Vertigo

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Cajundome
Location: Lafayette, LA

The show cuts backstage to where most of the members of The New Murder can be seen together. Annie Zellor, Jaelynn Ramsey, Mary-Jane McCracken, and Fenrys (still clutching onto inflatable Dom) are dressed ready for action, since two of them have matches this evening. Noticeable by his absence is the real Dom Harter, who seems to be missing for one reason or another after his recent bust up with management.

Annie Zellor: Really? You’re still carrying the Inflatable Dom?

Fenrys: I--

Spencer Burke: Would it be possible to get a few words with you all?

Interrupting Fenrys, Spencer Burke appears on the scene with a microphone in hand, and the masked man stomps his foot in anger. The other three all give Spencer a side eye stare, none of them particularly wanting to be interviewed right now. But maybe they’re in a giving mood.

Spencer Burke: Jaelynn, Fenrys, tonight you’re both in action in singles matches. And, Jaelynn, you’re up against someone you mentioned after the last show--

Jaelynn Ramsey: Spencer, I know who I’m up against, and I understand the implications. Annie and I, we’ve made our intentions known that we intend to become the next United States Tag Team champions. I had a taste at being a tag team champion with Molly Reid what seems like eons ago in the WCS, and I’d like to have another reign, one that will be memorable with someone who is like family, and that is Annie.

Annie adjusts the Seattle Pro tag title on her shoulder at the mention of titles, holding it up prominently, especially after that mini marathon of title defenses that they went through recently.

Jaelynn Ramsey: --and Jenevieve Geroux, to the shock of almost everybody, has done something logical. But a match against Antoinette Sands should suffice for my return to Vertigo, and to set The New Murder on our way to becoming tag team champions together.

Mary-Jane McCracken: Just the first step on the journey.

Annie Zellor: Exactly. But Jae’s gonna show everybody why she shoulda been picked higher in the draft-- why all of us should’ve been picked higher in the draft. And Fenrys is gonna give Zola Star a run for her money, amirite?

Fenrys: I--

But he’s interrupted again. Fenrys raises the Inflatable Dom up to possibly smack someone with it, before Mary-Jane grabs it out of his hands. The two stare at each other as the conversation continues.

Jaelynn Ramsey: It’s simple, Spencer, whether Jenevieve Geroux wants us to or not, we’re going to succeed. One way or another.

Annie Zellor: Through hell or high water.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Until we have gold around our waists…

Spencer Burke: Now to talk about the elephant in the room-- you seem to be down one member tonight. Where’s Dom Harter?

Jaelynn and Annie look at each other, before Annie pats Spencer on the shoulder.

Annie Zellor: We know you miss winding him up, Spence, but tonight might not be your night. So you just sit back and watch us work our magic, ok?

She gently pats him on the cheek, and the New Murder members turn and walk away, Mary-Jane still carrying the Inflatable Dom as the show cuts elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage to a shot of Jessie Pederson smiling warmly at the camera. With a Vertigo branded interview set behind her, she raises the microphone to her mouth.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentleman, welcoming my guest at this time, a man who needs no introduction, Sloan Talbot.

The camera zooms out slightly to fit the big man in the frame as he steps into it, towering over Pederson as he stands beside her. Sloan runs a hand over his hair, looking off into the distance before meeting eyes with Jessie Pederson as she transitions into the interview.

Jessie Pederson: Sloan, I think we can agree it’s been a period of change for you here in FGA. You’ve experienced your first brand move, coming over from Flashpoint to Vertigo - how do you think that’ll affect your momentum going forward, does it possibly hurt it?

Talbot cracks an uncharacteristic grin for a moment, gently guiding the microphone towards his face as Pederson holds the mic.

Sloan Talbot: You could be a guy like me anywhere, Jessie. I’m gonna do some damage either way. Don’t care if it’s on Flashpoint, don’t care if it’s on Vertigo. Main event, opening match - hell, I don’t even have to be on the damn card. I hurt people. That’s what I do. I ain’t no scientist but I’m figuring people get hurt just the same way on Vertigo as they do on Flashpoint. Orange or green, no difference to me.

Pederson nods along as Sloan speaks, taking in his answer before continuing.

Jessie Pederson: Alright. So obviously things didn’t go your way in that hellacious five way ladder match for the FGA 15 Championship. You’re up against Jillian Clay tonight, is the goal simply to get back into the win column and build from there?

Sloan instantly shakes his head ‘no’.

Sloan Talbot: The goal is the same as it’s always been. Inflict as much damage as possible. I ain’t a very complicated guy to figure out - I hurt people. That’s my M.O. It ain’t gonna change. Tonight I’m going to go out to that ring, I’m gonna throw Jillian Clay around a little bit, I’m gonna smash her face in a little bit, then I’m gonna pin her. Hell, maybe I’ll throw around that little freak that runs alongside her too. The beauty of it, is that no one can do a goddamn thing about it.

With that Sloan releases his grip on the microphone, allowing Jessie to once more bring it down to her height before he walks out of shot, abruptly ending the interview.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Zola Star vs. Fenrys

Zola Star starts things off by knocking Fenrys off his feet with a pair of dropkicks. After an irish whip sends The New Murder member into the ropes, Star brings him to the mat with a headscissors takedown. She goes for another irish whip, only to have it reversed. When Star returns, she tackles Fenrys down with a Lou Thesz Press before nailing him with multiple right hands to the face. Star then gets off of Fenrys before hitting the ropes. When she returns, she motions for some sort of dive. But Fenrys is able to roll to the floor in time. Fenrys rolls to the outside to regroup and go over strategy with his fellow New Murder members at ringside, Annie Zellor, Mary-Jane McCracken and Jaelynn Ramsey. But the trio are huddled up discussing something else. Fenrys walks over with his hands in the air. He tries to butt in. But Zellor puts her hand over his mouth and motions for him to get back into the ring. A dejected Fenrys goes to the one person that will listen to him: the Inflatable Dom at ringside! Fenrys continues to consult with the Inflatable Dom until Star knocks him down with a topé suicida from behind! She brings the match back inside and goes for a cover, but Fenrys kicks out at two.

As the match continues, Star goes to work with multiple kicks to the gut before lighting up Fenrys' chest with knife edge chops. She then sends Fenrys into the far corner with an Irish whip before running over to attack, only to end up getting knocked back with a back elbow. He then hoists himself up onto the middle ropes, leaps off and knocks Star down with a shotgun dropkick for a count of two.

Fenrys remains in control with a vertical suplex for another two count. Star then reverses an irish whip, sending Fenrys into the ropes. When he returns, he flattens Star with a rolling elbow before following up with a standing moonsault for a two count. Fenrys starts to pour it on with a front suplex, followed by multiple sentons across the chest. He then scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and drives Star back down with a diving bulldog for a two count. He then goes for a running bulldog when Star shoves him off into the ropes. When Fenrys returns, Star knocks him off his feet with a superkick. Star starts to battle back with a striking combo before knocking Fenrys down with Seeing Stars (spinning kick to the face) for a two count. A cartwheel knee strike also gets a two count. Star then goes for the Three Amigos. She goes to complete the third vertical suplex when Fenrys slips down from behind and counters with a Lungblower. Star is then brought back down with a pulling backbreaker before Fenrys executes an inverted suplex. He then scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Star's back with the Moon’s Light Splash (Corkscrew 630 Senton)! Fenrys makes the cover and gets the ONE, TWO, THREE!

After the match, an elated Fenrys rolls to the outside. It's the first match that he's won in forever. He goes to celebrate with his cohorts. But Zellor, Ramsey and McCracken are halfway up the aisle on their way to the back. So Fenrys goes to celebrate with the only person that will listen to him: the Inflatable Dom.

Winner: Fenrys (7:19)

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We shift backstage where Spencer Burke is standing outside the locker room of Antoinette Sands and Ashley Marie Chase.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen in just a few short minutes Antoinette Sands will face off with Jaelynn Ramsey. Let’s see if we can get a few words from Ant about this match.

Spencer knocks on the door and when it opens we see Ashley Marie Chase standing there, She quickly slinks out into the hallway and closes the door behind her.

Ashley Marie Chase: Can I help you with something?

Spencer Burke: I was hoping to get a few words from Ant about her match in a few minutes?

AMC shakes her head

Ashley Marie Chase: Ant is busy. You just said she has a match in a few minutes so she does not have time to talk to you so go away.

AMC turns to go back inside but Spencer grabs her shoulder causing AMC to snap around and stare at him

Spencer Burke: Well if Ant is unavailable then maybe you could answer some questions? Such as is Ant ready for tonight? She has seemed distracted lately and not the Ant we have come to know.

Ashley Marie Chase: Ant is just fine! Last show she was just hungry and you would not like her when she is hungry. Today she ate a snickers so she is herself again.

Spencer Burke: What can we expect from her tonight?

AMC rolls her eyes as she obviously does not want to be talking to Spencer

Ashley Marie Chase: What you can expect from Ant tonight is a win plain and simple. This Jaelynn Ramsey will be a tough opponent but Ant will take everything she has learned from Peanut and everything she has learned from her special friends…..

AMC looks up toward the sky

Ashley Marie Chase: And she will put all that skill and planning to good use. Oh and I'm sure she learned something from Sully, too, so...

AMC puts her hand on her chin trying to think of what Ashley Sullivan might of taught Ant. She then waves Spencer off and opens the door where we hear chanting and quickly goes back into the locker room.

Spencer Burke: Well Ashley Marie Chase says Antoinette Sands is ready for tonight. We will just have to wait and see what she brings to her match with Jaelynn Ramsey.

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up in a dressing room, where Evan Envi is reclined in a lawn chair, legs propped up on an oversized bean bag as a flat-screen monitor relays the program back to him. The fans packed into the Cajundome roar with a mixed reaction at the sight of the Chief, who whistles to himself, texting away on his phone with a small frown on his face.

Knock! Knock!

Evan Envi: Finally. Come in.

Evan breathes a sigh of relief as the door creaks open. He drops his cell phone into the mesh pocket of the lawn chair and begins to rise to his feet-- but his face falls a bit as the occupant draws closer.

Evan Envi: Oh-- yo.

Envi settles back down into his chair with a sigh while Spencer Burke walks into frame, standing on the other side of the beanbag, giving Envi a shrug.

Spencer Burke: Sorry to disappoint. Was the knock misleading? I was debating whether or not it was appropriate to announce myself beforehand, but I decided to just go with the knock.

Evan Envi: Nah, it’s fine.

He clears his throat and gestures to the makeshift seat in front of him.

Evan Envi: You wanna sit on my beanbag, Spence?

Spencer Burke: Nope. Where’s Ricky?

Evan Envi: Good question. Thought we were gonna go over pl-- uh-- sit back here and watch the evening’s competition, while staying far from it but as it turns out, he’s been difficult to get a hold of today. So I’m just uh… back here… taking some mental notes.

Spencer Burke: Yeah? Have you been paying a lot of attention to the Dynamic Duos tournament this year?

Evan Envi: Little bit.

Spencer Burke: Yeah? Who’s your favorite remaining team to win the whole thing?

Evan Envi: Hm. That’s uh… that’s a tough one, Spencer. Um. I am a huge Blaise fan, as you know, so the League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers are pretty slick. Pretty slick team. You know-- as someone that’s completely uninvolved and completely removed from the situation. So I really have no dog in this fight, but… they’re pretty cooool… and I also think I’m a pretty big fan of Los… uh… what are th-- those really jacked dudes with the facepaint… who are they?

Spencer stares at Envi.

Spencer Burke: You mean… Los Chicos Malos.

Evan Envi: Yes. Them. Thank you. They’re pretty fantastic. I was completely blown away by everything they did in the first round-- kinda mesmerized. Like, I think the Good Guys could definitely learn a thing or two from those amazing competitors. Can’t wait to watch them later.

Spencer stares at Envi.

Spencer Burke: Right. I’ll watch it with you.

Evan Envi: Mm! Hard pass.

CREAK.

???: Oh, goddammit!

Both men spin around to find Ricky Valero entering the room looking rather unenthused as his eyes lock on the FGA interviewer.

Spencer Burke: Ah. Ricky. Just the guy I wanted to--

Evan Envi: Bro.

Evan gestures to his phone as he looks at Ricky, brows perked in curiosity.

Evan Envi: Were you intentionally leaving me in suspense all night? You know how long it takes to put on all th…

Envi trails off, clearing his throat as our camera pans out, revealing Burke now standing right beside the Chief, giving him a curious gaze.

Ricky Valero: Oh yea, dude...my bad. I just got sidetracked with some personal stuff. Everything’s okay now though. I’m here. We can get ready for our m…

Valero stops himself as he watches the corner of Spencer’s lips curl up into a half smirk.

Ricky Valero: Get ready for our, uh, massive Vertigo viewing party. Yea, everyone’s coming. It’s going to be totally wild!

Spencer cocks an eyebrow with some intrigue in his voice.

Spencer Burke: Is that so? Maybe I’ll stop by and check it out.

But Valero quickly shoots him down with a scoff and a scowl.

Ricky Valero: God no. It’s invite-only.

Spencer Burke: But you just said--

Valero’s eyes narrow and he stretches his arms outward.

Ricky Valero: I’m sorry, did you somehow forget that you’re nobody to me?

Valero’s words cut deep as Spencer’s voice trails off and his eyes travel down to the floor.

Spencer Burke: Right…

Ricky Valero: Right.

Valero gives Envi a look out of the corner of his eye and flashes an evil grin. Spencer’s eyes flicker back to Valero, but just as quickly, the smile disappears.

Spencer Burke: Well, I won’t keep you guys too much longer then. But I felt I should ask…

Spencer saunters toward the door, but turns on his heel, giving both of the Good Guys a curious gaze before he departs.

Spencer Burke: Doesn’t it bum you guys out a little that you didn’t do what you promised last week? That you didn’t square off in the Gauntlet… that neither of you is going on to face Fujiko Mine for the Undisputed Championship? Evan?

Envi’s face visibly falls a bit, but he doesn’t meet the interviewer’s gaze. He audibly sighs, folding his arms. Spencer’s own eyes travel past the Chief and toward Valero.

Spencer Burke: And now you’re just… hosting viewing parties in the back? Is that where you saw yourself a week ago, Ricky?

Valero, meanwhile, stares daggers through the FGA reporter.

Ricky Valero: No…

Valero rolls his eyes while pressing his tongue against his cheek. His fists clench.

Ricky Valero: This is absolutely not where The Good Guys envisioned themselves a week ago. We had plans. Big plans. But, as many plans do, they fell through. It was a missed opportunity neither of us was able to deliver on, Spence. So we’re throwing a goddamn viewing party to take our minds off it...to numb the pain a little bit. Because I can’t speak directly for my best friend, but I know that failure has been eating a hole through my soul since the moment Izzy Anders had her hand raised in the middle of that ring. I know that my blood pressure has skyrocketed, my teeth are grinding, and I’ve been one rude, crude son of a bitch.

He sighs.

Ricky Valero: Because we should be celebrating our own triumphs. We should be partying up knowing that the NEXT FGA World Champion is a Good Guy. Instead…Instead, we’re celebrating the Dynamic Duos tournament. We’re celebrating the beauty of tag-team wrestling.

That sly grin creeps back across Valero’s face.

Ricky Valero: And I, for one, am rooting for the embodiment of superior tag-team wrestling...Los Chicos Malos!

Spencer mutters something inaudible. Evan, for his part, smiles somewhat sheepishly…

Ricky Valero: So if you don’t mind, Spence, I think we’ve entertained you for long enough tonight. Get the hell out of our locker room. We need to get ready.

Spencer looks calmly between the two Good Guys before nodding a little. Without another word, he turns, walking out of the dressing room. Evan follows Burke to the doorway, only to close the door behind him before turning to Valero.

Evan Envi: Why don’t we try to end our interactions on less of a sour note from now on?

Valero raises a brow at the Chief, offering no immediate response.

Evan Envi: Maybe instead of “get the heck out of my room”, we can send people away with something like-- “thanks for stopping by, but I must respectfully inform you that this visit has reached its point of expiration.” Something softer, but effective. For the kids.

Hard stare from Valero.

Evan Envi: No?

Hard stare. Evan shrugs and raises his palms.

Evan Envi: Fine. Fine. I’m just pitchin’ stuff.

Ricky Valero: Evan. Are you ready?

Evan Envi: Of c…

Evan cuts himself off when Valero’s tone resonates with him. The three words hold more weight than casual conversation. Valero’s unblinking gaze reinforces it.

Evan Envi: Of course. You know how much tonight means to me. We just have to m…

Evan’s eyes slowly drift toward the camera that still lingers in the dressing room. The scene jolts a bit as the cameraman jumps at the stare both Good Guys now fix on him.

Ricky Valero: Get the hell out.

Valero makes a menacing stride toward the camera operator, who fumbles, nearly dropping the equipment as he pushes open the door and scurries out of the room. The door slams shut behind him, and Evan’s muffled voice can be heard from the other side.

Evan Envi: See-- it was effective that time. But let’s work on it is all I’m sayin’.

We slowly fade away on the shot of the closed door.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Jaelynn Ramsey vs. Antoinette Sands w/ Ashley Marie Chase

Ramsey and Sands start things off with a lockup. The New Murder member is able to overpower Sands and move her into the corner. Instead of making a clean break, Ramsey cheapshots Sands with multiple shoulder thrusts that nearly drive the air out of her. She then follows up with a series of mudhole stomps, sending Sands slumping down in the corner. But Ramsey doesn't stop there. She reaches down and fires away with a flurry of right hands to the face of Sands. Ramsey then applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope. Just before the ref's count is about to reach five, Ramsey lets go of the choke. On the outside, Ashley Marie Chase is seen showing support for her tag team partner while Annie Zellor is encouraging Ramsey to keep it up.

Ramsey is able to drag Sands out of the corner towards the center of the ring and follows up with multiple elbow drops. She then returns to her feet, hits the ropes and follows up with multiple leg drops for a two count. Sands is then whipped into the ropes. When she returns, she gets thrown down with a back body drop. Ramsey then grabs Sands by the hair, runs and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. While Sands is picking herself up on the outside, Ramsey hits the far ropes. When she returns, she goes for Jaegerbomb (suicide dive) when Sands slips out of the way, causing Ramsey to crash to the floor! Sands rolls back inside, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and brings Ramsey down with a diving crossbody! Sands rolls her back inside and makes the cover, but Ramsey kicks out at two.

Ramsey reverses an irish whip, sending Sands into the ropes. When Sands returns, she brings Ramsey down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. Ramsey is then knocked down with a dropkick. A second dropkick returns Ramsey to the mat. Ramsey slips out of the way of a third dropkick and follows up with a legsweep for another two count. Ramsey moves Sands back into the corner before going to work with rights and lefts to the body. She then rocks Sands with multiple throat thrusts before whipping her into the far corner. Ramsey runs across the ring to attack when Sands dazes her with a boot to the face before bringing her out of the corner with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Sands then brings Ramsey down with a running bulldog before heading back out to the apron. She scales to the top, leaps off and goes for a flying clothesline, only for Ramsey to counter with a superkick in mid air. After knocking Sands down from behind with a crooked arm lariat, Ramsey knocks her down with a short-arm clothesline before driving her down with The Savagery (diving bulldog) for the ONE, TWO THREE!

After the match, Ramsey motions to attack Sands when Chase gets in to make the save. She pushes Ramsey away from Sands and keeps her at bay. Ramsey raises her arms defensively while Zellor calls her to the outside. The pair of New Murder members make their way up the aisle while Chase tends to Sands, only to turn back around, rush the ring and put the boots to Chase! The bell repeatedly sounds while Ramsey chokes Chase across the middle ropes. She then holds Chase in place before Zellor delivers the Rough 'n' Tumble (Tiger Feint Kick). Zellor then gives the downed Chase a Grrface while Ramsey raises her arms in victory.

Winner: Jaelynn Ramsey (8:04)

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We cut ringside where the Vertigo GM Jenevieve Geroux is in the ring. She, as one might guess given her introverted nature, looks incredibly uncomfortable and has a death grip on her microphone. After several awkward silent moments pass, she finally speaks up.

Jenevieve Geroux: Hello Vertigo fans.

The GM clears her throat.

Jenevieve Geroux: As you know, next up for the World Championship is Fujiko Mine defending against Izzy Anders, thanks to Ms. Anders gauntlet victory last show. But the battle to get to the top of the rankings is ever-ongoing, so I’m here to talk about what may be next for the winner of that match. After a thorough consultation of all the data gathered on the members of the roster, The G.E.R.O.U.X. System has determined that there are three contenders at the top of the list right now …

She freezes, the color in her face quickly draining as she seems to have had a stage fright moment. After a couple of deep breaths, she pulls a crumpled up piece of paper out of her pocket and squints to read the handwriting on it.

Jenevieve Geroux: … They are, Chris Madison, James Edwards and Marlon Cure. Now I could have announced this backstage, but I wanted to address this in front of all of you in case there’s some confusion about the G.E.R.O.U.X. System and what this all means for the competitors I named. Now, to understand that you of course need to remember that the system stands for Gainful Efficiency R--

“ALLOW ME TO REINTRODUCE MYSELF
MY NAME IS HOV”

Jenevieve can’t finish her thought as she’s interrupted but also saved from dying a painful death on the mic by the sounds of Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement. The crowd cheers as “King” Marlon Cure, accompanied by Keiko, makes his way out to the ring to a surprisingly positive reaction from the crowd!

Cure walks up the steps and enters through the ropes as Keiko holds them open, and walks right by the General Manager as he hops up to the top ropes as he holds up a hand to the sky. A section of the fans follow in suit, causing Cure to give a smirk as he hops down and his music dies down.

Keiko hands her boss a mic and gives a polite wave to GM Jenevieve, before King Cure” goes to speak.

Marlon Cure: So, let me see if I get this straight, just to make sure that myself and The Masses aren’t mishearing you. I went on a virtual year on Vertigo… let’s say about a year. I held a title for most of that year and rose the bar for competition whenever I graced this 20x20 ring and did it with the greatest of ease. I gave classics, reached the top and took a hard L -

Cure pauses and gives a shrug as some of the crowd seems surprised by his admittance.

Marlon Cure: I can admit it. Even the greatest gotta suffer sometime. Fujiko empties the entire clip to put me down but I took the L. I’ll bounce back, reup and be right back in that bitch because I never fold, never bow down or say die. But that’s besides the point.

He turns his attention back to their introverted General Manager.

Marlon Cure: My point is… after putting on another viable Match of The Year candidate, imagine my surprise when not only am I left out of a match to determine who gets Fujiko next - a match filled with people who have lost to her AND I, mind you- but you went and left the biggest name on the roster off the card for the night?

There were a number of boos from the crowd at this. Cure holds up a hand, silencing the fans briefly as he fixes GM Geroux with a hard stare.

Marlon Cure: Not only that… but you try and placate me by lumping me in with Chris Madison, who while he ain’t me is AIIGHT… and James *BEEP*in’ Edwards??

Cure sounded outright disgusted at being mentioned anywhere near Edwards as he gives her an incredulous look, even taking off his sunglasses so she could see just how appalled he is.

Marlon Cure: I don’t know if I’m more offended that you tried tying his name to the World Title with this opportunity or that you put me and him in the same sentence in any way shape or form. But I’ll deal. Why? Because I’m a patient man. Me and the World Title is an inevitability but I don’t want it to come cheap.

Raising a hand, Cure begins ticking off a list of names.

Marlon Cure: I’ll go heads up with Madison. I’ll go heads up with Edwards. I’ll go through Envi, Harter, Valero, Anders, whoever so calls themselves thinking they got next? Come see me, bow down and pay homage.

He turns and glares right at the stage, as if daring someone to come out.

Marlon Cure: … And keep your head on a swivel when you want it with The King.

The crowd starts to boo loudly and almost shakes the arena in the process; turning the attention of the general manager and the former number one contender to the stage. No music plays, and only the raw sound of hatred greets James Edwards as he breaks through the curtains. Dressed in a black hoodie and faded Wranglers, his hands halfway submerged in his pockets, Edwards strolls down the ramp. He seems impervious to the noise, but a human being can only take being told they suck so much. It pains him, and he lets it show for a moment longer then he should as takes two laps around the ring to give himself more time to ready what he is about to say.Finally, and gingerly, ascending the ring steps, Edwards walks up to Cure and motions for the microphone. Cure holds it out for a moment and then casually tosses it over his shoulder to laughter from the audience. Edwards sighs and goes to retrieve it. Once he does, he turns his attention to Geroux.

James Edwards: So you wanted to talk about numbers, yeah?

He points at the GM, who stands statue-still with wide eyes.

James Edwards: Those damn numbers of yours said I was a world title contender when anybody payin' attention knew it wasn't true. I even admitted I didn't pass the eye test coming outta' L.A. I still came out here on the last show and gave it my best shot in the gauntlet even when my gut told me it was a bad idea. I didn't do that bad. If my luck were better, maybe Izzy would be standin' here instead of me, but that's just wishin' and not reality. The say way, whether I like it or not, I ain't world ready right now.

For the most part, the audience is silent and not sure where Edwards is going. Cure looks like he is about to burst out laughing. GM
Geroux continues to stand still like a deer in the headlights hoping she wouldn’t have to speak again.

James Edwards: From where I'm standin', your numbers, boss, are putting me in a hell of a bind. Say I take this fight and say I lose it. You know how many losses in those situations it would make for me going back a year? Four! Four damn high profile losses. You throw that into how most of my fights have gone lately, and I'm still a laughin' stock.

Cure nods in agreement. If Edwards sees it, he doesn't let on and continues to hone in on Geroux.

James Edwards: You don't need to keep handin' me this stuff. I ain't gonna' cause any trouble on this show, I swear. I just wanna' lay low, go back to the bottom and work my way back up, and maybe keep workin' on some new moves. That ain't gonna' happen, though, is it? Your numbers ain't gonna' let me go back to the simple life, and maybe that's a good thing.

He turns his attention to the camera. Geroux breathes a sigh of relief as he does.

James Edwards: Going back to before is what a scared man does, and I'll admit it, I'm scared sh*tless right now. I keep watchin' people I beat two years ago pass me by and win the big one. I'm getting booed outta' every building I walk in and laughed outta' every locker room I put my boots on in. I think the worst thing is the more time goes by, the more I wonder if I'm ever gonna' win a world title here; if this shot is gonna' be my last one or not. I probably would've gone on thinkin' that if it weren't for the damn numbers.

He finally turns his gaze to Cure and is now all business.

James Edwards: The numbers ain't gonna' let me hide. They've got me out in the open where every single jackass dancin' on my grave the past few months can see me. Nobody is standin' beside or behind me. It's just me against all the noise, all the numbers tellin' me it doesn't matter how hard I work or fight; tellin' me, I ain't gonna' amount to sh*t in this company. I've got one choice, be scared and run, or be scared and fight like hell for the one thing I want more than anything else in the world.
He crosses the ring and comes face-to-face with Cure.

James Edwards: Give me Madison. Give me this son of a bitch right here. Give them to me at the same time. I don't give a damn!

The iconic guitar riffs of KISS’s “War Machine” screams over the PA system, cutting James Edwards off, drawing all of FGA’s fans up to their feet. The drumbeat kicks in and Chris Madison slowly strolls through the curtain, out onto the stage with a grin on his face, instantly locking eyes with James Edwards. As the first verse of the song plays, Madison marches his way down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans that are reaching over the guardrail. He stops at the base of the ring and the fans sing along with the chorus, echoing throughout the arena as Madison bangs his head to the sound of them serenading him.

“Better watch out, cause I’m a war machine. Better watch out, cause I’m a war machine.”

Madison steps towards the apron and reaches up, grabbing the middle rope. He pulls himself up onto the apron and looks back and forth between James Edwards and Marlon Cure before nodding his head and climbing through the ropes. He reaches down as one of the ring crew members hustles and passes off a microphone. He confidently raises the microphone up to his lips and smirks.

Chris Madison: No offense intended but the fact that he’s in the top three of your rankings proves that this whole system is complete bulls***!

The fans roar as Madison points towards James Edwards. Edwards begins to jaw back at Madison who nonchalantly ignores his opponent from All-Star Showdown.

Chris Madison: I don’t know what you thought you were goin’ to accomplish by havin’ all three of us out here for this. I’ve always been a believer of lettin’ my work inside this ring speak for itself. So if you think I’m goin’ to come out here and debate with these two about who is more deservin’ of a title shot, you’re more out of touch than the G.E.R.O.U.X. System is. I failed to get the job done in the gauntlet match at the last Vertigo, there’s no sugarcoatin’ that. But, I’m not goin’ to pass up an opportunity. If this really is your top three, there’s only one way to figure out who should be the one gettin’ that match.

Madison looks back and forth at Cure and Edwards again.

Chris Madison: Put us in a triple threat match! Make the next challenger earn that title shot!

The fans in the arena erupt at the idea of a triple threat match between Marlon Cure, James Edwards, and Chris Madison. Thankfully the escalating tensions seem to have overcome the GM’s fear of public speaking, and tapped into the competitor in her.

Jenevieve Geroux: Sounds like a good idea.

She interjects.

Jenevieve Geroux: At Above & Beyond VII, Madison vs. Cure vs. Edwards in a 3 way dance, the winner challenges for the World Championship at Final Frontier.

The crowd cheers the match announcement, and the GM immediately signals to cut to a break, panning in on the three top contenders and the tension building between them before cutting away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Cutting backstage, the camera trains on Spencer Burke, who sits in a lavish environment. Dark red curtains draping over a set, he eyes the camera with a passive expression.

Spencer Burke: Spencer Burke here, and right now I have Izzy Anders.

The crowd pops as Izzy steps into frame. She stands there with an amused expression on her face, not entirely focusing on the interviewer near her. As she seems to gather her focus, she turns to Spencer and greets him with a smile and a playful smack on the arm. Spencer recoils a bit but coming to know Izzy this long, he expects as much.

Izzy Anders: How ya doin’, Spence?

Spencer nods.

Spencer Burke: Pretty good, for better or worse. Now I want to congratulate you on becoming the new number one contender for the FGA World Championship, a belt that you’ve held once before. Gold has been your companion for the past year and now you have a chance to gain some again--the biggest of them all. How does that grab you, Izzy?

Izzy returns the nod, finding the best words to answer. She crosses her arms in an inquisitive manner.

Izzy Anders: It grabs like it should anyone else. Any competitor is here to one day stand on the top of a mountain. We’re here to make ourselves immortal, etch our names in the annals of history. So, of course, I’m excited.

The Mindkiller pauses.

Izzy Anders: Well, I would say that 100% if it wasn’t for a simple fact that I know you’re really here to ask me.

Spencer smirks, appreciating Izzy’s foresight.

Spencer Burke: We all know who the champ is, and we can all say that you two are...intertwined. In FGA, we have Chandler Scott vs. Jimmy Page and The Usual Suspects vs. The Murder as two of the all-time great rivalries. I’d have to say that Izzy Anders vs. Fujiko Mine is one of those as well. And now we’re standing at chapter four. The past three chapters have been all you. Does that...does that change anything?

Izzy looks up at the ceiling, thinking hard on the question.

Izzy Anders: I wouldn’t say that the record changes everything. I want to say that the past few months changes things. The fact that we don’t walk into this match as strangers, enemies, or rivals but as allies...friends...that changes it. Because this won’t be a bitter grudge match like any match between us before. This is complex. This is dynamic. This is what wrestling is about. And I’ll say that this is the most important chapter of our story. Because there’s so many questions that will surround us.

Presenting a hand, the Grand Slam Champion begins to count off three.

Izzy Anders: Am I still going to backstab Fujiko as per my master plan?

She gives Spencer a funny gaze, who seems to believe that’s not on the table.

Izzy Anders: Will our relationship burn to the ground because of the most valuable prize in professional wrestling?

Izzy then stares at the last finger remaining. Her lips twist downward.

Izzy Anders: Will this match just be a repeat of the other three?

She holds the finger up for longer than the others. Spencer looks at her.

Spencer Burke: Izzy...do you have an answer to any of those questions?

Izzy relaxes, leaning against the wall with a long sigh. Spencer follows her, making sure not to have her get too far from the microphone.

Izzy Anders: You’ve known me for too long, Spencer, not to know what I’m about.

Flipping her hair back, the Cheshire Cat grin that accompanies Izzy Anders most of the time flashes.

Izzy Anders: I never spill secrets.

Patting Spencer on the shoulder, Izzy darts off out of camera range.

[FGA Office]

Backstage Blaise Fader and Ethan Giles are walking hand in hand down through the hallway designated for locker rooms, a bounce in their step. There's a few random staff they pass by that Blaise waves to and Ethan nods, giving everyone warm tidings. Giles is holding in his other hand a plate that has on it a freshly baked carrot cake with homemade icing that's been styled and coloured to look like carrots on top of the cake. The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers stop in front of the door that reads "G3". True to his promise made on twitter in a conversation with one half of G3, he sets the plate down in front of their door for them to retrieve.

Fader and he continue on down the hall, smiling and even starting to skip! The jolly duo disappear down a corridor and the camera cuts away.

[FGA Office]

GM Geroux is walking down the hall returning to her office, when she sees her door is cracked open. Pausing for a moment, she slowly swings it all the way open to see she has an uninvited visitor.

Piper Lennon: Sup?

The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion has made herself at home at the GM’s desk, lounging back in her chair, feet up in the air resting on a stack of papers.

Jenevieve Geroux: Get out of my chair.

Jenevieve mutters with gritted teeth.

Piper Lennon: See uh, funny thing I thought of while you were out there. Talking about title matches for people like … five years down the line when there’s nobody here in the mean time to play with little ol’ me. Which isn’t to come off like an entitled millennial or whatevs, but just thinking from your point of view, being about rules and all that, order, blah blah. Like all things I’m not really about, but y’know ...

She drums her fingers against her knee.

Piper Lennon: .. Last time I had to find myself a play thing, apparently some people didn’t take kindly to it. Doesn’t really make you look like you’re running a tight ship if you can’t stop me from making a snuff pictogram of the locker room’s senior circuit whenever I want.

Lennon shrugs, but the GM being a former competitor in her own right, isn’t afraid of a little confrontation-- public speaking, sure-- but not this.

Jenevieve Geroux: Rest assured, if you keep stepping out of line there will be consequences. But fortunately for you, I do have competition lined up for you. I’ve gone through the rankings in the G.E.R.O.U.X. System, and the next competitor in line for your title is going to be a competitor who’s unbeaten here so far-- Ace Voltage.

Piper snickers, tries to stop herself, then bursts into a giggle fit. After glancing up and down at the stoic features of Geroux, the M.A.L. Champ manages to compose herself.

Piper Lennon: Wait you’re serious … we have a dude named Ace Voltage here? When did that happen?

Jenevieve Geroux: This is a serious challenge for you, but nobody’s forcing you to treat it as such. I gave you what you wanted to know; your reaction to the news is up to you.

At this point, Piper has stood up and is making her exit, seemingly still highly amused.

Piper Lennon: Okay, okay, little girl robot I’ll let you get back to work. Lemme know if Ace Voltage gets back from touring with Steel Panther in time for our next Pay Per View, whatever it’s called-- later.

She gives Jenevieve a hard slap on the back, causing the GM to tense up and glower, eyes not leaving Lennon until she’s made her way well down the hall.

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Sloan Talbot vs. Jillian Clay w/ Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter

Clay starts things off by rushing Talbot and hitting him with multiple forearms to the face. But none of the blows faze the big man. Talbot then palms Clay's face and shoves her down to the mat. Clay returns to her feet, rushes over and ducks a right cross from Talbot. Clay responds with jabs high and low before hitting Talbot with another flurry of forearms. But again, Talbot isn't fazed. He then grabs Clay by the throat before tossing her into the corner. Talbot rushes in and throws out a strike. But Clay's able to slip out of the way. When Talbot turns around, Clay nails him with a rolling elbow. Talbot doesn't budge. So she spins and bashes him with another rolling elbow. Again, Talbot isn't fazed. So she goes for an irish whip. But Talbot doesn't budge an inch. Clay goes for another irish whip. Again, Talbot blocks the move. He then takes Clay, tosses her into the corner and unleashes a series of knee strikes to the midsection before swatting her down with clubbing strikes across the back. Talbot then takes Clay by the hair before launching her across the ring. Talbot marches over, yanks up Clay and launches her across the ring again. Clay then gets yanked up before being whipped into the ropes. When Clay returns, she ducks a lariat before ducking a back elbow. When Clay comes back, she goes to counter with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors when Talbot stops her in mid air and throws her down with a sidewalk slam for a two count.

Talbot hits a backbreaker before flinging Clay across the ring with a fallaway slam. She tries to pick herself up. But Talbot is right there to flatten her from behind with a lariat. He then sends Clay back into the ropes before bringing her down with a hip toss neckbreaker. Talbot makes the cover. But Clay, somehow, gets her shoulder up just before the three count.

Talbot continues his offense, sending Clay crashing into the corner with an irish whip. He then charges in for an attack when Clay slips out of the way, causing him to crash into the turnbuckles. While he stumbles back, Clay climbs up to the middle ropes and knocks him back with a diving forearm. She then climbs up to the top turnbuckle and goes for a corkscrew moonsault. But Talbot catches her across his shoulder before throwing her down hard with a front powerslam. After flinging Clay through the ropes and to the apron, Talbot climbs up onto the bottom rope, reaches over, grabs Clay and brings her back inside with Enter Tragedy (superplex from the apron). Talbot then turns Clay over before locking her in the Dead Saint Stretch (Stretch Muffler)! it doesn't take long for Clay to tap out.

Post-match, the bell repeatedly sounds when Talbot refuses to release the hold. Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter has seen enough of this and goes in to make the save for his partner. He knocks Talbot off Clay with a pair of dropkicks before going to work on him with Holyfield-esque. Fresno continues the flurry of strikes until Talbot grabs him by the throat, reaches up and throws him down with a chokeslam. He then turns Fresno over before locking him in the Dead Saint Stretch. The boos continue as Talbot stomps on Fresno while he's got Fresno in the hold, Suddenly, the boos turn to cheers when Mark Storm hits the ring. Storm rushes over and knocks Talbot off of Fresno with a shotgun dropkick, sending Talbot rolling to the outside. Talbot climbs back up onto the apron, only to get knocked off with a yakuza kick. Talbot pulls himself back up onto the apron. But he's pulled back down by members of security. Security tries to pull Talbot back until Storm knocks them all down with an over the corner slingshot into a springboard moonsault.

Winner: Sloan Talbot (4:58)

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

A vignette begins to play with a 3 small kids in a circle around Tyler Storm. The contender for the Pride Championship sits on a blanket at his children play around with a few toys. Tyler's oldest, Remedi, is showing Tyler one of her favorite dolls which Tyler looks at and smiles. In the background, the voice of the wrestler can be heard speaking.

Tyler Storm: Your greatest motivations...for so many people those top motivations come from different avenues. The lust for gold, the opportunity to make a name for yourself, the simple task of being the best in the industry today. I can't deny even I strive at times because of those motivations...but the biggest motivator for me is the ability to leave a legacy behind for the ones that will carry my name into the future. My biggest motivator is accomplishing things that give me the best opportunities to provide for my kids and make sure they don't live an unhappy or unforgiving life.

He picks up the two twins, JJ and Zoey, lifting them onto his legs while JJ holds a small plush baby book. The father looks down and listens to his son try to read to him, while Zoey sucks on her thumb and looks at her brother.

Tyler Storm: I have said it so many times that wrestling was my true love, my family, my life...I really never could have imagined something to replace it in my heart. But hey, and this is something a lot of folks can tell you, parenthood shifts every perception into something completely different. It redefines your goals for the sake of the little lives you have to provide for. It changes your mindset, forces you to at least try to mature as a human being, makes you push yourself all for the purpose of doing right by them. Sometimes that results in things like overdoing it as a parent, trying to provide too much, spoiling, and I mean it's something as a parent that I and so many others are guilty of. But I wouldn't trade those mistakes away because I'm proud of what I can give and what I still want to give for them. And how I provide for them? Well...I fight...

Those last words are met with a fade from the special scene of Tyler with his kids, and flashes back in with moments from Tyler's career so far in FGA. Moments from every match since his debut, whether in win or loss, matches that include the Gold Rush Rumble, the battle with Fujiko, and his original battles with Seth Iser just to name a few.

Tyler Storm: My time in FGA hasn't been filled with a lot of out-breaking accomplishment for me, but damn has it been a wild ride so far? I like to think so. I get to come out here, in front of the Vertigo faithful each and every opportunity I am given, and I get to show them I am fully capable of to those fans that have given me purpose for so many years. It's because of all of you, ALL OF YOU, that I can be the best I can possibly be, the best for my children, and because of all of you I can rise to the greatest heights and experience the hardest falls.

The "hardest falls" line cuts to the moment from All-Star Showdown against Iser where he brought the Pride Champion off from the top turnbuckle onto the concrete floor for a superplex. A loud boom can be heard just as the two hit the floor, flashing the screen to black, then showing both of them in pain after the sound of the bell ringing in the background.

Tyler Storm: I experienced a rather hard fall at All-Star Showdown. And yes, I'll admit it, that was a moment of desperation and hoping my body would fight for me to provide me the strength to get back in that ring and fight again. But...that didn't happen...and my body not only paid a price for that risk, my back strained to a rather rough point that did result in some extra needed rehab, but once again I paid the price of hitting that wall of success again. It happened against Fujiko, it happened in the Gold Rush Rumble twice, and now it has happened against Seth. For the setbacks, I can only blame myself...but I have to remain motivated, vigilant, I have to fight back and get back to my best state.

This finally brings the scene to Tyler in the gym, sweating hard as he works every part of his body through weight training, agility exercises, stamina tests, and so forth. The determination in his eyes rages like a fire and a smile grows on his face with each workout shown.

Tyler Storm: Now is where I need to return to my truest form in FGA. I need to break my silences I've forced on myself, I need to break past my own barriers, I need to become The Tiger once again, The Swiss Army Knife, the one and only Tyler Storm. And that truest form of me...will lead me right back in the face of the roughest veteran in this business today for one more war. Seth Iser remains in my path and he is the pinnacle I chase. He knows I can get past him, because I've done it before...but this Seth Iser is one filled with a different level of power and motivation. The Pride Championship has turned him into a more formidable structure than the Great Wall of China. But that doesn't scare me. My own revitalization leads me right on course to tackle him just as hard as before. And Seth I promise you...next time our souls meet one on one...

Tyler finishes a set of bench weights in the final scene of the video, and he lifts up, staring directly forward and the smile shining just as brightly.

Tyler Storm: Seth, my friend...next time, I will be ready...and I intend to finally break the wall down for good. Stay cool...be witness...and welcome right back to the Eye of the Storm.

From that, the scene fades to black.

[FGA Office]

Backstage, Spencer Burke stands in front of the Vertigo interview set alone. He smiles into the camera.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time...the FGA World champion, Fujiko Mine.

The crowd cheers loudly as the champion’s name is mentioned. She steps into the shot, her chestnut colored hair waving around her. The FGA world championship at her shoulder, she nods to Spencer before looking just off camera.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, you were uncharacteristically silent after your tag team partner won the gauntlet match last Vertigo for the right to challenge you at Above & Beyond VII for the FGA World championship. Do you mind sharing your thoughts now?

Fujiko takes in a slow breath, her eyes blinking a few times. She seems to search for the right thing to begin her response for a few moments, before coming up with something.

Fujiko Mine: Congratulations.

She nods.

Fujiko Mine: Anyone in that gauntlet match would’ve been a threat to my reign as FGA world champion. Yes, even James Edwards. I know he’ll have something to say about it, but no one in that match was a pushover. With the exception of Piper Lennon, I’ve had encounters with every one of them. Any one of them would have been worthy. But…

Fujiko’s grip on the championship tightens subconsciously.

Fujiko Mine: Congratulations to Izzy Anders, my tag team partner. She proved she wanted this opportunity more than the others did. She was able to outlast them. They can talk about the luck of the draw, or make other excuses...but at Above & Beyond, The Mindkiller faces off against the Apex Goddess, in another chapter of our story.

Fujiko’s voice stays calm, but the tension in her hand, the one that holds up the championship, tells a different story.

Spencer Burke: You mentioned another chapter in your story. But…

She lifts her chin slightly, turning towards Spencer with intent to interrupt.

Fujiko Mine: Spencer, isn’t it interesting that, for months, every person who opposed the team of myself and Izzy Anders spoke about the day that she would stab me in the back? They talked so much about a day that, as of this interview, has never come. Even Izzy herself posited the idea that I might turn on her. That I might be the one to stab her in the back. And it took us on quite the journey. From the Pride championship, to the US tag team titles, and now...to this.

She takes the championship off her shoulder, looking down at the faceplate in her hands.

Fujiko Mine: It may no longer say undisputed, but I have no doubt that Izzy wants it just as bad.

She gives a distant smile.

Fujiko Mine: I think this may be the most interesting chapter yet…

Without looking at Spencer, Fujiko turns and walks off set. Spencer opens his mouth to say something, but he realizes the opportunity has passed him by.

Spencer Burke: Uh...Thank you for the time. Back to ringside, I guess?

[FGA Office]

• SINGLES MATCH •
Ace Voltage vs. Kazu Hirano

Voltage and Hirano look to start things off with a lock up when Voltage opts for an eye poke instead. Voltage then moves Hirano into the corner before lighting up his chest with knife edge chops. After an irish whip sends Hirano into the far corner, Voltage runs across the ring, connects with a clothesline and looks to follow up with a running bulldog out of the corner. But Hirano shoves him off into the ropes. Upon Voltage's return, he gets thrown down with a back body drop. A running lariat returns him to the mat. When Voltage gets back to his feet, a running shotgun dropkick sends him flying into the turnbuckles. As Voltage rolls away from the turnbuckles, Hirano steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Hirano motions for a diving elbow drop when Voltage rolls to the outside, resulting in boos from the crowd. Voltage continues to take a breather on the outside until Hirano flips off and knocks him down with a moonsault! Hirano rolls him back inside and makes the cover, only for Voltage to kick out at two.

Hirano stays on offense, whipping Voltage into the corner. Hirano follows up with a running lariat, sending Voltage slumping down in the corner. Hirano steps back, then rushes into the corner and throws out a cannonball. But Voltage rolls out of the way, causing Hirano to crash into the corner. Voltage goes to follow up with a back suplex when Hirano rolls over his shoulder, lands on his feet and pulls him down into an O'Connor Roll with a bridging prawn hold for a two count. Before Voltage can get up off the mat, Hirano wraps him back up with La Magistral for another two count. Hirano tries to grab a hold of Voltage when he gets caught with an eye rake. Voltage then brings him down with a vertical suplex, followed by a knee to the chest for a two count.

Voltage stays in control with a running neckbreaker, followed by stomps to the body. He then pulls Hirano up to a knee before hitting the ropes. Voltage comes back and motions for the Ace of Spades (Shining Wizard) when Hirano counters with a spinebuster. He then gets the crowd to chant “MECCHA SUGOI” before hitting the ropes. Hirano comes back, hops over Voltage and continues to run the ropes. When Hirano returns, he delivers the Meccha Sugoi Hiji (People's Elbow) for a two count. He then pulls Voltage up, hooks both arms and goes for a Tiger Bomb. But when Voltage gets lifted up onto Hirano's shoulders, he counters with multiple punches to the top of the head. After slipping down in front of Hirano, Voltage turns and hist the ropes. When he comes back, Hirano knocks him down with Maxwell's Silver Hammer (Polish Hammer) for another two count. Hirano then lifts Voltage up for Dizzy Miss Lizzy (Giant Swing) when Voltage delivers another eye rake. He then brings Hirano down from behind with a back suplex for a two count.

Hirano gets brought down with a Butterfly Suplex for a two count. A samoan drop gets a two count. Voltage then places Hirano in a sleeper hold. Hirano begins to feed off the energy of the crowd before battling back to a vertical base. After delivering multiple elbows to the midsection, Hirano hits the ropes. When he returns, Voltage scoops him up, turns and throws him down with a spinning sitout powerbomb for the ONE, TWO, THR-NO! Hirano gets his shoulder up in time! After bringing Hirano back down with a Reverse DDT, Voltage heads to the top rope, leaps off and goes for a diving elbow drop. He misses! Hirano rolls out of the way just in time. Once both grapplers are back to their feet, they trade punches until Hirano gains the upper hand. He goes for an irish whip, only to have it reversed. When Hirano returns, Voltage throws out a clothesline, only for Hirano to counter with a Crucifix Driver! ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Voltage kicks out. Once Voltage is pulled back to his feet, Hirano hits the ropes, returns and brings him down with a Sling Blade! Hirano then lifts up Voltage before rushing across the ring and throwing him down with a Running Liger Bomb. Instead of staying seated for the cover, Hirano scoots back and drags Voltage into position before heading to the top rope. Hirano flips off for a 450 Splash when Voltage gets his knees up. Voltage pulls Hirano back up and goes for three rolling German Suplexes. After hitting the first two, Voltage goes for the third German when Hirano counters with multiple back elbows to the face. He then performs a standing switch, gains control of Voltage's back and goes for I Want T Hold Your Hand (ripcord lariat). But Voltage ducks, floats over and counters with a Cradle DDT! Voltage then heads to the top, flips off and crashes down across Hirano with a 450 Splash of his own (the High Voltage) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Ace Voltage (10:59)

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •