Vertigo (08.03.19)

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Tucson Convention Center
Tucson, AZ

Focusing on the backstage area, our initial shot opens on “The Chief” Evan Envi, whistles to himself, a drawstring bag slung over his shoulder as he makes his way down the corridor. His lips part into a half-smile as he up-nods to an approaching figure-- quickly revealed to be Spencer Burke. Envi chuckles a bit, continuing his pace past Burke, prompting the interviewer to pivot and walk alongside him.

Spencer Burke: Evan. Good evening.

Evan Envi: Spence, Spence, look at you, everywhere as usual.

Spencer Burke: I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with you since last week’s events and I was just eager to--

Evan Envi: Is Kazu around here?

Spencer Burke: Pardon?

Envi pauses, turning to raise his brow at the interviewer, clearly not intending to repeat himself. Spencer nods and gestures toward an adjacent corridor.

Spencer Burke: He is. And I’d love to ask you about how you feel about teaming with Kazu in tonight’s main event, but before that, I wanted to ask about last week’s--

Ricky Valero suddenly strolls into the picture, places his hand in Burke’s face and shoves him out of his way.

Ricky Valero: Pardon me, dime store Ryan Seacrest. The Good Guys are in the building, baby!

Evan’s smile grows wider and he slaps Valero’s hand, pulling his fellow Good Guy into a half-hug to a chorus of boos from the Arizona crowd.

Ricky Valero: Don’t mind me. Go ahead and say what you were going to say.

Spencer narrows his eyes at Valero, shifting uncomfortably before he sighs and shrugs a little, looking between the two.

Spencer Burke: Last week went terribly for the Good Guys. It was your first showing in ages and not only did you guys fail to dethrone Annie Zellor and Dom Harter to become the Seattle Pro Tag Team Champions, but Evan, you were ambushed by Johnny Karma, and a lot of people argue that wouldn’t have happened at all if it weren’t for Ricky Valero. In fact, if it weren’t for Ricky’s actions that led to Karma’s assault on you, Evan, you could be standing here with tag team gold for the first time in your career.

Valero fumes, clenching his jaw for a moment’s hesitation but unable to keep his mouth shut.

Ricky Valero: I’m sorry, was there a question in there somewhere?

Spencer Burke: The question is whether Evan thinks he’ll have better luck teaming with Kazu than he did with you.

Evan Envi: Look, look…

Envi places a hand in front of Valero as he takes a stride toward Burke, casually keeping him at bay, shaking his head in amusement at both parties.

Evan Envi: Richard and I have very different problems right now. And, in spirit, I’m right there with him in this battle against Karma. I know what he’s like. When he cost us the Tag Team Titles, I didn’t know what I was gonna do. But Richard reassured me that he’s got everything under control. And I’m gonna give him the same respect that he gave me when I went to war with Fujiko Mine. I’m gonna let him handle it on his terms. Tonight, alongside Silk & Cyanide, Richard will handle Johnny Karma.

Valero is still staring daggers at Spencer and clenching his fists as if he’s finally going to drive the FGA reporter through the wall after all these years of discord between the two of them.

Ricky Valero: I’ll bear some responsibility for Karma coming out there and costing us those tag titles, and make no mistake about it, we would have left with those Seattle Pro Tag Titles if not for him, but I get the opportunity to get my hands on that maniacal jackass in the main event later tonight. Johnny Boy is more unhinged and unstable than he ever has been before--and that’s saying something. But as he probably knows better than anyone else, what goes around comes around. Consider Karma handled.

Evan Envi: Mmmhm. You see, Spence? You hear that?

Envi slaps a hand on Valero’s shoulder as he turns toward Burke.

Evan Envi: That’s why I’m not gonna let myself get stressed about it. Johnny’s gonna pay for what he did. It’s just a shame, y’know? We were right there-- so close to smacking that stupid grin off Dom’s face.

Envi sighs, shaking his head a bit as he moves his hands onto his hips.

Evan Envi: It is what it is though. At least I get to finish what I started with Harter tonight. And there are no titles on the line this time, but that’s okay. At this point it’s not about his gold. It’s about getting back to mine. However we wanna look at it, Dom Harter beat me last time we were in that ring and that’s disgusting. I need to fix it.

He shrugs a bit.

Evan Envi: Just so happens that Kazu’s gonna be the one that helps me.

Envi’s eyes drift upward, past the interviewer. Valero and Burke’s eyes follow the Chief’s. Evan gestures toward a door that the trio have lingered in front of for the past two minutes, above which is a sign that reads SUPERNOVA, earning a pop from the live audience. Envi strides forward and raises a fist, knocking on the door. The door opens-- and a brilliant rush of multicolored lights flood the corridor. Spencer shields his eyes and Valero narrows his as the live sounds of “Glass Onion” pour out of the room.

Evan Envi: We’ll finish this later.

Envi disappears into the room and the door closes behind him, leaving Valero and Spencer standing in a now-silent corridor. Spencer blinks, taking a step toward the door-- but shaking his head, ultimately deciding against it. Instead, he turns to Valero, who has a far less-impressed look that lingers on the door of Kazu’s dressing room.

Spencer Burke: So, Ricky, in tonight’s main event, you--

Ricky Valero: Shut up.

Valero turns, marching away from the interviewer without another word, earning a chuckle from pockets of the audience. We fade to black on the frowning face of Spencer Burke.

[FGA Office]

Dom Harter: And just watch as we show you how it’s done…

The Tenacious Little Bastard is explaining the night’s activities to Fenrys as The New Murder are together in their locker room. The two men standing facing one another, while Annie Zellor and Mary-Jane McCracken are standing behind Dom.

Dom Harter: We get it though, we do. It’s not an easy task–

The words are accentuated by Zellor throwing up the air quotes.

Dom Harter: –and we’re not blaming you for losing to Kazu Hirano a few weeks ago. We’re not.

Fenrys: An–

Yeah, like he’s going to get to finish that sentence!

Annie Zellor: It’s just, like, you’ve put us in a really awkward situation, Fenny. ‘Cause now we’ve gotta go clear up your mess–which shouldn’t be a problem for us…

Dom and Annie both pat the Seattle Pro tag team titles that are on their shoulders, and Fenrys just bows his head to avert his gaze from those smug, self-satisfied smirks on the faces of his comrades in arms. Even Mary-Jane has that same smirk on her face!

Annie Zellor: …’cause, y’know, we’re just amazing at what we do. Like how a few weeks ago we managed to defend these belts against Evan and Ricky. And now he’s just switched partners and he’s hoping for a better result.

Dom Harter: They both have, to be fair.

Annie Zellor: True, true. But Kazu’s little winning streak is gonna come to an end tonight, Fenny. And we’re gonna get him back for that win over you, so don’t worry about it too much. And I know tempers have been, like, kinda high lately–and we’re not blaming you for that.

Even beneath the mask you can tell Fenrys is staring at her incredulously, and in utter disbelief at the statement. He knows Annie is the one who’s been running her mouth, and making those jokes about ‘who could lose to Kazu?’. But she has the audacity to say she doesn’t blame him for his attitude?!

Dom Harter: We understand that sometimes people–like Kazu Hirano for instance–they get lucky. But tonight we get to make it all right. Annie and I will put Evan and Kazu in their places, and even you should be able to beat Jillian Clay–Nando! That’s who got that fluke victory recently!

Annie Zellor: Over Seth?

Dom Harter: Yeah, and it earned him a shot at the Pride title. Just imagine if someone had recently defeated the newly crowned Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion, and what they might be entitled to…

Annie Zellor: Yeah, I can imagine that…

Annie replies, before turning to the camera and winking. She really wants another shot at that title belt sometime, just to right the wrong, and maybe to add another title belt to her tally for the year.

Dom Harter: But the point is, Fenrys…buddy, pal…even you can defeat Jillian Clay. And you will, won’t you?

They don’t even wait for an answer though; Dom, Annie, and Mary-Jane are all on the move and heading for the exit before Fenrys even has a chance to respond, leaving the masked man behind to ready himself for his upcoming match. Out of sheer frustration…or maybe annoyance…Fenrys kicks a locker door, which opens slightly. Something inside it catches his eye, however, and Fenrys smiles to himself as he reaches inside the locker as the show cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Jillian Clay vs. Fenrys

Fenrys takes the inflatable Dom Harter doll that he found in the locker in the previous segment on the apron. He then tries to rush Clay at the start of the match. But Clay is ready for him as she sends him to the mat with an arm drag. A second arm drag returns Fenrys to the mat. Once Fenrys gets back to his feet, Clay rushes over before delivering an overflow arm drag, sending Fenrys rolling to the outside. The Saturnian Connection member follows up with a springboard moonsault that takes Fenrys out on the floor! Clay brings the match back into the ring and goes for the cover. But she only gets a two count.

As the match continues, Clay goes to work on Fenrys with multiple jabs before sending him into the far ropes. When Fenrys returns, he leaps across the ring to attack Clay. But Clay’s able to counter with a low flapjack into the ropes for a two count. Clay switches targets and locks onto Fenrys’ arm. Fenrys is brought down with a somersault sitout arm wringer. Clay follows up with the Bestrafen (Running knee drop to back of kneeling opponent’s head) for another two count. After Fenrys is sent into the corner, Clay charges across the ring and connects with a corner elbow, sending Fenrys slumping down against the turnbuckles. Clay steps back towards the center of the ring, then rushes forward and throws herself at Fenrys with a running cannonball senton. The New Murder member is able to slip out of the way, causing Clay to crash into the turnbuckles. Fenrys then brings her out of the corner with a one-handed bulldog for a two count.

Fenrys remains on offense, hitting a DDT for a two count. He goes for a belly to back suplex when Clay rolls over his shoulder. After landing on her feet, Clay turns and hits the ropes. When she returns, Fenrys knocks her down with a pop-up uppercut before following up with a standing moonsault for another two count. Fenrys pulls Clay up onto her knees before knocking her back down with a rear shining wizard. After bringing Clay down with a belly to back suplex, Fenrys steps out onto the apron. He looks across the apron and points down at the inflatable Harter doll in the corner. Fenrys puts his hand over his heart after getting “encouragement” from the doll before scaling the turnbuckles. As soon as Clay gets back to her feet, Fenrys leaps off and knocks her down with a shotgun dropkick. He makes the cover. But Clay’s able to just beat the three count by getting her shoulder up in time.

Fenrys whips Clay into the corner before rushing over and connecting with a rolling elbow. After Clay is whipped into the opposite corner, Fenrys goes for a corner bicycle kick. Clay’s able to reach up and catch Fenrys’ foot just in time. She then shoves Fenrys down to the mat. When Fenrys rolls back to his feet, Clay hoists herself up onto the middle ropes before knocking him down with a diving forearm for a two count. Fenrys reverses an irish whip, sending Clay into the ropes. When she returns, Fenrys goes to throw her down with a back body drop. Clay’s able to slip down from behind, land on her feet and quickly counter with a somersault shoulder jawbreaker. While Fenrys is sprawled out on the mat, Clay heads to the apron, climbs the turnbuckles, leaps off and connects with a swan-dive flying headbutt! Clay then follows up with the Komet! (Superkick, immediately followed by a corkscrew roundhouse kick) and gets the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Jillian Clay

[FGA Office]

Backstage, and Peaches can be found pacing back and forth. She’s ready dressed in her ring attire ahead of the six-man tag match later tonight, but it seems like maybe she’s in the mood for more than a match right now.

Peaches: I ain’t got nothin’ more to say right now…

Peaches states matter-of-factly without stopping pacing.

Peaches: I know we’ve got a match tonight. Teamin’ with Tyler Storm and Zack Gall, but y’all just gotta lemme at Piper Lennon an’ we’re gonna be good. Just gimme Piper Lennon!

With that, Peaches continues pacing back and forth as the show cuts to commercial.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage where interviewer Spencer Burke is standing by in front of an FGA backdrop.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time once again...Ricky Valero.

Spencer’s smile curls into a frown at the mention of Valero’s name and Ricky steps into the picture, shoulder bumping Spencer over to make room with a menacing smirk. The tension between the two is still flaring from earlier this evening.

Ricky Valero: Spence.

The FGA reporter rolls his eyes.

Spencer Burke: Ricky, tonight you compete in the main event alongside Marlon Cure and Erin Mariani in six-man tag action against Fujiko Mine, Izzy Anders, and a man you’ve grown to despise over the last few weeks, Johnny Karma. Where is your head at going into this match?

Valero scoffs, sucking his teeth as the thoughts roll around inside his head.

Ricky Valero: You wanna know where my head is, Spence? My head is focused on going into this match tonight and doing everything I can to help my team pick up the win. Same as every night I go out to that ring. Victory is all I see. Victory is all I strive for. What else would you expect?

Spencer Burke: Well, since the Gold Rush Rumble, victory isn’t exactly the result you’ve been achieving inside that ring, and that’s something one of your partners, Marlon Cure, indicated he’s taken notice of on social media.

Ricky Valero: And as I made clear to Marlon on Twitter, he doesn’t have a damn thing to worry about. We don’t have to go out there and pretend to be friends like we’re Fujiko and Izzy. Marlon and I, we’re two of the top three talents in all of FGA. We’re superior athletes by comparison to literally anyone else who stands across that ring from us. We just have to go out there with the intent of working together for the greater good.

Spencer Burke: And that is?

Ricky Valero: Beating the snot out of Fujiko, Izzy, and especially Johnny Karma.

Valero shakes his head at Spencer. It’s not exactly uncharacteristic of the “Good Guy” to be agitated by the interviewer’s mere presence in the same building as him and tonight is no different. Still, Spencer presses forward.

Spencer Burke: Speaking of Johnny Karma--

Ricky Valero: Lemme guess...you want to talk about the fact that he cost myself and Evan the Seattle Pro Tag Team Championships? How his actions have made Dom goddamn Harter think like he can go about on social media bragging about beating the Good Guys, try to stir up the pot between myself and Evan, spewing more nonsensical bullsh*t than usual much to the agitation of literally anyone not named Annie Zellor?

He scoffs, biting at the inside of his bottom lip as he bops up and down on each foot.

Ricky Valero: We all knew Johnny Karma was a ticking timebomb. Wouldn’t you be? Knowing your time’s running out? Knowing it’s all coming to an end?

That devilish smirk creeps back across his face as he speaks.

Ricky Valero: I didn’t poke the bear without recognizing there would be consequences. I knew that boy would come back looking for a fight. But I hope he recognizes what he’s gotten himself into now. I hope he recognizes how much more difficult he’s made these last few months for himself. He could’ve gone away quietly. He could’ve just faded away like the irrelevant, dying star he is, picked up knitting or something, and let Cherry go off and find herself a real man. Now?

He cackles.

Ricky Valero: Now, I have to put him out of his misery. I have no choice but to make it clear to him, to leave no doubt in his or anyone else’s mind: Johnny Karma is FINISHED. He’s never going to have another World Championship reign. He’s never going to reach the heights he once did. And it’s all because of ME. I’m going to take him out back behind the barn and put him down like the broken down, old horse that he is!

Caught off guard by Valero’s tone, Spencer fumbles as he tries to think of a suitable follow-up question, not helped by Valero leering at him as if he’s daring Spencer to ask him another question - however, this does mean that Valero isn’t expecting to feel an index finger firmly tap him on the shoulder, which causes him to an aggravated snarl as he turns round...at which point he realises he’s face-to-face with a decidedly unimpressed Johnny Karma

Johnny Karma: Have you finished? Good…

Using the same finger he previously used to tap Valero in the shoulder, Karma prods Valero firmly in the chest

Johnny Karma: If you had a brain in that head of yours, maybe it would have occurred to you that actions have a nasty habit of coming with consequences, so either you’re one dumb benzona if you thought costing me a match to prove that you’re The Big Man would go unpunished, or you’re standing here pretending that Evan Envi is actually speaking to you this week because you’re the reason why Dom Harter gets to lord it over the pair of you.

Karma shoots Valero a look not dissimilar to one that a store clerk gives to a teenager trying to shoplift right in front of them, a mixture of annoyance and wondering how stupid they can be

Johnny Karma: So don’t try and convince yourself you’re the innocent victim, because if you kept your mouth shut - and, more importantly, you didn’t think it’d be “fun” to interfere in my matches - you’d either be standing here with a title on your shoulder...or hoping that Envi returns your calls because you told him that you didn’t need his help to tie your own shoelaces, only to trip over them and knock yourself out on the ring apron and cost the pair of you shlameals the match.

Now Karma raises that very same finger, pointing it accusingly right in Valero’s face

Johnny Karma: So the question, Ricky, isn’t about you taking an old mare out the back of the barn to put it out of its misery, but more about me taking you to the woodshed to slap some manners into you, because that smirk on your face is begging for somebody to slap it right off of there.

Valero’s eyes narrow and he steps to Karma, who is unflinching in his presence. The bigger Karma looks down on Valero, his fists clenching, just asking for another opportunity to put his foe in his place. Valero appears to be doing the same. But then Ricky just chuckles and wipes the scowl from his face.

Ricky Valero: I have a match to get ready for.

Valero eyes Karma up and down one more time before he hurries off in the opposite direction.

Ricky Valero: See you out there, Johnny Boy.

Karma and Spencer share a look, and the FGA interviewer can’t help but chuckle himself. He shakes his head in Valero’s direction as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Sara Mason vs. Susan Kent

Mason gets the jump on Kent from behind with a one-handed bulldog. Kent is then dragged into the corner where she gets stomped on with multiple boots to the chest. While Kent is seated in the corner, Mason applies a foot choke. Mason breaks the choke when the ref’s count reaches for. She motions to walk away, then rushes back in and applies another foot choke. This time, while pulling down on the top rope. Mason continues to try and choke out Kent until she releases the choke just as the ref’s count reaches five. Mason steps back towards the center of the ring before charging forward and delivering multiple running dropkicks for a two count.

As the match continues, Kent reverses an irish whip and sends Mason into the ropes. When Mason comes back, she goes for a Lou Thesz Press. But Kent is right there to counter with a dropkick in mid air! Another dropkick returns Mason back to the mat. Kent then goes for an irish whip of her own when Mason reverses. Instead of coming back, Kent hooks her arms around the top rope. Mason rushes over to attack. But she falls right into Kent’s trap as Kent low bridges the top rope, sending Mason tumbling to the outside. Maraini rushes over towards Mason and helps her regroup. While this is happening, Kent decides to hit the far ropes. Upon her return, she hurls herself over the top rope and takes out both members of Silk & Cyanide with a somersault plancha! Kent brings Mason back inside and makes the cover. Mason gets the shoulder up at two.

Kent stays in control with knife edge chops against the ropes. Mason is then whipped into the far ropes. When she returns, Kent knocks her off her feet with a spinning heel kick for a two count. Kent goes for a running bulldog when Mason shoves her off into the ropes. After Kent bounces back, Mason hoists her into the air for a pop-up maneuver. However, Kent’s able to counter with a headscissors takedown. As Mason is getting back to her feet, Kent runs over towards the side of the ring, grabs a hold of Mason, runs off the ropes and plants her with a springboard Tornado DDT for another two count. Mason is then hit with two backhand chops before getting whipped into the far corner. Kent rushes in and dives for a splash. But Mason’s just a step too quick and slips out of the way, causing Kent to crash into the turnbuckles. Kent stumbles back until Mason brings her 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)! Mason takes Kent by the hair and pulls her back up to a kneeling position before bringing her down with the Falling Idol (hangman’s neckbreaker to kneeling opponent). Mason makes the cover and gets a two count.

Mason continues to maintain control of the match when she drops Kent throat-first across the middle rope with Lorelei (with the opponent in a headlock, Mason dives out of the ring to snap their neck on the ropes). Mason then rushes over and flattens Kent with a sliding clothesline for a two count. Kent is then whipped back into the ropes. This time, Mason is able to tackle her down with a Lou Thesz before following up with multiple headbutts. Mason makes the cover, but Kent’s able to get her shoulder up at two. Mason brings the acton back into the corner before sending Kent slumping down with a cross chop to the throat. She once again steps back towards the center of the ring. Mason charges forward and lunges herself at Kent with a crossbody block. Kent’s able to slip out onto the apron at the last second, causing Mason to crash into the corner. While Mason slowly rolls away, Kent pulls herself back up using the ropes. She then begins to scale the turnbuckles. After Mason’s back to a vertical base, Kent leaps off and knocks her down with a missile dropkick for a two count. Kent brings Mason down with a belly to belly suplex, followed a Rolling Thunder senton for another two count. Mason reverses another irish whip, sending Kent into the corner. Unbeknownst to Susan Kent, Erin Mariani has silently slunk her way through the Tucson crowd and jumped the crowd barrier, only making herself known to Delikado when she grabs hold of him and hits him with a half-nelson facebuster that drives him face-first into the ring apron to temporarily remove him from the equation. Mason rushes in, only to get knocked back by a European Uppercut. Kent then springboards to the top turnbuckle, flips off and knocks Mason down with a corkscrew moonsault. After Mason gets brought down with a Codebreaker, Kent heads to the apron, climbs to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and lands on top of her with the Photo-Op (Frog Splash) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Susan Kent

Once the match has finished, Mason is quick to go on the offensive once more and lay a series of boots to Kent, only relenting when the referee places himself between the two in an attempt to move Mason into a neutral corner - but that's exactly what the plan was from the outset, as with the referee distracted Mariani silently slides into the ring and stalks Kent as she tries to get back to a vertical base, waiting until the perfect moment before she grabs her by both wrists and smacks her in the face with Minerva.

Kris Cruise: Mariani has just laid out Kent! There’s no reason for this! The match is already over!

Stephy Auger: She’s sending a message to Kent loud and clear, Cruise!

Realising that something is up, the referee looks over his shoulder to see Mariani standing over Kent's fallen form, but that second's distraction allows Mason to grab the referee by the shirt and hurl him through the ropes to the outside so that she can join her partner as the two stand over Susan Kent and look down at her for a moment with looks of sadistic glee upon their faces

...but then those expressions drop from their faces as the two slowly exchange a conspiratorial look, and then the two slowly turn their heads to see Delikado attempting to get into the ring to help his fallen partner, and Mariani lets out a cold laugh at the spectacle unfolding before the two of them as the two stand and watch for a moment as they want to see what is about to unfold, until the split second where Delikado finally crawls under the ropes where the two descend upon him like jackals, raining down blows before dragging him into position to connect with Morgenstern to remove Delikado from the equation once again

With the pair laid out, Mason slides out of the ring and stalks around ringside until she finds what she is looking for: a steel chair, and as soon as she picks it up she gives Mariani a knowing look before sliding back into the ring with the chair, and once she returns to the ring she leaves the chair on the mat as she assists Mariani in picking up Kent, with the two dragging her to the ropes where they fasten her arms in place with the ring ropes, as which point Mariani slaps Kent a couple of times to make sure she's awake so she has a good view of what the pair have in mind for her partner.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: For Kent, maybe. This Delikado nonsense has gone on for far too long, Cruise!

With Mariani keeping a watchful eye on Kent, making sure she doesn't try and get free, Mason picks up the chair from the mat and wraps it around Delikado's ankle, and with the chair in place Mariani crosses the ring and climbs the set of turnbuckles nearest to Delikado and, making sure she maintains eye contact with Kent the entire time, she leaps off the top rope with a double stomp onto the chair, the impact of which causes Delikado to let out a bloodcurdling yell of pain

Kris Cruise: They’re trying to cripple him, Stephy! Silk & Cyanide have crossed the line once again! What is it going to take to stop these two?

As EMTs rush out from the back, Mariani and Mason stand in the ring and observe their handiwork for a moment, before turning to leave the ring as if what they have just put Kent and Delikado through in the last couple of minutes was so utterly casual to the pair, to the point they both wear bemused expressions on their faces as the EMTs reach the ring and tend to Delikado who, by this point, is turning pale and clutching at his ankle, indicating Mariani and Mason have inflicted some serious damage to him.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Renati Gym
Milwaukee, WI
6am

Scene fades in on a mostly empty gym. The lights supplement the sun just peeking in via the large windows near the entrance. The opening beats to “In The Face of Evil” by Magic Sword plays as the camera smash cuts to The FGA World champion, Fujiko Mine. She is dripping with sweat, hands on her knees. In front of her is a set of boxes about four feet in height. She exhales sharply before getting back to work; crouching down and hoisting herself up in one fluid motion, completing several box jumps. The camera rotates around her as she does them, and then zooms in slightly as she takes one box down, and begins doing them with her right leg only.

The screen splits in two, with FGA Flashpoint star Nina Stokes sitting in a chair, looking over at an off-camera interviewer.

Nina Stokes: Who is going to be victorious between Fujiko Mine and Marlon Cure? I suppose the winner will be whoever wants it more.

She lets out a small chuckle.

Nina Stokes: Yeah, I’m being facetious.

She composes herself and carries on.

Nina Stokes: The fact of the matter is, very few people in this industry have endured the trials and tribulations that Fujiko has. Those trials and tribulations? They strengthened her. She never forgets her journey, what it took to get to the FGA World Championship. Because of that, she’s not going to crumble up when she steps in the ring with Marlon. It’s that simple.

The music volume lowers as a voiceover begins to play.

Fujiko Mine: Allow me to remind everyone...I have been at what most people consider the ‘top of my game’ for almost a year at this point. Ever since I returned to FGA, I’ve been almost unstoppable. I outlasted people’s predictions of ‘how long I was going to stay’ and ‘how long there would be interest’.

She switches to her left leg this time, doing the same amount of reps.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve not only outlasted people who considered themselves better than me, but I’ve reached the heights they were only dreaming of. I don’t need to get into examples, here. I’ve said it before: I have become the APEX of Frontier Grappling Arts.

Smash cut. Fujiko is now doing overhand pull-ups on a bar about 6 feet off the ground. The footage is a bit sped up for variety.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve overcome so much just to get to this point. If you think I’m going to both matches All Star Showdown with any less than 100%, you’re in denial of who I am and what I can do.

She switches to underhand pullups, without going to the ground.

Fujiko Mine: While it’s true I’m going into All Star Showdown to defend two championships...I’m planning on leaving with both of them. Everyone thought Izzy and I were a team destined to fail. Everyone that thought that teaming together was a time bomb waiting to explode...instead found themselves bounced from the tournament. When Silk & Cyanide thought they had us against the ropes, we beat them. And it doesn’t matter who we end up defending against. We’ll beat them, just like we’ve proven we can.

We cut to Fujiko running an American Ninja Warrior style obstacle course. She balances across thin planks, ascends a salmon ladder, and swings from rotating door knobs suspended above a foam pit.

We split the screen as Pro Wrestling NEO’s Lyza Reyes is in the chair.

Lyza Reyes: It’s no secret that undermining is a common tactic in this business. Undermine the Mine, right? Strike one.

She shakes her head before continuing.

Lyza Reyes: Quantify her success all you want, yet tenacity isn’t something everyone possesses. Some go about this like tourists in revolving doors, enamored by the glamour but stay in a cycle of complacency. Who are they trying to kid here? Not Fujiko.

The screen moves back to see Fujiko land safely on the other side of the pit. Her voiceover continues.

Fujiko Mine: And Marlon? I’ve worked years to get to this point. I certainly respect that you were able to propel yourself to this point as quickly as you did, but for all the bravado and hype you show and give yourself on social media...you haven’t had to starve for this like I have. You haven’t coveted this position like I have. You haven’t pulled yourself across broken glass, busted and bleeding and fueled by your utter desire to hold the FGA championship over your head. You just feel like you’re entitled to it. Do you put in work? Won’t doubt that at all. But you don’t destroy yourself for it. You don’t need this title like humans need air. You merely want it. You merely believe that because you tell yourself how great you are every 24 hours in a tweet that you are going to show up to All Star Showdown, and take it. And unless you shake yourself and realize how great an opportunity you have in front of you, you are leaving All Star Showdown with a handful of shattered pride and the realization that you were not ready to stand face to face with the Apex Goddess.

A quick montage of her training in the ring, executing some of her signature moves on students that surround her, not unlike a kung-fu film.

Fujiko Mine: I may be putting myself at a disadvantage by wrestling twice in one night, but I’ve proven consistently that I’m up to the task. I’ve proven that with my determination and the support of all my fans, I am unstoppable. And no matter how much you like to pretend that you’ve got all these people telling you that you’ll fail, you don’t have the experience that it is going to take to pry this championship out of my hands.

The footage slows down, showing Fujiko in black and white… exhausted. She then looks up, and the camera cuts to behind her, where an FGA All Star Showdown banner has her on it, opposite Marlon Cure.

Fujiko Mine: Marlon puts up basically the exact same post on social media day after day. It’s not because he needs his ego stroked. It’s not because he’s the best thing that FGA has going. It’s because he is afraid that if he doesn’t remind you all that he exists, you may very well forget. He has to continually tell you he’s the ‘soon to be anointed’ one because for all the flash he shows in the ring, he just can’t back it up with real substance. He’s incredibly talented; but otherwise he’s two dimensional. He needs you to remember him to keep his flimsy facade alive. But at All Star Showdown, he is going to have to bring his S-Rank game.

The camera zooms in on her face.

Fujiko Mine: I did not endure the hell I went through with Evan Envi to just relinquish this championship to you. I am not a short-lived feel good story that ends with you beating me on that grand stage and fading back into obscurity. I DID NOT GO THROUGH ALL I WENT TO JUST TO LOSE TO YOU!

A determined look etches itself on her face. With renewed resolve, she breaks into a sprint, launching herself up a warped wall. A zoomed in shot shows her fingers curl and grip the top of the wall, and she pulls herself up to the top of it.

Fujiko Mine: You can call yourself a king, but what’s a king to a goddess? Especially when this goddess is me? Marlon, you’re going to find out very, very soon that you may very well have to strike me dead to get me to give up the FGA championship. This is not the end of my story. On the contrary, it’s just the beginning. I am not just going to beat you, Marlon. I’m going to expose you. And this won’t just be a setback. It’s going to be the notice to you and the rest of the roster.

Fujiko crouches down, then gingerly moves her legs out from underneath her. She lets them dangle over the top of the warped wall, and the angle switches to a crane shot behind her, while she looks at the banner hanging on the wall again.

Fujiko Mine: I am going to be the greatest FGA champion in history...and none of you can stop me. That is the will of the goddess...and my will be done.

The crane shot fades back as Fujiko sits on the top of the warped wall, until it crossfades into the FGA logo, then to black.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The show returns from commercial break to find Jessie Pederson standing backstage outside of a locker room. She takes a deep breath in as she steps forward, nervously knocking on the door before stepping back again. Obviously she’s not too keen on interviewing who is inside, and we soon find out why, as the door swings open to reveal none other than The Tenacious Little Bastard himself.

Jessie Pederson: Dom, would it be possible to get a word with you ahead of your tag team match tonight?

Harter walks back inside without saying a word; Jessie follows him in with the cameraman in tow, only to find the room is missing the rest of The New Murder members. No Fenrys, no Annie, no Mary-Jane. Alone, Dom is standing there in his ring attire and ‘I Beat Johnny Karma’ t-shirt beneath that leather jacket.

Jessie Pederson: In a few minutes you’ll be up against Evan Envi again, but this time he’ll have Kazu Hirano in his co–

Dom Harter: Yeah, I’m aware of that, Jessie…

The curt reply doesn’t throw her off guard though. This isn’t her first rodeo. Harter uses the momentary silence that follows his reply to lean down, grabbing up his Seattle Pro tag team title from off the bench before he throws it back over his shoulder.

Jessie Pederson: So how are you feeling ahead of this one?

Dom Harter: I’ll be honest with you, Jessie–as always, since I am the most honest man in wrestling, after all…

The snide side of Dom Harter shining through for a moment as that ever-familiar crooked grin briefly appears on his face.

Dom Harter: …the only thing I want from tonight–the only thing I want from this match, is to know when Evan Envi is going to sack up and give me my one-on-one rematch with him. I want to know, Jessie, when I’m going to get what I’m rightfully owed. What I deserve…

Jessie Pederson: …do you mean a shot at the FGA World Championship?

Ooh, clever girl! Harter takes a moment before he speaks again, running a hand through his hair as that grin tries to break through again.

Dom Harter: So you agree with me then?

Jessie Pederson: I neve–

Dom Harter: It’s ok, Jessie, you don’t have to say so. It’ll be our little secret, and you can keep your reputation in tact. I know what people think; they want to say I don’t have a right to stake my claim at the FGA World Championship…I had my shot in the Frontier Lions Cup, right?

Apprehensive, Jessie nods before adding.

Jessie Pederson: Well y–

Dom Harter: That’s when Evan Envi cheated in order to beat me, right?!

He cuts her off, even raising his voice towards the end.

Dom Harter: Does that mean I don’t get another shot, Jessie? Does that mean I have to go to the back of the line? Is that a rule that applies to me, Jessie?!

But she doesn’t answer…

Dom Harter: That night in Madison Square Garden, Evan Envi robbed me…not only of my chance to become a Golden Crown winner, but to earn my shot at the FGA World Championship. Evan Envi himself…robbed me of everything I had been working towards. I know it, you know it. Evan damn well knows it, and you can be sure that each and every fan in this building tonight…everybody watching at home…they know it too, Jessie. But they say nothing…

The disdain in his voice is almost palpable as Harter looks towards the camera, glaring directly into the lens so all of the fans watching can tell what he thinks of them. Jessie shuffles her feet nervously, holding the microphone in place as Dom continues.

Dom Harter: …and you know why, don’t you? Because that was also the night when Evan Envi took the blame for somebody else’s f*ck up. Because that was the night Evan Envi took the blame for somebody else deciding to pick up a weapon. To enter the ring with that weapon in their hand. And he took the blame for that person swinging that weapon, while a goddamn match was happening! And then they’re shocked that the match ended in a disqualification…and do you know what Jenevieve Geroux did next, Jessie? After Evan managed to go on and beat Kol to become the FGA World Champion, do you know what Jenevieve Geroux did next?!

Jessie Pederson: …she named Fujiko Mine as his next challenger.

Dom Harter: Yes she did. And fast forward a couple of months, Jessie–fast forward to Revelations and I went out there–that night in Tampa, I stood in that ring and I beat the former FGA Undisputed Champion, Johnny Karma! Clean as a whistle. In the middle of the squared circle. I pinned Johnny Karma, one, two, three…to earn my shot at the FGA World Championship! Because he might be looking for a way out, Jessie, but Johnny Karma is still one hell of a competitor. Beating him is no easy task. Beating him in one of the best matches of 2019 is something I think should be rewarded. Don’t you?

Jessie Pederson: …I mean…

Dom Harter: ’Yes Dom’. Those are the words you’re looking for, Jessie. And what luck–because Evan Envi walked out of Revelations with that belt still around his waist, and it was destiny, Jessie. It was fate. It was kismet! Our paths would cross again, and he’d be forced to answer for what he did at Final Frontier. He’d have to show the world that he can’t beat me cleanly. That he screwed me out of the Frontier Lions Cup, and screwed me out of my rightful shot at the FGA World Championship because that’s the only way he was ever getting past me. But do you know what happened next?

Silence fills the room again, save for the sounds of Dom’s sharp, cutting laugh. He runs a hand through his hair once again, gripping at his scalp and digging his nails in; a pained grimace is plastered on his face as he has no choice but to laugh.

Dom Harter: You see…despite saying he was a fighting champion. Despite admitting that we had unfinished business from Final Frontier. Despite my having just beaten a former Undisputed Champion! Despite all of that…and because I wasn’t there to stop him. Evan Envi decided to ask Li’l Evan for advice. He gave in to the blackmail! And despite the fact that Ricky Valero interfered when he had a submission hold locked on! Despite the fact that Ricky Valero interfered when he was in control! Despite the fact that Ricky Valero created a goddamn distraction for two goddamn minutes! And despite the fact that Ricky Valero gave her the opening she needed to get back into that match, we had to hear about it being a screwjob…and Evan Envi wormed his way out of facing me again. And Jenevieve Geroux can keep making these tag team matches, Jessie…she can keep thinking she’s throwing me a bone…giving me Evan Envi in that ring. But I don’t want him in tag team matches…

Dom shakes his head.

Dom Harter: I don’t want him relying on Ricky Valero or Kazu Hirano. I don’t want him to have the chance to rest up, or catch his breath. Because that man took everything from me, Jessie, and one way or another I’m taking it all back from him! I beat Johnny Karma, and apparently that wasn’t enough for Jenevieve Geroux to give me a shot at the FGA World Championship…but when–WHEN–I beat another former FGA World Champion in the middle of that ring. When I beat Evan Envi one-on-one, then what? What excuse is she going to come up with next? What is she going to say to deny me this time? Is she going to tell me I was the runner up in the Gold Rush Rumble, and think that undercuts me beating two former champions?!

Jessie doesn’t have an answer for that, so Dom goes again.

Dom Harter: I will get Evan Envi one-on-one in the middle of that ring, and when I do I’ll take back what is rightfully mine…

On that note, Dom walks away, leaving Jessie behind as he readies himself for the upcoming tag team match.

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up to floral decor. The wallpaper in the dressing room is a mustard color, though several flowers in pinks, purples, and violets have been drawn across. The lighting inside the room is dim, pulsating, and ever-changing, exacerbated by the thin haze that fills the area. Somebody strums the acoustic guitar lightly in the background as the camera pans across an empty sofa, and finally settles on “The Chief” Evan Envi, who is in his wrestling gear, mouth slightly agape, eyes focused on the ceiling above as he speaks.

Evan Envi: Absolutely wonderful. You guys do this every single night?

Kazu Hirano: Eeeevery night, town-to-town. Members come and go, but the vibes are always the same, my friend.

Evan Envi: God…

Envi rubs his palms over his face for a moment before pushing himself off of the couch, hopping to his feet, gaze locked on Hirano.

Evan Envi: You’re a genius, Kazu. And you’re right. I should do a Van Terminator. I should be doing one in every match for the kids. Ooooh, you know what else I sh...I should be doing more Powerbombs.

Kazu Hirano: Hell yeah, man.

Evan Envi: You do Powerbombs right?

Kazu Hirano: Of course. Gotta have Powerbombs, man. Powerbombs are f*ckin’ cool. Hosses, juniors, it all looks cool as hell. I do this Running Liger Bomb. I got another Powerbomb move too, but I gotta save that one for the special moments. But the Running Liger Bomb, dude, that’s one I like to do a lot.

Envi looks at Kazu in silence, his lips slowly spreading into a grin before he bumps Hirano’s shoulder with his fist, speaking in a tone just above a whisper.

Evan Envi: Kazu. Tandem Liger Bombs.

Kazu Hirano: Dude. Duuuuude.

Evan inhales deeply, nodding to Kazu as the warm, multicolored lights pulsate through the room. The Chief makes his way toward the door, casting a look back at his temporary tag team partner.

Evan Envi: I never knew there was a lock on the door to tag team success, Kazu, but suddenly I feel as if I’ve found the key. I can only hope that you feel just as inspired.

Envi pulls the door open and takes a long, deep breath, eyes closed before he turns back to Kazu, complete with a dramatic zoom-in.

Evan Envi: Let us rock every face in the general vicinity.

Kazu Hirano: F*ckin’ right on, bro!

Evan’s eyebrows suddenly arch in realization. He leans forward, speaking to Kazu in a low tone.

Evan Envi: ...can your band play Helter Skelter?

Kazu Hirano: Dude, we can play the f*ck out of that shit.

Evan sniffs. His left eye glimmers a bit, threatening to leak a tear. Without a word, he holds his hand out to Kazu, who initiates a campy-yet-epic arm wrestling-style handshake. The scene freezes, zooms on a shot of the handshake, and fades out.

[FGA Office]

• TAG TEAM MATCH •
Evan Envi & Kazu Hirano vs. The Tenacious Wrecking Crew

The Seattle Pro Tag Team Champions make their way to the ring first, but it’s Supernova’s live rendition of “Helter Skelter” medleyed with “I Am the Walrus” to introduce the unlikely team of Kazu Hirano and Evan Envi that gets the crowd hyped. Hirano and Zellor start things off in the ring while Harter taunts Envi from the apron, mocking him for the Superkick that cost him the match two weeks prior!

Kazu gains the early advantage with stiff strikes to Annie’s lower body, eventually grounding her with a Short-Arm Lariat, but Zellor rolls into the ropes to break up a pin. As Kazu backs off, Annie explodes off the rope with a knee strike and some low kicks of her own before a Discus Elbow earns her a two count. Zellor drags Kazu to the corner where she tags in Harter-- who immediately puts the boots to Kazu with a vicious series of stomps, earning a deafening chorus of boos from the audience. The “High Flyer of the Year” gets into the Chief’s face with a crooked grin. Envi glares at Harter, daring him to come closer, but Harter dismissively waves him off and turns back to Kazu-- only to be met with a Ripcord Lariat, “I Want to Hold Your Hand!” Harter flips to his stomach, eyes wide from the impact, but Hirano can’t capitalize, instead crawling toward his corner while Harter power-crawls back to his!

Harter makes the tag first and Zellor darts across the ring with Kazu fingertips away from the Chief. Kazu reaches his feet, arm outstretched-- but Annie spikes him to the canvas with an Inverted Hurricanrana to a massive mixed reaction from the Arizona crowd! Eyes wide, Zellor hooks both legs… but Kazu’s shoulder shoots off the mat with milliseconds to spare! Annie rises to her feet, blasting Kazu with shoot kicks every time he tries to reach a vertical base. She grabs Kazu’s hand and holds it out toward Envi, mockingly inviting him to make the tag. The Chief motions to Annie that he’s going to punch her in the throat, earning a pop from the crowd. Annie gets back in the Chief’s face-- and Kazu rolls her up from behind with a Schoolboy! It earns a one count, but Kazu follows up with a La Magistral, earning the count of two! Annie hits the ropes and looks to hit the rising Kazu with a Slingblade… but Kazu counters into a Backslide Pin!

ONE
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TWO
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Dom Harter rushes across the ring, blasting Kazu with a punt to the ribs, forcing him to break the hold. Kazu howls in pain and Envi races into the ring, making a beeline for Harter-- but the referee intercepts the Chief, allowing Harter and Zellor to pull Kazu into dual Bicycle Knee Strikes behind the official’s back! Frustrated, Envi finally leaves the ring as Annie ascends to the top rope and nails a Diving Elbow Drop to Kazu’s heart. She applauds herself as she walks back to her corner, tagging Harter back in. Harter traps Hirano in a neutral corner and delivers an alternating series of blistering knife-edged chops and European Uppercuts, drawing a deep chorus of boos from the crowd and a bitter chuckle from the Chief. Harter winks at Envi as he pulls Kazu out of the corner and hooks him for a Double Arm DDT-- but Kazu fights out of it, shoving Harter away! Harter charges back at Kazu… and walks right into a Shotgun Dropkick! Harter spirals to the canvas to a roar from the crowd while Envi stomps on the canvas, attempting to rally the live audience behind his partner!

Harter and Kazu reach their feet at the same time and Harter looks to blast him with a European Uppercut-- but Hirano side-steps and turns Harter around, planting him with a release Tiger Suplex! The Arizona audience roars while Kazu crawls toward the outstretched hand of Evan Envi. He crawls… crawls… and leaps for the tag!

...but Annie Zellor yanks Evan off of the apron! Envi tumbles to the ground, pushing himself up with a glare fixed on Zellor, who simply shrugs, offering a halfhearted “sorry” as the boos rain down. Inside the ring, Kazu looks through the ropes toward his partner but Harter drags Kazu away! He looks for a Back Suplex, but Kazu flips to his feet behind Harter and drives him to the mat with a Back Suplex of his own! Harter rolls out of the ring, clutching at the back of his head while Kazu rises to his feet-- and immediately charges the ropes, leaping through to take Harter to the mat with a Suicide Dive! Zellor’s eyes grow wide and she charges Kazu-- but she’s intercepted as Envi darts across the ring and through the ropes to hit a Suicide European Uppercut! Envi motions for Kazu to roll Dom into the ring, while Envi roll Annie in at the same time. Envi yells “IT’S TIME!” to Kazu, who responds with a calm nod. Envi hoists Dom up while Kazu hoists up Annie-- and the pair deliver tandem Running Liger Bombs! Envi launches Annie through the ropes, to the outside of the ring while Kazu climbs to the top-- and leaps off for a Moonsault to Harter inside the ring while Envi delivers a Moonsault to the rising Annie on the outside! The audience erupts for the display and Kazu hooks both of Harter’s legs while the crowd counts along with the ref!

ONE
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TWO
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THR--!

Harter explodes out of the pinning predicament with virtually no time to spare! Kazu lies on his back on the canvas, clearly drained. He rolls onto his stomach as Envi finally crawls to the apron, giving Hirano a nod. Kazu crawls… and makes the tag to the Chief! Envi climbs into the ring, slowly stalking Dom Harter to his feet as the crowd grows steadily louder. Harter reaches a knee and turns… jaw clenching as he locks eyes with Envi. The two are frozen in time for a moment-- before they charge at each other and unleash with a flurry of strikes! The audience erupts at the display and each elbow, forearm, and uppercut sends a sickening CRACK! echoing throughout the arena, but it’s Harter that falls to a knee first. Envi blasts him with a spinning kick to the chest, followed by a knee lift to the jaw, and finally hits the ropes for a Shining Axe Kick! He rises to his knees, signaling for the end to the lively audience, who respond with a roar-- clearly having no complaints seeing Harter put away.

Envi goes out to the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle, but Annie grabs at his ankle! Envi tries to shake her off, but Annie pushes him instead, crotching Envi on the top rope! She drops to the floor and takes a bow to the booing audience… but her eyes grow wide as a large portion of the crowd shouts “KONICHIWA!” Before Zellor can react, Kazu sprints across the ringside barrier and drives Annie to the floor with Hey Bulldog!

Meanwhile, Envi gathers his bearings and pushes himself back up to a perched position on the top turnbuckle… but Harter races to the corner and leaps up, driving Envi to the canvas with a Superplex! Harter clenches his fists, face red in pain from the move himself-- but he forces himself upright and grabs the stirring Envi, pulling him into a Dragon Sleeper, the “Empty Shell!” Envi flails wildly, throwing a knee over his head once, twice, thrice before Harter releases the hold. Envi swings for the Kapowski Kick, but Harter throws himself to the canvas to avoid it, rolling out of the ring. Envi shoots the ropes, looking for another Suicide Dive-- but Harter cuts him off with a boot to the face before the Chief can make it through the ropes! He rolls into the ring and pins Envi to the mat, hoking both legs, but Envi kicks out at one! Harter pulls Envi to his feet and throws him into the Tenacious Wrecking Crew’s corner, choking him with both hands, screaming into the Chief’s face that it’s Harter that deserves to be the World Champion. Envi gasps for air, pushing Dom away-- but Dom hits him with a knee lift, grounding him. He throws Envi into a neutral corner and holds his hand out to Annie Zellor as she climbs back onto the apron, tagging her in. He points to Envi, who sits in a daze in the corner, audibly telling Zellor to humiliate him… and Zellor motions for the Stinkface to an amused, mixed reaction from Arizona.

Annie makes her way to the corner, turns her back to the Chief and places her thumbs on the waistband of her trunks-- and Envi grabs the top rope and pulls himself up, delivering a firm boot to Zellor’s backside, sending her staggering forward. Annie turns around with a glare and charges at Envi, but he counters with an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckles…

...and Dom Harter races across the ring, blasting Envi with a knee to the face! Boos resonate through the arena and the referee loudly scolds Harter, forcing him back to his corner. Harter grins widely, palms raised defensively. Envi pushes himself up on the other side of the ring, and there’s an audible groan from the crowd as the blood pours from his nose. He crawls to his corner in a daze, where Kazu Hirano reaches over the ropes to tag himself in. Kazu enters the ring and Annie Zellor looks to catch him off guard with a Monkey Flip-- but there’s a roar as Kazu lands seamlessly on his feet! Using his momentum, he rushes into Dom Harter, shoving him off of the apron! He turns around as Zellor sprints forward for a Standing Sparklebutt (Running Butt Bump), but Kazu catches her in mid-air and drives her to the mat with a bridging German Suplex!

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Zellor pops out at the last second! Kazu rips her to her feet and hooks her for the Reverse DDT, but Annie drops to her back and throws an overhead kick, catching Kazu between the eyes! She kips up to her feet and hits the ropes, rebounding to nail a Satellite DDT (All That Glitters!), but the audience erupt again as Kazu displays his strength by holding Annie up in mid-air, preventing her from completing the DDT… before shifting her weight and flipping her down into a Sitout Tiger Bomb! Again, the audience counts alone with the referee’s ONE… TWO… and once more, Zellor throws her shoulder up before the count of three! The camera pans around the audience, showing the faces of shock and disappointment… but Kazu wastes no time! He pulls Annie to her feet and hoists her onto his shoulders, beginning the Airplane Spin! Annie screams and reaches out, grabbing the referee by the collar! The referee struggles to break free, and accidentally catches a boot to the side of the head as Kazu rips Annie away and continues the Airplane Spin!

The ref tumbles into the corner and Kazu spins Annie wildly, looking to nail the Magical Mystery Tour #1--

--until Dom Harter blasts Kazu with one of the Seattle Pro Tag Team Championships! Kazu collapses and Annie lands on top of him! Harter rolls out of the ring and the disoriented ref turns, counting Kazu’s shoulders to the mat!

ONE
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TWO
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THREE!

A bloodied Envi dives into the ring to break up the pin, but he’s a second too late!

The bell sounds. Boos resonate throughout the arena as “Low Self Opinion” plays over the PA system. Harter grins at Envi from the outside, helping the groggy and confused Annie Zellor to her feet. Envi wipes blood off of his face, muttering something to Harter that the camera’s aren’t in a position to capture. Harter mouths off back to Envi as he backs up the ramp, arms out wide as if inviting Envi to follow him up the ramp for a fight.

Kris Cruise: It wasn’t without its bumps and its hurdles, but for the second week in a row, Dom Harter holds a victory over Evan Envi. There’s no way that sits well with the Chief.

Stephy Auger: Well, I hate to say it, but for the second week in a row, Evan DESERVES to lose to Dom Harter! Dom’s just the better man right now, Cruise. I mean, what can you say? Dom is at the top of his game right now and luck is on his side!

Kris Cruise: For now.

Envi helps Kazu to his feet, the pair earning a round of applause from the audience as we fade away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We fade in on Spencer Burke, standing in front of the Vertigo set, beaming.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time...The FGA United States Tag Team champion and FGA World champion…

The crowd cheers loudly, the titles signalling the imminent arrival of the Apex Goddess.

Spencer Burke: ...Fujiko Mine.

The newest member of the Grand Slam club sidesteps into the shot, the US tag team title around her waist, and the World championship over her left shoulder. Behind her, the menacing XENA steps into the shot as well.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, last Vertigo you watched from the sidelines as your fellow tag team champion took on the number one contender, Marlon Cure. She was unable to pull out the victory. Your thoughts?

The look on the champions’ face is telling in that she knew it was coming. She adjusts the championship on her shoulder, pulling it closer to herself before she answers.

Fujiko Mine: You’ll note, Spencer. She’s not here. I am not a fan of speaking for her, so perhaps you should look to her for a true reaction to that match. But I won’t deny that it was impressive on Marlon’s part. The whisperings have been going on that I should be worried. Worried that Marlon was able to beat Izzy, when I have yet to be able to accomplish that feat myself.

She looks down, a troubled expression taking hold on her visage.

Fujiko Mine: And I am.

She looks back up at the camera.

Fujiko Mine: I will be transparent. It does worry me. I won’t lull myself into any sense of security. Just because I’ve beaten him before does not mean, based on that fact alone, I can again. Those are my thoughts on that.

Spencer Burke: And tonight, when you and Izzy team with another rival turned ally of yours in Johnny Karma, when you face Marlon, along with rivals in Ricky Valero and Erin Mariani?

The vexed expression is exchanged for one of confidence.

Fujiko Mine: I was hoping you would allow me to talk a little bit about tonight…

Suddenly, her focus shifts to just off camera. The camera slowly pans out, and the fans give a rather mixed reaction as her challenger for the FGA World Championship, Marlon Cure. Behind Cure is his PA, Keiko, who offers up a polite wave to both Fujiko & XENA.

Marlon Cure: Oh no, don’t mind me at all Fuji. I just heard my name mentioned and thought I’d stop by and listen up close and personal.

“King Cure” gives a small smirk as he lights his trademarked cigar and blows a small puff of smoke right into the face of Spencer Burke before speaking.

Marlon Cure:: Oh… you were finished? Well then lemme offer up my piece, then.

Marlon Cure:: You know, it’s funny. The entire team leading up to the match with Izzy? Those whispers you heard were a little different from what people were tryna tell me. I got DMs, entire dissertations and breakdowns on what it’s like being in the ring across from Izzy. How she’s cold-blooded in between those ropes, picks you apart two ways then leave you lying. Them people were happy to tell me about how my mouth couldn’t save me from the L she was about to hand me and why not? Mind Killa is everything she says she is and more.

Cure’s eyes flicker down to the world title on Fujiko’s shoulder briefly, before meeting hers once again.

Marlon Cure:: … But then again, so am I.

Fujiko notices the glance Marlon gives the championship, and it causes her to smile.

Fujiko Mine: I never really got a chance to say this, but I’m glad it was you who won the Gold Rush Rumble.

She nods at him.

Fujiko Mine: Because I knew you were itching to try and get a little revenge for the last time we stood in the ring. I hoped that it was going to push you to show me you’d learned from last time. I hoped it was going to be different. Because all this that you’ve done up to this point? You did all of this banter. You propped your ego with the posed shots of you reaching up to the heavens…

She puts an arm up, reaching in an impression.

Fujiko Mine: ...you talked all the game about how everyone doubted you, and you were going to keep on the rise. And you have. But we got in the ring, and you found yourself taking the L.

She smirks, then takes a step back.

Fujiko Mine: Had to do that, ‘cause falling off is a sickness. I heard that it’s quite contagious…

The smirk grows into a smile.

Fujiko Mine: And all you’ve really done since you won the Gold Rush Rumble is the exact same thing that you did last time. Now, I know you’re training. You want to go to the big show, win the big title, get the big payday to silence all “6” of your doubters or whatever. But you won’t, and you know why? Because if we’re really being honest...the only one doubting you is you.

Fujiko shrugs. As she speaks, she grows serious.

Fujiko Mine: Losing to me and Piper Lennon is about the most adversity you’ve faced. There ain’t nobody ‘blowing up’ your phone with doubts on you. There are people in the locker room that don’t like you, sure; but you aren’t this underdog whose time has finally come that you like to think you are. You’re just a really talented dude that won A difficult match. Yes, you beat Izzy. I’ve covered that. And you are going to be a worthy opponent, there’s no doubt of that. But you saw what I went through to beat Evan. You can’t even comprehend what I am willing to do to keep it.

Cure, in the face of Fujiko’s seriousness and determination, finds his smirk only growing wider as he chuckles.

Marlon Cure:: What you’re willing to do to keep it? I don’t gotta imagine Fuji. I know. You scratched, you clawed, you endured he, Ricky and the like throwing any and everything they could in your way to get to this point and now? Now all that chatter about you being the best on the roster without the hardware has turned into “if I beat Her, then the spotlight is on me”, right right? You went from being the one doing the chase to the one leading the race, from taking aim to being the biggest target out there.

Marlon Cure:: And now? You’ve gotta separate enemy from friend. You’ve gotta go to a place you never thought you’d have to go, to a zone you couldn’t quite reach before, in order to keep what you spent years grinding for. Because all it takes is one. One match, one misstep and it’s all over and done with...

Cure pauses, glancing at Fujiko with a knowing look.

Marlon Cure:: … I got it right so far or you want me to keep going?

Cure’s amused expression changes on a dime.

Marlon Cure:: It’s funny, the number of times you hear “You don’t know what I will or I won’t do” or variations of when somebody is feeling themselves a little too much after finally getting their due. I know. believe me, I do. You’ll do what the one who had next before you did: What you can. I know because I’ve been where you’ve been, stood where you are right now. Talked the same sh*t you’ve been popping off with since you finally made the leap to super stardom and have been for going on 11 years and running. It’s in my DNA.

Cure’s eyes narrow.

Marlon Cure:: Much like your need to be all you can be if that Tag Title on your waist is any indication.

Fujiko’s eyes snap towards Cure’s and for a brief moment, there’s a tense silence between the two.

Marlon Cure:: ...I wanted to be mad at it. I finally - FINALLY got you lined up again, after about a year of back and forths and debates on who was number two to who, after a year of you running with the fact that for one night, you caught me slipping. Finally, we can run it back, and you deprive me of the chance to get you at your best. You’re coming into a match you’ve wanted, I’ve wanted for the longest banged up, battered and bruised and expecting to have something for me. I wanna be mad at it… but you wouldn’t be you if you weren’t tryna be any and everything for the masses.

Cure places the cigar between his lips and goes to walk off, likely to get ready for the match later tonight. Before he walks past Fujiko & XENA, Cure pauses and glances aside to look at “The Apex Goddess” one more time.

Marlon Cure:: Word to the wise, Fujiko? Do what you can. Do whatever you gotta do to stay untouched between now and when that bell rings. Do what you HAVE to do to make it there. Otherwise...

Cure’s lips quirk into a smirk and he walks off with Keiko following after, leaving Fujiko behind as the scene begins to fade.

[FGA Office]

The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion is sat on a storage crate in some remote area backstage, Championship belt hanging from the front of her pants, quite literally twiddling her thumbs. She continues fidgeting in her own little world before finally looking up.

Piper Lennon: It's kind of funny, y'know?

She giggles.

Piper Lennon: I mean, Peachy says she's so upset about me calling her old man dead weight, clearing him out of the way for us. Which I get it, good wife, keeping up societal appearances, yadda yadda blah blah.

A dismissive wave of the hands.

Piper Lennon: But you kinda betrayed your real intent, your real feelings, when you started prattling on about how you can't wait to get me alone so you can do all sorts of nasty things to me. Sends a tingle down my spine, it really does.

She wriggles her shoulders as if to indicate that.

Piper Lennon: Which says to me at least, that you can say whatever you want, but you've got your eyes on me and you've had your eyes on me and can't wait to get me alone. I mean I'm no psychiatrist or anything, but the signals are all there. Maybe I'm wrong though, I could be, after all I'm still young still exploring and learning new things about the world.

A shrug.

Piper Lennon: But we've got a little gathering coming up tonight with all sorts of other dudes that are gonna be present there. And I mean if I'm wrong, maybe you can just go out there, stand on the apron and wrestle a match. Maybe wait and bide your time patiently until the others clear out to try and put me through the announce desk or something after the wrestling proceedings are done. But I think you can't wait to rub your little grub hands all over me. I think you won't be able to control your emotions. And if I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but if I'm right?

She cocks her head.

Piper Lennon: Admit what this is really about, admit that you're lusting after my shiny baby, and me and you can dance at the Big Ass Showdown to see if you've got what it takes to woo it away. Just be prepared though for me to use your face and the rest of you as a canvas to paint a love letter to my boo here, and use a little bit of art to show just how hard I'll fight for them.

Her eyes darkened momentarily, then she immediately perks back up.

Piper Lennon: But it should be fun to see what your answer is! Toodles, see ya soon!

[FGA Office]

CO-MAIN EVENT
• SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH •
Seth Iser, Piper Lennon, Mark Bisley vs. Tyler Storm, Peaches, Zack Gall

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following Six Man Tag Team Match is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Newport Wales! Weighing in at 190 pounds… ZACK GALL!

"Shit Shots Count" by The Drive By Truckers begins playing as Peaches bursts through the curtain with her arms outstretched to each side. She spins around as she slowly moves down the aisle, soaking in the crowd's cheers before picking up the pace. As Peaches climbs up the ring steps she removes her flannel shirt, tossing it to a fan in the audience, before finally vaulting over the top rope as she waits for the match to start.

J.A. Aldridge: His partner, hailing from Fayetteville, Georgia… PEACHES!

The lights begin to slow fade out to the opening tunes of "Eye of the Tiger" before flashing quickly back on once the rifts of the guitar begin playing, along with being met with flashes of blue and gold light on the stage. Once the song picks up into it's normal tune about 25 seconds in, Tyler Storm rushes out from behind the curtain to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song and mouthing out to the fans.

Once the lyrics start, Tyler begins making his way down the ramp, walking along the left for the first half of his trek to the ring and high-fiving fans or talking with them, and doing the same in the second half of his walk on the right side. Before long he reaches ringside and after interacting with a few more people at ringside, he works his way up the stairs onto the ring apron. He rubs his feet off for a few moments, then gripping onto the top rope he jumps up and slides his legs in between the top and middle ropes and into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Their partner, hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds… TYLER STORM!

The song goes on for a few more moments with Storm motioning out to the crowd for a reaction before rushing to one side of the ring just as the drawn out "Eye of the Tiger" lyric hits, landing his right foot on the bottom rope and his left on the middle rope with his arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents! First, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota! Weighing in at 201 pounds… MARK BISLEY!

The arena lights dim as the instrumental version of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" begins to play. A few moments pass before Piper Lennon ambles out from behind the curtain, pausing at the top of the ramp to survey her surroundings. She zigs and zags, taking her time as she makes her way down the ramp, taking everything in but not paying the fans any particular mind. After circling halfway around the ring, she removes her jacket and camera, leaving them at the timekeeper's area. She stops in front of the announce desk, leaning back against it and staring up at the ceiling.

J.A. Aldridge: His partner, hailing from La Jolla, California! She is the reigning Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… PIPER LENNON!

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. He starts walking down to the ring...glare etched on his face and listening to the fans boo him.

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

A methodical, slow walk as he cracks his knuckles on the way down before pulling himself up onto the apron and enters the ring calmly before performing a crucifix pose at the center of the ring to revive the lights. He then goes to his corner and slinks to a seat just waiting for the bell to ring.

Kris Cruise: We’re ready for our co-main event of the evening, Stephy! The team of Tyler Storm, Peaches and Zack Gall will be taking on the team of the Pride Champion Seth Iser, Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion Piper Lennon and Mark Bisley in just a bit. How do you see this match shaking out?

Stephy Auger: On one team, you’ve got Wrestling’s Greatest Mind, the Smartest Man in Wrestling and one of the most unpredictable people in all of wrestling. So of course I’m going with Seth, Piper and Mark!

The match begins with Mark Bisley and Peaches starting things off for their respective teams. Bisley turns around him and sees Iser flinch after the flash from Lennon’s Polaroid goes off. Iser slowly closes his eyes and tries his best to calm himself while Lennon slowly pulls the camera away from his face. Lennon cocks her head from side to side while she continues to observe Iser. The Pride Champion is trying his best not to let his partner for this match get under his skin. Back inside, Bisley is observing this all going on and simply shakes his head. He then turns around and sees Peaches standing in the center of the ring. But she’s not interested in engaging with him. Instead, she points behind him towards Lennon.

Kris Cruise: Peaches wants a piece of Lennon!

Stephy Auger: First Marlon Cure couldn’t keep his hands off of Piper. Now Peaches can’t wait to get her hands on her. I can’t I blame them. Piper is absolutely mesmerizing! Don’t you agree?

Kris Cruise: She’s something, alright.

Bisley looks behind him towards his corner. He turns back to Peaches and points his thumb behind him. Peaches nods her head. She’s 100% sure she wants a piece of Lennon here tonight. Bisley’s happy to oblige as he turns around, heads over his corner and tags Lennon in.

Kris Cruise: Here we go!

Lennon looks down at her arm, then up at Bisley. Bisley motions for her to get inside before stepping out onto the apron. Lennon looks over at Peaches, who is motioning for her to bring it. Lennon climbs up onto the middle rope from the apron. She leans forward as Peaches is losing her patience with the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. Lennon studies Peaches… before reaching over, holding up her Polaroid and snapping a picture of Peaches. The crowd boos Lennon while Peaches lets out an annoyed sigh. She then goes over to the ref and tells him to tell Lennon to get in the ring. The official heads over and motions for Lennon to get in the ring and quit stalling. Lennon climbs down from off the rope before stepping into the ring.

Lennon and Peaches proceed to circle the ring… until Lennon turns and tags an unsuspecting Iser in!

Kris Cruise: What?

Stephy Auger: Why not? Iser is the biggest and strongest member of their team! Why not let him ragdoll Peaches around the ring!

Kris Cruise: Why is Lennon ducking out of fighting Peaches?

Stephy Auger: Piper? Ducking? Please, she’s never ran from a fight in her life.

The crowd boos Lennon while she steps out onto the apron. Iser just stares a hole through his partner. Lennon continue to gesture back towards the ring. Iser continues to stare Lennon down before stepping in through the ropes. Peaches is about to engage with Iser until she hears Tyler Storm calling from the apron. Peaches turns towards her corner and sees Storm with his arm held out. She turns to one side of the crowd and points at Storm.

YEAH!

Peaches walks across the ring to another side of the crowd and points at Storm.

YEEEEAAAHHH!

Peaches nods her head as she heads over and tags Storm in.

Kris Cruise: We’re about to get a previous of the Pride Championship match at All-Star Showdown!

The crowd erupts with cheers when Storm steps in through the ropes. Iser stares across the ring at the number one contender to his Pride Championship. Storm begins to make his way towards the center of the ring. The two stare each other down while Storm makes the belt motion around his waist. Words continue to be exchanged between the two until Storm hears someone calling from his corner. Storm turns behind him and sees Zack Gall climbing up onto the middle ropes. He points across the ring at Bisley before reaching out for a tag. When Storm turns to face Iser, Iser has already stepped back into his team’s corner. He then holds his hand out for the tag. Bisley makes the tag before stepping back into the ring. Bisley makes his way over towards Storm. Storm checks back to his corner and sees Gall calling for the tag. Bisley makes his way over towards the side of the ring, looks over at Dante Difranco and goes “now he wants to talk.” Difranco slaps the apron and pleads with Storm to make the tag to Gall. Storm wanted to lock up with Iser. But it will have to wait. He reluctantly heads back over towards his corner to tag out. The crowd lets out a gasp when Bisley rushes from behind and rolls him up with a schoolboy!

Kris Cruise: Bisley’s trying to steal this one right here!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
THR-NO!

Storm kicks out.

Storm scrambles to his feet. Bisley is right there to grab a hold of him and deliver the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head). He then moves Storm into the corner before firing off the Minnesota Buzzsaw (repeated shoot kicks in the corner) to the chest. After an irish whip sends Storm into the far corner, Bisley runs across the ring to follow up with an attack. Storm ducks and dumps him over the top rope. Instead of dropping to the floor, Bisley lands on the apron. He knocks Storm back when Storm turns around before knocking him down with a springboard lariat! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Storm kicks out.

Bisley takes Storm and goes for an irish whip. Storm reverses, sending Bisley into the ropes. When Bisley returns, he sends Storm crumbling to the mat with a high speed dropkick to the knee.

Kris Cruise: Bisley just tried to take Tyler’s leg out!

Bisley takes Storm by the ankle, drags him towards the corner and tags in Iser.

Stephy Auger: … and now he’s serving him up to Iser on a platter!

The crowd boos as Iser gets in, drags Storm away from the ropes and delivers an elbow drop to the knee. Iser gets back up, holds up the right leg and delivers another elbow drop across the knee. Iser returns to his feet, lifts up Storm’s leg and goes for a figure four. When Iser’s in the middle of turning around, Storm uses his free leg to shove Iser off of him. Storm takes a few steps forward before getting his hands out to stop himself from crashing into the corner. Iser turns around and sees Storm trying to get back to his feet. So he rushes out of the corner before nocking Storm’s head back with a Wrestling II Knee Lift! Storm slowly leans back before collapsing to the mat. Iser is quick to drop down on one of his challenger and make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Storm kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Seth rocked Tyler with that huge knee. But Storm is able to get his shoulder up in time.

Iser grabs Storm, moves his against the ropes and delivers stinging knife edge chops across the chest. While Storm continues to lean against the ropes, Iser turns and takes off into the far ropes. When the Pride Champion returns, Storm comes off the ropes and goes for a yakuza kick. Iser gets his hands up in time and catches his foot. The Pride Champion shakes his head at Storm before swinging the leg away from hm. Storm then uses the momentum to turn around and blast Iser with a spinning forearm, dropping him to the mat. He drops down to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Iser kicks out.

Storm takes Iser and goes for an irish whip. Iser is quick to reverses, sending Storm towards the ropes. As soon as Storm hits the ropes, the crowd boos when Lennon knees him in the back!

Kris Cruise: Lennon with a cheap shot!

Stephy Auger: What? Where? I didn’t see anything!

Storm leans forward and holds his lower back. He then stands up and throws out a spinning forearm at Lennon. Lennon’s able to get out of the way by dropping to the floor. She quickly reaches back inside before yanking Storm down to the mat. She’s about to drag him to the floor when Storm uses his free foot push Lennon off of him and against the announce both. As soon as Storm tries to get back to his feet, Iser swarms in on him. The crowd gasps when Storm’s quickly pulled into a front facelock. The crowd senses the imminent Rejection DDT! Before Storm can be planted, he grabs Iser, pushes forward across the ring and rams him into the corner. The cheers continues as Storm delivers repeated shoulder thrusts that double Iser over. Storm pulls him from out of the corner before hitting the ropes. When Storm returns, he throws out a Scissors Kick. Iser slips out of the way, grabs Storm from behind and throws him down with a release German Suplex!

Kris Cruise: Seth with a huge suplex that takes Tyler off his feet!

Iser heads over and tags Bisley back in. Bisley gets in and puts the boots to Storm. He pulls Storm back to his feet before sending him into the ropes with an irish whip. When Storm returns, Bisley doubles him over with a rolling solebutt before throwing him down with a snap suplex! Bisley turns over into a lateral press for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.

Bisley pulls Storm, wrenches his arm, pulls him in and quickly follows up with a bridging northern lights suplex.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm gets his shoulder up.

Bisley quickly spins over, grabs the arm that Storm raised up to break the pin and tries to apply a cross armbreaker. Bisley goes to fully hyper-extend the arm. But Storm is able to keep his hands clasped together. Bisley yanks back hard n the arm. But he’s unable to break Storm’s grip. Storm then turns over, pinning Bisley’s shoulders to the mat.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley kicks out.

Once both grapplers get back to their feet, Bisley is the first to strike by placing Storm in a side headlock. The hold doesn’t stay on for long as Storm takes Bisley and throws him down with a Backdrop Driver!

Kris Cruise: Bisley nearly got dumped right on his head!

Bisley tries to push himself up off the mat. But he quickly collapses back down to the mat. While Bisley is still down, Storm turns over on all fours. He begins crawling towards his corner. He looks up and sees both Peaches and Gall with their arms out for the tag. Storm continues to crawl towards his corner when Bisley dives over and grabs onto his ankle!

Stephy Auger: Not so fast, Tyler!

Bisley gets back to his feet before turning Storm over onto his back. Bisley’s about to go for the L'Étoile du Nord (Canadian Maple Leaf) when Storm uses his free leg to push Bisley back down to the mat. Bisley scrambles back to his feet. He motions to try and cut Storm off. But he’s too late. Storm dives over and tags Gall in!

Kris Cruise: Gall’s in!

Gall springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Bisley down with a diving knee strike! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley kicks out.

Gall takes Bisley and whips him into the ropes. When Bisley returns, he ducks a lariat before continuing to run the ropes. When he comes back, he ducks a back elbow before continuing to run the ropes. When Bisley returns, Gall sends him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Bisley pulls himself back up using the ropes. The moment he turns around, he gets knocked over the top rope and to the floor with a running lariat! Difranco can be seen motioning at Gall to keep up the pressure. Gall does just that by running into the far ropes. When he returns, he picks up speed before flipping over the top rope and knocking Bisley down with a topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: Gall’s taking it to Bisley! This is what Bisley gets after his disrespectful comments towards Gall and his manager!

Stephy Auger: What? He was simply trying to give the young man some career advice and this is what he gets in return?

Kris Cruise: He should have kept his big mouth shut! No one asked him for his advice!

Gall takes Bisley and rolls him back inside. Gall rolls back in to make the cover. But he looks over and sees Bisley rolling across the ring and out onto the apron. The crowd boos Bisley while he takes a seat on the apron to take a breather. Difranco once again gets into it with Bisley. Bisley mouths off at Difranco until Gall rushes up from behind and knocks him off the apron and to the floor with a Penalty Kick to the back! Gall once again turns and runs into the far ropes. When Gall returns, he runs forward, flips over the top rope and knocks Bisley back down with another topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: This has gone terribly awry for Bisley!

Stephy Auger: Try not to sound so excited about it, Cruise!

Gall takes Bisley and rolls him back inside. He then slides back in to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Bisley gets his shoulder up.

Gall picks up Bisley, brings him over into the corner and tags Peaches back in. Peaches gets in and wrenches the arm before sending Bisley into the ropes. When Bisley returns, Peaches knocks him down with a running butt bump. Instead of making the cover, Peaches turns around, rushes over into the opposing corner and takes a swipe at Lennon. The crowd boos when Lennon drops down to the mat to safety. Peaches turns around and waits for Bisley to get into position. While Peaches still has her back turned, Lennon rolls back in from behind and drops her with a running double axe handle smash! Peaches slaps her hand on the canvas in frustration before getting back to her feet. She then marches back over towards the opposing corner. Just as Lennon’s halfway out onto the apron, Peaches reaches over and grabs her by the hair with both hands. Peaches tries to drag her back into the ring. But Lennon is wise to wrap her arms around the middle rope. While the ref rushes over and tries to get Peaches to let go of Lennon, Iser reaches over the top rope and socks Peaches with a hard right handed punch. Lennon stumbles back until Bisley grabs her from behind, runs and tosses her over the top rope and onto the apron. While Peaches pulls herself up using the ropes, Bisley heads into the corner before knocking her to the floor with the Ace Kick (triangle enzuigiri)!

Lennon immediately drops to the floor and puts the boots to Peaches. The crowd boos when Lennon takes Peaches and slams her face-first onto the announce table! She then slams Peaches face-first onto the steel steps before slamming her face-first onto the apron! The ref admonishes the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion and tells her to bring Peaches back into the ring. Lennon does just that. But not before bringing Peaches down with a side russian leg sweep. When Peaches is finally rolled back into the ring, Bisley drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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Peaches gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Bisley gets up and tags Lennon back in.

Kris Cruise: Oh, NOW she wants to get in the ring with Peaches!

Stephy Auger: Of course! She was waiting for the right time.

Kris Cruise: She was waiting for her parts to do the heavy lifting for her and get Peaches down.

Stephy Auger: ...yeah, and?

The crowd boos when Lennon gets in and puts the boots to Peaches. She pulls Peaches up by the hair before sending her into the far ropes. When Peaches returns, she ducks a clothesline before continuing to run the ropes. When she comes back, she ducks another clothesline before continuing to run the ropes. When Peaches returns, Lennon brings her down with a leg lariat! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Peaches gets her shoulder up.

Lennon takes Peaches, brings her into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Peaches around, Lennon delivers alternating jabs and knife edge chops. She then takes Peaches and goes for an irish whip. Peaches reverses, sending her into the far corner. Peaches runs across the ring, jumps on Lennon and goes for a monkey flip. The crowd gasps when Lennon lands on her feet before heading into the ropes. When Peaches gets to her feet and heads towards the center of the ring, Lennon comes back and turns her inside out with a running double ax handle! The boos continues as she pulls Peaches over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Peaches gets her shoulder up.

Lennon slowly pulls Peaches up by the hair before quickly lifting her up and dropping her throat-first across the top rope with a hotshot. The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Peaches gets her shoulder up.

Lennon slowly pulls Peaches up by the hair again. She then quickly goes behind Peaches, leaps up and brings her down with a jumping neckbreaker slam! Lennon pulls Peaches into a seated position before heading into the ropes. When Lennon returns, she flattens Peaches with a running knee! Lennon makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Peaches gets her shoulder up.

Lennon takes Peaches, moves her back into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Lennon sits Peaches up onto the top turnbuckle before climbing up onto the middle ropes. She goes for a belly to back superplex, but Peaches blocks it. Lennon tries to muscle her up for another belly to back superplex. Again, Peaches blocks it. Peaches then hits Lennon with back elbow after back elbow after back elbow to the face. The last of which knocks Lennon down to the mat. Lennon begins to stir on the mat while Peaches slowly stands up on the top turnbuckle. Peaches slowly turns around to face the ring while Lennon starts to pick herself up off the mat. When Lennon gets back to her feet and turns around, Peaches rises up from a crouched position, leaps off and knocks Lennon down with a missile dropkick!

Kris Cruise: Peaches knocks Lennon off her feet!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but she can’t follow up and make the cover!


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

ONE!









TWO!








THREE!








FOUR!








FIVE!










SIX!








SEVEN!

Peaches leaps over and tags in Storm while Lennon dives over and tags Iser back in!

The crowd erupts as Iser and Storm re-enter the ring. Both grapplers march towards the center of the ring and start throwing hands. The cheers slowly turn to boos as Iser gains the advantage. The Pride Champion takes Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, he throws out a bicycle kick. Once again, Iser’s able to reach up and catch Storm’s foot in time. He then swings Storm’s leg away from him. Storm uses his momentum to throw out another spinning forearm. This time, Iser ducks and counters with a hard right handed punch. The crowd boos when Storm gets hit with another hard right handed punch. Iser then throws out three jabs. He goes to follow up with a discus clothesline when Storm ducks and hits the ropes. When Storm returns, the crowd boos when Iser lifts up Storm, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! He rolls across Storm and hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
T-NO!

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser picks up Storm, lifts him up and throws him down with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse)! While Storm is down, Iser hits the ropes. The Pride Champion returns and goes for a knee drop… and misses after Storm rolls out of the way. Iser winces as he holds his knee. He tries to get back to a vertical base when Storm knocks him down with a Scissors Kick! The cheer continue as he pushes Iser over and makes the cover.

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

Storm pulls up Iser, takes control of his back and goes for another Backdrop Driver when Iser counters with elbows to the back of the head. While Storm is doubled over, Iser rushes forward and hits the ropes. When Iser comes back, Storm stops him with a yakuza kick. With Iser dazed, Storm turns and heads towards the ropes. Storm jumps onto the ropes and leaps back for the Hardcastle Treatment (springboard roundhouse kick). The crowd gasps when Iser side steps, catches Storm in mid air and throws him down with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser pulls up Storm before pulling him into another front facelock. Before Iser can deliver the Rejection DDT, Storm reaches up, grabs the arm, rolls out of it, pulls Iser over towards him and connects with a jumping knee strike. He then lifts Iser up across his shoulder, presses him up above his head and then brings him down with the Bite Wound (crucifix Cutter)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when Lennon dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Huge save from Lennon!

Lennon gets to her feet and puts the boots to Storm. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion continues to stomp on Storm until Peaches rushes into the ring and tackles her down! Peaches gets on top of Lennon and rains down wild rights and lefts to the face. Lennon turns the tables, rolling over onto Peaches and returns the favor with rights and lefts of her own. Both grapplers roll across the canvas until they roll underneath the bottom rope and hit the floor.

Kris Cruise: They’re heading out near us!

Peaches and Lennon get back to their feet while grabbing onto each others’ hair. Peaches then takes Lennon and pushes forward, sending them both flipping over the guardrail and hitting the floor!

Stephy Auger: They’re into the crowd, Cruise!

The crowd goes wild while Peaches takes Lennon and knocks her throughout the crowd with punches to the face. Back inside, Bisley goes for a vertical suplex on Gall when Gall slips down from behind. Gall follows up with a stomp to the back of the knee. After Bisley falls to a knee, Gall hits the far ropes. When he returns, he cracks Bisley across the back of the head with the Death By Knee (V-Trigger)!

Kris Cruise: Ooooohhh, Bisley just got nailed right in the face wit that knee! That’ll shut hi up for once!

When Gall gets back to his feet, he sees Difranco motioning behind him. Gall then turns into a boot to the midsection from Iser before getting planted on his head with the Rejection DDT!

Stephy Auger: Iser stuck with him the Rejection DDT!

Iser turns and sets his sights on Storm, who is slowly pulling himself up using the ropes. Storm steps away from the ropes and turns around. The crowd gasps when Iser scoops Storm up across his shoulder. Before Iser can bring Storm down, Storm slips down from behind. The crowd gasps when Storm lifts iser up onto his shoulders for the Eye of the Storm (Electric Chair Driver)! Before Storm can deliver the move, Iser counters with multiple punches to the top of the head. The Pride Champion slips down from behind, turns Storm towards him and throws out another discus clothesline. Again, Storm ducks. He then lifts Iser up across his shoulders before bringing him down with the Rolling Tide (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker)! Storm pulls Iser back up, lifts him up and then throws him down with authority with an Alabama Slam! The cheers continue as Storm pulls Iser back up, lifts him up onto his shoulders, heads towards the center of the ring and brings him down with the Eye of the Storm! The ref slides into place for the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd erupts with cheers when “Eye of the Storm (Metal Cover)” blasts throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… TYLER STORM, PEACHES and ZACK GALL!

The cheers continue while Storm gets his arm raised.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm picks up the win for his team! He’s pinned the Pride Champion here tonight! If he can pick up two falls against Seth iser at All-Star Showdown, the Pride Championship will finally be his!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Backstage, the feed catches Izzy Anders sitting down on her locker room bench. Her normal demeanor is non-existent in favor of a pensive stare. She rolls her tongue through her mouth before she lifts her head. A thought seems to stick in her mind by the way her eyes narrow but she disregards it with a heavy sigh. She looks down at the US Tag Team Championship and shakes her head.

Izzy Anders: Man, fate just keeps throwing me curveballs.

The camera turns to find Izzy’s tag team partner standing there. XENA just makes it into the shot, holding both of Fujiko’s championships.

Fujiko Mine:We’ve got a pretty big task on the other side of the ring from us tonight. All Star Showdown’s not that far away, so a win tonight would help plenty.

She lets the comment linger in the air for a second, and then her shoulders drop a bit.

Fujiko Mine:But I’m sure you already knew that. Do you need to vent, Izzy?

Izzy snaps back to reality but subtly so. She shifts her head up and stares outward.

Izzy Anders: Do you think…

She pauses, finding the proper words to say.

Izzy Anders: How does it feel being between two mortal enemies?

When she turns her head, her eyes bears annoyance at the given situation. A humorless chuckle escapes the lips of the FGA World champ.

Fujiko Mine:I’m pretty used to it at this point. It’s not like you two suddenly sprouted issues.

A beat, then:

Fujiko Mine:We can beat them. And my hope is you and Johnny can set it aside for however long it takes for us to get the win.

She turns her gaze away from the Mindkiller for a moment.

Fujiko Mine:I can’t pretend to know your feelings towards Johnny; nor his towards you. The history is documented, but what gets lost in everything but the replays is what those emotions do when they’re left at room temperature. Left to their own devices. The both of us know a little something about that.

She gives her a pointed look.

Fujiko Mine:But if we can overcome that, overcome what we did to hold these?

She stabs a finger at the US tag team championship in Izzy’s lap.

Fujiko Mine:Then I think that we can set it aside to humble Marlon, embarrass Ricky Valero again, and show Silk & Cyanide that we aren’t going to falter now.

Having expressed her sentiment, Fujiko is distracted by the sound of cold, mocking laughter coming from the doorway to their locker room, and when she and Izzy look towards the source of said laughter they find Erin Mariani standing there looking highly bemused by the contents of Fujiko’s pep talk

Erin Mariani: Words…

Mariani gives the slightest shake of the head, less out of a sense of disagreement and more because she finds the sentiment highly irrelevant

Erin Mariani: Your words may be intended to motivate, yet a child can see the fatal flaw contained within your empty sentiment.

Quick as a flash, Mariani fires an accusing finger in Izzy’s direction as she maintains eye contact with Fujiko

Erin Mariani: You are only too quick to assume that your partner will have buried the hatchet with somebody she put a lot of time and effort into making their lives a living hell, and yet can you really be so sure that bygones will be bygones? Especially when you consider that your partner for this evening is more than a little bit distracted with thoughts of his impending self-imposed retirement, something which one of my partners this evening is only too happy to remind him of. But that’s the problem the two of you have always had: you assume that bad blood can be rinsed away all too easily, leaving no lasting mark, and yet it does. It always does.

Mariani slowly moves her accusing finger so it’s pointed directly at Fujiko

Erin Mariani: The one question you need to ask yourself is how much bad blood will it take to completely submerge you, and whose bad blood will it be that sees you breathe your last before you descend to the depths.

Izzy stands up, putting the belt aside as she closes the space between her and Mariani. She makes sure to stand in front of the accusatory finger.

Izzy Anders: If you're quite finished, I need to make a small correction. Nothing here is about washing away the bad blood. I don't think that Johnny and I will ever be cool but I think we both enjoy a similar interest.

Nothing breaks on Izzy's face, not a smirk, not a giggle. There is only the glare that remains.

Izzy Anders: I think we can put our beef on rest to beat down some people who truly deserve it. And really, you two are respectfully like gnats. You don't know when to go away until someone properly exterminates you. And recently, I have needed a reason.

Her eyes narrow.

Izzy Anders: I don't plan to bury the hatchet with Karma. I plan to use the hatchet on you.

As Izzy locks eyes with Mariani, a second voice emanates from the doorway.

Sara Mason: Izzy, dear, I’m crushed. I thought you and I were the ones engaging in the verbal foreplay, yet here you are…

Mason lets out a girlish giggle...for about half a second, at which point she drops the leather jacket she’s slung over her shoulder to the ground and a malicious glint crosses her eyes as her voice suddenly gets raspy

Sara Mason: ...talking about “extermination” as if you’re some kind of expert on the subject.

With a slight kink of her head, Mason looks to Fujiko and then back to Izzy, and when she continues her voice has lost the raspiness as if it was never there

Sara Mason: You’d best pay attention, Izzy, because we’re planning to put on a show for the pair of you.

With a snicker, Mason takes a step back into the hallway and picks up her jacket, slinging it over her shoulder as she makes her way down the corridor, while Mariani silently chuckles at the pair as she knows something they don’t before she slinks out of the doorway and leaves. When the camera returns to Izzy, who looks to be ready to speak on the matter. She turns to Fujiko halfway but stops. Like a feline, she turns her head back to the entranceway. Her expression is neutral, and the camera cranes around to reveal who the culprit of the Mindkiller’s reaction.

Johnny Karma.

Johnny Karma: Did I come at a bad time, or…?

Izzy doesn’t respond, merely shrinking away to let Fujiko to take control of the interaction.

Fujiko Mine:Yeah, perhaps.

Johnny Karma: Yeah, I kinda figured…

Karma tries to play off his comment as a joke, although there’s a hint of all not being well in his laugh

Izzy Anders: Look, we got people to beat. I think you would understand that I’m not out to backstab you or anything like that.

She straightens up and turns back to Johnny.

Izzy Anders: Personally, I don’t like those two trying to imply and predict what’s going to happen, do you?

Johnny Karma: I don’t know, predicting what will happen has its upside, you know? For example, if I were to predict that Ricky Valero will end the match wondering where his two front teeth went before he realises that one of them is embedded in the sole of my boot, as predictions go that’s something I think we can all agree upon.

Izzy seems to understand what Karma is saying, but Fujiko responds as if there is something…off about what Karma just said

Izzy Anders: Oh, in that case, I think I can predict Erin waking up the next week, wondering what kind of fever dream just had. Then she realizes that she’s in a hospital bed, waking up from the coma I’m thinking of putting her in. That’s a next level prediction, yeah?

Johnny Karma: Yeah, but my prediction spares me having to listen to Valero run his mouth for the next few weeks. Frankly the whole locker room should thank me if I pull it off…

Fujiko rolls her eyes softly.

Fujiko Mine:I’ve beaten Ricky twice and he still won’t shut up. There’s no hope on that end.

She sighs.

Fujiko Mine:Speaking of people that won’t shut up… My prediction is that Marlon will probably double down after we get the win tonight.

She switches gears, hope springing eternal in her tone.

Fujiko Mine:But we can be on the same page tonight. For all of our sakes. So let’s show Tucson why we’re three of the greatest, and those three are just pretending they are!

Karma looks from Fujiko to Izzy and appears almost noncommittal in his response, remaining silent other than a low exhaling of breath that screams “Whatever…”, yet a moment later he nods in agreement, although he still comes across as low key

Johnny Karma: There’s a few people who need to be shut up out there this evening, so we may as well give them a little practice before they get shut up on the bigger stage.

Fujiko gives Johnny a smile and a pat on the shoulder before nodding at Fujiko. She then exits the room with XENA in tow; leaving Johnny and Izzy behind. Izzy only offers a welcoming glance at Karma before she heads off herself. The camera ends on Karma standing by himself before it switches elsewhere.