All-Star Showdown VIII: Night 1

[FGA Office]

FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Seth Iser vs. Tyler Storm

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following will be contest will be fought under Pride Rules and it is for the FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Kris Cruise: Here we go, Stephy! This is our third of four championship matches this evening! We’ve seen new champions crowned and a champion retain. How do you feel about this one?

Stephy Auger: Oh, that’s easy! Seth Iser is walking IN the Pride Champion and he will be walking OUT the Pride Champion!

Kris Cruise: A bold prediction, Stephy. Let’s see how it goes.

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: Introducing first, the challenger! 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.

Stephy Auger: Tyler Storm has been mighty quiet in recent weeks, Cruise. Are the nerves getting to him? Hes nervous, isn’t he?

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm isn’t nervous. He’s just focused. He’s focused on the task at hand. The Pride Championship is something that he has desired since coming to FGA. It’s something that slipped through his hands last year when he unsuccessfully challenged Fujiko Mine in Seattle. One year later, after a year of ups and down that included outlasting Brian Stryker in a Best of 5 Series, Storm finds himself in another Pride Championship Match at the same event. He knows what this opportunity means. But he also knows what he has to do to defeat a man the likes of Seth Iser. Don’t worry about Tyler being quiet. Believe me, Tyler Storm is ready.

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

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

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

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: You talk about Tyler being ready? Seth Iser is ready! Seth Iser is ready for the war. He’s battle tested. People thought that his loss to Nando Fresno way back earlier this year was a sign of things to come for the Pride Champion. But Seth quickly proved that that win was a fluke. Then, he once again put Izzy Anders in her place. Many people over the years have fallen victim to The Mindkiller. Even poor Vincent Moretti. But Seth Iser, Wrestling’s Greatest Mind, was able to win not only the mental war but the physical war against Anders. Now, he comes here to All-Star Showdown VIII to deny Tyler of the Pride Championship once again! Tyler’s climbed so high. He’s worked so hard. He endured the Best of 5 with Brian Stryker. But it will be all for nothing when Seth sticks him on the mat, plants him with the DDT and ends his hopes and dreams of becoming Pride Champion!

The bell sounds as Iser and Storm have a bitter handshake. Suddenly, Iser yanks Storm towards him. The crowd gasps when Iser places Storm in a front facelock.

Kris Cruise: WOAH WOAH WOAH!

Iser’s about to fall back for the Rejection DDT when Storm pushes him off at the last second. Storm takes several steps back from Iser. He runs his hands through his hair. He realizes just how close he was to being down a fall early in the match. Across the ring, Iser puts his hand out towards Storm and holds his thumb and index finger about an inch apart.

Stephy Auger: He was that close to being down 0-1, Cruise!

Storm and Iser circle the ring. They then push forward and lock up. After jockeying for position, Iser places Storm in a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock from behind. Iser then spins Storm towards him and catches him in another front facelock. The crowd gasps when Iser motions for the Rejection DDT. But once again, Storm is able to push out and take several steps back from Iser.

Kris Cruise: Storm nearly got dropped again with the DDT!

Stephy Auger: He’s lucky that he didn’t!

Iser circles the ring while he strokes his beard. Storm continues to circle the ring as well while keeping his eyes on Iser. Champion and challenger then size each other up before locking up once more. After jockeying for position, Iser uses his strength advantage to move Storm across the ring and into the corner. After being pressed up against the turnbuckles, Storm pivots in the corner and presses Iser up against the turnbuckles. The official rushes over and gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers are slow to make a break. But it’s a clean break. That is, until Storm gets sucker punched with a hard right hand! Iser then doubles Storm over with a knee thrust using the knee brace-wrapped knee. He then grabs Storm and chucks him shoulder-first into the ring post! A doubled over Storm slowly back out of the corner. Iser then turns Storm towards him, wraps him in the front facelock and falls back, finally planting him with the Rejection DDT!

Stephy Auger: Third time’s the charm!

Iser makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

ISER - 1
STORM - 0

Iser circles the ring. He points to his head while the crowd lets him have it.

BOOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm is down early 0-1. Now all of the pressure is on his shoulders.

Stephy Auger: All it takes is a split second for Seth to put a man down with the DDT! Storm just learned that the hard way! Now his back is against the wall. He has to win the next two falls. He can’t afford any mistakes from here on out!

Iser looks back over and sees Storm still down in the mat. The Pride Champion makes his way over towards Storm. But he’s stopped by the official, who forces him to wait out the remainder of the mandatory 30 second rest period. Iser puts his hands up defensively while he steps back.

Kris Cruise: Iser was looking to make another cover on Storm.

The official continues to check on Storm, who hasn’t moved a muscle since getting spiked on the mat. The bell sounds to official start the second fall. The crowd erupts with boos as Iser comes out of the far corner rubbing his hands in anticipation.

Stephy Auger: It’s all but over, Cruise. Like I said, all of Tyler’s hard work was for nothing. Seth Iser is just too damn smart and too damn good for him.

The referee gets up and asks for Iser to step back. He tries to buy more time for Storm. But Iser’s having none of this. He simply maneuvers the referee out of the way before heading over to his challenger.

Kris Cruise: Iser’s going in for the kill…

Iser goes to reach down and lift Storm up off the mat. Storm slips through his hands and falls back to the mat like a sack of potatoes. Iser look off to a side. A smirk appears through his thick beard.

Kris Cruise: Storm is still out!

Stephy Auger: This is going to be like taking candy from a baby!

Iser reaches down, turns over Storm and pulls him up into a front facelock. Iser looks down at Storm as he can’t even keep himself up. Iser lets go of the front facelock, causing Storm to once again drop to the mat. Storm just shakes his head at the sight.

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen this Pride Championships matches become a war of attrition. But that doesn’t appear to be the case here tonight!

Stephy Auger: Not at all!

Iser reaches down and grabs Storm. As Iser slowly pulls him back up, Storm quickly grabs a hold of Iser and pulls him down into a small package!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOOOO!

ISER - 1
STORM - 1

Iser immediately sits up. The look of disbelief on his face is priceless.

Kris Cruise: Tyler was playing possum! He suckered Seth in! HE’S TIED IT! HE’S TIED IT UP!

Iser turns over to the referee and holds up three fingers. The official holds up two back at him. Iser shakes his head sideways and holds his three fingers up even higher. But the referee stands his ground. He shakes off Iser and holds two fingers back up at him. Iser slaps the canvas before getting back to his feet. He goes over towards the referee and presses three fingers in his face. The official slaps Iser’s hand off of him and holds up two fingers in return. An irate Iser stamps his feet across the ring before repeatedly kicking the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser has lost it! He can’t believe it!

Stephy Auger: Calm down, Seth! Breathe! BREATHE!

Iser continues to circle the ring while he mutters something under his breath. He then marches back cover towards Storm when the referee cuts him off. Iser goes to step around the official when the referee cuts him off. He warns Iser that he must stick to the mandatory rest period. Failure to do so will result in him forfeiting the third fall, which means that Storm would become the new Pride Champion. Iser’s eyes widen with anger over this. He then throws his arms up before stomping his feet into the opposite corner.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser is stewing in anger, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: I would be, too!

As soon as the ref calls for the bell, the bell sounds to signal the third and final fall.

Kris Cruise: We’re barely five minutes into this match and we’re already at the third and final fall! What a bizarre turn of events this has become!

Iser rushes across the ring to attack Storm in the far corner. Storm then charges out of the corner and cuts him off with a bicycle kick, knocking the Pride Champion off his feet! He drops down and makes the cover.

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

Storm takes Iser and whips him into the ropes. When Iser returns, he sees Storm setting up for a back body drop. So he stops and pulls Storm into another front facelock. The crowd gasps when they see Storm set up for another Rejection DDT!!! Before Iser can hit his finisher, Storm reaches up, grabs Iser’s wrist, spins out and counters with a short-arm clothesline. Storm then hits Iser with a forearm strike. Another forearm strike rocks the champion. Storm then blasts him with a spinning forearm, sending Iser crumbling to the mat! Storm drops down and makes the cover.

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

Storm picks up Iser and whips him into the ropes. When Iser comes back, Storm lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! He rolls across Iser and hooks the near leg…

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

Storm picks up Iser and doubles him over with a kick to the gut. He then steps back into the near ropes. Storm comes back, jumps up and knocks Iser down with a Scissors Kick! Storm pulls Iser back up, only to bring him back down with a swinging neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Storm!

Stephy Auger: Come on, Seth! Get it together!

Storm takes Iser and whips him into the ropes. When Iser, Storm swings around him and locks on a Sleeper Hold!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Iser flails his arms while Storm tries to turn the lights out. The ref asks Iser if he wants to give up. Iser refuses. So Storm squeezes even tighter.

Kris Cruise: Tyler’s really got it sunk in now!

Iser tries to pull Storm’s arm from around his neck, but it’s to no avail. He then tries to reach out for the ref. But the official backs just out of arm’s reach. The Pride Champion is thinking of everything he can to get Storm off of him. But nothing seems to work. It also doesn’t help that the crowd is shouting at him to…

TAP!
TAP!
TAP!
TAP!

Storm continues to wear down Iser in the sleeper. He’s bound and determined to finally become Pride Champion.

Kris Cruise: This is what Tyler’s wanted for the past year! He was denied the Pride Champion last year! Tyler will not be denied again!

Iser reaches out for the official. His arm then slowly begins to lower! The capacity crowd cheers even louder when it appears that Iser it out on his feet!

Stephy Auger: Seth! Please!

Iser then leans forward, lifting Storm up onto his back. He takes a few steps forward before jumping up and falling back, squashing Storm on the mat and breaking the hold.

Kris Cruise: He breaks the hold!

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Storm remains on his back while Iser slowly crawls over towards the ropes. After Iser himself up onto the ropes, Storm latches onto his back and tries to pull him off the ropes. Iser blocks by hanging onto the ropes. Storm tries to rip Iser off the ropes. But Iser hangs on for dear life. Iser then hits Storm with a back elbow to the face. Storm gets hits with a second back elbow, then a third. A fourth back elbow knocks Storm off of Iser, sending him stumbling back towards the center of the ring. Storm shakes out the cobwebs before rushing back over to attack. Iser hoists him up and drops him throat-first across the top rope with a Stun Gun!

Iser slips out to the apron. After pulling Storm’s upper body out onto the apron, Iser stands up and takes a few steps back. The Pride Champion then pushes forward and delivers a knee drop! Iser gets back to his feet. He then grabs a hold of Storm before bringing him down with a hangman’s neckbreaker off the apron!

Kris Cruise: Right on the back of his neck!

Iser grabs a hold of Storm, pulls him into position and then delivers a vertical suplex across the guardrail!

Stephy Auger: Storm’s going to be feeling that one for days! Weeks, even!

Storm is pulled back to his feet. Iser lifts him up into a bear hug before running forward and ramming him back-first into the ring post.

Kris Cruise: Iser continues to work over the back of Tyler!

Iser goes over, reaches down, grabs the protective matting and peels it back, exposing the concrete floor underneath.

BOOOOOOOOO!

Iser turns back and sees Storm pulling himself up onto the apron with the ropes. So he marches over, climbs up onto the apron and takes control of Storm’s back. The crowd gasps when Iser tries to throw Storm off the apron and down onto the exposed floor with a German Suplex! But Storm’s able to wrap his arms around the top rope. Iser tries to muscle him up for another German. But Storm’s still got a hold of the ropes. Iser then hits Storm with repeated clubbing strikes across the back of the neck. The crowd shrieks when Iser goes for another German Suplex to the exposed floor. But once again, Storm counters by hanging onto the ropes. He then hit Iser with a back elbow to the face. A second elbow connects with the face. Storm turns around and hits Iser with forearm after forearm after forearm. While Iser is rocked, Storm takes a few steps back. He then marches forward before Iser doubles him over with a kick to the midsection and plants him with a Rejection DDT on the apron!

Stephy Auger: YES! YES YES YES!

Kris Cruise: Storm’s just been dropped head-first onto the hardest part of the mat! This crowd is shocked, Stephy! You can hear a pin drop in here!

Iser pulls Storm off the floor and rolls him back inside. He then rolls back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

Storm gets his foot on the bottom rope!

Stephy Auger: How? HOW!? That should have been three!

Iser drags Storm back to the center of the ring before making the cover.

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

The crowd erupts with cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Iser turns him inside out with a lariat! While Storm is in the prone position, Iser marches into the corner before climbing the turnbuckles. The fans in attendance start to get to their feet.

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen Seth Iser go for this, and be successful, in many high-profile matches here recently. Can the big man hit the moonsault again!

Stephy Auger: Put him away, Seth! He’s too dangerous!

Once Iser reaches the top turnbuckle, Iser flips back and crashes down across Storm’s back with a moonsault! Iser pulls Storm over onto his back. Instead of making the cover, Iser stands up, steps over Storm and heads back into the corner.

Kris Cruise: What’s Seth doing?

Stephy Auger: He’s going for it again!

Iser climbs the turnbuckles. After ascending to the top turnbuckle, Iser flips back for another moonsault. He gets blocked! The crowd erupts with cheers when Storm gets his knees up! Iser bounces off the knees before rolling over and curling up in pain.

Kris Cruise: Iser should have went for the pin when he had the chance!

Iser continues to guard his midsection. The FGA Pride Championship slowly turns over onto a knee while he continues to favor his ribs. Iser eventually gets back to a vertical base. The moment Iser turns around, Storm charges across the ring, hurls himself at Iser and nearly breaks the Pride Champion in half with a spear!

Stephy Auger: SETHHHHH!

Kris Cruise: Storm just knocked the air right out of Iser!

Iser gets tackled to the grounded! He immediately guards his midsection while he gasps for air. Storm turns and heads into the far ropes while Iser turns on the mat. Storm bounces off the ropes and runs past Iser as the Pride Champion tries to pick himself up. As soon as Iser looks up, he gets knocked down with the Hardcastle Treatment (springboard roundhouse kick)! Storm pulls up Iser before whipping him into the ropes. When he returns, Storm lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! Storm holds his lower back before making the cover.

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

The crowd boos after Iser gets his shoulder up.

Storm and Iser and whips him into the ropes. When Iser comes back, Storm swings around him again and locks on another Sleeper Hold.

Kris Cruise: Storm’s got it locked in again!

Storm keeps the hold applied until he switches his grip on Iser and throws him down with a Backdrop Driver!

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

The crowd boos after Iser gets his shoulder up.

Storm holds his lower back while he returns to his feet. He pulls Iser up off the mat before positioning himself behind him. He reaches back, grabs the champion and shouts out “Prepare to…” The crowd yells out…

“BE WITNESS!”

--before blasting Iser across the back of the head with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into rolling elbow), doubling him over. Storm then gets in front of the Pride Champion, stands him up, leans forward and lifts him up onto his shoulders before throwing him down with an Alabama Slam! Storm winces as he arches his back. Storm continues to favor his lower back before dropping down to a knee. He then goes over and makes the cover on Iser.

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

The crowd boos after Iser gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Seth beats the three count. But he’s barely surviving this onslaught of attacks from Tyler Storm! How much longer can Seth hang on before Tyler delivers the final blow?

Storm takes Iser and whips him into the corner before running across the ring and connecting with a yakuza kick! Iser is then whipped into the far corner. Storm runs across the ring, picks up speed and blasts him with another yakuza kick. After Iser is whipped back across the ring into the corner, Storm runs across the ring for another yakuza kick. Iser then rushes out of the corner, scoops Storm up and throws him down with the Pillar of Justice (Bossman Slam)! The crowd erupts with boos as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd erupts with cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: The fight of Tyler Storm, ladies and gentlemen! You have to give it up for him!

Iser takes Storm, moves him into the corner, lifts him up and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. The Pride Champion climbs up onto the middle ropes before going for a superplex. He tries to lift Storm up, but Storm blocks the move. Iser tries to muscle Storm up for another superplex attempt. Again, Storm blocks the move. The crowd gasps when Storm steps up onto the middle turnbuckles. The crowd stands up when Storm pulls Iser up onto the top turnbuckle.

Stephy Auger: Woah! WOAH! Look at what Tyler’s setting up for!

Kris Cruise: Tyler! TYLER! DON’T DO THIS! IT’S NOT WORTH IT! TYLER!!!

Iser can be seen shaking his head sideways. He can sense what’s coming next. Storm understands the risk in what he’s about to do. But he’s doing what he has to do to finally become Pride Champion. The crowd gasps as Storm lifts up Iser. Storm then jumps off, sending them both crashing onto the exposed concrete floor with a superplex!!!

HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!

Storm and Iser remain motionless on the outside after landing with a thunderous thud!

Kris Cruise: NOOOOO! DAMMIT, NO!!!

Stephy Auger: They’re dead. That’s it, they’re dead.


The official climbs up onto the middle rope and peers down at both champion and challenger before starting his count.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!


FOUR!




FIVE!




SIX!





SEVEN!






EIGHT!





NINE!




TEN!





ELEVEN!



TWELVE!




THIRTEEN!




FOURTEEN!




FIFTEEN!





SIXTEEN!





SEVENTEEN!




EIGHTEEN!





NINETEEN!



TWENTY!

DING! DING!! DING!!!

The officially quickly rolls to the outside and checks on both competitors. He frantically waves his arm towards the entranceway to request medical attention. Both champion and challenger remain motionless on the floor. Various shots throughout the crowd show fans with their hands over their hearts, their hands on their heads and their hands over their mouths. There’s a hushed tone that’s fallen over Staples Center. Medical personnel has made its way to ringside to attend to both grapplers. After a few tense moments, there’s a collective applause through Staples Center as both champion and challenger begin to stir on the floor.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, due to both men being counted out during the third and deciding fall, this match… has been ruled a DRAW! Therefor, STLL your FGA Pride Champion, SETH ISER!

[FGA Office]

Ricky Valero is propped up on a bench in the Good Guys’ locker room backstage. His bare back is pressed against the concrete block wall behind him and his ribs and left shoulder are heavily wrapped. Despite his seemingly bleak physical state, the so-called “Franchise” of FGA has a big, stupid smile on his face with his eyes closed and his head tilted back against the wall.

??: ...what the heck? I had no idea it was…

The camera pans to the doorway, where Evan Envi walks in, reaching absently behind him to push it shut with the rest of his sentence apparently lost somewhere in his throat. The Chief wears a look bordering astonishment on his face as he gives Valero a once-over, taken aback at his friend’s physical condition.

Evan Envi: You’re not actually going out there tonight are you?

Valero sucks his teeth and cocks an eyebrow as he sits up straight and swings his legs over the bench so that he’s now sitting facing toward his best friend.

Ricky Valero: Of course I’m going out there tonight! I have a match to win tonight, Evan. I have a career to put an end to tonight, and I’m not going to put that on hold just because of a few busted ribs.

Envi’s gaze is glued to the visible bruising around the bandages on Valero’s ribcage. Ricky’s eyes narrow and he scoffs at Envi’s concern for his well being.

Ricky Valero: You really don’t think I should? Like if you were me you would just sit back here and take the night off?

Evan looks back up at Ricky, giving him a shrug in response.

Evan Envi: No… Guess I’m just saying words.

He gestures toward Ricky again, clearly exasperated.

Evan Envi: I mean, I just--

A gentle knock is heard on the locker-room door and before the Good Guys can even think to respond, it swings open and there in the entryway stands FGA interviewer Spencer Burke.

Ricky Valero: Oh come on!

Valero throws his head back and groans. Meanwhile, Spencer lets out a sigh of his own, doing nothing to hide his own displeasure with where he is at this point and time.

Ricky Valero: To what do we owe the pleasure, Spence. Lord knows Evan and I have missed you dearly.

Envi gives Spencer a small up-nod, offering slightly less hostility than his comrade.

Evan Envi: Spence.

Spencer Burke: Well, you both are involved in very high-profile matchups tonight and I was just hoping to get a few words with you before you head out there.

Valero gingerly gets to his feet and starts to stagger across the room.

Ricky Valero: And you thought barging into the Good Guys’ locker room was the right way to go about it?

Spencer swallows hard.

Ricky Valero: Get on with it, Spence.

The reporter smirks.

Spencer Burke: Well, first and foremost, it’s kinda hard to ignore your...current physical state, Ricky. A lot of people saw your hellacious deathmatch in the Snuff Fest tournament in this very building two days ago. Are you really ready to go tonight against a competitor like Johnny Karma?

Almost on cue, the hunched over Valero stands straight and finishes his path over to Spencer without even a slight limp. The Good Guy steps close to him and peers down with a snarl.

Ricky Valero: You tell me, Spence. Do I look like I’m mailing it in tonight? Do I look like I’m just here to go through the motions, lay on my back, and get a nice little payday?

He shakes his head.

Ricky Valero: Nah. If there’s one thing you should know about me, Spence, it’s that whether I’m at 100% or 10%, you’re always going to get 110% from me inside that ring. That’s all that matters. Am I in pain? You bet your ass I am. But when that bell sounds and it’s time to go to work, make no mistake about it, I’m ready to go. Full throttle, balls to the wall, willing and able to do whatever I have to do to walk out of the Staples Center tonight a winner.

Spencer’s hands go up in defense.

Spencer Burke: With all due respect, Ricky, I think you might be underestimating the type of competitor you need to be to beat Johnny Karma on a bad day. I promise you, today is a good day for him--

Ricky Valero: And today is a great day for me!

The fury rages in Valero’s eyes as he spews fire in the FGA reporter’s direction. In the background, Envi’s eyebrows arch a bit as he prepares for Valero to finally throttle an interviewer. But that moment doesn’t come.

Ricky Valero: It’s All-Star Showdown VIII. Live and in color, right here in Los Angeles, California, and your boy has a match with a future FGA Hall of Famer, a former World Champion, the Iron Man himself. And for all he’s accomplished, all that he’s done...his fate lies in my hands.

He holds his hands up for Spencer to see.

Ricky Valero: These hands right here, Spence.

A menacing grin creeps across his face.

Ricky Valero: Don’t worry about my physical well being. I’m standing here in front of you telling you that it’s not me underestimating Johnny Karma you have to worry about. It’s Karma making the same mistake you’re making, the same foolish assumption you’re making right now, and thinking he has the upperhand. What happened at Vertigo last week, whatever kinda drama people wanna make up about the Good Guys...none of that matters. Because these hands right here, these are the hands that are going to put an end to the career of Johnny Karma.

Spencer nods, looking at Ricky for a few moments before responding quietly.

Spencer Burke: Well, I sincerely hope that’s true-- that you’re not underestimating your opponent. Thank you, Ricky.

And swiftly, Burke turns his attention toward Envi.

Spencer Burke: Evan.

Evan Envi: Me.

Spencer Burke: Last time a lot of these fans saw you, you were putting on a surprisingly energetic performance alongside Kazu-- and I think all of us were shocked to see how well you two worked together in your tag team match.

There’s a pop from within the Staples Center at the mention of Kazu, but it simply earns a scoff from Ricky Valero in the background, though it’s evidently not loud enough for Envi and Burke to hear.

Evan Envi: What can I say? When you click, you click! That’s how I found out how well I worked with this guy right here.

Envi points a thumb back in Ricky’s direction, turning to shoot a grin at his friend-- who flashes a toothy smile right back to Envi as the Chief looks at him, earning pockets of boos from the crowd.

Spencer Burke: Well, last time our Afterburn viewers saw you, I was looking for a doctor because Dom Harter had just driven a belt through your face in the backstage area. Tonight, you look you’re ready to compete. How are you holding up?

Evan Envi: “Belt through my face.” Way to make it seem like I went down like a hero, Spence.

Spencer Burke: I do what I can.

Valero visibly rolls his eyes a bit in the background, folding his arms as Envi goes on.

Evan Envi: I mean, the dude nearly shattered my nose, but I think I look alright all things considered.

He laughs bitterly under his breath, looking down for a moment, pondering, scratching at his brow before he looks back toward Burke.

Evan Envi: I’m not gonna sit here and run down everything we talked about two weeks ago. I know how long it’s been since Dom’s been close to the FGA World Championship. Everyday that goes by, he gets hungrier for it. Angrier for it. There’s nothing he’s not going to do to beat me, because he thinks that’s the cure-all. He’s convinced himself that’s what one hundred percent, without a doubt, gets him this World Title match.

Scoff.

Evan Envi: And maybe he’s right. But we’re not gonna find out.

Evan closes his eyes, taking in a deep breath for a moment before exhaling softly, looking toward Burke again.

Evan Envi: I never liked Dom. For years, we’ve had issues, but this is the first time I’m out here playing spoiler on purpose. I was just gonna beat him on principle but… now he made me want to take something away. So that’s what I’m gonna do with his World Title fantasy.

Envi exhales.

Evan Envi: Tonight, I’m gonna give him a reason to hate me.

The words earn another hesitant pop from Los Angeles and Spencer gives Envi a grateful nod as he backs out of frame. Envi turns to Valero, who flashes him another quick smile as we fade away.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Stephy, we’re about to get the matchup between Johnny Karma and Ricky Valero underway. But I just want to look back at all that has transpired here tonight! In our opener, Mark Bisley was able to defeat Zack Gall. But it was only after Dante Difranco had seen enough of Gall being trapped in the Minnesota Cloverleaf and having no choice but to throw in the towel.

Stephy Auger: Zack Gall can’t even submit or tap out on his own! He once again has to have his manager throw in the towel and give up for him.

Kris Cruise: That’s not even what remotely happened. Gall didn’t want to quit. He refused at several points. But Difranco, acting in the best interest of his client’s health and future, threw in the towel to prevent further damage. But let’s move on to the next match, where Annie Zellor was successful over Kazu Hirano.

Stephy Auger: Bad Bad Annie Z put that stoned slacker in his place. She did it on the the last Vertigo with the help of her man Dom Harter. Then she did it again tonight. With Kazu out of the way, she’ll gladly take her Mid-Atlantic Legacy Title match now!

Kris Cruise: She wasn’t beaten recently for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship and she hasn’t beaten Peaches or Piper one on one recently, if I recall correctly. So Annie can have a seat and actually earn a title shot. Speaking of titles, Silk & Cyanide won back the United States Tag Titles by defeating the team of Fujiko Mine and Izzy Anders, along with Susan Kent, here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Phase One was maneuvering themselves into position for another championship match. Phase Two was lowering the chances of one of the other teams by taking one of them out. They did that when that snapped Delikado’s brittle bones with that chair. Then we all saw Phase Three tonight. Erin Mariani and Sara Mason were a well-oiled machine out there. If they had their way, they would have never lost those belts in the first place. But there is some justice in the world and the US Tag Titles are finally back where they belong!

Kris Cruise: One champion that was able to retain their title was Piper Lennon, who defeated Peaches in a hard-hitting match.

Stephy Auger: Peaches had her fun when she attacked Piper on the last Vertigo and speared her through that taco cart. But guess who had the last laugh, Cruise? Piper did! Now she can go join her stay-at-home husband on the couch

Kris Cruise: Another champion that retained their title here tonight was Seth Iser, who fought to a draw with Tyler Storm moments ago.

Stephy Auger: Both champion and challenger took a nasty fall to the floor after a superplex off the top turnbuckle. Both men have been taken to the hospital for further examination.

Kris Cruise: I know that wasn’t the way Seth envisioned he would leave Staples Center as champion. But after that close battle with Tyler, I’m sure he’ll take it. Right now, we’ve got another battle that’s about to get underway. Let’s send it back to the ring where J.A. Aldridge is once again standing by for the ring introductions...

SINGLES MATCH
Johnny Karma vs. Ricky Valero

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 227 pounds! He is “The Franchise” RICKYYYYYY VAAAAALEERRRRROOOOOOO!!!

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

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: Ricky Valero is looking to fast track Johnny Karma out the door here tonight in Los Angeles! Valero hasn’t been shy about hiding his dislike for Karma. But he has been quick to quiet any talk on the issues bubbling under the surface amongst The Good Guys!

Stephy Auger: Don’t you start! Don’t you dare start that nonsense! The Good Guys are fine! Nothing is wrong with The Good Guys! Ricky Valero and Evan Envi are on the same page! They are a cohesive unit! They’ve been to the top of FGA by sticking together and being at each others’ side. This is all wishful thinking on the parts of people like you and that pest Spencer Burke!

Kris Cruise: You can say it’s wishful thinking on the part of myself and Spencer Burke. But we aren’t the only ones that see this, Stephy! Valero and Envi are going to have to address this at some point.

Stephy Auger: They have addressed! The topic is dead as far as they’re concerned. It’s like the old saying goes, united we stand, divided we all. People like you and Burke are just trying to divide The Good Guys by driving a wedge between them. Be less concerned about starting false rumors are be more concerned about your hero Johnny Karma having less than five months left until he’s gone for good!

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

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

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Cherry Baum! Hailing from Queens, New York and weighing in at 233 pounds… JOHNNYYYYYYY KAAARRRRRMAAAAAA!!!

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

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: Johnny Karma’s at his wit’s end. He’s tired of being screwed over and attacked. He’s tired of finding himself on the losing end. He set a goal for himself at the top of the year. He will either be a World Champion by the end of 2019 or he’ll leave! He’ll quit! Karma looked to be on his way to securing himself a championship match at this very event until an already eliminated Ricky Valero came back and eliminated Karma from the Gold Rush Rumble! Tonight is the night that Karma gets some long-awaited payback on Valero!

Stephy Auger: Well he’s going to have to wait even longer because he’s not beating Valero here tonight. From The New Kings to Heroes Never Die to The New Murder to The Good Guys, Johnny Karma has been everyone’s punching bag. Even when he was Undisputed Champion, he would still fall victim to the numbers game. He doesn’t have any friends on the roster. He doesn’t have any teammates. Did you see what happened earlier? Cherry BUM may be putting on a good face for the crowd, but even she’s starting to not see eye to eye with Johnny boy. Karma should just do himself the favor and leave now before Valero and other grapplers far better than him force him out the front door!

The match hasn’t even officially started and already Karma and Valero are in each other’s faces. Words fly back and forth between the two before Valero pushes Karma back. Karma returns the favor with a shove that sends Valero to the mat, which elicits a pop. Valero is quick to get back to his feet. He then leans his forehead against Karma’s and shouts at him. But the Karmic Lion doesn’t back down from The Franchise. The crowd pops when the two start to trade blows at the sound of the opening bell. The fists continue to fly back and forth until Karma gains the upper hand. The cheer continue while Karma continues to knock Valero back with punch after punch. With Valero dazed, Karma turns and hits the ropes. When he returns, he sees Valero running past him into the ropes. So he stops. When Karma turns around, he knocks Valero down with Gimme Shelter (pop-up lariat)! Valero scrambles back to a vertical base and gets caught with three jabs. Karma goes to throw out a right hook to complete Sugar Ray Karma. But Valero just a step too fast and ends up ducking the blow. The crowd boos after he takes Karma, runs and chucks him over the top rope. The Franchise tuns and holds his arms in the air. But on the outside is Karma, who landed safely on his feet. He quickly rolls back inside, runs across the ring, grabs Valero from behind, hops over the top rope and brings him down with Macho Karma! While Valero stumbles back and holds his throat, Karma climbs the apron before beginning to scale the turnbuckles. Just as Karma gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Valero darts over, leaps into the air and connects with a dropkick. The crowd boos as Karma falls off the turnbuckles and hits the floor.

Kris Cruise: Karma with a hard tumble to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Valero’s just too quick for him!

On the outside, Cherry rushes over to attend to Karma. Here attention is then brought to Valero after he rolls to the outside. Valero gestures towards his torso and tells her that this is what a real man looks like. Words can’t begin to describe the repulsed look that etched on Cherry’s face after that comment.

Stephy Auger: Cherry wouldn’t know a good thing if it hit her in the face!

Valero picks up Karma and slams him face-first onto the apron before pushing him back inside the ring. The Franchise rolls himself back in, takes Karma and moves him into the corner to deliver several boots to the midsection. The boos continue as Valero sends Karma slumping down with repeated stomps to the chest. Karma begins to gasp for air after Valero applies a foot choke! The official is quick to get in and give Karma until a count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Valero breaks the choke. He walks away from the corner, then turns, rushes back over and applies another foot choke! The crowd erupts with boos while he pulls down on the top rope.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! F-

Valero releases the choke. After reaching down and pulling Karma up, Valero whips him into the far corner. He then runs across the ring before delivering an NYC Uppercut (running European Uppercut) in the corner!

Kris Cruise: Valero just stole that move from Karma!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and he did it far better than Karma ever could!

Valero runs towards the far corner, bounces off the turnbuckles, charges back across the ring and nails Karma with another NYC Uppercut. The boos continue as Valero runs back towards the opposite corner. He bounces off the turnbuckles and charges back across the ring to deliver a third NYC Uppercut. But Karma cuts him off with the Kodak Moment (rope-assisted corner dropkick)! Valero gets back to his feet, only to get knocked down with an NYC Uppercut! A second NYC Uppercut returns Valero to the mat. Karma goes for an irish whip. But it quickly gets reversed. When Karma returns, he sees Valero setting up for a back body drop. The crowd erupts with cheers when Karma pulls Valero into a standing headscissors and goes to lift him up for Dazed, Confused and All Messed Up (Jumping Piledriver). But Valero kicks his legs on the way up, forcing Karma to lower him back down. Valero quickly follows up with a back body drop. Karma goes to pick himself back up when he gets caught with a step-up enzuigiri, dropping him to a knee. Valero then turns and hits the ropes. When he returns, he flattens Karma with a Shining Wizard! The boos continue as Valero makes the cover.

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

Valero takes Karma and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, Valero scoops him up from the side and delivers a pendulum backbreaker. Instead of letting Karma hit the floor, Valero keeps a hold of him. The crowd boos when Valero gets back to a vertical base, heads towards the side of the ring and recklessly tosses Karma through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Valero again adds insult by hitting Karma with one of his own moves!

Karma starts to pick himself up off the floor while Valero hits the far ropes. When Valero returns, he picks up speed before throwing out This Is For The Front Row (baseball slide clothesline)! At the last second, Karma ducks, causing Valero to whiff. As soon as Valero slides to the outside and turns around, Karma drops him with Check Your Chicklets (superkick)!

Kris Cruise: OH! Valero goes down!

Karma takes Valero and pushes him up onto the apron. After rolling back inside, Karma reaches through the ropes, grabs Valero and brings him down with Sweet Emotion (rope-hung bulldog)! The cheers continue while Karma rolls him over and makes the cover.

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

Karma takes Valero, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then lights up Valero’s chest with knife edge chops after turning him around in the corner. Karma then delivers an irish whip, follows Valero into the corner and connects with an NYC Uppercut. The cheers continue as he takes Valero, delivers another irish whip, follows him back across the ring and delivers another NYC Uppercut! Karma then delivers a hard irish whip, sending Valero back across the ring. The turnbuckles rattle when Valero’s crashes into them.

Stephy Auger: Oh no! Ricky’s hurt! He’s poor ribs! Maybe I should get in there and console him with a massage…

Kris Cruise: No, you just stay right where you are!

As Valero staggers from out of the corner, Karma runs across the ring to follow up with another attack when Valero counters with an overhead belly to belly suplex into the corner! The boos continue when Valero pulls up Karma, lifts him onto his shoulders and throws him into the corner with a Turnbuckle Powerbomb! After Karma bounces off the turnbuckles and crumbles to the mat, Valero steps out onto the apron. He scales the turnbuckles, jumps off and drives his feet down into Karma’s gut with Burying The Hatchet (diving double foot stomp)! Valero rolls off of Karma, turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
The crowd gasps when Valero pulls Karma’s head up.

Kris Cruise: What!?

Valero hops back out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and lands on Karma’s chest with Burying The Hatchet! He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO-NO!

Valero again pulls up Karma’s head.

Kris Cruise: What the hell is Valero doing!?

Stephy Auger: Valero told you that he was going to force Karma out of FGA here tonight!

Valero steps out onto the apron. After climbing up to the top turnbuckle, the crowd lets Valero have it while he mocks Karma by pointing his hands in the air and looking up.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

BOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Stephy Auger: This one’s for Grandpappy Karma!

Valero smirks before he leaps off for From The Stars Above (flying elbow drop)! The crowd gasps… then cheers when Karma rolls out of the way, causing Valero to crash on the canvas!

Kris Cruise: Valero missed! Karma got out of the way in time! That’s what Valero gets for taunting!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Valero immediately reaches over and grabs his elbow. Meanwhile, Karma remains in the prone position. The official checks on both partis before starting his count.

ONE!




TWO!





THREE!




FOUR!




FIVE!





SIX!





SEVEN!

Once Karma and Valero get back to their feet, Valero motions to throw out a forearm smash with his good arm. But Karma is able to cut him off with Sugar Ray Karma! A second right hook returns Valero to the canvas. After Valero picks himself back up, Karma throws him back down with Dynamite Karma (hammerlock suplex)! He then picks up Valero, scoops him up from the side and delivers a backbreaker before picking him back up off his knee and tossing him through the ropes. The capacity crowd continues to cheer for the Karmic Lion as he rushes into the far ropes. When Karma comes back, he knocks Valero down on the outside with This Is For The Front Row! Karma keeps his momentum rolling as he pulls up Valero before throwing him down with a hammerlock scoop slam! A THUD can be heard when Valero lands on the floor!

Stephy Auger: He’s trying to injure Valero’s arm! Where’s Evan when you need to him to let moral support?

Kris Cruise: Nowhere to be found, just like he was two months ago when Valero was in the main event!

Karma takes Valero and pushes back in underneath the bottom rope before rolling himself back in. He then takes Valero, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NINE!

TEN!

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: I’m shocked they’re able to count past three!

Karma lifts up Valero and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. The crowd continues to cheer on Karma while he climbs up to the middle ropes. He then takes control of Valero’s back and goes for a hammerlock belly to back superplex. But Valero reaches out with his free arm and grabs onto the attachment of the top turnbuckle to the wrist post. Karma tries to muscle Valero up for another attempt at the suplex. But Valero hangs onto that attachment for dear life. So Karma begins to rain down clubbing strikes across the back of the neck. Once Valero loses his grip of the attachment, Karma lifts him up and brings him down with a hammerlock belly to back superplex! Cheers and applause are heard as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos after Valero gets his good arm up.

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: Boos? BOOS? These people should be applauding Ricky Valero after getting his shoulder up!

Karma pulls up Valero before quickly taking control of his back. The crowd cheers when Valero gets spun around before being planted on his head with Instant Karma (hammerlock spun into a DDT)! Karma begins to circle Valero before delivering a stomp to the right wrist. He then delivers a stomp to the right knee, right ankle, left shin and left thigh before delivering repeated stomps to the left arm! Valero howls in pain while Karma stomps away on the arm. He follows up with a jumping knee drop to the arm. Karma then drops a second jumping knee across the arm. Then a third! He makes the cover while taking Valero right wrist and presses it down on the mat.

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

Valero kicks out.

Karma picks up Valero and whips him into the ropes. As he comes back, Karma goes for a running high knee. The crowd gasps when Valero ducks and catches Karma across his shoulders.

Stephy Auger: Thy Will Be Done!

Valero about to go for a fireman’s carry neckbreaker when Karma slips down from behind and locks him in a crossface chickenwing.

Kris Cruise: Deep Karma!

Valero cries out in pain while Karma cinches in the hold. The official asks Valero if he wants to give up.

PLEASE JUST TAP!
PLEASE JUST TAP!
PLEASE JUST TAP!
PLEASE JUST TAP!

Stephy Auger: WOULD THESE IDIOTS SHUT UP!

Despite the demands on the crowd, Valero refuses. Karma then tries to trip Valero up to he can bring him down into a bodyscissors. But Valero remains standing. Karma tries to trip Valero down but again, Valero remains at a vertical base. Karma continues to fight like hell to get Valero down to the mat. But Valero continues to block Karma’s trip attempts. He then reaches up, grabs Karma’s arm and slowly starts to pull it out from around his neck. The crowd asks when Valero quickly reverses into a hammerlock of his own before switching grips and throwing Karma down with a desperation PinnaclePlex (leg-hook belly to back suplex)! Valero immediately clutches his arm.

Stephy Auger: YES! WHAT A COUNTER!

Valero continues to hold onto his arm while Karma remains in the prone position. The self-professed Good Guy slowly turns over onto a knee. He continues to favor the arm while he gets back to a vertical base. Karma starts to move while Valero steps out to the apron. Valero begins to climb the turnbuckles as Karma pushes himself up on all fours. The crowd boos when Valero flattens him after delivering Burying The Hatchet across the upper back! Instead of making the cover, Valero hits the ropes, returns and delivers the Leg Drops of Jupiter (rally of consecutive leg drops) across the back of the neck.

Kris Cruise: Valero continues to lay on the punishment on Karma!

Valero reaches down and slowly pulls Karma back to his feet. He then quickly slips behind Karma and locks him in a Cobra Clutch! The crowd gasps when Valero repeatedly tries to throw Karma down with The Franchise Tag (Cobra Clutch Suplex). But Karma is able to block by hooking his right leg behind Valero’s.

Kris Cruise: Valero’s trying to put this one away! But Karma’s fighting to stay on his feet!

Valero continues to try and hit the suplex. But Karma continues to fight like hell and block it at every turn. So Valero instead tries to wear Karma down by applying more pressure to the Cobra Clutch.

Stephy Auger: Fine! Karma will either tap out or pass put!

The referee checks in with Karma and asks him if he wants to give up. Karma responds by waving him off. The Karmic Lion then reaches out for the ropes. Cherry can be seen on the outside trying to give him some reassuring words. She pleads with him to hang on. Valero starts to mock Cherry before telling her to shut up. Karma reaches up with his free arm and grabs onto Valero’s arm. He tries to pull the arm from around him, but it’s to no avail.

Stephy Auger: Karma has to realize that he can’t escape! Just give up!

Karma slowly steps forward. He then takes another step forward, then another. Valero continues to hang on and tries to force Karma to either tap out or pass out. Karma refuses another chance to quit from the referee as he tries to fight on. Karma grunts while he pushes himself forward towards the corner. He then jumps up onto the top ropes, pushes off and lands down on Valero! Karma floats over into a pin while Valero’s still got the Cobra Clutch applied!

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

Valero releases the hold and nudges Karma off of him.

Kris Cruise: Close call for Valero!

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet. The crowd cheers when Karma throws out Check Your Chicklets. But he whiffs when Valero ducks underneath it. When Karma turns around, he gets dropped with Dream Street (jumping corkscrew roundhouse knee to the face)!

BOOOOOOO!

Valero makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers after Karma gets his shoulder up.

Valero takes Karma and doubles him over with a hard knee thrust to the midsection. He then pulls him into a standing headscissors and hooks both arms for the Cataclysm (double underhook floated over into a cross armbar)! Valero goes to lift up Karma when Karma blocks. The crowd gasps, then cheers when Karma quickly spins out of the hold, smoothly transitions behind Valero and applies Deep Karma! Before Karma can really get it cinches in, Valero reaches out with his free arm, grabs Karma and throws him down with a modified shoulder throw. As Karma gets up, Valero rushes over and throws out another step-up enzuigiri. He misses! Karma ducks the kick just in time. He then reaches down, pulls Valero up by the back of his tights and takes control of his back. The crowd erupts with cheers when Karma throws out Hard Times (rear wristlock transitioning into a Bionic Elbow)! He misses! Valero ducks the elbow, floats over and transitions into another standing headscissors! He then goes to lift Karma up for a piledriver when Karma counters with a standing double leg takedown. Karma hooks his arms around both leans and then leans back, catapulting Valero into the corner! The crowd cheers when Valero smacks face-first against the top turnbuckle! After Valero stumbles back and turns around, Karma throws him down with a snap scoop powerslam! Instead of making the cover, Karma grabs Valero by the wrist, pulls him up and knocks him down with a short-arm Bionic Elbow!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Karma keeps hold of Valero’s wrist. He reaches down and slowly pulls Valero back to his feet before knocking him down with another short-arm Bionic Elbow.

Stephy Auger: NOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: You know what’s coming next! This capacity crowd can feel it! Valero about to fall on Hard Times!

Karma reaches down and slowly pulls Valero back to a vertical base. He slips behind Valero, takes control of his back, spins him out in front of him and then delivers Hard Times! The crowd erupts with cheers when Valero gets turned inside out! Karma drops down, pushes Valero over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with cheers as “When The Levee Breaks” blasts throughout the arena!

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

The cheers continues as an exhausted and hurt Karma gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Johnny Karma went through hell inside that ring here tonight! Ricky Valero had every intention of embarrassing Karma and putting his body through the ringer before tossing him out the front door. But Karma weathered the storm. Karma survives and picks up the win! What a match from the Karmic Lion! A much needed huge victory on a huge stage! What a morale booster for Karma.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, yeah, yeah. But guess what? Time is ticking, Cruise. I know it, you know it and more importantly, Karma knows it. He knows that time is running out. He got the win tonight. Yeah. Yipee. Good for him. But Karma is a man of his word. He told the world that if he’s not a World Champion by the end of 2019, he’s done. He’s gone for good. Last I checked, I still don’t see a World Title around his waist, nor do I see a title shot on the horizon.

Kris Cruise: That remains to be seen...

[FGA Office]

[EARLIER TODAY]

The camera opens up inside an empty Staples Arena several hours before the show. The ring and stage design have all been set up, but there’s a strange emptiness around the ringside area. There’s no stagehands or ring techs running around, making sure that the ring has been set up properly or that the stage set is alright. None of the other wrestlers are here, gazing upon the arena where they plan on either making history or making a moment all their own.

The camera pans around the empty arena, showing off the arena that in just a few hours time will be holding possibly the biggest show in the history of FGA, before it comes to a stop as it picks up someone sitting way up in the stands.

Marlon Cure sat quietly, an unlit cigar clamped between his teeth as he stares intensely at the ring down below. He wasn’t dressed to compete, instead wearing a dark jeans, and a black hoodie from his own #BlackoutApparel line. Upon closer inspection, there seemed to be something written out across the hoodie’s front in bold gold lettering. A phrase, inspired by one of his favorite artists, that defines Cure’s entire career and one that seems to resonate with him on a personal level:

“Most young kings get their heads cut off.”

For once, the cocky, arrogant in ring veteran didn’t have that air of overconfidence around him. His expression was one of contemplation as he stares at the tron. Taking the cigar from his lips, Cure begins to speak.

Marlon Cure: I remember sitting in these same seats a decade ago when I was still relatively new to the game, watching future peers and would be rivals, dudes and girls who everybody thought would be legends carve out lanes and bring acclaim to their names. Tournaments, flagship shows and everything in between had the wrestling world on fire. They all got their shine.

Marlon Cure: Those some ones I watched rise through the ranks and have everybody swear up and down that they had next? They flamed out within a few years, lost and forgotten in time because they got too complacent. Too comfortable in an industry where you always gotta keep your head on a swivel because today’s Fastest Rising Stars can become just another face in the crowd in an instant.

Despite himself, Cure couldn’t help but chuckle.

Marlon Cure: Ain’t that some shit, though. You grind, devote seconds, minutes, hours to this business of ours. You miss holidays and birthdays if you celebrate them. Sacrifice time to the point that it becomes too short to share in the end, and get eaten up alive in the end. You either wash out and become nothing, just another face in the crowd or worse… you make it.

Cure leans back slightly.

Marlon Cure: You become big time. Head of sitting at the top and overlooking the business as the sun rises on your reign. But overtime, your star fades. The cheers and adoration ain’t hitting like it used to and little by little, you hearing the whispers that you’re five years overdue. The business passed you by and now there’s a brand new thing out there. You know deep down you’re done, BEEN done… but you can’t cope. So you keep coming back. You keep coming back because you’re addicted to the high of hearing them people cheering and chanting your name. The feeling of going out there, busting your ass even if you can’t go anymore and knowing that a handful of the fans that moved on will still chant “you still got it” is too good to give up.

His eyes narrow.

Marlon Cure: I spent years watching it happen to them… watching them do that, so hopefully I wouldn’t have to go through that. and said it would never be me. I said I’d never break, never fold so that them people could be like “Young King, we need to build you up so we can kill you again!”

Leaning forward, Cure peers down at his hands.

Marlon Cure: I’m sitting here, years later on the day of the biggest match of my career off the strength of that goal. The cardinal rule to never let the game can’t shake me or break me and for 11 summers I stayed true to that. I’ve trained, I’ve grinded I’ve come up to and inspired envy in my enemies and elevated the standard whenever I come through.

Cure pauses briefly, some unknown emotion flickering across his face.

Marlon Cure: But somewhere along the way, things changed… I went from just tryna scrape enough to live off of when I come into the game, carrying with me only my pride and ego to pick up and take me where determination and skill might not be able, to reluctantly admitting I’m guilty of falling for the business I said I’d peace out in a heartbeat if the money came along. I went from being anti traditional, the young flashy motherf*cker that only plotted on how to turn 15 pounds of gold to millions, to embodying the business, the good and the bad. To wanting to shoot the fives with everybody that calls themselves the best to seeing they can see me.

Marlon Cure: And that’s what brought me to you, Fujiko.

A little bit of the “King Cure” that we all know seeps into his tone as he glances at the camera.

Marlon Cure: When I told you to do whatever you needed to in order to get by tonight? I meant that shit. I don’t want the same Fujiko that Evan Envi got. The one that Ricky Valero got. I want the best version possible. I want all the harm you so call yourself tryna bring to me and mines and I’m accepting nothing less. Because knowing I’m getting that? That’s what drives me. That’s what makes me run that extra mile in the gym. That’s what makes me put another plate on the weight bar when I’m tryna gain. Go extra runs through because knowing I’m getting the very best out of you means I’m doing any and everything in my power to be that much better.

Marlon Cure: Tonight? The talking stops and the speculation ends. We’ve run through the narratives and we’ve said all that needs to be said. For you, this is absolution because beneath that vinear of confidence, you still need to know if you really stack up. If if it’s really your time or if it’s just your turn.

Marlon Cure: Me? The shit runs a little deeper, there’s levels to it. This is an 11 year odyssey coming to an end. This is years and years of being fronted on, slept on while knowing you can out work, outgun everybody in the room coming to fruition. This is starting at the bottom, no legends kicking knowledge, then rising up to the point where nobody can deny you.

Cure falls silent for a brief moment.

Marlon Cure: ...This is where I find out if everything I’ve done to get here. All the dirt I’ve done, the people I stepped over, careers I left in shambles… this is where I find out if every single second of it was worth the pain that came with it.

Cure lowers his head, eyes covered by the hoodie as he speaks once more.

Marlon Cure: I need this, Fujiko. More than you’ll ever know. I need every drop of blood, every ounce of sweat, every bit of passion you can conceivably bring. Then I want you to watch as it all comes down, when we bring in the ring.

[FGA Office]

Previously Recorded...

Dom Harter: Maybe I don’t give Evan Envi enough credit…

It’s said without jest, but Dom still wears that crooked grin as he speaks. Dressed in his ‘Best High Flyer 2019’ t-shirt over his ring attire, with the Seattle Pro tag team title proudly on display over his left shoulder (with some of Evan’s – or was it Kazu’s? – blood still smeared on the golden fascia), Harter looks ready for action in a few minutes time. But as he stands in front of a series of posters for past All Star Showdowns, it’s quite clear he has something to say before that bell sounds.

Dom Harter: …maybe. You see, last week, Evan Envi said what might be the smartest thing I’ve ever heard him say…

Pause. Dom pats the belt on his shoulder nonchalantly as he adds.

Dom Harter: Before he had that…little accident. See, last week, Evan had the good sense to note that I’m ‘steadily climbing back to the top of my game’. And I’ll be damned if that isn’t the smartest damn thing that has ever passed his lips– because I am, because for years I’ve been working, grinding, just to get back to my best. Ever since that fateful night in 2015 when I dislocated my shoulder. Since I picked myself back up, and I dusted myself off! Since I returned to FGA three years ago, and took my revenge against the woman who put me on the shelf for six…long…months…

His temper looks close to flaring over, but Dom exhales deeply, plastering that crooked grin back onto his face before he laughs harshly. He wags a finger at the camera as he speaks again.

Dom Harter: And even when I went over to HKW, and I went and I won the 2017 Destiny Cup. I beat the best that company had to offer. Some of the biggest names around. On the biggest stage they could provide. And I earned my shot at the HKW World Championship…only to fall short.

Dom shakes his head, his tongue planted firmly against the inside of his cheeks as he does so.

Dom Harter: And it’s been two years since I completed my Grand Slam here in FGA. Since I beat Annie to claim that Mid-Atlantic Legacy title– the one that had evaded me all those years. And it’s been longer still, since I completed the Grand Slam over there in Sin City. And yet, somehow, some way, I’m still better today than I’ve ever been before…and Evan Envi noticed that!

He nods his head in appreciation of the fact.

Dom Harter: Quite astute of you, Chief. And I bet you noticed the journey I’ve been on over the years too, right? That after I completed the Grand Slam - and became the first person in FGA history to do so – that I set my sights on that Golden Crown. The Dynamic Duos, the Gold Rush Rumble, and the Frontier Lions Cup…and I bet you watched Above & Beyond that year, and you laughed as I fell to Chandler Scott in the first round. But I wasn’t at my best back then, Evan. No, no, no. Because I took that defeat, and I learned from it! I took that loss, and it helped me grow. And it was two years, Evan– two long years, until I got that chance again…

Harter scoffs derisively, running a hand through his hair as he begins to pace back and forth.

Dom Harter: Last year! 2018! I ventured out into the world, and I defeated some of the biggest names around. I went to Japan and beat Aoki Zombie in his own backyard. I took on one of the best young talents in Eddie Jacobs, and I beat him too. I took a cruise, and defeated Emery Layton while I was at it. Then I came back to FGA, and I pinned one of the greatest wrestlers of our generation, Josh Kennedy! In the middle of that ring. Because I was on my way back up! Because I was getting better by the day! Because I was this close to completing my story! I was this close to capturing the one trophy here in FGA that has eluded me thus far! I was on my way to winning the Frontier Lions Cup. To earning my shot at the FGA World Championship…

Another pause; Dom tries to maintain his composure, and he has to take a deep breath to do so. In through the nose, and out through the mouth. He’s stopped pacing now, and as he runs a hand through his hair once more, Dom looks to the camera with hatred in his eyes.

Dom Harter: And you robbed me of that moment, Evan Envi. And when I tried– months ago, I tried to make things right between us! But you weaselled your way out of facing me back then. Because you had the FGA World Championship in your possession, and you could do anything you damn well wanted, right? Because you never thought you’d lose that title…and I know that feeling, Evan. I remember that feeling all too well! Because it’s what I felt during both of my reigns with that title…but I’m better than that now.

He says with a smile on his face.

Dom Harter: I am! This belt, right here–

Dom slaps the Seattle Pro tag title on his shoulder.

Dom Harter: –I saw it, I wanted it. And damn it, I went out there and I got it. Hitting the greatest moonsault you, or Marlon Cure, or Ricky Valero– or anybody who doubts my ability to become the Best High Flyer award this year– the greatest moonsault you will ever see! Because I’m that damn good, Evan. And yet– for as clever as can be, for as bright as you shone for that brief moment– you went and you decided to take a shot about how long it’s been since I held that FGA World Championship. And that, Evan Envi, was the dumbest thing you could’ve done!

He yells towards the end, that smile on his face wavering as Dom wags his finger at the camera once again.

Dom Harter: And I’m not even sorry for what happened, Chief. No bygones this time! Because soon enough– in a few minutes time– I will finally….FINALLY…get you one-on-one inside that ring again. And soon enough, Evan, I’ll add you that list with Aoki, Eddie, Emery, Josh, and even Johnny Karma! I’ll list you alongside Idolution, Brytain & Lucie, the Daughters of Janus, Coral & Cashe– you and Ricky– you’ll be on that list as the people who helped show the world what I can do inside that ring. And the two tag matches recently? They’ve given you a taste, Evan. They’ve given you a glimpse of what I can do…but tonight? You, FGA, and all of these fans watching All Star Showdown…three years after I picked myself back up from my lowest ebb. Three long years after I started this journey, you won’t be able to stop me, Evan. Not tonight. Not ever again. Because soon…that FGA World Championship…the Frontier Lions Cup…they’ll both be in my possession…and I’ll have taken back what is rightfully mine. All I have to do, Evan Envi, is beat you one-on-one…

On that note, Dom turns away from the camera. He stands there for a moment, and runs a hand through his hair once more, before the show cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Evan Envi vs. Dom Harter

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall.

”ONE FALL!”

The lights go down again as the opening chords of “Low Self Opinion” begin to play throughout the Staples Center. The crowd booing loudly straight off the bat as they know who’s coming out next, coupled with the knowledge that Dom Harter may be one match away from a shot at the FGA World Championship…

I THINK YOU’VE GOT A LOW SELF OPINION MAN
I SEE YOU STANDING ALL BY YOURSELF

After nearly twenty seconds or so, a lone spotlight on the top of the aisle as The Tenacious Little Bastard steps out from behind the curtain– and the boos grow even louder! Harter doesn’t strike his usual arms-out pose, however, and instead stands with his legs apart, looking out across the crowd from behind that bandana. The Seattle Pro Tag Team title hanging over the back of his shoulder, with the leather jacket and ‘Best High Flyer 2019’ t-shirt beneath that. Slowly, Harter pulls the bandana down from over his face to reveal that ever familiar crooked grin plastered on his face.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, hailing from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 235 pounds ... He is 'The Tenacious Little Bastard' DOM HARTER!

Harter begins his stroll down the aisle, moving slowly and with purpose as the spotlight follows him down the aisle. The fans still booing, but Dom pays them little mind as he swaggers towards the ring, and climbs up the ring steps. The lights come up as Harter moves across the apron and up onto the middle and top rope, where he makes the belt gesture around his waist. And, yeah, the fans don’t like that either!

Dom jumps down from the ropes and into the ring. As he stands in the center of the squared circle, Dom raises the Seattle Pro tag title above his head, before placing it down in the corner along with his leather jacket and bandana. His music begins to die down as Harter squats down in the corner, awaiting the arrival of The Chief.

Kris Cruise: Dom Harter is focused. No, he’s obsessed with getting a shot at the FGA World Championship. But one thing he must do first is put down Evan Envi after he cost him his chance at the Frontier Lions Cup this past December. You heard the man just moments ago. The frustration that he feels from not only being on the outside looking in of the World Title scene, but missing out on the Frontier Lions Cup. It has to pain Harter to know that he’s failed to win the Frontier Lions Cup while Envi’s done it two years in a row.

The familiar, frantic instrumental slams into the PA system, drawing a loud mixed reaction from the Los Angeles crowd. Multi-colored strobes dance throughout the arena as the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” blares over the soundsystem. Upon the first hint of vocals, Evan Envi steps through the curtains, onto the ramp, his signature jacket thrown on, hood pulled up over his head, slightly obscuring the view of his face… but he pushes it back, looking out into the masses with an impressed grin,

J.A. Aldridge: On his way to the ring, hailing from Ocean City, Maryland, weighing in at 204 pounds… “The Chief”, EVAAAAAN ENVIIII!

Envi marches forward raising his signature Double V’s high into the air, eyes locked on the ring as he makes his way down the ramp.

Stephy Auger: I’m shocked that he isn’t getting serenaded all the way to the ring by his new BFF Kazu!

Kris Cruise: Los Angeles is giving the Chief a warmer response than what he’s probably been used to at these big events, and this is the city Evan Envi called home for years while he honed his craft.

Stephy Auger: Cool. Well, Evan might need the support of all his extended family here in L.A. because he’s facing a man that’s on a tear. He’s facing a man that nearly caved his skull in a couple of weeks back. I don’t know why Evan has so much bounce in his step. I’m concerned for him, Cruise! If I was facing Dom Harter, I’d be petrified.

Kris Cruise: You’d have a right to be. Let’s not forget that the last time these two faced off one-on-one, it was the Chief that was able to walk out with the victory.

Stephy Auger: Maybe we should ask Dom how.

Envi climbs the stairs and finally lowers his arms as he climbs the ropes near the turnbuckles as if walking a staircase, standing at the top as he unzips his jacket, shouting into the lively audience, his own voice lost in their roar. Envi tosses his jacket aside and leaps from the top rope down into the ring, kissing the tips of his fingers before raising them high into the air in double presidential peace-signs, eyes closed, head tilted back in the center of the ring. The Chief opens his eyes and smirks, making his way to the corner as he awaits action and the lights return to normal.

Just as the Chief turns around…

*THWACK!*

-- the Tenacious Little Bastard cheapshots him with a corner yakuza kick!

BOOOOOOOOOOO!

The bell sounds while Harter rushes back into the opposite corner. The New Murder leader bounces off the the turnbuckles, runs back across the ring and picks up a bit of speed before lunging himself forward. Envi lets out a labored groan when Harter squashes him with corner double knees! Envi slumps down in the corner. But Harter doesn’t hold back or let up. Instead, he unloads on Envi with mudhole stomps to the chest. Harter then grabs onto the top rope with both hands while he continues to put the boots to Envi.

Kris Cruise: Harter’s is unleashing hell on Envi in the early goings of this match!

Stephy Auger: What did you expect? Evan Envi is the reason why Dom Harter didn’t win the Frontier Lions Cup! Evan Envi is the reason why he’s got World Champion right now!

Kris Cruise: Dom Harter had his chance to earn a title shot at the Gold Rush Rumble and he LOST! Evan Envi had nothing to do with that! I stand by my statement from before. Yeah, Harter’s mad because Envi eliminated him from the Frontier Lions Cup. But deep down? Harter is jealous that Evan has not one, but a record TWO Frontier Lions Cup wins while he’s got nothing.

Stephy Auger: What? Dom Harter? Jealous? Harter doesn’t have a jealous bone in his body!

Kris Cruise: Yeah, who told you that?

Stephy Auger: Dom himself. He’s the most honest man in wrestling, you know!

Kris Cruise: ...

Harter switches his attack and begins socking Envi with repeated right hands to the face. Each punch knocks Envi’s head to the side. Envi tries to shake off the cobwebs while Harter turns and hits the far set of ropes. Harter comes back, picks up a bit of speed and connects with a facewash. The boos continue while Harter heads back into the far ropes. The Tenacious little Bastard returns, zeroes in on Envi and delivers another facewash. Harter looks down at Envi and shakes his head. He’s still not satisfied. The crowd gasps when he turns and heads back into the far ropes. The Tenacious Little Bastard comes charging back across the ring before delivering a third facewash! Envi looks to be in another world while Harter towers over him in the corner.

Stephy Auger: Harter’s trying to break Envi’s nose again!

Harter reaches down, grabs Envi by the norse and purposely twists it while he pulls him back to his feet. The Tenacious Little Bastard takes Envi by the head with both hands, leans back and lunges forward, cracking Envi in the face with a headbutt! Envi immediately clutches his nose while he staggers across the ring against the ropes. Harter stays on Envi as he stalks him into the corner. The Fratboy Assassin turns Envi towards him before bashing him with a forearm smash that immediately drops Envi to a seated position. Harter reaches down, pulls Envi back up, crouches a bit and then lunges up, hitting Envi with a ramming his head right underneath the chin. Envi’s head snaps back before he starts staggering out of the corner. Envi continues to stagger across the ring before dropping down to a knee. The Chief shakes out the cobwebs and tries to get back to his feet. But Harter right there to knock him down from behind with a Northern Lariat! Harter reaches down, latches onto the back of Envi’s neck and slowly pulls him back up to his feet. He then turns Envi towards him before socking him with a right hand that drops the Chief to the mat. Envi again goes to cover his nose. Harter reaches down, pulls Envi’s hands away from his face and follows up with a spinning bootscrape! Envi immediately covers his nose with both hands before turning over into the prone position.

Kris Cruise: The Tenacious Little Bastard is pouring it on. If I didn’t know any better, I would say parts of this capacity crowd are starting to feel sorry for the Chief.

Stephy Auger: Listen, I love the Chief as much as the next man. But he brought this all onto himself.

Kris Cruise: Why, by beating the man standing across the ring from him in the Frontier Lions Cup?

Stephy Auger: No, by allowing that heifer Fujiko Mine to guilt trip him into another undeserved title shot! That should have been Dom’s shot!

Kris Cruise: You sound just like him! Whine, cry and complain!

Stephy Auger: You know what Dom does? He wins! He wins big against the biggest names in this sport! How much longer can you deny the man?

Kris Cruise: If the Chief has his way, he’ll deny Dom one more time!

Harter marches back over, grabs Envi by the head and pulls him up to a kneeling position. The Tenacious Lil Bastard positions himself in front of Envi before rocking him with a knee lift. Another knee lift rocks the Chief. Harter then turns and hits the ropes. He comes back and sends Envi’s head snapping back with a running knee lift. Envi lays helpless on the mat while Harter paces back and forth.

Stephy Auger: Envi has been no match for Harter. It pains me to say that as an avid supporter of Envi. But The Tenacious Little Bastard is just on another level here, Cruise! He’s a man on a mission!

Kris Cruise: It’s a shame Ricky Valero isn’t at ringside to lend a helping hand or give him a shoulder to lean on.

Stephy Auger: Don’t you start that mess again!

The New Murder leader circles Envi before delivering a Garvin Stomp to the extremities. Harter follows up with repeated stomps to the face. He then drops down to his knees and chokes Envi! The crowd boos Harter while the ref gives him until a count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! F-

Harter breaks the choke. He then turns Envi into the prone position, grabs him by the ears, lifts his head off the mat and repeatedly rams Envi’s face-first into the mat over… and over… and over… and over… and over…

BOOOOOOOOO!

... and over… and over… and over… and over… and over…

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

… and over… and over again!

Kris Cruise: Harter was trying to slam his head through the mat!

Stephy Auger: I told you, Cruise. Harter won’t be denied any longer!

Harter snarls as he looks down at the motionless Envi. The Tenacious Little Bastard quickly mounts Envi’s back. He then swings down and connects with a punch to the back of the head! Harter shouts down at Envi about how he cost him the Frontier Lions Cup and the Golden Crown! Harter punches Envi in the back of the head. He shouts at Envi and once again accuses the Chief of refusing to grant him his “well earned” championship. Harter then stands up above Envi before delivering a stomp to the back of the head. The official then nudges Harter out of the way before kneeling down and checking on Envi.

Harter heads over and leans forward while resting his forearms on the tp rope. He scans the booing crowd and responds with his familiar crooked grin. The Tenacious Little Bastard turns and sees Envi struggling to push himself up to all fours. Harter zeroes in on the Chief as he rushes over and nails him with a punt kick to the ribs. Another labored groan escapes Envi as he gets knocked over onto his back. He slowly turns over onto his side before a kick to the spine causes Envi to arches his back. While Envi is still on his side, Harter puts the boots to Envi with several stomps to the ribs. The Tenacious Little Bastard then drops down to a knee before raining down repeated clubbing strikes across the ribs. The crowd boos while Envi cries out in pain with each strike.

Harter stands over in front of Envi and delivers another kick to the ribs, knocking Envi back down onto his back. Harter then takes the heel of his boot, presses it down against Envi’s ribs and grinds away. The Chief howls in pain while Harter continues to punish him.

Kris Cruise: Harter’s torturing him!

Stephy Auger: Has Envi gotten any offense in thus far? I don’t think he has!

Harter gets off of Envi. Envi immediately curls up and guards his ribs. The official kneels down next to Envi and asks him if he wants to throw in the towel. But the Chief shakes his head sideways, refusing to quit. Across the ring, Harter begins to pace back and forth until he starts to take notice of a small chant coming from the crowd.

Let’s go, Envi!
*clap-clap, clap-clap-clap*

Let’s go, Envi!
*clap-clap, clap-clap-clap*

Let’s go, Envi!
*clap-clap, clap-clap-clap*

Harter chuckles to himself before turning his attention back to Envi. He begins to stalk Envi as the Chief turns over and tries to pull himself towards the side of the ring. Harter purposely steps on Envi’s back as he exits the ring and gets to the apron. The Tenacious Little Bastard is then seen waving Envi up as the Chief tris to push himself up on all fours. Envi eventually picks himself back up. But he doesn’t stay standing for long as Harter brings him down with the Cutter Boi (slingshot cutter)!

Instead of making the cover, Harter stand tall as he looks down at his opponent with his hands on his hips. He then lightly kicks Envi in the side of the head and asks him, “you dead?” Harter gives him another light kick to the side of the head. This time, it’s with his left foot. The Tenacious Little Bastard asks Envi “you dead?” before giving him a light kick to the top of the head. The Chief can be seen starting to stir on the mat. As Envi struggles to push himself up off the mat, Harter asks him, “you dead?” before delivering another light kick to the head. Envi remains on all fours. After Envi stands up on his knees and looks up at Harter, Harter uses the sole of his boot to nudge Envi’s head to the side. Envi turns right back to Harter and stares him down. Harter flashes his crooked smirk before nudging Envi’s head away with the sole of his boot. But Envi comes right back and stares Harter down. The New Murder leader then crouches down in front of Envi and waves him on.

Harter continues to egg Envi on by giving him a light slap to the side of the head. After another light slap, Harter stands back up before delivering a hard slap across the top of the head. Envi keeps his head down after Harter delivers another hard slap across the head. Envi can be seen sneering as he gets one foot down on the mat.

LET’S GO, CHIEF!
LET’S GO CHIEF!
LET’S GO CHIEF!
LET’S GO CHIEF!

The Tenacious Little Bastard continues to hurl insults Envi’s way before standing tall with his arms spread apart. Harter’s arms go down when Envi slowly rises back to his feet. Harter’s crooked smirk turns into a scowl to match Envi’s. The two then stare each other down as they put their foreheads together. Harter motions for Envi to do something. Envi’s gladly responds by rocking Harter’s head back with a European Uppercut!

YES!

Envi sends Harter’s head back with another European Uppercut!

Kris Cruise: Envi’s fighting back!

The Chief then fires off four straight forearm strikes to the jaw. While Harter appears dazed, Envi turns and hits the ropes. When he returns, the crowd erupts with boos when Harter throws him down with the Fuckboi Bomb MK I!

Stephy Auger: Pop-up powerbomb!

Envi remains sprawled out on the mat while Harter stares him down. He quickly drops down and mounts himself on top of Envi before raining down rights and lefts to the face. He then applies a two handed choke while the crowd erupts with boos! The official is quick to get in and give Harter until five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIV-

Harter lets go as he stands up over Envi. The official admonishes Harter for pushing his luck. But Harter pays him no mind. Instead, he reaches down and pulls Envi into a seated position. Harter then slowly raises up his arm before patting his forearm.

BOOOOOOO

The Tenacious Little Bastard pats Envi on the head and delivers a kick to the spine before rushing into the far ropes. Harter comes off the ropes, picks up a bit of speed and throws out a sliding lariat! No! Harter whiffs on the strike after Envi rolls out of the way just in time. Harter scrambles back to his feet and charges back over at Envi. But he gets flipped down to the mat with a kitchen sink for his troubles. Harter goes to sit up, but he’s quickly flattened on the mat by a running soccer kick from Envi. Pockets of cheers start to come from various parts of the crowd while Envi delivers repeated stomps to Harter.

YES!
YES!
YES!
YES!

Envi continues to stomp away on Harter without slowing down one bit.

YES!
YES!
YES!
YES!

Envi finally starts to slow down before eventually doubling over and resting his hands on his knees. The moment the Chief gains his second wind, he stands right back up before going to town on Harter with more stomps!

YES!
YES!
YES!
YES!

Envi reaches down and returns the favor. He grabs Harter by the nose and pulls him back to his feet. The two then heads towards the corner before Envi slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Envi turns Harter around and hooks his arms around the top ropes. The Chief scans the crowd before turning back to Harter. He unleashes rapid, alternating European Uppercuts and knife-edge chops! Envi continues to tee off on Harter with strikes while parts of the crowd shout after each strike--

WOO!
WOO!
WOO!
WOO!

Harter is then whipped hard into the far corner with an irish whip. The Tenacious Little Bastard staggers from out of the corner before dropping to a knee. As Harter picks himself back up, Envi rushes over and executes a step up hurricanrana, sending Harter through the ropes and to the outside.

Envi slowly gets back to a vertical base. He goes over and looks down at Harter, who is once again picking himself back up. So the Chief turns and runs into the far ropes. Envi bounces back, picks up speed, leaps through the ropes and knocks Harter down with a suicide European Uppercut!

Kris Cruise: Envi takes him out with the dive!

Envi picks up Harter and whips him hard towards the corner of the ring.

*PING!*

The crowd cheers with Harter’s face smacks off the ring post! Harter twirls around the post before collapsing to the mat. Envi turns and looks around at the crowd. There’s still a few that boo him. But as the match has progressed, the crowd as turned more and more favorable towards the Chief. The self-professed Good Guy turns and sees Harter reaching up and grabbing onto the edge of the apron. Envi crouches down with anticipation. The fans in the first few rows stand up as they look on with anticipation themselves.

Stephy Auger: What’s Envi setting up for?

Once Harter pulls himself up using the edge of the apron, Envi charges down ringside, cleanly leaps through the ropes and knocks Harter back down with another diving European Uppercut!

Kris Cruise: What an athletic display from Envi!

Envi picks up Harter and slams him face-first onto the apron. He then leans forward and lifts Harter up onto his shoulders before swinging him down hard against the edge of the apron with an Alabama Slam! Harter howls in pain while he arches his back before crumbling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: OOOOOOHHHHH, that had to hurt!

Stephy Auger: Try and show some compassion, Cruise.

Envi pulls up Harter before ramming him back-first against the side of the ring. He then doubles Harter over with a knee to the gut before throwing him against the guardrail with a pumphandle suplex!

Kris Cruise: The Chief is finally taking it to Harter after being on the receiving end all match!

Harter gets pulled up before getting rolled back inside. Envi rolls right in after him before taking Harter and bringing him back into the corner. The are some slight cheers at the sight of Harter getting pummeled in the corner with a flurry of forearm strikes. The last of which drops The Tenacious Little Bastard in a seated position. The Chief makes his way towards the other side of the ring before stopping to turn around. He sees Harter dazed in the corner. Envi’s eyes slowly peer over towards his right and up to the top turnbuckle. Envi’s gaze darts back over to Harter before back to the top turnbuckle. Cheers are heard when Envi slingshots out onto the apron.

Kris Cruise: What’s Envi doing?

Stephy Auger: I’m just as lost as you are.

The crowd starts to stand up while Envi climbs the turnbuckles. When he reaches the top, he gauges the distance between himself and Harter. The Chief begins to look around to various parts of the crowd. After focusing back on Harter, Envi kisses the tips of his fingers before slowly raising them in the air into the presidential peace sign. The crowd gasps when Envi leaps off off the top turnbuckle…

OOOOOOOOOOO...

...floats through the air…

...OOOOOOOOOO…

...and crashes into Harter with a corner-to-corner missile dropkick!!!

OOOOHHHHHH!!!

Envi rolls over onto a knee and stares a dazed Harter down. The crowd can’t help but to cheer and applaud the effort of the Chief after that move.

Kris Cruise: Unbelievable! UNBELIEVABLE! The skill of Evan Envi on display, ladies and gentlemen!

Envi gets to his feet as he grabs Harter. He pulls Harter from out of the corner before hooking one arm. Once Harter’s other arm is hooked, Envi looks around before falling back, planting Harter with The Blues (Snap Double Arm DDT)! Envi pushes him over and makes the cover.

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

BOOOOOOO!

Harter gets his shoulder up.

Instead of getting pissed off and arguing with the official, Envi remains focused on the task at hand. He immediately gets to his feet, marches towards the corner and steps back out onto the apron.

Kris Cruise: Envi’s looking to put this one away!

Envi gauges the distance between himself and Harter. He sees that Harter isn’t perfectly lined up for what he wants to do. But he’s doesn’t care! The crowd gasps and cheers when Envi throws caution to the wind and goes for a long-range springboard 450 Splash with a mid-air turn!

Kris Cruise: HELTER SKELT-

Stephy Auger: NO!!!

The crowd gasps when Envi crashes down hard across Harter’s knees! Envi immediately rolls across the ring and curls up.. He cries out in agony while guarding his midsection.

Kris Cruise: Envi’s hurt!

Stephy Auger: Where’s Ricky when you need him?

Kris Cruise: Returning the favor and leaving the arena.

Stephy Auger: Stop that!

Envi continues to writhe in pain while Harter slowly turns over onto a knee. A closeup shot garners boos from the crowd after they see him with his trademark crooked grin.

Stephy Auger: He’s going in for the kill!

Harter gets back to his feet. While he sees Envi struggling to pull himself using the rope, he holds his arm out and begins to pat his forearm.

Kris Cruise: I smell a lariat coming…

Members of the capacity crowd point behind Envi. But the Chief is too busy still favoring his ribs. The moment Envi turns around, the crowd erupts with boos when Harter turns him inside out with a lariat! Harter drops down, pulls Envi onto his back and makes the cover.

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

Envi gets his shoulder up!

Harter pulls up Envi and doubles him over with multiple knee strikes to the midsection. After pulling him into a standing headscissors, Harter lifts him up, rushes towards the corner and delivers the Fuckboi Bomb MK II (turnbuckle powerbomb)! Envi bounces off the turnbuckles and staggers towards Harter, only to get knocks off his feet with a discus lariat! The Tenacious Little Bastard drops down and makes the cover.

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

Envi gets his shoulder up again!

Harter picks up Envi and whips him into the corner. He then rushes over and connects with a running lariat! Harter runs into the opposite corner, bounces off the the turnbuckles rushes back over and nails Envi with a second running lariat! The Tenacious Little Bastard runs back over into the opposite corner. Harter bounces off the turnbuckles and picks up speed as he motions for a third lariat. The crowd switches from boos to cheers when Envi comes out of the corner and knocks him down with a pop-up elbow strike!

Kris Cruise: Elbow right to the jaw from Envi!

Envi favors is ribs while he reaches down and pulls Harter back up. The Chief brings Harter into the corner, lifts him and places him in a Tree of Woe. Envi begins to stomp away on Harter with multiple stomps to the midsection. He steps steps out onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Envi gets to the top turnbuckle and looks down to see Harter trying to sit up in the Tree of Woe. The crowd gasps when Envi jumps off and goes for a diving double foot stomp. At the last second, Harter leans back, causing Envi to miss. Envi’s feet then hit the mat before his momentum sends him rolling forward. Back in the corner, Harter sits back up and tries to unwrap his legs to free himself from the Tree of Woe. The crowd can’t help but to cheer after Envi runs back over, leaps up and brings Harter out of the Tree of Woe with a single knee lungblower flipped into a crossface!

Kris Cruise: BPA! THE BACKPACK ATTACK!!!

The capacity crowd continue to cheer at the sight of Harter being locked in a submission. The official is quick to get down and ask Harter if he wants to give up. After Harter shakes off the official, Envi pulls back, causing Harter to howl in pain.

Stephy Auger: DOM! DOM!!!!

Harter reaches out towards the ropes with his free arm. But he’s not quit there. Envi leans forward before pulling further back on the hold. Harter reaches up and tries to pull one of Envi’s arms from around him. But it’s to no avail. The ref again asks Harter if he wants to give up. Harter responds by flipping the ref off.

BOOOOOO!

The boos immediately turns back to cheers while Envi repeatedly yanks back on the hold. Harter lets out a labored groan. The crowd gasps when they see Harter slowing raising his hand up off the mat.

[/i]TAP!
TAP!
TAP!
TAP![/i][/b][/size][/center]

The cheers grow louder when Harter’s quickly lowers towards the mat. Harter’s hand suddenly stops before he wags his finger.

BOOOOOOO!

The Chief continues to fight like hell while The Tenacious Little Bastard continue to writhe in pain. Harter slowly pulls himself forward with his free hand before reaching out towards the ropes. But again, Harter is not quite there. Envi pulls back on the hold one more. Harter groans as he remains trapped with nowhere to go. The official is right there and gives Harter the chance to quit. Harter reaches out towards the official. The ref asks him again if he wants to give. Harter refuses. He then pulls himself forward across the mat. Just as Harter’s about to reach out and grab the bottom rope to force a rope break, Envi reaches his foot put and kicks off the bottom rope. Both grapplers roll back before Envi quickly re-applies the BPA!

YES!
YES!
YES!
YES!

Envi doesn’t have the same tight grip that he did last time, which allows Harter to battle back to a vertical base. The crowd boos when Harter slips out and takes control of Envi’s back. The crowd gasps and boos when he rolls Envi out in front of him and throws out Mors Proditors (Rainmaker)! NO!, Harter whiffs after Envi ducks the blow. Harter then turns around and nearly eats a superkick. But the Tenacious Little Bastard is quick enough to catch Envi’s foot. Harter then throw then foot down, steps back and goes for blatant kick to the midsection. But Envi returns the favor and catches his foot! Envi then swings Harter’s leg away from him, takes control of Harter’s back and brings him down with straightjacket choke into repeated kneeling backbreakers! Envi pushes Harter onto into the prone position before stepping out onto the apron. The Chief scales the turnbuckles, dives off and crashes down across Harter’s back with a Frog Splash! Envi rolls off of Harter and clutches his ribs. The Chief slowly turns back over, pushes Harter onto his back and makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos after Harter gets his shoulder up.

Envi slowly picks up Harter when Harter quickly slips out and retakes control of his back. The crowd gasps and boos when Harter throws out Mors Proditoris. Envi ducks, grabs Harter rom the side and counters with a Uranage! Harter lays sprawled out on the mat while Envi drops to a knee. The Chief again favors his ribs. After taking a couple of seconds to regroup, Envi gets back to his feet before stepping over Harter. He continues to head into the corner before climbing the turnbuckles. Envi remains crouched while Harter turns over onto a knee. The New Murder member slowly picks himself up and returns to a vertical base. The moment Harter turns to face the corner, the crowd cheers when Envi stands up and flips off with a diving moonsault!

Kris Cruise: The Classics!

-- then gasps when Harter catches him across his shoulder!

Stephy Auger: Uh oh!

Harter rushes forward and throws Envi against the turnbuckles with a running powerslam! He keeps his hold of Envi, backs away from the corner turns, rushes back across the ring and throws him into the turnbuckles with another front powerslam! Harter, while keeping a hold of Envi, moves back away from the corner. The crowd stands up when Harter positions Envi for a Tombstone Piledriver!

Stephy Auger: Harter’s going to dump him right on his head!

Harter’s about to plant him when Envi starts kicks his legs. Envi continues to kick his legs until Harter leans back. Cheers come from parts of the crowd when Envi lands on his feet before lifting Harter up. He’s got Harter in position for a Tombstone! But Harter returns the favor and starts kicking his legs back. Once Harter lands on his feet, he quickly switches his grip and locks on the Empty Shell (Dragon Sleeper)!

Kris Cruise: Harter with the counter!

The Tenacious Little Bastard cinches in the hold while Envi flails around his free arm. The official asks Envi if he wants to give up. The official asks Envi again if he wants to give up. When Envi refuses, the crowd boos Harter when he arches his back to apply more pressure.

Stephy Auger: Harter’s really got it locked in now, Cruise!

Envi continues to flail his free arm around. He reaches out, but he’s nowhere near the ropes. Harter continues to fight like hell for the submission. He repeatedly yells at Envi to tap. But the Chief won’t oblige. The crowd starts to take notice of Envi’s movements getting slower and slower. His free arm isn’t moving around nearly as much as it was before. The official asks Envi if he wants to give up. But he doesn’t receive a response. Harter’s eyes widen when Envi doesn’t answer the referee after being asked if he wants to quit. The crowd sighs when Envi’s legs grow weak, causes him to slump down. Harter then drops down to a kneeling position while keeping the Empty Shell applied! His trademark crooked smirk is once again present. The capacity crowd can sense that he’s seconds away from victory. Envi body soon becomes limp. The official asks him again if he wants to give up. But he doesn’t get a response. Envi then gets his arm raised by the official. The referee lets go of the arm. Instead of falling, the arm remains held in the air!

Kris Cruise: Envi’s still got some fight left in him!

Envi reaches over, grabs Harter by the head and pulls him down into his raised knee! Envi takes Harter and pulls him down into another grounded knee lift! A third knee lift causes Harter to break the hold and drops down to all fours!

Stephy Auger: Envi escapes!

Harter tries to shake out the cobwebs while Envi turns over to his side. He gets one foot on the mat before slowly getting back to a vertical base. The Tenacious Little Bastard returns to a vertical base just mere seconds later. Envi motions to run into the far ropes when Harter reaches out and grabs him by the back of the tights. The crowd boos when Harter yanks Envi back into his clutches before throwing out Mors Prodioris. Harter whiffs on the lariat after Envi ducks. He then turns around and gets dropped with a quick, standing spinning heel kick!

Kris Cruise: THE KAPOWSKI KICK!!!!!!!

Envi heads across the ring before stepping out onto the apron. He grips the top rope with both hands before going for Helter Skelter. The crowd gasps when Harter rolls out on the way. Instead of crashing to the mat, Envi lands on his feet. His momentum then sends him rolling forward. After rolling back to his feet, Envi turns around and charges back cover towards Harter. The Tenacious Little Bastard goes to take Envi’s head off with a discus lariat. But the Chief ducks, floats over and positions him for The Blues! The crowd gasps when Harter quickly rolls out, doubles him over with a knee thrust to the midsection, hooks Envi’s arms, lifts him up and plants him with the Last Exit (lifting double underhook piledriver)!

Stephy Auger: THERE IT IS! IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER...

Harter turns over and makes the cover.

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

Stephy Auger: … IT’S OV-WHAT!?

The crowd can't help but cheer after Envi gets his shoulder up!

Harter pulls up Envi and doubles him over with a punch to the midsection, followed by a knee strike. The Tenacious Little Bastard turns and hits the ropes. When he returns, he knocks Envi upright with a knee lift before turning him inside out with a lariat!

Stephy Auger: HARDER HITS HARTER!

Harter pulls Envi up by the back of the tights. After Envi is rolled out in front of Harter, a mist of sweat flies off of Envi’s chest when Harter knocks him off his feet wit Mors Proditoris! Harter makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos when “Low Self Opinion” blares throughout the arena.

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

Harter rolls off of Envi and rests on his back. The ref kneels down and raises Harter’s arm in victory.

Kris Cruise: What a war we just witnessed between Dom Harter and Evan Envi! Dom was relentless at the start and beat on Envi for what seemed like forever. Then Envi was able to battle back. Not only that, but he got a bit of support from the capacity crowd as well. There were a series of close calls and nearfalls for both men. In the end, The Tenacious Little Bastard would not be denied and got himself some payback for the loss to Envi back at Final Frontier! You know what’s next though. That’s right, I’m talking about the main event between Fujiko Mine and Marlon Cure for the FGA World Championship! Right now, let’s hear some words from the champ!

[FGA Office]

The scene fades in on the Frontier Grappling Arts World championship. The crowd at ringside cheers loudly, knowing exactly who is meant to appear. After a second or two, slender fingers wrap around the championship, and the view zooms back until Fujiko’s full form is on display. She looks at the championship with a grin, and then to the camera.

Fujiko Mine: Tonight is one of the biggest nights of my career. Tonight, I begin cementing my legacy as one of the greatest FGA stars in history. Defending this championship at All Star Showdown is a goal of mine. Marlon and I have been shooting praise back and forth, and been firing shots back and forth as well. For Marlon, this is the culmination of a long journey, capitalized by a quick ascent from the bottom of the barrell to the very top. He believes he’s due this. ‘He came to reign’, is his tagline. Of course he is.

Fujiko shrugs her shoulders.

Fujiko Mine: Who comes here to not be the FGA World champion? Who doesn’t come here for glory? Who doesn’t dream of being on this stage, and being able to say that you took home the top prize in this industry on its largest stage? There is nothing really that sets him aside from anyone else who is sitting backstage tonight, ready to watch what is about to transpire and wishing that it could be them.

She turns the FGA World title towards her, and she begins speaking to it, rather than to the camera.

Fujiko Mine: Marlon, nobody knows how you feel more than I do. You have something to prove. You want respect. You want to stand in front of the crowd, holding this title and saying “I told you so.” You want the money, respect, and the clout that comes with holding this. You want to prove to yourself that you can make it here. You want...validation.

She tightens her grip on the championship.

Fujiko Mine: The problem with that is...I know your type too well at this point. You’ve focused on wanting your ‘revenge’ for being caught slipping, as you put it. You keep seeing it as though the reason you caught the loss was because of you. Something you did, or something you missed. But that isn’t the reason.

Fujiko’s eyes narrow.

Fujiko Mine: It was because I am better.

Intensity begins to radiate off of her as she sets down the FGA World title, coming around the table it is sitting on and moving between it and the camera.

Fujiko Mine: You refuse to acknowledge what I am going to force you to realize tonight, Marlon. I am better. I have cultivated greatness out of my abject failures in the ring. I went from being a reject to being a dual champion in two separate companies. I’ve won the Fan Favorite and Wrestler of the Year in the year you somehow claim was yours. I BEAT YOU, and somehow you managed to try and take it away from me. You could never admit that I was actually better than you. An insult. In your head, last year was a fluke that you plan to rectify tonight. Well, you are going to be enlightened tonight. The goddess has come to the Staples Center to bring you the wisdom you refuse to see. I will pry those eyes open and make you realize one truth. I am not a fluke. Me winning this is not a fluke. And while I’ve already competed tonight, I know in my heart; in my soul that I still have enough to go the distance tonight, and go home tonight STILL your FGA World champion.

She seethes into the camera.

Fujiko Mine: So put your Lion King dreams to bed. You and Keiko can stop dancing in your hotel room to “I just can’t wait to be King”, because you are not leaving tonight with what I have given EVERYTHING for.

She moves aside, just enough so that the FGA World title is in view, albeit out of focus, behind her.

Fujiko Mine: Ask Evan Envi how trying to deny me what I want worked out for him. Matter of fact, don’t. Because you are going to be a cautionary tale as to what happens when you try and take away what the Apex Goddess wants. I did not go through everything I did just to lose in my first defense. Go back and watch the emotion that poured out of me back in Milwaukee. Go back and see the elation of that crowd. When I won this, it was enough energy to keep me running for years. If you think you are about to end the reign of the Goddess so early, Marlon...you’re sorely mistaken. If you think me already wrestling tonight is an advantage to you, well; I’ve kept the conditioning up with all those Pride title matches. I may have gone through a war earlier tonight, but I’ll be ready for battle in a few short moments again. So get a good look at me with this championship. Because it will be a view you and everyone else in the locker room will have as I defend it again and again, until I set the record for most defenses, until I am recognized as the best. Call it harsh, call it what you want to. It is what these people want, so I ultimately cannot deny them. It is not just the will of the goddess...but the will of the people. And THEIR will...be done.

Fujiko turns in a flash and snatches up the FGA World championship. She tilts her head back slightly, looking down into the camera with a dripping confidence. The scene then crossfades to ringside.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Fujiko Mine vs. Marlon Cure

*DING! - DING!! - DING!!!*

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! It is your maaaain event of the evening and it is for the FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

The atmosphere for Night One's main event has been set as the sold-out crowd in The Staples Center gear up for The FGA World Title Match. The Champion, "The Apex Goddess" Fujiko Mine. The Challenger, "King" Marlon Cure. Both on top of their game and, in their minds, on top of the Wrestling World. Tonight, they settle the question of who reigns supreme over who as they collide for the greatest prize in Frontier Grappling Arts.

When it came time for The Challenger to arrive, the arena found itself oddly quiet. No golden light bathing the arena, no pomp and circumstance, only silence.

This ambience lasted all of a few seconds, before the forever confident “King” seemingly made himself known. Instead of the signature, if somewhat ominous piano intro of Jay-Z's "Public Service Announcement" airing over the PA System to signal the arrival of The Challenger, the lighting turned a shade of blue as the fans gave a small mixed reaction. The cheers grow a bit louder as two rows of men walk out onto the stage, each one dressed in all blue and white attire, with sunglasses and a blue cloth wrapped around their wrists.

Moving as one, the group marches down and lines the aisleway, turning to face each other as the cheers from the crowd continue on. One by one, each one folded an arm behind their back and raised a fist into the air. On cue, the lights dimmed and spotlights overhead all focused on the left end of the stage, showing a figure with his back turned towards the arena, head down and arms crossed as the intro to Nipsey Hussle’s “They Know” began to play.

Can't stop this money marathon but they gonna try regardless
When you go as hard as Hussle they gonna pay you homage
Add my jewellery up 100,000 dollars
Plus I got the pink slips to the foreign shit that I be drivin'
Built my road to riches over lack of options...

It was Marlon Cure… or at least, what looks to be a past representation of him. The look of the man from a distance, with the long, unkempt black hair, faded blue gym shorts and worn & beat up air force ones were almost a dead ringer for Cure’s appearance around the time of his debut. The cheers slowly begin to grow louder as the individual raises his arms in the same manner that Cure himself does during these entrances and goes to turn around…

I'm tryna go down, down as a great
Every night I get, on my knees and pray
That I will go down, yeah
I will go down, yeah


Legendary moves, leader of my crew
Heavy is the head that wear the crown, that shit true
Do it like Nip Hussle, that's to fill some big shoes
And what good is excuses when the fuckin' rent's due?

Only for the arena to go pitch black once more. The beat shifts to a darker tone, and chorus from Kirko Bangz kicks in as “Down As A Great” begins to play. The spotlights once again shine down on the stage, this time on the right side as another figure stands on the stage, back towards the crowd and camera and his arms folded against his chest. Once again, the Staples Center finds itself coming alive as “King Cure” stands on the stage… at least, what seems like him.

The figure looks to be Cure, circa 4 years ago during his days as “The Philly Prophet”. He hooded denim vestment with his Blackout Insignia emblazoned right on the back, the words “Bow down or lay down” etched into the kickpads of his boots. Much like the previous incarnation, he tilts his head back and raises his arms to the sky…

And once more, the staples center finds itself pitch black as the music stops completely. Everything is silent for a brief moment, then...

Woah oh

Woah oh

Woah oh...!

like the beginning of "Mean Streets"
Like the beginning of "Mean Streets"
(Woah) like the beginning of "Mean Streets"

I'm prolific, so gifted
I'm the type that's gon' go get it, no kidding
Breaking down a Swisher in front of yo' building
Sitting on the steps feeling no feelings..

The darkness gives way to a deep blue lighting as the vocalizations of Stacy Barthe fill the arena. A moment later, the beat for Nipsey Hussle’s “Victory Lap” kicks in, the tron turns blue and the camera perspective changes as we switch to the stage view as smoke begins to fill the stage and the crowd could make out something rising from the center as Hussle snaps out his first verse. The cheers started out low, but began to grow as they realized that The Challenger has finally arrived.

Marlon Cure raises his head high as the staples center erupts, the arrogant smirk etched firmly into his face while he takes it all in. The Blue Supreme Sovereign Crown sitting sideways atop his head. The blue, white and silver attire. The words “King Cure” written right above the left knee in bold letters a similar vein to the Crenshaw script. The King has gone all out in his affectionate tribute as he makes his entrance to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Making his way to the ring, The Challenger! Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 196 pounds! MARLON! CUREEEEEE!

Cure begins to make his way down the aisle way, and the men standing at attention on either side drop down to a knee to pay homage to the man called “King”. Cure pauses at the foot of the ramp looks around the arena, before looking up towards the sky. He raises both hands to his side as the camera pans around Cure and dollar bills begin to fall from the ceiling.

The camera settles back into place as Cure moves down to ringside, slowly making his way up the steps and onto the top ropes. He mouths something to the cameo, then reaches a hand towards the sky as the fans give a loud cheer once again.

Cure hops down and shrugs the sleeveless long coat off of his shoulders and places the extravagant looking crown around a nearby ring post as he leans back in the corner. He doesn’t move an inch, eyes as focused and intense as we’ve ever seen him as he awaits the arrival of The World Champion.

Kris Cruise: What an entrance by Cure.

Stephy Auger: It was an entrance fit for a King. It’s an entrance fit for a World Champion and he WILL become World Champion here tonight.

A low hum rumbles throughout the Staples Center, and the lights around begin to brighten until they are almost too much, and then the lights go completely out. Flashbulbs go off, trying to catch a glimpse of what is going on.

Suddenly, a gong goes off, and a man in a blue suit stands on the entrance ramp, a spotlight over him. Another gong, and another man appears.

GONG

A woman with black hair appears under spotlight, in a blue suit.

GONG

A statuesque woman with red hair, blue suit just right center of the stage.

GONG

A bald male, blue suit clad.

GONG

A bald woman, blue suit.

GONG

A final spotlight, center of the ramp, where a woman stands, with a blue suit. The crowd cheers loudly, as even with a pair of aviators on they know who it is.

A low whistle slices through the arena, growing in intensity until the suited woman in red produces a microphone.

Florence Welch: Holy water…

A shuddering drum beat shakes the arena as “Seven Devils” by Florence and the Machine begins to rumble across the staples center, with Florence herself performing the vocals. The lights around the arena flash and flicker like lightning with each drum beat. The bowl of the arena is otherwise awash in red.

Florence Welch: ...cannot help you down...

Hours and armies couldn't keep me out
I don't want your money
I don't want your crowd
See I have to burn
Your kingdom down

The group enter triangular formation behind the woman in the aviators, who hasn’t moved an inch.

Holy water cannot help you now
See I've had to burn your kingdom down
And no rivers and no lakes can put the fire out
I'm gonna raise the stakes, I'm gonna smoke you out

As the chorus is launched, The woman in aviators reaches up to her chest, then pulls apart, ripping the blue blazer top and undershirt off. Underneath is a red and gold swirling attire, along with the FGA World championship around her waist. She tears away the dress pants, discarding them before beginning to march to the ring, minus Florence Welch, who stays on the stage. Airbrushed flames splay out along her boots and kickpads.

Florence Welch: Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in my house
See they were there when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done

They reach the ring, with Fujiko’s gaze looking up at Marlon Cure in the ring. The other five surround the ring, their gazes also following Fujiko’s.

And now all your love will be exorcised
And we will find you saying it's to be better now
And it's an even sum
It's a melody
It's a battle cry
It's a symphony

Fujiko hops up onto the apron, and then unstraps the FGA World championship from around her waist. She then walks along the apron before ascending the turnbuckle.

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in my house
See they were there when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done

Something lowers from the rafters, and a few of those in blue suits also make their way onto the apron. They fasten something around the FGA World champions waist, and another hooks Fujiko into it securely. Once done, they dismount and each place a rose on the apron.

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See I was dead when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done

Fujiko looks down at the FGA championship for a moment, and smirks.

Before the day is done
Before the day is done
Before the day is done

Fujiko is suddenly lifted into the air, the harness allowing her to be pulled up towards the ceiling. She goes limp, minus her grip on the championship. She slowly moves over the ring, as if she was suspended in animation as Florence belts out the climax of the song.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent! Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! She is the reigning… defending… FGA World Champion! She is the “Apex Goddess”! “The Blissbringer”... FUJIKO MINE!!!

They can keep me high
'Til I tear the walls
'Til I save your heart
And I take your soul
And what have we done?
Can I be undone?
In the evil heart
In the evil soul

As the song comes down, so does Fujiko, who is slowly lowered back to the center of the ring. She positions herself so that she is able to touch down with both feet. As she touches down, she undoes the harness, letting it drop down before it is hoisted away, alone. She then removes the aviators, revealing blood red irises.

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See I was dead when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done

...fore the day is done.

The song wistfully vanishes; and each member of the entourage made their way out of the ringside area, leaving only Fujiko standing across the ring from her opponent.

Kris Cruise: Once again, Fujiko outdoes herself with these elaborate entrances. We heard the champion just moments ago. She’s worked too hard and too long to just lose this championship on the first defense. Finally becoming the FGA World Champion was just apart of the journey. The Apex Goddess is far from done.

Stephy Auger: Well isn’t that just special. Well guess what? It’s not up to her. Despite what she and some of these idiots think, Marlon Cure is the better wrestler. He’s faster, flies higher. He’s more athletic. Fujiko wants to talk about a journey? Marlon Cure is the one that’s been on a grind for ten years to get to this point. Tonight, King Cure becomes King of FGA. That is his will and may his will be done!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine lost a championship here tonight. She’s not about to lose another title. For as great as Cure is - and I admit, he is an exceptional athlete, Fujiko Mine is better, in my honest opinion. Does she blow him out of the water? Does she dwarf him? No. But she’s a little bit better. That small gap makes all the difference in the world. In a match like this against two greats, it becomes a game of inches. He becomes a battle of who can take advantage of the opportunities and who can limit their mistakes. The Apex Goddess has reached the Apex of FGA after taking her game to an even higher level. Fujiko Mine is far from complacent. She’s not satisfied. Not by a long shot. She is going to fight like hell to keep that championship in her possession. King Cure better be ready for the fight of his life.

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah? Well she better be ready for the fight of her life!

*DING! - DING!! - DING!!!*

The crowd gives both champion and challenger a standing ovation while Fujiko and Cure remain in their respective corners. The crowd slowly begins to sit. But they keep up the cheering. Fujiko readies herself by tugging against the ropes in her corner. Across the way, Cure stays light on his feet by bouncing back and forth. King Cure and the Apex Goddess start to take notice of the chants from tonight’s capacity crowd. Cure looks across the ring with a smirk on his face. He points over to Fujiko before pointing to his ear.

LET’S GO, FUJI!
LET’S GO MARLON!
LET’S GO, FUJI!
LET’S GO MARLON!
LET’S GO, FUJI!
LET’S GO MARLON!

Fujiko smiles as she walks towards the side of the ring and cups her hand to her ear.

LET’S GO, FUJI!
LET’S GO MARLON!
LET’S GO, FUJI!
LET’S GO MARLON!
LET’S GO, FUJI!
LET’S GO MARLON!

Fujiko gestures to Cure, as if to ask if he can hear that. But Cure remains unfazed. Both grapplers then begin to slowly make their way out of the corners. Fujiko and Cure carefully circle the ring. Cure tries to feint a shoot in for a takedown. But the Apex Goddess doesn’t fall for the fake. They then slowly inch towards each other. Cure reaches out with his right hand while Fujiko slowly reaches out with her left. They look to initiate some type of knuckle lock. But the lockup attempt deteriorates into them slapping the other’s hand away in an attempt to gain control of the wrist. Both grapplers take a few steps back to size each other up some more. The FGA World Champion smiles when she turns and hears another tidal wave of support from the crowd.

APEX!
*CLAP-CLAP*
APEX!
*CLAP-CLAP*
APEX!
*CLAP-CLAP*

Fujiko nods in approval while circling the ring. Her and her challenger size each other up once more. They then lunge forward into a collar-and elbow. Fujiko and Cure start to jockey for position until Cure shoves Fujiko, sending the champion stumbling back against the ropes. The Apex Goddess doesn’t lose her cool or rush back into an attack. Instead, she gives a nod to Cure, acknowledging his strength advantage of her. She then gets off the ropes and circles the ring. Cure continues to keep his eyes locked on the champion as she continues to circle him. She then shoots in, rolls forward and goes for takedown. But the challenger is quick enough to strafe to the side to avoid being taken down. Fujiko quickly gets back to a vertical base. Her and Cure size each other up before pushing forward and engaging in another lock up. After jockeying for position, Cure shoves Fujiko down to the mat. Fujiko rolls back and gets onto a knee.

Cure then swaggers over towards Fujiko, crouches down in front of her and dusts off his shoulder.

BOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Cure’s trying to get Fujiko off her game early by getting into her head.

The FGA World Champion smirks at the display of arrogance from Cure. She gives him a light golf clap as he backs away from her. Fujiko rises back to her feet before circling the ring. Champion and challenger then size each other up before moving forward and engaging in yet another collar-and-elbow. This time, Fujiko gains the upper hand with a side headlock. Cure goes to shove her off into the ropes. But Fujiko remains locked on him. Cure then delivers a quick forearm to the side before trying to shove her off into the ropes. But once again, Fujiko keeps the hold applied. Cure then takes hold of Fujiko, moves her into the near ropes and then tries to pick up speed to shove her off into the far ropes. But it’s to no avail as Fujiko drops down to a knee while keeping the side headlock applied. Fujiko wrenches the hold, causing Cure to groan. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. Cure is quick to refuse. King Cure starts to battle back to a vertical base. But he doesn’t stay standing for long as Fujiko sends him to the mat with a side headlock takeover. Cure then quickly reverses into a headscissors. But just as quickly as Cure reverses, Fujiko escapes with a kip up. After Cure scrambles back to a vertical base, Fujiko throws him down with another side headlock takeover. Cure then reverses into another headscissors before Fujiko escapes with another kip up. Once Cure is back to his feet, Fujiko goes to send him to the mat with a third side headlock takeover. This time, Cure blocks. Fujiko tries to muscle him down with another takeover. But again, Cure blocks. He then lifts Fujiko up before bringing her down with a belly to back suplex! Cure with the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Fujiko kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Quick nearfall from Cure.

Cure brings Fujiko back to her feet and takes control of the arm with an arm wrench. Fujiko reaches over to reverses when Cure quickly delivers another arm wrench. Fujiko seethes in pain while being on the receiving end of another arm wrench. The ref asks him if she wants to give up. The Champ quickly refuses. She then rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of her own. Cure then cartwheels over before taking back control with another arm wrench. Fujiko then rolls forward, turns over onto her knees, flips over with a handstand, spins in place and transitions into a hammerlock from behind. Cure is quick to spin out and reverse into a hammerlock of his own. Fujiko then reaches back with her free arm, grabs Cure and delivers a jumping snapmare! The crowd OOOOHs when Cure land on his feet before hitting the ropes. When he returns, he knocks Fujiko down with a shoulder block. King Cure heads into another set of ropes while Fujiko kips up. When Cure returns, he knocks Fujiko down with another shoulder block. Cure then heads into a third set of ropes. When he returns, Fujiko quickly kips up before leapfrogging over him. Cure continues to run the ropes. After Cure comes back, Fujiko leapfrogs over him again (without turning around) while Cure continues to runt he ropes. When Cure returns, Fujiko knocks him off his feet with a dropkick! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Cure kicks out.

Fujiko takes Cure, wrenches his arm and moves him into the corner. There, Fujiko nails Cure with three knife edge chops. After another arm wrench, Fujiko delivers an irish whip before following Cure into the corner. Instead of cashing into the corner, Cure executes a headstand on the top turnbuckle, stopping Fujiko in her tracks. When she pushes forward to knock him off, Cure knocks her down with a double mule kick to the chest. Cure picks up Fujiko, pushes her into the corner and returns the favor with multiple knife edge chops. He then takes Fujiko, delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko grabs the top ropes and counters with a corner slingshot headscissors takedown. As Cure gets back up, Fujiko rushes out of the corner and delivers a running hurricanrana. The Apex Goddess gets back to her feet before hitting the far ropes. After Fujiko returns, she executes a double rotation tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. Cure gets back to his feet, turns around and gets hit with a running front dropkick, knocking him through the ropes and to the floor. The FGA World Champion returns to her feet with a kip up before waving her arms up and down.

Kris Cruise: What were you saying again about Cure being faster and more agile?

Stephy Auger: Look, don’t get cocky, Cruise.

Once she sees Cure in position on the outside, Fujiko turns and runs into the far ropes. When Fujiko comes back, she motions for a dive to the outside. At the last second, she kicks off the rope, twirls through the air and lands on her knees in a superhero pose to cheers and applause from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: Show off!

Cure leaps up onto the apron, grabs the top rope with both hands, leans back, somersaults over the top rope and lands in front of Fujiko.

Kris Cruise: Look at this!

The Apex Goddess slowly rises back to her feet. Champion and challenger are nose to nose before Cure hits her with a forearm strike. Fujiko answers back with a forearm of her own. Cure nails Fujiko with another forearm strike. Fujiko answers back with another forearm of her own. Right after Cure hits another forearm strike, Fujiko quickly answers back with a forearm of her own. Cure is immediately hit with another forearm after landing a forearm strike on Fujiko. King Cure then hits Fujiko with two forearm strikes. The Apex Goddess comes back with three forearm strikes of her own. Cure then rattles off four forearm strikes. Fujiko then comes back with five forearm strikes of her own. While Cure is dazed, Fujiko turns and hits the ropes. When she comes back, Cure jumps up, flips back and spikes her with a Frankensteiner! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fujiko kicks out.

Cure takes Fujiko and whips her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, Cure goes for a hip toss when Fujiko steps through it and counters with an arm drag takedown. As Cure gets back to his feet, Fujiko turns and hits the far ropes. When she returns, Cure is successful on his second attempt at the hip toss. He then turns away from Fujiko and throws out a standing moonsault. Fujiko rolls out of the way to safety. But Cure’s able to land on his feet before quickly flipping for another standing moonsault! This time, Fujiko counters by getting her knees up!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko got him that time!

Cure gets back to his feet, but he gets doubled over with a spinning back kick to the midsection before dropping down to all fours. The Apex Goddess then stands on top of Cure’s back before flattening him with a standing Shooting Star Press! Fujiko pulls him over onto his back and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cure kicks out.

Fujiko takes Cure and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, he sees Fujiko setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a sunset flip. Fujiko is seen swinging her wildly arms a she tries to regain her balance. Once she does, the crowd cheers when she counters with a jumping double foot stomp! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cure kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for the champion.

Fujiko takes Cure, runs and tosses him through the ropes and to the apron. She then reaches through the ropes, grabs Cure and pulls him across the middle rope to set up a rope-assisted DDT. Before Fujiko can deliver the move, Cure unhooks his legs, takes Fujiko and dumps her over the top rope! Cure heads towards the center of the ring thinking that he’s tossed Fujiko to the floor. But unbeknownst to him, Fujiko landed safely on the apron. He turns around and does a double take when he sees Fujiko on the apron. So he rushes over to attack, only to get knocked back with a rope-assisted gamengiri. Fujiko then goes for a springboard dropkick. But Cure rolls underneath it. He quickly gets back to his feet before heading into the ropes. When Cure returns, he sees Fujiko running past him towards the ropes. So he stops. When Cure turns around, Fujiko brings him down with a handspring rebound Ace Crusher! Fujiko makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Fujiko caught him by surprise with that Ace Crusher. But again, Cure gets out at two..

Fujiko takes Cure by the arm and nails him with Sealed With A Kick (grounded arm pull roundhouse kick)! The Apex Goddess keeps hold of the wrist before whacking Cure with another S.W.A.K.! Cure then gets rocked with another S.W.A.K.! The World Champion then reaches down and grabs a hold of Cure’s other wrist.

OOOOOOOH!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s about to bash him with that knee!

Stephy Auger: Come on, Marlon! Get out of there!

Fujiko nods her head. The crowd is well aware of what’s about to come neck. The crowd murmurs amongst itself as she pulls Cure up to his knees. Fujiko maintains control of Cure’s wrists and is about to go for Yount’s 3000th Hit (double wristlock knee to the face)! Fujiko motions for the knee when Cure rolls back, gets to his feet, leaps up and sends spittle flying out of Fujiko’s mouth with a front dropkick to the face!

Kris Cruise: What a counter by Cure!

Fujiko tries to shake out the cobwebs before moving her jaw around. The champ slowly turns over on all fours before trying to pick herself back up. While Fujiko’s still bent over, Cure hits the ropes. When he returns, he flips over Fujiko and brings her down with the Throwback (running neck snap to a bent over opponent)! He pushes Fujiko over and makes the cover.

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

Cure take Fujiko, moves her into the corner and delivers four shoot kicks to the chest before connecting with a jumping back kick to the face, dropping Fujiko to a seated position. Cure takes a couple quick steps back away from the corner, lines up Fujiko, then runs forward…

*CRACK!*

...and nails her with a bicycle knee strike right to the face! Cure takes Fujiko by the hair, pulls her out of the corner, lifts her up and plants her with a Small Package Driver! The ref slides into place for the cover.

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

Cure stays on the attack, pulling Fujiko into another front facelock. He puts her arm around his neck and hooks her leg before throwing her down with a bridging fisherman suplex.

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

Kris Cruise: I’m surprised Fujiko even knows where she is after that bicycle knee to the face. But she has the wherewithal to get her shoulder up at two.

Cure pulls up Fujiko and nails her with a forearm strike. A second forearm strike from King Cure rocks the champion. Fujiko gets belted with a third forearm strike. The fourth forearm strike from Cure causes Fujiko’s legs to buckle. Cure then goes to knock her lights out with a Rolling Elbow. The crowd gasps when Fujiko ducks the blow. When Cure turns around, he gets caught with a handstand calf kick from Fujiko. With Cure dazed, Fujiko gets to her feet, turns and throws herself into the ropes for another handspring maneuver. But Cure is right where to dive forward and counter with a front kick to the face mid-handspring! He pulls Fujiko over onto her back and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Great counter from Cure! He had that move well scouted.

Stephy Auger: King Cure’s a student of the game. You know this!

Cure pulls up Fujiko, turns and chucks her through the ropes and to the floor.

BOOOOOO

Cure circles the ring before crouching down and resting his hands on his knees. He patiently waits for Fujiko to get in position. On the outside, the World Champion starts to stir on the floor. As Fujiko starts to pick herself up, Cure turns and hits the far ropes. Cure bounces back and picks up speed before knocking Fujiko down with a slingshot Asai Moonsault!!!

Kris Cruise: The 2018 Best High Flyer takes it to the air before taking out Fujiko!

Stephy Auger: Cure’s superior aerial ability was on full display there, Cruise.

Cure takes Fujiko and rolls her back inside. He then leaps up onto the apron before delivering a topé atomico! Instead of making the cover, Cure drags Fujiko into position before stepping over her and heading into the corner. The crowd stands up as Cure climbs the turnbuckles. When King Cure reaches the top, he flips off and crashes down across Fujiko with a Skytwister Press! He makes the cover.

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

Fujiko gets her shoulder up. Cure argues with the referee and holds up three fingers. But the official shakes him off and holds up two fingers. Cure slaps his hand three times on the mat before yelling at the official again.

Kris Cruise: Cure can’t let himself get frustrated. He’s got to stay on Fujiko.

Stephy Auger: For once, I agree!

Cure gets back to his feet. He makes his way towards the official before the referee is wise enough to take several steps back. Cure turns his attention back to the downed Fujiko before heading back into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Cure might be going for it again...

Cure scales the turnbuckles for another Skytwister Press. As soon as he climbs up to the top turnbuckle, Fujiko scrambles back to her feet, dives over and pushes Cure’s legs out from under him. The crowd erupts with cheers when Cure falls and ends up crotched on the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: OOOOOH, that will take the wind right out of his sails!

Stephy Auger: Quick, someone find Piper Lennon.

Kris Cruise: I think I’ll speak for Marlon when I say NO THANKS!

Cure continues to howl in pain before Fujiko grabs him and pulls him down into the Tree of Woe. The cheers continue as she stomps away at Cure’s midsection. Fujiko steps out to the apron before beginning to climb the turnbuckles. Cure tries to sit up and free himself. As soon as Fujiko gets to the top turnbuckle, she leaps off and knocks Cure out of the Tree of Woe with a diving double foot stomp, leaving Cure folded up in the corner!

Stephy Auger: Ah! Poor Marlon!

Kris Cruise: That has to be it! That has to be it right there! Fuji’s going for the cover...

Fujiko pulls him away from the corner and makes the cover.

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

Cure gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko grabs Cure, pulls him into the corner and climbs up onto the middle ropes. She tries for a Tornado DDT. But Cure blocks by grabbing onto the top rope. Fujiko tries for another Tornado DDT. But again, Cure blocks the move. Fujiko then lets go of Cure and nails him with repeated forearm strikes to the face. She then knocks him back with a front kick to the face. While Cure’s dazed, Fujiko slips down to the mat before stepping out to the apron. She goes to scale the turnbuckles. When Fujiko gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Cure rushes into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes and catches Fujiko with a forearm strike. The boos continue when Cure goes to work on Fujiko with repeated elbow smashes. Cure then grabs a hold of Fujiko and tries for a superplex. But Fujiko blocks the move. Cure tries to muscle her up for another superplex. Again, Fujiko blocks the move. So Cure lets go and nails Fujiko with a punch to the face. Another punch turns Fujiko’s head to the side. The Apex Goddess gets socked with a third punch. Cure throws out a fourth punch when Fujiko blocks and counters with a punch of her own. The cheers continue as Fujiko nails Cure with another punch… and another punch… and another! The crowd cheers when she climbs onto Cure’s shoulders, flips back and throws him down with an avalanche poison rana!

OOOHHHHHH!

The crowd gasps when Cure seamlessly lands on his feet! After Fujiko pulls herself up in the corner and turns around, Cure charges in to attack, only to get countered with an overhead belly to belly suplex into the turnbuckles!

Kris Cruise: Cure finds himself folded up in the corner again!

Fujiko drags him out of the corner and makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko takes Cure and whips him into the ropes. When Cure returns, he flattens Fujiko with a yakuza kick! He quickly turns away from Fujiko and throws out a standing moonsault. Fujiko rolls out of the way to escape. Cure quickly lands on his feet and throws out another standing moonsault. Again, Fujiko counters by getting her knees up. But Cure purposely overshoots her, lands on his feet, reaches down and grabs a hold of Fujiko’s legs. After rolling Fujiko over onto her knees, Cure knocks her down with a savate kick! Cure then hits the ropes. When he returns, he crashes on top of Fujiko with a cartwheel into a standing corkscrew 450 splash! He hooks the leg.

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

The crowd applauds Fujiko after she gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Cure is using everything in his playback in this match.

Stephy Auger: Why wouldn’t he? This is the FGA World Championship we’re talking about here, Cruise. Who knows when he’ll ever get a shot at this title again! Cure’s making the most of this championship match.

Cure slaps the canvas before getting up, walking around Fujiko and heading into the corner. King Cure hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before waving up Fujiko. On the canvas, Fujiko starts to stir before slowly turning over onto a knee. The World Champion slowly rises back to her feet. When she turns around, Cure flips off and brings her down with a Blockbuster! He makes the cover.

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

Fujiko gets her shoulder up.

Cure picks up Fujiko, scoops her up and throws her down with the Run N Gun (Michinoku Driver II)! The ref quickly drops back down for the count.

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

Fujiko kicks out.

Cure gets back to his feet and heads out to the apron. He begins scaling the turnbuckles. The moment he gets a foot on the top turnbuckle, Fujiko runs up the turnbuckles and cuts him of with a forearm strike to the face. Fujiko unloads on Cure with forearm after forearm. Shrieks are heard when Fujiko goes for a superplex of her own. But Cure blocks it. The Apex Goddess tries to muscle him up for another superplex. But again, it gets blocked. When Fujiko lets go, Cure nails her with a forearm strike. He then nails her with another forearm strike, followed by an elbow smash. After a punch to the midsection doubles her over, the crowd gasps when Cure hops onto her shoulder, flips forward and sends her crashing down to the mat with Did You Wrong (leg-trap sunset flip powerbomb)!!!

Stephy Auger: IT’S OVER! WE’VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!


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

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Fujiko gets a shoulder up. Cure leans back on the mat before covering his face in disbelief.

Stephy Auger: I can’t believe it, either, Marlon!

Kris Cruise: You can never count out the Apex Goddess!

Cure grabs Fujiko by the hair and slowly pulls her back to her feet. He then slams her face-first int the top turnbuckle. Cure turns Fujiko around, delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko runs up the turnbuckle, backflips off the top over an oncoming Cure and lands on her feet before turning to hit the crowd.

Kris Cruise: You know what’s coming next...

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Fujiko comes back and goes for a running single leg dropkick!

Kris Cruise: 4-Play!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Before Fujiko can hit the move, Cure runs over and counters with a running Spanish Fly! He then quickly grabs Fujiko by the wrists and pulls her up onto her knees.

Kris Cruise: Woah woah WOAH!

Stephy Auger: Yes! YES!

Cure looks around at the crowd and then nods at Fujiko before snapping her head back with the Coming of Age (double wristlock knee strike to a kneeling opponent)! Fujiko falls down in a heap. Instead of making the cover, King Cure turns and heads towards the ropes. The crowd gasps when he crashes down across Fujiko with No Ceilings v2 (springboard corkscrew senton bomb)!!! He makes the cover.

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

The crowd applauds Fujiko after she gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: The FGA World Champion will not stay down! She somehow finds a way to keep fighting!

Cure pulls Fujiko up off the mat before taking control of her back. He goes for a ripcord slingblade when Fujiko quickly ducks, takes control of Cure’s back and overwhelms him with the N Loop (ripcord into alternating short-arm forearm strikes and backfists)! She then hops on Cure’s shoulders, turns and brings him down with a poison rana!

Kris Cruise: Cure gets dumped right on his head!

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

ONE!





TWO!






THREE!






FOUR!








Fujiko and Cure begin to stir on the mat.







FIVE!






SIX!







SEVEN!





Both grapplers slowly push themselves up on all fours.





EIGHT!






NINE!






TE-

Both champion and challenger beat the count by just barely getting back to a vertical base in time! Fujiko motions to run into the far ropes. But Cure reaches out, grabs Fujiko by the back of the tights, pulls her over towards him and then throws her down with a ripcord slingblade! While Fujiko is down, the crowd buzzes with gasps and boos as Cure heads over and steps out onto the apron. King Cure springboards onto the top turnbuckle before walking halfway across the top rope.

Kris Cruise: Cure’s looking to put this away!

Stephy Auger: We’re gonna have a new champion!

Cure sizes up Fujiko before flipping off with a corkscrew 630 to complete the Reign Storm.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-YESSS!!!

The crowd erupts with cheers when Fujiko counters by getting her knees up! Cure bounces off the knees before rolling across the ring.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko blocked it! She got her knees up just in time!

Stephy Auger: Dammit!

Fujiko remains on her back while Cure holds his lower back. After getting on all fours, he slowly crawls towards the side of the ring. Cure then begins to slowly pull himself up using the ropes. Once Cure’s back to a vertical base, he steps back away from the ropes… before getting brought down with the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check)! Fujiko makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko takes Cure and whips him into the ropes. When Cure returns, he sees Fujiko running past him. Instead of stopping, Cure continues to run the ropes. When Cure comes back, Fujiko picks up speed, lunges herself at Cure and turns him inside out with the 4-Play! Fujiko staggers over, reaches down and grabs Cure by the wrists! She then slowly pulls Cure up to his knees before clocking him with Yount’s 3000th Hit! An exhausted Fujiko drops down and makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: THERE IT IS! Fujiko’s going for the cover! Could this be it right here!?

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

The crowd sighs after Cure gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Thank you, Marlon! Thank you!

Fujiko takes Cure and whips him into the ropes. As soon as Cure bounces off the ropes, he leaps across the ring with a flying forearm bash… and gets countered with The Bliss (backflip flash kick) in mid air!!! The crowd erupts with cheers while Cure crumbles to the mat!

Kris Cruise: FUJIKO CAUGHT HIM! FUJIKO CAUGHT HIM WITH THE BLISS!

Stephy Auger: NO NO NO NO NO!

The capacity crowd continues to buzz wit anticipation while Cure remains sprawled out on the mat. Fujiko drags herself over towards Cure before draping her arm across his chest for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!


Stephy Auger: NO!

The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up, just barely beating the three count.

Kris Cruise: How was that not three!?

Fujiko takes Cure and slowly pulls him back to his feet. She slowly wrenches his arm before trying to take a page out of his book and going for the Moment of Clarity (somersault reverse DDT)! But Cure catches her mid flip.

OOOOOOOOH

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: For Fujiko? No. But for me? This is great!

Cure then charges forward before launching Fujiko into the corner with a lawn dart!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko crashes hard into the corner!

Cure grabs Fujiko pulls her back towards the center of the ring and then brings her down with the Moment of Clarity! The capacity crowd buzzes with anxiety as Cure hops out onto the apron through the ropes before scaling the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Cure’s heading back to the top!

Stephy Auger: King Cure is about to take his place at the very top of FGA!

The anxiety of the crowd grows as he walks halfway across the center of the ring. Cure then flips off….










…












…









… and crashes down across Fujiko with the Reign Storm!!! A collection of boos, sighs and groan are heard as Cure turns over and makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: YESSSS! YESSSSSSS! YESSSSSSSSS!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Kris Cruise: NO!

The crowd erupts with cheers and applause when Fujiko gets her shoulder up in the nick of time! Cure slowly runs his hand down his face in disbelief.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko got the shoulder up! The champ’s not done!

Stephy Auger: How?

Kris Cruise: The champ is still in this!

Stephy Auger: HOW!?

Cure slowly pulls Fujiko up off the mat by her hair. He then quickly scoops her up across his shoulders, which garners several shrieks from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: Blackout time!

Cure heads towards the center of the ring and goes for The Blackout (fireman’s carry dropped into an overhead kick)! On the way down, Fujiko catches his leg. She then swings the leg away from her before bringing Cure down with A Reverse DDT into a Dragon Sleeper with bodyscissors)!

Kris Cruise: ECSTASY!

The crowd erupts with cheers at the sight of Cure trapped in the submission. Cure’s free arm flails around while Fujiko pulls back as much as she can. The ref gets down and asks Cure if he wants to give up. When Cure refuses, Fujiko squeezes even tighter.

TAP!
TAP!
TAP!
TAP!

Cure wags his index finger. The official asks Cure if he wants to quit. King Cure refuses. He reaches up and tries to pull Fujiko’s arm from around his neck, but it’s to no avail. The Apex Goddess arches her back as much as she can to apply more pressure.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s got it sunk in! Marlon’s got nowhere to go!

Stephy Auger: C’mon Marlon! Please! Please please please please PLEASSSE!

The capacity crowd continues to buzz with anticipation while Cure is trapped with nowhere to go. Cure reaches up and tries to push Fujiko’s arm from around his neck. The Apex Goddess tries to hang on for dear life. In the blink of an eye, Cure’s able to slip out of the dragon sleeper and sit up! He reaches out to the ropes. But Fujiko’s still got his other arm hooked while also having the bodyscissors applied.

Kris Cruise: Cure’s trying to get out of Fujiko’s grasp!

Stephy Auger: Get out, Cure! Get out!

King Cure continues to reach out until Fujiko pulls him back down into the grounded Dragon Sleeper!

Kris Cruise: She’s got it locked back in!

Stephy Auger: GAAAH!

Cure free arm flails around again. The official gets down and asks him if he wants to quit. Cure then grabs a hold of the ref’s shirt. But the official is quick to knock Cure’s hand off of him. He asks Cure once more if he wants to give up. Cure refuses. He then reaches up and tries to push Fujiko’s arm from around his neck once more. Fujiko continues to try and hang on. The crowd gasps when Cure once again frees himself. He then grabs a hold of Fujiko’s leg and bridges back, pinning the champion to the mat!

Stephy Auger: HE’S GOT HER PINNED!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Fujiko pushes them both up into a seated position. She goes to wrap her arm around Cure to pull him back down into the Dragon Sleeper. Cure reaches out with his free arm and grabs a hold of Fujiko’s wrist. The arm of both grapplers shake while they try to overpower the other. Fujiko tries to put the hold back on. But King Cure fights like hell to keep the arm at bay. The cheers grow louder when Fujiko starts to overpower Cure. Fujiko brings her arm closer and closer before hooking it around him and pulling him back down into the grounded Dragon Sleeper!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: The Apex Goddess will not be denied! That is her will and may her will be done!

Fujiko fights like hell to put Cure away! But Cure is giving her the fight of his life! He continues to try and hang on with every once of strength left in him. But suddenly, that strength and energy starts to fade the longer Fujiko keeps Ecstasy applied! Fujiko feverishly nods her head as Cure looks to be fading! The capacity crowd continues to buzz with anticipation and cheer on the FGA World Champion! Suddenly, Fujiko lets go of the hold before quickly hoping out onto the apron!

Kris Cruise: What’s this?

The arena buzzess with cheers as Fujiko scales to the top turnbuckle. She sizes up Cure before throwing her down down at him with the Unfiltered Bliss (Spiral Tap)!!! Cure blocks! The crowd sighs when Fujiko bounces off the knees before rolling towards the center of the ring.

Stephy Auger: YES!!!!

Cure slowly pulls himself up in the corner using the ropes. He turns around and sees Fujiko sprawled out on the mat. So he runs over towards Fujiko and executes a ranger roll into a fireman’s carry.

OOOOOOHHHHHH!

The crowd buzzes with anxiety as Cure pushes Fujiko off of his shoulders and goes to fall back to hit The Blackout. But Fujiko shifts her body and counters with another Reverse DDT into a Dragon Sleeper with bodyscissors!

Kris Cruise: Ecstasy!

Fujiko grits her teeth while she squeezes as tight as she can! The Apex Goddess fights like hell to retain her championship here tonight at All-Star Showdown VIII! Cure reaches his arm out to the official. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But he doesn’t get a response. The official questions him again. Still no response from King Cure! The ref asks him a third time. This time, Cure waves him off. But his arm begins to lower right after! The crowd gasps then Fujiko lets go of the hold again before stepping out to the apron! Once again, the crowd buzzes with anticipation and cheers while Fujiko scales the the turnbuckles. When Fujiko gets to the top, she flips off and crashes down across Cure with Unfiltered Bliss!!! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Kris Cruise: FUJIKO’S DONE IT! SHE’S DONE IT! THE APEX GODDESS HAS RETAINED!!!

Stephy Auger: ...

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… aaaaaand STILLLLLL FGA World Champion, FUJIKO MINE!

The crowd erupts with cheers and applause at the announcement. Cure remains sprawled out on the mat while an exhausted Fujiko slowly rolls off of him.

Kris Cruise: WHAT A MATCH! WHAT A DAMN MATCH WE JUST WITNESSED HERE TONIGHT!

Stephy Auger: …

“Seven Devils” begins to blare throughout the arena while the crowd continues to cheer for Fujiko, as well as applaud the efforts of Cure. The referee heads over and kneels down next to Fujiko. He lays the championship across the Apex Goddess before raising her arm in victory.

Kris Cruise: Talk about a war! Talk about a battle! Fujiko Mine and Marlon Cure just went out there and gave this company a match that was every bit deserving of that main event spot! These two, man… they killed it out there! Credit to both competitors! Marlon Cure is a hell of an athlete! I am convinced that this won’t be the last time we see him challenging for a top title here in FGA. But tonight was the night of the Apex Goddess! Fujiko Mine retains her FGA World Championship in dramatic fashion! For Stephy Auger, Spencer Burke and Jessie Pederson, this is kris Cruise signing off. Goodnight everyone! All-Star Showdown VIII continues tomorrow night.

An exhausted Fujiko struggles to get up to a knee. After a few moments, the Apex Goddess returns to her feet before raising her World Championship in the air. Fujiko slowly makes her way into the corner. She scales up to the top turnbuckle before raising the title in the air. The Apex Goddess is met with more cheers from the crowd as the PPV slowly fades out.