Afterburn for Vertigo E72

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on Afterburn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on Frontier+.

[Seth Iser]

The locker room always carries the mood of who is in there. And when there’s nobody there, it’s almost like the calm before the storm that’s always eerie. But deep in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas in the Verizon Arena you can hear some heavy footsteps in the background and just in time to see the locker room door swing wide open accompanied with some heavier breathing from one of the wrestlers that just partook in the gauntlet. But he doesn’t see the camera just yet as he’s venting out some frustrations.


Seth Iser: Damn people can’t even make a BRACE WORTH A DAMN ANYMORE!


In a fit of rage, the hobbled, heavy footed and obviously laboring Seth Iser throws the discarded knee brace that Piper Lennon forcibly took off and after that throw you can see him wince down and stiffen his shoulders as if his back is still bothering him and his left knee is howling in pain. The middle finger that was broken before has once again been snapped in a full display of discomfort that’s just a pebble on the mountain of pain for him.


Seth Iser: Damn it! Damn it damn it damn it damn it DAMN IT!


After that last yell he drops to all fours and slaps the floor with his fist in anger before rolling onto his back, his face contorted in pain and he’s just letting out some verbal frustration since he’s probably in too much pain to do anything physical.


Seth Iser: And I would’ve rather had Dom in there rather than Piper because all she does is try to BREAK MY DAMNED FINGERS! And remove that STUPID PAD that the god damned ref doesn’t even have the common sense to try to put back on! THE TURNBUCKLE COVER WAS STILL IN THE DAMNED RING!


After letting out that yell he takes another deep breath as he reaches around and makes sure to clutch the Pride title that he still holds near him with his least ailing body part, over his right shoulder. And he’s breathing heavily before he finally forces himself to sit up and he glares at the camera man who was waiting on him.


Seth Iser: What!? You take joy in this!?


Seth scowls as he lets out a pained grunt and pulls himself to his feet. And after a moment he finally just takes a few seconds to take a couple of deep breaths in an attempt to compose himself.


Seth Iser: You know what. Fine. I might have been one of the first two out there...fine. I might have had a back that would’ve kept a fair number of people even in THIS industry from competing tonight...but you take your chances. The random element of luck eludes me yet again drawing what I drew...and being thrown in there with a dangerous woman who gets off far more on breaking my damned finger that most people should even if I did get by her. But fair play Madison. You clonked me for three seconds.


Seth just lets out a couple of deep breaths yet again, lowering his tone further as he takes a more appropriate seat, on the bench slouching on the lockers while reaching into his locker to grab a bottle of water and start dumping it over himself to cool off a bit.


Seth Iser: After Tyler Storm is done, I want to kick YOUR ass next Chris. One old man to the other. When both of us are firing at full capacity. But only after I’m done with this unsettled business with Tyler will I properly want you in the ring. And I’m sure our general manager in her ‘G.E.R.O.U.X. System’ would probably find a match like that profitable.


Seth lets out a grunt and slowly leans forward, his breathing still heavily labored. But he cocks his head to the side thinking about that system momentarily.


Seth Iser: Wait...I know I was kneed in the damned head really hard, but what the HELL is that system? It sounds more like a toilet cleaner than some advanced algorithm of math, and bullocks. Call me old fashioned but I’d rather some things settled in the damn ring.


Seth then lets out a loud grunt of pain.


Seth Iser: Tonight was not my night. It’ll be my night eventually. I know it’s coming. It’s been a long time since I’ve been World Champion. I’ll have to wait longer for that...but I don’t have to wait much longer considering I know I was far closer than anybody wanted to admit. But when it comes to the Pride division...be afraid that it took all that to beat me WOUNDED. WOUNDED!


Seth finally begins shouting again as he forces himself to stand up as he lets out that yell. He’s yelling so loud his voice even cracked on the repeating of the word.


Seth Iser: Don’t worry though Tyler. I won’t be wounded as far as the eye can see when we step into the ring on pay per view. In the heart of Miami...where they’ve been starving for a champion to admire for years since NBA players are snakes...they’ll have something to admire. It wont be ‘one hell of a match’ because I’m sick of that phrase. I want that line six feet under because that’s a damned excuse. But no excuses. No ties. No double countouts. No bull with the superplex on concrete because you didn’t want to give me the satisfaction of a win because you know I had you beat.


Seth lets out a cough as he lumbers a step closer toward the camera.


Seth Iser: You take whatever preparation you have to so you get to Miami and fight your best match to beat someone. And then I’ll show you that all you did, as good as you are, all that effort will just be an attempt to make a case for second best in this division. I’m still going to be the champion in this division for a long time to come yet. I have a record to tie, a prison to be free of. And that goes through you. And then I’ll start the chase to have that record all to myself...as the greatest to have ever held this belt.


Seth then lets out a smirk, he can’t help it.


Seth Iser: And you’d have the privilege of being one of the best rivals to attempt to take this from me. That’ll be mentioned in the books. I promise you. Between you and Izzy on that one, anyhow. But you’re not going to keep me in this prison any longer. My best in the war of mental chess will be superior to YOUR best. That’s a promise. Now get the hell out of this locker room…


Seth leers that last sentence and the camera man does as he’s commanded after getting what he wanted and Seth slams the door shut as he exits before letting out a pained grunt at the move as the adrenaline seems to be fading away and the pain setting in.

[Deleted]

Spencer Burke: But the main event isn’t even over–

Dom Harter: I’ve heard all I need to hear tonight, Spencer! And I’ve seen all I need to see…

It would appear as if FGA’s intrepid interviewer, Spencer Burke, has managed to catch up with Dom Harter after the latter’s meeting with Vertigo’s General Manager earlier this evening. As the Tenacious Little Bastard is heading towards the parking lot with a duffel bag in hand, Burke stands in front of him, blocking his path. A wise idea? Maybe not. But with how many strikes he’s racked up over the years it’s not like Dom can lay him out…or so Spencer hopes.

Dom Harter: …I know they’re bullsh*t, Spencer. I’m sure you know those G.E.R.O.U.X. metrics are bullsh*t. Because they’ve come out of the mind of Jenevieve Geroux– who was never all there in the f*cking first place!

He taps his head just so everyone watching knows he’s implying that the General Manager is more than a little bit crazy. Spencer doesn’t respond to the gesture, however, and instead stands his ground.

Dom Harter: But she’s gone too far now. Evan Envi– the man I beat three times in a row! The man I pinned…clean…right in the middle of that ring a few weeks ago at All Star Showdown– he’s in a gauntlet match to determine the next challenger to the FGA World Championship. And I’m not.

Harter places a hand on Spencer’s shoulder as he leans in.

Dom Harter: Do you understand how many levels of absolute bullsh*t that is, Spencer?

Spencer Burke: I–

But he’s cut off.

Dom Harter: And you can tell me Marlon Cure had his shot at All Star Showdown, but why is the woman he beat a few weeks ago on Vertigo in this gauntlet ahead of him? Didn’t she just lose at All Star Showdown too? Why are the Mid-Atlantic Legacy and Pride champions in there– or does Jenevieve just really like double champions at the moment? By what metric is Ricky Valero ahead of me? Didn’t he just lose to Johnny Karma? Didn’t I just beat him in a tag match a few weeks ago? Chris Madison, maybe, I can understand that. Great wrestler. Damn good fighter, and he won at All Star Showdown – just like I did…

Harter pauses, gripping Spencer’s shoulder tightly for a moment.

Dom Harter: …but why is the man he beat in there ahead of me? If you want me to get really f*cking pedantic, Spencer…then the last time we met, I beat Ricky Valero. The last time we met, I beat Seth Iser. I beat Izzy Anders. And I certainly beat Evan Envi…

He releases his grip and takes a deep breath, trying his best to remain calm in this situation.

Dom Harter: …but somehow that isn’t enough for our General Manager. And for some reason, people don’t think winning matches earns title shots anymore. And for some reason, we have people like Guy Rambo wanting to talk sh*t because I work for several different companies– sorry that wrestling, maybe, once every other week isn’t enough for me, Guy. Sorry that I want to tour the world, and wrestle in Japan, or the UK. Because some little d*ckhead thinks he can tell me I threw a tantrum because I ‘didn’t get what I wanted’…

Harter laughs harshly in Spencer’s face, and the interviewer takes a step back in fear for what’s coming next. Dom runs both hands through his hair – having dropped the duffel bag at the start – shaking his head in disbelief before he speaks again.

Dom Harter: And I thought Kris Cruise was bad for spinning that bullsh*t and propaganda, Spencer. But goddamn! Guy Rambo just outdid him tonight.

Spencer Burke: I’m sure h–

Dom Harter: No…you’re not sure of what he meant, or what he hoped to achieve, Spencer. Because his only goal in spewing that bull, was to try and make the FGA fans think that I don’t deserve a title shot. That, somehow, me beating Johnny Karma and Evan Envi puts me behind them in line for a title shot. And these idiots want to validate it with these G.E.R.O.U.X. metrics that mean nothing. Absolutely nothing, Spencer! But– no, I’m not going to let Jenevieve Geroux deny me forever. I’m not going to let Jenevieve Geroux sink this brand. I’m not going to let her ruin this company with this utter…f*cking…bullsh*t, Spencer. Because I have more than earned my title shot, and I will get it, and I will become the FGA World Champion again. Now get out of my way…

With that, Spencer steps to one side as Dom picks up his duffel bag once more, and carries on his way towards the parking lot as the scene comes to an end.

[Deleted]

Vertigo has long since gone off the air, and most of the wrestlers have packed up their bags ready to leave. Two of whom just happen to be members of The New Murder, Annie Zellor and Jaelynn Ramsey, with Mary-Jane McCracken along for the ride. The trio can be seen walking towards the parking lot, still dressed casually as they were earlier in the evening, when Spencer Burke approaches them.

Spencer Burke: Ladies--

He starts, and all three pairs of eyes focus on him. Spencer pauses for a moment, before continuing.

Spencer Burke: –tonight seems to have been a mixed bag for The New Murder, but if we can take a moment to focus on your announcement.

Jaelynn Ramsey: I think that would be wise, Spencer.

Spencer Burke: Well, earlier tonight we heard you two announce your intentions to one day become the FGA United States Tag Team Champions–

Annie Zellor: Now that we’re reunited, why not?

Annie interrupts him, smirking at Spencer as she does so. He stays quiet for a moment, thinking that Annie is going to continue because she loves the sound of her own voice. And would you believe it?

Annie Zellor: I mean, Silk & Cyanide need some contenders and the Dynamic Duos is gonna go on for a few more weeks. And even then, are people really gonna wanna challenge them over Pendragon? Like, Pendragon were picked three places before them in the draft, that’s how much better they are, Spence.

If that seems insincere, it’s because it is.

Spencer Burke: And what about the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad?

Jaelynn Ramsey: They’re good, I’ll give them that. Once they’re back from their little injury break, maybe they’ll even be contenders.

Mary-Jane McCracken: Or maybe AAA or Kick 2 Kill might prove to be contenders.

Mary-Jane chimes in, reminding everybody watching about the other teams on Vertigo. Annie smirks to herself again, knowing that AAA just crashed out of Dynamic Duos in the first round and certainly won’t have endeared themselves to the General manager or anyone else picking title contenders.

Spencer Burke: That’s true, the tag team division here on Vertigo is certainly seeing a new lease of life here on Vertigo.

Jaelynn Ramsey: And when Annie and I start to team together, Spencer, then maybe we’ll finally see those United States Tag Team Championships where they should have been a long time ago. In the possession of the The New Murder…

Annie Zellor: …assuming, you know, that beating all the contenders means you get a tag title shot. Or is there some dumb G.E.R.O.U.X metrics that screw people outta their rightful shots in this division too?

They don’t wait around for an answer, however; the trio turn on their heels and leave, with Spencer left behind holding his microphone in hand as the scene comes to an end.

[ChrisMadison]

The AfterBurn production cuts backstage and we see Chris Madison and Frankie Morrison standing directly outside one of the locker rooms. Despite coming up short, Chris Madison seems receptive to Frankie Morrison’s lengthy lecture. Spencer Burke tiptoes towards the duo with a camera crew in tow, hesitating slightly before interjecting.

Spencer Burke: I have to say, even though you came up short tonight Chris, you had an impressive showing in tonight’s gauntlet match. Despite this storm of controversy regarding its participants, beating both Seth Iser and Ricky Valero back to back is no easy task.

Chris nods his head as he and Frankie Morrison turn towards Spencer Burke.

Chris Madison: I’m not the kind of guy that makes excuses for himself. Tonight, I was presented with an opportunity to earn a World Championship match against Fujiko Mine - and I failed. It’s that simple.

Spencer Burke: To be fair, I would disagree. You…

Chris Madison: It’s okay. You don’t need to sugarcoat it. I’m also the kind of guy who believes that you learn a lot more about yourself in defeat than you do by winnin’. Tonight didn’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean that I’m goin’ to sit here and sulk about losin’, or bitch and moan about some nonsense metrics system. No. I’m goin’ to take tonight and learn from it… Come back next Vertigo a better version of myself.

Spencer’s eyebrows raise, surprised by Madison’s upbeat attitude.

Spencer Burke: I have to say, it’s very commendable of you to have an outlook such as that. Most in your position would be worried that they may have just blown their only opportunity at a World Championship match.

Madison smirks as he folds his arms over one another, crossing over his chest.

Chris Madison: You tryin’ to get a rise out of me?

Spencer Burke: What? No…

Chris Madison: It’s all good… I get it…

Madison reaches out and pats Spencer Burke on his back, directly in between his shoulder blades, knocking him forward half a step in the process.

Chris Madison: I don’t know what’s in store for me next. And with the way Jenevieve Geroux is runnin’ the show, I think it’s safe to say that no one really does. Like you said, I had a good showin’. Beatin’ Seth Iser, the reignin’ FGA Pride Champion, a title that I hold near and dear to my heart… Beatin’ Ricky Valero, who even though has hit a brutal rough patch in his career, is a candidate to break out at any moment. I’ve shown that I can compete with some of the best FGA has to offer. I will stand in that ring and go toe to toe with anyone and everyone willin’ to fight. Who that next fight is? Doesn’t matter to me. Just know that I fully intend to keep fightin’, keep pushin’ forward, relentlessly - because that’s just who I am.

Madison shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly and walks off with Frankie Morrison following closely behind.

[James Edwards]

The parking lot is the bottom rung assignment for an FGA camera crew. The long, boring hours and exposure to the elements aren't worth the rare dynamite footage a brawl provides. It's equally as annoying when the only FGA Grappler that has come through the door is the notoriously interview-averse James Edwards. Then again, the sun shines on a dog's ass every once and awhile. Edwards, in street clothes and with a bag slung over his shoulder, waves the crew over.

James Edwards: What did I tell y'all?

He comically shrugs his shoulders.

James Edwards: I wasn't ready for a world title shot, no matter what some number on a computer says. I couldn't get past Izzy Anders even when I was fresh. I ain't gonna use going face-first into a turnbuckle as an excuse either. Tonight I wasn't good enough, but neither was Seth Iser, Piper Lenon, Ricky Valero, Madison or the Chief. It was Izzy's night.

He takes a moment to peer at the concrete and then inhales and exhales deeply before locking eyes with the camera again.

James Edwards: The only thing I can say is congrats, Izzy, and you're gonna need it to knock off the Champ.

Edwards turns his attention to the row of cars close by, hoping his media obligations are finished for the night.

Cameraman: You got one back on Madison, that had to feel good.

Edwards offers a slight smirk.

James Edwards: Of course, it always feels good to get a win back.

Cameraman: Even if he was gassed?

Edwards frowns. The question annoys him, but he keeps his cool.

James Edwards: That ain't a fair question. Chris ain't gonna use that as an excuse, the same I way I wouldn't. I beat em' straight up. His night was in LA, and mine was tonight.

Cameraman: Would you be interested in seeing who's night it would be somewhere down the line?

James Edwards: Yeah, I would. It's up to Chris if he wants to go one more time. I ain't gonna go out of my way to force his hand.

Cameraman: You looked focus against Madison, what changed when Izzy Anders came out.

Edwards lets out a sigh.

James Edwards: I let her throw me off. She talked a good shit game on Twitter and pissed me off. She made me wait to get my hands on her, and I exploded. The second I did that, I didn't have a chance in hell. I was playin' catch up the rest of the fight, and it's damn hard to win that way. I can't say if I wasn't seein' red that I would've won, but I do think I would've had a better chance, that's for damn sure.

Cameraman: You got into it with her and Nina Stokes online in the days--

Edwards holds up a hand.

James Edwards: I'm done talkin' shit about Anders. I ain't giving her any more ammunition than I already have. Nina Stokes' spoiled ass ain't worth wastin' my words on either. Twitter is a damn waste of time, man. All it's ever done is give me a headache. I mean, seriously, what's the point of waitin' around for somebody to respond to a dig? It don't prove anything, and all it does is distract me from my work. Right now, work ain't going so hot either. I'm a long ways from being good enough to win fights like tonight. I gotta a lot of shit to figure and people to put down. Twitter sure as hell aint' gonna help with that.

Cameraman: Well, then why don't you delete it?

Fists usually are the thing to cause James Edwards to go speechless, but the off-camera question has indeed muted the fiery Kentuckian. He scratches his head and walks off, deep in thought, before offering any answer.

[bbbaseball96]

Taped a few minutes after the Main Event of Vertigo
Location: Unknown 

The scene fades into a shaky camera angle with Ace Voltage being zoomed into it.

Ace: Why won’t this thing work? Is it so hard to find a cameraman around here?

The shaky screen stops and it set on a background that looks like it may be a hallway or corridor room of the hotel Ace was staying at while FGA was in town for the latest Vertigo episode.

Ace (Off camera): Much better. Last time I stay at a Days Inn hotel. Thanks for the small budget, FGA.

We see Ace walk into the shot. He is wearing gym shorts and an FGA hoodie with white sneakers. An outfit he would wear for a workout.

Ace: Hello fans and wrestlers of FGA, I sincerely hope you can hear me ok. Next time I guess I’ll have to reserve a cameraman for this. What am I a peasant? I shouldn’t have to set this up. Anyway, forget about that. Let’s talk about the reason I am shooting this little film.

I was at the hotel gym, not a very good gym if you ask me, and I was watching Vertigo while running the treadmill and I just finished watching the main event. Which was pitiful if you ask me. A gauntlet match without the Main Event? Really? 

Ace laughs to himself.

Ace: Why is Vertigo marketing these losers and rewarding them for losing? Why are people like Ricky Valero, Evan Envi or Piper Lennon getting these shots? News flash to FGA, I am undefeated! I have not lost since coming here. I have proven my worth and backed up all my words. Ace Voltage is not some joke around here. I am the Main Event. I am a big deal and I deserve better than what I’ve gotten so far. Ask little Ms. Zola Star if I’m all talk. Ask Jillian Clay if I can’t back up what I say. I am the best around here and I want to be treated like I am. I should be taken seriously around here.

Ace reaches into his sweatshirt pocket and takes a piece of paper. Since the phone quality isn’t that great, so we can’t see much of what is on the paper and if what he says is true.

Ace: Look at the stats here folks. Ratings, higher. Attendance, higher. Profit for FGA, higher. Not a coincidence that this all happened once I joined this company. You should be thanking me for making this company relevant again.

He crumples the piece of paper into a ball and throws it to the side.

Ace: I want my shots. I want the glory I deserve. Any champion on this brand, don’t get too comfortable with your little title belt. I don’t care who you are, I am coming for anyone. I deserve the gold on this brand. I am the FUTURE of this brand. I am taking my game to the next level. This is not a threat, it is a guarantee.

Ace puts on a devious smile as he gets up and goes off camera. The scene fades to black.