw him down with a double back body drop. When Bristow gets back to a vertical base, the pair run over before connecting with a double dropkick that knocks Bristow through the ropes and to the floor! While Bristow tries to pick himself up on the outside, Kent turns and runs into the far ropes. When she comes back, she flips over the top rope before taking Bristow out with a somersault plancha!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for the Wichita native!

Back inside, Barnes grabs Delikado from behind before bringing him down with a belly to back suplex. The boos continues as Barnes gets back to his feet and puts the boots to him. He then yanks up Delikado before going for an irish whip. But Delikado reverses, sending Barnes into the ropes. When Barnes returns, Delikado jumps up behind spiking him with a Frankensteiner!

Kris Cruise: Barnes was just driven head-first onto the mat by Delikado!

After Kent rolls herself back inside, her and Delikado take Bristow and whip him hard into the corner. After Bristow staggers out, Delikado lifts him up across his shoulders before delivering a double knee gutbuster! As soon as Bristow bounces off of Delikado’s knees, Kent grabs him and brings him down with a Codebreaker. Bristow lays sprawled out on the apron while Delikado and Kent make their way out onto the apron. After climbing the turnbuckles, Delikado jumps off the top and crashes down on Bristow with a Frog Splash! He then rolls out of the way as Kent jumps off and delivers the Photo-Op (Frog Splash) to Bristow! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“All Grown Up”

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout, DELIKADO and SUSAN KENT!

The cheers continue as Kent and Delikado get their arms raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Delikado and Susan Kent get the better of Bristow & Barnes in our first tag match of the night! They looked pretty good for their first time tagging together, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: ...I cannot believe this...

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We return to Moretti being tended to by medical personnel as he’s holding his leg and screaming abuse at the EMTs tending to him. And walking into the scene is Seth Iser as his eyes widen seeing his brother and friend being tended to. He’s dressed in his ring attire with the Pride title around his waist but any sense of professionalism is gone when he launches a kick toward the wall in anger as he’s lowly muttering to himself before he notices a chair and immediately pieces everything together. He ends up grabbing the steel chair and in that moment Spencer Burke comes into the scene looking to glean some information.

Spencer Burke: Seth? Can I have a moment of your time?

Seth isn’t even giving him the time of day as he’s power walking past him and marching toward something. The camera is following him and Spencer is following the Pride Champion still hopeful to get some level of information.

Spencer Burke: Seth, we know that Izzy took out Moretti there in a vicious assault an---

Seth Iser: F*bleep*’s sake Spencer, you want something that bad?

Spencer Burke: I’m doing my job and we know Izzy d---

Seth Iser: Izzy wanted to take a cheap shot in other words.

Seth finally opens up slightly as Spencer is in a full jog keeping up with Seth as he’s borderline marching toward where he’s going. And he’s not a happy camper continuing to march down the hall.

Seth Iser: She wants to take a cheap shot she’s going to get a concrete block thrown back at her in a way she wouldn’t want to see coming, I promise you that. She wants this title opportunity but she proves once again why we’re losing the professional part of professional wrestling. And the degenerates that are the wrestling fans will condone things like that but they all need a lesson in respect, Spencer.

The two continue walking with Spencer still having to jog to keep up with Seth moving the fastest he’s moving in years

Spencer Burke: Your match is coming up but where are you going right now?

Seth Iser: To Jenevieve Geroux’s office. She might not want to intervene and do something about this but after she knows the whole truth of this...Izzy’s going to have to deal with certain consequences. And I don’t want the public to know the details until it’s properly announced. Now are you done?

Spencer Burke: Not quite I’m afraid…

Seth Iser: Thought you’d say that…

Seth rolls his eyes as they are still walking closer to the office and are approaching the door.

Spencer Burke: You’re wrestling Ricky Valero as we all know tonight and I wonder if this’ll have any impact on what will happen in the ring.

Seth then stops walking and Spencer almost comically walks into Seth since he was behind him but is just able to hit the breaks and he just eyeballs Spencer.

Seth Iser: Fine...you want something there too...your fault.

Seth lets out a sigh.

Seth Iser: Ricky’s gone silent ever since that controversy with Envi and Fujiko and quite frankly I’m disappointed in him for going silent. They shouldn’t feel bad either when said ‘hero’ is stupid enough to bring someone unstable enough at ringside to get themselves disqualified with a chance at World Title glory there and look where Envi got to as a result. It’s her fault not his but again...nothing from Ricky. Which is a shame…

Seth pauses for a moment taking a breath.

Seth Iser: He’s here in the building but I don’t think he’s here in spirit. And if you get in the ring with nothing less than your full ability with me you might find your fingers broken, and your nose broken, and a couple of teeth missing and probably way worse because of the mood I’m in right now! I’m sending a damned message to Izzy and the entire ungrateful wrestling industry on how to do something the RIGHT way.

Spencer Burke: I don’t think Ricky would care much for how you---

Then Seth’s temper is fully getting the best of him as he slams it against the wall near the door and that makes Spencer jump.

Seth Iser: I don’t give a damn right now about his damn ego potentially being bruised by reality. Now I’m going to go out there and rip out his still beating heart metaphorically and send it to Izzy along with something else after I’m done here. Now LEAVE! Or I’ll use this chair that Izzy used on YOU!

Spencer takes this as his cue to go as he starts to sprint and Seth swings open the door to walk into the office and as the camera man goes to follow Seth just turns to him and shoves him onto the ground.

Seth Iser: This is private. Stay out or you’ll join Ricky on the injured list tonight!

Seth then slams the door on the cameraman who is now on his ass and has endured a bad day so far.

[FGA Office]

Fujiko Mine is backstage at the Colonial Life Arena, breathing with her stretches against one of the walls backstage. An oversized zip up Renati brand apparel hoodie drapes over her ring attire. The crowd cheers loudly as she is displayed on screen. She continues to stretch, switching from her right leg to her left.

Soon she finds herself distracted by the rhythmic click-clack, click-clack approaching her with an icy precision, and sensing what is coming she turns to see Erin Mariani making her way towards her with steel in her eyes. Fujiko restrains an eyeroll, and instead forces a smile.

Fujiko Mine: Erin, to what do I owe the pleasure?

Even after being asked a simple question Mariani continues towards Fujiko, coming to a stop right behind her and jabbing a crimson-painted fingernail between her shoulder blades, causing Fujiko to turn around and swat her hand away. She sneers in the Tag champion’s direction as she does so.

Fujiko Mine: What was that about?!

Rather than answer, Marini merely lets out an amused chuckle while a knowing expression crosses her face, which causes Mariani to wear the smirk of somebody who knows something that Fujiko hasn’t figured out - and won’t until it's too late

Erin Mariani: I was merely preparing you for what is inevitable, namely the moment you feel a dagger slide its blade deep between your shoulder blades, yet in that moment your thoughts are not on the pain this is causing you or the fear of how little time you have left, but the simple question that struggles to pass your lips: “Why?”

Fujiko Mine: Is this your attempt at threatening me, Erin?

Erin Mariani: A threat?

Mariani laughs in Fujiko’s face.

Erin Mariani: Do you really not see what is happening around you? My partner and I, we do not resort to such cheap and underhanded methods as luring people into a false sense of security so we can destroy them when they are convinced they are safe, we prefer to stab people in the front so we can see the look in their eyes as their pride and their arrogance fades.

Mariani raises a finger and runs it down the side of Fujiko’s face, coming to a stop when the tip of her finger is against Fujiko’s chin

Erin Mariani: But that partner of yours? She will, and the only question is when you will feel the sensation not of betrayal, but the feeling that you were foolish to trust such a person in the first place.

Fujiko shakes her head, losing her grasp on her restrained smile as she does so.

Fujiko Mine: Since we’re all about symbolism tonight, Erin…

Fujiko fishes into the pocket and pulls out her cell phone. A button press or two, and…

*FLASH*

The sudden bright light in Erin’s face seems to disorient her for a moment. Instead of taking advantage of the moment, Fujiko takes a cautious step backwards.

Fujiko Mine: Not to bite Piper Lennon’s style too much, but I wanted to have a keepsake of that surprised look on your face.

She presses the phone back into her pocket.

Fujiko Mine: Also, that flash of light is what you or your partner are going to see in a few short weeks. That flash is going to be the realization that the two of you? You made an error making light of Izzy and myself. That flash of light is the moment in which those United States Tag Team championships…

Fujiko has a wolfish look in her eye.

Fujiko Mine: will vanish from your possession. And that dazed look will be all you have.

For a brief moment Mariani is silent, merely looking Fujiko up and down although it's obvious the cogs are rhythmically ticking away inside her head, but then a self-satisfied smile crosses her lips as she raises a finger and merely wags it from side to side

Erin Mariani: Such pride, Miss Mine, but I’m sure you're fully aware of what that old saying about pride suggests. But where is that pride of yours misplaced? Is it misplaced by you assuming superiority because you’re listening to the results of a popularity contest instead of the warnings that we have left in our wake, or is it misplaced because you fully believe that your partner is only tolerating your company for the sake of convenience?

Judging by the dark chuckle that she has to herself, Mariani has her own idea of which one it will be - but of course, she won’t be sharing that information, as it's all part of the amusement

Erin Mariani: Perhaps you should consider the dazed look upon your face that will come not when we have defeated you, but in that moment where you can see that your defeat is inevitable and there isn’t a single thing you can do about it. And in that moment you will discover whether or not your partner truly has your interests at heart, or whether she will abandon you because you failed to serve the one solitary purpose you had. But don’t worry, we’ll be sure to watch so we can see the dazed look when you learn that I was right.

Fujiko shrugs at Erin, not really believing in her warnings.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve earned my pride, Erin. I know you’ve been too busy trying to figure out how to play mind games to pay attention, but you’re not just talking to anyone. You’re talking to the best wrestler in FGA. Not just Flashpoint or Vertigo, but all of FGA. It wasn’t based on just a popularity contest. You can’t deny that I put on the best performance the entire year. Well, you would try to deny it, but it’s not up to you.

She shrugs at Erin again.

Fujiko Mine: Not only that, but Izzy and I? We tore through the Dynamic Duos. That wasn’t a fluke. And no matter how you try and minimize it, Izzy and I want to prove we’re the best by beating you and Ms. Mason for those tag belts. So that’s what we’re going to do. You can tease, warn, play mind games, and whatever...but once we’re in the ring? It’s all going to end the same way.

She backs away from one half of the tag champions, narrowing her eyes.

Fujiko Mine: See you soon.

She waves sarcastically, then once she feels safe turning her back, she does so, leaving Erin in her former spot, alone, watching her every step as she goes.

[FGA Office]

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

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

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

Of history in the making during our generation."

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

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

A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show the silhouette of...a figure on the stage. The lighting cuts back in and turns a golden hue as the figure stands with both arms outstretched to either side of them; they’re dressed like Marlon Cure, wearing that familiar black and white sleeve on one arm, that long sleeveless black coat, right down to the crown. The crowd begin to sense that something is off as the figure turns around to bask in the golden glow--

Kris Cruise: It’s Annie Zellor! She’s not supposed to be out here tonight.

Stephy Auger: We both know that The New Murder do what they want, when they want, Cruise.

--some of the crowd even cheer at the reveal - for whatever reason! And Annie is soon joined on stage by her valet, Mary-Jane McCracken before the pair stride down the aisle with purpose. Confidence radiating from them both as Zellor climbs the turnbuckle, standing on the middle and top rope, and poses with her arms outstretched again and that Rose City Wrestling Macaria Championship visible on one shoulder. She hops down into the ring as Mary-Jane steps in under the middle rope.

The music begins to die down as Mary-Jane hands the microphone that she was carrying over to her friend. The boos begin to wane as a smug looking Annie Zellor stands in the center of the ring.

Annie Zellor: Hello Columbus!

More boos from the South Carolina crowd as Annie just looks over to Mary-Jane and smiles. The pair are as thick as thieves, soaking in the negativity until Annie starts talking again.

Annie Zellor: You didn’t think you’d get away without seeing me again did ya? You’re almost as bad as Marlon Cure! But I--I couldn’t do that to you, Columbus. I couldn’t, like, deny you all this chance.

Kris Cruise: What chance is that? We’ve already seen Annie once tonight when she tried to convince Cherry Baum to join The New Murder, we didn’t need to see her again.

The crowd murmur for a moment, confused by what Annie is talking about in much the same way Kris is. She takes a moment to adjust the belt on her shoulder before continuing.

Annie Zellor: ‘Cause now you can all tell me - to my face - about how I earned my upcoming shot at the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship! And my other shoulder is feeling a bit bare, top be honest. So you can all, like--you can congratulate me now if you wanna. ‘Cause in a few short weeks at Revelations I’m gonna make history…

A momentary pause as Annie, smirking all the while, looks out across the crowd.

Annie Zellor: …again! As if being one of the first women to hold a title in FGA wasn’t enough. Let alone being the first to hold a title twice - in tag and singles competition! ‘Cause soon--in a few short weeks at Revelations, I’m gonna make history again, when I become the first ever three-time FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion!

Stephy Auger: We all remember Zero McHannon becoming a three-time FGA World Champion back in 2016, beating Annie to that accolade. But still it’s an admirable goal, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: I think the crowd would disagree with you, Stephy.

Sure enough, the crowd are voicing their disapproval at Annie’s record breaking attempts. In the ring, however, Mary-Jane applauds her friend’s efforts as Annie looks out across the crowd again.

Kris Cruise: Plus, she’s got a challenge ahead of her in the form of Marlon Cure.

Annie Zellor: Hate it all you wanna, but I’m still gonna make it happen. And you can put Marlon up on, like, a pedestal if you wanna. It just means he’s gonna have further to fall! ‘Cause now Marlon ain’t got nowhere to run, and there’s nowhere he can hide. No more ‘you gotta earn a shot’, ‘cause I’ve done that. No more ‘all talk, no action’, ‘cause I’ve proved that wrong. And in three weeks time...he’s gonna be one more name on my list…

She smirks again, spinning the microphone in her hand as Annie and Mary-Jane share a joke out of reach of the microphone.

Annie Zellor: …’cause I’m the goddamn Giant Killer around here! I’ve beaten the biggest and baddest around, except for Dom. That’s why Marlon wants to get away from me. That’s why he wants to get outta this match. ‘Cause he’s facing the wrestler who broke Chris Madison’s two year unbeaten streak. The wrestler who’s beaten the likes of Jimmy Page, Johnny Karma, Salem, Savannah Taylor, Chandler Scott, Izzy Anders, Chris Q - god rest his soul. Even your old favorites like Owen Gonsalves or Luke Jackson. I beat them all! And soon, Marlon, you’re gonna be added to that list…

Annie looks straight into the camera as she continues.

Annie Zellor: You wanted to kick me when I was down. Now I’m gonna take everything you own!

With that, Zellor makes the belt gesture around her waist, when suddenly--

*Static Cut Intro*
ALLOW ME TO RE-INTRODUCE MYSELF, MY NAME IS HOV.

Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement” starts up once again and The Crowd -- shockingly enough -- give a somewhat warm reception as FGA’s Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Marlon Cure, slowly walks out onto the stage, dressed to compete with a rather impressive looking Hideoki Bespoke suit blazer draped over his shoulders. His PA, Keiko, is right behind him with the Mid Atlantic Legacy Championship resting over her shoulders as his music dies down and Cure gives Annie a look of pure amusement as he fishes a cigar from the blazer pocket.

The few cheers that greeted him became even louder as he lights up, before he begins to speak.

Marlon Cure: Oh, no. Don’t let me stop the bullsh*t train you on right now. Gon’ head, Annie. You wanted to style, profile and pose like The Most High, right right? Then by all means, talk that big girl sh*t.

Cure makes a little “proceed” motion with his hands as he puffs at the cigar, trying to keep a straight face as he looks at the sight before him and only barely managing as Zellor and McCracken both glare at him from their place in the ring. Finally, he gives in and gives a small shake of the head.

Marlon Cure: You probably thought this would get me heated too, that’s the sad thing. Probably had your homegirl next to you look high and low for my fits in your size, the blacked out crown, the entire nine thinking you were about to make me out for jokes while you tried to gas yourself up to fans that’ve been seeing you as the punchline for a few years now. What, with you hijacking lanes, wave riding and straight up trying to Shang Tsung whatever and whoever got the computers ‘putin and numbers moving, it was only a matter of time.

There’s a small pop at the jab as Cure & Keiko begin to saunter down the ramp, his eyes locked on Zellor while Keiko idly drums her fingers along the face plate. The smirk on Cure’s face evaporates almost instantly and he glares up at her.

Marlon Cure: How dare you, Annie. How dare you so call yourself coming out to my ring wearing my fits, thinking about trying to run your crusted (bleep) (bleep)-ers to the masses about sh*t you haven’t surpassed or matched in a hot minute, wasting your time and mine.

Zellor shakes her head as her knuckles whiten, clutching onto that top rope in a pique of rage.

Kris Cruise: Can… can he say that on Television?

Stephy Auger: I mean, are you gonna tell him he can’t?

Cure comes to a stop at the foot of the ramp with his cigar clamped firmly between his lips.

Marlon Cure: You really think you hot sh*t right now and wanna go win for win? I can easily clap you over the head with 11 years worth while you play catch up, but let's keep to what I’ve done here in just under a year.

Cure begins to tick off his fingers.

Marlon Cure: I’ve beaten pound for pound one of the best grapplers walking the planet. Beat one of the best high flyers in the world today - he ain’t me, but he’s good enough. Convinced GM B-Mac to sign me to a lot of years, with a lot of zeros off one promo line. First match in? I beat a wrestling prodigy and somebody that’s high key a top 5 wrestler on either roster under the FGA banner two times and relieved her of the 15 pounds of gold on her shoulder. Beat a former world champion. Beat another wrestling prodigy. Beat somebody who MADE the very title you sitting there trying to claim GOAT status for.

Annie pats her chest twice before holding up two fingers, aimed directly at Marlon. But he’s unflinching in response.

Marlon Cure: I’ve gone at Champions, Hall of Famers and Franchise Players. Deaded movements, sent careers careening and had people who claimed they had next, gone with the wind. Did it all since I came on the scene yet you think I’m ducking YOU?! Itty bitty ass Annie Dupree, who started this because I told her to her face that she was straight trash, who was out here in her feelings because FGA ain’t just hand the tag titles to her and her punk ass fiancée, thinks she got me shook??

Cure sneers in disgust as Annie starts to smirk once again, keeping her gaze on Marlon.

Marlon Cure: You already walking the path of delusion by thinking you can see me, but this? You must not know ‘bout me Annie. So lemme give you a reminder as to who it is you’re about to be standing across the ring from.

Keiko hands Cure the Mid Atlantic Legacy Championship as he smirks up at her.

Marlon Cure: I’m King Cure, The Supreme. Pro Wrestling’s Elohim, ushering this business of ours into a new regime. And after Revelations? I’ll still be your Frontier Grappling Arts Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Annie Zellor: You’re not my champion…

Annie states bluntly, shaking her head as she takes a step back from the ropes. Mary-Jane follows suit, standing behind Annie as she removes her crown with one hand, tossing it down onto the ring mat in front of her. Cure just smirks up at her as Annie speaks again.

Annie Zellor: And half those people you just mentioned? I’ve beat ‘em too, Marley! Put keep tryna put me down. Ignore the fact that anything you can do, I can do better...I can do anything better than you!

Yes, she sang that. Marlon doesn’t look impressed, but the crowd got a bit of a laugh out of it.

Kris Cruise: I think that’s the opening track off Annie Does The 40s.

Annie Zellor: And that’s what’s gonna be your downfall, King Cure, ‘cause you made the mistake of tryna kick me when I was down. You made the mistake of tryna gloat over me. Tryna shove that title in my face...but I picked myself up, and I brushed myself off. I earned this opportunity, Marley. And all the people you beat in the last year, that Best Newcomer award you got…

Annie turns to MJ with a smirk on her face. The pair speak away from the microphone, but the words ‘2014’ are clearly audible.

Annie Zellor: …that Best High Flyer award--hey, that’s something I haven’t actually won. Yet. So congrats, Marley. You got one up on me. But now you’ve made an enemy outta me…

Pause.

Annie Zellor: And that enemy is one Tenacious Li’l Bitch!

The crowd gives a collective “Oooooooooh” at the line, while Cure remains unimpressed as he inspects his nails.

Marlon Cure: Oh look, Big Baaaaad Annie Dupree needing to bite off her boy to get a little spark. That’s… that’s never happened before. I’m so surprised.

Cure doesn’t bother hiding the sarcasm and disdain in his tone as he rolls his eyes. Keiko mutters something to Cure, which causes him to nod in agreement, while Annie just scowls at them.

Marlon Cure: Look, I know you not used to back and forth activity with somebody that can go all night Annie, but I’m not getting paid by the hour so you wasting valuable, valuable time right now tryna keep up. So you can either take you and your real doll and vacate my ring so God can do what he does…

At this point Cure shrugs the blazer off and hands it to Keiko as the crowd begins to cheer mildly as he hops up to the ring apron.

Marlon Cure: Or I can beat your ass like pops obviously forgot to right here, right now. Revelations be damned. Choice is yours.

Stephy Auger: Looks like we’re gonna have ourselves a fight!

Kris Cruise: I’m not sure Marlon wants to get into a fight right before his match against Jillian Clay though, Stephy.

The crowd are eager to see this one unfold as Annie and Mary-Jane take a step back towards the center of the ring; Zellor making the ‘come get some’ motion with her hands. Sure enough, Marlon steps through the ropes and makes a beeline for the number one contender…

Kris Cruise: What the?

...but Annie and Mary-Jane are already out of the ring! Having rolled out under the far bottom rope, the pair decide to pull up some seats near the ring announcer’s table as a bewildered Marlon Cure stands in the center of the ring. Just as Jillian Clay’s music starts to play over the PA system.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, already in the ring. He is the reigning FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… MARLON CURE! His opponent, making her way to the ring. Hailing from The Outermost Rings of Saturn, JILLIAN CLAY!

Kris Cruise: You can cut the tension with a knife, Stephy! These two can't stand each other!

Stephy Auger: These two have been going back and forth for months ever since Annie set her eyes on the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. But there’s no more red tape. No more hoops to jump through. The time for talk is almost over. This is going to be a hell of a match at Revelations. I cannot wait!

Kris Cruise: It’s going to be a doozy. However, there’s no need for Zellor and McCracken to be out here.

Stephy Auger: Why? Is Marlon afraid that he might get jumped? Hmm, if only there was someone who could have his back. I’m sure Piper Lennon would have loved to have his back… and other parts of him… if he wasn’t so hard headed and constantly gave her an attitude.

The match starts with Clay getting the early advantage with a side headlock. The hold doesn’t stay on for long as Cure shoves her off into the ropes. When Clay returns, Cure throws her down with a japanese armdrag. After japanese arm drag returns Clay to the mat. King Cure then takes Clay and sends her back into the ropes. When Clay returns, Cure goes for a hip toss. Clay then steps through it and goes for a hip toss for her own. But Cure blocks it. So Clay tries to muscle him up for another hip toss attempt. Again, it’s to no avail. So Clay doubles him over with a punch to the midsection. After draping her leg across the back of Cure’s neck, Clay performs a backflip. Once she lands on her feet, Cure throws out a Rolling Elbow. But Clay ducks and counters with a headscissors takedown. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Cure kicks out.

Clay takes Cure and goes for an irish whip. But Cure reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Clay returns, Cure sets up for a back body drop. Clay sees it coming, so she hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Clay returns, she brings Cure down with a tilt-a-whirl arm drag. When Cure gets back to his feet, Clay sends him through the ropes and to the outside with an overflow armdrag. Zellor gets up from her seat and claps obnoxiously in Cure’s face. Cure just sneers at his number one contender. When he turns back to the ring, Clay springboards into the air, turns, lands on the top rope, flips back and knocks Cure down with a moonsault!

Kris Cruise: Zellor with the timely distraction on King Cure!

Stephy Auger: He has to be smarter than that!

Kris Cruise: He does. But Zellor can be just so annoyi-

Zellor turns and gives Cruise a look.

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: HA!

Clay picks up Cure and rolls him back inside. She then slides back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Cure kicks out.

Clay picks up Cure and nails him with a knife edge chop. After catching the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion with a quick jabs, she then takes Cure and whips him into the corner. Clay runs across the ring to attack when Cure ducks and dumps her over the top rope. After Clay lands safely on her feet, Cure knocks her off the apron and to the floor with a superkick! While Clay picks herself up on the outside, Cure slingshots himself up onto the apron before waving her up. The GOD Junior Heavyweight then knocks Clay down with an Asai Moonsault! McCracken rolls her eyes while Zellor twirls her finger as if to say “whoopty doo”. After rolling Clay back inside, Cure rolls back in and makes the cover.

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

Cure brings Clay into the corner before delivering three knife edge chops. He then brings Clay from out of the corner before sending her off into the far ropes. When Clay returns, Cure throws her down with a hip toss. He then quickly slingshots himself out onto the apron before delivering a topé atomico! He turns over and hooks the leg…

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

Cure brings Clay back up before going for an irish whip. But Clay reverses, sending the champ into the ropes. When Cure returns, he sees Clay setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a spinning wheel kick. Cure brings Clay back to her feet and hits her with three forearm strikes before turning to run into the ropes. As soon as Cure hits the ropes, he knocks Clay off her feet with a flying forearm bash! He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Cure was caught off guard early due to a distraction from Zellor. But since then, this match has been all Cure.

Stephy Auger: I’m sure he wants to send a message to the number one contender loud and clear, especially since she’s right there at ringside.

Cure brings Clay back to her feet before sending her off into the far ropes. When Clay returns, Cure knocks her down with a yakuza kick, turns away and quickly throws out a standing moonsault. Clay gets her knees up. But Cure is able to flip over her and land on his feet. He quickly reaches down, grabs Clay by the legs and throws her back. After Clay rolls backwards on the mat and lands on a knee, Cure flattens her with a Shining Wizard! He then gets to his feet before heading into the ropes. When Cure returns, the crowd boos when he hits a cartwheel into a standing corkscrew 450 splash! He hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Tremendous athleticism on display there by Cure! I’d like to see Zellor try that.

Stephy Auger: Are you trying to get jumped!?

Cure picks up Clay and whips her into the corner. King Cure rushes in to attack when Clay turns him around with a boot to the face. While Cure staggers towards the center of the ring, Clay comes up from behind and brings him down with a somersault shoulder jawbreaker! Clay then brings Cure back to his feet before executing a rolling neckbreaker. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cure kicks out.

Clay goes for an irish whip, but Cure reverses. When Clay returns, Cure goes for a back body drop. But Clay slips down from behind and counters with a reverse bulldog. She then gets up on the middle ropes. When Cure gets to his feet, Clay knocks him down with a diving forearm. She then steps back out onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Clay reaches the top, she leaps off for a swan dive headbutt. But Cure rolls out of the way, causing Clay to crash face-first onto the mat! Once Clay gets up on her knees, the crowd boos when Cure blasts her with a kneeling savate kick to the face. He then pulls Clay up before throws her down with the Run N Gun (Michinoku Driver II)! While Clay tries to get back up, Cure takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, he flips over Clay before bringing her down with the Throwback! He then pulls Clay back to her feet, lifts her up onto his shoulders and brings her down with The Blackout (fireman’s carry dropped into an overhead kick)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos when “Public Service Announcement” blares throughout the arena.

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

The boos continue as Cure gets his arm raised in victory. The timekeeper goes to hand the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship belt to the ref. Zellor then quickly snatches the title, getting everyone’s attention. Zellor looks at the championship and pats the center plate. She then holds the championship in the air while pointing at Cure. The crowd boos while Zellor dangles out the championship in front of her. She then motions for Cure to come and get it before placing the title behind her across the announce table. Zellor and McCracken snicker as they make their way around ringside. The GOD Junior Heavyweight continues to stare his opposition down as she makes her way up the ramp...

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Heading to the backstage area, we see a conversation happening between one of the FGA producers in a polo t-shirt and with a headset on, and Tyler Storm who is at the show this evening without a match scheduled, and thus is in some normal street clothes for himself: t-shirt, jeans, sneakers, very simple setup. What the conversation is fully about is unknown, but we see Tyler chuckling a bit as he explains a few things to the producer.

Suddenly a hand reaches over and pushes the producer out of the way as Brian Stryker steps into his spot, glaring over at Storm. He gives him a look up and down, sizing him up as he shakes his head with a smirk on his face.

Brian Stryker: So this is the guy who thinks he deserves a title shot at the Pride Championship over me. Wow if this is the competition, this is gonna be the easiest title run I ever had. I mean, just look at you. It’s kinda sad really.

Tyler is caught a bit off guard by the sudden interruption from Stryker, but welcomes the presence with a small nod as he listens to the disgruntled co-worker.

Tyler Storm: Nice to make your acquaintance too, Brian. And welcome to Vertigo! I didn’t get a chance to give you that welcoming last show but I guess a lucky break that I ran into you tonight during a night off from competition for the both of us.

Storm takes a look at Brian, just as the other man did him when he approached Tyler, and shrugs.

Tyler Storm: I like the confident presence you have about ya, bud, you really are high on your abilities. I love that, that brings great competition for someone like me to go against. Given we both are seemingly chasing the same goal right now, that being the Pride Championship, I know we will be seeing a lot of each other. But to just cut short this negative energy between us...I respect the hell out of your ability, dude. I ain't here to garner some ill will.

Stryker shakes his head as he rubs his nose with his thumb.

Brian Stryker: You can keep your welcome wagon to yourself. I’m not here to make friends. I can care less about Vertigo and the rest of the locker room. As far as I care, this is a brand of snakes and liars. I am here for one reason. To get my title and that’s it. I’m done being a team player. I’m done doing the brand sh*t. So I’m gonna give you this ONE warning. Don’t get in my way, or piss me off. Cause if you do? It’s not gonna end pretty for you.

Tyler sighs and gives Brian a small nod.

Tyler Storm: I am not shocked by that reaction from you, but that’s okay! Brian Stryker is about Brian Stryker, and I respect that. But I’m letting you know where I stand, dude. I know this chase for the title means as much to you as it does for me. But I am out here to be the best me that I possibly can be. And I plan on staying in this chase and going for a title I was fingertips away from grabbing last year against Fujiko. I plan on staying in this chase because last year was so important for me to re-establish my career, and in 2019 I am not letting that work go to waste.

The Alabama athlete gives a small smile and laugh as he just continues.

Tyler Storm: I know I am not the best athlete on this planet, but hey, I’m here to fight and entertain. I want to do it all at the highest level I can. So all I can tell you dude, is me and you being on this path for Pride is gonna put us in each other’s way a lot, but I’m not backing down to show that I can be worth the challenge man. Overlook me man, call me easy competition, but until you know what level of heart I have when you step in that ring with me, let’s just go on this path and go show the world how competitive this Pride Championship division really is!

Tyler extends his hand out for a hand shake with Brian, the hopeful confidence on his face that Stryker will accept the gesture. Stryker looks at the hand before him and slowly raises his own to shake it. Storm smiles as he goes to try and leave, but instead of letting go, Stryker keeps a firm hold on his hand. He pulls Tyler in and clubs him with a forearm that sends Storm down to the ground. Stryker stands over him as he dusts his hands of his work.

Brian Stryker: There is no competition. There’s only me, and people in my way. I warned you. Now you’re gonna have to live with these consequences.

Stryker steps over Storm and walks off into the hallway, leaving Storm alone to collect himself, the larger built man rubbing his jaw and breathing heavily to keep himself calm as he sits on the ground.

Tyler Storm: Well I guess that answers my curiosities about him...a war it shall be then.

Tyler shakes his head, a bit disappointed in the actions, and continues to sit as the scene cuts away.

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

Static appeared everywhere in the screen, until, suddenly it stopped. The image became clear and the image of a riverwalk appeared on it. Standing in front of the camera was a man, a rather stoic looking man, with somewhat latin factions. Both hands tucked inside the pockets of his coat and a rather ominous smile draws on his face. Behind him, another man looked towards the river bending across. Neither of them breaking the sounds the birds flying, the river flowing, the wind blowing and the people chatting provided… until, the stoic man did.

?: I’m sure those of you watching at home don’t even really know who am I; and quite honestly, I don’t think it is that important. Yet, given the fact that you will be seeing this face a lot from this point on, a proper introduction is in order.

The man that stood behind the one talking, turned away from the river and walked towards the stoic man talking as he continued.

?: My name is Dante Difranco, and the man behind me is my client, Zack “The Dragon” Gall. Sono sicuro che ci conosci ora…

The smile in Difranco’s face widens as he simply looks at the camera, without even flinching for a bit, and continues expressing himself.

Dante Difranco: Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, here’s everything you need to know. We have been contracted to FGA’s Vertigo brand. We look to leave a mark here, not to be just a flash in the pan; not to be the flavor of the month, not to win year end awards.

Difranco places his left hand over Gall’s right shoulder, as he gives his client a quick glance and continues speaking.

Dante Difranco: Those of you who know my client already, know this to be true. Know my client wasn’t one to mess around with trivial things; neither am I. Fact of the matter is, after a self imposed exile from wrestling, My client is returning to take what he feels, and I feel, is his.

Difranco put both of his hands in front of him, making almost a halt sign with them as he gives a smirk to the camera.

Dante Difranco: I know, I know, I perfectly know what you’re thinking… and let me reassure each and every single one of you watching at home and, or, watching at the arena; We know our place within the ranks. We know we just came in, we’re bottom of the barrel right now, we are curtain jerkers, at best, at the moment; and to be perfectly honest with you, we don’t care. We are treating any opponent that might come our way the same way we would treat the FGA Champion. We are going to put up the same show on the first match of the night, or the last one; for us, our opponents are just the means to an end. That end, being, sitting on top of FGA when all is said and done.

For that, we know, we have to lay the foundation first; and believe me, the sooner we get to lay that foundation, the better. So, while we understand our spot; while we understand the fact we came in when things are already in motion… there’s a limit to our patience, and believe me, WE can be very persuasive.

Gall walks in front of Difranco as he finishes up his statement.

Dante Difranco: Beware the D… B… K.

The scene went back to static and we cut back to the arena.