Vertigo (06.29.19)

[FGA Office]

Perched at the edge of her chaise lounge, rather than her more traditional lounging upon it, Erin Mariani has her hands clasped together upon her crossed legs as she doesn't so much look at the camera as look down upon it, her voice dripping with casual disdain as she recollects the most recent series of unfortunate events

Erin Mariani: I am sure that, for that most brief moment, there were four people who were feeling highly satisfied with their most competent of performances in a match where the only winner would be the elephant in the room which those same four people were so desperate to pretend was not there. Yet there is a problem is adopting the belief that, if you cannot see something, you need not fear it: fate does not agree with your self-centred outlook, and you will learn the folly of your ways in the most brutal of fashion. For example, those two who felt they could steal something and not only duck the consequences but hide behind those who seek to protect them, they were so sure that they had escaped their recent past that they could be flippant, and how did this work out for them? Did they achieve everything they set out to do, or were they face-down on the ground unaware of what fate had just befallen them, barring that one tiny spark of consciousness at the back of their minds telling them what had happened and why? More importantly, did the other two understand that they had been dragged into this hell not because of their own doing, but because an example needed to be made and we were in no mood to feel so much as a scrap of mercy for anyone who happened to stand in our way?

Leaning in that little bit closer, Mariani can't help but smile - yet it's not a warm, friendly smile by anyone's definition, it's cold and calculating

Erin Mariani: So the question I put to all four of our most recent victims is what, if anything, do they intend to do? Do they intend to pretend that it never happened and carry on regardless, even though that outlook has already cost them once, or do they intend to engage with us on terms that the only person who would dare claim they are unfair is somebody who clicks their tongue in an attempt to sound authoritative? Because the answer is so clear to those with foresight that it should not need to be spelled out to anybody.

Leaning back, Mariani flicks her tongue through her lips for a microsecond as she changes tack

Erin Mariani: Of course, we could so easily make idle threats about this evening's festivities, after all one person who has wronged us is definitely going to be isolated with no sign of their so-called friend, but we believe we have made our point as clear as it could have been made.

Sara Mason: Besides, you can't have too much of a good thing, can you?

Erin Mariani: So the question remains: are we going to be given the match that we deserve, or do we need to force the hand of those who can only dither? We have made our challenge, now all that we need to know is whether or not it has been accepted - but make no mistake, we will act when the decision has been made, the only question that leaves is how.

[FGA Office]

CO-MAIN EVENT
• Non-Title Match •
(c) Seth Iser vs. Johnny Karma

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

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

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.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Queens, New York! Weighing in at 233 pounds… JOHNNY KARMA!

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: We are back with the start of our co-main event here tonight. Seth Iser, the reigning FGA Pride Champion, will be taking this man in non-title action. We heard from Seth earlier tonight. He was full of confidence and conviction! We didn’t hear that same level of confidence from Karma.

Stephy Auger: No, we didn’t. Instead we heard a bunch of whining and crying as usual. Thankfully, Ricky Valero, The Ultimate Good Guy, was there to put Karma in his place. Just like he did at Only The Strong Survive. HA HA!

Kris Cruise: Oh yeah? Well Ricky better be focused on tonight’s main event instead of picking fights with Johnny Karma. Karma is coming off of a tough loss in the Gold Rush Rumble...

Stephy Auger: So are 29 other people! But you don’t see them moping around acting like the world is going to end. Maybe Karma should do us all a favor and just quit now.

The lights dim down as the music begins to play. Soon enough, Seth Iser slowly walks through the curtain with that familiar scowl on his face with the championship around his waist. He starts walking down to the ring...glare etched on his face and listening to the fans boo him. A methodical, slow walk as he cracks his knuckles on the way down before pulling himself up onto the apron and enters the ring calmly before performing a crucifix pose at the center of the ring to revive the lights.

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

He then retreats to his corner while taking off the gold around his waist and taking a seat in the corner while putting the championship over his shoulder while waiting until it's time to hand the gold to the ref for the match.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser able to get the best of the Grand Slam winning Izzy Anders at Only the Strong Survive. Wrestling’s Greatest Mind was on the wrong end of mind games from The Mindkiller for months on end. She even took out recurring pest Vincent Moretti. Iser then dug deep into his playbook and pulled out a Two Fall of Honor match for the pay per view. To Iser’s credit, he came out on top.

Stephy Auger: Yes he did! He did it clean, too! No one can claim that Moretti interred. No one can claim that he cheated. He fought to the standards of the many great Pride Champion that came before him and in the process, has made his own mark as Pride Champion!

The bell sounds as Iser and Karma circle the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Karma places Iser in a side headlock. Karma tries to cinch in the hold when Iser shoves him off into the ropes. When Karma returns, the crowd boos when Iser knocks him down with a standing shoulder block. The current Pride Champion turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, he hops over Karma after Karma rolls onto his stomach. Iser continues to run the ropes. When he comes back, Karma leapfrogs over him. After Iser comes off the ropes, Karma goes for a hip toss. But Iser blocks it. Karma tries to muscle Iser up for another hip toss. Again, Iser blocks it. Iser cocks his arm back and throws out a lariat when Karma ducks. When Iser turns around, Karma throws him down to the mat with a fireman’s carry takeover.

Kris Cruise: Karma’s finally got Iser off his feet!

Stephy Auger: Yeah? But how long can he keep him down for?

Karma quickly transitions into an armbar. The ref gets down and asks Iser if he wants to give up. Iser shakes him off. After battling back to a vertical base, Iser uses his free arm to move Karma into the ropes. He then shoves Karma off of him and into the far ropes. When Karma returns, Iser throws out another lariat. Once again, Karma ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Karma comes back, he knocks Iser back with a running high knee. While Iser tries to shake out the cobwebs, Karma turns and runs back into the ropes. When Karma comes back, he knocks Iser off his feet with a second running high knee! The cheers continue as Karma hits the ropes, returns and delivers a jumping knee drop! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Iser kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Karma brought Iser down again! But only for a two count! Tyler Storm, you would imagine, has to be backstage watching as Karma goes to work on the man whom he’ll be challenging the Pride Championship for at All-Star Showdown Eight!

Stephy Auger: But what if Karma wins? I’m sure that would throw a monkey wrench into Tyler’s plans.

Kris Cruise: Well after that grueling Best of Five Series that Tyler won against Brian Stryker, Tyler earned himself that number one contender spot for the Pride Championship. Though a win over the champion in non-title action would put Karma in the conversation.

Karma takes Iser, brings him into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Iser around, Karma delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He then goes for an irish whip when Iser blocks by hanging onto the top rope with his free hand.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

Karma tries to muscle Iser out of the corner with another irish whip attempt. But again, Iser blocks the move. He then lets go of the rope, grabs Karma and tosses him into the corner. Iser throws out a hard right hand, but Karma ends up ducking the strike. When Iser turns around, the crowd cheers as Karma lights him up with multiple knife edge chops. He then takes Iser and finally whips him into the far corner. Karma rushes across the ring to attack when Iser counters with a back elbow to the face. After tossing Karma into the corner, the crowd boos Iser as he sends Karma slumping down in the corner with a barrage of hard right handed punches. While Karma is seated down in the corner, Iser continues his attack with repeated stomps to the chest.

Kris Cruise: Come on, now! The ref needs to step in there and break this up.

Stephy Auger: Why? I say he should keep going. Stomp a mudhole in him, Seth!

The crowd really lets Iser have it when he applies a foot choke! The ref is quick to step in and gives him until the count of break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Iser breaks the choke. He reaches down, pulls Karma back to his feet and moves him out of the corner before sending him into the far ropes. When Karma returns, Iser knocks him off his feet with a running big boot to the face!

Stephy Auger: Karma should check HIS chicklets after that one!

Kris Cruise: Seth’s going for the cover...


ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma kicks out.

Iser picks up Karma and sends him back into the ropes. When Karma returns, Iser throws out another lariat. Again, Karma ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Karma comes back, Iser scoops him up from the side before bringing him down with a pendulum backbreaker. Iser gets back to his feet before hitting the ropes. When Iser returns, he delivers a jumping knee drop across the face! The boos continue as Iser grinds his knee brace across Karma’s face. He then makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Karma kicks out.

Iser takes Karma, brings him into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Karma around, Iser delivers multiple European Uppercuts that rock his head back and forth. After hooking Karma’s around, Iser launches him out of the corner with a hip toss! After turning over on all fours, Karma tries to pick himself back up when Iser rushes out of the corner and nails him with a Wrestling II Knee Lift! He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Karma got absolutely rocked with that knee lift! Yet he still had the wherewithal to get his shoulder up. What a fighter he is.

Stephy Auger: Karma? A fighter? The same guy that says that if he doesn’t get his way, he’ll quit? That’s a fighter to you?

Kris Cruise: You know what I meant, Stephy!

Iser pulls Karma into a front facelock, turns and pulls him down with a hangman’s neckbreaker. He turns over into a lateral press for the cover.

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

Iser pulls Karma back to his feet and goes for a vertical suplex when Karma slips down from behind. He quickly takes control of Iser’s back before planting him with Instant Karma (hammerlock spun into a DDT)! The cheers continue as Karma pulls Iser back to his feet and returns the favor with a neckbreaker of his own by delivering the Bum Trip (shoulder neckbreaker)! Karma gets back to his feet, grabs Iser by his beard and pulls him up into a seated position. Karma hits the ropes. When he returns, he executes a rolling neck snap! The cheers continue as Karma makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Karma only gets a count of two. But he’s got control back of this contest.

Stephy Auger: For now, Cruise. For now.

Karma takes Iser and goes for an irish whip when Iser reverses, sending Karma into the ropes. Iser rushes in to attack when Karma knocks him back with the Kodak Moment (rope-assisted corner dropkick!. Karma steps out onto the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. When Karma gets to the top, he jumps off for a diving double ax handle. The crowd gasps when Iser catches him in mid air. Iser then steps backwards before falling back and catching Karma with a Stun-Gun across the top rope! The crowd boos when Karma falls throat-first across the top rope before hitting the mat. Iser rolls to the outside. He reaches back in, drags Karma’s upper body out onto the apron and follows up with three elbows across the throat. He then climbs back up onto the apron before stepping back towards the ring post. Iser then moves forward and goes for a leg drop across the apron… when Karma slips back inside! The crowd cheers when Iser hits the apron before falling to the floor. Iser holds the back of his leg on the floor while Karma slowly turns back over on all fours. Iser starts to pick himself up on the outside while Karma gets to his feet and hits the far ropes. When Karma comes back, he goes for This Is For The Front Row (baseball slide clothesline) when Iser catches him, turns and counters with a Bossman Slam on the floor!!! The crowd boos while Karma lays sprawled out on the outside.

Kris Cruise: MY GOODNESS, WHAT A COUNTER! We’ve never seen that before!

Stephy Auger: Look at Karma! He’s out!

Iser yanks up Karma before rolling him back inside. After rolling himself back in, Iser drags Karma away from the ropes before making the cover.

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

Karma gets his shoulder up. Iser shoots a look at the official before slapping his hands together.

Kris Cruise: Good ring awareness there by Seth to drag Karma away from the ropes and force him to have to get his shoulder up, as opposed to getting a foot on the bottom rope.

Stephy Auger: Seth Iser’s always on his game. He’s always thinking. Tyler Storm better be in the back taking notes.

Kris Cruise: Oh I’m sure he is. Those two are no strangers to each other. But as usual, Iser’s got some new tricks up his sleeve which I’m sure Tyler’s keeping an eye out for.

Iser takes Karma and pulls him back to his feet. After three hard right hands to the midsection double Karma over, Iser lifts him up before throwing him down with a vertical suplex. He turns over into a lateral press for the cover.

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

Karma gets his shoulder up.

Iser picks up Karma, lifts Karma up and brings him down with a second vertical suplex. He turns over and hooks the leg for the cover.

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

Karma gets his shoulder up. Iser places his hands on his hips before looking over at the top turnbuckle. He then looks back down at Karma. The crowd boos as they can see the wheels spinning inside the head of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind.

Kris Cruise: I don’t like where with match is headed!

Stephy Auger: That’s funny, I’m thinking the exact opposite! Put him away, Seth! He’s got nothing on you!

Iser pulls up Karma and moves him into the corner. After sitting Karma on the top turnbuckle, the crowd boos as Iser climbs up onto the middle ropes. He grabs a hold of Karma and goes for a superplex when Karma blocks the move. Iser tires to muscle Karma up for another superplex when Karma blocks. Iser lets go of Karma and rocks him with a European Uppercut. He then takes Karma and tries for another superplex. Once again, Karma blocks the move. So Iser lets go and throws out a hard right hand. Karma blocks and counters with a punch of his own. Iser throws out another hard right hand when Karma blocks and counters with another punch to the face. The crowd cheers when Karma nails Iser with another punch to the face… then another… and another… and another! The last punch knocks Iser off the ropes and sends him crashing to the mat! While Iser is sprawled out on the mat, Karma climbs up onto the top turnbuckle. After standing up from a crouched position, Karma points up at the stars above before leaping off and crashing down across Iser with a flying elbow drop!

Kris Cruise: From The Stars Above! This could be in, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: NO NO NO...

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

The crowd boos when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: YESSS!

Karma takes Iser and goes for an irish whip when Iser reverses, sending Karma into the ropes. When Karma returns, he ducks yet another lariat attempt from Iser as he continues to run the ropes. When Karma returns, Iser lifts him up, turns and throws him down hard with a spinebuster! The boos continue as rolls across Karma and hooks the leg.

Stephy Auger: NOW it’s over, Cruise!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Karma gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: What? WHHHAT!?

Iser pulls up Karma and nails him with a hard right handed punch. He then nails Karma with another hard right hand. After socking Karma with a third right hand, Iser rattles off three jabs. He goes to follow up with a discus clothesline when Karma ducks. When Iser turns around, Karma rattles off three left jabs before dropping Iser with a right hook!

Kris Cruise: Sugar Ray Karma!

Iser returns to his feet, only to get returned to the mat with another right hook! When Iser gets back to his feet, Karma takes him and whips him into the ropes. When Iser returns, Karma lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster of his own! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

The crowd boos when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Karma returned the favor with that spinebuster. But it only got him a two count!

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Kris Cruise: This match has been highly contested throughout. But once again, Karma finds himself in control.

Stephy Auger: ...until he chokes it away like he’s done ever since losing the World Championship!

Karma takes Iser and whips him into the corner. He then rushes across the ring and connects with an NYC Uppercut (Running European Uppercut)! The cheers continue when Karma whips Iser into the far corner, rushes across the ring and follows up with another NYC Uppercut! After turning Iser around, Karma lifts him up and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. After climbing up onto the middle ropes, he goes for a hammerlock belly to back superplex when Iser counters with back elbows to the face with his free arm. The last elbow knocks Karma down to the mat! While Karma is still down, the crowd stands up while Iser carefully stand sup on the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good for Karma, Stephy! We’ve seen Seth hit this on the rare occasions that he brings it out! We’ve seen the damage this causes!

Stephy Auger: SETH! BE CAREFUL!

The crowd gasps as Iser flips off for a moonsault… then erupts with cheers when Karma rolls out of the way, causing Iser to miss.

Kris Cruise: Karma got out of the way in time! Nobody was home! Iser is down and he is hurt!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Iser lays in the prone position after crashing down on the mat. Karma continues to pull himself over towards the corner. While he pulls himself up using the ropes, Iser slowly pushes himself up on all fours. After getting up on one foot, Iser gets back to a vertical base. Karma then comes out of the corner and blasts him with Check Your Chicklets (superkick)! The cheers continue as Karma pulls up a groggy Iser and takes control of his back. The crowd erupts with cheers when Karma knocks him down with Hard Times (waistlock transitioned into a Bionic Elbow)!

Kris Cruise: HARD TIMES! HARD TIMES! The Pride Champion has just been taken out with HARD TIMES!

Stephy Auger: I heard you the first time!

Kris Cruise: This is it right here!

The crowd counts after Karma makes the cover.

“ONE!”

ONE!

“TWO!”

TWO!

“THREE!”

THRE-NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when Ricky Valero leaps onto the apron, capturing the referee’s attention and stopping him from completing the three count.

Kris Cruise: What the…?

Stephy Auger: It’s RICKY!

Kris Cruise: What is he doing out here? He’s got no business inserting himself into this match! He should be worrying about the World Champion Fujiko Mine in the main event!

Stephy Auger: I’m sure Ricky only has good intentions being out here. He’s a Good Guy, you know.

Kris Cruise: Yeah, uh huh. So I’ve been told.

The official makes his way over towards Valero and admonishes him for making himself present in a match he’s not apart of. Valero innocently puts his hands in the air. Karma turns over and sees Valero on the apron. Karma then gets off of Iser and makes his way over to the side of the ring. After moving the ref out of the way, Karma gets in Valero’s face. Valero smirks at Karma… until the smirk is knocked off his face with a right hook! The crowd erupts with cheers as Valero gets knocked down to the mat. Karma stares down at Valero as he steps away from the ropes. When Karma turns around, the crowd erupts with boos when Iser turns him inside out with a running lariat! He then pulls Karma into a front facelock before planting him with the Deprivation DDT! He then turns over and makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: Not like this...

Stephy Auger:

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

Kris Cruise: No! That son of a…. Ricky Valero had no business being out here! He disrespected Johnny Karma earlier tonight! Now he has to screw him over!

Stephy Auger: Again! You would think by now that Karma has gotten used to losing the big match! Why wait until the end of the year, Cruise! Maybe he should just cut bait and leave now. Ricky’s only trying to help him.

Kris Cruise: Ricky’s only trying to pour more salt in the wound!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Our cameras fade into the backstage area where the camera operator struggles to keep up with Spencer Burke, who jogs past a loading dock area, microphone in hand, eyes locked on his target.

Spencer Burke: Evan! Evan!

The cameras pan farther down the parking lot, where we catch “The Chief” Evan Envi throwing a single backpack into the hatch of his car, raising a brow toward Spencer.

Spencer Burke: Are you--

Spencer slows to a stop as Evan meets his gaze.

Spencer Burke: Are you really leaving before the main event?

Envi looks off into the distance for a moment before sighing.

Evan Envi: I mean. I’m not in the main event. I wasn’t even scheduled to be here.

He makes his way to the driver’s door of the car, but Spencer keeps a pace behind.

Spencer Burke: Does Ricky know you’re leaving before the match?

Evan pauses, but he doesn’t look back toward Spencer, nor to the camera. He pulls the door of the car open and pulls himself inside without another word.

Spencer Burke: What about the stuff with Dom? Are you just gonna leave all that in the air?

And casually, Envi pulls the door shut.

Spencer Burke: E…

The whine of the engine drowns out Spencer’s words before Envi pulls out of his parking space, and out of the lot, leaving the interviewer behind as we fade.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Evan Envi was in no mood to talk with Spencer Burke! He was high tailing it out of this arena, Stephy! He had no additional comments about what transpired earlier tonight between him and Dom Harter. But more importantly, Stephy, he won’t be out here supporting his fellow Good Guy, Ricky Valero! He’s not even sticking around in the back to watch the main event on one of the monitors! What’s the deal there!?

Stephy Auger: Don’t you try and start any nonsense, Cruise! Our Chief has all the confidence in the world in Ricky Valero. In fact, Ricky will do what Envi couldn’t do at Only the Strong Survive and that’s beat that little temptress, ONE-TWO-THREE!

Kris Cruise: Yeah? We’ll see about that. Let’s send it to the ring where J.A. Aldridge is ready to give the introductions for our main event. J.A., take it away!

MAIN EVENT
• Non-Title Match •

(c) Fujiko Mine vs. Ricky Valero

“Amazing” by Kanye West hits, lifting the fans to their feet in a fit of rage. White and pink strobe lights start to flash throughout the arena.

It's amazing
I'm the reason
Everybody fired up this evening

I'm exhausted
Barely breathing
Holding on to what I believe in

No matter what
You'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky Valero emerges from the back amidst a cloud of fog. With that trademark smirk stretched across his face, he scans the arena with hubris. He puts his legs together, extends his arms outward, throws his head back and basks in the building’s negative energy.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and it is your MAIN EVENT of the evening! Introducing first, representing The Good Guys! Hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 227 pounds! He is “The Franchise” RICKY VALERO!!!

It's amazin', so amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin'
So amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin' (Let's go)

He makes his way toward the ring intentionally ignoring the outstretched hands of front row fans along his route. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and leans his back against the ropes, bouncing against them a few times with his arms wrapped over top of them before slipping into the ring.

I'm a monster
I'm a killer
I know I'm wrong, yeah

I'm a problem
That'll never
Ever be solved

And no matter what
You'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky spins around in the center of the ring with his arms extended out, absorbing the crowd's disdain. He walks towards the ropes on the far side of the ring and simply smiles. The music slowly quiets down as Ricky turns and leans against the ropes closest to the entranceway, awaiting his opponent.

Kris Cruise: Ricky Valero has had himself a busy evening! He confronted Johnny Karma earlier tonight and gloated about eliminating him in the Gold Rush Rumble. After Karma put him in his place, Valero came out later and cost Karma his match against Seth Iser. Now he’s got the newly crowned FGA World Champion Fujiko Mine in the main event! There’s no love lost between these two.

Stephy Auger: No there isn’t! These two can’t stand each other! But I can tell you one thing. Ricky is fired up for this main event. He wants to right the wrongs of Only the Strong Survive! He also wants to humble that braggart Fujiko Mine and make a case for himself as the next in line for a title shot.

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

On the third one, A spotlight and the camera focuses in on the emerging figure of Fujiko Mine, who stands at one of the crowd entrances. Behind her, the imposing XENA has the [TITLE NAME] championship over her shoulder. Fujiko, with the FGA World championship over her shoulder, keeps her movements a bit reserved, but it is clear she is enjoying the music as the crowd is. She begins to make her way down the steps, dancing and bobbing down the steps until she reaches the arena floor.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! She is one half of the reigning FGA United States Tag Team Champions and is the reigning FGA World Champion! She is the “Apex Goddess” FUJIKO MINE!!!

After maneuvering through a cleared aisle in the crowd, Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful spring over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess. She hooks herself up on top, and as the title of the song comes around, she throws her left hand up, thrusting the FGA World championship high into the air.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Kris Cruise: Can you feel it, Stephy? This capacity crowd are going bananas over the new FGA World Champion!

Stephy Auger: Low standards if you ask me!

Each time, blue and yellow streamers are thrown over her posing form. She takes any lingering streamers off her person, and then she comes down off the turnbuckle. Xena slides the [TITLE NAME] championship into the ring, and Fujiko carefully advances on it, before picking it up and hoisting it and the FGA world titles over her head. The crowd cheers, and as they do, she circles the ring. The song times out so that when she stops in the center, a spotlight converges on her in the center.

The crowd erupts with boos when Fujiko gets clobbered from behind with a running clothesline from Valero. The lights come back on while Valero puts the boots to the double champion.

Kris Cruise: OH COME ON!

Stephy Auger: Tsk, tsk! The first rule of being a champion is to always watch your back! Fujiko was too busy showboating and Valero, being the veteran that he is, pounced on the opportunity.

Valero drops down to his knees and begins nailing Fujiko with hard clubbing strikes across the back. He then mounts himself across Fujiko’s back, grabs her by the hair with both hands and begins repeatedly ramming her face-first against the canvas! Valero gets up and stands over Fujiko while the crowd boos him heavily.

RICKY SUCKS!
RICKY SUCKS!!
RICKY SUCKS!!!
RICKY SUCKS!!!!

Kris Cruise: This crowd is tearing into Valero!

Stephy Auger: You know, it’s a good thing that the Chief is gone. I don’t think his heart could take hearing these heathens disrespect poor Richard like this!

Kris Cruise: “Poor Richard”! Give me a break!

Valero reaches down, grabs Fujiko by the hair and slowly peels her up off the mat. He then marches into the corner before repeatedly slamming Fujiko face-first into the top turnbuckle. The boos continue after Valero turns Fujiko around and delivers multiple knife edge chops. He then steps back and applies a foot choke! The crowd boos Valero louder while the ref is quick to give him to the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Valero breaks the choke… then lunges forward and applies a two handed choke! The crowd erupts with boos.

Kris Cruise: Get in there, referee, he’s trying to choke the life out of the World Champion!

Stephy Auger: …yeah, and?

Kris Cruise: Enough, Stephy! Enough!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FI-

Valero blatantly breaks the choke as late as possible. The ref goes to admonish Valero when he shoos the official away from him. After taking Fujiko by the wrist, Valero delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko reaches out, grabs the top ropes with both hands and counters with a corner slingshot headscissors takedown! The cheers continue as Fujiko rushes over and knocks Valero down with a dropkick. She then grabs Valero and goes for an irish whip. Valero quickly reverses and sends her into the ropes. When the FGA World Champion returns, Valero hoists her into the air for a pop-up maneuver. But Fujiko’s able to counter with a dropkick to the face that knocks Valero back down. As Valero gets back to his feet, Fujiko rushes over and throws out a clothesline. Valero ducks the blow, quickly grabs Fujiko from behind and goes for a belly to back suplex. Fujiko’s able to roll over his shoulder, land on her feet and follow up with a front dropkick to the back. Valero staggers forward before falling through the ropes and hitting the floor. Fujiko slaps the mat with both hands before rising back to her feet.

Kris Cruise: She’s getting this crowd hyped up for a high risk move to the outside!

Stephy Auger: I hope she crashes and burns...

While Valero picks himself up on the floor, Fujiko turns and runs into the far ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she charges across the ring, leaps through the ropes and knocks Valero back with a sucidie dive! While Valero hist the guardrail, Fujiko gets back to her feet before rolling back inside. The Apex Goddess returns to a vertical base before running back into the far ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she charges forward lunges through the ropes and squashes Valero against the guardrail with another suicide dive! Fujiko’s not done, though! After rolling back inside, Fujiko holds up one finger in the air. After hearing the cheers from the capacity crowd, Fujiko nods her head before taking off into the fair ropes. While Valero makes his way off the guardrail, Fujiko runs across the ring and flattens him with a single leg springboard somersault plancha off the middle rope!!!

Kris Cruise: Valero just got wiped out by that huge plancha to the floor! No one flies higher in FGA than our new World Champion!

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah? Well I can think of a couple!

Fujiko picks up Valero and rolls him back inside. After leaping up onto the apron, Fujiko executes a topé atomico! She then turns over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Good ring awareness there by Valero!

Stephy Auger: FINALLY, you said something nice about Ricky Valero! It only took you the better part of two hours!

Fujiko picks up Valero, moves him into the corner and delivers a hard knife edge chop. After delivering a second chop, she sends Valero into the far corner with an irish whip. Fujiko runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when Valero ducks and dumps her over the top rope. But Fujiko’s able to land safely on the apron. When Valero turns around, he gets knocked back with a rope-assisted gamengiri. Fujiko then slingshots back into the ring before knocking Valero down with a corner springboard roundhouse kick! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Valero kicks out.

Fujiko takes Valero, moves him into the corner and delivers multiple kicks to the midsection. After sending Valero into the far corner with an irish whip, Fujiko charges across the ring and connects with a running corner dropkick! The Apex Goddess runs back across the ring, bounces out of the corner, charges back across the ring towards Valero and delivers another running corner dropkick! The cheers continues as Fujiko heads back across the ring. Fujiko bounces out of the corner, runs across the ring and goes for another corner dropkick. The crowd boos when Valero slips out of the way, causing Fujiko to crash into the corner!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko went to the well one too many times and ended up paying for it there!

Stephy Auger: You just hate to see it!

Valero heads back over and puts the boots to Fujiko. After yanking her up by the hair with both hands, Valero takes Fujiko and repeatedly rams the back of her head against the top turnbuckle. He then pummels Fujiko with repeated forearm strikes across the face! The boos continue as Valero climbs up onto the middle ropes. Valero scans the crowd before raining down punches to the face. The right hands continue to rain down on Fujiko until she reaches up and grabs him by the wrist. After pulling Valero down, slipping through his legs and trapping his head in the corner, Fujiko follows up with a Cheeky Nandos Kick! After yanking Valero back down to the mat, Fujiko hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, grabs Valero and plants him with a Tornado DDT! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: The World Champion looks to be in phenomenal shape here tonight, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Don’t worry. With the way she gorges food, she’ll eat herself out of this business in no time.

Fujiko takes Valero and whips him into the ropes. When Valero returns, Fujiko brings him down to a knee after a low dropkick to the leg. The Apex Goddess heads over towards Valero and plants him face-first onto the mat with a headscissors facebuster! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Oof! Valero ate a facefull of canvas on that one. But it only gets two. Tonight, we began the road to All-Star Showdown Eight here in beautiful Wichita, Kansas. No one knows who Fujiko will be defending against as of yet. But if Valero gets his way here tonight, it will be him.

Stephy Auger: We can only hope!

Fujiko pulls Valero back to his feet. She then takes control of his back and tries to go for the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check). But Valero’s able to counter with three elbows strikes to the back of the head. He then runs into the ropes. When Valero returns, Fujiko nails him with a running knee to the midsection that doubles him over. After Valero drops down on all fours, Fujiko steps up onto his back. Fujiko goes to flatten him with a standing moonsault when Valero rolls over onto his back and gets his knees up.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The crowd boos when Fujiko crashes down across Valero’s knees! After bouncing off of Valero’s knees, Fujiko rolls across the ring before curling up and guarding her midsection. Valero shows no mercy as he marches over, pulls Fujiko over onto her back and stomps the hell out of her. Valero reaches down, yanks up Fujiko by the hair and pushes her into the corner. He then heads over and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the midsection. The last of which doubles her over. He then hooks both of Fujiko’s arms before pulling her out of the corner. Valero then looks around at the crowd before lifting Fujiko up and bringing her down with a double underhook backbreaker! He makes the cover.

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

Valero pulls Fujiko back to her feet before whipping her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, Valero returns the favor by sending her crumbling to the mat after a dropkick to the knee. He then pulls Fujiko back up, hooks her leg and brings her down with a bridging Fisherman Suplex.

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

Valero pulls up Fujiko and doubles her over with repeated knees to the midsection before taking her down with a swinging neckbreaker. Valero makes the cover.

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

Valero pulls Fujiko back up, grabs her from the side and brings her down with a russian leg sweep. Valero gets back to his feet before hitting the ropes. When Valero returns, he delivers the Leg Drops of Jupiter (rally on consecutive leg drops)! The boos continue as he turns over and makes the cover.

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

Valero pushes Fujiko back down and makes another lateral press.

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

The crowd erupts with boos when Valero applies a two handed choke!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Valero lets go to punch Fujiko in the face. He then pulls up Fujiko before doubling her over with a knee strike to the midsection. He then points towards the corner to signal a turnbuckle powerbomb. As soon as Fujiko is lifted onto Valero’s shoulders, the crowd cheers when she counters with right hands to the head. After slipping down in font of Valero, Fujiko knocks him back with a handstand calf kick. While Valero is dazed, Fujiko turns and hits the far ropes. When she comes back, the crowd boos when Valero throws her across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Valero heads over, pulls up Valero, lifts her up onto his shoulders, charges across the ring and throws her into the corner with a Turnbuckle Powerbomb! After crashing into the turnbuckles, Fujiko bounces off and drops to the canvas. After dragging Fujiko into position, Valero steps over her before stepping out onto the apron. The Franchise scales to the top turnbuckle. He then raises from a crouched position and smirks before leaping off and crashing down across Fujiko’s stomach with Burying The Hatchet (diving double foot stomp)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: BAM! That took the wind right out of her! It’s over, Cruise!

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

The crowd cheers when Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Valero grabs Fujiko by the hair and slowly pulls her back to her feet. Once he takes control of Fujiko’s back, Valero nearly dumps her on her head with the PinnaclePlex (Regal Plex)! After Valero slowly pushes herself up onto a knee, Valero charges across the ring and flattens her with a Shining Wizard! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: What the hell, ref!

Valero pulls Fujiko back to her feet before doubling her over with a shoot kick to the midsection. He then takes Fujiko and whips her towards the ropes. The crowd cheers when Fujiko uses the momentum to bring Valero down with a handspring Ace Crusher!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko countered! She hit him with the Ace Crusher out of nowhere!

While both grapplers are down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!








TWO!







THREE!








FOUR!








FIVE!








SIX!

Once both grapplers return to their feet, Valero throws out a kick to the midsection. As soon as Fujiko catches his foot, Valero goes to follow up with an enzuigiri. But Fujiko ducks, leaps up and counters with a jumping double foot stomp across the back! She then picks up Valero and whips him into the ropes. When Valero returns, Fujiko leaps up and flattens him with a jumping double foot stomp to the chest! After staggering over against the ropes, Fujiko heads over and runs into another set of ropes. The crowd cheers when she comes back and connects with a running Shooting Star Press! Fujiko rolls off of Valero and clutches her midsection. She slowly turns back over and drapes her across across Valero’s chest for the cover.

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

Fujiko takes Valero and whips him into the corner. The FGA World Champion runs across the ring to attack when Valero runs out of the corner and cuts her off with Dream Street (jumping corkscrew roundhouse knee to the face)! The boos continue as Valero picks up Fujiko and lifts her up across his shoulders for Thy Will Be Done (Ushigoroshi)! Before Valero can deliver the move, Fujiko counters with multiple elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Fujiko hops onto Valero’s shoulders, flips back and spikes him with a poison rana to an explosion of cheers! Valero stands on his knees before planting face-first on the mat. Both Fujiko and Valero start to push themselves up off the mat. The Apex Goddess then takes off into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, the crowd erupts with cheers when she turns Valero inside out with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick)! After turning Valero over onto his back, Fujiko crushes him with Yount’s 3000th Hit (double wristlock knee to the face)! She then lets go of one of Valero’s wrist before pulling him back to his feet. After doubling Valero over with two rolling back kicks to the midsection, the crowd explodes with cheers when Fujiko knocks him down with The Bliss (backflip flashkick)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

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

The arena darkens as the ominous piano intro to Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement” plays, and the fans begin to - surprisingly - cheer loudly as the silhouette of two individuals walking out from the back. The Man crosses his arms into an X in front of his and lowers his head as the intro concludes…

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

A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show The Gold Rush Rumble Winner, Marlon Cure stood with both arms stretched, his crown tilted sideways and dressed to impress as always as the fans continue to cheer for The Would Be King. Fujiko gathers up her championships in the ring, getting the United States Tag team championship around her waist, and the World Championship over her shoulder. Trailing behind The Champion is his assistant, Keiko, waving politely to the crowd. Cure stops in the middle of the aisle way, a smirk etched firmly into his features as he soaks in the reaction from the FGA crowd before raising his arms up as the camera pans around Cure and dollar bills begin to fall from the ceiling. Fujiko looks at the entering Marlon with a smirk.

The High Flyer walks down to the ring with purpose, oozing confidence as he hops up the steel steps and climbs up to the top rope, reaching a hand for the sky as the cheers continue. Leapfrogging into the ring, he accepts a lighter and cigar from Keiko as his music dies down and the reaction from the fans hasn’t died down. While half of the fans are still of the mind that the exceedingly arrogant high flyer is intolerable, he’s seemingly endeared himself to a section of the fans as a small chant breaks out.

Cure ignores this as he lights up the cigar, taking a long puff before he looks out to the sea of fans and begins to speak.

Marlon Cure: One year ago. One year ago at The PPV Only The Strong Survive in The Gold Rush Rumble Match, I stepped on the scene here as an official member of The FGA Vertigo Brand. Since I came through, I’ve done damn near everything I said I would do. I told everyone I took over the winter and was about to tuck their whole summer in and I did just that. I gave y’all classics in the Rey Del Aire, I carved my lane out as the GOD High Flyer with the quickness. I won gold, I won awards and now? I’m YOUR Gold Rush Rumble Winner.

The crowd gives a mild pop as Cure puffs away at the cigar while Keiko claps enthusiastically, before speaking.

Marlon Cure: Since the event, everybody’s been fiending for an answer from the kid. Oldheads from around the way have been asking “Young King, who you looking to run the fair one with?”, wrestlers from other promotions giving praise to the most high, while tryna get answers in the same breath as to which lovely, lovely Ex-Champion-To-Be I wanna put on notice. Do I wanna cross the line into uncharted territory, walk into Flashpoint and tell Savannah Taylor to run the 15-20 pounds of hardware she got sitting on her shoulder…

Cure pauses, tapping his chin in thought as the fans give a mixed reaction at the idea. Fujiko raises her eyebrows as he speaks this sentence. Half cheering because this means being rid of the arrogant high flyer and seeing him take on Flashpoint’s newly crowned Champion, the other half booing because they already made up their minds up on the match they want to see the Would Be King take on at All Star Showdown.

Marlon Cure: ...Or I could stay here on Vertigo and -

Cure doesn’t even get the chance to finish the thought as the half of the arena that had been booing previously EXPLODES into cheers. “King Cure” shakes his head in amusement as he looks around the arena, cigar hanging from his lips while Keiko covers her ears at the reaction.

A knowing smile crosses the champion’s face as Cure raises a hand, managing to silence the crowd after a few more moments before he goes to continue.

Marlon Cure: Before I give my choice, lemme make one thing clear to both Locker Rooms: A couple of y’all got it confused when I said most of the people in Gold Rush weren’t Primetime. A few got in their feelings because I said they weren’t ready for the spotlight and everything that it brings, when it was meant for a select few. I mean, y’all still aren’t seeing me in between these ropes but nobody is. Being tied for a distant third or fourth behind truly yours is acceptable.

Cure shakes his head.

Marlon Cure: Nah, my words were aimed in a particular direction when I sprayed. This was meant for those that swear they flagship, but haven’t been must see since I stepped on the scene. Thump their chests and swear they legit, only to give nothing but a lot of lip. Those that y’all let get by off hype but outside of a select few, are mid at best. Nah, when I said what I said? It was meant for...Those over at Flashpoint.

The crowd cheers loudly, liking where this is going, and Cure’s smirk widens as he rolls on. Fujiko lounges in the corner, listening intently.

Marlon Cure: Let’s be real though. Some of y’all would put up a fight, but I’d run through the rest with the greatest of ease. Nothing against Savannah - she’s aiight. But damn being a big fish in a small pond, I’d be a Whale in a Teardrop if I went that way and believe me, I don’t wanna stand at the top of the mountain if it’s that easy. I want my opposition to make me say I earned what I plan on taking up out their hands and with that in mind, there’s only one option for me to make.

Cure pauses, before turning and facing the World Champion.

Marlon Cure: Fujiko.

Just the mention of the name elicits a deafening roar from the fans at ringside, but Cure pays them no mind as he continues on. Her smile grows slightly.

Marlon Cure: First let me congratulate you on finally reaching the top of the mountain. You took a few tries too many to get the belt up off of scary ass Evan Envi but we can overlook that for right now. I want you to go back like 6 months, to when Award Season swept up FGA and around that time I posed the question on who had a better calendar year than me and you put your name out there as having a case. And maybe you did. Maybe you had a case for the better year… I mean, I doubt it but stack em side to side and we’ll see. This year however? Nobody did it better.

Marlon Cure: For the longest, I been hearing that you’re the standard bearer here. That to get to the top of the mountain and call yourself the best, that line starts and ends with you. That might’ve been true last year, but now? I’m standing in your spot. And I’m tryna see if you TRULY got what it takes to get me up out like they say you can? Or will you come up off the Gold, return to earth and watch front and center as I claim my throne?

Fujiko asks for, and is granted a microphone.

Fujiko Mine: In case you weren't aware, I have an amazing amount of respect for you as a wrestler, Marlon.

There is a mixed reaction, but there are more cheers than boos.

Fujiko Mine: You have done things I haven’t been able to do here in FGA. I’ve never competed in the Rey Del Aire. I wasn’t able to win the Gold Rush Rumble. Hey, I was unable to defend the Mid-Atlantic Legacy championship.

She shrugs, taking a looking at the hardware on her person.

Fujiko Mine: ...but.

A wolfish grin crosses her face.

Fujiko Mine: You have to know you have another thing coming if you think that I went through everything I just went through...to lose to you at the biggest show of the year.

She takes the FGA world championship off her shoulder, holding it up for Marlon to see.

Fujiko Mine: I’m glad you’re staying on Vertigo. I’m glad you’re picking me, and to try and go after the championship with the most history in all of FGA. What I’m not glad about is that you’re joining the long list of people who have looked down on me, and underestimated me. Let’s start with your customary bold claim.

She keeps the title held up.

Fujiko Mine: You claim that my year last year was “maybe” better than yours? You got the award for best high-flyer. You did. But did you take home the award for Wrestler of the Year? That’s a no. That was me. Think about that. Across both brands, I was named the best. You can call it a fluke, you can call it a popularity contest or whatever you’d like. But the fact is that I earned it.

She looks down at the title at her waist, and the one on her shoulder.

Fujiko Mine: And as far as this year...did you become only the 3rd double champion in FGA history? Did you complete the Grand Slam?

She raises an eyebrow, realizing something.

Fujiko Mine: Matter of fact, can you really say your year, either last year or this year, was better when I beat you the first time we faced?

An audible “OOH!” surfs though the crowd as Fujiko smirks at her challenger.

Fujiko Mine: I know it’s your thing to be all about Marlon Cure and nobody else, but your year can’t possibly hold a candle to mine. I’m glad you made your decision to challenge me, but please know that I have no intention of letting go of this championship. It’s plain to see to everyone that you’ve gotten better and better since the first time we faced, but you aren’t the only one whose made some strides. I will show you why I am the face of the brand, and the FGApex on the biggest stage of them all.

She raises up the FGA championship as “Can you feel it?” blasts over the sound system, and Fujiko leaves both Marlon and Keiko in the ring as Vertigo comes to a close.