Vertigo (02.15.19)

[FGA Office]

[The following was recorded earlier tonight]

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.

[STATIC]

We pull back to find FGA food purveyor Frik Snackey watching the previous video end. He growls in irritation.

Frik Snackey: Grrrrr…It wasn’t live! That Cuban and his fugitive crew escaped again!

At his side is Prince Otto Sonsson and some other Swedes of The Resistance-inspired faction/army. The nasally young prince shrugs with far less bitterness.

Prince Otto Sonsson: Bah. An old man on zee run, vith no allies except a veak voman vith too much cellulite? Vee have Zee Resistance, my cousins Ragnar and Gunnar among the zee rest.

Frik Snackey: He shouldn’t have been here, shouldn’t have been given the right to a match at all! Why didn’t your cousins go out there and finish the job at least?

Prince Otto Sonsson: Zey have zer own careers to look out fur, zer own matches. As zee Cuban’s girl said, Zee Resistance vants all zee power in FGA! It’s about zee “do-to list”, Snackman, and zat batch of misfits is not high on it.

Frik Snackey: They should be a TOP priority, or even all that matters! The Resistance can be a juggernaut of snacking rights and—

Prince Otto Sonsson: *yawn* You talk so much of zees snacks and zer “rights”, my friend. Don’t you get tired of it? All on zee plane ride and zee Snack Attack on Delikado’s house you spoke of it. It is not healthy, all zat American sugar and calories. Forget about zat stuff for a time, it might make a man crazy. You should talk more of exercise and good health from things such as scooters—like mine!

He snaps his fingers and his servant brings over his scooter. Snackey takes this as an insult as he glares down at the much smaller man.

Frik Snackey: Forget….the snacks….?

The ominous tone of his voice makes Prince Otto take a step back.

Frik Snackey: I’ll let that one slide, Otto, but I warn you, no more. Do you understand?

Prince Otto Sonsson: Snackman, I am merely looking out for you. It is the Sveden way!

Frik Snackey: DO. YOU. UNDERSTAND?!

He grabs the Prince by the collar, but the “royal guards” immediately jump in and force their master’s release.

Guard: AWAY FROM ZEE PRINCE, BORK!

As Snackey is strong-armed into a corner by the powerful guards, Otto hoists his scooter up in a threatening manner.

Prince Otto Sonsson: Now it is MY turn to varn! You do not touch a Resistance member and go unpunished, especially a prince of royal blood like me! Hold out your hand, Snackman. Do it or my men vill do it for you, and ZEN I’ll be even angrier!

After a pause, as he breathes in short, enraged breaths, Snackey jerks his hand out. Prince Otto promptly hits the man’s gigantic hand with his scooter, causing him to gasp with pain. The smaller Swede now stands looking mightier as he calmly relaxes his scooter to the ground and adjusts his messed-up collar.

Prince Otto Sonsson: Zer, now we can move on vith our own “do-to list”. I vant to enjoy myself at zee Cuban’s Parking Lotta Fun before it closes. Snackman, you are velcome to join me only if you can put aside your snack habits and mad gestures for zee evening.

The Prince offers out a hand of friendship, perhaps purposely holding the hand that would require Snackey to extend his bruised one in order to shake. Nonetheless, Snackey instead walks over to another part of the room and sits down in a chair, staring at him in rejection of his suggestion. Otto shrugs.

Prince Otto Sonsson: Suit yourself. I vill send one of my doctors to fix your hand. Don’t you know, as Svedes ve know every doctor in zee world? It is quite unlike your American healthcare system, very efficient.

On that note, the Swedish prince hops on his scooter and rides off with his guards following on-foot. Meanwhile, on the far side of the room, behind a semi-closed door, Sofia is secretly listening in, having been finishing up her surveillance of the arena as mentioned earlier and stumbled upon this little gem of a scene. She quickly departs and pulls out her cellphone. She puts Ewan on FaceTime.

Sofia Monzón: Get Delikado on the line.

Ewan Jakeway: Hold on. He’s having me open all these boxes of $500 chocolate he bought for Susan, to celebrate their teaming.

Sofia Monzón: WHAT?! We’re dressed like assh*les and scavenging for a place to live under Susan Kent’s scanty roof, so he burns his paycheck on freaking $500 candy?! Ohhh, whatever. Just put him on.

Delikado’s catatonic face appears on the phone.

……………………….

Sofia Monzón: So, listen to this…

We cut to black.

[FGA Office]

• Non-Title Match •
Seth Iser vs. Ricky Valero

“Amazing” by Kanye West hits, lifting the fans to their feet in a fit of rage. White and pink strobe lights start to flash throughout the arena. Ricky Valero emerges from the back amidst a cloud of fog. With that trademark smirk stretched across his face, he scans the arena with hubris. He puts his legs together, extends his arms outward, throws his head back and basks in the building’s negative energy.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 227 pounds… RICKY VALERO!

He makes his way toward the ring intentionally ignoring the outstretched hands of front row fans along his route. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and leans his back against the ropes, bouncing against them a few times with his arms wrapped over top of them before slipping into the ring. Ricky spins around in the center of the ring with his arms extended out, absorbing the crowd's disdain. He walks towards the ropes on the far side of the ring and simply smiles. The music slowly quiets down as Ricky turns and leans against the ropes closest to the entranceway, awaiting his opponent.

The lights dim down as the music begins to play. Soon enough, Seth Iser slowly walks through the curtain with that familiar scowl on his face with the championship around his waist. He starts walking down to the ring...glare etched on his face and listening to the fans boo him.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia! Weighing in at 243 pounds! He is the reigning Pride Champion… SETH ISER!

A methodical, slow walk as he cracks his knuckles on the way down before pulling himself up onto the apron and enters the ring calmly before performing a crucifix pose at the center of the ring to revive the lights. He then retreats to his corner while taking off the gold around his waist and taking a seat in the corner while putting the championship over his shoulder while waiting until it's time to hand the gold to the ref for the match.

Kris Cruise: You have to wonder if Seth can block out what happened to Vincent Moretti earlier tonight!

Stephy Auger: The man was finally cleared. He finally got the cast off and was given a clean bill of health. So what does Izzy Anders do? She attacks an innocent man! She tried to cripple him!

Kris Cruise: I mean, Seth Iser DID tell her to beat somebody’s a-

Stephy Auger: Don’t you start! There’s going to be hell to pay for this!

The match starts with both grapplers locking up. Iser quickly grabs Valero by the hair before while moving the “Good Guy” across the ring. Once Valero is pressed against the ropes, the ref gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers break it up. Valero then points to Iser before making a hair pulling motion at the ref. The ref gives Iser a warning about the hair pulling. Iser denies it and tells the official that as Pride Champion, he would never do such a thing. He then offers Valero a handshake. Valero narrows his eyes at Iser before reaching his hand out. He’s about to shake hands with Iser when Valero quickly reaches up, grabs Iser by the beard and socks him with his free hand! Valero nails Iser with two more punches before going for an irish whip. Iser quickly reverses, sending Valero into the ropes. When Valero returns, he knocks Iser down to one leg with a dropkick to the knee. He then follows up with a kneeling DDT before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Iser kicks out.

Valero picks up Iser, grabs him by the beard and pulls him towards the corner. Iser then reaches out, grabs Valero’s hair and moves him in the same direction. Once both grapplers are in the corner, the ref goes over and breaks it up between them. Both Iser and the Valero begin arguing back and forth before complaining to the referee. Iser yells at the ref for Valero pulling his beard while Valero complains about his hair being pulled. The two continue to argue and complain while the ref is growing more and more frustrated by the second.

Kris Cruise: This official is at his wit’s end dealing with these two!

The ref yells out in frustration at both grapplers before giving each of them a stern final warning. When they turn back towards each other, Iser strikes first with a hard right hand. He then moves Valero back into the corner before lighting up his chest with knife edge chops. After an irish whip sends Valero into the far corner, Iser rushes in to attack. Just as Iser’s about to strike, Valero knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Iser shakes off the blow before rushing back in. This time, Valero catches him with a big boot to the face. While Iser is stunned, Valero steps out onto the apron and begins to climb the turnbuckles. While Valero gets a foot on the top turnbuckle, Iser marches back into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Valero and throws him down with a superplex!

Iser pulls Valero back up, positions himself behind the “Good Guy” and hurls him across the ring with a release German Suplex! The Pride Champion marches over, pulls Valero back up and sends him into the far ropes with an irish whip. When Valero returns, Iser turns him inside out with a lariat! The boos continue as Iser pulls Valero back to his feet, lifts him up and throws him down hard with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse)! Iser then turns Valero into the prone positions before locking him in the Dream Eater (Rings of Saturn)! Valero groans as soon as the hold is applied. The ref quickly gets down and asks Valero if he wants to give up. Valero initially refuses. When Iser pulls back to increase the pressure, Valero groans before feverishly nodding his head. The ref calls for the bell.

The crowd erupts with boos as “Psychosocial” blares throughout the arena. Iser keeps the hold locked on for a few extra seconds before letting go.

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

The boos continue as Iser gets his arm raised in victory.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Amalie Arena

Tampa, FL

March 17, 2019
LIVE on Pay Per View

[FGA Office]

CO-MAIN EVENT
Scramble Rules
• Eight Man Tag Team Match •
Fujiko Mine, Izzy Anders, The Fam vs. Silk & Cyanide, The Resistance (Gunnar & Ragnar)

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest has been scheduled for ONE fall and it is an Eight Man Tag Team Match! Introducing team number one! First, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 627 pounds! They are the team of Gunnar and Ragnar, THE RESISTANCE!

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

The arena lights dim as the sound of a woman's laugh heavy with contempt echoes through the arena, which soon segues into the bassline of "She's Gone Away" signals the arrival of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason as the duo slink onto the entrance ramp and pause for a moment, as Mariani slowly runs her fingertip down the face of her title belt as Mason drops to a crouch to raise the title she's been dragging along the entranceway so it's next to her face, as the two look towards the ring with a combination of amusement and malice

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

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

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

Once the duo reach ringside Mariani climbs the ring steps and climbs the ropes so she's perched with one foot upon the top turnbuckle as she literally holds her title belt over Her opponents' heads while, at the same time, Mason dives under the bottom rope and slides into the ring and quickly rises to a knee and looks directly towards their entertainment for this evening with her belt clenched in her hands

J.A. Aldridge: They partners, weighing in at a total combined weight of 248 pounds! They are the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions… SILK & CYANIDE!

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

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

Away...
Away...

As the duo await the opening bell Mason glares towards towards the opponents with her title belt slung over her shoulder, daring them to come a little closer to see what will happen, while Mariani places her belt on her partner's free shoulder and wears a bemused smirk upon Her face knowing full well what the duo have in mind for the poor souls standing across the ring from them

“Never Scared” by Bone Crusher sounds and out from the entrance comes Vince Steel. Steel’s sleeveless hoodie is covering his head and face as he looks down marching to the ring. Once he arrived to the ring, he rolls under the bottom rope and then immediately climbs to the second turnbuckle. Looking out over the crowd he unzips his hoodie, uncovers his head and does a double bicep pose before flexing both arms down in front of him with a look of intensity on his face. Finally he jumps down and paces back and forth in the corner awaiting the start of the match.

As the beginning horn sound that starts “Forever” blasts through the arena, Terrence Tillman runs out to the stage. Running back and forth shouting and waving his arms in the air motioning for the fans to get on their feet. He stops in the center and stretches his arms out to either side shouting “It’s Time” at the top of his lungs. Tillman starts his march to the ring with a smile on his face, slapping hands of the kids in the audience letting out an occasional “Wooo!” or “Yeah baby!” Tillman rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and runs to each corner pointing to the fans, clapping his hands, and feeding off the crowd reaction.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing their opponents! First, weighing in at a total combined weight of 520 pounds! They are the team of Terrence Tillman and Vince Steel… THE FAM!

The hypnotic opening of “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram picks up throughout the arena and the lights fade into a cascade of fuschia and crimson.

♫ Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete
Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete ♫

As the colors play, the beats becomes harsher and invites Izzy Anders onto the stage. She dances around to the beat of the music until she makes to the center point of the stage. Scanning the arena with that Cheshire grin of hers, Izzy takes her time walking down the ramp. When she does, she does it with an egotistical saunter, knowing that she has the audience wrapped around her finger.

♫ To changing me
(And I believe this happened once before)
To changing me
(And I predict the world will be all gone)
To changing me
(And I can see the same things that you see)
To changing me
(‘Cause I predict the world) ♫

Izzy climbs the ring apron, turning her back to the ring to stare at the audience. She shifts down the ropes until she reaches the turnbuckle, ascending it with a delicate air. From there, she reaches methodically for her eyepatch, removing it with flair. She lowers it into her mouth, giving it a playful bite and giving the hard cam a wink. Izzy then scales down the turnbuckle into the ring, taking her coat off. A stagehand receives it in the only way Izzy does, a dramatic fling meant to blanket them in the immense coat. The Mindkiller then takes a seat a little off center of the ring, at the very tip of her corner. She sits there with her legs crossed, staring out to the audience as her song dies out.

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

The beat of "Can you feel it?" kicks in, and the crowd bursts into cheers, knowing who is about to arrive. The funky beat quickly spreads through the arena, and the crowd begins stomping and clapping along as the song begins. The lights in the arena dim, with pink and gold spotlights swirling around the arena.


"If you look around
The whole world is coming together now...baby..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

The crowd is getting heavily into the song, and as the Jacksons sing the title of the song, the lights in the arena bump brighter and brighter.


Feel it in the air, the wind is taking it everywhere...

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

On the third one, A spotlight and the camera focuses in on the emerging figure of Fujiko Mine, who stands at one of the crowd entrances. Over her ring attire is a shirt that has her "Apex Goddess" logo on it. Behind her, the imposing XENA has her arms folded. Fujiko keeps her movements a bit reserved, but it is clear she is enjoying the music as the crowd is. She begins to make her way down the steps, dancing and bobbing down the steps until she reaches the arena floor.

After maneuvering through a cleared aisle in the crowd, Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful handspring onto and over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess. She hooks herself up on top, and as the title of the song comes around, she throws her hands up, fingers outstretched each time.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Each time, blue and yellow streamers are thrown over her posing form. She takes any lingering streamers off her person, and then she comes down off the turnbuckle.

She motions for the crowd to join in, and they oblige, the entire arena filled as the crowd joins in...

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Fujiko grins widely, then pulls the shirt off over her head and tosses it into the crowd. She then leans into the nearest corner before the match begins.

J.A. Aldridge: And they’re partners, weighing in at a total combined weight of 292 pounds! They are the 2018 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament winners, FUJIKO MINE and IZZY ANDERS!

Kris Cruise: Alright fans, we are back with Eight Man Tag Team Action about to get underway. Four of the premiere teams in FGA’s stacked tag team action are about to collide here tonight. At the helm of both squads are the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions, Silk & Cyanide and the 2018 Dynamic Duos Winners, Fujiko Mine and Izzy Anders.

Stephy Auger: We’ve seen Silk & Cyanide throughout the night try to get into the heads of both Fujiko and Izzy. They’re trying to their best to cause a rift in the team. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s slowly but surely starting to working.

Kris Cruise: Guess what, Stephy? It’s just you!

Stephy Auger: ...

The match starts with Fujiko and Mariani locking up. Mariani quickly places Fujiko in a side headlock. It doesn’t stay on for long as Fujiko shoves Mariani off into the ropes. When Mariani returns, Fujiko leapfrogs over her. Mariani continues to run the ropes. When Mariani returns, Fujiko leapfrogs over her without turning around. Mariani continues to run the ropes. When Mariani comes back, Fujiko knocks her off her feet with a dropsault! Mariani gets brought back down to the mat with a side headlock takeover. After Mariani reverses into a headscissors, Fujiko escapes with a kip up. When Mariani scrambles back to her feet, she’s met with a handstand calf kick! While Mariani is dazed, Fujiko takes off into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she sends Mariani flipping down to the mat with a step-up enzuigiri. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Mariani kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Quick nearfall to start off the match from Fujiko. How much would it mean for Fujiko and Izzy, along with The Fam, to get a win here tonight?

Stephy Auger: It would be huge. It would definitely give Fujiko and Izzy some momentum heading into their title match at Revelations. But also, it would give the team of Terrence Tillman and Vince Steel a statement victory since coming over to Vertigo in the Draft Lottery last month. Of course, I don’t think any of those things is going to happen. But there’s nothing wrong with them dreaming that.

Kris Cruise: You’re something else, I tell you...

Fujiko takes Mariani by the arm, pulls her over into the corner and tags in Izzy Anders.

Stephy Auger: Oh great, here comes “The Crippler” Izzy Anders! Hopefully she doesn’t do to Mariani what she did to poor Vincent Moretti earlier tonight! I hope GM Geroux throws the book at her!

The Mindkiller steps in, takes control of Mariani’s arm and wrenches it several times. She then takes Mariani and shoots her into the far ropes. When Mariani returns, Anders lifts her up across her shoulders for a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. Before Anders can deliver the move, Mariani elbows her in the side of the head. She then slips down behind Anders before bringing her to the mat with an inverted side headlock takedown. Marinai doesn’t stay in control for long as The Mindkiller is able to roll over and get side positioning before locking Mariani The Breakup, Part III (stepover armlock)! While Anders has the hold applied, Sara Mason quickly rushes over and breaks it up with stomps to the head.

Kris Cruise: Good save by Mason!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, she just saved this match and Mariani’s arm!

While Masan makes her way back out onto the apron, Mariani takes Anders, heads into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After hooking Anders’ arm around the ropes, Mariani nails Anders with a stiff forearm strike before hitting her with multiple slaps to the face. Anders responds by unhooking her right arm and piefacing Mariani. When Mariani turns back to Anders, the crowd cheers when The Mindkiller whacks her across the face with the Stockton Slap! While Mariani staggers back a few steps, Anders heads out of the corner, grabs her moves her into the near ropes and then whips her into the far ropes. When Mariani returns, Anders scoops her up, turns, runs across the ring and lawn darts her towards the ropes! Mariani crashes hard against the ropes before dropping down to the mat. As she rolls to the outside, Anders turns and hits the far ropes. When The Mindkiller returns, she executes a Tranquilo Roll in the center of the ring.

Stephy Auger: What the heck has gotten into Izzy? She tried to cripple Mr. Moretti earlier. She then just tried to snap Mariani’s neck against the ropes. To think I used to be all for her.

While Anders continues to pose, Mason rushes in and goes for a headbutt. The crowd cheers when Mason lands face-first on the mat after Anders rolls out of the way! The Mindkiller snapmares Mason down before pointing to a random fan before heading into the ropes. When Anders returns, she gets knocked down to the mat with a body avalanche from Ragnar!

Kris Cruise: Izzy was looking for A Gift For You, but Ragnar had other plans!

Stephy Auger: He just ran right through her!

The 6’11” Resistance member reaches down, yanks Anders back to her feet and then flings her across the ring with a Biel Throw! The Mindkiller bounces off the mat before rolling out onto the apron. Terrence Tillman then turns Ragnar around before lighting Ragnar up with right hands. While Ragnar tries to shake off the blows, Triple T turns and runs into the ropes. When Tillman returns, he goes for the Top-Tier-Takedown (leaping reverse STO). But Ragnar catches Tillman in mid air and counters with a flapjack!

Kris Cruise: Ragnar’s power is on full display here tonight! Tillman was on the way down to complete the Top-Tier-Takedown, only for Ragnar to stop him in mid air and counter with a flapjack! Good Lord!

Vince Steel rushes in and goes to the rescue of his cousin as he attacks Ragnar with clubbing strikes across the back. Steel turns Ragnar around, grabs him by the wrist and knocks him back with a short-arm clothesline. Steel then hits Ragnar with another short-arm clothesline. But again, the big man doesn’t get knocked off his feet. So Steel reaches forward and grabs him by the throat with both hands! Steel sets up for the two handed overhead choke toss when Ragnar counters with a bell clap to the ears! He then scoops up Steel from the side before bringing him down with a sidewalk slam.

Fujiko rushes over and connects with a running dropkick! But she’s unable to knock Ragnar off his feet. The Apex Goddess then turns and runs into the ropes. When she returns, Ragnar goes for a big boot. But Fujiko ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she goes for a rolling DDT. But a soon as she places Ragnar in a front facelock, Ragnar runs forward and rams her back-first into the corner! After Ragnar steps back, he charges back into the corner and goes for another body avalanche. The crowd cheers when Ragnar crashes into the turnbuckles as Fujiko dives out of the way! While Ragnar stumbles back, Fujiko rushes into the far ropes, comes back and connects with a handspring rebound enzuigiri! While Ragnar is still rocked, Fujiko gets back to her feet and heads into the far ropes. When Fujiko returns, she slides through Ragnar’s legs. When Ragnar turns around, Fujiko gets up and knocks him back with a gamengiri! She then runs over towards the ropes before slingshotting herself out onto the apron. From there, Fujiko goes for a springboard front dropkick. But Ragnar swats her down! The boos continue as Ragnar reaches down to grab Fujiko. The boos quickly turn back to cheers when Fujiko executes a kip up hurricanrana that sends Ragnar staggering a few steps across the ring! When Ragnar turns around, he gets knocked back with a front dropkick! Fujiko returns to her feet before running at Ragnar. Ragnar throws out a clothesline. But Fujiko ducks before continuing to head into the corner. When Ragnar turns around, he gets caught with a corner springboard roundhouse kick! While Ragnar is dazed, Fujiko goes over and doubles him over after five spinning back kicks to the midsection. From there, Fujiko slingshots out onto the apron before scaling to the top turnbuckle. She then leaps off and connects with a diving double foot stomp to the back! The crowd cheers when the big man finally drops down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s got him down!

Stephy Auger: But not completely!

Fujiko grabs Ragnar and nails him with a modified Sealed With a Kick (grounded arm pull roundhouse kick) off his knee instead of his back. Anders then points to a random fam as she rushes into the far ropes. When The Mindkiller returns, she nails Ragnar with A Gift For You (Penalty Kick)! The 2018 Dynamic Duos winners then step back before finally knocking Ragnar down with a double dropkick! They make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd boos when Silk & Cyanide break up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have been waiting to put the boots to the number one contenders!

Stephy Auger: That’s right, girls! Get em! Get em!

Mariani takes Fujiko and brings her into one corner while Mason brings Anders into the opposite corner. The boos continue as Mason sends Anders slumping down in the corner with multiple headbutts while Mariani stomps Fujiko down in the opposite corner. Mariani then applies a foot choke to Fujiko while pulling down on the ropes. The ref gives her until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FI-

Mariani intentionally breaks the hold as late as possible. The ref scolds her for not breaking the choke in a timely manner. Mariani just ignores the ref while she steps back towards the center of the ring. Mason can be seen doing the same. From there, Mason runs charges forward and squashes Anders with a cross body block in the corner while Mariani bashes Fujiko with a running knee strike!

Mason pulls Anders out of the corner, positions herself behind The Mindkiller and then delivers the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat)! The boos continue as she takes Anders, runs across the ring and delivers the Lorelei (with the opponent in a headlock, Mason dives out of the ring to snap their neck on the ropes)!

Kris Cruise: I don’t see you complaining about Mason trying to snap Ander’s neck across the ropes.

Stephy Auger: Oh? I’m sorry, I must have missed it…

Kris Cruise: Oh please.

Mariani then comes up from behind before driving Anders down with a half nelson facebuster! When Mariani gets back to her feet, the crowd cheers when Fujiko comes to the aid of her partner by delivering the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check)! When Fujiko gets back to her feet and turns around, the crowd boos when Mason tackles her down with a Lou Thesz Press before delivering multiple headbutts! Mariani then positions herself in the corner while Mason pulls up the 2018 WOTY. Mason takes Fujiko and whips her over towards Mariani, who gives her the Morning Spider Despair (headscissors driver into the turnbuckles)! Mariani makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Fujiko gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Great ring awareness there from the Apex Goddess!

Silk & Cyanide then take Fujiko and whip her towards the ropes. The crowd explodes with cheers when Fujiko uses her momentum to bounce back and bring them both down with a simultaneous handspring rebound Ace Crusher! Before Fujiko can get back to her feet, Gunnar rushes back in and puts the boots to her. He then picks up the Apex Goddess before sending her off into the far ropes. When Fujiko returns, Gunnar knocks her down with a jumping knee! He then brings Fujiko back to her feet before delivering another irish whip. When Fujiko returns, Gunnar throws her down with a back body drop. While Fujiko tries to pick herself back up, Gunnar rushes over and brings her down with a running neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Steel hoists Gunnar off of Fujiko and throws him down with a deadlift German Suplex!

Kris Cruise: Vince Steel nearly threw Gunnar clear across the ring with that deadlift German!

Steel takes Gunnar and whips him into the ropes. When Gunnar returns, Steel lifts him up high over his head before throwing him down with a gorilla press powerslam! Steel reaches down, grabs Gunnar by the throat with both hands and pulls him back to his feet before throwing him down with a two handed overhead chokeslam toss!

Kris Cruise: Steel is having his way in there with Gunnar.

Stephy Auger: Not for long! Watch this...


Once Steel gets back to his feet, Ragnar rushes over and knocks him down with a body block! He then pulls up Steel by his ponytail before whipping him into the far ropes. When Steel returns, Ragnar knocks him down with a big boot to the face! He then pulls Steel back up, scoops him up into his arms and then throws him down with the Ticket to Valhalla (Wrath of the Gods)! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tillman dives over and breaks up the pin.

Triple T picks up Ragnar and goes for an irish whip, but it gets quickly reversed. When Tillman returns, he slides through Ragnar’s legs. Ragnar turns around and gets caught with the Chin Checka (savate kick)! The cheers continue when Tillman hits him with another Chin Checka! Ragnar is stunned, but remains on his feet. So Tillman runs into the far ropes. When Tillman returns, he catches Ragnar with a spinning heel kick. Again, Ragnar remains on his feet. So Triple T hits Ragnar with multiple kicks to the midsection until Ragnar is doubled over. From there, Tillman hits the ropes. When he returns, he knocks Ragnar down to a knee with the Terrific Kick (scissors kick)! Tillman then heads into another set of ropes. When Tillman comes back, Ragnar rises up and knocks him down with a body block! He then pulls up Tillman, lifts him up into his clutches and throws him down with the Ticket to Valhalla! The boos continue as he hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Anders breaks up the pin with an Axe Kick to the head.

Kris Cruise: Anders just saved this match for her team!

Stephy Auger: What a pity...

The Mindkiller picks up Ragnar, heads towards the corner and goes to slam him face-first into the top turnbuckle. But Ragnar blocks it, grabs Anders and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then turns Anders around before delivering multiple clotheslines in the corner. The boos continue as he applies a two-handed choke in the corner. The ref gives Ragnar until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FIV-

Ragnar breaks the choke. The ref begins to scold Ragnar until Ragnar gives him a stern look that forces him to back up. When Ragnar turns back to Anders, The Mindkiller whacks him across the face with a Stockton Slap!

Kris Cruise: That wasn’t a smart idea!

Stephy Auger: Neither was teaming with Fujiko, yet here she is...

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy.

Enraged, Ragnar throws out a wild haymaker, which Anders ducks. When Ragnar turns around in the corner, Anders catches him with a step-up enzuigiri! After hitting a European Uppercut, Anders brings him out of the corner, wrenches the arm and follows up with a double knee armbreaker. While Ragnar is down on a knee, Anders turns and runs into the near ropes. She then runs past Ragnar before hitting the far ropes. When Anders returns, she does the Tranquilo Roll right in front of Ragnar. Frustrated, Ragnar dives over and goes for an elbow drop. But he hits nothing but the mat when Anders rolls out of the way. As Ragnar tries to get up off the mat, Anders knocks him down with a Shining Wizard! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Ragnar shoves Anders off of him.

While Ragnar tries to get back to his feet, The Mindkiller turns and hits the far ropes. When she comes back, the crowd gasps when Ragnar scoops her up into his clutches. Before he can deliver another Ticket to Valhalla, Anders counters with elbows to the side of the head. Once she slips down in front of Ragnar, Anders unleashes Dirty Dancin (Kick Flurry)! Anders then turns and hits the far ropes again. When Anders return, she blasts Ragnar with the Capetown Sunset (540 Kick)! Ragnar stumbles back, but remains on his feet. So Anders turns and hits the far ropes again. When she returns, she connects with another Capetown Sunset! This time, Ragnar slips through the ropes and falls to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Ragnar’s down and he looks to be out of it, Stephy!

Back inside, Mariani spins Anders around and catches her with a forearm strike. The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide deliver The Pleasure Principle (front facelock from Mariani as Mason jumps off the top turnbuckle and scratches the opponents back on the way down)! Mariani then takes control of Anders’ arm and delivers a short-arm clothesline. Mariani keeps hold of the arm and rolls through, pulling Anders into a seated position. From there, Mason follows up with a sliding clothesline. The boos continue as Mariani heads towards the center of the ring and drops down to a knee. Mason then pulls up Anders and goes for the Vow (one-handed bulldog by Mason across Mariani’s knee). At the last second, Anders shoves off, sending Mason crashing into Mariani to cheers from the crowd)! While Silk & Cyanide try to pick each other up, The Mindkiller turns and heads into the far ropes. When Anders return, the cheers turn to boo when Silk & Cyanide hurl Anders over the top rope and send her crashing to the floor with a double hip toss!

Kris Cruise: My God, did you hear that thud!?

Stephy Auger: I sure did! Can we get the replay on that cued up, please?

Fujiko gets back inside, but she’s immediately attacked by Silk & Cyanide! The boos continue as they strike down on the Apex Goddess with clubbing shots. They then take Fujiko and whip her into the far ropes. When Fujiko returns, Silk & Cyanide go for a double clothesline. But she ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Fujiko returns, they go for a double back elbow. Again, Fujiko ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she leaps up and stretches her legs out before bringing both members of Silk & Cyanide down with a simultaneous running hurricanrana!

Kris Cruise: What a move by the Apex Goddess!

Stephy Auger: What in the…!? How!?

When Mariani & mason return to their feet, Fujiko heads over and hits them both with a pair of right hands. She then throws out a kick to Mariani. After Mariani catches her foot, Fujiko throws out an enzuigiri. Mariani ducks the kick and causes Mason to get caught with the kick! Mariani checks on Mason before turning back to Fujiko The Apex Goddess takes Mariani and whips her into the ropes. When Mariani returns, she throws out Lilith's Kiss (bicycle knee strike). The crowd cheers when Fujiko dives out of the way, causing Mason to get struck by the knee! When Mariani turns around, Fujiko knocks her off her feet with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick)!

Stephy Auger: Oh no...

When Fujiko gets back to her feet, the crowd boos when Gunnar hooks her arms from behind. He lifts her up for a Tiger Suplex when Fujiko counters into a wheelbarrow victory roll. Instead of staying seated for the cover, Fujiko quickly gets up, turns around, grabs Gunnar the wrists and blasts him with Yount's 3000th hit (Double wristlock knee to face)! The cheers continue as Fujiko pulls up Gunnar and doubles him over with a spinning back kick to the midsection before sending him crumbling to the mat with The Bliss (backflip flash kick)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Can You Feel It?” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout, FUJIKO MINE, IZZY ANDERS, TERRENCE TILLMAN and VINCE STEEL!

Kris Cruise: The team of Fujiko Mine, Izzy Anders, Terrence Tillman and Vince Steel pick up the win! Silk & Cyanide tried to pit the Dynamic Duos winners against each other. Not only did that not work, but they come out on the losing end here tonight! This is the worst case scenario for Silk & Cyanide!

Stephy Auger: Don’t you worry! We’ve still got time before Revelations! Silk & Cyanide will bounce back from this. Just you watch!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The show returns from commercial break to find Dom Harter and the unstoppable animal that is Fenrys standing together backstage. Neither appears to be dressed to wrestle, obviously, so both have opted for their leather jacket and jeans, albeit black jeans for Fenrys.

Dom Harter: I may have been too hasty…

Harter explains, speaking with his hands as he paces back and forth. Fenrys just nods enthusiastically, as if acknowledging that Dom made an error of judgement.

Dom Harter: ...in my anger, I may have lashed out at Johnny Karma on Twitter. And I may have told him he missed a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity, when he acted like an idiot and turned down my invitation to join us in The New Murder.

Fenrys facepalms at the use of the word “idiot”, but Dom continues undeterred.

Dom Harter: See, I believe in second chances. And it’s been pointed out to me that Cherry is lonely and needs some new friends! So here it is, Johnny Boy! I’m giving you a chance to reconsider! A second chance to do the right thing! Your chance to take a place in the record books as the first ever three-time FGA Pride Champion! To stand with us as we take Vertigo for ourselves, and reign over the green brand once more…

There’s a momentary pause as Dom stops pacing. A quick glance to Fenrys who nods again, and Dom continues.

Dom Harter: ...and I know one man who’d jump at this opportunity. Do you know who it is, Fenrys?

Fenrys: Yess--

Dom Harter: The Johnny Karma of Old!

He cuts his stablemate off, causing Fenrys to stomp around in frustration for a moment.

Dom Harter: The man who would do whatever it took to get ahead. The man who rose through the ranks here in FGA. The man who didn’t end 2018 as a shell of his former self! You said it yourself, Johnny: you’re at your lowest point. You’re in a place you never thought you’d be - and a place that the old Johnny Karma would never--NEVER--find himself!

Dom jabs his finger towards the camera to emphasise the last statement.

Dom Harter: Because the old Johnny Karma wouldn’t have lost against Stryker last time. The old Johnny Karma wouldn’t have got eliminated from the Frontier Lions Cup so early. The old Johnny Karma might even be in the discussions about the World title right now! And that is the Johnny Karma we want, to bring that Pride title back home to The New Murder. But I understand you’re a bit busy right now, Johnny. So go, wrestle your match. Enjoy your main event match against Mark Bisley. But, and trust me, this is your final opportunity, Johnny. This is your last chance to do the right thing. Turn us down this time, and you won’t get another. So do the right thing, Johnny. And we’ll be waiting for your answer…

Johnny Karma: Will you now?

The moment Harter hears Karma’s voice his eyes slowly creep to one side to see the man who gave him vague guidelines of where he can place his invitation to join The New Murder, and the first thought that crosses his mind was how long Karma was stood there

Johnny Karma: I thought I made myself pretty clear at the last show, Dom: not only am I not interested in your offer, but you had to make it that little bit more insulting by suggesting that, hey, I’m only good enough to play second fiddle to you.

Taking a couple of steps closer, but making sure to be just out of range of both Harter and Fenrys so he will have a split second to respond if they try anything, Karma doesn't look like he’s here for a friendly chit-chat

Johnny Karma: And let’s not forget that a couple of your underlings somehow thought it was a good idea to get in Cherry’s ear earlier this evening, which I’m sure has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Dom Harter: Don’t know what you’re talking about.

Harter shrugs his shoulders as Karma leans in towards him, making sure he's got Dom’s attention, before he says the next thing on his mind

Johnny Karma: I’ve beaten you in the past, Harter, and make no mistake that if you try and push this so much as another inch I will beat you again. My answer is no, and it’s not going to change.

Keeping his eyes fixed firmly on Harter, Karma doesn't look like he’s going to budge - but then Karma and Harter are distracted by another voice

Mark Bisley: Is that the sound of raised voices I hear? I guess that can only make it…

Rather than finish the sentence, Bisley points to Karma and then slowly shifts his finger in the direction of Harter, before shaking his head

Mark Bisley: So what are the pair of you discussing this evening? That prime piece of real estate at the top of the card that will open up when Johnny Karma once again comes oh-so-close to grabbing that brass ring only to let it slip through his grasp? Well I’m afraid you and...Fenrys, was it?

Fenrys goes to say something, only to get cut off by Bisley this time.

Mark Bisley: You’ll have to wait your turn, because I’m calling dibs.

Fenrys is fuming to himself as Dom stands there, laughing to himself. Karma turns his attention from Harter to Bisley, and he really doesn't look pleased

Johnny Karma: Are you sure you ditched your partner, or did they ask for you to get moved to another brand? More importantly, you really need to beat an actual opponent instead of talk about the people you’re going to beat whenever you think it's worth getting around to beating them, because the last time I faced you I was the guy who won - and don’t you forget it.

Bisley merely hand waves that away

Mark Bisley: Details, details, but that’s the problem with you: you’re so busy fixating on things that happened in the past you ignore the present and cannot comprehend the future.

Bisley looks in Harter’s direction

Mark Bisley: That goes for both of you, by the way.

Dom Harter: Fixating on the past?

Bisley looks back at Karma

Mark Bisley: So if you want to walk into our match tonight telling yourself you got a win against me once, by all means do so, because I’m sure you were telling yourself something similar before you faced Bryan Stryker.

Dom Harter: I’m building towards the future here, Bisley. Towards my third reign as FGA World Champion, towards my Golden Crown victory later this year. Who knows, maybe I’ll go for the Gold Rush Rumble again, or Dynamic Duos. So if you’re talking about the past, then you want to focus that on schmuck there--

He points to an unimpressed looking Karma.

Dom Harter: And that spot on the top of the card. That belongs to us--

Dom motions to himself and Fenrys.

Dom Harter: --and the rest of The New Murder. Which...apparently...doesn’t include this guy. And I have to say, Johnny, I’m disappointed in you. Burning these bridges like this, you must be meshuggeneh…

On that note, Dom and Fenrys walk away, shaking their heads in disappointment as tonight’s main eventers have a face off, before the show cuts back to ringside ready for their match.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
• Singles Match •
Johnny Karma vs. Mark Bisley

The lights are extinguished, and for a moment the arena is in total darkness – until blue lights begin to pulse in tune with the intro “Tick of the Clock”, building in volume and intensity until, at the exact moment the main hook begins to cut in, “Smart” Mark Bisley walks out at the top of the ramp with an arm raised, pausing for a moment at the top of the ramp to survey the arena before a smirk crosses the side of his mouth and he begins to walk down the ramp.

Bisley walks down the ramp with his arm still raised, his gum firmly chewed as he smirks, pausing halfway down the ramp and holds his arms out wide and tilts his head back, inviting the crowd to show their appreciation for everything he does for them, before continuing towards the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and it is your MAIN EVENT of the evening! Introducing first, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota! Weighing in at 201 pounds… MARK BISLEY!

Once he reaches the ring, Bisley finds a suitable spot and he lifts himself up to sit on the edge of the apron, where he taps the side of his head and smirks, before rolling backwards under the ropes and quickly gets to his feet in the ring.

Bisley walks to the nearest corner and climbs the turnbuckles, removing the towel from his shoulders and placing it on the ropes as he looks out over the arena. He climbs down and crosses the ring, climbing the opposite turnbuckles and stands with one foot on the top rope, raising both his arms into the air, before climbing down and removing his shirt, placing it on that set of turnbuckles. Finally, he approaches the centre of the ring and drops to a knee, caressing the canvas as he looks his opponent in the eye to say one thing: this is my ring.

Kris Cruise: Mark Bisley is ready for a new start here on Vertigo after engineering his way over here from the Flashpoint brand.

Stephy Auger: That’s right! The shackles are finally off. The dead weight known as Shintaro Majima is finally off his shoulders. Now “Smart” Mark can show Vertigo, FGA and the whole wrestling world what he is truly capable of with no one holding him back anymore!

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena, and just as it reaches a crescendo Cherry Baum emerges at the top of the ramp, standing to one side to introduce the man they call Johnny Karma, to the Frontier Wrestling Arts fanbase - at which point he walks out onto the ramp before coming to a halt and uses a couple of fingers to blow a kiss to the fans, pausing to hold his arm in the air for a couple of seconds to signal his arrival

As he and Cherry begin to walk down the ramp, Karma unfastens the cuffs of his ring jacket while also talking some last minute preparation with Cherry as they get ever closer to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Queens, New York! Weighing in at 233 pounds… JOHNNY KARMA!

As the pair reach ringside, Cherry quickly climbs onto the ring apron and sits on the middle rope to hold it open, as Karma climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron, turning to face the audience and slowly raising an arm before raising his index finger to let everyone know that he is #1, before he steps through the ropes into the ring.

Once inside the ring, Karma unzips his ring jacket before he climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle and holds his arms out wide to soak in the crowd's cheers

If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
When The Levee Breaks I'll have no place to stay

Once he climbs down from the turnbuckles, Karma crosses the ring and climbs onto the opposite turnbuckle to salute the fans

Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
It's got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home
Oh well, oh well, oh well

Climbing down once again, Karma saunters towards the centre of the ring and once again uses a couple of fingers to blow a kiss to the crowd before raising his arm high above his head with those two fingers still extended, and he holds the pose for a few seconds.

Kris Cruise: Johnny Karma was once again hounded by The New Murder to accept their invitation. Once again, Karma told them NO!

Stephy Auger: Karma has continued to look a gift horse in the mouth! Invitations to The New Murder just don’t open up everyday?

Kris Cruise: Are you sure? I’m pretty sure they’ve lost four members from Vertigo since forming. I mean, we had Chris Bond, Mercy Williams, Jaelynn Ramsey’s not here, Moll-

Stephy Auger: QUIET!

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: LIKE I WAS SAYING… these spots just don’t open up every day. Annie Zellor is going to become a three-time Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. Dommy is well on his way to becoming a three-time World Champ. All Johnny Karma had to do was slide right in and take his rightful place behind Harter and he would be fast tracked towards the Pride Championship. But no, Karma had to be stupid and disrespect The New Murder. What happens next is all on him.

Kris Cruise: Wait, Harter wanted Karma to play second fiddle? But Stephy, all this time I was told there were no leader in The New Murder!

Stephy Auger: ...

The bell sounds as Karma and Bisley lock up. After jockeying for position, Bisley places Karma in a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock from behind. Karma then leans forward before reversing into a hammerlock of his own. Bisley reaches back with his free arm and brings Karma down with a jumping snapmare. Karma gets back to his feet before getting whipped into the ropes. When Karma returns, he knocks Bisley down with a running shoulder block. He then turns and runs into another set of ropes as Bisley gets back to his feet. When Karma returns, Bisley leapfrogs over him. As soon as Bisley lands on his feet, Karma grabs him from behind and drops him with Instant Karma (hammerlock spun into a DDT)! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Karma almost had him!

Karma picks up Bisley, moves him into the corner and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. He then brings Bisley from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But Bisley reverses, sending Karma into the ropes. When Karma returns, he sees Bisley setting up for a back body drop. So he stops, grabs Bisley, runs and tosses him through the ropes and onto the apron. While Bisley slowly pulls himself up, Karma turns and runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, Bisley goes to cut him off with a springboard clothesline. But Karma’s able to duck the blow. As soon as Bisley lands on his feet, the crowd gasps and cheers when Karma grabs him from behind and throws out Hard Times (wristlock transitioned into a bionic elbow)! But Bisley ducks and counters with a schoolboy.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet. Bisley is the first up to his feet and makes Karma pay as he catches him with a superkick! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma kicks out.

Bisley takes Karma, moves him into the corner and nails him with the Minnesota Buzzsaw (repeated shoot kicks in the corner). While Karma is doubled over, Bisley nails him with the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head). The boos continue as Bisley brings him down on the corner with a snap suplex. Bisley turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma kicks out.

Bisley picks up Karma and whips him into the ropes. When Karma returns, Bisley brings him down with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex! The ref slides into place for the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall from Bisley.

Stephy Auger: And you had the nerve to say “Karma almost had him”. Karma caught Bisley early. But this match has been all Bisley since that point.

Bisley pulls up Karma by the arm and wrenches it. The boos continue as Bisley wrenches Karma’s arm again… and again… and again. The ref checks in with Karma and asks him if he wants to give up. But Karma refuses. He then quickly reaches over and reverses into an arm wrench of his own. Bisley howls after Karma delivers another arm wrench. Bisley then rolls forward, leans back, kips up, reverses into another arm wrench and then shoots Karma into the ropes. When Karma comes back, Bisley throws him down with an overhead belly to belly suplex! He scurries over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma kicks out.

Bisley picks up Karma, leans him against the ropes and nails him with rapid forearm strikes. While Karma is dazed, Bisley turns and takes off into the far ropes. When Bisley returns, Karma ducks and dumps him over the top rope and to the floor!

...but Bisley lands safely on his feet! He quickly reaches back in, yanks Karma down to the mat and drags him to the outside. After rolling back inside, Bisley gets up and takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, he leaps through the ropes for a suicide dive. But Karma ducks, causing Bisley to crash against the guardrail!

Stephy Auger: AH!

Kris Cruise: Karma moved out of the way!

Karma picks up Bisley and rolls him back inside. After Karma climbs up onto the mat, Bisley nails him with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then heads towards the corner and throws out the Ace Kick (triangle enzuigiri). But Karma ducks. When Bisley gets back to his feet, Karma returns the face with a shoulder thrust of his own through the ropes. He then grabs a hold of Bisley. The crowd gasps when Karma lifts him up for a suplex to the outside. On the way up, Bisley nails Karma with a knee to the head. After Karma lowers Bisley down on the apron, Bisley nails him with more rapid forearm strikes. Bisley steps back before running along the apron. He goes to attack Karma when Karma knocks him back with a European Uppercut. After European Uppercut rocks Bisley. He then blasts the former Smart Style member with a knife edge chop. Another stinging chop echoes throughout the arena. After stepping back inside, Karma doubles Bisley over with another shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then drags Bisley along the middle rope before dropping him with Sweet Emotion (rope hung bulldog)! He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Karma picks up Bisley and whips him into the far ropes. When Bisley returns, Karma knocks him off his feet with a running high knee. Karma then bounces against the near set of ropes. When he returns, he connects with a jumping knee drop. The cheers continue as Karma sits Bisley up before bouncing back against the ropes. When Karma comes back, he executes a rolling neck snap! Karma makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley gets his shoulder up.

Karma picks up Bisley and goes for an irish whip. But Bisley reverses, sending Karma into the corner. Bisley rushes in to attack when Karma flattens him with the Kodak Moment (rope-assisted corner dropkick)! Karma reaches down, picks up Bisley and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. Karma takes a few steps back, then runs into the corner, runs up onto the middle rope, hooks Bisley’s arm and throws him down to the mat with a top rope arm drag! Karma goes over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Karma. You know, I don’t fault Karma for turning down The New Murder. He’s in a funk right now. But Karma has enough confidence in himself that he can get out of this and get back to the top. He made to to the top by himself and he can do it again.

Stephy Auger: Not on this brand. This is The New Murder’s show! If he can’t get with the program, then he will get dealt with accordingly.

Karma picks up Bisley and lifts him up across his shoulders for a fireman’s carry takedown. Before Karma can deliver the move, Bisley counters with an elbow to the side of the head. He then turns Karma around before bringing him down with Greetings from the Twin Cities (hangman’s neckbreaker across the knee)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma kicks out.

Bisley picks up Karma before sending him into the ropes with an irish whip. When Karma returns, Bisley doubles him over with a rolling solebutt. He then hooks both of Karma’s arms before bringing him down with the Bisley Special (double underhook suplex floated over into a guillotine choke)! The crowd boos as Bisley cinches in the hold. The ref gets down and asks Karma if he wants to give up. Karma groans before refusing. So Bisley pulls back on the hold. Karma continues to groan while he’s trapped in the submission.

Stephy Auger: See? If he had The New Murder, they’d run interference while another member attacked Bisley. Now he’s stuck by himself!

The ref continues to check in on Karma. Karma grits his teeth while he tries to fight through the pain. He’s asks again if he wants to give up. But Karma refuses. Bisley then lets go of the hold before knocking Karma flat on the mat with a dropkick to the face. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Bisley picks up Karma, lifts him up, delivers a shinbreaker and quickly follows up with a dragon screw leg whip. Without letting go of Karma’s leg, Bisley gets back to his feet before delivering the KneeDT (foot DDT). The crowd boos while Karma is seen holding his right leg. Bisley reaches down, pulls Karma back up and then whips him into the corner. The former Tag Champ rushes into the corner, connects with a running corner elbow smash and follows up with a chop back to the back of the leg after Karma staggered out of the corner. Bisley drags Karma towards the center of the ring before turning him over into a single leg crab.

Kris Cruise: Bisley’s got him trapped again!

The ref gets back down and asks Karma if he wants to give up. When Karma refuses, Bisley cups Karma’s right knee with his left hand before pulling back on the hold. Karma lets out another groan. Cherry Baum can be seen at ringside slapping the apron while she tries to give Karma some words of encouragement. Back inside, Karma covers his head with his hands as the pain is starting to become too much to bear.

Stephy Auger: If he was with The New Murder, they’d be doing a lot more more him than just slapping the hands on the apron.

Kris Cruise: Enough, Stephy.

Bisley pulls back on the hold some more. The ref again asks Karma if he wants to give up. The crowd gasps when Karma starts to lift up his hand. Karma starts to bring the hand down… before shaking the referee off. The crowd begins to rally behind Karma by clapping their hands in unison. Karma begins to feed off the energy of the capacity crowd by pulling himself towards the ropes. Bisley looks around with concern as Karma continues to scratch and claw his way across the mat. Bisley is seen shaking his head in disbelief while Karma continues to pull himself forward. Karma then reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope to an explosion of cheers! The ref gives Bisley until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Bisley reluctantly breaks the hold. He then pulls up Karma, turns him around and brings him back down with another snap suplex. He then steps out onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Karma gets back to his feet, Bisley leaps off… and knocks him off his feet with a missile dropkick! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Karma gets his shoulder up.

Bisley picks up Karma before taking control of his back. He then brings Karma down with a German Suplex. The boo continue as Bisley turns over, pulls Karma back up and delivers another German. After Bisley pulls Karma back up, Karma nails him with multiple elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Karma shoves Bisley into the ropes. When Bisley returns, the crowd cheers when Karma knocks him down with Gimme Shelter (pop-up lariat)! Karma collapses into the prone position while Bisley is sprawled out on the mat. Karma slowly pushes himself up on all fours while Bisley begins to stir on the mat. After both grapplers return to their feet, Karma knocks him down with Sugar Ray Karma (three left jabs followed by a right hook)! Bisley returns to his feet, only to get returned to the mat with another right hook. Once Bisley gets back up, Karma grabs him and sends him into the ropes. When Bisley returns, Karma throws him down with a snap scoop powerslam! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley gets his shoulder up.

Karma picks up Bisley before sending him into the far ropes. When Bisley returns, Karma scoops him up from the side before bringing him down with a backbreaker. Karma cringes as he drops Bisley across the knee Bisley worked over earlier. He then slowly lifts Bisley up off his knee, walks towards the side of the ring and tosses him through the ropes and to the floor. As Bisley picks himself up on the outside, karma turns and heads into the far ropes. When he comes back, he knocks Bisley down with This Is For The Front Row (baseball slide clothesline)! Karma picks up Bisley before rolling him back inside. Bisley gets up on his knees before crawling towards the other side of the ring. As Bisley gets up, Karma rolls back in, rushes up from behind, grabs Bisley, jumps over the top rope and delivers Macho Karma. When Karma lands on the outside, he grabs his knee! He looks back in and sees Bisley dazed. So he climbs up onto the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Karma then jumps off for a double ax handle smash when Bisley slips out of the way. When Karma lands on his feet, the crowd gasps when his right knee buckles! Karma quickly crumbles to the mat. Karma tries to get back to his feet when Bisley nails him with a superkick to the back of the head! After Karma drops down to a knee, Bisley pulls him back up before bringing him down with the Move of the Year (Shiranui)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd initially gasps at the upset before booing. “Tick of the Clock” then hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… MARK BISL-

The crowd erupts with boos when The New Murder storm the ring.

Kris Cruise: What the hell!?

The bell repeatedly sounds as Dom Harter, Annie Zellor and Fenrys put the boots to him. Cherry Baum tries to get in the ring, but she’d held back on the outside by Mary Jane McCracken.

Kris Cruise: What is the meaning of this!?

Stephy Auger: I told you, Cruise! What did I tell you? I said that everything that happens next is on Karma! He disrespected The New Murder. This is what happens to you!

Back inside, Harter lifts Karma up onto his shoulders. He and Zellor then deliver Bad Blood (Doomsday toss into a Flying Codebreaker Hold, followed by a running senton)! Harter and Zellor then hold Karma in place while Fenrys steps out onto the apron. He scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Karma with the Moon’s Light Splash (corkscrew 630 senton)! Harter then takes Karma and chokes him across the middle rope in front of Cherry while Zellor hits the far ropes. When she returns, Harter moves out of the way before Zellor swings through the ropes and nails Karma with the Rough ‘n’ Tumble (tiger feint kick)!

Kris Cruise: This isn’t right! We need someone to stop this!?

Stephy Auger: Who?

The boos continues while Harter, Zellor and Fenrys roll to the outside. After Zellor and Fenrys roll Karma to the outside, they shove him over towards Harter, who hoists him up before putting him through the announce table with the Fuckboi Bomb MK I (pop-up powerbomb)! The crowd erupts with boos while Karma is sprawled out amongst the debris. Harter then pulls off his New Murder shirt. After McCracken lets go of Cherry, she gets down and tries to console Karma. The Tenacious Lil Bastard then takes his New Murder shirt and throws it down at Cherry. The crowd erupts with boos while Harter poses with his arms out to the side and Zellor gives Karma the #Grrface.

Stephy Auger: I think Karma learned his lesson the hard way. YOU DO NOT CROSS THE NEW MURDER!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The camera pans around the ringside area, showing a variety of things to accommodate what appears to be some sort of extravaganza. There is a table displaying a spread full of vegan-based treats, fruits, and vegetables. As we pan past it, we see a mariachi band entertaining the very open-minded and receptive South Carolina audience. The rest of ringside is filled with large, framed pictures of Evan Envi during various spectacular moments in his career-- such as forming the Good Guys at the expense of Chandler Scott, beating Molly Reid half to death with a camera, revealing himself to be the mystery Deathsteak tag team partner for Aries Armadaist, and of course, his first World Championship victory over Johnny Karma.

The most obnoxious work of art, by far, is a botanical sculpture depicting Evan Envi standing with the World Title raised above his head, and a foot on Kol’s chest.

Kris Cruise: This… wow.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen… at this time… please welcome the NEWWWW FGA World Champion… theeee “Chief”, EVAAANNN EEEENNNNVIII!

The audience erupts into a thunderous mixed reaction, dominated by negativity at the announcement… and it only grows louder as the mariachi bands busts into a live, instrumental rendition of “Helter Skelter”! As the young, mustachioed men play the Beatles classic, Evan Envi steps through the curtains and onto the ramp, dressed in a gray suit, FGA World Championship secured firmly around his waist.

Stephy Auger: There he is! There’s our champ! And look at what Frontier Grappling Arts has put together for the Chief here at ringside!

Kris Cruise: I get this weird feeling that Evan threw this party for himse--

Stephy Auger: It is not a PARTY. It is an EXTRAVAGANZA. And don’t you dare finish that sentence!

Evan takes a few steps forward, nodding a bit as Natalie McKinley steps out from the curtains behind him, arms crossed as she surveys the raucous crowd. Envi grins, slapping the face of the World Title belt as he makes his way down the ramp, jawing back at the fans that scream at him from the front row.

Stephy Auger: Cruise, why aren’t you standing up?!

Kris Cruise: I’ll get there.

Stephy Auger: As the Chief would say-- the disrespect has me reeling. This man just went toe to toe with Kol, who is basically a God, and he not only lived to tell the tale but he WON, Cruise. Evan Envi WON and is our new World Champion! Get up!

Kris Cruise: Alright. Alright. But I don’t think this is objective behavior.

Evan Envi climbs the steel steps and marches halfway across the apron, double “V” fingers raised high above his head… before pausing and turning to the live audience with a grin, unstrapping the title. He lifts it into the air, earning a flurry of camera flashes along with a chorus of boos from a majority of the Columbus crowd. Envi and McKinley enter the ring simultaneously on opposite sides, with McKinley immediately demanding microphones from the timekeeper while Envi hits every corner of the ring, raising the title as high up as he could.

Stephy Auger: The people in Columbus, South Carolina, have no actual idea how lucky they are! Some cities would give their collective right arm just to witness the Chief.

Kris Cruise: Right. Because he’s definitely spent his time on Vertigo endearing himself to the masses.

Envi applauds the mariachi band, prompting them to abruptly stop. The rendition does garner a hesitant round of applause from those in attendance and the champion places the belt on his shoulder, accepting the microphone from Natalie McKinley before loudly clearing his throat, patting the title a few times.

Evan Envi: Welllllp. I am not the kinda dude that likes to come out here and say “I told you so”, but… BUUUT…

Envi shrugs a little, feigning a wince as he looks out toward the audience.

Evan Envi: What did I say? Hm? What did I say, guys? Did I not say I was gonna outwrestle Colton Sterling and capture my second World Championship? Hm?

Envi looks toward Natalie for support, who gives him a small nod, agreeing. He opens his mouth and begins to carry on, but stops as a dueling chant surfaces throughout the audience.

“YOU DESERVE IT!” “NO YOU DON’T!”

“YOU DESERVE IT!” “NO YOU DON’T!”

“YOU DESERVE IT!” “NO YOU DON’T!”

“YOU DESERVE IT!” “NO YOU DON’T!”

Evan Envi: I do deserve it. And I said that. I was very open about every single thing I was gonna do to get to this World Title. And people ridiculed the Chief. I think Xena Warrior Doofus, actually laughed when I said I was gonna win the Frontier Lion’s Cup for the second year in a row and go onto become your new World Champion. I did it the hard way, you see, because I wasn’t gifted the luxury of a rematch like so many champions before me and that’s a trend, by the way, that I think we should stick to. Right? Hm? So on that note…

Envi looks directly into the hard camera.

Evan Envi: Colton Sterling is never getting another opportunity at my World Championship. I just wanna go ahead and make that perfectly clear.

The response earns a loud chorus of boos from Columbus. Natalie McKinley shakes her head a bit as she looks around at the jeering audience members, but Evan Envi wears a calm, collected smirk.

Evan Envi: And you guys don’t have to like that, but-- hear me out. I’m a fighting champion and I welcome new challengers. I implore people to drag themselves out from the back and step up to the Chief. Not Colton Sterling, who presently finds himself at the back of the line. Not Johnny Karma, who actually degrades the belt every time he frickin’ looks at it. No, I deserve something FRESH. This championship deserves to be taken to heights it’s never been before. This championship deserves to be in the spotlight, being fought for, being bled for by the absolute BEST this business has to offer. THAT is what the FGA World Title deserves.

The audience reacts positively, albeit hesitant. A “YES!” chant picks up and Envi nods a bit before raising the mic once more.

Evan Envi: ...and unfortunately… as we kinda proved at Final Frontier and again on the first Vertigo of 2019…

Evan shrugs again.

Evan Envi: ...the Chief is a whole tier above everybody else. I mean, I think we can all agree-- this is as good as it’s ever gonna get. This is PRIME, you guys. You are witnessing the actual peak of a World Championship right now. How exciting!

“...BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Evan Envi: No, no, no, no. Don’t ruin this moment for yourselves. A lot of people went through a lot of trouble to make tonight special for you guys. So I’d like to take a moment and direct everyone’s attention to the lovely botanical sculpture, depicting my second Wor--

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

The beat of "Can you feel it?" by The Jackson 5 kicks in, and the crowd bursts into cheers.

Stephy Auger: OH NO!

Kris Cruise: Indeed! It appears the Apex Goddess isn’t interested in letting this party continue!

Stephy Auger: EX-TRA-VA-GAN-ZA, Cruise! And I’d rather Jimmy Page come out here right now over her!

The curtain parts, and Fujiko appears at the top of the ramp, rolling a microphone in her left hand. She sports a Renati brand tee and a pair of blue jeans, in stark contrast to Evan’s look. The music fades as she raises up the microphone.

Fujiko Mine: It’s… adorable to watch you continually pat yourself on the back for beating Kol last Vertigo; I just had to come out here and get a closer look at this display for myself.

She slowly saunters down the ramp, and on her second step or so it’s clear that she’s not alone. The amazon known as XENA emerges from the back, a wicked grin on her face as she cracks her knuckles. A shot of Envi in the ring shows him shaking his head, in the midst of an eye roll.

Fujiko Mine: Wow, Evan. You really outdid yourself. I’d be impressed, if I could get my eyes to stop rolling from how ridiculous this all is.

Hard blink from the Chief.

Evan Envi: Ridiculous? THIS is literally what victory looks like! THIS is the attention that the World Championship deserves and receives when it’s finally resting in Good hands. And we were having a really nice time out here until you and your goon came out. Does this even look like the kind of environment for Warrior Doofus? I mea—

Fujiko Mine: That’s cute, but I’m not out here to go back and forth with you over your celebration decor or how proud you are of ‘saving’ the World championship. You see, with Jimmy traded to Flashpoint and Kol seemingly out of the picture? I’m here to relieve you of that championship.

The crowd cheers loudly as Fujiko says this. She rests a foot on the ring steps as she does so and Envi simply offers a bitter half-smile, head angled, body language clearly showing annoyance.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve made my intentions clear for the better part of a year, Evan. And now? I’m not waiting on anyone to give me permission. I’m not ‘waiting’ in line. I’m not being polite about it. Our match in the Frontier Lions Cup solved nothing, and I’m going to change that when I beat you and finally…

A desperate, hungry tone takes hold in her voice.

Fujiko Mine: ...Finally take that World championship for myself.

She steps up the stairs, waving a hand to keep Xena down on the floor. She gives Fujiko an annoyed look, but she complies.

Fujiko Mine: You can toss your snide comments at Xena all you like. Please, indulge yourself. She’s dying to hear what else you have to say.

She motions to the PAINMOTHER, who has recovered and nods with that same wicked grin on her face. Fujiko’s eyes narrow inquisitively.

Fujiko Mine: Looks like you have ‘em written down on a cue card in your jacket there, bud.

She points with a mischievous smile. Evan glances down at his attire with a raised brow, offering the shake of his head before he brings the microphone back up to his lips.

Evan Envi: I dunno if all that was supposed to distract me from the fact that you debuted your newest submission hold on the Chief back at Final Frontier-- the Vegan Lip Lock...

The comment earns a mixed reaction from a crowd that’s still undecided on how they feel about the situation.

Evan Envi: ...but if you wanna talk about making ‘intentions clear’, Fujiko, let’s talk about how clear you made your feelings for the Chief when you tried to turn a Final Frontier Quarterfinal match into an episode of MTV Undressed!

Fujiko can’t help but be amused by the reference, but she says nothing.

Kris Cruise: : Jesus.

Stephy Auger: He’s right! She’s obsessed! I saw it! We all saw it!

Evan adjusts the title on his shoulder and continues.

Evan Envi: All that grappling. All that sweating. All that rolling around with yours truly clearly triggered something inside you; something uncontrollable. And I don’t even know if you’re in the right state of mind to-- to come out here and challenge for World Championships. Actually, y’know, it’s a scientific fact that being in love clouds your judgment and I think that’s what we’re seeing right here. You’re not making decisions that make any sense. You’re just embarrassed that you exposed yourself in the way that you did at Final Frontier and, that’s-- hey-- I don’t judge. I get it.

Evan places a hand on his heart for a moment before continuing. Fujiko chuckles to herself.

Evan Envi: But coming after me like this? That’s not how a healthy person copes with their feelings, Fujiko. So… if you don’t mind… we’d like to get back to the festivities. TELL HER, NAT. TELL HER SHE’S NOT GETTIN A MATCH.

The audience which was amused just a moment ago quickly begins to boo the Chief as he calmly pulls his World Championship into a tight hug, staring at Fujiko, mouthing “go.” Natalie has the expression on her face of someone who wishes that they were anywhere else right now, and she lets out a long, drawn out sigh, before speaking.

Natalie McKinley: Fujiko, you--

She pauses to glance at Envi, whose gaze remains directed towards Fujiko.

Natalie McKinley: You can’t have a world title match with Evan.

Evan Envi: (off-mic) THAT’S RIGHT!

Fujiko’s eyebrows raise a little. She looks at Nat for a moment, and then focuses her attention back on the Chief,

Fujiko Mine: I really don’t know if you wanna go down that road, Evan.

XENA licks her lips like a hungry hyena.

Fujiko Mine: XENA has some lovely images she would like to show, including a rather large purchase of flowers you made...if you’re really willing to go down that road.

Envi blinks a few times, but remains silent. The normally quiet XENA yells out “YEAH, HELGA!” which catches the Apex Goddess by surprise.

“HEL-GA!”
“HEL-GA!”
“HEL-GA!”
“HEL-GA!”
“HEL-GA!”

Envi looks out among the masses, a brow raised. His cheeks have grown visibly pink, though his expression is indistinguishable at best. Fujiko is caught by surprise by the reaction, but she grins nonetheless.

Evan Envi: …

Fujiko Mine: Now, If you’re done grandstanding about Final Frontier...I would like to point out that Evan asked for a challenger. And last I checked...I am not Johnny Karma, nor KOL. So, please. Give me a reason why I can’t get a shot at this “fighting” champion…

She uses air quotes with her free hand. The audience begins to grow restless, many coming to their feet, trying to begin the “HELGA!” chant once more. McKinley draws a breath, clearly uncomfortable in the situation she was forced into until…

Natalie McKinley: Fujiko…

She narrows her eyes a bit as the audience begin to direct their displeasure toward the FGA World Champion toward her in the form of a deep chorus of boos.

Natalie McKinley: You… you can’t have a match becau--

Evan Envi: Because you don’t have the right to claim that Final Frontier meant nothing. YOU are a name on the list of challenges that the Chief has already seen and already overcome. The World Championship deserves something fresh, ma’am… because this reign-- this is the start of something new. And if we’re being honest right now? I don’t need to fight this battle again. We already wrestled. And I already won.

Evan gives Fujiko a smug look, just for a moment, before turning back to Natalie McKinley to back him up-- earning a hesitant, and almost-begrudging nod of agreement from McKinley, who looks away, uncomfortable. Evan turns back to Fujiko, gesturing toward her.

Evan Envi: And I know you’ve got some argument for that, but that’s allll just semantics.

Fujiko raises a hand to her mouth, snickering much like her tag team partner.

Fujiko Mine: You won, true...via disqualification. This is the man that claims to not only be a fighting champion, but the man to ‘save’ the FGA World championship? Hehe.

She removes her hand from her mouth, but makes a few strides until she’s up on the apron. Evan can be heard shouting the word “semantics!” again, shaking his head.

Fujiko Mine: I’ll play along. You did win the only match between us. True, it was thanks to Ricky Valero. Speaking of…

A predatory grin crosses her face.

Fujiko Mine: Where is good boy Ricky? Seems like he’s not so hot on partying with his best friend, huh?

The crowd “OOHS” at the dig. Evan scratches his neck a bit, but only reacts with a bitter half-smile, muttering something to McKinley out of the corner of his mouth.

Fujiko Mine: But back to topic, that was before you won the championship. And guess who has two thumbs, is standing right in front of you, and has never had a World title opportunity?

Fujiko looks down at her hands, then brings them up and points at herself.

Fujiko Mine: Besides, you made it very clear that Johnny Karma and Kol aren’t getting shots. You never said anything about me. So if you don’t mind, I’ll be challenging you for the World championship pleaseandthankyouverymuch. Because to deny me just confirms what these people already know.

She narrows her eyes, her tone suddenly low and menacing.

Fujiko Mine: Without Ricky Valero, you would’ve passed out in Ecstacy and you wouldn’t even be standing here as champion right now...

The crowd breaks out into a “YES!” chant, as Fujiko nods along.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko has come to lay claim to be Envi’s first challenger!

Stephy Auger: The Chief has already spoken. NO to Fuji water! It’s like she can’t take a hint.

The Chief stands completely still in front of Fujiko, looking down at his title for a moment, rolling his eyes out toward the capacity crowd as they continue with their “YES!” chants. There’s a distant, thoughtful look on his face for the next few moments as he ponders something before chuckling under his breath, rubbing at his jaw as he looks down toward the FGA World Title again, and then back at Fujiko.

Evan Envi: Really.

“YES!”

Evan Envi: That’s what you think?

This serves to only make the chants of “YES!” grow even louder. The FGA World Champion nods to himself a little before raising the mic once more.

Evan Envi: ...we’ll see.

With that, Envi exits the ring on the side opposite of the apron she’s occupying. Natalie exits behind him and the cameras follow as they make their way past the many obnoxious sculptures, though the words leave the crowd murmuring among themselves.

Kris Cruise: “We’ll see”?? Did Evan just accept Fujiko’s challenge?!

Stephy Auger: What? Of course not! You’re reading too much into this! Fujiko is not getting a shot at the FGA World Championship! That was just the Chief being forced to abandon his own extravaganza because that jealous, lovestruck, psychotic--

Kris Cruise: I don’t think he was forced to do anything. Fujiko was making points that plenty of other people have already made.

Stephy Auger: Cite your sources, Cruise!

The Chief pauses at the top of the ramp, raising the FGA World Title above his head once more as he turns to look down the ramp toward Fujiko and XENA. Fujiko raises the microphone up one more time.

Fujiko Mine: “We’ll see?” No no, Evan. You’ll see. This reign of yours ends sooner than you think, and I will finally….finally take my place at the top of the FGA mountain. That is the will of the goddess, and my will be done.

Fujiko’s eyes follow the championship Evan is holding and “Can you Feel It” blasts over the sound system as the cameras switch vantage points to capture the intense staredown between the champion and his potential challenger…