Vertigo (05.11.19)

[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


Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, MN

The camera cuts backstage with Spencer Burke on standby, standing right next to both Cure and Keiko inside of Cure's lavish looking locker room.

Spencer Burke: Marlon, last Vertigo you took on Piper Lennon’s hand-picked opponent, Jenny Cien and managed to walk away with a victory. Tonight, you have the chance to get your hands on Lennon as well as three other opponents as you compete in a Five Way Fray along with Dom Harter, Annie Zellor and Ricky Valero. What are your thoughts heading into the match and are you at all concerned that Lennon may attempt to uh… play a few more mind games with you before the night is over?

Burke is clearly trying not to chuckle at the expense of the man before him, remembering the not-so-thinly-veiled threat he made the last time he did so. Cure seems to ignore the jab for a few moments as he slides the black and white sleeve up his right arm and takes a puff of the cigar in his mouth, before glancing at Burke.

Marlon Cure: Burke, you get tired of coming up to me with this mic and them trash ass fits and asking the same stupid questions week in and week out?

Whatever response Burke is expecting, this clearly isn’t it. He’s caught off guard as both Cure and Keiko turn their attention to him, waiting for a response.

Spencer Burke: Wh-wha…?

Without warning, both Cure and Keiko are upon him, with Keiko rummaging through Cure’s locker.

Marlon Cure: Know what? We need a change of pace with this. Ayo Keiko, lace him up real quick.

Burke tries to sputter out a response, but Keiko has already fished the new T-Shirt out and places it over Burke’s head and face, logo facing the camera of course. Cure gives a smirk while Keiko pulls out what looks to be a modified shooting sleeve. Keiko, grabbing Burke's free hand, pulls it up to keep the item in place before she steps back and nods in approval.

Marlon Cure: Yeah, just like that. The “Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown” shirt, only available for purchase at Shop-FGA. King Cure Elbow Sleeve, ALSO only available at Shop-FGA. Better yet…!

Cure very quickly pulls something from his bag and places it right against Burke’s chest. Upon closer inspection, it looks to be a high-end compression shirt.

Marlon Cure: Blackout Apparel, all coming from the mind of Yours Truly. If you not seeing the black crown on the chest, then you wasting money and your workout is trash. Now back to the interview at hand - Hold up a second.

Cure then removes the mic from Burke’s hand and places it in Keiko’s, before substituting it with his cigar.

Marlon Cure: Hold onto that, Burke. If something happens to that? Something happens to you. Now Cameraman, swing the focus over here so The King can deliver onto the masses.

The camera pans away from Burke and stays on Cure & Keiko as she holds the mic up to his mouth.

Marlon Cure: Piper, you thought you had it all figured out last show, right right? You thought you could put me in the ring with somebody that’s always teetering on the edge, looking - BEGGING to be given a reason to pull up on somebody with that big black bat and leave them slumped over and leaking all over ringside. Honestly, that’s something I’d do so I’ll give you the smallest of props for thinking. But clearly being apart of your illustrious family didn’t allow you to look underneath the underneath. You thought that you had an easy layup and would see me get done dirty, but had you looked a little closer… you would’ve gotten a picture perfect view of why me being got would’ve never come to be.

The knowing smirk Cure gave the camera positively oozed arrogance as he wags a finger in a mocking manner.

Marlon Cure: I’d say you’ll learn from this, but we not big on giving out second and third chances over here. Tonight, though? I got 3 others that think they got something for me. Shit, two of them spent the last 7 plus months tryna hype themselves into thinking they can see me either in the ring or in the air. And seeing as how I’ve had words with all 4 of my opponents at some point? Lemme keep it simple, so simple even you can get it: If you still feeling raw about me getting one over on you… about me being right and saying you more known for being another man’s gopher than being a great these days… about the fact that I got what you want?

Cure’s lips curve into a defiant sneer as he holds the Mid Atlantic Legacy Championship in plain view.

Marlon Cure: Then, by all means, come see me and show me why you want it with The King.

Cure tosses the mic overhead, narrowly missing Burke's head as he and Keiko exit stage left, leaving Burke alone and still blinded by the various shirts Cure has over his head and body

[FGA Office]

The scene opens dramatically enough on a simple circular wood table under a light, with a chair to the right and left, otherwise surrounded in darkness. Footsteps are heard with an accompanying squeak as Delikado is wheeled into the light by Sofia Monzón, Ewan Jakeway just trailing behind. They stop at the table and moments later, a new set of footsteps are heard as Evan Envi emerges from the shadows, his FGA World Championship giving off a splendid shine under the single light hovering above the room’s occupants. Silently, as if they’re acting out a drama with cues they already know how to perform, Sofia professionally sits down in the chair to the right of the table, while Evan Envi slides into the chair on the left. Frowning with sudden realization, Ewan Jakeway awkwardly stands there, looking between the two already in the only two chairs in the room, to Delikado who always has a chair as he is wheelchair bound, and then to the lonely cold floor.

Ewan Jakeway: I...guess I’ll sit on the floor…

And he does. When that’s settled, Sofia inhales and turns to Evan, as Delikado telepathically converses with her on how to converse with his former tag partner.

Sofia Monzón: Delikado’s wondering what you think about the Main Event tonight. Maybe it’s a twisting of priorities by management, or somebody’s bad joke given our meeting at the last Vertigo, but it is what it is. You two share the same match, but you’re on opposite sides of the ring. Not to mention you’re partnered up with people you really don’t have much reason to cooperate with, you with Sara and Erin; us with Fujiko...and Susan Kent--

Ewan Jakeway: Sofia…

Sofia Monzón: Quiet, Ewan “Jakewayonthefloor.”

Ewan Jakeway: I...aw man, I have no comeback for that…

Sofia looks back to the World Champion and calmly awaits his comments. Though Evan’s eyes have been locked on Delikado the entire time, the silence prompts him to turn his gaze to Sofia, smiling faintly before offering the slight shake of the head.

Evan Envi: He’s partnered with the Epitome of Ineptitude in Susan… and the most complicated woman on the face of the planet in Fujiko Mine.

Evan draws a deep breath as he mentions the World Title’s number one contender.

Evan Envi: And I don’t know what you guys see in Susie Kent to be real with you, but I do know that you guys-- you’re taking a big risk teaming up with a closeted egotist like Fujiko tonight. I saw the liberties Bisley took with Deli last week. I know the kind of condition Deli risks entering this match in. Know what I mean? I actually give a crap. I have a heart. When Envikado was a thing, we bonded, man. And that chain’s unbroken.

Envi sniffs, turning to look at Ewan, and then finally at Delikado.

Evan Envi: But Fujiko? Fujiko?

Scoff.

Evan Envi: She doesn’t care about your wellbeing. She has her eyes locked firmly on a World Title match set in her hometown. She’s willing to sacrifice you and Susan to preserve every last bit of herself for me. For the FGA World Championship. And, admittedly, in her shoes, I’d probably do the same, but YOU… you deserve better than that, Deli. You deserve better than-- than being a sacrificial lamb in Fujiko’s twisted story. You obviously know that.

Ewan looks up and puts on an expression of confused innocence.

Ewan Jakeway: B-But what about the US Tag Titles? Wouldn’t she want to work hard to preserve those titles as well? I mean, glory is glory, right?

Sofia looks like she’s somewhat inclined to agree with this sentiment, but more telepathic chatting with her client brings on new questions.

Sofia Monzón: The question is, what exactly are you trying to suggest, Evan? That Delikado back down from the match? That he stand aside, let Fujiko take a beating and a loss, if only to weaken her on the way to Only The Strong Survive? Sure, that might help all of us in the title matches still to come, but Delikado has a personal reason to want to stay in the Main Event tonight, to fight and to win besides being addicted to shiny things: his old man curse requires WINS in order to “de-age” him.

She holds on this for a few moments to allow Evan to soak in the true extent of Delikado’s elderly image.

Sofia Monzón: Now, we don’t know enough about Fujiko except from what hearsay tells us, so maybe she is a “mad queen” in her own right. You tell us what we “obviously” know, so I’ll tell you what YOU obviously know about Delikado--about how he’s unable to let anything go once he’s set his mind on it. You saw plenty of his twisted madness during Envikado’s reign, and now I’m here telling you he’s madder than ever trying to return to his “normal” state.

Evan looks ready to object, but he sees the seriousness behind Sofia’s eyes. Turning to Delikado, he sees no change-- nothing different than it was when the World Champion had walked into the room moments ago.

Evan Envi: What I’m trying to suggest is…

Evan raises his index finger, tapping it against the face of the World Championship as he speaks.

Evan Envi: ...sometimes it’s not about the wins and losses on paper. It’s about the impact. It’s about the statement. And I think that Delikado deserves to make a bigger statement than being a footnote. I mean, sure, you could try to play it straight. You and Susie Kent could team up with a raging egotist and try your luck against Silk & Cyanide and the reigning FGA World Champion. But when Susan gets flustered and Fujiko’s emotions get the best of her and it essentially becomes a glorified handicap match out there, I… man… I…

Evan throws his hands up, looking at everyone in the room.

Evan Envi: I dunno how my heart’s gonna handle something like that. I-- I just have this haunting vision of Fujiko leaving you guys high and dry. It’s not like Izzy’s in the match with her to risk giving Silk & Cyanide claim to a rematch. Fujiko has nothing to protect. She has nothing to lose. It’s not her that has to make an impression in the main event. It’s Deli. I just wanna do my part and make sure Deli has the chance to do that.

Sofia pauses, as if something in Evan’s tone intrigues her.

Sofia Monzón: And what IS your part in this, Evan…? I mean, how can you care about Silk and Cyanide or their claim to rematches?

Evan Envi: Of course I--

Sofia Monzón: You don’t. How can you care about Susan Kent when nobody physically capable of speaking cares about her?

Ewan Jakeway: I care about Su--

The sound of a foot kicking something, followed by Ewan’s pained yelp off-screen, suggests Sofia has booted her partner into silence.

Sofia Monzón: Yeah, you don’t, but on that one I’m in agreement. And how can you say you care about Delikado’s impact when you know he’d make the biggest impact fighting to the very end out there, even in a handicap-like situation? These people in the FGA don’t fully realize it yet, but it’s been proven time and again he actually flourishes in situations that are more against him than for him. Hell, I take whatever visions of an abandoned broken Cuban in the middle of the ring you try to paint, and I say “this piece of sh*t can’t possibly get any worse.”

As if to prove her point Sofia shakes Delikado in his wheelchair and then slaps him with a solid right hand, but the ever dead-to-the-world Cuban Warrior gives no reaction even as Envi visibly recoils.

Sofia Monzón: Maybe you don’t care about what a “Delikado impact” translates to anymore, or perhaps you’ve forgotten after all these years apart.

She stares at her client for a few moments, then glances back toward the quiet World Champion. Her calculating dark Spanish eyes seem to detect something in Evan as she speaks her next sentence.

Sofia Monzón: So that leaves Fujiko. Surely you don’t care about her--you’ve made it pretty clear even to this comatose bastard next to me that you consider your business with her virtually null and beneath you. As a friend, while Delikado would never wish for you to “Terry Marvin” him and hand him titles or even chances to clinch a title blandly...as a strategist he must pose through me: wouldn’t it make the most sense, if anyone is going to remove themselves from this battle, for it to be you...? Why stay? Because the Vertigo card flaunts it? Because management might issue a stern warning if you no-showed? Because you owe the fans a “fighting champion” who can never surrender?

Evan looks to be at an utter loss for words. His face cycles through a few different emotions, most of which hover around “confused” and “deeply offended.” Sofia shakes her head in dismissal.

Sofia Monzón: Delikado says none of that’s you. None of those things inspire or frighten you. You are the one with nothing to lose here, Evan, whether you stay in the Main Event or allow Silk and Cyanide to go it alone, but you also have nothing to gain. If you fight…..you fight for nothing. Silk and Cyanide will fight for a rematch. If she can be bothered to show up, inept as she is Susan Kent will fight to be the center of attention. Fujiko Mine will fight to stay on the road to that title of yours. Delikado will fight for youth, for life itself. But you? You fight for nothing. Unless, of course, you’re fighting for Fuj…

Catching a change in Evan’s face, she suddenly shakes her head and smirks almost sheepishly.

Sofia Monzón: Forgive me, I let a little “women’s intuition” infect me for a moment and add that last little bit.

Evan opens his mouth to retort, but only a strange noise escapes. He clears his throat, guiding a hand over his mouth as he considers his statement.

Evan Envi: Well!

He pushes himself up from his seat, looking toward Delikado, eyes narrowed for a moment.

Evan Envi: I, for one, am overwhelmed at the amount of disrespect I’ve been shown. I’m out here, trying to at least give you guys the gift of foresight. Sara and Erin are animalistic when they wanna be. I’ve seen it. They will pick your team apart and Fuj…

Evan’s eyes flicker toward Sofia.

Evan Envi: Fujiko-- she’ll let it happen. You’ll see.

The champion shrugs before putting the World Title over his shoulder again, backing toward the doorway.

Evan Envi: And even though you guys are choosing to be my enemy this week, it doesn’t have to be like this between us. Remember that.

The Chief’s gaze settles on Delikado once more before he rounds the corner, exiting the room, stepping back into the corridor. Ewan looks toward Sofia.

Ewan Jakeway: Where’d THAT come from?? I think you pushed too hard, you always do that, honey, and I told you it hurts!....wait.

Sofia Monzón: I spoke plainly. I'm not running an Inquisition here. Clearly I struck a nerve. Even if he’s speaking the truth, Evan has SOMETHING going on in that head of his he doesn’t want getting out--a hard truth.

Ewan Jakeway: B-But now he says we’re his enemies! I thought this was a peace conference!

Sofia Monzón: Relax, we’re not “enemy enemies” after that. It’s just about recovering old ground and recalling that former co-existence.

……………………

Sofia Monzón: *rolling her eyes* Or yes, just “getting back in the old ‘friends with benefits no homo’ system”...God, why do you have to make everything weird? Whatever, at least we essentially know where everyone stands tonight in the Main Event. Watch yourself out there.

With that, Sofia stands up and nods to Ewan to roll their client out of the room as they depart, leaving the camera to hold on the table and chairs before we fade out.

[FGA Office]

• Tag Team Match •
Tristan Ambrose & Tyler Kingsley vs. The Saturnian Connection

Ambrose and Kingsey jump The Saturnian Connection from behind at the start of the match. After Clay is chucked to the outside, Ambrose and Kingsley take turns pummeling Fresno in the ring. The pair of Resistance members are looking to send a message to Peaches and Dan Herrera after learning that they will be facing the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad at A New Odyssey. Kingsley chops away at Fresno in the corner before placing him in a clinch and delivering knees to the head. Fresno reverses an irish whip and sends Kingsley into the far corner. Fresno rushes across the ring and dives forward for a Stinger Splash… only for Kingsley to catch him in mid air and counter with a Reverse STO into the turnbuckle for a two count.

Ambrose is tagged in and knocks Fresno down with a Pop-up Uppercut after an irish whip into the ropes. Ambrose sends Fresno back into the ropes with another irish whip. This time, Ambrose throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The leader of The Resistance stays on Fresno as he throws him into the corner with a Turnbuckle Powerbomb before quickly following up with a T-Bone Suplex for a two count. Fresno is then whipped back into the ropes a third time. Ambrose tries to catch Fresno off the rebound with a discus clothesline, but Fresno’s able to roll underneath it. When Ambrose turns around, he gets caught with Holyfield-esque jabs and hooks. Fresno goes to follow up with a standing heel kick when Ambrose swats his leg away from him and takes control of his back. Ambrose throws out a release German Suplex. But Fresno’s able to rotate in the air and land on his feet! He then rushes forward before delivering a running hurricanrana, sending Ambrose through the ropes and to the floor. Fresno immediately turns and heads back into the far ropes. The Alien Hunter readies himself for a dive to the floor… only for Kingsley to cut him off with Death From Above (springboard high knee)! Fresno is then tossed to the floor. Ambrose holds him up in place on the outside while Kingsley hits the far ropes. When he returns, he flips over the top rope for a somersault plancha. But at the last second, Fresno pulls Ambrose into the way, causing him to get flattened on the outside!

Fresno grabs Kingsley and brings the action back into the ring. Once Clay is tagged in, SatCon take control of Kingsley and send him flipping down to the mat with a double spinning arm wrench takedown. The young Resistance member is then whipped into the far ropes. Upon his return, SatCon deliver a double back body drop, sending Kingsley over the top rope and crashing down onto Ambrose. While The Resistance members help each other up, Clay takes off into the far ropes, comes back and knocks them both down with a springboard moonsault to the outside! Clay brings Kingsley back inside and goes for the cover. But she only gets a two count.

Tag out to Fresno. The Alien Hunter knocks Kingsley off his feet with a spinning heel kick after sending him into the ropes with an irish whip. The cover only gets a two count. After Kingsley is sent into the corner, Fresno rushes over and goes for another Stinger Splash. Kingsley moves out of the way. However, Fresno lands safely on the middle ropes. Fresno then steps onto the top turnbuckles, turns, jumps off and knocks Kingsley down with a missile dropkick for a count of two. He then delivers a running belly to back suplex to Kingsley before tagging Clay back in. Clay scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and connects with a swan dive headbutt for another two count. Kingsley is then brought down with a double knee gutbuster before Clay heads back into the corner. She scales to the top turnbuckle and flips off with a Corkscrew Moonsault. But she crashes and burns on the mat after Kingsley rolls out of the way.

Kingsley dives over and makes the tag out to Ambrose, who gets in and immediately goes for The Cure (Curb Stomp). But Clay’s able to slip out of the way before bringing him down with a Reverse Bulldog for a two count. Once Fresno is tagged back in, he drops down on all fours in front of Ambrose in the corner. Clay takes a few steps back before running forward and using Fresno as a launching back for a cannonball senton. However, Ambrose catches Clay in mid air and flattens Fresno by powerbombing her across his back. After Clay is chucked to the outside, Ambrose takes Fresno and throws him down with a German Suplex. He then takes Fresno before bringing him back down with the ドームズデー (Pumphandle Neckbreaker)! When Fresno slowly pushes himself up onto his kness, Ambrose blasts him with the Lethal Dose (Avada Kedavra)! As soon as Fresno falls forward and lands on all fours, Ambrose hits the ropes, returns and drives him face-first into the mat with The Cure for the three count!

Winners: Tristan Ambrose & Tyler Kingsley (7:16)

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns from the commercial break, opening up to a scene in the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad locker room. Both members, Dan and Peaches, are standing together, dressed in their ring attire ahead of her upcoming match, as Peaches is just finishing taping her wrists.

Dan Herrera: You ready for this?

Peaches: A match against a p*ssed off Pride champion?

The Southern belle snarks as she nods her head in a sarcastic manner. Dan does not look amused.

Peaches: Ain’t nothin’ to it but to do it, right?

Dan Herrera: I know you’re deflecting right now, but we need to be serious for a moment. Tristan and The Resistance are stepping up their game. They’ve ramped up the attacks in the last few weeks; we saw that at Revelations when they attacked you, at the last Vertigo when he cheated to win, and then they attacked us both…

Peaches: You ain’t gotta remind me, Dan.

To comfort his wife, Dan places one hand on her cheek, brushing away some hair as he does so.

Peaches: Ok, you can remind me if you wanna.

Dan Herrera: I’m serious. Because tonight isn’t just about The Resistance; you’ve got a one on one match against Seth Iser, and we know he isn’t in the best of moods.

Peaches: I doubt he’ll use that mist against me though. I think he saves it for special occasions.

Dan Herrera: It’s not just the mist…

Pause.

Peaches: ‘Cause he’s a bit of a psycho?

Another pause, before Dan nods in agreement.

Peaches: An’ who knows if he’s takin’ care of Tristan’s business for him? I get it, Dan, I really do. But with you at ringside, Tristan ain’t gonna try nothin’ tonight.

Dan Herrera: We’ll be ready for them if they do.

Peaches: An’ you might get to see me beat the Pride champion up close an’ personal.

With that, the pair share a quick kiss as the show cuts elsewhere.
=================
The scene opens on the camera directly on a broom sweeping the floors, slowly panning up to see Tyler Storm as the man holding that broom. He smiles as he looks up at the camera, giving a played up surprised look.

Tyler Storm: Oh! Hello there! I am very sorry I'm a bit delayed in getting to this, and apologies to anyone that may have stepped in this mess, but I felt it was my duty to clean up the crumbs left behind by my opponent for the past few weeks, Brian Stryker.

He sweeps up a little more and nods when he seems to be finished, then glancing at the wooden broom he shakes his head and proceeds to grab the handle in both hands and break it over his leg, throwing the pieces to the side.

Tyler Storm: A clean sweep job if I say so myself! Unfortunately, it's a bit of an opposite of the job that Brian tried to do against me a couple weeks ago. I will never sugar coat the fact that he had me against the wall, ready to lose 3 matches straight, and capture his chance to fight for the Pride title. I was a mess trying to find a way around this man, to get back on track, and the more and more I kept trying to think...

Tyler taps the temple of his head a few times with his index finger.

Tyler Storm: The more I realized that the issue was that I was overthinking the whole time. So these last two fights with Stryker, I shut my brain down, I stopped being this uptight wrestler that goes with this plan of studying head to toe what I need to know about Brian...and I focused on being the best Tyler Storm I could be. I put my best work into the gym, into ring training, everything in between, and I found myself in a form I haven't been able to capture in a long time. That form brought me into these last two matches, which were barn burners.

He chuckles and pats his left shoulder, lifting up the sleeve of his shirt to show the wrap on it.

Tyler Storm: I have my battle scars, I have a target on my body after all this, and I'm hurting. But I put my all in that ring...and the sweep Brian claims was a guarantee, is nothing more than a failed action now. I'm standing here STILL in this Best of 5, and I'm streaking on the positive trend now! And yet...I still feel like I should be doing better, not just for this company or you fans, but for myself as well. I'm happy I got things back to 2-2 on the record for this, I'm happy I get to control my destiny again...but I don't feel like I've put in the full work yet to truly earn my shot at the Pride Championship and whoever holds it after the Pay-Per-View. So with that in mind...I've heard rumblings of ideas from Brian's camp about what should be done because it's clear 1 match at a time...one fall at a time...it's not solidifying the guy who is deserving for this opportunity. So I want to put out the ultimate challenge to solve this, and Stryker I hope you are listening.

Tyler steps up to the camera and holds up 1 finger.

Tyler Storm: I don't care anymore how egotistical, in your head, overly confident you are because the fact is you have put me through some amazing matches the last 4 weeks. You have made me re-evaluate myself, made me crave that opportunity to be the best wrestler against another amazing talent, and it's clear that we are just too evenly matched for something as simple as a normal match to finish this thing off. Brian...Only The Strong Survive was a place where I had one of my best moments last year, a place where I earned an opportunity for the Pride Championship to take on Fujiko...last year where I made an amazing statement in the Gold Rush Rumble and showed I could hand for as long as I am needed to try and win a match, so much so my name is gonna be in the record books among the greats who have lasted the longest in that match.

He scratches his chin and gives off a pondering face.

Tyler Storm: And that concept got me thinking...putting time to the test is something I think would benefit us more than anything. Well how do we do that in a match? Honestly...there's only one match type. A match where a time limit is known to us both, but it's enough where we have to run a marathon to win. A marathon that includes that one thing I mentioned...the fact that one fall isn't enough for you and I. This match personifies what you and I have gone through in these last 4 matches: somebody can take advantage...somebody can get a match up...someone can make a comeback...and somebody has to win when all is said and done.

Tyler lowers his hand from his chin and steps back.

Tyler Storm: Only The Strong Survive marks the end of our chapter. So let's end it without any cliffhangers, without any doubts in the writing, without a single fan disappointed. 30...minutes. Tyler Storm...versus...Brian Stryker...Iron Man rules. A winner will be determined once and for all...the title opportunity will be captured...and we steal this show and make a statement, whoever comes out of it...is ready to be a champion. The challenge is on the table for you Brian...I hope I hear from you, or I hope that I wake up to see that OTTS card with the caption: Tyler Storm vs Brian Stryker, 30 Minute Iron Man Match.

Tyler turns his back to the camera, but looks back.

Tyler Storm: 5 falls wasn't enough...so we needed an extra 30 minutes. I'll see you at show bud...good luck...and be witness.

He walks off screen and the camera pans back to a broken piece of the broomstick from earlier, as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Johnny Karma vs. Mark Bisley

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest has been scheduled for ONE fall!

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Weighing in at 201 pounds … He is “SMART” MARK BISLEY!

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

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

Kris Cruise: Almost time for a rematch from a few months ago, Stephy. Mark Bisley, having secured his Vertigo contract at Revelations is set to face off against Johnny Karma again.

Stephy Auger: Someone who’s been very quiet since Revelations when, and say it with me, Cruise–

Kris Cruise: No.

Stephy Auger: –when he lost to Dom Harter.

J.A Aldridge: And his opponent…

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

J.A. Aldridge: Hailing from Queens, New York. Weighing in at 233 pounds … He is JOHNNY KARMA!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: The fans seem excited to see Johnny Karma back in an FGA ring.

Stephy Auger: Because he’s been too busy laying low since Revelations. But he can’t hide from Mark Bisley, not tonight.

Kris Cruise: Like we mentioned a moment ago, Mark Bisley managed to get the win the last time these two met. Will we see the same result tonight? There’s only one way to find out.

The bell sounds to start the contest off as both competitors circle the ring. Karma takes the opportunity to test the ropes, making sure they’re to his liking as the fans here in Minneapolis initiate a “Lets Go Karma!” chant. The former Undisputed champion gives them a wave of acknowledgment before the two competitors lock up collar and elbow. They briefly jockey for position before Bisley gets the upper hand, diving around the back of his opponent with a rear waistlock, only Karma to reverse into one of his own.

A belly to back takedown brings Bisley to the mat, and Karma quickly transitions into a grounded side headlock. But Bisley is quick to fight his way back to a vertical base as the side headlock is broken; Bisley keeping hold of the arm as he twists his way out into a wristlock, before he sweeps the leg. Karma’s shoulders are down to the mat as the referee makes the count.

ONE!
.
.
NO!

He kicks out in plenty of time, but Bisley still has the wristlock applied as Karma bridges his back. Balancing on his head and feet to throw his opponent off, Karma spins around and manages to break the hold before countering with a double leg takedown into a leg lock. But Bisley uses his free leg to push down on Karma’s chest, forcing him to break the hold, before both men roll away to a safe distance. The crowd give them a round of applause for the effort.

Kris Cruise: Looks like neither man is getting the upper hand early on here.

Stephy Auger: He’s just toying with Johnny Karma, giving him hope before taking it away.

Both competitors circle the ring again before locking up collar and elbow, and this time it’s Karma who gets the upper hand as he overpowers his opponent, pushing Bisley back into the corner. The referee intervenes, calling for a break, when Bisley ‘accidentally’ pokes his opponent in the eye. A loud boo sounds out as Bisley throws the former Undisputed champion into the corner and opens up with a series of knife edge chops to the chest.

A rolling snapmare brings Karma out of the corner before Bisley rolls through to his feet and runs against the ropes, coming back with a basement dropkick to the face. A lateral press for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
NO!

But Karma kicks out at one again. There’s no rest for him, however, as Bisley applies a chinlock and forces Karma down to a prone position. With the crowd rallying behind him, however, Johnny Karma manages to fight his way back to a vertical base. He pries at the fingers clasped together, forcing Bisley to release his grip; with his opponent’s arm hooked, Karma spins Bisley around and positions him for a back suplex, only to see Bisley flip in the air and land on his feet behind the Karmic Lion. It looks like Bisley might be going for an O’Connor roll, but Karma keeps hold of the top rope as he sends his opponent rolling backwards towards the center of the ring. Karma charges in, trying to seize on the opening, only to get taken down by a dropkick to the jaw!

Stephy Auger: Mark Bisley cutting his opponent off at every juncture here, Cruise. Tell me he doesn’t have Karma’s number.

Kris Cruise: It’s still early.

Bisley taps the side of his head as he taunts Karma and the crowd, who boo accordingly. Undeterred by this, Bisley brings his opponent back up by the head and promptly whips him towards the corner. He follows in with a back elbow to the face to keep Karma dazed, before Bisley sets himself up for the Minnesota buzzsaw! The series of shoot kicks wear Karma down further, until the referee finally intervenes once again. But this just prompts Bisley to perform a snap suplex and he floats over into a cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

A hint of frustration flickers on Bisley’s face before he quickly regains his composure, and he takes the opportunity to show the crowd how cool he is. Asking them if they think Karma stands a chance, the crowd give a resounding “yes” before Bisley tells them all they’re wrong. He brings Karma back to a vertical base once again, though, and hits a succession of elbow strikes to the face. On the outside of the ring, Cherry Baum is pounding the mat, shouting encouragement to J-K as Bisley runs against the ropes for momentum.

Bisley throws out the arm, looking for a clothesline, but Karma ducks underneath it and runs against the ropes himself. Bisley can only look on in shock as J-K comes charging back in with a running high knee, knocking the former tag champion off his feet!

Kris Cruise: And just like that, Johnny Karma has found a way back into this match!

Stephy Auger: Don’t get ahead of yourself, Cruise.

Karma is waiting for his opponent to stand back up, and Bisley obliges almost right away. But he wanders right into a hammerlock body slam as Karma sends him crashing back to the mat! The crowd and Cherry both cheer as Bisley holds his shoulder in pain, but returns to a vertical base nonetheless. He staggers back against the ropes and Karma closes in on him, before connecting with a series of knife edge chops.

Kris Cruise: Those chops echoing around the Xcel Energy Center here, that’s how much force Johnny Karma is putting behind them.

The last chop connects and Bisley staggers away from the ropes, holding his now reddening chest. But Karma stays on him, connecting with some European uppercuts that send Bisley to the other side of the ring. An Irish whip follows, sending the former tag champion back in the direction from which they just came, before Karma takes his opponent down with a snap powerslam!

But Bisley rolls away before Karma can make the cover, all the way to the outside as the crowd boo him again.

Stephy Auger: That’s just smart, a smart move by Mark Bisley right there. Putting distance between himself and Johnny Karma, and cutting off the building momentum.

Kris Cruise: He’s not out of the woods yet.

Sure enough, after a moment to catch his breath, Johnny Karma takes a run up and catches Bisley by surprise with This Is The Front Row, earning himself a loud pop in the process! The FWA fans cheering for their former Undisputed champion as Karma rolls back into the ring, whereupon he takes a moment to play to the fans. Dazed, Mark Bisley climbs back up onto the apron, only for Karma to pull off a rope hung bulldog!

Kris Cruise: Sweet Emotion! This could be it.

He says as Karma rolls his opponent and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Stephy Auger: It’s going to take more than that to put Mark Bisley away.

Kris Cruise: Maybe so, but Johnny Karma has found that second wind, and he’s firmly in control right now.

Undeterred, Karma brings his opponent back to his feet once more and applies an arm wringer. Bisley’s shoulder looks to be causing him some discomfort as he tries to force a break, only to see Karma go round again with another arm wringer, before working his way into an abdominal stretch. The referee is right on hand to check for the submission as Bisley reaches out for the top rope – but it’s just out of reach! Cherry Baum still pounding the canvas to encourage her client as Karma wrenches the hold in tighter, before Bisley reaches the ropes. The referee calls for the break, which he gets before the count of three. But Karma doesn’t let up the assault.

Some more European uppercuts keep Bisley dazed, and primed for an Irish whip. He’s sent across the ring, coming back to find himself on the receiving end of a spinebuster! But Karma isn’t done there. He pops back to his feet and runs against the perpendicular ropes, coming back with a jumping knee drop to the shoulder of his opponent! And a pin attempt follows.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Bisley gets the shoulder up in time, much to the dismay of the crowd. Karma takes a moment to catch his breath again, working out those kinks as he brings Bisley back to a vertical base once again. This time the pair head towards the corner, as Karma bounces his opponent’s head off the top turnbuckle. Bisley falls into the corner, leaving himself open for some more chops to the chest, before Karma goes for the Irish whip – NO! Bisley manages to reverse the Irish whip, sending Karma crashing against the far turnbuckle! The Karmic One stumbles out of the corner after impact, and right into the waiting arms of Mark Bisley and an overhead belly to belly suplex!

Stephy Auger: What a move there by Mark Bisley, and he might’ve just found a way back into this one, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: You might be right, but how much damage has been done to that shoulder, Stephy. Bisley needs that arm if he wants to hit those suplexes.

Both competitors are down momentarily after the overhead belly to belly, and the official has no choice but to start the ten count.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

Kris Cruise: They’re starting to stir here, but who’s going to get up first?

It looks like Bisley is going to get to his feet first, and he readies himself. Karma reaches a vertical base a second or two later, and immediately gets tagged by a couple of jabs. But as Bisley attempts a kick to the gut, Karma catches his foot, only to get drilled upside the head by an enziguiri! Karma drops to one knee as Bisley, feeling that adrenaline surging through his veins, scurries back to his feet and dives around the back of his opponent for a German suplex!

Stephy Auger: Here we go, Killer Combo!

The German connects, but Bisley keeps his hands clasped together as he brings Karma back up for another German suplex! Again, he keeps his grip locked in as Bisley lifts his opponent to his feet once more, and this time hits a release dragon suplex! Karma gets folded up like an accordion; he’s laid out face down on the mat as Bisley pushes himself back up to his feet. Sensing the opportunity, Bisley runs towards the ropes as he performs the Corazon de Zorro, crashing down across J-K’s back! He rolls Karma over and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NOO!

Karma gets the shoulder in the nick of time, and the crowd breathe a collective sigh of relief. Another “Lets Go Karma!” starts up as Bisley brings his opponent back to his feet. Some elbow strikes connects, forcing Karma back into the corner again. Another Irish whip follows, as Karma is sent from pillar to post with enough force that causes Johnny Karma to stagger out towards the center of the ring. Bisley charges in after him, springboarding off the ropes with a triangle enziguiri – NO!

Kris Cruise: Plucked right out of midair!

The dropkick connects to the midsection, knocking Bisley out of the air! The crowd cheer again as both men scramble to get back to their feet; neither man moves particularly quickly at this point in the match, but it’s Bisley who goes to strike first, but Karma ducks under the clothesline attempt and counters with a super kick!

Stephy Auger: No!

Kris Cruise: Check Your Chicklets connects!

Bisley is out on his feet, and Karma seizes on the opening, charging in with the NYC Uppercut! Down goes Bisley, but he bounces right back to his feet as Karma grabs hold of his wrist, bringing him in for the Hard Times! The crowd cheer as the bionic elbow connects, and Bisley hits the mat! Karma drops down on top of his opponent and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!!!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, JOHNNY KARMA!

“When The Levee Breaks” starts playing again as Cherry Baum steps into the ring to help J-K back to his feet. The referee raising his arm as the crowd here in Minneapolis cheer loudly for the former Undisputed champion.

Kris Cruise: He did it! Johnny Karma has avenged that loss against Mark Bisley from a few months ago, and maybe got himself some momentum going into Only The Strong Survive.

Stephy Auger: Maybe so, but Mark Bisley almost had him several times there. If Johnny Karma wants to become a world champion again by the end of the year, he’s going to need to do better than that.

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

We return from commercial break to go to a separate locker room though judging from the time stamp here this was taped earlier. There are a pair of steel chairs there and seated in one is Spencer Burke, the regular interviewer is sitting on the first chair with a nervous energy with how he has his arms crossed and a tapping of the foot. Why so nervous? Because Seth Iser is seated on the other chair and the biggest clue to this being taped earlier is he’s not in his ring attire. He’s got that same Pirates jersey he wore last week with his name on it and it’s opened to show off the fact that he’s gaining abs. There’s also the black jeans with the chain around them. There is also the shiny Pride championship over his shoulder.

Spencer Burke: First of all Seth, I’d like to thank you for this opportunity to talk and I guess the first question is how are you feeling?

Seth Iser: I’ve been better.

Seth gestures with that by showing off that his middle finger has been taped up, a side effect from his match with the devious and dangerous Piper Lennon. To prove he isn’t telling Spencer he’s number one he has a couple other fingers raised but the point remains.

Seth Iser: One thing I will say before we get to what you want to ask me in particular is there’s a small announcement. It’s fairly obvious but for the second time you’ll see me in the Gold Rush Rumble.

Spencer Burke: That’s some breaking news then.

Seth lets out a shrug but his facial expression isn't giving a tell yet.

Seth Iser: I heard some of the things said earlier. I’m not going to let others have all the fun in that match. Dom has something he wants to prove where he wants to be the man one more time as well as showcase his prowess in the air and I wish my Lariat Inc partner the best on that. Annie has her own point to prove to try to build her legacy on top of two Mid-Atlantic reigns as a singles competitor. And Marlon, like yours truly, is a gold hound and a glory hound. We love what we have but we always want more.

Seth then scowls that serious expression.

Seth Iser: And Ricky wants to not be left behind by Evan in this company. That’s just a handful of the various combustible elements involved but...I’m someone who knows every trick in the book when it comes to winning a match including winning a situation like that. And I’m going to add another notch to my own personal legacy by not only successfully defending this title but winning the Gold Rush Rumble on the same night and every trick in the book is available and it’ll take more than a damn broken finger to stop me from competing tonight, twice in one night or any night for that matter.

Seth then balls his hand that has the wound up in a fist to show that he’s more than ready to go.

Spencer Burke: The wounds of the ring are always apparent but one of the first things I’ve wanted to ask about a different kind of wound you might have: where is your head? The last several weeks have seen...a departure from what we normally expect from you.

Seth Iser: A departure you say?

Seth just glances at Spencer as he crosses his arms toward him with a sour expression on his face but when he asks that it’s more like he has that probing stare at the interviewer to try to coax something else out of him.

Spencer Burke: While I think anybody in the world can and quite frankly should commend you for the shape you’ve gotten yourself in at your age, I think we can all agree that if we’ve seen your last month and a half or so in this company...you haven’t entirely wrestled with your usual reputation as a chess master or a defensive wrestler. You’ve wrestled aggressively. I’d even go as far as to say...you’ve wrestled angry.

Seth Iser: Angry…

Seth’s face contorts into something bitter when repeating that word. The face he has does have the expression of one word: angry.

Spencer Burke: There is a chance that anger could let you be upset by Peaches just like you were to Nando…

Seth Iser: It won’t happen.

Seth just cuts him off and glares at Spencer as he's agitated by that line of questioning.

Spencer Burke: It almost did with Pi-

Seth Iser: Spencer. It won’t happen. I know how good Peaches is when that bell rings. I saw it when she made Ambrose submit. But she’s not going to like what’s going to happen in that ring because I’m certainly more than a little angry and this is the last opportunity to let out any excess anger so I’m a CONTROLLED angry for Two Falls of Honor because as the only one in this company who has competed in that particular match I know for a fact there is no room for excess anger...and I will be in control of everything and pass THAT test.

Spencer Burke: I do have to ask though with that anger, controlled or otherwise, where is the source of it?

Seth Iser: I want you to think about this Spence...when you’ve put in the work that I’ve done not just recently in this rededication to form I’ve had but my entire career and you feel disrespected constantly by people who have no idea the mountain of crap you had to go through and the blood sweat and tears that I’ve left in the industry just so THEY could have an opportunity to perhaps build off of what I’ve done, you’re going to get a little angry. When you have to deal with the scumbag known as Owen Gonsalves for several years you’re going to get more than a little angry! When you have someone who DOESN’T DESERVE A DAMN TITLE OPPORTUNITY...challenge your own validity, you’re going to both feel disrespected and a little angry!

Spencer Burke: You mean Fujiko?

Seth Iser: She doesn’t even deserve to have her name spoken at this point as far as I’m concerned. The last thing I’m going to say involving her is Evan Envi is being far too conservative dealing with her and all your talk about where my head is at...if he doesn’t get HIS head fully in the game he’s going to have to start apologizing to a ton of us after the fact letting the company and the wrestlers down.

Spencer Burke: Point taken on that but what about your own game? Isn’t it compromised just a little bit with how your style of wrestling is?

You can see a shake of the head from Seth when that is asked. There is a narrowing of the eyes but right now Seth is maintaining his composure and staying in control for the time being. Though that glance makes Spencer shift in his chair a little bit from that peering stare.

Seth Iser: Sometimes Spencer...being angry is a good thing and it can get shit done you wouldn’t believe possible. I won this championship being a little bit angry. Who was I angry at? I was angry at myself because I hadn’t achieved in this company the way I should have...but tapping into that feeling just a little bit helped moved a mountain and I vanquished Izzy Anders for this championship and she’s still a little bitter about it. She’s angrier than she cares to admit about that and about that mist that’s still burning in her mind.

Seth’s face contorts into a scowl.

Seth Iser: But I’m the one who should still be angry between the two of us. I tell her to kick someone’s ass like I did to earn an opportunity at the Pride Title and she breaks Vincent Moretti’s leg. Then she gets up in my face after a title defense and splits me open. So while she might think she could have the time of her life in this match letting out some of her own anger because she wants to run someone like me out...she’s already making a mistake that jumps off the page.

Spencer looks at Seth curiously.

Spencer Burke: And what would that be?

Seth Iser: She’s blending me in with Ricky, another veteran in a way but we’re two totally different animals. Ricky will scheme about something and then implement it to the best of his ability. If I have a problem with you? I’ll get out here in front of the camera and tell the truth about it. I ain’t a damn ‘good guy’ and you want to maybe think about your ‘partner’s suggestion to take a nine iron to my knees or try to put me through some sort of physical pain? Go ahead Izzy. Take your best shot in that match. I dare you...take that shot. Fight with that anger…and take that dishonorable approach. I beg you...do it.

Seth’s face just twists into something dark and sinister.

Seth Iser: I’ll fight with the anger that’s been around my entire life...in just enough control to pick you apart for every sin you’ve ever committed in this company. I’m not the first person you’ve done this type of thing to...I’m more than aware of that. But I’m going to be the last you ever do this to. You’ll fail this test of Honor when you come into my world. I’m already one of the hardest wrestlers in the world to beat twice as you’re well aware but you truly have no idea what you’re in for as this is the kind of fight that I’ve made a long career of...

Seth then just lets out a chuckle that’s almost evil in tone and you can tell Spencer is getting increasingly uncomfortable.

Seth Iser: And then the reality sets in...that you fall the same fate as Owen Gonsalves, another rival of mine. The great wrestler that crosses a line but when they do...well they end up building my legacy...not destroying it. And that’s the most damning thing you’ll have to accept until the day you retire...that no matter how hard you fight, no matter whom you break, that no matter the person you’ve intimidated...you just going to be looked at as lesser than me because I’m the one person you can’t beat and then and only then will some of that anger YOU Izzy put in me will be dissipated entirely.

And then Seth just loses any semblance of joy on his face as his face morphs fully into something that looks more like his younger, more sadistic self.

Seth Iser: You’ll be broken by that reality when I subject you to the angry storm you’ve helped create. And to bottom line it...you Izzy, the winner of the best of five between Stryker and Storm and anyone that’s in this Pride Title division now, as varied and good as all of you are in your own way...no matter how you test me...you’ll have to learn to accept the fact that I’ll be the Pride Champion for a long time to come yet. And everyone else?

Seth has that sneer with particular disdain when he says the word ‘everyone else’.

Seth Iser: Everyone else in the division will just be fighting for second place.

With that Seth just stands up and that’s the cue that the interview is over and we then fade from this pre-taped interview.

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up on the shot of Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter and Jillian Clay of the Saturnian Connection to a mild pop from the Minnesota crowd. The pair seem to be in the midst of a conversation, still in their wrestling gear, with Clay seated cross-legged on top of an equipment crate while Nando leans against it, rolling the kinks out of his neck as the pair speak in whispers.

??: Hey, Nando. Jill.

Jillian smiles brightly as Spencer Burke walks into frame. She holds out her arms, as if giving him some version of a hug even as she sits four feet away.

Jillian Clay: It’s Spenceeerrr!

Spencer Burke: Guys, good to see you again. I just wanted to follow up with you guys after you helped kick off our show in tag team action against--

??: Are you kidding me right now?

The camera swiftly pans in the direction that the voice came from. Boos resonate through the Xcel Energy Center as Ricky Valero and Evan Envi approach the trio. Envi, unlike his first appearance in the night, sports wrestling tights and a black “DO GOOD” t-shirt, partially obscured by the FGA World Championship slung over his shoulder.

Ricky Valero: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa...Spence, what are you doing wasting your time talking to these two ignoramuses when you have two bonafide superstars you can talk to right here?

Spencer Burke, for his part, doesn’t respond to Ricky directly, instead giving his longtime antagonizer a tired look.

Spencer Burke: If you wanna hang around for a moment, I’ll gladly interview you right after--

But Ricky isn’t really interested in what Spencer has to say, instead pushing by the FGA reporter and standing firmly in front of Saturnian Connection with a smug smirk on his face.

Ricky Valero: Time to go now, children. The adults are here.

Nando Fresno narrows his eyes at Valero. The larger Valero grins down at him, taking a step closer, closing the space between himself and the proclaimed alien hunter. Nando rolls his eyes, scoffing under his breath.

Nando Fresno: ...know what?

Ricky Valero: What?

Valero says it as a challenge, the arrogance evident in his voice. Nando shakes his head, a bitter smirk on his face for a moment before he looks up at Ricky.

Nando Fresno: Forget it.

Nando gives Jillian a small nod. She pushes herself down off of the equipment crate, giving the Good Guys a long, lingering look before she and Nando make their way out of the shot, disappearing down the corridor. Envi raises a brow at the altercation, watching the Saturnian Connection depart with a tiny shrug. Valero’s smug grin earns a chorus of boos from the St. Paul crowd.

Ricky Valero: Now that they’re out of the way...ask me about my match, Spence. Let’s talk about me.

Burke sighs a little, but slips back into professional mode, obliging the “Good Guy.”

Spencer Burke: Okay, Mr. Valero, let’s talk about your match later this evening. You’re involved a five-way match against Dom Harter, Marlon Cure, Piper Lennon, and Annie Zellor. What are your thoughts heading into that match tonight?

Ricky scoffs as he rubs his hands together in anticipation.

Ricky Valero: My thoughts? My thoughts are quite simple, Spence: I’m going to win.

He snickers, much to Spencer’s agitation who just rolls his eyes. Ricky holds his hands up in defense.

Ricky Valero: I know, I know. That’s the general opinion everyone in this match has about themselves heading in, and I can’t take that away from them. How could you respect them if they didn’t have complete confidence in themselves? Well, except for Dom, obviously there’s nothing to respect about that disgusting, reprehensible pissant. But I digress.

That sly grin returns.

Ricky Valero: But tonight...tonight is about reminding everyone that I am one of the greatest talents to ever step foot inside the squared circle. Tonight is about reminding everyone that I’m not just some nitwit coattail riding sidekick. I’m not some goddamn joke to be taken lightly or looked past. It’s about reminding everyone of how I have managed to compile the resume I have over the course of a 19-year professional career, dominating and disposing of some of the best this business has ever seen, some of the best the FGA has ever seen. I’m not just a superior athlete with the body of a god, I’m one of the biggest superstars to ever compete in an FGA ring and I am, without a shadow of a doubt, a future FGA World Champion. And the road to getting there starts tonight.

Envi doesn’t visibly react to the comment, though he does spare a glance toward the Word Title on his shoulder before the camera begins to pan in on Valero. Ricky’s demeanor has shifted slowly, transitioning from smug and flamboyant to calm and confident with a cold stare.

Ricky Valero: Harter, Cure, Lennon, Zellor. They’re good. No, they’re great. Each and every one of them brings something unique to the table that has enabled them to have the success they have had here to this point. It’s all well documented and it’s been made pretty clear that they all desire to achieve the same thing I do: win the Gold Rush Rumble and main event All-Star Showdown. Harter’s done it twice. Zellor is a force to never be underestimated. Cure and Lennon could very well be the future of this sport. But not a single one of them, nor anyone else in this company is going to reach the heights they wish to reach at my expense. Not anymore. When I’m dead and gone, Cure and Lennon, they can have the spotlight. Harter and Zellor can rot in marital bliss and continue on as two of the most nauseating individuals we have ever seen. But here and now, here and now I’m taking back what’s mine. I’m cementing my place and planting my flag at the top of the mountain. Because it doesn’t matter if it’s these goddamn parasites in the back or any of the incestual jabronis in attendance tonight, nobody is going to stand in the way of the Good Guys’ destiny. Nobody is going to stop us from accomplishing all we set out to accomplish.

That trademark smirk returns to his face and is accompanied by a sarcastic shrug of the shoulders and a chuckle from the self-proclaimed “Franchise Player” of the FGA.

Ricky Valero: So it all begins tonight. Cure, Harter, Lennon, Zellor...tonight is just an example of what awaits us at the Gold Rush Rumble, and a cold, unfortunate reality for each one of you. Tonight starts to pave the way toward the greatest main event in the history of All-Star Showdown. In the history of Frontier Grappling Arts...

Our camera begins to pan out slightly as Ricky turns toward his best friend with a genuine, gleeful smile.

Ricky Valero: Good Guy vs. Good Guy. The two greatest friends in the world. The two omnipotent centerpieces of this entire company. For the FGA World Championship.

The response earns a loud, mixed reaction from the crowd, with many openly booing the smugness of Valero’s statement. Envi nods slightly, a small smirk on his face.

Spencer Burke: And how do you feel about that, Chief?

Envi’s gaze seems to stay on his best friend for a few seconds before he even registers the interviewers words. Calmly, Evan clamps his free hand down on Spencer’s shoulder.

Evan Envi: I feel like there’s a lot of good talent in that ring. I know what Dom’s capable of and I know how adamant he is about getting another shot at my World Championship. He thinks I owe him something and I disagree-- so this his chance to earn that. But in order for him to do that, he has to beat his fiancee, and he’s not a better wrestler than his fiancee. He has to beat Piper-- someone who’s been on fire all year, and Marlon, who’s been on fire for longer than that. Dom Harter might find out tonight that he isn’t the big dog he thinks he is. But they’re all just fighting for a pat on the back, really. Those other dudes-- they’re fighting for the sake of a good showing, pretty much, because…

Evan nods his head in Valero’s direction.

Evan Envi: I believe every single thing Richard said. I believe in Richard.

A pause.

Evan Envi: I believe in my best friend. And when the time comes, we’ll tear it down.

His gaze lingers on Valero.

Evan Envi: When that time comes… no one’s ever gonna forget it.

Valero pauses, a thoughtful expression on his face, before he nods, beaming at the Chief.

Spencer Burke: Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Evan Envi still has to make it out of Fujiko Mine’s hometown with the World Championship in order for that to be a reality.

Ricky Valero: Please.

Spencer Burke: And as we know, the night doesn’t end there for the Good Guys. In our main event, Evan Envi teams with former United States Tag Team Champions, Silk & Cyanide, to take on Delikado, Susan Kent, and aforementioned number one contender.

Spencer turns toward the Chief.

Spencer Burke: And it seems, Chief, that you’ve gone to great lengths tonight to prove how much you… dislike Fujiko.

Evan Envi: Pfft. I uh… I haven’t gone to great lengths to prove anything. I-- okay, so, look-- I was-- my judgment was clouded before. I got swept up in this energy that Fujiko has. I was captivated. I was. I don’t think there’s any shame in that. And in the midst of building such a strong, heated, heavy, sweaty rivalry with Fujiko Mine, while simultaneously resisting her tireless advances… I… I… I broke. The heart wanted what it wanted. I almost let this inexplicable infatuation with the devil herself distract me from what was important.

Envi pats the face of the FGA World Title, giving Spencer a wink.

Evan Envi: And I owe it all to Richard for helping me see the light.

Richard applauds, looking as if he’s about to burst with joy at the end of the mini-speech. Spencer Burke, for his part, looks less impressed.

Spencer Burke: So all of your conflicted feelings toward Fujiko and all of the problems it’s caused in the Good Guys camp are resolved?

Evan Envi: Yup.

Spencer Burke: Hm. And during your visit with Delikado earlier in the night… where, by the way, you were blatantly trying to cause discord amongst the other team--

Evan Envi: I was not. I was warning an old friend!

Ricky Valero: Like a hero.

Spencer Burke: --you got a bit flustered when Sofia mentioned that you could still have feelings for Fujiko Mine.

Ricky Valero: Jesus Christ, Spencer, what is this, your audition tape for TMZ?

Spencer Burke: I just think it poses an incredibly interesting set of dilemmas.

Evan Envi: That’s because you’re cynical. And I don’t appreciate it. We gotta go. Wish Richard luck.

Spencer Burke: Goodbye, guys.

Ricky Valero scoffs at Burke, shouldering past him as he leads the way down the corridor. Burke hisses in pain, rubbing his arm. Envi lingers behind, giving Burke a classic smirk before walking around him, following Valero down the hall while we fade to black.

[FGA Office]

• Singles Match •
Seth Iser vs. Peaches

Peaches goes to strike early by charging across the ring and throwing herself at Iser with a crossbody block. But the Pride Champion is able to knock Peaches out of the air with a running big boot to the face. He then yanks up Peaches by the hair before whipping her into the far ropes. When Peaches returns, Iser turns her inside out with another running big boot to the face. Instead of making the cover, Iser goes over and delivers multiple leg drops across the back of the neck. He then pulls Peaches over to make the cover, but he only gets a two count.

Iser brings the action in the corner and delivers multiple knee strikes to the midsection, followed by multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection, followed by multiple back elbows to the face. A foot choke is then applied by the Pride Champion. He purposely breaks the choke just before the count reaches five. After Peaches is sent into the far corner with an irish whip, Iser charges in to follow up with an attack. At the last second, Peaches hops through the ropes and out to the apron, causing Iser to crash sternum-first in the corner. While the Pride Champion stumbles back, Peaches scales to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and brings him down with a Diving Neckbreaker for a two count.

An irish whip is reversed, sending Peaches back into the ropes. Iser goes for a third big boot. But this time, Peaches slides underneath it. When Iser turns around, he’s knocked back by a pair of dropkicks. Peaches then heads into the far ropes. When she returns, she throws herself at Iser with a running butt bump. But Iser’s able to catch her in mid air and counter with a release German Suplex. Iser marches towards Peaches, yanks her back up and then hurls her across the ring with a release belly to belly suplex. Iser takes his way out onto the apron. After grabbing a hold of Peaches, he takes the PLAS member and looks right down at Dan Herrera before delivering a Vertical Suplex off the apron and to the floor. Herrera rushes over and attends to his wife while Iser looks on. Iser goes to approach for another attack on Peaches, but Herrera puts his hand out to hold him back. Herrera and the official continue to attend to Peaches on the floor. Herrera turns to Iser again. This time, the Pride Champion clocks him with a hard right handed punch. He then grabs a hold of Herrera before whipping him hard into the steel steps. Upon impact, the steps go tumbling across the floor. A quick shot backstage shows Tristan Ambrose rubbing his hands as he watches Iser go to work on Peaches. Back to ringside, Iser picks up Peaches and delivers a Stun Gun across the top of the guardrail. Peaches immediately crumbles to the floor and clutches her throat. Iser shows her no mercy through as he pulls Peaches to her feet. He pulls her into a front facelock and sets up for the Deprivation DDT (Jake Roberts-style DDT) on the floor. But he thinks better of it and lets go. Or does he? The Pride Champion turns, reaches down, grabs the protective mat and peels it back, exposing the concrete floor! He grabs a hold of Peaches and pulls her back into a front facelock to set up the Deprivation DDT. The ref begs him not to do it. Iser just responds with a cold glare. He’s about to send Peaches head-first onto the floor when Peaches runs forward and rams him back-first against the edge of the ring. While Iser arches his back, Peaches rolls back into the ring.

Iser continues to hold his back while Peaches heads into the far ropes. When the Pride Champion turns around, she leaps through the ropes and knocks him down with a suicide dive. She then mounts herself on top of Iser and rains down right hands to the face. Peaches brings the action back inside, but she only gets a two count. In the corner, Peaches goes to work on Iser with alternating toe kicks and forearm strikes. Her irish whip attempt is reversed, sending her crashing into the far corner. Iser charges in for an attack when Peaches goes to counter with a boot to the face. Instead of getting hit in the face with the boot, Iser stops and catches her foot. Iser drags Peaches from out of the corner before she counters with an enzuigiri, dropping Iser down to a knee. Peaches follows up with an Overdrive for a two count. Peaches targets the left knee and drops Iser down to one knee with a basement dropkick. She then delivers an inverted facelock backbreaker, followed by a cartwheel splash for a two count.

Peaches heads up top before diving off and knocking Iser down with a high crossbody block for another two count. Peaches brings Iser back up and hits him with three forearms strikes before heading into the ropes. When she returns, Iser goes to cut her off with a discus clothesline. But Peaches ducks, hops onto his shoulders from behind and brings him down with a reverse rana. She follows up with repeated running sentons across the legs before going to set up the F4 (figure four leglock). After Peaches turns around Iser’s leg, Iser reaches up and socks her with a hard right handed punch. Iser returns to his feet and goes for an irish whip. Peaches reverses, sending him into the corner. She rushes in, jumps on Iser and goes for a monkey flip. But Iser blocks it by holding onto Peaches. He then switches positions with her in the corner and sits her down on the top rope before rocking her with a European Uppercut. The Pride Champion climbs to the middle ropes, grabs Peaches and throws her down hard with a Superplex.

Iser brings Peaches back to her feet and pops her with three jabs before turning her inside out with a discus lariat. He pulls Peaches back to her feet before heading into the far ropes. When Iser returns, he knocks Peaches back down with a lariat across the back of the neck. The Pride Champion pulls Peaches back up, places her across his back and brings her down with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse). He then slaps on the Dream Eater (Rings of Saturn). After initially trying to fight through it, Peaches reluctantly and nods her head over and over when asked if she wants to submit.

Winner: Seth Iser (13:08)

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns from yet another commercial break to find the ‘Tenacious Little Bastard’ roaming the halls of the Xcel Energy Center here in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With the five way fray match coming up soon it should come as no surprise that Harter is dressed ready to wrestle, complete with his leather jacket and ‘Dom Harter: Best High Flyer 2019’ t-shirt underneath it.

He doesn’t look happy, however. Maybe because he’s due to take on some of the people who dared to think they could best him in the Gold Rush Rumble next week – with Piper Lennon thrown in too – as well as pitting him against his fiancée and fellow crow, Annie Zellor. Harter runs a hand through his hair as he approaches a locker room, using his free hand to open the door without knocking.

Voice: OH MY GOD!

Dom closes the door swiftly, remaining on the outside as he turns to the camera as he tries to stifle his laugh.

Dom Harter: Not for your eyes…

The door opens again as an irate looking Annie Zellor steps out into the hallway. She too is dressed ready to compete tonight, in her Daisy Dukes and ‘New Murder’ sleeveless tee, with the HKW Bloodlust title slung over one shoulder.

Annie Zellor: Nobody ever taught you to knock before you enter a room?

Dom Harter: Bygones!

Annie Zellor: It’s not me you’ve gotta say that to. You owe MJ an apology.

As if on cue, Mary-Jane McCracken steps out into the hallway in a button up plaid shirt and jean shorts. She’s staring daggers at Dom, whose eyes almost instantly drift down towards her chest as that familiar crooked grin spreads across his face.

Mary-Jane McCracken: I’m waiting…

Dom Harter: Maybe later, I need to talk to Annie right now. See, I’ve been thinking about that whole…wasn’t it two titles before?

Annie Zellor: Shut up Dom.

Dom Harter: Look, it doesn’t work if I can’t retweet it.

He says, referencing one of his Twitter bits. But neither Annie nor Mary-Jane look amused by his antics.

Dom Harter: Ok, I’ve been thinking about what you said a few weeks ago, about how this is going to be the best year of your career – and far be it from me to get in the way of that! Hell, when you win some of those nice tag team titles that you’ve been challenging for, I want to be right there with you, being champions together again!

Annie nods in acknowledgment, despite their short reign as HKW World Tag Team Champions seeming almost a lifetime ago.

Annie Zellor: But what about the Gold Rush Rumble, Dommy?

Dom Harter: Always getting to the point, that’s one of the things I love about you.

He goes to tussle her hair, but Annie slaps his hand away before he can become a greater pain in the ass than he usually is. There’s no anger on Dom’s end, however, as he keeps that shit-eating grin plastered on his face.

Dom Harter: Feisty too. But, you see, the thing is…I’ve noticed one flaw in your little plan. You know, the one where it’ll break your heart to throw me out of the ring when we’re the last two left in the rumble.

Annie Zellor: Oh yeah?

Mary-Jane McCracken: He’s lying…

Her statement is enough to get Dom’s attention, as his eyes once again wander South of her face…until Annie recorrects his line of sight with one hand.

Annie Zellor: Focus! And tell me, Dommy, what’s, like, this fatal flaw in my plan? Huh?

Dom Harter: It’s so simple, I don’t know why I didn’t see it before.

Annie Zellor: Just tell me!

Dom Harter: It just came to me earlier – when you were talking about how you had two chances to kick my ass coming up!

Annie Zellor: What’s the flaw in my plan, Dom?

She’s beginning to sound impatient as Harter keeps badgering her with the unimportant details, as he’s prone to do. What with him being a professional pain in the ass and all.

Dom Harter: Ok, are you ready for this? Are you both ready?

Pause.

Dom Harter: Annie has never beaten me before!

Dom throws his hands up in the air, as if this is some sort of revelation. Of course, neither Annie nor Mary-Jane look too impressed with the display as they stare at him with crossed arms and furrowed brows.

Dom Harter: Not in the Frontier Lions Cup qualifier, not in the Young Guns Cup, not in past Gold Rush Rumbles, not once! I mean, seriously, what is it, 4-0 to me? Am I your Achilles heel? Your arch rival? Is that why you’re teaming with me, because you can’t beat me?

Annie Zellor: …are you done?

Dom Harter: Not even close! Because when this is all said and done, Annie, I want you to succeed. I want us to succeed. To stand at the top of this mountain together. But when I told Johnny Karma I was going to become to a three-time FGA World Champion…I didn’t mean next year, I didn’t mean in the distant future. I meant this year…in 2019. Because I’m not going to All Star Showdown just to attack Pendragon this year, I’m going to compete for that FGA World Championship. I’m going to take my place in the record books. I’m going to show this company, that I’m still not only the best damn wrestler they’ve ever seen, but I’m the best they have!

Annie shifts about on the spot, looking down to the ground for a moment as Dom continues.

Dom Harter: But when I do…when I am the FGA World Champion once again, and when my record breaking reign begins! Then you can earn your shot at me, and I won’t back down, I won’t hold back. You want to prove you’re better than me, Annie, then bring it on…

Annie Zellor: Ok.

She nods in agreement, much to Dom’s shock. Not that he lets it show, though.

Annie Zellor: I’ll bring it on, if that’s what you want. ‘Cause I’m not gonna stand here and argue with you about if you’re the best or not. I’m not gonna argue with you about whether you’ve had my number in the past or not. And I’ll go one step further. I’m not even gonna, like, throw all those recent defeats you’ve suffered in your face any more.

She better not, The Tenacious Wrecking Crew has some tag titles to win on the independent scene in the near future!

Annie Zellor: ‘Cause I’m gonna let my actions speak louder than words. Tonight, in this five way fray, I’m gonna show you and Marlon, and Ricky, and Piper exactly what I can do in that ring when I set my mind to it! And if you wanna focus on what happened in 2016 or 2017…well I’ve come a long way since then, Dom. We both have.

There’s another pause as the three of them stand in silence. Dom and Annie looking into each other’s eyes as Mary-Jane looks on cautiously, unsure if a fight is about to break out or not. But her fears are assuaged as smiles creep back onto the faces of both Annie and Dom.

Dom Harter: See you in the ring.

Annie Zellor: Don’t hold back, ‘cause I’m not gonna.

With that, Annie gives her fiancé a wink before she turns around and heads back into the locker room with Mary-Jane in tow. Dom turns around and walks back in the opposite direction as the show cuts elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

Piper Lennon is hop-skipping down the hall ahead of her five way match tonight, not really watching where she's going, eyes glued to her phone. With a giggle, she whirls around and leans against a wall.

Piper Lennon: Man Marlo just can't make his mind up about me can he? He wants to put on that front, acting unshook one moment-- which I can sorta get for a dude like him, I got beat up last show and he didn't really-- and then the next he's giving me capabilities far beyond my pervue, accusing me of hacking Twitter bots and stuff like that.

She shakes her head.

Piper Lennon: But I get it, he's like obsessed with me so of course I'm on his mind. It's just interesting through, y'know?

A brow is quirked.

Piper Lennon: Because he's getting so lost in the mist when it comes to me, that far be it from me to make accusations, a driven man like him might have lost sight of where he's going. So fixated on this little shindig we have coming up that is he really gonna see what's around him in a five way match like tonight? Is he really gonna see what's around him in the Gold Rush Rumble with zillions of people? And even when it comes to me, is he gonna see where my focus is and what I'm coming for? Obviously I'm on his mind, but can't help thinking he's gone so sleep deprived and obsessed that he's gonna be looking for me around every corner when I've been standing in front of him the whole time.

A shrug.

Piper Lennon: Should be fun!

[FGA Office]

CO-MAIN EVENT
• Five Way Fray •
Dom Harter vs. Marlon Cure vs. Ricky Valero vs. Piper Lennon vs. Annie Zellor

Lennon quickly rolls to the outside while The Tenacious Wrecking Crew go after Cure and Valero to start things off. Harter and Valero brawl on one side of the ring while Zellor and Cure trade blows. Both sides continue to trade punches back and forth until The Wrecking Crew gain the advantage. Harter with an eye rake and Zellor with an eye poke. Harter and Zellor then proceed to deliver foot chokes to their respective opponents. On the outside, Lennon grabs her Polaroid camera before climbing back up onto the apron. She gets right up next to Cure while he’s being choked and snaps a picture of him. She goes to snap a picture of Zellor. But she quickly hops off the apron after Zellor breaks the choke to take a swing at her. Across the ring, Harter doubles Valero over with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. When harter and Zellor turn back to each other, they give a knowing nod before delivering an irish whip. The irish whips get reversed, sending Harter and Zellor crashing in the center of the irish. Harter stumbles back over towards Valero, who knocks him down from behind with a chop block. Across the ring, Zellor stumbles back over towards Cure, who brings her down with the Moment of Clarity (Somersault reverse DDT). Cure and Valero then run towards each other. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion tries to strike first with a Rolling Elbow. But Valero’s able to duck the elbow and counter with a Pelé Kick, knocking Cure back. Valero then runs forward and connects with a clothesline, sending Cure over the top rope and to the floor. On the outside, Lennon puts the boots to Cure before whipping him hard into the steel steps.

Back in the ring, Valero takes Harter and whips him into the corner. He then grabs a hold of Zellor and whips her into Harter. Valero then sizes The Tenacious Wrecking Crew up before charging across the ring. He throws out a corner forearm smash smash at Zellor. But she’s able to slip out of the way, causing Harter to get cracked with the forearm. Before Valero can turn around, Zellor takes control of his back. Before she can do anything, Valero counters with a back elbow to the face before following up with a Pelé Kick that knocks her back. Valero runs back towards the corner at Harter. But The Tenacious Little Bastard hoists him up onto his shoulders, turns and delivers the Fuckboi Bomb MK II (Turnbuckle Powerbomb)! Zellor flashes the Grrface at Valero before charging forward and squashing him with double knees in the corner. Harter then runs and delivers double knees of his own, sending Valero slumping down in the corner. Zellor heads over and gives him a Stinkface. Harter pulls Valero from out of the corner and lifts him up for a Powerbomb while Zellor hits the ropes. When she returns, The Tenacious Wrecking Crew bring Valero down with a powerbomb/double knee backbreaker combo! They both make the cover. But Lennon rolls back in and breaks it up with stomps to the back.

Lennon takes The Tenacious Wrecking Crew and smashes their heads together with a double noggin knocker. She then switches back and forth between Zellor and Harter and hits them with open hand chops. After Zellor is sent into the corner with an irish whip, Lennon runs over and bashes her with a leaping corner bionic elbow. She then lifts Zellor up, turns and drops her throat-first across the top rope with a flapjack. She makes the cover. But Harter’s there to break up the pin at two. After Lennon’s whipped into the ropes, she returns and sees Harter setting up for a back body drop. So she stops and knocks him upright with a kick to the face. Lennon turns and runs back into the ropes. When she returns, she goes for a leg lariat. But Harter rolls out of the way, causing Zellor to get knocked down with the lariat. The Tenacious Little Bastard rushes over and throws out a discus clothesline. But Lennon’s swats the lariat away and counters with a cross chop to the throat. She then knocks Harter back with a gamengiri before taking him down with her second attempt at the leaping leg lariat. She goes for the cover. But the pin is broken up at two when Cure delivers a standing corkscrew Shooting Star Press.

Cure takes Lennon and repeatedly slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then sends Lennon crashing hard into the far corner with an irish whip. As Lennon staggers from out of the corner, Cure lifts her up and throws her down with the Run N Gun (Michinoku Driver II)! The pin is broken up at two by Valero, who rolls back in and dives over just in time. Valero takes Cure and whips him into the corner. He rushes in to attack, only to get knocked back by a back elbow to the face. After Cure slingshots to the apron, he scales the turnbuckles. As soon as Cure gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Valero runs over, runs up the turnbuckles, grabs Cure and goes to throw him down with an avalanche overhead belly to belly suplex. Somehow, Cure is able to rotate and land on his feet! He then quickly runs into the ropes. When Valero gets back to his feet, Cure goes for a yakuza kick. But Valero ducks by dropping down to his back. When Cure turns around, Valero kips up and connects with another Pelé Kick. He then heads towards the ropes. As soon as Valero comes off the ropes, Cure leaps across the ring and connects with a flying forearm bash, knocking Valero through the ropes and to the floor. When Cure turns around, he sees Lennon charging at him. Cure ends up ducking the charge and dumping Lennon over the top rope and to the floor. He then slingshots out onto the apron before knocking both Valero and Lennon down with an Asai Moonsault. Back in the ring, Harter points at Zellor before running towards the ropes. When Harter returns, he tries to get Zellor to launch him over the top rope and onto their opponents below. But Harter’s too heavy for Zellor. So Zellor goes with a second idea and runs into the ropes. When she returns, Harter launches her over the top rope. Zellor flies over the ropes and takes everyone out with a diving elbow.

While all four grapplers start to get up on the outside, Harter steps out onto the apron. He then runs over towards the ring post, climb onto the second turnbuckle and motions for an Asai Moonsault… only to spread his arms, fall back and take everyone out on the floor. He then rolls all of his opponents back inside before rolling back inside himself. A pin on Lennon gets a two cont. He covers Cure for a two count. He hooks the leg on Valero for another two count. He then covers Zellor, but only gets a two count. The Tenacious Little Bastard slaps the canvas three times before holding three fingers back at the official.

As the match continues, Lennon is whipped into the ropes by Harter. When she returns, Harter hoists her up for the Fuckboi Bomb MK I (Pop-up Powerbomb). But Lennon shifts her body in mid air and counters by tackling Harter down with a diving elbow drop. She then grabs Harter by the nose and pulls him to a seated position before hitting the ropes. When she returns, she flattens Harter with a running knee to the face. She makes the cover. But Zellor is right there to make the save. She then whips Lennon into the ropes. Bad Bad Annie Z is quick to throw out the Sparkle Princess Special (540 Kick). But she throws it out too early, allowing Lennon to hang onto the ropes. When Zellor sits up, Lennon darts over and flattens her with a running knee to the face. Lennon then runs across the ring and blasts Valero with a running double axe handle. She throws out a running double axe handle to Cure, but the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion is able to duck. As soon as Lennon turns around, Cure throws out a Rolling Elbow. But Lennon’s able to duck. When Cure turns around, Lennon throws out a cross chop to the throat. But again, Cure’s able to duck. He then stands up and throws out a roundhouse kick. But Lennon swats it away, doubles him over with a kick to the midsection and brings him down with a sitout jawbreaker. While Cure is sprawled out on the mat, Lennon circles him before delivering a Garvin Stomp to the limbs. She then reaches down, lifts up Cure’s legs and spreads them apart. She repeatedly motions for a stomp to the groin. But she ultimately relents… before delivering a headbutt to the groin. She goes for the cover, but The Tenacious Wrecking Crew break it up.

After Harter delivering a backbreaker, he holds Lennon in place before Zellor knocks her down with a slingshot somersault senton. Lennon is then whipped into the corner before Harter whips Zellor across the ring to deliver a yakuza kick. Harter runs over and delivers a yakuza kick of his own. The Tenacious Wrecking Crew bring Lennon from out of the corner before bringing her down with Wrecked (double team double arm DDT). They then grab a hold of Valero and bring him down with Wrecked. Harter then grabs a hold of Zellor and goes to throw her down on Valero with a vertical suplex. But Valero counters by getting his knees up, causing Harter to unknowingly throw Zellor down across them. When Harter turns over and gets up, he’s shocked to see Zellor hurt. When The Tenacious Little Bastard turns to Valero, The Good Guy lifts him up for a Ushigoroshi. But repeated elbows to the side of the head prevent the move from behind hit. Harter then slips down from behind before setting Valero up for Mors Proditoris (Rainmaker). Valero quickly realizes where he is and counters by dropping down to a knee. Harter then transitions into the Empty Shell (Dragon Sleeper). The Tenacious Little Bastard cinches in the hold when Cure pulls Harter off of Valero before bringing him down with a Ripcord Slingblade. Instead of making the cover on Cure, he makes a beeline towards Lennon. King Cure pulls Lennon up her knees before blasting her with a Savate Kick. He then nails Lennon with another Savate Kick… and another… and another… and another… and another. The last kick sends Lennon falling face-first to the mat. Cure doesn’t go for the cover. Instead, he drags Lennon over towards the side of the ring before choking her across the middle rope. Cure continues to choke Lennon… until Zellor swings over the top rope and blasts him in the face with the Rough ‘n’ Tumble (Tiger Feint Kick)! She then pulls Lennon out onto the apron before planting her with Dom’d (double arm DDT). Zellor rolls back inside and sees Harter and Valero stirring on the mat. Zellor begins to lining up Harter for an attack…. Before switching her focus back to Valero. She then walks across the ring and gets Valero perfectly lined up while he struggles to get back to his feet. When Valero turns around, Zellor runs over and throws out the Sparkle Princess Special. This time, she connects… as the kick knocks Harter down after Valero slips out of the way. Before Zellor can turn around, Valero quickly grabs her from behind before delivering the PinnaclePlex (leg hook belly to back suplex)! Valero quickly steps out onto the apron and scales the turnbuckles. Zellor tries to push herself up on all fours. But Valero’s right there to flatten her on the mat with Burying The Hatchet (diving double foot stomp)! He then pulls Zellor up before throwing her down with The Franchise Tag (Cobra Clutch Suplex) for the three count!

Winner: Ricky Valero (18:20)

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

Backstage Xcel Energy.

Inside Susan Kent’s locker, Kendra Hollis and Dana Wheeler are waiting for Susan who stepped out and has been gone for a while.

Kendra Hollis: How long did Susan say she was going to be gone?

Dana Wheeler: I honestly don’t remember.

Susan walks into the locker room, a little flushed.

Kendra Hollis: Are you all right.

Susan Kent: Yeah I’m fine don’t worry.

Kendra Hollis: I always worry, you're my biggest client, and if something were to happen to you.

Susan Kent: Don’t worry.

Dana Wheeler: You need to focus on this match tonight.

Susan Kent: Believe me, I’m focused, this is my first main event, and yeah, were facing the the world and United States tag team champions, and yes we have a multi-time champion in Fujiko Mine on our team, but tonight isn’t about any of them or Delikado, it about the true star of Vertigo, me.

Dana Wheeler: You’ve become two different people, you act nice and humble around people like Jessie Pederson, and Delikado, when they’re not around your.

Susan Kent: The real Susan Kent, the Susan Kent that knows that she is the top star in FGA, they just haven’t figured that out yet, but after tonight when I lead my team to victory in the main event, everyone will finally stand up and go holy sh*t how great is Susan Kent. Evan Envi, maybe the world champ, but I know I’m better than him. Silk and Cyanide, not even on my level. Fujiko Mine, back of this line honey. I’m taking your spot, and Delikado, well I’ll keep stringing him along for a little while longer.

Kendra and Dana step out so Susan can change, she steps out in her wrestling gear.

Susan Kent: Time to make three losers Star Struck.

[FGA Office]

The shot opens up slowly, fading in on the face of the FGA World Championship. It rests on a wooden table, isolated-- the only thing clear in the shot.

A figure paces in the background. His movements are inconsistent, not rhythmic. A few steps. A pause. A few more steps. A sigh. A pause. The person moves toward the camera, finally, reaching forward to grasp the World Championship. We follow the belt as it travels upward, onto the shoulder of Evan Envi, who slowly comes into focus, not looking quite at the camera, but below it, eyes locked on an empty space in the room, deep in thought.

Evan Envi: …all night, I’ve….

He rubs his jaw, shaking his head to himself before he looks into the lens.

Evan Envi: I’ve done a lot of thinking tonight about-- about where my mind should be. About where my head should be during this tag match; during the World Title match in Milwaukee. I’ve spent weeks… months, maybe… being so distracted. So distracted…

His voice trails off and his eyes wander again as he thinks to himself. Evan takes a deep breath and holds the World Title up toward the camera-- so close that it becomes obscured for a moment, blurred, before he pulls it away again.

Evan Envi: It took me eleven years to get this. I threw away so many opportunities when I was so young. I could have been a World Champion five, six- maybe ten times over if I’d stayed focused when I was like, nineteen years old or whatever. If I’d stayed away from the wrong people, I would’ve had a totally different journey. But then I wouldn’t be who I am, I guess. Hm.

A breath.

Evan Envi: I didn’t get many other chances after that. There was a long stretch where I was praised for being a good wrestler and there was like… this cult following… this buzz… but it didn’t materialize. Sometimes it was beyond my control. And that’s life, too. Like, I never stopped grinding or anything-- I just didn’t have a World Championship to my name. It was almost comical. So FGA decided they were gonna divide the roster, and those two imbeciles of General Managers were deciding my fate, I was the very last one picked. Number forty-seven. And that was more than a jab. That showed me what my employers thought of me.

A shrug.

Evan Envi: So I focused. And I beat every single person they put in front of me in the Frontier Lion’s Cup. And I got rid of the wrong people. I found the right ones. And I became everything… that I deserve to be.

Envi’s expression darkens, eyes narrowing as the St. Paul crowd begins to boo.

Evan Envi: I took the World Championship. And it was amazing. I knew that it was an incredible moment and I knew that it was a childhood dream that I’d worked my entire life for, but it--

Envi bites his tongue, trying to think of the proper words for a few seconds before he goes on.

Evan Envi: It really didn’t become clear how much it meant to me until I lost it. That was excruciating.

Exhale.

Evan Envi: I didn’t know there could be a pain like that.

He nods a little.

Evan Envi: I know why James lost his mind. I know why Colton went and hid in the mountains. And I can’t go through that again. I won’t let someone take this from me again. So I can’t believe I let you distract me… from this…

Evan looks down at the championship.

Evan Envi: And luckily for Silk & Cyanide, I’m not distracted anymore. I see what you were trying to do. Just in time.

A barely audible scoff.

Evan Envi: Fujiko…

It’s evident that Evan has more to say. His mouth is open for a bit as he considers it, but he shakes his head softly. Guiding the World Title into his hand and pulling it loudly off of the table, Envi shoots the camera a parting glance before he walks out of frame. The scene cuts to black.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
• Six Man Tag Team Match •
Evan Envi, Silk & Cyanide vs. Fujiko Mine, Delikado, Susan Kent

The match starts off with Silk & Cyanide, Delikado and Kent brawling in the ring. Erin Mariani is able to overpower Kent before bringing her down with a front facelock with multiple knees. She then heads over and helps Sara Mason go to work on Delikado in the corner. Silk & Cyanide then take Delikado and whip him into the far corner. Mason rushes across the ring and delivers a cross chop to Delikado. Mariani then heads across the corner, jumps on Delikado and sends him flying out of the corner with a monkey flip. Once Delikado is back to a vertical base, Mason rushes over for an attack, only to end up getting spiked with a Frankensteiner from Delikado. Mariani makes a charge at Delikado and meets the same fate. When Delikado gets back to his feet, Envi steps through the ropes. He pauses as he stares across the ring from his former EnviKado partner. Delikado continues to wait for an attack from Envi. But it never comes. Instead, Envi steps back out onto the apron before Mason brings Delikado down with the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat). She makes the cover, but it only gets a two count. She then pulls up Delikado, places him in a headlock, runs forward, dives through the ropes and delivers the Lorelei (with the opponent in a headlock, Mason dives out of the ring to snap their neck on the ropes). Mason rolls back inside for another cover. But again, it only gets a two count.

After the tag is made to Mariani, she throws Delikado down with a scoop slam and follows up with a dropkick to the face after he’s pulled up into a seated position. Mariani goes for a handspring moonsault. But Deliako counters by getting his knees up in time. While Mariani is temporarily curled up on the mat, he rolls over, dives forward and makes the tag to Fujiko Mine. Fujiko rushes in and nearly gets taken out by a running elbow tackle. But the Apex Goddess is able to duck and counters with a handspring enzuigiri. While Mariani is dazed, Fujiko turns and heads back into the ropes, only to get caught with a knee to the back from Mason. Fujiko favors her back momentarily… then turns around and knocks Mason off the apron with a gamengiri. Fujiko returns to her feet and goes after Envi. But the Chief is wise enough to hop down to floor to safety. Before Fujiko can turn around, Mariani brings her to the mat with an inverted side headlock takedown. She then brings Fujiko back to her feet before taking her back down with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker for a two count. The tag is then made out to Envi.

The Chief gets in and puts the boots to his number one contender. After pulling up Fujiko, she swats Envi’s arms off of her and knocks him back with multiple forearms to the face. She then turns and hits the ropes. Mason again tries to get one over on Fujiko by pulling the the top rope as soon as Fujiko hits them. Fujiko flips to the outside. But instead of crashing hard to the floor, Fujiko is able to land on her feet. When Mason hops down to the floor to fight Fujiko, she’s met with a handstand calf kick to the face. As soon as the Apex Goddess climbs back up onto the apron, she’s doubled over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Envi goes to bring Fujiko back into with a vertical suplex when Fujiko slips down from behind. She then quickly hops onto Envi’s shoulders and flips back, sending them both over the top rope with a hurricanrana. While Envi hits the floor, Fujiko hangs onto the top rope with one arm. After reaching up with her other arm and grabbing the top rope, Fujiko skins the cat to get back in the ring. She then turns and hits the far ropes. When she returns, she knocks Envi down with a single leg springboard somersault plancha off the middle rope! Kent then scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Mason down with a diving crossbody. Delikado then readies himself for a dive to the floor. But he’s cut off with a running elbow tackle from Mariani.

Mariani takes Delikado and sets up for an irish whip when he reverses, sending her into the corner. Deli rushes in for an attack when Mariani counters with a back elbow to the face. She then turns away from Deli before delivering the Morning Spider Despair (headscissors driver into the turnbuckles). She goes for the cover, but Deli gets his shoulder up at two. Deli is then driven face-first into the mat with the half nelson facebuster. Mariani makes another cover, but she only gets a two count. Mariani takes Delikado and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, Mariani goes for a kitchen sink when Deli flips over the knee and counters with a schoolboy for a two count. Both grapplers scramble back to their feet. Delikado beats Mariani to a vertical position and makes her pay with a superkick for a two count.

The tag is then made out to Kent, who brings Mariani down with a belly to belly suplex before following up with a Rolling Thunder senton for a two count. After Mariani is brought down by an inverted headlock backbreaker, Kent follows up with a Lionsault for another two count. Fujiko’s ready for the tag. But Kent stays on offense and moves Mariani into the corner. She goes for a Tornado DDT when Mariani shoves her off of her mid turn. Once Kent lands on her feet, Mariani throws out yet another running elbow tackle. But once again, she whiffs after Kent rolls out of the way. Kent gets back to a vertical base, turns and rocks Mariani with multiple hard left hooks. She then turns Mariani away from her before delivering an atomic drop. She goes to follow up with a running bulldog when Mariani shoves her off into the ropes. When Kent returns, Mariani throws her down with a bridging northern lights suplex for a two count.

Once Mason is tagged back in, Silk & Cyanide deliver The Pleasure Principle (Mariani holds the opponent in a front facelock as Mason comes off the top rope to rake the opponent's back) to Kent. Mason follows up with the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent) for a two count. After the tag is made back out to Mariani, Silk & Cyanide deliver the F.W.Y. (Mariani slignshots the opponent into the ropes as Mason hits a slingshot crossbody to drive them onto Mariani's knees) for another two count. Tag back out to Mariani. Silk & Cyanide then take Kent and deliver the Vow (one-handed bulldog by Mason over Mariani’s knee). Mariani makes the cover, but Delikado is there to break up the pin at the count of two. After Kent is brought down with a double knee backbreaker, Kent heads over and tags Envi back in. Envi looks at Fujiko after knocking Kent down with a pop-up elbow strike. Instead of making the cover, he takes Kent and brings her down with repeated straightjacket backbreakers while looking at the Apex Goddess. After Kent is turned over onto her knees, Envi looks at Fujiko while he whacks Kent with a buzzsaw kick… and another… and another… and another… and another. He then pulls Kent back to her feet before throwing her down on the mat with a Uranage. He then heads into the corner. After scaling to the top turnbuckle, Envi looks over at Fujiko and goes for The Classics (diving moonsault). However, Kent rolls out of the way, causing Envi to splat on the canvas.

Kent dives over and makes the tag out to Fujiko. The Apex Goddess enters the ring just as Envi gets up on his knees. His eyes widen as Fujiko rushes over and sends him face-first into the mat with a headscissors facebuster. Fujiko makes the cover, but it only gets a count of two. Fujiko grabs a hold of Envi and pulls him into a front facelock. Before she can fall back and plant him with a DDT, Envi runs forward and rams her back-first into the corner. Envi then hits Fujiko with alternating knife edge chops and European Uppercuts. The Chief then delivers an irish whip before following Fujiko into the opposite corner. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko runs up to the top turnbuckle and backflips over Envi. She then lands on her feet before hitting the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she knocks Envi off his feet with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick). Instead of making the cover, Fujiko takes Envi and nails him with Sealed With a Kick (grounded arm pull roundhouse kick). After hitting Envi with a second S.W.A.K., Fujiko pulls up Envi, lifts him up and delivers the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check) She makes the cover. But Silk & Cyanide are right there to break up the pin. They continue to stomp away on Fujiko until Delikado and Kent get in the ring and fend them off. An irish whip attempt is reversed, sending Delikado into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Mariani down with a running hurricanrana. After Mariani returns to a vertical base, Delikado lifts her up across his shoulders before bringing her down with a double knee gutbuster. While Mariani rolls to the outside, Mason catches Delikado before he can turn around with Aphrodite’s Sweet Dream (heel kick to the back of an opponent's head), sending him through the ropes and to the floor. Back inside, Kent turns Mason around, doubles her over with a boot to the midsection and then brings her down with Star Struck (Pedigree). As soon as Kent gets back to her feet, Envi runs up from behind, grabs her and chucks her over the top rope and to the floor. Back inside, Envi takes Fujiko and whips her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, Envi knocks her off her feet with the Kapowski Kick (spinning heel kick). He then grabs Fujiko, runs and tosses her over the top rope. But instead of crashing to the floor, Fujiko lands safely on the apron. Envi turns around and does a double take once he sees Fujiko on the apron. So he charges forward and throws out a European Uppercut. The Apex Goddess is able to duck and counter with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. She then slingshots herself over the top rope with a sunset flip. Fujiko tries to pull Envi down while Envi swings his arms wildly. The Chief continues to swing his arms as he desperately tries to regain his balance. Once He does, he drops down to his knees on Fujiko and pins here.

ONE!
.
Envi grabs a hold of the middle ropes!!!
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Envi quickly rolls to the outside and makes a beeline towards the timekeeper’s table while Xena chases after him. The Chief snatches up his championship before hopping the guardrail in one fell swoop. The crowd erupts with boos while Envi backs away from the guardrail. He holds up his FGA World Championship for both Xena and Fujiko to see.

Winners: Evan Envi, Silk & Cyanide (16:42)