Vertigo (04.10.19)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


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


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


Giant Center
Hershey, PA

"THE CHAMP IS HERE!"

Drum beat.

"THE CHAMP IS HERE!"

Drum beat.

"THE CHAMP IS HERE!"

The intro of Jadakiss's "The Champ is Here" plays as a precursor to Izzy Anders' arrival, but before the final drum beat, Izzy’s derisive laugh overpowers it, cutting into it with static. As it fades, “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram starts to play. The arena gets covered in a gradient 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 ♫

Izzy steps onto the stage out of a jet of smoke, standing with the United States Tag Team championship slung over her chest. She starts down the ramp with a confident smirk, rocking the belt. When she stops in the middle of the ring, she slowly draws the championship away from herself. Raising it slowly, Izzy proclaims her status to the whole audience and anyone who might be watching.

Kris Cruise: At Revelations, the road towards the Triple Crown and Grand Slam ended for Izzy Anders, as both she and Fujiko Mine defeated Silk & Cyanide for the US Tag team championships

Stephy Auger: Izzy carried her dead weight partner to victory, but still. Good for her.

Kris Cruise: I’ll definitely disagree with that notion. Between the Dynamic Duos Tournament through Revelations, I’d say they pulled it together at the right time.

♫ 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) ♫

She steps to the ring apron, jumping onto it. She spins on it for a moment before stopping in the center. Izzy takes the championship into her teeth, blasting her coat off with a dramatic flair--her arms are outstretched. She leans back on the ropes as her theme strikes up and the lights dawn on her. When she lowers, she hits the top turnbuckle.

The eyepatch begins to get peeled off, followed by a playful wink. She replaces the championship with the eyepatch to raise the championship high again. Izzy then leans back and begins to fall down to the apron. She sticks the landing gracefully and she descends down to the mat. With a somewhat seductive air, she scoots back to the center of the ring. Izzy then releases the eyepatch from her teeth and rises to her feet. She is given a microphone, but doesn’t raise it up.

"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..."

Kris Cruise: While I can only imagine Fujiko is joining Izzy out here to address their victory at Revelations, I think it’s fair to say she likely won’t have her heart fully into celebrating. She received her first opportunity at the FGA World Championship, but due to--

Stephy Auger: YOU STOP RIGHT THERE, Cruise. Evan retained! That’s all that matters!

Kris Cruise: He retained due to interference from Ricky Valero! This is the 2nd time Ricky has interfered in a match between himself and Fujiko. And don’t forget, Evan did tap out!

Stephy Auger: Thankfully the referee made the right call, then!

"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. Behind her, the imposing XENA has the other United States tag championship over her shoulder. 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?!"

She hops down, and the crowd that was somewhat reserved earlier is now fully into the opening of Vertigo with the arrival of The Joker & The Thief. Fujiko takes another microphone as XENA enters the ring. She leans into the nearest corner, holding onto Fujiko’s championship as she does so. Fujiko shakes her head, preparing herself to get what she needs to say out into the air.

Fujiko Mine: Dearly beloved...tonight...is cause for celebration.

The crowd cheers, despite Fujiko’s bowed head.

Fujiko Mine: Because we went into Revelations, and we proved to Silk & Cyanide what the rest of you already knew. That their attempts at mind games would not work. That they could not stop us from taking what we have earned. That once it came down to it, we would not be denied these championships. In short: They learned that we are the best tag team.

A mixed reaction, the negative coming from the sections of the crowd still distrustful of the Mindkiller.

Fujiko Mine: And so, an informative statement to the former champions and anyone else on the roster that wants to step up...we will make you bend at the knee before us. We have no plans to relinquish our spots at the top anytime soon.

Izzy’s retort is a little more bombastic as she scales the nearest turnbuckle and raises her championship high. As she does, she lets out a proud roar that many of the audience reciprocates. They are louder than before and the percentage of those who still loathe her dwindle before her eyes. A sincere, cute smile dawns on the Mindkiller’s face as she lowers down from the turnbuckle. After getting her microphone, she takes some time to look at the championship on her shoulder.

Izzy Anders: The peak of FGA has many definitions to those here in our company. The longer you’re here, the more muddled that definition becomes until you realize it truly for yourself. As of right now, I think I can say that Fujiko and I are at the top of FGA’s mountain and we had many people trying to deny us every step of the way. We even had ourselves at one point.

There is a small clamoring of the fans who remember the path to the sight in the ring.

Izzy Anders: That said, I’m proud to say that The Joker and The Thief made good on our DDT3 dreams and our hard work and we stand here as the proud, new owners of some belts that had a nasty stain on them. Thank you, Silk and Cyanide, for trying your best to push us apart when really, you did us a service.

Izzy pauses, bobbing her head to the side.

Izzy Anders: And your girl just so happens to be the 2nd Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion now, just so you know.

The crowd erupts into cheers upon her words. Izzy can’t help but beam brightly at the accomplishments.

Izzy Anders: We’ll just wait for the Hall of Fame next--but all jokes aside.

Izzy turns to Fujiko, and then gives her a bow.

Izzy Anders: Thank you for helping me get this far.

Fujiko scoffs at her tag team partner, following it up with a shrug.

Fujiko Mine: Don’t thank me. Our critics…

Fujiko gives a pointed glance over at the announce booth.

Fujiko Mine: ...will say you carried the team. You did all the work. And when all was said and done, you got the congratulations from the locker room. You earned it. No thanks necessary.

Fujiko hands the microphone to XENA for a moment so she can applaud. XENA hands it back after her sixth clap.

Fujiko Mine: But I have to echo the sentiments of the new Grand Slam champion. Silk and Cyanide did all that they could to try and keep these within their grasp. They will do whatever it takes to regain them, I’m sure. But they belong to us now. And if Sara and Erin want them back, they are going to have to really bring their A+ game. Anything less, and we will hand them another defeat in short order.

XENA produces something from the pocket of her jeans.

Fujiko Mine: But just so you know how much this meant to us, I decided to keep these…

Fujiko takes the objects from XENA, and manipulates them in her grip. The camera zooms in on the nameplates “Sara Mason” and “Erin Mariani”.

Fujiko Mine: I didn’t keep these just to gloat. I kept these so I know exactly what we went through to get this point. I have spoken a fair amount about how much I’ve been underestimated lately...and these are just a reminder of that. Everytime I look at these, I’m going to remember how I got to this point, and who I had to disprove in order to get there.

She hands them back to XENA.

Fujiko Mine: Buuuuuuut that wasn’t the only thing to happen at Revelations…

The crowd turns to boos very quickly.

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

“EVAN SUCKS!”

Fujiko offers up a shrug as she looks over to Izzy. She gestures towards her, as if to give her the floor. She puts up her hand, as if to stop them, but then tells to continue. The chants run their course before Izzy decides to speak.

Izzy Anders: Let’s get the main issue out here in the open. At Revelations, there were supposed to be three Grand Slam Champions by the end of the night. However, due to--ONCE AGAIN--the nefarious actions of Evan Envi and company, Fujiko Mine isn’t standing here as your rightful FGA World Champion. Now, I feel like I have a helping hand in the matter since I wasn’t there, but that said…

Izzy lolls her tongue in her mouth, as the crowd begins to rile up, they understand what Izzy’s about to say.

Izzy Anders: Evan, I’m going to need you to come out here right this second. You can bring Ricky Valero with you if you want. While you have your conversation with Fujiko about giving her a rematch, I can go ahead and start making sure that Ricky Valero stays gone from FGA for good. Because frankly, the same trick is tiresome and I’ve had it with this kind of crap happening every single time you get close to losing. This isn’t Fujiko asking you to come out here. This is Izzy Anders demanding you to do so.

The audience erupts at Anders’ words and many in the crowd rise to their feet, turning toward the ramp in anticipation.

Stephy Auger: Absolutely no respect! Evan Envi didn’t spend the past twelve years bleeding for this business to have Izzy Anders come out here and talk to him like this! Stay back there, Chief!

Kris Cruise: Evan Envi owes Fujiko Mine and these people an explanation. What happened at Revelations was absolutely disgusting and--

Stephy Auger: Owes? He owes them things now? Cruise, don’t be delusional.

Several moments pass and there seems to be no movement from the FGA World Champion. Many in the live crowd grow restless and Izzy shakes her head a bit, raising the mic a few inches-- and immediately “Helter Skelter” blasts against the PA system. The audience comes alive for a deafening response, dominated by boos directed at the Chief.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The sound seems to intensify as Envi makes his way out to the stage, eyes narrowed at the ring’s occupants. The FGA World Championship is draped over his right shoulder and his face is, for the most part, expressionless. He pauses at the top of the ramp, jaw clenched as he looks out into the masses in Hershey.

“GOOD GUYS SUCK!”

“GOOD GUYS SUCK!”

“GOOD GUYS SUCK!”

“GOOD GUYS SUCK!”

“GOOD GUYS SUCK!”

Envi nods a bit, muttering something under his breath before he walks down the ramp, ignoring the jeers of the FGA faithful behind the barricade. Envi passes by, refusing to look at a single one of the screaming fans until he makes his way to the timekeeper’s area. Calmly, the World Champion holds out his hand-- the simple act drawing a chorus of boos-- until J.A. Aldridge slowly obliges, handing over his microphone while Envi’s music fades. Evan takes it into his hand and turns, shooting a gaze into the ring, looking at Fujiko with a long, quiet, indistinguishable look before he turns toward Izzy Anders, immediately narrowing his eyes.

Evan Envi: Demanding me to do so? Really? That’s where we’re at?

Izzy scans the crowd before her eyes landing back on Evan. She nods absently like it was a foregone conclusion.

Izzy Anders: Yes, that is where we are at right now.

She draws a line on the ring mat before taking a step back.

Izzy Anders: Also, feel free to get in here. The water’s fine, and I promise you that we won’t bite. Because if we planned on doing that, we would have caught you already.

XENA’s toothy grin is caught by the camera. She hands Fujiko her championship, and then sits on the middle rope, beckoning the World Champion in.

Stephy Auger: CHIEF, NO!

Envi turns back to Stephy Auger and holds up a hand, audibly saying “I got this” before turning his attention back to the three women inside the ring. Envi walks up the steel steps, moving the title from his shoulder to his free hand as he eyes XENA, preparing to step in through the opening she’s provided-- before quickly standing upright and backtracking, moving around the post to enter the ring from an adjacent side, shaking his head at XENA all the while.

Stephy Auger: Oh. Good move, Chief. Good move. She would’ve tapped you for sure.

Envi clears his throat as he enters the ring, but keeps his distance, one arm resting on the ropes as he looks toward Fujiko again, the gaze between the two seeming to last far longer than its actual three seconds as the audience groans in anticipation-- but again, Envi looks toward Izzy, shrugging his shoulders.

Evan Envi: Let me understand this better. This…

Envi gestures between himself and the occupants of the ring.

Evan Envi: ...this is just leading to you telling me why Fujiko deserves a rematch, right? This is you telling me what these…

Envi sighs, rubbing at his eyes for a moment before gesturing out to the crowd.

Evan Envi: …dead-eyed, mouth-breathing morons have been shouting at me for the past few weeks, and um--

Ignoring yet another deafening chorus of boos, Envi sighs loudly, moving the belt back onto his shoulder as he holds a hand up toward Izzy.

Evan Envi: I’m actually good on hearing why I’m such a bad person for the universe conspiring against Fujiko. I mean, I get it. The way our World Title match went down was not ideal. But. I think we can all agree that Fujiko has… from the time we’ve known her, indiscriminately supported the mass slaughter of TONS of God’s creatures and-- seriously-- at what point do we just accept that karma is doin’ its thing? I mean… I really dig this pow-wow here but let’s uh… let’s go ahead and figure out who the next challenger is gonna be, hm?

Envi clears his throat, turning away from the trio again, evidently not even convinced by his own words. Quickly, he prepares to step out of the ring through the ropes again-- until Izzy abruptly clears her throat, that is.

Izzy Anders: Evan, you’re many things. You’re charismatic. You’re talented. You’re actually a funny guy. You have an eye for the business and that has gotten you very far. You’re a survivor. You’ve done things that many people haven’t. You have worked your way out of being the last draft pick to being a two-time FGA World Champion. Do you know how many people have that kind of track record?

She pauses for a moment, twirling the microphone in the way she does. She looks as if she was waiting for a response, but in the end, she doesn’t let Evan find the answer himself. Caught, Envi turns away from the ropes, begrudgingly looking toward Izzy.

Izzy Anders: Only a few of us. Not anyone in this ring at the moment, realistically. That’s why I haven’t entirely booted you to the curb just yet, like all of them. There was a time where they believed in you the way that I did. They rooted for you in some respect because you were the injured man that got thrown into the trash and worked your way out through some rather dubious means--but it was something that was understandable. But then, you sullied everything with the mess you’ve pulled over the past few months.

The newest Grand Slam Champion shoves her belt off and hands it off to XENA, who manages to catch it despite not knowing Izzy was going to do it. Izzy steps forward to Evan, glaring him down, but not with malice but with another feeling. It was grief, no...it was discontent.

Izzy Anders: The Good Guys? Just another New Kings. Just another Murder. Hell, just some more Reapers. All in all, just another group made to protect someone who is scared. Not scared of the competition. A person who is scared of losing that belt right there because it means that everything that they worked hard for falls apart. And that person is right back to the gutter where they started. Or even worse--right back to being nearly crippled by a certain former Pride Champion.

Izzy jabs Evan’s chest with her finger, sizing him up. The crowd goes silent for a moment, falling into Izzy’s pace.

Izzy Anders: And now, you let Ricky Valero bastardize your reign. You let FGA’s favorite disappearing act help you get back here, the farthest away from legitimacy and respect. You had the biggest chance in the world to get past this wall. Even if you had lost at Revelations, you could have walked out here with the knowledge that you fought your best fight and people could respect that. But of course not. No, the first you do after you played part in screwing Fujiko over another time? You come out here with not only the audacity to act the way you just did, but then not even believe yourself while you’re doing it.

The Mindkiller takes a sharp breath, not once taking her eyes off of Evan. She moves with his motions, making sure that he is forced to take glances at her. Before long, Izzy brings the microphone back up to his lips with narrowed eyes.

Izzy Anders: And you know what, Evan? As your friend, as someone who looks past most of your negatives...I’m disappointed in you.

There is a sharp recoil in the audience, but Izzy only pauses to let them get it out of their system.

Izzy Anders: So, this isn’t about convincing you to give Fujiko a rematch. It’s about you convincing yourself to get rid of the extra weight and cut the bulls**t.

Izzy backs off, relaxing her shoulders and moves back closer to the woman in question, Fujiko Mine.

Izzy Anders: But then again, I don’t have to say much else, because Fujiko has something to say.

Fujiko looks out at the crowd, a contemplative look in her eye. She doesn’t plant her focus at the FGA World champion, but rather, at the crowd.

Fujiko Mine: You know, you all have watched me here for a long time. I really wasn’t ever sure I’d get to this point. I was always confident, but I never really thought that I “had it”, so to speak. Whether it was the talent, or the backing of the higher ups who thought I could be someone to represent the company as its top champion; I wasn’t sure I would get to challenge for the FGA World title. I watched Johnny Karma come back and turn his dreams into reality. I saw Cordy Stevenson make history. I watched…

The crowd cheers the names of Karma and Stevenson. Fujiko exhales weakly, trying to mask the emotions getting to her.

Fujiko Mine: Jimmy Page... temporarily... redeem himself and win the World title. That championship is the top one in our industry, and I’ve been told my entire career I’d never even get close. Revelations was a part of a dream come true. So to not only get my shot, but know that with a victory I would earn a rare honor in this company? It was like wrapping my fingers around immortality when I was told I would amount to nothing!

Fujiko’s tone freezes, venom dripping from her words now.

Fujiko Mine: And when I felt your hand tapping against my shoulder, that was the greatest moment. Not of my career, Evan. Of my life. And you and that disgusting little troll who somehow has a revolving door in and out of FGA…

She turns sharply approaching Evan but stopping less than a foot away from him.

Fujiko Mine: YOU. STOLE. THAT. FROM. ME.

She breathes heavy, as if she is moments away from snapping at the FGA World champion. Her eyes are locked on his, unmoving.

Fujiko Mine: You can make your jokes about the universe conspiring against me, you can reference my eating habits, call it karma if you must; whatever you need to do to ignore the fact that you tapped out to me, and THAT...

She points at the FGA World championship in Evan’s posession.

Fujiko Mine: Belongs in my hands. These people know it. I know it, and most importantly: you KNOW IT.

She seethes at him, shaking slightly.

Fujiko Mine: So I want you to listen very, very carefully, Evan.

Evan shakes his head, saying something to Fujiko that the mic doesn’t pick up before Fujiko goes on, calmly raising the FGA World Title above his head, the smallest smirk visible on his face while Hershey boos the very action at the top of their lungs. Envi doesn’t make a move to speak, but simply stares at Fujiko. She goes to bring the microphone up herself, but instead tosses it away. She then looks Evan in the face, and speaks more. The camera is too far away to catch her words without a microphone, but whatever she has said makes the Chief’s neck visibly tense up. He looks away from Fujiko, biting his lip, a clearly bitter half-smile on his face as he nods to himself. She finishes her statement, and then points at the crowd. The camera does catch her saying “Tell them!” before she moves past Evan and exits the ring. She doesn’t look back as XENA hands Izzy back her title before leaving the ring herself. Confusion is etched on XENA’s face as she splits her look between the Apex Goddess and the Chief.

Kris Cruise: What in the world did she say to Evan?!

Stephy Auger: Hopefully that she gives up and is going home!

There’s an applause from an otherwise confused crowd as Fujiko and XENA make their way up the ramp. Envi turns, locking eyes with Izzy Anders, who lingers for a moment, her own expression indistinguishable-- before she breaks her gaze, stepping through the ropes and out to the apron. Anders shoots one last glance over her shoulder at the World Champion before she drops to the floor, marching up the ramp. The same camera pans back, moving closely to zoom in on the face of the Chief, who massages his jaw as some sort of nervous tick while he raises the mic.

Evan Envi: At…

Another short, bitter laugh, before the champion goes on.

Evan Envi: At Only the Strong Survive…

Many in the crowd begin growing loud, some cheering in anticipation.

Evan Envi: ...I will defend my FGA World Championship in Milwaukee against Fujiko Mine…

The Chief doesn’t trail off, though his opponent’s surname is nearly drowned out by the roar of the crowd.

Kris Cruise: That’s Fujiko’s hometown! Evan Envi has to put his World Championship on the line one more time against Fujiko Mine in enemy territory!

Stephy Auger: This is-- how is this allowed to happen? How many shots at the Chief is she gonna get?!

Kris Cruise: How many times are the Good Guys gonna interfere on the Chief’s behalf to keep that World Title around his waist?! Everything Izzy Anders said hit Evan Envi deep. And Evan Envi’s future? His future, whether he likes it or not, is a World Title match against Fujiko at Only the Strong Survive.

Evan shakes his head a bit, gaze downcast before he throws his mic aside, exiting the ring through the ropes, bitterly shouting “where’s my music?!”, shaking his head. As Envi reaches the top of the ramp, “Helter Skelter” hits the PA system. Without another look back to the crowd, Envi marches through the curtains and to the back. Slowly, we fade to black on the empty ramp.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The scene opens up backstage, where we're shown The Reigning FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, Marlon Cure, being trailed by Keiko and his driver, with Keiko speaking about something or another regarding Cure’s Blackout Apparel line and the driver carrying Cure’s duffle bag. What’s notable about this is that the normally arrogant, mouthy MAL Champion would be over the moon at dispatching of another challenger to his throne... but Cure is eerily quiet as he walks. No proclamations about his greatness, no endless gloating and playing it up. Just a lingering, deafening silence, one that Spencer Burke didn't seem to notice as he comes into view with a mic in hand.

Spencer Burke: Marlon, congratulations on your title wi- OOF!

Before Burke can get too close, the Male Assistant places a hand up that catches Burke in his chest and stops him dead in his tracks.

Donovan Sharpe: Ya might wanna take a walk on this one, Lad. The Bossman isn't feelin' talkative right now.

Burke peers over at Cure and sees that "King Cure" is staring straight ahead, not at all acknowledging Burke’s presence. Not even bothering to throw a cutting word or a little casual mockery his way.

Spencer Burke: That’s actually why I’m here. Given the months of back and forth between yourself and Annie Zellor, many people thought you would be a little more… animated, about shutting her down. But instead, you’ve been uncharacteristically silent about the entire ordeal.

Cure and co. come to a stop as Cure very carefully pulls a cigar from his jacket, but doesn’t light it up as he fixes Burke with a penetrating stare.

Marlon Cure: So I suppose this is the part where I wild out and talk mad reckless, maybe inadvertently big up Annie to make what I did seem that much bigger, right right? Maybe let my ego flow on that arrogant tip and talk that sh*t to keep computers ‘putin and keep the masses asking when somebody’ll finally come along and humble me. Same people probably saying I should be happy I beat such a “big name” -

Keiko, not Cure, uses the air quotes as his words dripped with sarcasm.

Marlon Cure: - Like I was starved for recognition and had something to prove, ignoring that Annie, her boy, his crew have all been on my dick since the fall months. I should be so, so happy that I got so many people wanting to see me handed an L, only for those hopes and dreams to go up in flames. I should be… but I’m not.

Cure stares straight ahead.

Marlon Cure: I’m heated right now, Burke. I’m heated that I gave Annie the attention that had her fiending for me for the better part of seven long ass months. I’m heated that even after she got clapped with the quickness after coming at me sideways, running around thinking she got something on me and tryna get my attention, she wanna cop pleas and pretend it ain't happen when it turns out I told no lies about her.

She got gassed and thought she could do what I do, better. That’s what’s funny to me. I got that sh*t that you've never seen, that “Anything I can do, you never could” when it comes to what I do between the ropes and she thought deep down in her heart of hearts that she could imitate and mock. When in reality she is exactly who I said she was, a pretender. A Fan, a fake, a clout chaser and an undercover Marlon Cure Stan.

Cure pauses then turns and gives Burke a look.

Marlon Cure: I’m disgusted y’all thought she could see me one on one. Do better when y’all looking for somebody to catch me slipping.

Cure sneers then turns away as he and his small entourage begin to walk once more.

Marlon Cure: But now? I got the chance to move on to bigger and better things. Rey Del Aire? I’m on that. Gold Rush? I’m on that. Sh*t, maybe they’ll clear the paperwork and let me turn the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title out. Let me walk into HELL, Underground, 4 Corners and the like, hoist my gold high and ask who want it with the king. -

Cure comes to a sudden stop, staring at his locker room door. There seems to be something taped to the door of his locker room. Hesitantly, Keiko and Donovan both move forward and remove the envelope, before Donovan goes to open it.

The reactions of both speak volumes, as Keiko’s eyes widen and she covers her mouth, while Donnie has an uneasy expression on his face.

Donovan Sharpe ...Oh, that ain’t good.

Very hesitantly, Keiko takes the pictures from Donovan and shows them to Cure.

Marlon Cure: …

An unreadable expression makes it’s way onto Cure’s face as he stares down at the photos, trying to process what he’s seeing. But there’s no mistaking the familiar sight of him at a function in Philadelphia several nights ago, a lovely lady on his arm as he takes in the scenery. A million and one thoughts ran through his mind as he stares down at the picture, feeling as though he’s being taunted by it’s existence. He tries to piece together WHO would invade his private life like this. Who would try and violate like this…

And almost immediately, a name comes to mind.

Marlon Cure: No… no, no, no - NO. WE NOT ABOUT TO DO THIS SH*T AGAIN!

Cure’s howl of rage is heard as he turns on his heel and storms down the halls, causing various ring techs and producers to look at him as the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Zack Gall vs. Fenrys

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

“GIVE US YOUR GOLD!!!!!”

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

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

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

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

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

The stage goes dark and a single spotlight appears as “Falling Behind” by Robert Spurling blasts through the audio system. After the first few chords have passed, out of the back comes Zack “The Dragon” Gall, who steps right in the middle of the spotlight, his left hand over his mouth and surveys the crowd. Not far behind from Gall his manager Dante Difranco steps into the scene as the lights come back on and Zack gets his left hand abruptly away from his mouth and roars, before walking towards the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Newport, Wales! Weighing in at 190 pounds… He is ZACK “THE DRAGON” GALL!

As the duo get close to the ring, Gall looks towards his manager who instructs him to get in the ring. Zack gets on the apron and grabbing the top rope he enters the ring. Difranco stays on the outside, as his client cracks his neck in the middle of the ring and gets to his knees extending his arms.

Kris Cruise: We’re back, Stephy, with our first match of the night. Zack Gall will be taking on Fenrys in his debut match here in FGA!

Stephy Auger: I think it’s clear that Gall and his manager drew the short straw here. For weeks, we’ve been hearing Dante Difranco going on and on and on on behalf of Gall. Well now it’s time for Gall to put up or shut up! Unfortunately for him, he gets the rabid wolf of The New Murder in his debut! Poor kid. You almost feel bad for him.

Gall and Fenrys start things off with a lock up. After jockeying for position, Gall is placed in a side headlock. Fenrys tries to keep the hold on tight, but Gall is able to shove him off into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, he knocks Gall to the mat with a running shoulder block. The New Murder member then heads into another set of ropes. When Fenrys returns, Gall scrambles back to his feet and leapfrogs over him. Fenrys continues to run the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Gall leapfrogs over him a second time. After Fenrys comes back, Gall goes for a hip toss, but Fenrys blocks it. Gall then tries to muscle him up for another hip toss. Again, Fenrys blocks it. Gall then doubles Fenrys over with a punch to the midsection. After draping his leg across the back of Fenrys’ neck, Gall performs a back flip. Once Gall lands on his feet, Fenrys throws out a Rolling Elbow, which Gall ducks. When Fenrys turns around, Gall knocks him off his feet with a running lariat! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Fenrys kicks out.

Gall takes Fenrys and whips him into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, he sees Gall setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a kick to the face that knocks Gall upright. While Gall is still dazed, Fenrys turns and heads back into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Gall sets up for another back body drop. This time, Fenrys tries to counter with a sunset flip. The crowd cheers for Gall while he swings his arms to regain his balance. Once he does, he follows up with a double foot stomp to the chest! He then drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fenrys kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another two count for Gall early on!

Stephy Auger: Nearfalls mean nothing, Cruise. Getting the one-two-three does.

Gall takes Fenrys, moves him into the corner and nearly knocks the wind out of him with multiple shoot kicks to the midsection. He then takes Fenrys and sends him into the far corner with an irish whip. Gall charges across the ring to attack when Fenrys knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Gall shakes off the blow before charging back into the corner. This time, Fenrys knocks him back with a boot to the face. While Gall is dazed, Fenrys charges from out of the corner to attack, only to get thrown across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Gall then heads across the ring before delivering a running knee drop. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fenrys kicks out.

Kris Cruise: I know you haven’t been impressed by all the nearfalls. But how about that overhead belly to belly? You’ve got to admit that was nice.

Stephy Auger: It wasn’t bad. But I’m not ready to crown him just yet.

Gall picks up Fenrys and delivers a headbutt that sends The New Murder member stumbling into the ropes. While Fenrys tries to shake out the cobwebs, Gall heads over, grabs Fenrys by his mask and pulls him back towards the center of the ring before throwing him down with a snapmare. Gall then turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, a loud thud echoes throughout the arena when Gall nails Fenrys with a running punt kick to the back!

Kris Cruise: Oh my!

Fenrys howls in pain after Gall bounces off the ropes and delivers another hard running punt kick to the lower back. Fenrys falls over to his side. But Gall isn’t ready to go for another cover just yet. Instead, he pulls Fenrys back to a seated position before heading into the ropes. This time, Gall gears up for a running punt kick to the chest. But when he throws it out, Fenrys is able to block by wrapping his arms around his leg. Gall tries to pull his leg free, but it’s to no avail. So he reaches down and nails Fenrys with multiple hammer fists to the head. Once Fenrys’ grip has been loosened, Gall pulls his leg free. He then reaches down, snatches Fenrys’ right hand and begins to slowly bend each finger back! Fenrys howls in pain while Gall wraps his hand around Fenrys’ fingers and then bends his wrist backwards.

Kris Cruise: Gall is trying to manipulate the joints of Fenrys!

Stephy Auger: This is cruel, Cruise! The ref should get in there and stop this!

Gall continues to bend away at the wrist until Fenrys reaches up with his free hand and rakes Gall across the eyes.

Stephy Auger: Good! That’s what he gets!

The boos continue after Fenrys gets up, grabs Gall with his good hand, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Gall around, Fenrys sends Gall slumping down in the corner after pummeling him with a flurry of left hands to the face. Once a foot choke is applied, the ref is quick to get in and give Fenrys until the count of five and break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Fenrys breaks the choke… only to quickly reapply it!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FI-

Fenrys reluctantly lets go. After shaking his right hand, he reaches down, slowly pulls Gall back up to his feet and then whips him into the far corner with an irish whip. Fenrys runs across the ring, connects with a European Uppercut and then brings Gall down with a running bulldog! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gall kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Fenrys continues to build on his offense as he gets a nearfall for two.

Fenrys brings Gall back to his feet, only to bring him back down with a pulling backbreaker. The boos continue after Fenrys hits a standing moonsault! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gall kicks out.

Fenrys takes Gall and goes for an irish whip. But it quickly gets reversed. When Fenrys returns, he brings Gall down with a running hurricanrana. As Gall gets back to his feet, Fenrys charges across the ring and connects with a running front dropkick, knocking Gall through the ropes and to the floor. As Gall tries to pick himself up on the outside, Fenrys turns and heads into the far ropes. When he comes back, he leaps through the ropes and knocks Gall down with a topé suicida!

Kris Cruise: Fenrys takes out Gall with a well-timed dived to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Difranco is awfully quiet now! It’s easy to run your yap when you know that ultimately you’re not the one that has to get in there and back it up!

Fenrys takes Gall and rolls him back inside. After rolling back inside, Fenrys pulls up Gall before knocking him down to a knee with a corkscrew enzuigiri. The boos continue as he knocks Gall down from behind with a rear shining wizard. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gall kicks out.

Fenrys takes Gall, moves him into the corner and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. After climbing up onto the middle ropes, Fenrys jumps on Gall’s shoulders and goes for a top rope frankensteiner. But Gall blocks by hanging onto the ropes, causing Fenrys to slip off and land hard on the mat!

Kris Cruise: Gall blocked! Fenrys wasn’t able to hit the top rope frankensteiner!

Gall continues to gather himself on the top turnbuckle while Fenrys rolls towards the center of the ring. Once the New Murder member gets back to his feet, Gall jumps off and knocks him down with a diving knee strike! He makes the cover.

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

Gall takes Fenrys and whips him hard into the corer. After Fenrys crashes sternum-first into the turnbuckles, he stumbles backwards over towards Gall, who throws him down with a half nelson suplex! Gall then pulls Fenrys back up before throwing him down with a Michinoku Driver II!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fenrys kicks out.

Gall takes Fenrys and whips him into the corner. He then rushes into the corner and connects with a running double knee strike! After sending Fenrys into the far corner with an irish whip, Gall rushes across the ring and connects with a running lariat! He then sends Fenrys back into the previous corner with another irish whip before connecting with a running dropkick! Gall then grabs a hold of Fenrys before throwing him out of the corner with an Exploder Suplex! While Fenrys tries to get up off the mat, Gall charges over and clobbers him across the side of the head with the Death By Knee (V-Trigger)! He then pulls a groggy Fenrys up off the mat before knocking him down with the DBK (discuss roundhouse kick)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this but, ZACK GALL!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Backstage at the Giant Center, Dana Wheeler and Kendra Hollis are sitting.

Kendra Hollis: I get that we have to be here even when Susan isn't scheduled to compete, but this city sucks, I hate the east coast.

Dana Wheeler: Well nobody forces you to come.

Kendra Hollis: I have to be here whether I like it or not. Susan is my number one client and her brand is rising both in this awful wrestling company and outside of it. Speaking of Susan, where is she? She should have been here already.

Dana Wheeler: Maybe she's in Delikado's locker room. They have really taken off since they have become a team.

Kendra Hollis: I don't trust Delikado or that Sofia chick. They're definitely up to something and it involves Susan. I just haven't figured it out yet.

Dana Wheeler: I can agree with you when it comes to Sofia. I haven't trusted her from day one. I think she's jealous of all the attention that Delikado is giving Susan.

Kendra Hollis: And that's what I worried about,.Susan is still young and naive when it comes to people. I wouldn't pass Delikado and Sofia to use Susan to get what they want.

Dana Wheeler: And judging from Delikado's action recently, we both know what he really wants.

Kendra Hollis: I think I just threw in my mouth thinking about that.

Susan walks in adjusting her dress.

Susan Kent: Oh hey, what have you been up to?

Kendra Hollis: We've been discussing this whole situation with Delikado.

Susan Kent: Oh, that I have everything covered. You have no worries.

Kendra Hollis: Well until that happens, I'll worry not about you but about Sofia and that old fart.

[FGA Office]

In an obviously pre-recorded segment, Dom Harter can be seen standing in a hotel room somewhere on the other side of the world. Cell phone in hand, The Tenacious Little Bastard is wearing that familiar crooked grin as he readies himself to speak to the FGA fans.

Dom Harter: Good evening to all the loyal FGA fans!

He doesn’t even attempt to sound sincere as he runs one hand through his hair, still grinning like a Cheshire cat as he continues.

Dom Harter: Sorry I can’t be in Hershey tonight–there’s nothing more I’d like to do than spend my Wednesday in that ces–city! That city. But unfortunately for you all I’m half way around the world, about to win some tag titles. Or we’ve won them already – the time difference is throwing me off.

He shrugs.

Dom Harter: But I just wanted to send you all a little message. You see, as you all should by now, last month at Revelations I achieved something great. I managed to pull off one of the all time great victories in FGA history, when I beat the former Undisputed champion, Johnny Karma himself.

That smile grows a little wider as Dom mouths the words “I know” to himself. His eyes lighting up with joy as he continues to gloat.

Dom Harter: And even our esteemed World champion, Evan Envi, has taken the time to acknowledge my achievement. To congratulate me on my tremendous victory. Because there were some people who doubted me; they told me that Revelations was going to be the night that Johnny Karma turned it all around. That his funk was going to be over. That he was going to find his winning ways again! And to those people I say this: you were wrong!

Dom pats himself on the chest a couple of times.

Dom Harter: And Evan Envi knows what it means to beat Johnny Karma. He knows what it takes to beat Johnny Karma. And he knows–he’s admitted as much–that that victory at Revelations should entitle me to a shot at the FGA World Championship! So Evan, I humbly accept your challenge. And now all we have to do is wait for Jenevieve Geroux to do the right thing, and make this official for Only The Strong Survive! Dom Harter versus Evan for the FGA World Championship! Make it happen!

Harter shoots the camera a quick thumbs up before the scene ends abruptly.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to Jessie Pederson is standing by, waiting for the members of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad. A moment passes before the locker room door opens, and sure enough Dan and Peaches Herrera step out into the hallway. Both are ready dressed for their upcoming tag team match against Bristow & Barnes, and seem happy to see Jessie as the scene continues.

Jessie Pederson: Peaches, Dan! Is it possible to get a word with you both?

Peaches: Course it is, Jess.

The former FGA World Tag Team champions ready themselves for the interview, knowing that the obvious questions will be about Dan’s return at Revelations a few weeks ago. Peaches wears a smile, while Dan maintains a stern expression as the questions start.

Jessie Pederson: First off, Dan, welcome back.

Dan Herrera: Thank you, it feels good to be back.

Jessie Pederson: It was a shock to see you at Revelations, when you saved Peaches from The Resistance. Are we to assume you’re fully recovered?

Dan Herrera: All healed up, Jessie. And it’s time to get back into the swing of things tonight, starting with Bristow & Barnes.

Peaches: Back in tag action, an’ it feels so good!

She almost sings the last line, a broad smile on her face as Dan cracks a wry grin.

Jessie Pederson: And we’re all looking forward to that match, which is coming up soon. But what everybody wants to know is: what do you have planned for The Resistance?

Peaches: That’d be tellin’, Jess.

Dan Herrera: Like we said after Revelations, they’re on strike two right now. But they’re welcome to try their luck again now the numbers are a bit fairer. So Tristan, Tyler, you two want to try again? Bring it on, because we’re not backing down now.

Peaches: That’s right! The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad is back in action, an’ we ain’t stoppin’ for nobody. We ain’t slowin’ down for anybody. Bristow & Barnes, Resistance, we’ll show you what we’re made of. An’ why we managed to become FGA World Tag Team Champions before! So watch out y’all!

With that, Peaches & Dan walk away, presumably heading to the ring, leaving Jessie to bring this interview to a close.

Jessie Pederson: The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad are ready for action. Back to you at ringside!

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad vs. Bristow & Barnes

“Run This Town” by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Rihanna starts to play. Strobes begin surveying the building as darkness has taken over the arena.

Feel it comin' in the air
And the screams from everywhere
I'm addicted to the thrill
It's a dangerous love affair
Can't be scared when it goes down
Got a problem, tell me now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gonna run this town tonight
Is who's gonna run this town tonight
We gonna run this town

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

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

We are, yeah I said it, we are,
This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
Get ya'll black tees on, all black everything
Black cards, black cars, all black everything
And our girls are blackbirds, ridin' with they Dillingers
I'd get more in depth, if you boys really real enough
This is la familia, I'll explain later
But for now let me get back to this paper, I'm a couple bands down
And I'm tryin' to get back
I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
Yeah I'm talkin' five comma's, six zeros, dot zeroes here it go,
Back to runnin' circles 'round n*ggas, now we squared up, hold up

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

Life's a game but it's not fair
I break the rules so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thing
Walkin' tall against the rain
Victory's within the mile,
Almost there, don't give up now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gon' run this town tonight
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heyy
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heyy,
Is who’s gon' run this town tonight?

Now inside the ring, they cross paths and perch up on the ropes on the opposite of the ring, one foot on the bottom rope and one foot on the middle, taunting the fans as they await their opponents.

Stephy Auger: Poor Dom Harter! He’s under the impression that he was next in line for the FGA World Championship at Only the Strong Survive! Wait until he hears this news! It’s going to be terrible! Why is Evan giving that glutton another shot at him and his championship, anyway? SHE LOST! Did she threaten him!? Don’t make me find out that she threatened our honorable chief!?

Kris Cruise: We’ve got plenty of time here tonight to discuss Fujiko Mine getting a rematch with Evan Envi for the World Champions at Only the Strong Survive! Right now, it’s time for tag team action as Bristow & Barnes are ready to take on the returning Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad!

...Spoken...

"May I remind you again, this is a dream, and in dreams, you can do anything you darn please!"

When the first bass drum thumps, Dan pulls the curtain back and walks out from behind the curtain with his tag team partner Peaches hanging onto his arm. They pose for the fans, giving head nods to as many of their supporters as they can before they begin heading towards the ring as a spotlight stays on them

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of 332 pounds! They are the team of Dan Herrera and Peaches, the POLYCHROMATIC LION ATTACK SQUAD!

There's no turning back tonight.

Kiss me one last time[

As Dan and Peaches make their way to the ring Dan slaps hands with the fans on one side of the entrance-way while Peaches walks down the other side slapping hands with the fans there. At the bottom of the entrance way, Peaches leans in and gives Dan a peck on the cheek as the pair climb into the ring. Peaches immediately climbs up onto the nearest turnbuckle and poses with her fists raised into the air while, on the opposite side of the ring, Dan poses in a similar manner on the other turnbuckle. The music dies down as the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad members climb down, ready to start the match.

Kris Cruise: After some time away after Final Frontier, the team of the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad are back! This is the first time we’ve seen Dan Herrera since him and Peaches were selected to Vertigo in the Draft Lottery back in January.

Stephy Auger: If you ask me, It looks like Dan Herrera would rather be anywhere in the world than right here with that nagging wife of his by his side!

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: I’m just saying! It’s bad enough he’s got to go home to that thing every night. But he’s gotta deal with her at work, too? You know Dan was hoping and praying that PLAS would get split up in the Draft Lottery!

Kris Cruise: He was not! This team, which once upon a time were former World Tag Team Champions and the 2017 Tag Team of the Year, did everything they could on Flashpoint. Being over here on Vertigo gives them another set of Tag Titles to go after!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but first they’ve got to get past Bristow & Barnes. I know they haven’t found much success as of late. But one thing they have found is their groove. Have you see these guys recently? They look amazing. They’re saying all the right things. Nate Bristow and Tully Barnes firmly believe that their time is now!

Kris Cruise: I’ve never doubted their ability to get the job done. They're a capable tag team that can give any pairing in FGA a run for their money. But focus, or lack thereof, has been the reason for their lack of success as of late. But like you said, they look to be in better shape than before and they’re saying all the right things. Maybe Bristow & Barnes will finally become players here in the tag team division.

The bell sounds as Bristow and Peaches start things off. After locking up, Peaches is placed in a side headlock. She tries to shove Bristow off of her, but it’s to no avail. After a bit of maneuvering, she’s able to slip out and reverse into a hammerlock from behind. Bristow then leans forward before reversing into a hammerlock of his own. The ref asks Peaches if she wants to give up, but she quickly refuses. Bristow then spins her towards him before throwing her down with a fireman’s carry takeover. He then sits up Peaches before slipping on an armbar. The ref is again quick to ask Peaches if she wants to give up. But Peaches gives him the same answer as before: no! After battling back to a vertical base, Peaches uses her free arm to move Bristow against the near ropes. She then sends Bristow off into the far ropes. When Bristow returns, the crowd boos when he knocks her down with a running shoulder block. He then turns and heads into another set of ropes. When Bristow returns, Peaches turns over onto her stomach. So Bristow hops over her before continuing to run the ropes. When he comes back, Peaches pushes herself up to her feet and leapfrogs over Bristow. When Bristow comes back, the crowd cheers when Peaches sends him crumbling to the mat with a basement dropkick. When Bristow gets back up, Peaches rushes over and knocks him down with a running butt bump. While Bristow picks himself up off the mat, Peaches heads over and knocks him off his feet with a dropkick to the face! She goes to follow up with a cover, but Bristow is quick to roll to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Just like that, Peaches as Bristow running for the hills!

Stephy Auger: He’s not “running” from anything, Cruise! Plan A didn’t go so well. So now it’s time to regroup and try Plan B.

The boos continue while Bristow takes a breather on the outside. The boos start to turn back to cheers when Peaches is seen waving him back into the ring. Bristow climbs up onto the able and steps back inside. But instead of going right after Peaches, he turns and tags Tully Barnes in. The boos come back when Barnes steps back inside.

Barnes and Peaches begin to circle the ring before heading towards the center. They motion for a lockup when Barnes opts out in favor of a kick to the midsection. The boos continue as he nails a doubled over Peaches with multiple clubbing strikes across the back. He then grabs a hold of Peaches before bringing her down with a swinging neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Barnes picks up Peaches, lifts her up and throws her down with a slingshot suplex. He turns over into a lateral press for the cover.

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

Barnes takes Peaches and sends her back into the ropes with an irish whip. When she returns, she slides through Barnes’ legs. When Barnes turns around, Peaches knocks him off his feet with a dropkick. A second dropkick returns Barnes to the mat. Peaches throws out a third dropkick. But she goes to the well one time too many. Barnes is able to side step and swats Peaches down. As Peaches tries to get back up, Barnes doubles her over with a knee to the midsection. She then takes Peaches and sends her into the corner with an irish whip. Barnes rushes in to attack when Peaches knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. After turning away from Barnes, Peaches is able to knock him down with a springboard back elbow! She the hops out onto the apron through the ropes before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Barnes gets back to his feet and turns around, Peaches leaps off and knocks him down with a diving crossbody block! Instead of making the cover, Peaches rolls off of Barnes, runs back over and delivers a senton.

Peaches goes for a cover. But before she can, Barnes rolls to the outside. The crowd boos when Bristow hops off the apron and goes over to Barnes to talk strategy.

Kris Cruise: Let me guess, Plan B failed as well?

Stephy Auger: Try not to sound so excited and start being a professional?

Kris Cruise: You? Telling someone to be professional? OKAY!

Bristow & Barnes remain on the outside before breaking up the huddle. Barnes then pulls himself up onto the apron before stepping back in through the ropes. Peaches makes a step towards him, only to stop herself. When she turns and looks behind her, she sees Herrera with his hand out for the tag. Peaches smiles as she goes to head towards the corner and tag Herrera in. But the cheers quickly turn back to boos when Barnes rushes up from behind and brings Peaches down with a clothesline from behind! He then looks directly at Herrera as he puts the boots to Peaches.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: AH HA! That’s what she gets for turning her back on her opponent!

Barnes yanks up Peaches, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning her around and delivering multiple knife edge chops, Barnes sends Peaches into the far corner with an irish whip. Barnes runs across the ring and connects with a lariat before sending Peaches slumping down in the corner with mudhole stomps. The boos continue while Barnes applies a foot choke. The ref is quick to give him until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Barnes lets go. He reaches down, gras Peaches by the wrist and pulls her back up. He begins to lead Peaches from out of the corner before knocking her off her feet with a short-arm lariat! Barnes drops down and makes the cover.

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

Barnes takes Peaches and whips her into the ropes. When Peaches returns, he attempts a back body drop. But Peaches is able to slip down from behind before following up with an inverted headlock backbreaker!

While Barnes continues to arch his back in pain as he lays on the mat, Peaches starts to pull herself towards the PLAS corner. Herrera is seen slapping the top turnbuckle with one hand while hold his other hand out for the tag. Peaches continues to pull herself across the mat while the crowd cheers here on. Herrera continues to look for the tag… until Bristow rushes across the ring and knocks him off the apron with a running forearm smash! The crowd erupts with boos as Herrera falls to the floor.

Stephy Auger: So much for tagging in the fresh man!


Back in the ring, Bristow & Barnes take Peaches and whip her into the ropes. When Peaches returns, Bristow & Barnes throw her down with a double hip toss! Barnes drops down and makes the cover.

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

Barnes heads over and tags Bristow back in. Bristow gets in, yanks up Peaches and then knocks her back down with a hard European Uppercut. He reaches back down, pulls Peaches into a front facelock before planting her with a Flowing DDT! He turns over and makes the lateral press…

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

Bristow takes Peaches, heads into his team’s corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Peaches around, he tags Barnes back in. The boos continue as Bristow & Barnes send Peaches slumping down in the corner with mudhole stomps. Barnes then takes Peaches by the hair, yanks her out of the corner and goes for a belly to back suplex. But Peaches is able to roll over Barnes’ shoulder and lands on her feet. She then turns and heads into the ropes. When Peaches returns, the crowd boos when Barnes brings her down with a pop-up Gory Bomb!

Stephy Auger: HELLO!

Kris Cruise: What a move by Tully Barnes!

Stephy Auger: It’s over Cruise! He’s going for the cover right here...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Peaches gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Bristow & Barnes are showing that they’re the better team! It’s been months since Dan and Peaches have tagged! They’ve got obvious ring rust and it’s showing!

Barnes heads over and tags Bristow back in. Once Bristow gets in, he picks up Peaches and places her in a standing headscissors. He then points to the corner, signalling for a turnbuckle powerbomb. After lifting Peaches up onto his shoulders, he gets nailed with multiple punches to the face. The crowd cheers after Peaches spins on Bristow’s shoulders, flips back and spikes him with a reverse hurricanrana!

Kris Cruise: Bristow came down right on top of his head!

Stephy Auger: AH!

Peaches rolls forward, dives over and tags Herrera in!

Kris Cruise: DAN IS IN! DAN HERRERA IS IN!

Stephy Auger: OH NO!

The crowd explodes with cheers when Herrera steps through the ropes. Barnes rushes over and throws out a lariat. But it gets ducked by Herrera as he runs towards the far ropes. When Herrera comes back, he knocks Barnes down with a spinning heel kick! Bristow then gets returned to the mat with a spinning heel kick! Herrera then takes Barnes and throws him down with a belly to belly suplex! As Herrera gets back up, Bristow nails him with multiple clubbing strikes across the back of the neck. He then takes Herrera and whips him into the ropes. When Herrera returns, Bristow goes for a Lou Thesz Press. But Herrera’s able to grab him and counter with an inverted atomic drop! The cheers continue as Herrera throws him down with the Final Word (pumphandle slam)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd boos when Barnes dives over and breaks up the pin.

Barnes takes Herrera and whips him into the corner. He rushes in to attack when Herrera knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Before Barnes can rush back into the corner, Peaches brings him down from behind with a Lungblower!

The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad take Bristow and whip him into the corner. After Herrera connects with a discus elbow strike, he takes a few steps back from Bristow before dropping down on all fours. As Peaches runs towards the corner, PLAS connects with the Up & At ‘Em (Poetry in Motion)! While Peaches heads out onto the apron, Herrera takes Bristow, sits him on the top turnbuckle and lifts him off before turning and planting him with a Muscle Buster! After scaling to the top turnbuckle, Peaches jumps off and crashes down on Bristow with a top rope seated senton! She then rolls off fo Bristow as Herrera heads over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout, the POLYCHROMATIC LION ATTACK SQUAD!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The camera cuts backstage to show Marlon Cure storming through the hallways of the locker room area, searching for something. Clutched in his right hand were a set of polaroids, seemingly the source of his anger. Finally finding the room he’s been looking for, Cure doesn’t bother with any pleasantries as he takes a small step back- before kicking the door wide open.

Marlon Cure: The next words up out your mouth better be some profound sh*t about why you keep trying me.

For her part, Lennon is sitting cross-legged on the floor, her polaroid strap hanging from her neck. She looks bemused as she listens to him go off, then finally raises her right arm and then brings it down as if to say ‘settle down’.

Piper Lennon: Whoa, whoa, easy there; I can feel the heat coming off your loins, you seem like you’re about to bust open. That really isn’t healthy, I’ve told you about how you can’t just keep obsessing over me like this and need to keep your feelings in check. I ignored it when you followed me over to England for the SSWA death march, but this is just a bit much really.

A light sigh.

Piper Lennon: This is the Me Too era Marlo, you can’t just decide you want a woman and … ‘take’ them. I mean, well, you can; I’m a big believer in free choice. But it prob wouldn’t be best for someone with your aspirations, y’know?

Cure snarls, taking a step forward.

Marlon Cure: Considering you snuck a feel on me for some bs “experiment” you keep tryna hide behind when called out and took these on some stalker sh*t -

Cure flings the pictures near where Piper sat, looking incensed as he steps inside.

Marlon Cure: - you really wanna pick that hill to die on, ma?

Piper Lennon: Ohhh right, those!

She exclaims, raising an index finger as if she only just now figured out what he was talking about.

Piper Lennon: Well tbh, I don’t think I’m the only person who likes photography, that seems like it’s putting me up on a pedestal of something special. But I mean, if I did leave you some pictures I think it’s pretty obvious what I’m trying to tell you, right?

A shrug.

Marlon Cure: ...Considering my mind doesn’t operate on “Crazy White Girl With Too Much Time On Her Hands” logic, I’m gonna have to go with no.

Piper Lennon: Think Marlon, think!

Lennon taps her temple.

Piper Lennon: I know you’re not big on ‘listening to people who aren’t yourself’ but remember what it is I said when I was first telling you that you need to control your hormones around me? That it’s not all about you, that it’s about you having something I want? That there’d be a reason if we crossed paths again?

She cocks her head ever so slightly.

Piper Lennon: Use those connections of yours franchise player! I’d think someone of your … girth and stature would be the first to know these things! The powers that be around here have named a #1 contender to your title, annnnd spoiler alert … it’s lil’ ol’ me!

Marlon Cure:...

The Announcement is met with silence and a blank stare. Cure’s expression remains neutral, but one could almost SEE his mind working overtime to process the fact that after all his concerns and bringing up the incident to management, he’s stuck having to deal with Piper once again. The screen fades on the two rivals in the wake of the news.

[FGA Office]

The camera cuts to Brian Stryker who is backstage. He is armed with a broom as he leans the tool against his shoulder, a big grin on his face.

Brian Stryker: Ladies and gentlemen of Vertigo. Allow me to introduce your next Pride Championship number one contender, future Pride Champion, and overall greatest man you’ll ever meet…me. Tonight is the finale of my rousing return to title contention. I finally win back my chance at the Pride Championship when I beat up that loser Tyler Storm and take this best of 5 series in a beautiful sweep.

He holds up the broom.

Brian Stryker: Not only am I gonna sweep this idiot 3 straight, it’s gonna scare the current champion Seth Iser so much he’s not even gonna want to defend against me. He’s just gonna leave the title at my feet and run away like a scared little bitch. Just like Storm should have done long long ago when he thought he could step into the ring with me.

Stryker taps the camera lens with his broom.

Brian Stryker: That was Storm’s biggest mistake of his life you see, thinking he could step toe to toe with The Experience and win. You can’t beat me, you can only hope to contain me. And he can’t. He’s just not up to snuff to compete on my level, very few folks are. Maybe after embarks him tonight, he and the rest of this god forsaken brand will realize that I am truly one of a kind. That I was the best 15 Champion for a reason. That I stand as the ONLY person to defend the title four times on a row for reason. And if you still don’t think so, well let tonight be the lesson you need.

The video cuts slowly to a right off a TV feed at the finish, with a camera zooming away from the television screen to see Tyler Storm staring at it as Stryker finishes and the screen fades black. For a rare moment, a growl can be heard from the level-headed Storm as he taps his fist against his thigh and turns towards the camera in front of him.

Tyler Storm: Alright, Brian...you got me. Two straight matches, you've bested me, you've taken my strategy time and stomped it down, you've made me have to back up into the corner and yet you are still punching.

Tyler looks upwards and shakes his head.

Tyler Storm: I should feel foolish for letting you get in my head like this and you know, but I really don't. This was your plan all along, it's your attitude, it's your ability to actually back up what you speak as much as it may pain so many people that are behind me. And for once I'm standing here, after two losses to someone I've taken to my own limits, and I really just don't have a plan anymore.

He lowers his head back to look at the camera, and shrugs off his own comments.

Tyler Storm: I just have to say it man, gameplans are not what are gonna beat you and it's time I understand that. I know at some points my way of doing things isn't going to be the way I can ultimately beat certain guys, and unfortunately as I chase for this big time opportunity, you become one of those guys. So what do I do then? Give up right? I mean, lord you are already claiming the damn victory, holding the broom, looking ahead to Seth...

The growl returns, and Tyler's face turns a light tint of red as he shakes out those last words.

Tyler Storm: Let me tell you something, you arrogant piece of work, I want you to be able to look at me in my face and TELL ME I am finished! I don't want you spouting off like a self-righteous see-you-next-Tuesday about how you are one of the damn best and for me to even consider myself worthy to face you, I should be ashamed. Look at the damn things I've done in FGA, I don't need to spout off what my damn accolades are because anyone that has a semblance of respect and damn logic KNOWS I have stood toe to toe with the best this company has to offer, especially on the Vertigo brand. I don't have to win every match to know I deserve to be here, to know I have earned the respect of my peers in this industry, and to know that I have always had the will of a warrior to fight back even when losing to jackasses like you!

Tyler pushes himself forward towards the camera, with no smile on his face for once, and the passionate rage in him surging through his body.

Tyler Storm: Congratulations, Stryker, you are in my damn head! I ain't gonna deny my frustration, I ain't gonna deny I am at risk of being swept. But don't you EVER look ahead of me. Three things piss me off in life: seeing one of my sports teams lose, taking shots at my family, and overlooking all of my work and pretending I am not right in front of you READY TO FUCKING FIGHT! I am right here, Brian! I am right here and I am not gonna stop being right in your face until you put me down! If that happens tonight, you better damn believe that I am gonna pick myself back up and am going to go right back to chasing, and I'll be hungrier if I have to know the person waiting on that path is you. Tonight will not be my final stand...tonight is the night you learn who the hell I am Stryker.

Storm pushes himself away from the camera and walks off, leaving a very different vibe to the backstage area than what he usually tries to exude out, as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

Having vanquished his former tag team partner at Revelations we find Mark Bisley backstage at the Giant Center looking mightily pleased with himself for his recent string of achievements ever since going it alone on Vertigo - achievements he's all too keen to remind anyone within earshot of him about

But tonight is not about looking back, that's for the Johnny Karmas of the roster, instead tonight is about looking forward - and looking forward begins with tonight's opponent, Terrence Tillman

Mark Bisley: In case you haven't noticed, I'm currently sitting backstage at a Frontier Grappling Arts show and I do not have to hide behind the dumpster in the hope that security don't see me and throw me out as I shouldn't be here, I'm not wearing a hair net and shoveling tater tots and chicken nuggets onto the plates of whoever needs a sudden carb boost, and I'm not holding a microphone under anybody's nose while asking silly questions. I think we can all work out what that means, considering the stipulation of the last match was Loser Leaves Frontier Grappling Arts, and what that means is No soy un perdedor - and that's why I'm still here.

With a smug look on his face, Bisley pats his chest in self-congratulation...but very quickly stops and he winces, suggesting that patting himself on the chest is causing him great discomfort due to his chest resembling the contents of a food processor last time we saw it, and the t-shirt he's currently wearing is hardly protection for so much as a light tap...

Mark Bisley: So it's the greatest of ironies that, having proven I belong here, my first opponent after doing the wrestling equivalent of stating the obvious is somebody that the person I ran out the company to prove my worth spent years obsessing over, hoping that one day they would muster enough to finally beat them, and one day he managed just that...with my help, of course

After giving a shrug to say "Obviously..." Bisley continues

Mark Bisley: So allow me to break this down for you, Terrence Tillman: you and I both know about your time in Lion's Den. You were a standout, the cream of the crop, if there was one name about Lion’s Den Fighting Championship that was on everybody’s lips it was that of Terrence Tillman. But here’s the thing, that time was three to four years ago, or should I say two developmental federations ago? You had your moment in the sun, you made the most of it, but it turned out your moment was only fleeting and others would soon pass you by. But at least you did not get disheartened, and you stuck at it and were determined to make it to Frontier Grappling Arts and here you are, carving yourself a nice little niche for yourself to make sure everyone’s aware that Terrence Tillman made it into the big leagues after all. So bravo, Terrence…

Bisley give a remarkably patronising gold clap

Mark Bisley: …but that’s where the good news ends for you tonight, because in a few short minutes you and I will be stepping into the same ring and while you will no doubt have hopes of victory, that’s all you will have because you simply do not have a chance of victory this evening. This may sound harsh, this may sound dismissive, but the issue you have right now is you are in a quite clear predicament: for you, a return to the heady days of Lion’s Den is what you most desire, a time where people would chant your name before, during and after your matches because you were the face of that particular league. For me, however, I am not interested in past glories or hearing my name chanted by those who would soon abandon me for a newer and flashier wrestler, I am interested in future glories and those can only be attained by making quick, decisive work of wrestlers put in front of me for the sake of there being some wrestling on the show. Do not take this personally, but as you are no champion nor are you vying for one, this makes you mere fodder for me, somebody I can elevate the credibility of by allowing them to take part in the sort of match people will watch and rewatch to pick apart all the subtle intricacies of how I wrestled an opponent within an inch of their lives before ending it because I had done everything that I set out to do. So savour the cheers you’ll hear tonight, but they are not what’s important: what’s important is I walk out victorious at your expense, victorious in a decisive manner where nobody can argue that it was not the way things should have happened, and I will move on to bigger and better things while you lovingly maintain that nice little niche of yours and hope that someday soon those cheers may yet return to the world of Terrence Tillman. And I’m rooting for you, Terrence, truly I am – just as I am sure that, after I put you through a clinic this evening, you will be rooting for me to raise the greatest prizes this company has on offer, not least because you will be able to say you were once a stepping stone on my journey to reach where I deserve to be.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Mark Bisley vs. Terrence Tillman

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!”

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Orlando, Florida! Weighing in at 230 pounds… “TERRIFIC” TERRENCE TILLMAN!

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.

The arena lights dim to almost pitch blackness, save for a couple of blue lights that pulse in sync with the intro to "Storms End" that is rising in pitch and intensity until the main hook burst forth and, at that very second, the ramp is bathed in blue light as Mark Bisley strides onto the ramp with his head bowed and an arm raised before he comes to a stop on the ramp and raises his head to survey the arena wearing one hell of a self-satisfied smirk upon his face

Keeping his arm raised as he makes his way down the ramp, Bisley walks at his own pace as he confidently walks to the ring at his own pace right up until he reaches the ringside area, and once he reaches the ringside area he lowers his arm and breaks into a short dash to give him the momentum to hop onto the ring apron where he crouches for a moment and taps the side of his head a couple of times to the song's beat before he rolls backwards into the ring and quickly gets back to his feet

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota! Weighing in at 201 pounds… “SMART” MARK BISLEY!

Once he's got to his feet Bisley makes his way to the nearest corner and climbs the nearest turnbuckles where he stands with one foot on the top rope and his arms held out wide as he slowly tilts his head back for a few seconds until he turns his head and peers back into the ring and climbs down, removing the towel from around his shoulders the second his feet touch the canvas and casually tossing it in the referee's direction as he takes a few steps forward so he's standing in the centre of the ring where he drops to a knee and runs his hand on the canvas to say one thing: this is my ring.

Kris Cruise: Mark Bisley has really been feeling himself as of late, hasn’t he?

Stephy Auger: Why shouldn’t he? He told the world that Shintaro Majima was the deadweight of Smart Style! It wasn’t a lie when he said that Majima was pinned in ever major loss of theirs. Then he went out at Revelations and did exactly what he said he was going to do and that was send Majima packing!

The bell sounds as Bisley and Tillman circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Bisley moves Tillman across the ring and into the corner. Once Tillman is pressed up against the turnbuckles, the ref is quick to get in and give both grapplers until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both men go to make a clean break… until Bisley takes a swipe at Tillman with a cheap shot. The crowd boos “Smart” Mark’s cheap shot attempt. However, Tillman is able to duck out of the way just in time. When Bisley turns around, the boos quickly turn to cheers when Tillman lights him up with right hands to the face. He then brings Bisley from out of the corner before shooting him off into the far ropes. When Bisley returns, Tillman knocks him off his feet with a Chin Checka (savate kick)! Bisley returns to his feet, only to get quickly returned to the mat with a dropsault. Once Bisley’s back up, Tillman takes him and whips him into the corner. He runs across the ring and motions for a corner splash. But he has to slam on the brakes at the last second when Bisley drops to the mat and rolls to the outside. The crowd boos as Bisley stalls by circling the ring.

Tillman’s had enough of Bisley’s stalling and rolls to the outside to go after him. After both grapplers lap the ring, Bisley rolls back inside. After Tillman rolls back in and gets up, the crowd boos when Bisley knocks him back down with a step-up enzuigiri!

Stephy Auger: Tillman just fell for the oldest trick in the book!

Bisley tosses Tillman through the ropes and out onto the apron. After grabbing Tillman and dragging him across the middle rope, Bisley brings him down with the Left Hand Free (rope-assisted single arm DDT)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tillman kicks out.

Bisley takes Tillman, moves him into the corner and delivers the Minnesota Buzzsaw (repeated shoot kicks to cornered opponent). He then pulls Tillman from out of the corner before whipping him into the ropes. When Tillman returns, Bisley doubles him over with a rolling solebutt to the midsection. He then grabs a hold of Tillman before delivering the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head)! The boos continue when Bisley follows up with a snap suplex. He turns over into a lateral press for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tillman kicks out.

Bisley takes Tillman and whips him into the ropes. When Tillman returns, Bisley throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. He then pulls Tillman back up, lifts him up across his shoulders and then brings him down with the Blind Destiny (canadian backbreaker rack dropped into double knee gutbuster)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tillman kicks out.

Bisley returns to his feet and grabs a hold of Tillman’s left leg. The New Ace lifts up Tillman’s leg before delivering an elbow drop across it. Bisley returns to his feet, holds up the leg and drops another elbow across it. After a third elbow drop is delivered to the leg, Bisley gets back to a vertical base before delivering the KneeDT (Foot DDT). While Tillman slowly turns over and holds his leg, Bisley gets back to his feet and heads towards the ropes. Bisley hops onto the middle ropes, flips back and crashes down across Tillman’s back with the Corazón de Zorro (Lionsault across opponent’s back)! He then pulls Tillman over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another near fall for Bisley! Outside of those first few seconds of this match, it’s been all Bisley.

Stephy Auger: Why do you sound so surprised? Tillman isn’t in Bisley’s league. If there’s anyone worthy of having the “Terrific” moniker, it’s Bisley, not Tillman!

Bisley grabs a hold of Tillman and slowly brings him back to his feet. From there, Bisley starts drilling Tillman with rapid fire elbow smashes. He then steps back and connects with a superkick to the leg, dropping Tillman down to one knee. Bisley goes to follow up with a superkick to the face when Tillman catches his foot. The crowd cheers as Tillman gets back to his feet. After throwing down Bisley’s leg, Tillman throws out a kick to the midsection. As soon as Bisley catches his foot, Tillman knocks him down with a dragonwhip kick!

Kris Cruise: Bisley just got rocked with that kick to the face!

As Bisley starts to get up, Tillman heads over and throws out the Terrific Kick (scissors kick). But Bisley’s able to slip out of the way. He then grabs Tillman from behind and goes for a German Suplex. But Tillman counters with three back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Tillman brings him down with a Tiger Suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley kicks out.

Tillman takes Bisley and goes for an irish whip, only for it to get reversed. After Tillman is sent into the corner, Bisley rushes in to attack. Once again, Tillman counters with a back elbow to the face. The cheers continue as Tillman hoists himself up onto the middle ropes, grabs Bisley and brings him down with a Tornado DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley kicks out.

Tillman takes Bisley and sends him into the ropes. When he returns, Tillman throws out a discus elbow strike. This time, Bisley’s able to duck the elbow and continue running the ropes. When Tillman comes back, he throws out a spinning heel kick. But he whiffs when Bisley drops down to the mat to avoid the kick. Once both grapplers return to their feet, Bisley brings Tillman back down to a knee with You Didn’t See That Coming (high speed running dropkick to the knee)! Bisley then brings Tillman back to his feet before taking him down with Greetings from the Twin Cities (hangman’s neckbreaker over the knee)! While Tillman is down, Bisley steps out onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he leaps off and crashes down hard across Tillman with the Sapienza (Frog Splash across the legs)! The boos continue as Bisley lifts up Tillman’s left leg before turning him over into the Minnesota Cloverleaf (Texas Cloverleaf with a knee to the opponent’s back)! As soon as the ref asks Tillman if he wants to give up, Tillman taps the mat.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout, MARK BISLEY!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Annie Zellor: Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking…

Backstage, and Annie Zellor is standing with her hands on her hips and the Rose City Wrestling Macaria Championship slung over one shoulder. Next to her is the best damn valet around, Mary-Jane McCracken; both are dressed in a similar style, opting for jeans and a New Murder t-shirt each.

Annie Zellor: You all want me to be stand here and tell you that Marlon got the better of me at Revelations, don’tcha? Yeah, and you want me to be mad that I didn’t get to make history that night, right? You want me to be broken up about all this? You want me to admit that I was wrong about being better than Marlon, amirite? Well…

She pauses for a moment, looking towards Mary-Jane, who just shakes her bowed head.

Annie Zellor: …I’m not gonna give you the satisfaction!

Zellor proclaims, boldly, jabbing a finger at the camera as she does so. MJ perks up, smiling at Annie and the camera as Zellor continues.

Annie Zellor: Maybe I don’t have the Mid-Atlantic Legacy around my waist right now, but I’m not gonna let that stop me.

Mary-Jane McCracken: Never stop!

Annie Zellor: ‘Cause right now I’m looking ahead to the future. I’m looking ahead to Only The Strong Survive!

Mary-Jane McCracken: That’s right!

Annie nods her head, patting the title belt on her shoulder as a smile begins to form on her face. She looks over to MJ and winks, before turning back to the camera.

Annie Zellor: Keep that Mid-Atlantic Legacy championship, Marlon. ‘Cause at Only The Strong Survive I’m walking out as the new number one contender to the FGA World Championship!

With that, Annie and MJ both pull #grrfaces for the camera, each throwing up the devil horns before they walk off together. And the show cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

Delikado is seen chilling backstage in his wheelchair alongside his managers Sofia and Ewan, all three apparently enjoying their night off from action. Suddenly, an aquarium with a barracuda swimming around rolls into the room on a red wagon. A robotic voice hisses out from a stereo attached to the side.

Carrier Barracuda: Carrier Barracuda with mail, meow.

A letter rests next to the aquarium. Sofa slowly turns her head toward Delikado as she reaches out for the letter.

Sofia Monzón: What…the…<BEEP>?

…………………………

Sofia Monzón: I can see that it’s a barracuda delivering mail for you! The real question is WHY do you have this system in place? Did you learn NOTHING from those flea-bitten carrier pigeons?

……….

Sofia Monzón: So short answer: no.

Ewan Jakeway: B-But why a barracuda?

…………….

Sofia Monzón: Delikado likes to think people in FGA will love the name “Carrier Barrier-cuda” when they all take up the system to get their own mail and information out. Apparently, barracuda are the best animal name to go with…

Ewan Jakeway: Why not use loveable bears and call it “Carrier Bear Mail” or something? That’s more marketable and pun-able if that’s what he’s looking for!

…….

Sofia Monzón: Shut up, Ewan.

Ewan Jakeway: Hey!

Sofia Monzón: What? That’s what Delikado said. The fact that I agreed with and repeated the comment on my own initiative was just a happy coincidence.

Carrier Barracuda: That’ll be $67.95 in rupees, meow.

Sofia Monzón: Of COURSE Delikado trains it to demand payment. *sigh* Whatever. Pay the fish, Ewan.

Ewan Jakeway: What?! But I only have $70 rupees in my wallet, and it was a gift from my great aunt that I don’t rightly wish to part with!

Sofia Monzón: I can’t hear you over the sound of my opening this letter, but I do know I won’t hear that fish wheezing through those speakers by the time I’m done opening this letter, because you’ll have paid it those rupees and it’ll be gone.

Sofia slowly begins to tear the letter open while Ewan begrudgingly pays off the barracuda.

Ewan Jakeway: You’ll bring my change back, right, Mr. Barracuda?

Carrier Barracuda: Of course I will, meow.

The rupees dropped in the wagon, the barracuda rolls off and out of the locker-room. Sofia unfolds the letter but eyeballs her client before she reads the contents.

Sofia Monzón: I don’t care how you got that thing to speak, meow like a cat, or even where you stole the time/ability to do all these crazy-ass things, since Ewan or I are always at your comatose side, but…how’s it move?

……..

Sofia Monzón: “Moves by breathing”. Well, nobody in this company can’t say you’re not creative. Anyway, let’s see what we’ve got here…

Sofia skims the letter, but rather than anger filling her face as usually happens with most mail brought to her client, she actually seems somewhat impressed, if in spite of herself.

Sofia Monzón: Well, well, looks like you and Susan Kent are the new #1 Contenders for the US Tag Team Titles.

Ewan claps with joy.

Ewan Jakeway: Wooooot! I told you these two were now “tag team official!” Revelations put them on the map.

Sofia Monzón: So it did…so it did.

Ewan seems to notice his partner does not share his level of energy.

Ewan Jakeway: What’s wrong, honey?

Sofia Monzón: It’s just…strange. Something feels off about this whole thing.

Ewan Jakeway: What? They're winners, and winners get title shots, don't they? I mean, I never knew when I competed, but isn't that typically how things work? Hey, could it be you’re finally starting to trust Susan and see her potential as our client’s partner?

Sofia Monzón: Hell no, I STILL wouldn’t trust her to grease the creakiest wheel on Delikado’s chair.

………………………

Sofia Monzón: You want me to bring that barracuda back in here and shove your head in its tank? Anyway, I don’t know what it is that's making me think this way. Second nature? Sixth sense? It's not as simple as Delikado and Susan winning, I feel like an alternate force is driving all this....

Ewan walks over and gives Sofia a reassuring back rub.

Ewan Jakeway: Everything’s fine, Sofia. You’re just finally back on the title hunt with Delikado after years and years of being away from it, and you don’t know to react to it. It’s fine though, your family is here and loves you—OWOWOWOWOW, PAPERCUT!

Sofia Monzón: Oops. Sorry….

She smirks slyly toward Delikado as Ewan sucks his bleeding finger and hurries out of the room.

Ewan Jakeway: Lemon ‘n lime that’s a deep cut! Is that paper made out of knives?!

Once he’s gone, client and manager sit and ponder their newly acquired status as title contenders in FGA.

Sofia Monzón: Fujiko and Izzy. That’s quite the leap up from Bristow and Barnes or The Resistance. Who would’ve guessed you’d end up a tag team wrestler…?

………………………

Sofia Monzón: Okay, yes, there was you and Evan Envi—speaking of, I wonder how he’ll feel about this turn of events. Maybe we’ll find out, since he and Fujiko are currently at war. Nonetheless, we need to prepare—REALLY prepare this time, not the bullsh*t pissing people off for shits and giggles while essentially winging it like you successfully did alongside Kent leading up to Revelations.

………….

Sofia lets out a humorless chuckle at whatever Delikado telepathically said, then leans back in her chair rescanning the letter in her hand.

Sofia Monzón: The hunt begins anew, you lecherous old son of a bitch. Then again, I know better than anyone how much the fight brings out your best work. Let’s get to it.

………………………..

Sofia Monzón: No, not after your fish brings you the latest “Price is Right” score—NOW. And to hell with Ewan’s hunky dory “trust” comment--forget your partner and focus on what YOU want out of this title shot for a moment. Susan will find out you’re #1 contenders however she finds out the rest of this crap, though probably not by “carrier barracuda”.

…….

Sofia Monzón: I know, I know, you want to “de-age” some more. We’re still working to that, Delikado…just one day at a time.

At this reassurance the two continue to plan how to approach Delikado and Susan Kent’s future title shoot against the US Tag Champions as we fade out.

Ewan Jakeway: [off-screen voice] Wowzers, that's a boo-boo if I ever saw one! Hey, Delikado, could you tell your barracuda to give me my change back? He just looked at me like he didn't know me when I ran by a second ago...right before he looked at my finger cut and licked his chops. I...I'm very concerned right now!

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up on a shot of the FGA World Champion making his way down the corridor, apparently just leaving the office of General Manager Jenevieve Geroux. His left hand grips the World Title against his shoulder while the right hand is placed over his mouth, rubbing at his jaw, eyes wide as he attempts to process the events of the evening, until a familiar voice echoes from the distance.

??: What the hell was that??

The camera pans around, revealing Ricky Valero to a raucous chorus of boos. He comes storming into the picture with a full head of steam, fuming with fire in his eyes.

Ricky Valero: Why wasn’t I invited to join you all for that wonderful little party out there? You just doing your own thing now? Or is Fujiko Mine bigger than the Good Guys?

He cocks his head to the side and he steps closer to his teammate, speaking with indignance but also slight sense of concern in his tone.

Ricky Valero: Is Evan Envi bigger than the Good Guys? Because last I checked we were a team. No, we’re brothers. But lately? I don’t know what’s going on with you. I don’t know what’s going on inside that head of yours. Between asking me to stay in the back for your match at Revelations, to going out there tonight with Fujiko, Izzy, and XENA all there ready to take your head off by yourself with none of your brothers to have your back and handle business...What’s the deal, Evan?

Ricky’s eyes narrow at his fellow Good Guy, looking for answers. Evan Envi is the target of what borders dangerously close to a tirade. With a long sigh, he lifts his head, eyes closed for a moment before he opens them, setting his gaze on Valero.

Evan Envi: Richard. Man. I…

Evan clears his throat, his eye literally twitching in the moments of silence that follow while he tries to formulate his words.

Evan Envi: I just wanted to end this. I mean-- I said that. Did I not say that?

Ricky’s eyes have somehow grown even more narrow. He opens his mouth to retort but the Chief goes on.

Evan Envi: At Revelations I wasn’t asking you to stay in the back because I didn’t want you out there. I just asked you to do me a favor as a friend so I could put this behind us. I was supposed to put her away by myself. And I could’ve. And if I had--

Evan takes a deep breath, lowering his tone.

Evan Envi: If I had, I wouldn’t have to go through this again. I wouldn’t have to fight her on her playing field. I would be doing the things I said I would do for this title. I don’t even-- like-- do you get that?

Evan sounds exhausted rather than confrontational, giving Valero an almost defeated look. But Ricky scoffs, rolling his eyes as he digests the World Champion’s words.

Ricky Valero: I’m not buying it.

Ricky chuckles, almost hysterically while shaking his head at the thought inside his head.

Ricky Valero: Yes, I’m sure in an ideal world, Revelations could’ve ended a little differently. But this, what you asked of before that match...it’s not really about putting this behind us at all. Not entirely. I think…

He bites his tongue for a moment.

Ricky Valero: I honestly don’t think you mind having to go through all of this again with Fujiko. I don’t think you care so much about putting this all behind us. What I really think you want...is to put yourself behind Fujiko.

This draws a deafening response from the live audience and a muffled chuckle from Kris Cruise on commentary. Evan’s jaw drops agape and he struggles to find a quick response.

Evan Envi: Jesus--

--but Ricky cuts him off before he can anyway.

Ricky Valero: What? I’m wrong? You clearly have a soft spot for her. You’ve had a soft spot for her. You and Nat are both like a couple of school girls whenever she’s around, and quite frankly, I don’t see what makes her so special. And after all she put me through at the end of last year, she shouldn’t be getting special treatment.

The anger rises back up in Ricky’s face and his cheeks burn red. Evan looks at Ricky with an expression that borders between concern and annoyance.

Ricky Valero: She and Izzy shouldn’t be able to just stand there in the middle of the ring and trash us like they’re above the Good Guys. Nobody is above the Good Guys, and that’s just a goddamn fact! I’m going to prove that about the latter later tonight, but Fujiko...she isn’t any different than anyone else who has or will get put in our path. If this were Karma, Dom, Marlon, Iser, Jimmy, Chandler, or anyone else, we’d tear them to pieces.

There’s a long pause as Ricky raises a brow, taking a step closer to the Chief, speaking quieter than he had been just seconds prior.

Ricky Valero: But Fujiko...for some reason, Evan, you’re going soft. She’s different.

Envi rolls his eyes.

Evan Envi: Come on--

Valero folds his arms.

Ricky Valero: Tell me I’m wrong.

Evan rubs at the bridge of his nose and his eyes with his thumb and index finger for a moment, trying to fend off the stress before it becomes visible on his face. He lowers his arms and looks at Ricky with a faint, almost tired-looking smile.

Evan Envi: You’re wrong.

He places a hand on Ricky’s shoulder.

Evan Envi: You’re wrong to question my loyalty to you guys. To Max. To Kyle. To Nat.

Ricky scoffs, rolling his eyes at the mention of Natalie McKinley, but Envi pretends he didn’t hear it.

Evan Envi: I get it. The Good Guys… no one person’s bigger than that-- not even me. I should’ve been upfront with you tonight and I wasn’t. I should’ve trusted you more than I did tonight. And that’s on me.

There are audible boos as the World Champion issues his apology, but Valero nods along, though his expression hasn’t changed.

Evan Envi: You don’t have to worry. I know what my priorities are. I know what has to happen tonight and I know what has to happen at Only the Strong Survive.

Envi pats the face of the World Championship as if that solidifies the statement.

Evan Envi: I promise.

There’s a long silence between the two before Ricky nods a little bit.

Ricky Valero: Okay.

He smiles for a moment, clapping his hands together once.

Ricky Valero: Okay then. Good. Let’s get in this right headspace then.

Envi nods to Valero, throwing the World Title onto his shoulder before he makes his way past him down the hall. The camera lingers on Valero, who hangs behind for just a second before rubbing his hands over his face, taking a deep breath before he follows behind the Chief. The scene cuts to black.