Vertigo

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


Hello hello
(Hola)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
(Donde esta?)
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something
I can feel, feel


Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea


Verizon Arena
North Little Rock, Arkansas

The video fades to an establishing shot of the Ryan Center in Kingston, Rhode Island. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera slowly pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd, as well as a separate Vertigo chant…

Guy Rambo: We welcome you to another episode of Vertigo! Joining me to my left is my fellow commentator, Stephanie Auger! For those of you who are newer wrestling fans or you weren’t that familiar with AIR Lucha Libre, I am “Tough” Guy Rambo! Kris Cruise is on assignment. Stephanie, we are several weeks removed from one of the biggest events in all of wrestling this year. Of course, I’m talking about the two night extravaganza that was All-Star Showdown VIII!

Stephy Auger: That’s right! Scores were settled! Spirits and bodies were broken! Championships were retained and won!

Guy Rambo: But no bigger championship was retained than at Night One of All-Star Showdown, when the FGA World Champion Fujiko Mine successfully defended her title against the 2019 Gold Rush Rumble winner, Marlon Cure! As a matter of fact, we’re about to hear word from the reigning champion right now! Let’s send it over to he returning Manny Cruz to introduce the Apex!

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the FGA World Champion...Fujiko Mine!

Fujiko quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. A single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess. She hooks herself up on top, and as the title of the song comes around, she throws her hands up, fingers outstretched each time.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

She comes down off the turnbuckle, and then advances over to J.A. He hands her the microphone, while XENA enters the ring with the championship.

“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”
*CLAP*
“FU-JI-KO!”

Fujiko’s face turns a shade of red as she stands in the ring, with XENA standing behind her.

Fujiko Mine: Thank you.

The crowd cheers loudly as Fujiko acknowledges them.

Fujiko Mine: All star showdown was one of the best nights of my life. Marlon Cure and I went to absolute war, and despite the fact that Izzy and I couldn’t retain our US tag team championships…

The crowd boos heavily, but Fujiko waves them off.

Fujiko Mine: I would love to tell all of you how Izzy and I are going to regain the US tag team championships, but it’s not meant to be.

More boos rain in. Fujiko lets them run their course, and then speaks again.

Fujiko Mine: I have to refocus. I have said since I won the FGA World championship that I want to be the best FGA champion that I could possibly be. And I have to give this championship all of my attention. I have to give it everything I can. This title…

She gestures to the title resting on XENA’s shoulder.

Fujiko Mine: Deserves everything I can give it and more. So that is what I am going to do. Marlon pushed me heavily. He showed how badly he wanted this championship. Tonight, for the first time in a while...a gauntlet match is being held to determine my next challenger. All the credit to Marlon. He showed he belongs as one of the stars of FGA. But tonight...I will be keeping a close eye on tonight’s gauntlet match. I will be ready. And whoever comes out the other side of this match the winner. They should know...The Apex Goddess will add them to her legacy. I am going to defend this over and over and over and over and over...and I will be known as the greatest FGA champion in history. Let it be James Edwards, Ricky Valero, Piper Lennon, Seth Iser, Chris Madison, Izzy Anders…

She tightens her jaw.

Fujiko Mine: Or even Evan Envi.

She stands up straighter.

Fujiko Mine: At Above and Beyond VII... I will do just that to bring my dreams into reality. That is the will of the goddess, and my will…

“BE DONE!”

Fujiko smirks as the crowd finishes her catchphrase. “Can you feel it?” plays over the sound system again. Fujiko takes the FGA championship from XENA and thrusts it into the air to cheers from the crowd. She plays to the crowd as the view transitions.

Guy Rambo: Fujiko Mine forgoing a pursuit to regain the US Tag Team Championship and instead, will focus all of her energy on her FGA World Championship. Stephanie, Fujiko was able to become a Triple Crown and Grand Slam winner in the same night by focusing on both retaining the US Tag Titles and defeating Evan Envi for the FGA World Championship. Can you imagine what the Apex Goddess can accomplish while focusing on only one championship?

Stephy Auger: She thinks she’s something else, doesn’t she? She thinks she’s got this in the bag. But let me tell you something, Rambo. She’ll be in for a rude awakening. She’ll be knocked off the top of the FGA ladder soon enough. Don’t you worry.

Guy Rambo: That sounds like wishful thinking to me. But I will admit that many of the competitors in tonight’s Gauntlet Match can and will give Fujiko a run for their money. But we’ll see if the winner of up to task, live on Pay Per View! We’ll be right back, folks! Vertigo continues after this short break...

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Camera pan outside the locker room set up for the BIG DOG SQUAD, where the door is currently shut but there seems to be ... something going on inside. That's judging by the loud, somewhat disturbing noises, including crashing sounds coming from within. Suddenly, there's an explosion that sends the door flying, the crew ducking to get out of the way. As the smoke clears, a lone figure comes walking out. That's right, it's Isaac the goddamn Space Monkey, walking with a purpose, dramatic and flair like the suiting up scene from Apollo 13. Finally, there's coughing and BIG DOG and Big Money come crawling from the wreckage, somehow-- probably thanks to all the padding from the unnecessary crap set up in their room-- relatively unharmed.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG: WE’RE NOT DEAD YET F*CKERS!

Still a bit shellshocked even if she's physically okay, Seren just follows her lead.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: Yeah!

Luckily Sephy is basically immune to the effects of smoke, those few coughs aside, due to the lifestyle she leads-- and just being wired differently.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG: WAR GAMES RIGHT BEFORE THIS TOURNEY COULDNT KILL US!

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: Yeah!

Somehow, Waters keeps getting louder, and isn't noticing it.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CANT KILL US AND NEITHER CAN TWO MATCHES IN A NIGHT!

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: Yeah!

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG: WE COULD WRESTLE A HUNDRED TIMES IN A NIGHT IF WE HAD TO AND WE’RE READY TO DO THAT BECAUSE WE’RE HERE TO WIN DYNAMIC DONGS AND TAKE THOSE TAG TITLES!

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: Yeah!

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG: BECAUSE TAG TEAM WRESTLING IS PRETTY MOTHERF*CKING COOL!

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: Yeah!

Building to a finish with a flourish, BIG DOG pumps her arms.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG: AND THEN ONCE WE WIN WE’RE GOING TO STEAL THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE! AND WE’RE GONNA HOLD IT HOSTAGE UNTIL WE CAN ENSLAVES THE LEGWALKERS IN CAGES SO MY MIGHTY GOAT ARMY CAN RULE ONCE AND FOR ALL!

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: Y--

Seren blinks, getting her bearings back and realizing she's not quite sure what she's agreeing to.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: ... wait what?

She looks around, but Persephone and the monkey have already rounded a corner. Beyer looks around, unsure of herself before throwing her hands up.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer: ... Uh, yeah!

Not giving this any more thought, she quickly scurries and catches up to her partner as we cut elsewhere in the arena.

[FGA Office]

Earlier Today

AMC and Antoinette Sands are seen walking into the building pulling their bags behind them. AMC seems extremely focused and in her own world while Ant is really loose as she is seemingly dancing to whatever she is listening to in her headphones. They are approached by FGA Interviewer Spencer Burke.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me, ladies, but may I have a word with the two of you?

AMC stops and looks at Spencer and then she grabs Ant by the arm stopping her as she was about to continue her “dancing” and walk right by them.

Spencer Burke: Tonight the two of you not only make your Vertigo debuts, but you do so without Ashley Sullivan.

AMC shakes her head

AMC: You’re right, tonight we walk alone. AAA is no more as we have been abandoned by Ashley Sullivan and left to fend for ourselves in the wilds of FGA. We were Abandoned by her right Ant?

AMC taps Ant’s shoulder and Ant gives a thumbs up as AMC laughs.

AMC: That is what you want to hear right Spence? You want to hear how Sully left us and ran off with Peanut to do god knows what over on Flashpoint? The truth is we were seperated and now we are on Vertigo which means Vertigo truly is the “A” show now and tonight we show the world that while we are down an “A” we are still the “A” team in FGA

Ant gives another thumbs up while bobbing her head and dancing around

Spencer Burke: You mentioned in your presser that you were not fond of having to wrestle twice in one night. Is that still the case?

AMC gives a “WTF” look to Spencer

AMC: Of course I am still peeved and so is Ant even though she hides it better. We are the favorites to win this tournament so if anything we should get a bye but alas we don’t. They want to show case us twice in one night then so be it, we will go out and win two matches and shock the world.

AMC makes a point to act shook that they have 2 possible matches.

AMC: Now if you will excuse us sir we need to get ready since match 1 is coming up real quick.

AMC looks over at Ant you is still gyrating around so AMC takes her headphones away and puts her ear up to it.

AMC: What the hell Ant? This is not even music you are listening to so why you dancing around?

Antoinette Sands: What? This is good stuff and all 100% true! It is music to my ears thus it makes me dance.

AMC laughs and puts the headphones back on Ant and walks away laughing as a dancing Ant follows her.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (OPENING ROUND)
Ashley Marie Chase & Antoinette Sands vs. BIG DOG'S GOAT SQUAD MOTHERFUCKING MONEY FACTORY 3000 V 2.1

Both teams are already in their respective corners while Manny Cruz gives the introducing in the middle of the ring.

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen. THIS… is an Opening Round Match in the 2019 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! Introducing first, in the corner to my right! Weighing in this evening at a total combined weight of 240 pounds! They are the team of ASHLEY MARIE CHASE and ANTOINETTE SANDS!

The capacity crowd cheers for the two members of AAA.

Manny Cruz: Introducing their opponents, in the corner to my left. Weighing in this evening at a total combined weight of 252 pounds! They are the team of “THE BIG DOG” Persephone Waters and Seren Beyer, BIG DOG'S GOAT SQUAD MOTHERF*CKING MONEY FACTORY, 3000!

The capacity crowd cheers for Waters and Beyer.

Manny Cruz: ...version 2.1!

Guy Rambo: Ashley Marie Chase isn’t exactly thrilled about having to potentially compete twice in one night.

Stephy Auger: Why shouldn’t she be? Her and Ant Sands are at a major disadvantage.

Guy Rambo: Yeah? Well, Waters and Beyer are in the exact same boat. They both drew the short straws, just like a team over on the Flashpoint side of the bracket is going to have to potentially wrestle twice in one night. I have belief in Chase and Sands, as well as Waters and Beyer, to get the job done here tonight.

The bell sounds as Waters immediately takes a powder to the outside. She rushes over, snatches up the ring bell and throws it into the ring! She then snatches the glasses off of Manny Cruz before flinging it into the ring! Issac the Space Monkey taps Waters on the leg before waddling over and lifting up the ring skirt for her. Waters dives underneath the ring before coming out with multiple steel chairs! Chair after chair gets flung into the ring. Inside, Chase, Sands and the official duck for cover.

Guy Rambo: Persephone’s got the plunder out!

Stephy Auger: She’s chucking everything that’s not bolted down into the ring!

Waters makes her way over to the the announce desk, rips the cord from the monitor and tosses the monitor into the ring! She moves behind Rambo and Auger, snatches a foam finger from a fan and goes to toss it into the ring, only for the foam object to sail to the floor. Waters turns to Auger and tries to toss her into the ring while she’s still in the chair.

Stephy Auger: Put me down!

But it’s to no avail. Waters continues to scramble around for objects to grab while Chase hits the far ropes. When she returns, she leaps through the ropes and knocks Waters down with a suicide dive!

Guy Rambo: Waters took her eyes off her opponents and ended up paying for it!

Chase mounts herself on top of Waters before raining down multiple right hands to the face! When Chase gets up off of Waters and turns to face the ring, Beyer runs along the apron, jumps off and knocks her down with a flying hip attack! Beyer returns to her feet, only to get taken out with a moonsault from Sands off the top rope!

Guy Rambo: Everything flying all over the place, including the grapplers! The official is gonna have to put his foot down and regain some order here!

Stephy Auger: If he throws this thing out, Carina Eventide and Laurel Anne Hardy could get up getting a bye straight into the next round!

Sands take a hold of Waters and goes to deliver an irish whip down ringside. Instead of crashing into the guardrail, Waters leaps over the rail and lands in the crowd. Sands then rushes across ringside to attack when Waters delivers a flying headscissors off the guardrail, sending Sands into the steel steps. Beyer then rushes down ringside and sandwiches Sands against the steps with a flying hip attack off the apron! Big Dog’s Goat Squad take Sands and roll her back inside. Once Sands has been pulled back to her feet, BDGS take her down with a Tiger Mask Spin Kick (Waters)/back sweep kick (Beyer) combo! Waters delivers a standing corkscrew moonsault, followed by a running somersault leg drop from Seren! Big Money Beyer makes the cover.

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

Guy Rambo: Sands gets the shoulder up in time! You know, Sands’ partner Chase took exception to Spencer Burke’s line of questioning with regards to the split of AAA in the Draft.

Stephy Auger: Why shouldn’t she? This was just Spencer Burke trying to instigate like he always does. No wonder Ricky Valero hates him!

Sands is pulled up off the mat before being whipped into the corner. Beyer darts across the ring and connects with a running corner enzuigiri before tagging in THE BIG DOG! Water lights up Sands chest with machine gun chops. After Sands is whipped into the far corner, Waters rushes across the ring and goes for a rolling wheel kick when Sands slips out of the way, causing Waters to crash into the corner! As soon as Waters picks herself up in the corner, Sands runs over, hops onto Waters, tags Chase back in and then monkey flips Waters out of the corner. Chase proceeds to scale the turnbuckles while Waters gets back to her feet. When Waters gets back to her feet, Chase knocks her back down with a missile dropkick! She makes the cover.

ONE
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Waters kicks out.

Chase takes Waters and goes for an irish whip. Waters quickly reverses, sending Chase into the ropes. When Chase returns, Waters goes for a back body drop when Chase slips down from behind and counters with a Scorpion Death Drop! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Waters kicks out.

Chase takes Waters and whips her into the corner. She then charges in to attack when Waters turns her around with a boot to the face. While Chase staggers towards the center of the ring, Waters runs from out of the corner, performs a forward roll, leaps up and latches onto Chase’s back with a Sleeper Hold! Waters tries to put Chase to sleep until Chase reaches back, grabs Waters and counters with the Gucci Drop (Backpack Stunner)! She makes the cover.

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

Guy Rambo: Another nearfall for Ashley Marie Chase! She’s showing me some fire here tonight, Stephanie.

Stephy Auger: I would suggest you open your eyes more often because she’s always had that fire. She’s probably one of the more underrated athletes here in all of FGA.

After Waters is sent into the corner with an irish whip, Chase darts across the ring, connects with a running corner knee to the face and follows up with a bulldog. She pulls Waters over and makes the cover.

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

Guy Rambo: THE BIG DOG needs to tag out or else she’s gonna find herself getting Old Yeller’ed soon enough!

Chase makes the tag out to Sands. Once Sands gets in, they take Waters and whip her into the far ropes. When she returns, Chase and Sands throw out a double clothesline, which Waters ducks. Waters continues to run the ropes, where Beyer makes the blind tag. When Waters returns, she rolls underneath another double clothesline attempt. When Chase and Sands turn around to face Waters, Beyer brings them both down with a springboard bulldog off the top rope! She makes the cover on Sands.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sands kicks out.

Beyer picks up Sands, runs into a corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. She takes Sands, runs across the ring into the far corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then takes Sands, runs into the Goat Squad’s corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle yet again. After turning Sands towards her, Beyer works over the body with left blows to the midsection. Waters is tagged back in before whipping Sands into the far ropes. When Sands comes back, Waters knocks her down with a rolling koppu kick! She makes the cover.

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

Waters then heads back over and tags Beyer back in before they whip Sands into the far ropes. When Sands returns, she spots Beyer and Waters setting up for a back body drop. So she stops, grabs them both by the hair and slams their heads together with a double noggin knocker! A dropkick knocks Waters to the mat. Beyer then gets brought down with a dropkick from Sands. Another dropkick knocks Waters back down. Another dropkick returns Beyer to the mat. Sands then takes Waters and whips her into the far ropes. Instead of coming back, Waters grabs onto the middle & top ropes, swings through them with a tiger feint and then in one smooth motion, flies to the outside and delivers a flying rana to Chase!

Guy Rambo: Some unorthodox offense there.

Stephy Auger: What else would you expect from Big Doggy Dog?


Back in the ring, Sands motions to go out to help her partner when Beyer bringing her down with a jumping neckbreaker! Beyer follows up with a jumping double stomp before making the cover.

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

Beyer takes Sands and whips her hard into the corner. After Sands collides with the turnbuckles, she staggers towards the center of the ring. Beyer then rushes over and connects with a running front dropkick, sending Sands flying back into the corner! Sands bounces off the turnbuckles before crumbling to the floor. Beyer takes Sands and drags her so that her upper body is out on the apron. After rolling back inside, Beyer goes for a slingshot leg drop on the apron. She misses! Sands slips back in, causing Beyer to land on the apron before bouncing off and hitting the floor.

Guy Rambo: Beyer caught nothing but the apron there!

Stephy Auger: That will slow her down, for sure.

Guy Rambo: I’m sure Eventide and Hardy are loving seeing these two teams go at it like this.

Stephy Auger: Are you kidding me? Ms. “Too Cool For School” Hardy can’t be bothered to view AAA, the Goat Squad or any other team in this tournament as a threat. No one, absolutely know one, scares her.

Guy Rambo: In her defense, it would probably make a lot to give a battle hardened veteran like her scared

Stephy Auger: You know, there was a time when I actually liked Hardy.

Guy Rambo: Really? When was this?

Stephy Auger: WHEN SHE KEPT HER MOUTH SHUT AND DIDN’T TALK!

Guy Rambo: … let’s just get back to the action, please?

Beyer reaches down and grabs her leg before trying to turn herself over. When Beyer gets back to her feet, Sands runs off the apron, dives off, grabs Beyer and plants her with a flying Tornado DDT to the floor!

Guy Rambo: Beyer got planted head-first right on the floor with a huge DDT. That could be a gamechanger, folks!

Beyers is rolled back inside. Sands climbs up onto the apron. She starts to climb the turnbuckles when Waters rushes over and latches onto her leg. Sands tries to shake her off. But it’s to no avail. So she reaches down and punches her repeatedly in the face. Sands is then able to kick Waters off, sending her to the floor. When Sands turns back to Beyer, Beyer scrambles back to her feet. She rushes over and goes to shove Sands off the top turnbuckle. Sands leaps over her and lands towards the center of the ring. Sands rolls forward, leaps across the ring and tags Chase back in! Chase springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks the oncoming Beyer down with a diving forearm smash! She makes the cover.

Guy Rambo: Diving forearm right in the mush! That might of knocked Beyer out cold.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Beyer kicks out.

Chase takes Beyer and goes for an irish whip. Beyer reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Chase returns, Beyer goes for a Lou Thesz Press when Chase catches her in the mid air and bridges back to counter with a Northern Lights Suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase rolls back, pulls Beyer back to her feet, doubles her over with a boot to the midsection, lifts her up and throw her down with a Powerbomb! She makes the cover.

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

Guy Rambo: Nice combination there by Chase! You can see how bad she wants this!

Stephy Auger: Every team in this tournament wants this! It’s one of the storied tag tournament in all of wrestling for the better part of the last ten years.

Chase pulls Beyer back up before bringing her down with a swinging neckbreaker. She makes the cover.

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

Chase heads over and tags Sands back in. After they pick up Beyer, they whip her into the corner. After Chase runs into the nearby corner, she runs up to the top turnbuckles before crouching down. Sands then runs towards the corner and hops onto Beyer. On cue, Sands monkey flips Beyer out of the corner while Chase backflips off and crashes down across Beyer a split second later with a moonsault! Chase rolls off of Beyer before Sands rushing over and hooks the leg.

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

Waters dives through the ropes and breaks up the pin.

Stephy Auger: Persephone’s trust Jew comes through in the clutch with a huge save!

Guy Rambo: I’m sorry, Persephone’s trusty WHAT!?

Stephy Auger: Hey, don’t look at me! That’s what THE BIG DOG was calling her throughout that press conference. If Beyer is fine with Waters calling her that, then I’ll call her that, too!

Guy Rambo: ...


Chase rushes over and puts the boots to Waters. She then takes The Big Dog and whips her into the ropes. Instead of coming back, Waters hangs onto the ropes. Chase then rushes over to attack when Waters ducks and dumps her over the top rope. After Chase lands safely on the apron, Waters spits green mist into her face, causing Chase to drop off the apron to the floor!

Guy Rambo:

Stephy Auger: That should be a disqualification! Incompetent officiating at it’s finest!

Back inside, Sands runs over and connects with a dropkick to the back, knocking Waters through the ropes and to the floor. Sands then heads over, picks up Beyer and whips him into the ropes. When Beyer returns, Sands knocks her down with a spin kick. Another spin kick returns Beyer to the mat. Sands throws out a third spin kick. This time, Beyer ducks before countering with a Pele Kick. While Sands is dazed, Beyer hits the ropes. When she returns, Sands doubles her over with a boot to the midsection before bringing her down with a sunset flip powerbomb!

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

THE BIG DOG makes the save with a front dropkick to the back of the head.

Guy Rambo: Waters returns the favor with a save!

Waters takes Sands and goes for an irish whip when Sands reverses, sending her into the corner. Sands charges into the corner to attack when Waters knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. After slingshotting herself out to the apron, Waters springboards to the top rope, dives off and delivers a diving headscissors to Sands. The move sends Sands over towards Beyer, who nails her with a left cross. While Sands is dazed, Waters hops onto her shoulders, flips back and spikes her with a Poison Rana! Waters pulls Sands up onto her knees before exiting out to the apron. Beyer then hits the ropes. When Beyer returns, the Goat Squad deliver THE DECLARATION OF INDOGPENDENCE (somersault cutter from Beyer/springboard 450 from Waters)! Beyer makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners… BIG DOG'S GOAT SQUAD MOTHERF*CKING MONEY FACTORY, 3000!

Manny Cruz: … version 2.1!

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage after the opening contest, to where Jessie Pederson is standing by with a smile on her face.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, Peaches!

She says, holding her arm out to one side as Peaches, wearing a neck brace similar to what Dan Herrera was seen wearing at All Star Showdown VIII, walks into view. It’s clear she’s still feeling the effects of that brutal match against Piper Lennon though, limping slightly and with a pained expression on her face as Jessie welcomes her.

Peaches: Thanks for having me, Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: Anytime. First off, sorry about your recent loss at All Star Showdown VIII. Everybody knows how much it would’ve meant to you to beat Piper Lennon and become the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion.

Peaches: You’re right. An’ when you’re right, you’re right. But, despite some of her methods, she just wanted it more on the night.

Jessie Pederson: And the, uh, neck brace?

She hesitates for a moment before asking, but Peaches just rubs the back of her neck over the brace.

Peaches: It ain’t nothin’ too serious, Jessie. I’ll be back in action soon enough, an’ Dan too.

Jessie Pederson: The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad back in an FGA ring?

Peaches: You heard it here first. We mighta missed out on Dynamic Duos, but when we’re back together we’ll focus on climbing that ladder again, an’ try an’ become the FGA United States Tag Team Champions!

Before Jessie can respond, however, the pair are interrupted by some sarcastic clapping. Peaches sighs as she sees an unwelcome sight; the group of Annie Zellor, Jaelynn Ramsey, Mary-Jane McCracken, and Fenrys (with Inflatable Dom in his hands) walk into view and stand on the opposite side of Jessie Pederson.

Annie Zellor: That’s a great story, Peaches. Really it was. But do you know what bothers me about it?

Peaches: No, but I’m sure y’all are gonna tell us anyway…

Annie Zellor: You see, what bothers me– first off, is you getting that Mid-Atlantic Legacy shot ahead of me. ‘Cause lets face it, if anyone could’ve taken that belt off Piper Lennon at ASS – it was me!

Annie points to herself with both hands as MJ, Jaelynn and Fenrys nod along in agreement. But neither Jessie nor Peaches seem to see her side of the argument.

Annie Zellor: I’ve beaten her before, but for some reason– people like Kris Cruise think that wasn’t recent enough to make me a contender. ‘Cause it was eight months ago, and she’s also lost to Seth Iser since then so back of the line for me apparently. I swear, they higher ups aren’t even tryna hide their bias anymore. But instead I got to beat the rookie dynamo, Kazu Hirano…and still there’s no title shot in sight for me.

Peaches: That’s all well an’ good, Annie, but what’s any of this gotta do with me?

Fenrys: I’ll tell–

But Fenrys is interrupted as Annie turns around and grabs the Inflatable Dom from his hands. He had been holding it in his hands, but hit her with it from behind as he started talking.

Annie Zellor: What did I tell you about this?!

Fenrys: I–

Annie Zellor: –can have it back when we’re done here. But not before!

The masked man stomps his feet as he turns around, leaving just Annie and Jaelynn to face Peaches and Jessie. Ramsey smirks as she locks eyes with her former 3GW rival, and Peaches scowls back at her.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Hello, old friend…I know, I’m just as pleased to see you again as you are to see me. But to answer your question, this concerns you because Annie and I have been talking.

Mary-Jane McCracken: And they had an idea.

Jaelynn Ramsey: We did. Now that The New Murder have been reunited all under one brand, we wondered, what sounds better than Jaelynn Ramsey and Annie Zellor: FGA United States Tag Team Champions.

The New Murder members all smirk as Annie and Jaelynn look to each other and nod, but Peaches still doesn’t look impressed.

Annie Zellor: And that means, Peaches, you can get outta our way, or we can move you outta our way. Your choice.

And with that, The New Murder members all walk away, with Annie carrying Inflatable Dom under one arm as the show cuts to a commercial break.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The guitar rift of ‘Psychosocial’ starts to play and as soon as that guitar beat hits the fans are booing in full force. The fans continue to boo even as the lyrics start as there is that delay. And then after that quick little delay, powering through the curtain, not wasting any time, is the FGA Pride Champion Seth Iser. The man is dressed to the nines with a black and purple variant of his usual suit combination and the FGA Pride championship adorned over his waist to complete his look but he stares at the top of the ramp toward the people with an equal amount of disdain for a brief moment before he starts to walk down the ramp. But he’s still got that slight limp considering what happened at the pay per view.

Stephy Auger: Here comes the GREATEST Pride champion in the history of the company!

Guy Rambo: Oh come on now...we know that the current World champion and Chris Madison even on this brand have something to say about that one. But the current champion is walking with purpose toward the ring.

Stephy Auger: He is gritting his teeth a little but I think the adrenaline of possibly adding to his gold and whatever anger and pride he may have is dulling his own pain.

Seth starts to lumber down toward the ring and the boos aren’t letting up for the champion before he just pauses and glares at one particular audience member shouting profane things toward him to give him an intimidating look before resuming his usual walk down the ring.

Manny Cruz: Please welcome the current FGA Pride champion...Seth Iser!

There is a standing boovation for the champion as he starts to walk up the steps with a little more aggression before entering the ring in his normal manner. There’s even a look where he glares at the ring announcer before snatching a microphone. He does signal for the music to be silenced but the boos start up yet again.

Guy Rambo: Seth has never met a microphone he didn’t like to speak from, but it seems like he’s more wounded just from how he looks.

Stephy Auger: Maybe his pride feels jabbed?

Guy Rambo: That might be the right answer...I think his pride is wounded.

The boos finally start to settle down as Seth is in the center of the ring in this sea of people who obviously don’t like him. He just raises the microphone to his lips.

Seth Iser: Do I---

Before he can ask his question, the fans begin to boo louder and Seth just glares at them in disgust, not wanting to continue this any longer.

Seth Iser: We’re not playing this game tonight. I know I have your attention. Now sit there and be quiet or go home. I don’t give a damn which of these you do.

This doesn’t win him any friends as the boos begin to roll in for that statement but Seth just shakes his head as he’s pacing from side to side for a moment. Even though he’s dressed professionally it’s almost like he wants to strike and start swinging now.

Seth Iser: Before I move on to what I was going to do...I think everyone is aware of tonight’s main event. Right?

The fans cheer at the prospect of what the main event is and the stakes that are involved.

Seth Iser: Speaking as a champion...the Pride Champion, it doesn’t matter if I’m the first one who enters in the gauntlet. It doesn’t matter if I’m the last one who enters in that ring with that advantage. Hell, it doesn’t matter if they decide to add in a popcorn vendor or the local bar fighter who had too many drinks as a last minute addition. I’m the man who is the leader of a new Golden Era for a reason. Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. I adapt to anything thrown my way. I adapted and conquered the Pride Title rules because I’m smarter than anybody in the art of professional wrestling. Not necessarily the most rawly talented, but the smartest. But speaking of the Pride title…

Seth pauses for a moment listening to the fans who still look at him in a hostile tone but his jaw tilts for a moment.

Seth Iser: Let’s get to our main topic of discussion, what happened involving the championship around...my waist.

The champion gestures toward the gold that he’s wearing calmly and proudly before he glares out toward the people.

Seth Iser: To the unaware if you tuned into our previous pay per view outing, All-Star Showdown. This is normally THE event of the year for this company. The one where the press is just a little more nosy, the fans are just that little bit more rabid and there is a long history of grudges often being settled in some form or fashion. Dom Harter paid off a debt to Envi for example. And on night two we saw Jimmy Page have a different kind of debt put onto him when Savannah Taylor proved herself to a major audience. But there was something about that first night felt...wrong. Dirty. Tainted even... Why? Because there was unfinished business.

The fans start murmuring and begin to chant ‘Tyler’ as if they know what is on Seth’s mind when he says that. Seth just glares at the fans that are chanting that.

Seth Iser: Tyler Storm and I beat the living hell out of each other just to see who can come out with the pride of knowing who was the better man and who can have the true Pride of a champion. He even went the barbaric route and superplexed me onto concrete on the floor because he was so desperate to get that victory over me knowing what it means for him and his family. And then when the dust settled...while I retained the title..neither of us had our hand raised. For the second time...we’re stuck in a draw. An inconclusive result. And I’m still stuck in that prison. And that...is something I can’t accept.

The fans boo the fact that this match ended in a draw and Seth just has a scowl etched on his face.

Seth Iser: My pride...refuses to accept that.

Seth’s eyes seem especially wounded when he states that sentence as they’re downcast on the mat for a moment before he turns his body toward the entrance ramp.

Seth Iser: I could go into greater detail but rather than elaborate any further on that atrocity without the other party here...the reason I’m out here tonight is to make sure business is settled. The old school way. So Tyler Storm. I know you’re in the building. And I’m not asking you to come out here face to face and man to man. I’m telling you. Get your ass out here, now.

The fans start to turn with anticipation wondering if Tyler is going to answer this request as Seth just gestures to his wrist in a somewhat condescending manner indicating he’s already out of patience.

Guy Rambo: Seth Iser wants another piece of Tyler Storm and he’s refusing to wait any longer.

Stephy Auger: He might just take a body part of Tyler’s home with him, and I’d enjoy that!

That is when the beginning rifts of “Eye of the Tiger” begin to play through the arena, unleashing a positive pop from the fans. Tyler makes his way onto the stage once the lyrics hit, and unlike his typical joyous entrance, the man standing a ramp away from Iser is looking as if he is walking gingerly. The effects of the matchup, given Tyler’s own history with back issues and how the superplex connected, made for an obvious concern, but this didn’t stop Storm from bringing himself to begin walking down the ramp and towards his foe from All-Star Showdown.

Guy Rambo: Tyler is not afraid to confront Iser after everything these two men have been through, not just at our last Pay-Per-View, but the long and tumultuous journey these two have been on together since they first met in this industry. Even still, Tyler looks like he is still not anywhere near 100% from that deciding moment of the hellacious match these two put each other through.

Stephy Auger: If he wants to make the mistake and enter the wolf’s den while injured, that’s on him Rambo. Tyler knows it, Seth knows it, this is settling business here tonight because it wasn’t done at All-Star Showdown!

It takes a bit longer than usual, but Tyler does make his way to ringside after taking a few resting moments to talk with some rampside fans. He picks his body up onto the apron, then enters the ring after being handed a microphone. The music is faded out and replaced by the loud cheers of the fans as Tyler is not afraid, despite his clearly weak physical state, to walk right up to Seth and glare at him directly in his eyes. Seth’s on guard but you can see him tighten the grip on the microphone in his hand. He also signals for the music to stop playing.

Seth Iser: Lower your guard, Tyler. I’m not here to instigate physicality right now. But I’m going to give you the respect and courtesy I give so few: you have one opportunity here. Just one.

The fans start to cheer thinking it might go where they expect and Seth breaks the eye contact to address them.

Seth Iser: Don’t get your hopes up yet. It isn’t about any potential match just yet. That’s your problem. You all assume too much.

The cheers flip to boos toward the champion before Seth just turns his pointed stare toward Tyler. Despite telling Tyler to lower his guard, Seth’s still remaining quite guarded himself.

Seth Iser: But you have one chance to tell me why in the hell you thought it was a good idea to superplex BOTH of us to the outside onto concrete knowingly. You looked back there and you saw it and STILL thought it was enough of a good idea. And I want to know why. Explain yourself.

Tyler glares more towards Seth, then slightly over to the title, before he locks right back to the eyes of his rival. That is when the most classic of physical responses comes to Tyler...the smile, growing onto his face as he brings the mic up to his lips.

Tyler Storm: You know, I think over the past little bit, Seth, you’ve been waiting for me to explain myself about every action I’ve taken so far in our little battle recently.

The fans cheer on once again as Storm speaks out, a voice that was beginning to become a bit unfamiliar with how long it had been, and they noticed. He looks out to all of them supporting him, nodding, before returning to Seth. Seth just has his arms crossed eye balling his rival and the gleam of the championship around his waist twinkles.

Tyler Storm: I think I probably owe explanations to everyone here for my much softer speaking approach, and it’s something to dive into in deeper detail at a later date, but as for the right now I will just say this, Seth: I think it ate you alive a little more than usual that for once, someone was letting you talk and not giving you anything in return. And admittedly it was eating me alive too man! I didn’t like trying something different but I know it’s the only way I’m really gonna get your attention...and clearly, it’s paid dividends and you just had to flat out call me out tonight and get me to speak, because you knew right now I was in no position to let my actions speak for me like I’ve been doing for the past few weeks.

He shrugs his shoulders towards the champion and continues to shine a grin towards Iser.

Tyler Storm: I could also be completely wrong, I’m not afraid to admit I’m not the best at reading people like you are, Seth. But I do at least get your main message tonight...because that superplex was to many people probably a bit of a crap move if I was really coming to win that title at All-Star Showdown. And for those people I think I kinda agree with them...but why I did it was very very simple. Seth, I went for that superplex because I know I can’t ever be in a situation where I’m afraid to go beyond my limits and risks against you. It was a choice of either do that and pray to God I got back up, or let nothing happen and probably lose the best opportunity I had to put you down permanently in that match. I gambled and ultimately...I came out just as bad, and I think that shows in how I’m acting here tonight. But I know I’m not dead yet, I know this injury is temporary because I’ve known true injury with my back, and I know I’m nowhere near finished with you yet, Iser.

There’s a loud cheer at that last statement from the fans and Seth’s just letting them get it out of their system. Seth listened to all of that without changing his expression.

Seth Iser: What you did was beyond a crap move, Tyler. It was completely and utterly selfish.

That statement doesn’t win him any friends in the arena as they boo the champion. But there isn’t a reaction from Seth who stands there like a stonewall toward the verbal boos until they die down.

Seth Iser: It was selfish for a number of reasons. It was selfish toward your own future because you know that three year old that was climbing all over you? Imagine if the whims of fate decided that was the end of the road and you needed spinal surgery. The three year old would’ve been crawling all over you in a hospital bed and I don’t even know if you would’ve been able to tweet that. I know the condition of your back dating back to our time together in a little promotion based in the state of Minnesota.

Seth’s voice has more of an edge to it and there’s a snarl on his face, a complete contrast to Tyler’s disposition.

Seth Iser: It was selfish to the people who bought the tickets to see you. Yes, many of these people, people who judge me on a whim, buy the tickets so they can see their hero, Tyler Storm, wrestle. They pay to see you shout ‘Time to’ so they can shout back ‘be witness’. Hell, I’d even argue they pay to see you almost as much as these spiteful bastards pay to HOPE to their God or whatever they pray to when they go home to face themselves that tonight is the night I lose. And Tyler...above even that brother…

The veteran as he pauses there lowers the tone of his voice as he shakes his head but he does take a step toward him, and it is confrontational in nature.

Seth Iser: It was selfish to all the wrestlers. Especially the person you shared the ring with. Yours truly, me. Because not only did you put ME in that position where I could’ve been where YOU were...wondering how to provide for Rebecca and Allison, but you also robbed me of something else while keeping me in this prison. You robbed me of having the satisfaction of beating you because instead of tapping out like a man with actual respect would...you superplexed me on concrete, quit the match, and admitted that I was better without the TRUE satisfaction of having MY hand raised.

The fans boo that claim but there is a vein in Seth’s neck as he says all of this. He’s shaking his head.

Seth Iser: And if you want me to be completely truthful Tyler. There is one part of me that’s telling me that the right thing to do is to tell you to go to hell for that and that you have to scrap and crawl just as hard, if not harder than you did with Stryker in that best of five to earn another opportunity at this again because that stunt should just be code for ‘back of the line.’

The boos come out in full force once again and finally Seth’s just had enough of them interrupting. There is one fan who shouts into the ring toward Seth ‘We don’t want to hear it’ and Iser just makes eye contact with him.

Seth Iser: WELL YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO HEAR IT!

He once again doesn’t win himself friends in the building with some boos but it seems to have intimidated the fans into being quiet. Seth turns his complete attention toward Tyler after silencing that one rowdy fan.

Seth Iser: And hear this. I know neither of us are happy with how that went down because of your actions. And as much as I do want to say those things there are other variables. Your record over me...that still has far too much merit. More than I want to admit. Winning the best of five so you can have a conclusion to your challenge...that has merit. So I’m not going to dance around it anymore. Instead of telling you to go to hell, I’m going to beat the lesson into you, free myself from this prison once and for all and prove to everyone in that damned locker room and the people who buy the tickets that I’m every bit the wrestler so many people pretend to be. That I’m the leader of a golden era of the sport. That I’m the best to ever hold the title I’m wearing right now. And to tie and then eventually BREAK the record for most title defenses on my terms. So Tyler. You and me. Pride title match. In Miami, Florida for Above and Beyond.

After lines upon lines of booing Iser, hearing the challenge placed in front of Tyler gets the crowd back into a cheering frenzy as they all see Tyler nodding and smiling.

Tyler Storm: I don’t think you have to guess much about what my answer is Seth...you are on, and I’m happy that you are able to admit that it would be a shame for you to let me go without finally putting this between us to an end. But...in true fashion like Hamilton to Burr assuming he is the smartest in the room, one more thing, Iser.

The smile then begins to fade from Tyler’s face and he takes a hard look at Iser. Seth’s eye twitches at the historical reference.

Tyler Storm: Selfishness, pretty big claim from someone with a resumé filled with that like you, Iser. But for you to claim me to be that, when you know exactly who I am, when you know I am no kid in this business...you have got to be out of your god damn mind, sir. I displayed no selfishness at any point and you know that, it’s not selfish of my trying to do anything I physically can to provide for my family. It’s not selfish to my body when I know thanks to the amazing people I work with on a regular basis in both training and therapy that my body was fully able to take that impact and I was gonna be able to get up. I walked out of that arena and so did you, I was well aware of what I was doing and I was well aware it was no career ending spot for either of us. If I really wanted to make sure you had no way to provide for Rebecca and Allison, Seth, I’d aim for your knees until you were brought to tears. But I’m better than that and the majority of this roster is as well. And I know you’d protect me as well in that ring because I know who the hell was at my bedside after I collapsed in VoW...I know the bastard as everyone would call him who took the time to make sure I was okay when he had nothing to do with what happened to me, but gave me the advice to make sure I knew what I was doing. For you to call me selfish when I’ve done nothing more than take the advice of that man from that day and use it in my recovery efforts to make sure my body could take those punishments...that is only damning on yourself, Seth, because that man is standing right in front of me right now.

The crowd claps for Tyler as he keeps on, getting closer to Seth and not being afraid of the potential consequences to this as the gap is closed between them physically.

Tyler Storm: I put my everything into this ring day in and day out, I love what I do here in FGA, I love what I do in this industry. I know I make a lot of dumb mistakes and I’ll admit that superplex wasn’t the best move if I wanted to win. I had to take the moment as it was presented because if I didn’t, I was sure I lost the only opening I had left. You were getting to me there late and I’ll admit that. But that is not selfishness to do a spot to try and get myself back in the match to win. For you to say I’m selfish, merely because you didn’t get to beat me...because it’s killing you that you have been incapable of cleanly getting the job done against me...that’s me being selfish, Seth? Look in the damn mirror and stop making excuses, just admit that we put on a hell of a match and we are two competitors that are destined to be neck and neck with one another. You bring out the best in me constantly, and I bring out the best in you. I may not be the blood feuds you’ve had in the past, but I know I’m worth a damn in your mind and that makes me proud. I’m not selfish for wanting one more shot...I’m proud I can have one more chance to be in the ring with you...and I’m proud that I know I’m going in right on your tail. And maybe that’s selfish to you, but to me, this is just how wrestling is in my heart, and I love every damn second. I can’t say much more than that, Seth, and I know this...I’m more than happy to prove one more time that I’m still the one wall you’ve yet to climb past, and I love it.

The fans cheer this statement loudly as Seth’s face morphs back into that familiar scowl.

Seth Iser: F*ck ‘one hell of a match.’ Tyler. If there is one thing I wish I’d never have to hear again is how I hear that sentence from wrestlers stating that even if the result didn’t go the way they wanted because that’s just a god damned selfish excuse eighty percent of the time.

There’s added base to his voice.

Seth Iser: Our job is to win. Get the winner’s pay. That’s what it’s about at the end of the day. The winner’s pay and what’s around my waist. And am I selfish? Damn right. Just like most of us in that god damned locker room. I just never have to hide it.

Tyler Storm: And just like everyone else, you hate that I don’t follow the line. My job, yeah it is to win, but that isn’t the only part of the job description and you know it. And in any job in life, you aren’t always gonna be able to follow every task 100% of the time, so you go heavy on another task to make up for it. And my job description has always said to give back to those that put you in the spot you are in, and that is these fans here tonight and everywhere we go! I say we have one hell of a match because that’s what we should be doing but it’s not done near enough in this industry. And I know I am involved in “one hell of a match” every time I step in this squared circle because I know I bring my best and I expect the best from the person across from me, beside me, whatever. It’s not selfish to do your damn job, and that’s my damn job.

The fans cheer the line of support. You don’t see this out of Seth much. He’s actually smiling now. Even letting out a small chuckle.

Seth Iser: Tyler...Tyler. Now you just assumed something that isn’t true. You’re smarter than that…

Seth’s face just relaxes briefly.

Seth Iser: Even if we disagree on our methods, I actually respect that you follow your OWN line. In the land of people who just post stupid pictures, vague promises...and being a two faced hypocrite. You aren’t any of those things. But when you make one selfish move in one moment of weakness, same as if I would have done it, you deserve to be called out on it just like any of us. It’s the code. That is ALSO our damn job. The part of the job that ISN’T as fun for most of the people in the back that they blatantly ignore that responsibility. The part that puts professional in professional wrestling.

And then the usual look comes in. Professional and cold.

Seth Iser: And in this job, the true succession for what the gladiators are from Rome, it’ll be a proper warrior’s death for one of our aspirations. Either I’m in this prison a little longer, or you have to live with the fact that one more time, you were just this close from being champion once again. Heal your back up. Do what you have to do to make sure you in tip top shape. Spend time with your family to keep your mind right. Because when we fight in two out of three falls. I’m going to make you use your weakest tool, Mr. Swiss Army Knife. But in layman’s terms…

Seth’s face goes intense with a glare.

Seth Iser: Just because you have this rematch, don’t you dare misconstrue it as you’re going to win. Not this time. You don’t have a chance in hell fighting left handed in a mental war with Wrestling’s Greatest Mind with Two out of Three falls being our battle ground. Good luck brother. You’re going to need it.

With that Seth ends up turning on his heel and exits the ring with people not thrilled with Seth’s arrogance but he doesn’t have an arrogant smile. He’s just got a sneer as the two aren’t breaking eye contact as Seth goes up the ramp and we fade to black.

[FGA Office]

Izzy Anders: And the Cinderella dream has come to an end.

Izzy tapes her fingers, checking a small dislocation out. She pulls on it until an audible pop sounds out. A little distress appears in her face but it fades quickly. The weathered veteran merely gets up from her place, an odd sense of serenity on her face.

Izzy Anders: Or...that is what I would be saying if it wasn’t a good run. All good things come to an end. Silk and Cyanide proved a point, and they’ll keep talking about it until things don’t go their way again. The question is...will it be The Joker and the Thief?

Izzy stands still for a second, her eyes bouncing back and forth. When they stop, she smirks.

Izzy Anders: Nope. Not us. Fujiko and I have objectives that we want to go after. She wants to be the Wrestler of the Year and I? Hm, I guess I’m going to be her challenger.

Another pause, where a momentary bout of unconfidence traces there. Izzy, subtly, reflects on her loss to Silk and Cyanide. Time without a championship on her shoulder wasn’t something she confronted in quite some time.

Izzy Anders: That is...that is if I can survive a gauntlet match. You know, it’s a bit of a specialty of mine. SSWA had me go through one. I do good in these kinds of matches but it’s against some people that...I have some experience with and some I don’t.

Izzy Anders: Chris Madison and Seth Iser are the two glaring problems, right? Back during my days of Heroes Never Die, Madison and I had some interactions.

She grimaces upon the recollection.

Izzy Anders: They weren’t good. I don’t think he likes me. In fact, I think he would want to break something of mine.

A small smirk dawns on the Mindkiller’s face.

Izzy Anders: And Iser? Well, I haven’t beaten him before. I don’t care how I lost. I did. He’s a man enough to say that I gave him trouble. He’s also a person that wouldn’t gloat about it in the worst ways. We know what everything is about. I can beat him but just haven’t. So that’s a mountain that I have to climb.

Izzy Anders: James Edwards is hungry for any shot he can give. Piper is something mysterious but something to watch out for. Ricky Valero may be a raging assh*le but he’s a person that tries not to squander anything that is presented to him. So, who does that leave?

Izzy Anders purses her lips, stares at the ground, and returns back with a half-hearted grin.

Izzy Anders: Then there’s Evan. A person that I have never faced before. I...I can’t go on much on that. But there are so many possibilities here. There are many people that can walk out of this and face Fujiko but...what if it’s me?

Izzy, the normally talkative person, merely nods her head.

Izzy Anders: I guess I need to go out there and fight for that reality, huh?

With her words left there, Izzy walks off to prepare for her main event match.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (FIRST ROUND)
Go Go Tokyo vs. Los Chicos Malos

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen. THIS… is a First Round Match in the 2019 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! Introducing first, in the corner to my right. Representing HELL and weighing in at a total combined weight of 431 pounds! They are the team of Prometheus and Epimetheus… LOS CHICOS MALOS!

Prometheus spins in a circle as he rounds the ring before dropping back to all fours in the middle. With both fists, he pounds on the mat before throwing himself backward on his knees with arms outstretched. Epimetheus, meanwhile, hops up onto the middle ropes and scans the crowd.

Stephy Auger: Look at that Epimetheus. What a magnificent jawline. And that Prometheus! Let me tell you something, Rambo, I haven’t seen abs on a man like that since Ricky Valero!

Guy Rambo: …

Manny Cruz: Their opponents, in the corner to my left. Representing After Dark and weighing in at a total combined weight of 394 pounds! They are the team of Kazu Hirnao and Naoki Ojima… GO GO TOKYO!

Hirano and Ojima turn and wave to the crowd. Hirano continues to play to the audience while Ojima goes to step out to the apron. The bell sounds as Prometheus attacks Hirano from behind with a running clothesline! The crowd erupts with boos when Prometheus drags Hirano away from the Go Go Tokyo corner before putting the boots to him.

Guy Rambo: I’m all for aggression! But let the poor kid get ready first!

Stephy Auger: Uuuuhhh, how about NO! Protect yourself at all times! Even an old timer like yourself can agree to that!

Guy Rambo: …I mean...

Stephy Auger: THANK YOU!

Prometheus pulls up Hirano, runs into the Los Chicos Malos corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Hirano around, Prometheus tells Epimetheus to hold his arms back. Epimetheus looks at Hirano before looking back at Prometheus. This time, Prometheus is a bit more stern and demands Epimetheus holds Hirano’s arms back! Epimetheus reluctantly does so. A sinister smirk appears on Prometheus’ face before he chops away at Hirano’s chest. The crowd continues to boo Prometheus as he delivers chop after chop to Hirano! While Epimetheus is still holding Hirano’s arms back, Prometheus lunges forward and applies a two-handed choke! Epimetheus immediately releases the hold and tries to talk Prometheus out of it. But Prometheus is hell bent on trying to choke the life out of Hirano. The referee is quick to give Prometheus until the count of five to break the choke.

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

Prometheus reluctantly lets go.

Guy Rambo: It looked to me like Epimetheus was showing a bit of concern for his young opponent.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, because he doesn't have the killer instinct that Prometheus, the man that’s clearly the brains behind Los Chicos Malos, has!


The ref admonishes Prometheus and tells him to break the choke in a more timely fashion. But a sneer from Prometheus causes the ref to back away. When Prometheus turn back to Hirano, the crowd cheers when Hirano grabs Prometheus, tosses him into the corner and hits him with multiple chops of his own. He then pulls Prometheus from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. Prometheus quickly reverses, sending Hirano into the far ropes. When Hirano comes back, he knocks Prometheus off his feet with a running lariat! Another running lariat returns Prometheus to the mat. After Prometheus picks himself back up, Hirano doubles him over with a kick to the midsection. He pulls Prometheus into a standing headscissors to set up a Running Liger Bomb. But Prometheus is quick to counter with a back body drop.

Prometheus pulls up Hirano and whips him into an empty corner. He then charges across the ring and throws out a corner forearm smash. He misses! The crowd cheers when Hirano rolls out of the way, causing Prometheus to crash into the corner. While Prometheus stumbles back, Hirano rushes over and tags in Naoki Ojima! Ojima rushes in and brings Prometheus down with a running leg lariat from behind! He pulls Prometheus over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prometheus kicks out.

Prometheus is moved back into the corner before Ojima unleashing a series of hard shoot kicks to the midsection. Once Prometheus is whipped into the far corner, Ojima rushes across the ring and connects with a Stinger Splash. He then follows up with a Tornado DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prometheus kicks out.

Guy Rambo: Ojima’s been red hot on the offensive.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and? You don’t think Prometheus knows what he’s doing? He’s letting Ojima tire himself out.

Ojima picks up Prometheus, wrenches his arm and follows up with a spinning back kick that doubles him over. He then holds Prometheus in place while he delivers rapid toe kicks to the face. While Prometheus is still doubled over, Ojima turns and hits the ropes. When he returns, he flattens Prometheus with a leaping double foot stomp! The cheers continue as he pulls Prometheus over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prometheus kicks out.

Guy Rambo: You say Prometheus is letting Ojima tire himself out. All I see is Prometheus getting worn out by these strikes from Ojima!

Stephy Auger: Good thing nobody asked for your opinion.

Guy Rambo: ...

Ojima drags Prometheus over into the Go Go Tokyo corner before tagging Hirano back in. Hirano picks up Prometheus before whipping him into the far ropes. When Prometheus returns, Hirano throws out Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (Polish Hammer), only for Prometheus to swat it away as he continues to run the ropes. When Prometheus returns, Hirano throws him down with a Sling Blade! While Prometheus is down, Hirano runs towards the side of the ring before slingshotting out to the apron. From there, Hirano goes for a springboard somersault leg drop… and misses! The crowd boos when Prometheus rolls out of the way, causing Hirano to crash on the mat. Prometheus rolls towards the side of the ring before pulling himself up using the ropes. He then pulls himself over into the Los Chicos Malos corner using the ropes before tagging Epimetheus in.

Epimetheus brings himself into the ring with a topé atomico before rolling back to his feet, rushing over and hitting a standing Shooting Star Press across Hirano! He hooks the leg.

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

Epimetheus takes Hirano, moves him into the corner and delivers multiple knife edge chops. He follows up with multiple Eurpean Uppercuts. Epimetheus then hits a knife edge chop, followed by a European Uppercut. Epimetheus looks around before hitting another European Uppercut, quickly followed by a knife edge chop.

Stephy Auger: Where have I seen that combination before?

Guy Rambo: ...really? Really?

Epimetheus smirks before whipping Hirano into the far corner. Epimetheus charges across the ring to attack when Hirano knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. After shaking off the blow, Epimetheus rushes back in to attack. This time, Hirano goes for counter with a boot to the face. But Epimetheus is ready and catches his foot. He then drags Hirano out of the corner. Epimetheus continues to taunt Hirano until Hirano counters with an enzuigiri, sending Epimetheus flipping down to the canvas. Hirnao gets up on all fours before rolling forward, diving into the Go Go Tokyo corner and tagging Ojima back in! Ojima knocks Epimetheus down with a springboard missile dropkick! He goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prometheus drags Ojima off of Epimetheus. The crowd boos as he stomps away on Ojima before yanking him up, turning and chucking him through the ropes and to the floor. The crowd lets out another large boo while Prometheus gets into a crouched pose… before getting knocked through the ropes and to the floor with a running front dropkick to the back by Hirano!

Stephy Auger: Hirano with a Pearl Harbor Job on Prometheus!

Guy Rambo: “Protect yourself at all times,” rememb-

Stephy Auger: Zip it, Rambo! It’s your first day on the job and you’re already getting on my nerves.

Hirano circles the ring while he claps his hands. The capacity crowd in North Little Rock takes their cue from the Watarimono before he hits the ropes. Hirano bounces back and runs across the ring. He readies himself for a dive to the outside when he gets blindsided with a spinning heel kick to the side of the head from Epimetheus!

Stephy Auger: What a spinning heel kick from Epimetheus! Evan Envi would be proud of a kick like that! It’s no Kapowski Kick, of course. But it’s close!

On the outside, Prometheus picks up Ojima before bringing him back down with a swinging neckbreaker. Once Prometheus is back to his feet, he directs traffic and tells Epimetheus to hit the ropes while he holds Ojima in place. Epimetheus does just that. When Epimetheus bounces back, he picks up speed and leaps through the ropes. At the last second, Ojima pulls Prometheus into Epimetheus’ path, causing Los Chicos Malos to collide on the outside!

Guy Rambo: Los Chicos Malos, victims of a head-on collision on the outside!

Ojima picks up Epimetheus before rolling him back inside. After Ojima rolls himself back in, Go Go Tokyo take Epimtheus and whip him into the far ropes. Upon his return, Go Go Tokyo throw him down with a double front spinebuster! With Epimethus sprawled out in the center of the ring, Hirano circles his downed opponent by playing the air guitar. He then stops at Epimetheus’ head before hitting the ropes. Hirano returns, hops over Epimetheus before continuing to run the ropes. When Hirano comes back, he stops, gets the crowd to chant “MECCHA SUGOI” with him before hitting the Meccha Sugoi Hiji (People’s Elbow)! Hirnao rolls out of the way so that Ojima can make the cover.

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

Epimetheus gets a shoulder up.

Ojima takes Epimetheus and whips him hard into the corner. As Epimetheus stagges out, Ojima throws him down with a powerslam. He immediately gets up and goes to hop onto the middle ropes to hit a moonsault. At the last second, Prometheus jumps up and pulls back on the middle rope, causing Ojima to slip and smack the back of his head on the mat. Epimetheus then picks up Ojima before throwing him down with a belly to belly suplex. Once the tag is made to Prometheus, he scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and delivers Enterrar el Hacha (diving double foot stomp) to the midsection! Prometheus rolls off of Ojima, returns to his feet, darts across the ring and sends Hirano flying off the apron with a running front dropkick in the corner! Prometheus marches back over and pulls Ojima back to his feet before locking him in a Cobra Clutch. He cinches in the hold while Ojima desperately tries to escape. Ojima reaches out for the ropes. But he’s not quite there. The official asks Ojima if he wants to give up. Ojima refuses. So Prometheus heaves him over his head, dumping him with El Disparo de Muertes (Cobra Clutch Suplex)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout... LOS CHICOS MALOS!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Sometime earlier in the day the fans are gathered outside the arena, likely waiting for the doors to open for the big show tonight. Though the other reason they may be gathered out here is because the League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers are out here too! Blaise Fader and Ethan Giles are happily engaging with the fans, taking photographs and signing autographs and generally having a good time! Blaise shows off her power by lifting some of the fans up by her arms for some of the photo op moments! A fan passes their ukulele to Ethan and he tries his best to play something on it, getting a little out of tune. This brief happy scene ends as quickly as it started.

[FGA Office]

???: I don't wanna go through that door.

James Edwards, dressed in a t-shirt, jeans, and a Pittsburgh Pirates ball cap, stares at the door from the parking lot to the arena cautiously, like the push bar is on fire.

James Edwards: I can admit, and I'm not afraid to say it, that I'm nervous about what waits for me on the other side of that door. I don't have a lot of happy memories from being on this show. I don't like remembering how I got singled out for standin' up to a corrupt GM while everybody else turned a blind eye. I don't like remembering how I busted my head on the glass ceiling 30 times on this show and could never crack it. All those damn close calls.

Edwards' lips curl into a disgusted frown.

James Edwards: I don't like remembering how I never got to finish things with KOL, a fight that I would've won. That win would've put me on the map here and would've given me some damn satisfaction.

Edwards shakes his head, trying to shed the bitter memories.

James Edwards: When I left this show I had everything to prove, no momentum, and nothing to show for the few months I spent on it. I come back a year later and ain't much changed. I'm still hittin' my head against the glass ceiling. I sure as hell ain't got much to show for my time on Flashpoint. I had a world title shot that I lost by technical submission and never got a shot to avenge. I won a title, and I wasted it.

For the first time, FGA viewers hear a tone of regret for how The Burning Heart treated the U.S. Championship.

James Edwards: But there ain't any reason to apologize for that, now. I sure as hell ain't got any momentum since I've lost two supershow matches in a row, and I went I walk through that door I don't wanna think about that. But there's a locker room full of people waitin' to dance on my grave, more than a few of em' are waitin' on me in the main event.

The thought of competing in the gauntlet match intimidates the hell out of Edwards, more than he cares to admit, even though it is evident to the fans watching at home.

James Edwards: I don't deserve to be in this match. I just got done tellin' y'all why. Every damn body in this fight has done so much in the past few months. So even if I win, folks are gonna say its a fluke. They'll say I can't beat Fujiko. Hell, I don't think I can beat her right now.

Edwards hangs his head low.

James Edwards: I need time to walk through that door. I need time to get ready to change some things. To improve myself in and out of the ring so that I can go back to being the guy I think can win fights like tonight. That time doesn't exist though. I have an hour, tops, not weeks to get ready, and that scares me just about as much as the thought of going through the door.

And Edwards doesn't go through the door. He stands and stares out at like it is the most impossible task in the world.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (FIRST ROUND)
G3 vs. Hollywood Angels

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen, THIS… is a First Round Match in the 2019 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! Introducing first, in the corner to my right . Weighing in at a total combined weight of 240 pounds! They are the team of Crystal Lopez-Zdunich and Seleana Zdunich… the HOLLYWOOD ANGELS!

Guy Rambo: The Hollywood Angels, looking to make SCW proud here and advance in the 2019 DDT3!

Manny Cruz: Their opponents, in the corner to my left. Weighing in this evening at a total combined weight of 280 pounds! They are the team of Maureen Phillips and Terra Wydell… The Gaji Gamer Gurlz… G3!

Guy Rambo: This capacity is letting G3 have it.

Stephy Auger: These people wouldn’t know a good thing if it kicked them in the face.

The bell sounds as Phillips and Wydell attack Crystal and Seleana from behind! The boos continue as G3 take the Hollywood Angels into opposite corners. Phillips takes Crystal and slams her repeatedly face-first into the top turnbuckle. In the opposite corner, Wydell sends Seleana slumping down in the corner with repeated stomps to the chest. She then applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope. The ref is quick to get in and give Wydell until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Wydell willing breaks the choke. She puts her hands up defensively and steps away from the corner… only to rush back in and apply another foot choke!

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

Wydell breaks the choke. She reaches down, pulls Seleana up by the hair and nails her with a back elbow across the face. Back over in the opposite corner, Phillips delivers multiple forearm strikes to the face before delivering a slap heard ‘round the world.

Stephy Auger: Phillips tried to smack the blue out of her hair! Ha ha!

Phillips and Wydell turn back to each other and give a nod. They then go to whip Seleana and Crystal into each other. But the Hollywood Angel reverse, sending G3 crashing into each other in the center of the ring! As Wydell and Phillips stumble back, Crystal and Seleana lift them up and deliver an atomic drop before following up with dropkicks to the back, sending both members of G3 smacking into each other again! Seleana then takes Phillips by the hair, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. Back in the ring, Crystal knocks Wydell off her feet with a leg sweep before following up with a somersault leg drop! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Wydell kicks out.

Crystal takes Wydell and whips her into the ropes. When Wydell returns, the Hollywood Angels throw her down with a double back body drop. A double dropkick returns Wydell to the mat. When Wydell gets back to her feet, the Hollywood Angels rush forward and connect with a double clothesline, sending Wydell over the top rope and to the floor. Crystal and Seleana then rush into the far ropes. When they come back, they pick up speed as they run across the ring before leaping through the ropes and taking out G3 with suicide dives!

Guy Rambo: The Hollywood Angels are proving that they are no jokes!

Stephy Auger: Huh, imagine that? I guess looks really can be deceiving.

Guy Rambo: Stephanie!

Crystal picks up Wydell and rolls her back inside. She then rolls back in before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Wydell kicks out.

Crystal tags out to Seleana. Seleana then takes Wydell and whips her into the ropes. When Wydell returns, Seleana goes for a hip toss. Wydell hops through the hip toss attempt and goes for a hip toss of her own. Seleana then counters Wydell’s counter by stepping over, finally delivering a hip toss and quickly following up with a standing moonsault. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Wydell kicks out.

Guy Rambo: G3 got the jump on the Hollywood Angels. But since those opening moments, the Hollywood Angels have taken command of this contest.

Stephy Auger: Don’t start getting carried away. This match? Far from over!

Seleana takes Wydell and whips her into the ropes. When Wydell returns, she ducks a clothesline before continuing to run the ropes. When she comes back, Seleana knocks her off her feet with a dropkick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Wydell kicks out.

Seleana takes Wydell and whips her into the corner. Seleana then rushes in, connects with a clothesline and goes to follow up with a bulldog when Wydell shoves her off into the ropes. When Seleana returns, she executes a running hurricanrana. As Wydell gets back to her feet, Seleana rushes over to attack when Wydell lifts her up and hotshots her throat-first across the top rope! The boos continue as Wydell heads over and tags Phillips in.

Guy Rambo: G3’s got their opening!

Phillips rushes over and puts the boot Seleana. After positioning Seleana underneath the bottom rope, Phillis hooks both legs before leaning back, catapulting Seleana throat-first into the bottom rope! Wydell the hops off the apron, rushes over and delivers multiple clubbing strikes across the throat. While the referee reprimands Wydell, Philips drags Seleana towards the center of the ring before dropping down to her knees and applying a two-handed choke! The crowd erupts with boos while Phillips tries to choke her out. Crystal then rushes in and tries to make the save for her partner. But the official turns around in time to see her, so she holds her back. While Crystal and the official argue back and forth, Wydell gets in and puts the boots to Seleana while Phillips continues to choke her! Phillips lets go before heading back out to the apron. She then claps her hands loudly to get the ref’s attention. When he turns around, he sees Phillips back on the apron and thinks that the clapping of hands that he heard was Phillips being tagged in.

Guy Rambo: G3 is playing dirty here tonight, folks!

Stephy Auger: ...and I’m loving every second of it!

Wydell taks Seleana and moves her into the corner. The crowd continues to boo as Wydell delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. She then takes Seleana and whips her into the corner. Wydell rushes in to attack when Seleana knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. After shaking off the blow, Wydell rushes back in to attack. This time, Seleana knocks her back with a boot to the face. While Wydell is dazed, Seleana turns and climbs the turnbuckles. When she reaches the top, she flips off for a corkscrew moonsault… and misses after Wydell side steps and swats her down. She drops down, pushes Seleana over and makes the cover.

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

After Phillips gets tagged back in, G3 brings her down with the Double Dragon Drop (double vertical suplex)! She makes the cover.

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

Phillips takes Seleana and whips her into the ropes. When Seleana returns, Phillips doubles her over with Master Hand’s Revenge (Fastball Punch) before bringing her down with a swinging neckbreaker. She follows up with a jumping leg drop before making the cover.

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

Wydell gets tagged back in. She then goes over, yanks up Seleana by the hair and then whips her hard chest-first into the corner. After Seleana crashes sternum-first into the corner, she stumbles back over towards Wydell, who applies a rear waist lock. The crowd boos when G3 knocks her down with GAME OVER (Superkick-Plex)!

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

The crowd cheers when Crystal dives over and breaks up the pin.

Guy Rambo: Crystal with a big time save there. That could have been it.

Stephy Auger: It WOULD have been it if Five-Head over there didn’t break up the pin!

As Crystal turns and heads back over the Hollywood Angels’ corner, Phillips rushes over and connects with a high knee to the back, knocking Crystal through the ropes and to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Good, that’s what she gets!

Guy Rambo: I see why Laurel Anne Hardy doesn’t like you.

Stephy Auger: Please. Laurel has no taste. I mean, have you seen what she steps outside the house wearing?

Back inside, Wydell doubles over Seleana with WASTED (spinning side kick to the ribs) before bringing her down with a fireman’s carry gutbuster. While Seleana is down on the mat, Wydell heads over and tags Phillips back in. Phillips then begins to scale the turnbuckles. As soon as she reaches the top, she jumps off and goes for a flying senton. But it gets blocked! The crowd cheers when Seleana gets her knees up, causing Phillips to crash back-first across the knees!

Guy Rambo: That’ll take the wind right out of your sails! Seleana must make the tag here!

Stephy Auger: Or she can do the dumb thing and remain in the match by playing hero. Let’s hope it’s the latter!

Phillips turns over and holds her lower back while Seleana turns over into the prone position. She starts to pull herself across the mat while Crystal can be seen trying to pull herself back up onto the apron using the ropes. The capacity crowd is trying to rally behind the Hollywood Angels while Seleana desperately tries to make it to her corner to tag out. The cheers immediately turn to boos when Wydell rushes into the ring, grabs Seleana by the ankle and drags her back to the center of the ring. She puts the boots to Seleana before pulling her up and whipping her into the ropes. When Seleana returns, she ducks a clothesline from Wydell before rushing over towards Phillips and planting her with a tilt-a-whirl DDT! Wydell rushes back over to Seleana and throws out another running clothesline. Seleana rolls underneath the clothesline, leaps across the ring and tags Crystal back in!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Crystal springboards to the top rope, leaps off and knocks Wydell down with a shotgun dropkick! She then takes Wydell and whips her into the ropes. When Wydell returns, Crystal grabs her by the back of the neck, runs and throws her over the top rope! Instead of crashing to the floor, Wydell grabs onto the top rope and lands on the apron. But she doesn’t stay on the apron for long as Crystal connects with a superkick, knocking her to the floor! Before Crystal can turn around, Phillips rolls her up from behind. She hooks the tights!

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

Guy Rambo: He caught her red handed!

The referee spots Phillips pulling the tights and points it out. Phillips immediately gets to her feet and feigns innocence. But the referee isn’t buying it and reprimands her. While Phillips continues to argue with the official, Crystal rolls her up from behind with a schoolboy of her own!

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

Phillips kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Phillips throws out Master Hand’s Revenge. This time, Crystal ducks the punch and counters with the Flashing Lights (Chick Kick)! She then heads towards the ropes before bouncing off and connecting with Smell The Roses (handspring standing moonsault)! She hooks the leg.

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

Phillips gets her shoulder up.

Crystal and Phillips and whips her into the corner. She then charges towards the corner before connecting with a step-up enzuigiri. Phillips staggers out of the corner before dropping down to a knee. While Phillips tries to shake out the cobwebs, Crystal positions herself out on the apron. She readies herself for a dive when suddenly, the crowd boos. Wydell wraps her arms around Crystal’s ankle. But Crystal is able to use her free leg to kick Wydell off her. After turning her attention back to Phillips, Crystal brings her down with an Ultra Hurricanrana!

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

Phillips just barely kicks out.

Crystal takes Phillips and goes for an irish whip when Phillips reverses, sending Crystal into the ropes. When Crystal comes back, she ducks a back elbow to the face before continuing to run the ropes. When Crystal his the ropes, the crowd boos when Wydell trips her up. Crystal turns and goes to kick Wydell before Wydell steps back. Crystal continues to yell at Wydell as Phillips rushes up from behind and drops her with a running knee to the back. Crystal is pulled back up by Phillips before getting thrown down with the Tango Maureen (rolling belly to belly suplex)! After Wydell is tagged back in, G3 takes Crystal and sit her down on the top turnbuckle. Phillips then lifts Wydell up onto her shoulders before Wydell grabs Crystal. G3 then brings Crystal down from the top rope with the 1UP (stacked superplex)! Phillips then rushes over and nails Seleana with a running big boot while Wydell makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Manny Cruz: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… G3!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The show returns from commercial, fading in to the backstage area, where Jenevieve Geroux appears to be doing some paperwork at her desk. A moment passes before there’s a knock at the door. The Vertigo General Manager looks up from her work towards the door as she speaks.

Jenevieve Geroux: Come in.

Geroux sits upright as the camera remains on her. A wan smile on her lips, her expression unmoving as her guest walks into the room.

Jenevieve Geroux: I was expecting you, thank you for coming.

But her guest doesn’t speak just yet; the crowd in the arena can be heard booing as the unmistakable figure of Dom Harter walks into view, taking his place in front of the desk. He isn’t dressed to wrestle tonight, though, what with him having been left off the card and out of the gauntlet to determine the next challenger for the FGA World Heavyweight Championship.

Jenevieve Geroux: So what can I help you with, Mr. Harter?

Dom Harter: …where’s my title shot?

The question is asked in a blunt and straightforward manner, and it looks like Dom isn’t in the mood to be messed around tonight. He has his arms folded across his chest, legs apart, staring straight at the General Manager, who clears her throat.

Jenevieve Geroux: Right, the matter of your title shot–

Dom Harter: Did you not see me beat Evan Envi at All Star Showdown? Or Johnny Karma back at Revelations? Because these sort of things– beating former World champions! They tend to elevate people…

Jenevieve Geroux: I can ex–

Dom Harter: –yet, here we are, on the Vertigo after All Star Showdown and not only do I not have a title shot– one that I’ve more than earned! And not only are you now having a gauntlet match to decide who gets a shot at the FGA World Championship at Above & Beyond…

Jenevieve Geroux: Yes, I can exp–

But again she’s cut off.

Dom Harter: –but I’m not in the f*cking gauntlet match!? But Ricky Valero, James Edwards, Piper Lennon, Izzy Anders, even EVAN F*CKING ENVI! THE MAN I BEAT AT ALL STAR SHOWDOWN! He’s in the gauntlet match instead of me?! So if you can explain that one, boss, I’d sure love to hear it right about now…

His frustration seems to be getting the better of him, despite his best efforts to remain calm in the situation – but how calm can you be when you’re getting screwed over?! Ahem…Jenevieve calmly reaches into her top desk drawer and pulls out a rolled up A3 piece of paper, which she then unfurls atop the desk. You’re not able to make out any of the finer details of the chart, but judging from Harter’s reaction you probably wouldn’t want to.

Dom Harter: …what the hell is this?

Jenevieve Geroux: I’m glad you asked. See, what I’ve done is taken several different metrics into account when deciding who should be in line for title shots…

She runs her finger over the column headers…approximately twenty different columns, none of which seem to impress Dom as he leans over the desk to read the headers.

Dom Harter: So where’s my title shot?

Jenevieve Geroux: If you look down this column here, you’ll find that the G.E.R.O.U.X system which stands for Gainful Efficiency R---

Dom Harter: –I’m below Evan Envi? I JUST BEAT HIM! Clean! Right in the middle of that ring!

Harter pounds his fist against the desk in anger, causing Jenevieve to jump slightly.

Dom Harter: And you’re telling me he somehow deserves a shot more than I do? That…Mark Bisley, who you picked even lower in the draft than us– and don’t get me started on that bullsh*t!

Jenevieve Geroux: If you’d just like to–

But Harter swipes the chart from the desk in a pique of rage, before standing upright once more.

Dom Harter: I don’t want to understand your metrics, Geroux. I don’t want to listen to your excuses. I want…what I’ve earned. And that is a shot at FGA World Championship. So all you need to do…is to make that happen.

With that, Dom leaves the room without a resolution to his problem as Jenevieve rises from her seat. She picks up the chart that was knocked off her desk a moment ago and rolls it back up, before sticking it into the top drawer once more. She simply shakes her head in dismay as the show cuts elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

The cameras turn back into the arena. We see shots of FGA fans with their Vertigo t-shirts on and many different fans chanting and cheering. After panning around the full arena, we hear a chorus of boos. The camera then focuses on the big screen within the arena. We see a shot of Ace Voltage sitting in a chair, presumably in a hotel room, with a dark blue long sleeve shirt on and khakis. In the bottom of the screen, we see “Via Satellite.”

Ace Voltage: Allow me to grace you all with my presence. Surprised to see me? Don’t know me? Well, if you didn’t know, now you know. I am Ace Voltage, one of the newest superstars on the A show, Vertigo.

We get a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Ace Voltage: No I am not wrestling here tonight for you chumps. So, why would I come to your disgusting town and come out here in front of you losers when I can sit and relax in my hotel room many miles away? I am not here to pander to any of you or make friends with your heroes like your precious Fujiko or Tyler Storm. I am here to make a statement, a statement that I am the FUTURE of Vertigo and FGA.

We now hear more boos from the crowd.

Ace Voltage: Oh you heard this before? Well suck it. I am undefeated in FGA. I took down Zola Star with ease back on the Flashpoint brand. Now, I am here on Vertigo. Ready to make this brand, the Ace Voltage brand. Vertigo officially became the A show once I was drafted here. All of you chumps buying tickets and buying merchandise… it’s only a matter of time before you are buying that because of me. Flashpoint’s ratings skyrocketed after I made my debut. I won’t be surprised if the same happens to Vertigo.

A few chants of “Who are you?” break out. Ace chuckles at that.

Ace Voltage: So, who am I? I am the Main Event of this show. I am the reason people will be tuning into Vertigo. I am a future champion in this company and everybody knows it. People may not want to admit it, but when I become champion nobody will be surprised. And when I become champion, the only regret all of you losers will have? It will be that you didn’t buy my shirts when I told you to. All of you will shove your crap in my face in the airport for an autograph. No thanks. You’ll tweet to me asking for shoutouts on Twitter. Nope. Listen to me when I tell you, don’t wait on it. I am the future of this business and the future of FGA. And THAT is a guarantee.

Ace laughs to himself and smirks at the camera. He gets up from his chair and mumbles “I’m done here” as he takes off his microphone. The camera then fades back to the fans in the arena.

[FGA Office]

Backstage a random staff person is carrying what can only be described as a ludicrous amount of boxes. They’re practically touching the ceiling! Whatever’s inside must be important with how careful they’re being to keep them balanced and to try not to drop them! Naturally though with so many boxes they start tipping over and it looks like it may be doom for this young man’s bright career in the FGA!

Eyes closed, body tensing, the staffer is ready for the worst and yet the worst never comes?

Opening their eyes and blinking them, their face lights up when they see on the other side of the boxes the League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers helping balance the boxes! Blaise and Ethan wave, and quickly move to take some of the boxes off of the staffer’s hands. Now with three reasonably sized stacks of boxes the trio walk down the hallway and out of the shot in harmony.